Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
More than 30 people attended the first Burdekin Chamber of Commerce event of the year, held at the Kalamia Hotel in Ayr last Wednesday evening. A new and enthusiastic committee has stepped forward to lead the Chamber, and Treasurer Kari Ravizza expressed optimism for the year ahead.
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Selecting the right high school for your child is one of the most important decisions a family will make. It is a choice that will influence not just academic success, but also personal development, friendships, and future opportunities. With so many factors to consider—curriculum, values, extracurricular opportunities, and overall school culture—it can be an overwhelming decision for parents and students alike. In the Burdekin region, families are fortunate to have access to a Catholic high sc
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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. Recognizing 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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Ayr State High School is proud to introduce the dedicated students leading the 2025 Student Council. These passionate individuals are committed to representing their peers, planning engaging events, and ensuring a positive experience for all students. The 2025 Student Council leaders are: • School Captains: Sophie Robertson, Jack Power • Student Council Junior Treasurer: Oscar Mahoney • Student Council Junior Secretary: Addy Chandler • Student Council Senior Treasurer: Caitlyn Cheyne • Student
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Local All four Burdekin Panthers teams should have been in action last weekend but the Friday night fixtures in Townsville were postponed because of the weather. No problems at International Park on Saturday against JCU where the Under 23s won 2-1 and the Premiers drew 2-2. The Ayr Anzac Club Panthers and JCU battled to an entertaining 2-2 draw in a match that had it all, early drama, quality football, and a nail-biting finish. The Panthers were awarded an early penalty, only to see the opport
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Despite the rainy weather, spirits were high as students and staff embraced the festive spirit of St Patrick’s Day by donning green attire. Burdekin Christian College hallways were filled with excitement as participants took part in various themed activities, bringing a touch of Ireland to the occasion. Among those enjoying the celebrations was Miss Diamond, who was particularly delighted by the festivities, reminiscent of her homeland. The event was an opportunity for students to learn more ab
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Front Cover: Two local schools, Home Hill State High School (HHSHS) and Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS) united to make the local iteration of the World's Greatest Shave a huge success. HHSHS expressed gratitude to key supporters, including BCHS Principal Mrs. Lorraine Wolfe, School Captain Harrison Lammon, and HHSHS Youth Support Worker Kellie Cooke. Special recognition was given to Kayli Betteridge and the brave students and staff who shaved or cut their hair to support those affected by b
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A man of the match performance by former Papua New Guinea International front rower Aiden Arusa helped the Roosters record a 26 nil won over the Bowen Seagulls at Denison Park in Bowen two Saturdays ago. Arusa, who has played four seasons with the PN G Hunters in the Host plus Cup, showed his vast experience by leading the young Roosters around the park in defence and attack last Saturday. The match, which is played each year, honours the playing days of former Bowen and Burdekin player Lona K
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Ahead of the transition from Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) to Marine Rescue QLD (MRQ), current members will no longer receive membership invoices as the local branch prepares to shift towards the new free service. The official transition is expected to take place in the coming months, and VMR President Ian Sutcliffe says they have decided not to send out the annual invoices. "Current members will simply be rolled over to the new free service," explained Mr Sutcliffe. VMRs across Queensland ha
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It is crazy to think we are about to say goodbye to March and the first quarter of 2025 is coming to an end. We have already seen some good rain and the wet season is not done with yet as the forecast for the next couple of weeks is still very wet. Let’s hope we see the back of the wet season before Easter, so everyone has the chance to get outdoors and enjoy this great country we call home. If you haven’t got anything planned for the weekend, NQ Fastrack is happening at the Burdekin Theatre and
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Last weekend, we had the privilege of hosting a BBQ to thank the incredible volunteers who stepped up during the recent flood event. It was fantastic to see over 50 people come together to recognise the tireless efforts of those who worked around the clock to support our community. We were also joined by our local representatives, Hon Dale Last MP (Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Member for Burdekin) and Fed
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A month after the waters have receded and roads have reopened, the response to the recent severe weather event has stepped up a gear with increased support for primary producers and businesses and a focus on preparing for future events for households. Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said the changes delivered on the state government’s promise to community members and representative groups. “In my role as Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, I signed off on the boost to grants for prima
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Local manufacturers will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Queensland Government as the Hon. Dale Last, Minister for Manufacturing, participates in a roundtable discussion on the industry's challenges and future opportunities. The roundtable, hosted by Burdekin Shire Council, will take place on Friday 28 March 2025, from 12:30pm to 2:00pm at the Ayr SES Building, 4 McCathie Street, Ayr. A virtual option will also be available for those unable to attend in person via Microsoft Tea
