Home Hill State High School opened its Agricultural Precinct on ursday, 21 August, o ering students, families, local businesses, and the general
new facility for the rst time. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Home Hill State High School opened its Agricultural Precinct on ursday, 21 August, o ering students, families, local businesses, and the general public an opportunity to explore the new facility for the rst time.
e day began with a welcome and acknowledgments, followed by student-led tours of the green-
house, the Dig Inn market garden, the Aqua Lab, and the kitchen.
Industry groups including Canegrowers, Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network, Sunwater, and Bowen Gumlu Growers Association ran stalls, o ering displays and Virtual Reality demonstrations. Visitors also joined plant identi -
cation activities, received seedlings, and sampled local produce, pickles, and tuckshop food, with a feedback wall and survey gathering ideas for future involvement.
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WILMAR
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Rachael Smith – 0417 267 373 rachael@lifepublishinggroup.com
JOURNALISTS
Jacob Casha – 0484 501 662 jacob@lifepublishinggroup.com
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Jump in with Jacob
What I’ve had to quickly learn in this town is that there’s a story in everything, and everyone, if you’re willing to dig deep enough.
is industry is much more nuanced than some might imagine— in fact I’ve come to realise that rst hand.
During my short time as a freelancer in Sydney, and even as an intern in Pittsburgh, I came to know journalism as an industry that was quite mechanical. It became a tedious cycle—news ying in from all directions, si ing through the noise, extracting what mattered, and producing articles that felt robotic, detached, almost lifeless in their lack of creativity.
Community journalism is a little di erent—and in ways that I quite enjoy. It pushes you to be more proactive, to look under every rock in search of a story. It allows for more creativity, not only in
that way, but also in the freedom it grants you as a story teller.
Most importantly, it breaks down the barrier between journalist and reader. Instead of sitting behind an o ce wall, you’re out there, immersed, living alongside the people you write for. You stop feeling like an outsider looking in, and instead become part of community itself.
Although I’m still learning with every day on the job, I’m beginning to understand that community journalism isn’t just about reporting—it’s about belonging. It’s about resonating with the community, not just in your writing, but in how you carry yourself. And although I’m no local, with each person I meet, and every story that I write, that gap is being bridged.
Jacob
GOOD DEED
Last Monday, the quick thinking and kindness of a local helped save a distressed sea turtle washed ashore at Wunjunga Beach.
“ ank you to the lovely animal carers that drove all the way to Townsville with our earth’s valuable sea creature,” wrote Annie Taylor in a post she shared online.
Before the animal carers arrived, Annie and other locals worked together to keep the turtle calm and comfortable, gently placing wet towels over its body and keeping its eyes moist. eir e orts ensured the turtle was in the best possible condition before being safely
transported by professionals to James Cook University Veterinary Clinic in Townsville. Annie’s thoughtful actions highlight the care and compassion of the local community, reminding everyone of the difference a few willing hands can make for wildlife in need. She also shared her observations of the shoreline online, sparking important conversations about preserving the natural habitat that supports these incredible marine creatures.
For anyone who spots wildlife in trouble, NQ Wildlife Care is ready to help! Call 0414 717 374.
Burdekin Cyclists Pedal For A Cure In Townsville To Cairns Ride
Twelve local cyclists proudly represented the Burdekin in the 25th annual Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride, joining 191 riders for the gruelling 371km journey.
Riding as part of the Eagles group, the team tackled the three-day event, which raises vital funds for children’s cancer research. e opening leg covered 108km from Townsville to Ingham, followed by a challenging 170km ride from Ingham to Innisfail on Day Two. Riders faced the notorious Cardwell Range before continuing via the old Tully highway to Silkwood, Mena Creek and South Johnstone. e nal day was a 93km stretch into Cairns, where the group crossed the nish line together.
Stolen Property Seized and Drivers Charged in Ayr Area
Police have seized approximately $90,000 worth of stolen property at Cromarty following a search on August 20. O cers recovered a car trailer, a trailer carrying a Polaris buggy, a camper trailer, two outboard motors and four Weber BBQs. Investigations into the the s remain ongoing.
Meanwhile, police have received complaints regarding motorists travelling along Giddy Road. In response, o cers will conduct regular patrols and targeted tra c enforcement in the area.
Several motorists have also been charged
with drink driving across Ayr and surrounding towns over the past week. On August 15, a 54-year-old Bowen man was intercepted on the Bruce Highway, Ayr, and charged. e following day, two Ayr women, aged 34 and 36, were separately charged a er being stopped on Cislowski Road and Chippendale Street. On August 17, a 34-year-old Ayr woman, a 20-year-old Giru man and a 35-year-old Cairns woman were all charged a er being intercepted in Ayr. e Giru man also faced an additional charge of unlicensed driving.
Two motorists also tested positive for drugs while driving. A 44-year-old Home Hill man was charged on August 16 a er being stopped on Beach Road, Ayr, while a 53-year-old Ayr man was charged on August 18 on Chippendale Street.
the Ride’ honour. e award recognises a rider who demonstrates dedication, inclusiveness, and an ongoing commitment to the Eagles.
e ride held special meaning for the local team, who dedicated their e orts to the late Michael “Moon” Mooney. Moon, who passed away in 2019 from Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma, completed the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride six times.
Local riders Kurt Perry and Brooke Cross claimed the Eagles’ “King and Queen of the Mountain” titles as the rst male and female to conquer the Cardwell Range. Both Perry and Cross, along with Mario Romeo and James Kennedy, were consistently among the front riders, helping lead the team into Cairns.
Several rst-time riders also made their mark, with Meg Blakey, Perry, Andrew Kennedy and Tahia Blakey successfully completing the full ride. Meanwhile, Andrew Sherrington, James Kennedy, James Jensen and Robbie Mitchell were recognised for their incredible commitment, each clocking up more than 10 years of participation.
Further accolades went to Brooke Cross, who was awarded the prestigious ‘Spirit of
Now in its 25th year, the event has raised more than $9 million for children’s cancer research, with this year’s ride contributing $360,155. Each participant was required to raise funds, and the Burdekin contingent alone brought in an impressive $29,035. Leading the way was rst-time rider Meg Blakey, who raised $6,357.
A special acknowledgement goes to Eathorne’s Masters, who contributed $2,458 through the Mooney Cup initiative, which has supported the ride since 2019.
e riders extended their heartfelt thanks to all supporters and sponsors, whose generosity continues to help fund vital research into nding a cure for children’s cancers.
e 12 Burdekin Riders at the Cairns nish line a er completing the 371km 2025
Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride! (back) Evan Shannon, Andrew Sherrington, Andrew Kennedy, (middle) Mario Romeo, James Jensen, Robbie Mitchell, Mark Dale, Tahia Blakey, (front) James Kennedy, Meg Blakey, Brooke Cross, and Kurt Perry (Photo Supplied)
More Support For Damaged Sport Facilities
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has called on local sporting clubs to take advantage of a recently announced fund to assist clubs in recovering from this year’s severe weather event.
e Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and will provide up to $1 Million for repairs and even upgrades to help mitigate the e ects of future events.
“When events like those we saw earlier this year happen, the e ects are felt across the community, including by our sporting clubs,” Mr Last said. “Because of the importance of sport and similar activities in communities like ours, we wanted to ensure those clubs were supported.”
“Funding is available to help repair or replace a wide range of facilities and equipment. In addition to elds and playing surfaces, repairs to canteens, fences, shade structures and car parks are also eligible for funding support.”
“For a lot of sports their seasons are coming to a close, so now is an ideal time to get in and tackle more expansive repairs that are needed to ensure clubs can fully recover and are prepared for the future. While replacing ‘like for like’ will be suitable in most cases, we also want to ensure that opportunities to upgrade are given proper consideration.”
“If clubs can demonstrate that upgrading facilities and equipment represents good value for money, or will help mitigate the impacts of future disasters, then I would encourage them to apply for funding to make those upgrades.”
Mr Last said that even though the weather event may seem a long time ago, he was well aware of the e ort clubs went to ensure activities were available, especially for younger players.
“Even though the weather event caused quite a lot of damage, we de nitely have reason to be thankful,” he said. “I know of several sports where volunteers jumped from their own clean-up to helping their
came rst.”
“To me, that’s why supporting our clubs with funding like this is so important. We all know the bene ts of being active, but we also have clubs where great examples of going the extra mile for your community is demonstrated on a regular basis and that is part of the fabric of our community.”
“Unlike many other funding programs, assessments will commence when applications are received. Whilst that ensures that work gets underway as soon as possible, it also means that clubs need to be proactive because applications will close earlier if funding is exhausted.”
“We have made it clear to the federal government that there may be a need to extend the program or amend the eligibility criteria to ensure we get the best outcomes possible for our local groups.”
“We want our clubs to get back on their feet so Queenslanders can not only experience the physical and mental health bene ts of sport but also the togetherness that these clubs bring to the community. I’d encourage clubs to make contact with their Sport and Recreation o cer as soon as possible to check their eligibility and to get their application lodged.”
Ayr State High School: Regional School, World-Class STEM Opportunities
Ayr State High School continues to excel in STEM education, with students actively engaging in a wide range of opportunities that showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students proudly represented the school in the Australian Mathematics Competition, the ICAS Science Competition, and the International Chemistry Quiz, demonstrating their problem-solving abilities and critical thinking. Four Year 10 students further extended their learning at a three-day maths camp on Magnetic Island, collaborating with peers from across the region. National Science Week was another highlight, with STEM Ambassador Bella Lawry leading engaging activities such as science trivia, handson experiments, and a creative chocolate biscuit periodic table. Together with past STEM ambassadors Melody Curro and Caitlyn Cheyne, Bella also worked with primary school students from East Ayr State School, sparking curiosity and excitement for STEM in younger learners. Past STEM Ambassador Caitlyn Cheyne was selected to take part in the highly competitive SPARQ-ed (Students Per-
forming Advanced Research Queensland – Education) program in Brisbane. is unique biomedical research program is delivered through a collaboration between the Department of Education and the Translational Research Institute (TRI), giving students the rare opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists on cutting-edge projects. School Captain Sophie Robertson also achieved remarkable success, earning the prestigious Peter Doherty Outstanding Senior STEM Student Award, recognising her as one of the state’s most exceptional young scientists. In addition, Sophie was selected as one of only ninety students worldwide to attend the International Science School, joining 45 students from Australia and 45 from countries including China, the UK, and New Zealand - a once-in-a-lifetime experience that places her on the global stage of STEM excellence.
Mr Rob Scalia, Head of Department –Mathematics and Science said, “ ese outstanding successes strongly reinforce that small regional state schools, like Ayr High, are indeed great schools - providing outstanding opportunities and producing exceptional outcomes for students”.
club and, in some cases, the club
STEM Ambassadors with experienced Yr 12 Chemistry, Physics and Biology Teachers Mr Rob Scalia, Melody Curro, Bella Lawry, Mrs Claire Brock, Caitlyn Cheyne, Sophie Robertson and Mrs Maree Holmes
Caleb Is Steering His Future One Work Day At A Time
Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Caleb has his sights set rmly on the automotive trade, splitting his week between the classroom, paid work, and hands-on experience at the Townsville Audi and Porsche dealership just down the road from Tec-NQ House boarding campus.
“I got to work on a timing belt,” said Caleb. “Each day I went to work experience, I walked because it was just up the road.”
Time in a prestigious workshop has given him con dence and clarity. “I get to help the workers in the workshop,” he commented. “Watching how they x problems has shown me what the job is really like.”
Caleb isn’t waiting around for opportunity to knock. He’s stacking experience wherever he can, working part-time. “I also have a job at Dan’s Automotive,” said Caleb. “When I’m not doing work experience or school, I work there, where I am learning a lot.”
Head of Boarding, Luke Papworth, says Caleb’s initiative is exactly what Tec-NQ House is designed to encourage. “Caleb is taking every chance to learn; he’s balancing school, work experience, and a real job. at work ethic is what sets our students up for apprenticeships,” Luke said.
He also points to the advantage of transport and exible sta support. “Transport is provided to the Tec-NQ Douglas co-educational campus each day, and students are driven to and from their workplaces as required,” said Luke. “ at means students can get to placements, arrive on time, and focus on learning rather than logistics,” added Luke.
As a boarder, Caleb bene ts from a supportive home base in Townsville. Tec-NQ House is a purpose-built boys-only boarding facility in Rosslea, providing accommodation for up to forty senior students from regional and remote Queensland so they can access Tec-NQ’s trade-focused senior school program.
e residence blends structure with a
warm, homely feel. Students have 24/7 supervised care, air-conditioned double-occupancy rooms, modern communal lounges, computer access, a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities, and a basketball court.
