There is a special, ever-lasting way to capture the journey of the heart and that journey begins with a unique jewelled beauty from Campbell’s Jewellery.

Whether you are celebrating a long-term love or embarking on a new romantic future, Campbell’s have a range of stunning pieces sure to make your loved one’s day.

Browse their extensive display in-store and, while you are there, explore the travelling roadshow, a collection of some special items that have been hand-selected from signature stores around Australia.

“It’s wonderful to see this incredible range of jewellery in the Burdekin,” said Campbell’s owner, Rose Papadimitriou.

“It shows that even though we’re a little town, we still show pieces that are from the bigger areas.”

Rose has been part of Campbell’s journey for the past 40 years, 30 of which she spent working with previous owners Kevin and Meryl Campbell, and the most recent 10 as the store’s proud owner, having bought the business in 2013.

Since taking the reins, Rose has held true to the traditions and exceptional eye for detail of the past, whilst bringing the business into the future by venturing online and exploring other technological advances.

Accompanied by a close-knit team of professionals, Rose credits her staff with being at the heart of the business.

Jane, Danae, Kate, Natasha, Ella, Lacey and in-house jeweller, Alan, are all integral members of the team.

“Come in and explore our range of beautiful diamonds, gold and gem-stone jewellery,” said Rose.

“Follow your heart’s desire for a jewelled beauty.”

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Sit down with Burdekin Shire Council and meet with footy legend Wally Lewis, for an afternoon of advocating for mental health and positive lifestyle.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin says, “This first-class event is part of a range of community work that Council has supported over recent years where residents have been provided with practical take away tools and tips to stay motivated and strengthen mental health resilience.”

Stemming from a series of previous events promoting mental health and wellbeing, including the Ladies Long Lunch with Jules Sebastian, Farmers and Friends with Johnathon Thurston, and ‘Sing it Out’ Youth Workshop, Kickoff The Conversation hopes to shed light on the importance of resilience and avenues for support.

“Wally ‘The King’ Lewis will share his life experiences, how he has strengthened his mental health and resilience over the journey, and how to reach out to others you might know to offer practical support,” Mayor Lyn explained.

Wally will be joined by Kate Gaze, professional Australian basketballer, who represented Townsville in the Women’s National Basketball League, Warren Davies, from The Unbreakable Farmer, and an array of local speakers.

“You can expect to have fun, connect with like-minded people, and learn about how they keep optimistic and build mental health resilience, and of course be well fed and entertained,” said Mayor Lyn.

WHAT: Kickoff The Conversation with Wally Lewis

WHERE: Burdekin Theatre

WHEN: Saturday, October 28, from 6.30pm

TICKETS: Available from the Burdekin Theatre

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Wally ‘The King’ Lewis to lead conversations at Council event. Photo supplied

The opening weekend for Finding Nemo at the Burdekin Lighthouse came alive, with a spectacular under the sea performance by the juniors of Burdekin Singers.

Parents have worked diligently behind the scenes, and the junior performers have put in countless hours of rehearsals to bring Finding Nemo Jr to life.

The Burdekin Singers group stated, “It takes an entire school to put on a production like this.

“Opening night, our cast and crew were ready to adventure into the big ol’ blue!

“We would like to give a shout out to the most creative parents in the Big Blue World. A big thank you to everyone who came to the shows this weekend!”

This show is clearly one you don’t want to miss! Get in quick to secure yourself a ticket, because the last show available will take place on 3rd November.

Jump off the boat and dive into Finding Nemo Jr at trybooking.com

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Sets being painted for the opening weekend

Parents working around the clock on prop designs

Junior group ready to 'just keep swimming' to their first show!

Credit: Burdekin Singers

Almost 300 parents, families, staff, students and invited guests filled the Burdekin Memorial Hall for the Home Hill State High School’s 60th Annual Presentation of Awards ceremony.

The school community reflected on the year that was and celebrated the achievements of its students with over 170 awards presented across academic, vocational, cultural, leadership, community service and sporting fields.

Congratulations to all students who received awards.

