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A North Queensland Summer Holiday Unveiling The Paradise Of The Whitsundays

Tucked away in the pristine paradise of the Whitsundays, a treasure trove of experiences awaits to be explored. From hidden waterholes to historical remnants and secluded beaches, the Whitsundays offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to every traveller’s desires. Continuing our north Queensland summer holiday, read on to discover the best of the Whitsundays. Cedar Creek Falls: Nature's Serene Haven Nestled within the lush embrace of Conway National Park, Cedar Creek Falls stands as a

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Inside The Life Of A Modern Music Entrepreneur

From his home studio in Jarvisfield, where guitars adorn the walls, Mick Thompson writes, records, and rehearses his music. Mick is a musician moving with the times, utilising the technology and resources available to turn his lifelong passion for guitars into a sustainable career, although he says the learning curve is a steep one. Mick's love affair with guitars started early; his first musical purchase was a copy of ‘Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band’ by The Beatles at age five. It wasn’

Rescue Pet of the Week Meet Muffin Gem

Fast Facts: Rehoming Fee: $300 DOB: 1/07/2022 Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short Hair Kid Friendly: Over 12 Dog Friendly: No Other Cats: No Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors This gorgeous young lady is looking for a caring, loving home where she can be given the freedom to spread her wings and explore while she becomes comfortable. While she won’t be cuddly straight away, she will quickly warm up and become her human’s little shadow, following and always prepared to pamper with her love. Muffin Gem

Netball Opportunity Youth Development Squad

Youth netballers looking to test and develop your skills, get ready for one of the best netball development squads around. Run and organised by North Queensland’s Netball Academy, netballers of Ayr and Home Hill are able to sign up for the Talent Development Squads, which consist of six-weeks of tailor-made strength, conditioning and technique coaching. There are two distinct squads: the 11 to 13 Development Squad, and the 13 Plus Development Squad, with speciality coaching and resources for t

Local Lifeguards Complete Accreditation

Nine Burdekin locals attended a Pool Lifeguard course and update on Sunday, December 10 and Monday, December 11. The course was facilitated by Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) instructor Lee Smith. “With great pleasure I was invited to conduct a lifeguard course at your pool in Ayr,” Lee said. “RLSSQ cares about water safety and so do I. “We had a wonderful two days discussing the pros and cons of oxygen therapy, spinal boards, CPR, and a multitude of water related scenarios. “The o

Blokes, Boats, and Bountiful Christmas Catches

Some made it to the Christmas table while others were released to fight another day. Photos supplied: Burdekin Blokes and Boats Ben Hovell and Ethan Bell were happy with landing a 58cm Red Throat, a PB for Ben. Jodie Dingwall’s sons brought home a nice dinner fishing with their dad Paul Quagliata shared a couple of nice fish caught at Groper Creek Queensland Grouper caught by John Chandler Stephen Gort caught this Mangrove Jack in a cast net while chasing bait

Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club’s Christmas Raffle

On Christmas Eve, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club announced the winners for their Christmas Raffle for 2023. Anne Pheland won the first prize which was accepted by her granddaughter, Ashlyn Pearce, and second prize was awarded to Viv Haller. Ayr Surf Lifesaving members were stationed outside Woolworths all December long selling raffle tickets to go into the draw to win one of two amazing prizes comprised of generous donations from local businesses. The Club thanks the whole community for their

Millie Takes On State Championships

Local swimmer Millie Lyne, along with her coaches from the Burdekin Torpedoes, Kim and Mick McConnachie, travelled to Brisbane for the Queensland State Swimming Championships which took place at Chandler from December 9-15. Millie represented North Queensland in the 13 and 14yo female Freestyle and Medley relay team along with Mick McConnachie as the Female Relay team head coach. It was a great learning experience for her, and her coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie put in a huge effort in traini

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Editors note

Hello, readers, and welcome to the last edition of Burdekin Life for 2023. What a year it’s been! I always enjoy reflecting on the year that was when it comes to December and this year, like the last couple of years, has been one of massive change for me. From memory, my new year’s resolution at the end of 2022 was to establish a solid social circle around me in my then home of Mackay. I certainly achieved that and found myself surrounded by lots of lovely people. Having moved to the Burdekin,

Wilmar Sweetens The Holidays For Hospital Staff

In the spirit of giving this festive season, a heart-warming tradition continues as Wilmar Sugar and Renewables' dedicated team spread joy at Ayr and Home Hill Health Services. A small and thoughtful team of Wilmar employees delivered cupcakes to Home Hill on Thursday, December 14 and Ayr on Tuesday, December 19, brightening the day of the hardworking hospital staff. This act of kindness isn't new for Wilmar, as it marks six years of their pre-Christmas goodwill gesture. Originally starting wi

Hospital Board Impressed With Burdekin Health Services

Future improvements for the Ayr and Home Hill Health Services were put under spotlight last week as members of the Townsville Hospital and Health Board met with locals on Thursday, December 14. Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney and fellow Board member Debra Burden visited Ayr Health Service where they liaised with staff and community to get an understanding of the local issues and assist in future planning. “I’ve had overwhelming feedback from the community, from consumers,

