Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Burdekin Shire Council is set to commence a landmark program of backstage improvements at the Burdekin Theatre, with works scheduled to begin in February 2026. This upgrade represents a major milestone for our community, delivering the first renewal of the backstage areas since the theatre opened in 1982. These original spaces have served countless school productions, dance festivals, local performance groups and visiting shows, and are now ready for their long‑awaited modernisation. The project will deliver a full refurbishment of the theatre stage and a complete upgrade of the dressing rooms, transformations that will enhance comfort, functionality and accessibility for performers and production crews, while supporting the continued use of the venue by the community. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the works mark an exciting moment for the Burdekin and will ensure the Burdekin Theatre continues to support local performers and visiting productions into the future. “The Burdekin Theatre plays a vital role in our community, particularly for young people who regularly take to the stage through school productions, dance festivals and local performance groups,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “These improvements are long overdue and will provide safer, more functional backstage facilities that better support the high level of talent we see in the Burdekin each year.” Council is proud to support the region’s strong performing arts culture, including events such as the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, Verve Dance Festival, Fast Track Talent Showcase, local dance school concerts, and school musicals and performances. Upgrade works will be carried out from February through to May 2026. During this period, the Burdekin Theatre will remain open; however, no performances will be held on the Auditorium stage while the works are underway. The Burdekin Theatre Box Office will continue to operate as usual, opening Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm to assist patrons with ticket sales, enquiries and general information. During the upgrade period, the following performances will be presented at Burdekin Memorial Hall: • Morning Melodies: Bloom Sings Eva Cassidy – 18 February 2026 • Where is the Green Sheep? – 27 February 2026 • Morning Melodies: A Night in Vegas – 15 April 2026 • Remember the Days of Cat Stevens starring Darren Coggan – 24 April 2026 • Beatlemania on Tour – 29 April 2026 Council appreciates the community’s understanding while these important improvements are carried out and looks forward to welcoming audiences back to an enhanced Burdekin Theatre later in 2026. Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Shire Council
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Queensland’s rental market remains under intense pressure, with vacancy rates continuing to sit well below healthy levels across most of the state, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) December Quarter 2025 Residential Vacancy Rate Report. The statewide vacancy rate is holding at just 1.0 per cent, far short of the 2.6 to 3.5 per cent range the REIQ considers balanced. Alarmingly, 33 of the 50 local government areas and sub-regions tracked recorded vacancy rates of 1.0 per cent or lower, underscoring the ongoing shortage of available rental housing. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the results reflected another year of “slim pickings” for renters, particularly as Queensland’s rental population sits above the national average at 36 per cent. “We all need a roof over our heads whether we rent it or own it,” Ms Mercorella said. “These persistently low vacancy rates being experienced in many parts of the state show there is significant strain on our rental housing stock. It’s like a game of ‘musical chairs’ - when rental supply falls short, it’s the most vulnerable people in our community who are left standing.” Ms Mercorella said easing rental pressure required a two-pronged approach: increasing housing supply and supporting renters who are ready to transition into home ownership. “The REIQ welcomes Government initiatives such as shared-equity schemes to help close the deposit gap and first home buyer stamp duty relief,” she said. “It’s time for a reset to help ease Queensland’s rental market pressures.” While some regions recorded slight easing over the quarter, most of Queensland remains firmly in tight territory. Regional centres including Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton and Bundaberg all recorded vacancy rates of around 1.0 per cent or less, while Cook and Charters Towers remained the tightest markets in the state. With population growth, major infrastructure projects and ongoing workforce shortages expected to continue driving demand, the REIQ says accelerating new housing construction will be critical to restoring balance to Queensland’s rental market.
