It’s that time of year again when the ovens start to warm up and Mick’s Bread Kitchen begins preparing for one of its busiest and most delicious seasons. As Christmas draws near, Mick’s is once again inviting locals to get in early and place their festive orders before the shelves are cleared.

The kitchen team is already planning a mouth-watering range of holiday favourites that will be available in the lead-up to Christmas. Keep an eye out for their much-loved Christmas Fruit Cakes, baked fresh in-store and available in both small and large sizes, perfect for gifting or sharing around the table. The ever-popular Plum Puddings will also make a return, but numbers are limited, so early orders are strongly recommended.

Fans of sweet festive treats can look forward to the bakery’s famous White Christmas Slice, Rocky Road, Rumballs, and Apricot Balls, each one handmade with care and packed with nostalgic Christmas flavour. If you can’t decide which one to take home, Mick’s Christmas Snack Packs offer a little of everything and make the perfect gift or grazing treat for gatherings.

Of course, no visit to Mick’s Bread Kitchen is complete without one of their legendary pies. Made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, each pie is baked to perfection with a signature flaky pastry and hearty fillings that keep customers coming back for more. From traditional beef and steak varieties to gourmet options packed with rich flavour, they’re the ultimate comfort food and perfect for a quick lunch during the festive rush.

Beyond the baked goods, Mick’s Bread Kitchen will also be serving piping hot and iced coffees, and while the festive range takes centre stage, regular favourites are still rolling out daily. From sushi to cream buns, matchsticks, and freshly baked bread, the team continues to deliver the comforting flavours the community loves all year round.

Christmas always comes early at Mick’s, and with so many festive goodies on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to start planning your orders. Get in early, beat the rush, and make your Christmas table shine with a touch of local tradition by Micks Bread Kitchen.

Homemade Nuts & Bolts

Nothing says Christmas quite like a big bowl of homemade nuts and bolts! It’s a snack that marks the true start of the festival season, and with November now here, there’s no better way to prepare for the month ahead than by whipping up a batch of these tasty little savoury treats.

Just like many Christmas traditions, every household has its own version of this classic recipe. Some swear by Nutrigrain and pretzels, while others mix in Ritz, cheese crackers, or peanuts for extra crunch. But one thing everyone agrees on? There’s never enough garlic or butter.

To make your own batch, toss your favourite cereals, crackers, nuts, and pretzels in a melted mix of butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and seasoning salt, then bake low and slow for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. The result: a golden, crispy party mix that’s equal parts nostalgia and deliciousness.

Best of all, nuts and bolts keep beautifully in an airtight container (if you can resist eating them all straight from the tray). It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, very customisable, great for road trips, or wrapping up as a homemade gift. So what are you waiting for? Jump into the kitchen and put together some Christmas cheer!

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This holiday season, Bike & Power Ingham is the go-to destination for riders looking to upgrade their gear or find the perfect electric bike. From Kawasaki’s global powersports line comes the Elektrode 20, an electric balance bike designed for riders aged eight and older. With a powerful 750 W in-wheel motor, three selectable speed modes, and a large-capacity 48V battery, the bike delivers up to three hours of riding time and speeds up to 39 km/h. Adjustable seat and handlebar positions, premium disc brakes, and a lightweight aluminium frame make it ideal for everyday fun, off-road play, and building confidence on two wheels.

The Elektrode 20’s motocross-inspired design and striking lime green finish ensure riders feel part of the Kawasaki family from the moment they swing a leg over. Built tough with high-quality components, 20-inch wheels, and foldable pedals, it combines durability with excitement for young riders stepping up from smaller models or just beginning their motocross dreams.

Bike & Power also has festive bargains across Kawasaki KLX and KFX models, providing cash savings for those looking to treat themselves or the family this Christmas. The team at Bike & Power invites the community to visit in-store and see the range of the latest electric and petrol-powered bikes from Kawasaki.

Make this season one of fun, adventure, and outdoor thrills! Come in-store to Bike & Power Ingham at 51 Herbert Street, Ingham, and find the perfect ride for Christmas today.

