Trevor Rayner celebrates his milestone birthday with some of the young gymnasts at Tully Gym and Tramp Club

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Turning 90 is an achievement. Still coaching gymnastics at 90 makes Trevor Rayner something of a legend.

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The much-loved coach, mentor and friend celebrated his milestone birthday on 1^st October, surrounded by past and present coaches, gymnasts and members whose lives he has touched through decades of involvement in the sport.

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Trevor remains involved with Tully Gym and Tramp Club and played an important role in establishing gymnastics clubs in Tully, Ingham, Weipa and Mission Beach, helping create opportunities for generations of children to learn, grow in confidence and discover a love of gymnastics.

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His contribution has earned him Life Membership of Gymnastics Queensland, but perhaps the best measure of his impact came in birthday messages from across Australia.

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“You have always been the most amazing coach, friend and mentor,” former gymnast Sal wrote. “You’ll always be the only one I ever call coach.”

Others simply described him as a “legend” and a “beautiful kind-hearted person”.

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Trevor has previously described his continuing involvement in gymnastics as his “purposeful physiotherapy” – keeping himself moving while doing something he loves.

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After decades spent giving his time, knowledge and encouragement to others, Trevor’s 90th provided an opportunity for the gymnastics community, to give something back – a heartfelt thank you to a coach who continues to inspire the next generation.

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Photo supplied

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Rain couldn’t keep Cassowary Coast anglers away, with hundreds braving the wet to cast a line and help tackle one of the region’s biggest environmental pests.  

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The 2026 Tilapia Tournament at Warrina Lakes attracted 444 participants across three days, who collectively hauled in an impressive 2,163 invasive tilapia.  

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With families, visitors and fishing enthusiasts all getting involved, the annual event proved that doing your bit for local waterways can come with plenty of fun, friendly competition and even a few bragging rights.

Tilapia Tournament Reels In A Big Result – And Plenty Of Smiles

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Rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm at Warrina Lakes, with hundreds of anglers casting a line for a good cause during Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s 2026 Tilapia Tournament.

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Across three days, 444 participants removed an impressive 2,163 tilapia, with local families and visitors joining in the annual event.

Tilapia are highly invasive pest fish that reproduce rapidly, compete with native species for food and habitat and can damage aquatic ecosystems, making their removal important to the health of local waterways.

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Councillor Jeff Baines described the weekend as a fantastic community effort.

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“It’s the world’s greatest Tilapia Tournament,” Cr Baines said. “It was an outstanding event and a great effort from everyone involved to help us reduce this noxious fish in our waterways and improve the health of our creeks and rivers.”

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With 2,163 fewer tilapia in Warrina Lakes, this year’s tournament delivered a result worth celebrating, while generous sponsor prizes rewarded anglers for catches including the most fish and largest tilapia.

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Photos supplied: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

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Senator Susan McDonald and seafood industry heads at the Slipway in Lucinda, as part of the Spotlight on Hinchinbrook, Seafood Industry Expo. Photo supplied: Office of Senator Susan McDonald

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The planned phase-out of gillnet fishing scheduled for North Queensland waters has come under renewed scrutiny as the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) and North Queensland Federal MPs call for delay.

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Queensland’s existing policy is to phase out gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area by June 30th 2027, with government funding supporting industry transition and trials of alternative fishing gear.

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Townsville-based Senator Susan McDonald and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox have written to Queensland Ministers Tony Perrett and Andrew Powell seeking a three-year extension, arguing the $9 million Fish-LIGHT research program into alternative fishing methods will not conclude until 2030.

Senator McDonald said the research should be completed before the ban comes into place.

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“We are asking the Queensland Government to put the science first and seek an extension from the Commonwealth until Fish-LIGHT has completed its work,” she said.

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Mr Willcox said the impacts would extend beyond the commercial fisheries themselves.

“This is about Australian jobs, Australian food production and sovereign capability,” Mr Willcox said.

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“Commercial fishing supports processors, wholesalers, transport operators, chandlers, marine mechanics, retailers, restaurants and other small businesses throughout regional Queensland.”

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QSIA CEO David Bobbermen welcomed the federal intervention, saying the association had already approached the Queensland Ministers.

“Their public intercession on behalf of the family fishers involved in catching barramundi in North Queensland came as a surprise to us but is very welcome,” Mr Bobbermen said.

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A Queensland Department of Primary Industries working group has also recorded industry calls for the NX fishery to be extended until Fish-LIGHT research concludes, while Fisheries Queensland has reiterated the Government’s position that the phase-out will proceed on June 30th.

