Facing homelessness for the second time in five years, Jenny Harper and her daughter Katie were running out options. Upon finding a secure rental in Home Hill, the mother-daughter duo turned to their unique skillset of dog grooming as a way to save money to buy the house. Jenny, who lives with a disability, and Katie, who is also Jenny’s carer, were living in Townsville when they were evicted from their home for reasons out of their control. They returned to the Burdekin where Jenny grew up, fin
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An eerie shadow spotted in video footage taken by a mother of her children swimming in Rollingstone Creek, north of Townsville, has been confirmed to be the outline of a saltwater crocodile. Wildlife officers have used photos and videos, captured on Saturday, March 2, to confirm the presence of an estimated three-metre crocodile in the Rollingstone Creek swimming hole, while the presence of three crocodiles was later confirmed in the creek system well downstream from the swimming hole. Senior Wi
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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council has a comprehensive set of animal regulations? Council’s animal regulations are designed to protect the health and safety of animals and people and to promote responsible pet ownership and community harmony. There are local laws that specify the minimum standards for keeping different types of animals, such as birds, poultry, horses, cows, sheep, goats, and more. Depending on the size of your property and the number of animals you want to keep, you ma
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A recent International Women’s Day (IWD) breakfast hosted by Burdekin Christian College (BCC) invited over 100 mothers and daughters to feel inspired by guest speakers. One guest speaker was Judith Arroita, mother of BCC student Lily, who spoke about Lily’s journey with Turner Syndrome. Turner Syndrome is a condition that affects only females, resulting when one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing, where most girls are born with two X chromosomes. Lily was diagnosed in November
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Did you know that the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre links the community with various services, social groups, and community organisations? Neighbourhood Centres are places where people meet to build connections and strengthen their community. They provide a safe and welcoming environment for all community members to access essential services and participate in social activities. Essentially, they help bring people closer together and create a sense of belonging within their community - they are
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International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 globally, honouring the achievements of women. Zonta International’s theme for IWD 2024 is, “Count her in: accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment”. To celebrate IWD, the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc hosted a High Tea at BCHS Marcellin Centre on Sunday, March 10. The afternoon was a wonderful success with guests travelling from Brisbane, Townsville, and the Whitsundays to enjoy the afternoon’s activities. The ve
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Meet Kaylee Boccalatte Of Dal Santo’s Deli Star sign: Gemini Fav Colour: Blue Fav holiday destination: The tropical island destination called Rita Fav quote: Be the change you wish to see in the world – Mahatma Gandhi Something most people don’t know about you: I have unwittingly become a collector of unread books – I see them in the shop, buy them and then … they sit on the bookshelf. Describe your personality in three words: determined, honest and reliable. Kaylee Boccalatte was born and rai
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Servicing the Burdekin and its surrounding North Queensland regions, ML Partners Pty Ltd has been a beacon of financial expertise since its incorporation in 2013. Founded by directors Peter McKaig and John Licciardello, this accounting and financial services firm boasts a rich history, with both leaders having been integral to the business since 1994 and 1995, respectively. But what sets ML Partners apart is not just its longevity in the industry, but also its commitment to fostering a unique an
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From tablecloths, doonas, curtains and pillowcases to old electrical cables, earphone wire and aluminium can pull rings, the Burdekin Artisans Community Association is inviting the community to recycle for Burdekin Rags to Runway. The annual event showcases clothing and accessories made from repurposed materials and calls for entrants to exhibit their creativity by transforming used clothing into fashionable runway pieces. “It’s about recycling fabric and other materials into a wearable item of
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The Burdekin community had one last chance to hear from mayoral and councillor candidates ahead of Saturday’s local government election at a Q&A forum hosted by Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) last Wednesday, March 6. Candidates took to the stage of the Burdekin Theatre auditorium where they were impeccably asked carefully considered questions relating both to the agricultural industries and good governance. The evening took a “speed dating approach” where each candidate was give
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Ryellen Heliwork was established in 1999 by chief pilot Ryan Jones. As a farmer himself, Ryan knows the costs incurred to the bottom line due to vines in cane. 2024 is shaping up to be a good season for the sugar cane industry in the Burdekin. However, ideal growing conditions for vine has seen a severe outbreak across the district and is likely to cause the upcoming harvest a great deal of stress, by inhibiting harvesters moving through the paddocks. The recent cyclone has also allowed the vin
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Caption 1: Dave Nielson and Jason Res Caption 2: Brett Dal Bello and Vince Caption 3: Joe and Margaret Linton Caption 4: Flynn, Ryan and Suzie Brownlie Caption 5: Mark Elwood and Ian Boyle Caption 6: Shane O’Flanagan, Scott Haynes and Morgan Lewis Caption 7: Andrew Franklin, Mark Hudson and Mitch McColl Caption 8: Gary Lyons, Paul Marano and Jessie Lanyon Caption 9: Mario Barbagallo, Mark Rossato and Phillip Cardillo Caption 10: Wayne Squires, Marnie McCullough and Elaine Alker Caption 11: Volun
