Issue #

Swift Rescue Effort Saves Struggling Birds In Mangroves

A quick response from local volunteers has given four struggling birds a second chance after they were found in distress in a cluster of thick mangroves. North Queensland Wildlife Care (NQ Wildlife Care) responded early on 17 April following reports of sick birds in the area. Upon arrival, rescuers located three ibis and one cattle egret, all grounded and unable to stand or fly. One of the birds was in particularly poor condition. “One was so weak he couldn’t even hold his head up, although he was very much still alive,” the organisation said. A rescuer attended promptly, safely containing the birds before transporting them for urgent veterinary assessment. The organisation has since urged the community to remain vigilant, particularly around waterways where wildlife may be at risk. Residents are encouraged to report any unusual behaviour in birds or sightings of injured or deceased wildlife to help ensure a timely response. “If you notice birds behaving unusually, or come across any deceased birds, please call us on 0414 717 374 or send us a message on Facebook,” NQ Wildlife Care said. The rescue highlights the vital role local volunteers play in protecting native wildlife, with community awareness continuing to be key in ensuring animals in distress receive the help they need. CAPTION: NQ Wildlife Care urges the community to report struggling animals to 0414 717 374. Photo source: NQ Wildlife Care

Burdekin Event Guide - 23rd April

Thursday 23 April Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Friday 24 April Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Burdekin Support Group of Parkinsons, 10am-12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Remember the Days of Cat Stevens Friday 7:30pm Relive the magic of Cat Stevens as Darren Coggan brings his timeless hits to life in a heartfelt tribute, celebrating classics in an evening of nostalgia, music and storytelling. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au. Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill Saturday 25 April ANZAC Day Hosted by Iron Works Brewery, 12pm-5pm, Iron Works Brewery, 29 Spiller Street, Brandon Sunday 26 April Burdekin Sugar Rush Sunday 5am Lace up for the Burdekin Sugar Rush this April, the region’s signature running event offering 5km, 10km and half marathon courses, bringing together runners and walkers for an energising early morning at ANZAC Park. ANZAC Park, Ayr Breaking Barriers Hosted by Jessica Rowe Sunday 2pm-4pm Breaking Barriers brings an inspiring afternoon to the Burdekin, with Jessica Rowe, Sam Thaiday and Dave Kramer leading powerful conversations on mental health, resilience and community connection to spark awareness, support and meaningful change. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au. Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill Monday 27 April Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Tuesday 28 April RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Burdekin Community Church Café Connect, 9am-12pm, Burdekin Community Church, Lot 23 International Road, Ayr Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr RSL Trivia Night, 7:30pm-9:30pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Wednesday 29 April Beatlemania on Tour Wednesday 7:30pm Step back into the golden era of music with Beatlemania On Tour, a vibrant live tribute celebrating The Beatles’ greatest hits with authentic sound, costumes and energy for a night of pure nostalgia and sing-along favourites. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au. Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill Thursday 30 April Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Friday 1 May Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Saturday 2 May Home Hill Sugar Bowl Saturday All Day Celebrating 45 years, the iconic Sugar Bowl returns with 44 teams competing across Ayr, Giru and Home Hill in a team-based pickleball tournament, combining competition, sportsmanship and camaraderie across A and B grades over three days! Ayr, Giru & Home Hill Tennis Associations, Burdekin Shire Sunday 3 May Home Hill Sugar Bowl, All Day, Ayr, Giru & Home Hill Tennis Associations, Burdekin Shire Burdekin Plantation Park Markets, 8am-12pm, Plantation Park, Ayr Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Monthly Meeting, 1:45pm-5pm, Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr Monday 4 May Home Hill Sugar Bowl, All Day, Ayr, Giru & Home Hill Tennis Associations, Burdekin Shire Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Tuesday 5 May RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Wednesday 6 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod Wednesday All Day The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod will run over 12 days from Wednesday 6 May to Sunday 17 May, with performances from dance, speech and drama, music, visual arts, Highland and Irish competitors staged at the Burdekin Theatre starting Wednesday at 8am. Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Thursday 7 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Tech Together Workshop, 10am-12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Friday 8 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Saturday 9 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day, 9am, Brandon Heritage Precinct, Brandon Sunday 10 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Burdekin Aero Club’s Monthly BBQ Breakfast, 8am-12pm, Burdekin Aero Club, Aerodrome Road, Brandon Monday 11 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Tuesday 12 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Community Gardening Morning Tea, 9am-12pm, Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Wednesday 13 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Thursday 14 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Zonta Club Burdekin Inc. “Sheep Detectives” Movie Night, 6pm, Stardust Cinema, Ayr Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Friday 15 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Saturday 16 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Burdekin Growers Race Day Saturday 11am-9pm Don’t miss the Burdekin Growers Race Day; an unforgettable 18+ celebration of racing, fashion, prizes, local produce giveaways, and live entertainment that brings the Burdekin to life from 11am to late! Burdekin Race Club, Home Hill Sunday 17 May Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Monday 18 May Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Tuesday 19 May RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Wednesday 20 May Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social & Networking Event, 5:30pm-7pm, Home Hill Community Sports Club, 87 Ninth Avenue, Home Hill Thursday 21 May Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Friday 22 May Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Burdekin Support Group of Parkinsons, 10am-12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Home Hill State High School P&C Fishing Competition, 6pm, Home Hill State High School, Home Hill Saturday 21 May Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Community Cuppa Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, 10am-12pm, Catholic Parish Hall, Ayr Sunday 24 May Home Hill State High School Family Fun Day Sunday 10am Come along to Home Hill State High School P&C Fishing Competition’s Sunday Family Funday! The day will include weigh ins, great music, a casting competition, and much more! Home Hill State High School, Home Hill Australian Medium Charmaine Wilson Regional Tour Sunday 2pm-4:15pm Experience an intimate afternoon with renowned Australian medium Charmaine Wilson, as she shares messages of peace, love and connection in one of her final live shows before retirement. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au. Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Tuesday 26 May RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Thursday 28 May Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Creedence Clearwater Collective Thursday 7:30pm-9:45pm Get ready for a howling good night at the Creedence Clearwater Collective at the Burdekin Theatre, where the iconic CCR and John Fogerty hits come alive on stage for an unforgettable, full-throttle celebration of classic rock. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au. Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Friday 29 May Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Ayr Surf Life Saving Club Meet and Greet & Book Launch Friday 6pm-10pm Celebrate a century of surf and service as the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club hosts a special Meet and Greet and book launch, bringing together past and present members, friends and community for a night of stories and celebration. Kalamia Hotel, 50 Queen Street, Ayr Saturday 30 May Ayr Surf Life Saving Club Gala Dinner Saturday 6pm-11pm Celebrate a century of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club at a special gala dinner, bringing together past and present members for an evening of memories, connection and reflection on 100 years of service and community spirit. Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill Sunday 31 May Ayr Surf Life Saving Club Community Fun Day Sunday 10am-5pm Wrap up a historic centenary weekend as the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club hosts a relaxed community fun day at the clubhouse, inviting members, families and locals to come together for a family-friendly celebration of 100 years. Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, 1-9 Sandowns Street, Alva Monday 1 June Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin

