
Burdekin Shire residents have first-hand experience of living through natural disasters. They also know all too well the importance of good communication during difficult times. With yet another cyclone threat earlier this month when Kirrily whirled in from the coast, the memories of devastating Cyclone Debbie remain etched in the minds of many. That’s why local media are supporting an initiative to improve communication between emergency responders and communities in times of disaster. Bur
Read more
Rehoming fee: $450 DOB: 23/07/2022 Sex: Female Breed: Bull Arab Cross Cattle Dog Kid Friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Yes Other Dogs: Yes Fences: 5 feet This active little puppy is looking for her forever home, is always up for a cuddle and a play with her furry friends. While Pickles is still a keen learner for basic commands, she's a quick learner and loves being rewarded. Pickles loves splashing in water and will always chase after her ball. Pickles particularly enjoys going on long walks and
Read more
By Chelsea Ravizza Approaching its 4th year of running in the Burdekin, Deni Caspanello’s 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia continues to inspire, educate, and bring the community together, raising much needed funds for the Leukemia Foundation. The 2023 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia, like previous years, was another amazing event raising over $7,600 to fund cancer research, treatments, and clinical trial access. The event was established in 2021, following Deni Caspanello’s diagnosis with Stag
Read more
BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues. The service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of vouchers, prepaid cards/vouchers, chemist or transport vouchers, payment of third-party accounts, or direct material assistance such as food parcels. Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family vio
Read more
If you were asked the question, “Who is your priority?” where would you place yourself on your list? Putting ourselves before our loved ones and other responsibilities is not always easy. We often hear about the concept of work-life balance, compassion fatigue, and mental well-being. Although we understand how important it is to take care of ourselves, many of us tend to put it off for another time. We might say things like "I'll do it when I have more time," "after I retire," or "I'll take
Read more
Did you know that Council is upgrading residential and commercial water meters in the Burdekin to help you save water and money? The new meters harness solid state technology with no moving parts which offers a minimum 15 years lifetime with no need for meter calibration or replacement. The new smart water meters are more than just devices that measure how much water you use. They use wireless RF technology that enables Council to undertake drive by meter reading whilst providing advanced leakag
Read more
Core members of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) met last week and moved to stand down as Ex-TC Kirrily no longer poses a threat to the region. The LDMG Chair Lyn McLaughlin thanked the community for their resilience and cooperation during the weather event. "I am proud of how our residents and businesses have supported each other and followed the advice of the authorities,” Ms McLaughlin said. “I also want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of emergency services, Ergon, exter
Read more
With some of the Burdekin Race Club’s biggest race days approaching, where speed and agility take centre stage, there's another race happening alongside the track - the race to showcase the most stylish and innovative ensembles at the Fashions on the Field. As we step into 2024, fashion enthusiasts and racegoers alike are in for a treat, with a blend of classic elegance and cutting-edge trends dominating the scene. Consider the below when planning your outfit. Light and Airy Dresses: Embrace th
Read more
In the rural heart of the Burdekin, a small but formidable business has thrived for the past three decades, weathering changes in the agricultural landscape and evolving customer demands. Eileen List and Jenny Cook, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Burdekin Growers Services, have not just been witnesses to the transformations in the industry; they have been active participants, adapting and growing their business with an unwavering commitment to quality, independence and community while st
Read more
Staff, customers, suppliers, friends and family joined Eileen and Jenny for a 30th birthday celebration at Burdekin Growers Services last Friday, February 9
Read more
Star Sign: Taurus Fav Movie: Sister Act Fav Colour: Green Fav Holiday destination: Being home Fav Music: Country Fav Quote: “Take one day at a time.” Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I can sew and decorate cakes. Describe your personality in three words: Loyal, caring and grateful for the life I have. For someone who has been so passionately immersed in the agricultural industries since she was 17, Eileen List shows no signs of slowing down. Often faced with the quest
Read more
Star Sign: Scorpio Fav Movie: Anything with Hugh Grant Fav Colour: Green Fav Holiday destination: Home – there is really no place like it! Fav Music: Almost any – especially if I can dance to it. Fav Quote: “Your job is bigger than the box you work in.” Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I am a real home body – I like to cook meals, clean and keep house. My focus in life is ‘Contentment’. Describe your personality in three words: Serious, quirky, loyal. With a profession
