Wednesday afternoon saw another excellent turnout for bowls. Bev Garioch, Lyn Farr, and Lyn Storrie triumphed over Ann Newton, Vanda Ballao, and Joy Woods. Members are encouraged to join the fun each Wednesday - please have your names in by 1pm for a 1:30pm start.

Friday night’s social bowls drew a fantastic crowd. In the pairs match, Bruce McCallum and Ray Panecassio claimed victory over Margaret McLaughlin and Joe Ypinazar. The triples game went to Ben Mills, Ross McLaughlin, and Jamie Woods, who defeated David Bycroft, Joy Woods, and Gary Pearce.

With some members competing in out-of-town events, numbers were slightly down on Sunday. Nonetheless, Ben Mills, Doug Kiehne, and Joe Ypinazar secured a win against Norm Storrie, Neville Dickenson, and Leo Kenny. In the pairs, Kenny Ferguson and Richard Mau defeated Rob Jorgensen and Alan Garioch, while Lyn Storrie and Peter Jorgensen bested Henry Hazel and Kevin Collins.

A reminder that Trophy Bowls Night, sponsored by Bennett Exhaust, is coming up on Friday, 15 November. As this will be our last event of the year, it promises to be a popular evening - get your names in as soon as possible!

On Saturday, 16 November, Charters Towers will be visiting for a return match. Please check the notice board for additional information.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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The Brandon Bowls Club hosted another awesome week of action

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Home Hill Bowls Club invites the Burdekin to their Come and Try Day, particularly children and teenagers to find out about a new sport to play injury free. It’s a 9am start and will run until lunchtime. Drinks will be available, bring your hat and flat soled shoes. If not, you can go barefoot. For enquiries, please phone 0428183054.

What’s On At The Club
Mondays: 10am Coffee Chats. Come along and join.

Wednesdays: 10am Trimmers
             5:30pm Barefoot Bowls and a sausage sizzle

Thursdays: 9am Bingo
         1pm Social Bowls

Saturdays: 1pm Saturday Bowls Open Mixed

Completion of Competition Bowls to be advised.
Contributed with thanks to Stormin’ Norman.

WHAT: Come & Try Day
WHEN: This Sunday from 9am
WHERE: Home Hill Bowls Club

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You too can play like this!

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The Home Hill Golf Course came alive with friendly competition and laughter during the Golf Ambrose event, a key highlight of the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Participants gathered for a day of teamwork, skill, and light-hearted fun, embracing the event’s spirit by dressing up and celebrating together.
One team added extra flair to the day by dressing up as XXXX beer, sporting simple but creative outfits that paid homage to the iconic Queensland brand, drawing laughs and adding a festive vibe to the course.
The Ambrose format made the event accessible for all skill levels, with teams working together to achieve the best overall score, creating a strong sense of camaraderie among players. After the final holes, participants enjoyed refreshments and a presentation of prizes, recognising standout performances and memorable moments. The Golf Ambrose was a fantastic way to celebrate community spirit, friendship, and the Home Hill Harvest Festival’s longstanding traditions.

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Jacob Hook, Corey Catanzaro, Luke Blackburn and Steve Delle Baite

Rob, Kieren, Gordon and Jason

Shane Hartwell, Jason Forno, Tim Branch, Peter Mackaway

Clark Grogan

Erin Brennan’s Tyrepower Team

Photo credit: Miah Lampard

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The Ayr Golf Club hosted the final monthly medal event of the year for their junior players over the weekend, with plenty of commendable results scored across the board.

The official November 3-hole competition winners were River Vass for Monthly Medal and with Grey Perry celebrated as the Gross Winner. Grey also took out Least putts and Andi Perry took home Longest Putt. 

The 6-hole competition saw the return of some old players with the Club welcoming back and congratulating Parker Lawson who took Monthly Medal, Angus Watson for Gross winner and Parker Lawson and Heath Smart for Least Putts. 

In 9-hole competition Riley Dobe was the Monthly medal winner with an impressive PB. Lyla Land took out Gross winner and Parker Oar won Least putts. 

Congratulations to Jett James for making the move to 9 holes and Hudson Suffeciencia for making his move to 6 holes. Well done! 

