Burdekin Life

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Jacob Casha – 0484 501 662 jacob@lifepublishinggroup.com

Chelsea Ravizza Chelsea@lifepublishinggroup.com

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Hello from Mexico! Much to my family’s concern, and after a very quick visit back to the BDK, I’ve set off overseas again — this time to Latin America!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been jumping around the country and have now made my way down to Puerto Escondido to continue chasing the sun and surf along the southwest coastline. I’m absolutely loving my travels so far, Mexico’s UNREAL, and I’m eyeing off crossing over into Guatemala within the next few weeks.

Oh, and although proof-oflife photos have been sent and phone calls have been dialled, a quick “she’s fine” for my mum and grandma when you see them would be great-

Chelsea Chat with Chelsea

ly appreciated!

Recently, I’ve been chatting with several members from the Molongle Creek Boat Club to put together a story covering tidal access issues in the Molongle Creek channel. Although the situation has such a deep and complex history, I’m very pleased with how my piece has come together so far, so keep your eyes peeled for that one in publishments to come!

If you have any information to share regarding the issue, or any story you believe should be told, please feel free to shoot an email over to me at chelsea@lifepublishinggroup.com!

Our newspaper is thrilled to announce two special giveaway competitions, thanks to a generous anonymous donor!

Competition 1: The donor has gifted four tickets to each home game of the Cowboys this season. Tickets will go to different winners for each home round, giving more people the chance to experience the excitement live.

Competition 2: In addition, the donor will be providing a $100 grocery voucher each month for the next 10 months, intended to assist those who could use a lit-

tle extra help.

To nominate someone for either prize, send an 80-word blurb explaining why your nominee deserves or needs it to jacob@ lifepublishinggroup.com. Both competitions aim to reach those who need them most, whether it’s someone who’s never been able to attend a game or a family needing extra help with essentials.

Winners will be contacted directly with further details. Don’t miss the chance to bring a little joy and support to someone who truly deserves it. Start nominating today!

Teens Recover After Cape Upstart Irukandji Ordeal

BY JACOB CASHA

What began as a routine day trip to Cape Upstart quickly became a race to the hospital after two Burdekin teenagers were stung by Irukandji jellyfish earlier this month.

Guardian Dan Horan, son Hudson Horan, 14, friend Tanner Cole, 13, and two others set sail from Molongle Creek to the Cape at around 9am on Sunday, 1st of February, eventually anchoring the boat and snorkelling just off the shore.

At around 10:30am, Tanner and Hudson emerged from the water with red marks after feeling a mild stinging sensation.

Hudson recalled, “I got hit… then about five seconds later Tanner got got hit on the leg.”

Tanner said the sting initially didn’t feel serious.

“It was just itchy and that was it, really,” he said.

Within minutes, however, the boys’ conditions worsened.

“By the time we got to the boat, Tanner was really sick and started vomiting, and Hudson said he had stabbing pains in his legs and his back down into his feet. He couldn’t feel his feet, and he was starting to shake,” Dan recalled.

Initial attempts to call Triple-0 were unsuccessful due to lack of mobile coverage, and tensions on deck began to heighten.

“I was very panicked… obviously your brain goes to the worst-case scenario,” said Dan.

“I’m thinking, are we gonna have to stop? Should I Just stay here? Am I gonna have to resuscitate them?”

Dan turned to the boat’s VHF radio system and contacted Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin (VMR), where volunteer Dawn Ordorica answered and organised for emergency services to be contacted.

Through the radio, fellow VMR volunteer Paul Quagliata coordinated with Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) to meet the group at the boat ramp.

“I was able to talk to Dan on the radio while I had the dispatcher and QAS on the phone, so we were able to relay that information quite quickly so they [QAS] knew what they’re dealing with when they got there,” recalled Quagliata.

Within five minutes of pulling up at the ramp, paramedics were on scene.

Quagliata said the quick coordination between VMR and QAS likely prevented a longer ordeal.

Continued from cover

“I think we saved the boys probably 40 minutes of more agony.”

Paramedics immediately administered first aid on-site before providing pain relief and transporting the teenagers to Ayr Hospital, where doctors confirmed the stings were consistent with Irukandji jellyfish—highly venomous stings that are notorious for escalating quickly.

The pair was monitored until their symptoms subsided at around 5am the next morning.

A relieved figure, Dan lauded the efforts of

emergency services in handling the situation.

“The fact that [the VMR] were able to have the ambulance there in five minutes of us pulling up the ramp, was a big, massive relief for me, and also the boys,” he said. Quagliata said the situation served as a testament to the importance of emergency services like VMR.

“It just goes to show what we’re about in times of need and what we’re capable of doing,” he said.

Recognising Future Trades on Apprenticeship Week

The vital skills and job-ready training opportunities of apprenticeships are being brought to the fore during National Apprenticeships Week with Member for Burdekin Dale Last echoing the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to backing apprentices and their employers.

Boasting more than 200 enrolments in the local TAFE facility in 2025 and more than 1000 technicians and tradespeople in the district, Mr Last said the State Government’s investment in apprentices was vital in supporting essential trades and services relied on by the Burdekin’s major industries.

“Our major industries rely on our tradespeople every day in the Burdekin to keep machinery running, pumps operational and for the supply of everyday goods and services. It’s incredibly important the people who want to take up a career in sectors like manufacturing or construction are afforded every opportunity to do so,” Mr Last said.

“Having the opportunity to earn and learn through an apprenticeship without having to leave your hometown is crucial to securing the future of our local industries here in the Burdekin and that’s why the Crisafulli Government is backing them.”

Mr Last said National Apprenticeships Week ran from 9 to 15 February and marked a total investment in training the tradies of tomorrow of $270 million.

“Investing in our apprentices and the small businesses backing them means we are not only supporting our key sectors now but fostering growth for the future of our industries right across the state,” he said.

“The Crisafulli Government knows it is a serious decision to take on an apprentice with plenty to consider, which is why we are supporting small businesses with apprentice wage costs under a $19 million Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program.

“$40 million in 20252026 has been invested into programs supporting apprentices as part of the Crisafulli Government’s broader focus on strengthening skills, supporting employers and increasing workforce participation.”

Contributed with thanks to the Office of State Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP

Dale Last MP recently discussed traineeships and apprenticeships opportunities locally at QMN Manufacturing.

Families At Breaking Point As Interest Rate Hike Crushes Household Budgets

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has warned that North Queensland families are being pushed to a financial breaking point following today’s decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates to 3.85 per cent.

The 25-basis-point hike is the first in over two years and signals a deepening cost-of-living crisis that is being directly fuelled by the Albanese Government’s inability to control its own spending.

Mr Willcox said the rate rise is a devastating blow for mortgage holders who have already seen an extra $21,000 stripped from their pockets since Labor took office. He noted that while the Prime Minister promised Australians that “life would be cheaper” under a Labor government, the reality in Dawson is an unsettling erosion of the family budget.

For many families, the “Australian Dream” is being replaced by an economic nightmare, a daily struggle to balance the books as inflation continues to act as a silent thief. The pressure is particularly acute for those who have young families, navigating the Christmas credit card and “back-to-school” expenses.

Recent data shows that education costs have surged by 5.4 per cent, while childcare fees have exploded by an incredible 11.2 per cent.

“It is a disgrace that in a country as prosperous as ours, a childcare place can now cost as much as a year at an elite private boarding school,” Mr Willcox said.

“These are barriers preventing parents from returning to work, making this cost-of-living nightmare even harder on families.”

Mr Willcox argued that these rising costs, combined with higher mortgage repayments and a saturated rental market, are making it nearly impossible for working parents to get ahead.

who are settling the bill,” Mr Willcox said.

Senator Canavan noted that if a

“This economic pain is not an accident, but a direct result of Labor’s record-breaking spending,” Mr Willcox said.

New budget data has revealed an unbelievable $50 billion blowout in government spending over just six months; a rate of more than $200 million per day.

“While families are being forced to make hard decisions and cut back on essentials, this Labor Government continues to pour fuel on the inflationary fire with taxpayer money,” he added.

The Member for Dawson has supported Senator Matt Canavan in calling for the immediate resignation of Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Senator Canavan initiated the call in the Senate today, following revelations of a staggering $50 billion blowout in government spending over just six months, a rate of more than $200 million per day.

“I am standing with Senator Canavan in saying enough is enough. “Jim Chalmers has overseen the biggest spending blowout in Australian history, and it is hard-working families

CEO in the private sector presided over a $100 billion blowout, they would be sacked on the spot.

“We should expect the same standard of accountability for the person holding the nation’s chequebook,” Mr Willcox said.

“This crazy level of spending is exactly why interest rates went up today. You cannot pour $200 million of taxpayer money onto the fire every single day and not expect inflation to burn.”

Mr Willcox warned that the rate hike would not only hurt mortgage holders but would also place even more pressure on an already suffocating rental market.

“It’s never easy under Albanese.

“Every time the Treasurer spends, the families in Mackay, the growers in Bowen, the tourism operators in the Whitsundays, the soldiers in Townsville and the workers in the Burdekin pay the price.

“My team and I will continue to fight to hold this Government to account for every dollar they waste and every promise they break.”

BY JACOB CASHA

The Burdekin is no stranger to pro ducing global sporting talent, and the latest to carry the banner abroad is local teenage motorcycle racer Ky Mitchell, set to take on the world after being selected to compete in the presti gious World 250 Speedway Solo Title in Europe later this year.

The 13 year old secured his place after im pressing at the Australian Championships in Albury in December last year, one of only three Australian riders aged 13 to 16 invited to compete internationally.

Ky will first contest the semi finals in Pardubice, Czech Republic, on 16 and 17 June. If successful, he will advance to the finals in Wrocław, Poland.

For Ky and his family, the selection marks a moment of pride, achieved on the back of countless hours of training, travel and sacrifice.

“He’s been preparing for this opportunity for the past 12 months,” his father Julian said.

“That’s meant travelling all over Australia to compete, including New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. We even leave bikes set up in Adelaide because sometimes it’s easier to fly than drive long distances.”

This is not Ky’s first taste of international recognition. In 2024, he earned selection

for the SGP4 series after winning an Australian Championship, but was unable to travel at the time and missed the opportunity.

This time, the family is doing ev erything in its power to make sure he gets there.

“For speedway, we’re a little disad vantaged in North Queensland,” Julian said.

“Most of the competition for his age group is down south, and Ky is currently the only active 250cc speedway rider in Queensland.

“As a family, we work hard to put in the travel hours. We’re also very lucky to have support from many North Queensland locals who help him get training and track time where possible.

“Ky’s a ‘go with the flow kid’. He’ll drive, fly and sleep anywhere if it means he gets to race.”

Once on track, the budding star’s talent speaks for itself.

“Ky always puts in 110 per cent at practice and race meetings,” Julian said.

“He’s very consistent and always turns heads. We’re extremely proud to see his hard work paying off.”

For Ky, the moment he found out about his

selection was unforgettable.

“I was shocked with excitement,” he said.

“It’s been a dream of mine to represent Australia riding speedway.”

Having raced from the tender age of just four, the selection represents a significant lunge toward the teenager’s long time goal of riding internationally as a profession.

He is eager to test himself against the world’s best, race at new tracks, meet new people from other countries, and watch the SGP live in Poland.

Julian is also hopeful the trip will broaden his horizons beyond racing, eager for him to “experience new countries, new tracks and what it’s like to race at an international level.”

In the coming months, the Mitchell family will be running fundraisers to help cover the significant costs of travelling and com peting overseas.

Supporters can follow Ky’s journey and find updates through the Ky Mitchell Rac ing Facebook page.

Council Hosts Stakeholder Engagement Meeting at Ayr Aerodrome

Burdekin Shire Council hosted a Stakeholder Engagement Meeting at the Ayr Aerodrome on Wednesday, 11 February, providing an opportunity to engage directly with aerodrome lessees, users and other interested stakeholders.

The meeting enabled Council to share updates on current activities at the aero drome, gain a clearer understanding of how the facility is being used, and discuss potential opportunities for the future.

The session was intended as an open and constructive forum for information shar ing, rather than a decision‑making pro cess.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said Council values the opportunity to meet directly with those who use the aerodrome and to hear firsthand about their experiences.

“The Ayr Aerodrome is an important com munity asset with a lot of untapped poten tial, and it’s important that Council takes

the time to understand how it’s being used now and where there may be opportunities into the future,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

Council recognises the importance of managing its assets in a practical and busi ness‑minded way, balancing operational needs with long‑term sustainability and community benefit.

The stakeholder meeting was not about making decisions or commitments, but about sharing information, hearing a

range of perspectives, and building a clear er picture of the aerodrome’s current role and future potential within the region.