SPORTS AWARDS

Sports House Captains

UPSTART: Elayna Arboit & Elli Oakes

INKEMAN: Matilda Colls & Morgan Leard-Lamont

BEACHMOUNT: Alana Dobe & Jasmine Styles

Lloyd Mann Open Age Athletes of the Year: Jasmine Styles & Maliq Ogomeni

Carol Coutts Memorial House Spirit Trophy: Upstart

The Australian Olympic Change Maker Program: Jasmine Styles & Martina Bojack

Vince Toohey Memorial Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Arlow Brown

John Cook Memorial Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Jasmine Styles

Don McDowell Sportsperson of the Year: Jasmine Styles

SPECIAL AWARDS & BURSARIES

Rotary Club Home Hill Inc Shield (Year 9 Dux): Georgia Howie

Ampol Best All Rounder: Martina Bojack

Dale Cooper Memorial Bursary (Year 9 English): Faryn Poli

Dale Last MP Community Service Award: Martina Bojack & Jasmine Styles

NQ AUSImm Bursary (Year 11): Jacob Machin

Bendigo Bank Accounting Award (Year 12): Martina Bojack  

Zonta Girl’s Science Encouragement Award (Year 10): Grace Ogomeni

McDonald’s Award: Wesley Cooper (Year 12 ISK) and Jasmine Styles (Year 12 FDS)

Dawson Medal: Martina Bojack

Burdekin Art Society Award: Addison MacDonald

TAFE at Schools Award: Dean Kaminski  

JCU Encouragement Awards (Year 10): Grace Ogomeni and Cruz Torkington

Senior Cultural Award: Jasmine Styles

Junior Cultural Award: Lucy Young

North Queensland Instrumental Music Awards:  

Level 1 – Bass Guitar: Luke Blacklock

Level 2 – Clarinet: Medea Burr

Level 5 – Trumpet: David Kelly

Sunwater Agribusiness Award: Martina Bojack

The Sunwater Agribusiness Bursaries (yrs 7-9): Riley Chapman

The Sunwater Agribusiness Bursaries (yrs 10-12): Daniel Haynes and Matilda Colls

ADF Leadership & Teamwork Awards: Grace Ogomeni (Year 10) and Martina Bojack (Year 12)

ADF Future Innovators Award: Cruz Torkington (Year 10) and Joshua Machin (Year 12)

Indigenous Pride Award: Zaine Palmer and Blaize Palmer

Andrew Sherrington Award: Blaize Palmer

Junior Secondary School Captains: Georgia Howie

Indigenous School Captain: Matilda Colls

School Captains Awards: Martina Bojack & Joshua Machin

Student Council Executive: Morgan Leard-Lamont, Lily Jackson, Brea Betteridge, Jasmine Styles & Cooper Talbot

Rotary Club of Home Hill Inc Community Service Award: Elayna Arboit, Brea Betteridge, Martina Bojack, Talitha Carroll, Travis Crichton, Harmony Fletcher, Lily Jackson, Morgan Leard-Lamont, Joshua Machin, Rina Patane, Jasmine Styles, Cooper Talbot

Leadership Awards: Brea Betteridge, Martina Bojack, Harmony Fletcher, Lily Jackson, Morgan Leard-Lamont, Joshua Machin, Rina Patane, Jasmine Styles, Georgia Howie

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Martina Bojack and Jasmine Styles

Zaine Palmer with JURU Enterprises Mr Ricky Dallachy

Blaize Palmer with Sergeant Andrew Sherrington

Georgia Howie and Meg Wilson

Grace Ogomeni with Zonta President Mrs Judy Sgarbossa

Addison MacDonald

Jacob Machin with AusIMM Representative Mr Cameron Skinner

Matilda Colls and Daniel Hayne

Solutions @ ELA celebrated one year of cleaning excellence last Sunday and invited the community to join in a massive morning of discounts, giveaways, and activities.

Photos supplied: Solutions at ELA

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Wrangler, Ariat, Pure Western, Bullzye, and Thomas Cook, all the very best brands for the hardworking, dedicated regional people of Burdekin, and all available just a short stone’s throw away in Bowen.

Coral City 2 Country is your one stop shop for the best quality merchandise with a wide range of country clothing, ensuring the very best for the paddock, farm and all aspects of country living.

With over 600 square meters of uninterrupted floor space, the short drive to Coral City 2 Country is worth it for the whole family, with country clothing, women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and accessories all available.

“We stock everything you’d ever need, all under one roof,” said Wendy Bickhoff, owner and operator of Coral City 2 Country.

“From your horse to your hat, we have absolutely everything you should need, and everything for the whole family.”

“You can walk in here with nothing, and come home with tonnes of new complete outfits, from boots to hats, and everything in between.”

