Community members are being encouraged to share their experiences to help shape Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s first Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Plan. Photo supplied

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The Cassowary Coast is set to become a more accessible and inclusive region, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council announcing the development of its first Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Plan.

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The initiative marks a significant milestone for the region, where the proportion of residents living with disability is higher than the state average, and has been identified as a priority under Council’s Corporate and Operational Plan 2025–2030.

The need for improved accessibility was also reinforced through the 2024 MARKYT Community Scorecard, which highlighted inclusion as a key area for improvement.

The new plan will guide future decision-making across a range of areas, including community events, infrastructure, placemaking and Council processes, ensuring they better reflect the diverse needs of the community.

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To help shape the plan, Council is working alongside Inclusive Consulting, an independent expert in accessibility and inclusion, and is calling on residents to share their experiences and ideas.

Mayor Teresa Millwood said community input would be critical to the plan’s success.

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“This is a great opportunity for our community to come together and shape a plan that will make the Cassowary Coast a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone,” she said.

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“We want to hear from as many people as possible. Your experiences and insights are vital to this process.”

Residents, including people with lived experience of disability, carers, support workers and other stakeholders, are encouraged to take part by attending upcoming workshops or completing an online survey.

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Feedback will play a key role in ensuring the final plan reflects real community needs and helps build a region where everyone feels supported, welcome and empowered.

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Community consultation is open until 8 May 2026, with surveys available online, at Council libraries and customer service centres.

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‘As a mother herself, Lacey understands the weight behind even the simplest gestures.’ Photo supplied

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This Mother’s Day, Buck Wild Country Store is offering something a little different - bringing together its signature western style with the simple, meaningful gesture of fresh flowers. It’s a new chapter for the local store, where boots and western fashion now sit alongside carefully curated fresh blooms, all under one roof.

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For owner Lacey Long, the shift into floristry didn’t come from nowhere. It came from community.

“Gail from Heaven Scent gently handed her pruning scissors over to me,” Lacey says. “And with that, I stepped into a new chapter.”

It’s a passing of knowledge, trust, and heart - something that feels deeply rooted in small-town life.

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“In a place like this, everything feels more personal,” she adds. “Flowers aren’t just something you give, they carry meaning. They say the things you don’t always know how to.”

As a mother herself, Lacey understands the weight behind even the simplest gestures, how something as small as flowers can hold love, gratitude and everything in between.

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With fresh flowers now available daily, Buck Wild Country has become more than a place to shop, it’s somewhere locals can find something meaningful. Whether it’s a last-minute bunch or something a little more considered.

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This Mother’s Day, it’s about keeping it simple, personal, and close to home. A beautiful bouquet, a gift she’ll love, and a gesture that won’t be forgotten.

Walk in, call, or organise delivery—they’ve got you covered.

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Find Buck Wild Country Store at 25 Palm Terrace, Ingham, or call 0411 544 090 to order.

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New owner Melissa with Chanel and Rachael. Photo credit: Beauty on Lannercost

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There’s a new energy at Beauty on Lannercost, with new owner Melissa stepping into the space and bringing with her a wealth of experience and a clear vision for what’s next.

Her focus is on building on the strong foundation already in place. “My vision is to continue the beautiful products and services that Rebecca has thoughtfully provided to the community, while also introducing a range of elevated day spa experiences.”

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Melissa’s background spans luxury day spas across Australia and internationally, most recently in the Hunter Valley. “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work in environments delivering high-quality treatments focused on relaxation, restoration and overall wellbeing,” she said. “At the heart of my work is a simple belief, when your body feels good, everything flows.”

She is joined by a highly experienced team, with Chanel bringing 6–7 years in the beauty industry and a strong focus on facials and waxing, while Rachael offers more than 30 years of experience and deep knowledge in skin health. “Together, we work seamlessly as a team to provide a welcoming, professional and personalised experience for every client,” Melissa said.

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With Mother’s Day approaching, the team is encouraging locals to give the gift of time and care. Gift vouchers, packages and in-salon treatments are available, from facials and massages to brows and beauty essentials designed to help Mum unwind.

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“We look forward to welcoming you in and being part of your wellness journey,” Melissa said.

