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Growers Gather To Toast A Year Of Sweet Success

There was plenty of festive fun and laughter at the Burdekin Theatre last week as nearly 60 growers, extension officers and service providers attended the NQ Dry Tropics End Of Year Sugar Celebration. It was a chance to come together and raise a glass in recognition of a productive year across a variety of irrigation, nutrient and pesticide efficiency projects taking place in the lower Burdekin. Staff from NQ Dry Tropics, Sugar Research Australia, Farmacist and Aglantis updated attendees on the

Children’s Art Class Break-Up

Following a busy year of art activity, the students who attend the Burdekin Art Society Art Classes welcomed their families to their annual exhibition of work and Christmas party on the December 5 at the McMillan Street Clubhouse. Over the year, between 18 and 21 primary children have attended Tuesday afternoon classes where they have dabbled in a variety of different painting techniques, drawing, sculpturing, collage, construction and more. Each child had a ‘gallery’ of their favourite art pi

Burdekin Art Society Home Hill Harvest Festival Exhibition

The Burdekin Art Society held their annual Home Hill Harvest Festival Exhibition on November 11, across the road from the Mardi Gras in the Lower Burdekin Water Board building. It was a colourful display of 82 paintings by members of the club. The People’s Choice awards for this year, sponsored again by Margaret Mary Spottiswood Bland, went to Luisa Delle Baite with ‘Floral Delight’ (first) and Maria Torrisi with ‘Friendship’ (second). The winner of our raffle was drawn with Margaret Redweik

Christmas Carols With Burdekin Catholic Parish

Photos supplied: Karen Keys

Christmas Carols With Burdekin Uniting Church

Madison Magatelli Photography

Home Hill Bowls Report

Thursday December 14 saw 21 players front up for two games of triples and two games of pairs. Rink 2: Dino and Gary out lasted Mick and Mick 15 to 11. Rink 3: Bob and Wayne were much too good for Ron and Stephen comfortably winning 25 to 8. Rink 4: Paul, John and Tony proved too strong for Clinton, Ray and Joclyn 26 to 11. Rink 6: Jim, Des and Glen proved too good in a close game vs Judy, Alex and Hugh/Trevor 22 to 19. Thursday morning saw a good roll up for Bingo with 26 attending. The raffle

Championing Youth Talent Ayr Surf Club Nippers' Championships Recap

On Saturday 9th December the Ayr Surf Club's nippers held their Club Championships at Alva beach to wrap up their local competitive season. It was a lovely afternoon at the beach and the junior members put in some amazing individual performances with some great friendly rivalry on show. They took part in several individual events, including flags, sprints, wades, board race, surf race and ironperson; to gain points towards the overall Age Champion Titles, as well as events to determine a Jun

End Of Harvest Golf Classic

The 2023 End of Harvest Golf Classic took over Ayr Golf Club last Friday, December 15 where hundreds of golfers enjoyed a day on the green for a good cause. Raising money for CORES (Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide), the event raised $29,600 towards their work in suicide prevention in the community. “We are blown away and extremely grateful for your support for the 2023 End of Harvest Golf Classic,” organisers Kelsey and Ben said. “Together we can and will make a difference to

Targeting Success Burdekin Clay Target Club's Explosive Year-Ender Shoot

In a sizzling Sunday showdown, the Burdekin Clay Target Club wrapped up their final shoot for the year on December 10th, igniting hot competition under the sunny skies. The day wouldn't have been such a blast without the generous support from Peto Marine and Johnson’s Landscaping and Earthmoving, who sponsored the event. A special round of applause goes to Prawn Farm, Cignall Burdekin, Cameron Cislowski, Regan Southward, Lui Populin, and other contributors for their generous donations throughout

Christmas Cheer Takes Over The Burdekin

The festive season is well and truly upon us and the Burdekin community gathered at the touch fields in Ayr last Sunday, December 10 for the Community Christmas Carols. With local entertainment, a fireworks spectacular and a very special visit from Santa, everyone revelled in the Christmas cheer. Entertainment was provided by The Burdekin Academy, Perform Music, Malia Ma’u, Uniting Church members and so many more, showcasing our region’s talent and passion for the community.

Sit Down With Sam

Hi Readers. As promised, I’m back from Brisbane with stories of an epic weekend of live music seeing The War On Drugs and just one regret: I neglected to buy a t-shirt. I hope those who attended Sunday’s Christmas Carols had an excellent afternoon – from all reports and photos, it looked like a terrific and festive time and proves that Christmas spirit is well and truly in the Ayr.