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This Christmas season, Ingham Agencies is the place to stock up on top-quality tools and safety gear. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, their store at 21–25 Halifax Road, Ingham, has everything you need to work smarter, safer, and more efficiently.

Now that the crush season has wrapped up, Sugar Dissolving Oil 20L is the ideal choice for washing down equipment and getting machinery back to its best. Designed specifically for cane machinery, it provides effective lubrication for light-loaded gears and bearings, slides, chains, cams and rams. It also helps free bolts or parts that have seized due to sugar build-up, and its water-washable formula makes clean-up fast and simple. Available now in convenient 20-litre drums.

For hand protection, Ingham Agencies stocks MACK Traction Nitrile Disposable Gloves. With a heavy-duty diamond grip, resistance to oils, chemicals, and punctures, and sizes from S to 2XL, these gloves are perfect for every task in the workshop or on-site.

Milwaukee’s Black Friday deals are also in-store at Ingham Agencies, offering unbeatable savings on power tools, battery packs, and hand tool sets. From M18 FUEL power packs to circular saws, soldering kits, and combination wrench sets, there is a deal for every tradesperson, but stock is limited.

Come in-store to Ingham Agencies today and see the full range for yourself. Whether you’re upgrading your welding gear, preparing your workshop with gloves, or securing premium Milwaukee tools, these Christmas deals make it easy to finish the year well-equipped and ready for 2026. Don’t miss out, visit Ingham Agencies at 21–25 Halifax Road, Ingham, and claim your festive savings before they’re gone.

Bring the taste of Italy to your festive table with Lou’s Food Emporium. From panettone and Pandoro Classico to homemade treats and Italian classics, there is something to delight every palate. Try panettone in a variety of scrumptious flavours, each one perfect for sharing at family gatherings or gifting to friends and neighbours.

Discover a variety of Christmas cakes, chocolates, rocky road, and homemade Italian sweet treats that add a special touch to every celebration. Planning a festive platter? Order early to secure your favourites and make entertaining simple and delicious.

Lou’s coffee is always piping hot, perfect to grab and go before Christmas shopping. And with the heat of an Aussie summer, their frappes are a refreshing favourite. With plenty of flavours and topped with whipped cream, they are the ideal cool-down treat on a busy festive morning.

Looking for the perfect gift? Lou’s offers Christmas hampers, ready to go or customised to your liking. Each hamper is carefully packed with quality products, giving you an easy and thoughtful present for family, friends, or colleagues.

Their deli is brimming with continental smallgoods, imported and Australian cheeses, salamis, olives, fresh pasta, sauces, biscuits, sweets, and gourmet delights, all selected for exceptional taste and quality. Cheeses and salamis can be cut to your preferred thickness, exactly how you want them.

Visit Lou’s Food Emporium on Ingham's main street and explore the full range of festive and everyday products. With friendly service and a beautiful selection, everything you need for a memorable Christmas is right here.

Cardwell is set to welcome the festive season with a heartwarming community celebration, as locals gather for an evening of Christmas carols, fun activities, and festive cheer. The event will take place at the Cardwell Community Hall, located at the corner of Gregory and Brasenose Streets, on Saturday, 6 December 2025 from 5:00pm.

Families and friends are invited to enjoy a joyful night of song and celebration. The highlight of the evening will be a lively sing-along of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols, bringing the community together in the spirit of the season. For children, there will be plenty to keep little hands and minds busy, including a craft centre where kids can get creative, as well as the opportunity to post letters to Santa, ensuring that festive wishes are sent straight to the North Pole.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a free sausage sizzle will be available for attendees! Offering a chance to enjoy a warm meal while catching up with neighbours and friends, and sharing in the joy of the holiday season.

Event organisers are encouraging everyone to come along, bring the family, and embrace the spirit of Christmas together. Whether you’re attending for the music, the food, or the chance to see the kids’ excitement as they post letters to Santa, there is something for everyone at this family-friendly celebration.

