Ayr Fire & Rescue Station has received a major equipment upgrade with the arrival of a new $1.2 million Type 3 Scania P360 appliance, marking a significant step forward for local firefighting capabilities in the Burdekin. After years of delays, the new fire truck was officially delivered this month as part of the Crisafulli Government’s $134 million investment in the Queensland Fire Department. The vehicle, built by Bell, comes equipped with state-of-the-art technology including a remote
Read the full storyWhen Iris Dingle walks through town, people still stop her with a smile and say, "Oh, Mrs Claus—I remember bringing my kids to your house at Christmas”—a testament to the enduring mark she's left on her community as she approaches her 100th birthday. Iris has long been synonymous with festive cheer, generosity, and a life devoted to family and community. Born in Charters Towers before moving to Home Hill shortly after, Iris grew up in a tight-knit, active family. She and her sisters were known
Read the full storySeptember 18, 2025
In every town, whether here, across the country or in a completely foreign land, there are a few elements it just couldn't prosper without. Some of those are more apparent to the naked eye than others: essential resources, a stable economy, safety—sure. But it's the unsung heroes operating behind the curtains that are just as crucial in holding the place together. One of those around this neck of the woods is the Burdekin Community Association. It was as they marked their 50 year anniversary wi
Read the full storySeptember 18, 2025
Just in the past couple of weeks, a string of random acts of kindness have captured the attention of the entire community, with locals taking to social media to share their thanks and gratitude. Without exchanging names or even interacting with one another, several members of the shire have helped others in need, from lifting wheely walkers into cars to paying it forward in the drive through. Earlier this month, the community came together after a concerned local shared the news she had found
Read the full storySeptember 18, 2025
Opinion Piece - Andrew Willcox Right now, any Australian can submit a simple request to access non sensitive information from any Australian government agency. We can ask who a minister or government officials has met, what was discussed, and the reasoning behind government decisions. This is a vital lever for holding the government accountable and right now it doesn’t cost a cent to ask the question. But the Labor government wants to water down these protections,
Read the full storySeptember 18, 2025
Ayr Motorcycle Club is proud to announce that it will host Founders’ Day on Saturday, 27th September 2025; a special event dedicated to honouring the club’s founding members as well as recognising past and present members who have helped shape the club’s legacy. Alongside the club’s regular classes, Founders’ Day will feature four thrilling special night races. The Bill Smith Memorial Race will see the top 12 senior riders after three afternoon rounds battle it out under lights. The Hyne/Taylor
Read the full storySeptember 18, 2025
Just the two Finals series games last weekend. On Thursday night the Division 2 Funkies lost 1-3 to Saints Eagles Souths and their season is now over. However, the Ladies beat Rebels 2-0 and will now meet Brothers in the Grand Final. Night Soccer Kicked off its 46th year on Tuesday. In the first of two Trial Weeks, there were nineteen games with sixty-one goals scored. Clare Cutters, Rocky Pond Warriors, and Mountain View Fresh all scored five goals. So far there are twenty-seven Men’s and fif
Read the full storySeptember 18, 2025
Home Hill Bowls A total of 29 players took to the greens today, joined by a few special visitors: Peter and Sue Dingle from Mooloolabah, in town to celebrate Iris Dingle’s 100th birthday, as well as Alan Gairoch from Brandon, and Steve Muto and Jeff Taylor from Giru. On Rink 2, Margaret Chapman and Gary Nosworthy defeated Judy Elton and Alan Gairoch. Rink 3 saw Bob Pickard and Trevor Elton overcome Margaret Linton and Joe Linton. On Rink 4, Bob Young, Elaine Young, and Glen Bones Berryman trium
Read the full storyAugust 28, 2025
The Burdekin Water Festival’s infamous Grand Parade and Mardi Gras will roll into Queen Street on Saturday the 6th of September, and with a world of preparations underway, one wonderful new addition to the timeless celebration deserves to be highlighted! As generously sponsored by Wilmar Sugar, 1,000 brilliant buckets will be given away for children to safely collect and store their lollies during the specular Street Parade next weekend, and when all the fun is done, the kids can take the bucke
Read the full storySeptember 18, 2025
Announcing Daily Main Stage Lineups! The countdown is officially on, and the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is ready to make your 2025 Festival unforgettable. We’re thrilled to unveil our full daily lineups, giving you a taste of the incredible music on offer. To make your festival experience even more flexible, we've also introduced brand-new 2-day ticket options, catering to every kind of festival-goer. Whether you're here for the full three-day extravaganza (including the welcome and after pa
Read the full storySeptember 19, 2025
SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER Ayr Bowling Club – Mario Milan’s 91st Birthday & Jackpot Saturday Celebrate Mario Milan’s 91st birthday alongside the club’s Jackpot Saturday. Mario is proudly sponsoring the day, making it a special occasion for members and visitors alike. Don’t miss the fun, excitement, and chance to win big when the Jackpot goes off. Ayr Bowling Club, Ayr Sunday 21 September Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning overflowing with wonderful market stall
Read the full storySeptember 18, 2025
We are thrilled to announce that this year's festival will embrace the vibrant theme, Music Thru the Ages! Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Hinchinbrook Shire, the festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of community spirit, history, and creativity. With a packed event schedule for everyone with our Run Swim Run, Wine and Cheese Night, and Maraka Afternoon Tea. We're celebrating our youngsters with a Fence Painting event, Pet Parade and Laser Tag. Join us for a dazzl
Read the full storySeptember 10, 2025
The Sweet FM Saturday markets have been a revelation for Home Hill and the wider Burdekin community since they began earlier this year. “I’ve been genuinely surprised as to how well they’ve been received,” says Charlie Scuderi, 97.1 Sweet FM’s Station Manager. “It only came about during our 25th Birthday Celebrations back in April, in what we thought would be a one-off,” he says. “But all the stallholders who attended that day were incredi-bly happy with the turnout, and so they requested more
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