Daily routines make success easier. An onsite professional chef prepares nutritious meals, sta run a er-hours sport and social activities, and regular excursions build friendships.
“Boarding gives students independence with a safety net,” said Luke. “We set expectations around study, wellbeing and behaviour, and we’re right there to guide them. e result is young people who are ready for the workplace.”
at workplace-ready mindset is exactly
what Caleb is building. He’s learning to communicate with tradespeople, follow procedures, and take pride in doing the small things right: clean tools, tidy bays, and careful checks before a car leaves the workshop. Each shi adds to his condence.
Caleb’s next goal is clear: secure an automotive apprenticeship and keep learning on the tools. With Tec-NQ House providing structure, support and proximity to employers, and with the combination of work experience, paid work and school learning under his belt, he’s well on the way.
Keep up the great work, Caleb; your future is idling at the lights, and you’ve already got the green.
Automotive trade experience. Photo supplied.
Caleb at Tech NQ’s common area. Photo supplied.
Upgrading the Townsville University Hospital
As well as upgrading the Townsville University Hospital, here are some of the ways the new Queensland Government is delivering for North Queensland:
➡ Building a new police station in Kirwan and a crime prevention school in Townsville
➡ Installing air-conditioning at the Thuringowa State High School hall
➡ Fixing the Bruce Highway and Angus Smith Drive roundabout in Douglas
➡ Upgrading netball facilities in the Burdekin and tennis facilities in Ingham
➡ Creating local jobs with CopperString
➡ Delivering more hospital beds and a new multi-storey car park. Delivering for Queensland
Artist Impression
Hands-On Learning On Display
Continued from Cover
The precinct combines horticulture, aquaponics, protected cropping, and traditional farming, preparing students with skills for agriculture, food production, and sustainability.
Construction of the facility happened over a six month period. Funding came from the Department of Education and Navarro Minerals, with support from MP Dale Last. e protected cropping structure, imported from Canada, allows controlled growing conditions, and regulates humidity, temperature, and air ow, reducing pests and disease.
Agriculture Lead Louise Nicholas explained the facility allows students to experience every stage of production. “Students can propagate, grow, harvest, and pack crops, then see their produce distributed to the community. It’s hands-on learning from start to nish,” she said.
Crops such as cucumbers and lettuce were trellised to the ceiling, with the system capable of producing up to 1,500 lettuce heads at a time. Fresh produce was stored in a cold room and distributed through
initiatives like Meals on Wheels, local retirement homes, and local businesses such as e Prawn Stop, which purchased and sold the school’s produce.
e initiative also plans to launch a Vocational Education Training (VET) course in Certi cate II in Production Horticulture in February, partnering with Ayr High School to provide both practical and theoretical learning experiences. e program aims to inspire students to pursue agricultural careers while fostering local workforce development.
Nicholas said community backing has been vital. Local organisations and businesses provided sponsorship, guidance, and intellectual contributions, while the school hopes more will join in as the program grows. “ e community has been incredible. eir support allows students to connect with industry and see real outcomes for their work,” she said.
e Open Day highlighted the new precinct and showed its impact on students and the wider community.
September 28th 2023
ursday 9 January 2025
6 Community News
Celebrate the 2025 Australia Day Awards
The Burdekin Shire Council invites the community to join in the celebration of Australia Day 2025 at the Burdekin Theatre, Ayr, on Sunday 26 January 2025.
Burdekin Shire Council is pleased to announce the successful launch of its new Weedoo aquatic weed harvester at the recently upgraded ramp at Sheepstation Creek.
and groups across various categories, including:
Weedoo Launch Marks Strong Start in Burdekin Waterways
Celebrate the Australia Day
• Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year
the enormous potential of this technology to protect our waterways and, ultimately, the Great Barrier Reef.
The free event, starting at 9:30am, will honour the remarkable contributions and achievements of local residents through the Australia Day Awards and welcome the Burdekin’s newest Australian citizens during a special Citizenship Ceremony.
A Weedoo machine is a specialised piece of equipment designed for aquatic vegetation management.
• Junior and Senior Sporting and Cultural Awards
• Environmental Award
•Volunteer of the Year
Thursday September 28th 2023
protect the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Burdekin Shire Council invites the community to join in the celebration of Australia Day 2025 at the Burdekin Theatre, Ayr, on Sunday 26 January 2025.
ursday 9 January 2025
Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort encourages everyone to attend this meaningful occasion.
The vessel, imported from the United States, is purpose-built for use in aquatic weed environments and provides Council with an innovative tool to improve the health of local waterways.
“Australia Day is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the achievements, diversity, and spirit that make the Burdekin such a special place to call home,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
uring its first outing the eedoo completed four hours of operation, removing an estimated two tonnes of weed in ust the first minutes.
•Community Event of the Year
•Lifetime of Service Certificates for dedicated volunteers who have made long-term contributions to the community.
“It’s a smart investment in the future health of our environment and our community. Council will be working alongside local landholders to restore our creeks and wetlands, creating healthier habitats for both people and wildlife.”
“Burdekin Shire Council is proud to be one of only three Councils in Australia operating a Weedoo harvester, made possible through the support of the Reef Guardian Councils Program.”
The acquisition of the Weedoo was supported through funding under the Reef Guardian Councils Program, which partners with local governments to deliver projects that
The free event, starting at 9:30am, will honour the remarkable contributions and achievements of local residents through the Australia Day Awards and welcome the Burdekin’s newest Australian citizens during a special Citizenship Ceremony.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the launch was a milestone moment in Council’s ongoing environmental e orts.
“I encourage everyone to join us in recognising the outstanding contributions of our residents and welcoming our newest Australian citizens on this significant day.”
The eedoo harvester is an efficient solution for the removal of aquatic weeds and will be actively used to physically remove declared aquatic weeds, which landholders can then repurpose as mulch, contributing to a more sustaina le and efficient management of local waterways.
Celebrate the 2025 Australia Day Awards
The event will feature the Citizenship Ceremony, where the Burdekin’s newest Australians will be officially welcomed. This is a unique opportunity to reflect on the richness of our nation’s diversity and the values we all share.
Let’s come together to celebrate what makes the Burdekin community and Australia truly special.
Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort encourages everyone to attend this meaningful occasion.
The 2025 Australia Day Awards will recognise outstanding individuals
“This new Weedoo aquatic weed harvester is a game changer for our region,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
Tickets to the event are free, but bookings are essential. To secure your place, visit https://bit.ly/AusDayAwards2025.
“To see two tonnes of weed removed in just half an hour shows
PUBLIC NOTICES
The Burdekin Shire Council invites the community to join in the celebration of Australia Day 2025 at the Burdekin Theatre, Ayr, on Sunday 26 January 2025. The free event, starting at 9:30am, will honour the
“Australia Day is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the achievements, diversity, and spirit that make the Burdekin such a special place to call home,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
Yamaha Grizzly 450
• 70050 – Trailer (utilised to carry two ATVs)
• Citizen Year
• Junior Cultural
PUBLIC NOTICES
As residents of the Burdekin Shire, we are fortunate to enjoy reliable access to water for our homes, gardens, and businesses. However, with changing weather patterns and the increasing demand on resources, it’s more important than ever to use water wisely and sustainably.
Tenders are invited for:
• TBSC/25/025 - Register
Burdekin Shire Council encourages the community to adopt smart water practices to ensure we continue to enjoy this vital resource for generations to come. By making small changes in our daily routines, we can collectively reduce water waste and promote sustainable water use.
Simple Ways to Save Water
Full plant details are available on the Pickles website www.pickles. com.au.
If required, there is access to computers with internet access available at our Council Libraries in Ayr or Home Hill. For further information please visit Council’s website https://www. burdekin.qld.gov.au or contact Council’sCustomer Service Section on (07) 4783 9800.
“I encourage everyone to join us in recognising the outstanding contributions of our residents and welcoming our newest Australian citizens on this significant day.”
• Fix Leaks: A dripping tap can waste thousands of litres annually, repair leaks quickly.
• Garden Smarter: Water early or late to reduce evaporation, use mulch and choose drought-resistant plants.
• Use Efficient Appliances: Look for high water-efficiency ratings when upgrading dishwashers, washing machines and showerheads.
• Be Mindful at Home: Turn off the tap when brushing teeth and wash full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.
Burdekin Shire Council is dedicated to managing our water resources responsibly. For more tips and advice, visit Council’s website at burdekin.qld.gov.au.
Home Hill. For further information please visit Council’s website https://www.burdekin.qld.gov.au or contact Council’s Customer Service Section on (07) 4783 9800.
• Environmental
•Volunteer
•Community
•Lifetime for made community.
The ship dekin’s officially opportunity of our ues
The 2025 Australia Day Awards will recognise outstanding individuals and ries,
Let’s what ty and Tickets bookings your DayAwards2025.
PUBLIC NOTICES
Burdekin Shire Council has used plant being disposed by auction pickles.com.au. Inspection
Weedoo Harvester removing weeds from waterways
Minute With The Mayor
Pierina Dalle Cort
At a recent Chamber meeting, I heard about Ren Pedersen’s Million Dollar Mission. A deeply personal initiative born from heartbreak, yet driven by hope and action, highlighting the tough realities faced by families, including those in our community. It is impossible not to be moved by the stories of parents who, with hand on heart, share their journey of tragedy, grief and courage.
Many of you will know Ren, a former Burdekin local now living in Townsville. Ren’s daughter was just seven years old when she was diagnosed with a deadly childhood brain cancer and sadly passed away 16 months later. Since then, Ren has dedicated his life to raising awareness and vital funds for research, with a mission to raise $1 million. His story and the stories of families here in the Burdekin remind us of the urgent need for support. If you are able, I encourage you to contribute. Every single dollar can make a di erence. To do-
On Monday night, I also attended a presentation by the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation, which works to spread a powerful message of respect, empathy, and prevention in the ght against domestic and family violence. It was a reminder of the strength that can come from turning pain into action, and the importance of standing together as a community.
And as we re ect on these important causes, we can also celebrate the connections that unite us. e Burdekin Water Festival is just around the corner, with the Long Lunch this Saturday showcasing our 2025 Festival Ambassadors, it will be a great chance to come together and enjoy the spirit of our region.
Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
Councillor Column
With Councillor
Max Musumeci
It’s always rewarding to see projects progressing that will have long-term bene ts for our community.
Stage 5 of the Home Hill Be-Active Trail is progressing well, with the two-metre-wide concrete footpath currently being constructed along Seventeenth Street between Seventh Avenue and Eleventh Avenue. As someone who has spent plenty of early mornings on the farm watching the “black snow” fall during crushing season, I know how much locals value being outdoors and active in our fresh air. is trail is about creating safe, accessible spaces where families, walkers and cyclists can enjoy Home Hill year-round, with Stage 6 to follow as part of Council’s commitment to building
a fully connected network.
Another milestone reached this month is the adoption of the Burdekin Aquatic Centre Master Plan. is plan will guide the future of the centre and ensures it meets the needs of our community for years to come. Following strong feedback from residents, the design has been re ned which results in practical outcomes that re ects local voices.
Both of these projects show how community input shapes the work Council does. Whether it’s building paths in Home Hill or planning the future of the aquatic centre, these are investments in the wellbeing, connection and lifestyle of the Burdekin.
Standing Up for Change: Burdekin Catholic High School’s Sleep Out Shines a Light on Homelessness
Homelessness is o en viewed as a “big city” problem, but a group of passionate young leaders from Burdekin Catholic High School set out to challenge that belief – and in doing so, inspired the whole community.
e idea for the school’s Stand Up Sleep Out was sparked when Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort encouraged school captains to think about why events like the Vinnies CEO Sleepout are held in major cities such as Brisbane, but rarely in regional towns like Ayr. For school captain Drea Piotto and her peers, the message was clear – homelessness exists in the Burdekin too, and it’s time to bring the issue into the light.
“Our goal was to open people’s eyes, raise awareness, and generate vital support,” Drea explained. “Homelessness is rarely a choice, and breaking that destructive belief was a driving force behind our event.”
e lead-up to the Sleep Out saw students hear powerful stories from people with lived experience, including those whose lives changed in an instant. For many, it was the rst time they truly understood the realities of homelessness –especially in their own backyard.
e event’s success was made possible by the unwavering support of local businesses that included Communi-
ty Bank Home Hill & Ayr. CEOs and community leaders were invited to take part, with an entry donation of $100. Many stepped up, including the Burdekin Shire Council leadership team, showing that leadership extends well beyond the boardroom.
