The North Queensland Swimming Championships were held in Mackay on March 2 and 3 at the Mackay Aquatic Centre. The Burdekin Torpedoes took a total of five swimmers, with coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie there to guide them once again through the meet. The Championships were opened with a themed march pass around the pool of all the Clubs participating in the meet. The Burdekin Torpedoes looked very relaxed in their 'Cruisin' Torpedoes' outfits and demonstrated their pride in the Burdekin with so
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Junior players from Ingham to Mackay travelled to Ayr from March 2 to kick off the first Junior Development Series tournament of 2024. An amazing weekend was had by all with lots of tennis, lots of food and lots of slushies. Day 1 started off early with the opening ceremony and a ground warm up on court which the players all loved. Lots of tennis was played Saturday and final matches wrapped up early in the evening. Day 2 started off early as well with last matches finishing about 2:15pm. “As a
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Local The 2024 local football season got underway at last on Saturday at International Park. Burdekin Panthers played three home games on Saturday against Brothers but had to play on Field 2 because Field 1 was still unplayable. However, it was a successful Saturday, with the Premiers beating Brothers 5-3, and the Reserves drawing 1-1 however, the young and depleted Ladies side lost 0-12. The Panthers were up against a Brothers team who were last year's minor premiers and grand final winners.
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Green socks will run out onto rugby league fields all across the state this year as the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) increases its support for young match officials. The new QRL campaign carries a key message to fans attending QRL fixtures in 2024: “If their socks are green, they are under 18”. The campaign aims to create a more positive environment for young referees, attracting more to the role and boosting retention. QRL State Match Officials Manager Clayton Sharpe said the initiative would
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Home Hill Golf Club finally held their Summer Cup final, seeing a close event in very windy conditions. Winner on the day was Tim Branch on 35 points followed by Stephen Doig 35 points, Jaylen Mcubben 34 points, Eric Barbagallo 34 points, and Kieren Dawes 34 points. Pins 4/13 Tim Branch and Kieren Dawes, 7/16 Tim Branch and Scott Sheahan, 9/18 Eric Barbagallo and Stephen Doig and least putts Stephen Doig on 24. Summer cup runaway winner for the season was Kieren Dawes 28 points; 2nd Kevan Chatf
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On Saturday morning, Ayr junior golfers held their February monthly medal competition. The Nett winner from each group wins the monthly medal. Just a light shower or rain didn’t stop the juniors from completing their holes, with a great number of 6 holes players competing this week. The 3 hole monthly medal winner was Hudson Suficiencia, 6 hole monthly medal winner was Lyla Land, and the 9 hole monthly medal winner was Oscar Mahoney. Congratulations all. The club would also like to welcome Ril
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The former greats of the Rugby League Townsville & Districts (RLTD) gave the visiting NRL Legends team something to think about when both teams played out a 26 all draw in Townsville at the Sports Reserve last Saturday night. Burdekin Roosters reserve grade coach Chris Perry was asked by the Townsville coach Kev Marty to be his assistant as well as manager. Perry did so and said the game was played in the right spirit with the Legends team showing that even though the legs are slower and the bel
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The stage has been set for the Home Hill Cricket Association senior grand final following a Guardian Pharmacy victory on the weekend. Guardian faced Crowned Mongrels on the astro wicket, with Mongrels winning the toss and electing to bat.Some tight bowling led to a conservative start for the batting side and an early wicket before Andrew Wallwork dug in for 57 runs from 44 balls assisted by Scott Hazard with 26 from 31, Casper Licciardello with 12 from 13 and Travis Butler with 11 from 17.Simon
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The Burdekin Roosters had two successful trial matches with the visiting Mackay Magpies on Saturday night at Rugby Park winning the A grade and drawing the Reserve Grade. New A grade coach Steve Lansley said it was great to get a win with his team first up. “The defence was terrific by the boys who never gave up in the tough physical encounter,” Lansley said. The former Ignatius Park First grade coach said the team had good contact in defence, slowing the opposition down consistently. “Magpies w
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The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club held a Family Fun Day and Sock Disco on Saturday March 2. The day was a great success with locals coming down to enjoy the festivities. The dunk tank was a huge hit with both the young and old taking a turn to sink one of the Lifesavers braving the swing. Kids braved the slip and slide, and families enjoyed a wide variety of outdoor games, face painting, fairy floss and popcorn.
