Burdekin Life Issue Compressed

Life 17-19 Property Life 21

22-23

Guide 24-25

Guide 26

Jump in with Jacob

If you love a local success story, or are in need of a little motivation, then boy… do I have something for you.

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

Rachael Smith – 0417 267 373 rachael@lifepublishinggroup.com

JOURNALISTS

Jacob Casha – 0484 501 662 jacob@lifepublishinggroup.com

Chelsea Ravizza Chelsea@lifepublishinggroup.com

SALES

Jack Bridgett – 0418 346 694 jack@lifepublishinggroup.com

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I had the opportunity to meet—albeit over the phone—another of the Burdekin’s many world beaters last week, this time in the form of para athlete Ainsley Hooker.

The Giru-based shotputter was officially named in Australia’s para-athletics squad just last week, which will see her travel to Glasgow to compete on the world stage later this year.

HONESTY ON DISPLAY IN WOOLWORTHS CAR PARK

Asimple act of honesty in a Burdekin supermarket car park has sparked an outpouring of praise online, after a young local woman took responsibility for accidentally damaging another person’s car and stayed behind to make things right.

fact, one of my favourite things about this job is it affords me that opportunity every now and then.

Except, there was a point during my chat with Ainsley that I completely forgot it even was an interview. Instead, I was deriving life lessons.

Lessons of perseverance. Of dedication. Of humility. And it fills me with great pride, as it should you, to know that people like Ainsley are doing it all from our very own backyard.

If you’re after something that goes a bit deeper than your average sports update, you’ll find the full story on page 7.

The story was shared to the Burdekin Community Hub Facebook page by local resident Jennie Fabbro on behalf of the car owner, quickly attracting more than 400 reactions and dozens of supportive comments from the community.

According to the post, the young woman accidentally hit a parked car at the Woolworths car park and rather than driving away, immediately reported the incident to the Woolworths service desk.

“The young ones of today are often frowned upon, but I’d like to share a story of a very caring, genuine young lady,” the post read.

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All

As a former athlete myself, I always relish the opportunity to pick the brains of those who operate at the highest levels. In

After a public announcement failed to locate the car owner, the young woman reportedly waited beside the damaged vehicle until they returned from shopping.

“She didn’t just drive off – she reported it to Woolworths Service Counter,” the post stated.

Jacob

was visibly shaken and, despite not having insurance, still offered to pay for the repairs.

“I am very happy to say that she arrived at our doorstep, as promised, and presented us with the payment,” the post continued.

“We are so VERY grateful for your honesty and willingness to help make this right. Please stay the lovely, caring person that you are.”

The heartfelt story resonated strongly with locals, many praising the young woman’s integrity and the values she had clearly been taught.

“Lovely to hear a good news story about young people,” one commenter wrote, while another described the act as “refreshing” and “rare and genuine.”

Others commended the young woman for taking responsibility and showing maturity beyond her years, with many saying the story restored their faith in the younger generation. Community Life 1-15

The writer explained the young woman

A young Burdekin woman has been praised for doing the right thing after accidently damaging a car in the Woolies’ car park. Photo source: Shutterstock

Servicing Burdekin

Vandals Trash Ayr Footy Fields

Deep tyre tracks have left three local sports fields unplayable and caused an estimated $5,000 in damage, leaving the Burdekin Touch Football Association to face a months-long recovery effort.

The extensive vandalism to the Wickham Street grounds in Ayr was discovered early Wednesday morning, sparking a police investigation into whether a recently stolen vehicle was involved.

‘The worst I’ve seen it’ Burdekin Touch Football Association

President Peter Knapton was notified of the destruction at 6am on Wednesday.

“I thought, ‘not again!’” Mr Knapton said. “It’s happened before, but this is the worst I’ve seen it.”

Groundskeepers estimate repairs will exceed $5,000, with deep ruts and possible sprinkler damage expected to take months to restore.

Mr Knapton expressed deep frustration over the disrespect shown to the club’s volunteers, who spend countless hours maintaining the facility.

“I know the amount of hours that our groundskeepers put into this field,” Mr Knapton said.

“When we developed field five, they spent days and hours pulling out every bullhead, every bindi, every weed… it’s so disap-

pointing, not just for me, but for all of us.

“People don’t have respect for other people’s property anymore. It’s sad that you have to accept that these things are going to happen, and you’ve got to put in such extensive measures to mitigate and repair any damage to your property.”

The Wickham Street complex is a popular community hub, hosting touch football, junior rugby league training, junior touch and organised fitness training each week. Mr Knapton described its fields as “the best in North Queensland.”

He noted that the facility’s open accessibility makes it a social pillar of the community, but leaves it susceptible to incidents like Wednesday’s.

BY JACOB CASHA

He said the club had explored remedies to prevent illegal vehicle access, with most involving costs the club could not afford.

Ayr Police have launched an investigation into the vandalism, with officers looking into whether a utility vehicle, stolen from an Ayr address on the same morning, was

involved in the incident.

Sergeant Lisa Shields, Officer in Charge of Ayr Police, condemned the damage, calling the incident “extremely disappointing” given its widespread impact on the local community.

“Police are appealing for public assistance in identifying the persons responsible for

this careless act,” Sgt Shields said. “I urge anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Ayr Police Station, Policelink, or Crime Stoppers.

The extensive vandalism to the Wickham Street grounds in Ayr was discovered early Wednesday morning, sparking a police investigation into whether a recently stolen vehicle was involved. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

Farmers prioritised in fuel plan

Burdekin’s peak agricultural industry is being assured by Member for Burdekin Dale Last they have not been forgotten by the Crisafulli Government as concerns remain around fuel security during a critical time of the year.

From immediate relief to securing supply and long-term certainty, the Crisafulli Government’s release of its Queensland Fuel Security Plan outlined actions to make a real impact, especially with the approach of sugarcane crushing season.

Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government’s five-point plan was about providing short, medium and long term surety so Queenslanders, its industries and small businesses are never again at the mercy of global supply chains.

“Our sugar industry is the backbone of our economy here in the Burdekin and without the fuel it needs to keep harvesters, haul outs and machinery going, we risk the sector being brought to a grinding halt,” Mr Last said.

“We know when our agriculture sector is able to thrive, the benefits flow right through to the communities that surround them, which is why the Crisafulli Government is taking steps to make sure the fuel our farmers need is affordable and available when it’s time to fuel up.”

“Striking oil at the Taroom Trough is just

one piece of the puzzle with expressions of interest now open for the industry to bring forward fuel refining or storage proposals on Government owned sites and ports across Queensland including Abbot Point.”

“We’re not stopping there, the Crisafulli Government has also announced we are removing state taxes on fuel price rises, delivering the savings families and our farmers need right now.”

Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government’s active steps to drill, refine and store fuel in Queensland meant our farmers and the industries that support them could have the confidence to prosper for years to come.

“We are living in uncertain times and recent events show just how susceptible we are to impacts of overseas conflicts. It is up to governments of all levels to show leadership and do what is needed to provide the certainty Queenslanders need, no matter whether you are fuelling a tractor or the family car,” Mr Last said.

“We’re playing our part by unlocking the land these facilities will be built on as well as providing the fastest pathway possible to getting them going – now we’re asking the Federal Government to play their part.”

Contributed with thanks to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP’s office

Your Capital, The Government’s Gain The Budget Raid on Your Future

OPINION PIECE FROM THE OFFICE OF FEDERAL MEMBER FOR DAWSON ANDREW WILLCOX

Labor’s Budget of broken promises and cuts has obliterated a fair go for Dawson, while doubling down on its tone-deaf reckless race to renewables and net zero fantasy.

The Prime Minister’s lies will increase taxes, lower living standards and cut funding to Dawson.

“Regional Australians in Dawson are the innocent victims of Labor’s all-out assault on aspiration,” Andrew Willcox MP said.

“Labor’s broken promises on tax betrays the trust of families in Dawson and will see regional Australians pay more.

“Even on Labor’s own figures, disposable income per capita will fall and real wages will decline.

“Labor knows that their Budget cheats Australians in Dawson, because they have issued a cheat sheet to all of their MPs.

“In the regions, not only does Labor’s Budget make people poorer, they also suffer cuts to the productivity-enhancing infrastructure that could make all Australians richer.”

Mr Willcox described this budget as a hightax, high-spending blueprint that abandons the people of regional Queensland.

“Labor is attempting to distract families with a $250 tax benefit that most people won’t even see in their bank accounts until 2028.

“This is a slap in the face, it doesn’t even cover the promised $275 power bill reduction that Anthony Albanese failed to deliver.

“The message from this government to every Australian who has worked hard to get ahead is clear: here come the taxes.

“By raiding the capital gains discount and scrapping negative gearing for future purchases of established homes, Labor is penalising success and making it even harder for the next generation to achieve the Australian dream.”

Across the Budget, regional Australians face at least $11 billion worth of cuts, including:

• $6.15 billion cut from the Inland Rail project;

• $4.7 billion cut from infrastructure spending;

• $103 million cut from the National Water Grid;

• $191.6 million cut from pest and disease, regional trade and drought funding for farmers; and

• $21.4 million cut from regional communications funding.

Dancers Hit the Stage As Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod

Kicks Off

Dancers from across North Queensland left it all on the floor over the last week, officially kicking off the 42nd Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod (BJE) last Tuesday.

The first and biggest of seven major categories across the two-week showcase, the dance competition saw hundreds of acts compete across different genres, with some participants earning more than one honour.

President of the BJE, Annette Jorgensen, said this year’s dance section was one of the biggest and most hotly contested yet, with competition commencing a day earlier than scheduled to accommodate increased entries.

She said judges and organisers alike were left impressed by the array of talent.

“Every year the talent on stage continues to impress us, with both our girls and boys showcasing incredible dedication, confidence and passion for dance,” Ms Jorgensen said.

“It is wonderful to see competitors from different studios supporting and cheering each other on, creating such a positive and encouraging atmosphere both on and off the stage.”

Ms Jorgensen said this year’s local con-

tingent of participants represented the Burdekin region especially well, going toeto-toe with their North Queensland counterparts.

“The local Burdekin talent has continued to perform exceptionally well against competitors from other regions, demonstrating not only a high standard of performance but also the dedication and passion of our young performers,” she said.

“It’s always wonderful to see local students confidently holding their own alongside visiting entrants and representing the Bur-

dekin community so proudly at the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod.”

Jorgensen said the dance acts set a positive foundation for the rest of the eisteddfod, wrapping up on Sunday, 10th May, ahead of the music program starting the following day..

This year’s BJE has drawn 2,784 entrants across dance, music, speech and drama, art, literature and photography, and Highland and Irish dancing, running through 17th May.

Ms Jorgensen said the numbers were a testament to the event’s continued growth and strong community support, with plenty of action still to come.

“This week is all about singing, instrumental performances, poetry, and public speaking, before finishing the weekend with a wonderful celebration of Highland and Irish dancing. I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible variety of talent on display,” she said.

More pictures on page 11

7 yrs Classical Solo (R-L): 1st - Gracie Obrien, 2nd - Alison Deicke, 3rd - Octavia Walsh, HC - Frankie Whybird

8yrs Tap Solo (L-R): 1st - Eva Twycross, 2nd - Aimee Grams, 3rd - Samuel Bartolo, HC - Ella Chammaa. Photos supplied

Supporting Local Sport, Strengthening Local Community

For Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, supporting local sporting organisations is about far more than sponsorship—it is about investing back into the people, families and future of the Burdekin community.

Up to 80% of the community bank profits generated locally are returned to local initiatives, helping sporting groups, schools and community organisations continue to grow and provide opportunities close to home. Supporting grassroots sport remains a strong focus for the community bank, recognising the important role clubs play in bringing people together, encouraging healthy lifestyles and creating lifelong connections.

One organisation that continues to benefit from this support is the Burdekin Netball Association, a club with a proud history spanning more than 50 years.

What began in 1970 as Home Hill Netball, formed by a group of local women who recognised the need for a dedicated sport for women in the community, has grown into one of the Burdekin’s most important grassroots sporting organisations. As participation expanded beyond Home Hill, the association officially became the Burdekin Netball Association in 1992, reflecting the strong regional support that continues today.

A spokesperson for the Burdekin Netball Association said netball plays an important role in connecting people throughout the region.

“Netball allows children from different schools to interact and meet other children, while also creating a social environment for locals and people who are new to the region to connect through team sport,” the spokesperson said.

ways for athletes aiming to compete at State carnival level.

