
The Burdekin is poised for major residential growth, with over 350 new homes set to be delivered following funding from Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund (RAF). The funding will support planning, design, and infrastructure upgrades to unlock the development potential of strategically identified areas in Ayr, removing constraints that have previously slowed housing delivery. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the funding represented a “game-changer” for the region.
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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
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November 6, 2025
Hello Burdekin! You may have noticed something a little different about this week’s paper – Burdekin Life has a fresh new look! After five years of the same masthead across the Life newspapers, we felt it was time to embrace a more modern design that reflects the natural beauty of our region. The new green–blue gradient draws inspiration from our lush hinterland and the Great Barrier Reef, which connects all four Life Publishing newspapers. It’s a bright new chapter for us, and we hope you lov
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November 6, 2025
The Lower Burdekin Scout Group is joining forces with Bluey’s Thrift Shop in Home Hill to host a free Christmas BBQ meal for anyone who is homeless, lonely or has nowhere to go this festive season. The event will be held on Christmas Eve, December 24, from 5pm to 8pm at the Lower Burdekin Scout Den, 57–59 Twelfth Avenue, Home Hill. The idea grew from discussions between the Scouts and Margaret Thorne from Bluey’s Thrift Shop, who have supported each other through community initiatives over the
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November 6, 2025
You’ve heard of them, you’ve seen them, and you may have even used them! Burdekin Gift Cards are one of the many awesome initiatives introduced by the Burdekin Chamber to encourage locals to shop local within the shire, and last month was another commendable one in terms of Burdekin Gift Card purchases across the board! $2390,00 worth of Burdekin Gift Cards were purchased in September, with an additional $3319.78 spent within local stores using the cards. The Burdekin Chamber was established t
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November 6, 2025
Young Touch Football players from across the region will converge on Ayr on Saturday, 22 November, when the Burdekin Touch Association hosts a Junior Touch Football Carnival for boys and girls aged 9 to 16 years. The event will feature a ‘Fast Four’ competition format, played on half-sized fields with four players per side and up to six players allowed per team. While standard Touch rules will apply, each set will be limited to four touches, and matches will run for 10 minutes. Divisions to be
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November 6, 2025
A very successful Burdekin FC Presentation Night was held last Saturday at Populin’s Hall. This completes the 2025 season, and it will not be long before the 2026 season approaches. Night Soccer The sixth week of competition and in a high scoring night, the twenty games produced ninety one goals and there were no Sin Bins! Top scorers were Ladies team Body Tune with fifteen goals, Mottin Earthmoving and Young Guns both netted six and Clare Cutters, UDS and Plumb Dingers all rattled in five goa
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November 6, 2025
Saturday 8/11 1-5pm Group D - Ben Lawry PC, Kellie Lawry PC, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Lawry, Lisa Vivian Sunday 9/11 AM 9am-1pm Group B - Terry Lund PC, Kristy Wassmuth PC, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Briella Wassmuth, Emilee Wassmuth Sunday 9/11 PM 1-5pm Group A - Richard Dale PC, Chris Wicks PC, Jane Olsen, Zachary Dale, Stephanie Dale, Warne McShane, Nico Ortner, Wil Holt
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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
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November 6, 2025
Music lovers, get ready to “Deck the shed with bits of wattle” as the beloved Morning Melodies series presents its final performance for 2025: Home for Christmas with award-winning artist Darren Coggan. Scheduled for Wednesday, 3 December 2025 at 11am, this special free event will take place at the Burdekin Memorial Hall to accommodate the large crowds this festive favourite always draws. Morning tea will be provided, and bookings are essential. Darren Coggan is one of Australia’s most versatil
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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
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November 6, 2025
FRIDAY 7 NOVEMBER Rotary Gala Ball 6:30pm–midnight (Dinner 7pm) Celebrate the Harvest Festival with a sit-down dinner, music and dancing. The evening crowns the Charity and Personality Queens, honouring community spirit and generosity. Burdekin Memorial Hall Cost: $80 SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER 97.1 Sweet FM Markets Saturday 8am-1pm Join Sweet FM for an entertaining morning jammed full of wonderful market stalls from handmade crafts, sausage sizzle, hot coffee & tea, and sweet treats, on the station's
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The Burdekin Shire is in for a treat this Friday, the 31st of October, as multiple Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain brings his nationally acclaimed Katherine Outback Experience to the Ayr Showgrounds. Known not only for his talents as a musician and horseman, Tom Curtain uses his shows to champion important causes, including anti-bullying initiatives through Dolly’s Dream. As an official ambassador for the foundation, Tom spreads awareness about the impacts of bullying and encourages communitie
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