Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Bendigo Bank officially welcomed Rural Bank customers to Australia’s most trusted bank today in a transition that provides a seamless and consistent experience for the Bank’s agribusiness customers. Bendigo Bank Agribusiness offers a bigger, better banking experience, fully backed by Bendigo Bank’s digital capability and services, along with an improved lending and product offering. Bendigo Bank Agribusiness customers will feel even more at home with Australia-wide coverage from agribusiness sp
Read more
By Amanda Wright Calls to list a productive agricultural plant as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) are "misinformed" and risk undermining a crucial feed source for Australia’s livestock industry, the National Farmers’ Federation has warned. NFF Sustainable Development and Climate Change Committee Chair, Mr Angus Atkinson, said buffel grass was a key asset for grazing operations—carefully managed by producers for its resilience and value in supporting livestock. “It is a high-yielding pla
Read more.jpg)
It’s hard to believe that April is already here. It certainly doesn’t feel like it if you wander anywhere outside of air-conditioning. The council is currently deep in budget discussions. Hopefully, we can all agree on a sensible, customer-first budget. At the end of March, Council’s Economic Development staff organised a round table meeting at the Ayr Industrial Estate that gave manufacturers the chance to sit down with the Honourable Dale Last, Minister for Manufacturing. I was lucky enough to
Read more%20(1).jpg)
It’s been a week of community spirit and celebration across the Shire. We were honoured to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young, Governor of Queensland, to our region. Her Excellency visited both Ayr and Home Hill hospitals and took the time to engage with local community groups over morning tea - a wonderful opportunity to showcase the passion and care that exists in our community. Our local radio station, Sweet FM 97.1, opened its doors for a fun and informative fête, giving
Read more
Wonderful crops of happy sugarcane have well and truly begun sprouting across the region as Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition continues to foster the shire’s next generation of farmers and agricultural enthusiasts. Sponsored by Canegrowers Burdekin, the unique competition works to highlight the agricultural talents of both students and teachers within the area whilst fostering a strong sense of community spirit and collaboration. The friendly initiative also provides students with the oppo
Read more
Celebrating its 6th anniversary, the Burdekin Artisan Community Association’s Burdekin Rags to Runway event will ignite the region this July to spotlight some of the shire’s most talented seamstresses! Burdekin Artisan Community Association’s President Sandi Milani and Secretary Desley Jackson cannot wait to launch 2025’s showcase. “We have six categories this year including an exciting new addition of Budget Evening Wear,” explained Sandi. “Budget Evening Wear was on the wish list of some of
Read more
Burdekin Christian College (BCC) recently hosted a vibrant and engaging Harmony Week event, showcasing the talents and cultural awareness of their students. The celebrations included an impressive series of performances by the college's senior students, who danced in traditional styles from Fiji, Tonga, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The performances were a highlight of the day, and the students' passion for sharing their heritage was evident in every step. As part of their
Read more
Saturday 5 April Sweet FM 25 Year Reunion Saturday 8am-1pm Local radio station 97.1 Sweet FM’s 25th year anniversary celebration. There will be free tours of the facility, interviews with current and past presenters, food and market stalls and more at this fun and open public event. Sweet FM (134–136 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill) Sunday 6 April Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelli
Read more
The value of agriculture in 2025-26 is expected to be the third highest on record at $91 billion. Including fisheries and forestry, The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) expects the sector to reach $98 billion, according to Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville. “While this is slightly down on an exceptional 2024-25, particularly strong results are forecast for livestock and livestock products – expected to reach a new record value of $40 bil
Read more
Sibby Saitta started his clothing business in Queen Street, Ayr 72 years ago in 1952. It commenced trade as a basic tailoring shop of which there were several in town at that time. Sibby tailored made-to-measure men’s suits, trousers and other basic apparel, all made from scratch. As time passed, ready made clothing and fashions became more readily available, so the shop evolved into a retail outlet selling men’s fashions of the day. Work clothing soon became available from factories in Brisban
Read more
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, announced this week that an elected Dutton Liberal National Government will provide $500,000 to upgrade facilities at the Home Hill Community Sports Club. “Home Hill Community Sports Club is a cornerstone of the community, offering members of all skill levels the chance to enjoy lawn bowls and croquet,” Mr Willcox said. “Currently members don’t have much protection from the sun, which is why I am pleased to commit $500,000 towards new shade to cover t
Read more
Saturday 5th of April 1.00pm t0 5.00pm ( Patrol Group G ) Carl List, Jimmy Hayllor, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickard, Jedd giddy. Sunday 6th of April 9.00am to 1.00pm ( Patrol Group D ) Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale, Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth. Sunday 6th of April 1.00pm to 5.00pm ( Patrol Group E ) John Moloney, Anne Moloney, Tony Felesina, Isa bella Molone
Read more
Ingrained in the history of the Burdekin region as one of the largest construction projects to date, the Burdekin Falls Dam holds the prestigious title of existing as the largest dam in Queensland. Situated approximately 100 kilometres south of Charters Towers, the Burdekin Falls Dam was completed in 1987 at a cost totalling $125 million to adequately contain the Burdekin River, a catchment area covering about 7% of the state. The structure can hold a capacity of 1,860,000 mega litres, and his