“Our local pathway allows members to trial for our Silverlinks squad that participates in the Townsville competitions, giving players the opportunity to further develop their skills and compete at a higher level,” the spokesperson said.

Importantly, the Burdekin Netball Association says strong community support is what keeps the organisation thriving. Volunteers, families and local supporters all play a vital role in ensuring competitions, carnivals and events continue to run successfully each year.

“Without assistance from our volunteers and facilities, our association would not be able to operate as efficiently as it does,” the spokesperson said. “Many hands make light work and when our families are called to help, they assist willingly and happily.”

The association says the long-standing partnership with Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr has helped strengthen the club both on and off the court.

Recent contributions from the bank have included funding towards a future training wall and storage shed, helping the association work toward creating a dedicated practice and spectator space for local families.

“Associations like ours could not survive without support from local businesses,” the spokesperson said.

“Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr has been a major supporter for many years and their staff have also assisted at functions held by us. Their presence is always welcomed.”

Community Grant Program

The association caters for all ages and abilities, with members starting from as young as five years old through to players over 50. Alongside local junior and ladies competitions, the association also runs a mixed competition later in the year and supports representative path-

When you partner with us, good things happen.

Looking ahead, the Burdekin Netball Association is planning a major rede velopment of its courts, grounds and clubhouse facilities, ensuring the sport can continue to grow for generations to come.

New Fuel Security Investments Aim To Ease Pressure On Burdekin Businesses

BY CHELSEA RAVIZZA

Amid growing concerns over rising fuel costs and ongoing energy uncertainty impacting regional businesses across the Burdekin Shire, the Queensland Government has continued rolling out a series of fuel security initiatives aimed at strengthening the State’s long-term fuel supply and storage capacity.

Building on recent announcements including the Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program, the Queensland Fuel Security Plan and a $25 million investment into renewable diesel production at Ampol’s Lytton refinery, on Saturday 9th May the State Government announced plans to fast-track BP’s lease extension at its Bulwer Island facility in Brisbane.

The move is expected to unlock up to $100 million in additional fuel storage investment, forming part of broader efforts to improve fuel security, stabilise supply chains and reduce pressure on transport and freight-reliant industries across regional Queensland.

Burdekin Chamber of Commerce Secretary Kari Ravizza said rising fuel prices were placing significant strain on businesses throughout the region, particularly within retail, agriculture and freight-dependent industries.

She explained that regional communities often faced fewer transport alternatives and less pricing competition than metropolitan areas, while many suppliers had introduced fuel surcharges and more frequent price adjustments, making already tight business margins increasingly unpredictable.

“Across regional areas, rising fuel costs aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re compounding pressure across every part of operations,” explained Mrs Ravizza.

to be at the end of a supply chain that sees Queenslanders suffer because they can’t get the fuel they need to do their job.”

Mrs Ravizza said rising fuel prices were also beginning to impact tourism and consumer confidence across the wider North Queensland region.

“Our members [Burdekin Chamber of Commerce] have observed reduced visitor numbers during periods of high fuel costs, softer retail trade, lower hospitality turnover, and increased uncertainty when planning events or seasonal campaigns,” she said.

“Operationally, businesses are adapting where they can—consolidating deliveries, limiting travel, and tightening budgets— but there are limits to how much efficiency can offset rising costs.”

As conversations continue around renewable fuels and regional energy resilience, attention has also turned towards the potential role of locally produced ethanol through Queensland’s sugar industry.

Mrs Ravizza said the Chamber believed ethanol production could form part of a longer-term solution for regions like the Burdekin Shire, particularly if locally produced fuel solutions are linked to the sugar industry.

“In a region like the Burdekin, where sugar production is a key economic driver, ethanol presents an opportunity to add value to an existing industry, support regional jobs and investment, and potentially provide more stable and locally influenced fuel pricing over time,” she said.

“While there are challenges—including infrastructure, investment, and policy considerations—this is the type of forward-thinking solution that aligns with regional strengths.”

“Businesses are facing a tough choice: absorb the cost or pass it on, both of which have consequences in smaller communities where customers are already cost-conscious.”

Your organisation gets sponsorship, and your banking helps support the community.

Contributed with thanks to Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr

Applications close 12th April 2024.

Member for Burdekin and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said BP’s latest announcement demonstrated what could be achieved when governments were genuinely committed to strengthening Australia’s fuel sovereignty and long-term energy resilience.

“We’re the only state taking fuel security seriously and making the decisions that will return energy sovereignty to our state,” said Mr Last. “Never again do we want

As regional businesses continue navigating rising operating costs and ongoing fuel uncertainty, many across the Burdekin Shire are hopeful that greater investment in fuel security, local infrastructure and renewable fuel opportunities could help strengthen long-term economic resilience for both industry and the wider community.

One organisation that continues to benefit from Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr’s support is the Burdekin Netball Association, a club with a proud history spanning more than 50 years. Photo supplied

Giru’s Ainsley Hooker To Wave Burdekin Flag In Glasgow

Giru para shot putter Ainsley Hooker has secured her spot at July’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, six years after an amputation she feared would end her competitive sporting career for good.

Hooker was officially named to the 24-strong Australian Para Athletics squad last week, joining 16 other debutants at the 2026 edition of the quadrennial sporting event.

She said the announcement brought a whirlwind of emotions, with sheer disbelief the most prominent.

“You wait and you wait for that email to come through, or the phone call, and you’re checking and checking. It finally comes through, and you sort of go, ‘Really? Did I read that right?’” she said.

Hooker’s selection follows a successful qualification process, which saw her named among 30 athletes eligible for international classification before climbing the world rankings with strong performances in Canberra, Brisbane, Townsville and Bowen.

Her qualification means she will represent Australia for the third time in her career after donning the green and gold at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany and the 2024 Warrior Games in the USA.

She said Commonwealth Games selection had eclipsed every previous achievement in her para sporting career.

“This is going to be a completely different experience to anything I’ve ever done,” she said.

“When I see and get hold of that green and gold uniform, I probably will be in tears.”

Brisbane-born Hooker spent much of her childhood in sport before joining the Australian Army as a reservist in 2007 and later transitioning to full-time service with the Royal Australian Corps of Transport.

An ankle injury suffered during an Army obstacle course later that year derailed her military career and eventually led to her

BY JACOB CASHA

medical discharge in 2013.

Years of failed surgeries and chronic pain followed before Hooker elected to undergo a below-knee amputation in 2020—a decision she now calls “the best she’s ever made.”

“13 years of walking around with a bunged leg was slowly wrecking the rest of the body and killing it off. I thought, amputating it can’t be any worse than this,” she said.

“The first time putting a prosthetic leg on and taking my first steps pain free was incredible. It was the best decision that I ever made.”

She said that while the amputation was successful, it brought doubts about her future in sport.

“When I lost my leg, that was it. I spent years with this injury where I couldn’t do anything. I was pretty much a hermit; stuck in the house, didn’t leave, couldn’t do anything,” she said.

“I thought my life in sport was completely over. Nobody really knows about adaptive sports. That’s where Invictus Australia came in, they showed me all of it.

“There’s wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball, archery. There are some incredible archers who use their mouth or their feet, and that’s all adaptive sport. It was sort of a ‘wow’ moment. Life’s not over. There’s more I can do.”

Hooker’s renewed confidence prompted her to apply for the Invictus Games 2023 selection camp, where she would claim gold in athletics and bronze in wheelchair rugby for Team Australia.

She later backed up those performances at the Warrior Games in Florida, where she competed in shot put and discus against some of the world’s leading adaptive athletes.

Hooker now heads to Glasgow confident of putting up a fight against the world’s elite, training daily in her Giru backyard ahead of the Games.

“I’ve been keeping a track of the world rankings and how they’re throwing, and some of those girls—holy hell, they can launch that ball,” she said.

“I’m aiming to at least throw eight metres.

I’m feeling that’ll get me comfortably in that middle pack, maybe third, given what I’ve been seeing in the world ranking.

“But overall, I’m planning on just going,

having fun and doing my damn best.”

With preparations for Glasgow now underway, Ainsley and her family have launched a fundraising campaign to help cover travel and competition expenses. If you’d like to help support Ainsley as she waves the Burdekin flag in Glasgow, please follow the link below:

https://gofund.me/e5a738d52

Giru para shot putter Ainsley Hooker has secured her spot at July’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, six years after an amputation she feared would end her competitive sporting career for good. Photo credit: Invictus Australia

Restoring safety where you live

The new Queensland Government is Making Queensland Safer with more police and stronger laws combined with early intervention and rehabilitation programs for at-risk youth.

Already delivering a 7.2 per cent reduction in victim numbers* and with serious repeat offenders down 17 per cent**, the Government is breaking the cycle of crime. But there’s more to be done.

Under Adult Crime, Adult Time almost 4700 youth offenders have been charged with more than 22,800 offences. Youth bail monitoring laws are also stronger, improving safety where you live.

More than 1600 new police are restoring safety where you live.

Bolstered police capability includes an expanded POLAIR (Police Aerial Operations) and the largest rapid response unit in Queensland’s history. The State Flying Squad is providing surge capacity straight into crime hotspots – moving fast to target and remove criminals from the street.

Crime hotspots are being targeted through locally led and centrally coordinated police operations. Operation Xray Steeler recently resulted in more than 1300 people charged with 4072

offences. Operation Forge is underway across the state delivering a highly visible six-month crackdown on breakins, robberies and stolen cars.

Jack’s Law is keeping our streets safer, with police scanning for, detecting and removing weapons to combat knife crime.

The Government is also better protecting children by strengthening the blue card system and delivering Daniel’s

Law – which provides access to vital information for parents, guardians and members of the community to help safeguard children. More information is available at DanielsLaw.qld.gov.au

Significant investment in early intervention and rehabilitation programs is breaking the cycle of crime by helping at-risk youth re-engage with education and their communities.

Across North Queensland, the new Queensland Government is backing frontline policing with 184 new police recruits for the region in less than 18 months and upgrading key police facilities and delivering stronger surveillance. Investment in POLAIR aerial support is cutting response times across the region.

The recently opened Kirwan Police Station in Townsville is now a central crime-prevention hub, supporting hundreds of officers to do their job.

North Queensland communities can also tap into Secure Communities Partnership grants to expand CCTV coverage and lift security for small business and local government. For more information visit business.qld.gov.au/securegrant

*Compared to 2024 (Jan to Dec) per capita. **Compared to 2024 serious repeat youth offenders.

Operation Forge restoring safety where you live

Safety Response Safety Team with local police.

In the first six weeks, more than 2000 offenders have been charged with over 5000 offences.

QPS Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations, John Tims, said communities would see more highly visible proactive patrols to reduce crime.

“Bolstered by coordinated investigations and shared intelligence, the operation will target prolific, high harm repeat offenders,” he said.

“Responses will be tailored for local issues and have the flexibility to strategically shift gears to target high-crime and high-harm locations.”

Officer in Charge of POLAIR Senior Sergeant Tony Lawliss said the extension of POLAIR’s aerial crime-fighting capability in Cairns and the expansion of that capability on the Sunshine Coast to include the Moreton Bay region had bolstered their ability to support on-ground crews in responding to emergencies.

“Our highly trained crews can respond to incidents faster now that they’ve been strategically positioned out of more regional bases across Queensland,” he said.

Daniel’s Law: Turning a legacy into safer communities for Queensland’s children

Daniel’s Law is one of the most significant reforms to child safety legislation in Queensland’s history and is a major milestone in restoring safety where you live.

With more than 290,000 visits to the Daniel’s Law website since 31 December 2025, the State’s first public sex offender register provides parents with an online tool to keep their families safe.

The online register provides eligible members of the Queensland community access to information about convicted sex offenders who are on Queensland’s Child Protection Register , helping communities stay alert and informed.

The register honours the legacy of Sunshine Coast schoolboy Daniel Morcombe, whose abduction and murder in 2003 inspired two decades of advocacy for stronger child protection laws.

“It has been more than 20 years since Daniel was taken from us, and every single day since, we’ve fought to make sure no other family goes through what we did,” parents Bruce and Denise Morcombe shared.

“Daniel’s Law is about protecting kids, empowering parents, and shining a light on those who lurk in the dark.”

QPS Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark said Daniel’s Law will help families better understand local risks and take informed precautions.

“Daniel’s Law provides parents, guardians and the broader community with access to information that helps safeguard children,” he said.

Visit DanielsLaw.qld.gov.au

The new Queensland Government is driving down crime and restoring safety where you live. Victim numbers are down 7.2%* and serious repeat offenders are down 17%^ under Adult Crime Adult Time, but there’s more to be done.

