Alluvium Consulting has completed an avulsion risk assessment for the Queensland Government as part of the Burdekin Water Plan, shining a light on the natural processes that shape one of the largest deltas on Australia’s east coast. An avulsion occurs when a river suddenly changes course, carving a new channel and abandoning its former path. Though uncommon on human timescales, avulsions are a natural and inevitable part of how rivers evolve and they can have far-reaching consequences for commu
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James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction as new and escalating threats push the species closer to the brink. Despite their reputation as noisy and messy neighbours, spectacled flying-foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia’s rainforests, travelling vast distances to pollinate flowers and spread seeds at levels unmatched by any other species. JCU adjunct associate professor Noel Preece sai
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Dabelsteins Tackle 135km Trek for NICF In October, Kelli and Paul Dabelstein will jet off to Western Australia to take part in a mammoth 135km trek to raise invaluable funds and awareness for the Neonatal Intensive Care Foundation (NICF). Spearheaded by the Community Broker Network (CBN)’s Charity Challenge initiative, the six-day Cape to Cape trek will support the vital work of NICF volunteers to give hundreds of sick and premature babies a fighting chance. “We first heard about the trek thro
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Home Hill State High School’s Year 11 students kicked off their leadership journey in spectacular fashion at this year’s camp in the Whitsundays. From the very first day, students approached every challenge with enthusiasm, positivity, and a strong desire to grow as emerging leaders. The camp began with a reflective SWOT analysis, where students explored their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A key focus emerged on improving communication skills, which led to activities such a
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Part of the Ingham 2025 Maraka Festival, don’t forget to secure your tickets for the delightful Maraka Afternoon Tea at the Ingham RSL, proudly supported by Carey’s Group and Ray White Ingham. This special event will see our Queen and Princess Contestants presented. Tickets will be available for purchase outside Lou’s Emporium on October 7th and 8th, priced at just $35. (Cash only) With limited availability, it’s important to get in early to ensure you don’t miss out on this tasty gathering. J
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The Ingham 2025 Maraka Festival is set to make a splash with its exciting new addition, the Maraka Fun Family Run-Swim-Run and Individual Aquathon! Join us for a morning filled with fitness, fun, and community spirit on Saturday, October 18th, with the first event kicking off at 6:00am at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre. Participants can choose between the Family Run-Swim-Run, suitable for ages 9 and up, or challenge themselves with the Individual Aquathon, which includes only the swim and run
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East Ayr State School’s (EASS) thriving Environment Club – fondly known as the Enviro Club – has once again proven that hard work and care reap delicious rewards, producing a bumper harvest just in time for the spring school holidays. Guided by the dedicated Mrs Halliday, students rolled up their sleeves to tend the garden each day, ensuring the school’s vegetable patch flourished with leafy greens, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and more. The fresh produce isn’t just admired – it’s enjoye
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Get ready to sing along and relive the magic of some of the world’s most iconic one-hit wonders as Wonder comes to the Burdekin Theatre. From the award-winning creators of Golden and Lovely Day, this brand-new musical experience promises to be a jovial celebration of timeless songs that have captured hearts across generations. At the centre of Wonder is the powerhouse collaboration between country music star Brooke Schubert, known for her appearances on The Voice Australia and the Lord Mayor’s
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The fight against cancer is personal for Raelene Grantz. After her own breast cancer diagnosis last year—and watching her twin sister Maree battle it almost 12 years prior—Raelene knows firsthand the toll the disease takes. Now cancer free, Raelene is ready to give back. On Sunday, October 19, Home Hill’s Burdekin Memorial Hall will play host to Burdekin Fights Back, a Gala Afternoon Tea aiming to raise funds for the North Queensland Cancer Council and the vital support services at Gluyas Lodge
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Sunday 5 October Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelling stallholders with everything from home baked treats to handmade creations on offer! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333. Plantation Park THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER Zonta Club Burdekin Inc – Movie Night Thursday 6pm for 7pm start Step back in time at Stardust Cinema for the Grand Finale of the Downton Abbey series.
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First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers and the wonderful Burdekin community for 59 years of unwavering support. We feel incredibly fortunate to have built our business in such a special place, surrounded by the best people. We also extend our sincere thanks to our customers and business partners in Townsville, who have supported our growth since 1995. Your loyalty and partnership have been vital to our journey. To our beloved and valued staff o
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After a long season Burdekin Panthers can look forward to a few months off, except for the Clash of Clubs and the Escriva Cup! The Clash of Clubs is on this weekend, and the Escriva Cup will be played early in November. In the Good News Department, three Panthers Players have been picked in the Football North Queensland Team of the Year. Congratulations to Ryan Scodellaro, Matthew Kolb and Josh Valle, a great achievement. The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October.
