Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Happy first week back at school everyone! Both Ayr and Brisbane had a rainy start to Monday, solidifying my theory that it always rains on the first day back at school after holidays. As you may already know, I went to Ayr State High School, and graduated in 2021. If you’re familiar with the lay of the land there, you’ll know that no matter what, if it’s been raining, you’re sure to have to make some extraordinary leaps around the library / office area to avoid soggy socks! I remember always
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On Saturday, 22 June five members of the Burdekin Men’s Shed teamed up with Harvey Norman in Ayr to fundraise for the Lower Burdekin Scouts. Outside the store, they hosted a lively Sausage Sizzle, which was generously supported by Harvey Norman which donated bread, sausages, and onions. The Men’s Shed volunteers cooked and sold delicious sausages on bread, alongside refreshments, with all proceeds dedicated to the Lower Burdekin Scout Group in Home Hill. President of the Burdekin Men’s Shed,
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Revelations that in the last ten years at least one person has lost their life for every three kilometres of the Bruce Highway in the electorate, has left Member for Burdekin Dale Last questioning how much more blood needs to be shed before desperately needed safety upgrades are funded. Mr Last said despite community calls over the years for safety improvements the tragic events of recent weeks had shone a spotlight on a fact that regional Queenslanders were all too familiar with - the Bruce Hi
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On Wednesday 19 June, 21 school students from years 9 to 12 celebrated their graduation from the Queensland Blue Light Association Incorporated Blue EDGE program. The Blue Edge program was delivered at Home Hill High School over an 8-week period and works to uphold 4 core principles; educate, develop, grow and empower. A Blue Light Queensland program, the organisation’s mission is to foster positive outcomes among police, community and young people through early intervention with the vision of
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Populins Hall has stood proudly on the ever-bustling Queen Street for decades, and holding a rich history, and special place in the hearts of many within the Burdekin community. The historic venue was, and forever will be a hive for activity, hosting regular events and occasions with millions of dancing shoes tapping on the classic wooden floors over the years. The space held many specular celebrations, sporting wrap-ups, weddings, dance rehearsals and more, with the balcony, overlooking Queen
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On Saturday 29 June, many gathered on Groper Creek’s waterfront to celebrate the official opening of the “Our Front Yard” Shelter, a significant moment that completed the dream of Danny Garvey who sadly passed away in 2023 before his plans for the shelter came to fruition. Over 100 locals, and travellers were in attendance at the event, including Mayor Pierina dale Cort, the region’s Bendigo Bank representative, David Catinzaro and representatives from the Home Hill Boat Club and Groper Creek R
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The Savorgnan family are currently experiencing one of the toughest and most unthinkable situations a family can face with their young daughter recently diagnosed with a brain tumour. Maria, Marty and their beautiful two-year-old daughter, Elenna, have flown from Townsville to Brisbane earlier this week after scans revealed a tumour on Elenna’s brain. Additional scans have now shown the tumour has spread throughout Elenna's brain, and spinal cord, and the family is now awaiting emergency surg
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Local family set to celebrate 6th birthday of young boy who was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at birth and given just days to live.
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On Saturday 15 June, eight young Burdekin district representatives travelled to the Gold Coast to participate in the 2024 Bunburra Touch Football Tournament. Organised by PCYC Queensland, the event invites teams comprising of young people aged 14 – 17 from First Nations communities across the state to come together to showcase their skills and participate in a spirited competition. Bunburra is the Yugambeh word for beach, and the event fosters sporting skills and leadership qualities, with mo
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At 3.40pm on Friday 28 June, Ayr Police were called to a local business after receiving a call of theft from that store. As a result of investigations, a 23yr old Burdekin woman was charged with one count of stealing, three counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count of possessing medicines when not authorised to do so. She was released on conditional bail to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 22 July. At 6.10pm on Saturday 29 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Graham Street, Ayr
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Home Hill Police Station On 30 June 2024 at 11:30am Home Hill Police responded to major traffic crash involving a bus and a 4WD towing a caravan on the Bruce Highway, Gumlu. The scene was extremely confronting requiring multiple emergency resources from the Townsville and Mackay regions. Sadly, three persons lost their lives as a result of the crash and a number of other persons seriously injured. Home Hill Police extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the passengers who passed
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I’m please to let you know that BCA are expanding our mental health support services from Saturday the 6th of July 2024. Our Burdekin Centre for Rural Health (BCRH) will be open to the public from 9.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Please visit the Centre at 12a Chippendale Street Ayr, telephone 4783 2711 or email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au to receive information about health and wellbeing services available at the Centre, via telephone and telehealth (online). Sarah Lutkin (clinical psycho
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When you think of taxes, neighbourhood centres may not immediately come to mind. However, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre has assisted community members with their tax responsibilities for over 20 years. We have been doing this in partnership with the ATO and the Tax Help Program. When we could not source a volunteer for this program, we explored other options. Fortunately, we discovered the JCU Tax Clinic and have been collaborating with them for the past four years to offer free help and as
