Burdekin Bridge 50th Anniversary Celebrations (Past Event)
Event Photos
Program of Events
Saturday, 9th June, 2007
Event: Ayr State High School celebrating 70 years of Education
The Burdekin’s oldest high school is having an open day to mark 70 years of education. There will be a series of themed displays throughout the school. The concert band will perform at 2pm, and group and class photos will be taken at 3pm. Past students and teachers are invited to share their recollections in the Ayr High book of memories, which will be published later this year.
Time: Noon-4pm
Venue: Ayr State High School, Edwards Street, Ayr
For more information contact Saskia Vollema-Creek at Ayr State High School on (07) 47904333.
Sunday, 10th June, 2007
Event: Burdekin Sugar Rush (Running and Walking Event) conducted by Burdekin Roadrunners and Walkers. Click here to download Burdekin Sugar Rush Nomination Form
Now in its sixth year, this popular competition boasts a 21km half-marathon, a 10.5km fun run and a 5km run/walk – all of which start and finish at Ayr’s Anzac Park. Participants can nominate at the park from 6am. The half-marathon starts at 6.45am while the other two races start at 7.30am. Nomination forms are available at Eathorne's Sportspower and the Burdekin Library. Included in the nomination fee is a hearty buffet breakfast at Anzac Park.
Time: 6am
Venue: Anzac Park, MacMillian Street, Ayr
For more information contact Tony Felesina on 0417 643 269
Event: Brandon Heritage Precinct Open Day conducted by Burdekin Machinery Preservationists.
The Burdekin Machinery Preservationists will showcase dozens of historic pieces of machinery used in the Burdekin’s agricultural industry, including old pumps, steam equipment, tractors and implements. The display will be housed at the old Renown Theatre, adjacent church building and railway station building. All of the equipment has been restored to working condition and most will be running on the day.
Time: 10am
Venue: Brandon Heritage Precinct, Off Bruce Highway, Brandon
For more information contact Peter Toomey on 0429 826 867
Event: 'Bridging the Gap' Church Service conducted by Burdekin Church Leaders' Association.
The Burdekin Church Leaders Association is hosting this all-denominational service at the Open-Air Chapel in Plantation Park, Ayr. Conducted by a group of local priests and ministers, the service will include prayers, songs of worship and reflections on bridging the gap in our community. Participants are advised to wear a hat and requested to bring their own chair.
Time: 3pm
Venue: Open-air Cathedral, Plantation Park, Ayr
For more information contact Revd. Dway Goon Chew on 47832293
Monday, 11th June, 2007
Event: Opening of 'Bridging the Gap' Exhibition and High Tea. Completed by the Lower Burdekin Historical Society Inc. and funding from the Department of Main Roads.
This photographic display by the Lower Burdekin Historical Society tells the story of the conception, planning, construction and opening of the Burdekin River Bridge. In doing so, it highlights the significance of the long-awaited crossing, not just to the Burdekin, but to Queensland as a whole. The permanent exhibition will be at the new Silverlink Interpretive Centre in the main street of Home Hill. The official opening at 3.30pm will be followed by high tea with entertainment provided by the Burdekin Brass Band. Copies of the commemorative booklet, Bridging the Gap, will be sold at the event.
Time: 3pm
Venue: Silverlink Interpretive Centre, Eighth Avenue, Home Hill.
For more information contact Eliza at the Council on 47839831.
Tuesday, 12th June, 2007
Event: Pioneers and Senior Citizens Morning Tea and Movie - "Singing in the Rain" - Made in 1952 and directed by Stanley Donen, the movie runs for 102 Min.
This event pays tribute to the Burdekin’s seniors, many of whom remember the bridge construction and official opening. A morning tea will be held at Burdekin Delta Cinemas at 9.30am, followed by the screening of "Singing in the Rain" at 10.30am. This all-time favourite musical, starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, was set during Hollywood’s transition to sound films. Tickets cost $12 and can be purchased in advance from the Burdekin Shire Council, Burdekin Library or Home Hill Library. They can also be bought on the day.
Time: Morning Tea at 9.30am, Movie at 10.30am
Venue: Burdekin Delta Cinemas, Queen Street, Ayr
For more information contact Eliza at the Council on 47839831.
Event: Poetry Workshop for Primary School age students conducted by Bush Poet, Melanie Hall.
Two students from each of the Burdekin’s primary schools have been invited to attend this special workshop at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill. The students will receive expert coaching and guidance from Townsville bush poet Melanie Hall as they create their own poem about the Burdekin River Bridge. The workshop is a joint initiative of the Burdekin Shire Council and Arts Queensland, and is sponsored bythe Regional Arts Development Fund.
Time: 2 sessions
Venue: Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill
For more information contact Eliza at the Council on 47839831.
Wednesday, 13th June, 2007
Event: Poetry Display at Ayr and Home Hill Library.