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Last week the Ayr Surf Club had several members attend the North Barrier Branch Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate awards camp on Magnetic Island. The week consisted of members from across the region working together whilst learning and training to gain their relevant awards to join the patrolling ranks of SLSQ. The club had 7 Under 14s gain their Surf Rescue Certificate to join the red and yellow family for the first time, as well as a current member gaining her Bronze Medallion and
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On Sunday, 21st September, the Home Hill Bowls Club hosted the inaugural Wilmar Cup, featuring teams from Ayr, Brandon, Home Hill, and Giru. Three games were played with three teams from each club competing in very warm conditions on a green that proved challenging for some. Home Hill Bowls Club provided a tremendous day, offering an abundance of food and refreshments for all. Brandon Bowls Club emerged victorious with three wins and a +74 score, followed by Home Hill with two wins (+26), Ayr
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The first annual Wilmar Challenge Trophy was held on 21st September at the Rummeny Green Home Hill Bowls Club. Four Burdekin clubs entered three teams of four players each. The event was officially opened by Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort – thank you, Pierina. After a full day’s play, Brandon came out on top with three wins and will host next year’s event. The hosts, Homehill, finished second with two wins, Ayr third with one win, followed by Giru. Thanks to Nathaniel from Wilmar Sugar for p
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It was all action at the dress up pickleball night that was run as a Harvest Festival Community event. The Harvest Festival is all about community and Queen Entrant Amelia Pivotto is very supportive of this ideal. “Raising awareness of pickleball and getting people out of their comfort zone to try something new is always good,” said Amelia. “The fact that we raised a bit of money for Home Hill Tennis is great too as there are always things to improve and maintain in a club.”
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Last Friday, the 19th of September, Sugar Research Australia’s (SRA) Variety Development, Industry Services, and Farm Management teams visited Wilmar’s Pioneer Mill for an educational tour focused on sugar milling processes. The visit provided valuable insights into the operational aspects of milling while strengthening links between research, on-farm practices, and industry processing. A special thank you was extended to Pioneer Senior Production Technologist, Colin McLean, for hosting the tou
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The resilience, beauty, and spirit of rural Australia have been captured in the winning entries of Rural Aid’s sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition. This year’s competition drew a record-breaking response, with 201 entrants submitting 429 photos – almost double the number received in 2024. The powerful images tell stories of life on the land, from moments of quiet reflection to the vastness and challenges of the Australian landscape. Ten winners were each awarded a $250 prep
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Queensland’s sugarcane industry has welcomed the Federal Government’s $1.1 billion Cleaner Fuels Program, declaring the state is perfectly placed to lead the charge in clean energy and regional job creation. The ten-year program aims to unlock economic opportunities from low-carbon liquid fuels such as biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel. CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said Queensland already has a head start, with global recognition for sustainable farming practices and an extensive transpo
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Opinion Piece By Federal Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox The sky is falling. We’re all going to drown. And if we don’t, we’ll die of heatstroke. That’s the kind of doomsday rhetoric being pushed by Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen and the Albanese government. Why? Because Labor believes fear keeps them in power and they want every voter to be scared. Last week’s Climate Risk Report, commissioned by the Albanese Government, is the latest chapter in Labor’s long running campaign of alarmism an
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At Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, banking goes far beyond financial services. It’s about people, relationships, and giving back to the place we proudly call home. The staff here are not only dedicated to providing outstanding service, but also to strengthening the community through the Community Bank model — where profits are reinvested locally. Three team members who embody this commitment are Chris Delaney, Jade Bywaters, and Sally Smith, each bringing unique experiences and a shared passio
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The Country Women’s Association (CWA) is inviting locals to join them for a special Seniors Month morning tea on 14 October, offering a warm welcome with craft, conversation, and of course, scones from 9:30AM. “We’d love people to come down, see what we do, and maybe even join in afterwards,” said CWA member Jan Juffs. “We’ll have some scones for morning tea as well—it’s just a nice way to spend a Tuesday.” Last year’s open day was a quiet gathering of members and friends from the local patchw
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The sound of locos rattling through the Burdekin is a sure sign of harvest, and this year those bins have been moving earlier and faster than usual. With an early start to the crushing, we’re on track to finish before Melbourne Cup, just like the old days. That’s welcome news for our farming families, mill workers and contractors, and it flows right across the community. An early finish means fewer wet season delays, smoother operations, and earlier returns into local businesses. From the hardwa
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Tec-NQ House Year 11 boarder Max has taken a big step toward his future, securing a school-based plumbing apprenticeship with Hilditch Plumbing in Townsville. He splits his week between paid work on real sites, training with Tec-NQ, and the study he needs to complete his Senior Certificate, earning while he’s learning and loving every minute. “It’s busy and it’s hands-on, which is exactly what I wanted,” said Max. “I’m earning while I learn, and I’m picking up skills on the tools that I can use
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