Cassowary Coast households have a new incentive to tackle those long-overdue property clean-ups, with free waste disposal vouchers arriving alongside August rate notices.

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The new program will provide households with two free vouchers each year, designed to make it easier to clear out unwanted household waste. Each voucher can be used once for an eligible load of dry household waste at any Cassowary Coast Regional Council waste transfer station.

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Vouchers are linked to the property they were issued to, are valid until the expiry date shown, and they cannot be used for items including tyres, fridges, freezers, air conditioners, solar panels and asbestos, which attract separate disposal fees.

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Johnstone River Towing has received $20,000 through Round 2 of the Secure Communities Partnership Program – Small Business stream to fund access control and entry management upgrades. Photo source: Johnstone River Towing

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Johnstone River Towing has been awarded $20,000 under Round 2 of the Secure Communities Partnership Program – Small Business stream to deliver access control and entry management upgrades aimed at improving site security and helping prevent crime.

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Johnstone River Towing stands one of more than 170 small and family businesses across the state to share almost $2 million in funding during the latest round of the program, which supports practical security improvements such as CCTV, alarm systems, secure fencing, lighting, bollards and access control measures.

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Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the program highlighted the State Government's commitment to helping businesses operate in a safer environment.

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"This program is a testament to the Government's commitment to ensuring small and family businesses across the State have the tools they need to operate in a safer environment," Mr Minnikin said.

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"From local retailers to tradespeople and hospitality operators, small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and we are proud to stand with them."

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Mr Minnikin said the funding would enable more businesses to implement practical crime prevention measures that protect premises, staff and customers while giving business owners greater peace of mind.

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The Secure Communities Partnership Program has now completed two funding rounds, with grants helping businesses across Queensland improve security, create safer workplaces and contribute to stronger, more secure communities.

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Vivienne Edwards and her uncle Victor “Shorty” Cassady share their love of music through Cassady Connections. Photo supplied

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For North Queensland musicians Vivienne Edwards and her uncle Victor “Shorty” Cassady, music is more than a performance — it is a family tradition spanning generations.

Together, the pair form Cassady Connections, a musical duo built around the motto “One Blood. One Family. One Musical Connection.”

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With more than 115 years of combined musical experience, the duo’s roots stretch back to gospel music in Halifax Gardens, Innisfail and Ingham, alongside a shared love of country music.

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Vivienne, 58, has enjoyed a distinguished career as a singer-songwriter and recording artist, recording four albums, earning recognition for her songwriting, receiving a Deadly Award nomination and progressing through the blind auditions of The Voice.

Yet, she said performing alongside her 83-year-old uncle was her most meaningful musical achievement.

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“I am privileged, honoured and blessed to be able to share a stage with Uncle. He is the Guitar Guru,” Vivienne said.

Victor, known affectionately as “Shorty”, hails from Halifax’s Gardens and has spent a lifetime playing guitar and singing.

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A passionate fan of classic music, he is particularly renowned for his instrumental performances of songs by The Shadows.

Vivienne said her uncle’s talent and warmth were a major reason she wanted to share the stage with him.

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“Uncle Shorty is a legend,” she said.

“His talent and gifts are far too bright to remain hidden from the world.”

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Together, the pair aim to make audiences part of the performance, encouraging participation and creating an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the music.

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Whether performing gospel favourites, country classics, original songs or beloved guitar instrumentals, Cassady Connections celebrates family, heritage and community.

“Most importantly, I want to share my stage with my Uncle because he is my hero,” Vivienne said.

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For the duo, the greatest reward is simple: sharing music, meeting people and celebrating a connection that has been generations in the making.

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Contributed with thanks to Vivienne Edwards.

Coast Guard QF14 Volunteers recently spotted a large crocodile in the Hinchinbrook Channel along with another sizeable salty on Saturday 8th August. Photo for illustration. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast residents preparing to hit the water over the coming months are being urged to exercise heightened caution, with September to April marking the peak period for crocodile activity and the beginning of the crocodile breeding season.

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The timely warning comes after Coast Guard Ingham QF14 recently spotted two large male crocodiles sunning themselves on the mudflats at Benjamin Flats along the Hinchinbrook Channel during a training exercise earlier this month.

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“September is only two weeks away, and it heralds the start of the crocodile breeding season, when the big males are out and about seeking partners, and they get a bit narky when you come into their patch,” a Coast Guard Ingham QF14 spokesperson said.