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When Chantelle Tompkins moved from Townsville to the Burdekin, she didn’t arrive with a clear roadmap, but with an openness to opportunity and the confidence to back herself. Relocating to the region with her partner in 2018, Chantelle was quickly enveloped by the customary warmth of the community. “It's a warm little community,” she said. “Everyone knows each other, everyone’s happy to say hello… it really feels like home.” She had worked in various customer service roles before joining Raine & Horne Ayr in 2020—her first full-time role, and her first step into an industry she never expected to enter. “I had no background in real estate… it was never even a thought,” Chantelle laughed. “But when I was approached, I just thought, why not give it a go?” Starting at the front counter, she became a familiar face to clients, known for her welcoming smile and calm approach. Over time, curiosity turned into capability, and capability into confidence. After gradually earning her stripes, an opportunity arose to assist in the sales department. Chantelle put her hand up, despite feeling well outside her comfort zone, and has never looked back since. Today, she works behind the scenes as a key member of the sales administration team, handling listings, contracts, Form 6s and the logistical backbone that keeps transactions moving smoothly. “I’m the second-hand man. I do a bit of everything, really,” she said. “At first it was daunting, but it’s sink or swim. Over time, it just became second nature.” Chantelle credits Principal Carla with creating a supportive, family-first workplace culture that allowed her to grow. “She’s not just a boss, she’s one of us. I call her my second mum,” Chantelle said. “She looks after everyone.” Outside the office, Chantelle balances the intense nature of her role with creative pursuits like painting and reading, with regular trips back to Townsville to visit her parents and her very unconventional pet: a 300-kilogram pig named Otis. Now firmly rooted in the Burdekin and going from strength to strength in her role, Chantelle serves as proof that sometimes the best careers begin with a simple, "Why not?"
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Anglers across the Burdekin spent the past weekend dusting off the rods, checking the tides and chasing one of North Queensland’s most iconic sportfish as the barramundi season officially kicks off for another year! The highly anticipated barra season opener fired up across the state’s east coast and the Gulf of Carpentaria the moment the clock ticked over to 12:01am on Sunday, 1 February. Running through to 31 October, the 2026 season follows another strong year for barramundi stocks statewide, supported by more than a decade of conservation efforts and the annual closed season that protects breeding fish during their most vulnerable spawning period. While destinations like Cairns and Rockhampton are reporting “phenomenal” numbers, locals know the Burdekin’s creeks, rivers and coastline more than hold their own when it comes to barra action. The Burdekin delivers some of north Queensland’s most diverse and accessible barra fishing, whether you’re flicking lures from the Groper Creek jetty, launching into the Haughton or Burdekin rivers, weaving through sheltered estuaries, or casting along the shoreline at Alva and Wunjunga beaches. With eight public boat ramps spread across the shire, including well-known spots at Groper Creek, Cromarty, Barratta and Ocean Creek, anglers are never far from a prime fishing location. However, it’s not just barra on offer, with local waterways also producing grunter, mangrove jack, bream, flathead and mud crabs, making every trip a true mixed-bag chance. Before heading out, fishers are reminded to brush up on the rules to help protect the fishery for future generations. Current regulations include a minimum size limit of 58 centimetres and a maximum size of 120 centimetres, with a bag limit of five barramundi per person, or 10 per boat when two or more people are onboard. The closed barra season, which runs from November to January each year, plays a vital role in maintaining healthy stocks by allowing barramundi to spawn undisturbed in tidal waters. Anglers should also note that some stocked impoundments, such as Lake Dalrymple, may still allow barra fishing during the closed season, provided a valid Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is held. With warm wet season flows, rising water temperatures and productive tides, February through to May is widely regarded as prime barra time, with another strong window returning in September and October. Fishers are encouraged to prepare their gear, check tide times, fish safely and respect local waterways and wildlife. To stay up to date with size limits, possession rules and seasonal closures, anglers can download the Queensland Fishing 2.0 app, which provides localised updates and reminders.
