Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Vixen, a beautiful 15-month-old dog, has been patiently waiting for her forever home for over 400 days. This energetic and loving girl, weighing in at 25kgs, is ready to fill your life with joy and excitement. With her tall and agile frame, Vixen is the perfect companion for an active household that can match her spirited enthusiasm for toys, long walks, and playful activities. A social dog, Vixen thrives on human interaction and loves to explore her surroundings. After burning off some energy
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Thalie: “Well, I have a lot of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends, so we don't celebrate Australia Day, but we gather and we tell stories. And in fact, probably my husband and I are probably going to be at home by ourselves that day. But we aim to share stories that reflect their heritage and values and stories of where we're from, and stories of connection, and stories of what's important to us, as all of us are Australians. We view the day as a time for connection, reflection, and h
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Lawrence Polgar, President of the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company – who first went on stage in 1992 in Oliver – discusses the return of the show ‘Back To The 80s’ which first appeared here in the Burdekin, 20 years ago. “It’s exciting as it’s been 20 years since we first saw ‘Back To The 80s’ on stage here in the Burdekin. Some members even performed in the original show 20 years ago! The cast includes both senior and junior members from Townsville and the Burdekin area, many of whom ha
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Born and bred in the Burdekin, Sweet FM presenter, Carol Betteridge, has been with the station for a decade now. She started her show after leaving a long-term job and has been hosting Wednesday morning country music shows ever since. “I lived out of town about eight kilometres south of Home Hill. I lived there until I moved to town 35 years ago, where I've been ever since. Even though I’ve travelled the world, including Ireland, the UK, South Africa, New Zealand (five to six times), and I’ve
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The Burdekin Basketball U18 Boys team recently concluded their 2024/2025 representative season with an impressive performance at the State Championships on the Gold Coast. The team gave the southern clubs a tough challenge, showcasing exceptional skills and determination against bigger, more experienced opponents. As the season wraps up, the team bids farewell to six top-age players who are ending their representative careers. These athletes have been vital members of the team, with some having
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The Burdekin Basketball Club is incredibly proud of its referee team, who have once again demonstrated excellence on the court. Kyle Vitty and Caitlin Kross were both selected to officiate in prestigious medal games at the recent competition. Kyle refereed the Division 1 Boys Bronze Medal match, while Caitlin took charge of the Division 3 Girls Gold Medal match - an outstanding achievement for both! The club also wants to give a huge shout out to Emily Plaza, who was awarded the Division 1 Boys
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Burdekin Football Club has been busy upgrading its facilities during the offseason to create a more accessible and inclusive environment for players, supporters, and the wider community. The latest improvement project is the painting of the changerooms and bathroom facilities at the senior complex. These upgrades build on the recent addition of ladies' showers and renovated bathroom spaces, funded through the 2024 Ergon-Energex Community Fund grant. These much-needed works are set to provide
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The Brandon Bowls Club will host an afternoon of mixed triples in celebration of Australia Day on Sunday the 26th of January, with bowling to commence from 1:30pm. Prizes will be on offer throughout the event with the club kindly asking attendees to bring a plate to share with fellow bowlers and arrive dressed in bowls attire. Nominations can be made by calling the Brandon Bowls Club on 0476-302-889, Gary Pearce on 0488-214-222, or Neville Dickinson on 0414-519-210, with all names needing to
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Neville’s Nomads travelled to Charters Towers last weekend to take part in the 2025 Goldfield Ashes, marking their 27th appearance in the prestigious tournament. This year’s squad included six players who were part of the original team back in 1999, showcasing the team’s long-standing tradition and commitment to the game. The Nomads played three matches during the competition, winning two and losing one. They finished in 35th place in the B2 Grade, which featured 126 teams this year. Throughout
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The Queensland Kids Fishing Classic (QKFC) is back this January, running from the 11th to the 27th, and it’s the perfect opportunity for young anglers to get outdoors, enjoy some fishing, and compete for over $6,000 in prizes! The competition is open to kids across Queensland, with three age groups: 3-7 years, 8-12 years, and 13-17 years. This is a kids-only competition where participants can fish anywhere that is legal (excluding offshore areas). With 12 species categories, there’s something f
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Burdekin’s very own homegrown professional golfer, Karrie Webb, will return to the local green on Saturday the 1st of February for a wonderfully FREE Golf Clinic at the Ayr Golf Club! Set to run from 8:30am to 9:30am, the clinic invites golfers of all abilities, including beginners, to have a swing with Webb herself and learn plenty of helpful hints around the green. Attendees can bring their own clubs or borrow from the club on the day to enjoy a morning of education, fun and enrichment. What
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The Ayr Surf Club has received a much-needed boost to their patrolling ranks at the end of 2024, thanks to the efforts of trainer John Moloney and Assessors James Kennedy and Matt Stone. The Club has recently welcomed six new Bronze Medallion members; Dave & Kathryn Sartori, Richard Dale, Emma Parker, Jane Olsen and Will Holt, and six new Surf Rescue Certificate members; Gabriel and Jan Hatherell, Zachary Dale, Parker Bonato, Shaize Christie and Emma Jones into the red and yellow family. These
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In February, the Queensland Firebirds will be hitting the road once again as part of a spectacular Regional Tour to deliver comprehensive netball clinics across five locations in the Burdekin, Laidley, Murwillumbah, Townsville and the Whitsundays! On Sunday the 2nd of February, the Queensland Firebirds will host a clinic at Home Hill’s Burdekin Netball Association from 11am to 12:30pm. Children aged 6 to 17 are invited to participate in the clinic with the hour-long session set to focus on impr
