The new cookies at Home Hill News and Café inspired this week's column. Coffee and Anzac biscuits from Alfie’s Bakery helped the ideas to flow. Basic Community Cookie Recipe Ingredients • Active listening and understanding to create a solid foundation. • An open mind to add unique and interesting flavours. • Kindness to help the cookie to rise and achieve its full potential. • A sprinkle of humour to keep things light and fun. • A dash of acceptance to create a welcoming an
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Firstly, I would like to thank the residents of the Burdekin for your vote at the recent election which enabled me to become a Councillor. Since being elected to Council, life has been crazy. Trying to juggle life, work, exercise, and everything else life throws at you. Council will be challenging learning new Policies, procedures, and the everyday working of the council. It has been interesting to learn how things work, and the thought that goes into the decision-making process that could affec
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Did you know you there are online resources and educational information on waste management? Explore the Council's website to discover the advantages of recycling, gain insights on proper waste sorting, understand the recyclable and non-recyclable items, and locate the nearest landfill. Download posters and flyers to promote recycling in your school or workplace or get the kids involved in good waste management practices these school holidays. There is some great information about what you can
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National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Jochinke received a taste of the sweet life when he visited the heart of Queensland sugarcane country earlier this week. A grain and livestock farmer from Victoria, Mr Jochinke enjoyed some beautiful Queensland sunshine while visiting farms throughout the Burdekin region, where he caught up with local Canegrowers members. The NFF president, who was in town for the Canegrowers Burdekin AGM on Tuesday, learned firsthand of the challenges and
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Two of Australia’s leading cane organisations have joined forces, in an effort to drive strategic and positive change across the industry. By combining their strengths, the two organisations aim to better serve their members, advocate for sugarcane farmers, and secure a stronger future for the industry. Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) Chairman Charles Quagliata said the sugarcane industry will see significant benefits from the partnership between QCAR and the Australian Cane F
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By Chelsea Ravizza After decades of shining a light on the extraordinary talents of the region’s youth, 2024 marks the 40-year anniversary of the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod. The eisteddfod has proudly stood as one of North Queensland’s most celebrated talent showcases for young performers since its establishment in 1983 by President, Marie Finn. Marie introduced the cherished event to the region with two integral principles: fairness and opportunity, and believes the eisteddfod stands as a pre
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During the previous week, on April 23, a Senate committee discussed the potential effects of Federal Government’s suggested fresh food tax, raising major concerns about its implications, including heightened cost of living and elevated grocery expenses for locals. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP are rallying against the proposal, stating that the fresh food tax, which is due to be implemented on July 1, is as an attack on famili
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Be taken to another world at Burdekin Theatre with a puppet show like you have never seen before. This unique performance offers audience interactions with the life-like puppets of real-life animals, you’ll feel like you have transported into a habitat, immersed into their secret world. Explore alongside these exotic and rare creatures for a profound experience that embraces the natural world and the creatures that co-inhabit this place we call earth. Brought to you by ARC Erth, this innovat
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Set on the backdrop of sleepy, beautiful Bowen, this beachy town is the perfect retreat in the Whitsundays. Away from the typical hive of activity that sees Airlie Beach flurry, Bowen provides a calmer atmosphere to enjoy a family holiday. Visit the Cinema Summergarden Theatre is perfect for a warm day in North Queensland. Constructed in 1948, the modern films meet classic vintage theatre charm. Located at Queens Beach, the experience that the Summergarden Theatre offers is special and unique
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The much loved comical, mind-blowing, and wildly entertaining theatrical showcase, the Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival, will grace the Burdekin Theatre’s stage on 31 May for its 49th year. Each of the region’s secondary schools; Ayr State High School, Home Hill State High School, Burdekin Catholic High School, and the Burdekin Christian College are set to perform a one act play in a non-competitive environment to showcase their talents to audiences. The Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival
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Home Hill Police Station counter will be closed for administration related inquiries from 3:00pm 3 May 2024 until 2 June 2024 due to Josie being on leave. For any inquiries relating driver licencing or firearms, please attend – Queensland Transport functions: • Online at - www.tmr.qld.gov.au • Ayr QGap (Ayr Courthouse) 163 Queen Street, Ayr - 8:30am – 4:30pm Firearms: • Online at - www.police.qld.gov.au • New Applications – Australia Post 155 Queen Street, Ayr – 9:00am -5:
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A lively audience of 70 people attended the fifth annual Rags to Runway event which was held at the Greek Hall in Home Hill over the weekend. The event saw creatives all kinds come together to exhibit their extraordinary fashion designs which saw entrants transform everyday items into stunning pieces of clothing. This eco-friendly extravaganza is an opportunity for the community to repurpose items, sending a message of renewal, while also flexing their creative muscles for all to enjoy. Spons
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Thursday afternoon (ANZAC DAY) social bowls saw 12 players take part. Two games of triples were played. Rink 3: Judy, Joclyn and Stephen were much too strong for Mick M, Bob and Mark, winning 24 to 9 and 11 ends to 7. Rink 6: Karl/Yogi, John and Wayne defeated Margaret, Mick O and Joe 22 to 8, and also 11 ends to 7. Today's winners by mystery draw were Judy, Joclyn and Stephen. Thanks to today's sponsors Ray and Rosemary Menkens. Tuesday Trimmers is going well, as is Wednesday morning
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We had 16 players turn up Saturday morning for the April Monthly Medal. Congratulations to Hudson, Evelyn and Oscar on the Monthly Medal wins, for 3 holes, 6 hole and 9 hole respectively. Gross winners for the morning were Heath, for 3 holes, Riley, for 6 holes, and Ethan, for 9 holes. There will be a break next week for the May Day public holiday, juniors will be back in a fortnight on the 11th May. Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney.
