$30K RAISED AT BRANDON CHARITY EVENT

$30K RAISED AT BRANDON CHARITY EVENT

Brandon Bowls Club members Jayson Farry (centre), Jamie Woods (left) and David DeFranciscis (right) on the club greens. Photo credit: Jacob Casha‍A whole community stood behind Jayson Farry and the Brandon Bowls Club last weekend as its charity bowls event more than tripled its $10,000 fundraising target. Inspired by Jayson Farry's recent brain cancer diagnosis, the event raised more than $30,000 for two prominent cancer foundations.‍Read more here: https://www.burdekinlife.com/article/one-big-special-night-brandon-cancer-fundraiser-smashes-10k-target

ST COLMAN’S MARKS 100 YEARS HELP THE HISTORIC PARISH TELL ITS CENTENARY STORY

ST COLMAN’S MARKS 100 YEARS HELP THE HISTORIC PARISH TELL ITS CENTENARY STORY

The Burdekin Catholic Parish is calling on the community to dig through their family albums and keepsakes as it prepares to celebrate a piece of Home Hill history—the 100th anniversary of St Colman’s Parish. All are invited to its celebrations on Sunday October 25th, which mark a century since the formal establishment of St Colman’s Parish and subsequent appointment of Father William O’Reagan as its first parish priest in January 1926. The history of St Colman’s Church itself goes back even further, with the original timber church dating to 1918. The building, which cost £1100 and was relocated from Ravenswood, was eventually replaced by its current church in 1968. In preparation for the celebrations, a small committee has begun researching the parish’s history and is seeking photographs, memorabilia, recollections and stories to help document its growth over the past 100 years. The committee is particularly hoping to find photographs of former Parish Administrators Father Abraham Cheripuram, who served from 2016 to 2018, and Father Sibichan Kaippanplackal, who served from 2019 to 2021. Photographs of baptisms or weddings involving either priest would be especially appreciated, while photographs from the parish’s early years between 1926 and the early 1950s are also being sought. The committee hopes the material gathered will help tell the story of St Colman’s and the generations of families who have been part of the parish over the past century. Anyone with photographs, memorabilia or memories to share is encouraged to contact the Burdekin Catholic Parish Office on 4783 2316. CAPTIONS: 1—The history of St Colman’s Church itself goes back even further, with the original timber church (pictured) dating to 1918. 2—The current church. Photos supplied

BURDEKIN PIT-STOP FOR VIRAL JAPANESE JOURNEYMAN

BURDEKIN PIT-STOP FOR VIRAL JAPANESE JOURNEYMAN

The Burdekin could not get enough of online sensation ‘Catman’ as he pedalled his way down Ayr’s Queen Street last week—the latest leg of a 9,000km journey around the country. The alter-ego of Japanese traveller Kentaro Jin, Catman made headlines in March after pushing a wheelbarrow of his belongings from Carnarvon, Western Australia to Sydney, amassing over one million social media followers along the two-and-a-half-year hike. After deciding he wasn’t ready for the expedition to end in Sydney, Kentaro set off once again in his trademark leopard-print onesie, this time cycling his way up the east coast before flipping the kickstand down in Ayr at 11am last Friday. And it wasn’t long before locals noticed. Within hours of his arrival, Kentaro had been offered meals, drinks, and accommodation for the night in a showing of what he called “fantastic” community support. “[The kindness] has been amazing,” Kentaro said, admitting he had already become a big fan of the town. “I got to walk around a little bit, talk to children. It's really great.” Ayrline Hotel Manager Melissa Hitchcock, who provided Kentaro a complimentary room, said locals had flocked to the site all afternoon to catch a glimpse of the social media star—and her “most famous guest.” “When he arrived here [at around 1.30pm], we had like, a thousand people come in. Within five minutes, someone ran in and gave him some money and a balloon,” she quipped. “My kids even rang me: ‘Mum, you’ve got Catman staying at the motel!’” As a result of that demand, Ms Hitchcock announced a designated meet-and-greet opportunity at Queens Hotel that afternoon, which she said was well-attended. She called Kentaro's willingness to interact with children “inspirational.” “He’s just full of life,” Ms Hitchcock said. "He was so happy to greet the kids … who were knocking on his door every 10 to 15 minutes. He's definitely an inspiration with the following he's got.” Interestingly, it was the children he has encountered on his cross-country voyage that gave it a real purpose. It’s an adventure Kentaro said began with no particular goal back in 2023. He arrived in Australia eager to satisfy a long-standing itch to travel, after his then-girlfriend broke off the relationship with him in Japan. The devastation bred determination, and his aimless voyage across Australia became a fundraiser for childhood cancer research, inspired by the kids and families he met along the way. It has since raised more than $70,000. Still active today, you can donate to Kentaro's cause here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/catman6701 Please turn the above into a QR. Code CAPTION: The Burdekin could not get enough of online sensation ‘Catman’ as he pedalled his way into Ayr last week. Photo: Jacob Casha.

“ONE BIG SPECIAL NIGHT” BRANDON CANCER FUNDRAISER SMASHES $10K TARGET

“ONE BIG SPECIAL NIGHT” BRANDON CANCER FUNDRAISER SMASHES $10K TARGET

A Brandon Bowls Club charity event raised more than $30,000 for cancer care last Saturday, tripling its original $10,000 target as guests enjoyed social bowls under the stars. Around 300 people packed the club’s Toll Street venue for the event, bowling in support of club member Jayson Farry, who was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year. Raised through gate fees, beanie and hat sales and a “hugely successful” auction, all proceeds will be sent to the Mark Hughes Foundation and Brighter Lives Townsville—the latter dedicating the funds to journals for cancer patients. Event organiser and emcee David DeFranciscis said the event was one of the “biggest ever hosted by the club.” “It was just the Burdekin at its best,” he said. “It was also the atmosphere. Everyone was laughing and joking, everyone got on with everyone—it was just one big, special night. David estimated 70 non-bowlers stepped up to the mat on the night, while others enjoyed the live music and social atmosphere. The event also saw Brighter Lives Townsville representative Stephanie Norton deliver a special address; David said her words were instrumental to the success of the fundraiser and raising awareness for the foundation. “I think a lot of people were surprised by Brighter Lives and what they do. Stephanie spoke very well and inspired everyone,” he said. Despite smashing fundraising targets, David said night’s greatest success was bringing the community together for Jayson and his family. “It was a little bit sad that we had to have a brain cancer diagnosis for everyone to get together,” he said. “Wouldn’t it be nice if we did something like this just to get together as a community without a reason?” He said the event’s overall success inspired the to make it an annual affair, although admitted Saturday’s edition set a high bar. “We’re still recovering from the weekend,” David laughed. "We will probably do something next year, but it probably won't be as big.” Social pictures on page 16 CAPTION: (L-R) Brandon Bowls Club members Leo Kenny, Jayson Farry, Jamie Woods, Ben Mills, and David DeFranciscis. Photo: Jacob Casha

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