Issue #

Up-skilling Funding Up For Grabs

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is encouraging local chambers of commerce and industry representative groups to apply for funding to improve skills and service delivery in the region. The Local Skills Solution program is aimed at leveraging ‘on the ground’ knowledge to identify gaps in currently available training and to fill those gaps with suitable training subsidised by the Queensland government. “This a great opportunity for the retail sector and key industries to access subsidised face

Historic Marshal Tractor Restored

This week we bring you more information about the historic Marshal Tractor that among other artifacts has been lovingly restored by the multi skilled artisans at the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists (BMP). This historic Marshall Colonial Tractor Model C2 was purchased by John Drysdale and brought to Pioneer Sugar Mill in 1914. Unfortunately, the machine did not live up to expectations and lacked power – “it wouldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding”. So, the tractor was parked in Delta Iron

Blades Ready: Australia’s Toughest Cane Cutters Head to Burdekin for National Title

The sound of swinging knives and the scent of scorched cane will return to Australia’s Sugar Cane Capital on Saturday, 31 May, as the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships take centre stage at this year’s Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival. The competition—a true test of strength, technique and endurance—will see men and women from across the region and beyond battle it out in the paddock, vying for thousands in prize money and the coveted title of AHCCC Champion. Held from 11am to 5pm, with

Burdekin Region To Honour ANZACs

On Friday, April 25, the Burdekin community will come together to pay their respects to Australia’s past and present Service People, with local ANZAC services and parades to take place across the region. In Home Hill, the Dawn Service will kick the day off, commencing at 5:25am at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, followed by the laying of wreaths, the sounding of the Last Post, and a minute's silence at the Home Hill Cemetery Cenotaph. Attendees will then return to the Burdekin Memorial Hall for th

Councillor Column

It has been a busy time of year to say the least. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Easter break. From all reports the crabbing was good, and the weather has turned nice, hopefully signalling the end of that humidity and rain. I recently attended the 75th Anniversary Roll Call at the Clare State School. It was great concept that saw each decade of attendees called up for a class photo and I found it an amazing display of some generational families that have been to the school. Well done

Minute with the Mayor

As we approach ANZAC Day, we pause to remember the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served - and continue to serve - our country. Their bravery, dedication, and resilience have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today, and it is our responsibility to ensure their legacy is never forgotten. Sadly, as we reflect on the lessons of history, we are reminded that war and conflict still exist across the world. ANZAC Day is not just about remembering the past - it is also about acknowledging the

Stardust Drive-In Set to Shine Again

One of the state’s longest standing drive-in theatres lives right here within the Burdekin region, and soon enough, after many, many long months, the Stardust Drive-In Cinema will be back to creating long lasting open-aired memories for Queenslanders. “It’s time, with the amazing new screen the Drive-In will come alive soon, and as we finish off the final details, we are preparing an opening for you, our Drive-In community, to experience,” shared Stardust Drive-In Cinema Manager, Suzzi Jerkic.

Cooking, Camping and Community Spirit

March and April have been busy months for the Lower Burdekin Scouts. The Scouts started March with swimming nights, followed by a visit to the Burdekin Men’s Shed. Other activities were: · A cooking night · Fire Lighting night · A night erecting tents in preparation for a camp to Magnetic Island. · Knot tying night · Harvey Norman BBQ stall · Easter Raffle stalls The cooking night involved making damper and creating handmade pasta with a tomato and mince sauce. The Easter Raffle involve

2024 Junior Water Festival Winner Cole Pontifex Reflects On Unforgettable Journey

Becoming a Junior Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador stands as a highly celebrated and unique opportunity for the region’s youth to take part in and in 2024, Cole Pontifex took full advantage of everything the amazing journey had to offer. Eligible Junior Ambassadors, as part of the Burdekin Water Festival, are students aged 11 to 12 years of age who are currently enrolled in Year 6 or 7 within the Burdekin Shire. Clubs, schools, sporting groups and organisations are able to nominate an Ambassa

Burdekin Community Gardens

The Burdekin Community Garden will open for the 2025 season on Monday morning 12 May from 9am – 11am. This year marks its fourth year of operation after it was initially established through generous donations from the congregation of the Burdekin Community Church in 2022. The garden exists to grow fresh produce to share free of charge with the local community. During the first three years of its existence the garden has produced a bountiful harvest of corn, carrots, snow peas, tomatoes, lettu

All Eyes On Queensland For Global Agriculture Investment

The State Government has secured hosting rights for the world’s premier conference for agricultural investors, cementing Queensland as the preferred investment gateway into Australia and surrounding regions. Global AgInvesting is the world's longest-running and largest gathering of agriculture investment stakeholders. Brisbane’s selection underscores Queensland’s ongoing global expansion and strategic positioning as a key player in international agriculture investment markets. The conference

Committees Call For Urgent Price Freeze On Irrigation Water

Two Burdekin water committees are urgently calling on the State Government to freeze irrigation prices and to exercise common sense and compassion for regional primary producers in the Giru irrigation area. The Giru Benefit Area (GBA) Irrigation Committee, supported by the QCAR Water Committee, is appealing to the Queensland Minister for Local Government, Water and Volunteers, MP Ann Leahy, and her government, to immediately dismiss the Queensland Competition Authority’s (QCA) recommendation to