*Compared to 2024 (Jan to Dec), per capita. ^Compared to 2024 serious repeat youth offenders.

A six-month locally led and centrally coordinated operation targeting break-ins, robberies and stolen cars is underway across the state.

Operation Forge combines specialist personnel from POLAIR (Police Aerial Operations), the State Flying Squad, Youth Co-Responder and Public

POLAIR in action. Image credit Kana Photography.

Frontline policing rebuilt with 1600 additional police

Frontline policing is being rebuilt with more than 1600 new police recruits as part of the plan to make Queensland safer.

F

ollowing the March graduation of 61 police officers from the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley, a total of 1625

new police recruits have been delivered in less than 18 months.

These officers are ready to support their communities with integrity, respect and courage in communities across the State, including Brisbane, Cairns, Mount Isa, Townsville, Mackay, the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and the Gold Coast.

A career with the QPS offers diverse

roles, unique challenges and the chance to make a real difference every day.

From emergency response and crime prevention to community engagement and public safety, no two days are ever the same.

Gold Coast volunteer Surf Lifesaver, Constable Sophie Christie, deployed to the South Brisbane District, said she felt it was an obvious career move to go from the boat to the beat.

“I wanted to continue to help people and I wanted my work to have a meaningful impact on Queensland,” Constable Christie said.

“Policing ticked all of those boxes for me; I just can’t wait to get out there and make a difference in people’s lives.”

Former school chaplain Noah Langley, now stationed at Tully Police Station, is part of the growing local capability in the Far North.

“It’s my people, it’s my home. I couldn’t imagine serving any other place than Queensland,” he said.

Constable Chyenne Koki-Collier joined the service to help others.

“The people who have helped me along the way in my life really motivated me to try and help others,” she said.

For more information visit policerecruit.qld.gov.au

Flying Squad delivers safer streets for Queenslanders

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uilt to quickly target and remove dangerous criminals from the streets, the State Flying Squad has clocked up more than 140 deployments to make Queensland safer since its launch in January 2025.

The largest police rapid response unit in Queensland’s history is restoring safety where you live, so far arresting 2372 offenders, including 1318 youths, on 7249 charges.

The unit has been deployed to fight crime in locations including the Far North, Townsville and Darling Downs districts.

Senior Constable Samuel Wendt, an officer with the State Flying Squad says their work strengthens existing police activities by providing surge capacity into local crime hotspots.

Breaking the Cycle: Early intervention to prevent reoffending and Make Queensland Safer

The new Queensland Government is delivering targeted early intervention programs that support at-risk young people, increase accountability and reduce reoffending.

The Regional Reset program intervenes when young people start to disengage or show signs of antisocial behaviour. It combines mentoring, outdoor challenges and cultural learning to build skills and confidence to make safer choices and avoid trouble.

When a young person leaves detention, the Staying on Track program steps in immediately with six months of intensive support to reduce the risk

of reoffending. The program connects youths with mentoring, family support and practical life skills training to build routines and stay on a positive path.

The Government is also strengthening local crime prevention by backing communityled projects through Kickstarter Grants and expanding school-based support – opening four new Crime Prevention Schools and two Youth Justice Schools.

To ensure the longevity of early intervention and youth justice programs, the Queensland Government is investing $560 million in early intervention and youth justice programs, including $225 million over five years to deliver Staying on Track.

“We enhance their ability to conduct operations by boosting their numbers on the frontlines, which increases community safety,” he said.

“Recently, we have been regularly deployed to assist with operations that aim to reduce property crime in Northern and Far Northern Queensland, which resulted in reduced numbers of victims of crime.”

In North Queensland, the Staying on Track program is helping young people transition from detention.

Kieran Palmer, Clinical Services Manager at Ted Noffs Townsville, says the program is reducing reoffending and creating lasting change.

“What we try to do is set up a world around them that decreases the chances of reoffending and increases the chances they’ll find a different life,” he said.

The program also includes the Stand As One mentoring initiative, delivered by Shine for Kids in Townsville and Cairns. National Practice Manager Moana Wati says changes are often subtle, but they make a big difference to the young person and their future.

Jack’s Law makes impact across the state

J

ack’s Law is helping make Queensland safer by enabling police to use handheld

detectors to find knives and other weapons without a warrant.

Since the laws were made permanent and expanded statewide in July last year, more than 127,000 scans have been carried out, leading to 1947 arrests and 3773 charges.

Brett and Belinda Beasley lost their 17-year-old son, Jack, in December 2019 at Surfers Paradise when he was fatally stabbed during a night out with friends.

Today, they are proud to see Jack’s legacy drive real change, with every wanding operation helping police remove weapons from the streets.

“We don’t want any other family to go through what we’ve been through,” Mr Beasley said.

Adult Crime, Adult Time expands

Protecting communities, reducing reoffending and holding young offenders to account underpins ongoing efforts to strengthen youth crime laws.

Recommended by the Queensland Government’s Expert Legal Panel, these laws aim to deliver tougher measures on youth crime to protect the community.

New legislation passed in State Parliament expands Adult Crime, Adult Time to include 12 additional offences, such as aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm, further bolstering efforts to make Queensland safer.

So far, almost 4700 youth offenders have been charged with more than 22,800 Adult Crime, Adult Time offences, contributing to a 7.2 per cent year on year drop in crime victims.

The decisive reforms, along with early intervention and rehabilitation programs, send a clear message that youth offenders will face serious consequences for their actions.

DELIVERED DANIEL’S LAW MAKING QUEENSLAND SAFER FOR OUR KIDS

In honour of Daniel Morcombe, the new Queensland Government has delivered Daniel’s Law, the State’s first public child sex offender register, available now. This online tool identifies certain reportable offenders living in your local area, or whose whereabouts are unknown to police. Parents and guardians can also apply for a search on unsupervised contacts.

Through Daniel’s Law, the Queensland Government is delivering access to vital information to help keep kids safe.

Constable Chyenne Koki-Collier (centre) with her graduating cohort.

Police officers use hand-held metal detectors to scan for knives and other weapons.

metal

September 28th 2023 Community News

Burdekin Industry Breakfast to showcase major residential growth opportunities

Burdekin Shire Council is encouraging developers, landowners and industry stakeholders to attend the upcoming Burdekin Industry Breakfast, where key regional investment and infrastructure opportunities will be highlighted –including the Residential Activation Fund (RAF) project.

The breakfast will be held on Wednesday 20 May 2026 at the Burdekin Theatre, Ayr, bringing together industry leaders, growers and government representatives to connect businesses with opportunities shaping the region’s future.

A key feature of the morning will be a presentation on Burdekin Shire Council’s application under the Residential Activation Fund (RAF), a $55 million project for the construction of trunk infrastructure to unlock new residential

development in the Ayr township.

Director Infrastructure Planning & Environmental Services, James Stewart, will provide an overview of the project, which focuses on enabling development across key areas including Beach Road, Chippendale and Craig Street.

Council has already successfully secured funding in Round 1 to complete detailed design works, with the Round 2 application supporting the next stage of delivery.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the presentation would provide valuable insight for those interested in the region’s growth opportunities.

“The Residential Activation Fund presents a significant opportunity to unlock new housing across the Burdekin and support sustainable

growth for our community,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“We strongly encourage developers and landowners to attend this session to better understand the project and how they can be part of the Burdekin’s future development.”

In addition to the RAF presentation, attendees will hear updates on major regional initiatives including the North Queensland Food Futures Precinct Project and the Bowen Pipeline Project.

The breakfast begins at 7:00am, with presentations from 7:30am. Tickets are $15 per person (breakfast included), and registration is essential due to limited availability.

To register, visit https:// www.trybooking.com/ DMAZB.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Road Reseal Program Progressing Across the Burdekin

Burdekin Shire Council’s 2025–2026 Road Reseal Program is continuing across the region, with works progressing through May.

Works are typically carried out between 7:00am and 5:00pm, with most streets completed within a matter of hours once works commence, weather permitting.

The reseal program forms part of Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the local road network, ensuring safer and more reliable travel for residents across the Burdekin. Upcoming works will take place across a number of locations, including:

12–15 May: Loram Road, Kilrie Road, Downs Road, McDonald Road, Northern Road, Archer Road, Switchback Road, Sandhill Road, Hodder Road, Seventeenth Street, Sixteenth Street and Eleventh Avenue.

Burdekin Theatre, Ayr, on Sunday

15–25 May: Fredericksfield Road, Eleventh Street, Fourteenth A Street, Fifteenth Street, Fifth Avenue, Tenth Street, Third Avenue, Cannavan Road, Sibson Road, Bayliss Road, Georgees Road, Groper Creek Road, Laurelvale Road, Barratt Road, Waterview Road, Cacciola Road, Rose Road, Sayers Road, Sexton Road, Corica Road, Tomlins Road, Barratta Road and Upper Haughton Road.

Residents in affected areas have received letterbox notifications advising of upcoming works. Council also encourages the community to stay up to date by viewing the full schedule on Council’s website. Motorists and residents are reminded to take care around work zones and to follow all directions from traffic controllers. Residents are asked to park vehicles off the roadway, remove items from nature strips, follow traffic controller directions, and take care to avoid damage to new pavement seals.

Council appreciates the patience and cooperation of the community while these important maintenance works are carried out.

Pathways & Possibilities to Suppor t Burdekin Families

Parents and carers across the Burdekin are invited to attend a free Pathways & Possibilities information evening aimed at helping young people navigate future career and study decisions.

The event will be held on Wednesday 3 June at the Burdekin Theatre Foyer, with doors opening at 5:00pm and presentations from 5:30pm.

Bringing together local industry, education providers and workforce experts, the evening will provide practical advice on career pathways, future workforce trends and real-life experiences from those who have transitioned from school into industry.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with representatives from key sectors including agriculture, construction, health, education and professional services.

Register now https://bit.ly/49wjpSE.

Delivered in partnership with Jobs Townsville North Queensland, the Department of Education and Regional DevelopmentAustralia Townsville and North West Queensland.

Minute With The Mayor

Pierina Dalle Cort

Congratulations to the Pirrone Brothers — what an incredible achievement for a local Burdekin family. Their hard work and innovation have paid off, with their zucchini flower vodka taking out Gold at the World Drinks Awards and being named Australia’s Best Botanical Vodka for 2026. It’s fantastic to see a product grown right here in the Burdekin gaining international recognition and putting our region on the map.

Closer to home, it’s great to see the 2026 Road Reseal Program progressing well, with numerous roads currently being resealed across the Burdekin. Letter drops have been delivered to residents who may be affected, and I encourage the community to view the full works schedule on Council’s website.

It’s also been wonderful to see the Arch Dunn Playground upgrade now complete and already being enjoyed by local families. Council is committed to maintaining safe and modern spaces for our community, and this is a great example of that

in action. If you haven’t been down yet, I encourage you to take the kids along and have a look.

Looking ahead, I encourage parents and carers to attend the upcoming Pathways & Possibilities information evening. This free event will be held on Wednesday, 3 June from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at the Burdekin Theatre. Delivered in collaboration with Burdekin Shire Council, Jobs Townsville North Queensland, the Department of Education and Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland, the session is designed to support families in guiding young people through future career and study decisions.

Supporting our young people into training, study and local employment opportunities is something I am very passionate about, and this session will help families better understand the pathways available. 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

TMusumeci

he time certainly does fly and no doubt it’s because there is so much happening each and every week in the Burdekin. The weekend just gone saw the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club celebrate 100 years. That is a remarkable milestone and congratulations to everyone involved. Thank you for keeping the water safe and thanks to all those who have volunteered their time over the years.

The Home Hill Golf club hosted the women’s and men’s opens. 150 players took part. The ladies played Saturday so they

could have Mother’s Day off on Sunday (hopefully there was no crossover for the Dad’s). Chloe Armstrong from Townsville won the ladies and local legend Scott Sibson won the men’s. Thanks to the volunteers who keep this club going. Growers race day this weekend. I’ve been to the Everest and I’ve been to the Melbourne Cup, so I can tell you this Race Day rivals them for its organisation, fashion and pure fun. Have a great weekend everyone and stay safe.

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IN IT TOGETHER Grief support group up and running in the Burdekin

Local hands have introduced a new grief support group in the Burdekin, answering the community’s call for a dedicated space to talk about grief and find support close to home.

Hosted by the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre (BNC), the group will give locals access to coping strategies and “a community of compassion and understanding.”

Ross Romeo of CORES Queensland will facilitate the meetings, focusing on maintaining a safe environment that respects individual experiences.