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With the 2026 school year now underway across the Burdekin Shire, Ayr State High School (ASHS) has welcomed several new educators to its growing team, each bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the school community. Among the new arrivals is Anita Julyan, a well-known Burdekin educator with more than 28 years of teaching experience. Ms Julyan joins Ayr State High as a music teacher and will also be involved in the school’s wider performing arts programs. Her extensive background in education and passion for the arts are expected to be valuable assets to both students and staff. ASHS has also welcomed Stephanie O’Dolan to the school community. An experienced English teacher, Ms O’Dolan is looking forward to becoming involved in the Burdekin community and contributing to the school’s academic and extracurricular programs. She brings a strong commitment to student learning and a genuine enthusiasm for teaching. In addition, Ayr State High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Aniko Simon as an art teacher for 2026. Ms Simon has extensive teaching experience across Queensland as well as internationally. She has expressed excitement about joining the Burdekin community and is eager to support students in developing and realising their creative potential. Ayr State High School looks forward to the expertise, creativity, and fresh perspectives these new educators will bring to the school, as they work alongside existing staff to support student learning and engagement throughout the year.
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Families in Burdekin are among those impacted by Australia’s new social media minimum age, with about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16 removed in the first half of December, according to initial figures from eSafety. The rules, which took effect on 10 December, aim to prevent children from holding social media accounts. eSafety has shifted from preparation to monitoring, focusing on platforms with high under-16 usage. “I am very pleased with these preliminary results,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said. “It is clear that eSafety’s regulatory guidance and engagement with platforms is already delivering significant outcomes.” While some accounts remain active, Ms Inman Grant said it is too early to judge full compliance. “While some kids may find creative ways to stay on social media, it’s important to remember that just like other safety laws, success is measured by reduction in harm and in re-setting cultural norms,” she said. She added, “Speed limits, for instance, are not a failure because some people speed. Most would agree that roads are safer because of them. Over time, compliance increases, norms settle, and the safety benefits grow.” Ms Inman Grant said early feedback from age assurance providers has been positive, highlighting public education and preparation ahead of 10 December. Platforms such as BlueSky and Lemon8 are cooperating with eSafety, which continues to monitor compliance and any migration to other platforms. Families can access guidance and resources via eSafety’s Social Media Minimum Age Hub.
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Friday 6 February Boars & Barra Fishing & Hunting Competition Friday 5pm The Boars and Barra will return to Clare for a high-energy weekend from the 6th to the 8th of February of fishing, hunting and family fun, offering over $7,000 in cash and prizes, live weigh-ins, kids’ activities and a big Sunday presentation at the Clare Sports & Recreation Club. Clare Sports & Recreation Club Tuesday (Monthly – Second Tuesday) Community Gardening Morning Tea Tuesday 9am A relaxed, hands-on community morning covering growing from seed, cuttings and repotting, with tea and coffee provided. A great opportunity to learn, ask questions and connect with fellow gardeners. Held on the second Tuesday of each month Wednesday 18 February Morning Melodies Bloom Sings Eva Cassidy Wednesday 11am Experience an intimate acoustic tribute as Bloom brings Eva Cassidy’s timeless songs to life at Morning Melodies, with tickets $15 including morning tea. Burdekin Memorial Hall Thursday 26 February Movie Magic Paint, Sip & Sing Thursday 6pm Sing, sip and paint your heart out at this epic movie-inspired Paint & Sip in Ayr, where iconic film soundtracks, big laughs and guided creativity collide for a glitter-filled night of nostalgia, fun and feel-good chaos at the Coutts Commercial Hotel. Coutts Commercial Hotel, Ayr Friday 27 February Where is the Green Sheep? Friday 12pm Families can enjoy an enchanting visual theatre adventure as puppetry and animation bring Mem Fox’s beloved story to life in the playful search for the elusive Green Sheep. Burdekin Theatre Saturday 28 February Monthly Adoption Day & Sausage Sizzle Saturday 10am Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue and Pets Domain Ayr will host a heartwarming Adoption Day & Sausage Sizzle event to support plenty of adorable rescue pets looking for their forever homes. Pets Domain Ayr
