Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Burdekin Water Festival (BWF) Senior Ambassador representing CORES QLD, Mia Galbraith, has taken it upon herself to run a Self Love Night to raise awareness for the importance of mental health and valuable funds for the invaluable work of CORES QLD. In the lead up to this weekend’s event, Mia has shared several videos and posts online, detailing how important it is to take care of and prioritise your own personal mental health, featuring BWF Committee members as guests on occasion to encourage
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Hi Everyone, It’s great to be back and feeling refreshed after a two-week holiday in Italy with my family. We stayed in a tiny village called Radicondoli, about three hours north of Rome, with a population of just 950! Our days were spent poolside, playing card games, and wandering into the village for fresh bread in the mornings and a glass of wine (or two!) in the evenings. It was my second time in Italy—my first visit was in my early twenties—and I’ve fallen in love with the country all ov
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Burdekin cane farmers will have the opportunity to contribute in person to an inquiry aimed at growing the industry following the announcement of a public hearing in Townsville. Announced in June, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP urged local growers to embrace the opportunity and provide much needed input. “When the inquiry was announced, a commitment was given to dig deep into a wide range of issues affecting the industry,” Mr Last said. “A thorough investigation is necessary to ensure
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Special Olympics Queensland is inviting children and adults with an intellectual disability and/or Autism to a fun Come N Try Ten Pin Bowling event at Burdekin Bowl on Saturday, 30 August, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Everyone in the Burdekin area is welcome to join, including participants who use wheelchairs. Special Olympics is the world’s largest inclusive sporting organisation, offering pathways for athletes and volunteers to develop leadership skills while being fully supported. Children and
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Ren Pedersen OAM’s fight against the deadliest childhood brain cancer edged closer to a breakthrough when his ‘Million Dollar Mission’ received a $13,000 boost from local businesses, organisations, and dignitaries following last week's Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting. Pedersen, a Burdekin native now residing in Townsville, returned to the region as a special guest at the Chamber meeting, where he challenged 100 local businesses to donate $1,000 each toward his mission to provide accessible
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This past week has been a moving reminder, we are so blessed to have our way of life and we must remember the sacrifices made to have this freedom. Many of us reading this would not have been born but the reminder must be kept alive. I had the special honour of an invitation to attend events held in Commemorating 80 years since Victory in the Pacific. Listening to the re-enactment of the War is Over Speech brought shivers down my spine. The Joint US/Australian Commemorative Service – 5th USAF Me
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The Burdekin Brass Band didn’t disappoint on Sunday with their annual concert combined with the Thuringowa Brass Band. It was a very enjoyable afternoon with entertainment from the Home Hill Choral Society who never disappoint. It was chaired by Ricky Romeo who always has the audience captivated. It would be nice to see the event supported by residents of the Burdekin as it is an annual event. I attended the Vietnam Veterans Day Service at Deep Creek Retreat. It is always an honour to attend thi
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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) has delivered the ‘Be Connected Program’ to Seniors over 50 for more than 14 years? Our Volunteer Tutors have provided hundreds of seniors with the essential digital skills to get online safely and with confidence. With so many aspects of life now online, from healthcare and government services to finding a job and staying in touch with loved ones and the technology we use changing very quickly, it’s super important that you get on
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A Home Hill woman has been charged over an alleged million-dollar fraud spanning six years. Ayr CIB officers allege the 65-year-old, while employed as a bookkeeper, defrauded an Ayr business of more than $1 million between 2018 and mid-2024. She has been released on bail and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on October 20. In separate incidents, a 40-year-old Jerona man was charged with mid-range drink driving after being intercepted in Ayr on August 9. He will face court on August 25.
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Seven years ago, Eusebio “Seb” Aguirre told his wife, Laura, that he was starting a “little hobby cleaning business.” It began with a vacuum in the back of their Mazda CX9, a few bond cleans, and the promise that Laura wouldn’t have to get involved. Fast forward to today and not only is Laura well and truly involved, but that “hobby” has grown into ELA Professional Solutions, a trusted local name across the Burdekin for commercial cleaning, retail supplies, water distribution, and now, pool car
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing The global sugar market has been holding steady in recent weeks, with supply fundamentals keeping a lid on prices. Brazil is now halfway through its crushing season, and analysts are forecasting production between 39 and 40 million tonnes. With that much sugar expected, commercial traders are confident supply will comfortably meet demand through to the first quarter of next year. This has left speculators largely in control of short-term price movemen
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Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has recorded its biggest year of planned burns to date, surpassing its annual target by more than 50 per cent. Between the 1st of July 2024 and the 30th of June 2025, QPWS carried out 637 planned burns across 968,884 hectares of Queensland’s public protected estate. The burns aim to reduce the risk and severity of bushfires, protect communities and infrastructure, and promote healthy ecosystems across the state’s parks and forests. The milestone com
