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
Read the full storyYoung 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
Read the full storyIn the midst of another busy day at North Queensland Green Solutions Ayr, Rach and her dedicated team counted their 50 millionth container at the Ayr Depot, marking a mammoth milestone. Celebrating with a deliciously extra special cake, the team took a moment to reflect on the amazing work they have all achieved for the Burdekin community in the way of supporting local sustainability and statewide recycling initiatives. “To my recycling superstars, I’m so incredibly proud of you all – it takes
Read the full storyNationally recognised award-winning cattle dog handler, Steven Elliott, will return to the region once again to host a comprehensive Working Dog School at the Ayr Showgrounds next month. Hailing from Winton, 177 kilometers northwest of Longreach, Steven was left paralysed from the chest down after falling from a saddle bronc on New Year's Eve in 2003. However, despite a dislocated C6 and C7 vertebrae, Steven transformed his love for training and riding horses into an accomplished career trainin
Read the full storyMay 16, 2025
A woman has died and two others have been hospitalised following a head-on collision on the Flinders Highway near Charters Towers on yesterday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the scene at Breddan, just west of Macrossan Bridge, shortly after 4pm on May 14, following reports of a two-vehicle crash. Initial investigations suggest a Holden Epica and a Hyundai Kona were travelling in opposite directions when they collided head-on. A woman in her 50s, who was a passenger in the Kona,
Read the full storyMay 15, 2025
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you to access community services and get more involved in the Burdekin community. We offer a very wide range of services, under 36 programs, for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our team is very well qualified and experienced and can provide you with information and/or help you to access local and outreach services. For example, aged care, disability care, transport, housing, crisis accommodation, financial coaching, social activities and sup
Read the full storyMay 15, 2025
A trusted name in the Burdekin, Pyott’s Mechanical and Hydraulics continues to grow as a leading force in heavy vehicle servicing and hydraulic solutions. Under the leadership of Ashley Pyott since 2017, the business has expanded its focus to include a well-stocked retail store, offering convenience and accessibility for local customers. “We’ve had the retail store for two years now,” says Ashley. “We have put a lot of extra stock in there. With the oil, there’s stock… like, a lot of stock. You
Read the full storyMay 15, 2025
After a busy weekend of events, the club returned to its regular routine, starting with Friday night bowls. Attendance was down slightly due to the long weekend, with ten players participating across one game of triples and one game of pairs. In the triples, Margaret McLaughlan and Ray Panacassio defeated D. Sheehan and Ross McLaughlan. In the pairs, the team of Ben Mills, Lloyd Shepherd, and W. Newton proved too strong for A. Newton, L. Storrie, and Jamie Woods. Saturday, 3 May – Pairs
Read the full storyMay 16, 2025
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
Read the full storyMay 16, 2025
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
Read the full storyFebruary 6, 2025
Joining a club isn't just about exploring something you're passionate about or picking up a new hobby; it's also about connecting with others, building relationships, and immersing yourself in your local community. Clubs offer a unique opportunity to meet people who share your interests and values, and often, these connections can evolve into long-lasting friendships. A great example of this is The Burdekin Brass Band. By becoming a member, you'll not only be joining a community of like-minded
Read the full storyMay 15, 2025
The countdown is on for one of the Burdekin’s most anticipated weekends, with the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival returning to the Home Hill Showgrounds on May 30 and 31. Now just two weeks away, the annual festival celebrates the region’s deep-rooted connection to sugarcane and multiculturalism, combining cultural performances, fierce competition, and family-friendly entertainment across two big days. Festivities begin on Thursday 30 May with the Burdekin Cultural Fair and First Fire. Gates op
Read the full storyMay 15, 2025
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
Read the full storyMay 9, 2025
St. Stephen’s Greek Community will once again bring the colour, flavour and rhythm of Greek culture to the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival, offering festival-goers a taste of tradition through food, music and dance. The Home Hill-based group has been part of the Burdekin’s multicultural fabric for generations, with roots tracing back to early Greek migrants seeking opportunity in Australia. “Our ancestors migrated to Australia to have more opportunities, for the betterment of their families,” s
Read the full storyMay 15, 2025
Friday 9 May Wellbeing, Health and More (WHAM) Day A Day to celebrate and educate students about all things related to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Home Hill State High School Saturday 10 May Car Boot Sale – Home Hill Saturday 8am–12 noon Held under the trees at Ashworths Rock Shop, next to 170 Arts on the Avenue, this community boot sale welcomes everything from treasures to trinkets. Market stalls also welcome. $10 per site. To book a site, phone 0427 821 065 or 0497 356 355. Ash
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