Burdekin Communications Opens Doors of New Location After more than 60 years serving the Burdekin, Burdekin Communications has relocated once again in Ayr, turning a new page for the family-run business while returning focus to the core services that have long made it a community mainstay. Now trading from a newly refurbished storefront at 123 Edwards Street, Burdekin Communications had the space ready and completed most of the move in less than a week. “We moved the bulk of everything in just
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing A final reminder to growers regarding the Global Traders Roadshow featuring Wilmar’s Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham. Peter is currently in India attending the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) convention, which means he will bring the very latest insights into Indian crop developments and ethanol policy for the year ahead. With India’s production forecast rising sharply this season, the country’s decisions around exports and ethanol could play a
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Water and fertiliser are two of the biggest costs – and opportunities – for cane growers in the Burdekin, and new insights are highlighting how the two are closely linked. According to Farmacist agronomists, irrigation scheduling can play a decisive role in whether nitrogen fertiliser is effectively used by the crop or lost through run-off, leaching or denitrification. With sugarcane heavily reliant on nitrogen for growth, ensuring the nutrient remains in the root zone is vital. Poorly timed i
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Artificial intelligence is set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of agriculture, and an upcoming Sugar Research Australia (SRA) webinar will explore just how transformative that potential could be. The free online event, AI-guided breeding to develop future crops, will be held on Friday, 10 October at 2pm (AEST), bringing together leading voices in the field to discuss the opportunities of applying AI to plant breeding. Guest presenter Professor Lee Hickey from the U
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By Owen Menkens, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Sugarcane has always been part of Queensland’s story. From the sunlit paddocks along our coastline the sweet scent of a mill in full crush, it’s hard to imagine our state without it. But there’s a side to the industry that many people don’t see – how far our growers have come in making cane a world leader in sustainability. This month we reached a milestone worth celebrating. Farms accredited through our Smartcane BMP program have now earned a rare triple
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As CANEGROWERS prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2026, the organisation is inviting the community to help build a unique photo collection that captures 100 years of cane country history. Locals are encouraged to dig out their treasured sugarcane snapshots — from family moments on the farm to milestones in the industry — and share them on Facebook or by emailing info@canegrowers.com.au. The collection will form part of a centenary showcase honouring the people and stories behind the sugarc
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BCA’s 50 Years Supporting the Burdekin Community When the Burdekin Community Association was founded five decades ago, it wasn’t born from a grand plan. It stemmed from concern—concern from everyday people who saw a gap in care for those leaving the hospital with nowhere to turn and the need for a community information centre. Following a year of community consultation, Father John Payne and a committee of local citizens, with the support of the Ayr Shire Chairman and Shire Clerk, laid th
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Majella Meehan Imagine, the BCA has been assisting our community for 50 years! What a milestone. Of course, we could not have been with you for this long if it had not been for all of those supporters who have gone before us. A special thanks to the Life Members and the Honorary Member, some of whom are no longer with us… Bill Hodson – Life member; Joan Heatley OAM – Life member; Joan Kennedy – Life member; Roy Dickinson OAM – Life member; and Brenda-Anne Parfitt (formerly Norman) –
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Debra Cochran My name is Debra Cochran and I’ve been with the Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) for almost 25 years. I’ve been the CEO for 15 years and managed the Home Care Service prior to this. Before moving to Ayr with my husband and commencing with BCA, I worked in senior management in various industries including coal mining, human resources, recruitment and banking. I’m rewarded by helping others and improving the Burdekin community which is why I jumped at the chance to wor
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with Rebecca Grogan Since 1987, the Housing and Community Support Service at the BCA has been providing vital assistance to individuals and families facing vulnerability across the region. Managed by Rebecca Grogan, the service combines practical support with opportunities for connection, learning, and empowerment, addressing both immediate needs and long-term wellbeing. The service provides a Specialist Homelessness Program, which includes five Crisis Accommodation Program (CAP) properti
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with Diana Churches For older and vulnerable adults in the Burdekin region, the BCA Home Care Service has provided practical support that helps people remain in their own homes for longer since 1977. Managed by Diana Churches, the service offers in-home care, community participation, and transport both locally and to Townsville for eligible clients. Services are available through the Home Care Packages Program, Commonwealth Home Support Program, National Disability Insurance Scheme, Queens
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with Rita Quagliata For nearly 50 years, the BCA’s Volunteer Service has been connecting people with opportunities to make a difference across the region. Managed by Rita Quagliata, the service recruits, trains, and supports volunteers from diverse backgrounds—including retirees, jobseekers, new arrivals, and students—helping them find meaningful roles that strengthen both the community and their own wellbeing. Volunteers contribute across a wide spectrum of programs, with the Aged Care V
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Ayr State High School students, staff and supporters turned out in force on Friday night for the school’s annual 5-Hour Charity Walk, raising an impressive $8,446.75. A total of 104 walkers took part, with each year level nominating a cause to support. The Year 7 team raised $1,795.90 for the Brighter Lives Foundation, while Year 8 collected $2,498.40 for the Mark Hughes Foundation. Year 9 walkers brought in $838.30 for the Burdekin Community Association, Year 10 raised $240 for the Cere
