Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers and the wonderful Burdekin community for 59 years of unwavering support. We feel incredibly fortunate to have built our business in such a special place, surrounded by the best people. We also extend our sincere thanks to our customers and business partners in Townsville, who have supported our growth since 1995. Your loyalty and partnership have been vital to our journey. To our beloved and valued staff o
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After a long season Burdekin Panthers can look forward to a few months off, except for the Clash of Clubs and the Escriva Cup! The Clash of Clubs is on this weekend, and the Escriva Cup will be played early in November. In the Good News Department, three Panthers Players have been picked in the Football North Queensland Team of the Year. Congratulations to Ryan Scodellaro, Matthew Kolb and Josh Valle, a great achievement. The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October.
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Last week the Ayr Surf Club had several members attend the North Barrier Branch Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate awards camp on Magnetic Island. The week consisted of members from across the region working together whilst learning and training to gain their relevant awards to join the patrolling ranks of SLSQ. The club had 7 Under 14s gain their Surf Rescue Certificate to join the red and yellow family for the first time, as well as a current member gaining her Bronze Medallion and
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On Sunday, 21st September, the Home Hill Bowls Club hosted the inaugural Wilmar Cup, featuring teams from Ayr, Brandon, Home Hill, and Giru. Three games were played with three teams from each club competing in very warm conditions on a green that proved challenging for some. Home Hill Bowls Club provided a tremendous day, offering an abundance of food and refreshments for all. Brandon Bowls Club emerged victorious with three wins and a +74 score, followed by Home Hill with two wins (+26), Ayr
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The first annual Wilmar Challenge Trophy was held on 21st September at the Rummeny Green Home Hill Bowls Club. Four Burdekin clubs entered three teams of four players each. The event was officially opened by Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort – thank you, Pierina. After a full day’s play, Brandon came out on top with three wins and will host next year’s event. The hosts, Homehill, finished second with two wins, Ayr third with one win, followed by Giru. Thanks to Nathaniel from Wilmar Sugar for p
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It was all action at the dress up pickleball night that was run as a Harvest Festival Community event. The Harvest Festival is all about community and Queen Entrant Amelia Pivotto is very supportive of this ideal. “Raising awareness of pickleball and getting people out of their comfort zone to try something new is always good,” said Amelia. “The fact that we raised a bit of money for Home Hill Tennis is great too as there are always things to improve and maintain in a club.”
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Last Friday, the 19th of September, Sugar Research Australia’s (SRA) Variety Development, Industry Services, and Farm Management teams visited Wilmar’s Pioneer Mill for an educational tour focused on sugar milling processes. The visit provided valuable insights into the operational aspects of milling while strengthening links between research, on-farm practices, and industry processing. A special thank you was extended to Pioneer Senior Production Technologist, Colin McLean, for hosting the tou
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The resilience, beauty, and spirit of rural Australia have been captured in the winning entries of Rural Aid’s sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition. This year’s competition drew a record-breaking response, with 201 entrants submitting 429 photos – almost double the number received in 2024. The powerful images tell stories of life on the land, from moments of quiet reflection to the vastness and challenges of the Australian landscape. Ten winners were each awarded a $250 prep
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Queensland’s sugarcane industry has welcomed the Federal Government’s $1.1 billion Cleaner Fuels Program, declaring the state is perfectly placed to lead the charge in clean energy and regional job creation. The ten-year program aims to unlock economic opportunities from low-carbon liquid fuels such as biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel. CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said Queensland already has a head start, with global recognition for sustainable farming practices and an extensive transpo
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Opinion Piece By Federal Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox The sky is falling. We’re all going to drown. And if we don’t, we’ll die of heatstroke. That’s the kind of doomsday rhetoric being pushed by Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen and the Albanese government. Why? Because Labor believes fear keeps them in power and they want every voter to be scared. Last week’s Climate Risk Report, commissioned by the Albanese Government, is the latest chapter in Labor’s long running campaign of alarmism an
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At Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, banking goes far beyond financial services. It’s about people, relationships, and giving back to the place we proudly call home. The staff here are not only dedicated to providing outstanding service, but also to strengthening the community through the Community Bank model — where profits are reinvested locally. Three team members who embody this commitment are Chris Delaney, Jade Bywaters, and Sally Smith, each bringing unique experiences and a shared passio
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The Country Women’s Association (CWA) is inviting locals to join them for a special Seniors Month morning tea on 14 October, offering a warm welcome with craft, conversation, and of course, scones from 9:30AM. “We’d love people to come down, see what we do, and maybe even join in afterwards,” said CWA member Jan Juffs. “We’ll have some scones for morning tea as well—it’s just a nice way to spend a Tuesday.” Last year’s open day was a quiet gathering of members and friends from the local patchw