Wendy and her team even have you sorted with a wide variety of hats, belts, and boots available to try on and purchase in store, with some of the biggest names: Ariat, Twisted X, Pure Western, and Roper.

Keeping the region well-dressed since 2009, Wendy has invaluable expertise, and a keen eye for detail.

“We initially started with the country clothing but expanded over time,” she explains.

Since then, Coral City 2 Country has built a reputation of quality fashion, so no one will leave the shop empty handed.

“We have customers coming from across the state visiting us, from Ayr and Home Hill to Airlie Beach, Moranbah, Collinsville,” Wendy said.

And the family don’t stop there, offering quick alterations for jeans, ensuring the best fit for the best look, with speedy turnarounds, while you wait.

Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm, and Saturday 8.30am to 12pm, pop in next time you’re in Bowen – 42 George Street, Bowen - or visit their extensively stocked online shop at  city2country.au

Wendy’s Top Tips To Get The Perfect Fit:

1. A quick way to test pant waist size is to hold the waistline to your neck. If the waist slightly overlaps, the pants will be a perfect fit.

2. Similar to the above, your elbow to your knuckle is the same width as your waist, so you can measure pant waist with your arm.

3. An easy hack to figure your hat size is to put on a too big hat and measure the distance with your fingers. One finger equals one centimetre.

4. When fitting a top boot, the heels should rise an inch, and the back should hit the heel cap, and then go down. If the heel cap doesn’t touch back, then boot too long.

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The team at Coral City 2 Country, Wendy and Mark Bickhoff and Mary, Wendy’s mother

Wendy Bickhoff showcasing the fantastic variety at Coral City 2 Country. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Dominique’s Keeping Us Best Dressed

The Dominque’s brand has been synonymous with quality and success for over 15 years, since mother-daughter duo Jenny Papale and Dominique Gorey initially opened their florist in Queen Street, Ayr.

Since then, the name has gone through a few evolutions, including transitioning into an events team, before settling on a clothing boutique almost two years ago.

“For the last 15 years, Dominque and I have always worked together, since she graduated school,” Jenny explained.

“We are a great team, with the boys often helping with our events, and now Dominique’s three children helping around the shop in the school holidays.

“But we have a lot of fun with it!”

Stocking Adorne and By Frankie, plus so much more, there is absolutely something for everyone, and often modelled by Jenny and Dominique themselves.

“We find the modelling the least fun aspect of the job, but it’s helpful for our customers to see the clothing on real people.”

But alas, Dominique’s has become a beacon for affordable, smart casual fashion, prefect for a Burdekin lifestyle.

“We are conscious about being body positive, and we want everyone to leave the shop feeling great.

Fresh and fun social media is Dominique’s passion, regularly hosting live unboxings of new stock on Instagram, and modelling the new items for Facebook and their website.

And don’t forget, with an online store, you can order the newest stock instantly, with free click and collect, and even quick delivery times, with Jenny ensuring same day dispatch with a frequent 30min dispatch.

Visit dominiques.online/s/shop or visit their Queen Street store.

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Dotty Daisy Flowers

It was an easy decision for Amy Munro 19-years-ago when the Dotty Daisy Flowers adventure began with her sister Katy, and since then a lot has changed.  

Amy is now the sole owner, and her and the Dotty team are proud of the blooming florist on Queen St in Ayr.

An entrepreneurial person, she has overseen an expansion in the business, welcoming more floral options, chocolates, gifts and even the new Sage and Clare brand of homewares into the compact and quaint shop front.

“We always have fresh flowers ready to go, and try to source the best variety,” explained Amy.

“And we offer delivery all across the Burdekin, Monday to Saturday at different times in the day.

“Dotty Daisy is a little shop, but we packed a lot into it, with our extensive range of homewares and gifts.  

“We also have an online flowers, gifts, and homewares, which makes ordering and shopping available 24hours.”

This one-stop-shop is always changing, but consistently lively, colourful, and fun.

Definitely check it out next time you’re on Queen Street.

Q Street Collective

Amy’s second business, Q Street Collective, is a new venture, taking that one on in July this year.

“It was just an amazing opportunity, the fit out was great, everything was fresh, I just had to walk in and with the existing Q Street girls and the Dotty girls have been enthusiastic and now just putting our own touch to it all,” Amy explained.

For her, fashion was something she always aspired to be involved in, and Q Street Collective was an opportunity she could not pass up.

“We have a bit of everything. Fashion for any event, for all ages and all lifestyles.

“It has all been well received by the customers, it has been amazing. There is always something new in store.”