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Coast Guard Ingham QF14 has reminded boat users to remain particularly vigilant when launching and retrieving vessels, and when people find themselves close to the water’s edge in general. Residents are urged to avoid entering the water wherever possible and, if they must get their legs wet while using a boat ramp, to remain between the ramp wall and their vessel. It’s also advised to never to dangle their hands over the side of a boat to wash off bait or fish scraps, instead using a bucket to dispose of waste safely.

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“This very large salty was seen to be eying our crew from the mudflat nearby. This was the second large Crocodile they encountered that day. A timely reminder to keep an eye out for them while on the water.” Steve Whipps, Commander of the QF14 Coast Guard reported that the crocodile kept watch of the QF14’s members as they performed "man overboard", "fire", and "grounding" manoeuvres.

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Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast residents are asked to report any wild crocodile sightings as soon as safely possible using the official QWildlife application, the Queensland Government’s online form via www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/crocodiles/crocodile-sightings/report-a-crocodile, or by calling 1300 130 372 to speak directly with authorities.  

Council unveils new bitumen patching truck added to its fleet. Photo supplied

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council has invested in road maintenance through the introduction of a new bitumen patching truck to its fleet.

Expected to reduce repair times by approximately 30 per cent and improve operational productivity by around 25 per cent, the new truck will strengthen Council's ability to undertake pothole repairs, pavement patching, edge repairs and routine road maintenance across the Hinchinbrook road network.

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Acting Mayor Mary Brown said the investment will help Council deliver safer road conditions and respond more effectively to road maintenance needs throughout the Shire.

"Residents want roads that are safe and well maintained, and they expect us to respond quickly when repairs are needed," Cr Brown said.

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"This new Bitumen Patching Truck will help our crews work more efficiently, complete more repairs each day and provide better value for our community."

The truck replaces an ageing jet patcher and provides a more reliable, purpose-built solution for road maintenance operations.  

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The new vehicle is expected to support up to 800 road maintenance activities each year and repair around 4,000 potholes annually, depending on weather events and maintenance priorities. Council also anticipates whole-of-life operating cost savings of approximately 10 to 15 per cent through improved reliability, reduced downtime and lower maintenance requirements.  

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In addition to productivity gains, the truck incorporates modern safety features including automatic transmission, a reversing camera and a purpose-built bitumen patching body designed to improve operational safety and efficiency.

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The integrated equipment reduces manual handling and enables road maintenance work to be completed more safely and effectively in the field.

Infrastructure Services portfolio Councillor Andrew Carr said the investment demonstrates Council's commitment to maintaining essential infrastructure and ensuring residents across both urban and rural areas benefit from reliable road networks.

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"Whether you're travelling to work, taking the kids to school or transporting goods across the region, well-maintained roads are vital," Cr Carr said.

"This investment gives our crews the tools they need to keep delivering the services our community relies on every day."

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Residents that notice a pothole or road that requires maintenance are encouraged to contact Council on (07) 4776 4600 to lodge a request.

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Past students, families and friends of Trebonne State School are invited to come along and reconnect over an afternoon of memories and community. Photo source: Trebonne State School

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Past students, families and friends of Trebonne State School (TSS) are being warmly invited to reconnect and reminisce at a Past Students Catch-Up Afternoon Tea on Saturday 29th August.

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TSS former student, Rhonda Skinner took it upon herself to organise the event after years of saying she would catch up with former classmates and acquaintances.

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“When I ran into past acquaintances, I always say ‘we must catch up’ but we never seem to find the right opportunity. As time seems to pass so quickly, I decided now was the right time,” Rhonda said.

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“Trebonne State School in those days wasn’t just about the students, but rather it was the hub of community engagement and parental support was willingly embraced by the teaching body,” she said.

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“In those days the school relied on the community to provide support and funding to achieve the best for our children. Our involvement there with tuck shop, fund raising and every day activities brought us together and generated a positive and welcoming environment,” she said.

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The afternoon tea will commence at 2pm, with attendees asked to bring along a chair and a plate to share. While organisers are still unsure how many people will attend, Ms Skinner said word was continuing to spread throughout the community.

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“I expect we will see a good roll up on the day as I’m sure many past pupils will have positive memories of those days!”

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What: Trebonne State School Past Students Catch-Up Afternoon Tea

When: 2pm, Saturday, 29th August

Where: 71 Stone River Road, Trebonne  

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For people without the right identification documents, finding a job can be difficult before they even reach the interview stage.

