Back in July 1904, Harry E P MacDonald was editor of the Delta Advocate for a very short time. Upon leaving the district he had the following words to say of living conditions in Ayr. This was printed in various newspapers- Queensland, New South Wales and the Sun from Kalgoorlie Western Australia.
Read more
At 8.15pm on Friday 17 November, Ayr Police were called to a disturbance at a licenced premises in Queen Street, Ayr. As a result, a 63yr old Burdekin man was charged with one count each of common assault, failure to leave licenced premises, disorderly on a licenced premises and commit a public nuisance on a licenced premises. He was released on conditional Police bail to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 12 December. He was also issued a Police Banning Notice relating to licenced premises i
Read more
On Friday evening, December 1, Flexi Queensland hosted an event at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre to celebrate International Day of People with Disability, Disability Action Week, and Christmas.International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations observed day held on December 3 each year. In Australia, IDPwD is a joint effort between government, schools, organisations, community groups, businesses, and individuals. The annual Disability Action Week for Queensland commenced on Sat
Read more
Hi everyone to a very special time of year. The Christmas spirit at this time of year is one of excitement on the young children’s faces and expressions of wonderment. It’s a shame we can’t ‘bottle it’ and spread it throughout the year. I’ve had the privilege of attending ‘Ayr Community Kindergarten’, ‘Big Birds Nest Child Care Centre’ and the Library’s ‘First Five’s Messy Play’ Christmas function last week and it certainly gladdens the heart to witness the enthusiasm of the children with an ear
Read more
Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council continues to work to support the Burdekin as a vibrant visitor destination, offering a mixture of sporting, cultural, natural and leisure based experiences? Located on the Bruce Highway, the Burdekin is fortunate to have many visitors including those travelling in caravans passing through our towns daily. Council has implemented a number of priorities and actions in the 5-year Burdekin Tourism Strategy, which was adopted in 2018. One of the key prio
Read more
Following a successful 2023 Burdekin Show that exceeded expectations, the Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association held its Annual General Meeting on Monday, December 4. Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry declared all committee positions vacant before electing a new committee, with most members being re-elected into their respective positions. Chris Lyne was elected as President for a fourth term while Vice President Brendan Kolb, Treasurer Serafina Towler and Secretary P
Read more
“The Love of Colours” owner and sole Artist, Amanda Lando has been a business operating in the Burdekin Region for over six years. Amanda has been Commissioned to do numerous local business murals, including The Burdekin Bridge Motel in Home Hill, Tropical City Motor Inn, The Burdekin School and Burdekin Backpackers in Ayr, Jarvisfield State School and Claredale Pastures Café.In addition, many private residences have booked her talents.
Read more
Giving back and re-investing in the community sits at the very heart of the Bendigo Bank ethos, and this is evidenced locally by the incredible donations Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr has made to local community groups over the years.
Read more
For over six decades, Burdekin Funerals has been an integral part of our community's support system, guiding families through one of life's most challenging periods. Owned by Neville and Lori Boyle for the past decade, the business continues to provide a beacon of empathy, understanding, and innovation to the Burdekin region. With a team of four dedicated local staff members alongside Neville and Lori, Burdekin Funerals embodies a commitment to personalised service and community support. Over th
Read more
Birthed from a profound need for personalised care and empowerment, Burdekin Support Coordination helps people to achieve their goals. Tara Harding, the owner-operator, radiates dedication to her community, striving to bridge the gap in support services since the business's inception approximately six months ago. Tara’s journey began when she bought acreage in the Burdekin and moved to the block in April, discovering a lack of support in the region for those on the NDIS. “I decided to offer my e
Read more
St Francis Catholic School’s annual Awards Day was held on Wednesday November 30. It was a chance for the school community to reflect upon the incredible journey that they shared throughout 2023 as well as a time to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of students throughout the year. From academic achievements to artistic endeavours, athletic triumphs to community service initiatives, St Francis Catholic School students consistently demonstrated their dedication, passion and resili
Read more
As 2023 draws to a close, many reflect on a sugar cane season that was filled with highs and lows, making plans to ensure more prosperous seasons in years to come. A fundamental issue facing the industry has been the timely supply of sugar cane from grower to mill, with Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) focussing efforts on restoring the harmonious supply of sugar cane to sugar mills.QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou said the prosperity of the sugar cane industry relies on a timely supply ch
Read more
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Pioneer Mill brought an end to the 2023 production season in the Burdekin on Sunday morning. Wilmar’s four Burdekin sugar factories processed a total of 8.03 million tonnes of sugarcane this season, manufacturing about 1.18 million tonnes of raw sugar. Group Manager Operations James Wallace said Wilmar’s Kalamia Mill was the first to finish on Friday, November 17. Inkerman Mill crushed out on Wednesday, November 29 followed by Invicta Mill on Thursday, November 30.