For more information, residents can contact Thea on 0447 660 248 or email cardwelllions@gmail.com

WHAT: Christmas Carols in Cardwell
WHEN: Saturday 6 December 2025 from 5:00pm
WHERE: Cardwell Community Hall, Cnr Gregory & Brasenose Streets, Cardwell

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Henry Wickham Rubber Baron And Tobacco Planter

By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

Do you know that Sir Henry Alexander Wickham, father of the rubber industry, once lived in the Herbert River Valley? He made the automobile industry possible when he removed rubber plant seeds from Brazil for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.

No relation to George Wickham, Henry Wickham was born in London in 1846. He spent much of his adult life as an explorer and pioneer planter living in diverse tropical locations, experimenting with many crops.

After being refused employment at Kew to disperse rubber seedlings for the global rubber industry, he abandoned his plantation in Brazil, arriving in Townsville on 22 January 1877 with his wife, Violet Carter. They travelled straight to the lower Herbert carrying with them young tobacco plants and sapling coffee trees.

There was a strong settler demand for tobacco and snuff that was not being met by imports, while the indentured Melanesian workers, as well as the Indigenous peoples, preferred the tobacco introduced by Europeans to the native variety.

Refashioning his past, Wickham described himself as an American tobacco expert, showing local shopkeepers samples of tobacco he claimed to have grown and cured in Brazil. He immediately started taking up land, calling his holdings Maragen.

In 1876, John Eustace Hammick moved to the Herbert and took up a selection, calling it Coolamatong. Joining Wickham in a business partnership, they put in experimental plantings of tobacco.

Wickham distributed samples of their tobacco far and wide and exhibited at the National Agricultural and Industrial Association’s exhibition held in Brisbane in 1879. On that occasion, they received second place for their tobacco. They began to expand their range responding to market taste. In 1881, Messrs. Gaujard and Elson, Brisbane, became their marketers. Well-cured samples were declared ‘par excellence’ and locals thought the tobacco was ‘well manufactured’.

While Hammick and Wickham travelled away promoting their product, Violet was left for weeks on end to face growing and curing tobacco in an unfamiliar environment alone. Her diary reveals her to be a courageous woman with a good sense of humour.

For nine years, Wickham and Violet persevered. Nevertheless, despite attempting to pander to consumer tastes, demand fell and their efforts faltered on climatic conditions, taste and Wickham’s poor business decision to sell tobacco that had not been cured long enough.

Hammick broke the partnership leaving Wickham in debt. The Wickhams continued farming for another 18 months but meanwhile, Wickham hatched a plan in 1884 to survey Maragen for sale as the Mount Maragen Town Selection. No township eventuated and most of the surveyed town blocks were absorbed as cane land. Practically penniless, Violet and Wickham sailed for England in early 1886.

Ever the adventurer, Wickham moved on to further adventures in other tropical plantation areas, while today, on the Herbert, Mount Maragen remains as a distant echo of Sir Henry Alexander Wickham.

By Victoria Velton

What a sweltering start to the weekend. Both Cardwell and Palm Creek were recording high heat that felt worse with accompanying high humidity. I am surprised that many of the participants weren't mere puddles of sweat by the end of their parkruns.

I was the tail walker this week and even with my lack of running, I felt I was sweating as much as our faster runners. I will definitely start wearing a hat and sunnies along with my usual sunscreen in the coming weeks as the temperatures climb. Stay sun safe and hydrated out there, thanks to our volunteers for keeping us cool with iceblocks after the run, you're the best!

Parkrun Results: 29th November 2025
Palm Creek #101 – 15 participants
First finisher: Julian (21:55)
Final finisher: Victoria (56:10)
First timers: Damien of 'Table of knowledge?', Joel
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Donna Panzenbock, Amanda Towner, Victoria Velton.

Cardwell #363 – 14 participants
First finisher: Maxx (23:17)
Final finisher: Judith (52:56)
PBs: Jenny (33:46), Bruce (41:03)
First timers: Maxx, Blake
Volunteers: David Clarke, Judith Clarke, Jan Ferguson, Matthew Gardiner, Kerry Snell, Lyndel Weare.