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An anonymous family of six recently asked the Burdekin community for support whilst starting over after living without a home for quite some time, sharing their story of homelessness on a local social media page. With three children and a newborn under their care, the couple kindly asked if anyone in the community had any household furniture or appliances available for giveaway or at a low price, and the response was overwhelming. In true Burdekin community fashion, the post received almost 10
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On Friday 7th March, the North Barrier Branch Youth State Team announced their two Team Captains for 2025, and our very own Isla Chapman received this honour (along with Zane Saye from Sarina) and was presented with her uniform at the last training session before States. Unfortunately, for the 13 Ayr SLSC Nippers who were scheduled to attend the 2025 Queensland Youth State Lifesaving Championships as part of the NBB team, Cyclone Alfred provided more than just devastation to South-east Queensla
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On Saturday, Council hosted a special BBQ lunch to thank volunteers and staff involved in the recent flood event. Over 50 people attended, including local and state representatives, police officials, and Councillors. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to recognise the dedication of those who supported the community’s response and recovery efforts. Acknowledging the hard work of volunteers, especially those who travelled to assist, was a key focus. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort h
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The Burdekin’s proud aviation cadet history will be celebrated as part of the Diamond Jubilee of No.1 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), marking 75 years since its formation. Generations of cadets who trained in Ayr and across North Queensland have gone on to serve in the Air Force, aviation, and other industries, with the milestone set to be honoured at a special event in May. The Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated with a Cocktail Party on Saturday 17th May, 2025, at the Townsville
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Clare State School recently celebrated the induction of its 2025 student leaders at a special Induction Parade held in the school library. The event brought together invited guests and members of the Clare community to witness the next generation of young leaders take on their new roles. Students from Years 4 to 6 proudly presented their leadership pledges before hearing an inspiring address from Councillor Amanda Hall, who spoke about the importance of leadership and responsibility. Senior Con
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Over the weekend, many members of the community refreshed and revitalised their closets with Elli Pirrone’s magical Eleven Second-Hand Clothes Market! Hosted at Eleven Body + Mind, Elli filled her Young Street studio from wall to wall with about 14 stallholders all reselling preloved items ranging from $2 upwards in the areas of accessories, shoes, bags and clothes. A hit within the community, Elli’s market creates a wonderful environment where locals come together to discover hidden treasures,
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A weekend of fabulous family fun will ignite the Burdekin this April when the Ayr Family Carnival rolls into town for a non-stop showcase of adrenaline, sweet treats, and carnival nostalgia! On both Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of April, a magical world will come alive at the Ayr Showgrounds from 5:30pm right until 9pm for the entire family to enjoy. Attendees can enjoy unlimited ride armbands for the whole evening as well as FREE entry and a delicious selection of food vans serving up b
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing As the ground dries out and activity picks up on farm, so does the activity of our Grower Marketing team. We are in the process of organising our popular shed meetings where we come on farm and update growers on our recent results, the global sugar market and new products or services we can offer. This will be followed up in June with a regional tour by our Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham to deliver an in-depth analysis of global production and consu
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Ayr State High School proudly participated in this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations, with eight students and staff attending a special brunch hosted by Zonta Club Burdekin Inc. Zonta, a global organisation, is dedicated to building a better world for women and girls. The school congratulates Year 11 students Caitlyn Cheyne and Tiana Cameron, who were honoured with STEM acknowledgement awards at the event. This recognition encourages and supports young women pursuing careers that ma
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Just three months on from Austin Dewar, Campbell Johnston and Brayden Rawlins’ mammoth fundraising efforts totalling just under $14,000 for men’s mental health, the boys have laced up their running shoes to continue spreading an important message. Austin, Campbell and Brayden have each witnessed friends and family members experience the toll negative mental health can have, and hope to continue breaking down the stigmas surrounding men’s mental health, sharing the vital message, “It Ain’t Weak
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Members of the Burdekin community are warmly encouraged to take part in an upcoming FREE Suicide Intervention Training session hosted by CORES Queensland at the Burdekin PCYC on Friday the 28th of March. Suicide Intervention Training aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify early warning signs, offer support, and connect at-risk individuals with available services. The upcoming workshop will cover essential topics including: • Recognising the early warni
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By Amanda Wright Tears of relief replaced weeks of frustration for North Queensland’s flood-affected farmers as the Federal and Queensland governments approved an increase in disaster funding, boosting grants for primary producers to $75,000. The announcement, delivered by Senator Nita Green and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter on March 12, comes after weeks of intense advocacy from industry leaders, local politicians, and the farming community. The decision also increases funding for sma
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