After a promise of a new way forward in marine rescue, thousands of volunteers have been left in uncharted waters with no clarity on the future according to Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Dale Last. As the July 1 deadline for the first VMR squadrons and AVCG flotillas to transition to the new Marine Rescue Queensland approaches, Mr Last said crews, radio operators and skippers had been left in the dark about what the transition would look like and how it would operate. “It’s been more t
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A 13-year-old girl was stung by a jellyfish near Cape Upstart over the weekend and was one of three people hospitalised due to jellyfish stings across the state over the weekend. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed the female patient in her teens was transported by boat from Cape Upstart to Gumlu after suffering a marine sting on Sunday, March 31. Bowen paramedics met the patient on the shore and assisted in transporting her to a rescue helicopter which flew her to Townsville
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American popstar P!nk wrapped up her record-breaking Summer Carnival Australian tour in Townsville last month, with the benefits being felt throughout north Queensland thanks to the tens of thousands of fans flocking for her two concerts. Held at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, the concerts attracted over 65,000 punters across the two nights, breaking the Stadium attendance record previously held by game one of the 2021 State of Origin series. Millions
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The Rita Island Progress Association (RIPA) has recently formed to promote a sense of community and good fellowship with the people of Rita Island, a small rural farming area just out of Ayr where they can get cut off from the mainland during floods. Having good neighbours in those times of need and hardship really makes a difference, so we aim to bring everyone here closer together through social gatherings and fund-raisers that will hopefully help fund a central meeting point and recreational
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Opinion Piece Legislation on a new fresh food tax has been introduced in Parliament, a move that Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says will increase the cost of living and hurt families, farmers, and food producers throughout Australia. Mr Willcox said the Government’s biosecurity protection levy will charge Australian farmers for the biosecurity costs of importers bringing their product to Australia. “These costs to farmers will inevitably be passed onto the consumer, hurting individua
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Burdekin-based father-daughter fisher duo Neil and Sienna Green recently took to Canberra’s Parliament House to prepare fresh Burdekin-caught barramundi for politicians and press. The barbecue and press event was hosted by Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald and the Queensland Seafood Industry Association to raise awareness of the impacts of banning net fishing in Queensland on both industry and consumer. “I invited fishers to Canberra to cook barramundi burgers for pol
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On Wednesday March 27, PCYC Burdekin had eight students graduate from their current Get for Work Program. The program is for 15-19 year olds looking for work and have finished their schooling journey. During the course, the students completed a certificate II in Vocational Pathways and Employment Skills, first aid certificates, RSAs and gained their learner's licence. The students also participated in a range of actives to enhance their employability including cultural and historical awarenes
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Rehoming fee: $450 DOB: 15/03/2022 Sex: Male Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Kid friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Untested Other dogs: Yes Fences: 6ft Don’t be alarmed by the name! Hades is actually a bit shy when you first meet him but it doesn’t take long for him to warm up to you and when he does, he has so much love to give. Despite his young age Hades is very relaxed and chill but when it comes to play time, he will never stop. His favourite game is fetch and he will play for as long
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At 3.35am on Saturday 9 March, Ayr Police located a vehicle on Robertson Road, Brandon. As a result, a 25yr old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for being in charge of a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor, .166. He appeared in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 25 March. At 8.40am on Saturday 9 March, Ayr Police were called to the local hospital regarding a male wishing to make an assault. It was alleged he was punched in the face then bitten on his nose by a male associ
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After two successful Big Cigarette Butt Hunts in Cairns, thanks to funding from Queensland Gives, No More Butts is now expanding the events to four new locations including right here in the Burdekin. No More Butts is taking action against cigarette butts, the single biggest contributor to litter in Australia and around the world, holding its first event in 2022 where more than a dozen volunteers picked up 4,500 butts in just under an hour. In 2023, 20 volunteers from several different organis
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Have you ever wanted to learn what it takes to become a radio presenter? Your chance is fast approaching thanks to Sweet FM and the Burdekin Shire Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). Sweet FM will be hosting presenter training later this month aimed at anyone from novice to experienced presenters. The course will provide the unique opportunity to discover the inner workings of Sweet FM, learn about local radio and a presenter’s legal responsibilities, and gain experience with presen
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Give and take, back and forth, exchanging energy, you only get out what you put in. However you want to say it, creating a vibrant, healthy, and strong community requires effort from everyone involved. Our Burdekin community is unique and has its own set of strengths, needs, and challenges that should be considered when developing strategies to address our requirements. To do that, all hands are needed on deck. We believe in working together to identify our community’s strengths, prioritise
