Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Amid the floods and widespread road closures, truck drivers have become some of the most frequent victims of lengthy traffic jams. Seeing the toll this took on drivers, Betina Wilks decided to step in. Every morning, she placed a box of snacks as a small gesture to support those stuck in long queues. Not stopping there, she reached out to the local community on Facebook, asking for any donations of items to add to the box. Teaming up with her neighbour, Christina Mosby-Na'awi, Betina went a step
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The people of Dawson are no strangers to natural disasters, having endured cyclones, fires and floods, but they are also extremely resilient, coming together in the face of adversity. At the first opportunity when flooding subsided, I jumped in the 4WD and headed north, visiting towns in the Burdekin region including Gumlu, Home Hill, Ayr and Giru, then onto south Townsville at Cungulla and Nome. Some areas were lucky to only have little to no flood water on their property, but some homes an
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While the effects of weather are hard to predict, the willingness of the community to assist others is something that, according to Member for Burdekin Dale Last, can be relied upon. Mr Last said emergency services, volunteers, businesses, and individuals had gone ‘above and beyond’ to help locals and visitors to the community as they prepared for and dealt with the effects of the weather event. “Across the Burdekin district, and beyond, there are everyday people who deserve our thanks,” M
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OPINION PIECE Australia’s regional industries are the engine of this country. From sugarcane to prawns, mining, beef and tourism, they keep the lights on and the economy ticking. Where I come from, these industries don’t just generate profits. They sustain families, communities, and our way of life. But as a new report from the Page Research Centre, A complex, costly web: The regulatory burden on Australia’s regional businesses highlights, every single one of them is up against it. Overregulat
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Flood-affected primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits in seven North Queensland areas can now apply for concessional loans to support recovery. The loans have been activated for the local government areas (LGAs) including the Burdekin, and are provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $250,000, and Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000, are available to eligible operators. Disaster
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The Ayr Anzac Memorial Club is inviting local sporting clubs, businesses, charities, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals, to apply for their sponsorships. For the 2025/2026 financial year the Ayr ANZAC Memorial Club would like any of the above who require money in any way, shape or form, to make submissions to the club outlining their requirements. A popular program, it’s not uncommon for the club to receive anywhere between 50-100 applications in any given year. Elmarie van der Schyff
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Burdekin Catholic High School was abuzz with excitement as they welcomed students back to school for the start of a brand-new school year. With a focus on fostering excellence, supporting student success, and living out Catholic values, the school has been ready to provide a nurturing environment for all learners. Principal, Lorraine Wolffe, shared her enthusiasm for the year ahead, highlighting the school’s commitment to welcoming new students into the BCHS community. “Starting a new school
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The recent tropical low that struck North Queensland, causing widespread flooding, has likely resulted in significant emotional and financial hardship for the local community. To assist those affected, Community Recovery Hubs and State and Commonwealth grants are available for individuals who have been impacted by the disaster. Two recovery hubs have been set up in the Burdekin district, offering support to residents facing hardship, those unable to apply online or by phone, or those in need of
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While sugarcane fields define the Burdekin’s landscape, it’s the region’s property market in 2024 that quietly cultivated sweet success across Regional Queensland. In 2024, Regional Queensland's property market showed notable growth, with property values increasing by 12.1 per cent over the year. This trend was particularly evident in key regional hubs. According to The Australian Financial Review, Rockhampton led the way with a 9.2 per cent quarterly growth in values, followed by Townsville (8
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The Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is pleased to announce that assistance has been secured to help the community cross the Bruce Highway at Plantation Creek. Queensland Rail will be deploying a 10-seater Rail Bus to assist the community after its successful use in Ingham. This service will help residents travel between Ayr and Home Hill while floodwaters impact road access. Passengers will be bused from the Home Hill Comfort Stop to Mirrigan Road, railed across Plantation Cr
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Wow, what a challenging fortnight for North Queensland. The constant rain tested a lot of us to different extents. The Burdekin certainly copped its fair share, to all of you thank you for the spirit you’ve shown, neighbours helping neighbours, strangers assisting strangers and many acts of kindness. To the emergency services, local and those deployed in, it was reassuring to have you in the shire. To all other agencies who have taken part in the Local Disaster Management Group meetings, your i
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As we move into the second week of monsoonal rain and flooding, I know many of you are feeling the effects of isolation, low food supplies, and limited movement. It’s understandable that misinformation on social media can be confusing and a bit frightening, especially for our new residents. I encourage everyone to stay safe and stay informed. Please check out the Burdekin Disaster Dashboard for real-time updates and important information: disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au. Having access to accurate a
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Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr is committed to supporting local sports in the Burdekin region. Recently, the bank contributed to the Ayr Golf Club, at the time of their celebrations of the club’s milestone 95th anniversary this year. The Ayr Golf Club is a cornerstone of the Burdekin community, boasting an 18-hole, 5,861-metre championship course. With a dedicated membership of 200, the club thrives on the generosity of volunteers who contribute their time and effort. Last year the golf club a