Just over 18 months ago, Mayor Ramon Jayo made a phone call that changed the future of print media in the Hinchinbrook region.

His request was simple: “We don’t have a newspaper here anymore; I’ve seen what you’re doing with Burdekin Life Newspaper and I’m calling to see if you’d do the same in our region.”

At the time, representatives from Life Publishing Group were on the Sunshine Coast for the Queensland Country Press Awards and, unbeknownst to them, they were about to win Best Free Newspaper in QLD for the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper. But, despite being thrilled to win on the night, the real prize has always been bigger than awards.

The mission of this young, vibrant, independent publishing group is clear: give the community a free voice in print. Every printed newspaper is free to pick up, every online article free to read. No paywalls—just local news, written for and about local people.

Life Publishing papers stand apart for their uplifting, positive storytelling, avoiding shock tactics while reporting fairly, respectfully and with kindness.

“At the heart of our newspapers is good news,” said Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith.

“We believe that community news should be uplifting; it is there to connect the community, document local history as it happens, and become a source of local pride.”

Since launching on Tuesday 26th November 2024, Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper has been dedicated to these core foundations and has, over the last year, ingratiated itself within the community.

The path, however, has not always been straightforward. Just 10 weeks after the newspaper launched, the biggest floods in a generation hit the region and the lives of people, businesses, and even the newspaper came to a grinding halt.

Hinchinbrook Life’s on-the-ground journalist, Daniel Heggie, was marooned in Forrest Beach, and there was a period where it was almost impossible to get news out.

In addition, many local businesses—who are at the heart of bringing the newspaper to the community by booking advertising—were on the point of closure.

“It was very scary at the time,” shared Rachael.

“We did the only thing we could think of doing to help, and that was to run a special Flood Edition of the newspaper, documenting the disaster as it unfolded. For many residents who did not have power, that first flood edition could have been some of the first footage they had seen of the event.”

Over the following weeks, as normality began to return, the newspaper stood strong as a place for people to connect and share stories.

“The next few months were a real turning point for us,” explained Rachael.

“We were becoming a central part of the community, it felt like a big communal hug was enveloping everyone and we were a part of that.”

Another huge milestone for Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper was the official launch event held at the Herbert River Sub-Branch RSL Club.

“It was an absolute honour to have the Premier of Queensland and Hinchinbrook local, David Crisafulli, open the event – we invited him on a whim and were beyond ecstatic when he accepted.

“Having David endorse the paper was really special, and we are thrilled to receive his ongoing support to this day.”

“As we celebrate the completion of our first year, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone in the community – to all the readers for enthusiastically picking up the paper every week, to all our loyal advertisers for choosing to support the paper, and to the Councils and local Chambers for their alliance.

“Lastly, I would like to thank our on-the-ground team – Sherie Hensler-Adams for her passion for the community and for working closely with local businesses to deliver advertising with care and kindness.

"Also, to our dynamic journalist Victoria Velton, who is everywhere and anywhere taking photos and writing stories. Victoria is diligent and kind, two characteristics I greatly admire.

"Thanks also to our broader office team who work behind the scenes every week, and to Trish Jandt and Daniel Heggie, who were a central part of the initial launch team.

"We have had a wonderful first year and look forward to many more years to come!"

A modern pontoon project is now underway at Dungeness, thanks to a $454,000 investment from the Crisafulli Government in partnership with Council, providing safer and more efficient access for marine operations at the gateway to the Hinchinbrook Channel.

The new pontoon on Denney Street is designed to support commercial operators and boost economic benefits for the community and will make marine access easier and more efficient for businesses that rely on it.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was proud to be supporting regional Queensland communities.

“This upgrade is being funded through the Crisafulli Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme in partnership with Hinchinbrook Shire Council,” Minister Mickelberg said.

"It’s a great example of how we’re backing the Hinchinbrook community with practical infrastructure that makes a real difference. In just our first year, we’ve focused on delivering projects that matter, and we will continue to do so as we advocate around the decision-making table."