Feedback received during the meeting will help inform Council’s ongoing consider ations regarding the Ayr Aerodrome and how it is viewed and used now and into the future.

Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Shire Council

Grace Ogomeni Named 2026 Young Citizen of the Year

BY CHELSEA RAVIZZA

With a portfolio overflowing with exceptional achievements across academia, sport and community service, 2026 Young Citizen of the Year Grace Ogomeni was recently recognised for her humble contributions to the local community at the 2026 Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Award Ceremony.

“Hearing my name announced, followed by the applause, was overwhelming in the most heartwarming way. I felt incredibly grateful and proud, not just of myself, but of the community that supported me and has given me so many opportunities to get involved – this moment meant a lot to me because it reinforced my sense of belonging and connection to the Burdekin community,” she explained.

“I hope that people understand my achievements and involvements were not done to receive recognition - I hope everyone sees instead that they are a reflection of my values and my commitment to make a positive difference wherever

I can.”

In the past year alone, Grace’s resume of success welcomed several prestigious titles including Home Hill State High School Valedictorian, House Captain, School Captain, Burdekin Secondary School Athletics Age Champion, Lloyd Memorial Sportswoman of the Year, as well as several Subject Dux honours.

“I would say leadership came naturally to me; however, I still learnt and developed many leadership skills through leadership programs and personal experiences,” Grace said.

“Staying organised and knowing what needs priority at different times helped me manage academics, sporting commitments and community service - when my motivation dipped, I reminded myself why I was doing what I did – for example the goal of getting into medicine really pushed me to stay focused.”

Grace’s dedication to crafting an efflorescent future will see her commence medical studies at James Cook University this year.

“I am very excited to start studying medicine at JCU, especially for the chance to go on placement in rural and remote regions,” Grace enthused.

“In the future, I hope to make a positive impact by helping close the gap in healthcare access for rural communities like the ones I grew up in. I want to make sure people in these often-overlooked towns have the care and support they deserve.”

Grace credits the local community for shaping her into who she has become, explaining how the interconnectedness and small-town nature of the Burdekin Shire was instrumental in her upbringing.

“Growing up in the Burdekin shaped my values of community, belonging and kindness. In a small town you see the impact of community-wide support,” she explained.

“Through school, sport and community activities, I felt a sense of belonging, which made me want to make sure others felt the same. These experiences inspired the path I want to take in medicine, where I can continue to give back.”

Burdekin Youth Council Empowering the Next Generation

BY CHELSEA RAVIZZA

One of the Burdekin Shire’s core youth-focused community groups continues to thrive, with its members bringing contagious enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the local stage.

The Burdekin Shire Youth Council comprises young people aged 12 to 21 who come together to coordinate a youth-driven forum where members can suggest ideas, voice concerns and promote community spirit and a strong sense of belonging.

“Young people bring a perspective that no one else can offer,” explained Burdekin Shire Council Community Development Officer, Tammy Quagliata.

“When they are involved in local decision-making, it ensures the ideas, concerns and lived experiences of the next generation are genuinely heard and considered. Youth often notice emerging issues earlier, think creatively about solutions, and aren’t afraid to challenge ‘the way things have always been done.’ Their involvement helps Council make decisions that are more inclusive, future-focused and reflective of the whole community.”

2025 was another busy and successful year for the Youth Council, with members coordinating several community events, including the annual Fast Track Talent Show featuring special guest Hugh Sheridan. Members were also proud to deliver the

region’s inaugural Blue Tree as part of a nationwide mental health awareness project aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging conversation.

As part of Queensland Youth Week, the Youth Council hosted a free pool party at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre to celebrate young people and their contributions to the community. Members also partnered with local schools, including Burdekin Catholic High School, to plan events such as the Stand Up, Sleep Out initiative raising awareness of homelessness, along with other volunteer-led initiatives including Youth First Aid Courses and library school holiday programs.

The Youth Council meets monthly on a Monday afternoon to discuss community activities and youth-focused initiatives.

“Throughout the year, the most prominent concerns raised by members include youth wellbeing, the need for more safe and inclusive spaces, opportunities for social connection, and awareness around issues such as housing insecurity and healthy relationships,” Tammy said.

“The Youth Council also works to build skills and confidence in its members, ensuring young people are able to speak up, share ideas and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of the Burdekin.”

Looking ahead, members are already preparing for a jam-packed 2026, including

the highly anticipated Fast Track Talent Show set to commence from 20 March.

The first meeting of the year will be held on Monday, 23 February, with young people encouraged to attend and see what the group has to offer.

“You don’t need any special skills or experience to join the Youth Council – we simply want young people who live, study or work in the Burdekin to get involved. If you’re passionate about your community, this is a great opportunity to have your voice heard,” Tammy said.

“Youth Council members gain valuable insight into local government, learning meeting procedures and budgeting, and developing an appreciation for how decisions are made at a bureaucratic level. Members learn to collaborate, negotiate, work as part of a team, and build confidence in public speaking and engaging with Councillors, executives and community organisations.”

For more information, email commdev@ burdekin.qld.gov.au or contact the Community Development Team on (07) 4783 9832.

Burdekin Theatre, Ayr, on Sunday

Minute With The Mayor

Pierina Dalle Cort

It was wonderful to see so many interested community members attend the Pump Track information session that was held the other week. Even the rain didn’t dampen spirits, and I was especially pleased to see the enthusiasm of the children who came along with their parents.

I’m confident the Pump Track will be a well-used asset for our community.

Rate notices have now been issued. If you’re experiencing any difficulties, please remember that our finance team is here to help and can discuss support options with you.

The local Burdekin Singers production has

now wrapped up, and those who missed it truly missed a spectacular show. With the production complete, the theatre has now begun long-overdue upgrades to the stage floor and dressing rooms.

Finally, I’m receiving an increasing number of complaints about overgrown yards.

If you notice an issue, please contact Council or lodge it conveniently through the Snap Send Solve app.

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.

Support at home & NDIS clients

Councillor Column With Councillor Max Musumeci

Barra season is open and by the sounds of it even I might have a chance of getting amongst them.

It is great to see the number of Barramundi looking so good and I’d say my good friend Councillor Detenon and all the team in the Burdekin Fish Restocking Association (BFRA) will be pleased. Thank you to all who volunteer their time to do that important job. It’s great for our locals and great for tourism.

The weather is still giving us good grow-

ing conditions. Plenty of heat and the odd shower certainly has me mowing the lawn more frequently.

Finally, I’d like to congratulate all those nominated for awards on Australia Day. It is always great to see those nominations. There were some outstanding achievements in sports, academics and culture throughout the year, and it is a good reminder to us all, just how rich the Burdekin is in volunteers and people who care about the community. I thank you all for your efforts. Well done.

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Council Adjusts Clare Transfer Station Hours After Six‑Month Trial

The Burdekin Shire Council has announced changes to the Clare Transfer Station’s operating days following a six-month trial and clear community feedback on opening times.

Councillors received a report at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 10 February 2026, reviewing the trial conducted between 4 July 2025 and 2 January 2026. During the trial, the facility’s schedule shifted from weekly Sunday openings in 2024/2025 to a fortnightly Friday service in 2025/2026.

According to a council media release, the trial aimed “to assess community usage patterns, determine whether Friday openings were more convenient for residents, and identify any potential operational efficiencies.”

Community feedback was collected via email submissions, Customer Request Management entries, and a QR code feed-

back tool. While the number of responses was limited, the council reported several consistent themes. Feedback showed a clear preference for Sunday operations, with only a small number of residents advising that Friday openings suited their needs. No feedback opposed the facility operating on a fortnightly basis.

Comments also highlighted the comparative suitability of Sundays versus Fridays, and the need for clearer signage and better communication to help residents know which fortnight the site is open.

Friday 13 February 2026 was the final Friday opening. From 1 March 2026, the Clare Transfer Station will return to Sunday openings on a fortnightly schedule, coinciding with the same fortnight that yellow-lid recycling bins are serviced.

Residents seeking further information are encouraged to contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr Strengthens Community Through Ongoing Support of Local Rugby League

Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to the Burdekin region through its ongoing support of local rugby league at Bendigo Bank Park.

For generations, rugby league has played a vital role in bringing Burdekin families together. From juniors lacing up their boots for the first time, to parents volunteering on game day and grandparents cheering from the sidelines, local sport is woven into the fabric of the community.

As a community owned bank, Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr understands the importance of backing initiatives that keep regional towns connected and thriving. Supporting rugby league is about far more than what happens on the field — it’s about investing in opportunities for young people, strengthening family bonds, and building pride across the district.

Through its sponsorship of Bendigo Bank Park and support of the Burdekin Roosters, Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport locally. This support assists with facilities, programs and the continued development of players and volunteers who dedicate countless hours to keeping the game strong.

last year, showcased the very best of local rugby league, uniting over 100 players both men and women, volunteers, sponsors and families from across the Burdekin region for a full day of community connection and club pride. The event delivered quality facilities, professional operations, live entertainment, and recognition for players, referees and support staff, reinforcing rugby league as a positive, well-run focal point for community involvement and future regional rugby league development. The winners of the competition were Colts who beat Brothers in the Grand Final.

Spokesperson for the Community Bank said supporting grassroots sport aligns strongly with the bank’s purpose.

“Our Community Bank exists to make a real difference locally,” she said. “When we invest in sport, we’re investing in young people, families and the longterm wellbeing of the Burdekin.”

Community Grant Program

“Local clubs rely on community sup port to survive and grow. We’re proud to play a role in helping rugby league remain strong for future generations.”

When you partner with us, good things happen.

By standing alongside local sporting organisations, Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr continues to reinforce its commitment to building a stronger, more connected Burdekin—on and off the field.

Applications close 12th April 2024.

The Club of Origin, held in November

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

LiquaForce Shaping the Future of Fertilising in North Queensland

With state-of-the-art equipment, outstanding service and a hands-on approach to every project, LiquaForce continue to prove they are shaping the future of fertilising across North Queensland. Servicing the region from Mackay to Mossman, the locally based, family-owned business has built a reputation grounded in reliability, innovation and genuine care for the communities it supports.

For years, LiquaForce has worked alongside local growers, understanding that success in agriculture is not just about products, but about people. Their commitment extends beyond paddocks and production figures, with a strong focus on supporting farming families, regional employment and the long-term sustainability of the agricultural industry. This close connection to the community has helped establish deep trust and lasting partnerships throughout the sugarcane and horticulture sectors.

LiquaForce has consistently delivered results by providing tailored liquid fertilising solutions designed to meet the specific needs of North Queensland soils and conditions. Their proven ability to service the agricultural and liquid fertilising requirements of the region has positioned them as a dependable partner during both chal-

lenging and prosperous seasons.

Following the acquisition by listed company RLF AgTech Limited in 2024, LiquaForce now offers an expanded range of advanced products and the capacity to support a broader variety of crop types. This growth strengthens their ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions while maintaining the local knowledge and community focus that define the business.

LiquaForce fertilisers deliver measurable benefits, including increased yields, improved sugar production, reduced labour demands and optimised nutrient efficiency. By minimising leaching and downtime, they help growers maximise outputs while protecting their land for future generations, reinforcing LiquaForce’s ongoing commitment to both productivity and community resilience.

Spanish Mackerel Closures to Affect Burdekin Waters

Recreational and commercial fishers across the Burdekin Shire are being urged to take note of upcoming seasonal fishing closures, with the annual Spanish mackerel closed season set to affect local waters later this year.

The Burdekin falls within Queensland’s northern Spanish mackerel management zone, which applies to east coast waters north of latitude 22 degrees south, slightly north of Stanage Bay. As a result, popular local fishing areas will be subject to ex-

tended closures aligned with new moon periods.

In 2026, northern Spanish mackerel closures will run from 8 October to 29 October, followed by a second closure from 6 November to 27 November. During these periods, Spanish mackerel must not be taken, possessed or sold.

The closures are part of Queensland Fisheries’ seasonal management strategy aimed at protecting fish stocks during key breeding periods and ensuring longterm sustainability.

Several other closed seasons will also apply throughout the year. Barramundi will be closed on the Queensland east coast from 1 November to 31 January, while snapper and pearl perch will be off-limits from 15 July to 15 August.

Additional restrictions include two five-day coral reef fin fish closures in October and November, a tropical rock lobster closure from 1 October to 31 December, and a spanner crab closure from 1 November to 15 December in managed areas.

Fishers are reminded to check closure dates and boundaries before heading out, as penalties apply. With Spanish mackerel a prized local catch, fishers are encouraged to plan ahead and target alternative species during closure periods.

