The Burdekin Roosters had two successful trial matches with the visiting Mackay Magpies on Saturday night at Rugby Park winning the A grade and drawing the Reserve Grade. New A grade coach Steve Lansley said it was great to get a win with his team first up. “The defence was terrific by the boys who never gave up in the tough physical encounter,” Lansley said. The former Ignatius Park First grade coach said the team had good contact in defence, slowing the opposition down consistently. “Magpies w
Read more
The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club held a Family Fun Day and Sock Disco on Saturday March 2. The day was a great success with locals coming down to enjoy the festivities. The dunk tank was a huge hit with both the young and old taking a turn to sink one of the Lifesavers braving the swing. Kids braved the slip and slide, and families enjoyed a wide variety of outdoor games, face painting, fairy floss and popcorn.
Read more
Hi readers I have returned from a wonderful weekend away with Jakita at Paluma Ranges National Park and, I must say, what a beautiful spot. From swimming in the creeks and waterholes to wandering the tracks and taking in the vistas, it made for a refreshing weekend of exploring a beautiful part of the country that’s essentially right on our doorstep. We observed a wide variety of bird life with a highlight being sitting on the balcony of a quaint café in the village, eating shepherd’s pie and
Read more
With Coles Ayr closing unexpectedly to complete urgent roof repairs, Woolworths has weathered an influx of shoppers to pick up the demand. Many residents have taken to social media to share their appreciation of the supermarket’s handling of the extra customers. “I think Woolies in Ayr deserve a big shout out for the amazing job they’ve done dealing with a sudden 100 per cent increase of demand from their store,” one person posted in the Burdekin Community Hub Facebook group. “Not an easy task l
Read more
First Nations organisations are welcome to submit their expression of interest to deliver a new ‘Intensive On Country’ trial program, for young First Nations Queensland engaged with the youth justice system. Building upon foundations established by the current ‘On Country’ initiative, ‘Intensive On Country’ will include an intensive cultural and residential experience for longer periods of time, education and training opportunities, family support, and in home support. The ‘On Country’ program
Read more.jpg)
Coles Ayr reopened yesterday, Wednesday March 6, following its sudden closure over two weeks ago, due to comprised ceiling tiles posing a significant health and safety risk. The trade of Coles Ayr, in the Burdekin Plaza, was initially suspended due to concerns about the stability of the roof tiles as a result of excess moisture and humidity from the recent heavy rains. Engaging with the building landlord, a contractor was employed to undertake the necessary works. Todd Riches, Coles Regional
Read more
An iron-clad plan must be developed for the local TAFE following a committee report into the services across the state, says Member for Burdekin Dale Last. Mr Last has called on the Minister to front the Burdekin community to develop the plan after key findings in the report into the delivery of VET in regional, rural, and remote Queensland acknowledged that there was scope for improvement in community involvement in the planning for VET services in regional areas. “As we saw with the consult
Read more
An Ayr woman has passed away after an incident involving a lawn mower on a private property on Cislowski Road, Ayr. 48-year-old Kylie Walker suffered head and chest injuries after the accident that occurred around 6:00pm on Monday, March 4. Paramedics were called to the scene where she was assessed in a critical condition before, sadly, passing away. Police are preparing a report for the coroner. Ms Walker leaves behind her husband, Darren, and two teenage children who are well-known in the loca
Read more
Three joeys, two cubs, one scout, two leaders and one adult helper did Clean Up Australia Day on a day that turned out to be very warm – a job well done. The day was finished with a BBQ and a swim at the pool. Contributed by Chris Berkery
Read more
Opinion Piece Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is calling out the Australian Government following the release of research that suggests its supercharged fuel efficiency standards could cost hard-working Aussies up to $25,000 more by 2029. Mr Willcox said the Government’s supercharged fuel efficiency standards are another discriminatory blow to rural and regional Australia. “According to the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries), the top selling cars in Australia such as th
Read more
On Sunday February 25, Police attended a three-vehicle traffic crash on the Bruce Highway, Inkerman. Investigation revealed a utility traveling southbound veered onto the incorrect side of the road, clipping a 4WD towing a trailer traveling north. The utility has then struck the 4WD’s trailer causing extensive damage. The utility has then clipped another vehicle traveling behind the 4WD causing minor damage. No persons were injured as a result of the incident. Police provided traffic contro
Read more
In the effort of protecting local communities and deterring youth offenders engaging in knife crime, new legislations banning the sale of knives and other items to minors have been passed by the Queensland Parliament. The new laws make the sale of knives, replica firearms, including gel blasters, and edged weapons like machetes, axes, and swords to juveniles an offence, and Police Minister Mark Ryan believes the passing of these legislations stands as another positive advancement in the governm
Read more
Unfortunately, incidents of Domestic Violence continue to occur around the Burdekin. As a result, there have been a number of persons charged with contravening Domestic Violence orders and in some instances, further charged with criminal offences such as assault. Domestic Violence has a substantial impact on those involved, particularly when children are involved and the community as a whole. Domestic Violence destroys families and relationships and should not be accepted or tolerated in society
Read more
Who do you think is your biggest competitor? What do you admire about them and what qualities do you have that will ultimately make you better for the role? If you could throw your support behind a particular local community organisation what would it be and how would you support them? What’s your vision of the Burdekin in 10 years’ time?
