Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Burdekin residents will soon have the opportunity to receive hands-on support accessing Queensland Government services online. Photo source: iStock
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Burdekin Shire Councillor John Furnell and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox celebrate 2025’s winning ducks. Photos supplied
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Burdekin Catholic High School has opened enrolments for the 2027 school year School known for combining academic excellence with strong pastoral care Offers diverse pathways including vocational options, ATAR programs, and sport/cultural activities Builds a supportive environment where students feel valued, challenged, and connected
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Three members of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group are on their way to Samford Village to take part in a major four-day Cuboree camp, joining around 1,200 Cub Scouts from across Queensland. The group departed via Townsville Airport ahead of the event, which will be held at Baden-Powell Park and is set to feature a packed program of activities designed to be adventurous, fun, challenging and inclusive. Today marks the start of on-site preparations, with subcamps taking shape as participants arrive. Tents are being set up and bags unpacked, ahead of tonight’s opening ceremony, which will officially launch the four-day program. Organisers say the Cuboree is an important highlight on the Scouting calendar and a strong way to kick off Queensland Youth Week, which formally begins on April 11. A total of 804 Cub Scouts are expected to take part in the event, which will showcase a range of outdoor and team-based activities. For the Lower Burdekin participants, the camp represents an opportunity to connect with Scouts from across the state while taking part in large-scale, structured activities not available at regular weekly meetings. The Lower Burdekin Scout Group meets each Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at 12th Avenue, Home Hill, and continues to welcome new members interested in joining the program. The Cuboree will run over four days, with organisers promising a busy and memorable experience for all involved as thousands of young Scouts come together at one of Queensland’s premier Scouting events.
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Home Hill State High School’s upcoming annual Fishing Competition is shaping up to be a standout community event, thanks to strong support from local businesses and organisations. The Home Hill State High School P&C has extended its thanks to major sponsor About Town Bait and Tackle for its generous contribution, including providing prizes for the competition, which will be held from 22 to 24 May. The business has also supported registrations and pre-sales of limited-edition trucker caps. Additional thanks were given to a number of local businesses that have donated prizes and services, while also helping promote the event through posters and a Colour-in Competition. The P&C also acknowledged Burdekin Blokes and Boats for their generous donation of a rod and reel combo to Home Hill State High School and several other Burdekin schools. The contribution aims to encourage participation in the Interschool Champion School category and get more students involved in the event. The annual Fishing Competition continues to grow as a highlight on the school calendar, bringing together students, families and the wider community for a weekend of fun and friendly competition. Organisers say the strong backing from local businesses plays a vital role in making the event possible, reinforcing the importance of community support in creating opportunities for young people across the Burdekin. What: Home Hill State High School P&C’s Annual Fishing Competition When: Friday 22 May to Sunday 24 May Where: Burdekin Shire What: Home Hill State High School Family Friendly Event When: Sunday 24 May, 10am Where: Home Hill State High School
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The school’s new basketball court, part of ongoing improvements to support active and connected learning.
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The Burdekin Community Garden is set to become more accessible in 2026, thanks to a grant from Burdekin Shire Council. The funding has enabled the construction of seven new raised garden beds, making it easier for volunteers to tend to crops without needing to bend down to ground level. Council also provided garden loam to fill the beds, along with funding to hire a bobcat to assist with moving the soil into place. Additional funding will go towards upgrading the garden’s sprinkler system. The Burdekin Community Garden will officially open for the 2026 season on Monday, 20 April, from 9am to 11am. This year marks its fifth year of operation, after being established in 2022 through generous donations from the congregation of the Burdekin Community Church. The garden continues to grow fresh produce that is shared free of charge with the local community. Over the past four years, it has produced a wide range of crops including corn, carrots, snow peas, tomatoes, lettuce, zucchinis, silverbeet, potatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, passionfruit, bananas and pawpaw. It also grows cassava and aibika (commonly known as slippery or island cabbage), which are particularly popular among Pacific Island workers in the region. Beyond food production, the garden provides an important social space where people can meet, enjoy a cuppa and connect with others in a relaxed outdoor setting. It has also welcomed student groups from Burdekin School, offering hands-on opportunities to learn about gardening while building communication skills through interaction with coordinators and visitors. Located at the rear of the Burdekin Community Church on International Drive, the garden is open to everyone, with Monday mornings (excluding public holidays) the best time to visit. Garden coordinators Karina Lima, Rhonda and Rodney Williams are on hand each week to welcome visitors, offer a tour and share a free cuppa. Community members are invited to come along and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, with gardening activities always optional. For more information, visit the Burdekin Community Garden on Facebook or email burdekincommunitygarden@gmail.com.
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Regional Queensland, including the Burdekin, to benefit from a stronger voice in government decision-making Andrew Cripps appointed as the State’s first Special Commissioner for Regional and Rural Queensland Role focused on improving service delivery, policy alignment, and economic opportunities in regional areas Cripps brings experience as former Minister, Deputy Mayor, and North Queensland Recovery Coordinator (2025 floods)
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Wilmar Sugar Australia has welcomed a new report on bioenergy opportunities in the sugar industry Report from Queensland Parliament outlines a roadmap to expand bioenergy and biofuels production Potential benefits for regional communities, including key cane areas like the Burdekin Recommendations include co-funding feasibility studies and investing in shovel-ready projects Support for bagasse-based cogeneration to produce electricity from sugarcane by-products
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Queensland Government has appointed its first Special Commissioner for Regional and Rural Queensland Andrew Cripps will take on the Townsville-based role Focus on improving service delivery and ensuring policies reflect regional needs Role acts as a direct link between regional communities and government Aims to identify barriers, unlock opportunities, and support economic growth in areas like the Burdekin
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Australia’s sugarcane industry facing critical fuel shortages, with growers reporting access to only ~5% of required supply ahead of harvest Fertiliser availability also uncertain, threatening both current and next season’s production Report by CANEGROWERS highlights widespread concern across QLD and NSW Up to 98% of growers worried about rising costs and supply shortages Nearly 25% unable to secure enough fuel; ~90% already changing farm operations
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Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr Customer Service Officer Lynda Potter highlights the importance of community-focused banking Joined the team in 2021 after moving from Mackay Values the bank’s model of reinvesting profits back into local community projects and initiatives Role involves assisting customers with daily banking needs and building strong local relationships Finds purpose in contributing to positive outcomes for the Burdekin region
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