Grab a snag and support a worthy cause this Saturday, the 31st of May, as Flexi Queensland fires up a community sausage sizzle outside Home Timber and Hardware, Ayr from 8:30am. Sausages will be served hot and tasty for just $3 each, with all proceeds going towards supporting Flexi Queensland’s vital services. 2025 marks 30 years of Flexi Queensland delivering a range of services to help individuals live independently, connect with their community, and achieve personal goals through tailored su
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Home Hill Cricket Club’s current and former juniors, Xavier Cross and Nate Elphinstone, proudly represented Queensland in the Century Cricket State of Origin Under-13 Series held in Brisbane over the April school holidays. The series brought together junior players from five regional teams: Victoria Metro, Victoria Country, New South Wales, Queensland, and the Allies – a combined side featuring players from Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. Despite the first day being rained out
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Prepare for bubbles, beakers, and brainy fun because Maidavale State School will soon ignite young minds with their annual Under 8’s Day! Set to take place on Thursday, the 29th of May from 9am to 11am at the school grounds on 233 Maidavale Road, this year’s theme “Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play,” promises to deliver a morning packed with hands-on science activities, exciting experiments, and discovery-driven fun tailored to children under eight years of age. The event will featur
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Local kids got hands-on with nature during another fun-filled Junior Landcare event hosted by the Burdekin Landcare Association Inc. Participants rolled up their sleeves and embraced the challenge of building their very own native bee and insect houses, attracting future visits from pollinators like bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial bugs. The creativity and effort on display were impressive, with every young participant proudly taking home a handmade habitat to support local biodiversity. A
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Nominate community champions in celebration of Queensland Day
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Traffic flow along the Bruce Highway was severely impacted on Saturday, the 17th of May, following a single-vehicle traffic crash at Barratta Creek, near Jerona Road. A Queensland Police Service spokesperson confirmed emergency services were called to the West Barratta Creek Bridge at approximately 1:15pm, after reports that a bronze Landcruiser Defender, towing a trailer with a white Nissan Patrol, had crashed. The vehicle was travelling southbound when the incident occurred, causing signific
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Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has lashed out at Labor’s proposed superannuation tax, warning it will “rip the guts out of middle Australia” and devastate the farming and small business sectors. The policy, which proposes taxing unrealised capital gains in superannuation accounts, has drawn heavy criticism from financial and agricultural groups who say it targets everyday Australians rather than the wealthy elite. “Unrealised capital gains” refer to increases in an asset’s value that ha
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has launched a new monthly Values Recognition Program—and Burdekin-based employees were front and centre in the inaugural round of winners. Four of the six staff recognised in the first intake are from the Burdekin region, showcasing the strength of local leadership, innovation and teamwork across Kalamia, Pioneer, Invicta and Inkerman mills. The newly established program is designed to celebrate employees who consistently demonstrate Wilmar’s core values of integri
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The State Government has taken the first step in planning for Queensland’s future timber supply, with the inaugural Timber Supply Chain Ministerial Roundtable bringing together growers, processors, and industry leaders to help shape a long-term timber action plan. With growing demand for home construction and infrastructure across the state, particularly in regional areas, the Queensland Future Timber Plan (QFTP) aims to ensure we have a strong, sustainable supply of local timber to meet the ta
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The Bowen Pipeline Project is edging closer to becoming a reality, with state approval expected in 2025 and construction forecast to begin within the next 12 months. Bowen Pipeline Company spokesperson Sean Brown recently confirmed the project remains on schedule, with the public advertising phase of its Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application underway since the 4th of April. The application, lodged in December of 2024 and confirmed in March earlier this year, is progressing th
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Sunwater recently welcomed four Year 11 students from Ayr State High School to their Clare depot as part of the school’s annual work experience program. In support of the next generation of water industry professionals, each of the students gained valuable insights into different aspects of Sunwater’s operations under the guidance and supervision of experienced experts. Jack, Callie and Lucas explored and worked alongside the maintenance and projects teams to assist with pump station maintenan
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A woman has died and two others have been hospitalised following a head-on collision on the Flinders Highway near Charters Towers on yesterday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the scene at Breddan, just west of Macrossan Bridge, shortly after 4pm on May 14, following reports of a two-vehicle crash. Initial investigations suggest a Holden Epica and a Hyundai Kona were travelling in opposite directions when they collided head-on. A woman in her 50s, who was a passenger in the Kona,
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Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you to access community services and get more involved in the Burdekin community. We offer a very wide range of services, under 36 programs, for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our team is very well qualified and experienced and can provide you with information and/or help you to access local and outreach services. For example, aged care, disability care, transport, housing, crisis accommodation, financial coaching, social activities and sup
