Despite growing up in the Burdekin, Marni Hine admits she knew little about the sugar cane industry. “Unless you’re in a family or in that industry, then it’s very mysterious,” she said. “After talking to a lot of farmers and finding out more about the inner workings of the industry, I found it to be very interesting.” Years later, Ms Hine immersed herself in the industry that once bewildered her, gathering stories and photographs that would ultimately become her ‘Project Raw’ exhibition and ‘I
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An online portal has been launched by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) giving unique access to the latest information on active stolen vehicles across the state for the first time, allowing the public to play a crucial role in assisting police in tracking down car thieves. The initiative aims to both inform the public and allow for the timely reporting of location information which can assist police in efficiently and safely locating stolen vehicles to protect the community, return property t
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Two Burdekin attractions have been recognised amongst Australia’s shining stars who cater best to mature age visitors as the Grey Nomads Awards announced their finalists last week. Groper Creek Caravan Park and Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival were both nominated in their respective categories, Best Grey Nomad Small Caravan Park and Best Grey Nomad Festival or Event. The team at Groper Creek Caravan Park said they were honoured to be named alongside Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival to represent th
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Fast Facts: Rehoming Fee: $195 DOB: 1/04/2022 Sex: Male Breed: Domestic Short Hair Kid Friendly: Yes Dog Friendly: Untested Other Cats: Yes Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor This silky, velvet furred beauty is Scooter, who is unafraid to show and share his affections with anyone and everyone. Scooter’s charisma and his talkative nature leaves no stone unturned, and he is excited to be searching for his loving forever home. Loving a good chat, Scooter also absolutely adores cuddling and snuggling with pe
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Did you know that Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you with Transport Services locally and to and from Townsville? You can access shops, cafes, libraries, attend events or medical appointments, visit family and friends etc. Our bus drivers and Support Workers are very friendly and helpful. Transport services can be provided to people eligible under a government funded program and also if they are not and we have seats available. We have two buses, with wheelchair access as wel
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Community Development is many things to many people. However, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre embodies a system of bringing people together to encourage conversations that lead to actions and solutions determined by the community, not organisations and services. Our team loves to be involved with projects facilitated or actively supported by the Centre, designed with rather than for community members to benefit the whole community or a certain group. So, what could such projects look l
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Cr Column Councillor Max Musumeci Happy New Year to everyone! The year is off to a great start. The holidays are behind us, the kids are back in school, and the mowers and slashers are working tirelessly. We've been blessed with fantastic weather – a mix of rain, sun, and heat. As you read this, I’m wondering how the present tropical low off Queensland coast will impact us, cyclone? Flooding? I hope the dam experiences a spill, and the river enjoys a much-needed flow. Understanding the signific
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As the Council enters the caretaker period starting Monday 29 January 2024, this marks the final Mayor's Did you Know for this term. However, the column will continue with Council news. The Burdekin Shire has a rich history, starting as the Ayr Division on 16 January 1888, carved out of Subdivision 3 of the Thuringowa Division. It evolved into the Shire of Ayr on 31 March 1903 under the Local Authorities Act 1902 and after persistent efforts, it was renamed the Shire of Burdekin on 12 June 1982
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Discover Mackay’s Magic Mackay’s popularity as a tourist destination is growing rapidly, attracting travellers from all around the world. Known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, Mackay offers visitors plenty of things to do and see. Make sure these activities are on your list for a day in Mackay. Explore The Islands Explore the hidden wonders that lay above and below the island waters off the coast of Mackay with Wildcat. Snorkel, paddleboard, swim in crystal c
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With the threat of cyclone imminent, here are our top tips for farmers to cyclone proof your crops and agricultural business. Plan: As the saying goes, Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail. Have a detailed lock-down plan, with all staff having specific instructions on their individual tasks. Having each individual on a specific task allows each person to not be overwhelmed in an emergency. Clear: It is best to clear trees and shrubs away from buildings and sheds, as well as ensure that power l
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More than $2 million in funding is up for grabs for Queenslanders to help fight feral pigs. In 2021, it was estimated that Queensland had up to 2.3 million feral pigs. They are among Queensland's most widespread and damaging pest animals. Feral pigs spread invasive plants, degrade soil and water, prey on native species, damage crops and livestock, and carry diseases. Round 8(a) of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative (QFPI) is now open, with $2.16 million available to build local capacity for bi
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One million doses of lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccines have now been provided to Indonesia by the Federal Government, as the fight to protect our cattle industry from disease ramps up again in 2024. The final shipment of the Lumpyvax vaccines arrived in Indonesia late last month. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said aiding control of LSD in the region was a priority. “LSD and foot-and-mouth disease remain significant threats to the biosecurity of Australia and our ne
