Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, Andrew Willcox, says Labor’s plan to drop regional speed limits leaves regional Australia stuck in the slow lane. The ‘roadblock to regional progress’ proposal would reduce the default speed limit on unsigned roads outside of built-up areas, which is currently 100 km/h, down to as low as 70 km/h. “Slashing speed limits isn’t road safety reform, it’s a lazy fix. Instead of patching potholes, Labo
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The Burdekin is mourning the loss of beloved resident and teacher Gavin McLean, who tragically passed away in a single-vehicle crash in Ayr earlier this month. Mr McLean had relocated to the Burdekin with his wife, joining Burdekin Christian College in 2024. Despite being new to the region, he had quickly become a much-loved member of the school community, bringing extensive experience in STEM education, international learning partnerships and digital technologies, along with a reputation for c
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Burdekin-born plumbing apprentice Scarlet Jenkins has taken out Apprentice of the Year at the TAFE Queensland Awards, held last month at the Townsville Pimlico campus—an honour she never saw coming. Nominated by her teacher, Jenkins said the news came completely out of the blue. "I didn't even know about it... I just got a call one day and they said 'you've been nominated'," she said. Now halfway through her four-year apprenticeship, she admitted the lead-up to the event had her on edge. "When
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The District Finals of the annual R.O. & B.M. Colls Memorial Lecturette Competition were held on Monday evening, November 3, at the Home Hill State School Resource Centre. This long-standing Burdekin tradition invites Year 6 students from across the district to research, write and deliver a persuasive speech on a factual topic linked to an area of school study. Each participating school selects two representatives, with thirteen talented finalists taking to the stage this year. Contestants were
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TBR Fun Run Returns This Sunday Once again, the community has been warmly invited to lace up and have a jog this weekend for another spectacular Three Blokes Running (TBR) Fun Run event at the Queens Hotel! Scheduled for Sunday, the 23rd of November from 4pm, Austin Dewar, Campbell Johnston and Brayden Rawlins will lead the event for the second consecutive year all in the interest of raising much needed funds and awareness for the Movember Foundation, and men’s mental health. The fun run itsel
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The Burdekin proudly celebrated its sporting talent at the recent North Queensland (NQ) Sportstar Awards, highlighting local athletes and volunteers who have excelled in their fields. Four finalists from the region were recognised for their outstanding achievements and dedication to sport. Karin Thorburn claimed the prestigious Sporting Excellence Award, making history as the first Australian to complete 500 marathons, reaching the milestone during the Magnetic 30 event on the Strand. Known for
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Councillor Max Musumeci School is all but done for 2025. I had the pleasure and opportunity to attend both the Home Hill and Ayr State High Schools academic awards nights and I was blown away. The academic achievements of our local children/teens are nothing short of impressive. Several students received early admissions to university and others received not one but multiple Dux awards. Well done to all our students and the future looks bright for you and for the Burdekin. I also attended the B
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Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort We have had several important activities and community moments across the Burdekin Shire recently, and I’m pleased to share some of the updates with you. On Monday 25 November, a mobile Telstra customer service van will be in the Burdekin from 9.00am to 4.30pm. This is a valuable opportunity for residents to receive face-to-face assistance with their Telstra accounts and services. No appointment is required, and the van will be conveniently located in the vacant block o
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The Burdekin region has long been recognised for its strong sense of community, and that commitment continues to shine through the ongoing support provided by the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr to the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy. Operated by a local board passionate about community wellbeing, the Community Bank has reaffirmed its support for school chaplaincy services across the region’s eleven state schools. Through dedicated funding and sustained advocacy, the bank is helping ensure chaplain
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Whilst out exploring the region, residents have begun to notice several snake sightings in and around the Burdekin Shire, leading the Burdekin Shire Council to implement cautionary signage to warn the community. With the school holidays and the festive season fast approaching, the community are being reminded to stay alert, especially considering the shire homes just over 70 diverse species of reptiles. As published by the Queensland Government Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science an
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BURDEKIN artists and cultural groups are set to benefit from more than $24,000 in funding, approved by Burdekin Shire Council under Round 1 of the 2025/26 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). The RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Council, aimed at fostering creativity and cultural development across the region. Six local projects received funding this round. The Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association will run a Highland Dancing workshop, while the Burdekin Singer
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New Kids’ Song Showcases Queensland’s Sweetest Crop A catchy new children’s song celebrating Queensland’s sugar industry has taken off online, with Sugarcane Train, a collaboration between George the Farmer and CANEGROWERS, attracting more than 68,000 views in just three days. The companion educational video, Learn About Sugarcane with George the Farmer, has also proved a hit, drawing over 65,000 views since its release on Friday. The upbeat tune takes children on a playful journey “from paddo
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Glen Shane Galbraith was a man whose warmth, humour, and genuine care touched everyone who knew him. Known for his cheeky laugh, love of horses, devotion to family, and generous heart, Glen lived life on his own terms while leaving a lasting impression on the Burdekin community. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend—a quiet achiever whose kindness radiated in both grand gestures and everyday moments. The following tribute article was sent to the newspaper by Glen’s brother, Paul, and