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said the pontoon reinforces Dungeness as a key departure point for Hinchinbrook Island, the reef, and the region’s world-class fishing grounds.

“This pontoon project is just the start of our plans for this beautiful area many locals call home,” Mayor Jayo said.

“This project complements our advocacy efforts to secure real investment in infrastructure upgrades.

“These include the Dungeness Marine Access and Lucinda Sewage projects.

“Together, these initiatives represent a commitment to a thriving future where visitors and locals can enjoy world-class experiences in a pristine environment.”

The 13-metre new pontoon will help strengthen Dungeness as a destination, boost tourism, and deliver economic benefits for the whole region.

Fabrication of the gangway and pontoon is currently in progress, with delivery of the piles and pontoon scheduled later this month.

Arborist, piling works and earthworks will follow. Installation of the abutment and gangway will complete the upgrade, with all works expected to finish before the Christmas break, weather permitting.

The structure measures 13m in length and 3m in width. It weighs 12,889kg and has a flotation area of approximately 37 sq m.

Dogs, wildlife and aggressive people are among the leading causes of incidents involving Ergon crews and contractors across Queensland.

After 289 reported incidents state-wide in the last 12 months, Ergon’s metering contracts manager Sarah Bradford is appealing to customers to do their bit to keep workers safe.

“One of the biggest hazards we are facing in the field has nothing to do with electricity at all – it’s actually our customers.

“The type of abuse and threatening behaviour being reported really does pose an additional risk to our crews that we don’t need, whether it’s meter readers, maintenance workers or in an emergency response situation."

Network contact centre staff have also been copping abuse and threats over the phone in a year when they supported Queenslanders through Cyclone Alfred and major flood events.

“Our 24/7 Faults Team is taking calls about life-threatening emergencies at all hours, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect and courtesy they give to customers,” Sarah said.

Aggressive animals are a constant threat to crews on the frontline of customer service. In the last year there have been 148 dog-related incidents and 60 incidents related to wildlife.

“While you may not see your pet as a threat, experience tells us that any dog can pose a risk, regardless of size or temperament."

“We’re asking customers to ensure their pets and livestock are locked up and completely separated from worksites to provide a safe environment for our crews and meter readers.

“If we cannot confirm safe access to your meter or other equipment, we will not risk entering your premises to do any work.

“We are sincerely grateful to the majority of people who are doing the right thing to keep everyone safe, and we hope we can get through to the minority who aren’t,” Sarah said.

For more information on safe entry, visit Safe entry to your property | Ergon Energy.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is calling for more than $22 million in investment to upgrade Lucinda’s sewage network and deliver reliable marine access at Forrest Beach, securing growth and connectivity for the region’s coastal communities.

The call comes ahead of the Hinchinbrook state by-election, with voters heading to the polls later this month.

Mayor Ramon Jayo said investment is essential to make Lucinda and Forrest Beach among the best places to live, thrive, and relax as a gateway to some of Queensland’s most iconic fishing destinations.

“Imagine working out west and coming home to paradise on your days off, where the ocean meets the cane fields. Infrastructure makes this lifestyle possible,” Mayor Jayo said.

“These projects in Lucinda and Forrest Beach will strengthen Hinchinbrook’s position as one of North Queensland’s most desirable lifestyle regions — a place where opportunity meets natural beauty.”

Lucinda is a gateway to world-class fishing and a community ready to grow. Council is calling for $18 million to upgrade sewage capacity through a new trunk network and treatment plant. They're also seeking $4 million to relocate the Cassady Creek boat ramp and $750,000 for a business case and environmental approvals for new ramp and jetty facilities. These prjects will unlock housing potential, boost tourism, and attract new residents who want to live where the coast meets the cane fields.

Mayor Jayo said the call for investment isn’t just about convenience.

"This is about unlocking opportunity for tourism, emergency response, and community growth," Mayor Jayo said.

The Hinchinbrook state by-election will be held on Saturday, 29 November 2025. Visit https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/election-events/hinchinbrook-by-election on the Electoral Commission Queensland website.

