Trusting all are well as we enter September, and edging closer to Christmas. I just wanted to take the time to update you all on what’s coming up at Chamber HQ!

September 30 is the final day of our 2024/2025 Membership Year, and we are super excited to announce that we’ve had an astonishing 32 new businesses join our Chamber Membership this year! That is a phenomenal number, and we sincerely thank each and every one of you for continuing to put your trust in us. Please keep an eye out in your inbox over the next few weeks for 2025/2026 Membership Invoice. I had sent out application forms earlier in the year to try and ensure that all of our records are as up to date as possible, and I only received a few back – over the next few weeks and as Membership payments come through, I’ll send out the application forms again.

Chamber’s time running the Hinchinbrook Information and Referral Centre is coming to an end on 30 September. With this, a new Community Recovery Officer will be selected from Hinchinbrook Shire Council, and they will take over the day-to-day operations of the role. This also means that our Monthly General Chamber Meetings will no longer be at the old Suncorp Building from next month. President Mary Brown is in the process of securing a new venue.

Chamber’s Coffee Connections has gone stale unfortunately, with no businesses taking up the offer to host one. We’ve got a few months left of the year, so if you’d like to host one, please get in touch.

And our much-anticipated, highly attractive Markets at the Mosaic only has 2 more regular Saturday events for 2025, which will move into corresponding with Christmas Festivities and Hinchinbrook Shire Council-run events for November and December. Our next Markets at the Mosaic event will take place on 20 September.

We are extremely excited to once again announce that our visitor numbers have continued to rise with each Market event. Our last market saw us welcome approximately 60% of guests from out of town. We were also fortunate enough to have 2 busloads of cruise ship guests visit us. We sincerely thank Tahlia and Kurt from Hidden Valley Cabins for making this happen.

As we wind down to the Christmas period, now should be the time when your business starts preparing and thinking of ways that you can use the festive season to promote yourselves and attract new customers. Whether it be some Christmas Sales/Specials, boosting your business marketing campaigns via social media, or within our local Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper, or both! Remember, Chamber is always here to help and guide you, so please reach out if you have any ideas or if you’d like to brainstorm on 0407 569 550.

Contributed with thanks by Christina Spencer, Administration and Social Media Management of the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.

I would like to remind residents that it is FREE to take your green waste to Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre and Halifax Resource Recovery Centre.

Not all Councils offer free green waste disposal to their residents.

Our Council decided to offer this service free to residents to discourage illegal dumping in our Shire and on Council land.

It does cost money to process the green waste, but Council decided the benefit to the community of stopping illegal dumping would be worth the cost.

Dumping garden plants, palm fronds, and other waste can do a lot of damage to the environment.

Plants not native to our landscape can spread and become a pest both to the environment and our farms. Lantana and mother-in-law's tongue started in exactly this way.

Palm fronds and coconuts provide habitat for snakes and rats to breed.

Coconuts and other palms will also grow in these dumping areas, as well as being a fire hazard.

When the free dumping of green waste was implemented, we saw a considerable decline in the number of illegal dumping sites being reported in the Shire.

Sadly, now it seems that some people are illegally dumping green waste again.

Please take your grass clippings, tree branches and other green waste to the tip.

You also need to make sure your load is not contaminated with other waste as the green waste needs to be clean so it can be used for mulch.

I would like to remind farmers also that the last day to register your property for flood debris removal is this Tuesday, 9th of September 2025.

Bitumen sealing will be starting on parts of the Mt Fox Road from Thursday, 11th of September. There could be delays of up to half an hour.

Please follow the Council’s Facebook page for more information, or call the customer service centre on 4776 4600 for more information.

There was a real buzz in the air at the recent Lions Club Ingham Sportstar of the Year Awards — and not just because of the trophies on offer.

After a tough year marked by one of the worst floods in half a century, the Hinchinbrook community came together in the best way we know how: by celebrating the resilience, spirit, and dedication of our local athletes.

Sport has always played a big part in our region — whether it’s on the footy field, in the pool, or along the beach.

It builds character, teaches grit, and more than anything, it brings us together. This year’s awards were a powerful reminder of that.

From juniors to masters, para-athletes to team efforts, the night recognised outstanding performances across every level of competition.

I was lucky enough to be in the room, surrounded by proud parents, dedicated coaches, and athletes of all ages.

The energy was hopeful, humble, and full of pride — the kind that only a community like ours truly understands.