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Burdekin Chamber of Commerce members gathered at the Burdekin Bowl on Tuesday, 11 November, for the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, which saw a mix of returning leaders and new faces stepping into key roles. President Eusebio Aguirre of ELA Solutions retained his position, while Gary Roser of Harvey Norman moved into the Vice President role—his first leadership position within the Chamber. Former Vice President Frank Nucifora, owner of Delta Cleaners & Laundry, transitioned into the Trea
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Local schools are being encouraged to submit ideas to improve student travel safety, with nominations now open for the Queensland Government’s School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP). The Government has committed $4 million this financial year to support new or upgraded road and transport infrastructure around schools. Projects may include improved drop-off zones, shared pathways, pedestrian crossings and bus set-down areas. In its first Budget, the government has allocated $27.5 million
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Burdekin Catholic High School this week proudly farewell our graduating Class of 2025, a cohort of young people who have led with heart, embraced challenge, and strengthened the spirit of our school community. Throughout their time at BCHS, this group has been defined by their generosity, spirit, and willingness to step forward as leaders. Whether on the sporting field, in academic pursuits, through service activities, or in the arts, our Year 12 students have left an impression that will echo
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Thursday 20 November Jimeoin – Pandemonium – Ayr ALL DAY Comedy legend Jimeoin brings laughs and life hacks to the stage. Learn clever tricks, hilarious pranks, and more, while laughing yourself silly. Tickets $54.90. 161 Queen Street, Ayr QLD 4807 Friday 21 November Movie on the Field Friday 6:30pm Osborne State School, Kirknie Rd Settle in for a warm, family-friendly night under the stars as Osborne State School screens Disney & Pixar’s Elio. Entry is just $5 (kids under 6 are free), with all
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Home Hill produced a composed and confident display at Barry Richards Field, securing a 47-run victory over Wests Absolutely Dental in their Second Grade CNQ One Day fixture. Home Hill posted a competitive 6-160, built on patient partnerships and a late-innings surge. Alexander Romeo anchored the innings with a gritty 43 off 77 balls, absorbing pressure and rotating the strike before falling lbw to Shawn Hague. JD Wilkins starred at the finish, remaining unbeaten on 44 from 52 balls. In defens
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Home Hill claimed a convincing victory over Northern Beaches in their Third Grade fixture on the weekend, winning by 5 wickets and 96 runs. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Home Hill’s attack was relentless from the outset, restricting Northern Beaches to 6/110 from 30 overs. William McLees set the tone with a fiery opening spell, striking twice in quick succession—one LBW and one clean bowled—to leave the visitors struggling at 2/11. Travis Butler and Laurence Zappa maintained the
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The batters came out on top this week at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill, with only five wickets falling across both the "Blue" and "Gold" groups. In the Blue Group, Kyle Wilkie remained not out on 10 runs, leading the way and earning the McDonalds Sports Award for his composed batting. Tait Parker and Corbett Cross each bowled a maiden over and were the most economical bowlers, while Mazlyn Smith effected a run out. In the Gold Group, only three bowlers claimed wickets:
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The Bendigo Bank Club of Origin returns to Bendigo Bank Park on Saturday, November 29, with former local teams battling for bragging rights, pride and the enduring spirit of the community. The event promises a day of big hits, hometown heroes, high-energy action, family fun and plenty of unforgettable moments. The four resurrected local clubs are Colts, Hornets, Brothers and Home Hill. As an added attraction, a ladies match will be played during the afternoon between Ayr and Home Hill. Play w
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Burdekin FC are chasing expressions of interest, by Sunday 23 November, for players aged12 and up for their Youths and Women’s teams for the 2026 season. The Club is also looking for those interested in coaching the various Burdekin Panthers teams in the Townsville competitions next season. Expressions of interest also close this Sunday. Night Soccer The eighth week of competition and a relatively high scoring night. There were no forfeits, which was a nice change. The twenty games produced se
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Twenty-seven players turned out for another sultry spring afternoon of bowls, with two games of pairs and two games of triples on the program. The ladies also staged a challenge game of triples. On Rink 3, Des Chapman and Steve Doig were in sharp touch, defeating Michael Young and Joe Linton. On Rink 4, the combination of Paul Vass, Trevor Elton and Wayne Newton worked well together to down Bob Young, Dino Poli and Glen “Bones” Berryman. Rink 5 saw Nev Webb, Ron Smith and Gary Nosworthy outlas
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Junior golfers from across Queensland descended on Ayr Golf Club on Saturday, the 8th of November for one of the region’s most anticipated junior tournaments, the 2025 Karrie Webb Junior Masters! With more than 90 competitors travelling from Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Yeppoon, Cairns and North Queensland, the event once again proved to be a standout showcase of emerging golfing talent. The Burdekin’s own national golf legend Karrie Webb attended across the weekend, much to the excitement of young pl
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The Burdekin Clay Target Club welcomed 38 shooters to its monthly competition on Sunday, 9th November. As the weather warms, targets are becoming harder to see, adding a new challenge for participants. Congratulations to all the winners, whose accuracy and skill made for a highly competitive day. The club extended thanks to its sponsors: Peter & Juanita Delle Baite, Michael Parison-Giru Store, and Annette & Gian Vassalini, as well as Lui Populkin for donating meat trays for the raffle. The next
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