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New Wheels & New Hope For Little Ayden Wall

New Wheels & New Hope For Little Ayden Wall

Local Lions & Broader Community Help Raise $50,000 For New Car

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Sixteen Years On & A Birthday Marked By Absence

Sixteen Years On & A Birthday Marked By Absence

Loved 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

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A Man On A Mission

A Man On A Mission

By 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

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Ayr’s Stephen Scuderi Crash Repairs: Nearly Four Decades of Old-School Values and Community Trust

Ayr’s Stephen Scuderi Crash Repairs: Nearly Four Decades of Old-School Values and Community Trust

It 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.

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Jump in with Jacob 11 July

Jump in with Jacob 11 July

July 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

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Home Hill’s Winter Angel

Home Hill’s Winter Angel

July 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

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State Budget Funds 30,000 Extra Surgeries & New Hospital Beds

State Budget Funds 30,000 Extra Surgeries & New Hospital Beds

July 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

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Local Sporting news & Results

AYR BOWLING CLUB WEEKLY REPORT 10 July

AYR BOWLING CLUB WEEKLY REPORT 10 July

July 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

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Canetoads Represent The Burdekin At Queensland Country Champs

Canetoads Represent The Burdekin At Queensland Country Champs

July 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

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A Decade On: Remembering the Roosters’ Last Premiership Run

A Decade On: Remembering the Roosters’ Last Premiership Run

July 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

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS / GIG GUIDES / SOCIAL PIC GALLERY

Free Burdekin Concert Showcases Rising Stars of Chamber Music

Free Burdekin Concert Showcases Rising Stars of Chamber Music

July 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

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BURDEKIN EVENT GUIDE 10 July

BURDEKIN EVENT GUIDE 10 July

July 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

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Free Burdekin Concert Showcases Rising Stars of Chamber Music

Free Burdekin Concert Showcases Rising Stars of Chamber Music

July 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

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EVENT GUIDE 3 June

EVENT GUIDE 3 June

July 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

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Airlie Beach Festival of Music Announces Rock Icon Dave Gleeson as Festival Ambassador

July 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

Read the full storyAirlie Beach Festival of Music Announces Rock Icon Dave Gleeson as Festival Ambassador
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