The poems written by Burdekin primary school students at Tuesday’s workshop will go on display at the Home Hill and Ayr libraries. The exhibition will stay up until Sunday, June 17.
Time: All Day
Venue: Burdekin Library, Ayr and Home Hill Library
For more information contact Eliza at the Council on 47839831.
Event: Sweet FM Song Competition.
The song writing competition has now been judged and the 12 entries are being played to air on Radio 97.1 Sweet FM for the listeners to vote for the listener’s choice prize of $500.00 – voting will close at 2pm on 11th June with an announcement of the winners to be made on air at 2pm on 13th June. Votes can be left at Home Hill News and Delta Music in Ayr or posted to Radio 97.1 Sweet FM at P.O.Box 1088 Ayr – Votes to be written on an envelope with the Track Name and Number and to be accompanied by the voters Name and Address. A prize of 3 CD’s will be given to one lucky voter to be drawn on 13th June after the announcement of the winners.
The winners of the Burdekin Bridge songwriting competition will be announced on air on Radio 97.1 Sweet FM. The best song, as decided by a panel of judges, will win its writer $1000. The artist behind the listeners’ choice will receive a $500 prize. A commemorative CD of all 12 songs can be ordered through the radio station at a cost of $20 (Write to Radio 97.1 Sweet FM, PO Box 1088, Ayr, 4807, or phone Merle Scott on 4783 2076). They can also be ordered at the Picnic in the Park and Markets at Watson’s Green on Sunday, June 17. Orders must be pre-paid and no orders can be taken after this date.
Time: All Day
Venue: Sweet FM Radio
For more information contact Sweet FM on 4782 8394.
Event: Country Music Night - Combined Dinner and Show - $45.00/person.
Four of Australia’s top country music acts will keep music lovers hopping all night at a dinner and show in Home Hill. Held at the Burdekin Motor Inn’s Bridge Restaurant, the entertainment will be provided by Tamworth Country Music Festival veterans Col Finlay, The Sunny Cowgirls, Tom Curtain and Daisy May Wegner. Tickets cost $45 and can be purchased from the Burdekin Motor Inn.
Time: 6.00pm
Venue: Burdekin Motor Inn and Bridge Restaurant
For more information contact Pat or Harold Williams on 47821511.
Thursday, 14th June, 2007
Event: Morning Melodies "Black Tie" conducted by Burdekin Theatre & Burdekin Shire Council
This special presentation of Morning Melodies features Black Tie, a four-piece band comprising two baritone brothers and their wives, one of whom is a cellist and the other a concert pianist. The group will present a tribute to Broadway, with hit songs from great musicals such as Fiddler on the Roof, Cats and Phantom of the Opera. A free morning tea starts at 10am and the concert starts at 10.30am. Tickets cost $10.45 for seniors and pensioners and $9.45 for groups of 10 or more. They can be purchased on the day, or can be bought in advance from either the theatre (4783 9880) or the Home Hill Library (4782 1327).
Time: Morning Tea at 10.00am. Show at 10.30am.
Venue: Burdekin Theatre, Ayr
For more information contact the Burdekin Theatre on 47839880.
Event: Ayr and Home Hill Shop Window Judging and sale day
Judging day for a shop window decorating competition involving businesses in both Ayr and Home Hill. Organised by the Ayr Chamber of Commerce, Home Hill Chamber of Commerce and Lower Burdekin Newspaper Company, the competition encourages businesses to put up displays to the theme of the Burdekin River Bridge’s 50th anniversary. Business owners can obtain bridge posters and balloons from the Burdekin Shire Council to use in their display. Businesses are also encouraged to take part in a big sale day to create a great shopping experience for the hundreds of visitors who will be in the district for the bridge celebrations.
Time: All Day
Venue: Ayr and Home Hill CBD
Winners
Ayr
1st - McCathies Real Estate
2nd - Harvey Norman
Home Hill
1st - Queensland Country Credit Union
2nd - Norma Jeans Hairdressing Salon
Friday, 15th June, 2007
Event: Burdekin Bandfest conducted by Burdekin Theatre and Burdekin Shire Youth Council
This free concert for youths will see six Burdekin bands perform half-hour slots each at the Burdekin Theatre in Ayr. Organised by the Burdekin Theatre and Burdekin Shire Youth Council, the event will be drug and alcohol-free, and supervised by the police. The bands are Sweet Ayr, Melting Water, Cryptic Mile, Solidus, Velvet Underground and Aldarai. Most competed in the Battle of the Bands competition in April, and are familiar to both Burdekin and Townsville district youths. The bands will play both covers and originals at the concert, which runs from 7pm to 11pm.
Time: 7.00pm-11.00pm
Venue: Burdekin Theatre, Ayr
For more information contact Eliza at the Council on 47839831.