Community Comes Together to Bring Rusty Home

BY CHELSEA RAVIZZA

Aheartwarming show of community spirit was on full display in the Burdekin Shire earlier this month, as hundreds of locals banded together to reunite a much-loved dog with his family after more than a week on the run.

Ayr resident Machelle Slatcher raised the alarm on social media on 5 February after her border collie–kelpie cross, Rusty, went missing from Lisa Drive.

“MISSING in Ayr 4807. Border collie x kelpie went missing yesterday from Lisa Drive. Rusty is extremely friendly,” she wrote, sparking an outpouring of support.

What followed was an extraordinary community effort. Hundreds of people shared posts, phoned in sightings and kept watch along roadsides, paddocks and riverbanks, many for a dog they had never met, but were determined to help bring home.

As updates rolled in, Rusty was spotted across several locations, with Machelle regularly posting updates to keep the search going.

“He loves a ball, so he’ll become your best friend immediately,” she wrote.

Despite days passing and sightings becoming less frequent, the community didn’t give up. Then, in the early hours of 13 February, the message everyone had been

hoping for arrived.

“STOP LOOKING!!! Rusty is home safe,”

Machelle posted.

“I want to thank everyone and I mean everyone, literally half of the Burdekin has been out looking for him. I can’t thank you all enough, people I don’t even know have been contacting me and have been out and about. I can’t successfully put into works how grateful I am. I am so blessed to be living in such a caring community - thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

After eight days and an incredible community-wide effort, Rusty is now safely home, and his family are determined to keep it that way!

“He’s currently soaking up the aircon in the house, and I’m glad he’s stopped making that movie,” Machelle joked.

“GPS tracker is on its way- he’s not going on an eightday journey ever again!”

Learn, Guide, Make a Difference

They say experience is the best teacher. For Burdekin local and keen traveller Joan Andersen, more than 30 years spent helping visitors around the region has proven exactly that.

After helping establish the Burdekin Tourism Association decades ago, Joan now volunteers at the Burdekin Visitor Information Centre in Ayr, a role she says is equal parts hearing unique stories, learning about North Queensland and beyond, and showcasing what makes the Burdekin special.

“I like meeting new people. I enjoy talking to them, finding where they come from, what they do,” said Joan.

“You’re learning just as much as they are from you.”

While many travellers pass straight through the region, Joan sees it as her purpose to encourage them to explore the region.

“A lot of people would bypass us because we’re just a little town. We’re not on the seaside, we’re not a beach resort or anything like that… But we’ve got a lot of hidden gems, and I always enjoy telling people how unique we are.”

But between curious visitors, Joan finds ways to quench her own inquisitiveness.

“I like to take new brochures, skip through them and check what’s in there,” she said

“There’s so much to learn, not only about Queensland, but the other states as well.”

Council is now encouraging more locals with a passion for the Burdekin to consider joining the Tourism Volunteer team at the Visitor Information Centres in Ayr and Home Hill.

For Joan, the role has provided a flexible and social way to give back to her community while continuing to meet new people and learn about the region.

She believes it would suit anyone who enjoys talking to people and has an interest in local tourism.

“If you’ve got spare time and are looking for something interesting, it’s a great way to learn and expand your enthusiasm for travelling,” she said.

“You help the town, you help the district, and you help the businesses in the town as well. It’s much more interesting than sitting and watching your shows on television!”

Residents interested in becoming a volunteer at the Burdekin Visitor Information Centres can contact Council’s Tourism team on (07) 4783 9800 or email tourism@ burdekin.qld.gov.au.

PROUD LY HO ST ED BY Ag l antis & Q CA R

OVER TWO DAYS IN THE BURDEKIN & HERBERT, FARMERS WILL SEE REAL ON-FARM DEMONSTRATIONS OF:

• Automated irrigation running on real farms

• Precision ag tools working in the paddock

• Practical tech that saves time, water and labour

• Grower-to-grower discussions and shared learnings

• Bus tours, demos and networking with fellow farmers

WHERE & WHEN

Burdekin & Herbert

3–4 March 2026 Day passes or full forum tickets available

Scan to register

REGISTER NOW

Scan the QR Code or visit: nextgen2026.eventbrite.com.au

Want more information? Call Aglantis on (07) 3496 9555 Email events@aglantis.com.au Platinum Sponsors:

Innovation & AgTech to Take Centre Stage as Next Gen 2026 Cane Forum Nears

The countdown is on to the Next Gen 2026 Cane Forum, with the event now just weeks away in the Burdekin and Herbert regions on 3–4 March.

Co-organisers Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) and Aglantis are urging attendees to register, with limited spots remaining — including only five seats left on the dedicated bus from Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek.

“The clock is ticking for next-gen farmers, new-to-industry farmers and anyone else interested in the advances in technology, innovation and systems in the sugarcane sector,” Aglantis event spokesperson Luke Malan said.

As Managing Director of Aglantis and co-organiser of the event, Mr Malan said he was excited to help revive a platform dedicated to promoting the future of farming, with a strong focus on practical application.

“This is about giving our nation’s growers real-world examples; helping them to see and pave the way to what the future of sugarcane farming could look like,” Mr Malan said.

The forum has attracted significant backing from industry-leading sponsors, reinforcing a shared commitment to the long-term sustainability and profitability of Queensland’s sugar industry.

Mr Malan said the strong industry support had enabled a high-calibre program featuring practical, on-farm demonstrations of automated irrigation and preci-

sion agriculture tools.

“Our incredibly supportive sponsors allow the showcasing of advanced agricultural technology, directly supporting the next generation of sugarcane farmers,” he said.

Among the key highlights for 2026 will be smart and automated irrigation systems, offering growers the chance to see efficiency-driven technology operating in real time. Precision agriculture and GPS technology will also take centre stage, with a focus on how these innovations translate into real-world profitability.

Carbon and reef compliance — an increasingly important consideration for emerging industry leaders navigating a changing regulatory landscape — will form a critical part of the discussion.

“Over the past year we’ve seen something powerful happen when farmers are simply given the space to come together. Conversations around dinner tables turn into real practice changes on farm, ideas shared on bus trips sparked new trials and connections made between growers can lead to lifetime friendships,” Mr Malan said.

He said the momentum behind the forum would not have been possible without the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and its investment through the RP84 Peer to Peer Farming Groups program.

“Their support backed ‘farmers backing farmers’ — creating opportunities to explore new technology, challenge thinking, and building confidence to adopt practical improvements. We are incredibly grateful to DPI for recognising the value of grower-led learning and for investing in stronger, more connected farming communities across Queensland.”

QCAR Chair Russell Hall said the forum was specifically designed to deliver handson, boots-on-the-ground value.

“While we’ll have industry veterans in attendance sharing their wealth of experience, the program focuses on the high-level innovation and practical technology required for modern farming,” Mr Hall said.

QCAR’s Senior Technical Agriculture Officer and event co-organiser Lawrence Di Bella said the event was about bringing the industry together and putting the tools of tomorrow into growers’ hands.

“We could not be more proud or more excited to be bringing this event back to the industry,” Mr Di Bella said.

“By combining high-level innovation with practical field trips, we are making sure our next generation of leaders can see how new technology translates to profitability and sustainability.”

The program includes immersive on-farm demonstrations, site visits to progressive farms, and direct insights into how agtech tools can improve yield while managing environmental footprints. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers from the Burdekin, Herbert, Proserpine and Mackay regions, as well as experts who can help navigate the complexities of modern farming.

Event schedules and ticket details are available via the Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables and Aglantis Facebook pages or by calling (07) 3496 9555. Tickets are also available at https:// nextgen2026.eventbrite.com.au.

Turning Dirt into Dollars Support for Burdekin Producers After

As 2026 gets underway, many Burdekin primary producers are looking ahead with cautious optimism. However, for some, the year has begun under difficult circumstances following Tropical Cyclone Koji and the associated flooding event late last year.

Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) Regional Area Manager for North Queensland, Angelo Rigano, said he has spent recent weeks visiting properties across the region to help producers begin their recovery journey.

“Sadly, I know not everyone has had a smooth start to the year,” Mr Rigano said.

“If you’ve been impacted, it’s okay not to be okay, and I strongly encourage anyone who needs support to reach out for help — including mental health services.”

QRIDA is currently administering disaster financial assistance for eligible primary producers affected by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji and severe weather from 24 December 2025. The assistance is aimed at helping producers cover clean-up and reinstatement costs

and get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

Eligible producers can now apply for low-interest loans and other disaster recovery support through QRIDA, with guidelines and application forms available on the QRIDA website.

Mr Rigano encouraged producers to regularly check the site as assessments continue and new information becomes available.

“As the government gains a clearer understanding of what communities need, additional assistance may be announced,” he said.

To help fast-track recovery applications, QRIDA has also shared five practical steps for producers affected by Cyclone Koji or recent flooding:

1. Photograph the damage

2. Complete the Disaster Impact Survey

3. Stay informed

4. Prepare key documents

5. Ask for help

In further positive news, the application deadline for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 has been extended until 14 August 2026.

Cyclone Koji

“This extension gives producers who have faced multiple disaster events more time to complete clean-up and recovery works,” Mr Rigano said.

Early assessments following Cyclone Koji indicate many North Queensland farms — including those in the Burdekin — have avoided significant damage, with encouraging signs emerging across several agricultural sectors heading into 2026.

Mr Rigano said QRIDA remains committed to supporting Burdekin producers, not only through disaster recovery, but also by helping them improve productivity, expand operations and prepare for future droughts.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with more producers across the region in the coming weeks,” he said.

“QRIDA is here to help — whether that’s recovery, growth or planning for what’s ahead.”

For more information or assistance, producers are encouraged to contact QRIDA directly or complete the Department of Primary Industries’ Disaster Impact Survey if they were affected.

Residents Raise Concerns Over Lingering Mill Mud Odour

MILL MUD IN THE AYR R

esidents of the Burdekin Shire recently took to social media to voice concerns about the lingering stench that coated the streets of Ayr last week, with all signs pointing to mill mud as the source.

A nutrient-rich byproduct of the sugar cane milling process, mill mud consists of residues left over after sugarcane juice has been clarified and filtered. It is commonly used as a soil conditioner and organic fertiliser to improve soil structure and boost plant growth due to its high nutrient content.

Mill mud has a distinct, often pungent odour, largely because it contains high amounts of organic matter such as bagasse and fibre that begin to decompose, producing a swampy or earthy smell. While the smell can be strong, it is generally considered a normal aspect of the product’s composition.

Wilmar Sugar Australia defines mill mud as a compost or fertiliser byproduct of the sugar extraction process and notes

that it is not classified as hazardous under Safe Work Australia criteria. In the past, the company has conducted trials to develop best-practice guidelines for the use of mill mud and mill ash, concluding that mill mud maximises sugarcane yields while minimising the loss of nutrients from farms.

The company also stresses that the product is widely used across the region and is an important contributor to sustainable sugarcane production, despite the occasional odour concerns raised by local residents.

Sweethearts Day Spreads the Love at Ayr High

Last week, Ayr State High School (ASHS) celebrated Sweethearts Day, the school’s own take on Valentine’s Day, filling the campus with colour, music and plenty of joy.

Students and staff embraced the spirit of the day as gifts were exchanged, donations were made, and serenades echoed throughout the school grounds. From heartfelt messages to musical performances, the ASHS community came together to share a little extra kindness and fun.

A big thank you was extended to all staff and students who supported the Sweethearts Day stall and helped make the event such a success. Special recognition went to Tiana and her dedicated “band of sweethearts” who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, organising deliveries, running the stall and performing serenades.

The school also acknowledged Mr Dunk for capturing the day as official photographer, along with ASHS School Captain, Ayden Barnett and ASHS School Vice Captain, Charlie Shears, who took on the role of serenading troubadours and brought smiles to many faces.

With hearts well and truly full, Sweethearts Day proved to be a joyful celebration of community spirit at Ayr High.

Some of Sophie’s other outstanding achievements include:

• Premier’s Academic Commendation for achieving 6 As

• Queensland Dux for Legal Studies

• Peter Doherty Outstanding STEM Student Award

• Professor Harry Messel International Science School Scholar

• Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Award for Chemistry (results exceeding 90% in internal assessments).

• Australian Institute of Physics Award for Physics (results exceeding 90% in internal assessments).

Some of Chloe’s other outstanding achievements include:

• Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Award for Chemistry (results greater than 90% in internal assessments).

Some of Melody’s other outstanding achievements include:

• STEM ambassador

• Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Award for Chemistry (results greater than 90% in internal assessments).