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If Mother’s Day has crept up and you’re not quite sure where to start, News Extra Ingham has made it easy. This year, the store is packed wall-to-wall with gift ideas, turning a simple shop visit into a one-stop destination for everything Mum could love.

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From the moment you walk in, it’s clear the Mother’s Day range has arrived in full. Shelves are filled with thoughtful pieces, from beautifully designed greeting cards and wrapping paper to candles, diffusers and delicate bracelets. There’s even a charming collection of teapot sets and matching accessories for those who love a quiet cuppa, alongside sweet treats including chocolates and lollies for a little extra indulgence.

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For mums who enjoy time in the kitchen, the range of resin-poured boards offers something both practical and beautiful, perfect for entertaining or everyday use. And for those who appreciate a signature scent, there’s no shortage of options to create a calming, welcoming space at home.

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What makes News Extra Ingham stand out is the variety. Whether you’re putting together a full gift package or searching for that one finishing touch, there’s something here to suit every personality and budget. With new products arriving regularly, there’s always something fresh to discover.

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This Mother’s Day, take the guesswork out of gifting and find it all in one place. Visit News Extra Ingham at 56 Lannercost Street, or follow along on Facebook to see the latest arrivals and inspiration.

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At Mandy’s Beauty in the Bush, Mother’s Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a feeling. A moment to slow down, connect, and honour the people who shape our lives, both those beside us and those we carry with us in memory.

This year’s Love Blooms Here collection is inspired by something simple and meaningful, sharing a cup of tea and a quiet catch-up with loved ones. It’s in those gentle, unhurried moments that connection grows, and as Mandy reflects, “we bloom together.” It’s also in these moments that we remember, creating space to honour those who are no longer with us, but remain part of our story.

The collection captures that sentiment in every piece. From fresh floral arrangements to preserved roses, each creation is designed to express gratitude, warmth and reflection. Beautifully curated gift packs, delicate potpourri and handcrafted floral resin art offer something lasting, a way to hold onto memories while celebrating the present.

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What makes Mandy’s work so special is the intention behind it. Every arrangement is created by hand, with care and emotion at its core. Whether it’s for Mum, a grandmother, an aunt, or someone who has always been there, each piece becomes a quiet tribute to love in all its forms.

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There’s also a little extra reason to visit, with customers who spend $30 or more going into the draw for special Mother’s Day prizes.

This Mother’s Day, Mandy’s Beauty in the Bush offers a gentle way to celebrate, remember, and reconnect, with love that truly blooms here.

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For I Love Boutique, it’s all about celebrating the people who make life a little brighter. Whether it’s a partner, a best friend, a mentor, or someone who simply deserves to feel appreciated, this is where thoughtful gifting comes naturally.

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Step inside and you’ll find a carefully curated range designed to make every person feel a little more special. From iconic wardrobe pieces you won’t find anywhere else to statement jewellery, signature perfumes, and bold patterns and prints. I Love is about helping you find something that feels personal, not generic.

Every item is chosen with individuality in mind, ready for you to walk in and exclaim ‘Oh this will be perfect for them!’  

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For those looking to complete the perfect gift, I Love Boutique also offers stylish shoes, hats, and even cheeky drink mixes for a fun finishing touch. It’s the kind of place where inspiration strikes as soon as you walk through the door.

To make gifting even easier, free gift wrapping is available in store, ensuring every purchase feels personal, polished and ready to impress from the moment it’s handed over.

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I Love is a destination for finding something a little different, or a little quirky, something that says you were thinking of them.

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Find their fit, their style, and their spark at I Love Boutique, where gifting is an experience in itself, and every piece is chosen to help you make someone feel truly special.

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As Mother’s Day approaches, Fiori With Love offers a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe, and celebrate the women who mean the most. Surrounded by seasonal blooms and soft natural light, the space feels like a quiet escape into nature, right in the heart of Ingham, where time slows just enough to enjoy the moment.

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At Fiori With Love, Mother’s Day is about connection in every form. Whether it’s “do it for Mum” with a beautifully arranged bouquet, or “do it with Mum” over a shared experience, the café and florist work together to create something thoughtful and memorable. Fresh and everlasting floral arrangements are available for gifting, each designed to reflect care, beauty and meaning. Alongside this, a curated range of boutique gifts and homewares makes it easy to find something personal for every kind of mum.

