The Burdekin is among dozens of Queensland communities benefiting from a statewide housing construction boom, with 10 new social and affordable homes currently under construction or under contract in the region as of the 28th of February, 2025. The milestone comes as the newly elected Crisafulli Government fast-tracks housing delivery under its Securing Our Housing Foundation Plan, with nearly 5,000 homes now either in contract or being built across the state. Minister for Housing and Public W
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You can help to prevent domestic and family violence (DFV) or support those who are affected by it. Domestic and Family Violence is a pervasive issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors. Recognising the signs is crucial to providing support and potentially saving lives. If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, speaking up is essential. Dialling emergency services like 000 when you hear or see Domestic Violence occurring. DFV is not a private issue, the next step is re
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Brandon Bowls Club marked ANZAC Day on 25 April with a moving minute’s silence before 46 bowlers from Bowen, Alligator Creek, Home Hill, and Suburban Bowls Clubs took to the green, enjoying a day sponsored by RLA Finance. The event was filled with laughter and camaraderie. The day’s winners were Ross McLaughlin, Andy Cap, and Mitch Wright, with Yogi Bare, Neville Dickinson, and David Harding taking second, and Henry Hazel, Lyn Storrie, and Joe Yipnazar finishing third. Thanks go to Hugh Montgom
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It’s been a fantastic week of fun and fierce competition at Ayr Bowling Club! The greens have been buzzing with energy as members threw themselves into both social games and championship matches. With the championship season in full swing, the talent and sportsmanship on display have been nothing short of impressive. Social Ladies’ bowls continued Tuesday with a good turn up, giving us two rinks’ games. Winners were Meryl Smith, Karen Page, Heather Jorgensen and Irene Wilson defeating Merle Nix
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Saturday th 3rd of May 1.00am to 5.00pm ( Patrol Group A ) Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, Jane Wicks. Sunday th 4th of May 9,00am to 5.00pm ( All Da y Patrol Group F ) Lisa Furnell, Jen Morgan, John Furnell, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Sartori, Jake Sartori, Kat Sartori, Dave Sartori. Monday 5 th May 9.00am to 5.00pm ( Labour Day Patrol Group G ) Carl list, Jimmy Hayllor, James kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickards Jedd Giddy.
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Since even its earliest form, football—soccer, calcio… whatever you call our beautiful game—has held an unparalleled power to connect: to connect people, to connect communities, and to bring together worlds that otherwise might never have met. It’s a universal language—and Hugh Montgomery’s story serves as a testament to that truth. In 1970, Hugh, a then 26-year-old Northern Irish lad, arrived in the Burdekin, knowing no one in the region except his Northern Irish wife and soulmate, the late Hi
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The RLTD season kicked off after the Easter break with some exciting matches across the board. Centrals hosted Charters Towers, Western Lions travelled to Brothers, Burdekin faced the reigning premiers Souths at Junior League grounds, and Norths took on the Crushers in Ingham. In A-grade, the Roosters were without key players Terence Mosby, Braedyn Cotter, and Josh Hunt. Coach Steve Lindley called up three reserve players, leaving the reggies short-handed. Despite this, the Roosters fielded a y
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With Domestic Violence Awareness Month just around the corner, the "Feminine Fire" workshop is inviting all women who are seeking to reclaim their strength, reconnect with their bodies, and ignite their inner power through dance, movement, and spiritual connection. The workshop, hosted by the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, will offer two dates for attendees: Thursday, 15th May, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, and Sunday 25th May, from 10am to 12pm. Workshop creator and presenter Foxie Eleoyze says it’s
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The much-loved BCC Cubs Playgroup has returned to Burdekin Christian College, bringing with it the laughter, colour, and energy that have made it a favourite for local families. Starting from the 2nd of May, the campus will come alive every Friday morning from 9:00am to 10:30am, as children from birth to five years old gather for sessions of themed activities, creative play, and community connection. From superhero dress-up days to craft mornings celebrating special events, each session is desi
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As the sun rose over the famous cane fields of the Burdekin on Sunday morning, competitors and spectators alike gathered in Anzac Park for the highly anticipated 2025 Burdekin Sugar Rush. The morning was kicked off with the Wilmar Half Marathon at 6:30am, with runners setting out on a newly revamped course that highlighted the region’s iconic cane paddocks and scenic rural roads. The Half Marathon was the first of four races that made up the day’s packed schedule, drawing in athletes and runni
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Spirits are high as Burdekin Distillery prepares to return to the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival—this time offering something truly unprecedented for festival-goers. The Giru-based distillery has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, award-winning spirits that celebrate the region's rich agricultural heritage, and has, over the years, become an integral part of the local community. Returning to the festival as a Gold Sponsor, the team will this year bring with them a special, limited
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Local Senior fixtures resumed last weekend, and the Panthers had three home games and one away game. On Friday, the Division 1 Men were at home to Wulguru and lost 1-3. The Division 2 Men’s team was away to Estates at Paradise Park and lost 0-4. Then on Saturday at International Park the Reserves drew 0-0 with Brothers and the Premiers came from behind to beat Brothers 3-2. The Ladies game against Wulguru was postponed at Wulguru’s behest. Panthers have no fixtures this weekend, blame Labour
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With so many long weekends lately, you could be forgiven for forgetting what day of the week it is! It has certainly been a busy time across the Burdekin. On Anzac Day, I had the privilege of attending ceremonies right across the Shire, including Giru, Brandon, Ayr, and Home Hill, as well as commemorations with our local high schools. It was wonderful to see so many young people involved, demonstrating such strong respect and understanding of the significance of this important day. Their partici