A big congratulations to our winners:
Julian Cohen, Junior Sportstar of the Year
Liam Fascetti, Senior Sportstar of the Year
Kelli Carbone, Masters Sportstar of the Year
Carla Pizzi, Para-Athlete Sportstar of the Year
Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s Under-19 Beach Relay Team, Team of the Year
Gilroy Santa Maria College’s Velocity Raptors, Sports Innovation Team of the Year
Lenny Chiesa, Recognition of Service Award

But it’s not just about the winners. To every runner-up, encouragement award recipient and nominee — your passion and hard work don’t go unnoticed. Keep showing up, keep pushing yourself. Your community is behind you every step of the way.

A huge thank you to the families and volunteers whose support often happens away from the spotlight. Your dedication is the backbone of every athlete’s journey.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the Ingham Lions Club. You’ve made this night a true celebration of sport and community spirit, and a reminder of what makes Hinchinbrook so special.

Finally, congratulations to everyone involved in the Ingham Sugar Rodeo and the Dean Schifilliti Shield held here over the weekend. Both events were a fantastic success and another example of how sport continues to unite us all.

Here’s to another great year ahead — on and off the field.

Wetlands? More like wow-lands. TYTO Wetlands isn’t just a soggy patch — it’s nature’s runway, where over 240 bird species strut their stuff like feathered fashionistas.

Named after the elusive Eastern Grass Owl, Tyto longimembris, this lush haven is a symphony of croaks, chirps, and rustling reeds.

Whether you’re a seasoned twitcher or just here for the ‘gram, TYTO’s got the goods: scenic boardwalks, secret bird hides, and sunsets that slap.

It’s not just about the birds! With frogs, butterflies, and even the occasional wallaby join the party. The wetlands are also a cultural hub, with art, events, and stories woven into the landscape.

So, grab your binoculars, lace up your walking shoes, and prepare to be serenaded by nature’s greatest hits. TYTO is where the wild things sing, dance, and occasionally photobomb your selfies.

Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club has been honoured at the Surf Life Saving Queensland Awards of Excellence, receiving the prestigious State Innovation Award for its Flood Emergency Response.

The award carries a special meaning for both the club and the wider Forrest Beach community. It reflects a period when local residents faced devastating loss and hardship, yet responded with remarkable strength, compassion, and resilience. During those difficult days, the club stood shoulder to shoulder with the community, providing assistance wherever it was needed. The accolade is seen not only as recognition of the club’s efforts but also as a tribute to the spirit of Forrest Beach itself.

Leaders of the club emphasised that lifesaving extends well beyond the red and yellow flags on the beach. It is about being present in times of crisis, offering help and support to anyone in need, no matter the circumstances. The award is a reminder of the club’s vital role both on and off the sand.

Adding to the celebrations, Forrest Beach SLSC was also presented with a Commendation for Club of the Year. To be recognised alongside the state’s top surf life saving clubs highlights the dedication of the club’s members, volunteers, and supporters, whose passion drives its success.

Congratulations were also extended to all Forrest Beach nominees across multiple categories, marking an evening that truly celebrated the achievements and spirit of the lifesaving community.

Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has launched a major cost-of-living support initiative on Palm Island, the Palm Island Essentials Support Scheme, to help local residents balance their household budgets.

Funded under CEQ’s Good Pasin’ (Give-back) program, the scheme will deliver up to $500,000 worth of subsidies on a wide range of everyday products on Palm Island, helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for families and individuals.

The initiative will see prices on key grocery items match or better major supermarket online prices, ensuring Palm Island customers can access affordable essentials close to home.

Price reductions under the scheme will apply to staple grocery items such as eggs, fresh milk, beef mince, flour, rice, women’s hygiene products, baby food, chicken, bread and pasta.

CEQ Chairperson Joann Schmider said the relief measure reflects CEQ’s values and its commitment to community wellbeing.

“We are especially mindful of Palm Island's uniqueness and the financial pressure on families to access the everyday items they need at affordable prices."

Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Alf Lacey warmly welcomed the support.

“Palm Island Council is extremely grateful to the CEQ Board of Management for their unwavering support and commitment towards our community,” Mayor Lacey said.

“We highly value our partnership with CEQ, and this initiative shows what can be achieved when we work together to deliver a community-led solution to the cost-of-living crisis."

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson welcomed CEQ’s initiative to ease the cost-of-living crunch for Palm Island.

“Their Good Pasin’ program already supported more than 400 applications in the last financial year for local sporting clubs, community events, and cultural festivals." Minister Simpson said.

Ms Schmider said the Board is proud to have made this significant decision for the community of Palm Island.

“We’ve listened to the needs of the Palm Island community, and we’re acting to help ease household pressures,” she said.

CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula and in Doomadgee and on Palm Island through its 31 stores.