The issue was among the fishing industry concerns being raised around the Spotlight on Hinchinbrook Seafood Industry Expo last month.

The Mount Fox roadworks are set to start progress. Photo sourced: Hinchinbrook Shire Council

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council has advised that contractor mobilisation for the Mount Fox Road reinstatement project will commence from Tuesday, 6th October 2026.

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Equipment, materials and resources will be moved to site during mobilisation, with appropriate traffic management in place. The road will remain open during this period.

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Physical works are expected to begin on Monday, 12th October 2026. Once works commence, Mount Fox Road will be closed from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, weather permitting, to allow contractors to safely undertake disaster recovery works.

Outside these closure periods, the road will reopen under traffic control. It will remain open under traffic control after 3pm on weekdays, on Saturdays, and at all other times, including Sundays and public holidays.

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Motorists travelling through the work zone should expect delays of up to 30 minutes, follow traffic signage and speed limits, and allow extra travel time.

The works will include resilience-building, remediation and slope stabilisation activities aimed at improving road safety and the long-term reliability of the transport corridor.

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Council is continuing to work with the Warrgamay Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation on the project.

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The works are being delivered under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

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For more information, visit the Council's Mount Fox Road and Wallaman Falls Road Works project page or contact Council's Customer Service Centre on (07) 4776 4600.

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Bees Sting donuts, delicious in every bite. Photo source: Mick’s Bread Kitchen

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There’s always something new coming out of the oven at Mick’s Bread Kitchen, and this past September has delivered plenty for both sweet treat seekers and savoury connoisseurs.

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Sweet tooths have had plenty to choose from, with newly returned and much-loved Bee Sting Donuts flying off the shelves, alongside freshly made Mulberry Tarts filled with silky Crème Pâtissière and topped with fresh mulberry compote, all encased in buttery shortcrust pastry.

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The dessert cabinet has also been filled with some familiar favourites, including the Pistachio and Vanilla Bean Basque Cheesecakes, while the Napoleon Cake has made another appearance. Coffee and Walnut Sponge Roll, French Danishes, Cannoli and Cinnamon Scrolls have also been making their way onto the shelves.

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And if you’re after something savoury, Mick’s has been on a roll there too, introducing two new sausage roll flavours. The Maple Bacon Sausage Roll brings together smoky, sweet maple and bacon, while the new Pork, Fennel and Apple Sausage Roll combines juicy pork with fragrant fennel and sweet apple, all wrapped in golden, flaky pastry.

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The team at Mick's say they’re always experimenting with what’s fresh and new, so there’s always a reason to pop in and see what has just come fresh out of the oven.  

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Whether you’re a gourmand looking for something new to try, or simply someone who likes to enjoy a coffee with a classic go-to, pop into Mick’s Bread Kitchen - you just discover a new favourite.

The alternate route shown, due to the lane closure. Image supplied: TMR

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The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is continuing safety upgrades at the Bruce Highway and Lannercost Street intersection in Ingham as part of the Bruce Highway Safety Package.

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A temporary closure of the northbound lanes will occur from 6am to 6pm on Friday, 9th October 2026. Alternative routes will be in place, with motorists asked to follow detour signage and directions from traffic controllers.

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The current works program will continue from 6am to 6pm until Friday, 16th October, with works subject to weather conditions, contractor availability and construction progress.

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The northbound left-turn slip lane from the Bruce Highway, known locally as Townsville Road, to Lannercost Street will remain closed after the northbound through lane reopens.

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Motorists should expect speed restrictions and follow all traffic controls. Access to properties and businesses will be maintained throughout the works.

Works may be completed sooner than expected. Wet weather or unforeseen circumstances may result in activities being rescheduled to the next available shift.

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TMR thanked road users for their patience and understanding while the safety upgrades are completed.

Contributed with thanks by the Department of Transport & Main Roads

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Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with NBN Co’s Chairman of the Board, Kevin Russell, and Director, Jules Scarlett, who were visiting Ingham to inspect progress on Fibre to the Premises works.

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We spoke about the trauma experienced by residents during the 2025 floods, particularly the inability of residents to communicate or receive information via the internet once systems shut down due to the loss of mains power, and the importance of resilient and reliable communications, particularly in the lead-up to and following the many natural disasters our region faces.

