Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Ingham Theatre Group launched their latest theatre restaurant production this week, with the remaining shows of Cruise Club selling out following a laughter-filled opening weekend.
Two packed performances saw audiences swept onto the Costa Lotta cruise ship’s chaotic voyage, complete with suspicious characters, a twisting murder mystery and plenty of opportunities for audience interaction.
By Victoria Velton
The Costa Lotta has officially left the dock, and if opening weekend was anything to go by, passengers aboard the Ingham Theatre Group’s latest theatre restaurant production are in for a wonderfully chaotic cruise.
After two packed Friday and Saturday performances the Cruise Club is looking forward to more electric evenings, as all upcoming shows are officially sold out.
Steven Veltmeyer, Director of the Cruise Club, said the opening weekend set a high bar.
“Opening weekend was everything live theatre should be — great fun, lots of laughs and even a few exciting opening-night teething issues, which our cast and crew handled with absolute skill and professionalism. I’m incredibly proud of how everyone pulled together and kept the show rolling.”
“Cruise Club is a wonderfully funny, slightly crazy night out, and judging by the laughter and reaction from our first audiences, they certainly enjoyed the voyage with us.”
Councillor of Community and Cultural Services Donna Marbelli also praised the local talent behind the production.
“The talent, energy and effort that went into the production was outstanding, and it was wonderful to see such a great night enjoyed by the community. Congratulations to all our talented locals involved in putting together such an enjoyable evening.”
For those lucky enough to have secured tickets to the upcoming performances, it is time to pack that suitcase, dig out a jazzy shirt – there's a prize for the best dressed holidayer – and prepare for an interactive cruise through Florida, the Bahamas and back again.
Even the play’s author Lianne Mills, will be making the special voyage up to Ingham to join the local crowd on the final weekend of the show.
Fill your plates at the 7pm midnight buffet, enjoy a cheeky cocktail, and set sail with the Ingham Theatre Group as they bring on the next round of Costa Lotta’s holiday cruises - just make sure you look out for pirates!
Pte Jake Healy of 31/42 RQR, Errol a Timor Veteran, Lt Col Merrick Lalor CO 31/42 RQR with Vice President RSL Randall Russell in the centre, Piper Jock Reid, WO1 Glenn Herbert RSM 31/42 RQR and Pte Egide Ndazimana 31/42 RQR. Photo supplied
60 Years On From The Battle Of Long Tan
Communities across the Cassowary Coast stood together in remembrance on Tuesday 18th August, commemorating Vietnam Veterans’ Day and marking 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan.
Services were held at Wongaling Beach and Cardwell, bringing together veterans, families, school students, community organisations, service personnel and residents to honour the more than 60,000 Australians who served during the Vietnam War.
At Wongaling Beach, approximately 80 people gathered for the Tully RSL Sub-Branch service, where a new memorial obelisk dedicated to Vietnam veterans was unveiled, creating a lasting tribute to those who served, those who returned and those who never came home.
In Cardwell, the community also gathered in solemn reflection, ensuring the service and sacrifice of Australia’s Vietnam veterans continues to be remembered six decades on from Long Tan.
Lest We Forget.
The Cassowary Coast community came together at Wongaling Beach on Tuesday 18th August to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day and mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of Australia’s most significant military engagements of the Vietnam War.
Approximately 80 people gathered at Rotary Park for the Tully RSL Sub-Branch memorial service, paying tribute to the Australians who served during the conflict and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
On 18th August 1966, soldiers of Delta Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment fought an estimated 2,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan.
The anniversary is now commemorated nationally as Vietnam Veterans’ Day, recognising the more than 60,000 Australian servicemen and women who served throughout Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Tully RSL President Karl Adams said he was grateful to see such strong community support for the local commemoration.
“A big shout out to the local schools, the ladies from Legacy, Lions club, red cross, CleanCo and Officers and Soldiers from the Jungle Training Wing and 31/42 RQR,” Mr Adams said.
The service also marked the unveiling of a new Vietnam Veterans memorial obelisk, created by local blacksmith Brent Cook to provide a lasting tribute to those who served.
“This obelisk was created thanks to donations from Cassowary Coast Community Association, Lions Club, Rotary Club, and the RSL. Next year Tully RSL intends to get a second obelisk made dedicated to the Afghan Veterans,” Mr Adams said.
The Mission Beach Community Association contributed $500 towards the new memorial, as did the Lions Club of Mission Beach, helping establish a permanent place of remembrance at Wongaling Beach.
“May it stand as a tribute to those who served, those who returned, those who still carry the impact of their service, and those who never came home,” the association shared.
“To our Vietnam veterans and their families – we remember, we honour, and we thank you.”
Cassowary Coast Regional Councillor Trudy Tschui also attended the commemoration and reflected on the importance of ensuring the sacrifices of veterans are carried forward by future generations.
“Let us pledge to honour their legacy by ensuring that their sacrifices are never in vain,” Cr Tschui said.
“And in their honour let us continue to build a society that cherishes the values they fought to defend-courage, mateship, and an unwavering dedication to our Country.”
With local schools, community organisations, veterans, service personnel and residents standing together, the commemoration provided an opportunity to reflect not only on those lost during the Vietnam War, but also on the enduring impact of service on veterans and their families.
The newly unveiled memorial will now stand at Wongaling Beach as a permanent reminder of their service and sacrifice.
Lest We Forget.
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