Candidates Address Hot Election Topics

Bio-tourism projects:

Bio-tourism is at the forefront of much of Hinchinbrook’s economy. The region relies on its waterways for many aquatic-based recreational activities. However, some believe that many bio-tourism projects are stuck in bureaucratic delays, stalled in the approval process while the region suffers.

"Cut red tape. Why does it take so long to get approvals? 20 years ago, it wouldn't have taken this long, and maybe the departments need more funding. The reason why the approvals are so slow is because there's no money." -  Steven Clare, Independent.

"Marine access is absolutely critical. The approval is now with the Federal Government, and the way to get things done is to get you guys a seat at the table, so the State Government and the Minister for Environment can drive it at a federal level and get it done." - Wayde Chiesa, LNP.

"Unfortunately, now we're at the behest of the Federal Government in their environmental approvals process, which could take somewhere between two and two and a half years. Ridiculous timelines that were expected to wait to get this infrastructure happening." - Mark Molachino, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP)

"I agree that the Hinchinbrook area has the most fantastic natural resources in terms of national parks, the Great Barrier Reef, ... the way to secure more funding might include greater promotion, advertising, getting people wanting to come to this specific area to see the natural beauty that's available." - Amanda Nickson, Family First.

"We're wasting money on the Port of Hinchinbrook. It is a failed private business; we're wasting that money to stretch that out, when we could be funding new developments for a Coast Guard at Forrest Beach that goes straight out to the reef." - Aiden Creagh, the Greens.

"You need to navigate the game with your Council wishlist and then talk directly to the Federal members. Well, I can do that, and that's the sort of system that we've got to work with. So let's drive it, make it happen." - Maurie Soars, Labor.

Insurance levels rising:

The rising cost of insurance was a major concern, with many businesses found unprotected after the weather event in February this year.

"Australia is a country of natural disasters, whether it's cyclones and rain events here or bush fires further south. So to me, this sounds like it's actually a national issue. Yes, it impacts our area, but it's an issue much bigger than just north Queensland." - (Family First)

"I will use my experience in Regional Development Australia, working with all levels of government to put submissions in to drive down the price of insurance because it is too high and it is impacting our district." - (LNP)

"I don't have my house insured, it can't be afforded. I think there should be a subsidy from the government for people with homes to help pay for their insurances." (Independent)

"There is rising insurance prices ... (we) need to stop the economy from getting worse." - (Greens)

"We were promised an operational reinsurance bill. It seems to be failing us at this point, especially with the extreme weather elements. So, I would suggest advocating at a national level, from a state members level, to get this reinsurance pool on time, on track and back in alignment" - (Labor)

"But we talk about insurance, stamp duty is a big part of that as well. That's a big cost that goes on top. So I think a way to make it fairer between us and Brisbane would be to base stamp duty based on insured value rather than your premium." - (KAP)

Bruce Highway:

Many candidates highlighted that funding to repair and make the Bruce Highway safe is already secured but not yet utilised.

"I would love to see it upgraded. I've been stuck there many times in floods. I would also like to see a rail infrastructure actually be implemented, as we do have a massive rail industry. It should also be there to help out with the floods and be built up so that we don't have the issues that we are having." - (Greens)

"They said they couldn't flood proof the entire Bruce. We understand that, (it's) still got a lot of floodplains. But to keep that line of connection with our commercial and social requirements from our national highway has to be a must." - (Labor)

"What we need to do is (ask) when is this project going to start? I mean, the money is sitting there. How long do the residents have to wait for this project to be done and delivered so that we can flood proof as part of the highway?" - (KAP)

"I think it's just a matter of continuously advocating like a broken record, that this issue isn't going away, but it's important that we need it to be prioritised, because it's a matter of safety for all families in the community." - (Family First)

"We are the starting the detailed planning on the Gairloch crossing. The other thing about delivery, I can deliver. We're in government. You can say to me, where's it at? I can ring the Minister for Main Roads, and I can deliver for the people of this river. So we can flood proof this area." - (LNP)

"Australia is a big country with far too many people, we just don't have the money to flood proof the Bruce Highway, it's just not going to happen. Keep doing what we're doing, pick the low spots and just keep chipping away at it as we can afford it." - (Independent)

Hi Readers,
Last month, our community had finalists at the North Queensland Sports Foundation - Sports Star Awards held in Townsville on Saturday 25 October 2025, showcasing once again just how much talent we have here in the Hinchinbrook district—talent that shines on the sporting field and represents our shire with pride.

