Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Well, what a baptism of fire the season has been for myself! Harvesting and crushing in December certainly has its challenges – growers, contractors and millers are all having their patience tested as the weather and drop in cane quality now consistently interrupt operations. The amount of effort, investment into machinery and time, the initiative of growers and contractors – the single-minded attitude to get the crop off really is a credit to all involved! The district is really playing Russian
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As planting and spraying operations increase across Queensland this summer, all chemical users are reminded of their responsibility to minimise spray drift and protect surrounding areas. Key tips for responsible spraying include checking weather conditions, using appropriate equipment, keeping detailed spray application records and communicating with neighbours about nearby crops that may be at risk. DPI and Cotton Australia are partnering to promote best practices, including reading chemical
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Ayr State High School recently said an emotional goodbye to six valued staff members who were farewelled with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. The school community expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the contributions each individual made to the school during their time with the Ayr High family. As the departing staff members move on to the next chapter of their careers, the school extended their best wishes, acknowledging the positive impact they have had on both students and the sch
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The Burdekin Christian College and Zonta Club’s final fundraising initiative for the year, was the highly successful ‘Christmas Appeal’ for the Burdekin Community Association (BCA). Through the generosity of the Burdekin Christian College (BCC) teachers, students, and their families, many baskets of non-perishable food and other items, were filled to the brim and will be given to those suffering hardships and distress within the wider local Burdekin community via BCA. Rachel Cornelius (Z-Club
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After 55 years in education, much admired teacher, John Eade, has decided to call it a day. Teaching took John all over Queensland, but it was his love of the Burdekin that saw John finish up the last seven years at St. Francis Primary School in Ayr. He went to Teachers College in 1969, before teaching in various locations including Stafford Heights, Burketown, Richmond, Townsville, and finally Home Hill. “After college, my first year was really good. That was at Stafford Heights, where I coul
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Bella Lawry has been selected as Ayr State High School’s 2025 Girl STEM Power Ambassador, a prestigious and celebrated title responsible for providing students with exciting and enriching STEM initiatives in 2025. STEM stands as an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and Bella’s interest in the sector sparked at an early age through educational opportunities provided at East Ayr State School. “I have always loved STEM subjects, even at primary school,” Bella explained.
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A wave of community spirit flooded the Ayr Golf Course last Friday for a monumental 2024 End of Harvest Golf Classic event. With 274 people on the green forming 68 teams ready to tee off bright and early on Friday 13th December. Organisers, Ben Smith, Kelsey Shand, Adriel Burley and Queensland CORES coordinator, Ross Romeo could not have hoped for a better day. “I don’t know how to put it into words to be honest,” shared Kelsey. “Ben and I are so thankful the community came together to support
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Thursday 19 December Festive Biscuits Decorating School Holiday Activity Thursday 10:30am Craving some tasty treats? The Home Hill Library will also be holding a fabulous Festive Biscuits Decorating session on Thursday, 19 December from 10:30am to 11:30am. Bookings essential https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents. Home Hill Library Thursday 19 December Christmas Confessions Thursday 6pm The community is invited to come and experience the love and mercy of Jesus. St. Colman’s Church, Home Hill
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The festivities are well and truly alive across the Burdekin region, and many locals have crafted wonderful front yard light displays, spreading joy one bright bulb at a time. An evening drive around the region may just be the perfect way to spend your Christmas Eve – perhaps it’s a treasured family tradition of yours already, and we have pieced together a lovely list of a few standout light displays across Ayr, Home Hill, Giru and Brandon, for you and your family to enjoy this December. If
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The Burdekin’s rich agricultural heritage and cultural diversity will take centre stage from the weekend beginning Friday 30th May 2025, as the highly anticipated Burdekin Cultural Fair returns to the region. As hosted by the Home Hill Showgrounds, the free event will bring locals and visitors together to celebrate the many cultures that make up the vibrant Burdekin community. Kicking off from 6pm, the evening promises something for everyone, with a wide range of cultural activities for kids to
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Fortune, a homegrown four-piece band of talented musicians, continues to make waves and wow audiences from the Burdekin region and beyond. With lead singer, Eliza Worlein, at the microphone, Patrick Hill on the bass guitar, Damian Torrisi on the drums, and Kai Meloni on the electric guitar, Fortune has grown from a routine jam session “what if?” to a booked and busy ensemble. “We have been fortunate to play at some amazing venues and events and have had great opportunities in the last fourteen
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A wonderful celebration of community spirit will fill Ayr on Thursday evening for the Burdekin Chamber’s Queen Street Christmas Party! The festivities will kick off from 5pm on Thursday 19th December and the bustling precinct will come alive with plenty of activities for families of all ages to enjoy including a petting zoo, live entertainment, face painting, and more! If you’re yet to score a spectacular gift to give this Christmas, the party will see Queen Street businesses keep their front d
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With almost seven years of experience under her belt, Caitlin Holmes continues to reach new levels of success within her rugby union career, with 2024 hosting a world of opportunities for both personal and professional growth with the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads. “The 2024 season has definitely been a very social one for myself, and I’m sure a few of the ladies from our rugby team as the friendships gained through not only this year, but my past years of playing rugby, will always be part of
