Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Home Hill produced a composed and confident display at Barry Richards Field, securing a 47-run victory over Wests Absolutely Dental in their Second Grade CNQ One Day fixture. Home Hill posted a competitive 6-160, built on patient partnerships and a late-innings surge. Alexander Romeo anchored the innings with a gritty 43 off 77 balls, absorbing pressure and rotating the strike before falling lbw to Shawn Hague. JD Wilkins starred at the finish, remaining unbeaten on 44 from 52 balls. In defens
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Home Hill claimed a convincing victory over Northern Beaches in their Third Grade fixture on the weekend, winning by 5 wickets and 96 runs. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Home Hill’s attack was relentless from the outset, restricting Northern Beaches to 6/110 from 30 overs. William McLees set the tone with a fiery opening spell, striking twice in quick succession—one LBW and one clean bowled—to leave the visitors struggling at 2/11. Travis Butler and Laurence Zappa maintained the
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The batters came out on top this week at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill, with only five wickets falling across both the "Blue" and "Gold" groups. In the Blue Group, Kyle Wilkie remained not out on 10 runs, leading the way and earning the McDonalds Sports Award for his composed batting. Tait Parker and Corbett Cross each bowled a maiden over and were the most economical bowlers, while Mazlyn Smith effected a run out. In the Gold Group, only three bowlers claimed wickets:
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The Bendigo Bank Club of Origin returns to Bendigo Bank Park on Saturday, November 29, with former local teams battling for bragging rights, pride and the enduring spirit of the community. The event promises a day of big hits, hometown heroes, high-energy action, family fun and plenty of unforgettable moments. The four resurrected local clubs are Colts, Hornets, Brothers and Home Hill. As an added attraction, a ladies match will be played during the afternoon between Ayr and Home Hill. Play w
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Burdekin FC are chasing expressions of interest, by Sunday 23 November, for players aged12 and up for their Youths and Women’s teams for the 2026 season. The Club is also looking for those interested in coaching the various Burdekin Panthers teams in the Townsville competitions next season. Expressions of interest also close this Sunday. Night Soccer The eighth week of competition and a relatively high scoring night. There were no forfeits, which was a nice change. The twenty games produced se
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Twenty-seven players turned out for another sultry spring afternoon of bowls, with two games of pairs and two games of triples on the program. The ladies also staged a challenge game of triples. On Rink 3, Des Chapman and Steve Doig were in sharp touch, defeating Michael Young and Joe Linton. On Rink 4, the combination of Paul Vass, Trevor Elton and Wayne Newton worked well together to down Bob Young, Dino Poli and Glen “Bones” Berryman. Rink 5 saw Nev Webb, Ron Smith and Gary Nosworthy outlas
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Junior golfers from across Queensland descended on Ayr Golf Club on Saturday, the 8th of November for one of the region’s most anticipated junior tournaments, the 2025 Karrie Webb Junior Masters! With more than 90 competitors travelling from Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Yeppoon, Cairns and North Queensland, the event once again proved to be a standout showcase of emerging golfing talent. The Burdekin’s own national golf legend Karrie Webb attended across the weekend, much to the excitement of young pl
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The Burdekin Clay Target Club welcomed 38 shooters to its monthly competition on Sunday, 9th November. As the weather warms, targets are becoming harder to see, adding a new challenge for participants. Congratulations to all the winners, whose accuracy and skill made for a highly competitive day. The club extended thanks to its sponsors: Peter & Juanita Delle Baite, Michael Parison-Giru Store, and Annette & Gian Vassalini, as well as Lui Populkin for donating meat trays for the raffle. The next
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FRONT COVER Eighth Avenue doubled as a festival runway last Saturday afternoon, as Hollywood rolled onto Home Hill’s front doorstep in the form of 38 exuberantly decorated floats for the Harvest Festival Grand Parade. Large crowds lined the street as organisations, schools, and local businesses from across the Burdekin region rolled, marched and danced their way through Home Hill's main street, embracing the “Hollywood Elegance” theme with glittering costumes and dazzling floats. The event, to
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Well, it's official. My first ever Home Hill Harvest Festival, in the books. Does that qualify me as a local yet? Well, whether it does or doesn't, I sure felt proud to be a resident as I paced the packed out streets this weekend, photographing all the amazing floats at the highly anticipated Grand Parade. What a turnout. What an event. And all topped off by a near-perfect sunset and the following Street Party. The two events rounded off another successful Harvest Festival schedule—an amalgam
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Home Hill State High School has thanked the Home Hill RSL Sub Branch for donating a new water cooler for students. The school says the contribution is a practical boost, especially in Burdekin heat, giving students reliable access to cold drinking water throughout the year. Staff also noted the donation reflects the strong community support the RSL has consistently shown. The RSL Sub Branch has a long history of assisting local schools, and this latest gesture reinforces the relationship betwe
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The Burdekin Community Association (BCA) has received a boost in its ongoing efforts to support local residents, with Burdekin Shire Council confirming its annual donation of $40,400. Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci presented the donation at BCA’s Annual General Meeting on 23 September 2025, recognising the organisation’s vital role in providing essential services across the region. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the contribution reflected the Council’s strong partnership with BCA and its long-standin
