Local Lions & Broader Community Help Raise $50,000 For New Car
Read the full storyLoved Ones Remember Missing Senior Sergeant Mick Isles Two weeks ago, Senior Sergeant Michael “Mick” Isles would have celebrated his 74th birthday. Instead of gathering to celebrate the life of a beloved husband, father, and community leader, those who knew and loved him were left with memories and questions that still linger 16 years after his mysterious disappearance. On Wednesday, the 26th of June, family and friends quietly marked what should have been a joyful occasion — Mick’s 74th birth
Read the full storyBy Jacob Casha Ren Pedersen never planned to be involved in medicine. He never went to medical school. He never paid too much attention in science class. But when he tragically lost his nine-year-old daughter Amy to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in 2009, he dove head-first into the medical world—not as a doctor, but as a father with a promise to keep. "I promised my daughter that I would cure this,” says Ren. “I just happened to pick the toughest fight in all of medicine.” DIPG—al
Read the full storyIt was 1988 when Stephen Scuderi took a solo leap into the world of panel beating—a move built on the foundations laid by his parents, Sam and Tina Scuderi, who, despite coming from a farming background, encouraged their sons to pursue trades and instilled in them the drive to build something of their own.
Read the full storyJuly 11, 2025
Another week, another milestone—my first Core Life deadline. Core Life, if you're not aware, is a bi-monthly business and lifestyle magazine, also published by Life Publishing Group—the same team behind this very newspaper. For almost 15 years, it’s been fondly known as the local business networking and lifestyle publication. One of my favourite parts of writing for the magazine—and, frankly, in general—is having the chance to spotlight the truly remarkable achievements of locally based indivi
Read the full storyJuly 11, 2025
As chilly mornings return to Home Hill, 92-year-old Hilda Frew is doing more than just staying warm — she’s giving back. Each winter, Hilda sets up a humble table in the heart of town, offering her handmade “Cosy Bed Socks” to passers-by for just $5 a pair. But it’s not about the money — every cent goes directly to support School Chaplaincy Programs at local high schools. Knitted while she enjoys her favourite TV shows, Hilda’s colourful socks are as warm in spirit as they are in wool. So far
Read the full storyJuly 11, 2025
Queenslanders needing elective surgery are set to benefit from a major funding boost in the 2025‑26 State Budget after the Government announced its allocation of $1.8 billion set to roll out over the next four years. The centrepiece is $1.27 billion for the Surgery Connect program, projected to deliver 30,000 additional procedures in 2025‑26 alone, including hip and knee replacements and cataract operations. The program has already shown results: in April the statewide wait‑list fell by 2,750 p
Read the full storyJuly 11, 2025
The Ayr Bowling Club has had a brilliant week on the greens, with members embracing the cooler weather and enjoying a mix of competitive and social games. Spirits have been high as players continue to show enthusiasm and support for the game, reinforcing the club’s strong community spirit. With momentum building and winter conditions ideal for play, members are looking forward to another exciting month of bowls and camaraderie. Our Ladies’ Social Tuesday Afternoon on the 1st July was very enjoy
Read the full storyJuly 11, 2025
A crew of Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads hopped their way up north a couple of weekends ago to play in Townsville’s Queensland Country Champion Competition on the 28th and 29th of June. Closing out the month with a bang, seven players and celebrated coach, Rowland Holmes, represented the Canetoads with pride both on and off the field, with the club praising each of the players for their skills and sportsmanship. “Well done to our incredible men and women who participated in the QLD Country Cha
Read the full storyJuly 11, 2025
The year 2025 marks ten years since the Burdekin Roosters last won an A Grade premiership in the then Townsville District Rugby League. Originally appointed as A Grade coach that season was Chris Perry, but he had to withdraw early, making way for Glenn Brock — a familiar face in local league circles, having coached many Burdekin junior sides. Brock brought in Carl List as assistant coach, and with several Bowen-based players in the squad, Bowen’s Brent Stocker joined the coaching team. Gary We
Read the full storyJuly 3, 2025
The soaring sounds of saxophones will echo through the Burdekin Theatre this July as part of a free community concert showcasing the next generation of classical music talent. The Pathways Outreach Concert, hosted by the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM), will take place from 2pm to 3pm on Thursday, July 31, offering locals the chance to experience live chamber music performed by the Andromeda Sax Quartet—a talented young ensemble handpicked through AFCM’s prestigious Fellowship Progr
Read the full storyJuly 14, 2025
Saturday 12 July Rags to Runway 07:30 PM - 10:00 PM The Burdekin Rags to Runway event encourages competitors of all ages to revamp new or second-hand clothing items into a wearable runway outfit within a strict budget. Entrants are required to purchase items either from second-hand organisations, local dress salons’ throw out racks or their own closet and to redesign them into a wearable runway worthy item, you'd be proud to wear. St Stephen's Greek Orthodox Hall SATURDAY 12 JULY 97.1 Sweet FM
Read the full storyJuly 3, 2025
The soaring sounds of saxophones will echo through the Burdekin Theatre this July as part of a free community concert showcasing the next generation of classical music talent. The Pathways Outreach Concert, hosted by the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM), will take place from 2pm to 3pm on Thursday, July 31, offering locals the chance to experience live chamber music performed by the Andromeda Sax Quartet—a talented young ensemble handpicked through AFCM’s prestigious Fellowship Progr
Read the full storyJuly 11, 2025
Wednesday 2 July Burdekin Writing Groups – Anthology Showcase 10:30am Join the Burdekin Writing Groups at Home Hill Library for readings from their latest anthology and a celebration of local writing. Home Hill Library Sunday 6 July Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelling stallholders with everything from home baked treats to handmade creations on offer! To become a stallholder
Read the full storyJuly 3, 2025
Win Gleeso’s Ultimate Party in Paradise! Get ready to amplify your tropical festival escape! The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is thrilled to announce that Aussie rock legend Dave Gleeson of The Screaming Jets has been named its official Festival Ambassador for 2025. To celebrate, the festival is launching Gleeso’s Ultimate Party in Paradise competition, where entrants go in the draw to win the ultimate festival experience. Set to ignite the Whitsundays from November 7th-9th, 2025, the Airlie
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