Read more
The Burdekin Shire Council has announced that Stage 1 of the Ayr Industrial Precinct is now selling, offering businesses a prime opportunity to secure fully serviced industrial land in North Queensland. Strategically located at the Bruce Highway and Craig Street, Ayr, the precinct provides excellent access to major transport links, including the Port of Townsville and Bowen Basin. It features highway frontage, underground power, wide roads, and off-street parking, catering to diverse industries
Read more
Acts of kindness often go unnoticed, but one grateful mother took to social media to express her heartfelt appreciation for those who came to her son’s aid when his car broke down in Home Hill. Shelli Hargrave shared a message of gratitude, thanking the generous individuals who stopped to help her son during his time of need. Their willingness to assist, both in person and later over the phone, made a meaningful difference. “A shout-out and massive thanks to those who helped my son broken down
Read more
Young people in the Burdekin region are in for a fantastic time as the much-anticipated ‘Sound Waves – Youth Pool Party’ returns. Scheduled for Sunday, 6 April, from 4pm to 8pm at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre in Ayr, this free event welcomes those aged 12-18 for an evening of entertainment and socialising. Organised by the Burdekin Youth Council as part of Queensland Youth Week, the event will offer an exciting atmosphere with music, activities, and opportunities to connect. Attendees can enjoy
Read more.jpg)
Home Hill Tennis is excited to announce that the upgraded amenities block is nearing completion and will soon be officially opened. What started as a simple idea has become a reality through dedicated planning, hard work, and strong community support. The project took a major step forward in 2023 when the club secured a $250,000 grant from the Queensland Government to upgrade the amenities, enabling Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities. Careful consideration went into
Read more
Police are appealing to anyone in the Bowen and Ayr areas who may have information in relation to an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual offences at massage businesses, to come forward. A 54-year-old man was charged on 23 February 2025, with two counts of sexual assault alleged to have occurred at a massage business in the Burdekin between July 2024 and 17 February 2025. On March 1, the man was further charged with one count of sexual assault in relation to an alleged incident at a massa
Read more
Struggling with high energy bills? You’re not alone. With the cost of living soaring, many households are feeling the strain...but a new initiative could help. The Charge Up! Project, funded by the Department of Energy and Climate through the Enable Grants Program, is making energy management simpler and more accessible. And now, you can take advantage of it right at here your Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre. Access to energy is a fundamental necessity, yet many families find themselves overwhelm
Read more-2.jpg)
Feral Pigs have become a scourge across Queensland with the region of Burdekin not being spared. Locally, the feral pigs have been the agents of chaos, wreaking havoc by uprooting crops, damaging irrigation systems and polluting water sources. Their foraging leads to soil erosion and the spread of invasive plants which contributes further to land degradation. Adding to their impressive resume of crop destruction and environmental pollution, they also threaten local wildlife by preying on small
Read more
2025 marks a wonderful milestone in Clare State School’s history, and over the weekend, almost 500 members of the Burdekin community gathered together to celebrate the school’s 75th anniversary. Despite the unfortunate weather conditions, Clare State School Principal, Troy Patti was beyond pleased with the weekend’s events, noting Saturday evening’s Twilight Feast & Timeless Talks was an occasion to remember. “The weekend was very successful, especially considering the rainfall that we had exp
Read more
The 2025 rugby league season is set to officially begin this weekend in the R L T D competition, with Brothers and Centrals' A-grade teams not in action. Centrals will face Bowen in Bowen, but the home side does not have an A-grade team, meaning no game will take place. Brothers are having a bye this round. In other matches, the Western Lions will host Charters Towers on Saturday, while the Roosters will play Norths at Rugby Park, and Souths will face Herbert River in Townsville. Norths will br
Read more
Local Once again, all four Burdekin Panthers games had to be called off because of the wet weather. In fact, all NQ Football fixtures were called off. There is now a three week break for the Premiers and Under 23s until they play Brothers at home on 26 April! The only fixture this week is the Division One Ladies who are down to play Warriors in Townsville this Friday night. Weather permitting. Juniors The Juniors fixtures were once again called off due to the ongoing wet weather. Hope the ki
Read more
Backpage: ** The 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships began at North Kirra on the Gold Coast, with the Nipper and Youth Championships on 29-30 March. Harsh weather led to water event cancellations and a reduced beach program. Ayr Surf Club’s seven youth competitors performed well despite event limitations. Bella Lawry & Briella Wassmuth and Charlotte Lawry & Emilee Wassmuth placed 6th in their R&R finals, with Bella & Briella as the top Queensland team. Other members excelled in beach
Read more.png)
After persistent rain, bowlers finally had their chance to return to the green at Brandon, with competitive action kicking off on Friday night. The A & B Pairs final saw Jayson Farry and Jamie Woods prove too strong for Gary Pearce and Lloyd Shepherd, securing a decisive victory. Saturday 29th March – A Grade Singles Championship events continued on Saturday with a highly anticipated second-round A Grade Singles clash between two powerhouses, Peter Lejarraga and Vince Beitia. The match was fin
Read more