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This week, and all into the holidays, The Burdekin Libraries at both Home Hill and Ayr, are running school holiday programs with some fun crafts. The children's librarian at the Burdekin Library, Carli Kovacich, discusses their school holiday programming, focusing on Christmas tree decoration crafts aimed at fostering family connections. “Tuesday’s programming is called Christmas tree decorations where we provide craft materials and do clean-up. But what our programming is really about is con
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Dear Community, As we approach the holiday season, we would like to remind you that the Neighbourhood Centre will be closing for our Christmas and New Year’s break. Our office will be closed from 12pm on Friday, December 20th, until 9 AM on Monday, January 6th, 2025. Reflecting on the past year, we recognise the significance of this time for our team. We are looking forward to taking a well-deserved break to recharge and gather our energies for the exciting new year ahead. That said, as w
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As the Christmas season draws near, activity at the Ayr Bowling Club has eased, with many members heading off for holiday festivities. However, the spirit of social bowls remains alive, ensuring skills stay sharp and friendships flourish. Men’s social bowls on Wednesday saw two engaging games of triples. The winning team of Ron Smythe, Happy Horan/Ray Wall, and Col Essex triumphed over their opponents John Pirrone, Margaret Chapman, and Lew Stidston. Wednesday night social bowls brought a live
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Saturday 21st of December, 1pm to 5pm: Patrol Group F - Lisa and John Furnell, Jen and Jo Morgan, Lauren and Isla Chapman, and Ryley, Jake, Kat and Dave Satori. Sunday 22nd of December, 9am to 5pm: Patrol Group D – Ben, Bella, and Kellie Lawry, Parker Bonato, Richard and Zac Dale, William Holt, Sharli and Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, and Kristy and Briella Wassmuth. Wednesday 25th of December, 9am to 1pm: Christmas Day Patrol Members - Jimmy Hayllor, and John, Anne, Sophia and Isabella Molon
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The countdown is on for the 2025 NQIB Burdekin Sprint, which is being held 18 January 2025, at the Ayr Pool. The event draws some 250–300 competitors annually, with families visiting the Burdekin from Ingham to Mackay, out through to Collinsville, Richmond and Charters Towers. Beyond the club, the benefits extend to the local businesses and community, with visitors often staying over the weekend during the carnival. With the Burdekin Swimming Club being such a small club, this type of importa
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As the cricket season wraps up for most of the Home Hill Cricket Association juniors, two talented players, Marshall Parker and Thomas Cardillo, are set to continue their cricketing journeys on the representative stage this December. Marshall Parker has been selected for the North Queensland Under-12B team and will head to Townsville from 16 to 20 December for a week-long Northern Hub Championship. His team will compete in 40-over matches against squads from Central Queensland, Mackay, and Far
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The Lower Burdekin Ski Club was buzzing with talented athletes on the weekend, with families travelling from across the northern end of the state to participate in the Club’s annual Christmas Classic Competition! 33 competitors showcased their skills on the water across three events, trick, jump and slalom with Lower Burdekin Ski Club President, Jay Wiseman thankful the sunshine pulled through for the competition. “We’ve really turned the weather on today,” said Jay. The Lower Burdekin Ski Cl
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The Delta Cleaners Night Soccer Grand Finals lit up International Park last Friday, drawing a large crowd to witness the thrilling conclusion of the 46th season of this iconic competition. With 13 games on the schedule, the event showcased the region's top teams battling it out for glory, with UDS and UDS Ladies emerging as the Men’s and Women’s A Grade champions. In the Men’s A Grade Final, UDS claimed the title after a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Show Me Da Mane. The match was deadlocked at
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Over the weekend, 42 competitors from the Ayr Surf Club travelled to Sarina to battle the best of the North Barrier in the annual Branch Championships. It was lovely to see the nippers being joined by a strong cohort of masters to give it their all over 2 very big days of strong competition. The club had some brilliant individual results, incredible team efforts and genuinely showed some amazing never give up attitude in all events giving them one of their highest overall points scores at a car
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A huge crowd of about 500 plus people descended upon Watson’s Green in Home Hill, on Sunday, December 8, to celebrate this year’s 2024 Christmas Carols in fine style. Led by home grown talent and singing sensation, René Le Feuvre, the large audience was treated to something special. With free entry, free facepainting, a photo booth, plenty of local entertainment and yummy food and drinks, plus a special appearance from Santa Claus, before the night finished with a spectacular fireworks display,
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Since coming to Home Hill and Burdekin over a fortnight ago, I’ve been made to feel welcome wherever I’ve gone. Being a regional boy myself, albeit from down south (don’t hold that against me), it doesn’t really surprise me. You see for a lad that’s travelled the globe, seen 60 countries, over six continents, living in 8 major cities around the world, I’ve always been drawn to smaller towns and places. It’s there that you really get to see a country. Bright lights and the hustle and bustle of
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Two of Home Hill’s service clubs have joined forces for the Home Hall Hospital Benefit Fund in a sign of solidarity, all in the name of a good cause. The Home Hill-Ayr Lions Club and the Home Hill Rotary Club, worked together to ensure that the Home Hill Hospital benefitted from the double-teamed fundraising event, with both organisations donating a total of just over $6000 in a show of strength and wonderful community spirit. The combined money raised, now allows the Home Hill hospital to im
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