As Queensland faces another hot summer and storm season, health authorities are warning residents to avoid handling bats found on the ground. Distressed or dead bats may be encountered more frequently during extreme heat or severe weather, and Queensland Health reminds the community that contact can be dangerous. Bats can carry Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus closely related to rabies. While human infection is rare, it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. Very hot temperatur
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Sunday was a day of mixed results for Home Hill in the Townsville Cricket competition. Home Hill’s Third Grade side secured a decisive 38-run victory over Brothers, posting 9/128 from their 30 overs. Dan Olditch delivered a captain’s knock of 29 from 39 balls to anchor the innings. Along with steady contributions from Luke Mottin (14 runs) and Mick Richards (12*), a defendable total was set. It was Home Hill’s bowlers however who delivered a collective masterclass, dismantling Brothers for jus
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The Burdekin Roosters will enter the coming season with a completely new-look executive following the club’s AGM held last Sunday at the Queens Hotel. Twenty-one members attended the meeting, which confirmed that this year’s executive—Mick Brombal, Paul Horan, Zac Campbell and Courtney Weaver—did not seek re-election. Alex Lennox, who organised the successful Club of Origin last weekend, will replace Brombal as President, with John Nash appointed Vice President and Mel Lammon taking on the rol
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Saturday PM (1-5pm) Group E - John Moloney PC, Anne Moloney PC, Tramayne Horan PC, Sophia Moloney and Tony Felisina Sunday AM (9am-1pm) Group B - Terry Lund PC, Kristy Wassmuth PC, Anita Giddy, Heather Scott, Briella Wassmuth and Emilee Wassmuth Sunday PM (1-5pm) Group D - Ben Lawry PC, Kellie Lawry PC, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Lawry and Lisa Vivian
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The Lower Burdekin will see a significant boost in environmental protection efforts, with the Crisafulli Government announcing a suite of locally delivered projects worth more than $10 million to combat invasive weeds, feral animals and wildfire risks across the region. The investment forms part of the government’s $117.8 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program, billed as a statewide effort to restore land health and support on-country stewardship. The funding will flow directly t
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Member for Burdekin Dale Last has lambasted a federal announcement which sees farmers left as collateral damage in the latest Labor-Greens deal. Mr Last said last week’s overreach by the Federal Government will see farmers, already meeting world-leading environmental regulations, strangled with more red tape. “Once again our farmers are being painted as environmental vandals by Labor, except this time it’s on a federal level,” Mr Last said. “The passing of the Commonwealth Environment Protect
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On Friday, 5 December, Burdekin Community Association Inc. celebrated International Volunteer Day with our volunteers. We enjoyed a Volunteer Brunch at the BCA Support Centre. The refreshments were great, and we had Lucky Door prizes and games. BCA is very grateful to all of our exceptional volunteers and thanks them for everything they do for our organisation and the community. This year, under the inspiring theme “Every Contribution Matters”, International Volunteer Day 2025 takes on histori
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Ayr art lovers are in for a treat as Tracey Jane returns to the region with her much-anticipated exhibition, It’s a Circular Thing. The show will be on display on 16th and 17th December, from 10 am to 4 pm, opposite the old movie theatre on Queen Street. Originally scheduled for Charters Towers in June at the World Theatre, the exhibition was unfortunately cancelled when a storm damaged the venue’s roof. Now, Tracey Jane brings her work closer to home, offering locals a chance to experience her
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The Rotary Club of Home Hill celebrated what was a successful 2025 for the club by doing what it does best: giving back. The club marked its final meeting of the year by donating a total of $3,500 to three Burdekin-based organisations, selected by both the Rotary Club and it's Home Hill Harvest Festival queen, Eden Betteridge, on the basis of their roles in supporting the community. Among recipients was CORES Queensland, the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, and the Burdekin Combined Chapla
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The Burdekin community will gather in festive spirit on the grounds beside PCYC this Sunday, 14 December, for the Bendigo Community Bank – Home Hill and Ayr Christmas Carols. From 5:30pm, families can expect an evening of festive music and fun, beginning with a performance by the Burdekin Brass Band to welcome attendees. Local stage production coordinator Monica Licciardello will lead a programme of favourite carols—with a few surprises—while Santa Claus will make a special appearance to deligh
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Ayr is gearing up for one of its biggest community events of the year, with the annual Christmas Street Party set to light up the town on Thursday night, 18th December. This year’s event brings extra excitement, with a massive $25,000 worth of vouchers to be given away to lucky locals. The major prize draw will take place at 8:00pm in front of the BCA building, and residents are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot. The Street Party aims to inspire the community to shop locally thi
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Queensland’s agricultural sector is calling for stronger consultation and clearer regulations as the Federal Government undertakes a major overhaul of Australia’s environmental laws. The reforms to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act were the focus of Environment Minister Murray Watt’s recent National Press Club address. In response, AgForce General President Shane McCarthy said producers are prepared to engage immediately to ensure the new laws protect the env