Excellence in Learning and Teaching at Burdekin Catholic High School

At Burdekin Catholic High School, excellence in learning and teaching is not an aspiration, it is a deliberate and sustained commitment. Each year, our community witnesses the outcomes of that commitment in the achievements of our students, the professionalism of our staff, and the strength of the pathways our graduates pursue.

Our recent academic awards celebrations once again highlighted the depth of talent and dedication within our school. Student success at BCHS extends beyond individual awards; it is reflected in consistently

strong senior results, diverse post-school destinations, and the growth demonstrated by students at every stage of their learning journey. Graduates continue to secure university placements, apprenticeships, traineeships, and direct employment, clear evidence that our educational model prepares young people not just for examinations, but for life beyond the school gate.

Central to this success is a relentless focus on high-quality teaching practice. Our staff engage in ongoing professional learning, data-informed instruction, and evidence-based pedagogies that ensure every

lesson is purposeful and responsive. Differentiation, explicit instruction, formative assessment, and targeted feedback are embedded across subject areas. This strategic approach ensures that high-achieving students are extended, developing learners are supported, and every student is challenged appropriately.

Principal Lorraine Wolffe emphasised that excellence is intentional and community-driven.

“At Burdekin Catholic High School, excellence in learning is never left to chance. It is built through expert teaching, high expectations, and genuine care for every young person entrusted to us. Our staff are deeply committed to evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement, ensuring that each student is both supported and challenged to achieve their personal best. When our students succeed, whether through academic results, apprenticeships, university offers, or personal growth, it reflects the strength of our partnership with families and the dedication of our educators.”

Equally important is the culture that underpins our classrooms. At BCHS, learning is grounded in high expectations, mutual respect, and strong relationships. Students are known, valued, and encour-

BURDEKIN

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Teaching and Learning Excellence

aged to take ownership of their growth. Academic rigour is balanced with pastoral care, ensuring that wellbeing and performance develop hand in hand.

Our Catholic identity further shapes the distinctive character of teaching and learning at BCHS. Faith, service, and our Marist values are integrated into the educational experience, forming graduates who are not only capable students but compassionate contributors to the wider community.

Excellence is never accidental. It is the product of strategic leadership, dedicated educators, supportive families, and students willing to strive. As we look ahead, Burdekin Catholic High School remains firmly committed to continuous improvement, innovation in pedagogy, and the pursuit of outstanding outcomes for every learner.

In partnership with our local community, we will continue to ensure that BCHS is a place where educational excellence is lived daily — and where young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to flourish in an ever-changing world.

Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Catholic High School.

Clare State School Goes Red for HeartKids on Sweethearts Day

Clare State School was awash with red last week as students and staff proudly showed their support for HeartKids by participating in Sweethearts Day, a special event focused on raising awareness and funds for children living with congenital heart disease.

Students arrived dressed in red, symbolising care, kindness and compassion, and took part in a range of meaningful classroom activities. One of the highlights of the day was the creation of vibrant, multicoloured foil hearts, which were proudly displayed around the school. The shimmering hearts served as a visual reminder of the importance of healthy hearts and the strength of children supported by the HeartKids Foundation.

Throughout the day, teachers led age-appropriate discussions to help students understand the role of HeartKids and why fundraising efforts like Sweethearts Day matter. Students learned how the foundation supports children and families affected by heart conditions through advocacy, education and care programs.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to not only be creative, but also to develop empathy and an understanding of how they can make a positive difference in the lives of others,” said Clare State School

Principal, Troy Patti.

The event encouraged a strong sense of community, with students enthusiastic about contributing to a cause greater than themselves. By combining learning, creativity and generosity, Clare State School demonstrated that even small actions— like wearing red and making a heart—can have a big impact.

Funds raised from Sweethearts Day will go towards supporting the vital work of HeartKids, helping ensure that children with heart conditions and their families continue to receive the care and support they need.

Contributed with thanks to Clare State School

Ayr State School Enters Exciting New Chapter with Playgrounds and Classrooms

An established school with a proud 140-year history, Ayr State School is entering an exciting new chapter, with significant infrastructure upgrades underway to support growing enrolments and enhance learning and play for today’s students.

The project includes a new blue basketball court, a senior playground designed in a dynamic ninja-course style, and four fully refurbished classrooms. While construction is well advanced, the full suite of upgrades is expected to be completed in Term 2, marking an important milestone in the school’s continued growth.

The new basketball court, finished in blue to reflect the school’s colours, will provide students with a vibrant, high-quality space for physical education, organised sport and recreational play. The court is designed to encourage teamwork, resilience and healthy lifestyles, creating a hub of activity and connection throughout the school day.

The senior playground has been designed with older students in mind and takes the form of a ninja-course style play space. Featuring climbing, balancing and movement-based challenges, the playground promotes strength, coordination and problem-solving while encouraging confidence, perseverance and positive risk-tak-

ing in a safe and engaging environment. The design supports both physical wellbeing and social connection, recognising the importance of active play for students of all ages.

Inside the school, four refurbished classrooms have been transformed into modern, flexible learning spaces. These upgrades support contemporary teaching practices and allow staff to cater for diverse learning needs through differentiated and collaborative approaches. The refreshed classrooms ensure the school can continue to deliver high-quality education while welcoming an increasing number of students.

Principal Nikki Schell said the upgrades balance respect for the school’s long-standing history with a strong focus on the future.

“For 140 years, our school has been at the heart of this community,” she said.

“These improvements honour that legacy while ensuring we are ready to welcome new families and provide learning environments that reflect our commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and excellence.”

As the project moves toward completion in Term 2, the new facilities represent both a celebration of the past and a confident investment in the next generation of learners.

Distraction’s Journey Back to the Burdekin

Awave of nostalgia has swept through the community with the return of the iconic vessel Distraction to the Burdekin Shire, rekindling memories of an ambitious backyard build that became part of local maritime history.

The mighty catamaran was originally constructed over nearly four years, with work beginning in 1994 and culminating in a celebratory launch in December of 1997. The project was led by local boatbuilder Chris Cannavan, alongside his sons Lee and Murray Cannavan, with frequent help from friends.

The vessel’s name, Distraction, was chosen with a smile. The build proved to be a constant diversion from farm work, some-

BY CHELSEA RAVIZZA

thing Chris often joked about. True to its grassroots beginnings, the design process involved no formal plans. As Chris famously said, “It was a very successful boat build for a toe-in-the-dirt idea,” referring to his habit of sketching concepts in dirt or dust to bring them to life.

The story of Distraction is closely tied to an innovative piece of equipment built a year earlier. In 1993, Chris constructed a custom six-metre press in his shed, using concrete, railway tracks and earth-moving rams, after discovering there were no such facilities north of Brisbane. That press went on to shape several Cannavan-built vessels, including some of the largest ever produced locally.

Among them was Ocean Karma, a 13.8 metre catamaran completed by Lee Cannavan in 2011. Still owned and operated by Lee, the vessel gained international attention after featuring as a water taxi in the 2022 film Ticket to Paradise, starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts.

Other notable builds include Popeye, a 14 metre catamaran named after Chris’s father, Arthur. Remarkably, Chris continues work on the vessel at 80 years old. At 15 metres, however, Distraction remains the largest of the Cannavan-built boats.

In December 2004, Distraction was sold to a resident of Bowen, where it was lovingly maintained as a pride-and-joy vessel for many years.

On 1 February, 2026, the story came full circle when Distraction was purchased back by Lee and Jane Cannavan, returning the vessel to the family and the region where it was born.

The homecoming carries deep sentimental value, not only for the Cannavans but also for residents of the Burdekin who remember the boat and the extraordinary effort behind its construction. With a range of modifications and improvements planned, the family hopes to see Distraction back on the water within the next two years; a fitting next chapter for a vessel that has always been more than just a boat.

Photos curtesy of Jess Cannavan.

Locals gathered at the Burdekin Race Club on Valentines Day to witness five local races in what was one of the Club’s four racing events of the calendar year. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

Celebrating Women Who Give to Gain

Zonta Club Burdekin Inc Hosts International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea

The Zonta Club of Burdekin Inc is set to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 with its much-anticipated annual Afternoon Tea, bringing together community members for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to women, leadership and connection.

To be held on Sunday, 8 March at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, the event will feature two outstanding guest speakers whose work and lived experience reflect this year’s message of empowerment, resilience and service; journalist and advocate Kathleen Noonan and educator and agricultural leader Louise Nicholas.

This year’s theme, Cruise with Zonta, promises a relaxed and uplifting afternoon celebrating women, friendship and community spirit. Guests are invited to arrive from 1.30pm for a 2pm start, where they will enjoy a delightful afternoon tea, inspiring presentations and a range of engaging activities, all while supporting Zonta’s ongoing mission to build a better world for women and girls.

Kathleen Noonan’s journey began just south of the Burdekin, growing up on a cattle and sugar cane farm at Glenella near Farleigh in the Pioneer Valley outside Mackay. Her career in journalism has spanned three continents, beginning as a cadet with the Mackay Daily Mercury before progressing to roles as a news reporter, sub-editor, chief-of-staff and senior features writer in Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa.

During her time in South Africa, Kathleen reported on the final years of apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela. After relocating to Brisbane, she became a weekly columnist for The Courier-Mail, with her

Young book lovers in the Burdekin are being invited to turn the page on a new after-school adventure at Ayr Library with the Library Legends Reading Club.

Carefully designed for primary schoolaged children, Library Legends runs as a fun and friendly monthly hang-out for kids who love stories, imagination and sharing a good book with others. The club brings young readers together to discover exciting tales, make new friends and build confidence through reading, all in a relaxed library setting.

The reading club runs on the first Monday of each month, from 3.30pm to 4pm, at Ayr Library, making it the perfect stop after

work syndicated nationally for 17 years. Her writing explored topics ranging from music and running to rural life and the quiet beauty of everyday moments.

In 2011, a chance meeting with renowned feminist scholar Dr Dale Spender AM led Kathleen to join the Second Chance Programme; a volunteer-run organisation providing essential support to women and children escaping poverty and domestic violence. For more than 25 years, the group has worked alongside housing services and specialist networks across Queensland to deliver practical assistance that helps women regain safety, dignity and independence.

Joining her is Louise Nicholas, a highly respected Senior Secondary Agricultural Science teacher and Agricultural Coordinator at Home Hill State High School. Louise is recognised for her leadership in strengthening agricultural education and building meaningful school-to-industry pathways for young people in regional Queensland.

Raised on the land and shaped by extensive field experience, Louise currently serves as Vice President of the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association and is a member of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Alumni. She is deeply committed to ensuring students understand the importance of food and fibre production, while

opening doors to diverse and rewarding careers within agriculture through innovation, partnerships and community collaboration.

The work of both guest speakers closely aligns with recent Zonta Club Burdekin Inc initiatives, particularly those addressing family and domestic violence, homelessness affecting women and children, and the transformative power of education; all issues of growing importance within the local community.

Tickets for the popular event went on sale at 8am on Monday, 9 February, with organisers encouraging early bookings as the Afternoon Tea traditionally sells out quickly.

The Zonta Club of Burdekin Inc invites community members to mark the date, gather friends and join in celebrating International Women’s Day in a warm and welcoming setting, while gaining valuable insights from two women whose stories embody the power of giving and the impact individuals can have in shaping a better future for women and girls.

WHAT: Zonta Club Burdekin’s International Women’s Day Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, 8 March 2026 from 1:30pm

WHERE: Burdekin Memorial Hall

Meet Pupperoni

Pupperoni is a beautiful boy with a kind heart and lots of love to share. He loves his toys and wants to share all of the fun with you. He loves to be your little shadow and is 100% invested in everything you do. Pup is very intelligent, already knowing how to sit, shake, drop, roll over, spin and wait. He is great with other dogs and would love a home where he could share it with someone who matches his energetic nature, but would also adjust well to being an only dog (he loves being the centre of attention). Pup is toilet trained, learning to walk nicely on a lead and is not destructive—just make sure he has a toy nearby. He is super affectionate and loyal, come and meet him and it will be love at first sight!

Pupperoni is a male Cane Corso mix, born 14/08/2025, who is kid-friendly, good with other dogs, untested with cats, toilet trained, and learning to walk nicely on a lead; he would thrive in a home with a 6ft fence, and comes desexed, microchipped, up- to-date on vaccinations, treated for fleas, ticks and worms, and protect ed with Pro Heart—all included in his $495 adop tion fee.

If you’re inter ested in meeting Pupperoni, com plete an animal enquiry form at: https://www.an gelpawsinc.com. au/forms.html.

school. Whether your child is a confident reader or just starting to find their reading groove, Library Legends encourages kids to explore books at their own pace and enjoy the magic of stories together.

