Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Although pet shows and discos have been keeping all 12 of the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival (BWF) Senior and Junior Ambassadors busy over the past couple of months, the overwhelming excitement surrounding the highly anticipated QMN Manufacturing Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch is undeniably contagious. Preparations are well underway; ticket sales have officially opened up to the public and the Burdekin Water Festival Committee is more than ready for the community to bask in the magic of the E
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It’s easy to think you know what a music festival is. A vast, dusty field, hours of queuing, and the logistical puzzle of seeing your favourite bands. But in a picturesque corner of the Whitsundays, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music has completely rewritten the script, transforming the concept from a penned-in weekend to a laid-back, three-day music holiday. This isn't just an event; it's an invitation to experience world-class live music in a place that's as much a star of the show as the arti
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An enthusiastic literary crowd gathered at the Burdekin Library on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, as local writer Denise Neville and former Burdekin Readers & Writers president Mickey McKellar led an intimate conversation on the theme “You’re Never Too Old.” McKellar, an aspiring author herself, guided the discussion as Neville shared her journey from cane fields to the page, offering insights into creativity, resilience, and the life of a late-blooming writer. For Burdekin-born Denise Neville, the
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Friday 15 August Giulia’s Movie Night Evening Burdekin Christian College’s Junior Ambassador, Giulia Sarri, will host her second fundraising event supporting Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue at the school’s Melbourne Street grounds in Ayr. Burdekin Christian College grounds Saturday 16 August Charlotte’s Colour Run A vibrant day full of colour, good vibes, and fun tones will light up the Burdekin Netball Association’s Home Hill grounds in celebration of Junior Ambassador Charlotte Sgroi’s Colo
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Meet Zorro! Zorro is a young feline with a heart full of promise and the opportunity for a bright future. Rescued from the pound, Zorro may initially seem a bit shy, but give him just thirty minutes, and you'll find yourself enchanted by his gentle nature and sweet demeanor. Once he trusts you, he transforms into a dedicated purr machine, letting you know you've won his heart with his melodic symphony of affection. Though Zorro's beginnings were challenging, his time in foster care has worked w
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Twenty-four players turned out on another perfect Burdekin winter afternoon, with plenty of exciting action across multiple games. In the club singles played earlier, Norm Bethell claimed victory over Yogi Bunn on rink 3. One of the closest games of the day took place on rink 3, where Bob Young, Elaine Young, and Steve Doig edged out Judy Elton, Yogi Bunn, and Mick McClosky on countback after scores and ends were tied—a thrilling finish for all involved. Rink 4 saw Bob Pickard, Ron Smythe, and
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This week at the Ayr Bowling Club was filled with friendship and healthy competition. Tuesday 8th August saw Ladies Social Bowls with 6 Ladies giving us 1 triples game. Ladies’ competition on Thursday 10th crooked kitty was played in a great match Heather Jorgensen defeated Beryl Cornford. In consistency singles Katharina Stuckler defeated Karen Shepherd. On Wednesday, we saw a great afternoon’s social bowling competition. There were three games of Triples and one game of pairs. Winners were P
Read moreTwenty-four players turned out on another perfect Burdekin winter afternoon, with plenty of exciting action across multiple games. In the club singles played earlier, Norm Bethell claimed victory over Yogi Bunn on rink 3. One of the closest games of the day took place on rink 3, where Bob Young, Elaine Young, and Steve Doig edged out Judy Elton, Yogi Bunn, and Mick McClosky on countback after scores and ends were tied—a thrilling finish for all involved. Rink 4 saw Bob Pickard, Ron Smythe, and
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A good weekend for the Panthers, winning three and losing two of the five matches played. On Saturday, at home to Estates the Premiers won 3-1 but the Reserves lost 0-1. On Friday, in Townsville the Ladies beat Saints Eagles Souths 8-0, the Division 1 Men lost 1-3 to Olympic but the Division 2 Men beat Warriors 3-1. This week the Premiers and Reserves are at away to Brothers, the Premiers at 7.30 and the Reserves at 5.30. On Wednesday night the Ladies, are at home to Wulguru at 7.00 and on Frid
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Last Saturday, the Burdekin Roosters pulled off a stunning turnaround, avenging their 40-point thrashing by Charters Towers with a spirited 28–24 win. Down 18–4 at halftime, they showed remarkable fortitude to storm home, even with tough utility Kali Nauque spending 10 minutes in the bin. Standout performances from Nevia Nawave, Isaia Vuda, and Kelevi Ralulu proved decisive. Nawave’s powerful running and tackle-breaking set the attacking platform, while Vuda and Ralulu’s explosive carries repea
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On the 19th of July the Ayr Surf Club hosted the Annual North Barrier Branch Presentation Night to wrap up the 2024-25 Season. The night is a celebration to recognise members from the seven clubs across the Branch - Forrest Beach, Arcadian, Townsville-Picnic Bay, Ayr, Eimeo, Mackay and Sarina - for their dedication, commitment and love of lifesaving in a variety of facets. Surf sports athletes, teams, coaches and officials were recognised as well as volunteers in their respective areas. Four of
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For Simon Yim, SKY Renewables is much more than a passion project. It’s a mission. Make no mistake—there’s plenty of passion involved. But for Simon, it’s not just about personal fulfilment; it’s about building something meaningful and, in turn, transforming the lives of cane farmers across Australia. After growing up in Hong Kong, Simon studied in Canada and the UK, qualifying as a solicitor in the late 1980s. Over the next three decades, he held senior roles across Asia in law, corporate str
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Over twenty years ago, the Burdekin Patchwork and Quilters found a way to turn their hobby into a way of giving back. Every year since, they've been patching the community with care, creatively repurposing their excess material and generously donating it to local organisations that need it more. This year was no different. On the 23rd of July, the group delivered a trolley full of freshly crafted knee rugs to the Regis Aged Care Centre in Ayr, where they'll bring warmth, colour and joy to