Burdekin’s Christmas Spirit Comes To The Fore

The Burdekin community has a reputation for supporting people in need and that reputation has been reinforced by the results of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last’s, Christmas Appeal. Now in its 8th year, this year’s appeal saw generous locals and groups donate an impressive haul of toys, food and clothing in what Mr Last described as the best result to date. “It may seem ironic that, as more and more people are affected by increases in the cost of living, we see such generosity,” Mr Last said. “T

Your Old Phone Could Save A Life

In today’s age, your mobile phone is your life. It contacts beloved photos of friends and family, important passwords, and your internet banking. It connects you to loved ones, allows ease of buying and selling, and keeps you safe in times of emergency. However, for many people, a phone is a means of control and cohesion. Formed in 2020, DV Safe Phone is an organisation that is actively working to equip victims of domestic and family violence with a safe phone, to help them connect to services

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year From Andrew Willcox Opinion Piece

Christmas is fast approaching and the new year following closely behind, it seems like 2023 has gone by in flash. With the holiday season soon to be in full swing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we should be reminded that it’s not the number of presents under the Christmas tree that counts, but the time spent, and the love shared with family and friends that makes this time of year so specia

45 Years Of Dance Reflected Upon Fondly

At 15 years of age, Karen Healy started a dance school, ultimately inspiring thousands of local students across the Burdekin. The dance school, KHDancers, finished up in June this year and, 45 years later, Karen looks back on the experience with a strong sense of love and appreciation. Karen started dancing at age four in Home Hill with dance teacher Anne Fraser. She danced under a number of teachers over the years and when she was 15 her then teacher left town so, as one of the senior students

Thieves Target Council Chambers, Pool and School As Mayor Calls For Tougher Consequences

Three vehicles were stolen from Council offices on Wickham Street, Ayr on the night of Friday, December 15 after thieves smashed a window to gain entry to the Vector building and took the keys. One vehicle was found partially burnt out and another fully burnt out on Saturday morning, whilst another was recovered on Monday, December 18 from Bowen also burnt out. Council is working closely with the Police to identify and prosecute the culprits, who were caught on CCTV cameras breaking into the

A Merry Men’s Shed Christmas

The Burdekin Men’s Shed members enjoyed their annual Christmas Social on Saturday, December 16. The members celebrated the festive season and another successful year. “The Men’s Shed has again reached its objectives of addressing the issues of men’s health such as physical, emotional, and social well-being within the Community,” said Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary Charles Ford. “We do this by providing a safe and friendly environment where men of all ages can meet, have a chat and a cuppa, ma

Rescue Pet Of The Week Meet Sophie

Rehoming Fee: $185 DOB: 30/11/2020 Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short Hair Kid Friendly: Kids over 12-years Dog Friendly: Untested Other Cats: Not Adult Cats Indoor/Outdoors: Indoors This sophisticated lady is after her forever home, and she has set herself a part for the job. Sophie appreciates a well-loved and well-groomed home. Dedicated to ensuring her fur is clean and beautiful, Sophie is quick to groom her loved ones as well. She is super clean with her litter box and is quick to love.

Smart Pet Buying This Festive Season

As Christmas nears, RSPCA Queensland is reminding all responsible pet-shoppers to buy smartly. RSPCA Queensland Spokesperson Emma Lagoon acknowledged that while shoppers are actively looking for gifts, pets are for life and the gifting of animals should be carefully considered. “If you’re looking for a pet, giving the gift of a second chance to an animal up for adoption is a wonderful thing to do, but only if you’re ready to offer them life-long commitment,” Ms Lagoon said.

A Christmas Light Celebration

From illuminated Christmas trees singing cheerful carols to reindeer gallivanting across the roof, one Ayr house has once again enthralled the Burdekin with a festive light display. After a successful Halloween light display and street party, Leon McCormack and Jeff Lunn spent every weekend and each evening after work throughout the month of November setting up for Christmas. The lights will be up for the rest of December with a Christmas Light Celebration coming up on December 23 and 24. “It’s

Burdekin Community Association Burdekin Community Support Neighbourhood Centre Program

The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)’s Burdekin Community Support Neighbourhood Centre Program has 3 core operating activities and these are listed below. 1. Link people with formal and informal support Examples of activities may include • Providing information or access to technology to assist community members to engage with services and supports themselves • Assisting community members to determine a pathway to meet their needs and navigate social service systems • Warm referrals whe

Councillor Column – Cr. Sue Perry

What a wonderful time of the year, with crushing finished, school holidays commenced, Christmas lights shining bright and the town busy with shoppers making Christmas preparations. It is a time to be thankful for the year that was and grateful that Jasper was relatively gentle on our northern neighbours. Let’s hope that was the one and only cyclone for the season. I hope you have extra time this year to spend with family and friends whether you are venturing away during the festive break or rem

Did you Know? Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Did you know that the Burdekin Library is a community hub where you can discover new worlds, learn new skills, and connect with other readers? They are a treasure trove of books, both in print and digital formats. In 2023, the library has loaned out 50,477 print items for the year, covering a diverse range of genres and topics. Some of the most popular print titles were ‘No Plan B’ by Lee Child, ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton, ‘Weird History!’ by Anh Do, and ‘Spare’ by Prince Harry. The