Read more
Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) delivers the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) and recruits and supports volunteers to visit socially isolated older community members? Through the ACVVS, we support volunteers to provide friendship and companionship to older people in their home and also at Regis aged care. Visits are available to anyone who: • receives government-subsidised residential aged care or a Home Care Package, including care recipients appro
Read more
At the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, we believe that communication is incredibly important for any community to thrive. When people can communicate effectively, they can connect with each other, share ideas, and work together towards common goals. In today's world, there are many ways to communicate, such as phone calls, face-to-face conversations, and online platforms. We're excited to announce that we've launched our new website, which will make connecting with our community even easier.
Read more
Did you know that reporting local issues can be as easy as taking a photo and submitting it to ‘Snap, Send, Solve’? This user-friendly platform is designed to streamline the reporting process, allowing you to select from a list of common issues, add a brief description and location, and submit your report in 30 seconds or less. To report a local concern to Council, you have two convenient options: you can either download the 'Snap, Send, Solve' app for free or visit the website https://www.sna
Read more
The 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards nominations are now open to celebrate the creation of meaningful partnerships, employment opportunities, and efforts made to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations communities. Businesses, community groups, schools, sporting clubs, and cultural organisations are encouraged to nominate for the 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards, and Minister Leeanne Enoch believes each nominee stands as an inspirational role model in advancing reconciliati
Read more
For the first time in the business’s history, Oar and Horan Dentists boasts a team of four Burdekin born and bred dentists caring for their community. The team is proud to announce the appointment of Dr André Le Feuvre, a Burdekin local who spent his formative years in Giru before moving to Cairns to complete his dental studies. Graduating in 2017, André gained valuable experience working in Cairns, Townsville, and Central Western Queensland throughout this time, working in private practice unti
Read more
Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr – Bendigo Bank is welcoming Burdekin community organisations to step forward for their 2024 round of Community Grants. Off the back of a stellar 2023 Community Grant Presentation, where Community Bank-Bendigo reinvested over $278,000 into 28 local Burdekin community groups, Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr are ready to do it all over again. Senior Branch Manager Chantel Michielin explained that the grants will work the same as they did last year, with all local
Read more
By Chelsea Ravizza The online landscape has provided a space for businesses to grow far beyond expectations and in more ways than imaginable. Holding an online presence in the form of social media pages, an online website, publishing blog posts or elevating Google Business profiles are all means to increase a business’ reach and push the domain to customers who would never physically walk through the store’s front door. In social media applications like TikTok and Instagram, it’s easy for bus
Read more
Sugarcane’s potential as a renewable source of bioenergy, biofuel and bioproducts continues to grow through the concept of the circular bioeconomy. Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) Director Russell Hall believes the sugarcane to be the only 100% renewable energy source. “We cut it and from the day it starts growing again, it’s creating oxygen and natural capital on your farm and its producing natural energy,” he said. “Once harvested, it joins the process of fuel, power, plastic,
Read more.jpg)
A single Varroa Mite has been detected during a routine inspection at the Port of Brisbane. The routine inspection, conducted by Biosecurity Queensland, completed diagnostic testing and confirmed that the mite in Varroa Jacobsoni, not Varroa Destructor. The Varroa Jacobsoni mite parasitizes Asian honey bees, while the Varroa Destructor targets European honey bees. While the common honey bee within Australia is the European honey bee, secondary testing is being conducted to determine if the mi
Read more
Women in agriculture are invited to attend a two-day leadership forum in Ayr designed to develop leadership skills, personal confidence and be empowered to make future focused decisions to drive a positive change in their communities. The Influential Women Community Leadership Forum, to be held 19 – 21 March in the Burdekin Theatre Music Loft, has been supported by Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub as part of their commitment to enhancing the skills and capacity of agricultural communities
Read more
Considering a weekend getaway? A quick rendezvous to a different location? Consider venturing out to Airlie Beach’s Colonial Palms, for a cool afternoon of gentle jazz, that soothes the soul and sets your week off right. Brought to visitors and locals alike by the likes of Motor Inn Managers Greg and Nettie Dunlop, the Jazz on the Deck is a relaxing afternoon, away from the big beats and loud noise typical of main street venues of Airlie Beach. In fact, the tempered notes of the Jazz perfectl
Read more