Ayr Junior Golf have a come and try with no membership fee for the remainder of the year held Saturday mornings at the Ayr Golf Club. 9 holes 8am, 6 holes 8:30am, 3 holes 9am. The clubhouse have plenty of clubs to lend so why not pop out for a hit. 

Contributed with thanks to Kristina Patane Land.

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November Monthly Medal Winners with presenters, Jett James and Lyla Land.

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The Home Hill Harvest Festival’s annual King and Queen of the Hill event returned on Saturday, October 26, drawing determined participants for a thrilling early morning climb up Inkerman Hill.
Starting at 6.30am, runners raced up to the summit lookout, then descended the steep goat track, where the 2024 Harvest Festival Queens were on hand to record finish times.
This year’s event featured four age categories, each with impressive performances. In the Under 12s, Quinn Jones led the girls at 28:01, while Connor claimed victory for the boys with 25:50. In the 13-17 bracket, Grace Ogemeni finished first for the girls at 27:33, and Luke Blacklock clocked a fast 17:42 for the boys.
The 18-35 category saw Jennifer Fotimos lead with 22:15, while Brendan Maltby set a new record with a blazing 16 minutes. For the 35+ group, Naomi Jones took the crown at 23:17, and Robert A. Rama led the men with 17:35.
The King and Queen of the Hill remains a festival highlight, showcasing the community’s athletic spirit and resilience.

Photo credit: Marni Hine

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A small but thriving fishing club in the Burdekin is celebrating its 50th year in 2024. The Burdekin District Sportfishing club owes its longevity to a very strong family and social thread which runs alongside the competitive fishing aspect.  
Monthly competitions culminate in a weigh-in and BBQ at a member’s residence which brings the whole group together in an informal and personal setting.
The competitive element is always present but members do share “secret” spots and are keen to encourage new and younger members. These days, club members often weigh in fish alongside their nurturing grandparents!
The club is marking its remarkable 50 years with a celebration at the Annual Presentation Night in mid-December. Any prospective or past members or anyone associated with the club through interclub competitions etc. who wish to take part in the celebrations can make contact through the club’s Facebook page and advise of their intention by the end of November.  
Happy 50th Anniversary to the Burdekin District Sportfishing Club.

Burdekin District Sportfishing Club trophy winners at their last Presentation Night. Photo supplied

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Local

The Escriva Cup is due to be played this Friday evening, 1st November and is a fundraiser held by The SLoBs (Soccer Legends of the Burdekin) to help out ex-players with health problems. Last year fourteen Men’s teams and two Ladies teams took part. Hopefully, we will have more teams involved this year.

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 8 was played in good conditions and with only one forfeit. The 21games produced 65 goals and just the one Sin Bin. Congratulations to DL Lager’s Glen Stockdale! Top scorers for the Men were 7 Stooges with five goals and for the Women, UDS Ladies who scored six goals.

FJV beat Mottin Earthmoving to go top of Group A1 with Mottos dropping to second place. UDS still lead in Group A2 from FUFC and Wires Down are still at the top of Group B with Jaime’s Boys and Old Grumpies in hot pursuit.

In the Women’s competition UDS Ladies still top the A Grade table with a perfect record and Sanco Produce has moved up to second place. Shin Kickers are the leaders in B Grade but only on goal difference from Blue Goal Diggers

Juniors

Junior social soccer re-kickstarted after the rain cancelled last Tuesday.  The kids had a great afternoon playing with their friends both current and new.

Managers, please ensure you get your team on the field no matter how many kids there are, to get the game started on time, as the half an hour goes quickly. Also, Managers and parents who have been involved in soccer before, please do not be afraid to help out the kids who haven’t played before.

Just a couple of things also you can help the youth referees out this week. Please ensure your team is at least five metres back from kick-ins and goal kicks, and even the younger grades ask your team to come back to halfway if you are defending from a goal kick.

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The Ayr Golf Club was the place to be over the weekend with the Karrie Webb Junior Masters hosting the talents plenty of young golfers across the green. The weather was exceptional and enjoyed by all 79 players over the two-day event as generously sponsored by Raine and Horne and Mizuno Golf.