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Local The season was supposed to kick off last Saturday with the 1st Round of the Australia Cup where the Premiers are away to Saints Eagles Souths in Townsville. However, the match was postponed and will now take place this Saturday Seniors Training has been well underway now for a few weeks. Men train on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.15 and the Ladies are in action on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30 to 7.00. The Fixtures start on the weekend of 20- 22 M arch. The Division 1 and Funkies teams play Estates at home on the Friday, and the Ladies are away to MA Olympic. On the Sunday the Premiers and Reserves are away to Rebels. Juniors Registrations are open and teams will be hopefully getting sorted in the next few weeks. Please head to Facebook for registration information. If you have any questions, please email the club at burdekinfc@hotmail.com. Masters The Masters will resume its Monday Night Magic (or Mayhem) on 23 February. All are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off. National and International The Matildas are only a month away from their first match in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The Matildas are in Group A with Iran, South Korea, and the Philippines and their first match is against the Philippines in Perth on 1st March. They then meet Iran on 5th March and South Korea on 8th March. The Asian Cup is being hosted by Australia. Twelve countries have qualified for the event which is also a qualifying event for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Socceroos fans planning to travel to the United States and Canada for next year’s World Cup have been hit with hefty ticket prices. The cheapest ticket on offer for an Australian fan wanting to see the Socceroos in action in a group game is $210 (US$140). That price is for a category three ticket to Australia’s opening game against a yet to be determined European qualifier in Vancouver or the Socceroos’ final group against Paraguay in the San Francisco Bay Area. For those matches, a category two ticket will set fans back $570 (US$380), while a category one ticket to be as close to the action as possible is listed at $675 (US$450). The prices get even worse for Australia’s clash with host nation, the USA, in Seattle. The cheapest ticket going for that match is $398 (US$265). The craziest tickets have been saved for the final at New York/New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19, The cheapest ticket on offer is $6,280 (US$4,185), Category two will set you back $8,366 (US$5,575). In the A League, after fifteen rounds Newcastle are now the League leaders after beating Brisbane 4-1 and after Auckland lost 0-2 to Perth Glory. Sydney FC demolished Western Sydney 4-1 to move into second place two points behind Newcastle, with Auckland dropping to third spot. Brisbane has dropped to seventh place, winning just one of their last five games. Western Sydney continue to hold up the league. In the A League Women, after twelve rounds Melbourne City are still top despite losing 1-2 to Adelaide. Canberra beat Melbourne Victory 2-1 to move up to second place a point clear of Adelaide. Brisbane drew 2-2 at home to Central Coast and is now fifth. Sydney is bottom of the league after losing 3-2 to Western Sydney.
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The Burdekin Roosters have officially kicked off training as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Rugby League Townsville District (RLTD) season. The club is aiming to field four teams this year, with the under 20s competition disbanded and replaced by a new under 19 grade. Alf Cantarella will again lead the under 18s, assisted by John Nash and Thomas Lammon. After guiding the side to a preliminary final last season before injuries took their toll, Cantarella said he was proud to have coached many of the players from their junior years through to the senior ranks. Peter Horan returns as reserve grade coach, while Steve Lansley will once again mentor the A grade side. Under a new two-year agreement, the women’s program will combine with Herbert River to form the Burdekin River team. Last season’s coach Anita Hagarty was appointed to continue in the role, although work commitments may impact her availability. The Burdekin side of the team will welcome back speedster Stephanie Monday, who reunites with her twin sister after a year away, along with forward Ali Nauque, returning from an ACL injury. Both bring representative experience to the squad. Training is being held at Bendigo Bank Park in Ayr on Tuesday and Thursday nights for Burdekin-based players, with Townsville-based players training at Bindal on Tuesdays and Ayr on Thursdays. A tentative RLTD draw has been released, with officials hoping for changes after the Roosters were scheduled to play seven away games in the first nine rounds. Off the field, the club has a new executive committee, led by chairman Alex Lennox, alongside deputy John Nash, secretary and registrar Melissa Lammon, and treasurer Connie Elton. Further details on returning and new players will be revealed in next week’s edition.