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The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash in Ayr on Sunday afternoon, 9 November. Emergency services were called to Railway Street at about 3.45pm after reports that a white Kia Sorento had collided with a tree. The 66-year-old Ayr man driving the vehicle was declared deceased at the scene. Police have not yet determined the cause of the crash, and investigations remain ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information or dashcam footage is urge
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As the calendar turns to just over a year since the Queensland state election, Member for Burdekin Dale Last says he remains steadfast in ensuring the Burdekin receives its fair share. Reflecting on the last 12 months, Mr Last said witnessing progress and delivery of projects the Burdekin community had long advocated for was incredibly rewarding. “Whether it was improving the safety of our community, providing certainty for the Bowen Boat Harbour or securing a CT scanner for our local hospital
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By Chelsea Ravizza Three Blokes Running (TBR) have once again taken to social media to share a brand-new exciting “game plan” for this month’s Movember Foundation initiative to raise awareness and funds to support men’s mental health! Campbell Johnston, Brayden Rawlins and Austin Dewar have been on an unstoppable mission to break down stigmas surrounding men’s mental health, pushing the message “it ain’t weak to speak” across the country. Just last year, the boys debuted their Movember
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Ayr and Home Hill Honour the Fallen Ayr and Home Hill communities gathered in solemn reflection on Tuesday, 11 November, as Remembrance Day services honoured all who had served and sacrificed for both the region and Australia. In Ayr, locals assembled at ANZAC Park for the 10.30am ceremony hosted by the Ayr RSL Sub Branch. Fair weather set the backdrop as Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Councillors joined veterans, families and school representatives in marking the anniversa
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Over the weekend, we celebrated the Harvest Festival Ball and Grand Parade, what a fantastic turnout! My heartfelt congratulations go to all the participants, especially those who were crowned during the festivities. Your enthusiasm and community spirit truly made the event memorable. On Tuesday 25 November, Burdekin Shire Council will hold a Candlelight Vigil to mark the launch of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The vigil will take place at the Bu
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I had the pleasure of attending the Seniors Luncheon at the Burdekin Memorial Hall last week. It was a fantastic event, thoughtfully organised each year by the Burdekin Shire Council Community Development Team – Tammy Quagliata, Melissah Lammon and Sara Smith. After enjoying a delicious lunch provided by Howie’s Catering, we played Bingo and were thoroughly entertained by Ricky Romeo, who had everyone toe tapping and singing along throughout the arvo. Another great event is the Garage Sale Trai
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Ayr CIB has maintained active enforcement in the Burdekin region over the past two weeks, with multiple charges, court appearances, and diversion notices issued. On 26 October, a 44-year-old Home Hill man was charged with four counts of possessing child exploitation material. He is scheduled to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 15 December. Drug-related offences have also been a focus. On 2 November, a 49-year-old Ayr man received a drug diversion after being found in possession of methamphet
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The Burdekin Craft Spectacular Markets will be held on Saturday, 29 November, at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, Ninth Avenue, Home Hill, from 9 am to 2 pm. The event is hosted by the Burdekin Uniting Church and showcases the creativity and talent of local residents. Visitors can explore a wide range of craft stalls, watch free demonstrations, enjoy a Children’s Treasure Hunt with prizes, and sample food in the dining room, including the popular High Tea Trolley. A cake stall and book stall will al
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing Thank you to all growers who nominated Wilmar Grower Marketing as their GEI marketer for the 2026 season. I would like to extend a warm welcome to the growing number of new growers who have chosen Wilmar for the first time. We don’t take any nomination, new or existing, for granted and remain committed to delivering strong returns, flexible products and personalised service to maintain your trust in this vital part of your business. This year has
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Watson’s Green was filled with families and pets on Wednesday, 5 November, as the annual Home Hill Harvest Festival Pet Show and Bolt for Bucks returned. The event featured a wide variety of animals, from kittens and birds to puppies and more unusual pets, all competing for awards. The Harvest Festival Queens judged each entry carefully, and winners received ribbons, vouchers, and treats thanks to sponsor My Pet’s Rural. First-place winners included Ellie Oakes with Millie (Best Dressed), Holly
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It was a Harvest Festival Gala Ball to remember last Friday, 7 November, as hundreds of Burdekinites wined, dined, and witnessed the crowning of Aaliyah Gibson and Eden Betteridge as the Harvest Festival Queen and the Personality Queen respectively. Representing the Burdekin Netball Association, Gibson was quick to thank the committee and her peers for the experience and support. "We wouldn't be here without the hard work and dedication of the Harvest Festival and Rotary committees," she said.
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Sunday 16 November Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning overflowing with wonderful market stalls from handmade creations to delicious treats! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4783 6627. Plantation Park Sunday 16 November Rhythm Edge Dance Studios: Ready Set Party Time 10am The Rhythm Edge Ready Set students take the stage for their annual Burdekin Theatre performance, showcasing energy, colour, and plenty of adorable moments. Tickets $28–$36. Burdeki
Read moreNight Soccer The seventh week of competition and not a high scoring night. There were four forfeits, but then, it was Melbourne Cup night. The sixteen games produced sixty one goals and there was just the one Sin Bin. Top scorers were Ladies team Scoregasms with eight goals, Mottin Earthmoving and Always Fits both rattled in five goals and JFV’s Jonty Davis was sin-binned! In Men’s Competitive Group, UDS top the table with seventeen points one point ahead of Clare Cutters and, despite losing,
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