Donzel Drives Toward His Future At Tec-NQ

Donzel began his Tec-NQ House journey in Semester 2, 2025, bringing fresh energy to the boarding community. As a year 10 student, preparing for year 11 in 2026, he already has his future mapped out: a career in the automotive industry. “I chose Tec-NQ for the opportunities after school,” said Donzel. “I heard about this school from family members.” It’s the strength of Tec-NQ’s vocational pathway options that attracted him, and he is keen to take every chance to learn. “So far, it’s been good,” he added with a smile. Head of Boarding, Dominic Stower, says Donzel’s attitude is a great fit for Tec-NQ House. “When new students arrive with a clear goal, it sets them up to make the most of the opportunities here,” Dominic said. “Donzel has come in focused on automotive, and we’re already seeing his commitment.” Life outside of the classroom keeps Donzel busy. At home on Warraber Island in the Torres Strait, he spends spare time fishing with family and friends. In Townsville, he’s quick to make use of the boarding house facilities, enjoying games of pool and keeping up with basketball. A loyal Chicago Bulls supporter, his favourite number is 23, a tribute to Michael Jordan. On the rugby league field, he follows the Roosters. For Dominic, this balance of vocational focus, sport and recreation is exactly what Tec-NQ House was designed to provide. “Boarding gives young people independence with a safety net,” he explained. “We set expectations around learning, wellbeing and behaviour, and then we support them with structure and routine. That’s where they thrive.” Tec-NQ House itself is a purpose-built boys-only residence located in Rosslea. Opened in 2022, it provides accommodation for up to forty senior school students from regional and remote Queensland, giving them access to Tec-NQ’s trade-focused senior school program. The facility blends structure with comfort. Students have air-conditioned double-occupancy rooms, communal lounges with streaming services and computer access, and a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities and a basketball court. An on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals every day, fuelling the boys for school, sport and work placements. Transport is provided to the Tec-NQ Douglas co-educational campus, and staff also drive students to and from workplaces when required. This removes barriers and lets students focus on their learning, hobbies and friendships. After-hours, the boys enjoy organised sport, social activities and excursions, all designed to build a sense of community. Dominic says that for students like Donzel, these routines help them settle quickly. “First-year boarders do well when there is a clear rhythm to the week,” he said. “They learn to manage their time, connect with mates and build confidence. Those skills will serve them in school, in apprenticeships and in life.” With his career pathway in mind, his hobbies from home, and a willingness to get involved in boarding life, Donzel is making a strong start. We look forward to seeing his journey continue into year 11 and 12. Contributed with thanks to Tec-NQ

Cr Column - Councillor John Furnell

Minute with the Mayor - Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort

Clay Target Club Marks 10 Years with Packed Shoot

Shane Muspratt Cup Set to Bring Junior Rugby League Action to Bendigo Bank Park

Ayr Surf Life Saving Club Marks 100 Years of Service

Home Hill Bowls Busy Week Ends in Hard-Fought Draw with QRI Visit

Football Matter with Cyclops - 16th April

Shane Muspratt Cup Returns This Weekend

Roosters Show Promise In Season Opener Despite Loss

Cyclists Gear Up For Ravenswood To Burdekin Dam Gran Fondo

SHELL YEAH! TASMAN TURTLE’S PICNIC DAY SET TO NEST AGAIN AT TYTO PARKLANDS

Burdekin Community To Receive In-Person Government Assistance

Burdekin residents will soon have the opportunity to receive hands-on support accessing Queensland Government services online. Photo source: iStock

Ambassador Nominations Open For Iconic Burdekin Water Festival

Duck, Duck… GO! Ayr’s Annual Duck Race Returns

Burdekin Shire Councillor John Furnell and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox celebrate 2025’s winning ducks. Photos supplied

Shaping Futures: Burdekin Catholic High School Invites 2027 Enrolments

Burdekin Catholic High School has opened enrolments for the 2027 school year School known for combining academic excellence with strong pastoral care Offers diverse pathways including vocational options, ATAR programs, and sport/cultural activities Builds a supportive environment where students feel valued, challenged, and connected

Lower Burdekin Scouts Head To State Cuboree camp

Three members of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group are on their way to Samford Village to take part in a major four-day Cuboree camp, joining around 1,200 Cub Scouts from across Queensland. The group departed via Townsville Airport ahead of the event, which will be held at Baden-Powell Park and is set to feature a packed program of activities designed to be adventurous, fun, challenging and inclusive. Today marks the start of on-site preparations, with subcamps taking shape as participants arrive. Tents are being set up and bags unpacked, ahead of tonight’s opening ceremony, which will officially launch the four-day program. Organisers say the Cuboree is an important highlight on the Scouting calendar and a strong way to kick off Queensland Youth Week, which formally begins on April 11. A total of 804 Cub Scouts are expected to take part in the event, which will showcase a range of outdoor and team-based activities. For the Lower Burdekin participants, the camp represents an opportunity to connect with Scouts from across the state while taking part in large-scale, structured activities not available at regular weekly meetings. The Lower Burdekin Scout Group meets each Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at 12th Avenue, Home Hill, and continues to welcome new members interested in joining the program. The Cuboree will run over four days, with organisers promising a busy and memorable experience for all involved as thousands of young Scouts come together at one of Queensland’s premier Scouting events.