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A trusted name in the Burdekin, Pyott’s Mechanical and Hydraulics continues to grow as a leading force in heavy vehicle servicing and hydraulic solutions. Under the leadership of Ashley Pyott since 2017, the business has expanded its focus to include a well-stocked retail store, offering convenience and accessibility for local customers. “We’ve had the retail store for two years now,” says Ashley. “We have put a lot of extra stock in there. With the oil, there’s stock… like, a lot of stock. You
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It’s a song they say has the ability to empower a woman to kick a door off its hinges with enthusiasm and excitement, and the Burdekin Football Club hopes to emulate such extraordinary energy and more at their upcoming Ladies Day extravaganza! Just last week, the Burdekin FC Inc. announced the theme of their infamous 2025 Ladies Day event will be “Let’s Go Girls” - Denim & White and the wider community could not be more ready to shout the Shania Twain anthem. Set to be held on the 9th of Augus
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A wave of gratitude has washed over the Burdekin once again after almost 200 members of the community were warmly touched by the kindness of a stranger earlier this month. Leisa Kenny shared her story online, detailing how a lovely woman set out on a special delivery to return her husband’s phone, cash, ID and important cards which had fallen from his pocket whilst cycling to work. “Thank you for being a phenomenal, kind and honest person,” expressed Leisa. “May good karma come your way in bu
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The school children and the local people of the shire were treated to a demonstration from the RAAF of the Sikorsky Helicopter S-51 Dragonfly, which visited Ayr and Home Hill on Monday, 14 July 1952. In June 1952, the Shire Council received notice that the RAAF would be paying a promotional visit to the people of the Burdekin in July, bringing one of the first helicopters purchased by the Australian Government. It was decided that the helicopter would land at the Ayr Racecourse, the Home Hill S
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Growing up on a farm 100km from town, Riley Granshaw learned to build, fix, and figure things out the hard way. One day, he decided to put those skills to use—and four years later, what began as a backyard project in his parents’ shed has grown into RG Customs NQ—a one-man customs garage known for its personal touch and elite craftsmanship. Now located in Ayr, RG Customs NQ has become a local favourite for people seeking custom work on their vehicles. Specialising in 4x4 accessory fitment and c
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In what will be the 24th annual Burdekin Enduro off-road racing event, racers and fans alike are in for another weekend full of fast cars, red dust, and roaring engines as Queensland’s toughest drivers take on the rugged terrain of the Ayer Rifle Range on the 24th and 25th of this month. The weekend, organised by the Burdekin Off-Roaders, is set to see upwards of 50 cars from the local region and beyond battle it out for glory—a proportionately large number compared to the eight cars that
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As the Burdekin’s flagship race day approaches this weekend, now’s the time for you blokes to get your outfit sorted—and Wild East Western and Workwear has you covered. With a fresh new season of stylish shirts, dress pants and classic hats, Wild East is your one-stop shop for raceday threads that’ll turn heads—or help you blend in with ease. Whether you're aiming for sharp and polished or rugged and relaxed, they’ve got the gear to suit the occasion. Previously known as Sibby’s Savers, the bu
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Excitement is building across the Burdekin as ducks and humans alike ready themselves for the Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race, set to take over Plantation Park this Sunday, May 18. Now in its 16th year, the much-loved community event will see hundreds of bright yellow ducks hit the creek for a thrilling 130-metre float to glory. The spectacle kicks off at 11am near the Don Moss Archway, with cash prizes on offer for the fastest five finishers—including $1000 and the coveted 2025 Quack Cup for fir
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After implementing a range of flying-fox dispersal strategies in the lead-up to this year’s Anzac Day, Burdekin Shire Council has doubled down on its efforts to prevent flying fox roosting locally through a long-term, strategic approach that prioritises both environmental responsibility and community wellbeing. The initial activities were rolled out across a three-day period from April 22nd to 24th. This strategy incorporated a range of audible deterrents, such as pyrotechnics, shotgun simulato
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At Ayr State School, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door — it leaps into the pool, brushes across a canvas, and even includes wild encounters with native wildlife! This term, students have enjoyed a range of hands-on and enriching experiences that reflect the school’s commitment to providing a vibrant and well-rounded education. From swimming lessons to engaging art workshops, every opportunity is designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and curiosity. Students recently made a splas
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After a busy weekend of events, the club returned to its regular routine, starting with Friday night bowls. Attendance was down slightly due to the long weekend, with ten players participating across one game of triples and one game of pairs. In the triples, Margaret McLaughlan and Ray Panacassio defeated D. Sheehan and Ross McLaughlan. In the pairs, the team of Ben Mills, Lloyd Shepherd, and W. Newton proved too strong for A. Newton, L. Storrie, and Jamie Woods. Saturday, 3 May – Pairs
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The Burdekin Art Society recently held its first art workshop of the year with a charcoal drawing class run by visiting Townsville tutor, Carole Howlett. Originally from the UK where she gained a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art, Carole has won many awards at the annual Townsville Art Society exhibitions; conducts art classes at the Drill Hall; and regularly exhibits at Jezzine Barracks. Carole took the attendees of the recent class through an array of exercises using a variety of techniques,
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