Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A magical Mother’s Day Breakfast will delight the community on Sunday the 11th of May as Little Leaves Nursery opens its kitchen doors in celebration of the wonderful women of the Burdekin. In celebration of the incredible women of the community, the nursery will serving up a full breakfast menu for this day, and this day only, from 7:30am to 11:30am. The tranquil setting and delicious offerings promise the perfect way to spoil mum and start the day with love, laughter, and a warm meal and Mot
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Cecillia Cason has once again added another commendable achievement to her growing collection of titles after returning home from Melbourne’s 2025 Yamaha Australian National Band Championships. Cecillia was awarded the Junior Champion award for her outstandingly skilled Tenor Horn performance and technique after competing in the Junior Solo section against many other experienced musicians. Representing Townsville Brass, Cecillia’s talents left the judges speechless, earning her an outstanding
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A casting call has been sounded across the Burdekin region leaving the farmers of the region well and truly in the spotlight and under the microscope! Casting for the next season of Farmer Wants a Wife has begun, and producers of the hit reality TV series have identified the Burdekin as a promising region for potential contestants ahead of its 14th season, and the buzz is already spreading across the paddocks. With all eyes on the Burdekin’s most eligible farmer bachelors and in true country f
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Wilmar Sugar Australia Limited has officially confirmed that the Burdekin region will lead the way in launching the 2025 crushing season, with operations at its four local mills, Invicta, Pioneer, Kalamia and Inkerman, set to commence on Tuesday, the 3rd of June 2025. The Burdekin mills will be among the first in Wilmar’s network to fire up, with production in other regions, including Plane Creek Mill, Proserpine Mill and the Herbert district, scheduled to begin shortly after. The remainder of
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Local community and not-for-profit organisations have until 5pm next Friday, the 9th of May, to apply for funding from the 2025 Haughton Sustainable Community Fund, with up to $10,000 available per successful applicant. Administered by Pacific Blue, the fund supports projects across the Burdekin Shire—including Ayr, Brandon, Clare, Dalbeg, Giru, Home Hill, and Millaroo—that deliver lasting benefits in health, education, environment, sport, culture, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander well
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A sweet little echidna was recently rescued by NQ Wildlife Care after being washed up on a Burdekin beach in the aftermath of the recent floods. Despite the ordeal, the tough little creature was in surprisingly good condition, though it was a little soggy and stunned. After being brought into care, it received the rest and recovery it needed before returning to the wild. Echidnas, known for their unique spiky appearance and digging habits, are well-adapted to tough conditions, and this resilie
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Queensland’s farmers and regional businesses will benefit from strengthened leadership at the state’s rural support agency, with four new appointments to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) Board – each bringing deep roots in agriculture, regional development and the private sector. The Queensland Government’s renewed focus on rural resilience and economic growth is reflected in the announcement by Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last, who has named
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Six decades ago, as Lyndy McCathie was seated in an East Ayr State School classroom, she was assigned an international pen friend to reach out to as part of the school’s curriculum at the time. Lyndy’s letter was mailed all the way to Japan where it was received and replied to by Yoshiko Okada on the 28th of April, 1965, marking the beginning of a beautiful friendship. “This was just the start of something very special,” shared Lyndy. “I could never have imagined that writing a letter re
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The Burdekin is among dozens of Queensland communities benefiting from a statewide housing construction boom, with 10 new social and affordable homes currently under construction or under contract in the region as of the 28th of February, 2025. The milestone comes as the newly elected Crisafulli Government fast-tracks housing delivery under its Securing Our Housing Foundation Plan, with nearly 5,000 homes now either in contract or being built across the state. Minister for Housing and Public W
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You can help to prevent domestic and family violence (DFV) or support those who are affected by it. Domestic and Family Violence is a pervasive issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors. Recognising the signs is crucial to providing support and potentially saving lives. If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, speaking up is essential. Dialling emergency services like 000 when you hear or see Domestic Violence occurring. DFV is not a private issue, the next step is re
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Brandon Bowls Club marked ANZAC Day on 25 April with a moving minute’s silence before 46 bowlers from Bowen, Alligator Creek, Home Hill, and Suburban Bowls Clubs took to the green, enjoying a day sponsored by RLA Finance. The event was filled with laughter and camaraderie. The day’s winners were Ross McLaughlin, Andy Cap, and Mitch Wright, with Yogi Bare, Neville Dickinson, and David Harding taking second, and Henry Hazel, Lyn Storrie, and Joe Yipnazar finishing third. Thanks go to Hugh Montgom
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It’s been a fantastic week of fun and fierce competition at Ayr Bowling Club! The greens have been buzzing with energy as members threw themselves into both social games and championship matches. With the championship season in full swing, the talent and sportsmanship on display have been nothing short of impressive. Social Ladies’ bowls continued Tuesday with a good turn up, giving us two rinks’ games. Winners were Meryl Smith, Karen Page, Heather Jorgensen and Irene Wilson defeating Merle Nix
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Saturday th 3rd of May 1.00am to 5.00pm ( Patrol Group A ) Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, Jane Wicks. Sunday th 4th of May 9,00am to 5.00pm ( All Da y Patrol Group F ) Lisa Furnell, Jen Morgan, John Furnell, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Sartori, Jake Sartori, Kat Sartori, Dave Sartori. Monday 5 th May 9.00am to 5.00pm ( Labour Day Patrol Group G ) Carl list, Jimmy Hayllor, James kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickards Jedd Giddy.