“The idea is to create a safe space where people can come together while acknowledging that they’re all different in what they’re going through,” said Mr Romeo.

“Once you’ve lost somebody, there’s still a connection to that person. It’s just about getting used to that new norm, and being with people who are going through the same sort of issues is helpful.”

The initiative was spearheaded by local resident Bree Fagg, who identified a gap in local support services following the loss of two family members.

“I felt like the community needed more support for families—not just for suicide loss, but for general grief, general loss,” Ms Fagg said.

“I felt alone in it. Now, I want to help make sure there’s a place for families to gather and have that support.”

BNC coordinator Natalie Saroglia said the group is open to anyone navigating loss.

“We’re never going to get away from experiencing grief; whether it’s the loss of a relationship, loss of a job, loss of a person, grief is in our lives,” Ms Saroglia said.

“People don’t need services, they need people. This group is about people coming together around a common thing.”

The group will meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm. For more information, contact BNC on 4783 4243 or at admin@thebnc.org.au.

Ayr Seventh-Day Adventist Church Celebrates Centennial

The Ayr Seventh-day Adventist Church will mark a significant milestone on 16 May 2026, celebrating 100 years since the official opening and dedication of its original church building. While a small congregation of Seventh-day Adventists had been meeting in members’ homes throughout the early 1920s, the anniversary specifically commemorates the opening of the church building dedicated on Saturday, 15 May 1926.

The church’s history reflects the determination and faith of the early Burdekin Adventist community. In 1925, land was purchased on the corner of Parker and Wilmington Streets in Ayr, where the church still stands today. Soon after, members located a former blacksmith’s shop in Charters Towers that was suitable for conversion into a church. The building was dismantled, transported to Ayr by rail, and re-erected during March 1926 before its

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official opening two months later.

A weekend of celebrations is planned to honour the centenary. Events begin on Friday evening, 15 May, with a meet-andgreet and soup and buns in the church hall. Sabbath celebrations on Saturday will include a history presentation, worship service, and guest speaker Pastor Simon Gigliotti, President of the Northern Australian Conference. Following lunch, attendees will share memories and witness the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. Celebrations conclude on Sunday morning with a pancake breakfast at Ayr Anzac Park.

Church members say the congregation continues to play an important role in the Burdekin through worship services, Bible study groups, health and wellbeing programs, community food assistance, and disaster relief support through ADRA. All are welcome to attend the centenary celebrations.

Burdekin local Bree Fagg (centre) spearheaded the push for the group, approaching Ross Romeo of CORES (left) and BNC coordinator Natalie Saroglia (right) to help bring it to fruition. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Managed Pool Plus delivers in challenging market conditions

Simon Hood - Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Timportant it is for growers to have a clear pricing strategy in place when markets become volatile.

Thanks for choosing Wilmar

Over the past few years, growers have experienced some of the biggest price swings seen in recent seasons. Those using longterm pricing strategies had opportunities to lock in prices above $600/t at different points throughout the pricing window, while prices also spent periods trading much lower. It has been a reminder that sugar markets can move quickly and unpredictably, influenced by everything from global supply and demand to oil prices, currencies, and geopolitical events.

Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Firstly, thank you to all who have entrusted us with your GEI marketing nomination for the 2024 season.

For many, this decision was made a long time ago when the 2024 season opened for pricing in July 2021.

Different pricing approaches delivered different outcomes this season. Some growers benefited from taking pricing opportunities over a longer period, while shorter-term pricing options were more exposed to weaker market conditions later in the season. Importantly, it reinforces that no single pricing mechanism will outperform every year.

At that time, target prices where trading sub $400/t and the thought of $800/t for sugar was a dream. At the time of writing, we have seen a high of $840/t trade for 2024 season, with hopefully the promise of more to come.

2025 season Sugar Swap prices highlight the volatility experienced by growers over the past three-and-a-half years. Image supplied

managed pricing strategy working on behalf of growers through changing market conditions.

Following the positive outcomes achieved in the 2025 season, interest in the 2027 pool is expected to be strong.

The reasons for the dramatic rise over the last years are well documented in the persistent deficit of supply against demand and the consequent running down of global stocks.

One of the clearest lessons from the 2025 season is the value of diversification. Spreading pricing decisions across different timeframes and mechanisms can help

reduce risk and avoid relying too heavily on trying to pick the “top” of the market. Having a disciplined approach and staying engaged with pricing opportunities over time can make a significant difference to overall returns.

The strong performance of the Managed Pool Plus this season also highlighted the benefits of having a dedicated and actively

Our current average hedge rate for Target price growers in the ’24 season is just under $600 with approximately 40 per cent of committed tonnes priced. This provides a significant underwriting of next year’s production and a big buffer for growers if prices were to collapse unexpectedly.

With this in mind, nominations are now open for the 2027 Season Managed Pool Plus. The pool was designed to help growers navigate volatile markets by spreading pricing decisions across a longer timeframe and combining disciplined risk management with active market oversight.

Growers wanting to better understand their pricing options, risk exposure and payment choices are encouraged to speak with the team about which approach may best suit their business goals and appetite for risk.

MANAGED POOL PLUS

Nevertheless, it is hard to avoid sellers regret when the market moves up so dramatically. We have lots of conversations with growers who feel like they have lost money by selling too early. In simple terms there is a loss, as in an opportunity loss.

With perfect knowledge we would all be unhedged and waiting for someone to ring the bell, notifying the top of the market was here! However, we operate in the space of imperfect knowledge.

Nominations are now open for 2027

Cane growers need to think in risk management terms and not trading terms whereby margin management is the ultimate goal. It is not about picking the high of the market ; it is about taking control of your income and making decisions that are right for your business. All of us have a different appetite for risk and therefor there is not a one size fits all when it comes to pricing sugar.

Our Managed Pool Plus is a two-year pricing pool that helps you manage volatile markets with confidence. Share in the returns captured by our global sugar trading team.

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Experience joint exposure to the sugar market, where both growers and Wilmar have a stake.

For us in Wilmar Marketing, our goal is to give you the best information we can to help you make the best decision on pricing given your circumstances. We provide simple yet flexible pricing tools and payment terms to assist with cash flow.

Expert management

Our experienced traders will actively trade the market over an extended two-year period to lock in the best price.

For those of you who entrust us to price your GEI Sugar through the Production Risk Pool we dedicate significant resources aiming to maximise returns. Our Production Risk Pool has outperformed QSL’s Harvest Pool for five years running (see graph)

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Nominations for the 2027 season are open from 1 May to 30 June 2026.

Fish Migration In Focus At Free Ayr Community Event

Burdekin residents are being invited to cast a line for knowledge this May at a free community event in Ayr celebrating the vital role of local waterways in supporting native fish populations.

Hosted by NQ Dry Tropics to mark World Fish Migration Day on Saturday, 23rd of May, the family-friendly event at Hutchings Lagoon aims to highlight how connecting rivers and wetlands ensures a healthy future for local angling favourites.

Many iconic North Queensland species, including barramundi and mangrove jack, rely on moving between freshwater and the ocean to complete their life cycles. However, barriers such as weirs, dams, and thick aquatic weed chokes can prevent juvenile fish from reaching upstream nursery habitats.

NQ Dry Tropics Senior Project Officer Georgia Robinson said protecting these migration pathways is a key priority for the region’s natural resource management.

“Since 2008, NQ Dry Tropics has partnered with Lower Burdekin Water, Burdekin Shire Council, and local landowners to remove aquatic weeds, rehabilitate wetlands, and install fishways,” Ms Robinson said.

“The fishways include areas for fish to

rest as they swim against the flow, helping more juveniles make their way upstream to feed and grow.”

The event offers a hands-on look at the science behind the scales. Attendees can witness a barra fingerling release at 10:30am and watch live demonstrations of the Burdekin Shire Council’s specialised weed removal boats in action.

“We’ll be explaining how fish migrate and the important role that weed-free wetlands and healthy vegetation play in keeping populations healthy,” Ms Robinson said.

In addition to the demonstrations, visitors can browse stalls from local organisations focused on water quality and responsible fishing. There are also lucky door prizes up for grabs from local businesses.

The event runs from 9am to 1pm at the Lower Burdekin Ski Club, Hutchings Lagoon, Maidavale. For more information, visit www.nqdrytropics.com.au.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT: World Fish Migration Day Community Event

WHEN: Saturday, 23 May 2026, 9am–1pm

WHERE: Lower Burdekin Ski Club, Hutchings Lagoon, Maidavale

COST: Free admission

Construction Apprenticeships Rise As Queensland Tackles Skills Shortage

Queensland is seeing a surge in construction apprenticeships, with the State Government claiming new figures show progress in addressing long-standing workforce shortages impacting major infrastructure and housing projects across regions including the Burdekin Shire.

According to the Government, more than 10,000 new apprentices have begun training across Queensland so far this financial year, including almost 3,000 in construction trades — representing a 27.4 per cent increase in the sector.

The State has also recorded a high number of apprenticeship completions in 2025, with nearly 13,000 Queenslanders now qualified and ready to enter the workforce.

The increase comes as Queensland continues to prepare for a major pipeline of infrastructure and construction projects in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, alongside ongoing demand for housing and regional development.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the figures were encouraging but acknowledged more

work was still needed to address workforce shortages.

“Labor left us a skills shortage with a predicted peak the size of an empty Suncorp Stadium but there are promising signs we’re getting the workforce back on track and building a pipeline of tradies who’ll help deliver our generational infrastructure program,” Minister Bates said.

“We are delivering the initiatives and incentives to draw more young Queenslanders into trades and taking the CFMEU’s boot off the construction industry’s throat so future workers feel safe going to work.

“Whether it’s infrastructure for the 2032 Games, health projects or the thousands of homes we’re unlocking for Queenslanders, we are building the Queensland of the future and creating the pathways for anybody who wants to help us do so.”

The government said programs like the free Career Taster initiative through TAFE Queensland are also helping introduce Year 10 students to priority industries including construction and healthcare.

Queensland’s construction sector is seeing a rise in apprenticeship commencements as the State Government looks to address ongoing skills shortages across regional areas including the Burdekin. Photo source: Burdekin TAFE

New apprenticeship figures released by the Queensland Government show growing numbers of young Queenslanders entering construction and trade pathways ahead of major future infrastructure projects.

Photo source: Burdekin TAFE

Many iconic North Queensland species rely on moving between freshwater and the ocean to complete their life cycles. However, barriers such as weirs, dams, and thick aquatic weed chokes can prevent juvenile fish from reaching upstream nursery habitats. Photo source: iStock

Biofuels Push Could Unlock New Future For Burdekin Cane Industry

Queensland’s push to kick-start a domestic biofuels industry could unlock significant new opportunities for the Burdekin’s sugarcane sector, according to CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan.

Mr Galligan welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s recent $25 million investment into biodiesel production at Ampol’s Lytton Refinery in Brisbane, describing it as an important first step towards building a stronger and more resilient economy while paving the way for future growth across regional industries.

“While this project may not directly involve sugarcane, it’s an important step in establishing the kind of industry that, with the right investment and policy settings, can unlock significant opportunities for cane growers,” Mr Galligan said.

Queensland’s sugar industry has long advocated for the expansion of a domestic biofuels sector, with the potential to significantly increase ethanol production, generate more green electricity through sugar mills and eventually produce advanced biofuels such as sustainable aviation fuel.

With the Burdekin recognised as one of Australia’s largest sugar-producing regions, Mr Galligan said local growers could play a major role in helping power Queensland’s renewable fuel future.

“This is about more than cleaner energy – it’s about building a stronger, more

resilient economy, creating new markets for growers, adding value to every tonne of cane, and backing regional jobs and investment,” he said.

“It’s also about fuel security. Recent global disruptions have shown how exposed Australia is to supply shocks, and building a domestic biofuels industry helps reduce that reliance.”

Mr Galligan said ensuring sugarcane remained central to future biofuel production would be critical to delivering the industry at scale and strengthening long-term opportunities for regional Queensland communities.

The announcement comes amid growing national discussions around fuel security, regional manufacturing and reducing Australia’s reliance on imported fuel supplies.

In recent weeks, the Queensland Government announced plans to strengthen the State’s fuel security through expanded local drilling, refining and storage capacity, including unlocking additional infrastructure opportunities at ports across Queensland.

Official expressions of interest have also opened under the new Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program, inviting industry proposals for fuel refining and storage projects on government-owned land and ports in Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Abbot Point, Bundaberg and Brisbane.