The Club saw young golfers from the Burdekin, Cairns, Townsville, Charters Towers, Bowen, Proserpine, Yeppoon, Gladstone, Harvey Bay, Bribie Island and Mt Warren showcase their skills on the Ayr Golf Club’s green.

3-, 6- and 9-hole competition was sponsored and presented by Carla from Raine and Horne.

3-hole winners 
Ezra Ward - Nett Winner
Lincoln Lacey - Nett R/Up
Tyler Smith - Gross Winner
Rylan Craig - Gross R/Up

6-hole winners
Girls
Hunter Oar - Nett Winner
Imogen Ward - Gross Winner
Ella Church - Gross R/Up

Boys
Colten Ward - Nett Winner
Heath Smart - Nett R/Up
Curtis Borellini - Gross Winner
Leo Godfrey - Gross R/Up
 
9-hole winners
Girls
Lyla Land - Nett Winner
Emma Fixter - Nett R/Up
Renee Ward - Gross Winner
Kylie Fixter - Gross R/Up

Boys
Flynn Godfrey - Nett Winner
Jasper Godfrey - Nett R/Up
Hudson Calvert Gross Winner
Kale Malone - Gross R/Up

18-hole competition prizes were sponsored and presented by Steve from Mizuno Golf 

18-hole winners
Girls
Gabby Cahill - Nett Winner
Phoebe Moffat - Nett R/Up
Lilly McGuiness - Gross Winner
Amara Aston - Gross R/Up

Boys
Rico Avolio - Nett Winner
Jacob Painter - Nett R/Up
Nicholas Stedman - Gross Winner
Dallas Douglas - Gross R/Up

The Club shared that the event would not have been a success without event organiser Evelyn Webb and her commitment to making this Masters bigger and better every year. A warm thanks was also extended to the Ayr Golf Club and all the volunteers that helped over the weekend. 

Contributed with thanks to Kristina Land.

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18 Hole Male Winner Nicholas Stedman, with Steve from Mizuno Golf.
18 Hole Female Winner Lilly McGuiness with Steve from Mizuno Golf. 

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Saturday 2nd Of September 1.00pm to 5.00pm ( Patrol Group A) Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, Jane Rickets.
Sunday 3rd Of September 9.00am to 5.00pm ( All day Patrol Group F) Lisa Furnell, Jen Morgan, John Furnell, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Satori, Jake Satori, Kat Satori, Dave Satori.
Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

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The Ayr Surf Club travelled to Mackay over the weekend for the 2024 North Australian Championships. North Aussies is a 3-day carnival with clubs from as north as Port Douglas to as far south as Mooloolaba uniting for one of Queensland's most iconic volunteer movements, Surf Life Saving.  The Friday consisted of the Pool Rescue competition, where 12 Ayr competitors battled it out in the pool at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex, demonstrating rescue techniques and skills against some very stiff competition. The first event in the pool saw 2 of the Ayr nippers, Charlotte Dale and Taylor Chapman, take silver in the Under 11 Female 100m Patient Tow. In the Under 13 Female 100m Patient Tow, Emma Jones & Milla Chapman took out the bronze medal. Taylor Chapman had a fantastic meet, also grabbing a gold in the U11 Female 50m Brick Carry and a silver in the U11 Female 100m Obstacle Race. Kristy Wassmuth continued from her World Championships Pool Rescue success winning the 40-49 years Female 100m Obstacle Race and getting silver in the 100m Manikin Tow. All competitors did incredibly well undertaking events that they don't normally have the opportunity to compete in.

The action then headed to Mackay Harbour Beach for the weekend, where 20 competitors took to the surf and the sand to tackle the usual Surf Sports Program.  There were some incredible individual and team performances over the carnival with some special mentions to the U11 nippers at their first North Aussies experiencing competing against different clubs for the first time. Charlotte Dale in U11s took out both the board and iron person event gaining gold, with a bronze in her surf race. Taylor Chapman in U11s gained a bronze in her iron person, a silver in the 1km beach run. Charlotte & Taylor also took home a silver in their Board Rescue and combined with Alexandra Moloney in the board relay to grab the Bronze medal. Milla Chapman took gold in both the U13 Female beach sprint and beach flags and gained selection in the Queensland Country Team which heads to the Interbranch Championships later on in the year. Isla Chapman took out the gold for the U15 Female 2km beach run and the bronze in the beach sprint and was named as a reserve for the Queensland Country Team. Ryley Sartori took out Bronze in the U17 Female 2km beach run and Kristy Wassmuth took out bronze in both her Masters surf race and tube race. 

