.jpg)
If you haven’t caught up on the news, I’m very pleased to share that Council has been successful in securing funding through Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund. This funding will allow us to develop detailed design plans, so we are “construction ready” when future funding opportunities arise. A key feature of the plan is a new road connection from Craig Street through to Chippendale Street. This will create another vital route in and out of town, easing pressure o
Read more.jpg)
Spring has officially arrived, bringing with it the re-opening of the Burdekin Aquatic Centre and the Clare pools. The cool and dry days are great for our cane season but also for our road crews to undertake reconstruction work currently happening right across the shire. Please be patient and observe the speed limits around any roadworks to help keep both our workers and yourself safe. This weekend also marks the return of the Burdekin Water Festival. The committee has been working hard to deliv
Read more
Global Traders Roadshow Returns We know how important it is for growers to have clear, timely information about what’s driving the sugar market. That’s why I’m pleased to advise that our annual Global Traders Roadshow is returning to North Queensland, running from 22 to 25 September. The roadshow gives local cane growers the opportunity to hear directly from Peter Bingham, Wilmar’s London-based Senior Sugar Trader, alongside Bevan Patterson, our Australian Risk Manager. Together, they’ll share
Read more
AgTech Showcase To Boost $30 Billion Vision Tickets for the second Gatton AgTech Showcase, on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October 2025, are now available to book online. The showcase will provide an opportunity for growers to see new global AgTech in action and talk to AgTech manufacturers about how these technologies can help their businesses be more productive and profitable. Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director Vegetables, Supply Chains and Market Access, Ian Layden, said the aw
Read more
Ergon Energy Network is urging gardeners to carefully consider what they plant near powerlines and other electrical assets, with fast-growing species like bamboo causing thousands of power outages and posing serious safety risks. Ergon Energy Network Area Manager Rick Madden said planting the wrong trees or plants too close to powerlines can lead to dangerous situations, including fallen powerlines, emergency power outages and electric shocks. “Bamboo is one of the worst offenders because it g
Read more.jpg)
Committee Probes Sugarcane’s Energy Future Queensland’s sugarcane industry, long a backbone of regional economies, may hold the key to powering the state’s renewable future. A parliamentary inquiry has been launched to investigate how the by-products of cane farming could be transformed into electricity, fuel and bio-based products, reducing waste while creating new revenue streams for growers and millers. The Primary Industries and Resources Committee is leading the investigation, with a serie
Read more
Home Hill State High School’s Student Council rolled up their sleeves on Sunday, August 24, hosting a community car wash that combined hard work with plenty of fun. With music playing, students spent the morning washing and drying cars, raising more than $400 for future council projects, with the final total still to be confirmed. The event drew strong community support, with families, staff and locals turning out not only to have their cars cleaned, but also to purchase fresh cucumbers grown i
Read more
Cosentino Brings Magic, Mystery And Mayhem To The Burdekin A decade and a half ago, he announced himself to the nation when he became the first magician to finish runner-up on Australia’s Got Talent. In the years following, he became a global phenomenon, with nine prime-time TV specials seen in over 40 countries, multiple Merlin Awards, sold-out international shows, and even a role alongside Jackie Chan in the blockbuster film Bleeding Steel. And now, international mega-star Cosentino is bring
Read more
The countdown is almost complete, and excitement is building as the Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade & Mardi Gras returns on this Saturday, the 6th of September! This iconic event, beloved by locals for 67 years, promises a dazzling day of fun, food, and festivities for the entire community. Grand Parade – 4:30pm Kicking off at 4:30pm, the Grand Parade will take over Queen Street, showcasing a spectacular fleet of floats decorated to perfection in this year’s theme: “Bon Voyage – Roam The G
Read more
Motorists are advised that a number of road closures will be in place across Ayr this weekend to allow for the safe staging of the Queensland Country Bank Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade and Mardi Gras. The closures will take effect on Saturday, the 6th of September, with some extending into the early hours of Sunday, the 7th of September. Road closures include: 6am Saturday to 1am Sunday Edwards Street (between Queen and Macmillan Streets) 12.30pm to 7.30pm Saturday Queen Stre
Read more
Friday, 5th September Burdekin Netball Deb of the Year Beloved DOTY tradition continues under Burdekin Netball Association, with an elegant evening celebrating 2025 debutantes, community spirit, and timeless style. Burdekin Memorial Hall Saturday 6 September Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade & Mardi Gras Saturday The Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade & Mardi Gras will ignite the community once again for an extraordinary celebration in Ayr’s Queen Street, with plenty of entertainment, food
Read more
Seniors in the Burdekin region are being invited to participate in the Active and Social Seniors Group, which offers both individualised rehabilitation and group exercise sessions at the Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre. The program is open to adults aged 60 and over, and First Nations Australians aged 55 and over, and is partially funded by the Older People’s Action Program (OPAP). A fee of $7.50 per session applies. Sessions are delivered face-to-face and supervised by a team of Accr
Read more