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A new ID & Essentials Expo Roadshow will visit the Hinchinbrook region in August, bringing government agencies, employment services, training providers and community organisations together to help residents overcome some of these practical barriers.

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Workforce Australia Local Jobs Support Officer Steph McLean said bringing multiple services together would make it easier for people to address several practical needs in one visit.

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“Without basic identification, people are locked out of work, training and even essential everyday services,” Ms McLean said.

The roadshow, led by Workforce Australia Local Jobs Townsville, will travel across the Townsville Employment Region from 25th to 28th August 2026, including a stop in Hinchinbrook on Wednesday, 26th August 2026.

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The initiative is designed to support job seekers and community members who may be experiencing disadvantage, living in regional areas or facing difficulties accessing essential services. Visitors will be able to receive practical assistance with obtaining birth certificates and other identity documents, Medicare and Centrelink linkage, Tax File Number applications and photo identification.

The expo will bring together employers, training organisations, housing and financial support services and community providers, giving visitors direct access to a broad range of assistance and opportunities.

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“This Expo brings services together in a coordinated way so people can resolve multiple barriers in a single visit and take immediate steps toward employment and independence.”

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The initiative aligns with the Townsville Local Jobs Plan by supporting workforce participation and creating stronger pathways into employment and training across the region.

Further details, including the Hinchinbrook venue and participating organisations, are expected to be released closer to the event.

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WHAT: ID & Essentials Expo Roadshow
WHEN: Wednesday, 26th August 2026
WHERE: Hinchinbrook

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Halifax State School provides students with opportunities to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Halifax State School

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Halifax State School welcomes enrolment enquiries from families looking for a supportive, inclusive and engaging learning environment where children can learn, grow and thrive.

The school’s dedicated staff provide high-quality educational experiences designed to inspire students to achieve their personal best while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for lifelong success.

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Students at Halifax State School benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum, with learning opportunities across Languages Other Than English, The Arts, Science and Technology. Students can also take part in a range of sporting activities, including tennis, while developing teamwork, fitness and healthy lifestyle habits.

Strong literacy and numeracy programs provide students with a solid foundation for their education, while opportunities for personal growth and leadership development help build confidence and independence.

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The school also places great importance on building strong partnerships with families. Staff work closely with parents and carers to support each child’s individual learning journey and create a positive, nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

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For families considering Prep for their child, Halifax State School is also preparing for upcoming Prep Open Days. These provide an opportunity for prospective families to visit the school, meet staff and discover what makes Halifax State School a wonderful place to begin a child's educational journey.

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Families interested in learning more about enrolment, the school’s programs or upcoming Prep Open Days are encouraged to contact Halifax State School or arrange a school visit.

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Halifax State School is proud to support its students in learning, growing and succeeding together.

GSMC 100 Days until graduation year 12 group photo. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Gilroy Santa Maria College.

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The last stretch, the home run, the final leg as graduation is on the horizon for the Class of 2026 at Gilroy Santa Maria College.

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Swapping their uniform for suspenders and stringy pearls, last week the GSMC Year 12s dressed up as 100-year-olds to mark 100 days until graduation.

Looking back to their first year at GSMC, this milestone may have felt out of reach with the challenges of online learning and empty classrooms in 2020 rounding out their primary school years. The graduating group have embraced this final chapter with open arms, making memories inside and outside the gates of GSMC.

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Recently the Senior Sunrise tradition continued, seeing students set an extra early alarm to catch the glow of sunrise at Forrest Beach. Many memorable events are still to come with dress ups for Book Week, 80 Days until Graduation, GSMC Fun Run, Maraka Festival and more on the calendar.

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While the celebrations have been warmly welcomed, the to-do list isn’t entirely ticked off yet.

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GSMC Year 12 students choosing a university pathway are currently completing their QTAC applications by listing their top 6 preferences for courses and universities, compiling supporting documents and researching scholarship opportunities.

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Students embracing a trade pathway are now finalising their certificate-based studies at the College, with final hands-on assessments preparing them for real life experiences to come in 2027.

The Years 3-6 students proudly standing in front of their poetry pinned to the classroom walls. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks to St Peter’s Catholic School

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Students in Years 3-6 recently immersed themselves in the exciting world of poetry, exploring a wide range of poetic forms, techniques and styles as part of their Poetry Unit. Throughout the term, students investigated the key elements of poetry, including structure, rhythm, rhyme, sound devices and figurative language, while developing an understanding of how these features influence and engage an audience. 