CEQ manages the Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) stores, as well as other stores, including Col Jones and Community Home and Hardware, and Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Waibene.

For more information on CEQ, visit www.ceqld.org.au

Big smiles, fresh flowers, and good vibes are always in season at Petals & Beanz, Tully’s much-loved florist and coffee shop. Located at 41 Butler Street, this vibrant little hub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, colourful displays, and a unique blend of blooms, brews, and boutique treasures.

While the team hints at exciting changes happening behind the scenes, loyal customers can rest assured the doors remain open every day, serving coffee with a smile and filling the space with laughter. Something new and wonderful is on the way, promising to make Petals & Beanz even bigger, brighter, and more delicious than ever.

In the meantime, visitors can enjoy seasonal treats like the return of “Miss Pineapple” — a fresh pineapple juice that is as refreshing as it is delicious. Pineapple also features in their toasted ham and cheese with fresh pineapple, while the tropical-inspired colada is another customer favourite. Add in a superb cup of coffee, and it’s easy to see why this café has become a go-to spot for locals and travellers alike.

Beyond the food and flowers, Petals & Beanz also stocks an array of charming homewares, beautifully arranged throughout the store. Whether you’re popping in for a bouquet, browsing gifts, or simply enjoying the floral atmosphere, this is not your traditional coffee shop.

Something exciting is blooming behind the scenes at Petals & Beanz, and until the big reveal, customers can continue to enjoy the simple pleasures that make it so special.

Ob La Di in Cardwell has once again lifted the bar for boutique shopping, unveiling a stunning new collection of coastal-themed homewares that capture the beauty of seaside living. With fresh arrivals including elegant prints, stylish cushions, placemats, and coasters, the store is brimming with inspiration for anyone looking to bring a touch of coastal charm into their home.

Known as much more than just a boutique, Ob La Di offers a treasure trove of fashion, gifts, homewares, furniture, and furnishings. Visitors often describe the experience as a “glorious shopping adventure”, with the store’s wide variety covering everything from relaxed beachwear to polished work attire and even outfits for weddings or special occasions. The cosy boutique space allows for a browsing experience that's like a treasure hunt, with delights around every shelf corner. With helpful and attentive service to make the atmosphere all the more enjoyable.

For those looking to update their wardrobe, more colour has also arrived in soft cotton styles, perfectly suited to North Queensland’s laid-back lifestyle. Whether it’s a stylish outfit or a statement piece for your living room, Ob La Di is the kind of boutique that keeps shoppers coming back.

Next time you’re in Cardwell, do yourself a favour and step inside this fabulous emporium. From fashion to a fresh splash of coastal style, Ob La Di is a destination you won’t want to miss.

Ergon Energy Network is urging gardeners to carefully consider what they plant near powerlines and other electrical assets, with fast-growing species like bamboo causing thousands of power outages and posing serious safety risks.

Ergon Energy Network Area Manager Rick Madden said planting the wrong trees or plants too close to powerlines can lead to dangerous situations, including fallen powerlines, emergency power outages and electric shocks.

“Bamboo is one of the worst offenders because it grows incredibly quickly and can easily reach and touch powerlines.

“What many people don’t realise is that bamboo can actually conduct electricity. We’ve had reports of people receiving electric shocks after bamboo they were touching came into contact with live powerlines.

“In the past year alone, we’ve recorded almost 6,000 customer outages because of bamboo touching powerlines. It’s not just an inconvenience - it’s a real safety hazard,” Mr Madden said.

Ergon is asking residents, gardeners, and anyone planting in public spaces to think twice before planting bamboo or other fast-growing trees near electrical assets.

“We want people to enjoy their gardens, but it’s important to choose the right plants for the right places, especially near powerlines,” Mr Madden said.

“There are plenty of safe options that won’t put your family or your neighbours at risk.”

Ergon Energy Network is encouraging everyone to stay safe this spring by making careful choices when it comes to planting and garden maintenance. Residents are reminded to avoid planting bamboo and other fast-growing species near powerlines, as these can quickly become a safety risk. It is also important to regularly check existing plants for growth near electrical assets and trim where necessary.

To help with safe planting, Ergon Energy Network recommends using the Plant Smart guide, which provides advice on suitable trees and shrubs that can be planted safely around powerlines. For more information, visit www.ergon.com.au/plantsmart

       BAMBOO-RELATED POWER OUTAGES IN REGIONAL QLD (Ergon Energy Network territory)


Ergon service area: Herbert Affected locations: Townsville, Lucinda, Macknade Affected customers: 3,222

Contributed with thanks by Energy Queensland

At Ingham State High School, we have a strong focus on three key pillars - Expert Teachers, Supported Learners, and High Standards.