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This year, Fiori With Love will also be hosting a special Mother’s Day morning tea in the café, inviting families and friends to gather, slow down and celebrate together. With limited seating available, bookings are essential to secure a table for this popular occasion.

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More than just a destination for flowers and gifts, Fiori With Love is a place to pause. It’s where choosing a bouquet becomes a moment of reflection, and where time spent together feels just as meaningful as the gift itself.

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This Mother’s Day, come to Fiori With Love for flowers, gifts and treats, and take the opportunity to truly celebrate the people who matter most. To book a table or order flowers, call Louise on 07 4776 2362.

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Nominations for the Queensland Landcare Awards will close on Friday, 31 July. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Nominations are now open for the 2026 Queensland Landcare Awards, recognising the everyday Queenslanders making a difference in their local environments.

The biennial awards celebrate individuals, groups and organisations dedicated to restoring bushland, protecting waterways, improving soil health, caring for coastlines and supporting sustainable environmental practices across the state.

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From volunteer groups regenerating creeks to farming families trialling innovative approaches, schools introducing students to landcare, and First Nations organisations caring for Country, the awards highlight the wide range of contributions being made at a grassroots level.

Nominations are free and open to everyone, including self-nominations, with entries closing on Friday, 31 July, 2026.

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Award categories span a diverse range of areas, including innovation, sustainable agriculture and community partnerships, reflecting the many ways Queenslanders are working to protect and enhance the natural environment.

The Queensland Landcare Awards are considered a prestigious state program, shining a spotlight on those driving real, on-the-ground change in their communities — not in distant locations, but right across regional and rural Queensland.

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Winners in selected categories will progress as finalists to the 2027 National Landcare Awards, to be held in Adelaide, South Australia, providing an opportunity for local efforts to gain national recognition.

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Community members are encouraged to nominate individuals or groups making a positive impact, or to put forward their own work.

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For more information or to submit a nomination, visit the Landcare Australia website at www.landcareaustralia.org.au/awards.

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Community Safety Must Always Come First

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Following a serious dog attack on 15 March 2025, where a member of our community sustained significant injuries requiring extensive hospitalisation, Council lawfully acted to seize and destroy the two dogs involved under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act, with community safety as its primary consideration.

On 17 April 2025, Council issued a combined dangerous dog declaration and destruction order. This decision was not taken lightly. It was based on detailed evidence, expert assessments, and Council’s clear legal obligation to act where there is an ongoing risk to public safety.

The dog owner exercised the right to challenge that decision. An internal review was undertaken and completed on 2 May 2025, confirming Council’s original determination

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The dog owner, unhappy with Council’s decision, appealed to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), triggering a process that took 12 months to conclude. Hearings were not held until January and March 2026.

This matter has imposed a cost of over $70,000 on local ratepayers, a burden created not by Council’s actions, but by a legislative framework that permits lengthy and costly legal challenges, even when decisions are made lawfully to protect public safety.

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Rather than being invested in frontline community services or local infrastructure, these public funds were spent because Council was legally compelled to defend a public safety decision through an inefficient and protracted review process following a serious dog attack.

Ratepayers deserve transparency about why this occurred and why the current system allows it to happen.

Throughout this extended period, Council was legally required to securely house the dogs and engage legal representation, expert witnesses, and operational staff to meet statutory obligations.

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Although the owner was self‑represented, Council had no discretion to reduce its involvement or limit escalating costs.

The system requires full participation by local governments regardless of cost, complexity or impact on ratepayers.

This outcome does not reflect a failure of Council decision‑making. It reflects a failure of the legislative and review framework.

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Current dangerous dog and QCAT processes allow serious public safety decisions —supported by evidence and upheld through internal review — to be delayed for extended periods at substantial public expense.

Councils are left to absorb these costs simply for doing what the law already requires them to do: protecting the community.

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While access to review rights is important, those rights must be timely, proportionate, and balanced against the public interest. A system that enables year‑long delays and tens of thousands of dollars in ratepayer costs in clear‑cut public safety matters is not fit for purpose.