“While it wasn’t the most comfortable night’s sleep, I hope they felt proud knowing they helped create meaningful change,” Drea said.
A key supporter was Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr, whose donation ensured more funds could go directly to the Burdekin Community Association, the chosen bene ciary. is local focus meant every dollar raised stayed in the region to support those who need it most.
“We’re especially grateful to Senior Branch Manager, Chantel Michielin for championing the contribution,” Drea said. “Donations like this truly change lives and help spearhead meaningful change.”
For Drea, the night was a lesson in gratitude and empathy. “It reinforced how fragile life can be and how important it is to see the world from someone else’s perspective,” she re ected.
e Stand Up Sleep Out proved that when the community comes together – young people, businesses, and local leaders – real change can happen, right here in the Burdekin.
Firefighters Bring Road Safety Lessons To Burdekin Students For Road Safety Week
As part of Road Safety Week, Burdekin Catholic High School welcomed re ghters Ashley Ryder from Ayr Fire Station and Alex Diorietes from Kirwan Fire and Rescue Station for an engaging Road Attitudes and Action Planning (RAAP) presentation last Wednesday.
RAAP is a free road safety program delivered by operational re ghters, designed for Year 11 and 12 students across Queensland. With around 20 years of delivering the program in the Burdekin region, the re ghters bring rst-hand experience of the consequences of road crashes, responding to more than 22,000 incidents statewide each year.
“Coming from this community where I see the impacts of road trauma, it makes it more important for myself to provide these young drivers with options and
make them understand that if they make a poor choice behind the wheel, the consequences that follow will be life changing,” said Ryder.
Last week’s sessions focused on the “Fatal 5” risks—speeding, fatigue, inattention, alcohol, and other substances—and the importance of planning ahead, whether as a driver or passenger. e presentation combined interactive discussions with multimedia resources, including eye-opening videos, keeping the roughly 40 students engrossed throughout.
“We use the Fatal 5 with scenarios... to give [young drivers] real life consequences of when drivers do not make good choices,” highlighted Ryder. “ e most common Fatal 5 for this age group is Inattention and Distraction with phones, we give them ways and options so the temptation to use their phone is eliminated.”
e students actively participated, asking questions and re ecting on scenarios. Parents and teachers have praised the program, noting that conversations about road safety o en continue at home.
“I had feedback recently that one young lady who attended a recent presentation used a prompt from a scenario within the presentation to stop one of her friends from driving under the in uence. at is a big message we push: ‘look out for your Mates,’” said Ryder. By combining practical advice with real-world experience, RAAP helps young people build condence, awareness, and the skills to make safer choices on and o the road.
Kalamia Hotel To Host Garden Of Hope In Support Of Cancer Research
The Kalamia Hotel extends a warm invitation to the wider community to attend a heartwarming Garden of Hope event this Saturday, the 30th of August to support and fundraise for life-changing cancer research.
Set to commence from 3pm in the venue’s Beer Garden area, the a ernoon promises to entertain attendees with the wonderful musical talents of Alexa and keep the fun and good vibes owing well into the evening with a delicious selection of food included with each ticket purchase. e theme of the event will be pink and purple, and the Kalamia Hotel hopes attendees with dress to impress in these vibrant tones to contribute to the a ernoon’s colourful atmosphere.
All proceeds from the event will be donated
to e Longest Table, an organisation committed to raising funds to support the work of e Hospital Research Foundation Group through encouraging establishments to host dinner parties across the nation. In 2025 alone, over 300 groups and establishments have committed to hosting an event, from backyard barbeques to workplace lunchbreaks, all to support one amazing cause.
To learn more about e Longest Table or to make a donation to the Kalamia Hotel’s Garden of Hope fundraising initiative, visit www. thelongesttable.com. au/fundraisers/Kalamiahotel.
WHAT: Kalamia Hotel’s Garden of Hope WHEN: Saturday 30th of August from 3pm
WHERE: Kalamia Beer Garden
9 Ponytails
$10,000 1 Cause
With the tables set, and the scissors handy, nine members of the Burdekin Netball Association (BNA) will #Rock eChop this Friday, the 29th of August at the club’s Wigs & Wine fundraising party!
e Ponytail Project fundraising event supports the vital work of the Cancer Council Australia and encourages people across the nation to #Rock eChop and donate their hair to create wigs for those diagnosed with cancer. In 2024, the campaign saw more than 15,500 people donate their hair across 1,700 fundraising events, raising over $1.1 million for cancer research projects directed by the Cancer Council Australia.
Cailin Gosling, Aimee Gibson, Kristine Patti, Brittany Bohl, Dominique Gorey, Ella Zabel, Jade Bolam, Tayah Gibson and Tayla McKaig have committed to cutting their hair all in support of those diagnosed with cancer.
“I feel extremely grateful to be part of this Ponytail Project event for Cancer Council hosted by Burdekin Netball,” shared Cailin.
In January of 2021, Cailin cut and donated her hair to Hair with Heart through WA based children’s charity, Variety, and immediately a er sending her locks away, she knew she wanted to continue donating her hair to those in need.
“In a meeting we were discussing host-
Wigs & Wine Fundraiser Sees The Burdekin Netball Association Rally Behind Cancer Council
ing this event and I didn’t think twice when asked. I’m grateful and blessed I can grow strong, healthy hair to share with others,” Cailin added.
e event will be run in aid of 2025 Harvest Festival Queen Entrant, Aaliyah Gibson, and a er the BNA sounded the call for women interested in becoming involved, many saw this as the perfect opportunity to support those they love the most.
“When the opportunity came to be part of a community event that supports not only our local sporting club but also an incredible cause like the Cancer Council, it wasn’t even a decision - it was an instant ‘count me in!’,” explained Brittany.
“Too many people are a ected by this devastating disease, including some very close to my heart and if donating my hair can help even one person feel more con dent during such a di cult time, then cutting my ponytail is a small gesture with a big purpose.”
Kristine, like many, has also held the hand of loved ones diagnosed with cancer. A er hearing of the BNA’s initiative, she saw it as an excellent opportunity to raise funds for vital research projects and dove in without hesitation.
“Raising funds through this project is equally important to me because the money goes directly towards cancer
research, prevention, and support services. Every dollar raised is a step closer to better treatments, more hope for families, and ultimately, a future with less su ering from cancer. Being able to contribute to that, even in a small way, means so much to me.”
e nine women have established their own fundraising pages and have each well and truly exceeded their initial goals, raising over $10,000 for the Cancer Council Australia, with still the funds raised from this Friday’s event yet to be calculated.
“It’s amazing how quickly the community responded to our fundraising, and we sincerely thank each and every one of them for their contributions,” said Cailin.
“Once Burdekin Netball and my fellow teammates began spreading the word, the response was overwhelming. Our community rallied behind us with incredible generosity and support. It’s been truly humbling to witness,” Brittany shared.
“ is experience has shown just how deeply cancer has touched all our lives. Whether the contribution is big or small, we all want to help - because when we come together, we make a di erence.”
If you would like to make a donation to the girls, visit www.ponytailproject.com. au/fundraisers/BURDEKINNETBALL.
BCA’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations During September
Please join us to celebrate 50 years of the Burdekin Community Association Inc. supporting people in the Burdekin.
Everyone is welcome - Clients, members past and present, BCA personnel, friends, organisations, other community members.
BCA 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Please join us for an evening lled with celebration and memories!
When: Saturday 13.09.25
Where: Hotel Brandon, 54 Drysdale
BCA Open Days
Please visit our premises, share a cuppa or cold drink and talk to our friendly team about our wide range of community and health services!
When: Tuesday 09.09.25 and Wednesday 10.09.25
Where: BCA Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr and Burdekin Centre for Rural Health, 12a Chippendale Street Ayr
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Cost: Free
Light refreshments provided.
Lower Burdekin Scouts Set Sail in Townsville
Lower Burdekin Scouts Take on Sailing and Shooting Adventures Members of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group have been keeping busy with back-to-back outdoor adventures this August.
Street, Brandon
Time: Doors open at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start
Cost: $40.00 per person
Entertainment: Riley Nosworthy and the Home Hill Choral Society
Bookings essential by 05.09.25. Please call 4783 3744 or visit 130 Queen Street, Ayr.
Bookings are not required.
On August 16, four Scouts from the group joined 10 others from Townsville for a sailing day at the Townsville Sailing Club. Under clear skies and a light breeze, participants started with sailing theory before learning to rig their boats. Once on the water, they rotated through di erent positions, gaining hands-on experience steering, handling sails, and working as a team. Scouts also spent time in the rescue boat, learning essential safety skills. e day provided a fun and practical introduction to sailing, with everyone enjoying the challenge and camaraderie.
A week later, on August 24, the Lower Burdekin Scouts joined 60 others at the Hervey Range Shooting Grounds for the annual Townsville-area shooting competition. e sunny day with a slight breeze set the scene for the event, which began with registration and a group safety brie ng. Safety o cers reminded Scouts throughout the competition of important protocols. Each Scout shot two rounds of ve shots at targets, with the winner determined by the most shots closest to the
centre.
e Lower Burdekin Scout Group meets every ursday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at 12th Avenue, Home Hill. Families interested in joining can try Scouting for free for four weeks. For more information, contact Rikki on 0419 104 035.
Contributed with thanks to Chris Berkery
14 Rural Life
Wilmar Sugar To Bring Extra Fun To Grand Parade
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 buckets home, ready for the next celebration.
Comments:
Comments:
tended by 12 hours to carry out repairs on Boiler 3.
Throughput for the week was just over 370,000 tonnes. This brings the total for the season to date to 3.95M tonnes , which is just ahead of the budgeted total of 3.93M tonnes.
Throughput for the week was just over 370,000 tonnes. This brings the total for the season to date to 3.95M tonnes, which is just ahead of the budgeted total of 3.93M tonnes.
CCS increased again from last week to be just above budget.
The highest CCS recorded for the week was 18.3 from a rake of Q240 plant in the Mulgrave productivity district.
Pioneer lost nearly eight hours in total with an injection water pump issue. Rate slowed towards the end of the week as the factory headed towards a clean.
Pioneer lost nearly eight hours in total with an injection water pump issue. Rate slowed towards the end of the week as the factory headed towards a clean.
e Burdekin Water Festival Committee hope the buckets will become a memento of the annual celebration, and Ambassador Coordinator, Kari Ravizza, hopes kids will continue to bring the buckets to every festival to come.
“ e Committee are excited to see 1,000 happy faces, and 1,000 full buckets, and we’re grateful to Wilmar Sugar for making it possible – it’s one way we can say thank you, and give a little something back to our amazing community for all their support of our Ambassadors and the Festival!”
Both Inkerman and Kalamia mills had cleans last week with Inkerman also losing about six hours after a collapsed roller on a bagasse conveyor started a small fi re. Invicta B side also had a clean which had to be extended by 12 hours to carry out repairs on Boiler 3.
cane railway network Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activity around our cane rail line to the police
Both Inkerman and Kalamia mills had cleans last week with Inkerman also losing about six hours after a collapsed roller on a bagasse conveyor started a small fire. Invicta B side also had a clean which had to be ex-
Parents and carers are asked to remind children to stay away from the cane railway network. Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activity around our cane rail line to the police.
John Tait Cane Supply Manager Burdekin Region
John Tait Cane Supply Manager Burdekin Region
CCS increased again from last week to be just above budget. The highest CCS recorded for the week was 18.3 from a rake of Q240 plant in the Mulgrave productivity district.
“We know that when kids think about the Burdekin Water Festival, they think about the lollies - the excitement is everywhere from those that get to throw them from the oats and then there’s the fun of catching, collecting and eating them,” shared Kari.
e buckets will be distributed to children throughout Queen Street prior to the commencement of the Grand Parade on Saturday the 6th of September from 4:30pm and additional details and news can be found on the Burdekin Water Festival’s social media pages and website, burdekinwaterfestival.com.au.
COST: FREE TIME: 4:30pm
WHERE: Queen St, Ayr
2025 Queensland Country Bank ~ Grand Parade & Mardi Gras
Images from the 2024 Grand Parade and Mardi Gras. Photo credit: Sharon Bozetto
Rural Aid Launches Appeal To Safeguard The Next Generation Of Aussie Farmers
Rural Aid has launched a powerful new fundraising campaign to secure the future of rural Australia by supporting the next generation of farmers — the children growing up on the land today.
ese children are not only the future of their family farms, but also the future custodians of Australia’s food supply. Right now, many are facing signi cant challenges. From natural disasters to nancial stress, country kids o en grow up surrounded by uncertainty, with the weight of the farm’s future on their young shoulders.