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Ayr State School threw open its doors to the public on Thursday, September 11, for its annual Open Day, welcoming families, friends and community members to experience firsthand what the school has to offer. From 4pm, parents and visitors were given a chance to tour classrooms, chat with staff, and observe student work on display. Teachers said it was a valuable chance to show the learning environment in action and to share the achievements of their students. The event was also a hit amo
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Burdekin Catholic High School continues to lead the way in providing senior students with diverse opportunities through its Vocational Learning Program for Years 10–12. With a strong focus on practical skills, industry experience, and employability, the program is helping prepare students for successful careers across a wide range of fields. The school offers a suite of dedicated vocational subjects including Industrial Graphics, Industrial Technologies, Sport and Recreation, and Business, whic
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ONLY 3 WEEKS TO GO! Cardwell is set to come alive this King’s Birthday long weekend as the community rolls out the welcome mat for the much-loved Cardwell Seafest. Running from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 October, this free, family-friendly festival promises three days of music, markets, food and fun along the beautiful Cardwell foreshore. The celebrations kick off on Friday night at the Marine Hotel, where the ‘Pirates of the Coral Sea’ will make their lively return to meet, greet and start the
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Announcing Daily Main Stage Lineups! The countdown is officially on, and the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is ready to make your 2025 Festival unforgettable. We’re thrilled to unveil our full daily lineups, giving you a taste of the incredible music on offer. To make your festival experience even more flexible, we've also introduced brand-new 2-day ticket options, catering to every kind of festival-goer. Whether you're here for the full three-day extravaganza (including the welcome and after pa
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SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER Ayr Bowling Club – Mario Milan’s 91st Birthday & Jackpot Saturday Celebrate Mario Milan’s 91st birthday alongside the club’s Jackpot Saturday. Mario is proudly sponsoring the day, making it a special occasion for members and visitors alike. Don’t miss the fun, excitement, and chance to win big when the Jackpot goes off. Ayr Bowling Club, Ayr Sunday 21 September Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning overflowing with wonderful market stall
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We are thrilled to announce that this year's festival will embrace the vibrant theme, Music Thru the Ages! Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Hinchinbrook Shire, the festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of community spirit, history, and creativity. With a packed event schedule for everyone with our Run Swim Run, Wine and Cheese Night, and Maraka Afternoon Tea. We're celebrating our youngsters with a Fence Painting event, Pet Parade and Laser Tag. Join us for a dazzl
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The 2025 Giru Show lit up the region last weekend, bringing together families, friends, and visitors from across North Queensland for a day of fun, creativity, and community spirit. With a mix of returning favourites and exciting new attractions, the show had something for everyone. Stalls ranged from an animal farm and games to a variety of market stalls, while the Pavillion was bursting with incredible exhibits—from cooking and flowers to an outstanding Lego display—showcasing the talen
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The Burdekin Deb Ball of the Year returned in 2025, bringing together debutantes, their families, and the wider community for an evening of celebration, tradition, and achievement. Hosted this year for the first time by the Burdekin Netball Association, the event saw a full hall with over 450 guests in attendance, all gathered to mark the accomplishments of 21 young debutantes. The Deb Ball provides a special opportunity for young women to showcase the work and personal growth they have achieve
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Ayr Motorcycle Club is proud to announce that it will host Founders’ Day on Saturday, 27th September 2025; a special event dedicated to honouring the club’s founding members as well as recognising past and present members who have helped shape the club’s legacy. Alongside the club’s regular classes, Founders’ Day will feature four thrilling special night races. The Bill Smith Memorial Race will see the top 12 senior riders after three afternoon rounds battle it out under lights. The Hyne/Taylor
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Just the two Finals series games last weekend. On Thursday night the Division 2 Funkies lost 1-3 to Saints Eagles Souths and their season is now over. However, the Ladies beat Rebels 2-0 and will now meet Brothers in the Grand Final. Night Soccer Kicked off its 46th year on Tuesday. In the first of two Trial Weeks, there were nineteen games with sixty-one goals scored. Clare Cutters, Rocky Pond Warriors, and Mountain View Fresh all scored five goals. So far there are twenty-seven Men’s and fif
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Home Hill Bowls A total of 29 players took to the greens today, joined by a few special visitors: Peter and Sue Dingle from Mooloolabah, in town to celebrate Iris Dingle’s 100th birthday, as well as Alan Gairoch from Brandon, and Steve Muto and Jeff Taylor from Giru. On Rink 2, Margaret Chapman and Gary Nosworthy defeated Judy Elton and Alan Gairoch. Rink 3 saw Bob Pickard and Trevor Elton overcome Margaret Linton and Joe Linton. On Rink 4, Bob Young, Elaine Young, and Glen Bones Berryman trium
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It’s been another big week at the Ayr Bowling Club. Let’s start with getting ready for next Saturday with Mario Milan’s 91st birthday celebration on Saturday 20th September joining with our Jackpot Saturday. Mario is sponsoring the day which is much appreciated. So, save the date in your calendar as the Jackpot will go off. Let’s now look back on the week past. On Wednesday Men’s Social Bowls two games of triples were played. Out on the green competition was close and taking out the honours on
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