Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Burdekin Shire Council is lighting up the holidays with a new look and new locations for its iconic community Christmas trees. This year, Ayr’s tree will brighten the area outside the Burdekin Theatre, while Home Hill’s tree will shine at the Comfort Stop. The relocation offers safer, more accessible spaces for families and visitors, just in time for the launch of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal.
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In a significant move for the Burdekin community, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre has launched a program focused on demystifying death, dying, and grief. Spearheaded by Debbie Durso from Palliative Care Queensland, this initiative brings together 15 community members, carers, and those from a dementia support group to learn about the critical documents and preparations needed for end-of-life care. This gathering reflects a shift in perspective—bringing death back into the community as a topic
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Hello everyone, and happy November! Christmas is just around the corner, and I hope everyone has been enjoying the sprinkle of festivities as we get closer and closer to December! The photos from the Halloween House last week look awesome! Jeff and Leon did an amazing job, and I know everyone will be on the edge of their seats to see the debut of the pair’s fantastic, award-winning Christmas display in a few weeks. I am so excited to share that I have officially completed my university studies
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A ministerial portfolio reflecting some of the Burdekin’s largest industries is a fitting tribute to the powerhouse electorate and the workers at the coal-face according to Member for Burdekin Dale Last. Mr Last was formally sworn in last week as Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development ahead of the first sitting of the new Queensland Parliament at the end of the month. “I was incredibly humbled to be returned as the M
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The Home Hill - Ayr Lions Club recently celebrated a milestone as Nyree Woods was awarded a service recognition for her ten years of dedicated commitment on Monday 28 October. A beloved teacher at Ayr State High School, and valued community member, Nyree was presented with a chevron pin and service award, a symbol of her continuous contribution to the Lions organisation over the past decade. Since joining nearly eleven years ago, Nyree has held a range of leadership roles within the club, inclu
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Recently returning to the Burdekin after eight years as CEO of Balonne Shire Council, Matthew Magin brings with him a strong commitment to community and economic growth. His experience leading Balonne—a remote, agriculture-driven region on the NSW border with major crops including cotton, grains, and livestock—has equipped him with a practical, resourceful approach to challenges faced by rural communities. This journey back to North Queensland, where Magin’s roots lie, is fuelled by his passion
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As we are only a few days away from the Home Hill Harvest Festival, I was looking into the history of the festival and it is incredible to see it continue on now in its 62nd year. The Parade and street party is the main event, but the festival has been running for weeks now with several side events occurring such as the Ephemera, Students Ball, Town of Origin, King and Queen of the hill, Derby Day, Golf Ambrose, Pet Show and the Harvest festival ball. The work that goes into all these events rea
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On Friday, I had the pleasure of spending the day in Home Hill, meeting with local businesses and community members to gather valuable insights on how we can improve our CBD’s. Hearing directly from the people who live and work in our communities is essential in shaping a vibrant and welcoming town centre that meets the needs of our community. From enhancing public spaces to supporting local business growth, there are many ideas on the table, and we want to ensure everyone has the chance to prov
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Selectability, a community-based non-profit, has joined forces with the Blue Tree Project to promote mental wellbeing and encourage open conversations on mental health within the community. Inspired by the project’s mission to spread mental health awareness, Selectability was initially approached by Stardust Drive-In, whose team suggested collaborating. Embracing the opportunity, Selectability eagerly agreed, recognising the potential impact of the project in reaching diverse community members
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Do you ever wish you could get hands-on help with things you're not sure how to do? While online resources like Google and YouTube are helpful, nothing compares to learning from real people in a community setting. It creates a sense of belonging and accomplishment that enriches our lives. In our recent discussions with the tradies working at the Neighbourhood Centre, we explored the topic of life skills—how they’re learned, who can share knowledge, and what skills our community could learn toge
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Radio host Tony Goddard, who began his broadcasting journey on September 5, 2001, has long captivated audiences with his eclectic mix of music and informative content. Initially drawn to radio through his work in policing, Tony launched his career with a segment called "On the Beat," which combined music with valuable police information on topics like property protection, traffic laws, and personal safety. This unique blend resonated with listeners, setting the stage for his future as a popular
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Cane crushed This week Season to date Invicta 129,375 2,355,824 Pioneer 71,423 1,113,926 Kalamia 52,900 1,249,109 Inkerman 75,428 1,403,329 Burdekin 329,125 6,122,187 CCS Invicta 14.86 14.36 Pioneer 14.79 14.34 Kalamia 13.76 13.89 Inkerman 14.54 14.10 Burdekin 14.59 14.20 Weekly variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q240 57% 14.82 Q208 9% 14.67 Q183 11% 15.68 WSRA17 5% 13.76 KQ228 9% 13.82 Q232 5% 13.94 Comments: The Burdekin mills processed just under 330,000 tonnes of cane
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By Angelo Licciardello, QCAR Burdekin District Manager
