Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Friday 6 December Saint Nicholas Day Friday 5:30pm Come along for Children’s craft, Christmas Stocking making a Sausage sizzle and Carols. Embrace the Christmas spirit and enjoy. Ayr Presbyterian Church Grounds Saturday 7 December CORES’ Suicide Prevention Training Saturday 9am Equip yourself with life-saving skills through CORES’ FREE Suicide Prevention Training workshop. 164 MacMillian Street, Ayr Saturday 7 December Burdekin Race Club 100 Year Celebration Saturday 11:30am The Burdekin Rac
Read more
Local Pre-season training has begun. and a mixture of seasoned senior players and Under16 and Under14 players have turned up. Training will continue up until 19 December then start again on 2 January. Thursday nights at International Park from 6pm. All new and returning players are welcome. Only Night Soccer is left on the local Calendar. Next Tuesday, 10 December is Semi-finals night, and the Grand Finals are on Friday 13 December. Night Soccer Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 13 and
Read more
The End of Harvest Golf Classic is shaping up to be a spectacular event, with plenty of activities and excitement planned for next Friday, 13 December. Organisers are urging teams to finalise their registrations quickly, as only three spots remain. Due to the popularity of the event, nominations cannot be accepted on the day. The finalised draw will be released next week and shared via the End of Harvest Golf Classic’s Facebook page. Bray Slushy Bar Platinum sponsor Bray will feature a Slushy B
Read more
In light of the extraordinary, community driven initiative of honouring 1932 Ayr murder victim, Jean Morris nearing completion, many locals are fascinated with the story behind the historical Queen Street event, particularly Henry Petersen and Paula Dawson. Both Henry and Paula set out to honour the young woman who until recently, resided in a 93-year-old unmarked grave in the Ayr cemetery. Anna Philomena Morgan, born in 1913, lived a life shrouded in mystery and tragedy. In her early years,
Read more
Saturday 7 December 1pm to 5pm (Super Sub Patrol) Joshua Furnell, Barry Cross, and Brooke Cross. Sunday 8 December 9am to 1pm (Patrol Group B) Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell, Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, and Danny Wilson. Sunday 8 December 1pm to 5pm (Patrol Group G) Carl List, Jimmy Hayllor, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Richards, and Jedd Giddy. Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.
Read more
A morning of fitness and fun unfolded at Plantation parkrun on Saturday for event #306. Leading the pack was Terry Brennan, crossing the finish line in a time of 26:25. Close behind was Precious Rush, completing the course in 27:11 with an impressive performance. John Byers secured the third spot, finishing his run in 30:28. Further down the field, Keith Crichton completed the course in 48:39, demonstrating great determination. Finally, Travis Crichton wrapped up the event with a time of 59:54
Read more
The Burdekin Canetoads are celebrating another remarkable achievement, with Caitlin Holmes earning a well-deserved spot in the TRDU Women’s Team of the Year. Caitlin's exceptional talent and dedication has shone throughout the season, from competing in July’s Queensland Country Rugby Union Championships to being selected for the Women’s Brolgas Team in April. Congratulations, Caitlin!
Read more
On Friday 29 November, the Burdekin Touch Football Association celebrated the conclusion of the 2024 U14 Mixed Competition! The competition hosted plenty of action, with Baywatch teams showcasing their skills in both A and B grade clashes. In the A grade match, Baywatch dominated with an impressive 8-2 victory over the Gold Diggers. Vern Pope and Gordon Malayta led the charge, each scoring two tries, while Harvey Sgroi secured both tries for the Gold Diggers. The B grade game was a closer cont
Read more
The Ayr Bowling Club celebrated its final Fun Friday Night for 2024 with a lively evening of camaraderie and competition. The weather cooperated, allowing a full green of bowlers to enjoy the last event of the year. The club extends its gratitude to the evening’s sponsors, Chiropractic Care (Northwood’s) and Sparkle Town Carwash (Strano’s), for their generous support. The event was a resounding success, filled with laughter and spirited play. Winners on the night were Jared Poletti, Ella Northw
Read more
The Brandon Bowls Club hosted a fantastic President, Secretary, and Treasurer Ham Day on Sunday, 1 December, with 44 bowlers competing in triples and pairs. Players from Giru, Ayr, Home Hill, South Townsville, and even Holbrook, NSW, came together to support the event, making it a memorable occasion despite a brief delay due to storms. The winners of the day were Meryl Smith (Home Hill Bowls Club) and Anthony Bull (Ayr Bowls Club), joined by President Jamie Woods for a celebratory photo. Second
Read more
It was a lively week at the Home Hill Bowls Club, with members braving warm spring days to enjoy friendly competition on the greens. On Thursday, 28 November, eighteen players gathered for three closely contested games of triples, played over 18 ends. The warm conditions were eased by a welcome breeze later in the day, creating a pleasant atmosphere for play. On Rink 4, Bob Young, Mick Olsen, and Mick McClosky delivered a dominant performance, defeating Alex Bojack, Joclyn DeFranciscus, and Bru
Read more
With 2024 coming to a close and the new year on the horizon, the Burdekin Roosters have proudly announced the 2025 club committee! Mick Brombal has been announced as the 2025 Burdekin Roosters President, with Paul Horan joining him as Vice President, Zac Trace-Campbell as Secretary and Courtney Weaver as Treasurer. “Thank you to those who have stepped up and filled positions, we’re definitely in safe hands,” shared the Burdekin Roosters. Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Roosters.