For the first time in decades, Ayr sported 2 R&R (Rescue and Resuscitation) Teams to compete at the Championships. R&R is a more traditional event focusing on simulating rescue and resuscitation skills with precision and finesse. The teams had a great first carnival, after only taking up the event at the beginning of the month, and the U14/15 Team of Briella Wassmuth and Bella Lawry, managed to gain a Bronze medal, and the U13/14 Team of Charlotte Lawry and Emilee Wassmuth took out fourth. The next test of our lifesaving skills will take place in Ayr at the North Barrier Branch Surf Rescue Championships in November.

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry.

In action! Charlotte Dale was awarded gold in U11 Board & Iron Person.
Taylor Chapman, Charlotte Dale & Alexandra Moloney were awarded the bronze title in the U11 Mixed Board Relay.
U14/15 R&R bronze winners Bella Lawry & Briella Wassmuth.
Cole Pontifex in the U13 Male Board Final catching a wave!
Ready set go! U13 nippers at the start of the Female Board Race Semi-Final.
Action shot! Taylor Chapman diving in U11 Female Flags.
Taylor Chapman & Charlotte Dale took out silver in the U11 Female 100m Patient Tow.
Zachary Dale diving into the U14 Male Manikin Tow event.
Emma Jones & Milla Chapman were awarded bronze in the U13 Female 100m Patient Tow.

A lot of visitors have popped in for a game of bowls, discovering the force that is Home Hill Bowls Club. Bowlers from other regions have stopped by, like Rod Haderfield and his dog Blackjack.
Steve and Annie from Giru have enjoyed playing bowls at Home Hill along with Phil Marsden who has now become a regular. People like Mick Olsen, our fellow adjudicator is the backbone of any club for all they do asking for nothing in return.
The pairs competition had another great turnout on Saturday, attracting competitors from all over, Bowen, Brandon, Ayr and Giru. This has proved a great success, a big thank you to all our players and sponsors, particularly the Home Hill Prawn Stop and Walkers Oil.
As the bowling year has unfolded, the strength of the members of the club who have come together to help and promote the Home Hill Sports and Bowls Club has been a privilege to watch as each and every one has grown, and the leadership of the club has shown to be exceptional.
With this strength, the club will grow and grow only for the better. The atmosphere, as soon as you walk in, is a happy place to spend time, compete and have fun in a social atmosphere.
What’s On at The Club:
Mondays: 10am Coffee Chats. Come along and join.
Wednesdays: 10am Trimmers and  5:30pm Barefoot Bowls and a sausage sizzle
Thursdays: 10am Bingo and 1pm Social Bowls
Saturdays: 1pm Saturday Bowls Open Mixed
Completion of Competition Bowls to be advised.
Come and Try Days: 3rd and 10th November. Please phone 0428 183 054 for details.
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Contributed with thanks to Stormin’ Norman.

Rod Haderfield and his dog Blackjack. Photo Supplied
Steve and Annie
Mick Olsen
Winners are grinners for week 3
Winners are grinners for week 1
Winners are grinners for week 4 are happy.

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The week at Ayr Bowling Club began with Ladies’ Social bowls on Monday 21 October, where Pam Power faced Irene Wilson in the consistency singles. It was a competitive game, with Power emerging victorious in a closely contested match.

Tuesday’s Ladies’ Social bowls drew a good turnout of 16 players, forming three games of triples and one game of pairs. The winners included Merle Nixon, Katharina Stuckler, and Deslie Olsen, who defeated Rayleen Harvey, Ron Soper, and Linda Guimelli. Ruth Moore, Sandra Stidston, and Mary Poli triumphed over Karen Sheperd, Donna Soper, and Dot Cutting, while Karen Page and Heather Jorgensen defeated Beryl Cornford and Irene Wilson in the pairs match.