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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council offers interest free loans to not-for-profit sporting, cultural and community organisations that want to upgrade their facilities or purchase specialised equipment. This policy aims to encourage the social, cultural and sporting development of the Burdekin Shire area by supporting community organisations’ initiatives. The loans are subject to eligibility criteria, repayment terms and a maximum amount set by the Council. Applications can be for proje
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On Tuesday, March 26, St Colman's Catholic School held their Easter Hat Parade and were joined by Home Hill Community Kindy. There were so many fabulous hats created by the students of all ages and we thank our families for coming along and supporting the children. Winners were selected from each class and the judges said it was such a hard task trying to pick a winner. Contributed by St Colman's Catholic School Caption: Students from St Colman's Catholic School and Home Hill Community Kind
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Elders has been announced as Australia’s Most Trusted Agribusiness Brand in Roy Morgan’s inaugural Trusted Agribusiness Brand Awards following an exceptional year garnering high levels of trust, and exceedingly low, or negligible, levels of distrust. 50 brands were measured as part of the study involving surveys with over 1,000 Australian farmers, with Elders claiming the top spot in the Agribusiness Products and Services category and the ‘Best of the Best’ Most Trusted Agribusiness Brand for 20
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While you may not have had the pleasure of meeting her personally, you have most definitely seen her amazing work showcased within the pages of our Burdekin Life and Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspapers. Lara Moss is one of two graphics designers on our team and while she has only been on board with us since late last September, she is a remarkable asset to the team and is amazing at what she does whilst bringing a cheerful and vibrant personality to the role. Whilst Lara was born in Townsvi
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Primary producers in the Burdekin have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, free of charge, at a series of Rabo Client Council workshops. The workshops are designed to help provide the financial skills essential to managing an agricultural enterprise and will provide farmers with an opportunity to both upskill and network. The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Council, a group of the bank’s farming clients who volu
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With cane supply agreements underway across the state, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) continues to fulfil its promises made to the industry and its members. QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou said Cane Supply Agreement negotiations are well underway in the Herbert, while in the Mackay region, negotiations are nearing full completion as QCAR strives to achieve innovative outcomes for its members across the state. “We are satisfied that we have been able to achieve the desires of our members
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Charters Towers is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning landscapes, the charming destination, an hour and a half from Townsville, offers a myriad of activities for visitors. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Charters Towers has something for everyone. Explore The Historic Stock Exchange Arcade Start your Charters Towers journey by delving into its rich history at the Stock Exchange Arcade. This heritage-listed buildi
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Wink and Blink Every school holiday our local libraries create two activity booklets for children to take home free of charge. Wink is the booklet for younger children and Blink is for older school aged children. The booklets are available from the weekend that holidays start and can be collected from the desk at either Burdekin Library Ayr or Home Hill Branch Library. Visit Coutts Park Coutts Park in Ayr features a playground, picnic shelter and barbecue area, half basketball court, exercise
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Wednesday March 20 winners were Barry Hewson, Col Essex and Mario Milan who defeated Bob Young, Dino Poli and Lew Stidston. Runners up were Reno Lazarin, Alan Jones and Ron Soper who defeated John Hall, George Nixon and Henry Hazle. Saturday March 22 winners were Sandra Darwen and Ron Soper who defeated John Pirrone and Rob Garner. Runners up were Lorraine Wolffe, Vince Beitia and Blake Hyden. Social Bowls on Tuesday March16: Betty Schultz, Heather Jorgensen and Sandra Stidston defeated Isabel C
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Local With it being Easter and the school holidays, nothing much has happened on the local football scene. Back in the day, the seniors would be involved in the Greaves-Munroe Cup, a knockout competition played over the Easter weekend. Ah, yes. Apparently, there are no fixtures next weekend either. However, the following week all teams are back on the park. On Friday 12th April the Panthers Division 1 side are away to Estates and on the Sunday, the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies are all at hom
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A small field of 12 players took to the green on Monday, April 1 for a club trophy. Today's winner was Ross Wilkie with 38, handicapper is going to catch you. Second went to Carol Betteridge with 37. Close behind was Peter Dale on 35. Friday arvo club played on Thursday because of Good Friday. 21 players. NTP. A Grade: Gysie. C Grade: John Ross Dale. Ladies: Carol. Least putts: Ross Wilkie. The day’s winner: Johnno. Lucky Number: Pete Mackaway. Contributed by Stephen Doig
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Wednesday night barefoot bowls was won by Paul and, for the first time, Nev. Four bowls pairs was the game played. Thursday’s game had 23 players turn up to do battle. The winners of the day were Trevor, Alex and John. Thanks to sponsor Blinds 2 U. Tuesday Trimmers is going well and BINGO Thursday mornings is a bit of a hit. Until next week, good bowling. Contributed by Stephen Doig Caption: Paul and Nev
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The juniors were lucky with the weather, taking to the green on Saturday, March 23 for the Home Hill Junior Open and just finishing their comp and presentations before the rain set in. Results 3 Holes Gross winner - Sonny Hutchinson Nett winner - Ella Church Nett R/U - Hudson Suficiencia NTP - Sonny Hutchinson 6 Holes Gross winner - Rheanna Bain Gross R/U - Curtis Borellini Nett winner - Lyla Land Nett R/Up - Kyle Wilkie NTP - Curtis Borellini 9 Holes Gross winner - Cody Webster Nett winner
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