After a week off with away opens, junior golf was back on here in Ayr this Saturday morning. Overcast and cool, it was a perfect few hours on the course. May Monthly Medal. Our winners for the monthly medal for 9 holes was Kyle Wilkie, with a wonderful PB. For 6 holes it was Hunter Oar, who played some great shots today. And for 3 holes it was River Oar. Gross winners were Amaya Mahoney for 9 holes, Evelyn Mahoney for 6 holes, and Opie McKeough for 3 holes. Congratulations all. Ayr Junior
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It’s officially debutante ball season in the Burdekin, with St Colman’s hosting a beautiful evening over the weekend to start off the calendar. Deb Balls are such a unique part of our community’s traditions, elegant, meaningful, and a rite of passage that many locals’ treasure. I know so many people look forward to these events each year, whether it’s to support family or relive fond memories. Another fantastic local event was the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day. What an incredible
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Synonymous with the Sugar Bowl are the Teaspoons. The Teaspoons have been part of the Sugar Bowl since the 1980s, originally led by longtime captain David Woods. Today, the legacy continues with his son Josh, who rallies the team each year. They come together not just to play, but for mateship, camaraderie, and to support the club and the wider community. The Sugar Bowl simply wouldn’t be the same without their unwavering commitment. The Woods family motto — “first to arrive, last to lea
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On Saturday, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club hosted their annual Presentation night for both the Junior and Senior members to celebrate and recognise achievements over the season. The club had over 100 members, family, friends and sponsors attend to wrap up the 2024-25 Season. The Ayr SLSC junior committee would like to thank their additional sponsors for the donations for prizes and awards - Wassmuth Automotive, Radar Floors, Rocky Ponds Produce, Laser Electrical, Bob Gould's Fabrication, A
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Local It was a strong weekend for the seniors, with four wins and two draws from six matches, scoring 35 goals across the board. All five senior teams will be in action again this weekend. On Friday night at International Park, the Ladies defeated Saints Eagles Souths 16-0, while the Division 1 Men thumped Warriors 11-0. In Townsville, the Division 2 Men beat JCU Riverway 2-1. On Saturday at home, the Premiers drew 1-1 with Warriors and the Reserves finished 0-0 against the same opponent
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On Saturday 10th May 20 keen hikers (Scouts and family members) of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group hiked up and down Mt Inkerman. The day before Mother’s Day each year Scouts around the world undertake a hike called “Trail Jam” or previously known as “Jamboree of the Trail”. The ages of the hikers ranged from 2-80 years, and the morning started with a small activity involving compasses and maps before tackling the trail. There was a hot BBQ sausage waiting for all the hikers when they got
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It was a tough outing for the Roosters in Townsville on Saturday, with Norths racing away to a 40–4 win in A Grade, thanks in no small part to a host of NRL and QRL talent. The difference in resources was stark. Norths fielded seven Cowboys-contracted players and three from the Blackhawks system — a luxury the Roosters simply didn’t have. The Burdekin side was allocated one Cowboys player this year, but he remains sidelined for the season after being injured in last year’s City-Country cl
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It’s time for another Councillor column and it has been a very busy period since my last column, with budget meetings, Anzac Day and the election. I recently completed a three-day Foundations of Directorship Training course in Brisbane through Lower Burdekin Water, of which I am the Council representative director. It was a very intense, insightful three days and I look forward to bringing that knowledge to my positions as both Director and Councillor. It was wonderful to read the positive soc
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More than 60 per cent of growers who attended last week’s town hall meeting in Ayr have signed up—either on the spot or within 48 hours—to supply cane waste to SKY Renewables, according to company CEO Simon Yim. The event, held at the Ayr Showground Hall on Wednesday 7 May, outlined SKY’s plan to convert sugarcane tops and trash into renewable natural gas (Bio-LNG) for export to energy-hungry markets like Singapore, which relies on liquefied natural gas for 95 per cent of its electricity. SKY
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Burdekin Christian College will transform into a hub of curiosity and creativity on Friday 23 May, when the school welcomes families and community members to its annual Under 8’s Day Science Fair, running from 9:00am to 10:30am. The event is all about letting kids explore science in fun, hands-on ways—whether that means mixing up colourful chemical reactions, digging for fossils, or cracking a cookie-themed mystery. “It’s about unleashing scientific thinking through play,” said event organiser
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Young storytellers across the Burdekin are being encouraged to tap into their imaginations for the 2025 Sweet Days Hot Writes Short Story Competition, with entries now officially open. Hosted by Burdekin Shire Council, the competition is open to children aged 5 to 17 who live in the Burdekin region. This year’s theme, “Mystery in the Canefield,” invites participants to draw inspiration from the area’s iconic rural landscape and local culture. Entrants will compete in three age-based categories
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If you’ve ever set foot in the Home Hill Bowls Club, chances are you’ve heard the name Bob Young. Bob first joined the club in 1960, back when he was juggling life as a young father and the demands of a growing bakery business. Even then, his talent on the green was unmistakable. It didn’t take long before fellow members noticed his knack for the sport—and his drive to see the club thrive. By 1979, Bob had been elected club president, stepping into the role with trademark energy. That year alo
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Over $3.65 Million has been committed to sporting and community groups in the last few weeks with Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, describing the funding as illustrating the government’s commitment to grass roots organisations in the district. Following a commitment in the lead up to the October 2024 election, planning for facility upgrades at Burdekin Netball is now underway while facility and equipment upgrades for 6 community groups have also been given the green light under the provisions