Member for Burdekin, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the focus was now on future-proofing the industry and creating long-term opportunities.

“We know what the challenges are and I’m looking at the opportunities going forward, because that’s where we can make the greatest change and get the most benefit,” Mr Last said.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said recent fuel shortages had exposed critical gaps in Australia’s fuel storage capacity, particularly for regional and agricultural communities.

“This crisis has exposed Australia’s vul-

nerability to global supply shocks of critical liquid fuels, including in Dawson,” Mr Willcox said.

“We must protect our economic foundations by scrapping the Safeguard Mechanism costs on refineries and lifting the minimum stockholding obligation. This is the only way to ensure that during global disruptions, our tractors keep moving and our supermarket shelves stay stocked.”

CANEGROWERS said it would continue working with government and industry partners to ensure momentum in the biofuels sector translates into practical outcomes for growers and regional communities across Queensland.

CANEGROWERS says Queensland’s growing biofuels industry could create major new opportunities for Burdekin cane growers. Photo source: CANEGROWERS

Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day Delivers Strong Boost For Brandon And The Burdekin

The Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day held on Saturday, 9 May attracted visitors from across the region and beyond, delivering a welcome economic boost for Brandon and the wider Burdekin district.

An army of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day, beginning preparations before sunrise and continuing well into the evening as machinery, displays and equipment were packed away after another successful event.

The event attracted strong support from both locals and travelling visitors, with nearly 10 per cent of attendees coming from outside the district. Local tourism promotion played an important role in drawing visitors to the event, with Visitor Information Centres screening the club’s promotional video during the previous week.

The influx of visitors also provided benefits for local businesses. Hotel Burdekin recorded 15 visitor man-nights during the event period, while the Iron Works Brewery reportedly enjoyed a particularly busy evening as visitors and exhibitors gathered after the day’s activities.

Exhibitors travelled from a number of regional areas to take part in the event, including representatives from Towns-

ville and the Pioneer Valley near Mackay. The club’s raffle was another popular feature of the day, with prizes won by Neil Marchin, George from Five Ways Fish Bar, David Brown, Angie Fabbro and C. Fox from Mackay. The Burdekin Machinery Preservationists expressed their appreciation to raffle sponsors About Town Bait and Tackle, Autopro, Repco, Supercheap Auto and Burdekin Communications for their generous support.

Club representatives also acknowledged the contribution of major sponsors Burdekin Shire Council, Liberty Rural, Wilmar and Roncato Helicopters, whose assistance helped ensure the event ran smoothly with effective traffic management, fuel supplies and operational support throughout the day.

While members were pleased with the success of the event, some expressed disappointment that local officials were unable to attend this year’s Open Day.

The Burdekin Machinery Preservationists thanked everyone who attended and supported the event and said they looked forward to welcoming visitors back again in the future.

Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists

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Marshal Tractor and Public

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SweetsVille. Photos supplied

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48 Holding (5)

50 Mainstay (6)

52 Explain the meaning of (6)

53 Amount of tasks to be done (8)

55 Narrowest part of the torso (5)

58 Road fee (4)

59 Mechanical sealing device (6)

61 Fight (coll) (4)

63 Pro-state material (10)

64 Stronghold (6)

66 Notion or concept (4)

67 Grub (5)

68 Boat race (7)

69 Reserved in advance (6)

70 Unnecessary or unwarranted (10)

71 Cries, squeals (7)

72 Waits in line (6)

2 Epidemic disease (6)

3 Deceiver (8)

4 Reptilian skin-plate (5)

5 Detailed examination (8)

6 Constraint (6)

7 Triangular savoury pastry (6)

8 Endurance (7)

9 Self-restraint (10)

10 Bliss (8)

16 Principal (5)

17 Countrified (6)

23 Fellow student (9)

25 Classical music ensemble (9)

26 Gradual and harmful (9)

29 Big (5)

30 Screw (5)

31 Musical drama (5)

32 Tupperware, for example (9)

33 Theatre practice (9)

36 Well-mannered (9)

39 White-plumed heron (5)

40 Brazilian dance (5)

41 Swiss currency (5)

46 Victorious (10)

49 Of foreign origin (6)

51 Book of maps (5)

52 Small dough-wrapped morsel (8)

54 Digital information cache (8)

56 African deer (8)

57 Obvious (7)

59 Pink and grey cockatoos (6)

60 Marine predators (6)

62 Cryogenically suspend (6)

65 Gather (5)

word search

Theme: Eyes

Can

5

8 LETTERS COMEBACK LIPSTICK RENOUNCE RESTORED

6 LETTERS BESETS GNOMES MEASLY TRACES

7 LETTERS ABUSERS AMATEUR ANTHILL AUTOPSY DOWDIES TRAPEZE

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News.

10.00 Compass. 10.30 Stuff The British Stole. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 The Assembly. 1.45 Bad Company.

2.10 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. 2.55 Grand Designs Aust. 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. 4.40 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 Gardening Australia. 8.30 Patience. (M) 9.20 Gruen. 9.55 Urzila. 10.20 News. 10.40 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. 11.25 Murdoch Mysteries. 12.15 Love Me. 1.05 Rage New Music. 5.00 Rage.

6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Death In Paradise. 1.30 Patience. 2.20 David Attenborough’s Galapagos. 3.10 David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef. 4.10 Long Lost Family. 5.00 Australian Story. 5.30 Landline. 6.00 Kath & Kim. (PG) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) 8.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+) 10.15 Bergerac. (M) 11.00 Rage. (MA15+)

6.00 Rage. 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. 2.30 The Assembly. 3.15 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. 4.10 Grand Designs. 5.00 Back Roads. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 News. 7.30 The Assembly. 8.15 Bad Company. (PG) 8.40 Bergerac. (M) 9.30 Death In Paradise. 10.30 Silent Witness. 12.15 Rage. 3.00 Gardening Aust. 4.00 Dream Gardens. 4.30 A Bite To Eat. 5.00 Insiders.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 News. 10.00 Silent Witness. 11.40 You Can’t Ask That. 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. 2.00 Spicks And Specks. 2.30 Brush With Fame. 3.00 Grand Designs Aust. 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. 4.45 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Aust Story. 8.30 Four Corners. 9.20 Media Watch. 9.35 Planet America. 10.05 Todd Sampson’s Why? 10.40 News. 10.55 The Business. 11.10 Murdoch Mysteries. 12.00 Long Lost Family. 12.45 Rage. 4.00 Gardening Aust. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Death In Paradise. 2.00 Spicks And Specks. 2.25 Brush With Fame. 2.55 Grand Designs Aust. 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. 4.40 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Shaun Micallef’s Going For Broke. 8.45 Murder In The Skies: Who Downed MH17? 9.30 Compass. 10.05 If You’re Listening. 10.30 News. 10.45 The Business. 11.00 Four Corners. 11.45 Media Watch. 12.05 Murdoch Mysteries. 12.55 Long Lost Family. 1.45 Rage. 4.00 Gardening Aust. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. 2.00 Spicks And Specks. 2.30 Brush With Fame. 3.00 Grand Designs Aust. 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. 4.45 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Gruen. 8.35 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. 9.25 Urzila. 9.50 Bad Company. 10.15 Planet America. 10.45 News. 11.00 The Business. 11.20 You Can’t Ask That. 11.50 Murdoch Mysteries. 12.40 Long Lost Family. 1.30 Rage. 4.00 Gardening Aust. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 News. 10.00 Gruen. 10.35 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. 11.25 Urzila. 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. 2.00 Spicks And Specks. 2.30 Brush With Fame. 3.00 Restoration Aust. 3.55 Frankie Drake. 4.40 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Restoration Aust. 9.00 The Assembly. 9.45 Shaun Micallef’s Going For Broke. 10.30 News. 10.45 The Business. 11.05 Frankie Drake. 11.50 Long Lost Family. 12.35 Rage. 4.00 Gardening Aust. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 The Point. 2.05 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. 10.00 Rock Legends. 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 The King. 11.55 Babylon Berlin. 1.50 Syndrome E. 3.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 4.30 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 For The Love Of Dogs. 11.00 Hot Roads: World’s Most Dangerous Roads. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix. H’lights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. 3.30 U-96, The True Story Of Das Boot. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 5.30 Plat Du Tour. 5.35 Cold War Spies. 6.30 News. 7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. 10.00 The Wonders Of Europe. 11.00 Snowpiercer. 1.40 The Kingdom. 3.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 4.10 Bamay. 5.00 Eurovision Song Contest.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Gymnastics. Artistic World Challenge Cup Series. H’lights. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 5.30 The Battle Of Crete. 6.30 News. 7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. 12.00 MOVIE: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song. (2021) 2.05 Matched. 2.55 A Certain Mother. 4.15 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 WorldWatch. 2.05 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. 3.00 Going Places. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. 8.40 Ancient Greece By Train. 9.35 Buzzcocks. 10.20 SBS News. 10.50 Sambre: Anatomy Of A Crime. 11.50 Gomorrah. 2.45 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. 3.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 The Point. 2.05 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. 3.00 Going Places. 3.30 The Cook Up. 4.00 Who Do You Think You Are? 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS News. 10.30 Living Black. 11.05 The Negotiator. 12.00 World On Fire. 3.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. 4.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Dateline. 2.30 Insight. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 Alexander Armstrong In India. 8.30 The Trial Of Michael Jackson. 9.25 The Audacity. 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 Rise Of The Raven. 12.05 Golden Boy. 1.55 Classified. 3.35 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 4.40 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05 Scotland’s Extreme Medics. 3.00 Living Black. 3.30 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. 8.40 American Prince: JFK Jr. 9.30 A Gentleman In Moscow. 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 Under The Bridge. 11.55 DNA. 2.30 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. 3.40 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 4.15 Bamay. 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. 5.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Malicious Motives. (2021) 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 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.00 Football. AFL. Round 10. Gold Coast Suns v Port Adelaide. 11.00 GetOn Extra. 11.30 My Reno Rules. (PG) 1.05 Quacks. (M) 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. Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic Race Day, Andrew Ramsden Race Day and Doomben 10,000 Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Creek To Coast. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.00 Ooops! I Bought A Pub. 8.30 MOVIE: The Day After Tomorrow. (2004) (M) 11.00 SAS: AUS v ENG. (M) 12.00 Devils. (MA15+) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 It’s Academic. 5.00 House Of Wellness.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 House Of Wellness. 3.30 Border Security. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 Child Snatchers: A Day At The Fair. (MA15+) 10.50 24 Hours In Police Custody. 12.00 A Friend Of The Family. 1.15 Harry’s Practice. 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 Time Is Money. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 News. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. 8.40 9-1-1. (M) 9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 Happy’s Place. 12.10 New Amsterdam. 1.10 The Outdoor Room. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Paris Can Wait. (2016) 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 Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Dolphins. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy PostMatch. 10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982) 12.40 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop. 4.00 Skippy. 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop. 5.30

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 Great Australian Detour Snow. 1.00 Explore TV Viking. 1.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. 2.30 Scar Tissue. 3.30 Tasman Trails. 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Eels v Melbourne Storm. 9.40 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match. 10.00 MOVIE: City Of Lies. (2018) 12.05 Law & Order: Organized Crime. 1.00 Tasman Trails. 2.00 The Incredible Journey. 2.30 TV Shop. 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop. 5.30 Helping Hands. 6.00 Tough Tested. 7.00 Reel Action. 7.30 Escape Fishing. 8.00 I Fish. 8.30 On The Fly. 9.00 All 4 Adventure. 10.00 4x4 Adventures. 11.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 12.00 Dog House. 1.00 Buy To Build. 1.30 Frugal Foodie. 2.00 MasterChef Aust.

6.00 Hello SA. 6.30 ACA. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Floor. 1.15 Getaway. 1.45 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 Affair. 7.30 The Floor. (PG) 8.45 100% Footy. (M) 9.45 9News Late. 10.15 Outback Opal Hunters. 11.15 Footy Classified. 12.15 Tipping Point. 1.05 Hello SA. 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Skippy. 4.30 ACA. 5.00

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 Time Is Money. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 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. 7.30 My Reno Rules. (PG) 9.15 House Of Wellness. (PG) 10.15 The Agenda Setters. 11.15 Ambulance: Code Red. (M) 12.15 New Amsterdam. 1.15 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Floor. 1.15 Destination WA. 1.45 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 Affair. 7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (PG) 8.30 Clarkson’s Farm. (M) 9.40 9News

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 Time Is Money. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 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 SAS: AUS v ENG. (M) 8.30 The Front Bar. (M) 9.30 Unfiltered. (M) 10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 Ultimate Crash Test. 1.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Hundred With Andy Lee. 1.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 Events That Changed Australia. 8.30 NRL Origin Stories. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 Beat The Chasers UK. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 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. 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PG) 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. 10.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. 11.30 To Be Advised. 12.30 New Amsterdam. 1.30 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Love, Game, Match. (2022)

7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)

8.00 Be Cool, ScoobyDoo! (PG, R)

8.55 BattleBots. (PG)

9.40 Gladiators UK. (PG, R)

10.40 Merlin. (PG, R)

11.20 Good Game Spawn Point. (PG, R)

11.45 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir. (R)

7.30pm Kids Baking Championship.