Expert teachers – we are fully staffed to ensure we have specialist teachers, teaching the subjects they are trained to teach.

Supported Learners – Ingham State High School is the best mix of a large and small school – large enough to have the resources and variety in what we can offer our students, but small enough that we know our learners. We know where they are at and what they need to do to improve. We know our kids!

High Standards – we nurture positive wellbeing through a structured student support model and maintain high standards for staff and students.

Ingham State High School Principal, Mr Rod Flood states, “It is our staff that makes the difference. We have many long-term staff that have a deep commitment to our school and an unwavering belief in the potential of our students. The connection that our students have to their teachers lasts beyond the school fence.”

Our next Year 6 Transition Day on Monday, 20th of October, will include a Principal’s Tour of the School. This is an ideal time for future parents of all year levels to meet key leaders of the school and tour our facilities. Alternatively, you can contact us at any time for a chat about any aspect of our school.

We are currently conducting Enrolment Interviews for 2026, and welcome all families to make contact with us to book an interview.

Come join us at Ingham State High – where friendships, opportunities, and bright futures begin!

Nestled in the heart of Halifax, St Peter’s Catholic School is more than a primary school—it’s a vibrant, inclusive community where every child is appreciated and encouraged to flourish. Under the motto Together we grow, the school partners with families to nurture learners academically, socially, emotionally, culturally, physically, and spiritually.

The school’s mission, inspired by the teachings of the Gospel and the examples of Catherine McAuley and Francis of Assisi, is grounded in welcome, respect, justice, and the joy of learning. Here, students experience education in a holistic way, growing not just in knowledge, but in character and spirit too.

At St Peter’s, the learning environment is tailored to support each child’s unique strengths. The school embraces the Australian Curriculum and employs high-quality, evidence-based teaching practices aimed at helping students become confident, creative individuals and lifelong learners ready to engage with their community.

This commitment creates a nurturing, dynamic environment where students learn to care for themselves, others, and their surroundings in meaningful ways. For families considering enrolment, the school offers a clear and welcoming enrolment process, including interviews to ensure the right fit for each child.

If you’re seeking a warm, faith-driven educational community where your child can grow academically and personally, St Peter’s Catholic School, Halifax, is a place worth discovering.

75 Years of Excellence in Education

Gilroy Santa Maria College is celebrating a proud milestone this year, marking 75 years of education, faith, and community spirit. Since its establishment, the college has become widely recognised across Northern Queensland for its achievements in academic, cultural, sporting, and vocational fields.

Principal Melissa Carr said, “We are recognised throughout Northern Queensland as a school that has achieved great success in the academic, cultural, sporting and vocational fields over the past 75 years.”

Over the decades, the college has grown to offer a broad and inclusive curriculum designed to nurture students in every aspect of their development. A dedicated Student Support Services Team provides counselling, career advice, and learning support to ensure that both students and families are well supported throughout their schooling journey.

At the heart of the school’s philosophy is its commitment to fostering a strong sense of belonging and faith.

“Gilroy Santa Maria strongly promotes a friendly, learning, Catholic community and encourages the growth of our students through Christian values,” Melissa Carr said.

“Our staff are dedicated professionals with a supportive, pastoral approach who believe in holistic development of our young men and women in the Catholic tradition.”

This supportive environment has guided generations of students, helping them excel not only in the classroom but also as active and engaged members of the community. The school continues to focus on experience, belonging, opportunity, dedication, difference, and achieving your best, shaping students into confident young adults.

As part of the college’s 75th anniversary celebrations, a special event will be held on the 30th of October, featuring a liturgy led by Bishop Tim Harris, followed by morning tea and guided tours of the college. Families, past students, and community members are encouraged to attend and keep updated on the school's events via Facebook.

With a rich history, strong values, and a commitment to both academic and personal growth, Gilroy Santa Maria College remains a cornerstone of education in the region and a place where students are encouraged to thrive, belong, and discover their best selves.

Looking for an unforgettable way to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? Look no further than Pitstop Karting, Townsville’s premier karting facility. With a purpose-built outdoor track designed for fun, excitement, and a touch of adrenaline, Pitstop Karting offers an experience that will have the whole family racing back for more.

Whether your little speedster is a beginner or a budding pro, Pitstop Karting has karts to suit every age and skill level. Junior, senior, and passenger karts are all available, ensuring everyone from kids to adults can get on the track and feel the thrill of racing. It’s not just about speed—Pitstop Karting is about creating memories, laughing together, and sharing the excitement of hitting the track for the very first time.

