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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
Home Hill’s cricket season heats up this weekend with the club hosting its first home fixtures at the Nutrien AgSolutions Cricket Complex. The Third Grade side takes the field against Brothers from 8am, before the Second Grade outfit squares off with Saints at 12:30pm. Both teams will be looking to build momentum after strong early-season performances, highlighted by the Second Grade side’s seven-wicket victory over Wests on Sunday. With solid batting form from Zakk Myles and a sharp fielding d
Read more
Burdekin Water Festival Brings the World to Queen Street A wave of excitement, community spirit and undeniable creativity washed over the shire on Saturday the 6th of September as the infamous Burdekin Water Festival returned to the region. Exactly 67 years on from the festival’s official debut, the event ignited Queen Street from top to tail, as approximately 4,000 locals and travellers alike flooded to the heart of Ayr to celebrate the Burdekin Shire’s abundance of water and rich sense of com
Read more
The Lower Burdekin Landcare Association is celebrating a bright new look for its volunteers, with the arrival of brand-new sun smart club shirts. The shirts, described by members as “amazing,” were made possible thanks to funding from Pacific Blue’s Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund and printing support from Smashed Crab Clothing Co. The Haughton Sustainable Community Fund shares the benefits of the Haughton Solar Farm with the surrounding communities, providing long-lasting social, economi
Read more
And breathe. What a whirlwind of a weekend. From the elegant glamour of the Debutante Ball of the Year to the chaotic, colourful atmosphere of Queen Street during the Water Festival Grand Parade—it’s been equal parts dream and nightmare for a journalist trying to capture it all. Don’t get me wrong, I thrive on this. These events remind me, time and time again, of the strength of this community. People show up, celebrate, connect—that’s the essence of rural life. That’s the Burdekin. But then
Read more
When Iris Dingle walks through town, people still stop her with a smile and say, "Oh, Mrs Claus—I remember bringing my kids to your house at Christmas”—a testament to the enduring mark she's left on her community as she approaches her 100th birthday. Iris has long been synonymous with festive cheer, generosity, and a life devoted to family and community. Born in Charters Towers before moving to Home Hill shortly after, Iris grew up in a tight-knit, active family. She and her sisters were known
Read more
OPINION PIECE Immigration is important. Our country has been built on it. We would not be the Australia we are today without people choosing to set up their lives here. In Dawson, we have some of the best and most successful examples of what immigrations brings and what it builds over generations. I’m talking about all the people who run farms, workshops and businesses across the region, professionals in our clinics, schools and our offices, the on the ground workers who came looking for a bett
Read more
Burdekin Netball’s goals of growing the club and improving facilities for local and visiting players have taken a major step forward following the delivery of a commitment made in the lead up to the 2024 state election. Following his support of multiple attempts to secure funding for the upgrades, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, credited the club’s unwavering commitment and extensive planning for securing the necessary funding and expediting work. “For five years Burdekin Netball have been
Read more
The Burdekin Art Society’s 2025 Art Exhibition was held at the Burdekin Theatre Foyer, showcasing a vibrant display of creativity from artists across the region. The annual event officially opened on Saturday, 30 August, with a well-attended presentation evening and awards ceremony. Throughout the following week, the exhibition welcomed the public daily, offering a chance to view – and purchase – an impressive range of artworks. Pieces were available for sale starting from just $30, making it a
Read more
The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) kicked off its 50th Anniversary celebrations on Monday, 1st September, with a memorable gathering for clients and guests. A crowd of 114 enjoyed a delicious roast lunch, dessert, and a specially made Anniversary cake. Councillor John Furnell kept the event lively as emcee, while Ricky Romeo entertained with a wide variety of songs. Highlighting the celebration, BCA Secretary Brian Sorohan and Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort shared the ceremonial cake-cutti
Read more
Physiotherapy, Dietitian Support, and Home Care Services All Under One Roof The Burdekin’s healthcare options have just been bolstered significantly with the opening of Kota's Physiotherapy and Wellness Clinic in Ayr, which was marked by a well-attended ceremony led by owner Dr. Sarat Tata on Sunday, 9 September. Located at 53 Macmillan Street, the clinic aims to provide the Burdekin community with convenient, accessible, and affordable physiotherapy, dietitian and home care services. Dr. Tata
Read more.jpg)
What a Weekend in the Burdekin – and a Wake-Up Call Too What a great Burdekin Water Festival! After months of planning, Queen Street came alive last Saturday as our community celebrated 67 years of tradition. Hats off to the Organising Committee, our hardworking Junior and Senior Ambassadors, and every single volunteer who pitched in – whether in a big way or small. From the Grand Parade rolling down the street, to the busy Twilight Markets, the tasty delights of Burdekin Eats, and plenty of f
Read more.jpg)
Yes, we’ve done it again! Council has secured $1.9 million from the Federal Government to deliver much-needed road pavement widening and kerb renewal, making heavy vehicle access smoother and safer for our local businesses and industry. This funding comes through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) a big win for our region. And that’s not all. We’re also in the final stages of approvals for more than $20 million in jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRF
Read more