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One of the things I love most about the Burdekin is its diversity—on more levels than you might first think. There’s the sporting culture, for starters. Whether it’s rugby, cricket, netball, bowls, or something a little more niche, there’s always a game being played somewhere. You can wander from one field to another and find entirely different communities, each with its own passion and traditions. Then there’s the people—locals who’ve been here for generations and newcomers from every corner
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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is calling on local sporting clubs to register for Play On Sports Vouchers to ensure local kids can enjoy the benefits on offer. When applications opened to families on Monday morning systems were stretched almost to breaking point, but Mr Last believes many families and sporting organisations in the Burdekin may miss out on the opportunity. “From abseiling to gymnastics to Zumba, the range of sports and activities that can participate is almost endless,” Mr
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Burdekin police conducted a search warrant operation targeting drug offences on the 28th, 29th, 30th July. A total of 12 search warrants were executed within Giru, Ayr and Home Hill. As a result, 11 persons were charged with a total of 39 offences including Produce Drugs, Possess Drugs, Possess Proceeds of Crime along with weapon related offences. Almost 100 grams of methylamphetamine was seized and over 2 grams of cocaine. Two hydroponic setups were located with 76 plants and 1.3 kilograms of
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Ayr Police Station is now under historic new leadership, with veteran officer and former detective Lisa Shields becoming the station’s first-ever female Officer in Charge. With more than two decades of service behind her—including eight years in general duties and a substantial career as a detective—she brings a wealth of experience and insight to the top job in Ayr. "I feel honoured to be in this position," said Shields. “I look forward to working alongside the community to ensure the Burdek
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Councillor Amanda Hall For locals and newcomers to the Burdekin, have you ever really thought about the history that has made us what we are today? The Visit Burdekin website has a list of heritage experiences people can partake in, some of which are the Home Hill War Memorial in Memorial Park Home Hill, the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists in Brandon, the Burdekin Diorama in Home Hill, Charlie’s Hill WWII Site just outside of Home Hill, the Ayr War Memorial at the Ayr Cemetery and the many h
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It was wonderful to see another group of young women take to the floor last weekend for their Debutante Ball, a special night that celebrates tradition, elegance and community. The debutantes looked absolutely stunning, and it was a great event. Congratulations to all the debutantes, their partners and families for a memorable evening. This Friday, I’ll be joining local students and community members in the Stand Up Sleep Out event. We will be braving the cold for an overnight event to raise awa
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A fresh burst of colour and creativity has landed on Edwards Street, Ayr, with the opening of Hey Flora—a new flower shop now offering delivery, everyday blooms, and arrangements for weddings, funerals, and other large-scale events. Officially opened on June 7, Hey Flora is the creation of Burdekin local Tegan Johnson, who brings six years of floral industry experience to the shop. Her carefully curated selection features blooms sourced from both North Queensland and interstate, with a focus on
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing In a volatile global sugar market, having the right marketing partner can make all the difference. Wilmar Grower Marketing is helping local cane growers take charge of their sugar price exposure with tailored support, flexible options, and proven results. As one of world’s largest sugar traders, Wilmar offers growers the confidence to navigate changing market conditions. Whether you're someone who wants hands-on involvement or would rather leave prici
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Your Farm, Your Voice Producers across Queensland’s Reef catchments are being invited to have their say on how farming regulations are written and understood. Queensland Agriculture is reviewing the regulated standards that apply to commercial sugarcane and banana cultivation and beef cattle grazing within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, as part of a statutory review. The aim is to ensure the rules are practical, evidence-based, and easy to follow—so they work better for both farmers and the
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A major milestone has been reached by Rural Aid this month, with the organisation proudly supporting its 200th farm through its nationally recognised Farm Recovery Events (FRE) program. The milestone was marked in Coraki, in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, where volunteers are currently participating in the latest recovery event, running through until the 2nd of August. Since the FRE program began in 2018, Rural Aid has delivered hands-on support to more than 200 farms across the count
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By Owen Menkens, CANEGROWERS Chairman As we approach the midpoint of the 2025 crush, it’s clear this season is shaping up very differently to the one we endured last year. In 2024, widespread delays, mill breakdowns, and wet weather left many growers stuck in the paddock and well behind schedule. This year, thankfully, we’re in a better place. Dry conditions have helped keep the wheels turning. Some districts are even ahead of schedule, a rare but welcome sight. Mills are running more reliably
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To mark the beginning of celebrations for 2025 National Skills Week, on Saturday, August 23, North Queensland Senior School and training organisation, Tec-NQ, will throw open its doors for an all-ages Open Day with a difference. With 69 trades currently identified as experiencing a national skills shortage, there is no better time to try out a trade. Tec-NQ Chief Executive Officer Ross Jorgensen said this year’s Open Day will be an all-ages celebration of everything trade, offering something of
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