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A good crowd at Rugby Park last Sunday saw two good games of rugby league when the Roosters hosted Bowen in reserve grade and Souths in A grade. The premiership favourites, Souths, showed why they have that mantle by showing the locals just how to concentrate for an entire game. The Townsville visitors took the A grade 46 to 20 but not before the locals had given them a fright. Leading 12 – 10 and watching Burdekin denied a try, the visitors took advantage and moved the ball down field and s
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The Home Hill Tennis Association will be proudly hosting the 43rd Annual Sugar Bowl iconic teams event this weekend. It is known as the sweet spot on the North Queensland tennis calendar. In 1981, Lex and Pat Anderson initiated the teams event by inviting captains from as far afield as Mackay and Ingham to form teams and come to the Burdekin and play off for the inaugural Sugar Bowl. Today, we have teams that travel from Brisbane to Mareeba and all places in between. Continued on page 30 Sugar B
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Round 1 week 6: Crushers v Bombers at the Queens 10-0 Cougars v Nat I at the Ayr 8-2 National II v Falcons at the National 6-4 Ants had the bye 10 points Points: Crushers - 47, Nat II - 46, Nat I - 38, Falcons - 34, Ants - 32, Cougars - 28 and Bombers 15 Games for Thursday 02/05: Nat I v Ants at National Falcons v Bombers at Anzac Crushers v Nat II at Ayr Cougars have the bye Contributed by Kerry Davison Photo: Anzac Ants
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The Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club held its major fundraising event on Saturday night. With the theme of ‘Roaring 20s’, Take the Floor 2024 took guests back 100 years to a classy evening out in flapper dresses and feathered headdresses. The crowd were entertained throughout the evening by the four dancing couples of Mick Fraser & Shirley Marshall, Thom Pickersgill & Jane Olsen, Jimmy Hayllor & Rory Jorgensen, and Leigh Ryan & Julia Nosworthy. They absolutely wowed the audience with their fancy fast f
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Hi readers This will be my last ‘editor’s note’ for the next couple of weeks because, as of tomorrow (Thursday), I’ll be on holidays! Firstly, I’m heading down to Brisbane for a couple of days to spend some time with my girlfriend Jakita and do some last-minute shopping and preparing before I head to Norfolk Island for a week with my mum, dad and sister. I’ve been talking to a few locals who have been to Norfolk before and hearing their stories has me incredibly excited. I’m excited to soak in
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The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce have thrown their support behind local chaplaincy through a donation made to Scripture Union at last week’s Social and Networking Event. The donation came after Scripture Union School Chaplain John Mackay passionately and emotionally shared his experience as a school chaplain at last month’s event. Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson and Treasurer John Clarke presented a $500 donation to Home Hill State High School Chaplain Jenny Dowie at the e
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The Burdekin Library celebrated its 40th birthday last week, marking four decades of fostering a love for literature and learning within the community. The Ayr branch of the library officially opened on March 31, 1984 with the Home Hill branch following a week later, opening on April 7, 1984. Cake-cutting events were held at each of the branches to commemorate the significant milestone, celebrating 40 years of stories at the Ayr Library on Tuesday April 16 and the Home Hill Library on Wednesday
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Despite thousands of local residents and business owners putting pen to paper to call for more plain clothes police officers in the Burdekin, Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the Minister has once again left the region with stretched police resources and frustrated residents to fight a surge in youth crime. More than 3,000 business owners and residents signed the petition for bolstered local police and funding for interim security patrols following soaring crime rates and a community left frus
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At 3:15pm on Monday April 8, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Norham Road, Ayr. The driver, a 52yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva, disqualified driving and possessing a drug utensil. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on June 24. At 4:50pm on Tuesday April 16, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Inkerman. As a result, a 55yr old Bowen woman was issued a NTA for drink driving, .053. She is due to ap
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The Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended the regional regatta day at the Loam Island Scout Group in Townsville on Sunday April 14. The weather was very good for the water activities. Roughly 100 Scouts aged 5 to 15 years and 30 adults attended the day which involved raft making, canoeing, and land activities. The Lower Burdekin Scouts were members of the crew on the winning raft. Recently, the Lower Burdekin Scouts were practising their fire lighting and fire safety in preparation for a camp on
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The Burdekin Sugar Rush will have the region moving and cheering on Sunday April 28 when it returns for its 22nd year in the region. The event stands as a spectacle for the entire community to attend, with participants encouraged to run or walk to complete either 5km, 10km or 21km, and onlookers to support by coming along to Anzac Park from 5am. Once again, the Burdekin Sugar Rush will host the half marathon distance, doubling as the Athletics North Queensland Championship race as well as incl
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