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Hi readers I have returned from a wonderful weekend away with Jakita at Paluma Ranges National Park and, I must say, what a beautiful spot. From swimming in the creeks and waterholes to wandering the tracks and taking in the vistas, it made for a refreshing weekend of exploring a beautiful part of the country that’s essentially right on our doorstep. We observed a wide variety of bird life with a highlight being sitting on the balcony of a quaint café in the village, eating shepherd’s pie and
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With Coles Ayr closing unexpectedly to complete urgent roof repairs, Woolworths has weathered an influx of shoppers to pick up the demand. Many residents have taken to social media to share their appreciation of the supermarket’s handling of the extra customers. “I think Woolies in Ayr deserve a big shout out for the amazing job they’ve done dealing with a sudden 100 per cent increase of demand from their store,” one person posted in the Burdekin Community Hub Facebook group. “Not an easy task l
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First Nations organisations are welcome to submit their expression of interest to deliver a new ‘Intensive On Country’ trial program, for young First Nations Queensland engaged with the youth justice system. Building upon foundations established by the current ‘On Country’ initiative, ‘Intensive On Country’ will include an intensive cultural and residential experience for longer periods of time, education and training opportunities, family support, and in home support. The ‘On Country’ program
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Coles Ayr reopened yesterday, Wednesday March 6, following its sudden closure over two weeks ago, due to comprised ceiling tiles posing a significant health and safety risk. The trade of Coles Ayr, in the Burdekin Plaza, was initially suspended due to concerns about the stability of the roof tiles as a result of excess moisture and humidity from the recent heavy rains. Engaging with the building landlord, a contractor was employed to undertake the necessary works. Todd Riches, Coles Regional
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An iron-clad plan must be developed for the local TAFE following a committee report into the services across the state, says Member for Burdekin Dale Last. Mr Last has called on the Minister to front the Burdekin community to develop the plan after key findings in the report into the delivery of VET in regional, rural, and remote Queensland acknowledged that there was scope for improvement in community involvement in the planning for VET services in regional areas. “As we saw with the consult
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An Ayr woman has passed away after an incident involving a lawn mower on a private property on Cislowski Road, Ayr. 48-year-old Kylie Walker suffered head and chest injuries after the accident that occurred around 6:00pm on Monday, March 4. Paramedics were called to the scene where she was assessed in a critical condition before, sadly, passing away. Police are preparing a report for the coroner. Ms Walker leaves behind her husband, Darren, and two teenage children who are well-known in the loca
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Three joeys, two cubs, one scout, two leaders and one adult helper did Clean Up Australia Day on a day that turned out to be very warm – a job well done. The day was finished with a BBQ and a swim at the pool. Contributed by Chris Berkery
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Opinion Piece Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is calling out the Australian Government following the release of research that suggests its supercharged fuel efficiency standards could cost hard-working Aussies up to $25,000 more by 2029. Mr Willcox said the Government’s supercharged fuel efficiency standards are another discriminatory blow to rural and regional Australia. “According to the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries), the top selling cars in Australia such as th
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On Sunday February 25, Police attended a three-vehicle traffic crash on the Bruce Highway, Inkerman. Investigation revealed a utility traveling southbound veered onto the incorrect side of the road, clipping a 4WD towing a trailer traveling north. The utility has then struck the 4WD’s trailer causing extensive damage. The utility has then clipped another vehicle traveling behind the 4WD causing minor damage. No persons were injured as a result of the incident. Police provided traffic contro
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In the effort of protecting local communities and deterring youth offenders engaging in knife crime, new legislations banning the sale of knives and other items to minors have been passed by the Queensland Parliament. The new laws make the sale of knives, replica firearms, including gel blasters, and edged weapons like machetes, axes, and swords to juveniles an offence, and Police Minister Mark Ryan believes the passing of these legislations stands as another positive advancement in the governm
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Unfortunately, incidents of Domestic Violence continue to occur around the Burdekin. As a result, there have been a number of persons charged with contravening Domestic Violence orders and in some instances, further charged with criminal offences such as assault. Domestic Violence has a substantial impact on those involved, particularly when children are involved and the community as a whole. Domestic Violence destroys families and relationships and should not be accepted or tolerated in society
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Who do you think is your biggest competitor? What do you admire about them and what qualities do you have that will ultimately make you better for the role? If you could throw your support behind a particular local community organisation what would it be and how would you support them? What’s your vision of the Burdekin in 10 years’ time?
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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) delivers the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) and recruits and supports volunteers to visit socially isolated older community members? Through the ACVVS, we support volunteers to provide friendship and companionship to older people in their home and also at Regis aged care. Visits are available to anyone who: • receives government-subsidised residential aged care or a Home Care Package, including care recipients appro
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At the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, we believe that communication is incredibly important for any community to thrive. When people can communicate effectively, they can connect with each other, share ideas, and work together towards common goals. In today's world, there are many ways to communicate, such as phone calls, face-to-face conversations, and online platforms. We're excited to announce that we've launched our new website, which will make connecting with our community even easier.
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Did you know that reporting local issues can be as easy as taking a photo and submitting it to ‘Snap, Send, Solve’? This user-friendly platform is designed to streamline the reporting process, allowing you to select from a list of common issues, add a brief description and location, and submit your report in 30 seconds or less. To report a local concern to Council, you have two convenient options: you can either download the 'Snap, Send, Solve' app for free or visit the website https://www.sna
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