On Wednesday 23 October, Mixed Social bowls saw three games of triples, with impressive performances across the board. The day’s winners were Graham Warrfit, Margret Chapman, and W. Coonan. Wednesday night also hosted three games of triples, with Evelyn Wiltshere, John Cesconetto, and David Burt winning the first game, and Gary Anderson, Tricia Achille, and Sam Caltabiano winning the second. Luke Anderson, Katharina Stuckler, and Heather Jorgensen claimed victory in the third game.

The Ladies’ Competition on Thursday continued with the three Bowl Pairs. Advancing to the next round, Deslie Olsen and Mary Poli defeated Ruth Moore and Dot Cutting, while Tricia Achille and Pam Power won against Beryl Cornford and Heather Jorgensen in the handicap pairs.

Saturday Social bowls featured two games of triples and one game of fours. The fours winners were G. Wakefield, Ray Wall, Joe Papale, and W. Coonan, who defeated Linda Guimelli, S. Darwen, J. Grabbi, and B. Shepherd. In the triples matches, R. Smythe, M. Chapman, and C. Olditch defeated J. Cisco, H. Hazel, and R. Garner, while J. Pirrone, G. Nixon, and D. Cutting defeated V. Edwards, T. Klopper, M. Nixon, and R. Soper.

Club championships continued on Sunday with Mixed Triples, where J. Hall, Sandra Darwen, and Michael Parravacini defeated D. Soper, B. Shepherd, and R. Soper. In the Mixed Pairs, Lyn Storrie and Gary Pearce claimed victory over Margret Chapman and Henry Hazel. The club board lists upcoming championship games scheduled for November 3.

Ayr Bowling Club invites the community to Fun Friday Night Bowls on Friday, 1 November, starting at 6pm. This social event welcomes all levels of bowlers, whether attending solo or with friends. Entry is $10 per game, which includes a sausage sizzle and a light supper. The sausage sizzle starts at 6pm, and bowling begins at 7pm. For more information or to register, contact Maurie Power at 0412 551 816 or Pam Power at 0458 330 019.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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Fourteen bowlers gathered for an enjoyable Friday evening of social bowls and friendly banter at the Brandon Bowls Club. The evening featured one game of triples, where Joy Woods, Lyn Storrie, and "Rampaging" Ray Paneccasio triumphed over Margaret McLaughlan, Lyn Storrie, and Joe Yipnazar. Storrie humorously struggled to remember who her skip was, as the team was short one player.

Two pairs matches followed. In the first, Norm Storrie teamed up with "Mr. Bowls" Gary Pearce to defeat David Bycroft and Jamie Woods in a dominant performance. The final pairs game saw new member Bruce McCallum and Ross McLaughlin claim a decisive victory over Jayson Farry and Lloyd Shepherd.

The evening’s jackpot didn’t go off, but overall winners of the night were Norm Storrie and Gary Pearce.

Sunday saw two Championship events unfold at the club. The early triples game featured Vince Beitia, Ray Paneccasio, and Leo Kenny, who played a strong game to defeat Mick McCloskey, Alan Gairoch, and Peter Jorgensen.

In the A Grade Pairs final, Peter Henderson and Jamie Woods took on the family duo Chris and Gary Pearce. Henderson and Woods initially led, but Chris and Gary rallied, ultimately securing the title with a powerful comeback, maintaining their reign for another year.

Alongside the A Grade final, two social rinks games took place for Sunday social bowls. In the first game, Neville Dickinson, Mick McCloskey, Joe Yipnazar, and Doug Robins defeated Norm Storrie, "Birthday Boy" Glenn Woodford, Alan Gairoch, and Leo Kenny. In the final rink, Ken Ferguson, Rob Jorgensen, Doug Kiehne, and "Welcome Back" Danny O’Shea bested Ben Mills, Henry Hazel, Ray Paneccasio, and Len Feeney.

With the jackpot once again unclaimed, the club looks forward to next week’s events.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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Peter Henderson, Jamie Woods, and Gary and Chris Pearce went head to head in Sunday’s Championship matches.

