Staff, customers, suppliers, friends and family joined Eileen and Jenny for a 30th birthday celebration at Burdekin Growers Services last Friday, February 9
Read more
Star Sign: Taurus Fav Movie: Sister Act Fav Colour: Green Fav Holiday destination: Being home Fav Music: Country Fav Quote: “Take one day at a time.” Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I can sew and decorate cakes. Describe your personality in three words: Loyal, caring and grateful for the life I have. For someone who has been so passionately immersed in the agricultural industries since she was 17, Eileen List shows no signs of slowing down. Often faced with the quest
Read more
Star Sign: Scorpio Fav Movie: Anything with Hugh Grant Fav Colour: Green Fav Holiday destination: Home – there is really no place like it! Fav Music: Almost any – especially if I can dance to it. Fav Quote: “Your job is bigger than the box you work in.” Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I am a real home body – I like to cook meals, clean and keep house. My focus in life is ‘Contentment’. Describe your personality in three words: Serious, quirky, loyal. With a profession
Read more
Star Sign: Capricorn Fav Movie: Hardball Fav Colour: Pastel colours Fav Holiday destination: Fiji Fav Music: 90’s R’n B Fav Quote: “Little by little, a little becomes a lot” Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I love cooking and baking! Describe your personality in three words: Faith, Gratitude, Respect For Natasha Vodonaivalu, affectionately known as Tash, the move from Brisbane to Ayr soothed her soul, allowing her to find some peace that she welcomed and
Read more
Sugarcane from throughout north Queensland could play an integral role in fuelling the aviation sector as the development of a Townsville Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project progresses. Following the execution of a first-of-a-kind Licence and Engineering Agreement for Australia between businesses Jet Zero and LanzaJet, Project Ulysses is poised to revolutionise the aviation industry by converting agricultural by-products into 102 million litres of SAF annually, which Jet Zero said could meet
Read more
The conclusion of the $25 million capital replacement program of Kalamia Mill is nearing, with the last evaporator being installed at the mill ahead of the 2024 production season. The Kalamia Mill, owned and operated by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, is in its final stage of a three-year program to replace the evaporators; the first evaporator was installed in 2022, and the following two installed in 2023. Utilised at an important early step in the sugar manufacturing process, the evaporators di
Read more
The Burdekin boasts a remarkable rugby league history, with close to 20 internationals playing in the local competitions between the 1920s and 1980s, with this history and more captured in the book ‘A Short History of the Ayr, Home Hill and Burdekin Rugby Leagues’ which was written by rugby league historian Martin Grandelis and published in 2022. Mr Grandelis grew up in the Burdekin in the 1960s in the heyday of rugby league in the Burdekin district. From the great rivalries between clubs to the
Read more
There are many groups throughout the Burdekin offering residents the opportunity to pursue and develop their creative pursuits, and one of these is the Burdekin Night Writers, a vibrant online writing group with roots dating back to 2007. Founded by the visionary Cherelle Murphy, the group initially convened at her residence for a remarkable 15 years. In 2019, facing the challenge of Cherelle's move to palliative care, the group seamlessly transitioned online to ensure her continued participati
Read more.jpg)
Caption 1: Molongle Beach Caravan Park Managers Amanda and Drew Caption 2: David Flower of Airlie Beach serenaded the crowd Caption 3: Carisa, Micah, and Mark Caption 4: Angie Wagner and Tom Castorina Caption 5: John and Laurinda Caption 6: Rick King and Bulldog Caption 7: Kerry and Luie Pensini Caption 8: Paul and Jack Lowis Caption 9: Kira, Peter, and Chase Larsen Caption 10: Jean Woodford, Ann Stewart, and Lesley Bonanno Caption 11: Gary Petersen, Shannon Peckett and Robert Ness Caption 12: D
Read more
The 2024 football season started last Saturday for Burdekin FC. The Panthers were away to Estates in the Kappa Cup. It was a good start to the season with the Panthers winning 2-1 at Victoria Park in Townsville. The boys were keen to get into their first fixture of the year. The Panthers always seem to do well in the Cup and wanted to continue that. Burdekin started well with Matthew Kolb hitting the post with a well drilled left foot shot. With lots of short, sharp passing, the Panthers were a
Read more
Hordes of people descended on the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday February 10 for their annual Beach Golf Day. The day kicked off with the drawing event of their Top 100 Club, where the masses mingled over lunch and drinks until the big wheel revealed the lucky winners. First prize went to Ena Daniels, whilst Carol Rossato was the winner of second prize. 20 teams took to the unique beach golf course to make their way around the 6 holes, enjoying an afternoon of sunshine, sand and laughs.