Library staff say the club is all about creating positive reading experiences and helping kids see the library as a welcoming, fun space, not just a quiet place for books, but somewhere adventures begin!

For the 2026/2027 financial year the Ayr ANZAC Memorial Club would like any local club, sporting body, charitable organisation or individuals who may require money in any way, shape or form for sponsorship to make submissions to the club outlining their requirements. Their requests need to be in letter form and received at the club no later than close of business 31st March 2026. All requests will then be considered at the Quarterly Committee meeting in April 2026 at which time they will be notified of the outcome.

For the 2026/2027 financial year the Ayr ANZAC Memorial Club would like any local club, sporting body, charitable organisation or individuals who may require money in any way, s hape or form sponsorship to make submissions to the club outlining their requirements. Their requests need be in letter form and received at the club no later than close of business 31st March 2026. All requests will then be considered at the Quarterly Committee meeting in April 2026 at which they will be notified of the outcome.

Parents and carers are encouraged to get in touch with Ayr Library via phoning 4783 9970 for more details or to register their child and come along to the next Library Legends Reading Club on Monday, 2 March!

This is a once and only opportunity to obtain sponsorship for the coming year.

This is a once and only opportunity to obtain sponsorship for the coming year.

All mail is to be addressed to John Robinson, Ayr ANZAC Memorial Club, PO Box 92, AYR 4807

All mail is to be addressed to John Robinson, Ayr ANZAC Memorial Club, PO Box 92, AYR 4807

PLEASE NOTE NO EMAILS OR HAND DELIVERED REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED, NO EXCEPTIONS.

PLEASE NOTE NO EMAILS OR HAND DELIVERED REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED, NO EXCEPTIONS.

22

Social Life

MONDAY 23 FEBRUARY

SUNDAY 8 MARCH

Burdekin Shire Youth Council Meeting

Monday Afternoon

Interested members of the community aged 12 to 21 are invited to attend the first Burdekin Shire Youth Council Meeting of the year! Call 07 4783 9832 for more information.

Burdekin

THURSDAY 26

FEBRUARY

Movie Magic Paint, Sip & Sing

Thursday 6pm

Sing, sip and paint your heart out at this epic movie-inspired Paint & Sip in Ayr, where iconic film soundtracks, big laughs and guided creativity collide for a glitter-filled night of nostalgia, fun and feel-good chaos at the Coutts Commercial Hotel. Coutts Commercial Hotel, Ayr

FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Where is the Green Sheep?

Friday 12pm

Families can enjoy an enchanting visual theatre adventure as puppetry and animation bring Mem Fox’s beloved story to life in the playful search for the elusive Green Sheep.

Burdekin Theatre

SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY

Monthly Adoption Day & Sausage Sizzle

Saturday 10am

Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue and Pets Domain Ayr will host a heartwarming Adoption Day & Sausage Sizzle event to support plenty of adorable rescue pets looking for their forever homes. Pets Domain Ayr

SUNDAY 1 MARCH

Burdekin Plantation Park Markets

Sunday 8am

Sunday, the 1st of March will excitingly mark the first Burdekin Plantation Park Markets for 2026! Market stallholders are encouraged to reach out to Ayr State Primary School on 07 4790 3333 during school hours for all enquiries.

Plantation Park

SUNDAY 1 MARCH

Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Monthly Meeting

Sunday 2pm

The Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society holds its monthly meeting on the first Sunday of each month. Members display plants from 1:45pm, with meetings commencing at 2pm. Visitors and new members are welcome.

Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr

International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea

Sunday 1:30pm

Zonta Club Burdekin are excited to announce their annual International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea will be held on Sunday, the 8th of March. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Cruise with Zonta” and the festivities will include a delightful afternoon tea, guest speaker and some engaging activities.

Burdekin Memorial Hall

TUESDAY 10 MARCH

Community Gardening Morning Tea

Tuesday 9am

A relaxed, hands-on community morning covering growing from seed, cuttings and repotting, with tea and coffee provided. A great opportunity to learn, ask questions and connect with fellow gardeners.

Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr

FRIDAY 20 MARCH &

SATURDAY 21 MARCH

NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase

Friday & Saturday 2026’s beloved installment of the infamous North Queensland Fast Track Talent Showcase will ignite the Burdekin Memorial Hall this March! Registrations are now open via the Fast Track website.

Burdekin Memorial Hall

SUNDAY 26 APRIL

Breaking Barriers with special guest Jessica Rowe

Sunday

Burdekin Shire Council is proud to present Breaking Barriers – an inspiring community event focused on health and wellbeing.

TBA

FRIDAY 27 MARCH

Ayr Family Carnival

Friday 5pm

Hibble’s Amusements’ Ayr Family Carnival will roll into town this March providing plenty of rides, side show alley games, carnival food and fun for the whole family from Friday through to Saturday! Ayr Showgrounds

SATURDAY 28 MARCH

Masquerade Gala

Saturday 6pm

An evening of mystery, fun and entertainment featuring a fashion parade and dazzling diamond display will ignite Populins Hall this March as presented by Demure or Dare and Campbell’s Jewellery! Populins Hall

SATURDAY 28 MARCH & SUNDAY 29 MARCH

Canefield ASHES Weekend

Saturday & Sunday All Day

The infamous Home Hill Cricket Association Canefield ASHES Weekend will return to the region this March! Nomination forms are due in by 1st March!

Home Hill Cricket Association

SUNDAY 5 APRIL

Burdekin Plantation Park Markets

Sunday 8am

The community are invited to pop down to enjoy Ayr State Primary School’s Burdekin Plantation Park Markets on the first Sunday of every month (weather permitting) in support of local creators and entrepreneurs from 8am to midday! Market stallholders are encouraged to reach out to ASPS on 07 4790 3333 during school hours for all enquiries.

Plantation Park

SUNDAY 5 APRIL

Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Monthly Meeting

Sunday 2pm

The Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society holds its monthly meeting on the first Sunday of each month. Members display plants from 1:45pm, with meetings commencing at 2pm. Visitors and new members are welcome.

Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr

TUESDAY 14 APRIL

Community Gardening Morning Tea

Tuesday 9am

A relaxed, hands-on community morning covering growing from seed, cuttings and repotting, with tea and coffee provided. A great opportunity to learn, ask questions and connect with fellow gardeners.

Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr

WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL

Morning Melodies A Night in Vegas

Wednesday 11am

Audiences can expect a glitzy, high-energy morning of Vegas-style hits, big band classics, dazzling dance performances, and charismatic vocals that bring the glamour and fun of Sin City to life.

Burdekin Theatre

FRIDAY 24 APRIL

Remember the Days of Cat Stevens

Friday 7:30pm

Audiences can relive the timeless hits of Cat Stevens in a heartfelt tribute by Darren Coggan, celebrating classics like Moonshadow, Wild World, and Father & Son with remarkable authenticity and nostalgic charm.

Burdekin Theatre

WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL

Beatlemania on Tour

Wednesday 7:30pm

The sound of a generation, and the music that has influenced every generation since – that’s The Beatles. And now you can relive the heyday of The Beatles with Beatlemania On Tour!

Burdekin Theatre

SATURDAY 2 MAY TO MONDAY 4 MAY

The Sugar Bowl Tennis Team Event

Saturday to Monday

Celebrating 45 years, the iconic Sugar Bowl returns with 44 teams competing across Ayr, Giru and Home Hill in a team-based tennis tournament. The event features A and B grades, with every match contributing to overall team standings in a weekend focused on competition, sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Ayr, Giru & Home Hill Tennis Associations Hosted by Home Hill Tennis Association

SUNDAY 3 MAY

Burdekin Plantation Park Markets

Sunday 8am

The community are invited to pop down to enjoy Ayr State Primary School’s Burdekin Plantation Park Markets on the first Sunday of every month (weather permitting) in support of local creators and entrepreneurs from 8am to midday! Market stallholders are encouraged to reach out to ASPS on 07 4790 3333 during school hours for all enquiries. Plantation Park

SUNDAY 3 MAY

Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Monthly Meeting

Sunday 2pm

The Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society holds its monthly meeting on the first Sunday of each month. Members display plants from 1:45pm, with meetings commencing at 2pm. Visitors and new members are welcome.

Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr

SUNDAY 10 MAY

Monthly BBQ Breakfast

Sunday 8am

Come one, come all to the Burdekin Aero Club’s BBQ Breakfast for a morning of socialisation and aircraft fun! Call 0429 144 921 for more information.

Aerodrome Road

TUESDAY 12 MAY

Community Gardening Morning Tea

Tuesday 9am

A relaxed, hands-on community morning covering growing from seed, cuttings and repotting, with tea and coffee provided. A great opportunity to learn, ask questions and connect with fellow gardeners.

Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr

BRIAN WILLIAM COMOLLATTI

LATE OF HOME HILL

Passed away on 12th February, 2026 aged 88 years.

Beloved husband of Joy, Much loved father and father-in-law of Judy and Garry Spelta, Robyn, Mark, and Kelly and Craig McGrath. Loving grandfather and great-grandfather of their families.

Following a private cremation, family and friends are invited to attend a gathering to celebrate BRIAN’S life at the Home Hill Community Sports Club, Ninth Avenue, commencing at 3pm TODAY, THURSDAY, 19TH FEBRUAY.

K & S WRIGHT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

40 FOURTEENTH STREET, HOME HILL PHONE 47821270

NATHANIEL HENRY BROMHAM (NAT)

LATE OF AYR.

Passed away on 13th February, 2026 aged 91 years.

Beloved husband of Ethel (deceased), much loved father and father-in-law of Wayne and Ruth, Gary and Julie, Jeff and Vicky, and Mark, loving pop of Nicole and Sean, Jessica, Calvin and Hayden, Amy, Laura and Kacee and great-pop of Sarah, Lucas. Georgia, Patrick and Rupert.

JEANETTE ANNE GUISTELLI

LATE OF AYR

Passed away on 8th February, 2026 aged 82 years.

Beloved wife of Mario (deceased).

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Tony and Jo-Anne, David, Michael and Lisa (deceased), loving nanna and great-nanna of their families.

In keeping with Jeanette’s wishes a private service was held on Friday, 13th February, 2026.

K & S WRIGHT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

40 FOURTEENTH STREET, HOME HILL PHONE 47821270

A service to celebrate the life of NAT will commence at 11am TUESDAY, 24TH FEBRUARY at All Saints Anglican Church, Ayr. There will be no cortege.

K & S WRIGHT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

40 FOURTEENTH STREET, HOME HILL PHONE 47821270

AGM NOTICES

Trouble (8) 5 Cooking instructions (7)

9 Against the law (7)

Materialise (6)

13 Lung and digestive disorder, cystic - (8)

Cocktail (7)

Mental deterioration (8) 17 Trustworthy (8)

18 Sleep-inducing (9)

21 Preferencing one’s relatives (8)

23 Serious stageplays (6)

24 Abrupt (mus) (8)

27 Feature on a trapper hat (7)

30 Brainiac (7)

33 Calamity (6)

34 Carol (4)

35 Yardsticks (8)

39 Frodo or Bilbo (6)

40 Chart-toppers (11)

43 Whirl (6)

8 Estimate (6)

10 Intense sorrow (5)

11 Eurasian country (7)

12 Poster girl (coll) (3-2)

14 Symbol of Britain (7)

19 Porridge (4)

20 Symbol (4)

22 Submissiveness (8)

25 Coagulate (4)

26 Partly open (4)

28 Gets up (5)

29 Group of people (5)

31 Brave (6)

32 Separate into parts (6)

36 Beat (6)

37 Involve (6)

38 Condensed, diminished (8)

41 Frozen shower (5)

42 Serving implement (5)

45 Heroic, impressive (4)

46 Thing (4)

49 A common porgy (4)

50 Lock openers (4)

52 Incriminate (9)

53 Turns into (7)

8 Estimate (6)

55 Contracts (7)

10 Intense sorrow (5)

44 Sample (8)

1 Redact (6)

3 Trouble (8)

47 Cycle (4)

11 Eurasian country (7)

57 To be disloyal and deceive (6)

5 Cooking instructions (7)

12 Poster girl (coll) (3-2)

48 Dark blue (6)

51 Postie's sack (7)

54 Large female cat (7)

56 Water-rich vegetable (8)

57 Biographical film (6)

9 Against the law (7) 11 Materialise (6) 13 Lung and digestive disorder, cystic - (8) 15 Cocktail (7) 16 Mental deterioration (8)