Community Support Hooks Success For School Fishing Competition

Home Hill State High School’s upcoming annual Fishing Competition is shaping up to be a standout community event, thanks to strong support from local businesses and organisations. The Home Hill State High School P&C has extended its thanks to major sponsor About Town Bait and Tackle for its generous contribution, including providing prizes for the competition, which will be held from 22 to 24 May. The business has also supported registrations and pre-sales of limited-edition trucker caps. Additional thanks were given to a number of local businesses that have donated prizes and services, while also helping promote the event through posters and a Colour-in Competition. The P&C also acknowledged Burdekin Blokes and Boats for their generous donation of a rod and reel combo to Home Hill State High School and several other Burdekin schools. The contribution aims to encourage participation in the Interschool Champion School category and get more students involved in the event. The annual Fishing Competition continues to grow as a highlight on the school calendar, bringing together students, families and the wider community for a weekend of fun and friendly competition. Organisers say the strong backing from local businesses plays a vital role in making the event possible, reinforcing the importance of community support in creating opportunities for young people across the Burdekin. What: Home Hill State High School P&C’s Annual Fishing Competition When: Friday 22 May to Sunday 24 May Where: Burdekin Shire What: Home Hill State High School Family Friendly Event When: Sunday 24 May, 10am Where: Home Hill State High School

Top of the Class: Ayr State School Students Rank Among Australia’s Best

The school’s new basketball court, part of ongoing improvements to support active and connected learning.

Community Garden Grows Accessibility With Council Support

The Burdekin Community Garden is set to become more accessible in 2026, thanks to a grant from Burdekin Shire Council. The funding has enabled the construction of seven new raised garden beds, making it easier for volunteers to tend to crops without needing to bend down to ground level. Council also provided garden loam to fill the beds, along with funding to hire a bobcat to assist with moving the soil into place. Additional funding will go towards upgrading the garden’s sprinkler system. The Burdekin Community Garden will officially open for the 2026 season on Monday, 20 April, from 9am to 11am. This year marks its fifth year of operation, after being established in 2022 through generous donations from the congregation of the Burdekin Community Church. The garden continues to grow fresh produce that is shared free of charge with the local community. Over the past four years, it has produced a wide range of crops including corn, carrots, snow peas, tomatoes, lettuce, zucchinis, silverbeet, potatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, passionfruit, bananas and pawpaw. It also grows cassava and aibika (commonly known as slippery or island cabbage), which are particularly popular among Pacific Island workers in the region. Beyond food production, the garden provides an important social space where people can meet, enjoy a cuppa and connect with others in a relaxed outdoor setting. It has also welcomed student groups from Burdekin School, offering hands-on opportunities to learn about gardening while building communication skills through interaction with coordinators and visitors. Located at the rear of the Burdekin Community Church on International Drive, the garden is open to everyone, with Monday mornings (excluding public holidays) the best time to visit. Garden coordinators Karina Lima, Rhonda and Rodney Williams are on hand each week to welcome visitors, offer a tour and share a free cuppa. Community members are invited to come along and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, with gardening activities always optional. For more information, visit the Burdekin Community Garden on Facebook or email burdekincommunitygarden@gmail.com.

New Regional Commissioner To Give Burdekin Stronger Voice

Regional Queensland, including the Burdekin, to benefit from a stronger voice in government decision-making Andrew Cripps appointed as the State’s first Special Commissioner for Regional and Rural Queensland Role focused on improving service delivery, policy alignment, and economic opportunities in regional areas Cripps brings experience as former Minister, Deputy Mayor, and North Queensland Recovery Coordinator (2025 floods)

Bioenergy Report Highlights New Opportunities For Sugar Industry

Wilmar Sugar Australia has welcomed a new report on bioenergy opportunities in the sugar industry Report from Queensland Parliament outlines a roadmap to expand bioenergy and biofuels production Potential benefits for regional communities, including key cane areas like the Burdekin Recommendations include co-funding feasibility studies and investing in shovel-ready projects Support for bagasse-based cogeneration to produce electricity from sugarcane by-products

New Regional Commissioner To Strengthen Voice Of Burdekin & Beyond

Queensland Government has appointed its first Special Commissioner for Regional and Rural Queensland Andrew Cripps will take on the Townsville-based role Focus on improving service delivery and ensuring policies reflect regional needs Role acts as a direct link between regional communities and government Aims to identify barriers, unlock opportunities, and support economic growth in areas like the Burdekin