On 20 July 2025, surrounded by friends at the Alva Beach Tourist Caravan Park, Joan Mutton marked her 100th birthday the same way she has spent the past two decades of winters: in the Burdekin, fishing, quad‑biking and swapping stories at happy hour. “We’ve been coming up here for the last 20 years,” Joan said. “A lot of these people that come up here, and also friends we have made in Home Hill and so forth, were all here to celebrate, and it was lovely.” Born in Adelaide in 1925, Joan grew up
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The Burdekin continues to shine with celebrations of significance across our community. From Rotary marking 70 years of service, Burdekin Pottery celebrating 50 years of creativity, to the 100-year milestone of the Catholic Church in our region. We also applaud long-standing local businesses like Liesmann Plumbing, celebrating 55 years, and Nutrien Harcourts McCathies Real Estate, marking 60 years of operation. And next year, we’ll honour 100 years of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club. Donations fr
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Once again Burdekin didn’t disappoint last weekend. The bagpipes were playing and competitors of various ages were enjoying the local highland dancing competition called ‘Sugarcane and Sword Dances’ at Burdekin Catholic High School’s Marcellan Centre. Competitors from Burdekin, Mossman, Mackay, Townsville and Brisbane took part. Fantastic to see the ‘Burdekin Youth Council’ members assisting with the canteen. Burdekin Potters celebrated 50 years of ‘Creativity and Community’ at Plantatio
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Sport plays a vital role with families in the Burdekin community and providing the appropriate facilities and resources is a constant challenge for local clubs. For generations, rugby league has been the beating heart of the Burdekin sporting community. At the centre of this proud tradition stands the Burdekin Roosters – a club forged in 1994, but whose roots go back over a century in local league. Over the years, the Roosters have grown from strength to strength, evolving into a vital part of
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As the hazard reduction burn season ramps up across Queensland, local firefighters and energy providers are reminding landowners to take extra precautions when burning near power infrastructure. Both Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire Department are urging property owners to be mindful of power poles and electrical equipment when conducting hazard reduction burns, which play a vital role in reducing vegetation and fire risk across rural areas. Ergon Energy’s Corrine Young, who
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As the hazard reduction burn season ramps up across Queensland, local firefighters and energy providers are reminding landowners to take extra precautions when burning near power infrastructure. Both Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire Department are urging property owners to be mindful of power poles and electrical equipment when conducting hazard reduction burns, which play a vital role in reducing vegetation and fire risk across rural areas. Ergon Energy’s Corrine Young, who
Read moreNorth Queensland’s ongoing flood recovery efforts have been boosted with the announcement of three new funding packages worth more than $77 million, with Burdekin residents now eligible for legal support under the expanded assistance. The packages, jointly delivered by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), are designed to support recovery and boost resilience across flood-affected areas, including the Burdekin. In particular, Bur
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On Friday, 25 July, the Salvation Army Family Store in Ayr officially shut its doors to the public, putting an end to its thirty-year spell of servicing the Burdekin. The closure, ordered by the organisation’s head office in Brisbane, came as a shock to regular visitors—and especially to employees, who were notified of the decision just a few days prior. “It’s a shame, because they don’t see the impact it has on the community,” said store manager Kieran MacElroy. “There’ve been a lot of people
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After five years of steady growth, Explore Property Burdekin has opened the doors to its fully renovated new office in Ayr, moving just across Queen Street into a space that reflects its modern, service‑driven approach to real estate. The new space—formerly Country Connection dress shop—has been rebuilt from the ground up with new flooring, upgraded air-conditioning, and a fresh, contemporary design. All work was completed by local tradespeople. Director and Principal Kylie Lawson, a rea
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A fantastic weekend was celebrated by the Burdekin Potters to mark half a century of fostering the arts and clay creativity within the Burdekin community. The celebrations were kicked off with an official opening by Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort at 10am on Saturday, followed by a presentation of “Lifetime Certificates”to long-time members Carolyn Starkey and Meredith Modra, and Patron Isobell Cislowski, who then had the honour of cutting the cake. A great crowd of locals and visitors turned up for th
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One of the Burdekin Water Festival’s most beloved events of the past has been revived, and nominations are now open for the community to enter in the official 2025 Residential Garden Competition as sponsored by Nuttall’s Garden Centre. Like numerous other festival favorites, the Residential Garden Competition was once a key part of the annual celebration, and the Burdekin Water Festival Commitee have already received plenty of positive feedback from locals. The competition will see the communi
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Representing The Burdekin Netball Association Charlotte Sgroi has always loved being part of a team, and supporting those around her, so when she was asked to represent the Burdekin Netball Association as a 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador, the decision was easy! “I was honestly overwhelmed - in the best way - when I was invited to be the Junior Ambassador for the Burdekin Netball Association and I'm so thankful to Burdekin Netball for trusting in me and giving me this amazing opp
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A collection of fabulous fundraising events have begun filling calendars across the community as part of the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival, and with so much to do, see and be part of, here’s our guide for everything you need to know! Jorja’s DISCO Party like you’ve never partied before at a rockin’ Outdoor DISCO on Saturday, the 2nd of August in celebration of Burdekin Junior Rugby League’s Junior Ambassador, Jorja Vasta! Kicking off at Bendigo Bank Park (Rugby Park), the night promises nothing
