Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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The Burdekin Racing Club, recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. The club's history and evolution are rich, with many key figures and events shaping its current state. Charlie Barbagallo, a patron and life member of the Race Club for over 50 years, and local historian, gave a detailed history. “Since I've come into the club, there's been a lot of changes. We've got a new building, our tracks are probably as good as any surface in Queensland. We've now got plastic running rails and safety
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As the school year wraps up Member for Burdekin Dale Last has sent a timely message to those school leavers seeking opportunities to stay close to home. Mr Last said while the agriculture sector remained the Burdekin’s key economic contributor, it relied on a strong local manufacturing industry to support it. “I’ve always said the Burdekin punches well above its weight and our manufacturers are certainly no exception,” Mr Last said. “As major supporters of our agriculture industry, it is impo
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Burdekin Shire Council representatives have been visiting plenty of local Burdekin primary schools lately as they engage students in interactive discussions about the importance of conserving water. While the Council has long promoted sustainable water use throughout the community, this latest initiative focuses on empowering the youngest members of the Burdekin Shire, giving them the knowledge and tools they need to make a difference. The students had the chance to explore the ‘Blue House’ wh
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With nearly 47 years of service to the community across Ayr and Home Hill health services, cook Rhonda McBow will be hanging up the apron for the last time. Getting her start at the Home Hill Hospital in 1977, Mrs McBow had been working at the old Coutts supermarket and was looking for a career change. “I’d heard the money was better at the hospital, so I went up and spoke to Matron Davies,” Mrs McBow said. “There were no interviews or resumes required back then, and she offered me a clean
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When I first started this column I was thinking of the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral with its hit song Love Is All Around because it was performed by the band Wet Wet Wet. How quick things can change because now this weather feels more like the upbeat vibe of Hot Hot Hot! The scorching days have certainly turned up the heat, making us all long for a cool breeze to break the spell. This isn’t the scorching weather I envisioned while writing my final Councillor column for 2024. The days have f
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This past month has been a whirlwind of firsts for me, and I’ve loved every moment of it. I was honoured to celebrate the incredible 100-year anniversary of the Home Hill Race Club. It’s amazing to think about how much history and community spirit has been poured into this club over the last century. Attending the BCA Seniors Luncheon and the Tourism Volunteers Christmas Party for the first time was such a treat. Meeting so many wonderful people who contribute so much to our community made these
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Last week on Thursday, December 5, Burdekin based company Aglantis, launched their smart irrigation, on-farm Smart Irrigation Demo Field Day with great success. Led by Luke Malan, Aglantis’ Managing Director, between 40-50 farmers turned up for the demo to witness the future of smart irrigation solutions in operation, today. Luke ran through what they’ve been able to achieve, how they operate, the ease of installation, and the low-cost entry point for local farmers of the Burdekin, which pleas
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Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr, a part of the Bendigo Bank, is committed to supporting the local community and there is no better time for giving than the festive season. As a Community Bank model, the organisation must deliver at least 50 per cent of their profits back to the community in which those profits were generated, we understand the importance of families and friends uniting in times when not everyone wants to celebrate. We are delighted to be partnering with the Burdekin Shire Cou
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Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has shared its dismay at the Australian Sugar Milling Council, saying it has lashed out at farmers for their criticism of the performance of mills this crushing season. QCAR has said that ASMC CEO Ash Salardini accused cane farmers of taking “pot shots” at mill workers and alleged they were “seemingly blaming the mills for not controlling the weather”. Mr Salardini further said he was “frankly dismayed” at commentary from grower collective groups
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Paul Schembri's election as grower-director to the Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) board has been met with strong approval from grower advocacy organisations CANEGROWERS and Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR). This milestone highlights the increasing demand for transparency, accountability, and grower-focused decision-making within the sugarcane industry. CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens hailed Mr Schembri’s election as a victory for growers, emphasising the significance of his lea
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The Burdekin Library’s Mini Book Sale has been in full swing this week, welcoming the community to pop down and browse a selection of biographies and autobiographies from Monday 9 December until Saturday 14 December. The community are encouraged to fill a bag of books for just $4 to keep themselves and their families entertained during the holidays and give the library’s deleted books a new home. Pop down to the Burdekin Library located at 108 Graham Street, Ayr between 9am and 5pm Monday to
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The graduation for Group Four at PCYC, held on December 5, celebrated five participants who completed their 10-week program Get Set For Work Program, each earning certificates for their efforts. The five participants all graduated, having achieved certificates in skills for work and vocational pathways, first aid certificates, and RSA. The participants range in age from 15 to 19 years old, with three part-time employed and one fully employed. “The five participants all participated well and a
