Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Lower Burdekin Scouts and their leaders, along with some families, participated in the 2024 RUSH event in Charters Towers over the weekend of 12 to 13 October. They joined 78 other teams and hundreds of participants for a fun-filled weekend of adventure, challenges, and exploration. The Scouts loaded their trailer early Saturday morning and made the trip to Charters Towers, stopping briefly for morning tea along the way. Upon arrival at the Charters Towers Scout site, they set up their tent
Read more
The Ayr and Home Hill Rugby teams. Photo credit: Marni Hine
Read more
The Burdekin Bocce Club warmly welcomed plenty of visitors and experienced players to enjoy a wonderful afternoon tea and a bowl on Sunday 20 October to celebrate Senior’s Month. Many attendees picked up a bocce for the first time on the weekend, embracing the relaxed nature of the beloved sport, as well as playing a round of a classic Italian card game. Mother and daughter duo, Dianne and Merle Glover took to the sport for the first time, and to the Club’s delight, the pair very much enjoyed
Read more
On Wednesday, 16 October, the A Grade Women’s Singles final was played between Darell Pearce and Lyn Storrie. In a gripping contest, with President Joy Woods marking the match, the game remained close until Lyn Storrie powered through to secure the win. This marks back-to-back titles for Lyn - congratulations! Both ladies put on a fantastic performance, and thanks once again to Joy Woods for officiating the final. In the social game played at the same time, Kay Garner, Bev Gairoch, and Helen Col
Read more
Local The Escriva Cup is due to be played on Friday evening, 1st November and is a fundraiser held by The SLoBs (Soccer Legends of the Burdekin) to help out ex-players with health problems. Last year fourteen Men’s teams and two Ladies teams took part. Hopefully, we will have more teams involved this year. Night Soccer Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 7 had to be postponed until Thursday because of the rain. The 21games produced 67 goals and surprisingly there were only three forfeits and
Read more
Saturday Pairs Bowls was sponsored by Home Hill Prawn Stop and was a successful event. The pairs have attracted a mixture of male and female bowlers who all agree it is a fantastic and fun afternoon. Come and enjoy 3 bowl pairs, fully sponsored with a 12pm start. Burdekin Bowls club are great in supporting other clubs in the area in tournaments, congratulations to all these clubs. Apologies for missing the last few weeks, but we are back to regular programming. Contributed with thanks to Stor
Read more
On Saturday 12 October, the 2024 Sip 'n Putt sessions at Home Hill Golf Club concluded with a fantastic finish! Fourteen ladies, including five newcomers, participated in the final session led by PGA coach Tara Jenkins where some of the ladies were introduced to golf for the first time, while others practiced skills from previous lessons. Several participants felt confident enough to play a hole in an Ambrose format, discovering just how much technique is required to get that little white ball
Read more
The rainy weather early in the week that forced the cancellation of Monday's training thankfully cleared for the Home Hill Cricket Association’s junior cricket games on held on Friday, 18 October. Three groups of eager cricketers lined up for their games under sunny skies at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill. The youngest of these, the Challengers, were playing in front of the clubhouse on the "Barry Richards Field". The children put on a good show of skills for the adult
Read more
The big news for the Ayr Bowling Club this week is Irene Wilson being named North Queensland District Ladies Bowling Association’s Bowler of the Year! Irene has been a standout performer at the club and secured this prestigious title by winning the North Queensland singles. The club also sends best wishes to Pam Power, another exceptional female bowler, as she heads to Bargara Bowls Club to compete in the State Champion of Champions after claiming the North Queensland Champion of Champions title
Read more
The October Monthly Medal was the highly sought-after prize among the junior golfers at the Ayr Golf Club this weekend, with competitive scores across the 3, 6, and 9-hole competitions. In the 3-hole competition, Opie McKeough once again claimed the Monthly Medal with a net score of 5, while Tyler Smith secured the Gross win with a score of 22. Opie dominated the event, also taking home the prizes for Longest Putt and Least Putts. Heath Smart, playing his best round yet, won the Monthly Medal
Read more
The Burdekin Roosters have named three of their four coaches for the 2025 season in the RLTD. The club will be fielding an under 20 team next year after not doing so in 2024, with Peter Horan set to coach. Peter took the under 18 to the grand final this season and although they were beaten by Brothers, Horan had them playing an attractive style of football. Peter said he expected to field a strong side with most of that team stepping up plus the addition of a few new players he has recruited.