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It was another busy week for news in the Burdekin. Among the notable events was the re-opening of Stardust Drive-In Cinema, which welcomed customers for the first time in almost a year-and-a-half, after Cyclone Kirrily left its mark on the beloved, long-standing community hub back in January, 2024. I decided to give it a go at their soft re-launch last Friday, and it did not disappoint. It was also refreshing to see the community turn up in droves to support the venue, which has been a staple
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Saturday 17 MAY Nutrien Ag Solutions Burdekin Growers Race Day Saturday 11am The Burdekin Race Club is preparing to celebrate the 18+ social event of the year. 7 local horse races, thousands of dollars in prizes for fashion, mega draws, super bets, to be won. Free fresh fruit and veg for all. Live entertainment on stage till late. Sunday 18 May Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race Sunday, from 9am Watch on as hundreds of decorated plastic ducks are dropped into Plantation Creek and float their way t
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Kicking off the 2025 season in the Burdekin, the St. Coleman's Debutante Ball was a night to remember. Held on Saturday, May 10th at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, the event saw eight debutantes and their partners take the stage in a stunning display of grace and tradition. The evening was made even more special by the presence of Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, who joined the packed hall of parents, family, and attendees to celebrate this significant occasion. The event marked the perfect start to a sea
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After over a year of repair and preparations, Burdekin’s beloved Stardust Drive-In Theatre softly relaunched last Friday, 9th May, reopening its gates for the first time since Cyclone Kirrily devastated the site in January 2024, with locals flocking back to the community icon that has served the region for over 60 years. Devastation struck early last year as the cyclone tore through the area, toppling the drive-in’s iconic screen and leaving the venue in ruins. Despite the challenges, Stardust’
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On Thursday, 8 May 2025, families from across the Burdekin gathered at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre in Ayr for a warm and welcoming Biggest Morning Tea, hosted by 54 reasons, a local arm of Save the Children Australia. The event brought together children, parents and carers for a morning of fun, connection and community support. Attendees enjoyed a lively and engaging atmosphere, complete with an arts and crafts table, a swing set, slippery slides and a range of children’s games. A generou
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Are you a young writer eager to share your voice with the community? Burdekin Life is offering budding journalists the chance to be part of our local newspaper! Whether it’s school news, personal hobbies, unique experiences, or anything that speaks to your age group, this is your opportunity to be heard. Plus, you’ll have the thrill of seeing your work published in a community-focused publication! Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith says, "We're excited to open up submissions to young writers who wan
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Kindness at school is more than just good manners—it’s about creating a positive and supportive environment for everyone. By looking after others and standing up for yourself, you help build a school culture based on respect and empathy. Here are some simple tips: Show Respect to Everyone Treating everyone with respect, no matter their differences, is the cornerstone of kindness. Be considerate, listen attentively, and make others feel valued. Respect fosters a supportive environment w
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Stella Borellini leapt out of her comfort zone last year when she accepted a nomination to represent the Burdekin Academy as a Junior Ambassador in 2024’s Burdekin Water Festival. With new friendships, community focused experiences, and a new sense of self-confidence, Stella’s journey as a Junior Ambassador was nothing short of rewarding, and she hopes many others will take to the opportunity. “A message I would like to share with aspiring Ambassadors is that it may seem daunting to participat
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A five-year regional initiative has wrapped up with a lasting legacy of 187 newly qualified Water Industry Workers and Treatment Operators across North Queensland, including several from the Burdekin. The Water Industry Worker Program (WIWP), first launched in 2019, was developed to address the growing need for skilled water industry professionals across regional Queensland. Delivered by training specialists Simmonds & Bristow, the program began as a pilot with five councils: Mackay, Townsville
Read moreA five-year regional initiative has wrapped up with a lasting legacy of 187 newly qualified Water Industry Workers and Treatment Operators across North Queensland, including several from the Burdekin. The Water Industry Worker Program (WIWP), first launched in 2019, was developed to address the growing need for skilled water industry professionals across regional Queensland. Delivered by training specialists Simmonds & Bristow, the program began as a pilot with five councils: Mackay, Townsville
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One of the region’s most well-supported charity fundraising events, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, will be held on Saturday the 7th of June at Home Hill’s Greek Hall. Annually, members of the community come together in support of the Cancer Council’s initiative to honour every soul touched by cancer and raise vital funds to one day achieve a cancer free future. Almost 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, and the Cancer Council exists as the only charity
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Aircraft enthusiasts will be in for a treat next weekend as the beloved Woodstock Wings & Wheels event lands at the Donnington Airpark! From 8am to 12pm on Sunday the 18th of May, the community is invited to enjoy a selection of delicious hot food, coffee and ice cream vans as well as plenty of wonderful market stalls in support of Queensland’s Royal Flying Doctor Service. As a special Sunday treat, pilots and members of the public are granted free entry to the airpark and there will be n
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