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Last weekend’s Canefield Ashes cricket tournament was certainly a memorable one, bringing together a variety of teams for an action-packed weekend of cricket, food, drinks and celebration. Both Saturday and Sunday saw teams battle it out for ultimate glory, with each team playing at least 3 matches. Attendees not only enjoyed the excitement of competitive cricket, but also a vibrant social atmosphere throughout the weekend. They were treated to a variety of food options, including burgers, spa
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With the 2025 Sugar Bowl—Queensland’s premier regional tennis event—just around the corner, excitement is building both on and off the court. For locals, the tournament represents more than just a competition: it’s a celebration of community pride, connection, and resilience. “It gives something to the people in our town, in our district, and it brings them together through physical, social and emotional activity,” says Home Hill Tennis Association (HHTA) Secretary, Kate Casswell. The HHTA, fo
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Saturday-Monday 3-5 MayThe Sugar Bowl Team Event & Official Amenities OpeningSaturday 7:45amOfficial opening of new HH Tennis Association amenities, while celebrating 44 years with 44 teams, in iconic event that brings players from across Queensland to compete in a thrilling team-based tennis event. Matches will take place at Ayr, Giru, and Home Hill.Home Hill Tennis AssociationSunday 4 MayPlantation Park MarketsSunday 8amJoin Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the
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The Senior members of the Ayr Surf Club headed to Alva Beach on ANZAC Day to culminate their competition season. Although numbers were down on previous years, it was good to see some strong competition between Club mates in all disciplines, and a good afternoon of friendly racing. The seniors will join the juniors on Saturday 10th May at the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club's Annual Presentation Night to recognise their achievements over the 2024-25 Season. Celebrations will commence at the Ayr SLSC C
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One of the major attractions at the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day on Saturday, 10 May, will be the Walkers Engine No.1 Diesel Engine and Alternator Set. Built around 1930 by Walkers Ltd in Maryborough, this impressive engine is based on a Mirrlees design. Rated at 220 horsepower at 300 rpm, it weighs 25 tonnes and drove a 150kW alternator. It features an air-blast start system and air-blast fuel injection — a method based on Rudolf Diesel’s original 1897 engine design. Several Eu
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The mornings are getting cooler as we approach winter which also means the Cane harvesting season is not far away. One of the Burdekins signature events to kick off the season is the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival which is over the last weekend in May. First on Friday the 30th is the First Fire as well as the Cultural Fair. The cane fire is something that still makes you sit back and watch in awe even when you have seen them your whole life. Accompanied by the Cultural Fair which is a great show
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Home Hill State High School enjoyed good weather for its cross country carnival on Monday, April 28, 2025, with a challenging course winding through the school’s surrounding farmland. Students tackled a range of terrains around the school, testing their endurance and spirit across grass, dirt tracks, and rugged paddocks. The event brought together competitors from across the school’s houses — Upstart, Inkerman, and Beachmount — all vying for age champion honours and a spot on the school’s repre
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Another week, another chance to meet more of you lovely people! This week was definitely a real “welcome to the industry” kinda week—full-on, non-stop. This followed right through the weekend, with three huge events to cover. But it was great to see the community out in force, embracing each other and making the most of the Burdekin experience. From a full morning of Anzac Day services on Friday to the Burdekin Sugar Rush on Sunday, each event was busy, spirited, and enjoyable to cover. The Ca
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The Burdekin community united on Friday, April 25, gathering in droves to honour Australia’s past and present Service People, with Dawn Services, marches, and commemorative ceremonies held across the region. From the first light of dawn, residents gathered at local memorials to reflect on the sacrifices of the ANZACs. Services were held in Home Hill, Ayr, Giru, and Brandon, each marked by the laying of wreaths, the sounding of the Last Post, and a minute’s silence. This included an intimate ce
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The Whitsunday community was rocked by the news that much-loved business owner, Tim Perkins, had suffered a severe injury after falling 10 metres from a palm tree on the 3rd December. Tim, who co-owns Whitpro Pty Ltd with his wife Norina, was performing a task he had completed thousands of times before, as an arborist— climbing and cleaning numerous palms on a local property, when the catastrophic accident occurred. From the rehabilitation centre at the Townsville University Hospital, Tim reca
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In a major boost for Rugby League in the Burdekin region, Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr has officially signed on as the naming rights sponsor of the local playing fields, which will now proudly be known as Bendigo Bank Park. This landmark partnership comes as the Burdekin Rugby League precinct undergoes significant upgrades to its facilities, setting the stage for a new era of growth, participation, and community pride in the sport. The improvements include enhanced amenities for players, refe
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Getting kids excited about homework and learning outside of school hours can often feel like a daunting task. However, with a little creativity, parents can turn learning into a fun and engaging experience that kids look forward to. Here are some fun and interactive ways to make homework and learning enjoyable for children. **Gamify Learning One of the easiest ways to get kids engaged in learning is by turning it into a game. Use educational apps or board games that teach math, spelling, histo
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