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Fast Track Fast Approaching

A spectacular showcase of local and visiting talent is coming to the Burdekin with Fast Track North Queensland 2024 fast approaching. This is the only Fast Track event in North Queensland featuring singers, dancers, musicians and more from across the state, taking place on March 16, 2024 at the Burdekin Theatre. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said registrations for performers will open in early 2024, with limited spots available. “It is fantastic to see a talent event of this s

2023 Wrapped Burdekin Library And Theatre Share Their Top Statistics Of The Year

While Spotify users were enthralled to relive their 2023 music listening habits in last month’s Spotify Wrapped, the Burdekin Library and Burdekin Theatre have used the format to reveal their own statistics from the last year. According to a Facebook post from Burdekin Library, the libraries loaned 50,477 items in 2023. One of the latest instalments in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, No Plan B, was the most popular Adult Fiction title in the region this year followed by House of Wolves by James

Board Member Farewelled After Over A Decade

After 13 years on the Board, Michael Roncato is retiring from his role as Deputy Chair of Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), formerly Burdekin Cane and Agriculture Organisation (BCAO). A cane farmer of nearly 30 years, Michael was asked to join the board in 2010, then called the Pioneer Cane Growers Organisation Ltd. He has filled many roles over the years, including Chairman before stepping down to allow Charles Quagliata to take over the role. “My father, at a rather early age, t

Increased supply drives prices lower

The market axiom that “high prices cure high prices” has played out with our sugar market over the last month. The breathtaking collapse of the ICE #11 sugar contract has been one for the record books! Combined with a rising AUD, this has resulted in the 2023 season AUD sugar swap price dropping from a record $950/t to a low $750/t. 2024 season prices are slightly less affected with a fall from a season high of $850/t to just under $700/t. So, what happened? In simple terms a combination of fu

Growers Gather To Toast A Year Of Sweet Success

There was plenty of festive fun and laughter at the Burdekin Theatre last week as nearly 60 growers, extension officers and service providers attended the NQ Dry Tropics End Of Year Sugar Celebration. It was a chance to come together and raise a glass in recognition of a productive year across a variety of irrigation, nutrient and pesticide efficiency projects taking place in the lower Burdekin. Staff from NQ Dry Tropics, Sugar Research Australia, Farmacist and Aglantis updated attendees on the

Children’s Art Class Break-Up

Following a busy year of art activity, the students who attend the Burdekin Art Society Art Classes welcomed their families to their annual exhibition of work and Christmas party on the December 5 at the McMillan Street Clubhouse. Over the year, between 18 and 21 primary children have attended Tuesday afternoon classes where they have dabbled in a variety of different painting techniques, drawing, sculpturing, collage, construction and more. Each child had a ‘gallery’ of their favourite art pi

Burdekin Art Society Home Hill Harvest Festival Exhibition

The Burdekin Art Society held their annual Home Hill Harvest Festival Exhibition on November 11, across the road from the Mardi Gras in the Lower Burdekin Water Board building. It was a colourful display of 82 paintings by members of the club. The People’s Choice awards for this year, sponsored again by Margaret Mary Spottiswood Bland, went to Luisa Delle Baite with ‘Floral Delight’ (first) and Maria Torrisi with ‘Friendship’ (second). The winner of our raffle was drawn with Margaret Redweik

Christmas Carols With Burdekin Catholic Parish

Photos supplied: Karen Keys

Christmas Carols With Burdekin Uniting Church

Madison Magatelli Photography

Home Hill Bowls Report

Thursday December 14 saw 21 players front up for two games of triples and two games of pairs. Rink 2: Dino and Gary out lasted Mick and Mick 15 to 11. Rink 3: Bob and Wayne were much too good for Ron and Stephen comfortably winning 25 to 8. Rink 4: Paul, John and Tony proved too strong for Clinton, Ray and Joclyn 26 to 11. Rink 6: Jim, Des and Glen proved too good in a close game vs Judy, Alex and Hugh/Trevor 22 to 19. Thursday morning saw a good roll up for Bingo with 26 attending. The raffle

Championing Youth Talent Ayr Surf Club Nippers' Championships Recap

On Saturday 9th December the Ayr Surf Club's nippers held their Club Championships at Alva beach to wrap up their local competitive season. It was a lovely afternoon at the beach and the junior members put in some amazing individual performances with some great friendly rivalry on show. They took part in several individual events, including flags, sprints, wades, board race, surf race and ironperson; to gain points towards the overall Age Champion Titles, as well as events to determine a Jun