Rural Aid is raising funds to provide both immediate and long-term support for country kids and their families. Donations will help deliver practical support including hay, domestic water, nancial assistance, specialist counselling services, and continued delivery of Rural Aid’s Mustering Growth program — a school-based mental health and wellbeing initiative designed to build resilience and emotional strength in rural students.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the campaign is about much more than providing short-term support.
“If we want to keep young people on the land, we must support them now and from an early age. ese kids are growing up
in incredibly trying circumstances, but they are also the future of farming in this country,” Mr Warlters said.
“Many of our farms are passed down through generations. When we nurture country kids, when we support their wellbeing, con dence and connection to community, we’re not just helping them today. We’re safeguarding rural Australia’s future.”
For families like Danny and Erin Hutchinson, cattle and cropping farmers from Biddon, NSW, the value of support is deeply felt. eir children — Amelia (8), Ali (6) and Lockie (3) — are growing up with plenty of space to explore, but also with the stress of drought and nancial strain close to home.
“We’re just so grateful for the support we received from Rural Aid,” said Ms Hutchinson. “It made a real di erence, not just to the farm, but to our whole family’s wellbeing.”
Recent Rural Aid research highlights the scale of the challenge:
41% of farming parents are most concerned about nancial stability and meeting their child’s basic needs
57% believe rural children need access to tailored mental health support
83% of farming families have used or would use Rural Aid’s counselling services
e campaign aims to ensure country kids have the support, skills and con dence they need to grow into strong, capable adults who can carry their communities, and the farming sector, into the future.
To help secure the future of our country kids and Australian farming, donate today at www.countrykids.ruralaid.org.au.
Danny and Erin Hutchinson, cattle and cropping farmers, with children Amelia (8), Ali (6) and Lockie (3), say the value of support is deeply felt. Photo supplied
Change At The Top for Home Hill Chamber Of Commerce
Aer more than four decades of involvement, Uli Liessmann has o cially assumed the role of President of the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce, as announced by the organisation at its most recent meeting last week.
Liessmann, returning for his second stint as Chamber president, was sworn in before a small crowd during Wednesday night’s proceedings, taking over from David Cooper, who stepped down a er eight years in the role.
Liessmann described his election not as a milestone, but as a natural progression. “It just feels like another role in the Chamber,” he said. “I just want to continue to do the very best I can for the Chamber and for Home Hill.”
e Home Hill Chamber of Commerce is an apolitical, member-funded organisation which acts as the independent voice of local businesses, providing networking opportunities, promotional platforms, and connections across the business community.
As president of the Chamber, Liessmann will take on the responsibility of leading future meetings, and serve as a conduit between Home Hill residents and the Burdekin Shire Council.
He stated his commitment to ensuring the Chamber remains an accurate, all-encompassing voice of the public.
“I’ll continue to do my very best for the Chamber,” he said. “If someone wants to ask something or nd out information, they can come to me, and I’ll do my best to help.”
Liessmann highlighted increasing meeting attendance and fostering a more inclusive environment as two of his key priorities while at the helm of the Chamber.
“You don’t have to be in business to attend a meeting—we want as many people as possible to come along, especially more young people and more women. If you’ve got something to say, we’ll give you the time to say it,” he said.
e organisation holds a public meeting
every third Wednesday of the month, typically attended by Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and CEO Mat-
Magic Macrame Workshop Comes
To Home Hill
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at macrame?
Here’s your chance!
Natalina Royan of Gnat’s Clever Cra s & Creations will be hosting a magical Macrame Workshop this Sunday, the 31st of August from 1pm through to 3pm to teach and inspire locals to create something wonderful!
“Allow me to share my love of macrame,” wrote Natalina on a post shared online.
“With my help and guidance, I would love to provide you with some knowledge on how to create your own macrame single hat hanger!”
and
e workshop will run out of Home Hill’s e Little Cra & Gi Shop located at 100 Eigth Avenue, and all resources are included in the ticket price of $40 per person. Spaces are limited and bookings to the event are strictly limited. To reserve your space or nd out further information, email thelittlecra andgi shop24@gmail. com.
HOME HILL
thew Magin. ese meetings provide a platform to discuss local matters
o en feature guest speakers.
Chamber Treasurer John Clarke, Rick Romeo, member Erin Brennan, former President David Cooper, Secretary Robert Antoniazzi and new President Uli Liessmann. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Next Stage of Home Hill Be-Active Trail Takes Shape
Construction has begun on Stage 5 of the Home Hill Be-Active Trail, bringing the town one step closer to a continuous pathway network for residents.
is stage will see a two-metre-wide concrete footpath installed along Seventeenth Street, stretching from Seventh Avenue to Eleventh Avenue. Once complete, work will move directly into Stage 6, extending the pathway along Eleventh Avenue from Seventeenth Street.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the trail is a long-term investment in health, wellbeing and livability for the Home Hill community.
“ e Be-Active Trail is about creating safe, accessible spaces that encourage walking, cycling and active lifestyles for all ages,” she said.
“With nine stages planned in total, each step brings us closer to delivering a connected pathway network that links key parts of the community, supports recreation, and improves neighbourhood connectivity.”
When nished, the Be-Active Trail will provide a continuous pathway network designed to promote healthy living, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and enhance the town’s overall amenity.
Construction has begun on Stage 5 of the Home Hill Be-Active Trail. Photo credit: Burdekin Shire Council
Tickets Open for Annual Burdekin Seniors Expo And Luncheon
Burdekin seniors are invited to celebrate, connect, and access valuable information at the annual Seniors Expo and Luncheon, hosted by the Burdekin Shire Council.
e event will take place on ursday, 30 October, from 10:30am to 1:30pm at the Burdekin Memorial Hall.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Expo is an important way to recognise and support the region’s seniors.
“Our seniors play a vital role in shaping the Burdekin community, and this event is a wonderful way to celebrate their contributions while also providing practical support and information,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
For $15, attendees will enjoy a roast lunch
with dessert, entertainment hosted by Emcee Ricky Romeo, and the chance to connect with a variety of local organisations o ering advice on health, nance, and wellbeing.
Participating stallholders include Regis Aged Care, Ayr Health Service, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Burdekin Community Association, Bendigo Bank (Ayr & Home Hill), Everglow, McCathie’s Furniture Plus, and more. e Council also thanks Regis Aged Care, the event’s major sponsor, for their support.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, 20 August at 9:00am and must be pre-purchased via the Burdekin eatre website or by calling (07) 4783 9880. With limited places available, seniors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
New Signpost Erected In Lloyd Mann Gardens
Home Hill’s beloved Lloyd Mann Gardens, a known tourist hotspot, just became a little brighter and a lot more handy following the erection of a new signpost this month.
e locally manufactured signpost, which cost the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce just shy of $2000 to construct and install, boasts ve arrowed signs, each pointing in the geographic direction of a di erent Home Hill point of interest.
Home Hill Chamber secretary Rob Antoniazzi said the idea behind the project stemmed from a practical need.
“Tourists would o en ask ‘do you know if there’s a bakery around?’ or ‘do you know where the hospital is?’, so we thought ‘why not put up a sign?’” he said.
Antoniazzi said the signpost is as aesthetically pleasing as it is convenient.
“It’s colourful, it stands out, and it really adds to the aesthetics of the park,” he said.
“We’ve already had a lot of positive comments on it.”
e new signpost is a small addition that makes a big di erence for both locals and visitors.
e locally manufactured signpost boasts ve arrowed signs, each pointing in the geographic direction of a di erent Home Hill point of interest. Photo credit: Robert Antoniazzi
Marzay’s Corner Head Chef Inspires the Next Generation
“I always wanted to be a chef,” recalled Sonya Mase, the driving force behind Home Hill favourite Marzay’s Corner. For her, the kitchen has always been a place to create, experiment, and inspire—but her path into the culinary world, though always a dream, wasn’t exactly linear. Working as a cleaner in South Australia before moving to Queensland with her husband, Tony, cooking had been more of a dream than a serious consideration—a passion simmering on the back burner.
It was during her time with the Brisbane Police Academy that a sergeant, with whom she had formed a close relationship, urged her to follow her culinary dreams. And with that, her journey in the kitchen began.
At rst, it wasn’t about money. It was about getting a foot in the door of the industry she had always admired.
“Going from earning [a proper wage] to $4 an hour was hard. I almost gave up halfway through because it became really tough,” she recalled.
“But it was the ticket—something to achieve for myself. So I just stuck with it, and I’m glad I did.”
irty years and countless meals later, Sonya is a seasoned chef who hangs her hat on her organisation skills, ability to thrive under pressure, and creative knack.
“A lot of times ideas just come to you,” she says. “You wake up in the middle of the night thinking, ‘that could work.’ ere’s trial and error, but that’s the fun of it.”
From Marzay’s Corner in Home Hill, Sonya is now using her extensive experience to teach young locals essential kitchen skills—knife handling, time management, budgeting—and watching them grow in con dence.
“It’s not just about cooking. It’s about life
skills,” she says. “Parents tell me they’ve noticed a real change in their kids.”
Her goal is to show her young employees that good food doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and that with creativity, patience, and practice, anyone can turn a meal into
something they’re proud of.
With plans to share her knowledge in local schools, Sonya has become more than just the chef she set out to be. She’s become a mentor, using her experience to guide the next generation of aspiring culinary talent.
Sonya has become a mentor, using her experience to guide the next generation of local culinary talent. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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We're excited to announce that we are now stocking Pool Chemicals & Supplies and offering free pool water testing! Your one-stop shop just got even better!
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Internationally Acclaimed Comedian Jimeoin Brings ‘Pandemonium’ To The Burdekin Theatre
Most people attend comedy shows for the laughs. Some for the spectacle. But few come expecting to pick up a few handy life hacks.
Jimeoin’s upcoming ‘Pandemonium’ show delivers all three.
Hitting the Burdekin eatre on ursday, 20 November, the Irishborn comedy legend—whose decades-long career has taken him across the globe—promises an evening of unique material blending observational humour, playful pranks, and moments of relatable absurdity.
Over more than three decades, Jimeoin has toured internationally, starring in and co-writing multiple lms, hosted television shows, and performed at major comedy festivals, earning a reputation as one of comedy’s most enduring talents.
His brand-new show, Pandemonium, turns familiar, everyday moments into comedy that resonates universally with audiences.
“My routine comes from day to day experiences,” says Jimeoin.
“I don’t talk about politics or anything in the news—I avoid all of that. I really try and nd those things... that no one else talks about, but it’s right in front of your face.”
ways enjoys returning to Australia’s tropical regions.
For him, the fun comes from turning the spotlight back on himself. “I just slag myself o ... and people seem to identify with it.”
Having performed everywhere from pubs to overseas arenas, Jimeoin admits he al-
“I love getting up the east coast, I love the tropics—it’s such a di erent experience,” he said.
Tickets for Pandemonium at the Burdekin eatre, Ayr, are on sale now, with the show starting at 7:30 PM on ursday, 20 November.
Ayr To Host Basque Heritage Exhibition
The Burdekin community will have the opportunity to celebrate a unique cultural connection when the “Basques in Australia” photographic exhibition arrives at the Masonic Hall and Burdekin eatre from the 28th of September to the 3rd of October.
Presented by the Basque Club of North Queensland, the exhibition honours the Basque migrants who came to the Burdekin to work in the sugar industry. eir contributions helped shape Ayr and the wider district, leaving a lasting legacy of hard work, resilience and family values. e exhibition coincides with Multicultural Queensland Month in August and “Dia de la Diaspora Vasca” on September 8 –an international celebration recognising Basques living outside their homeland in Spain and France.
Curated in the Basque Country with sup-
port from the Basque Government and Euskal Australiar Elkartea, the exhibition comprises 10 large panels covering themes such as cane-cutting, women, community life and recreation. Historic photographs and memorabilia provide a powerful insight into the experiences of Basque families as they built new lives in Australia. e exhibition has toured extensively throughout the Basque homeland, and its visit to Ayr o ers locals the chance to reect on the multicultural roots of the Burdekin.
Exhibition details, including opening times and associated events, will be posted on the Basque Club NQ Facebook and Instagram pages. For more information, contact Pedro Mendiolea, President of the Basque Club of North Queensland, at basqueclubnq@hotmail.com or phone 0412 410 678.
Comedy legend Jimeoin promises an evening of unique material that fuses observational humour, playful pranks, and moments of relatable absurdity. Photo supplied
22 Social Life
On Friday, 28th June, 15 debutantes took centre stage at the Home Hill Memorial Hall for the Burdekin Singers’ annual Debutante Ball, this year themed “Enchanted Forest.” e event drew a large crowd of local families, eager to celebrate the young women making their formal debut.