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I was pleased to hear that upgrades have been occurring to the main transmission towers located throughout our district, including improved battery backup installations and remote-start generator capability to better cater for losses of mains power into the future. This work enhances and complements the strategic arrangements NBN has put in place with Council for the pre-deployment of smaller generation equipment and refuelling arrangements for the smaller towers located in various areas throughout the district, such as Forrest Beach and Taylors Beach.

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These matters were identified and determined as critical during Council’s meetings with NBN immediately following last year’s event, and we are very pleased that NBN has listened to and acted on our district’s concerns.

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As many would have noticed, NBN technicians have been busy throughout Ingham, installing fibre in many streets, homes and businesses as part of the Fibre to the Premises program. This program aims to eliminate the need for communication nodes in streets that have previously been susceptible to failure due to floodwater infiltration, making the new full-fibre connection faster and more reliable.

I urge residents and businesses not to wait until a cyclone or flood is on the horizon. Check your address now and, if eligible, speak with your preferred phone or internet provider about ordering an upgrade to full fibre. NBN technicians will complete all installation works at no cost to you outside your premises and also inside, provided your internal systems are within 12 metres of the external connection box.

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We know from experience that reliable connectivity is essential before, during and after severe weather. It helps you receive emergency warnings, access important information and services, check on family and friends, and keep local businesses operating.

Preparing early gives you the best chance to stay informed and connected when conditions deteriorate. A fibre upgrade is one practical step eligible residents can take now to strengthen their digital readiness ahead of the wet season.

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To check whether your address is eligible, visit www.nbnco.com.au/checkregional.

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Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa, Mayor of Townsville Nick Dametto, Premier David Crisafulli, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, and Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood presenting the plan for Port Hinchinbrook back in November 2025. Photo credit. Victoria Velton

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Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa has welcomed further progress on the Port Hinchinbrook Revitalisation Project, sharing the latest monthly update with the community.

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“It’s great to share another monthly update on Port Hinchinbrook and see the next steps taking shape towards rebuilding this precinct back into the ‘jewel in the crown’ of North Queensland tourism,” Mr Chiesa said.

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“Sharing this progress with our community and the wider region is a real highlight of the month. I’ve been working hard to deliver, and each step forward helps build confidence among local businesses, tourism operators and Cardwell residents.”

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Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) continues with planning, procurement, and site preparation activities to support the next stage of works at the marina.

Tenders for a dredging contractor closed on 4 September 2026, with evaluations now underway. All bids have been assessed, and the team expects to identify a preferred contractor soon.

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Site preparation on Lot 170 is also progressing, with clearing underway around two spoil ponds and drainage channels. This work will support the commencement of early works once the dredging contractor is appointed.

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EDQ continues to work with International Coastal Management, in partnership with RPS and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, to progress environmental approvals following submission of the Environmental Authority application in August.

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QBuild has also been engaged to refurbish the existing sales office at Port Hinchinbrook Marina, providing a dedicated site office for EDQ and the appointed dredging contractor during delivery.

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“During the by-election, the Crisafulli Government committed to fixing Port Hinchinbrook, and these are encouraging steps forward. More work remains, and I look forward to keeping you updated as the project progresses as we head into the end of the year.”

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Contributed with thanks by Wayde Chiesa MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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Nonna Pia with her daughters and granddaughter Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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Five generations of family came together at Lee's hotel in Ingham on Sunday to celebrate a very special milestone, the 90th birthday of much-loved matriarch, Nonna Pia

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Her extended family travelled from far and wide gathering to celebrate their Nonna Pia's life, and the many memories shared across the generations.

“I can’t believe it,” Nonna Pia said when asked what it meant to see so many of her family together.

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“I can’t believe that so many have come. There are a few here who have come from Italy and from France. Truly, it’s truly wonderful.”

For her daughters, seeing five generations together was a particularly meaningful moment.

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“She’s the matriarch of all of them,” they said.

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Nonna Pia came to Australia from Italy in 1955 at the age of 17, leaving her parents behind and beginning a new life in Australia. She initially settled in Blackrock with her family. Her eldest daughter Rosa was two years old when they arrived, while her other five children were born in Australia.

Her husband, Batista, worked at Victoria Mill on the railways, while Pia worked at the cane barracks cooking for workers and raising her family. She later worked in babysitting, ironing and cleaning, but family remained at the heart of her life.

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Her daughters name her as the “fun grandma”, always ready for a game, a laugh or an adventure with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Family meals were an important part of their childhood, including days spent making ravioli together.