8.10 Kids BBQ Championship. (R)

8.55 Caper Crew. (R)

9.15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series.

9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. (PG, R)

10.20 Abbott Elementary. (PG, R)

10.45 Merlin. (PG, R) 11.25 Operation Ouch! (R)

7.30pm The Inbestigators. (R)

7.45 Caper Crew.

8.10 Secrets At Red Rocks. (PG)

8.30 Animal Park. (PG)

10.00 Secrets Of The Zoo. (PG, R)

10.45 Merlin. (PG, R)

11.30 Ultimate Vets. (PG, R)

12.00am Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir. (PG, R)

7.35pm Ninjago: Dragons Rising. (PG, R)

8.00 Young Sheldon. (PG, R)

8.25 Young Sheldon. (PG, R)

8.45 Expedition With Steve Backshall. (PG, R)

9.35 Chopped Junior. (PG, R)

10.15 Kids Baking Championship. (R)

11.00 Merlin. (PG, R) 11.45 Operation Ouch! (R)

7.35pm Ninjago: Dragons Rising. (PG, R)

8.00 Young Sheldon. (PG, R)

8.25 Young Sheldon. (PG, R)

8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. (PG)

9.05 MythBusters

“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)

9.30 BattleBots. (R)

10.20 Merlin. (PG, R) 11.05 Operation Ouch! (R)

7.35pm Ninjago: Dragons Rising. (PG, R)

8.00 Young Sheldon. (PG, R)

8.25 Young Sheldon. (PG, R)

9.05 Adventure Time. (R)

9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. (R)

11.20 Super Happy Magic Forest. (R)

11.45 Operation Ouch! (R)

7.35pm Ninjago: Dragons Rising. (PG, R)

8.00 Young Sheldon. (PG, R)

8.25 Young Sheldon. (PG, R)

8.45 Ultimate Vets. (PG)

9.05 Animal Park.

10.35 Merlin. (PG, R)

11.20 Deadly 60. (R)

11.50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir. (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. (R)

11.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

12.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. (R)

1.00 Surf Patrol. (PG, R)

1.30 Room For Improvement. (R)

6.00pm Dog Patrol. (PG, R)

6.30 Bondi Vet. (PG, R)

7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG, R)

8.30 Lewis. (M, R)

10.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

11.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. (PG, R)

12.30 Auction Squad. (R)

1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. (R)

5.30pm Australia’s Amazing Homes: Vintage Twist. (PG, R)

6.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

7.30 The Coroner. (M, R)

8.30 Vera. (M, R)

10.30 Maternal. (M, R) 11.30 The Coroner. (M, R)

12.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 1.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 2.00 Vera. (M, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Doc Martin. (PG, R)

8.30 A Touch Of Frost. (M, R)

10.45 Air Crash Investigations. (PG, R)

11.45 Doc Martin. (PG, R)

12.45 Bargain Hunt. (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 Inspector Morse. (PG, R) 11.05 Escape To The Country. (R)

12.05 Showtrial. (M, R) 1.05 Bargain Hunt. (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 McDonald And Dodds. (M)

10.45 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files. (PG, R)

11.45 Bargain Hunt. (R)

12.45 The Great Australian Doorstep. (R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Father Brown. (M, R)

8.30 Grace. (MA15+, R)

10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R)

11.30 Father Brown. (M, R)

12.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 1.30 Room For Improvement. (R) 2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: Free Guy. (2021) (M, R) 10.50 Movie: Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo. (2005) (MA15+, R) 12.35 Pawn Stars. (PG, R) 1.35 American Restoration. (PG, R)

6.00pm Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.00 Storage Wars. (PG)

7.30 Movie: Taken. (2008) (M, R) Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace.

9.30 Movie: Ghost Rider. (2007) (M, R) Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes.

11.45 Storage Wars. (PG, R)

12.15 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

1.15 Frozen Gold. (PG, R)

6.00pm Border Security: International. (PG, R)

6.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R)

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: A Good Day To Die Hard. (2013) (M, R)

10.35 Movie: Pitch Black. (2000) (M, R)

12.55 Counting Cars. (PG, R)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R) 6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League.

8.30 Aussie Gold Hunters. (PG) 9.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. (PG, R) 10.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. (PG, R) 11.30 Mighty Ships. (PG, R)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R) 6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R) 7.30 Outback Truckers. (PG, R) 10.30 Train Rescue Down Under. (PG, R) 11.30 Deadliest Roads. (PG, R) 12.30 Storage Wars. (PG, R) 1.00 American Pickers. (PG, R) 2.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R)

8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG, R)

9.30 Caught On Dashcam. (PG)

10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. (M, R)

11.30 Surviving The Moment Of Impact. (M, R)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

5.30pm The Derbyshire Auction House.

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 7.30 Airport Security: USA. (PG)

8.30 Movie: A Star Is Born. (2018) (M, R) 11.15 Movie: Gifted. (2017) (M, R)

1.10 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R) 1.40 Movie: The Angry Silence. (1960) (PG, R)

5.00pm Movie: Agatha Christie’s Evil Under The Sun. (1982) (PG, R)

7.30 Movie: Air Force One. (1997) (M, R) Harrison Ford. 9.55 Movie: The Mod Squad. (1999) (M, R) Giovanni Ribisi. 11.50 The Real Murders Of Atlanta. (MA15+, R)

12.50 Movie: Rasputin: The Mad Monk. (1966) (M, R)

5.30pm Midsomer Murders. (PG, R)

7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals. (PG, R)

8.40 Paramedics. (M, R)

9.40 Emergency. (M, R)

10.40 Major Crimes. (M, R) 11.40 Midsomer Murders. (PG, R) 1.40 Movie: I Live In Grosvenor Square. (1945) (G, R)

5.30pm The Derbyshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 7.30 Death In Paradise. (M, R) 8.40 Four Weddings And A Funeral. (M, R) 10.40 Major Crimes. (M, R) 11.40 Chicago Med. (MA15+, R) 12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.30pm Yorkshire Auction House. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 7.30 New Tricks. (PG, R) 8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. (PG, R) 10.40 Rizzoli & Isles. (MA15+, R) 11.40 Chicago Med. (MA15+, R) 12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.30pm Yorkshire Auction House. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. (PG, R) 8.40 Midsomer Murders. (M, R)

10.40 The Spencer Sisters. (M)

11.40 Rizzoli & Isles. (M, R) 12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.30pm Yorkshire Auction House. (R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 Bull. (PG, R)

7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 8.30 NCIS. (M, R) 9.25 NCIS. (M, R)

Bull. (PG, R)

JAG. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. (R) 12.45

6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 6.30 Friends. (PG, R) 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.00 Becker. (PG, R) 10.30 Frasier. (PG, R) 11.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30pm Soccer. A-League Women. Grand Final.

7.00 Football Tonight. 7.30 Soccer. A-League Men. Semi-final. Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC. Second leg.

10.00 NCIS. (M, R)

10.55 NCIS. (M, R)

11.50 NCIS. (M, 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 Movie: Deep Impact. (1998) (M, R) Morgan Freeman, Robert Duvall. 9.50 Blue Bloods. (M, R) 10.45 JAG. (PG, R) 11.45 JAG. (PG, R) 12.45 Home Shopping. (R) 1.15 Home Shopping. (R) 1.45 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (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) 9.10 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.30 Ridiculousness. (PG, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (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) 9.10 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.30 Ridiculousness. (PG, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 Bull. (PG, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

9.25 NCIS. (M, R) 10.20 Bull. (PG, R) 11.15 JAG. (PG, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R) 12.45 Home Shopping. (R) 1.15 Home Shopping. (R) 1.45 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Friends. (PG, R)

6.30 Friends. (PG, R)

8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (M, R) 9.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.00 Becker. (PG, R)

10.30 Frasier. (PG, R) 11.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R) 6.30 Bull. (PG, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 8.30 NCIS. (M, R) 9.25 NCIS. (M, R)

Bull. (M, R) 11.15 Bull. (PG, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 Bull. (PG, R)

7.30 NCIS. (M, R)

8.30 NCIS. (M, R) 9.30 NCIS. (M, R)

10.30 The Weekly KickOff.

11.00 Bull. (PG, R)

11.55 JAG. (PG, R)

12.50 Home Shopping. (R) 1.20 Home Shopping. (R) 1.50 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Friends. (PG, R) 6.30 Friends. (PG, R) 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 9.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.00 Becker. (PG, R) 10.30 Frasier. (PG, R)

11.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Friends. (PG, R)

6.30 Friends. (PG, R)

8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 9.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

10.00 Becker. (PG, R)

10.30 Frasier. (PG, R)

6.05pm Over The Black Dot. (R) 6.35 Jeopardy! (R) 7.00 Jeopardy! (R) 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 7. 1.35 The Nine Lives Of. (M, R)

5.55pm Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.25 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.55 The Mega-Brands That Built The World. (PG) 7.45 Abandoned Americana.

8.40 Travel Man. (PG, R) 9.05 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 8.

5.40pm The Frontier: The Discovery Of A Land. (PG, R)

6.35 Abandoned Engineering. (PG, R)

7.30 Abandoned Engineering. (M, R)

8.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 9. 1.35 The Nine Lives Of. (M, R)

5.50pm The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG) 6.40 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 Holy Marvels With Dennis Quaid. (M) 9.20 Soccer’s American Dream. (M) 10.15 The Verdict. (M) 12.05 Dark Side Of The Ring. (M, R) 1.55 NHK World English News.

5.55pm The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG) 6.45 Jeopardy! (R) 7.10 Jeopardy! (R) 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.35 Travel Man. (PG, R) 9.05 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 10. 1.35 NHK World English News.

11.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.45pm The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG) 6.35 Jeopardy! (R) 7.00 Jeopardy! (R) 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 11. 1.35 The Nine Lives Of. (MA15+, R)

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 11. Hawthorn v Adelaide. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show.

11.00 Kick Ons. 11.30 Movie: Underworld: Evolution. (2006) (MA15+, R) 1.45 American Restoration. (PG, R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 RBT. (PG, R) 8.30 Emergency. (M, R) 9.30 A+E After Dark. (M, R) 10.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+) 11.30 Sight Unseen. (M, R) 12.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30pm JAG. (PG, R) 6.30 Bull. (PG, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+)

Blue Bloods. (M, R)

Bull. (PG, R)

JAG. (PG, R)

26 Social Life

THURSDAY 14 MAY

SATURDAY 16 MAY

Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod

Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod Speech & Drama Performance Category, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Zonta Club Burdekin Inc. “Sheep Detectives” Movie Night, 6pm, Stardust Cinema, Ayr

Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

FRIDAY 15 MAY

Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod Speech & Drama Performance Category, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod Art Literature & Photography Presentations, 5:30pm, Burdekin Theatre Auditorium, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Highland Dancing Performance Category, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Burdekin Growers Race Day

Saturday 11am-9pm

Don’t miss the Burdekin Growers Race Day; an unforgettable 18+ celebration of racing, fashion, prizes, local produce giveaways, and live entertainment that brings the Burdekin to life from 11am to late!

Burdekin Race Club, Home Hill

SUNDAY 17 MAY

Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod Irish Dancing Performance Category, All Day, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

MONDAY 18 MAY

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

TUESDAY 19 MAY

RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

WEDNESDAY 20 MAY

Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social & Networking Event, 5:30pm7pm, Home Hill Community Sports Club, 87 Ninth Avenue, Home Hill

THURSDAY 21 MAY

Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

FRIDAY 22 MAY

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Burdekin Support Group of Parkinsons, 10am-12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Home Hill State High School P&C Fishing Competition, 6pm, Home Hill State High School, Home Hill

SATURDAY 21 MAY

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Community Cuppa Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, 10am-12pm, Catholic Parish Hall, Ayr

SUNDAY 24 MAY

Home Hill State High School Family Fun Day

Sunday 10am

Come along to Home Hill State High School P&C Fishing Competition’s Sunday Family Funday! The day will include weigh ins, great music, a casting competition, and much more! Home Hill State High School, Home Hill Australian Medium Charmaine Wilson Regional Tour

Sunday 2pm-4:15pm

Experience an intimate afternoon with renowned Australian medium Charmaine Wilson, as she shares messages of peace, love and connection in one of her final live shows before retirement. Purchase tickets via www. burdekintheatre.com.au.

Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

TUESDAY 26 MAY

RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

THURSDAY 28 MAY

Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

Creedence Clearwater Collective Thursday 7:30pm-9:45pm

Get ready for a howling good night at the Creedence Clearwater Collective at the Burdekin Theatre, where the iconic CCR and John Fogerty hits come alive on stage

for an unforgettable, full-throttle celebration of classic rock. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au.

Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

FRIDAY 29 MAY

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Ayr Surf Life Saving Club Meet and Greet & Book Launch

Friday 6pm-10pm

Celebrate a century of surf and service as the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club hosts a special Meet and Greet and book launch, bringing together past and present members, friends and community for a night of stories and celebration.

Kalamia Hotel, 50 Queen Street, Ayr

SATURDAY 30 MAY

Ayr Surf Life Saving Club Gala Dinner

Saturday 6pm-11pm

Celebrate a century of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club at a special gala dinner, bringing together past and present members for an evening of memories, connection and reflection on 100 years of service and community spirit.

Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill

SUNDAY 31 MAY

Ayr Surf Life Saving Club Community Fun Day

Sunday 10am-5pm

Wrap up a historic centenary weekend as the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club hosts a relaxed community fun day at the clubhouse, inviting members, families and locals to come together for a family-friendly celebration of 100 years.

Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, 1-9 Sandowns Street, Alva

MONDAY 1 JUNE

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

TUESDAY 2 JUNE

RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Dementia Carers Support Group, 10am-12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

THURSDAY 4 JUNE

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Tech Together Workshop, 10am12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

DEATH NOTICES

Kerry Carroll

Late of Ayr, formerly of Wellington & Deniliquin NSW. Beloved Wife of Laurie. Treasured Mother of Des & Maryanne and Dean & Coppelia. Adored G’ma of Lincon, Bria, Ruby and Olive. Cherished Brother of Dennis, Warren and Annette (all deceased)

Dearly Missed Aunty, Cousin & Friend to many. All Relatives & Friends are warmly invited to attend the Funeral Service for Kerry which is appointed to commence at 10:30am Wednesday the 20th May at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ayr followed by Interment in the Ayr Monumental Cemetery.

John Henry Lee

Late of Ayr, formerly of Longreach.

Beloved Husband of Gwen. Cherished Father & Father-In- Law of Linda & Michael Rogers, Trevor Lee, and Tammy & Gavin Grant. Adored Pop of Nicole, Michael, Johnny, Marty, Ben and Great-Pop to Cameron, Clara, Luke and Charlie.

Dearly Missed Brother, Brother-In-Law, Cousin, Uncle and friend to many. All relatives & friends are warmly invited to attend the Graveside service for John which is appointed to commence at 10:30am on Friday 15th May 2026 at the Ayr Lawn Cemetery.

INVITING ALL SPORTING GROUPS, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Would you like to see your sports team in the paper?

WHAT’S THE CATCH?

Simply submit a 250 word report (or bullet points/highlights) We need a photo too (image quality needs to be nice and clear) All reports need to be received by 11am Monday If you are a first time contributor please let us know the week before

Do you have a star player or a recent achiever? Contact us to include a sportsperson profile in the paper

Send

LIFE MEMBER TURNS 90 CELEBRATION

Thursday club bowls saw Home Hill members, along with visiting bowlers from Brandon, Ayr and Mid North New South Wales, enjoy the pleasure of celebrating the 90th birthday of our club’s life member, Dino Poli.

Dino is well known for his affection for lawn bowls and for the club he has remained loyal to since taking up the sport. For members of the bowling community, and the Burdekin in general, who know Dino, it goes without saying that his generosity, sharp wit and bowling skill are qualities for which he will always be respected. Dino, from us all — HAPPY 90TH.

On the green, five rinks of triples and one game of pairs were played in a competitive spirit, clearly demonstrated by the scorecard results.

On rink 2, Les Hoey, Doug Adams and Glenn Berriman took the win over Judy Elton, Cisco and Mick McCluskey. On rink 3, Maureen Marsen, Rob Darr and Keith Roser defeated Paul Vass, Ken Ferguson and Allan Gariogh. On rink 4, Gary Nosworthy, Loyd Shepherd and Margaret Chapman pulled a rabbit out of the hat on the last end, coming back from three down to win by three over Hugh Montgomery, Vince Beatia and Bob Pickard. On rink 5, Bob Young, Mick Olsen and Bruce McCallum took the win over Alex Bojack, Meryl Smith and Des Chapman. On rink 6, Trevor Elford, Joe Linton and Warren Bunn defeated Joe Roser, Ron Smith and Janet Arthur. On rink 7, Scot Taylor and Phil Marsden took the win over Robert Diva and Peter Hendo.

Overall random rink winning teams were rinks 3, 4 and 5. Congratulations to you all, and for those teams not so lucky, there’s always next week.

The club also had the pleasure of welcoming back past club president Doug Adams for the first time in a while. Welcome back Doug—we trust and hope to see you visit again.

BOWLS

Congratulations also go to our raffle winners, with first prize to Gary Nosworthy and second prize to Peter Jeorgeson.

Wednesday night remains a popular option for many who enjoy the social aspect of bowls, with music in the background and the brightness of the stars above. Sausage sizzle starts at 5.50pm, with play commencing at 6.00pm. Considering playing? Phone 0468 313 115.

For members of the community who prefer an alternative sport, Home Hill

6.00pm.

Saturday bowls also continue to be popular, offering the opportunity for our working members to play, as well as members of the public wishing to try the sport. Names in by 1.00pm, with play commencing at 1.30pm. Phone 0468 313 115.

Club Weekly Activities

Monday — 9.00am Gentle Exercise Class Tuesday — 9.00am Trimmers

AYR BOWLING CLUB WEEKLY REPORT

The Ayr Bowling Club has celebrated another excellent week on the greens, with members coming together for a mix of club Championship games and engaging social matches. The atmosphere and enthusiasm around the club remains high, as members were gearing up for The Open Country Pennant. With Brandon Bowling Club hosting the event on Saturday 16th May 2026.

Tuesday Open Social bowls were played in perfect conditions for the afternoon, with 24 bowlers on the green. Winners on the day were A Gauvin, Cisco and A Bull defeating R McLaughlin, B Schultz and H Jorgfensen. H Horan, Al Hardcastle and C Berkery defeating R Moore, R Hervey and B Cornford. R Aplin, S Hardcastle and Stidston defeating K Page, Bruce Mcallum and D Cutting. M Nixon, J Defranciscis and R Soper defeating D Soper, J Pirrone

and

The winners on Wednesday night were, in the first game Bill Whitman, John Cesconetto and Heather Jorgensen. Lyn Cecil, Bill Walker and Sam Caltabiano had a win in the second game. In the third game, the winners were Joe Cremona, Margaret McLaughlin and Joe Grabbi. Wednesday night is the perfect opportunity for new bowlers to play and learn the game.

Fun Friday Night Bowls Sponsored by Harvey Norman Ayr. Had a good turnout of bowlers of all levels with lots of laughter and fun on the green. Winners on the night were 1st place Nathan, Leighann and Lyndall defeating Andrew and Ross. 2nd place was B Piazetta, E Wiltshere, Cisco and R Smythe defeating N West, B Whitman, J Pirrone and S Caltabiano.

Sportsperson prize went to J Blanchard, K Grabbi, John Grabbi and Joe Grabbi.

Saturday’s Open Social bowls 20 bowlers turned out. The club was buzzing with activity as 2 pairs and 2 triples of open social bowls were played, displaying both skill and friendship. Winners on the day were Betty Schultz and Joe Grabbi defeated Karen Shepherd and Barry Shepherd. Joy Comalatti, and Allen Bartlett defeated John Pirrone and Anthony Bull. Triples games Wayne Mietzel, Shelia Hardcastle and Beryl Cornford defeated Wayne Meitzel, Al Hardcastle and Dot Cutting. Arthur Gauvin, Lloyd Shepherd and Kaz defeated Donna Soper, Ron Smythe and Ron Soper.

On Sunday 10th May A Grade Championship Singles Final was played. Allen Bartlett defeating Anthony Bull 25 – 20.

Wednesday — 9.00am Craft Group, Hot Shots Darts 6.00pm

Thursday — 9.30am Bingo

Friday — Hot Shots 8 Ball 6.00pm (Phone Scott 0480 208 335)

Bowling members please note: Change of start times for Thursday and Saturday play — names in by 1.00pm, with play commencing at 1.30pm.

Contributed with thanks to Bob Packard

BOWLS

In a close fought match that could have gone either way with some fantastic bowls played. Congratulations Allen you now are into the Champion of Champions held later this year. In the mixed pairs Al Hardcastle and S Hardcastle defeated R Hervey and R Smythe in a close and entertaining game. Al Hardcastle and Shelia Hardcastle are now through to the next round.

The Ayr Bowling Club invites everyone to its Fun Friday Night Bowls Sponsored by Ferguson Plumbing on Friday 12h June, starting at 6 PM. This evening promises fun for bowlers of all levels, encouraging participants to bring friends or join solo to meet new people. The entry fee is $10 per game, which includes a sausage sizzle at 6 PM and a light supper after bowling begins at 7 PM.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull

Hot Shots darts are held at the club from

Phone Scott on 0480 208 335.

(L-R) Bruce McCallum, Maureen Marsden, Mick Olsen, Dino Poli, Loyd Shepherd, Margaret Chapman, Gary Nosworthey, Rob Darr

C Essex.

Young Roosters Take Centre Stage at Country Bank Stadium

The future of rugby league was on full display on Saturday night as the Burdekin Roosters Under 9s took to the field at Queensland Country Bank Stadium for a once-in-a-lifetime curtain raiser experience ahead of the North Queensland Cowboys NRL clash.

The exciting opportunity was made possible through the North Queensland Cowboys Community program, which gives junior rugby league players from across the region the chance to experience the thrill of playing on the same field as their NRL heroes.

Running out onto the big stage under the stadium lights, the Roosters proudly represented the Burdekin community, soaking in every moment as family, friends and fans watched on before the main game.

“Watching the kids run out onto a field like this was pretty special,” said Under 9 coach Kerrod Bevilacqua.

“For a lot of them, it’s their first time experiencing something on this scale and you could see the excitement written all over their faces. Opportunities like this are rare for country clubs and to play where their Cowboys heroes run out is something they’ll be talking about for a long time.”

The club thanked the Cowboys Community team for continuing to support grassroots rugby league and providing unforgettable experiences for young players across North Queensland. Contributed with thanks to BJRL

Junior Touch Football Surge Signals Bright Future For Burdekin game

Touch Football for boys and girls is continuing to gain momentum, with participation numbers on the rise across all age groups.

Friday’s Junior Touch competition for boys and girls aged four to 12 attracted 60 players last week, reflecting strong grassroots growth and steady interest in the sport.

The Mixed Under 14 competition, held on Wednesdays, has also expanded to now feature eight teams, with players enjoying weekly match-ups in a competitive but supportive environment. At senior level, several teams are being filled largely by high school students, further underlining the sport’s growing appeal among younger players progressing through the ranks.

With numbers climbing across junior and senior divisions, the future of Burdekin Touch is looking bright.

TOUCH FOOTBALL

Round 9 Coutts Commercial Hotel Open Men’s and Women’s competition

Men’s

Crocs 9 (J McIvor 2, K Noah 2, J Nauqe 2) def Wires Down 1

His Haas 8 (K Young 3, R Lennox 2) def Baywatch 6 (L Rattler 3, T Marshall 3)

Alliance Pharmacy 6 (J Power 2, B Vasta 2) def Way to Go 3

One Touch IT 12 (R Taylor 3, C Kross 3, J Ballin 3) def Slush Puppies 4 (L Marshall 3)

Burdekin PCYC 8 (D Carr 4, G Dau 2) def Creampuffs 7 (J Lacey 4)

Teamo Supremo 12 (R Heuir 4, B Horan 4, D Horan 2) def Ball Grabbers 0

Feelers 7 (J Ellsley 3, D Butler 2) def Royal Touch 4 (N Gwarada 2)

Renegades 8 (S Andreatta 2, R

Dobe 2, R Petersen 2) def Touch

Roosters Fall Just Short In A Grade Thriller After Strong Weekend Across All Grades

The Burdekin Roosters came close to securing three wins from three matches against the Western Lions in Townsville last Saturday, winning the Under 19s 38–4, the Reserve Grade 32–24, before narrowly falling in A Grade 28–24 in a match decided in the dying stages.

