Emergency services were called to a residential property in Ayr on Tuesday evening after an unexploded ordnance was discovered during routine gardening. At approximately 6.55pm on Tuesday, 20th January 2026, the Burdekin State Emergency Service (SES) was requested by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to assist at the scene after the device was uncovered. Police sought SES support to help secure the area and reduce any potential risk to nearby residents. SES and QPS personnel worked together to construct a sandbag “igloo” containment structure around the item, designed to minimise the impact should the device have detonated. The area was secured while arrangements were made for specialist assistance. Australian Army explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians were scheduled to attend the property the following day, Wednesday, 21st January, to safely assess and remove the device. Three SES members responded to the incident: Jenny Cummings, John George and Warren Francis. Mr George and Mr Francis are both former infantry soldiers with extensive experience in the identification and handling of unexploded ordnance. Authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries, and the incident was managed without further escalation.

An official citizenship ceremony opened the 2026 Burdekin Australia Day Awards on Monday night, with __ local residents proudly becoming Australian citizens. Originally hailing from continents across the world, including Africa, Asia and Europe, the newly naturalised citizens were presented with official plaques and commemorative plants by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort. Mayor Dalle Cort said the Australia Day celebrations were about both recognition and welcome. “Australia Day is not only a time to recognise the outstanding achievements of our community, it is also a day to celebrate those choosing the Burdekin, and our nation, as their home,” Cr Dalle Cort said. "I congratulate you all for choosing Australia for whatever reason brought you to our beautiful country." Member for Burdekin Dale Last, also in attendance, echoed her sentiment. "We welcome you with open arms, we value your role in our community, and we hope that, going forward, you get to enjoy everything that's great about being an Australian in this country," said Mr Last. Australia Day remains one of the nation’s most significant occasions for welcoming new citizens. As of 31st December 2025, more than 25,450 people from over 160 countries had been invited to attend more than 425 citizenship ceremonies held nationally as part of Australia Day celebrations. Of these, more than 18,800 people from over 150 countries were invited to become Australian citizens on 26th January 2026, at more than 325 ceremonies hosted across the country. The Burdekin Australia Day citizenship ceremony follows a similar naturalisation event held at the Burdekin Theatre foyer in December, where 10 new citizens from a range of cultural backgrounds were formally welcomed into the community, underscoring the region’s growing cultural diversity.