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Students learnt about a variety of poetic forms, including acrostic poems, couplets, shape poems, quatrains, cinquains, limericks, haikus and ballads. They also explored figurative language techniques such as similes, metaphors and personification, alongside sound devices including alliteration and onomatopoeia, just to name a few. 

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Inspired by the many styles of poetry they encountered, students created, refined and published their own original poems. The unit culminated in a vibrant Poetry Showcase, where students proudly presented a poem of their choice to members of their families and the school community and shared their published work. 

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The Showcase was a wonderful celebration of creativity, confidence and self-expression, providing students with a memorable and enriching experience in the world of poetry.

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Prep class at Our Lady of Lourdes, sitting proudly on their 3D handmade town map Photos supplied

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This term, our Prep students have been busy learning about the special community helpers who make our community a safe, healthy and happy place to live. As part of their learning in English, Health and HASS, students have been exploring the important roles of people who help us every day.

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Our Preps have been discovering how Police Officers, Firefighters, Doctors and Paramedics support our community and keep us safe. They have been learning about what these amazing helpers do, the places they work and why their jobs are so important.  

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As part of their HASS learning, students have also been working hard to identify special places in our community. They are creating their own 3D town maps, identifying where important community services are located throughout the Ingham district. They are developing their understanding of our local community and how different places and services work together to support the people who live here.

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This learning provides our Prep students with valuable opportunities to recognise and appreciate the extra-special people in our community and understand the important work they do to help us live safe and healthy lives.

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We are so proud of the curiosity, enthusiasm and creativity our Preps are showing as they discover more about the wonderful community we get to live in!

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The bin tagging program will include a follow-up assessment approximately six months later. Photo sourced: Hinchinbrook Shire Council

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Residents across the Lower Herbert area may notice new activity on their recycling collection days, with Hinchinbrook Shire Council conducting a Bin Tagging Education Program from 10th August to 7th September 2026.

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As part of the program, Council officers will visually inspect yellow-lidded recycling bins placed out for collection. Households will then receive a feedback tag indicating how well recyclable materials have been sorted and whether contamination has been identified.

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The program is intended to help residents improve their recycling practices, increase the amount of material recovered and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Hinchinbrook Shire currently disposes of approximately 4,000 tonnes of kerbside waste each year. Council estimates that diverting just 10 per cent of recyclable material from red-lidded general waste bins into recycling bins could reduce landfill waste by up to 400 tonnes each year.

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The tagging program is focused on education rather than enforcement, giving households practical feedback to help them make better recycling decisions.

Inspections will take place on the collection days of Monday 24th August 2026, and Monday 7th September 2026.

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The six-week program will include a follow-up assessment approximately six months later. Another six-week tagging round is planned for later in 2026, with follow-up activities continuing into early 2027.

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Residents are encouraged to check what can and cannot be placed in their yellow-lidded recycling bin before collection day.

Further information is available through Hinchinbrook Shire Council's Waste and Recycling information, or by contacting the Customer Service Centre on (07) 4776 4600.

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Following the announcement earlier this year of additional funding for Hinchinbrook Shire to deliver wellbeing and recovery initiatives across the community, Community Recovery and Resilience Officer Jane Carne continues to build on the important foundational work that was delivered during 2025, following the significant flooding event in February.

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Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the Community Health and Wellbeing Package is aimed at helping locals reconnect, access support and strengthen resilience for the future.

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As Chair of Council’s Master Recovery process, which informed the development of Hinchinbrook’s 2025 Local Disaster Recovery Plan, I acknowledge the importance of having access to this funding. Having resources that provide ongoing support to our community as it continues to navigate the lengthy recovery process and rebuild lives and livelihoods will have a positive impact.

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I believe recovery doesn’t end when the waters recede or the clean-up is finished. Successful recovery is about listening to our community, understanding what support people need at different stages, and creating opportunities for connection, healing and resilience. This funding program will enable that support to be embedded in the Hinchinbrook community right through until early 2028.

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The Community Recovery and Resilience Officer has been working closely with residents, community groups and service providers to support individuals and strengthen community networks. Several events have already been delivered, with further planning currently underway to roll out more initiatives in the future.

