Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
My attention this week turned to Los Angeles, ablaze with severe (out of season) bushfires, with several upscale neighbourhoods turned to nothing but ash, including Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu. What’s L.A got to do with the Burdekin? Well, there are more similarities than seem obvious at first glance. I lived in L.A for 4-5 years between 2012-2016. It’s also where I met my wife, so it holds a special place in my heart. To see it go up in flames is tough, especially as we have friend
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Queensland’s waterways are home to one of nature’s most formidable predators: the crocodile. Since gaining protection in 1971, crocodile populations have steadily increased, making these prehistoric creatures a vital part of the ecosystem. However, they also pose risks to residents and visitors, including those in the Burdekin region. Crocodiles are an iconic part of North Queensland’s identity, but their presence often sparks debate. Sightings along the coast highlight the challenge of balanci
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At 88, Dorothea (or Thea to her friends), has led an amazing life when she moved to the Burdekin in 2012. Originally from Mareeba, 68 kilometres north of Cairns, Thea is the youngest of nine children, when she first discovered her love of travel. “My father had a tobacco farm just outside Mareeba, where I grew up. We had one teacher in our bush primary school. When I finished school, I went nursing in Atherton for four years and after training, my sister and I moved down to Innisfail. I worked
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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is calling on small businesses in the Burdekin to make their voices heard as the state government embarks on a project designed to unlock the growth potential of the vital sector. Reducing red tape and providing an improved dispute resolution service, are key elements of the Crisafulli’s government’s aim to ensure small business spends more time providing service to customers rather than servicing government. “In the Burdekin district 97.3% of local businesse
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Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Homicide Investigation Unit and Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch are continuing to investigate the death of a 56-year-old Down syndrome man, Isaac Oar, in Ayr in August 2023. Around 9.18pm on Thursday,10th of August, 2023, emergency services were called to an Alice Street residence after Isaac, also known as Ikey, was located unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Due to the circumstances, police commenced a suspicious death investiga
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Queensland has experienced its deadliest year on the roads in 15 years, with 302 lives lost in 2024. This marks a tragic 25-person increase over 2023 and a 33-person rise compared to the five-year average. The state’s worst road toll since 2009 has prompted calls for drivers to be more vigilant, especially as the summer holiday period brings increased traffic. Minister for Transport and Main Roads, The Honourable Brent Mickelberg, emphasised the need for caution. “At this time of year, we know
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With much talk in the media about upgrading the Bruce Highway, the motorists of today would have much more to complain about if the conditions of the past are anything to go by. Enjoy this historic account shared by local Burdekinite, Glenis Cislowski, and written by William Langford Penny back in 1931. William Penny was 25 when he and his friend, Raymond Becker (22), departed from Sydney in a Singer Junior 8 h.p. motor car, on Monday 2 February 1931, headed for Townsville. Nicknamed Rastus, th
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Cane toads are everywhere in Queensland, especially in the Burdekin, and with the breeding season upon us action needs to be taken to remove them. The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge is back again for this year’s Great Cane Toad Bust event with over 50,000 toads removed last year. They hope to match that number and even surpass it this season with your help. Cane toads are prolific breeders producing up to 30,000 eggs at a time and can live up to 10 years. Being toxic in all stages of their life cy
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Australia Day celebrations in Ayr and Home Hill on January 26th each year bring the community together to recognise those who have made a lasting impact. The Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to celebrate local residents who have demonstrated exceptional community spirit and significant achievements across various fields. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort is encouraging residents to nominate individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of others
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Qualified mechanic and diesel fitter, Raymond Reynolds, has been in and around cars and engines for decades. If there’s something wrong with your car, he’s the go-to guy in the Burdekin to get you back on the road in a jiffy. Prior to taking over at Burdekin Automotive, Ray spent three successful years in Innisfail. He only came up to Ayr after he found out that former owner, Robert Timms, had passed away in July last year. “The most recent owner, Robert Timms, shifted over from West Toyota to
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Well, the silly season is over. Happy New Year to all. I am not sure if the crushing will be finished by the time this prints which is very sad. So much money that families in this community miss out on. Left in the paddock due to a few different contributing factors, but one main contributor, and it wasn’t the rain. We are going into our second calendar year for this term of council. February means we start working on the budget again. I would like to hope that during budget, the cost-of-livi
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As we gear up for Australia Day celebrations, I’d like to remind everyone about the importance of protocol for this significant day. It is the established practice set by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to display the three flags - the Australian National Flag, the Aboriginal Flag, and the Torres Strait Islander Flag - at Australia Day events. This serves as a symbol of respect and inclusivity, acknowledging the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islande