58 Unruliness (8)

17 Trustworthy (8)

61 Invertebrate (9)

18 Sleep-inducing (9)

65 Charm (8)

21 Preferencing one’s relatives (8)

23 Serious stageplays (6)

24 Abrupt (mus) (8)

68 Perspective (7)

27 Feature on a trapper hat (7)

69 Killer (8)

30 Brainiac (7)

14 Symbol of Britain (7)

59 Gulp (7)

19 Porridge (4)

20 Symbol (4)

60 Furnishing style (5)

22 Submissiveness (8)

61 Songbird (7)

25 Coagulate (4)

62 False gods (5)

26 Partly open (4)

28 Gets up (5)

63 Had being (7)

64 Summer shoe (6)

29 Group of people (5)

31 Brave (6)

66 Babysitter (5)

32 Separate into parts (6)

36 Beat (6)

67 Large snake of the boa family (8)

37 Involve (6)

38 Condensed, diminished (8)

41 Frozen shower (5)

42 Serving implement (5)

45 Heroic, impressive (4)

70 Gains knowledge (6)

33 Calamity (6)

34 Carol (4)

35 Yardsticks (8)

46 Thing (4)

49 A common porgy (4)

50 Lock openers (4)

39 Frodo or Bilbo (6)

71 Flower-shaped ornament (7)

SOLUTIONS

52 Incriminate (9)

72 In public view (7)

40 Chart-toppers (11)

43 Whirl (6)

73 Pull back (8)

44 Sample (8)

47 Cycle (4)

53 Turns into (7)

55 Contracts (7)

57 To be disloyal and deceive (6)

48 Dark blue (6)

74 Temporary resident (6)

51 Postie's sack (7)

Down

54 Large female cat (7)

59 Gulp (7)

60 Furnishing style (5)

61 Songbird (7)

62 False gods (5)

2 Warrior (7)

56 Water-rich vegetable (8)

3 Tuneful (7)

57 Biographical film (6)

58 Unruliness (8)

61 Invertebrate (9)

4 Italian car manufacturer (7)

65 Charm (8)

5 Mention (5)

6 Breed (9)

67 Large snake of the boa family (8)

68 Perspective (7)

63 Had being (7)

64 Summer shoe (6)

66 Babysitter (5)

69 Killer (8)

7 Treads heavily (6)

70 Gains knowledge (6)

71 Flower-shaped ornament (7)

72 In public view (7)

73 Pull back (8)

74 Temporary resident (6)

Down

2 Warrior (7)

3 Tuneful (7)

4 Italian car manufacturer (7)

5 Mention (5)

6 Breed (9)

7 Treads heavily (6)

Each

3

wordfill

word search

Theme: Roadtrip

Can you find all the words listed? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

5

6 LETTERS CATNAP DEADLY GRADED LATTER REALLY TRIPOD

7 LETTERS ADAPTOR DOCTORS PENNANT PERTAIN TEETERS WIDENED

8 LETTERS ELICITED MERRIEST

WEEKLYTVGUIDE

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Muster Dogs. 2.00 Dog Park. 2.30 In Limbo. 2.55 Spicks And Specks. 3.25 Brush With Fame. 4.40 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Professor T. (M)

9.15 Hard Quiz. (PG)

9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. 10.20 Dog Park. 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 Smother. 12.55 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 Call The Midwife. 1.30 Professor T. 2.15 The Piano. 3.45 Mission To Space With Francis Bourgeois. 4.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 5.00 Australian Story. 5.30 Landline.

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PG)

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (M) 10.05 This England. (M) 10.55 Rage. (MA15+)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.50 Gardening Australia: My Garden Path. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. 2.30 Muster Dogs. 3.40 The Piano UK. 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. 7.00 News. 7.30 Muster Dogs. 8.30 Dog Park. 9.00 This England. 9.50 Call The Midwife. 10.50 Midsomer Murders. 12.25 Rage. 3.00 Gardening Aust. 4.00 Dream Gardens. 4.30 A Bite To Eat. 5.00 Insiders.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Back Roads. 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. 3.00 Spicks And Specks. 3.30 Brush With Fame. 3.55 Love Your Garden. 4.45 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.25 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Aust Story. 8.30 Four Corners. 9.15 Media Watch. 9.35 Planet America. 10.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. 11.10 The Weekly. 11.40 Love Your Garden. 12.25 Long Lost Family. 1.15 Rage. 4.00 Gardening Aust. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Call The Midwife. 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. 3.00 Spicks And Specks. 3.30 Brush With Fame. 4.00 Love Your Garden. 4.45 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.25 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Foreign Correspondent. 8.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? 9.05 If You’re Listening: Black Swans. 9.35 Grand Designs Transformations. 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. 11.05 Four Corners. 11.50 Media Watch. 12.10 Love Your Garden. 1.00 Long Lost Family. 1.45 Rage. 2.20 Smother. 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 Grand Designs Transformations. 3.00 Spicks And Specks. 3.30 Brush With Fame. 3.55 Love Your Garden. 4.45 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.25 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Hard Quiz. 8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. 9.00 Dog Park. 9.25 QI. 10.00 Planet America. 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. 11.05 Live At The Wireless. 11.40 Love Your Garden. 12.30 Long Lost Family. 1.15 Rage. 2.20 Smother. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. 11.00 Creative Types. 11.30 QI. 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. 3.00 Spicks And Specks. 3.30 Brush With Fame. 3.55 Love Your Garden. 4.45 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Grand Designs Transformations. 9.00 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. 9.30 Muster Dogs. 10.30 If You’re Listening. 10.55 News. 11.10 The Business. 11.25 Love Your Garden. 12.15 Long Lost Family. 1.00 Rage. 4.00 Gardening Aust. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 The Hospital: In The Deep End. 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Building The Impossible. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Super Ships: A Revolution At Sea. 9.35 Harrods: The Rise And Fall Of A British Institution. 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 Sisi. 11.55 Babylon Berlin. 1.40 The Lesson. 4.05 Barkley Manor. 4.35 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.05 Vintage Voltage. 11.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Tour Of Tasmania. 3.00 WorldWatch. 4.00 Stories From The Cities. 4.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 Plat Du Tour. 5.35 Bismarck: 24 Hours To Doom. 6.30 News. 7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage. 8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. 9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. 10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. 11.15 Outlander. 1.40 Beyond Signs. 3.35 Barkley Manor. 4.35 Bamay. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix Auckland. H’lights. 4.00 Going Places. 5.25 Peleliu: WWII’s Most Well-Preserved Battlefield. 6.30 News. 7.30 The Colosseum With Dan Snow. 9.20 Ancient Empires. 11.15 Reframed: Marilyn Monroe. 2.35 24 Hours In Emergency. 3.30 24 Hours In A&E. 4.25 Bamay. 4.55 Destination Flavour China 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. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. 3.00 Going Places. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.10 Building The Impossible. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 9.25 Buzzcocks. 10.05 SBS News. 10.35 Other People’s Money. 11.30 Vigil. 2.45 My Name Is Reeva. 3.40 Bamay. 4.40 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. 3.00 Going Places. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.35 Australia’s Greatest Conman? 9.35 Air India Crash: What Went Wrong? 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 Exit. 12.00 Syndrome E. 2.05 Safe Home. 3.00 My Name Is Reeva. 3.55 Barkley Manor. 4.25 Bamay. 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. 3.00 Going Places. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 Saving Yellowstone. 8.30 Australia’s Greatest Conman? 9.30 Trespasses. 10.25 SBS News. 10.55 Face To Face. 11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. 1.40 Divided We Stand. 3.25 My Name Is Reeva. 4.20 Bamay. 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. 3.00 Going Places. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. 8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. 9.20 A Spy Among Friends. 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 In Memoriam. 11.50 The Hollow. 1.50 Silent Road. 4.00 Mastermind Aust. 4.30 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Happily Never After. (2022) 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. 8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (M) 10.30 To Be Advised. 12.15 GetOn Extra. 12.45 Dare Me. (MA15+) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 5.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG)

6.00 Better Homes. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 11.30 Horse Racing. Silver Slipper Stakes Day and Caulfield Blue Diamond. 5.00 News. 5.30 Creek To Coast. 6.00 Seven News.

7.00 MOVIE: The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor. (2008) (PG)

9.15 MOVIE: F9: The Fast Saga. (2021) (M)

12.05 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 1. Highlights. 1.05 Travel Oz. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 It’s Academic. 5.00 Million Dollar Minute.

6.00 Better Homes. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Sydney 500. Qualifying and support races. 2.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Sydney 500. Pre-race and race. 5.00 Border Security: Int. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. 8.40 Murder On A Cruise. (M) 10.40 The Hunters. 12.10 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Sydney 500. H’lights. 1.10 Temple. 2.00 Shopping. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. 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 Australian Idol. (PG) 9.00 9-1-1. (M) 10.00 Ivan Milat: Buried Secrets. (MA15+) 12.00 Conviction. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. 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 Australian Idol. 9.10 Doc. (M) 10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (M) 11.10 St. Denis Medical. (PG) 12.10 Childhood’s End. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. 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 The 1% Club UK. (PG) 8.30 Highway Patrol. (PG) 9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+) 10.00 Air Crash Investigations. 11.00 To Be Advised. 12.40 The Act. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Catch Phrase. 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. 8.30 MOVIE: Notting Hill. (1999) (M) 11.05 To Be Advised. 12.35 Dare Me. (MA15+) 1.35 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 13 – H’lights. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina

6.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Early Morning. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. 12.00 My Way. 12.30 Budget Battlers. 1.30 Great Australian Detour. 2.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – H’lights. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Night. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 –Post Midnight. 3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Overnight. 6.00 Tough Tested. 7.00 Reel Action. 7.30 Escape Fishing. 8.00

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Take Me Home. 1.00 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. 2.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – H’lights. 5.00 News. 5.30 My Way. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married At First Sight. 8.45 60 Minutes. 9.45 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 16 – Night. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 16 – Post Midnight. 2.30 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. 3.00 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. 4.00 Fishing Aust. 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. 1.40 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 16 – H’lights. 3.10 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 Married At First Sight. 9.15 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Closing Ceremony. The Closing Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026. Replay. 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 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. 1.45 Explore. 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 Married At First Sight. (M)

9.10 The Hunting Wives. (MA15+) 10.15 9News Late. 10.45 Wild Cards. 11.35 Next Stop. 12.05 Tipping Point. 1.00 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Our State On A Plate. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. 1.45 Talking Honey. 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 Married At First Sight. 9.00 MOVIE: I’m Chevy Chase And You’re Not. (2025) 11.00 9News Late. 11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. 12.20 Tipping Point. 1.10 Great Australian Detour. 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00

7.40pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)

8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? (PG, R)

8.35 My Adventures With Superman. (PG)

8.55 BattleBots. (PG)

10.00 TKO: Total Knock Out. (PG, R)

10.40 Merlin. (PG, R)

11.25 Good Game Spawn Point. (R)

11.45 Operation Ouch! (R)

7.30pm Hard Quiz Kids. (R)

8.00 Chopped Junior. (PG, R)

8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. (R)

9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. (PG, R)

10.10 Abbott Elementary. (PG, R)

10.30 Merlin. (PG, R)

11.15 Crongton. (PG, R)

11.40 Operation Ouch! (R)

7.30pm Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia.

8.15 Movie: A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. (2019) (G, R)

9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. (PG, R)

10.20 Merlin. (PG, R)

11.05 Abbott Elementary. (PG, R)

12.35am Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir. (PG, R)

7.35 Ninjago. (PG)

8.00 Deadly 60. (R)

8.35 Gladiators UK. (PG)

9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. (R)

10.15 Merlin. (PG, R)

11.00 MythBusters

“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)

11.50 Operation Ouch! (R)

12.45am Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir. (R)

1.40 Malory Towers. (R)

7.35pm Ninjago. (PG)

8.00 Deadly 60. (PG, R)

8.35 Whale With Steve Backshall. (R)

9.25 Meet The Hedgehogs. (PG, R)

10.10 Merlin. (PG, R)

10.55 MythBusters

“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)

11.20 Officially Amazing. (PG, R)

11.50 Operation Ouch! (R)

7.35pm Ninjago.

8.00 Deadly 60. (R)

8.55 Adventure Time. (R)

9.55 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. (R)

10.20 My Adventures With Superman. (PG, R)

10.40 Adventure Time. (R)

11.15 Fresh Off The Boat. (PG, R)

11.40 Operation Ouch! (R)

Ninjago. (PG) 8.00 Deadly 60. (R) 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. (PG, R)

The Wonderful World Of Kittens. (R)

Merlin. (PG, R)

Officially Amazing. (PG, R)

12.40am Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir. (R)

1.35 Malory Towers. (R)

2.00 The Next Step. (R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 Wildlife ER. (PG, R)

8.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

9.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

11.30 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. (R)

12.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

1.30 Home In WA. (R)

2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

6.00pm Cricket. Women’s Twenty20 International Series. Australia v India. Game 3.