Lawrence Polga, President of the Burdekin Singers, said the ball remains an important tradition.
“We do it because we believe it’s an event that still holds a special place to a lot of
teenage girls, and is still a tradition that pays respect to not only the females that are making their debutante debut, but also their partners.”
e ball is one of the Burdekin Singers’ biggest events on their calendar and serves both as a community celebration and a fundraiser.
“ e Burdekin Singers not only see it as a fundraiser, we also see it as a way to give back to the community that gives a lot to us, and allows us to put on our shows and bring the arts to life in the Burdekin,” Pol-
ga said.
Polga credits the volunteers who, in tandem with the Burdekin Singers dedicated sub-committee, worked behind the scenes to ensure the event ran swimmingly.
“It’s not just about the night, it’s about the lead-up and making sure that the room is in theme, the songs are in theme, and that the kids are made to feel comfortable,” explains Polga.
“We help them with hair and make-up bookings, ensure their shoes are suitable for dancing, and source local support for
catering and formal wear.”
e evening included choreographed dances for the girls, boys, and couples, making the ball a “mini production” in its own right. Guests included Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Member for Burdekin Dale Last, who joined the community in celebrating this longstanding tradition.
All funds raised go directly back into supporting the arts locally, including upgrading facilities at the Lighthouse and stage equipment for performances.
EVENTGUIDE
SATURDAY 30 AUGUST –
SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition
Daily from 8am–5pm
A staple on the regional arts calendar, the Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition draws entries from across Queensland and beyond. Held over a full week at the Burdekin eatre, the exhibition showcases a diverse mix of ne art, o ering something for seasoned collectors and curious browsers alike. Its longevity is a testament to its quality and reputation—and a must-see for lovers of creativity in all forms. For more details, visit Burdekin Art Society Inc. on Facebook. Burdekin eatre, 161 Queen Street, Ayr
SATURDAY 30 AUGUST
Come N Try Ten Pin Bowling
10:00am – 12:00pm
Special Olympics Queensland invites children and adults with an intellectual disability and/or Autism to a fun and inclusive Come N Try Ten Pin Bowling event. Open to participants aged 8 and older, including those using wheelchairs. A chance to discover opportunities to play, compete, or volunteer. Burdekin Bowl
SUNDAY 31ST AUGUST
Fun Tennis Teams Harvest Festival Event
Bring a team along to Home Hill Tennis Association from 4-7 pm for an a ernoon of racquet sports. Featured sports will be table tennis, mini tennis jumbo tennis, pop tennis, pickleball and beach tennis. Bar and sausage sizzle will be available. Cost $40/team or $10 /player. Contact Kate 0447384441 or email homehilltennis@gmail.com. Nominations close 24/8/25
FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER
Burdekin Netball Deb of the Year
Beloved DOTY tradition continues under Burdekin Netball Association, with an elegant evening celebrating 2025 debutantes, community spirit, and timeless style Burdekin Memorial Hall
SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade & Mardi Gras
SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER
12pm-10pm
Annual Giru Show
e annual Giru Show will roll into town for one action packed day and will have a cane train load of activities on o er, this year’s extravaganza certainly isn’t one to miss! With such a rich history in the Giru community and Burdekin Shire as a whole, the event stands as a celebration of local talent and attracts a high number of former residents who return each year to catch up with one another and remise on past times with old friends. If you would like to become a stallholder, sponsor, or have any enquiries, email Secretary Katlyn Radunz on girushow.secretary@outlook.com
97.1 Sweet FM Markets
Saturday 8am-1pm
Join Sweet FM for an entertaining morning jammed full of wonderful market stalls from handmade cra s, sausage sizzle, hot co ee & tea, and sweet treats, on the station’s front lawns, all to the background of a live outside radio broadcast (request a song as you browse). To become a stallholder contact 0405 151 864.
97.1 Sweet FM front lawn (old Courthouse), Home Hill
Saturday e Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade & Mardi Gras will ignite the community once again for an extraordinary celebration in Ayr’s Queen Street, with plenty of entertainment, food, activities, and festivities set to continue well into the evening. Queen Street, Ayr
SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Plantation Park Markets
Sunday 8am
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 o er! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333. Plantation Park
All Saints Spring Fair
Saturday 8am to 12pm
Many Stalls –Local veggies, Plants, Cent Sale, Delicious Food, Cakes, Peach Blossoms, Jams, Pickles, Second Hand Goods And Books. Great Ra e Four Prizes To be Won, And en e Drawing of Our Money Ra e To End e A ernoon. Church Hall Grounds
SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER
BBQ Breakfast
Sunday 8am
e community is invited to attend the Burdekin Aero Club Inc. Monthly BBQ Breakfast at the Ayr Aerodrome from 8am to 11am. Meet the pilots, inspect the aircra s, and enjoy a morning of socialisation for $10 per person. Call 0429 144 921 for more information.
Ayr Aerodrome, Brandon
Paul Tabone in Viva Pavarotti
Sunday 3pm
Experience the power and passion of one of the greatest opera singers of all time with a special performance honouring the late Luciano Pavarotti.
Burdekin eatre
TUESDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER
Dress up Pickleball Harvest Festival Event 2
SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
Plantation Park Markets
Sunday 8am
Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning over owing with wonderful market stalls from handmade creations to delicious treats! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4783 6627.
Plantation Park
SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER
Plantation Park Markets
Sunday 8am
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 o er! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333.
Plantation Park
SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER
97.1 Sweet FM Markets
Saturday 8am-1pm
Come along to Home Hill Tennis Association from 6.30 –8.30 pm for a fun evening of pickleball. ere will be prizes for best dressed, funniest costume etc. Be prepared to dance and laugh the night away as you play in your costume. Bar and food will be available. Cost $10 /person. Contact Kate 0447384441 or email homehilltennis@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER
Social and Networking Event
Wednesday 5:30pm
e community is invited to attend the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social and Networking Event for an enriching evening of socialisation.
Home Hill Community Sports Club
Join Sweet FM for an entertaining morning jammed full of wonderful market stalls from handmade cra s, sausage sizzle, hot co ee & tea, and sweet treats, on the station’s front lawns, all to the background of a live outside radio broadcast (request a song as you browse). To become a stallholder contact 0405 151 864.
97.1 Sweet FM front lawn (old Courthouse), Home Hill
SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER
BBQ Breakfast
Sunday 8am
e community is invited to attend the Burdekin Aero Club Inc. Monthly BBQ Breakfast at the Ayr Aerodrome from 8am to 11am. Meet the pilots, inspect the aircra s, and enjoy a morning of socialisation for $15 per person. Call 0429 144 921 for more information.
Ayr Aerodrome, Brandon
WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER
Social and Networking Event
Wednesday 5:30pm
e community is invited to attend the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social and Networking Event for an enriching evening of socialisation.
Home Hill Community Sports Club
FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER
Home Hill Tennis Harvest Fest Trivia Night Event 3
Come along to Home Hill Tennis Association from 6 – 9 pm for a fun evening of trivia. Teams of 6 – 8 players, cost $60 per team when prepaid. BYO platter, Bar open. For more information contact Kate 0447384441 or email homehilltennis@gmail.com.
SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER
Burdekin Fights Back
Sunday 2pm
Join the community for a powerful a ernoon of fundraising at Memorial Hall, supporting North Queensland Cancer. is gala event features a cent sale, mega ra e, licensed bar, and a special address by guest speaker Dr Paula Heggarty. For more information, call Raelene on 0407 118 671. Memorial Hall
Plantation Park Markets
Sunday 8am
Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning over owing with wonderful market stalls from handmade creations to delicious treats! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4783 6627.
Plantation Park
SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER
Plantation Park Markets
Sunday 8am
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 o er! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333.
Plantation Park
SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER
97.1 Sweet FM Markets
Saturday 8am-1pm
Join Sweet FM for an entertaining morning jammed full of wonderful market stalls from handmade cra s, sausage sizzle, hot co ee & tea, and sweet treats, on the station’s front lawns, all to the background of a live outside radio broadcast (request a song as you browse). To become a stallholder contact 0405 151 864.
97.1 Sweet FM front lawn (old Courthouse), Home Hill
SUNDAY 9 NOVEMBER
BBQ Breakfast
Sunday 8am
e community is invited to attend the Burdekin Aero Club Inc. Monthly BBQ Breakfast at the Ayr Aerodrome from 8am to 11am. Meet the pilots, inspect the aircra s, and enjoy a morning of socialisation for $10 per person. Call 0429 144 921 for more information.
Ayr Aerodrome, Brandon
SUNDAY 16 NOVEMBER
Plantation Park Markets
Sunday 8am
Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning over owing with wonderful market stalls from handmade creations to delicious treats! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4783 6627.
Plantation Park
WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER
Social and Networking Event
Wednesday 5:30pm
e community is invited to attend the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social and Networking Event for an enriching evening of socialisation.
Home Hill Community Sports Club
SUNDAY 7 DECEMBER
Plantation Park Markets
Sunday 8am
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 o er! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333.
Plantation Park
SUNDAY 14 DECEMBER
BBQ Breakfast
Sunday 8am
e community is invited to attend the Burdekin Aero Club Inc. Monthly BBQ Breakfast at the Ayr Aerodrome from 8am to 11am. Meet the pilots, inspect the aircra s, and enjoy a morning of socialisation for $10 per person. Call 0429 144 921 for more information.
Ayr Aerodrome, Brandon
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER
Social and Networking Event
Wednesday 5:30pm
e community is invited to attend the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social and Networking Event for an enriching evening of socialisation.
Home Hill Community Sports Club
WEEKLYTVGUIDE
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. 10.30 The Pacific. 11.00 Killer Whale: Australia’s Megapod. 12.00 News. 1.00 The Family Next Door. 1.50 Grand Designs Aust. 2.50 Brush With Fame. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.10 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Spicks And Specks. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 Gardening Aust. 8.30 Professor T. 9.15 Hard Quiz. 9.45 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. 10.20 News. 10.40 Austin. 11.10 Silent Witness. 12.10 Rage New Music. 5.00 Rage.
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 News. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. 1.30 Professor T. 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small. 3.00 Great Southern Landscapes. 3.30 Killer Whale: Australia’s Megapod. 4.30 Would I Lie To You? 5.00 Home Delivery. 5.30 Landline.