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As rates stayed firmly on hold throughout 2024, Bendigo Bank’s Chief Economist, David Robertson says a gradually but steadily improving domestic economy is likely in 2025. Mr Robertson said Australians can expect rates to start easing in the early part of 2025 as inflation is tamed, forecasting: • The RBA to deliver interest rate relief by May, • The unemployment rate to edge higher, mildly, • That trading conditions and geopolitical tensions will remain tense and potentially even
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Ron: “When we get heavy downpours here drainage is a real issue. On New Year’s Day we got a big, heavy downpour all day, and across the road over there, there was a lot of water. Some parts of it were completely cut off. So definitely more drainage would be good. Outside of that, I'd like to see another bridge built or if it’s possible, widening the exisiting one. The current Burdekin bridge is showing its age and become inadequate with lots more trucks and wider loads. It’s not uncommon for man
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A university-led research initiative is tackling a rapidly spreading pathogen that poses significant challenges to the Australian poultry industry. The microorganism, Enterococcus cecorum (EC), is a contagious bacterium responsible for severe health issues in poultry. One of its most debilitating effects is spinal cord compression, commonly referred to as "kinky back," which can lead to paralysis and increased mortality rates in affected flocks. The research, titled “Integrated Investigation of
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Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has estimated more than 1.27m tonnes of cane remains unharvested across Australia’s sugarcane mills, resulting in forecast losses to farmers of more than $83M. QCAR CEO, Stephen Ryan said most mills had closed the doors on the 2024 crushing season except for Wilmar Sugar’s Pioneer and Invicta mills in the Burdekin, with Mackay Sugar Limited advising on Sunday it would no longer accept bins at its Marian Mill past 6pm Monday, 13 January. “This amo
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On December 23, 2024, Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 002 933 717) initiated a voluntary recall for specific batches of GRAMOXONE® 360 PRO Herbicide, sold by agricultural retailers between October 1 and December 20, 2024. The recall was made under Section 106 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code, as part of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994. Reason for Recall: The recall concerns the 20L containers from batches 389865 and 389866, which were found to have not me
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If you have been following Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s articles, you may recall our passion for “Compassionate Communities” and our commitment to fostering a better understanding of and support for death, dying, and grief within our beautiful Burdekin community. We are excited to kick off 2025 with a community chat featuring Jane, the Bereavement Coordinator for the Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth (SPaRTa) Grief and Bereavement Service from Townsville Hospital and Health Services.
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Gaming has become a significant part of young people’s lives, offering a mix of benefits and challenges. On the positive side, gaming fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and social connection through online communities. However, there is a downside. Excessive gaming can negatively impact physical and mental health, disrupt sleep patterns, and interfere with academic performance or personal relationships. During school holidays, when routines are more relaxed, young people often have m
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Meet Thomas, a super smoochy tabby who loves to meow and cuddle. If he’s not chatting away to you, you’ll find him purring happily, hoping for some lap time to snuggle up. Thomas is currently in foster care and winning the hearts of all the household with his sweet and fun nature. He shares his foster home with four other cats and a few dogs, including a few playful puppies. He gets along well with other cats, but is still a little unsure about the dogs. That won't stop him from running on up to
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Robert Turner, the presenter of ‘Classic Hits & Memories’ on Sweet FM, has been behind the radio mic since 2019. His popular Saturday afternoon show plays from 2 to 4pm, where he’ll play a mix of music from the fifties through to the nineties. Robert’s been with the station for nearly six years, and his radio show receives quite a lot of requests on the day. He retired in 2007 after 42 years as a shift supervisor at Inkerman Sugar Mill, before he got started with the station after someone ment
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Thursday 16 January Butterfly Creations School Holiday Activity Thursday 11am Craft a world of holiday fun with the Burdekin Library’s School Holiday Program! Bookings are essential via https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents. Home Hill Library Sunday 19 January Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning overflowing with wonderful market stalls from handmade creations to delicious treats! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4783 6627. Plantation Park Monday
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The Ayr Bowling Club is rolling into 2025 with plenty of enthusiasm and a packed calendar of events. We’re kicking off the new year by inviting all members and the broader community, to come join us in celebrating Australia Day on Sunday 26 January at 1:00pm. Names down by 12:30pm. $10 a game. The event promises to be a fantastic afternoon, with a classic Aussie sausage sizzle after the game, great company, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy some friendly lawn bowls. Whether you're a seasoned
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Saturday 18th 0f January: 1.00pm to 5.00pm ( Patrol Group A ) Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, Jane Wicks. Sunday 19th 0f January: 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 19th 0f January: 1.00pm to 5.00pm (Patrol Group D ) Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale. Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Li
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Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday 12th January. Forty-one shooters braved the extreme heat, and the scores were exceptional in all grades. Congratulations to all the winners on the day, with a big thank you to Max and Julie Nicolaides, of Storage Sheds Ayr, for sponsoring event four. Our next shoot will be on Sunday 9th February, followed by our ‘Come and Try Day’ on Saturday 22nd February.
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