Read more
Wilmar staff provided the Burdekin Women in Sugar group with a firsthand look at the sugar manufacturing process when the group attended a private tour of Wilmar’s Invicta Mill recently.The visit was hosted by three women from the Wilmar Sugar and Renewables business: Group Manager Asset Management Systems Sharon La Spina and Invicta Mill process improvement engineers Claire Dowling and Jessica Wilson.
Read more
Named for her beauty, poise and charm, Aphrodite encapsulates being a Greek goddess. Incredibly playful and full of love, Aphrodite is looking for a family that can give her absolutely all the attention she deserves. She loves being cuddled, pet and held. However, Aphrodite is also an independent lady, who does enjoy her own company and can amuse and entertain herself while home alone, with her family at school or work.
Read more
A trial conducted by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables on a 130ha cane farm in the Burdekin region has yielded promising outcomes through its complete automation in irrigation, implemented since the farm's early planting last year on Stockham Road. Agricultural Productivity Manager Peter Larsen said the first-year results showed the volume of water applied was reduced by one-third compared to traditional irrigation methods, and there was a significant reduction in nitrate runoff and losses to groundw
Read more
You’re invited to join the Burdekin Shire Council for a night of festive fun at the annual Community Christmas Carols on Sunday, December 10. This year, the event will be held at the Burdekin Touch Fields in MacMillan Street, opposite the touch clubhouse, from 5:30pm and is a free event for all to attend.
Read more
The Burdekin District Sportfishing Club celebrated a big year of big catches at their presentation night last Friday.Many awards were presented across a variety of divisions and kids enjoyed a surprise visit from Santa while plans for 2024 were discussed amongst the club.Join Burdekin District Sportfishing Club on Facebook for more information.
Read more
The forecast heatwave didn’t dampen the spirits of the players and parents at the last week of Junior Cricket at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill on Friday. The usual afternoon breeze at the grounds was enough to keep everyone comfortable while watching and playing. Some of the parents weren’t taking any risks of dehydration by keeping their fluid intake up with many trips to the canteen for a cool beverage or two. The Rookies and Challengers played some fun games and drills
Read more
Peto's Marine won the toss and elected to bowl as they faced Crowned Mongrels on a steamy Saturday afternoon in Home Hill.Their top order got the Mongrels off to a good start with openers Thomas Sarri and Andrew Wallwork scoring 24 runs from 28 balls and 12 from 17 respectively before first drop Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro made 26 from 29.The numbers seven and eight batsmen briefly resurrected the batting side from a middle order collapse with Alex Stillhard making 10 from 12 and Joel Hanson making 15
Read more
Helene Holmes Sponsored our last playing day Tuesday, November 28. Winners were Raylene Hervey, Betty Schultz and Pam Power defeating Ruth Moore, Carolyn Jones, Karen Page and Irene Wilson. Runners up and also winners of the jackpot were Katarina Stuckler, Di Lindridge, Heather Jorgensen and Sandra Stidston defeating Isabel Cislowski, Merle Nixon, Beryl Cornford and Dot Cutting. Wednesday night November 29 Winners on the night were Katharina Stuckler and David Burt and in 2nd place were Tricia
Read more
Thursday November 30 saw 16 players turn up for a roll in very oppressive conditions. Two games of 3 bowl triples and of game of pairs were played. Rink 4: Joe, Des and Henry out lasted Jimmy, Roy and Trevor 18 to 10, 9 ends each. Rink 5: Tony, Judy and Glen proved too strong for Mick, Alex and Gary winning 22 to 8, 11 ends to 7. Rink 6: A very close game between eventual winners John and Stephen over Ray and Mick M 16 to 14 with Ray and Mick winning the ends 10 to 8. The lucky Rink went t
Read more
And that's a wrap-up for 2023 season of tennis. Congratulations to the Spring Season Team winners: Captain John Chandler, Tim Branch, Paul Godfrey, Amy Howie, Sarat Tata and Georgia Howie - amazing efforts from you all.
Read more
Last weekend, 31 members from the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club headed to Sarina to compete in the annual North Barrier Branch Championships. This carnival is the culmination of the season for the region with members then being up for selection in the North Barrier Branch Youth State Team to travel to Burleigh in March 2024.
Read more
The Burdekin Unit of the SES has appointed a new Local Controller to lead the Clare, Giru, Rita Island, Home Hill and Ayr units for the next three years.Warren Francis took over the role at a presentation on Monday, November 28 as John Winn stepped down after a three-year term.SES Regional Director Daryl Camp congratulated Mr Francis on his appointment.“He has so much ability,” Mr Camp said.
Read more