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The sound of locos rattling through the Burdekin is a sure sign of harvest, and this year those bins have been moving earlier and faster than usual. With an early start to the crushing, we’re on track to finish before Melbourne Cup, just like the old days. That’s welcome news for our farming families, mill workers and contractors, and it flows right across the community. An early finish means fewer wet season delays, smoother operations, and earlier returns into local businesses. From the hardwa
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Tec-NQ House Year 11 boarder Max has taken a big step toward his future, securing a school-based plumbing apprenticeship with Hilditch Plumbing in Townsville. He splits his week between paid work on real sites, training with Tec-NQ, and the study he needs to complete his Senior Certificate, earning while he’s learning and loving every minute. “It’s busy and it’s hands-on, which is exactly what I wanted,” said Max. “I’m earning while I learn, and I’m picking up skills on the tools that I can use
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The Burdekin Ladies took out the Division 1 Women’s Grand Final on Friday night when they defeated minor premiers Brothers 5-4 after extra-time. Brothers started strongly and were 3-1 ahead at half time, Ellyana Mugica having scored for the Burdekin. In the second half the Burdekin fought back with goals from Sienna Lago and Zandi Bonanno to make the full time score 3-3. The match then went to extra time, and a Brothers own goal put the Burdekin ahead. However, Brothers equalised early in the s
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The 2025 Home Hill Harvest Festival is officially underway after a lively launch event on Sunday, 14 September, at the Home Hill Community Sports Club. The afternoon celebration brought together families, friends, and supporters for a vibrant start to this year’s festival season, filled with community spirit and anticipation for the weeks ahead. A highlight of the event was the official introduction of the 2025 Festival Queens. Representing local clubs, schools, and organisations, the young wo
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SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER Festival Launch 3pm Join us for a special evening as we officially kick off the 2025 Home Hill Harvest Festival! The Launch features the official introduction of our 2025 Festival Queens, representing local clubs, schools and organisations. A proud moment for our community as we celebrate spirit, culture and connection. Home Hill Community Sports Club SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER Ephemera in the Park 3pm Immerse yourself in creativity at the Ephemera Launch. Explore captivating art i
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When Burdekin locals Ken and Shay Linton took the reins of Home Hill News in 2022, they knew they had big shoes to fill, following an 18-year legacy left by Shay’s parents. Three years, a rebrand, and a full expansion of products later, the couple have seen the business blossom into Home Hill News and Coffee—a thriving community favourite now proudly celebrating its third birthday. The project was set in motion when Ken, a local farmer, and Shay, who had always wanted to own a coffee shop, deci
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Over the weekend, 29 Ayr Surf Life Savers showcased their skills at the Arcadian Carnival, held at Alma Bay on Magnetic Island. The event was a resounding success, with competitors achieving outstanding individual and team results, earning numerous podium finishes across all age groups, and demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship throughout. Saturday featured a full slate of individual events, surf teams, and beach relays, while Sunday was a highlight with thrilling water team relays, drawing c
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Home Hill Bowls Club enjoyed a busy week of action on the greens, with club singles, triples, pairs, and rinks all contested. On Thursday, three games of club singles were played alongside two triples and two pairs. Michael Young defeated Tony Eadie on Rink 2, while Alex Bojack narrowly overcame Mick McClosky on Rink 3. Wayne Newton accounted for Jeff Taylor on Rink 4. In the triples and pairs, Henry Hazel, Ron Smith, and Des Chapman defeated Bob Pickard, Sandra Darwin, and Bruce McCallum on Rin
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The Home Hill Third Grade cricket side started their 2025/26 season with a home game against a young Brothers side. In a tightly contested Third Grade CNQ fixture, Brothers – Urban Aspect Interiors edged past Home Hill by 11 runs in a low-scoring thriller. Both sides showcased disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, but it was Brothers’ ability to capitalize on key moments that sealed the win. Brothers won the toss and chose to bat. Wickets fell early before Callum Lindeberg top-scored with a
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Nineteen-year-old Hayde Munro has etched his name into Burdekin Roosters history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the coveted A Grade Player of the Year award. Munro, who began playing rugby league at the age of five, was presented with the honour at the club’s annual presentation night at the Queens Hotel in Ayr on Friday. The gifted lock forward also enjoyed a strong season with the Townsville Blackhawks under-19 side, playing alongside fellow Roosters Jye Olsen and Terrence Mosby. Ha
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It’s been another big week at the Ayr Bowling Club with a highlight being the Wilmar Club Challenge played on Sunday 21st September. Home Hill Bowls Club hosted the event, and it was a great day of bowling with Giru, Home Hill, Brandon and Ayr competing for the Wilmar Shield. This was the first year this event was played with Brandon taking home the Shield, congratulations to Brandon. Ayr finished third which was a fantastic effort against some quality bowlers in the Burdekin region. Let’s now
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Just days after Burdekin cane farmers outlined opportunities and expressed concerns about the industry, they have also secured a new ally according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP. As part of an inquiry charged with identifying growth opportunities for the sugar industry, the Queensland parliament’s Primary Industries and Resources Committee heard from both grower groups and growers who are exploring opportunities in Townsville recently. “This inquiry represents an opportunity for industr
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