Fast and Featherless: Ducks Revved Up & Ready

It’s that time of year—hundreds of ducks, one stream, zero control. The greatest slow-motion race of the year is about to float into Plantation Park. On Sunday, May 18, the Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race will return for its annual splashdown, bringing thrills, spills, and a whole lot of rubber ducks to the Burdekin region for it’s 16th edition. The event, one of the Rotary Club of Ayr’s major annual fundraisers, will raise funds for the Burdekin Woodcrafts Association and Burdekin Men’s Shed, p

Strength in Unity: Parkinson’s Awareness Month In The Burdekin

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the challenges faced by people living with Parkinson’s disease and the importance of community support. In the Burdekin, one group is doing just that. The Parkinson’s Queensland Burdekin Support Group has become a vital connection point for not only locals navigating the realities of the condition, but anyone seeking to learn more about it. Group Co-Ordinator Elvie Dickinson says the group aims to provide connection, understanding

Gardening with Kids: Fun, Easy Projects for All Ages

The Burdekin, with its warm climate and fertile soil, is the perfect place to introduce kids to the joys of gardening. Whether you have a large backyard or a small space, there are plenty of simple projects to get kids excited about planting, growing, and caring for their own garden. Here are some easy and fun gardening projects for kids that thrive in our local climate. Planting Easy-to-Grow Veggies North Queensland’s climate is great for growing vegetables, and kids love seeing their efforts

Football Matters With Cyclops

Local Senior fixtures resume this weekend after a very long hiatus. The Panthers have four home games and one away game over the weekend of 24 -26 April. On Friday, the Ladies are at home to Wulguru at 6.30 and the Division 1 Men play Wulguru at 8.30. The Division 2 Men’s team is away to Estates at 6.30 at Paradise Park. Then on Saturday the Panthers have two home games against Brothers with the Premiers playing at 7.00 after the Reserves have played at 5.00. Juniors Juniors are finally back un

Home Hill Easter Fours Raging Success

Cane You Keep Up?

The Burdekin Sugar Rush Is Back With Some New Twists and Turns! Lace up and bring the energy—on Sunday, April 27, the Burdekin Sugar Rush is back to fire up the region and kick off the ANQ Half-Marathon Series with a bang! Hosted by the Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers for the 23rd year running, the event will feature races for all ages and abilities. The morning is kicked off at Anzac Park with the Half-Marathon at 6:30am, followed by the 10km run at 7:15am, and the all-inclusive 5km fun run

Patrol Times

Saturday th 26th 0f April 1.00pm to 5.00pm (Patrol Group D )Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry Zac Dale, Parker Bonato, Richard dale, Belly Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth. Sunday th 27th Of April (9.00am to 1.00pm ( Patrol Group B )Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell , Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, Danny Wilson, Sunday th 27th April ( 1.00pm to 5.00pm ) ( Patrol Group E ) John Moloney

Burdekin Roosters Sign Terence Mosby

Young football star Terence Mosby is proving that dedication and talent can take you places starting from the remote community of Thursday Island to now signing with the Burdekin Roosters in Ayr as he chases his dream of playing professionally. Mosbys journey began when he made the bold move to leave Thursday Island and join the Townsville Blackhawks Under 19 squad. The transition wasnt easy, but his speed, agility and work ethic made him a standout player. Now, with the Blackhawks season conc

Ayr Bowling Club Report

Another lively week at the Ayr Bowling Club saw excellent competition, great sportsmanship, and some tightly contested matches across both social and competition games. Ladies’ bowls on Tuesday, April 15, saw a fantastic game with Donna Soper, Ron Soper and Pam Power coming out on top against Karen Shepherd, Sandra Stidston and Heather Jorgensen. Runners-up on the day were Meryl Smith, Linda Giumelli and Beryl Cornford, who claimed victory over Ruth Moore, Isabel Cislowski and Irene Wilson in a

SEE YOU AT THE SUGAR BOWL!

The Home Hill Tennis Association is proud to host the 44th Annual Sugar Bowl this weekend—an iconic event and a sweet spot on the North Queensland tennis calendar.This year, 42 teams have nominated, with matches played across the Home Hill and Ayr tennis courts. Each team consists of at least six players, with some fielding ten or more to allow for rest breaks. Games kick off at 8am Saturday and continue through to about 2 p.m. on Monday.With over 300 visitors expected in the region, the event b

Intervention Youth Program Promised By Willcox

A $70,000 early intervention youth program was announced as an election promise by Federal Member for Dawson last week, the the Blue Edge Program in Ayr is set to be a game-changer in the region. The program, which is run in High Schools across Queensland, supports the Queensland Police Service’s mission to unite policy, community, and the youth in early intervention. “I am proud to announce that if elected, the LNP will commit $70,000 to funding the Blue Edge Program in Ayr, run by a non-for-

Flying Fox Dispersal Activity To Begin At Arch Dunn Memorial Park, Home Hill

Council will commence flying fox dispersal activities in Arch Dunn Memorial Park with the aim to reduce flying fox numbers in preparation for Anzac Day. The activities will take place over three days from April 22nd to 24th 2025 between 5.30am and 6.30am each day as required. These non-harmful dispersal activities will include audible deterrents (pyrotechnics, shotgun simulator, pool noodles, LED torches and flashing lights) and therefore residents are advised to take measures to secure their p

Burdekin Chamber Networking Night

The Ayr Chamber gathered last Tuesday evening for a catch-up focused on all things advertising, and how the Chamber can best support its members in reaching their target markets. Rachael Smith, Chief Editor of Life Publishing Group—publisher of Burdekin Life Newspaper, Core Life, and Tripping Magazine—shared insights into the vision behind launching the two magazines in the region. The magazine, which has had a soft launch in the Burdekin in recent months, aims to showcase business profiles an