Conveniently located just four minutes from the airport at 7 Caldwell Street, Garbutt, Pitstop Karting makes it easy for families to drop in and enjoy a full day of fun. With extended school holiday opening hours, there’s plenty of opportunity to fit a session into any schedule. You can race every Tuesday and Friday from 10am to 10pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 8:30pm, Saturday 10am to 10pm, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

Beyond the thrills of the track, Pitstop Karting offers a complete entertainment experience. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, and the staff are friendly, professional, and ready to help newcomers feel comfortable while still keeping the racing fun and safe. Whether you’re competing against family and friends or cheering from the sidelines, the energy is infectious.

School holidays are the perfect time to introduce kids to a new adventure, and Pitstop Karting delivers a unique mix of amusement, heart-racing fun, and entertainment that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a place where speed meets safety, where fun meets challenge, and where every lap brings a new smile.

Book your session today and experience ‘The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush’ at Pitstop Karting. For more information, call 07 4401 5045, email contact@pitstopkarting.com.au You may love it so much that you join the Karting league!

A Teenage Odyssey

Ingham State High School students opened their highly anticipated art exhibition, “Horizons – A Teenage Odyssey,” at the Tyto Regional Art Gallery on Friday, 5 September 2025. The exhibition offered a thought-provoking exploration of teenage life, capturing the highs, lows, and complexities of adolescence through the eyes of emerging young artists.

Months of preparation ensured the exhibition met professional gallery standards. Students carefully selected the placement of each artwork, creating a cohesive and visually engaging display that highlighted both their artistic talent and dedication.

Opening Night attracted a lively crowd, who enjoyed light refreshments while admiring the students’ work and celebrating the creativity of Ingham’s youth.

The exhibition will remain on display until 4.00pm Saturday, 4 October 2025, giving the public plenty of time to experience the diverse and thoughtful artworks.

“Horizons – A Teenage Odyssey” is more than an art exhibition; it was a celebration of young voices, showcasing the talent, vision, and dedication of the next generation of artists in the region.

If you’re chasing a family adventure to remember these school holidays that’s equal parts fun, educational, and uniquely Aussie, look no further than Billabong Sanctuary! Just a short 17km trip south of Townsville along the Bruce Highway, this award-winning park offers an experience unlike anywhere else in North Queensland.

Known proudly as Australia’s most interactive wildlife park, Billabong Sanctuary invites visitors to get up close and personal with some of the nation’s most iconic animals. Forget simply admiring from the sidelines because at Billabong, you are part of the action! Whether it’s hand-feeding a kangaroo, holding a koala, or snapping a selfie with a wombat, every moment becomes a memory to treasure forever.

During these school holidays, Billabong Sanctuary will be stepping things up with extra daily experiences carefully designed to keep kids entertained and engaged. With activities spread across the day, families can explore at their own pace, knowing there’s always something new and exciting around the corner. As part of the park’s school holiday program, guests will have the amazing opportunity to feed turtles, hear educational wildlife talks and witness an iconic roving ranger and venomous snake show guided by the sanctuary’s experienced keepers.

If it’s a thrill you’re seeking, then the sanctuary’s unforgettable encounters certainly deserve a place on your school holiday to-do list. Visitors aged four years and older can come face-to-face with one of the world’s oldest living predators every day through Billabong’s awesome freshwater crocodile feeding experiences for just $12 per person, but the fun doesn't stop there. Billabong Sanctuary houses the largest crocodile in captivity in the entire state, and for $99, guests can take part in a once-in-a-lifetime feeding experience that’s guaranteed to get hearts racing.

However, there’s far more to the iconic sanctuary than adrenaline. The park’s natural bushland setting, centered around a beautiful billabong provides a relaxed and picturesque backdrop for families to enjoy. Picnic spots, free gas barbeques, a swimming pool, and shaded walkways make it easy to spend the entire day wandering between exhibits, pausing for a refreshing ice cream or simply soaking in the soothing sounds of the bush. Billabong Sanctuary’s passionate team of keepers are always nearby, ready to share fascinating stories and fun facts about the animals in their care to make every encounter educational as well as entertaining.

With doors open every day these school holidays, Billabong Sanctuary is ready to welcome families, friends, and wildlife lovers of all ages. Whether you’re planning a full-day adventure, searching for a unique gift experience, or simply wanting to show the kids what makes our native wildlife so special and iconic, the locally treasured sanctuary has something for everyone!

Present this ad for a free bag of animal feed per family. Valid during the school holidays.