For the business and not-for-profit community, the “Resilient Ready” program was launched in late July and is designed to support owners, managers and not-for-profit executives to build capacity and connection.  

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Networking events planned in conjunction with the program delivery will provide opportunities for participants to come together to share ideas, discuss opportunities or concerns, and connect in a supportive and relaxed environment.

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For any community members seeking information, assistance or guidance in relation to their ongoing recovery journey, Community Recovery and Resilience Officer Jane Carne can be contacted by calling the Council office on (07) 4776 4600.

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Hello Hinchinbrook,  

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The DRFA (Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements) is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments. Through these programs, funding is provided to alleviate the costs of relief and recovery activities undertaken in disaster-affected communities.

DRFA programs generally have a duration of two (2) years, allowing organisations to properly assess any damage that may have occurred, make submissions, coordinate and manage restoration and repair works, and finalise claims through the project acquittal process.

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Only disaster events that are activated in accordance with the guidelines are eligible for funding.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) is the governing body for the DRFA program.

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Council is responsible for its infrastructure assets; however, it may seek reimbursement of expenditure for the restoration of damaged infrastructure assets through the DRFA programs, subject to eligibility assessments undertaken by QRA under the guidelines set out by the Federal Government.

Residents may have already noticed some repair work being carried out, such as the clearing of debris, pothole patching, cleaning of table drains and minor grading along some roads. These activities were undertaken as emergency works, as a priority of this program is to restore the road network to a safe and usable standard.

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Subsequent restoration works for essential public assets require submissions to be made to the QRA for approval of DRFA funding. Once a submission has been assessed and approved, the procurement process for the restoration works can begin.

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As such, tenders were released and awarded. One of these is the Reconstruction Works under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Program – Sealed Road Packages.

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The works involve the repair and reconstruction of multiple sealed road assets across the Hinchinbrook Shire Council area that were damaged as a result of Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the North and Far North Tropical Low weather events occurring between 29th January and 28th February 2025.

The works are geographically dispersed and include a range of treatment types, including pavement reconstruction, bitumen spray sealing, patch repairs, pothole repairs and associated ancillary works necessary to restore the assets to an appropriate service level.

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Once again, it is great to be able to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and read through what has been happening and what will happen throughout our Shire. Thank you once again for the opportunity.

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The crushing season is now well underway across the Herbert and surrounding districts. Photo credit: Wayde Chiesa MP’s Offices

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By Wayde Chiesa MP, Member For Hinchinbrook

The crushing season is now well underway across the Herbert and surrounding districts, and I know it has not been without its challenges.  

Our sugar industry is a huge part of the Hinchinbrook electorate – supporting local families, businesses and communities and driving our regional economy. I know the challenges our farmers face, but I hope the crush is progressing well and that growers, harvesting crews, mill workers and everyone involved across the industry can have a safe and productive remainder of the season.  

Next week I also return to Parliament, and community safety will remain firmly on my agenda.  

During the by-election, I made a commitment to fight for stronger bail laws and I have continued to hear loud and clear from people across Hinchinbrook that more needs to be done.  

Adult Crime, Adult Time was an important first step and we are starting to see it make a difference. But too many offenders are still being granted bail, breaching their conditions and going on to commit further offences.  

Bail is a privilege. If someone is given bail and commits another offence while out in the community, there must be consequences.  

That is why I have continued to advocate for stronger Breach Bail, Go to Jail laws. As these reforms progress, I will continue making sure the voice of the Hinchinbrook community is heard in Brisbane.  

Tuesday 18th of August also marks Vietnam Veterans’ Day, an important opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice of the Australians who served during the Vietnam War, and to acknowledge their families and those veterans who are still very much part of our communities today.  

It is particularly fitting that applications are currently open for the Queensland Government’s Honouring our Veterans Grants Program.  

Funding is available to eligible organisations for projects including upgrades to facilities and memorials and initiatives that preserve and share our military history.  

We are fortunate to have strong RSLs, veterans’ groups and community organisations throughout the Hinchinbrook electorate that work hard to preserve this history and support our veterans. Applications close on Friday 4th September, and I encourage local organisations with a suitable project to have a look at the program.  

Whether it is backing our agricultural industries, making our communities safer, supporting our veterans or fighting for better roads and services, my job is to make sure the issues that matter to our communities are heard.  

There is plenty of work ahead, and as Parliament returns, I will continue making sure Hinchinbrook has a strong voice and a seat at the table in Brisbane.

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