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Building on his 30 plus years of experience in drilling, bores and pumps, Brian Connolly and his wife Michelle have become stalwarts in the Burdekin, their business B&M Drilling offering top-notch services in water bore drilling, pump installation, equipment hire, and more for the past 19 years. B&M Drilling's journey has been marked by continued partnerships with key entities like Burdekin Shire Council, Ergon Energy, and local Wilmar sugar mills. However, the heart of their success lies in Br
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Burdekin Catholic High School, celebrating 50 years this year as a Catholic co-educational secondary school in the Burdekin District, is delighted to welcome their new Principal, Mrs Lorraine Wolffe. Lorraine joins the school with more than 38 years’ experience in education, including, 30 years in Senior Leadership positions. Mrs Wolffe said “I am looking forward to a community that has a strong culture that values learning and places student wellbeing, care and growth at the heart of its vis
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As the temperatures continue to rise and, it becomes more imperative than ever for industries and trade sectors to adapt to the seasonal changes to maintain optimal productivity and employee well-being. Implementing best summer practices is crucial for businesses and their staff to thrive in the warmer months. 1. Flexible Scheduling: Consider introducing flexible work hours or remote work options. This not only helps employees beat the summer heat but also promotes a healthier work-life bala
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A magical story of finding true love, Hans Christian Andersen’s classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, has been transformed into a beautiful musical the Burdekin can enjoy under the talents of The Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company and community members this February. The tale begins in a magical deep-sea kingdom where a young mermaid, Ariel, dreams of leaving her ocean home to live in the world above. With the help of her comedic companions, Flounder, Scuttle, and of course Seb
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Due to an increase in demand, local hydraulics business Muzdraulics has added a second fully equipped hose truck to its fleet, increasing capabilities and decreasing customer down time. The new truck, which is in the field already and operated by third-year apprentice Harry, promises reliable service and shows the business’s dedication to getting its loyal customer’s machinery up and running and back in the paddock as soon as possible. “Previously, if we encountered a few customers who were brok
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When Karl Vass started his boilermaker apprenticeship in a Home Hill workshop on the corner of Ninth Avenue and Eighth Street, he didn’t realise he would go on to establish his own business in that exact same workshop years later. Karl grew up in a farming family and started his apprenticeship at age 16, so agricultural engineering was almost destiny. After relocating to the Gold Coast for 10 years, he moved back to the Burdekin in 2012 and was doing contracting work in the mining industry when
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The celebrated Burdekin Brass Band’s Learner Classes will resume for its seventh year on the evening of Tuesday February 13 in Home Hill’s Burdekin Brass Band Hall on 10th Avenue. Burdekin Brass Band President, Larry Hudson, and accredited music instructor, Ms Donna Wall encourage the community to take advantage of this amazing and unique opportunity to explore your interests and acquire new skills. “When people learn music, they use this skill for the rest of their life,” explained Larry.
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Carter Entertainment invites you to a night of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty at the Burdekin Theatre this February. Celebrating the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands– from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others. From their debut album in 1968 to their last album in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival was a juggernaut of phenomenal proportions. No other band has created such an impact in such a short time. There's something
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The first turtle nest of the season has hatched on Magnetic Island, with 45 baby Flatback sea turtles scrambling to the ocean earlier in January. Magnetic Island Network for Turtles confirmed the first flatback sea turtle nest hatched on the beach of Nelly Bay and was a good outcome, with the nest found in a cooler shaded spot. The Network reported an almost 100% hatchling success rate with volunteers using artificial light to lead the hatchlings safely to the water.
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Relive the action from Verve Dance Festival which brought competitors from across the Burdekin, north, central and west Queensland to the Burdekin Theatre for five days of dancing and excellent community spirit. For full results, visit Verve Dance Festival on Facebook.
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Jarvisfield State School Welcomes Prep Students
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Burdekin BMX Club recently held its break up, awarding outstanding performance and appreciating participants on volunteers throughout 2023. 2023 was a fabulous year revamping our track with a bitumen berm and a successful glueing prosses giving us more track time and less repairs. Our November carnival was a huge success with 200 riders competing over 2 days and all looking forward to our 2024 November carnival. Our club committee brought in our new club constitution. Whole families have enjoyed
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Thursday, January 11 saw 18 players arrive ready for an afternoon of bowls. Game 1: Tony, Des and Trevor 20 drew with Judy, Bob and Clinton 20. Game 2: Paul, Dino and Henry 19 were too strong for Jim, Joe and Mick 9. Game 3: Margaret, Lloyd and Hugh 20 defeated Conner, John and Gary 12. 16 players turned up to play barefoot bowls on Wednesday night, January 17. Winning the night was Meryl and Sam. Thursday afternoon bowls on January 18 had 19 players turn up to do battle on Rummeny Green.
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