6.00 Australian Story.
6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PG)
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (M) 10.00 The Family Next Door. (M) 10.55 I, Jack Wright. 11.40 Rage.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Australian Service In The Malayan Emergency: 75th Anniversary. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. 2.30 David Attenborough’s Galapagos. 3.25 Grand Designs NZ. 4.10 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Pacific. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 First Communion. 7.00 News. 7.30 Austin. 8.00 The Family Next Door. 8.50 I, Jack Wright. 9.35 MOVIE: BMX Bandits. (1983) 11.05 Take 5. 11.35 Rage. 3.00 Ask The Doctor. 3.30 The Art Of... 4.00 Gardening Aust. 5.00 Insiders.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Landline. 2.00 Parliament. 2.55 Brush With Fame. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Spicks And Specks. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Aust Story. 8.30 Four Corners. 9.15 Media Watch. 9.35 Planet America. 10.05 News. 10.20 The Business. 10.40 A Life In Ten Pictures. 11.30 Parliament. 12.30 Grand Designs. 1.20 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 2.10 Rage. 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Aust. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 I, Jack Wright. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Brush With Fame. 3.30 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 5.05 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Spicks And Specks. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Foreign Correspondent. 8.30 Inside Our Minds. 10.30 Mental Wealth. 11.20 News. 11.35 The Business. 11.50 Four Corners. 12.35 Media Watch. 12.50 Hawke: The Larrikin And The Leader. 1.50 Parliament. 2.50 Grand Designs. 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Aust. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.35 Media Watch. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Brush With Fame. 3.30 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 5.05 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Spicks And Specks. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Hard Quiz. 8.30 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. 9.05 Would I Lie To You? 9.35 Austin. 10.10 News. 10.25 The Business. 10.40 Planet America. 11.10 You Can’t Ask That. 11.45 Parliament. 12.45 Grand Designs. 1.35 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 2.20 Rage. 3.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.40 If You’re Listening. 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. 2.00 Parliament. 2.55 Brush With Fame. 3.30 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Spicks And Specks. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Back Roads. 8.30 Grand Designs New Zealand. 9.15 The Family Next Door. 10.05 News. 10.20 The Business. 10.35 Grand Designs. 11.25 Parliament. 12.25 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 1.15 Rage. 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Aust. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Great Australian Road Trips. 3.00 Nula. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 The Good Ship Murder. 8.25 24 Hours That Changed The World. 9.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. 10.10 SBS News. 10.40 Catch Me A Killer. 11.35 Pray For Blood. 1.30 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. 3.30 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. 4.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. 5.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05 2002 World Cup: Seven Games From Glory. 4.20 Plat Du Tour. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights. 5.30 SBS50. 5.35 Hitler: A Life In Pictures. 6.30 News. 7.30 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys. 8.30 Leonardo Da Vinci. 9.30 Searching For Italy. 10.20 Great Australian Walks. 11.15 Homicide. 2.35 SBS50. 2.40 Australia With Julia Bradbury. 3.40 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. 4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. 4.40 Bamay. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights. 5.35 Hitler: A Life In Pictures. 6.30 News. 7.30 Titanic: Our Secret History. 8.25 Titanic In Colour. 9.20 Monster: The Mystery Of Loch Ness. 10.20 The U.S. And The Holocaust. 12.50 Surviving An American Concentration Camp. 1.55 Miscarriage And Me. 2.45 Australia With Julia Bradbury. 3.45 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. 2.55 Garage Dreams. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. 8.35 Abandoned Railways From Above. 9.30 Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can-Can! 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 Classified. 11.50 Tokyo Vice. 1.50 Blackport. 2.45 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. 3.20 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. 4.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. 2.55 Garage Dreams. 3.25 Plat Du Tour. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Every Family Has A Secret. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS News. 10.30 Secret World Of Snacks. 11.25 The Cranes Call. 1.05 New York Super Airport. 3.55 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. 4.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Dateline. 2.30 Insight. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 James May: Our Man In India. 8.30 DNA Journey. 9.35 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. 10.40 SBS News. 11.10 COBRA. 12.00 Vigil. 2.15 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. 2.50 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. 3.45 Hugh’s Wild West. 4.40 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. 2.55 Garage Dreams. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. 8.25 National Parks From Above: Ireland. 9.20 Snowpiercer. 10.15 SBS News. 10.45 Dopesick. 11.55 Blue Lights. 1.55 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. 2.45 World’s Most Amazing Festivals. 3.20 Hugh’s Wild West. 4.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. 4.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 Your Money & Your Life. 1.30 Border Security: Int. 2.00 Better Homes. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.30 MOVIE: Downton Abbey. (2019) (PG) 11.00 To Be Advised. 12.25 Touching Evil. (MA15+) 1.25 Travel Oz. (PG) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 Horse Racing. Caulfield Spring Opener and ClubsNSW West Metro San Domenico Stakes Day. 5.00 News. 5.30 Creek To Coast. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. (2017) (PG) 10.00 MOVIE: Jumanji: The Next Level. (2019) (PG) 12.30 Riviera. (MA15+) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 It’s Academic. 5.00 Million Dollar Minute.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 Behind Behani. 12.30 TBA. 3.30 Border Security: Int. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. 8.25 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.30 24 Hours In Police Custody. (M) 10.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. 11.30 HMP Styal: Women Behind Bars. 12.45 Jamestown. 2.00 Shopping. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 TBA. 2.25 Border Security: Int. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) 9.20 The Rookie. (M) 10.20 S.W.A.T. (M) 11.20 The Agenda Setters. 12.20 Hooten & The Lady. 1.20 Travel Oz. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 TBA. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) 9.05 Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (M) 10.05 Tik Tok: Murders Gone Viral. (M) 11.05 The Agenda Setters. 12.05 Fairly Legal. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 TBA. 2.35 Motorbike Cops. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) 9.10 The Front Bar. (M) 10.10 Unfiltered. (PG) 10.40 Why Ships Crash. (PG) 12.00 Imposters. (M) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 TBA. 2.40 Motorbike Cops. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Football. AFL. First qualifying final. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. 11.00 Kick Ons. 11.30 What The Killer Did Next. 12.30 Life. 1.30 Travel Oz. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Love On The Reef. (2023) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.30 NRLW Wrap. 3.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Dragons vNZ Warriors. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. North Qld Cowboys vBroncos. 9.35 Soccer. English Premier League. Matchweek 3. Chelsea v Fulham. 11.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. 12.30 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. 1.30 Garden Gurus. 2.00 The Incredible Journey. 2.30 TV Shop. 4.00 Rugby Union. Women’s Rugby World Cup. Pool A. USA vAust. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 11.45 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Cronulla Sharks vKnights. 1.45 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Broncos vCanterbury Bulldogs. 3.30 Rugby League. NRL. Dolphins vTitans. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 The Block. 8.40 60 Minutes. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 A
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. 1.30 Young Sheldon. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current A air. 7.30 The Block. 8.45 100% Footy. (M) 9.45 9News Late. 10.15 Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip. 11.15 Murder In The Family. 12.10 Footy Classified. 1.05 Hello SA. 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice. 4.30 ACA. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. 1.10 Getaway. 1.40 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current A air.
7.30 The Block. (PG)
8.40 Paramedics. (M) 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 The Grand Tour. (M) 11.40 La Brea. 12.30 Footy Classified. 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Skippy. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice. 4.30 ACA. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. 1.00 Paramedics. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current A air. 7.30 The Block. 8.40 Clarkson’s Farm. (M) 9.50 Freddy And The Eighth. 10.50 9News Late.
7.30pm Good Game
Spawn Point. (PG)
8.00 Be Cool, ScoobyDoo! (R)
8.30 MythBusters
“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG,R)
8.55 Robot Wars. (R)
9.55 Merlin. (PG,R)
10.40 O icially Amazing. (PG,R)
11.10
Deadly 60. (PG,R)
11.35 Dragon Ball Super. (PG,R)
7.30pm Teenage Boss: Next Level.
8.00 Kids Baking Championship.
8.40 Chopped Junior.
9.25 Fresh O The Boat. (R)
10.05 Abbott Elementary. (PG,R)
10.25 Speechless. (PG,R)
10.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. (R)
11.10 Secret Life Of Boys. (R)
7.35pm The Mysterious Benedict Society.
8.25 Fresh O The Boat. (PG,R)
9.10 Abbott Elementary. (PG,R)
9.50 Speechless. (PG,R)
10.10 Merlin. (PG,R)
10.55 Secrets Of The Zoo. (PG,R)
11.40 Operation Ouch! (PG,R)
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)
8.05 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. (R)
8.40 Contraption Masters. (PG)
9.25 The Crystal Maze. (R)
10.15 Merlin. (PG,R)
10.55 Good Game Spawn Point. (PG,R)
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)
8.05 Operation Ouch! (R)
8.40 Deadly 60. (R)
9.10 Expedition With Steve Backshall. (PG,R)
10.00 Merlin. (PG,R)
10.45 Dance Life. (PG,R)
11.30 O icially Amazing. (PG,R)
12.00am Good Game Spawn Point. (R)
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)
8.05 Operation Ouch! (R)
8.40 Fresh O The Boat. (PG,R)
9.20 The Mysterious Benedict Society. (R)
10.10 Merlin. (PG,R)
10.55 Abbott Elementary. (PG,R)
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)
8.05 Operation Ouch! (R)
8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. (PG)
9.25 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (R)
9.50 The Mysterious Benedict Society. (R)
10.35 Merlin. (PG,R)
5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)
6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)
7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG,R)
8.30 Escape To The Country.
11.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)
12.30 Escape To The Country. (R)
1.30 The Real Seachange. (R)
2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
6.00pm Every Bite Takes You Home. (PG)
6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG,R)
7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG,R)
8.30 Escape To The Country.
9.30 Escape To The Country. (R)
11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG,R)
1.30 My Greek Odyssey. (PG,R)
6.00pm Escape To The Country. (R)
7.00 Greatest Escapes To The Country. (R)
7.45 Mrs Brown’s Boys. (M,R)
8.30 Vera. (M,R)
10.30 Manhunt: The Night Stalker. (M,R)
11.30 Greatest Escapes To The Country. (R)
12.15 The Great Australian Doorstep. (R)
5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)
6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)
7.35 Doc Martin. (M,R)
8.30 Endeavour. (M,R) 10.30 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files. (PG,R)
11.30 Doc Martin. (M,R)
12.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)
1.30 Australia’s Deadliest. (PG,R)
2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R) 6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 7.30 Call The Midwife. (M,R) 8.45 Foyle’s War. (M,R)
10.55 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG,R)
11.55 Bargain Hunt. (R)
12.55 Room For Improvement. (R)
1.30 The Real Seachange. (R)
2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)
6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)
7.30 Heartbeat. (PG,R)
8.45 Lewis. (M,R)
10.45 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files. (PG,R)
11.30 The Real Murders Of Atlanta. (M) 12.30 Antiques Downunder. (R)
5.30pm JAG. (PG,R) 6.30 JAG. (PG,R) 7.30 NCIS. (M,R) 8.30 NCIS. (M,R) 9.25 NCIS. (M,R) 10.20 FBI: International. (M,R) 11.15 SEAL Team. (M,R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R) 12.45 Home Shopping. (R) 1.15 Home Shopping. (R) 1.45 Home Shopping. (R)
5.30pm JAG. (PG,R)
6.30 JAG. (PG,R)
7.30 NCIS. (M,R)
8.30 NCIS. (M,R)
9.25 NCIS. (M,R)
Blue Bloods. (M,R) 11.15 Blue Bloods. (M,R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R) 12.45 Home Shopping. (R)
Home Shopping. (R) 1.45 Home Shopping. (R)
5.30pm JAG. (PG,R)
6.30 JAG. (PG,R)
7.30 NCIS. (M,R) 8.30 NCIS. (M,R) 9.25 NCIS. (M,R) 10.20 Blue Bloods. (M,R) 11.15 Nancy Drew. (M,R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R) 12.45 Home Shopping. (R) 1.15 Home Shopping. (R) 1.45 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG,R)
6.30 Friends. (PG,R)
7.30 Movie: Addams Family Values. (1993) (PG,R) 9.30 Becker. (PG,R)
10.00 Frasier. (PG,R) 11.00 Ghosts. (PG,R) 11.30 The King Of Queens. (PG,R) 12.00 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Friends. (PG,R)
6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG,R) 8.20 The Big Bang Theory. (M,R) 8.45 The Big Bang Theory. (PG,R) 10.00 Frasier. (PG,R) 11.00 Ridiculousness. (PG,R) 12.00 South Park. (M,R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 1.30 South Park. (M,R)
6.00pm Friends. (PG,R) 6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG,R) 8.20 The Big Bang Theory. (PG,R) 8.45 The Big Bang Theory. (PG,R) 9.35 Frasier. (PG,R) 10.30 Ridiculousness. (PG,R) 11.30 South Park. (M,R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 1.30 South Park. (M,R)
12.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG,R)
6.30 Neighbours. (PG,R)
7.00 Friends. (PG,R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG,R) 10.00 Becker. (PG,R)
10.30 Frasier. (PG,R)
11.30 Ghosts. (PG,R)
12 .00 The King Of Queens. (PG,R) 12.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG,R)
6.30 Neighbours. (PG,R)
7.00 Friends. (PG,R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG,R) 10.00 Becker. (PG,R) 10.30 Frasier. (PG,R) 11.30 Ghosts. (PG,R)
12.00 The King Of Queens. (PG,R) 12.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
Frasier. (PG,R)
Neighbours. (PG,R) 7.00 Friends. (PG,R) 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG,R) 9.30 Becker. (PG,R) 10.00 Frasier. (PG,R) 10.30 To Be Advised. 11.00 Ghosts. (PG,R) 11.30 The King Of Queens. (PG,R) 12.00 Entertainment Tonight. (R)
5.50pm The Food That Built The World. (R)
6.40 Jeopardy! (R)
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M,R) 8.30 Music Videos That Defined The 2000s. (M,R)
9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M,R) 10.10 Big Backyard Quiz. (R) 11.10 Forged In Fire. (PG)
5.50pm The Food That Built The World: The Chocolate Rush. (PG,R)
6.40 Jeopardy! (R)
7.05 Jeopardy! (R)
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M,R)
8.30 Hoarders. (M) 9.25 Hoarders. (M)
10.20 The Day The Rock Star Died. (PG,R)
10.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. Stage 10. 1.50 Bamay. (R)
5.50pm The Food That Built The World. (PG,R) 6.40 Jeopardy! (R) 7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M,R)
8.30 Movie: Enigma. (2001) (M,R) Dougray Scott, Kate Winslet. 10.40 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. Stage 11. 2.00 Then You Run. (MA15+,R)
6.05pm Over The Black Dot. (R)
6.35 Jeopardy! (R) 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M,R) 8.25 The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG) 10.05 The UnXplained With William Shatner. (M) 11.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. Stage 12. 1.50 Conversations With Friends. (M,R)
crossword
Across 1 Home (7)
5 Sheep minder (8) 9 Academic term (8) 13 Classical dancer (9) 14 Ancient riddler (6)
16 Tapering ags on a ship (8)
17 A culinary herb (7)
18 Vanquish (8)
19 Sacri ce (8)
20 Enchant (9)
25 Fossil specialist (15)
26 Beach nd (8)
27 Weasel-like pets (7)
29 Cut glass (7)
32 Disputatious (13)
36 Burden (8)
40 Drifts through the air (5)
41 Island group (11)
42 Short promotional material (5)
43 Nourishing substance (8)
46 Flowering plants (13)
49 Outer personality (7)
52 Permitted (7)
55 Imputes (8)
56 Luminous appearance (15)
58 Christmas plant (9)
63 Relating to lines on a weather map (8)
64 Dinghies (8)
65 Small tasks (7)
66 Apse locale (8)
67 Ran out (6)
70 Estimation (9)
71 Evaluate again (8)
72 Circus performers (8)
73 Scorn (7)
Down
1 Rubs elbows (7)
2 Trust in (7)
3 Foot part (7)
4 Libyan capital (7)
5 Edible ocean life (7)
6 Small explosion (3)
7 Book of the Bible (3)
8 Agile (9)
9 Worldliness (14)
10 Slightly (9)
11 Celestial illumination (9)
12 Subjects of wills (7)
14 Church tower (7)
15 Disruptive audience member (7)
21 Jetty (4)
22 Endured (6)
23 Rupture (6)
24 Void (4)
28 Homecoming (7)
30 Barbecue rod (6)
31 Obey (6)
33 Ran (5)
34 Facial feature (7)
35 Educate (5)
37 Not awake (6)
38 Swords (6)
39 Child doctors (14)
44 A poetic unit of three lines (6)
45 Set on re (6)
47 West African nation (4)
48 Paladin (4)
50 Sends again, as an application (9)
51 Or else (9)
52 Nation continent (9)
53 Anthology (7)
54 Green gemstone (7)
57 Captive (7)
58 Accidents (7)
59 Strode (7)
60 Cattle ropes (7)
61 North African republic (7)
62 Greek letter (7)
68 Equal, on – (3)
69 Subside (3)
Burden (8) 40 Drifts through the air (5)
Island group (11) 42 Short promotional material (5)
Beloved wife of Giuseppe (Joe) (deceased), Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Mary Roncato and Andrew Ufer, Lina and Robert Antoniazzi. Giovanna and John Gabiola, Kevin Helander (deceased), Beni Helander and Robert Rossiter, Baby Paul Roncato (deceased), Baby Elda Roncato (deceased), Paola and Frank Paoletti, Paul and Sandra Roncato, loving Nonna of 11 grandchildren and Bisnonna of 24 great-grandchildren.