Read more
On Wednesday 27 November, Burdekin Catholic High School proudly announced the school has been accepted into the Blackhawk Schoolboy Trophy Competition which will be held in Term 2, 2025. The announcement comes after BCHS was accepted into the QISSRL “Confro” in July, furthermore, strengthening the school's Rugby League program, offering students exceptional opportunities to develop their skills and compete at a high level.
Read more
The 2024 Primary School Webber Shield Swimming Carnival, held on 19 November, brought together talented swimmers from across the Burdekin district. With fierce competition from schools like East Ayr State School, St Colman’s, and Home Hill State School, the event was a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship. East Ayr State School claimed the coveted Webber Shield, while St Colman’s won the Max Tavasci Trophy for the highest average points. Several new records were set, including in the 5
Read more
Burdekin Shire Council invites the community to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with Lights, Camera, Christmas—a special event marking the lighting of the new Christmas trees in Ayr and Home Hill. The celebrations will be held on Sunday, 1 December from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt in Ayr, and on Monday, 2 December 2024 from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Home Hill Comfort Stop. This festive event offers families the chance to enjoy the lighting of the trees, soak in the hol
Read more
Over the weekend, Queen Street hosted an outstanding turnout with well over 100 runners rallying behind Austin Dewar, Brayden Rawlins and Campbell Johnston in support of the boys’ incredible, Three Blokes Running challenge to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health. Raising an estimated $2,000, Sunday’s event stood as a moving showcase of community spirit highlighting the generosity of both individuals and local businesses. With donations and messages of support flooding in daily, the
Read more
G’day, I’m Mark T. Rasmussen and I’ve just arrived in town having accepted the exciting position of journalist for Burdekin Life Newspaper. Some of you may have seen me on Wednesday morning at the Industry Breakfast (a fantastic event), where I enjoyed getting to know a few people in the community. You’ll likely see me around town in the coming days, weeks and months, but first I’d like to introduce myself. I am an award-winning author born by the sea, cultivated in the city, formed via the w
Read more
Carol Maltby, originally from Brisbane, made Ayr her home in 2001. Despite having lived in the town for over two decades, Carol humbly refers to herself as a “newcomer.” Seeking companionship, Carol reached out to the Burdekin Community Association (BCA) a few years ago. A Community Support Officer (CSO) connected her with Rita Quagliata, BCA’s Volunteer Service Manager, who promptly arranged for a volunteer match. Enter Joyce Rodgers, affectionately known as Jo. Born in Laidley, near Brisba
Read more
Graeme Jarrett, a 74-year-old veteran car enthusiast, has spent 15 years researching a rare 1902 French-made car he owns. This car’s history brings him to the Burdekin region as he hunts for clues to establish the car’s identity. “The English bought them here. They were the biggest buyers. All the early cars here in Australia were French mostly, and so they were a highly regarded product,” Graeme declares. The car was produced between 1900 and 1910, during the French "window of glory" in the
Read more
A warm, and friendly Garvey smile has welcomed locals and travelers alike to the Groper Creek Caravan Park for a little over five years, and although Jeanette Garvey isn’t saying goodbye to the community, she’s made the decision to step out of the management role, and leap into retirement. In October of 2019, Jeanette and her husband Danny took up the role of Managers of the Groper Creek Caravan Park within the Home Hill Boat Club as soon as the position crossed their radar. After relocating b
Read more
With the sound of the final school bell on the afternoon of Friday 13 December 2024, a 48-year chapter will close for Mrs Linda Scott, a treasured educator and mentor who has touched the lives of the entire Burdekin region. After completing her senior education, Linda was faced with the daunting question of, “what’s next?”. Having taken an academic pathway throughout her schooling rather than a commercial one, Linda was left to think outside the employment box, leading her to pursue her passi
Read more.jpg)
Here in the Burdekin, we rely on the generous financial support of local businesses to keep our clubs, sports teams, and community events running. From youth sports to community events/festivals, these businesses are more than just local service providers—they’re the financial backbone that ensures our town’s social life continues to thrive. A prime example of this vital support is Laser Electrical, whose recent sponsorship of the Ayr Golf Club event helped make it a great success. It’s these k
Read more%20(1).jpg)
Recently, I came across a Facebook post that resonated deeply: “Big companies won’t notice your purchase over the next couple of months. But small businesses will, and it might even change their life.” There’s a buzz in the air as new businesses open and others expand throughout our community. It’s wonderful to see the growing confidence in our region. This festive season, I urge everyone to think local first. Supporting our small businesses not only strengthens our economy but can make a signif
Read more
The 2024 Annual General Meeting of South Burdekin Community Financial Services Limited was held on 20th November. Chairman Darren West reflected on the achievements of the Home Hill and Ayr Bendigo Community Bank branches during their twentieth year of operation and shared plans for the future. The bank continued to grow, welcoming new customers and expanding its services. This growth has been driven by increased branch activity, which creates more opportunities for the bank to support the commu
Read more
As families look to start packing the car ahead of the festive holiday period a new advisory council for the Bruce Highway will be forming with Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcoming the news for regional road users. Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government’s announcement of the re-establishment of a Bruce Highway Advisory Council would bring together key stakeholders and representatives from across all regions to deliver desperately needed upgrades to the Bruce Highway. “For years we have seen L
Read more