In A Grade, a long-range penalty goal from halfback Jye Olsen gave Burdekin a 14–12 lead at halftime, but the Lions struck late to edge home in a gripping contest that saw momentum swing throughout.

Coach Steve Lansley said his side produced a courageous performance but fell just short in a tightly contested match. Despite fielding three debutants and an 18-year-old front row, the Roosters showed strong determination against a more experienced Lions outfit. Their defensive effort stood out, repeatedly turning away attacking raids and refusing to yield in the middle.

n Go 6 (C Arboit 2, R Piva 2)

Petrol Heads 7 (J Casha 5) drew Blue Murder 7 (D Russell 2, R Smith 2)

Women’s

First in Physio 7 (J Dargaville 3, S Monday 2) def Lasers 4 (T Horan 2)

Salty Sirens 4 (S Le Blowitz 2) def Chick Flicks 3 (B Smith 2)

Eathorne’s Princesses win by forfeit

Under 14

Broncos 11 (Adea 4, Casey 3, Jake 2) def Red Dogs 3 3 (J Hagiaglou 2)

Rockies 5 (Jayla 2) def Red Dogs 1 3 (Logan 2)

Chicken Burgers 6 (Rylan 4) def Silly Soft Serves 5

Baywatch 1 4 def Cowboys 3 3

Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton

The match remained in the balance from start to finish, with both sides trading tries and responding to each challenge. Burdekin looked capable of snatching victory late, but the Lions held on in the closing stages.

While the result didn’t go their way, the performance highlighted promising young talent within the club. The debutants handled themselves well under pressure, and the youthful forward pack stood firm throughout. Best players included Cooper Fletcher, Jye Olsen, and Lachie Sheppard. Tries came from Jye Starr, Lachie Sheppard, and Terry Connors, with Olsen kicking 4 from 4.

Other A Grade results saw Souths defeat Centrals 24–8, Herbert River upset Brothers 26–20, and Charters Towers defeat Norths 40–20.

Reserve Grade coach Peter Horan said his team started

strongly with the right attitude, with Keon Noah scoring soon after kick-off. Burdekin led 22–4 at halftime and held on for a 32–24 win despite a tough second half. Horan praised the defensive effort, saying “defence wins games,” and highlighted strong performances from Talen Kerr, Ron Geia, Harvey Horan, and playmaker Dylan Doak. Under 19 players also backed up to fill the bench, showing strong club spirit. Tries were scored by Keon Noah (2), Morgan Noah, Ron Geia, K J Zaro, and Bokeem Moore Reid, with Doak kicking 4 goals. In Under 19s, assistant coach John Nash said the Roosters played as a team in a dominant 38–4 win, scoring seven tries to one. Burdekin led 22–4 at halftime and impressed with both attack and defence, though Nash noted occasional over-eagerness with ball movement. Kirk Viero returned after several seasons and was named players’ player. Tries came from Leylan Lampton (2), Chekayne Taiters (2), Kirk Viero, Riley Smith, and Calen Taiters, with Chad Fraser kicking 5 goals.

Other Under 19 results saw Centrals defeat Norths 40–6 and Brothers beat Herbert River 48–20.

The Roosters are not fielding a women’s team this season, though seven former players featured for other clubs over the weekend. Western Lions defeated Brothers 50–0, Souths beat Centrals 16–10, and Norths edged Charters Towers 16–14. This week, Souths host Herbert River, Charters Towers travel to Western Lions, Brothers host Norths, and Burdekin take on Centrals at the Sports Reserve. With the Burdekin Growers Race Day also on Saturday, the Roosters requested a fixture change, but it was not approved. Final times were not available. Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes

The future of rugby league was on full display on Saturday night as the Burdekin Roosters Under 9s took to the field at Queensland Country Bank Stadium for a once-in-a-lifetime curtain raiser experience ahead of the North Queensland Cowboys NRL clash.

Football Matters with Cyclops

Seniors

A disappointing weekend for the Burdekin Panthers. The Club had four senior games, winning one drawing one and losing two. The Premiers and Reserves were away to MA Olympic with the Premiers losing 0-1 and the Reserves drawing 3-3. The Division 1 team lost 0-2 to Riverway JCU but the Division 2, beat Riverway 4-1. The Colts had a bye.

This week all five teams are in action. On Friday, the Division 1 and Division 2 teams are away to Brothers, at 8.30 and 6.30 and the Colts are away to Warriors at 6.30. On Sunday, the Premiers and Reserves are at home to Saints Eagles Souths at 5.00 and 3.00.

Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club

A big clash against old rivals MA Olympic saw both sides start cautiously, with the opening stages evenly contested and few genuine chances created. As the half progressed, Olympic began to grow into the game while Burdekin struggled to find their usual rhythm. Despite that, neither goalkeeper was heavily tested and the match remained locked at 0–0 heading into half time. Just five minutes into the second half, the Panthers failed to deal with a long free kick and Olympic capitalised to take a 1–0 lead. The goal sparked a response from the Panthers, who began to play with more intent and urgency. However, in the 63rd minute, the game took another turn when Sean Young was shown a red card, leaving Burdekin to battle with ten men for the final 30 minutes. Despite the setback, the Panthers continued to work hard and created several chances in search of an equaliser but could not find the breakthrough as the game finished 1–0.

Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

A great start with a Burdekin goal after 60 seconds to Matthew Kolb and then a solid 30 minutes of dominating possession and field position. It seemed like it was a day for a win against the league leaders. However, a drop in intensity for the last 10 minutes of the first half allowed MAO to score from a freekick outside the penalty area and three minutes later, from another freekick, another goal saw the Panthers go to half time behind 2 -1, very

FOOTBALL

much against the run of play.

The Panthers started the second half with renewed energy and Dom Arrate equalised just ten minutes in. Burdekin played well, created multiple chances, and could have had at least three more goals, but only netted one from Jonte Grazioli after 64 minutes to take the lead. The match then opened up with both sides were pushing to score. Olympic created their only real chance in the 75th minute and scored to make it 3-3. Despite plenty of chances the Panthers could not find a winning goal and the game finished in a draw. With the way the Panthers dominated, this result felt more like a loss but is certainly a good indicator for a victory in their next game.

Division 1 – Austral Masonry

On Friday night Burdekin Division 1 took on Riverway JCU at home. The boys started strongly, moving the ball well and showing great energy across the park. Both teams were up for the challenge, and the first half ended 0-0. The second half started with the Panthers coming out hard and creating a few chances but could not capitalise on them. A quick break down the wing saw JCU take the lead and then shortly after JCU scored a second goal. The Panthers fought to the very end but unfortunately could not find the back of the net. The final score finished at 2-0 to JCU. The Burdekin Division1 are away next Friday to Brothers.

Division 2 – RG Customs

The Funkies continued their good start to the season with a 4-1 win against Riverway JCU. Burdekin started very well and were dominant from the start. Early goals to Nicholas Cathcart and a double to Simon Scuderi put Burdekin 3-0 up and in full control of the game. Riverway JCU settled into the game and dominated the end of the first half but could not beat the Funkies defence or Dave Bryen in goal. Riverway JCU scored early in the second half but that was the only trouble they gave Burdekin. The Funkies settled into the half and were dominant until full time.

Nick Cathcart got his second goal midway through the half to secure a 4-1 win for the Funkies.

AYR SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB 2025–26 PRESENTATION NIGHT

SURF LIFESAVING

JUNIOR AWARDS

Age Champions – U7: Georgia Irvine; U8: Eliza Hayllor, Koby Flower; U9: Mackenzie Sartori, Jude Lawry; U10: Oscar Hayllor; U11: Mahli McShane, Ryan Irvine; U12: Charlotte Lawry, Luca Lawry; U13: Alyssa Irvine; U14: Milla Chapman, Cole Pontifex.

Bill Blakey Memorial Trophy (Junior Best Triers): Koby Flower, Torah Giddy. Open Best Triers: Harrison Sartori, Taylor Chapman.

Furnell Family Best Open Water Swimmers: Warne McShane, Emilee Wassmuth.

Bevan & Treena List Perpetual Trophy (Open Ironman & Ironmaiden): Warne McShane, Milla Chapman.

Bennett Family Memorial Trophy: Junior Champions – Jude Lawry, Mackenzie Sartori; Senior Champions –Warne McShane, Milla Chapman.

JR Benvenuti Memorial Trophy (Most Improved Junior): Quinn Pontifex.

Roy & Bev Young Perpetual Trophy (Most Improved Open): Alyssa Irvine.

Robbie & Joyce Great Perpetual Trophy (Most Points at Carnivals): Warne McShane.

Ken Steel Encouragement Award: Cole Pontifex. Encouragement Awards: Alexander Marshall, Ty-Ty Auda, Toby Hatherell, Audrey Rickards, Eva Rickards, Alexandra Moloney, Isabella Flower, Amelia Rootes.

Bob & Bev Andrews Perpetual Trophy (Most Promising Junior): Mackenzie Sartori.

Long Service to Nippers: 8+ years (Green Caps U14): Charlotte Lawry, Emma Jones; 7 years (U8–U14): Nate Giddy.

Jack Sartori Memorial Trophy (Most

Continued from back cover

Consistent All Rounder): Emilee Wassmuth.

Margaret Webber Memorial Trophy (Junior Lifesaver of the Year): Charlotte Lawry.

SENIOR AWARDS

Age Champions – U15: Zachary Dale; U17: Ryley Sartori, Bella Lawry; Female Masters Champion: Kristy Wassmuth; Male Masters Champion: Jarrod Rossato; Female Open Champion: Ryley Sartori; Male Open Champion: Jarrod Rossato.

Open Ironman: Jarrod Rossato. Open Ironwoman: Bella Lawry.

Don Johnson Memorial (Official of the Year): Glenn Wassmuth.

Jim Great Memorial (Most Efficient Patrol Member): Bella Lawry.

Highest Patrolling Hours (40+ hrs): Kellie Lawry, Charlotte Lawry, Ben Lawry, Briella Wassmuth, Kristy Wassmuth, Emilee Wassmuth, Jake Sartori, David Sartori, John Moloney, Tony Felesina, Lisa Furnell, Sophia Moloney.

Sam Johnson Memorial (Most Active Club Member): Charlotte Lawry, Emilee Wassmuth.

June Galbraith Memorial Encouragement Award: Briella Wassmuth.

Laurie “Rags” Regattieri Memorial (Contribution to Surf Life Saving): Bella Lawry.

Contribution to Surf Rescue Award: Kristy Wassmuth.

Kevin (Keg) Helander Memorial (Outstanding Service): Kristy Wassmuth.

Lifesaver of the Year: Kellie Lawry. Contributed with thanks to Ayr SLSC

SURF CLUB

The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club marked the end of the 2025–26 season with its annual Junior and Senior Presentation Night, bringing together members, families, life members and sponsors to recognise achievements across competition, patrol and club service.

Senior Age Champions were Zachary Dale (U15), Ryley Sartori and Bella Lawry (U17), with major Open and Masters honours going to Jarrod Rossato and Kristy Wassmuth. Open Champion awards also recognised Ryley Sartori (Female Open Champion) and Jarrod Rossato (Male Open Champion), alongside Ironman and Ironwoman titles awarded to Rossato and Lawry.

The club also acknowledged outstanding contributions across patrols, lifesaving service and club involvement, with strong representation across all levels.

Ayr SLSC thanked sponsors Wassmuth Automotive, Rocky Ponds Produce, Rob’s Tree Solutions, DnS Quality Meats, Radar Floors, Bob Gould Fabrications, Greens

Water Group, Astute, Pontifex Farming, Furnell Family and Julie’s Pharmacy.

The club now looks ahead to its centenary celebrations at the end of May, featuring a weekend of events across Ayr.

Full results on page 31

Junior Age Champions: (back) Ryan Irvine, Luca Lawry, Oscar Hayllor, Mahli McShane, Charlotte Dale, Alyssa Irvine, (front) Jude Lawry, Koby Flower, Georgia Irvine & Eliza Hayllor (absent Mackenzie Sartori, Cole Pontifex & Milla Chapman). Photo supplied