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Saturday 7 February (1-5pm) Group G - Carl List PC, James Kennedy PC, Shane Morgan, Ross Rickards and Ross Blakey. Sunday, 8 February (9am-1pm) Group B - Terry Lund PC, Kristy Wassmuth PC, Anita Giddy, Heather Scott, Briella and Emilee Wassmuth. Sunday 8 February (1pm-5pm) Group A - Chris Wicks PC, Richard Dale PC, Jane Olsen, Zachary Dale, Stephanie Dale, Warne McShane, Nico Ortner and Wil Holt. Contributed with thanks to Kristy Wassmuth.
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The Coutt’s Commercial Tavern Open Men’s and Women’s Touch pre-season competition got off to a flying start last week, with an impressive 120 touchdowns recorded. After two games, Baywatch and Renegades remain unbeaten in the men’s competition, while Eathorne’s Princesses are the only undefeated team in the women’s draw. Even with shortened matches, the humid conditions proved challenging for many players. So far, 12 men’s teams and six women’s teams have nominated, with further nominations expected in the coming weeks. The four-week pre-season competition will conclude with finals on 11 February, before Round 1 of the Open competition begins the following week. Team nominations remain open until 28 February and can be completed via the burdekintouch.com.au website. Sign-ons for the Under 14 and Under 12 Junior Touch competitions were held on Wednesday, 4 February, with those divisions set to begin next Wednesday. Pre-season Round 1 results: Men: Baywatch 5 def Ball Grabbers 0 Baywatch 5 def His Haas 1 Renegades 7 def Touch n Go 0 Renegades 4 def Creampuffs 1 Creampuffs 4 def Touch n Go 2 His Haas 3 def Ball Grabbers 0 Teamo Supremo 3 def Feelers 2 One Touch IT 3 def Teamo Supremo 1 One Touch IT 0 drew Feelers 0 Women: Eathorne’s Princesses 6 def Chick Flicks 0 Eathorne’s Princesses 2 def First in Physio 0 Salty Sirens 3 def Can’t Catch 0 First in Physio 1 def Salty Sirens 0 Can’t Catch 2 drew Chick Flicks 2 With strong numbers, competitive matches and junior divisions returning, the Burdekin Touch Football season is shaping up to be a big one. CAPTION: Touch in the region is building momentum following the Coutt’s Commercial Tavern Open Men’s and Women’s Touch pre-season competition. Photo supplied Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton.
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The Home Hill Third Grade side went down narrowly in a close contest at home on Sunday morning, falling eight runs short against Brothers. Batting first, Brothers posted 8/130, with Leo Olditch leading the charge for Home Hill with an outstanding spell of 4/14 from six overs. He was well supported by Jaiden Rice (2/24) and Travis Butler (2/6). In reply, Home Hill fought hard but finished on 9/122 from their 30 overs. Andrew Wallwork anchored the innings with a composed 37 not out from 44 balls, including two sixes, while Luke Mottin added a steady 23 not out from 52 deliveries. However, the run chase was ultimately undone by five costly run-outs. In the afternoon match, the Home Hill Second Grade side posted a modest total of 96. Al Wilkins top-scored with a quickfire 33 off 23 balls, striking three fours and two sixes, while Kris Wright contributed 21 from 17. Consistent pressure from the Wests bowling attack kept the scoring rate in check throughout the innings. Despite disciplined bowling efforts, Home Hill was unable to contain Beau McCarron, whose unbeaten 69 steered Wests to 1/99 and a convincing nine-wicket victory. Alex Stillhard claimed the only wicket with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort, but the visitors proved too strong in the chase.