A service to celebrate the life of Elda will commence with Requiem Mass at 11am Thursday, 4th September at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ayr followed by interment in the Ayr Cemetery.
K & S WRIGHT
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
40 FOURTEENTH STREET, HOME HILL PHONE 4782 1270
SLSQ State Conference and Awards of Excellence
Over the weekend, 6 members of the Ayr Surf Club joined hundreds of lifesaving members from across the State for the Surf Life Saving Queensland Conference. e weekend consisted of a wide variety of sessions with information and updates ranging from governance and insurances, membership and development, lifesaving and education and Surf sports, and everything in between.
Two of the youth members, Bella Lawry and Briella Wassmuth attended the Youth Forum to work with 15–25-year-olds to address issues of high importance to the younger members of the organisation and at the end of the sessions presentation six incredible ideas to assist with improving the movement into the future.
e weekend also included the SLSQ Awards of Excellence evening, where nominees from across the 6 Branches of the State are recognised for their dedication in their respective elds.
e Ayr SLSC had 4 nominees up for Awards on the evening - Briella Wassmuth: U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year, Kristy Wassmuth: Master Athlete of the Year, Stephanie Dale: O cial of the Year & Kellie Lawry: Lifesaver of the Year.
e very rst award for the night was the U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year, where Briella Wassmuth was honoured with this award for the 2024-25 Season. Unfortunately, the other nominees were not successful in their categories against some very sti competition. Two other awards went to other the North Barrier Branch, with Forrest Beach SLSC bringing home Innovation Award & Adam Edwards from Arcadian Club winning the Andy Frizzell OAM OBE Award for services to Junior Activities.
Nippers is back at the beach this Sunday. Remember, it’s not too late to join, so if you are interested please contact ayrslsc@gmail.com or Kellie Lawry for more information.
Ayr Juniors Dominate With Strong Results
Twenty-one Ayr Juniors competed in this year’s Ayr Junior Open on Sunday, following straight on from the Home Hill Junior Open the day before. With 69 players taking to the course, it was a strong turnout and a successful day all round.
Local junior Amaya Mahoney claimed the overall Girls 18-Hole Championship with a score of 82, while Levi Holmes from Proserpine Golf Club took the Boys 18-Hole Championship with 81.
Other standout results for Ayr included Micah Kemp, gross winner for 3-Hole Boys, and Harvey Mauro, nett winner for 3 holes. Oscar Watson received an encouragement award for his rst ever golf competition, nishing with a strong 25 gross for 3 holes. In the 3-Hole Girls, Riv-
Home Hill Tennis Prepares for 2025 Fun Teams Event
Her Oar was nett winner, taking home a new tiger club head cover as her prize.
In the 6-Hole competition, Tyler Smith and Maxx Tannock represented Ayr, with Tyler also winning nearest the pin on hole 3. In 6-Hole Girls, Pia Mauro was nett runner-up, while Ivy Land claimed the least putts award.
Ayr had seven players in the 9-Hole Boys eld, which saw 18 boys compete overall. Notable results were Riley Dobe, gross runner-up, and Angus Watson, nett winner. In the 9-Hole Girls, three Ayr juniors competed, with Evelyn Mahoney nishing gross runner-up and Teagan Saxby nett runner-up.
e 18-Hole Boys competition featured Oscar Mahoney, who posted a competitive 89 o the stick, while
TENNIS
ome Hill Tennis is getting excited for the 2025 Fun Teams Event. e club has dusted o the perpetual trophy and is ready to go. In the past this has been won by many famous Burdekin players. e engraved trophy tells us it was even won by Torrie Davies and A. Backpacker in about 2003, reported Kate Casswell club secretary.
e club is putting a di erent spin on it this year and has included Jumbo tennis, mini tennis, table tennis, pop tennis and pickleball into the draw. “Playing jumbo tennis is great
fun and brings everyone down to a level playing eld, said Queen entrant Amelia. It is hoped that this will attract more people to the fun a ernoon on the 31st August. Bring along your family and friends to make up a team of 4 players,” she said.
e fundraiser is to support our club Festival Queen entrant Amelia Pivotto. For more information contact the club on homehilltennis@gmail. com or phone Kate on 0447384441. Contributed with thanks to Kate Casswell
North Barrier Branch Members at Awards of Excellence
Bella Lawry & Briella Wassmuth attending Youth Forum
overall winner Levi Holmes secured victory with 81. In the Girls 18-Hole, Phoebe Mo at and Ayr’s Amaya Mahoney tied on 82 gross, forcing a play-o on hole 9. Mahoney sealed the win with a par, edging Mo at by a single shot. Ayr Golf Club thanked sponsors KJ’s Mining, Oar and
Horan Dentists, Sanco Produce, Wilmar, and B & M Drilling for their support.
Attention now turns to the Karrie Webb Junior Open, set for 25–26 October, the next major junior competition to be hosted at Ayr Golf Club. Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney
Charlotte’s Colour Run
A Vibrant Success
NETBALL
Thrills and Action at Brandon Sports Reserve as 80 Riders Hit the Track MOTORCYCLING
The roar of engines and the spirit of competition lled the air on Saturday, August 23rd, as the Ayr Motorcycle Club hosted a high-energy race day at the Brandon Sports Reserve. Kicking o at 3:00 PM, the event attracted 80 competitors from across North Queensland, with riders travelling from as far as Sarina, Townsville, and Charters Towers to take part.
Spectators were treated to a thrilling a ernoon of racing, with events across multiple classes delivering plenty of close battles, skillful riding, and strong sportsmanship.
“It was a fantastic day for the club and the sport,” said Karl Vass, President of the Ayr Motorcycle Club. “We had great weather, strong numbers, and a supportive crowd. It’s always rewarding to see riders from across the region coming together to do what they love.”
e club praised the e orts of its volunteers, supporters, and sponsors for helping bring the event together and ensuring everything ran smoothly on the day.
Looking ahead, the Ayr Motorcycle Club is now gearing up for Founder’s Day on the 27th September. is will be a special memorial event, one of the most signi cant meets on the club’s calendar, honouring past members and celebrating the club’s racing legacy. A full day of racing and remembrance is planned, with more details to be con rmed shortly.
“Our memorial event is always an important day for our club community,” said Karl. “We expect another strong turnout, and we encourage everyone to come down and be part of it.”
For updates and information on how to get involved, follow the Ayr Motorcycle Club on Facebook.
On Saturday, the 16th of August, the Burdekin Netball Association (BNA) became a hive of vibrant hues in celebration of their 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador, Charlotte Sgroi!
As part of her journey as a Junior Ambassador, Charlotte held a wonderful fundraising event at her home courts to fundraise for her club and celebrate her selection to represent the Burdekin Netball Association in such a treasured community event.
Commencing from 2pm, a wonderful mixed netball competition saw plenty of juniors (primary school age) take to the Home Hill courts for a couple of memorable matches against one another to get the excitement owing and hearts racing! Shortly a er, everyone changed into their white t-shirts, ready to be covered in colour, and paint themselves pink, orange, yellow, red, green, blue, purple, or a wild combination of every colour imaginable. Waves of colour climbed
through an adventurous obstacle course and slid down the slime slide which was a highlight for many!
“We had over 60 people join in, along with the Ambassadors, and everyone literally had a ball at the colour runit was a great chance to catch up with old netball friends and meeting new ones,” explained Charlotte.
e clubhouse was open, serving up plenty of food and refreshments throughout the a ernoon, and even as the day began to draw to a close, nothing could wipe the smiles of the faces of everyone at the courts.
“A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported the day - your energy, smiles and laughter made it a truly memorable event,” Charlotte added.
“A special thanks to our amazing volunteers, sponsors, and families who helped behind the scenes to make the day possible. We couldn’t have done it without you!”
Below, Amaya Mahoney, Girls Open Champion. Levi Holmes, Boys Open Champion.
Spectators were treated to a thrilling a ernoon of racing, with events across multiple classes delivering plenty of close battles.
Photo supplied
Burdekin Water Festival Ambassadors Jorja Vasta, Ayve Cursio, Asha Grasso, Hunter Oar, Charlotte Sgroi, Georgia Tomasetig, Nicole Cervoni, Giulia Sarri and Molly Julyan ready to enjoy the Colour Run (Photo Credit: BNA)
Over 60 people came out to support Charlotte and the Burdekin Netball Association last weekend! (Photo Credit: BNA)
Competitive Touch Football at Burdekin Carnival
TOUCH FOOTBALL
The annual Burdekin Mixed Touch football carnival saw teams from Airlie Beach, Townsville and Burdekin clash in Ayr last weekend.
Local team Nrgize with Michael Little eld, Tramayne Horan and the Lampton family combining, defeated a very competitive NQ Under 16 girls’ team in the Open A nal 5 to 3.
Another local team Renegades under the guidance of Brendan Ford and the speedy Brad Johnson were too good in the B nal defeating Townsville team e Chokers 5 to 3.
e under 16 division saw some entertaining touch played throughout the day. Whitsunday proved too strong for Baywatch in the nal, winning 7 to 3.
e shoot-out competition saw e Chokers win the Open division while Whitsunday won the Under 16 division.
Sprints were conducted with Burdekin players proving too swi in ve of the six events.
Winners in the Open division were Kyle Vitty (Renegades) and Maddy Wallace (Nrgize), Over 39’s Michael Little eld (Nrgize) and Tramayne Horan (Nrgize) and Under 16’s Leo Rattler (Baywatch) and Claudia Ansell (Whitsunday).
At presentations, Burdekin President Peter Knapton thanked Wilmar Sugar and the Burdekin Shire Council for their generous support.
