On Sunday the 25th of May, the terrific talents of fiber artist Billie Lee and artist Coral Colquhoun will be on show at 170 Arts on The Avenue for all to enjoy. Over the course of two and a half hours, the pair will host an exquisite opening celebration of a unique Fabrics & Art Exhibition featuring both Billie and Coral’s creative creations. With celebrated reputations in the artistic sphere, both Billie and Coral bring an ocean of experience, knowledge and expertise to textile art and
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The Burdekin Water Festival has officially sounded the call for 2025 Junior and Senior Ambassadors to come forward and nominate for what is shaping up to be another outstanding festival! Burdekin based organisations, schools, businesses and groups are encouraged to nominate an Ambassador for the celebrated program and attend an information evening at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club from 6pm on the 19th of May. The evening invites both potential ambassadors and supporting organisations to att
Read moreThe Queensland Police Service (QPS) have made more than 4,200 youth arrests and laid over 18,000 charges in the first quarter of 2025 as part of an intensified crackdown on youth crime. While no individual breakdown was provided for the Burdekin district, nearby areas including Townsville and the Mackay - Whitsunday region reported 464 and 59 youth arrests respectively, further suggesting youth crime remains a pressing concern for North Queensland communities. The State Flying Squad, backed by
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The Ayr Railway Station once stood as a bustling hub of life and transport in the Burdekin. Trains rolled in and out, carrying passengers, goods, and countless stories, many of which remain close to the hearts of local families today. Though quieter now, the station still holds a special place in our town’s history. It was more than just a stop along the tracks it was where soldiers said goodbye, families reunited, and cane was carted to market. What are your memories of the Ayr Railway
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In the midst of another busy day at North Queensland Green Solutions Ayr, Rach and her dedicated team counted their 50 millionth container at the Ayr Depot, marking a mammoth milestone. Celebrating with a deliciously extra special cake, the team took a moment to reflect on the amazing work they have all achieved for the Burdekin community in the way of supporting local sustainability and statewide recycling initiatives. “To my recycling superstars, I’m so incredibly proud of you all – it takes
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Burdekin Bowl is turning up the lights and the fun with a Glow in the Dark Theme Night on Saturday, the 31st of May, and the whole community is invited to join in! Families, friends, school groups, work socials, mum squads or cousin crews, everyone is welcome to get a lane together for a night of laughter, strikes, and glowing good times. The fun kicks off at 6pm, with entry just $12 for adults and $10 for children, including shoe hire. Get your glow sticks ready and dress in your best glow-i
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In a thoughtful act of community kindness, Woolworths Ayr lent a helping hand to SES Burdekin during the recent flooding event by supplying snacks to keep volunteers going during their long and challenging shifts. The simple but generous gesture provided a much-needed morale boost for the SES crew, who worked tirelessly to assist the community throughout the emergency. “Thank you, Woolworths, for your care of the volunteers when times got tough,” SES Burdekin shared. Across Queensland, State
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Earlier this May, curiosity and creativity were in full bloom as students, teachers, and parents from Home Hill Primary School crossed the river for a special excursion to the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association Inc. The visit was part of the school’s exciting new sensory garden project - an initiative designed to engage students’ senses through nature. To help bring their garden to life, the students were invited to explore and handpick plants they’d love to see grow, and Lower Burdekin Landca
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While many were busy egg-hunting over the Easter Weekend, the Home Hill Choral Society were singing their hearts out at this years North Queensland Eisteddfod in Townsville—and earning silverware in the process. The Eisteddfod, which runs from Good Friday to Easter Sunday each year, invites both small and big choirs from Mackay all the way through to Cairns to compete across a wide range of vocal categories. The Home Hill Choral Society—a team of 14 this year—competed in the Small Choir catego
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If you’re on the hunt for bargains, looking to lighten your load at home, or simply keen to enjoy a relaxed morning out, mark your calendar for Saturday, the 14th of June for the beloved Arts on the Avenue Car Boot Sale! Held on the second Saturday of each month, weather permitting, the event will once again transform the Ashworths Rock Shop Carpark into a lively community marketplace from 8am to 12pm. Shoppers can expect a mix of pre-loved clothing, second-hand treasures, handmade crafts
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Burdekin Catholic High School warmly invites prospective students and their families to our Open Twilight Evening on Monday, May 26, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. This special event offers a valuable opportunity to explore the heart of our vibrant school community, meet our passionate staff, and experience first-hand what sets BCHS apart. The Open Twilight Evening is more than just a tour — it's a window into your child’s future. Families will have the chance to see our modern learning environments, e
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Ayr State High School’s Sophie Robertson has been selected to attend the esteemed 44th Professor Harry Messel International Science School, to be held at the University of Sydney from the 7th to the 18th of July later this year. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 450 applicants nationwide, Sophie is one of just 44 students across Australia to receive a coveted scholarship to the program. Sophie was also only one of five Year 11-12 students selected across Queensland and her place is
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Nationally recognised award-winning cattle dog handler, Steven Elliott, will return to the region once again to host a comprehensive Working Dog School at the Ayr Showgrounds next month. Hailing from Winton, 177 kilometers northwest of Longreach, Steven was left paralysed from the chest down after falling from a saddle bronc on New Year's Eve in 2003. However, despite a dislocated C6 and C7 vertebrae, Steven transformed his love for training and riding horses into an accomplished career trainin
