
Burdekin Honoured For Risk Excellence Burdekin Shire Council has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to risk management, receiving the Risk Excellence Award at the 129th Local Government Annual Conference: Pathways to Liveability, held on the Gold Coast from October 20–22. The award celebrates the Council’s proactive and integrated approach to identifying and managing risks across all operations, ensuring community safety and the resilience of local services. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort
Read the full story
It was during her youth that Home Hill-born Marj Manak was told she might not live to see adulthood, after being diagnosed with a serious liver condition as a baby. Fast forward to 2025, and the now 56-year-old mother of two has become the first patient to undergo a successful kidney transplant through the North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service (NQKTS); a milestone for both herself and the region. The transplant follows decades of health challenges for Marj, including two previous liver tra
Read the full story

November 20, 2025
It's that time of year again. Colourful lights beginning to light up local streets. Shop shelves packed with artificial trees. Mariah Carey slowly defrosting. That's right. It's only a matter of time before my annual 'Elf' viewing. In fact, what I love about the movie 'Elf' is that it always reminds me of Christmas growing up—back when I used to peek outside my window past 'bedtime' in hopes Santa would crash-land in my backyard, lining up carrots for the reindeer like it was a buffet. It's e
Read the full story
November 20, 2025
A pair of young wallaby joeys are getting a fresh start in life after being rescued and taken into the care of North Queensland Wildlife Care. The tiny marsupials, still dependent on bottle feeds, are now receiving the nourishment, warmth and attention they need to recover and grow. The joeys will remain in care until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild, where they will eventually hop freely once more. For now, dedicated carers are providing round-the-clock feeding, comfort
Read the full story
November 20, 2025
The announcement of a new procurement policy and grants targeting security has reaffirmed the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to back our small and family businesses, according to Member for Burdekin Dale Last. This week the Crisafulli Government announced Round 2 of the Secure Communities Partnership Program with small and family businesses encouraged to apply for funding to boost security and deter criminal activity on their businesses. The announcement follows a $35 billion shake-up of Qu
Read the full story
November 19, 2025
Home Hill produced a composed and confident display at Barry Richards Field, securing a 47-run victory over Wests Absolutely Dental in their Second Grade CNQ One Day fixture. Home Hill posted a competitive 6-160, built on patient partnerships and a late-innings surge. Alexander Romeo anchored the innings with a gritty 43 off 77 balls, absorbing pressure and rotating the strike before falling lbw to Shawn Hague. JD Wilkins starred at the finish, remaining unbeaten on 44 from 52 balls. In defens
Read the full storyNovember 19, 2025
Home Hill claimed a convincing victory over Northern Beaches in their Third Grade fixture on the weekend, winning by 5 wickets and 96 runs. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Home Hill’s attack was relentless from the outset, restricting Northern Beaches to 6/110 from 30 overs. William McLees set the tone with a fiery opening spell, striking twice in quick succession—one LBW and one clean bowled—to leave the visitors struggling at 2/11. Travis Butler and Laurence Zappa maintained the
Read the full story

November 19, 2025
The batters came out on top this week at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill, with only five wickets falling across both the "Blue" and "Gold" groups. In the Blue Group, Kyle Wilkie remained not out on 10 runs, leading the way and earning the McDonalds Sports Award for his composed batting. Tait Parker and Corbett Cross each bowled a maiden over and were the most economical bowlers, while Mazlyn Smith effected a run out. In the Gold Group, only three bowlers claimed wickets:
Read the full story
November 6, 2025
It’s that time of year. The Home Hill Harvest Festival is set to once again culminate in its trademark Grand Parade and Street Party on Saturday, 8 November 2025, and this year’s theme, Hollywood Elegance, promises a day of community fun with a hint of glamour. The Grand Parade, starting at 5 PM along Main Street, will feature local schools, businesses, sporting clubs, and festival queens, with 30–40 floats expected. Festival Secretary Carlene Muilwyk said the theme is all about getting the com
Read the full story
November 11, 2025
Watson’s Green was filled with families and pets on Wednesday, 5 November, as the annual Home Hill Harvest Festival Pet Show and Bolt for Bucks returned. The event featured a wide variety of animals, from kittens and birds to puppies and more unusual pets, all competing for awards. The Harvest Festival Queens judged each entry carefully, and winners received ribbons, vouchers, and treats thanks to sponsor My Pet’s Rural. First-place winners included Ellie Oakes with Millie (Best Dressed), Holly
Read the full story
November 11, 2025
It was a Harvest Festival Gala Ball to remember last Friday, 7 November, as hundreds of Burdekinites wined, dined, and witnessed the crowning of Aaliyah Gibson and Eden Betteridge as the Harvest Festival Queen and the Personality Queen respectively. Representing the Burdekin Netball Association, Gibson was quick to thank the committee and her peers for the experience and support. "We wouldn't be here without the hard work and dedication of the Harvest Festival and Rotary committees," she said.
Read the full story
November 11, 2025
Sunday 16 November 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 Sunday 16 November Rhythm Edge Dance Studios: Ready Set Party Time 10am The Rhythm Edge Ready Set students take the stage for their annual Burdekin Theatre performance, showcasing energy, colour, and plenty of adorable moments. Tickets $28–$36. Burdeki
Read the full storyNovember 6, 2025
Seniors from across the Burdekin region gathered at the Burdekin Memorial Hall on Thursday, 30 October for the annual Seniors Expo and Luncheon, hosted by Burdekin Shire Council. The event provided a day of connection, support, and entertainment while celebrating the vital role seniors play in the community. The Expo featured a wide range of stalls from local organisations and businesses, giving attendees the chance to explore available resources and services. Notable participants included Regi
Read the full story