9.30 Lewis. (M, R)

11.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

12.30 The Amazing Homemakers. (PG, R)

1.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (M, R)

5.50pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.50 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG, R)

7.40 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG, R)

8.30 Vera. (M, R)

10.30 Miss Scarlet And The Duke. (M, R) 11.30 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG, R)

1.10 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)

2.00 Vera. (M, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 Doc Martin. (PG, R)

8.30 Endeavour. (M, R) 10.30 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files. (PG, R) 11.30 Doc Martin. (PG, R)

12.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Medical Emergency. (PG, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (M, R)

8.45 Judge John Deed. (M, R)

10.45 Northern Lights. (M)

11.45 Bargain Hunt. (R)

12.45 Room For Improvement. (R)

1.30 Home In WA. (R) 2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 Heartbeat. (PG, R)

8.45 Inspector George Gently. (M, R) 10.45 Secrets Of Prince Andrew. (PG, R)

12.45 Bargain Hunt. (R)

1.45 Harry’s Practice. (R)

5.30pm American

Pickers: Best Of. (PG, R)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 Road Wars. (M)

8.00 Road Wars. (M)

8.30 Movie: Independence Day. (1996) (M, R) Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum.

11.25 Movie: Violent Night. (2022) (MA15+, R) 1.45 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

5.30pm Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 1. Sydney 500. Day 1. Prerace and race.

8.30 Movie: Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves. (1991) (PG, R) Kevin Costner, Alan Rickman, Morgan Freeman. 11.30 Movie: The Thing. (1982) (MA15+, R) 1.50 Storage Wars. (PG)

6.00pm Border Security: International. (PG, R) 6.30 Border Security: America’s Front Line. (PG, R) 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 8.30 Movie: The Patriot. (2000) (MA15+, R) 11.45 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 12.15 Blokesworld. (PG, R)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R) 6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R) 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (PG, R) 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. (PG, R) 10.30 Mighty Planes. (PG, R) 11.30 When Big Things Go Wrong. (PG, R) 12.30 Storage Wars. (PG, R)

1.30pm Cricket. Women’s One Day International Series. Australia v India. Game 1. 9.00 Outback Truckers. (PG, R)

11.00 Railroad Australia. (PG, R)

12.00 Deadliest Roads. (PG, R) 1.00 American Pickers: Best Of. (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 Live PD Presents: PD Cam. (MA15+)

6.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Night. 7.30 New Tricks. (M, R)

8.40 Movie: Lethal Weapon 3. (1992) (M, R) Mel Gibson.

11.05 The Equalizer. (M, R)

12.05 M*A*S*H. (PG, R)

12.35 M*A*S*H. (PG, R)

1.05 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG)

1.35 Movie: Holiday On The Buses. (1973) (PG, R)

6.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 15 – Night.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (M, R)

8.40 Movie: Rambo III. (1988) (M, R) Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Marc de Jonge.

10.40 Movie: Gorky Park. (1983) (M, R)

1.20 Movie: Up The Chastity Belt. (1971) (PG, R)

6.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 16 – Night. 9.45 Paramedics. (M, R) 10.45 Major Crimes. (M, R) 11.45 Movie: Plenty. (1985) (M, 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)

Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R) 1.45 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Football Tonight.

6.35 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 18. Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory.

9.00 NCIS. (M, R)

10.00 NCIS. (M, R)

10.55 NCIS. (M, R)

11.50 JAG. (PG, R)

12.45 JAG. (PG, R)

1.45 FBI: International. (M, R)

6.00pm JAG. (PG, R) 7.00 JAG. (PG, R)

8.00 NCIS. (M, R)

9.00 Matlock. (PG, R) 9.55 NCIS. (M, R) 10.50 NCIS. (M, 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 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)

6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.25 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

10.30 Ridiculousness. (M, R)

12.00 South Park. (MA15+, R)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

1.30 South Park. (MA15+, R)

6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 8.45 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.30 Ridiculousness. (M, R) 11.30 South Park. (M, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 1.30 South Park. (MA15+, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.20pm Mysteries From Above. (PG, R)

6.15 The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG)

7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over. 9.25 Stacey Dooley: Rape On Trial. 10.25 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (M, R) 11.15 Homeland. (M, R)

5.45pm Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.15 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.45 The Food That Built The World. (PG)

7.35 Engineering From Above. (PG)

8.30 Icons Unearthed: Marvel.

10.20 Marcella. (MA15+, R)

12.10 WWE Legends. (M, R)

5.45pm Smoke And Steel: Secrets Of The Modern World. (R)

6.40 The Architecture The Railways Built.

7.35 Abandoned Engineering. (M) 8.30 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. (M) 10.10 Body Parts. (MA15+, R) 11.45 Secrets Of Miss America. (M, R)

5.30pm Yorkshire Auction House. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 Death In Paradise. (M, R)

8.40 The Brokenwood Mysteries. (M)

10.40 London Kills. (M)

11.40 M*A*S*H. (PG, R) 12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 1.10 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG)

5.30pm Yorkshire Auction House. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 New Tricks. (M, R)

8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. (PG, R)

10.40 Harry Wild. (M, R)

11.40 M*A*S*H. (PG, R)

12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 1.10 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, 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 Madame Blanc Mysteries. (M, R)

11.40 M*A*S*H. (PG, R) 12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (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 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 6.30 Friends. (PG, R) 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (M, 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)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 Bull. (PG, R)

7.30 NCIS. (M, R)

8.30 FBI: International. (M, R)

9.25 FBI: International. (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)

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)

10.25 Bull. (PG, R) 11.20 JAG. (PG, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

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

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

6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

6.30 Friends. (PG, R)

8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (M, R)

8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (M, R)

10.00 Becker. (PG, R)

10.30 Frasier. (PG, R)

Entertainment Tonight. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

6.15 The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG) 7.05 Jeopardy! (R)

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 The Lost Colony Of Roanoke. (PG, R) 9.20 The Billionaires Who Made Our World. (PG, R)

10.15 The Secret DNA Of Us. (PG, R)

11.25 James Brown: Say It Loud. (M, R)

5.25pm Mysteries From Above. (R)

6.20 The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG)

7.10 Jeopardy! (R) 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 The Search For El Dorado. (M, R) 9.20 Shark. (M) 10.15 Casketeers Life & Death Across The Globe. (PG, R) 11.10 Out Of Bounds. (M)

Mysteries From Above. (PG, R)

The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG)

Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (M) 9.20 Movie: Goodfellas. (1990) (MA15+, R) 12.00 Movie: Kimi. (2022) (MA15+, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 Father Brown. (M, R) 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. (M, R) 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R) 11.30 Father Brown. (M, R) 12.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

1.30 Home In WA. (R)

2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

5.30pm American Pickers: Best Of. (PG, R)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R) 7.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 More Power. (PG)

8.00 More Power. (PG) 8.30 Movie: Hellboy. (2004) (M, R) Ron Perlman, John Hurt. 11.00 Movie: The New Mutants. (2020) (M, R) 1.00 American Pickers: Best Of.

BURDEKIN SUGAR RUSH RETURNS FOR 2026

RUNNING

Locals Encouraged to Lace Up for Fitness, Fun and Mental Health

Registrations are now open for the Burdekin Sugar Rush 2026, with locals encouraged to start training early for one of the region’s most popular and inclusive running events.

Set to take place on Sunday, 26 April 2026 in Ayr, the Burdekin Sugar Rush offers something for everyone, with race distances including a Half Marathon (21km), 10km and 5km, welcoming runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

As the signature event of the Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers Club, the Sugar Rush has become a much-loved fixture on the local sporting calendar, celebrating not only personal achievement but also community connection, health and fun.

Organisers say the event attracts participants from across North Queensland, including Townsville, Ingham, Cairns, Mackay and the Whitsundays, while maintaining a strong focus on first-time competitors and families through its shorter distances and pram-friendly options. With training season now underway, locals looking to build fitness ahead of the event are encouraged to join Plantation parkrun, a free, weekly, timed 5km walk, jog or run held every Saturday at 7am. Open to all ages and abilities, Plantation parkrun provides an accessible and supportive way for beginners and experienced runners alike to train consistently and connect with others in the community.

The mental health benefits of regular exercise were highlighted in recent research led by Neil Munro from James Cook University, which reviewed more than 1,000 clinical trials examining the impact of exercise on depression and anxiety.

“There have been more than a thousand studies on this subject, we wanted to synthesise this vast body of evidence, cut through conflicting findings and provide the clearest picture yet of exercise’s impact on mental health,” said Mr Munro.

The study found aerobic activities such as walking and running were particularly effective, with supervised and group-based exercise delivering the strongest benefits — reinforcing the value of community

events like parkrun and the Burdekin Sugar Rush in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.

“For those facing barriers to traditional care, the message is clear: moving your body, especially with others, can be a powerful step toward better mental health,” Mr Munro said.

An early bird bonus is currently available for the Burdekin Sugar Rush, with early registrants receiving a free personalised race bib featuring their name.

Whether participants are chasing a personal best, training with friends, walking for fun or taking on their first-ever event, organisers say the Burdekin Sugar Rush offers a welcoming environment that showcases the region’s scenery while promoting an active, healthy lifestyle.

Registrations and event updates are available via the Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers Club website, with locals encouraged to sign up early and make the most of the months ahead by getting moving at Plantation parkrun.

Burdekin Roosters Eye Strong Season Across Juniors and Ladies Teams

Burdekin Roosters under-19 coach Alfie Cantarella knows his team like the back of his hand, as Alf has been associated with these boys for a number of years.

Last season, Alf, assisted by John Nash and Thomas Lammon, took the under-18 team to the preliminary final of the Under-18 RLTD, only to be beaten by a lack of numbers due to important injuries.

The same coaching staff will again look after the boys, and even though they will face stiff opposition from powerhouse clubs Brothers, Centrals, and Western Lions, they would still be considered one of the favourites of the competition.

Players like Jett Castello, returning from injury, Joey Southwell, Mason Kiehne, Laylon Lampton, Brodie Scrivener, and Brodie Escriva are expected to shine in the forwards, given good service from number nine Harrison Lammon.

K.J. Zaro has returned after trialling with a southern club, and he, at five-eighth, and his halves partner Jack Power could dominate, with Jacob Drain and Chad Fraser chiming in.

Coach Cantarella said the numbers at training have been good, but he would

like other boys to come and join the group on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Bendigo Bank Park at 6 pm.

Last season, Burdekin and Herbert River combined to form the Burdekin River in the ladies’ competition under coach Anita Hagarty.

representative from 2024, with Chloe Taiters.

This season, the club will be trying to go it alone, and with Anita unavailable due to work pressures, Chris Perry has taken over as the leader.

Perry said he is slowly putting together what looks like a strong squad, which should have plenty of speed, led by the Monday twins, Stephanie and Martina, and Toni Daisy, a Queensland Country

Home Hill Bowls Sizzle in Steamy Thursday Showdown

Twenty players turned out on Thursday afternoon in hot and steamy conditions. Two games of triples and two games of pairs were contested.

On Rink 3, Judy and Trevor Elton clinched victory on the last end over Bob Pickard and Alex Bojack. Margaret Chapman and Mick McClosky defeated Paul Vass and Hugh Montgomery on Rink 4. On Rink 5, Bob Young, Michael Young and Glen “Bones” Berryman proved too strong for Norm Bethell, Les Hoey and Joe Linton. Meanwhile, Janet Arthur, Cisco and Wayne Newton held on to win against Scotty Taylor, Ron “the BBQ KING” Smith and Bruce McCallum on Rink 6. The meat tray raffle was won by Mick McClosky, while Bones Berryman took home the bottle of wine.

Looking ahead, the club’s weekly activities continue with the Monday morning fitness group, Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday – a chance for anyone wanting to get out, meet people, enjoy a cuppa and a chat – starting at 10am. Wednesday features Kraft morning and barefoot bowls, along with Ron “the BBQ KING’s” gastronomical sausage sizzle in the evening. Thursday brings morning Bingo and Social Bowls in the afternoon from 2pm,

BOWLS

with names in by 1pm to help with the draw. Wednesday night is also Darts night, while Friday night hosts the weekly pool competition. Saturday afternoon rounds out the week with Social Bowls at 2pm, with names in by 1pm.

Until next week, good bowling!

Photo and report by Stephen Doig

Perry said they still have a few Townsville-based girls like Lily Chappell, Tiana Krutzfeldt, Tanley Rowe, Talisha Bulgarelli, and Abby King, with a couple of others they are hoping will join.