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“There used to be that production line,” the family laughed, remembering flour spread throughout the house as everyone worked together.

Nonna Pia was also known for her gnocchi, polenta, beautifully painted nails, love of Italian music and her collection of colourful geraniums.

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After the death of her husband, Pia became increasingly involved with the Italian community and seniors groups in Ingham, travelling extensively with friends.

She visited Canada, New Zealand, Tasmania, Western Australia, Papua New Guinea, Norfolk Island and France, where she was able to reconnect with family.

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In her 70s, she also returned to study, attending the local Ingham TAFE with friends to improve her English.

Fondly called the 'Queen of Geraniums' for her masterful skill in horticulture, the family has also worked to preserve that most-loved tradition by propagating her geraniums and sharing them among the grandchildren.

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“We take the geraniums, strike some new ones and give them to the grandchildren, so they’ve got a little piece of her,” her daughters said fondly.

Now living in a nursing home, Pia’s family said her circumstances may have changed, but her personality has not.

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“She’s very spirited, very loving,” they said, “90 years old and young at heart is really who she still is.”

At the celebration, Pia’s son John raised a toast to his mother, recognising those who had travelled from near and far to be there.

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“Friends, for a moment in celebration, people that have travelled from far, especially Serge and Liliane from Grenoble, France,” John said before inviting everyone to raise their glasses.

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“In all that, we’re just here. We’ll toast to Mum, Nonna, Pia. Everybody here, raise your glass.”

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For Nonna Pia, having five generations of her family gathered around her now at 90, her family say that while her body may not let her do everything she once could, her spirit remains as strong as ever.  

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Sam on the grounds of Parliament. Photo supplied

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From a chemistry classroom in Ingham to the floor of Queensland Parliament, Samantha “Sam” Musumeci has taken the Hinchinbrook community’s voice to Youth Parliament.  

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The Ingham State High School student spent six months working alongside young people from across Queensland before joining 92 other Youth Members for a week of debate at Parliament House.  

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From writing and passing a Youth Bill to hearing powerful personal stories from fellow regional young people, Sam says the experience has given her lifelong friendships, confidence and a deeper understanding of how young Queenslanders can create change.

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Ingham Student Takes Hinchinbrook Voice To Queensland Youth Parliament

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By Victoria Velton

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Ingham State High School student Samantha (Sam) Musumeci has taken the voice of Hinchinbrook to Queensland Parliament, representing the electorate as part of the 31st YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

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The six-month program culminated in a Residential Sitting Week at Parliament House in Brisbane from 27th September to 3rd October, where 93 young Queenslanders representing every state electorate debated eight Youth Bills.

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“I joined Youth Parliament because I wanted a way to represent my community and to give a voice from Hinchinbrook in Parliament,” Sam said.

“I saw the applications come out and decided to put my name down as the opportunity came at a perfect time for me.”

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Finding out she had been selected was a moment Sam said she would not forget.

“When I found out I had been accepted into Youth Parliament it was such an amazing experience,” she said.

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“I received the email that I had been accepted while sitting in a chemistry class on a Friday afternoon.”

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Far more than a week spent inside Parliament House, the experience spanned six months, Sam attended meetings and worked alongside young people from across Queensland to develop a Youth Bill.

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“For six months before attending Residential Sitting Week in Brisbane I was involved in attending many meetings and writing a bill that was passed in Parliament,” she said.

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“I worked alongside a committee of other youth across Queensland to write a bill. These people became some amazing lifelong friends.”

Arriving at Parliament House brought the significance of the opportunity into focus.

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“Stepping off the bus and being greeted by Parliament House is such a unique experience, as not many people will ever get to experience it in their life,” Sam said.

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“Being able to sit in the chamber and speak about personal experiences and on our own bill is an incredible experience.”

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“Sitting in the chamber surrounded by other youth members who have so much passion for the program is so amazing to experience, as everyone is there to share their unique voice,” she said.

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“Everyone is so open to share personal experience with other youth members or share stories from their town.”

“There were many moving speeches that moved a lot of people to tears.”

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Of the eight Youth Bills debated, Sam was particularly interested in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples bill, which proposes greater education about Aboriginal stories, culture, dances and songs, including a mandated day on Country.

“The bill that I found most interesting was the ATSIP bill,” Sam said.

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“It is aiming to introduce a new class to school curriculum to educate students on Aboriginal stories and learn dances and songs, with one mandated day out on Country.”