Council is calling for urgent State Government review and reform of the dangerous dog legislative and tribunal framework, particularly in cases involving demonstrated risk to community safety.

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Local governments and their residents should not be expected to underwrite prolonged legal challenges where public safety is clearly at stake.

Despite these systemic shortcomings, Council will not compromise on safety.

Community safety is not optional.

This incident also highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership.

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When dogs are not properly controlled, the consequences are serious and long‑lasting. Victims carry the impact, and community confidence in public safety is undermined.

This matter was about accountability and reinforcing that dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated. The appeal process has now been exhausted, and the confirmed orders have been carried out.

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While the outcome is regrettable, it reflects the seriousness of the incident and Council’s obligation to act, even when the system makes doing so costly, time‑consuming and unnecessarily difficult.

Proceedings relating to the dogs have concluded. Criminal proceedings against the owner remain ongoing. Owner responsibility is the central issue and is appropriately before the courts.

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Dangerous animal laws exist to prevent harm, and when responsibility fails, accountability must follow. Council’s actions reflect the real and lasting impact incidents like this have on victims and on the wider community.

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ANZAC Day services across Hinchinbrook and Cardwell drew strong community attendance, with locals gathering to pause, reflect, and honour those who have served. From the Dawn Service in Ingham to ceremonies at Forrest Beach and Halifax, the day was marked with respect and remembrance.

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Hinchinbrook MP Wayde Chiesa said it was an honour to attend services across the region and deliver the main address in Cardwell, noting the strong turnout as a powerful reminder that the ANZAC spirit remains as strong as ever.

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“It was incredibly special to see so many people come together to pause, reflect, and remember.” He said, “ANZAC Day is about honouring the courage, sacrifice and service of the men and women who have served our country, and ensuring their legacy continues for future generations.”

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See more photos from the HInchinbrook ANZAC Day Service here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/anzac-day-hinchinbrook-service

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See more photos from teh Cardwell ANZAC Day Service here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/cardwell-anzac-day-service

Under Jesse, SpinFX has built a long-standing reputation for reliable workmanship, high standards, and delivering quality results from the outset. That reputation underpins every part of the business, including its expanding solar and energy division.

While Jesse cannot be on every site personally, he ensures each member of the SpinFX team is fully supported with the training, tools, and ongoing professional development required to meet the same standard. Regular upskilling and industry training are embedded in the business, keeping the team aligned with current best practice and evolving technology.

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This approach is what defines The SpinFX Standard. It extends beyond installation work alone and reflects a commitment to consistency, attention to detail, and outcomes that clients can depend on long after the job is complete. Jesse has confidence in every team member to deliver work that reflects the same professionalism, care, and accountability that the SpinFX name represents.

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That standard is especially evident in the company’s solar and battery installations. Power your future with SpinFX Energy! A recent project featured a 19.74kW solar PV system using TW 470W panels, a Sungrow 10kW hybrid inverter, and a Sungrow 20kWh battery. Designed to combat rising electricity costs, systems like this provide greater energy independence, long-term savings, and improved household or business resilience.

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For homeowners and businesses considering solar and battery storage, SpinFX Energy delivers tailored solutions backed by proven workmanship and ongoing support.

When you choose SpinFX, you are choosing consistency, capability, and a standard of work that is built to last. It’s North Queensland powered right.

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that smoke testing and visual sewer inspections will be carried out in selected areas of Ingham from Wednesday 29 April to Wednesday 27 May 2026, weather permitting. These works are being undertaken by Council’s appointed contractors as part of the sewer manhole condition assessment program.

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Smoke testing and inspections will occur in the following Ingham streets: Hardy Street, Cartwright Street, Atzeni Lane, Blackburn Street, Burke Street, Bird Street, Renouf Street, Stone Street, Stallan Street, Harvey Street, Flynn Street, Cassady Street, Lyons Street, Clay Street, Forgan Street, Jesson Street, Hunter Street, Morrissey Street, Victoria Mill Road, Covell Street, Mahoney Street, Tilley Street, Giugni Street and Scott Street.

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WHY ARE WE CARRYING OUT THESE WORKS?