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With Plantation Park and Bruce Highway affected by flooding most weekend and into Monday, several schools in the Burdekin were forced to take alternative action on account of their teachers and students unable to travel safely to and from school. Trans North also advised that no school buses would operate in the Ayr, Giru, Woodstock, Rita Island, Airville, Brandon, Alva Beach, Osborne, Gumlu and Inkerman areas on 10 February as a result. This left some schools with no option but to revert back
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As north Queensland’s cane farmers face a disaster of unprecedented scale, CANEGROWERS is urging the State Government to align with other states by assisting growers with the cost of replanting lost crops. Widespread flooding from Townsville to Cairns, including Australia’s largest cane growing regions around the Burdekin and Herbert River, is expected to decimate recently planted cane. CANEGROWERS is working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure affected farmers receive the support t
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Next month’s ABARES Outlook 2025 conference will be a unique event for the Australian agriculture industry, offering an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in cross-cutting conversations around agriculture’s productivity, sustainability, and the possibilities that are ahead. Themed ‘Insights for Action: Fostering Growth in a Changing World,’ the conference will bring together influential Australian and international speakers, including industry leaders, government representatives, and experts
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Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli are words sugarcane farmers worldwide would like to see eradicated; they are the scientific name for the bacterium responsible for ratoon stunting disease (RSD). The bacterium’s potential to wreak havoc is the driving force behind Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR)’s venture to investigate the latest in technologies to combat the disease. Recently this involved a cohort travelling west of cane country to the city of Toowoomba consisting of QCAR CEO Ste
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Filipino native, Sisay McLearn, has been calling Ayr home for just on 15 years now. In that time, she floated between Townsville and Ayr, but has been running a successful kebab business in Ayr for the last five years. “Sometimes I go to Townsville, but my business is here in Ayr, which is close to five years old. But mostly I live here in Ayr and have done so for 15 years,” Sisay smiles. Sisay, who’s also been married for 15 years, has one child and a one-year-old grandchild. She lived i
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Apricot is an incredibly sweet and playful girl who loves to explore and have a little fun. At just 11 months old, she's already raised her adorable babies and is now ready to enjoy her own kitten phase in a forever home. Full of curiosity, Apricot will keep you on your toes with her lively antics. Zoomies around the house are her absolute favorite, and she’s always up for a game of chase. If you’re looking for a mischievous feline who will keep you laughing with her playful personality, Apricot
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Kevin Tuffin, a qualified truck mechanic and Sweet FM presenter for two years, discusses his journey in radio, starting with a Thursday night show introduced by friend Brian Giddy. “I've been a presenter with the radio station for about two years now. You could say, I'm the ‘junior’ member of the team, or what do you call it, the apprentice,” Kevin jokes. “I was introduced to the station by my friend, Brian. He asked me if I wanted to do a show with him on a Thursday night. And I said, ‘Yeah s
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Leeroy: “Listen to the radio so you can stay connected to the news, read the (online) newspaper or watch the television and just keep up to date with what's happening around, because I reckon that's the only way we can find out what's happening around us. There are people going to the communities, reporters and news agencies, and they are the people's eyes and ears, so I recommend everyone should keep their ears and their eyes to the TV and the radio. And first thing would be to take my torch fo
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The past two weeks’ heavy rainfall has unfortunately forced the cancellation of several bowls' games at Ayr Bowling Club. The wet weather has kept players off the green, but the club’s spirit remains strong, and there’s still plenty of exciting news on the horizon. The club hopes all their members are safe and dry. Ayr Bowling Club did manage to get some bowls in on Wednesday. During the day, social bowls was held. Arthur, Pam and Lew defeated Barry, John and Gary in the triples game. In t
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Sunday 16 February Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning overflowing with wonderful market stalls from handmade creations to delicious treats! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4783 6627. Plantation Park Wednesday 19 February Award-Winning Author Guest Speaker Wednesday 5:30pm The community is invited to attend the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce social and networking event to hear award-winning author (and Burdekin Life journalist) Mark T. Rasmussen,
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Stormin’ Norm Bethell, a long-time lawn bowler, is involved with the Home Hill Community Sports Club, which has a near 90 year history. The club hosts various community events, including bingo on Thursdays, arts & crafts on Wednesdays, and private functions like birthday parties and even wakes – they’ve had five since the start of this year alone. “I've taken a new venture and stepped back from competitive bowls after 30 years to work with the Home Hill Community Sports Club, which is a fantasti
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Like many other outdoor sports clubs in the north, Home Hill Tennis has felt the impact of the persistent monsoons. Apart from a few dedicated pickleball players sneaking in a quick game one afternoon, the courts have remained quiet. Now, with clearer skies ahead, the club is eager to get back into action! Tennis fixtures kick off next Monday night, February 17, at 7 PM. The first season is designed to align with the crushing season, making it convenient for local cane workers and farmers. It
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