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By CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens Every August, the Ekka gives city and country a chance to meet face to face – and for us in agriculture, that’s a golden opportunity. As farmers, we sometimes feel a bit invisible. We’re out there growing the food and fibre that keep the nation ticking along, supporting regional communities, and driving export industries – yet it can seem like those achievements get taken for granted. So, it’s always a bit humbling to discover, as we did again this year, ju
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Ruralquip has been part of the Burdekin’s industrial backbone for almost 50 years, priding itself on its commitment to serving the region's farming and industrial community with reliability and trust. Now, with a new team of local owners at the helm, that commitment remains unchanged. Robert Oar and wife, Annette, who built the business from a small steel fabrication operation into a full-service retail and industrial supplier, have handed the reins to a consortium of well-known locals Max and
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Families considering high-quality Catholic education options for their children are encouraged to act fast, as positions are available for Year 7 - 12 enrolments in 2026 at Burdekin Catholic High School. Enrolment interviews have commenced in Week 2 of this term, and with demand growing, families are urged to book early to avoid disappointment. Burdekin Catholic High School offers a supportive and dynamic environment for students starting their high school journey. As part of the school's tran
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Joy, laughter and plenty of smiles filled the halls of Chppendale Street’s Regis Aged Care residential home on Sunday, the 10th of August, as the Burdekin Water Festival Junior and Senior Ambassadors delighted residents with a wonderful visit! An annual event, the Burdekin Water Festival’s High Tea continues to warm the hearts of everyone in the community as both Junior and Senior Ambassadors swap stories with some of the oldest members of the shire over a delicious spread of morning tea favour
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On 12 August, the VP-80 crew visited Ayr State School as part of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, marking Japan’s surrender in World War II. The crew delivered a special dispatch from the Mayor of Rockhampton to the Mayor of Townsville, thanking soldiers for their service. The visit gave students and staff a hands-on connection to Australia’s military history. The crew brought an impressive collection of vintage military vehicles, carefully restored and appearing as though they h
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Just last week on Friday, the 15th of August, Ayr State High School (ASHS) dominated the scoreboard against each school in the district at the region’s annual 12 to 19 Years BSS Interschool Track & Field (Athletics) Carnival! Taking out the top spot for the second consecutive year, the Ayr High Hawks were commended for representing ASHS with exceptional levels of both pride and spirit, leaving the carnival with an impressive 1455 points spread across all categories. With the event's hosting re
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Zac Anderson’s Football Journey Many young footballers dream of making the game their livelihood—their legacy. Of bursting onto the professional scene as a teenager and never looking back. Of crossing continents, sitting shoulder to shoulder with international stars as the muffled roar of 50,000 fans seeps through the changing room walls. For Zac Anderson, that dream became reality. But before all that, he was just a boy from the Burdekin. Born in Ayr to two school teachers completing their co
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From Birmingham To The Burdekin When John and Linda Gooding left their teaching jobs and comfortable life in Birmingham, England, in the early 1970s, they weren’t entirely sure what they were jumping into. What they did know was this: if an opportunity comes along, you take it—and be prepared to adapt. More than 50 years later, the couple are still proud to call Ayr home. They've raised their children here, watched the town change, and become a beloved part of the community. And while their acc
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This week, we asked a few of you two big questions: 'What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you?' and 'What’s on your bucket list?', courtesy of a suggestion by Allan Finn. Jimmy James Best thing that's ever happened to you? "The best thing that's ever happened to me is being around my family and spending time with them." Bucket list items? "I really want to go to an NBA game in America." James and Amber Sutherland Best thing that's ever happened to you? James: "When I got to stop mowin
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Thursday, 21st August Home Hill State High School’s Agricultural Precinct Open Day 9:00am - 11:00am Showcase of Home Hill State High School’s cutting-edge Agricultural Precinct, with tours, displays, tastings, and interactive industry experiences for all. Home Hill State High School Agricultural Precinct Friday 22 August Hunter’s Golf Night Drive for show, putt for dough at Ayr Golf Club’s Edwards Street course! Junior Ambassador Hunter Oar invites golfers of all abilities to an exciting night
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The Burdekin Roosters A Grade suffered another injury setback last Sunday, going down 32-22 to Western Lions in Townsville. After dominating Charters Towers in the second half last week, the forwards were expected to perform similarly against the Lions. That didn’t happen. Last week’s player of the match, big forward Braedyn Cotter, went down injured in the first ten minutes and didn’t return. Soon after, recent signing and Fijian first-grader Kalevi Raluli injured a hamstring and was forced of
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A not so good weekend for the Panthers, winning just two and losing four of the six matches played. On Saturday, away to Brothers the Premiers won 4-1 but the Reserves lost 0-9. On Friday, in Townsville the Ladies lost 2-3 to Brothers and the Division 1 Men lost 2-5 to Brothers. The Division 2 Funkies lost 1-6 to Saints Eagles Souths. And on Wednesday evening the Ladies beat Wulguru 9-1 at home, This week the Premiers and Reserves are away to Warriors, the Premiers at 7.30 and the Reserves at 5
Read moreAyr Bowling Club Report This week at the Ayr Bowling Club had a busy week with competition games played all week. Tuesday 12th August saw Ladies Social Bowls giving us 2 triples game. Winners were Isabel Cislowski, Ron Soper and Betty Schultz defeating Jeanette McDonald, Donna Soper and Irene Wilson. Karen Shepherd Merle Nixon and Rayleen Hervey defeated Linda Giumelli, Katharina Stuckler and Dot Cutting. On Wednesday, we saw a great afternoon’s social bowling competition. There were three game
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