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Smoke testing is a safe and non-invasive way for Council to inspect the sewer network and identify issues that are not always visible. It helps locate cracks or breaks in sewer pipes, damaged or deteriorated infrastructure, illegal stormwater or roof drainage connections entering the sewer system, and faulty house drain connections linked to Council assets.

Identifying these issues early helps reduce sewer overflows and system failures, improves the reliability and performance of the sewer network, and protects the environment.

Smoke testing also helps prevent sewer backups that can affect properties during wet weather and reduces the risk of costly emergency repairs by addressing problems before they escalate.

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HOW DOES SMOKE TESTING WORK?

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Smoke testing works by blowing non-toxic smoke into sewer mains through manholes, allowing authorised inspectors to observe where smoke escapes and identify areas where Council infrastructure may need to be inspected and resealed.

The smoke is non-toxic, odourless and harmless. It is made from a high-grade food oil, may be visible around sewer vents, yards or roof drainage points, and clears quickly. There will be no disruption to water or sewer services.

If smoke enters your home, it may indicate a perished toilet seal or a dry or empty gully trap. These are private plumbing issues and do not pose a health risk.

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PROPERTY ACCESS

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Authorised Council officers may enter properties for restricted inspection purposes only. Entry is limited to the property and does not include entry into buildings. Inspectors will doorknock the day before access is required, or leave a notification leaflet if no one is home, advising of inspection the following working day.  

Please ensure pets, including dogs, are secured to allow safe access for inspectors.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Council thanks residents for their cooperation while these important inspections are undertaken. Call Council on (07) 4776 4600 or email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au for more information.

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When it comes to crop establishment, getting the first stage right is critical, and that is where LiquaForce PlantStarter is setting a new benchmark for growers. Designed to deliver nutrients directly to the root zone, PlantStarter is helping farmers achieve stronger germination, faster strike rates, and more consistent crop performance from day one.

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PlantStarter can deliver faster strike rates, greater shoot lengths, and a reduction in nitrogen leaching compared to traditional granular fertiliser. These results reflect a major step forward in both efficiency and environmental performance.  

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Unlike granular products that rely on soil breakdown and moisture movement, PlantStarter delivers nutrients straight to the cane set or seedling roots. This direct delivery system reduces nutrient tie-up in the soil and ensures immediate plant availability, even in challenging conditions.

For growers, this means fewer risks at planting time. Cold, wet soils or waterlogged paddocks do not prevent uptake, with PlantStarter remaining effective in conditions that typically slow establishment.  

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If a tractor can travel across the paddock, PlantStarter can be applied.

Liquid application also brings practical advantages, loading faster, applying faster, and going further using existing machinery. This reduces man hours while improving coverage and consistency across planting operations.

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PlantStarter combines enhanced efficiency fertiliser technology with organic and synthetic growth promotants to deliver a balanced nutrient mix. The result is rapid root development and stronger early shoot growth, giving crops the strongest possible start.

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PlantStarter continues to demonstrate that strong establishment is the foundation of strong yield outcomes, season after season.

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that several Council facilities will be closed for the Labour Day public holiday on Monday 4 May 2026.

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The following facilities will be closed:

• Lannercost Street Office

• Martin Street Works Depot

• Water and Sewerage Depot

• Hinchinbrook Shire Library

• TYTO Regional Art Gallery

• Halifax Library Sub-Branch

• Halifax Resource Recovery Centre

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Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly during this period until normal operating hours resume.

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Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre and kerbside waste collection will continue as normal and visit https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/water-waste-and-roads/waste-and-recycling/domestic-waste-collection/ for more information.

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For urgent inquiries over this period call Council’s customer service centre on (07) 4776 4600.

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that line marking works for the annual reseal program will be carried out at various locations across the Shire between Thursday 30 April 2026 and Friday 1 May 2026 (weather permitting) at the following locations:

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• Jourama Road, Jourama

• Abergowrie Road, Abergowrie

• Miles Road, Ingham

• Orient Road, Halifax

• Pappins Road, Ingham

• Cooper Street, Ingham

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Traffic control measures will be in place, and motorists may experience minor delays while works are underway. Motorists are asked to allow extra time when travelling through work areas.

Council thanks the community for their patience and cooperation during these works.

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The reseal-line marking project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Roads to Recovery Program and the Queensland Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

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For more information, email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4776 4600.

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