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With Christmas just around the corner, Ruralquip is embracing the season of giving with the return of its highly anticipated Milwaukee Powered Up One Day Event™ — rolling out major deals, exciting giveaways, and even firing up the barbecue on Thursday, 11th December. Now in its fifth year hosted by Ruralquip, the One Day Event has become a staple for local tradies, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone chasing reliable gear or last-minute Christmas gifts. This year is expected to be the biggest yet, with
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In June this year, Burdekin mum Andrea Wood became the first Uber Eats driver in Ayr after a flyer in the mail piqued her interest. Just about every day since, she's been whizzing around in her famous blue hatchback, delivering far more than just food. A Queensland Country Bank employee by day, by night, Andrea becomes the "Uber Lady," delivering not only combos and late-night cravings, but meaningful connections and moments of joy that have left their mark on the town. It was in her first wee
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The Country Girl Who Became a Golf Legend By Jacob Casha Alberta, Canada, 1999. Five strokes off the lead at the du Maurier Classic, a 24-year-old Karrie Webb looked every bit the underdog—but she was used to that. Hole by hole, she clawed her way back, sinking four birdies in her last five holes, each one a rebellion against the script. A declaration that a country girl could not only stand among the world’s best, but best them. And by the end of the 18th, after a deft chip and a clinical putt
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Coming to the Burdekin always has a sense of coming home, and every time I visit it is wonderful to see the welcoming smile of familiar faces, people in the community that I’ve now known for more than two years. The Burdekin Shire Council Industry Breakfast is an event I love attending. Not only do you get a hot cooked breakfast, you also instantly get a true taste of local life as everyone greets each other and settles in for a morning of networking. Last week, I was excited to introduce our
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Ayr-based disability support organisation Flexi Queensland is celebrating a major funding boost after being awarded $14,000 through the 2025 ANZ Seeds of Renewal program. The grant will support the organisation’s Sustainable SILS project, which will enhance Supported Independent Living homes through the installation of solar panels - reducing energy costs and improving long-term sustainability for residents living with a disability. The Seeds of Renewal program—now in its 23rd year—is a partner
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A decade-long connection has resulted in one of the largest single contributions to date for Ren Pedersen’s Million Dollar Mission, with the Neilson Foundation confirming a $250,000 donation to support research into Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Burdekin-born Pedersen first encountered representatives from Kerr Neilson’s investment network roughly ten years ago, when he was invited to speak at a business forum at The Ville. “Around ten years ago, I was asked to address a business for
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Last week’s Burdekin Industry Breakfast once again proved a valuable connection point, linking local businesses, organisations and industry stakeholders to emerging opportunities and key information ahead of disaster season. From 7:00am to 8:30am, operators from across the region gathered in the Burdekin Theatre foyer for breakfast and a program of updates, networking and discussions with some of North Queensland’s leading businesses and institutions. Matt Heley from CQUniversity outlined how
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Opinion Piece bu Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox The latest round of the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program is a major disappointment for the Dawson electorate, with the Albanese Labor Government failing to provide meaningful investment in one of Australia’s largest and most critical regional highways. Of the $9 billion announced for the Bruce Highway, $7.2 billion from the Federal Government and the rest from the State, only $500 million is allocated to these projects, and the work
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16 Days of Activism Event Shines a Light in the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt The Burdekin community came together in solidarity on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 marking the start of the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. The event, held at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt in Ayr, saw passionate participation from a range of local organisations, students, and residents, all united under a single aim: to raise awareness and take action to end gender-based violence. The e
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Wow, isn’t it hot! I hope everyone is staying hydrated and checking in on one another -especially our elderly residents. Here we are in December already, with Christmas just around the corner. Our community is sparkling with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a wonderful festive atmosphere. It’s a great family outing, especially for those with young children who are always excited by the lights. Another treat is to stop by any Telstra phone box and dial #46 46 46 to have a chat with Sa
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We’re getting closer to that special time of year. I can feel the excitement building, decorations are going up and that certain Christmas spirit coming forth. The Burdekin Craft Spectacular held at the Burdekin Memorial Hall Saturday attracted attendees and stallholders from far and wide. If you haven’t attended one, put it on your calendar for next year, especially if you have an interest in craft. The on-site workshops proved popular with attendees. Home Hill Choral Society wrapped up the y
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As the wet season once again builds on North Queensland's horizon Member for Burdekin Dale Last has held steadfast on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to 'build back better' including the need to improve a crucial flood-prone link on the Bruce Highway. In February this year, significant rainfall and flooding across the region saw the Bruce Highway cut at Plantation Creek causing chaos for local industries and stranding interstate travellers, something Mr Last says needs a permanent soluti
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