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For a student from regional Queensland, Sam's Youth Parliament experience has offered her a glimpse inside the state's political system. It has given her the opportunity to carry her community's perspective into the room and, in her own words, “give a voice from Hinchinbrook in Parliament”.

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Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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Welcome to the Cutting The Cane, a column where we have a chat with those supporting the backbone of the local economy: the farmers behind the sugar. This week John Board, grower and recent recipient of the Nuffield Australia Scholarship answered our questions about the 2026 season.

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What stage is your paddock at now?
Right now I have 12.5% of my mature cane still left to supply to the mill for this year, with the remainder of the farm in different growth stages ranging from plant cane being planted in early May, to ratooning cane that has been cut on various different dates from the 9th June until now.

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What are you hoping to learn or explore through your Nuffield Australia Scholarship?

Predominantly I want to Learn how other countries have diversified away from making crystal sugar alone, while keeping it profitable for both the millers and farmers. I'm not so much going to be focused on looking at the technology of making other products, we know that already exists, e.g. Ethanol, Electricity. My focus will be more around the relationships between Farmers, Millers, Government, Fuel companies and the General Public.  

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I think currently that's what is not working in Australia. We are all sitting in the same boat, but unfortunately not everybody is rowing in the same direction. If I can research what works well for other countries, and be able to apply that here, maybe we are in with a chance of diversifying our income streams, because currently relying solely on crystal sugar is not making business sense.  

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If we keep doing what we've always done, we'll keep getting what we've always got.

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How do you think the ideas and experiences you gain through the Nuffield Scholarship could benefit the local cane industry?

After spending a week in Darwin surrounded by other Nuffield scholars and Agri experts, I can say a real take home message for me was how many parallels there are between different commodities and sectors. Often we get so caught up with tunnel vision looking inwards at our own industry that we forget to zoom out and have a look at the big picture.  

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A Lot of people said some of the biggest things they learnt and have taken back to their industries after their scholarship is actually not what they intentionally set out to find. The biggest thing for me is to find what works well and try to replicate that back here. Not try to reinvent the wheel, just look at why other wheels run smoother than what ours currently does.

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What are the major issues affecting crop growth in your area, and how are you managing them?

Yield decline is one of our biggest issues facing us at the moment and nobody can really point exactly to one particular reason. For me personally, soil health is a big focus of mine. We've been intensively farming in the Herbert Valley for well over 100 years and I think we've taken for granted that we've been taking a lot out of the soil, and not putting much back in.  

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Machinery is getting bigger and more expensive, and the crops are getting smaller and less profitable, it's not a good situation. Sure, rain and sun at the right time is essential to growing a good crop, but you can't control that. As growers we need to take a bit of responsibility for the things we can control.

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Once this year’s crop is in, what will you be thinking about next?

There's always a fair bit of thinking going on in this big old head of mine, currently I'm doing a pretty significant earthmoving job on 1 paddock and fixing up some drainage and silt traps that were damaged in the 2025 floods.  

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I'm starting to think about which fallow crops I'll be putting in on which paddocks. I normally do a few different fallow crops including Soybeans, Sunn Hemp, Cowpea, Lab Lab and Forage Sorghum. Just sorting out which ones will be suited to which soil types and which ones can handle going underwater for a period of time if the wet season chooses that for us this year. Like many others, it will pretty much be earthmoving, fertilising, spraying and planting cover crops until the weather forces us to stop.

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Optimus is a big-hearted boy with a big personality to match! He’s doing so well in his foster home and is proving to be a friendly, fun-loving dog who enjoys getting out and about.

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One of his favourite things is interacting and playing with bigger dogs. He would be best suited to a home with another larger, confident dog or as an only dog.  

Optimus also loves adventures! He’s enjoying trips to the Strand, cafes, car rides, and exploring new places. He’s the kind of dog who would love a family that wants to include him in their adventures and give him plenty of opportunities to experience the world.

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He doesn’t always realise just how big he is though so he would be best suited to a home with older children or adults only. If you’re looking for a big, affectionate, playful boy who loves dogs, car rides and adventures, Optimus could be your perfect match.

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Included in adoption fee of $530 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated and on PROHEART. Enquire today at: angelpawsinc.com.au/pets-for-adoption/dogs/

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Sex: Male  

Breed: Staffy X  

DOB: 29/12/2024

Colour: Brindle

Kid friendly: Older kids

Cat Friendly: Yes

Other dogs: Yes, larger dogs

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Contributed with thanks by selectability

Queensland Mental Health Week returns from the 3rd to 11th October, bringing Queenslanders together to raise awareness and encourage conversations about mental health and wellbeing.