Read moreStar Sign: Capricorn Fav Movie: Hardball Fav Colour: Pastel colours Fav Holiday destination: Fiji Fav Music: 90’s R’n B Fav Quote: “Little by little, a little becomes a lot” Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I love cooking and baking! Describe your personality in three words: Faith, Gratitude, Respect For Natasha Vodonaivalu, affectionately known as Tash, the move from Brisbane to Ayr soothed her soul, allowing her to find some peace that she welcomed and
Read more
Sugarcane from throughout north Queensland could play an integral role in fuelling the aviation sector as the development of a Townsville Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project progresses. Following the execution of a first-of-a-kind Licence and Engineering Agreement for Australia between businesses Jet Zero and LanzaJet, Project Ulysses is poised to revolutionise the aviation industry by converting agricultural by-products into 102 million litres of SAF annually, which Jet Zero said could meet
Read more
The conclusion of the $25 million capital replacement program of Kalamia Mill is nearing, with the last evaporator being installed at the mill ahead of the 2024 production season. The Kalamia Mill, owned and operated by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, is in its final stage of a three-year program to replace the evaporators; the first evaporator was installed in 2022, and the following two installed in 2023. Utilised at an important early step in the sugar manufacturing process, the evaporators di
Read more

The Burdekin boasts a remarkable rugby league history, with close to 20 internationals playing in the local competitions between the 1920s and 1980s, with this history and more captured in the book ‘A Short History of the Ayr, Home Hill and Burdekin Rugby Leagues’ which was written by rugby league historian Martin Grandelis and published in 2022. Mr Grandelis grew up in the Burdekin in the 1960s in the heyday of rugby league in the Burdekin district. From the great rivalries between clubs to the
Read more
There are many groups throughout the Burdekin offering residents the opportunity to pursue and develop their creative pursuits, and one of these is the Burdekin Night Writers, a vibrant online writing group with roots dating back to 2007. Founded by the visionary Cherelle Murphy, the group initially convened at her residence for a remarkable 15 years. In 2019, facing the challenge of Cherelle's move to palliative care, the group seamlessly transitioned online to ensure her continued participati
Read more.jpg)
Caption 1: Molongle Beach Caravan Park Managers Amanda and Drew Caption 2: David Flower of Airlie Beach serenaded the crowd Caption 3: Carisa, Micah, and Mark Caption 4: Angie Wagner and Tom Castorina Caption 5: John and Laurinda Caption 6: Rick King and Bulldog Caption 7: Kerry and Luie Pensini Caption 8: Paul and Jack Lowis Caption 9: Kira, Peter, and Chase Larsen Caption 10: Jean Woodford, Ann Stewart, and Lesley Bonanno Caption 11: Gary Petersen, Shannon Peckett and Robert Ness Caption 12: D
Read more
The 2024 football season started last Saturday for Burdekin FC. The Panthers were away to Estates in the Kappa Cup. It was a good start to the season with the Panthers winning 2-1 at Victoria Park in Townsville. The boys were keen to get into their first fixture of the year. The Panthers always seem to do well in the Cup and wanted to continue that. Burdekin started well with Matthew Kolb hitting the post with a well drilled left foot shot. With lots of short, sharp passing, the Panthers were a
Read more
Hordes of people descended on the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday February 10 for their annual Beach Golf Day. The day kicked off with the drawing event of their Top 100 Club, where the masses mingled over lunch and drinks until the big wheel revealed the lucky winners. First prize went to Ena Daniels, whilst Carol Rossato was the winner of second prize. 20 teams took to the unique beach golf course to make their way around the 6 holes, enjoying an afternoon of sunshine, sand and laughs.
Read moreThe services of some of its most dedicated members and volunteers were recognised by Burdekin Race Club at a presentation late last year. At a race meeting on December 9 2023, four volunteers were presented with Life Memberships while a further four were honoured for their volunteer service. “It’s all about recognising those many years of volunteering,” said Burdekin Race Club President Rick Gudge. “Everything that’s done here is done by volunteers and, without them, there’s no club.” Life Memb
Read more
A year away from home playing in southern Queensland has given forward Tate Brombal extra incentive to be a part of the Burdekin Roosters A grade side this season. After being in and out of the top grade in 2022, Tate decided to test himself in another League. Last year took him south to Warwick where he signed with the Warwick Cowboys under coach Col Speed, a man highly regarded in the coaching ranks in the state. Speed last year coached Toowoomba in the 47th Batallion Trophy which is played be
Read more
The weekend of February 3-4 saw the Burdekin Torpedoes take on the might of North Queensland swimming in Townsville, at the Townsville Tourists meet which boasted a whooping 282 swimmers from across the region. The Torpedoes had 15 swimmers representing our district with the youngest Brielle Sangiuliano having her first swim meet at just age 5. The heat was on and with some fast swims on both days, the Burdekin Torpedoes had some great results, with plenty of personal best times being achieved.
Read more
Tuesday February 6 Winners of the Amcal sponsored day were Katharina Stuckler and Heather Jorgensen, defeating Raylene Hervey and Isabel Cislowski. Meryl Nixon, Sandra Stidston and Pam Power defeated Lynette Storrie, Elaine Young and Irene Wilson. A donation was presented to our local SES John and Rosemarie Winn by Ayr Ladies Bowls President Sandra Stidston. Results for Wednesday Feb 7: Winners were John Pirrone, Joe Papale and Chris Olditch who defeated Happy Horan, Anthony Bull and Ray Wall.
Read more