Rotary Gets Charitable This Christmas

Rotary Club of Ayr says no to Domestic Violence and has raised funds towards the Burdekin DV Support at Burdekin Community Association (BCA). Club champions Narelle Hibberd and Shane Moon have guided the club over the years with different activities raising funds towards projects with one of these being home starter kits for families in crisis.

Special School’s Trampoline Dreams Close To A Reality

Jumping on a trampoline is a sensation that all children should experience, and one that some may take for granted, and the Burdekin Special School (BSS) P&C has been fundraising to ensure its students don’t miss out.

Burdekin Chamber Reflects On a Big 2023

The Burdekin Chamber, formerly known as Ayr Chamber of Commerce, wrapped up a big 2023 with a Christmas breakup hosted by Blinds 2 U in Home Hill.Burdekin Chamber President Leigh Kefford said reflecting on 2023 fills him with pride and optimism.

Volunteer With Christmas Cheer!

The recent threat of a tropical cyclone has prompted our local Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, to remind everyone that volunteering for the community is very important.Mr Last said that the Christmas spirit and the motivation behind volunteering were more similar than what many may think.“What greater gift can you give than to volunteer your time to keep your community safe,” he asked.

Ayr Workshop One Of Many Successes

More than 150 primary health care service contracts have been delivered across north Queensland, valued at more than $63.7 million, as outlined in the recent Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) 2022-23 Annual Report.Other significant milestones have been highlighted, including more than 4,000 engagements with primary health providers and notable advancements in mental health services.

Sand Dunes Protected At Wunjunga

Over 900 native seedlings have been planted along the sand dunes of Wunjunga in order to stabilise the dunes and protect access roads from storm surges and future extreme weather events. The Community Planting Day included the planting of beach bean, goat’s foot and brown cudgerie, and were selected due to their ability to withstand hard coastal conditions.

16 Days Of Activism Continues

The Burdekin Mothers Union group held a service at All Saints Anglican Church as part of the 16 Days of Activism for gender-based violence. The service was attended by parishioners, members of the Burdekin Community Association, the Ayr police service and our local Zonta group. Rebecca Grogan, Housing And Community Support Service Manager from BCA, was the guest speaker and gave us some interesting information about domestic violence in our community.

WEAPONS LICENCES

Burdekin’s Tourism Volunteers

Burdekin Tourism Volunteers were joined by Burdekin Shire Council to celebrate their Christmas party on Saturday, December 2. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin congratulated the volunteers on a terrific year.“They have done an amazing job of promoting our region to over 13,000 visitors who came to the Burdekin Visitor Information Centres in Ayr and Home Hill this year,” she said.

Cr Column: Councillor Max Musumeci

The 2023 crushing season has wrapped up! It's definitely something I'm grateful for this holiday season. Having completed the 2022 crushing this year also, I believe I'm not alone in eagerly anticipating a well-deserved break. As the kids enjoy their time off from school and various industries wind down for the annual Christmas shutdown, many of us are gearing up to unwind and savour moments with our loved ones.

Did you Know? Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Were you aware that the Burdekin Shire Council boasts a Parks and Gardens team whose responsibilities extend far beyond mowing grass? This small dedicated team takes great pride in maintaining over 41 hectares of parks, playgrounds, streetscapes and greenspaces across the Burdekin Shire enhancing the beauty and serenity of the region. A combination of seven 5 Star and 1 Four Star destination parks offer residents a range of engaging playgrounds, skate ramps, half courts and barbeques for familie

Crafting Lasting Legacies And Celebrating Cherished Memories

When Rose Papadimitriou was first employed by Campbell’s Jewellery in 1983, she embarked on a lifelong career with the business, developing its reputation for quality, experience and helping the people of the Burdekin celebrate their special memories. Campbell’s Jewellery was established in 1974, with Rose purchasing the business in 2013. 10 years on, she reflects on many wonderful highlights, from half price sales to VIP nights and Jewellery Roadshows. Rose says one thing hasn’t changed over t

Building A Better Burdekin

For over five decades, Liessmann & Sons has established itself as a stalwart of the Home Hill community, the distinctive yellow and green building a symbol of a business built on trust and dedication. Founded 53 years ago by the Liessmann family, the business has become a cornerstone of reliability and quality service in the Burdekin area.

Crafting A Legacy With Every Stroke Of The Brush

In the world of small business, there exist those rooted in heritage and built upon dedication; such is the case with Milburn Painting and Maintenance Services. Founded by Cheyne Milburn, the business carries a legacy from his father’s enterprise, Merv Milburn Painting, and has been flourishing since 2019 under Cheyne’s adept guidance. Cheyne operates with an unwavering commitment to excellence, evident in the diverse services offered including plastering, sanding, painting walls, ceilings, rail