Ayr will soon host a special literary celebration as local author, scout leader and radio presenter Lachlan Terry launches his debut book, Memories Belonga Me. The book is the result of more than 13 years of work and captures Terry’s personal story alongside the resilience, traditions and history of rural Australia. Part memoir and part oral history, it honours his parents and grandparents, reflects on childhood in the bush and pays tribute to the grit of country life. Known to many through hi
Read more
The Burdekin gathered at Home Hill’s ‘The Vault’ on Saturday, 23 August for an occasion that was as connecting, heartwarming and educational as it was enjoyable—Mia’s Self-Care Night. Hosted by Mia Galbraith, the event raised valuable funds for local suicide prevention service CORES Queensland as part of the Water Festival Ambassador Program, which encourages ambassadors to raise funds for local organisations and charities. Galbraith said the decision to support CORES stemmed from a deeply per
Read more
The final weekend of fixtures was not a good one for the Panthers, with just one win from five matches. On Saturday at home, the Premiers lost 0-1 to Estates and the Reserves went down 0-7. On Friday in Townsville, the Ladies beat Rebels 7-0, but the Division 1 Men lost 1-3 to JCU, and the Division 2 Funkies lost 1-3 to Olympic. Only the Funkies and Ladies have qualified for Finals. This week, in the semi-finals, Division 2 Men face Brothers in Townsville Thursday night at 6:30 pm, and the Ladi
Read more
After starting the year with uncertainty about player numbers, the Herbert River and Burdekin Rugby Leagues decided to combine their personnel and form a single ladies’ team. The experiment proved a success, with the Burdekin River team now just one win away from the Grand Final of the RLTD Women’s competition. Exhibiting the old adage of “let the ball do the work,” Burdekin River defeated Brothers 20–12 in the knockout semi-final last Sunday at Brothers, booking a place in this Sunday’s prelim
Read more
Twenty players turned out for a very warm winter’s afternoon, with temperatures reaching 30°C at 1:30 pm. You have to love winter in the Burdekin! On Rink 3 (Pairs), Paul Vass and Steve Doig prevailed on the last end against Neville Webb and Trevor Elton. Rink 4 (Triples) saw Judy Elton, Elaine Young, and Michael McClosky edge out Bob Young, Mark Swaine, and Warren “Yogi” Bunn in a close contest. On Rink 5 (Triples), Des Chapman, Ron Smith, and Glen Bones Berryman accounted for Bruce McCallum
Read more
AYR BOWLING CLUB WEEKLY REPORT The Ayr Bowling Club has celebrated another excellent week on the greens, with members coming together for a mix of club Championship games and engaging social matches. The atmosphere and enthusiasm around the club remains high, as members are gearing up for Country Pennants. With Bowen Bowling Club hosting the event Saturday 6th September 2025. We encourage members and anyone who has an interest in bowls to come and support our men during this event. Our men’s pen
Read more
Home Hill Cricket Association had the honour of hosting the Wanderers QLD Club on Tuesday, 19 August, as part of the Wanderers’ Country Tour through regional Queensland. The Wanderers, a charity-based side, bring their touring team to country towns every few years, with this year’s schedule including matches in Yeppoon, Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Home Hill, Clermont and Maryborough. Adding to the occasion was the presence of cricket great Geoff Dymock, the former Australian international fast b
Read more
Home Hill State High School opened its Agricultural Precinct on Thursday, 21 August, offering students, families, local businesses, and the general public an opportunity to explore the new facility for the first time. The day began with a welcome and acknowledgments, followed by student-led guided tours of the greenhouse, the Dig Inn market garden, the Aqua Lab, and the kitchen. Industry groups including Canegrowers, Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network, Sunwater, and Bowen Gumlu Growers A
Read more
What I've had to quickly learn in this town is that there's a story in everything, and everyone, if you're willing to dig deep enough. This industry is much more nuanced than some might imagine— in fact I've come to realise that first hand. During my short time as a freelancer in Sydney, and even as an intern in Pittsburgh, I came to know journalism as an industry that was quite mechanical. It became tedious cycle—news flying in from all directions, sifting through the noise, extracting what m
Read more
Last Monday, the quick thinking and kindness of a local helped save a distressed sea turtle washed ashore at Wunjunga Beach. “Thank you to the lovely animal carers that drove all the way to Townsville with our earth’s valuable sea creature,” wrote Annie Taylor in a post she shared online. Before the animal carers arrived, Annie and other locals worked together to keep the turtle calm and comfortable, gently placing wet towels over its body and keeping its eyes moist. Their efforts ensured the
Read more
Twelve local cyclists proudly represented the Burdekin in the 25th annual Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride, joining 191 riders for the gruelling 371km journey. Riding as part of the Eagles group, the team tackled the three-day event, which raises vital funds for children’s cancer research. The opening leg covered 108km from Townsville to Ingham, followed by a challenging 170km ride from Ingham to Innisfail on Day Two. Riders faced the notorious Cardwell Range before continuing via the old Tully h
Read more
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has called on local sporting clubs to take advantage of a recently announced fund to assist clubs in recovering from this year’s severe weather event. The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and will provide up to $1 Million for repairs and even upgrades to help mitigate the effects of future events. “When events like those we saw earlier this year happen, the effects are felt across the community
Read more
Ayr State High School continues to excel in STEM education, with students actively engaging in a wide range of opportunities that showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students proudly represented the school in the Australian Mathematics Competition, the ICAS Science Competition, and the International Chemistry Quiz, demonstrating their problem-solving abilities and critical thinking. Four Year 10 students further extended their lea
Read more