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The Ayr Golf Club was buzzing with energy as a record field of 121players teed off for the Mini Masters, proudly sponsored by DrummondGolf.Withthe course presented in immaculate condition, blue skies overhead anda light breeze keeping conditions comfortable, it was a near-perfectday for golf. The strong turnout saw competitors travel from acrossthe Burdekin region, as well as Proserpine, Rowes Bay and even NorthLakes in Brisbane, highlighting the growing appeal of the event.Congratulationsgo to all the winners and to every player who took part and helpedmake the day such a success. A special thank you also goes to Jamesfrom Drummond Golf, who made the trip to Ayr to set up a pop-up proshop and ensure golfers had everything they needed on the day.Theclub also extends its sincere thanks to the volunteers who preparedthe course, staffed the clubhouse and worked behind the scenes to setup and run the competition. Their time and dedication continue tomake events like this possible and ensure the Ayr Golf Club remains awelcoming place to enjoy great golf and even better company.Photos and article courtesy of the Ayr Golf Club.
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Thursday’s winning team: Paul Vass, Ron Smith and Steve Doig
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Local swimmers have made a splash at the 2026 Townsville Tourist Long Course Transition Meet, with the Torpedoes Swim Club delivering a standout performance across a big weekend of racing. The team walked away with an impressive haul of place medals, upgrade medals, personal best times, state qualifying times and ribbons, but coaches and parents alike say the results went far beyond what appeared on the podium. For many swimmers, the meet provided valuable race experience, the chance to overcome competition nerves and the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones by taking on new events. A special mention goes to Mahli, Gabriella and Warne, who all qualified for the highly competitive Eliminator event. The trio capped off their strong performances by securing wins and taking home cash prizes, adding an exciting highlight to the weekend. The club also took time to acknowledge the strong support network behind the swimmers’ success. Parents were thanked for volunteering their time as timekeepers, while the Dale family received special recognition for transporting the team tent and helping keep the group organised across the meet. Coaches Kim and Mick were praised for their guidance and encouragement throughout the competition, helping swimmers stay focused and confident across both days of racing. The Torpedoes also extended their thanks to the Townsville Tourist Amateur Swimming Club for hosting what was described as a well-run and enjoyable event. With day one “done and dusted” and plenty of momentum heading into day two, the Torpedoes team showed strong spirit, determination and teamwork — proving once again that hard work in the pool pays off. Go Team Torpedoes!
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Junior cricket returned to the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill last week, with strong numbers of new and returning players taking to the field after the Christmas break. Blast Cricket Challengers showcased plenty of young talent, with two exciting games played by the 8–10 year olds. In game one, Nate Ryder and Noah Tanner combined for a match-winning 12 runs, while Reuben Armstrong starred with the ball, taking three wickets to earn Player of the Match. Emily Patti also impressed with her early bowling. In the second game, Jai Baxter delivered a standout all-round performance and was named Player of the Match after teaming up with Jaxon Watkins to score 29 runs from two overs. Aria Bryant claimed an impressive four wickets, while Olivia Patti showed excellent line and length. In the Blue Group hardball match, bowlers dominated. Henry Cohen top-scored with eight runs, while Mazlyn Smith took 2 for 7. Jardi Russell and Flynn Levitt received the McDonald’s Sports Awards for an outstanding first week in hardball cricket. The Gold Group saw Logan Pickup take 3 for 7 to earn the McDonald’s Sports Award, while Alex Cullen (19*) and Oliver Calligaro (18*) led the batting. It was a strong and encouraging start to the junior cricket season, with plenty of promise on display.
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Australia Day has come and gone again, leaving behind that customary mix of celebration and reflection. Though amid the controversy that sometimes surrounds the day, one unequivocal positive was the Burdekin Australia Day awards, honouring the citizens of the Burdekin that help the region tick. I know I've banged on about this a couple times already, but it truly never ceases to amaze me how many high achievers and community legends this place nurtures and produces. Is it something in the air around here? Can it rub off on me? It was as I was sitting front row at the awards next to my colleague, Chelsea, listening on to the bios of each recipient that I felt a sense of inspiration. It provoked some internal questions. Am I playing my part role in this town? Can I be doing more? If someone can devote 60 years of their life to volunteering for this town, then why can't I pitch in, even just a little bit? Beyond this quandary, if the awards left me with anything else, it's the assurance that I can sleep well at night knowing my 'Burdekin to Big Time' series won't be running out of candidates any time soon.