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Since even its earliest form, football—soccer, calcio… whatever you call our beautiful game—has held an unparalleled power to connect: to connect people, to connect communities, and to bring together worlds that otherwise might never have met. It’s a universal language—and Hugh Montgomery’s story serves as a testament to that truth. In 1970, Hugh, a then 26-year-old Northern Irish lad, arrived in the Burdekin, knowing no one in the region except his Northern Irish wife and soulmate, the late Hi
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The RLTD season kicked off after the Easter break with some exciting matches across the board. Centrals hosted Charters Towers, Western Lions travelled to Brothers, Burdekin faced the reigning premiers Souths at Junior League grounds, and Norths took on the Crushers in Ingham. In A-grade, the Roosters were without key players Terence Mosby, Braedyn Cotter, and Josh Hunt. Coach Steve Lindley called up three reserve players, leaving the reggies short-handed. Despite this, the Roosters fielded a y
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With Domestic Violence Awareness Month just around the corner, the "Feminine Fire" workshop is inviting all women who are seeking to reclaim their strength, reconnect with their bodies, and ignite their inner power through dance, movement, and spiritual connection. The workshop, hosted by the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, will offer two dates for attendees: Thursday, 15th May, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, and Sunday 25th May, from 10am to 12pm. Workshop creator and presenter Foxie Eleoyze says it’s
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The much-loved BCC Cubs Playgroup has returned to Burdekin Christian College, bringing with it the laughter, colour, and energy that have made it a favourite for local families. Starting from the 2nd of May, the campus will come alive every Friday morning from 9:00am to 10:30am, as children from birth to five years old gather for sessions of themed activities, creative play, and community connection. From superhero dress-up days to craft mornings celebrating special events, each session is desi
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As the sun rose over the famous cane fields of the Burdekin on Sunday morning, competitors and spectators alike gathered in Anzac Park for the highly anticipated 2025 Burdekin Sugar Rush. The morning was kicked off with the Wilmar Half Marathon at 6:30am, with runners setting out on a newly revamped course that highlighted the region’s iconic cane paddocks and scenic rural roads. The Half Marathon was the first of four races that made up the day’s packed schedule, drawing in athletes and runni
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Spirits are high as Burdekin Distillery prepares to return to the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival—this time offering something truly unprecedented for festival-goers. The Giru-based distillery has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, award-winning spirits that celebrate the region's rich agricultural heritage, and has, over the years, become an integral part of the local community. Returning to the festival as a Gold Sponsor, the team will this year bring with them a special, limited
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Local Senior fixtures resumed last weekend, and the Panthers had three home games and one away game. On Friday, the Division 1 Men were at home to Wulguru and lost 1-3. The Division 2 Men’s team was away to Estates at Paradise Park and lost 0-4. Then on Saturday at International Park the Reserves drew 0-0 with Brothers and the Premiers came from behind to beat Brothers 3-2. The Ladies game against Wulguru was postponed at Wulguru’s behest. Panthers have no fixtures this weekend, blame Labour
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With so many long weekends lately, you could be forgiven for forgetting what day of the week it is! It has certainly been a busy time across the Burdekin. On Anzac Day, I had the privilege of attending ceremonies right across the Shire, including Giru, Brandon, Ayr, and Home Hill, as well as commemorations with our local high schools. It was wonderful to see so many young people involved, demonstrating such strong respect and understanding of the significance of this important day. Their partici
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Last weekend’s Canefield Ashes cricket tournament was certainly a memorable one, bringing together a variety of teams for an action-packed weekend of cricket, food, drinks and celebration. Both Saturday and Sunday saw teams battle it out for ultimate glory, with each team playing at least 3 matches. Attendees not only enjoyed the excitement of competitive cricket, but also a vibrant social atmosphere throughout the weekend. They were treated to a variety of food options, including burgers, spa
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With the 2025 Sugar Bowl—Queensland’s premier regional tennis event—just around the corner, excitement is building both on and off the court. For locals, the tournament represents more than just a competition: it’s a celebration of community pride, connection, and resilience. “It gives something to the people in our town, in our district, and it brings them together through physical, social and emotional activity,” says Home Hill Tennis Association (HHTA) Secretary, Kate Casswell. The HHTA, fo
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Saturday-Monday 3-5 MayThe Sugar Bowl Team Event & Official Amenities OpeningSaturday 7:45amOfficial opening of new HH Tennis Association amenities, while celebrating 44 years with 44 teams, in iconic event that brings players from across Queensland to compete in a thrilling team-based tennis event. Matches will take place at Ayr, Giru, and Home Hill.Home Hill Tennis AssociationSunday 4 MayPlantation Park MarketsSunday 8amJoin Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the
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The Senior members of the Ayr Surf Club headed to Alva Beach on ANZAC Day to culminate their competition season. Although numbers were down on previous years, it was good to see some strong competition between Club mates in all disciplines, and a good afternoon of friendly racing. The seniors will join the juniors on Saturday 10th May at the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club's Annual Presentation Night to recognise their achievements over the 2024-25 Season. Celebrations will commence at the Ayr SLSC C
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