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The Burdekin Tourism Volunteers came together on Saturday to celebrate another successful year of tourism in the Burdekin at the annual Volunteers Christmas Party. Held at the Malpass Hotel, the occasion saw the volunteers treated to a delicious buffet lunch in appreciation of their hard work throughout the year. The group of 40 volunteers have contributed to welcoming over 11,000 visitors to the Burdekin Visitor Information Centres in Ayr and Home Hill this year. Operating seven days a week,
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Vince Toohey Memorial Bursary for her academic excellence and achievements. A prestigious award, the Vince Toohey Memorial Bursary is annually awarded to a graduating student who has obtained the highest ATAR across the Burdekin district to assist with university fees as managed by the Home Hill - Ayr Lions Club. Club members, Patrick and Lydia Toohey tragically lost their son Vince Toohey as he was beginning his tertiary studies, and to honour the Toohey family, the club established the bursar
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At the end of November, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre held our 37th Annual General Meeting. Our long-term President, Kay Duggan, stood down to Vice-President and Denise Wallace has taken up the mantle. We congratulate all of the incoming Committee and thank them sincerely for supporting the Neighbourhood Centre and our collective goals. As the new year approaches, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year while looking ahead toward the future. Making plans for the new year can
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With the sounding of the final school bell for the 2024 school year set to ring across the region at 3pm on Friday 13 December, there’s no better time than the present to dive into the Burdekin Library’s fun filled Holiday Program for 2024 and 2025! In the interest of kicking the holidays off on a festive note, the 2024 December Holiday Program will have you swimming in waves of Christmas crafts, treats, and eats! January will provide even more opportunities for fun and creativity, with activit
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Thursday afternoon saw 20 players turn up at Rummeny Green. Rink 4. Margaret Linton and Mick McClosky defeated Tony Caruso and Gary Nosworthy. Rink 5. Des Chapman and Alan C accounted for Maude ? and Hugh Montgomery. Rink 6. Paul Vass, Dino Poli and Glen (Bones) Berryman won over Phil ?, Mick Olsen and Joe Linton. Rink 7. Bob Pickard, Bruce ? and Wayne Newton proved much too strong for Alex Bojack, Steve Doig and Henry Hazel. At 11am on Saturday the 7th of December the AGM for the Homehill co
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Despite heavy rain across the district, Home Hill Golf Club members were fortunate to enjoy a dry day on the course for the highly anticipated Power Family Cup. The annual 4BBB competition drew a strong field of 48 players, all vying for the coveted Christmas hams. A big thank you goes to the Power family for their ongoing support of the club. Their contributions throughout the year are greatly appreciated and help ensure events like this are a success. John Ross Dale and Simon Power emerged a
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The Ayr Pony & Hack Club brought their year to a thrilling close with an unforgettable ride and camp at Virginia Park Station in November. Members and their families immersed themselves in the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors, making lasting memories in a picturesque setting. The weekend was filled with excitement as riders explored bush trails, galloped across river sands, splashed through refreshing waters, and tackled every jumpable log in sight. The scenic station provided a perfe
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It has been a bustling week at the Ayr Bowling Club, with social bowls, awards presentations, and the Annual General Meeting bringing members together to celebrate a successful year of bowling. On Wednesday 4 December, the club hosted three games of triples with Ron Smythe, Joe Papale, and Anthony Bull emerging victorious over Cisco, Col Essex, and Ron Soper in a close match. The club's covered greens provided respite from the summer heat, ensuring an enjoyable afternoon for all participants.
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The final junior cricket games for 2024 before the Christmas break were played last Friday evening at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex, bringing together players, families, and the wider community for a fantastic celebration of the season. The Tuesday Rookies joined forces with the Challengers for the occasion, creating an exciting atmosphere where all players showcased their skills before enjoying a well-earned sausage sizzle, generously sponsored by Woolworths. In the Challengers' ma
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The rain stayed away long enough last Friday for the penultimate week of Junior Cricket before the Christmas break, giving the young cricketers a chance to showcase their skills. Thanks to Dan and the grounds team, the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex fields were in top condition, despite the recent wet weather. In the Challengers group, Noah Tanner and Corey Pensini stood out with a superb partnership of 19 runs, with Corey remaining not out. Batting wasn’t easy, but the bowlers made their
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Saturday 14 December, 1pm to 5pm: Patrol Group A - Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, and Jane Wicks.Sunday 15 December, 9am to 5pm: All Day 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, and Briella Wassmuth. Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.
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Burdekin Christian College’s open boys’ basketball team made history by winning the inaugural Calvary Cup, held at Townsville Basketball Stadium on November 28. Competing against schools like Annandale, Whitsunday, and hosts Calvary Christian College, BCC’s boys remained undefeated, securing the boys' basketball title. Coach Rachel Cornelius praised the team’s effort, while BCC also celebrated standout performances from Peter Heron, Linked Darr, and Lataiah Trindle, who were awarded Best & Faire
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Plantation Parkrun #307 saw local runners and walkers gather for a morning of fitness and fun on Saturday 7 December. The weekly event showcased the talents of participants across various age groups, with Skye Claussen taking the top spot overall. Claussen crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 24:26. Hot on her heels was Drew Bursey, who secured second place in 26:22, followed closely by Robert Tama at 26:25. The fourth and fifth positions were claimed by Karin Thorburn in 26:31 an
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