“All carnivals need volunteers to make it a success,” said Peter Knapton.
“I cannot thank enough our hardworking cooks, canteen sta and the referees who worked tirelessly in the hot conditions, “he said.
All teams thanked the organisers and were already looking forward to returning next year.
Contribiuted with thanks to Bruce Johnson
Football Matters with Cyclops
FOOTBALL
AA tough weekend for the Panthers: two wins, three draws, and one loss from six games. On Saturday in Townsville the Premiers lost 0-1 to Warriors, while the Reserves drew 1-1. On Friday at home, the Ladies beat Warriors 4-0 and Division 1 Men drew 2-2 with Estates. Division 2 Funkies won 2-1 away to Rebels. On Sunday, the Ladies drew 2-2 with Brothers at home.
is week the Premiers and Reserves host Estates (Premiers 8.30, Reserves 6.30). On Friday the Division 1 Men, Division 2 Men and Ladies are all away: Div 1 vs JCU 6.30, Div 2 vs Olympic 6.30, Ladies vs Rebels 6.30.
U13 Panthers Red made semis after nishing fourth and face MAO at 8.30am in Townsville. U14/15 Panthers also nished fourth and face MAO at 10.30am.
Night Soccer starts its 46th year Tuesday 9 September.
Premiers
e Ayr Anzac Club Premiers’ nals hopes ended with a 1-0 loss to Warriors. Keeper Jarrod Camer pulled o brilliant saves to keep Burdekin alive, but with ve minutes le Warriors broke through. e defeat ended Burdekin’s top four chances, though the side matched Warriors’ intensity throughout.
Reserves
Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves drew 1-1 with Warriors. Despite conceding just before hal ime, the Panthers stayed strong and Cooper Kross equalised with a strike into the bottom corner. Defence, mid eld, and forwards all worked hard in a game where Burdekin showed resilience.
Division 1 Men
Austral Masonry Division 1 Men drew 2-2 with top side Estates. Cody Scalia opened in the 15th minute, Henry Fallon added three minutes later, but Estates pulled one back before hal ime. Keeper Zack Durrant made superb saves before Estates equalised in the 73rd. A strong showing from the young Panthers.
Division 2 Men
C.A. Contracting Funkies beat Rebels 2-1 in a ery clash for the last nals spot. Burdekin lost Heath Swindley and keeper David Bryen to injury, trailing 0-1 at hal ime. Bryce Davies stepped in as keeper, while Jack Castrejana and a Rebels own goal gave Burdekin the lead. Down to nine men a er red cards to Brad Wright and Luke Cathcart, the Funkies held rm. Rebels collected ve yellows; Burdekin ve yellows and two reds. e Funkies now sit fourth, needing only to avoid a 13-goal loss to reach nals.
Ladies
On Friday the Ayr Anzac Club Ladies beat Warriors 4-0, with Zandi Bonanno scoring twice in the rst 11 minutes, Dayna Linton adding another, and Sienna Lago nishing late. Sunday’s clash with Brothers ended 2-2. Lago struck in the 5th minute, Brothers equalised in the 20th, Lago hit back a minute later, before Brothers levelled in the 43rd. e second half was physical, with Charley Ruskin booked, but the Panthers held strong for a valuable draw.
e Quote of the Week is from former Manchester Utd manager Ron Atkinson. “I have had to swap my Merc for a BMW, I am down to my last 37 suits, and I am drinking non-vintage champagne”
Roosters Finish Season on a High with Win Over Herbert River
The Burdekin Roosters Rugby League season ended on a high last Saturday night at Bendigo Bank Park, where a strong home crowd watched the A Grade side defeat Herbert River 24–18.
While the Crushers progress to face Western Lions in the RLTD semi- nals, the Roosters will re ect on what might have been.
Saturday was also Sponsors Day, with the club acknowledging the generosity of its backers. e players repaid that support in style, delivering a complete performance.
Coach Steve Lansley praised the e ort, saying his side signed o with a commanding victory on a sun-drenched paddock. Built on forward dominance and a superb tactical kicking game, the win gave home fans optimism heading into 2026.
e Roosters started with energy, completing their sets and marching up eld with purpose. Early pressure produced a quick try down the right edge to establish a 6–0 lead they never surrendered.
Hal ack Jye Olsen was the architect, controlling the match with a near- awless kicking display. His towering bombs and perfectly weighted grubbers repeatedly trapped the Crushers in their own half, forcing errors and drop-outs.
Up front, the brutal work of Hayde Munro and Nemia Nawave set the platform. Munro, in a manof-the-match e ort, broke the line with every carry and attracted multiple defenders, while Nawave’s hard running and defence added punch. Quick play-the-balls gave Burdekin plenty of strike power.
Herbert River never gave in, capitalising on Roosters ill-discipline to close the gap to 22–14. But Burdekin steadied, with Dylan Doak kicking a penalty goal and Munro leading the forwards back on top.
Terry Connors scored two tries for the Roosters, with Jones Munro and Terrence Mosby also crossing. Doak added four goals.
e win capped o a strong nish, giving Burdekin a clear blueprint for next season.
Reserve Grade
Herbert River turned the tables in reserve grade, running out 52–28 winners despite trailing 18–10 at hal ime.
e Crushers hit back through speedster Tremayne Priestly, whose pace, along with that of Jerraime
RUGBY LEAGUE
Nean, Jakobym Assan and Bailey Skipper, proved decisive as Burdekin’s forwards tired.
e Roosters were kept in the contest early by the strength of Llama Ghee, Caleb Noah and John Zaro, while centres Morgan Noah and Bokeem Moore Reid also impressed.
It was a learning experience for a young Roosters out t, with many playing their rst senior season. A h-place nish is a solid platform to build from.
Ghee was among the best, alongside Noah, Jack Rushton, Morgan Noah and Lincoln Boccolastte. Doak again starred, backing up for both grades. Tries came through Reid, Noah, Doak, Ghee and Zaro, with Doak adding four goals.
Other Results
A Grade: Norths def Brothers 32–16; Burdekin def Herbert River 24–18; Western Lions def Centrals 22–20. Souths and Charters Towers byes.
Reserve Grade: Herbert River def Burdekin 42–28; Bowen def Charters Towers 30–18; Brothers def Norths 44–18; Western Lions def Centrals 28–14. Souths bye.
Women: Charters Towers def Bowen 42–8; Western Lions def Centrals 10–4; Brothers def Norths 48–0. Burdekin River bye.
is Week’s Semi-Finals
A Grade: Souths v Brothers (major), Herbert River v Western Lions (minor).
Reserve Grade: Souths v Brothers, Herbert River v Western Lions.
Women: Western Lions v Centrals, Brothers v Burdekin River.
Brothers and Burdekin River nished with almost identical records. Brothers ended with 27 points (7 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses, 6 byes, 260 for/122 against, +138). Burdekin River tallied 23 points (7 wins, 1 draw, 5 losses, 4 byes, 326 for/194 against, +132).
e combined Burdekin River side only formed after the season began but has shown plenty of speed. Brothers boast the bigger pack, but Burdekin River are led by one of the smartest players in the competition, Paige Horvat.
If Horvat at ve-eighth gains good ball, the pace of Tiana Krutzfeldt, Martina Monday, Toni Daisy, Tanley Rowe and Abby King could prove decisive.
Cool Conditions Bring Big Turnout at Ayr Bowling Club
AYR BOWLING CLUB
WEEKLY REPORT
BOWLS
The Ayr Bowling Club is celebrating a great week, with members taking full advantage of the cooler weather conditions to enjoy both competitive and social matches. Enthusiasm has been high across the board, with players showing strong support for one another and a shared love of the game. e club’s vibrant community spirit has been on full display, as bowlers turned out in numbers to make the most of ideal playing conditions. With momentum building and friendships thriving, members are actively engaging with the many opportunities over the past week, including social and championship games, and NQ Triples hosted by Bowen Bowls club.
Ladies’ Social Tuesday A ernoon was a fantastic a ernoon with one game of rinks and one game of triples played. Winners were Linda Giumelli, Merle Nixon, Betty Schultz and Beryl Cornford defeating Isabel Cislowski, Katharina Stuckler, Sandra Stidston and Pam Power. Jeanette MacDonald, Donna Soper and Dot Cutting Defeating Meryl Smith, Karen Shepherd and Mary Poli. Wednesday’s Men’s Bowls saw 14 bowlers turn out for a great day
of bowling. Winners on the day were Joe Papale and Ron Soper defeating Chris Berkery and Col Essex.
Saturday’s social bowls was another great a ernoon with 24 bowlers hitting the green. e successful team on the day was Arthur Gauvin, Joe Papale and Pam Power defeating Mark Pearse, George Nixon and Barry Shepherd.
Sunday the Consistency Singles were played Pam Power defeated Lorraine Wol e Pam is through to the next round. Dot Cutting is through to the nal of Crooked Kitty. Beryl Cornford is through to the nal of Consistency Singles. e draw for all games is available on the Women’s Notice Board.
Friday Roll Up is on this week, held every Friday a ernoon from 3:00 - 5:30pm. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills, enjoy some friendly training tips, or simply unwind with a drink, these casual roll-ups are the perfect way to kick o the weekend. Come down for some training, enjoy a few drinks, and join in the fun with fellow club members.
For more information, visit Ayr Bowling Club or nd us on Facebook.
Perfect Winter’s Day for Thursday Social Bowls
BOWLS
Thirty players enjoyed another perfect Burdekin winter’s day on ursday, with Glen “Bones” Berryman and Paul Vass taking top honours.
In singles play, Michael Young defeated Norm Bethell on Rink 2. On Rink 3, Tony Caruso and Tony Eadie overcame Judy Elton and Gary Nosworthy, while Rink 4 saw Margaret Chapman, Dino Poli and Wayne Newton too strong for Harold Rummeny, Elaine Young and Trevor Elton.
On Rink 5, Janet Arthur, Mark Swaine and Steve Doig stormed home to defeat Bruce McCallum, Nev Webb and Joe Linton. Rink 6 went to Bob Young, Ron Smith and Mick McClosky over Betty Webb, Sandra Darwin and Des Chapman. Meanwhile, Rink 7 featured the winning pair of Paul Vass and Bones Berryman, who accounted for Jos DeFranciscus and Alex Bojack.
Looking ahead, the Wilmar Challenge will be held on Sunday, 21 September 2025. Ayr, Brandon, Giru and Home Hill clubs will each enter three teams of four, competing for a shield cra ed by the Burdekin Wood Turners. e event will rotate annually between clubs. Spectators are welcome, with a barbecue and bar operating on the day.
Ra e prizes went to Bones Berryman ($15), Bob Young ($10) and Gary Nosworthy ($5). e vegetable trays were won by Yogi Bunn and Priscilla Newton.
e club’s regular activities continue to draw strong numbers. Monday features morning tness, followed on Tuesday by the Trimmers program and Funday bowls. Wednesday brings the Kra group together during the day before barefoot bowls under lights, complete with the ever-popular sau-
sage sizzle. On ursday, morning bingo attracts a lively crowd before social bowls in the a ernoon. Saturday’s $5 bowls remain a popular way to round out the week.
For social bowls, names are to be in by 1pm.
Photo and report by Stephen Doig
ursdays winners Glen (Bones) Berryman and Paul Vass. Photo supplied.
Canetoads Set Date For Annual Awards Celebration
RUGBY UNION
As the shire’s sporting season draws to a close across multiple clubs, the Burdekin Rugby Union Club (BRUC) have jumped ahead and claimed the date of their 2025 Presentation Night, marking out Saturday the 27th of September.
e annual extravaganza, set to be held at the Queens Hotel for the second consecutive year, celebrates the outstanding achievements of the club’s players from the smallest toads on the eld to the oldest across one
huge evening over owing with festivities.
Prizes are awarded to players across categories including most improved, most consistent, best forward, best back, players player and player of the year across each division. As well as Team Awards, the evening also includes Club Award presentations across the following categories: dedication to players (junior and senior), volunteer contributing the most, player contributing the most, spirit of rugby, and clubman of the year.
A er all the presentations are done and dusted, the evening
Jasmin Kierle, Kiara Krug, Briellen CarterMathews, Caitlin Holmes and Aletheia Pacey were celebrated for their achievements at 2024’s Burdekin Rugby Union Club’s Presentation Night (Photo Source: BRUC)
becomes a celebration of the season just past, as players come together to wrap up another successful year on the eld. Additional details of the night will be shared in the coming weeks on the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads’ social media pages, and for any enquires, email brucsecretary@outlook. com.
WHAT: Burdekin Rugby Union Club Presentation Night