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As the recipients of one of the bank’s community grants, Lower Burdekin Landcare have thanked the Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr for its sponsorship last year. Lower Burdekin Landcare received a grant of $16,500 which volunteers said will help keep the clubhouse and nursery viable. The funds were used to install solar panels on the roof of the clubhouse and purchase a Toro Zero Turn mower so volunteers can maintain the nursery without relying on people slashing it for them. “The transition t
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Caption: Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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Local sporting organisations and residents are encouraged to take part in consultation activities to develop a new Sport and Recreation Plan for the Shire. Burdekin Shire Council has engaged MAK Planning and Design, an external consultant, to develop the plan in partnership with local sporting organisation and community stakeholders, aiming to help Council and the community to plan and deliver better services and infrastructure in the Shire. Consultation sessions will be held on Monday March 18
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The Burdekin Potters are going from strength to strength, with the local branch of the Bendigo Bank, providing funds to expand storage space for the rapidly growing club. Bendigo Bank has once again shown their support for ‘not-for-profit’ groups by offering a grant which provided the funds to erect a much-needed storage shed as an addition to their clubhouse. Located in Plantation Park, The Burdekin Potters have seen a significant increase in membership in the last four years, with almost 6
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Fast Facts: Rehoming Fee: $850 DOB: 15/04/2022 Sex: Male Breed: Dashshund Cross Cattle Dog (Unconfirmed) Kid Friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Yes, With Time Other dogs: Yes Fences: 4ft This little bundle of fun has been named Major because he gets major FOMO (fear of missing out). Major loves being involved in every interaction and being the centre of attention, and especially loves playing games and having fun. While Major does love his foster dog siblings, he has yet to grow completely comfortab
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A local Scout from the Lower Burdekin Scouts planned and organised a camping weekend in Townsville for a small group of Scouts as part of her Leadership training. Brianna’s planning involved organising the menu, transport, equipment, and activities for the weekend. After setting up the tents, it was a quick lunch before heading off to the Barra Fun Park for the rest of the day. On Sunday, the Scouts spent the morning at the rock pools on the Strand in Townsville before having lunch back at the c
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In February 2017, eleven people climbed the steep stairs at the Burdekin Library in Ayr. Beginners and experienced writers alike, they dreamed of novels, family histories, memoirs, anthologies and children’s stories. They sought a group of like-minded individuals who would inspire and encourage their creativity. From that meeting, Scratchy Scribblers was formed. Over the next six years, the group changed names and meeting locations multiple times. Members and partnerships came and went, but, thr
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Caption: Photos supplied: Burdekin Christian College
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Students from Home Hill State High School took to the pool on Friday, March 1 for the annual interhouse swimming carnival. Beachmount came out on top after a fun and competitive day of swimming. Age Champions Age Male Female 12 years Will Stanton-Cook (Upstart) Dontaii Club (Inkerman) 13 years Eli Wilkie (Beachmount) Emily Power (Inkerman) 14 years Luke Blacklock (Upstart) Genevieve Bonanno (Inkerman) 15 years Nate Weston (Inkerman) Isla Wilkie (Beachmount) 16 years Criz Torkington (Beachmount)
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In about July to August of 1954, a group of car enthusiasts formed the Ayr Sporting Car Club. Townsville already had a Sporting Car Club, as did Bowen, which formed in 1953. Vehicles in the club were MG TF’s, Austins A90, A70, A40, Vauxhall Sports Cars Velox, Morris Minors, Vauxhall Sedans, Space-Masters and Zephyrs. The first recorded event for the Ayr club was in the Townsville Daily Bulletin Monday August 23, 1954. On the Sunday Townsville Sporting Club, which consisted of six members, made t
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Social Tuesday March 5: Katarina Stuckler, Karen Page and Mary Poli defeated Raylene Hervey, Beryl Cornford and Pam Power. Isabel Cislowski and Irene Wilson defeated Heather Jorgensen and Sandra Stidston. Competition Results Thursday March 7 Open Rinks: Ruth Moore, Isabel Cislowski, Joy Comollatti and Irene Wilson defeated Katarina Stuckler, Elaine Young, Heather Jorgensen and Mary Poli. Competition for Thursday March 14 Open Rinks: Team 1 Sandra Stidston plays Team 3 Mary Poli. Team 2 Pam Pow
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On Wednesday March 5, eight ladies played rinks with a very interesting and competitive game. Margaret Chapman, Darelle Pearce, Ann Newton and Bernice Kugatiff defeated Helen Collins Colleen Olsen and Joy Woods. Don’t forget names into Joy Woods by 1:00pm for 1:30pm start. Friday March 8 evening, 13 bowlers played a mixture of triples and rinks. Winning teams were Lloyd Shepherd, Norm Storrie, Joy Woods and Jamie Woods and in the other game David Bycroct, Ross McLaughlin and Ray Panecassio. Sund
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Thursday March 7 saw 23 players front up to do battle on Rummeny Green. Four rinks were used on the east to west side. Rink 5: Jimmy and Glen prevailed over Judy and Des 23 to 21 and 11 ends to 10. Rink 6: Mick M, Dino and Stephen had a big win over John, Dave and Hugh 19 to 8 and 14 ends to 4 ends and were the day’s winners. Rink 7: Mick O, Bob and Joe were too strong for Yogi, Alex and Wayne to the tune of 22 to 13 and 13 ends to 7. Rink 8: Paul, Jeff and Henry were also convincing winner
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