The NQ Sports Star Awards brought together athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers, and proud families from across North Queensland. It was an inspiring evening recognising dedication, discipline, and a love of sport that begins at grassroots level.

A special congratulations to our Hinchinbrook representatives who did us proud:

• Lenny Chiesa — Service to Sport Award
• Jack Larsen — Runner-Up, Rural and Remote Award

Congratulations as well to:

• Kelli Carbone – Equestrian
• Liam Fascetti – Squash
• Forrest Beach Surf Lifesaving U/19 Beach Relay Team

To see our locals recognised on the regional stage is a reminder of the early mornings, long training days, and the volunteers, coaches, and families who make these opportunities possible. We are incredibly proud of each of you.

Hinchinbrook Shire has been associated with the North Queensland Sports Foundation for many years. Each year, individuals, families, and the Lions Club of Ingham put forward their nominees, and from there, Council submits the finalists.

The Lions Club of Ingham first began coordinating this important process in 1977, and thanks to the efforts of Lion Sharon Fighera, the program has been reinvigorated within the club. As a result, the local Sports Star Awards have now been held in our Shire for the past two years, ensuring our homegrown talent continues to be celebrated right here in Hinchinbrook.

As we look ahead, I encourage everyone to consider those who make a real difference in our sporting and community life. With Australia Day approaching, please remember to nominate your local legend for our Australia Day Awards.

These awards are another opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions—whether on the sporting field, through volunteering, community leadership, cultural achievements, or efforts that strengthen who we are as a Shire.

Let’s keep shining a light on Hinchinbrook’s champions.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. Enjoy your break, and I look forward to continuing to share my Councillor Column with you in 2026.

Every community in Hinchinbrook needs something, and while we can’t keep everyone happy all the time, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is working behind the scenes to deliver what matters most.

We know what our people want and we will not give up.

Forrest Beach is one of those priorities. It’s not just a stunning coastal destination; it’s the second largest population centre in Hinchinbrook after Ingham.

Our region might be ageing but it is growing, with new residents moving up from the south for a more relaxed lifestyle, drawn by our natural beauty and one of the cheapest rates in the state. But growth needs infrastructure.

For nearly a decade since I became Mayor in 2016, we’ve been advocating for reliable marine access at Forrest Beach.

Right now, our boat ramps are tide-dependent and exposed to wind and wave action, limiting usability and safety.

That’s why Council is calling for $4 million to relocate the Cassady Creek boat ramp and $750,000 for a business case and environmental approvals for new ramp and jetty facilities.

As we head into the Hinchinbrook by-election, we are calling on all political parties to make a public commitment to this project. Our community deserves more than promises — we deserve action.

But marine access isn’t the only issue on the table. Hinchinbrook is also stepping up its advocacy for $4 million to deliver a Recycling Waste Facility at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.

This project will transform how we manage waste and recycle resources, creating jobs and cutting landfill.

Over the past year, Hinchinbrook processed more than 24,000 tonnes of material — a 133% increase on the previous year, driven largely by the February floods.

Almost half of that was general waste heading to landfill. We need to change that trajectory. A modern recycling facility will intercept and sort materials before they reach landfill, extend the life of our existing site, and deliver significant environmental benefits.

This is about resilience, innovation, and ensuring Hinchinbrook remains a region of opportunity for generations to come. We’ve done the planning. We’ve engaged consultants. Now we need commitment.

To all candidates: Our community is watching. Make your commitment public. Hinchinbrook deserves nothing less.