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One of the most beloved events on the Alva Beach calendar will soon grace the community’s shoreline, as teams begin to finalise ahead of 2025’s Alva Beach Golf Day set for Saturday the 8th of February. A major fundraiser for the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, the annual event will tee off from 1pm at the clubhouse with the celebrations to continue well into the late afternoon. Plenty of food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the day as well as a selection of awesome prizes on off
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Founded in 1971 by a group of local Burdekin boaties and fishermen keen to look after each other, as well as visitors to the region, in a time when private vessels doubled as rescue vessels and the radio building was nothing more than a caravan towed to Alva Beach, Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin (VMR) has been going strong for over 50 years ever since. Now a more formal volunteer organisation, VMR has dedicated rescue boats, while operating out of two modern buildings that house their radio f
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You may have noticed some beautifully decorated rocks popping up around the Burdekin shire. These colourful stones are part of the ‘Kindness Rocks Project’, a heartwarming movement where people—along the East Coast and beyond—paint rocks with uplifting messages and vibrant designs to spread positivity. The project began in 2015, when Megan Murphy of Cape Cod left a rock on a beach with the message "You've got this." Her simple act of kindness sparked a viral trend that quickly spread. Soon, othe
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The Federal Government’s $7.2 billion pledge to upgrade the notoriously dangerous Bruce Highway has already hit its first set of potholes. Federal Finance Minister, Katy Gallagher, contradicted the Prime Minister’s claim that funding will be delivered this year. Instead, the Finance Minister admitted the funding won’t be available until after the forward estimates, leaving the region of Dawson waiting until 2028 for crucial upgrades. “The Prime Minister and the Finance Minister cannot both be
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My attention this week turned to Los Angeles, ablaze with severe (out of season) bushfires, with several upscale neighbourhoods turned to nothing but ash, including Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu. What’s L.A got to do with the Burdekin? Well, there are more similarities than seem obvious at first glance. I lived in L.A for 4-5 years between 2012-2016. It’s also where I met my wife, so it holds a special place in my heart. To see it go up in flames is tough, especially as we have friend
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Queensland’s waterways are home to one of nature’s most formidable predators: the crocodile. Since gaining protection in 1971, crocodile populations have steadily increased, making these prehistoric creatures a vital part of the ecosystem. However, they also pose risks to residents and visitors, including those in the Burdekin region. Crocodiles are an iconic part of North Queensland’s identity, but their presence often sparks debate. Sightings along the coast highlight the challenge of balanci
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At 88, Dorothea (or Thea to her friends), has led an amazing life when she moved to the Burdekin in 2012. Originally from Mareeba, 68 kilometres north of Cairns, Thea is the youngest of nine children, when she first discovered her love of travel. “My father had a tobacco farm just outside Mareeba, where I grew up. We had one teacher in our bush primary school. When I finished school, I went nursing in Atherton for four years and after training, my sister and I moved down to Innisfail. I worked
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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is calling on small businesses in the Burdekin to make their voices heard as the state government embarks on a project designed to unlock the growth potential of the vital sector. Reducing red tape and providing an improved dispute resolution service, are key elements of the Crisafulli’s government’s aim to ensure small business spends more time providing service to customers rather than servicing government. “In the Burdekin district 97.3% of local businesse
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Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Homicide Investigation Unit and Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch are continuing to investigate the death of a 56-year-old Down syndrome man, Isaac Oar, in Ayr in August 2023. Around 9.18pm on Thursday,10th of August, 2023, emergency services were called to an Alice Street residence after Isaac, also known as Ikey, was located unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Due to the circumstances, police commenced a suspicious death investiga
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Queensland has experienced its deadliest year on the roads in 15 years, with 302 lives lost in 2024. This marks a tragic 25-person increase over 2023 and a 33-person rise compared to the five-year average. The state’s worst road toll since 2009 has prompted calls for drivers to be more vigilant, especially as the summer holiday period brings increased traffic. Minister for Transport and Main Roads, The Honourable Brent Mickelberg, emphasised the need for caution. “At this time of year, we know
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With much talk in the media about upgrading the Bruce Highway, the motorists of today would have much more to complain about if the conditions of the past are anything to go by. Enjoy this historic account shared by local Burdekinite, Glenis Cislowski, and written by William Langford Penny back in 1931. William Penny was 25 when he and his friend, Raymond Becker (22), departed from Sydney in a Singer Junior 8 h.p. motor car, on Monday 2 February 1931, headed for Townsville. Nicknamed Rastus, th
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Cane toads are everywhere in Queensland, especially in the Burdekin, and with the breeding season upon us action needs to be taken to remove them. The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge is back again for this year’s Great Cane Toad Bust event with over 50,000 toads removed last year. They hope to match that number and even surpass it this season with your help. Cane toads are prolific breeders producing up to 30,000 eggs at a time and can live up to 10 years. Being toxic in all stages of their life cy
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