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Budget for 2024/2025 for the new term of Council has been handed down. A minimal increase (1%) in the minimum general rate and moderate rise in fess & charges. Congratulations to the hard work put in by Council staff, especially finance. Congratulations to Brittany and Joshua Furnell on the birth of Delilah Joy Furnell (3rd July 2024), sister to Ali and our sixth grandchild. Well done to Julie Pavone, committee and volunteers who recently donated four hundred thousand dollars to the “Brain Care
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Did you know that Burdekin Shire Council has a Mosquito Management Plan? The Mosquito Management Plan 2020-2025 provides a framework for Council and the community to manage mosquitoes throughout the region. As there are many different types of mosquitos in the Burdekin, the focus of the Plan is to identify appropriate mosquito management activities to implement throughout the region. This will reduce the risk to the community of contracting mosquito-transmitted disease. It is important to note
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Established in 1926, the Ayr Golf Club stands as a cornerstone of the Burdekin community, offering an 18-hole, 5,861 metre championship course. With a membership of 200 dedicated individuals, the celebrated club thrives on the support of volunteers committed to promoting golf and creating a welcoming environment for members, visitors, and social players alike. Golf plays a pivotal role within the Burdekin community, particularly for the aging population, as the sport fosters physical activity p
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Burdekin locals from all corners of the region and walks of life have been encouraged to express their interest in becoming a member of the Burdekin-based Community Advisory Network (CAN). The CAN plays a vital role in ensuring health consumers' voices are heard, giving feedback on existing services and identifying areas for improvement. Items discussed at the CAN are raised with the Consumer Advisory Council which looks at issues across the entire Townsville Hospital and Health Service catchme
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Farmers are not just talking about change but are acting and co-investing in agricultural technologies for sustainable management of their farms. Practice change with machinery in the sugar industry is pivotal for modernisation. The integration of advanced machinery not only enhances efficiency, productivity and quality but also aligns with sustainability goals while ensuring a safer industry. Continuous adoption of advanced technologies is crucial to maintaining the sugarcane industry's sust
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Passionately advocating for the interests of local growers and contractors is Charles Quagliata, the Burdekin District Chair of Queensland Cane, Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR). As the 2024 crushing season unfolded, anticipation was high among growers and the broader community, however, their optimism was quickly met with challenges. Several factors led to the delayed crush, including delays in mill readiness, sporadic industrial actions and unexpected rain showers in late June, all of which h
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As preparations for the Home Hill Harvest Festival get underway, the excitement in the Burdekin community is palpable. The upcoming event on 9 November promises to be a spectacular celebration, with a diverse array of activities highlighting the spirit and vibrancy of the region. At the heart of these festivities are the Home Hill Harvest Festival Queens, who play an integral role in the event through their dedicated efforts in fundraising and community engagement. Each candidate for the Harvest
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The Burdekin Brass Band will ignite the Burdekin Theatre for an afternoon overflowing with music and local talent on Sunday 4 August from 2pm. The Burdekin Brass Live performance will encompass 18 – 20 members of the local Burdekin Brass Band, 12 members originating from bands within the schools of the region, and 26 Thuringowa Brass members. Together the group of talented, experienced and beginner musicians will perform a celebrated selection of music everyone will know and love with both t
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Saturday 13 July The Sunshine Club Saturday from 7.30pm It tells the story of Frank Doyle, an Aboriginal serviceman who has come home from World War II to find that although the wider world may have changed, attitudes back home in Brisbane are just the same. Filled with a defiant energy and ambition for a better life, Frank starts The Sunshine Club, a place where black and white can meet and, most importantly, dance. Here he dreams of a future where he can dance in step with Rose, the girl next
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Selling a home can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and execution, you can navigate the process smoothly and achieve a successful sale. Whether you're a first-time seller or have sold homes before, these tips will help you prepare your home, attract potential buyers, and negotiate the best deal. 1. Prepare your Home for Sale Before listing your home, invest time and effort in making it look its best: • Declutter and Depersonalise: Remove personal items and excess clutter to
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Last weekend saw six ladies from the Ayr Golf Club travel to Mystic Sands to attend the Mystic Sands Open 2024. Each of the ladies enjoyed all that the gorgeous little club had to offer and commended the course on its well organised ladies open, and for putting on an amazing bar and bistro. “Thanks to all the volunteers and staff that impress every year,” shared the Ayr Golf Club. Ayr Golf Club’s Rhonda Martin did the club proud on the spectator weekend, leaving Mystic Sands with a victory
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Local Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had three games. On Friday night the Division One Funkies lost 0-1 at home to Riverway JCU but on Saturday, the Premiers, away to league leaders MA Olympic won 2-1, and the Under 23s also away to MA Olympic won 3-1. This week the Panthers are at home in all four grades. On Friday night, the Division One Funkies are at home to Estates Blue and on Saturday the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies are all at home to Brothers. The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers were r
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