End Of Harvest Golf Classic

The 2023 End of Harvest Golf Classic took over Ayr Golf Club last Friday, December 15 where hundreds of golfers enjoyed a day on the green for a good cause. Raising money for CORES (Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide), the event raised $29,600 towards their work in suicide prevention in the community. “We are blown away and extremely grateful for your support for the 2023 End of Harvest Golf Classic,” organisers Kelsey and Ben said. “Together we can and will make a difference to

Targeting Success Burdekin Clay Target Club's Explosive Year-Ender Shoot

In a sizzling Sunday showdown, the Burdekin Clay Target Club wrapped up their final shoot for the year on December 10th, igniting hot competition under the sunny skies. The day wouldn't have been such a blast without the generous support from Peto Marine and Johnson’s Landscaping and Earthmoving, who sponsored the event. A special round of applause goes to Prawn Farm, Cignall Burdekin, Cameron Cislowski, Regan Southward, Lui Populin, and other contributors for their generous donations throughout

Christmas Cheer Takes Over The Burdekin

The festive season is well and truly upon us and the Burdekin community gathered at the touch fields in Ayr last Sunday, December 10 for the Community Christmas Carols. With local entertainment, a fireworks spectacular and a very special visit from Santa, everyone revelled in the Christmas cheer. Entertainment was provided by The Burdekin Academy, Perform Music, Malia Ma’u, Uniting Church members and so many more, showcasing our region’s talent and passion for the community.

Sit Down With Sam

Hi Readers. As promised, I’m back from Brisbane with stories of an epic weekend of live music seeing The War On Drugs and just one regret: I neglected to buy a t-shirt. I hope those who attended Sunday’s Christmas Carols had an excellent afternoon – from all reports and photos, it looked like a terrific and festive time and proves that Christmas spirit is well and truly in the Ayr.

Rotary Gets Charitable This Christmas

Rotary Club of Ayr says no to Domestic Violence and has raised funds towards the Burdekin DV Support at Burdekin Community Association (BCA). Club champions Narelle Hibberd and Shane Moon have guided the club over the years with different activities raising funds towards projects with one of these being home starter kits for families in crisis.

Special School’s Trampoline Dreams Close To A Reality

Jumping on a trampoline is a sensation that all children should experience, and one that some may take for granted, and the Burdekin Special School (BSS) P&C has been fundraising to ensure its students don’t miss out.

Burdekin Chamber Reflects On a Big 2023

The Burdekin Chamber, formerly known as Ayr Chamber of Commerce, wrapped up a big 2023 with a Christmas breakup hosted by Blinds 2 U in Home Hill.Burdekin Chamber President Leigh Kefford said reflecting on 2023 fills him with pride and optimism.

Volunteer With Christmas Cheer!

The recent threat of a tropical cyclone has prompted our local Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, to remind everyone that volunteering for the community is very important.Mr Last said that the Christmas spirit and the motivation behind volunteering were more similar than what many may think.“What greater gift can you give than to volunteer your time to keep your community safe,” he asked.

Ayr Workshop One Of Many Successes

More than 150 primary health care service contracts have been delivered across north Queensland, valued at more than $63.7 million, as outlined in the recent Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) 2022-23 Annual Report.Other significant milestones have been highlighted, including more than 4,000 engagements with primary health providers and notable advancements in mental health services.

Sand Dunes Protected At Wunjunga

Over 900 native seedlings have been planted along the sand dunes of Wunjunga in order to stabilise the dunes and protect access roads from storm surges and future extreme weather events. The Community Planting Day included the planting of beach bean, goat’s foot and brown cudgerie, and were selected due to their ability to withstand hard coastal conditions.

16 Days Of Activism Continues

The Burdekin Mothers Union group held a service at All Saints Anglican Church as part of the 16 Days of Activism for gender-based violence. The service was attended by parishioners, members of the Burdekin Community Association, the Ayr police service and our local Zonta group. Rebecca Grogan, Housing And Community Support Service Manager from BCA, was the guest speaker and gave us some interesting information about domestic violence in our community.

WEAPONS LICENCES

Burdekin’s Tourism Volunteers

Burdekin Tourism Volunteers were joined by Burdekin Shire Council to celebrate their Christmas party on Saturday, December 2. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin congratulated the volunteers on a terrific year.“They have done an amazing job of promoting our region to over 13,000 visitors who came to the Burdekin Visitor Information Centres in Ayr and Home Hill this year,” she said.

Cr Column: Councillor Max Musumeci

The 2023 crushing season has wrapped up! It's definitely something I'm grateful for this holiday season. Having completed the 2022 crushing this year also, I believe I'm not alone in eagerly anticipating a well-deserved break. As the kids enjoy their time off from school and various industries wind down for the annual Christmas shutdown, many of us are gearing up to unwind and savour moments with our loved ones.