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This year’s theme, “Build Community, Build Wellbeing”, highlights the important role that connection and belonging play in supporting positive mental health.

It is a reminder that wellbeing isn’t something we build alone. To celebrate the everyday moments of connection that help people feel valued, supported, and like they belong. Because when we build community, we build wellbeing for everyone.

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At selectability, creating these opportunities for connection is an important part of supporting locals to improve their mental wellbeing.

Regional Coordinator Julie Ross said programs like selectability’s Clubhouse provide a safe and welcoming space where people can meet others, build confidence, learn new skills and feel part of their community.

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“Whether it’s getting involved in self-reflection activities, engaging with others through cooking classes, or connecting with the community and nature through the community garden or out of town trips,” Julie said.

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“These activities are designed to foster connection and support, but also reduce loneliness.”

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Queensland Mental Health Week is an opportunity for everyone to think about the small ways they can strengthen their own connections, whether that’s joining a local activity, checking in with someone or simply making time to connect with the people around them.

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For anyone over 18 seeking support to improve their mental wellbeing, selectability offers a range of NDIS supports, with funding options also available for those not on the scheme.

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To find out more, contact the selectability Ingham team on 07 4781 2690 or pop into the Clubhouse at 11-13 Lannercost Street, Ingham, and chat with the team.

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Take care when home-trimming trees as they may have grown close to powerlines. Photo supplied: Ergon

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Contributed with thanks by Ergon Energy Network & Energex

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As Queenslanders get stuck into spring pruning, Ergon Energy Network is warning them to stay well clear of overhead service wires when trimming trees, at a high-risk time of year for vegetation management incidents.  

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Ergon’s Safety Manager Grace White said there were 33 accidental contacts with powerlines caused by vegetation management last spring, up 12 from the previous year.    

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“In recent weeks our crews have responded to a number of incidents, including a service line brought down by a home gardener in the Bundaberg region and an 11,000-volt conductor contacted by a branch cut by a professional tree cutter on the Gold Coast.    

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“You don’t need to be touching a powerline to be at risk of serious injury or death – electricity can flow through the tree branches you’re pruning, the ladder you’re standing on or tools you’re holding.

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“Thankfully no one was injured in the most recent incidents, but it’s a timely reminder to plan safe work near overhead powerlines and Look Up and Live while work is in progress.

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“Whether you’re cleaning up your own yard or cutting trees for a living, you need to consider the risks and how to stay safe,” Grace said.  

59 per cent of the incidents in the spring of 2024 and 2025 were caused by tree felling, predominantly carried out by professionals.    

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“You should use the Look Up and Live app to check the location of overhead wires, plan safe work and manage the risk of trees falling across powerlines, and if you’re still unsure you can contact us for further safety advice,” Grace said.

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Overhead service wires supplying power directly to people’s properties were the electrical asset most likely to be damaged.

“Like any powerline, fallen service wires should always be treated as live and reported immediately to Ergon on 13 16 70.

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“Green thumbs can help reduce the risk of incidents, damage and outages by planting smart in the first place – you can find a list of powerline-friendly trees on our website,” Grace said.    

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Ergon uses highly skilled vegetation management crews to trim trees near approximately 800,000 spans of overhead powerlines throughout the year.    

Small Moments, Lifelong Benefits

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Hi Readers,

Some of the most important learning in a child’s life happens long before the first day of school. It happens during a bedtime story, while singing in the car, on a walk around the neighbourhood or through a simple game at home.  

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These everyday moments might seem small, but they help children develop language, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. First 5 Forever is a wonderful initiative that helps Queensland families make the most of those important early years.

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Here in Hinchinbrook Shire, families can access First 5 Forever through our local library. It provides a welcoming place where parents, carers and young children can spend time together, learn, play and connect with others in the community.  

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Our library staff play an important role in making these opportunities accessible to local families and ensuring early literacy support is available close to home.

The great things about early learning it doesn’t require expensive equipment or formal lessons. Simple everyday moments talking, reading, singing and playing together can make a real difference.

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I encourage families with young children to drop into the library, meet the team and discover what First 5 Forever has to offer.

First 5 Forever is held every Thursday 10:30am – 12pm For more information, contact our local library on 4776 4614.

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Small moments today can help build strong foundations for a lifetime.

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