Saturday, 16th June, 2007
Event: Burdekin Roadrunners and Walkers Club
This non-competitive event is aimed at all types, from young singles to pram-pushing mums, families and senior citizens. The 5km route starts and finishes near the giant snake at Plantation Park in Ayr and will take in the Juru Walk, a scenic track at the southern end of the park.
Time: 6.30am
Venue: Juru Walk, Plantation Park
For more information contact Eliza at the Council on 47839831.
Event: Silverlink Race Day, conducted by Burdekin Race Club Inc.
This special race meeting is being held at the Burdekin Race Club’s Home Hill track. Entry to the five-race program is free and the gates open at 10am. The first race starts at 2.08pm and the last at 4.28pm. In addition to the usual trophies, each race winner will receive a special 50-year bridge commemorative trophy.
Time: All Day
Venue: Burdekin Race Club, Home Hill
For more information contact Sid on 47828212.
Event: Blueprint for the Bush Burdekin River Bridge 50th Anniversary Official Dinner (Invite only)
This formal dinner for invited guests will be held in an open-air marquee outside the Burdekin Shire Council chambers. Guests include Burdekin Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Burdekin shire councillors, local and visiting dignitaries, organisers and sponsors of Burdekin Bridge anniversary events and people who worked on the bridge construction.
Time: 7pm-11.00pm
Venue: In the grounds of the Burdekin Shire Council Chambers
For more information contact Eliza at the Council on 47839831.
Sunday, 17th June, 2007
Event: Official Ceremony including re-enactment of the original walk across the bridge followed by a Picnic in the Park and Markets in Watson's Green, Home Hill.
This is the highlight of the 50th anniversary celebrations, and is expected to draw thousands of people. Queensland Premier Peter Beattie and Burdekin Mayor Lyn McLaughlin will perform a re-enactment of the official opening of the bridge, which will include the unveiling of a new plaque and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. An entourage of vintage cars and marching bands will lead a mass walk across the bridge, from the north side to the south. Behind them will be buses carrying people who are unable to do the walk. Everybody who takes part in the walk will receive a commemorative certificate from the Burdekin Shire Council.
Following the ceremony, there will be a Picnic in the Park and Markets at Watson’s Green, Home Hill, with the market stalls opening at 8am. There will be live music, interviews with former bridge workers, market stalls, food and drink stalls, face painting, a rock climbing wall and jumping castle. The Home Hill Library will also have an open day and big book sale Entries from the school art and banner competitions will be displayed and judged, and the winner of Sweet FM’s bridge song competition will perform his or her musical tribute to the bridge.
Time: 10.00am
Venue: Burdekin River Bridge
For more information contact Tony at the Council on 47839830.
PARKING AND TRANSPORT
People attending the celebrations should park near Watson’s Green, which is in Ninth Street, Home Hill, opposite the Burdekin Memorial Hall. Free shuttle buses will depart from the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Tenth Street (near the Home Hill Bowls Club) and transport people to an assembly area at the base of the northern side of the bridge. The shuttle buses will depart every 10 to 15 minutes from 8.30am, with the last bus leaving at 9.45am sharp. The bridge will be closed to traffic from 9.50am to 11am. The pedestrian walkway across the bridge will be closed at 9.45am and will reopen immediately after the mass walk.
At the assembly area, entertainment will be provided until 10am when the official ceremony begins. After the ceremony and mass walk across the bridge, free shuttle buses will pick people up from the Lions Diorama on the southern end of the bridge and transport them to Watson’s Green.
Limited parking will be available near the approaches of the bridge, but people who use these areas will need to make their own way back to their vehicles. There will be no public transport to the northern approach of the bridge following the mass walk to the Home Hill side. There will also be no buses operating from Watson’s Green back to the bridge following the picnic in the park and markets.
CLOTHING AND SUN SAFETY
Participants at the official ceremony are encouraged to wear red to create a visual spectacle for the media cameras during the mass walk across the bridge. Commemorative red hats and t-shirts are available for sale through the Burdekin Shire Council chambers, Burdekin Library and Home Hill Library. They will also be sold at the northern end of the bridge prior to the official ceremony. Participants are advised to wear hats, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and drink plenty of fluids during the event. Water will be sold at both the northern and southern approaches of the bridge. Participants should only join in the walk if they are capable of walking 2km at a steady pace.
Sponsors
Burdekin Shire Rivers Improvement Trust
Interesting Bridge Facts
Click here to view BURDEKIN RIVER BRIDGE - INTERESTING FACTS
History
Click here to learn about the history of the Burdekin Bridge
Media Information
The Burdekin Bridge 50th Anniversary Media Releases will provide you with information on the celebrations to be held from Sunday, 10th June, 2007 - Sunday, 17th June, 2007.
For all media enquiries, please contact Burdekin Shire Council on (07) 47 839800.
Accommodation
Click here to visit the Burdekin Tourism website for where to stay and what to see and do while joining in the celebrations.