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October is always a busy month on the grower marketing calendar with the closing off of marketing nominations for the season ahead. With the dust now settled, we have registered a pleasing increase in the number of growers and GEI tonnes nominated through to Wilmar Grower Marketing across our four milling regions. A common theme with growers who nominated us is the financial benefits Wilmar has delivered over the last few seasons. The Production Risk Pool continues to outperform the Harvest P
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Intersport and Compleat Angler continues to be a go-to spot for sports and fishing fans in the region, catering to a wide array of needs and trends. Football, basketball, netball, and soccer remain popular choices, with the "hottest" sport shifting each year and often aligning with school seasons. This seasonal change keeps the store busy as locals gear up for their favourite sports, whether they’re experienced players or new to the game. Fishing trends are also evolving, with lures taking the s
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The Burdekin Shire Council is addressing residents’ concerns over the recent surge in mosquito populations impacting most of the region. This spike follows recent rain events and tides exceeding 3.5 metres, conditions that create optimal breeding grounds for mosquitoes as water seeps into salt flats and other normally dry areas. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort highlighted the Council’s proactive approach through its ongoing mosquito monitoring and treatment program. This program focuses on targeting mo
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A time to celebrate and a time for action! November is National Rural Health Month and it’s time to spotlight rural communities and health care. Throughout November, the National Rural Health Alliance is excited to share rural healthcare stories and highlight the success stories of rural healthcare champions. We will also draw attention to the myriad of issues faced by rural, regional and remote communities in Australia when trying to access health care. “We all know that Australia’s rural
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The Burdekin Shire Council is thrilled to announce Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr as the major sponsor and naming rights partner for the highly anticipated 2024 Christmas Carols event. Set to bring festive cheer to the community, this year’s celebration will take place on Sunday, 8 December 2024, at Home Hill State High School. Senior Branch Manager Chantel Michielin from Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr expressed her excitement about this new partnership. “We are excited to be
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The old Burdekin River Rail Bridge can accurately be referred to as a magnet for disaster and was once a sore spot for Queensland Rail employees due to constant flood instances and deterioration. Constructed during the period extending from 1896 to 1899, the Burdekin River Rail Bridge, also known as the Macrossan Bridge, connected North Queensland to the rest of the state. Often described as a “north coast railway nightmare”, the dangerous section of line extending across the Burdekin River
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DOB: 13/04/2024 Sex: Female Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier x Kid friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Untested Other dogs: Yes Fences: 5ft Daisy is a lively and affectionate girl who’s always full of energy. She adores cuddles—on the couch or even the bed, if you let her! Daisy is friendly with people and other dogs, making her a great fit for any family. Smart and well-mannered, she knows to sit politely before meals and when coming indoors. Daisy would love a home where she can enjoy both
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At 11.40pm on Saturday 19 October, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. The driver, a 42-year-old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for disqualified driving and is due to front Ayr Magistrates Court on 11 November. At 2am on Saturday 26 October, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Davenport Street, Ayr. As a result, a 39 year old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for unlicenced driving and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 25 November
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Saturday 9 November 1.00pm to 5.00pm and Sunday 10 November 9.00am to 5.00pm (Full Weekend Patrol Group E) John Moloney, Anne Moloney, Tony Felesina, Isabella Moloney, Jane Jones, Gavin Jones, Sophia Moloney, Alissia Gibson, Billy Gibson, and Danni Coughlin. Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.
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Burdekin's own Jennifer Fotinos has earned a prestigious spot on Australia’s Youth Women’s Futsal Team, set to compete in the UK this November. Jennifer’s journey to the international stage began earlier this year at the 2024 National Futsal Championships in Sydney, where she represented North Queensland in the Open Women’s division and reached the quarterfinals with an impressive display of skill.
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Night Soccer Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 9 was played in good conditions and with only one forfeit. The 21games produced 57 goals and, surprisingly, no Sin Bins. Top scorers for the Men were Rocky Pond Warriors with six goals and for the Women, DILLIGAF scored four goals. FJV stay top of Group A1 despite only managing a 0-0 draw with lowly Karls Mowing Service and Mottin Earthmoving drop to third place after losing 0-1 to second place Plumb Dingers. UDS still lead in Group A2 after bea
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The Home Hill Cricket Association was fortunate to welcome Antony Stewart from QLD Cricket for two visits over the past week. Antony first joined Guy at East Ayr State School last Tuesday to assist with the Rookies, and then returned on Friday afternoon to work with the Challengers at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex. He was highly impressed with the players’ progress, particularly their skilful, straight-arm bowling. This week, Challengers Corey Pensini and Nicholas Marrinan top-scored
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