After more than four decades in the Queensland Police Service, Steve Barton, Officer‑in‑Charge at Ayr Police Station, is hanging up his badge with much pride and little fanfare—exactly how he prefers it. “I’ve just really enjoyed doing what I’ve done,” he said. “Every job has its challenges and things you wish you’d done better, but [I'm proud of] my commitment to the work and the community.” Continued on page 3... A Career Built On Commitment And Connection Continued from cover... Barton
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On 20 July 2025, surrounded by friends at the Alva Beach Tourist Caravan Park, Joan Mutton marked her 100th birthday the same way she has spent the past two decades of winters: in the Burdekin, fishing, quad‑biking and swapping stories at happy hour. “We’ve been coming up here for the last 20 years,” Joan said. “A lot of these people that come up here, and also friends we have made in Home Hill and so forth, were all here to celebrate, and it was lovely.” Born in Adelaide in 1925, Joan grew up
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After five years of steady growth, Explore Property Burdekin has opened the doors to its fully renovated new office in Ayr, moving just across Queen Street into a space that reflects its modern, service‑driven approach to real estate. The new space—formerly Country Connection dress shop—has been rebuilt from the ground up with new flooring, upgraded air-conditioning, and a fresh, contemporary design. All work was completed by local tradespeople. Director and Principal Kylie Lawson, a rea
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This month, the Burdekin Potters are celebrating a monumental feat—50 years of friendship, shaping clay, and nurturing creativity at the heart of the community. On July 26 and 27, they’re opening their doors to honour this rich history and the passion that’s kept the club thriving all these years, inviting everyone to come along and join the festivities. The group first met in 1975, when about 20 enthusiasts gathered at Ayr High School to pursue a shared interest in pottery. “We started out meet
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July 31, 2025
After my mates last month, it was my parents’ turn to pay me a visit in this beloved region I now call home—and it’s only when you’re showing guests around that you realise just how much you’ve come to know about a place. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not claiming “local” status yet. But I’ve come a long way from the guy who first arrived here wondering why everything was closed on Sundays. Mum and Dad liked what they saw. I took them up the mountain, down to Groper Creek for a bit of fishing, and th
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July 31, 2025
Time is running out to shine a spotlight on Queenslanders making an extraordinary impact in their communities, with nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards closing at 11.59pm on Thursday, the 31st of July. The government is calling on locals across the State to nominate inspiring individuals for the prestigious national awards, which recognise everyday Australians doing remarkable work across four categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year (65 years and ove
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July 31, 2025
A 27‑year‑old Ayr woman is among three people charged after an armed robbery at a Bruce Highway rest stop in Cardwell on Saturday, 26 July. Police allege that around 6.35pm, the trio–including a 26‑year‑old Rasmussen man and a 17‑year‑old Rasmussen boy–approached a white Hyundai Accent and demanded the 18‑year‑old German tourist driver hand over his keys, wallet and phone. One of the group allegedly threatened the man with a firearm before ordering him out of the vehicle. The tourist complied
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July 31, 2025
Sport plays a vital role with families in the Burdekin community and providing the appropriate facilities and resources is a constant challenge for local clubs. For generations, rugby league has been the beating heart of the Burdekin sporting community. At the centre of this proud tradition stands the Burdekin Roosters – a club forged in 1994, but whose roots go back over a century in local league. Over the years, the Roosters have grown from strength to strength, evolving into a vital part of
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July 30, 2025
Looking for a fun way to keep your mind sharp and enjoy good company? The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre hosts a friendly Mahjong group every Monday from 1pm–5pm, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels. Mahjong, a traditional Chinese game believed to have originated in the Qing Dynasty, has been enjoyed for centuries for its perfect mix of strategy, memory, and a little bit of luck. Played with 144 beautifully decorated tiles, the game is often compared to rummy, as players draw and disc
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July 24, 2025
A good weekend, for a change. for the Panthers, winning three, drawing one and losing one of the five matches. On Saturday, at home against Rebels, the Premiers won 5-0 as did the Reserves. On Friday, in Townsville the Ladies drew with Warriors 1-1, the Division 1 Men lost 0-1 to JCU Riverway but the Division 2 Men defeated Olympic 4-3. In the Mooney Cup Charity Match, Rainbows defeated Blue Balls 3-0 after leading 2-0 at half time. Jake Lacey scored twice after Mick Lejarraga had opened the sc
Read the full storyJuly 25, 2025
This month, the Burdekin Potters are celebrating a monumental feat—50 years of friendship, shaping clay, and nurturing creativity at the heart of the community. On July 26 and 27, they’re opening their doors to honour this rich history and the passion that’s kept the club thriving all these years, inviting everyone to come along and join the festivities. The group first met in 1975, when about 20 enthusiasts gathered at Ayr High School to pursue a shared interest in pottery. “We started out meet
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July 30, 2025
A collection of fabulous fundraising events have begun filling calendars across the community as part of the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival, and with so much to do, see and be part of, here’s our guide for everything you need to know! Jorja’s DISCO Party like you’ve never partied before at a rockin’ Outdoor DISCO on Saturday, the 2nd of August in celebration of Burdekin Junior Rugby League’s Junior Ambassador, Jorja Vasta! Kicking off at Bendigo Bank Park (Rugby Park), the night promises nothing
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July 30, 2025
Representing SunWater Limited Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Honours at James Cook University, an active volunteer across various community events and a former Ayr State High School Vice-Captain, Georgia Tomasetig has forever leaped at every opportunity to give back to those around her. In the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival, Georgia will proudly represent SunWater Limited as a Senior Ambassador, and she’s more than excited to explore everything this chapter will brin
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August 1, 2025
Saturday 2 August Jorja’s DISCO Party like you’ve never partied before at an outdoor DISCO in celebration of Burdekin Junior Rugby League’s Junior Ambassador, Jorja Vasta! The night kicks off at Bendigo Bank Park (Rugby Park) with great tunes and dance moves. Bendigo Bank Park (Rugby Park) Sunday 3 August 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
Read the full storyJuly 25, 2025
This month, the Burdekin Potters are celebrating a monumental feat—50 years of friendship, shaping clay, and nurturing creativity at the heart of the community. On July 26 and 27, they’re opening their doors to honour this rich history and the passion that’s kept the club thriving all these years, inviting everyone to come along and join the festivities. The group first met in 1975, when about 20 enthusiasts gathered at Ayr High School to pursue a shared interest in pottery. “We started out meet
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