Read more.JPG)
The services of some of its most dedicated members and volunteers were recognised by Burdekin Race Club at a presentation late last year. At a race meeting on December 9 2023, four volunteers were presented with Life Memberships while a further four were honoured for their volunteer service. “It’s all about recognising those many years of volunteering,” said Burdekin Race Club President Rick Gudge. “Everything that’s done here is done by volunteers and, without them, there’s no club.” Life Memb
Read more
A year away from home playing in southern Queensland has given forward Tate Brombal extra incentive to be a part of the Burdekin Roosters A grade side this season. After being in and out of the top grade in 2022, Tate decided to test himself in another League. Last year took him south to Warwick where he signed with the Warwick Cowboys under coach Col Speed, a man highly regarded in the coaching ranks in the state. Speed last year coached Toowoomba in the 47th Batallion Trophy which is played be
Read more
The weekend of February 3-4 saw the Burdekin Torpedoes take on the might of North Queensland swimming in Townsville, at the Townsville Tourists meet which boasted a whooping 282 swimmers from across the region. The Torpedoes had 15 swimmers representing our district with the youngest Brielle Sangiuliano having her first swim meet at just age 5. The heat was on and with some fast swims on both days, the Burdekin Torpedoes had some great results, with plenty of personal best times being achieved.
Read more
Tuesday February 6 Winners of the Amcal sponsored day were Katharina Stuckler and Heather Jorgensen, defeating Raylene Hervey and Isabel Cislowski. Meryl Nixon, Sandra Stidston and Pam Power defeated Lynette Storrie, Elaine Young and Irene Wilson. A donation was presented to our local SES John and Rosemarie Winn by Ayr Ladies Bowls President Sandra Stidston. Results for Wednesday Feb 7: Winners were John Pirrone, Joe Papale and Chris Olditch who defeated Happy Horan, Anthony Bull and Ray Wall.
Read more
Friday night’s highlight was the singles match between Pancho and Gary Pearce. Pancho set the pace early on in the game only to lose to Gary in later stages of game. Gary Pearce joined three other energetic bowlers in Chris Pearce, Peter Lejarraga and Lloyd Shepherd. Bowen Invitational Fours has been going for many years and along with 15 other teams the competition was very strong. Teams came from Townsville in the North to Mackay in the South. Three rounds on Saturday and the team walked away
Read more
Wednesday night’s barefoot bowls saw 18 players take to the green on February 7. The winners for the night were Joclyn, Aaron and Meryl. Thursday February 8 also saw 18 bowlers do battle on Rummeny Green. Thanks again to the sponsor Rocky Ponds Produce. The winners on the day were Paul, Judy and Glen. Barefoot bowls again on Wednesday night with a pre-game snag Sanger as well as Wednesday morning craft group, Tuesday Trimmers, Thursday morning bingo and Thursday arvos for social bowls. The
Read more
It was all looking good for Friday Junior Cricket to kick off after it was called off the previous week due to wet fields. That was until around 2:30pm when the rain came down at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex which dashed our hopes for play. It also put in jeopardy our home game against Wanderers in the Under 17 Townsville competition the next morning. The start time for this game was put back to 12 noon in the hope that pitch would dry out enough. Thanks to our groundsmen for their h
Read more
Ayr Junior Golf held its first game for the year last Saturday, February 10. The weather was hot, but a nice group of players came ready to get back into it. Many regular members returned along with two new players, Celine and Heath. A mini 3 hole, 6 hole and 9 hole competition was played. Heath was the gross winner for 3 holes, Opie was the Nett winner. For 6 holes, some close scores, with Logan the gross winner, and Kyle the Nett winner. In 9 holes, Amaya was the gross winner, and Oscar the N
Read more
Coming off a defeat in round 10 last week, Peto’s Marine have bounced back in a big way with a trouncing of Crowned Mongrels in their first fixture of the year. Peto's Marine won the toss and elected to bat, with opener Simon Vickers getting to work immediately with 33 runs from 17 balls. First drop Josiah Ballin top scored agonisingly short of his half century with 48 from 53, while Daniel Olditch also contributed with 37 from 36. Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro shone with the ball for Crowned Mongrels, t
Read more
Are you a local wanting to give back and assist in the medical needs and decisions of the Burdekin region? Then the Burdekin Community Advisory Network (CAN), hosted by the Townsville Hospital and Health Service is the group for you. Specifically designed for community members of provide assistance, advocacy and ensure that health services at met, CAN allows the Townsville Hospital and Health Service know the preferences and needs of the region. Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said community memb
Read more
Hi readers It’s been about two weeks since Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossed over north Queensland, but subsequent inland rain has the mighty Burdekin River flowing! Since my first crossing of the river last year, I’ve longed to see it bank-to-bank full of water, so I’m glad I’ve been able to witness this without any risk of flood – and let me reassure you, there are no flood warnings active for the Burdekin River at the time of writing. I’m a big fan of rivers (and bridges) so I enjoy the spe
Read more
A long-term flying fox roost management plan will be developed for the region after a grant of $37,100 was secured by Burdekin Shire Council from the Queensland Government. The plan will help Council and the community to manage the impacts of flying foxes on public health, community safety and amenity, while also protecting the important ecological role of these native animals. Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan welcomed the funding and said it would enable Council to e
Read more
As power was restored to the final home in the cyclone-hit zone six days on from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossing, Ergon Energy once again shared their appreciation of the community’s support throughout the process. Posting on social media, Ergon Energy Network said it has been an incredibly tough time for tens of thousands of people, and their teams have been genuinely moved by the kindness of the community. “Thank you for the cold drinks, the ice blocks, the much-needed coffees and delish
Read more