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Residents have praised Joanna Penny for reaching out to the community after discovering an injured rainbow lorikeet near her home. While there’s no exact census for rainbow lorikeets in North Queensland, the birds are exceptionally abundant across the state and have been crowned the nation’s most frequently counted bird for over a decade. In a social media post, Joanna asked for guidance on finding a wildlife carer, and to her delight, numerous locals stepped in to help. “Many thanks to everyone who responded and tagged the wildlife carers for me – love this community – so helpful,” Joanna wrote in an update on the bird’s welfare. She cared for the rainbow lorikeet overnight before a North Queensland Wildlife Carer collected it to support its recovery, leaving the community reassured that residents are actively looking out for the region’s wildlife. “Thank you for taking him in and protecting him,” one local commented. “Poor thing. Thanks for helping,” shared another. If you come across an animal in need of support, contact North Queensland Wildlife Care Inc on 0414 717 374.
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As communities across the electorate prepare to celebrate the extraordinary effort of everyday community members during Australia Day ceremonies, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has offered his appreciation to those who take the time to make their communities a better place to live, work and play. Mr Last said with the heart of Australia beating firmly in regional and rural areas including the Burdekin, Australia Day was an opportunity to recognise our strength, diversity and generosity as Australians. “Each and every Australia Day we take the opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities, the parents, the volunteers and the sports coaches whose efforts often go unnoticed,” Mr Last said. “Whether it is someone who has volunteered at their local Meals on Wheels for years or a young member of our community giving their all on the sporting field, Australia Day ceremonies offer us the opportunity to recognise and connect with those members of our community.” Mr Last said while the national day is a chance to come together and recognise those award winners, it was also a timely reminder that everyday heroes deserve our gratitude. “Recognising those who devote their lives to improving our communities doesn’t have to be restricted to January 26,” Mr Last said. “We all know or have known someone who, in our own eyes, epitomises what it means to be Australian, whether it is our frontline emergency services, our health staff or perhaps someone who has paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.” Mr Last said while the day was recognised with ceremonies and events across our nation, Australia Day has come to mean so much more to our nation. “We are all shaped by our own experiences and as a nation, each Australia Day we come together to recognise and reaffirm that we live in a nation where everyone’s views, beliefs and contributions are valued,” Mr Last said. “It’s about who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be.”
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Australia Day Honours Reflect Regional Pride
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Major Drug & Firearm Bust in Home Hill Police have charged a man and a woman with drug and firearm offences following the execution of a search warrant at a Home Hill property earlier this week. Around 8.40am on Wednesday 21st January, officers attended an address on Third Avenue as part of an ongoing drug operation involving Home Hill Police Station, Ayr Police Station and the Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch. During the search, police allegedly located and seized approximately one kilogram of methylamphetamine, 87 grams of MDMA, around $93,000 in cash and a firearm. Police say the seizure, attributed to good police work, is one of the largest drug hauls recorded in the Burdekin in many years, forming part of continued efforts to disrupt local drug networks through proactive enforcement and intelligence gathering. A 40-year-old Home Hill man and a 30-year-old Ayr woman were taken into custody at the scene. The man has been charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of possessing utensils or pipes, and one count of receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying. No pleas have been entered. The matter was mentioned in Townsville Magistrates Court on Thursday 22nd January and was adjourned to Thursday 12th March. The man was remanded in custody. The woman has been charged with one count of possessing dangerous drugs and one count of possessing utensils or pipes. She has been released on bail and is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on Monday 9th March. Police confirmed investigations indicate the seized firearm has not yet been linked to any other known incidents. Police say drug and unlawful firearm offences occur across Queensland and are not unique to the Burdekin, but the seizure highlights ongoing efforts to prevent serious harm locally. The operation also aligns with Operation Whiskey Firestorm 2025, a statewide initiative targeting illicit firearms and firearm safety, which has already resulted in hundreds of unlawful firearms being removed from communities across Queensland. Police are urging anyone with information about drug or firearm offences to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, noting that community information plays a critical role in disrupting serious offending and keeping the region safe.
