Founded in 1971 by a group of local Burdekin boaties and fishermen keen to look after each other, as well as visitors to the region, in a time when private vessels doubled as rescue vessels and the radio building was nothing more than a caravan towed to Alva Beach, Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin (VMR) has been going strong for over 50 years ever since. Now a more formal volunteer organisation, VMR has dedicated rescue boats, while operating out of two modern buildings that house their radio f
Read the full storyDetectives from the Crime and Intelligence Homicide Investigation Unit and Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch are continuing to investigate the death of a 56-year-old Down syndrome man, Isaac Oar, in Ayr in August 2023. Around 9.18pm on Thursday,10th of August, 2023, emergency services were called to an Alice Street residence after Isaac, also known as Ikey, was located unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Due to the circumstances, police commenced a suspicious death investiga
Read the full storyMeet Thomas, a super smoochy tabby who loves to meow and cuddle. If he’s not chatting away to you, you’ll find him purring happily, hoping for some lap time to snuggle up. Thomas is currently in foster care and winning the hearts of all the household with his sweet and fun nature. He shares his foster home with four other cats and a few dogs, including a few playful puppies. He gets along well with other cats, but is still a little unsure about the dogs. That won't stop him from running on up to
Read the full storyIntroducing the one and only Tones and I – or as her friends call her, Toni! This beautiful tabby with striking markings and captivating green eyes is ready to find her forever home. Despite facing challenges in her young life, including being a young mum, Toni is a resilient little fighter who’s determined to find the love and security she deserves. Toni is a social and affectionate cat who loves food, attention, and playtime. She’s especially fond of feather wands and will happily engage in a
Read the full storyJanuary 14, 2025
You may have noticed some beautifully decorated rocks popping up around the Burdekin shire. These colourful stones are part of the ‘Kindness Rocks Project’, a heartwarming movement where people—along the East Coast and beyond—paint rocks with uplifting messages and vibrant designs to spread positivity. The project began in 2015, when Megan Murphy of Cape Cod left a rock on a beach with the message "You've got this." Her simple act of kindness sparked a viral trend that quickly spread. Soon, othe
Read the full storyJanuary 14, 2025
The Federal Government’s $7.2 billion pledge to upgrade the notoriously dangerous Bruce Highway has already hit its first set of potholes. Federal Finance Minister, Katy Gallagher, contradicted the Prime Minister’s claim that funding will be delivered this year. Instead, the Finance Minister admitted the funding won’t be available until after the forward estimates, leaving the region of Dawson waiting until 2028 for crucial upgrades. “The Prime Minister and the Finance Minister cannot both be
Read the full storyJanuary 14, 2025
My attention this week turned to Los Angeles, ablaze with severe (out of season) bushfires, with several upscale neighbourhoods turned to nothing but ash, including Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu. What’s L.A got to do with the Burdekin? Well, there are more similarities than seem obvious at first glance. I lived in L.A for 4-5 years between 2012-2016. It’s also where I met my wife, so it holds a special place in my heart. To see it go up in flames is tough, especially as we have friend
Read the full storyJanuary 14, 2025
The Ayr Bowling Club is rolling into 2025 with plenty of enthusiasm and a packed calendar of events. We’re kicking off the new year by inviting all members and the broader community, to come join us in celebrating Australia Day on Sunday 26 January at 1:00pm. Names down by 12:30pm. $10 a game. The event promises to be a fantastic afternoon, with a classic Aussie sausage sizzle after the game, great company, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy some friendly lawn bowls. Whether you're a seasoned
Read the full storyJanuary 14, 2025
Saturday 18th 0f January: 1.00pm to 5.00pm ( Patrol Group A ) Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, Jane Wicks. Sunday 19th 0f January: 9,00am to 1,00pm ( Patrol Group B ) Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell, Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, Danny Wilson. Sunday 19th 0f January: 1.00pm to 5.00pm (Patrol Group D ) Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale. Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Li
Read the full storyJanuary 14, 2025
Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday 12th January. Forty-one shooters braved the extreme heat, and the scores were exceptional in all grades. Congratulations to all the winners on the day, with a big thank you to Max and Julie Nicolaides, of Storage Sheds Ayr, for sponsoring event four. Our next shoot will be on Sunday 9th February, followed by our ‘Come and Try Day’ on Saturday 22nd February.
Read the full storyDecember 11, 2024
The Burdekin Library’s Mini Book Sale has been in full swing this week, welcoming the community to pop down and browse a selection of biographies and autobiographies from Monday 9 December until Saturday 14 December. The community are encouraged to fill a bag of books for just $4 to keep themselves and their families entertained during the holidays and give the library’s deleted books a new home. Pop down to the Burdekin Library located at 108 Graham Street, Ayr between 9am and 5pm Monday to
Read the full storyJanuary 8, 2025
Despite being a whopping 15,000km from Edinburgh, Scotland, and on the other side of the world in the Southern Hemisphere, a Scottish Hogmanay was celebrated in the Burdekin region with bagpipes, haggis and an Auld Lang Syne. The Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association hosted over 250 people at their biennial Hogmanay Ceilidh on New Years Eve, bringing a Celtic flavour to a good old fashioned family night of fun. In between Gypsy Taps and Pride of Erins, the revellers were treated to the inc
Read the full storyJanuary 16, 2025
Thursday 9 January Owl Tealight Ceramic Painting School Holiday Activity Thursday 10:30am Children aged 8 years and over are encouraged to unleash their creativity on Thursday 9 January for the Ayr Library’s magical Owl Tealight Ceramic Painting workshop from 10:30am. Bookings essential https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents. Ayr Library Friday 10 January Walk In Make It School Holiday Activity Friday 9:30am Craft a world of holiday fun with the Burdekin Library’s School Holiday Program! Booking
Read the full storyJanuary 2, 2025
Despite the heavy downpour prior to the Ayr Queen Street Festival, spirits weren’t dampened any as local revellers lapped up the night time activities. While the rain persisted throughout the evening, several of the kids (and some adults) used the opportunity to dance in the blocked off street as they welcomed the teeming rainfall. Several of the highlights ranged from a visit by Santa, who was busy walking the streets and having photos taken. He even managed to stay dry as he conducted the Bu
Read the full storyJanuary 16, 2025
Sunday 5 January Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Celebrate the first Plantation Park Market of 2025 and join Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelling stallholders with everything from home baked treats to handmade creations on offer! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333. Plantation Park Wednesday 8 January Walk In Make It School Holiday Activity Wednesday 9:30am Unleash your inner monster and craft u
Read the full story