Abby, a smart utility who sets up and scores tries, will be back after recovering from a knee operation, and she is a very handy player.

Perry said the numbers are starting to grow, and he likes the look of Jo Morgan, Demi Smith, Jessica Capper, Cadence Alexander, and Charlie Pott as players who are not that big in stature but big in heart.

The girls are currently only training on Thursdays, with the Townsville-based girls coming down, but locals can also train on Tuesdays with the Burdekin-based men at 6 pm.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

INVITING ALL SPORTING GROUPS, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS

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

and Tournaments

and Tournaments

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 all enquiries or submissions to

Football Matters with Cyclops

Local

In the 1st Round of the Kappa Cup, where the Premiers are away to Saints Eagles Souths in Townsville, the game was postponed yet again. The match, weather permitting, will now take place this Saturday at Aitkenvale Park at 7.00pm. This will be the fourth attempt. Perhaps scheduling these games in February is not a good idea in North Queensland.

Seniors

Men train on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.15 and the Ladies are in action on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30 to 7.00. Fixtures start on the weekend of 20- 22 March. The Division 1 and Funkies teams play Estates at home on the Friday, and the Ladies are away to MA Olympic. On the Sunday the Premiers and Reserves are away to Rebels. The Premiers first home game of the season is against Estates on Saturday 28 March.

Juniors

Registrations are now open and will close on Sunday 1st March. Teams will be hopefully getting sorted out in the next few weeks. Pre-season games will Kick Off on Saturday 21st March. Please head to Facebook for registration information. If you have any questions, please email the club at burdekinfc@hotmail.com. Potential Coaches must also register by 1 March, together with their preferred age group.

Masters

The Masters will be on again next Mon-

day Night. The Magic (or Mayhem) kicks off on 23 February. All are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off.

National and International

The Matildas are now only two weeks away from their first match in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup which is being hosted by Australia. The Matildas are in Group A with Iran, South Korea, and the Philippines. The current FIFA Rankings of the Group A teams are Australia 15th, South Korea 21st, Philippines 41st and Iran 68th. The Matildas first match is against the Philippines in Perth on 1st March. They then meet Iran on 5th March and South Korea on 8th March.

The Oakland Roots/Soul Training Facility has been selected as the Socceroos’ official Base Camp training site for their seventh FIFA World Cup appearance. Located on Bay Farm Island in Alameda, California, the Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Soccer Club’s first-class training facility will host the Socceroos squad.

The Socceroos have two friendlies lined up. They play Cameroon on 27 March and Curacao on 31 March and very soon after that, Socceroos fans will not know their first opponents in the 2026 FIFA World Cup until 1st April. They know that Australia will meet USA and Paraguay but will not know their third opponents until 1st April. It could be any of four countries, Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo. The play offs start on 27 March and finish four days later. In the meantime,

FOOTBALL

In the A League, after seventeen rounds Newcastle are still the League leaders. They won 3-1 in Perth and have now won their last seven games. Second placed Auckland has yet to play, and Adelaide moves into third place after beating Sydney FC 2-1. Sydney drops to fourth, level on points with Macarthur. Brisbane drew away to Melbourne Victory and stays in eighth place. Western Sydney continue to hold up the league two points adrift of Central Coast

In the A League Women, Melbourne City are still top despite drawing 0-0 in the local derby. Wellington lost 1-2 away to Central Coast but stays in second place on goal difference from Canberra who lost 0-1 away to Perth. Fourth placed Adelaide has yet to play, and Brisbane lost 0-4 away to Sydney but hangs onto sixth place. Sydney and Western Sydney are holding up the League.

Europe

In England it was the FA Cup 4th Round and one of shocks so far was Burnley losing at home 1-2 to Mansfield Town from the third tier. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, West Ham, Leeds, Wolves and Newcastle are all through to the next round. The EPL resumes next week with Arsenal away to Wolverhampton, Manchester City at home to Newcastle and Chelsea at home to Burnley.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, with twelve rounds left to play, all four top teams won with Bayern winning 3-0 at Werder Bremen to maintain their six point lead over

Dortmund. Hoffenheim is a further six points behind, and fourth placed Stuttgart is a further three points adrift. Heidenheim and St Pauli both lost hold up the table and Mainz, who won again, are almost out of the relegation zone.

In Italy’s Serie A, only two of the top five teams won and Inter is still eight points clear of AC Milan who have a game in hand. Napoli who drew at home to Roma is a further three points behind and Juventus who lost to Inter drops to fifth place one point behind Roma. The two bottom teams, Pisa and Verona both lost and look Serie B bound.

In Spain’s, La Liga both Barcelona and Real Madrid won and Real leads Barca by one point, but Barca has a game in hand. Third placed Villareal lost and is now thirteen points off the pace ahead of fourth placed Atletico on goal difference. At the bottom of the league, none of the last three teams won and Levante and Oviedo are still in deep trouble.

In France, PSG lost 1-3 at sixth placed Rennes and drops to second place, one point behind behind Lens who beat Paris FC 5-0. Lyon is a further six points behind but five points ahead of fourth placed Marseille, who drew at home to Strasbourg. Only Auxerre of the bottom five teams won, and Metz, Auxerre and Nantes are in severe trouble.

The Quote of the Week is from ex- Nottingham Forest Manager Sean Dyche “Life’s not a dress-rehearsal. So, if you want to do it; do it.”

Big Weekend of Competition at Burdekin Clay Target Club

Clay target shooters from across North Queensland are set to converge on Ayr next month, with the Burdekin Clay Target Club Inc. hosting a major two-day shooting event packed with prize money, trophies and community spirit.

The event will take place on Saturday, 7 March and Sunday, 8 March, at the club’s grounds on Ayr Dalbeg Road, Mount Kelly, with shooting getting underway from 9am on Saturday and 8.30am on Sunday.

The weekend features seven competitive events, including pointscore, medley, sin-

gle barrel, double barrel and handicap shoots across graded categories AA, A, B and C. Juniors are also encouraged to take part, with free nominations available.

Saturday’s program includes four events, with highlights such as a 30-target medley and a double barrel trophy shoot, while Sunday will see shooters compete in continental and handicap events. Event seven, the 25-target Double Barrel Handicap, offers the weekend’s largest prize pool, with $1,000 for first place, followed by $500 for second and $250 for third.

Across the weekend, competitors will be

shooting for more than $8,500 in cash and prizes, with additional giveaways including two .22 rifles. Sashes will be awarded for overall winners, with badges presented to first place in each grade.

The competition also includes Shooter of the Year points, with Events 2 and 7 counting toward the annual tally. The Kirknie Station High Guns title will be contested across Events 1 to 7, covering multiple categories including Ladies, Junior and Veteran.

Beyond the competition, organisers say the weekend is about bringing people to-

gether. Free basic camping is available on site, meals will be served throughout the weekend, and a Saturday night dinner will be followed by a Mini Calcutta.

With strong local sponsorship backing the event and a full weekend of shooting on offer, the Burdekin Clay Target Club is encouraging shooters of all experience levels to get involved.

For more information, shooters can contact the club via email at burdekinclaytargetclub@outlook.com or follow the club on Facebook.

Coaching Boost And Competitive Action Across Juniors And Open Teams For Burdekin Touch

TOUCH FOOTBALL

Burdekin Touch is hitting the ground running, with a fresh crop of coaches and teams ready to make their mark this season.

A recent Foundation Touch Football coaching course in Ayr saw 16 local members sharpen their skills, setting the stage for strong performances on and off the field.

Those who successfully finished the course were Neil Inman, Julie, Riley and Kasey Dobe, Angela and Mia Robertson, Lawrence Lampton, Allyce Becke, Brooke Cavanagh, Heather Desbois, Brendan Ford, Peter Murray, Ian Kerr, Bob Clerke, Bruce Johnson, and Peter Knapton.

With the Northern Junior Touch State Cup set for Townsville from 16 to 18 June, the Burdekin Touch Association plans to send teams in U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18 divisions. Juniors interested in representing Burdekin will be advised of upcoming selection dates.

Meanwhile, the Coutt’ Commercial Tavern Men’s and Women’s Open Touch pre-season competition saw One Touch IT and BAYWatch finish on top of the men’s standings, while Eathorne’s Princesses and First in Physio lead the women’s competition. These teams will now contest the pre-season finals.

Round 3 Open Competition Results Men

• BAYWatch 6 def Creampuffs 0

• One Touch IT 2 def Slush Puppies 1

• BAYWatch 5 def Teamo Supremo 1

• One Touch IT 4 def Petrol Heads 0

• Feelers 3 drew Touch n Go 3

• Teamo Supremo 2 def Creampuffs 1

• Teamo Supremo 3 def Ball Grabbers 0

• Blue Murder 2 def Ball Grabbers 0

• Slush Puppies 3 def Petrol Heads 1

• His Haas 1 drew Tha Murries 1

• Tha Murries 4 def Way to Go 1

• Way to Go 4 def His Haas 1

• Renegades 6 def Blue Murder 0

• Renegades 3 def Ball Grabbers 1

• Crocs 5 def Feelers 1

• Crocs 3 def Alliance Pharmacy 0

• Alliance Pharmacy 5 def Touch n Go 0

• Wires Down 4 def Royal Touch 3

• Wires Down 5 def Royal Touch 2 Women

• Eathorne’s Princesses 6 def Lasers 0

• Eathorne’s Princesses 3 def Lasers 2

• First in Physio 5 def Chick Flicks 2

• Salty Sirens 3 def Chick Flicks 0

• First in Physio 4 def Salty Sirens 1

Home Hill Tennis Serves Up Competitive Start and Busy Season Ahead

Home Hill Tennis has kicked off the 2026 season with four teams of seven players competing in Monday night fixtures from 7.00–8.30 pm. Players are enjoying both the strong competition and the social atmosphere the season brings.

After two rounds, Team Bendigo leads the ladder with two wins. Next Gen and HH Surgery are tied for second, with Bowen Pipeline close behind in third place. Scott currently tops the leaderboard with an impressive four wins from four matches.

It’s been great to welcome several new faces this season, and the club is always hap-

TENNIS

py to hear from prospective players. With occasional absences creating opportunities to fill in, and a couple of team spots still available, anyone interested in playing weekly or fortnightly is encouraged to get in touch at homehilltennis@gmail.com.

The club is also gearing up for its most important date on the calendar — the AGM on 9 March. All members and supporters are invited to attend, hear about the past year’s activities, and vote in the new committee for the 2026/27 season.

Preparations are well underway for the much-anticipated Sugar Bowl from 2–4 May. The district will welcome a large number of visitors, with matches set to be played across Ayr, Giru and Home Hill.

Sugar Bowl preparations are underway, and the club is excited already for the 2nd-4th of May. The district will be packed out with visitors with matches taking place in Ayr, Giru and Home Hill.

Contributed with thanks to the Home Hill Tennis Association

Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club Weekend Beach Patrol at Alva Beach

SATURDAY 21/2 (1PM TO 5PM) GROUP ISage Hisatake PC, Ben Hisatake, Luke Hisatake and Austin Dewar.

SUNDAY 22/2 (9AM TO 1PM) GROUP F - Lisa Furnell PC, Jen Morgan PC, John and Josh Furnell, Jo Morgan, Jan and Gabriel Hatherell.

SUNDAY 22/2 (1PM TO 5PM) GROUP HDave Satori PC, Katherine Satori PC, Riley and Jake Satori, Cole Pontifex, Alyssia Gibson, Billy Gibson and Halle GibsoN.

Ayr Nippers Chase State Glory LIFESAVING

14 Ayr Surf Club nippers have descended to Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast this week for the SLSQ Youth State Championships, with competition commencing on Thursday 19 February and going through until Sunday 22nd.

From iconic surf and beach races to team events and relays, it’s the ultimate celebration of surf sport and lifesaving skill on one of Queensland’s most beautiful beaches. With last year’s event cancelled due to Cyclone Alfred the kids are all excited to get to put their hard work and training to the test this year.

Zachary Dale, Briella Wassmuth, Warne McShane, Cole Pontifex, Milla Chapman, Emma Jones, Emilee Wass-

muth, Charlotte Lawry, Alyssa Irvine, Luca Lawry, Charlotte Dale, Taylor Chapman, Audrey Rickards & Mahli McShane will compete as part of the North Barrier Branch Youth State Team along with fellow members from across our region under the NBB white & blue cap.

All the action kicks off with R&R events and long beach runs and progresses over the next few days with individual and team events and concludes on Sunday with March Past and finals. Some of the action will be live-streamed and you can watch it on the Surf Life Saving Queensland Facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club.