With brands such as Country Road, Shona Joy, Daisy Says, Lokoa, and Liberty Jewellery, and so much more, Q Street Collective will have anyone dressed best for any event.

And with online ordering available, and the choice to pick up instore or shipping, you can ensure you won’t miss out on the newest stock. Visit shopqstreetcollective.com

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An Ayr doctor has returned from the adventure of a lifetime, completing the Kokoda track in just seven days in September.

The opportunity arose for Dr Ian Condon of Ayr Health Service when he was invited by his brother, Luke, who is based in Papua New Guinea as part of Australian Defence’s Defence Cooperation Program.

The trip was organised by the Australian Army and allowed Defence personnel to invite family and friends, forming a group of 18 to take on the challenge.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but just never thought I’d get the opportunity, so I couldn’t say no,” said Dr Condon.

Led by ex-army reservist and military historian David Howell, the group walked from the north of PNG to the south, starting from Kokoda and finishing at Owers Corner.

“We walked all the way up to Mount Bellamy, so the first three days is up, and the last four days is down,” Dr Condon said.

“We did it in the dry season and they say in the dry season it rains every day and in the wet season it rains all day, every day, so we still got wet every day, but we had moments of sunshine.”

Dr Condon was deemed the unofficial team medic, although fortunately his skills weren’t required.

“As a doctor, I saw many disparities in the medical services and the lack of healthcare along the track,” he said.

“In regional PNG, it’s pretty much non-existent.

“It’s inspired me to get involved a bit more with medical donations and helping out overseas for people in need.

“I think we take a lot of things for granted in Australia and we probably overcomplicate things, so I learnt to really enjoy the simplicity of walking, drinking, having a dry roof over my head and making mates along the way.”

The trip fit into Dr Condon’s training schedule perfectly as he had completed the Townsville marathon less than two months prior.

“It’s definitely inspired me to do some more adventure-type stuff,” he said.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I’ll definitely remember it for the rest of my life.”

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Luke and Ian Condon in Papua New Guinea. Photo supplied

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Dveight Has A Sound To Share With The World

By Gracie Hosie

If you haven’t seen him on the field for Burdekin Football Club in a while, it’s because he’s dropped the ball for the bass. Nic Predabon has recently been invited to DJ in Paris and Lyon, and we don’t mean cue a Spotify playlist. Since the age of 17, Nic has been creating mixtapes and music, all whilst traveling to some of Australia’s major cities to share what he’s created. When he’s not on stage and in control of the speakers, Nic works casually on a local cane farm with his parents.

Nic Predabon, who’s stage name is Dveight, has dreamt of playing overseas since the minute he was able to get his hands on a turntable panel. Paris and Leon are only a couple cities on the list of places Nic plans on performing in, in fact his main ambition is to secure a working visa for America to further his name and possibly land a permanent position in the spotlight.

Since 2020, Nic has gained an abundance of experience, accolades and attention within the industry as well as signing to a management label in December of 2020 just before his first show. When beginning his journey as a DJ, Nic jumped at any opportunity to showcase his talent and network with others in the industry including PhaseOne who is a big inspiration for Nic and was fortunate enough to cross paths with at a gig in Mackay.

Within three years Nic has racked up a following across a number of platforms; with 4,624 followers on Instagram and over ten thousand on SoundCloud. It is truly astounding the platform and name Nic has made for himself within an industry that was heavily impacted by COVID-19.

For those who share a similar passion, Nic’s one piece of advice is to “find your driving force to be in the industry and your own sound as an artist and a performer”.

In the next couple of months, Dveight will be perfecting his sound, packing his bags and heading over to Europe on the November 7, playing Lyon on the 10th, followed by Paris on the 11th. Follow @Dveightmusic on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with his European adventures.

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Nic Predabon (Dveight) playing at a show in Perth. Photo supplied

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Showcasing Regional Talent In The Burdekin

The inaugural Live In The Delta Festival has wrapped up, with hundreds of students, performers, and our youth taking to the stage in one of four massive productions.

Celebrating the amazing talent that is prevalent in the region, Live In The Delta showcases Burdekin Brass Band, Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company, Perform Studios, and Delta Music.

From the energetic Battle of the Bands, a fantastic performance of Wind in the Willows, and so much more, there was something for everyone at this brand-new event.