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing As the pricing nomination date for the 2025 season passes there are a couple of notable trends emerging in the ways growers are approaching their GEI sugar price management. Firstly, we are seeing a drift away from growers managing the price risk themselves and going back to the pools. Interestingly we have seen our first drop-off in growers choosing to manage their GEI pricing exposure with the popular GMPRS product. In the same vein, we have a sign
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Ayr Bowling Club has been a hive of activity this week, with members turning out in strong numbers for a packed schedule of social games and championship matches. The lively atmosphere on the greens reflected both the camaraderie of the club and the competitive spirit of the championship season, now in full swing. Spectators and players alike were treated to an impressive display of talent, skill, and sportsmanship throughout the week. Tuesday – Ladies’ Social Bowls An enjoyable afternoon
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A farmer dies by suicide in Australia every 10 days—a heartbreaking statistic that highlights the urgent need for targeted support in rural and agricultural communities. Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) stands in solidarity with the many organisations working to change this reality, including Cores Queensland, a grassroots initiative making a powerful difference across the state. Cores Queensland offers suicide prevention training and mental health support in regional centres su
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James Cook University scientists have found stonefish toxins could be used to fight parasitic worm infections suffered by nearly a quarter of the world’s population. JCU PhD candidate Danica Lennox-Bulow led the study. She said parasitic gastrointestinal worms (helminths) are a massive problem around the globe - and it looks to be getting worse. “It’s estimated that over two billion people, or a little over 24% of the global population, are currently infected with helminths. They can cause int
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The Queensland Government is working with primary producers across the State to design a plan to deliver a prosperous future for the sector. Consultation throughout regional Queensland has started on the 25-year blueprint, “Primary Industries Prosper 2050”, which is the largest strategic collaboration between the Government and industry in at least a decade. Following the forum in Brisbane on 26 February, the draft blueprint is now touring the State and available online. Farmers, graziers, fi
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One of the major attractions at the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day on Saturday, 10 May, will be the Walkers Engine No.1 Diesel Engine and Alternator Set. Built around 1930 by Walkers Ltd in Maryborough, this impressive engine is based on a Mirrlees design. Rated at 220 horsepower at 300 rpm, it weighs 25 tonnes and drove a 150kW alternator. It features an air-blast start system and air-blast fuel injection — a method based on Rudolf Diesel’s original 1897 engine design. Several Eu
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St. Stephen’s Greek Community will once again bring the colour, flavour and rhythm of Greek culture to the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival, offering festival-goers a taste of tradition through food, music and dance. The Home Hill-based group has been part of the Burdekin’s multicultural fabric for generations, with roots tracing back to early Greek migrants seeking opportunity in Australia. “Our ancestors migrated to Australia to have more opportunities, for the betterment of their families,” s
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On April 26, the Burdekin Men’s Shed hosted its biannual Garage Sale to help raise funds for its ongoing activities and community contributions. “What we sell at the garage sale is our main funding for the year,” said President Rob Ritchie. “We might have one or two a year, and we also sell stuff on Facebook.” From 8am to 11:30am, customers were spoilt for choice, with a range of modern and antique household items, artworks, tools, gadgets and a host of other items available for purchase at ba
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Further details of the Crisafulli government’s action on a scourge of society was introduced to Parliament to coincide with the start of domestic and family violence prevention month in a move that illustrates the importance of the issue according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP. The Legislation will now be examined by the Parliamentary Education, Arts and Communities Committee who will seek stakeholder input and conduct public consultation. “The Crisafulli government has drawn a clear li
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Local Another long weekend with no senior fixtures. However, all five teams should be in action this weekend. On Friday night, the Ladies play at home against Saints Eagles Souths at 6:30, followed by the Men’s Division 1 match against Warriors at 8:30. On Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are at home to Warriors, with the Reserves kicking off at 5:00 and the Premier at 7:00. The Division 2 men are away to JCU Riverway at 6:30 on Friday. This is Pink Panthers Female Football Week, with a var
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Last weekend, the Foley Shield was contested in Townsville between the host city, Mackay, and Cairns, in both men’s and women’s matches. On Saturday, Townsville beat Cairns 40-16 in the men’s match and 48-14 in the women’s, with Burdekin’s Martina Monday scoring two tries. On Sunday, Mackay defeated Cairns 58-6 but lost to Townsville 40-0 in the women’s. Townsville completed a clean sweep on Monday, beating Mackay 40-10 in the men’s and 50-4 in the women’s, with Martina scoring again. The RLTD
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Burdekin Shire Council is delighted by the strong interest shown following the release of land in Stage 1 of the Ayr Industrial Precinct. Nutrien Harcourt McCathies have received numerous enquiries since the release with negotiations underway for a number of lots. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Ayr Industrial Precinct presents an exciting opportunity for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations in North Queensland. “The strong response to the Stage
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