Read moreA good crowd of Rugby League supporters last Sunday witnessed a good standard of Rugby League played at the annual Home Hill Harvest Festival Town of Origin! The first Town of Origin in this format was played in 2013 and since then Ayr has won five times to Home Hills four with no games played in 2018 and 2020. As is customary in these games the type of play was tough and hard with the town heritage at stake. Two former A grade coaches of the roosters, Chris Perry and Kieran Dawes took contro
Read more.png)
The only senior match of the round in Home Hill Cricket took place on Saturday afternoon, with Peto's Marine winning the toss and sending the Crowned Mongrels in to bat. The Mongrels made the most of their time at the crease, with Andrew Wallwork top-scoring with 46 runs from 41 balls. Handy contributions from Luke Mottin (29 runs) and Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro (23 runs) helped set a competitive total of 6/153 from 25 overs. In response, Peto's Marine started strong with quick runs from Cal Boland
Read more
Hope In a Suitcase for Foster Children in the Northern Region. In a world where stability can feel elusive for children in foster care, the "Hope in a Suitcase" initiative shines as a beacon of compassion and care. Supported by the Catholic Women's League in the Burdekin region, this heartfelt program replaces the cold, impersonal plastic bags often used for relocation, with colourful suitcases filled with comfort and essentials. "Hope in a Suitcase" is a heartwarming initiative founded by Racha
Read more.JPG)
As we continue to celebrate the milestones of businesses in the Burdekin, it’s a great reminder of the vital role local shops and services play in our community. This year McCathies Furniture Plus marked 50 years in business, a significant achievement for a family-run store that has grown from humble beginnings as second-hand dealers to a respected retailer of quality furniture. Their commitment to providing exceptional service and supporting local customers has helped them reach this remarkable
Read more
The Burdekin Shire Youth Council's 30th-anniversary celebration was a heartfelt tribute to three decades of empowering young people across the Burdekin. Founded in 1994 under then-Mayor Beth Honeycombe, the Youth Council has played a vital role in shaping the community, contributing to projects like the Anzac Park Skate Park, Burdekin PCYC, and Burdekin Aquatic Centre. Council has also hosted memorable events, including the Mayor's Disco, Battle of the Bands, and the Fast Track Talent Showcase.
Read more
At a time when having access to instant information is everything, a commitment to bring a public child sex offender register to fruition will be a key tool in ensuring the safety of our children, according to Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP. Mr Last said the LNP announcement of a three-tiered system to be known as Daniel’s Law would give parents and carers access details of reportable offenders who have failed to comply with their reporting obligations on a public website, to the ability to i
Read more
Northern Queensland Legacy held a well-attended Veterans' Health Week Lunch at Dal Santos Delicatessen, bringing together Legacy widows from Burdekin, Charters Towers, and Bowen for a day of connection and support. With the theme of 'Connection,' the event fostered friendships and provided a space for widows to bond over shared experiences. CEO Nicole Hayes emphasised the importance of this event, stating, "Connection is at the heart of what Legacy does. Reducing isolation and financial disadvan
Read more
The Burdekin Men’s Shed Association Inc. commemorated Queensland Mental Health Week with an event titled "Cuppa, Chat, and Chew" on 9 October. The gathering focused on this year’s theme, "Connect for Mental Health," encouraging participants to take proactive steps to nurture both personal and community wellbeing. Queensland Mental Health Week highlights the importance of connecting with people who support mental health through events and activities. This year's theme emphasised four core areas:
Read more
Local and visiting anglers are invited to cast their lines and capture their best fishing moments with the launch of the Visit Burdekin Fishing Photo Competition. The contest offers participants the chance to win a $100 Burdekin Gift Card and have their photo featured on the cover of the Visit Burdekin Fishing Guide, an essential resource for anglers across the region. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort highlighted the Burdekin’s reputation as a prime fishing destination, noting the variety of creek syste
Read more
Since 2005, Christine Wassmuth, along with two other hosts, has been running the Christian segment of a local radio station, sharing her passion for music and faith with listeners. Christine’s love for music initially drew her to the profession. "I like music; that’s what drew me," she recalls, highlighting the power of melody and lyrics in shaping her broadcasting journey. The Christian music genre, with its profound messages, has influenced Christine’s career, offering a unique perspective on
Read more
Burdekin residents will have the opportunity to dispose of waste for free on Sunday, 1 December, as part of the “Let’s Get Ready Burdekin” initiative, which aims to help residents prepare for the upcoming disaster season. The Free Waste Disposal Day encourages locals to clean up around their homes, eliminating potential hazards and reducing the risk of damage during severe weather events like cyclones. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort emphasised the importance of this initiative in supporting the comm
Read more
1: What key policies or ideals does the political party you’re running for have that you resonate most with, what are the reasons you align with them? 2: What is your main election promise and how are you going to ensure it actually happens if you are elected? 3: What policy/promise do you like from a competing party and how would you like to see it play out if elected? 4: What do you think about negative campaigning - do you think there is a place for it these days? 5: What is one thing unexpec
Read more
1: Fixing the cost of living problems, the power problems and the youth programs - I am experienced in all of them. 2: Simplify legislation so the average citizen can follow it, stop having legislation written by Lawyers. 3: I am running for One Nation and our policies. 4: There is no place for trash talking other parties, it is disrespectful to everyone 5: Being a large electorate, I would probably retrofit a caravan and take the office on the road to be accessible to all my constitu
Read more
1: Throughout its history, Labor has been a progressive force for workers and working families, especially for women, establishing many of the reforms and initiatives that continue to drive gender equality to this day. Without Labor, we wouldn’t have Medicare! I am a big believer in improving Healthcare without cuts. We need more hospital beds and more health workers, not less, plus returning Coal Royalties to region is the only way we are going to fix the Bruce Highway. I have already secured $
Read more