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Burdekin students and youth take to the stage in a mammoth weekend of production and performance. Photos supplied

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It’s the annual event that years 11 and 12 students from across the Burdekin look forward to every year, and 2023’s Home Hill Harvest Festival Students’ Ball definitely delivered glitz, glamour and an ‘enchanting’ night out.

View the gallery here

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Burdekin Christian College students arriving at the 2023 Home Hill Harvest Festival Students’ Ball in style. Photo credit: Hayden Menso Photography

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Coming live to the Burdekin Lighthouse in Ayr, the Finding Nemo Junior theatre production!

The Great Barrier Reef will come to life on a stage near you in October and November, from October 21 to 29 and November 4 to 5.

Based on the beloved Pixar film, the production will feature junior cast members from ages four to fifteen, who are ready to make a splash on the big stage! The show is set to take you under the sea and make you smile, laugh and even cry - with a story that everyone knows and loves.

Treasurer Jim Nuttall from Burdekin Singers commented on the upcoming show, “[Guests] will love it. I saw a bit of it for the first time the other day, it’s looking really good.

“We’ve been waiting for Finding Nemo to come out for the juniors for two to three years. I put the application in straight away; we are the first organisation to do it.

“There's no songs that have ever been done before, they're all new songs.”

The performers are busy with singing rehearsals three to four weeks before the school holidays, for two hours every Sunday.

Jim also comments that living in a tight-knit, small community, it is of dire importance that it is a family affair, with all hands on deck to pitch in and put on a spectacular show.

Parents take on a large role, from preparing food and cleaning, to costume alterations and set design.

This is the first time Burdekin Singers have used an online platform to sell tickets to their shows, with around 600 out of 800 seats sold, Finding Nemo Jr. is set to be a busy night for cast and crew!

Jump on the wave and grab your ticket to Finding Nemo Jr. at trybooking.com.

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Claude is eager and ready for his forever home!

Coming to Angel Paws from Burdekin Pound, Claude is a cuddly purr machine.

Loving a good pat and fantastic chin scratches, Claude will not hesitate to make himself comfortable on his human’s lap.

Equally happy to curl up and watch a movie with his humans, Claude is also always up for a good play with his toys and his humans.

Being a young man, Claude is a ball of energy, so being with brother and sister cats, he will be at home.

Available for adoption, Claude desexed, flea, tick and worm treated, up to date of his vaccines, and microchipped, and ready for his forever home!

PS: Claude is a Manx cross breed and has no tail! Only adds to his charm!

Fast Facts:

Rehoming fee: $185

DOB: 1/03/2022

Sex: Male

Breed: Manx x

Kid friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Untested

Other cats: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors
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To enquire about Claude, or set up a meet and greet, submit the cat/kitten enquiry form here: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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A welcoming atmosphere, diverse selection of fresh food and friendly and caring staff is what has established Cafelicious as a go-to meeting place for people across the Burdekin.

Centrally located in Queen Street, the vibrant café has been owned by Kristian Moretto for two years.

Kristian has a passion for food and a passion for his community, and Cafelicious allows him to serve his community in a personal way.

“I enjoyed being in a kitchen when I was a kid, and I developed a passion for opening something small that can accommodate people in a more intimate way,” he said.

“People are drawn to us and sometimes I feel like we’re a bit of a hidden gem.

“It’s vibrant, it’s loud and it’s very welcoming.”

Regulars visit Cafelicious expecting a high quality and unique style of food, the frequently changing menu bringing a variety of options.

Whether you’re looking for a freshly cooked breakfast, a rejuvenating lunch, or a quick bite to grab and go from the hotbox, there is something for everyone at Cafelicious.

Aromas of fresh coffee fill the space and their milkshakes and smoothies are a crowd favourite.

“I think customers understand that it’s all house made,” Kristian said.

“You can’t fool people with that, they know the quality, and I think it draws them back all the time.”

Kristian leads a tightknit team, instilling that customer and community service in everyone who dons the apron.

The passionate staff members are cross trained across all tasks at the café, eager to lend a hand with whatever the customer requires.

“The team is like an extension of the family,” Kristian said.

“The connection’s a lot deeper and we really appreciate that.

“When people come in, customers will feel it.”

A Queen Street staple, Cafelicious provides the community with fresh food and coffee and does so with pride and a smile.

“We love serving the community, it’s our passion, it drives us, and we’re here to stay,” Kristian said.

Find Cafelicious at 125 Queen St, Ayr.

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Diane, Ornella, Kristian, and Meg of Cafelicious