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The past week has been a busy one for the Home Hill Cricket Association. On Tuesday afternoon, the Rookies program took place at East Ayr State School, where coaches Guy and Thomas led children in a fun-filled session focused on the fundamental skills of cricket. During Friday afternoon’s Challengers games, Corey Pensini and Nicholas Marrinan stood out as top scorers, followed closely by strong performances from Noah Tanner and Henry Cohen. Levi Trail earned the "McDonald's Sports Award" this week, recognised for his impressive bowling and fielding efforts.

In the "Blue" group, Kip Nicholas claimed the award for his well-rounded performance with both bat and ball, remaining unbeaten with 12 runs and delivering an economical bowling spell, including a maiden over. Tait Parker also ended his innings not out, scoring 11 runs with a boundary. Jude Shannon and Tyler Smith each took a wicket, while Kye Quinlan achieved two runouts, showcasing the team’s strength in the field.

The "Gold" group saw some players missing due to the North Queensland Cricket Association (NQCA) Trials over the weekend, with several "Blue" players stepping up to fill in. Among them, Alex Cullen and Kaisen Petersen batted well, both retiring not out. Kaisen also bowled two economical overs, earning him the "McDonald's Sports Award" for his performance. Logan Pickup claimed two wickets, while Nate Quagliata and Nathaniel Backo took one each.

The weekend also brought NQCA trials for the Under 12s to Under 16s, with five Home Hill Cricket Association players participating. Oliver Calligaro, Xavier Cross, Marshall Parker, and Mark Wilkie travelled to Ingham for the Under 12 trials, while Thomas Cardillo headed to Townsville for the Under 16s. Meanwhile, the Home Hill club hosted the Under 13s for their two-day trial at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Heidke.

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Commended for his exceptional performance, Kip Nicholas was presented with a Sports Award!
Levi Trail was celebrated for his bowling and fielding efforts with a Sports Award.
Praised for his batting, Kaisen Petersen scored a Sports Award for his performance.
Mark Wilkie, Oliver Calligaro, Marshall Parker, and Xavier Cross performed amazingly at the U12 NQCA Trials in Ingham.
Thomas Cardillo impressed onlookers at the U16 NQCA Trials in Townsville.
Top scorers Corey Pensini and Nicholas Marrinan in action!
Alex Cullen’s batting skills impressed spectators!
Tait Parker scored 11 runs!
Friday afternoon saw plenty of action in the Challenger Games.

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The Ayr and Home Hill Rugby teams. Photo credit: Marni Hine

Friendly Rivalry and Community Spirit
At Town Of Origin Event

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The Town of Origin event on Sunday delivered an action-packed day of sports, with Home Hill securing the overall victory in thrilling fashion. The competition between the two towns featured cricket, netball, and rugby, each fiercely contested and filled with moments of excitement.
The day kicked off with cricket, where Ayr claimed a narrow victory in a match that went down to the wire. Ayr posted a solid score of 3/136, but Home Hill came close, finishing with 5/135. Despite strong batting from Home Hill’s top order, they fell just short of victory, handing Ayr the lead.
Next came the netball match, where Home Hill dominated from the start, bouncing back from the cricket loss. Their superior teamwork and precision shooting saw them pull away, finishing with a commanding 27-16 win over Ayr. This result brought the two towns level in the overall standings, setting the stage for a dramatic rugby decider.
The rugby match was a highlight of the day, providing a nail-biting finish that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The match was closely fought, with both teams exchanging points throughout. However, it was in the final six minutes that the drama truly unfolded. Ayr and Home Hill each scored a try in quick succession, but Home Hill held on to clinch a thrilling 24-22 victory. Their try sealed the win and secured the overall Town of Origin title for Home Hill.
Beyond the sports, the day featured plenty of fun for families and spectators. The tug-of-war during the rugby half time between the local children and the Harvest Festival Queens was a crowd favorite, with the kids coming out on top. Attendees were treated to delicious food from the Lions Club, while the Home Hill Community Kindergarten kept everyone refreshed with drinks and snacks. Kids enjoyed the jumping castle, and the Burdekin Cruisers Club displayed a selection of classic cars, adding to the community atmosphere.
It was a fantastic day of sport and entertainment, with Home Hill emerging as the Town of Origin champions for this year.
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Photo credit: Marni Hine

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