Becoming a full-time firefighter is no small feat, and Lindsay Wilson and Carter Dal Ponte are now two of Ayr's newest recruits. Selected from a pool of 5,000 to 7,000 applicants, both were offered positions at their local station after a rigorous selection process. As locals, they chose Ayr as their preferred deployment location, joining the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) in a demanding yet rewarding role. Continued on page 12. 1. NEW RECRUITS: Lindsay Wilson holding an axe and C
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The Burdekin Shire Council has joined forces with Container Exchange to launch a new recycling program aimed at boosting container recycling and cutting down on waste in the region, all while benefiting the local community. Since the Container Refund Scheme's introduction in 2018, Burdekin residents have recycled over 40 million eligible drink containers. However, with millions of recyclable containers still ending up in landfill across Queensland every year, the Council identified the need for
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The Choral Society’s ‘The Vault’ is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate its fifth anniversary, a milestone for Home Hill’s local arts and entertainment scene. This special event will bring together highlights from the past five years, showcasing the unforgettable performances and community spirit that have made The Vault an iconic part of the Burdekin. For regular patrons and newcomers alike, it’s an opportunity to revisit the magic that has captivated audiences and contributed to local cult
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The Home Hill Harvest Festival’s annual King and Queen of the Hill event returned on Saturday, October 26, drawing determined participants for a thrilling early morning climb up Inkerman Hill. Starting at 6.30am, runners raced up to the summit lookout, then descended the steep goat track, where the 2024 Harvest Festival Queens were on hand to record finish times. This year’s event featured four age categories, each with impressive performances. In the Under 12s, Quinn Jones led the girls at 28:
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October 31, 2024
Although the election results have not been officially declared, Dale Last is sitting comfortably with the win having secured 65.8 per cent of the votes at the time of writing, re-instating himself to the role of Member for the Burdekin. In addition, for the first time in more than a decade LNP’s Dale Last will be representing the region while not in opposition following the LNP’s landmark victory and subsequent announcement of David Crisafulli as the Premier for Queensland. Continued on page
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October 31, 2024
Last week, Brighter Lives, North Queensland’s beloved charity, successfully hosted its annual Giving Day, rallying the local community to raise vital funds for the Townsville Hospital and Health Service. Established in 1989 as the Townsville Hospital Foundation, Brighter Lives has evolved into the official partner charity for the region's health services, now supporting not only the Townsville University Hospital but also 18 public hospitals and two residential aged care facilities. This year’s
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October 31, 2024
In the Burdekin, nurturing the next generation is more than a goal—it’s a shared commitment. Local organisations like the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) play a vital role in instilling values of responsibility, resilience, and teamwork in young members. Through lifesaving training and beach patrols, the club equips youth with skills that could one day save lives, fostering confidence and a sense of purpose. Events such as the King and Queen of the Hill race further showcase the Burdekin’s ded
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October 31, 2024
A small but thriving fishing club in the Burdekin is celebrating its 50th year in 2024. The Burdekin District Sportfishing club owes its longevity to a very strong family and social thread which runs alongside the competitive fishing aspect. Monthly competitions culminate in a weigh-in and BBQ at a member’s residence which brings the whole group together in an informal and personal setting. The competitive element is always present but members do share “secret” spots and are keen to encourage
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October 31, 2024
Local The Escriva Cup is due to be played this Friday evening, 1st November and is a fundraiser held by The SLoBs (Soccer Legends of the Burdekin) to help out ex-players with health problems. Last year fourteen Men’s teams and two Ladies teams took part. Hopefully, we will have more teams involved this year. Night Soccer Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 8 was played in good conditions and with only one forfeit. The 21games produced 65 goals and just the one Sin Bin. Congratulations to DL
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October 31, 2024
The Ayr Golf Club was the place to be over the weekend with the Karrie Webb Junior Masters hosting the talents plenty of young golfers across the green. The weather was exceptional and enjoyed by all 79 players over the two-day event as generously sponsored by Raine and Horne and Mizuno Golf. The Club saw young golfers from the Burdekin, Cairns, Townsville, Charters Towers, Bowen, Proserpine, Yeppoon, Gladstone, Harvey Bay, Bribie Island and Mt Warren showcase their skills on the Ayr Golf Club’
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October 24, 2024
Get your dancing shoes ready for a night of nostalgia at the Burdekin School Fundraiser’s Rock the 70’s Dance Party! On October 25, 2024, the Queens Hotel in Ayr will come alive with the unforgettable sounds of the 70’s, as Attori takes the stage to perform their smash-hit show, filled with classic tunes that defined the era. From standout anthems like "Eagle Rock" to disco favourites such as "Disco Inferno," "Dancing Queen," and "I Will Survive," this event is set to transport you back to the g
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November 1, 2024
Talented Dancers will ignite the stage at the Burdekin Theatre this November with two brand new performances scheduled for the coming weeks to suit audiences of all ages! On Sunday 10 November, the youngest members of your family will be treated to an awesome Ready Set Magic Preschool Concert at the Burdekin Theatre from 10am! “Last year we held our first ever Ready Set Concert, and it was an absolute hit,” shared Rhythm Edge Dance Studios. “We are excited to be doing it all again this year!
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October 31, 2024
Friday 25 October Burdekin School Rock the 70s Dance Party Fundraiser Friday from 7pm Prepare to rock and roll through the greatest hits of the 70s at the Burdekin School’s Rock the 70s Dance Party Fundraiser on Friday 25 October! Set to be held at the Queens Hotel, doors will open from 7pm with the show kicking off at 8pm sharp! Each ticket includes a complimentary beverage on arrival and can be purchased from both the Burdekin Theatre and the Queens Hotel. Queens Hotel Saturday 26 October Hom
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October 24, 2024
Katya Venter, a talented artist and art teacher from Townsville, has claimed the top prize in prestigious local sculpture competition, Ephemera, as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival, gaining widespread recognition for her exceptional work. The winning piece, which merges themes of the sugarcane industry and Australian wildlife, reflects Katya’s unique approach to art and her deep connection to the regional environment. Her sculpture, described as both striking and thought-provoking, stood
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On the spooky evening of Thursday 31 October, the ghosts and ghouls of the Burdekin will come alive for one spooktacular night of scares, sweets, and horror at the iconic, Halloween House, opposite the Ayr Golf Course. An outstanding display of lights and decorations will ignite Darwin Street to celebrate the frightful holiday with plenty of fun treats for everyone to enjoy. An almost three weeklong affair, Jeffrey Lunn and Leon McCormack decorate their home from top to bottom, producing amazin
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