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Emergency services were called to a residential property in Ayr on Tuesday evening after an unexploded ordnance was discovered during routine gardening. At approximately 6.55pm on Tuesday, 20th January 2026, the Burdekin State Emergency Service (SES) was requested by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to assist at the scene after the device was uncovered. Police sought SES support to help secure the area and reduce any potential risk to nearby residents. SES and QPS personnel worked together to construct a sandbag “igloo” containment structure around the item, designed to minimise the impact should the device have detonated. The area was secured while arrangements were made for specialist assistance. Australian Army explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians were scheduled to attend the property the following day, Wednesday, 21st January, to safely assess and remove the device. Three SES members responded to the incident: Jenny Cummings, John George and Warren Francis. Mr George and Mr Francis are both former infantry soldiers with extensive experience in the identification and handling of unexploded ordnance. Authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries, and the incident was managed without further escalation.
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An official citizenship ceremony opened the 2026 Burdekin Australia Day Awards on Monday night, with __ local residents proudly becoming Australian citizens. Originally hailing from continents across the world, including Africa, Asia and Europe, the newly naturalised citizens were presented with official plaques and commemorative plants by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort. Mayor Dalle Cort said the Australia Day celebrations were about both recognition and welcome. “Australia Day is not only a time to recognise the outstanding achievements of our community, it is also a day to celebrate those choosing the Burdekin, and our nation, as their home,” Cr Dalle Cort said. "I congratulate you all for choosing Australia for whatever reason brought you to our beautiful country." Member for Burdekin Dale Last, also in attendance, echoed her sentiment. "We welcome you with open arms, we value your role in our community, and we hope that, going forward, you get to enjoy everything that's great about being an Australian in this country," said Mr Last. Australia Day remains one of the nation’s most significant occasions for welcoming new citizens. As of 31st December 2025, more than 25,450 people from over 160 countries had been invited to attend more than 425 citizenship ceremonies held nationally as part of Australia Day celebrations. Of these, more than 18,800 people from over 150 countries were invited to become Australian citizens on 26th January 2026, at more than 325 ceremonies hosted across the country. The Burdekin Australia Day citizenship ceremony follows a similar naturalisation event held at the Burdekin Theatre foyer in December, where 10 new citizens from a range of cultural backgrounds were formally welcomed into the community, underscoring the region’s growing cultural diversity.
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Saltwater Croc Spotted at Ocean Creek A sizeable salty was recently spotted soaking up the long weekend at Ocean Creek Boat Ramp, with locals reminding others to stay alert when launching boats or checking crab pots. Situated 13 kilometres north of Ayr, the popular state-owned boat ramp draws waves of locals and visitors alike, renowned for its fishing and crabbing opportunities, particularly barra, mangrove jack and mud crabs. In a post published to a private community group, a resident warned the saltwater crocodile had been spotted, once again, lurking around the main stretch just beyond the boat ramp, recounting initially sighting the reptile earlier in the week. Multiple locals chimed in online to say they’d also seen the large reptile, describing the “big fella” as far from shy and a nuisance when hauling in crab pots. Others recalled the crocodile seemed unfazed by nearby boats or people, unlike the more cautious behaviour typically seen. It’s believed the crocodile has been living in the area for years and has been sighted to be around four meters in length. While residents of the shire are no strangers to spotting crocodiles in local creeks and waterways, concern has been raised in this instance amid reports the reptile may be becoming aggressive toward boaties, with claims it has been stalking people as they retrieve crab pots. Burdekin Shire Council continues to remind locals to be aware around any natural waterway in croc country, advising residents to report all sightings to the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) via calling 1300 130 372 or through the QWildlife mobile application. “Crocodiles are highly mobile and the longer you take to report a sighting, the less likely it is that the crocodile will be located,” advises DETSI. “We encourage you to report any crocodile you have concerns about, even if it’s deceased.”
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