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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) has the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health? The Centre was built with the help of government funding and a lot of community support in 2004. It’s been going strong ever since and has helped thousands of community members to improve their health and wellbeing. Services currently available at the Centre include: BCA Psychological Therapies Program (Free for eligible people and includes suicide prevention) Ph: 4783 2711 Private Psycholog
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Representing SunWater Limited Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Honours at James Cook University, an active volunteer across various community events and a former Ayr State High School Vice-Captain, Georgia Tomasetig has forever leaped at every opportunity to give back to those around her. In the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival, Georgia will proudly represent SunWater Limited as a Senior Ambassador, and she’s more than excited to explore everything this chapter will brin
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Saturday 2 August Jorja’s DISCO Party like you’ve never partied before at an outdoor DISCO in celebration of Burdekin Junior Rugby League’s Junior Ambassador, Jorja Vasta! The night kicks off at Bendigo Bank Park (Rugby Park) with great tunes and dance moves. Bendigo Bank Park (Rugby Park) Sunday 3 August Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelling stallholders with everything from
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The Burdekin Regional Water Assessment (RWA) is now open for public feedback, offering landowners a critical window to shape the future of water security in the region. Led by the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers with federal funding, the assessment evaluates both infrastructure and non‑infrastructure options to meet future water needs and sustain economic growth. Burdekin producers, particularly in agriculture—which consumes nearly 874,000 ML annually—stand to benefit from
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Looking for a fun way to keep your mind sharp and enjoy good company? The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre hosts a friendly Mahjong group every Monday from 1pm–5pm, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels. Mahjong, a traditional Chinese game believed to have originated in the Qing Dynasty, has been enjoyed for centuries for its perfect mix of strategy, memory, and a little bit of luck. Played with 144 beautifully decorated tiles, the game is often compared to rummy, as players draw and disc
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The Burdekin Art Society was formed 54 years ago by Cecilia Spottiswood, and a group of artists and members of the public. It has evolved over the years with different meeting places and different sites for artists to paint and enjoy friendships. The current site is an excellent building at 154 Macmillan Street Ayr, which is covered in murals painted by the members. It is an art gallery with many works of art from the members hanging inside. Members get together every Tuesday from 9.30am – 12.0
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An average weekend for the Panthers, winning two, drawing one and losing two of the five matches played. On Saturday, at home against JCU Riverway, the Premiers won 4-2 and the Reserves drew 2-2. On Friday, at home the Ladies defeated Rebels 5-0, and in Townsville, the Division 1 Men lost 1-3 to Wulguru and the Division 2 Men lost 0-4 to Estates. This Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are way to Saints Eagles Souths, the Premiers at 7.00 and the Reserves at 5.00. On Friday night the Ladi
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Heavy rain in Ingham last Friday night made the going tough for the A-grade match between the Roosters and the Herbert River Crushers last Saturday. The ground was very heavy and muddy in places, especially after a reserve-grade match between Herbert River and Bowen was played beforehand. Despite the adverse conditions, the smaller Burdekin team handled the situation well, going down in the dying stages 18 to 14. The locals actually led the River 10 to 6 at the break after Kali Nauque and Nem
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Sporting and recreation clubs across North and Far North Queensland impacted by early 2025’s severe flooding can now apply for a share in a $30 million funding package to help repair and rebuild their facilities. The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) — a joint initiative by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) — offers up to $1 million per facility for eligible not-for-profit sport and racing clubs, as well as local councils.
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Home Hill State High School's 2025 Fishing Competition marked a lively weekend for the Burdekin from 25–27 July, luring anglers from across the state to take part in one of the region’s biggest fishing events. Thousands in prizes were on offer across casting, raffles and the Longest and Mystery Length barramundi categories, with each catch photographed on custom brag mats to promote catch‑and‑release. Sunday’s Family Funday wrapped it all up with music, food stalls, a licensed bar, kids’ activi
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Some weeks in this job are all about chasing headlines, while others are about stepping back and touching what really keeps the community ticking. It’s Home Hill in the spotlight this week—a place that punches well above its weight when it comes to the businesses that keep people fed, fixed, and fuelled. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting the faces behind The Prawn Shop, where one little crustacean-filled roll managed to make the leap from Bruce Highway pit stop to national TV fame. And
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The Lower Burdekin Historical Society was inaugurated on 15 November 1967 with approximately 80 members from Ayr and Home Hill. Inaugural committee members included Bill and Isobel Cislowski, John Hawkins, Robert Collins, Ray Menkens, Allan and Jess Ey, J. Bessel, Ray and Margaret Conley, and Sandra Cameron. The Society researched the history of the Lower Burdekin, from early exploration and settlement in the 1860s to the establishment of industry and business. Wherever possible, members visite
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