Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) delivers an Emergency Relief (ER) Program, a vital support service funded and supported through Neighbourhood Centre's Queensland and delivered by neighbourhood centres across Queensland.

Emergency Relief provides short-term assistance to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Support may include food assistance, essential items, and referrals to other services, helping community members navigate periods of crisis while working towards longer-term stability.

Since December 2025 and into January 2026, HCSC has experienced a significant increase in Emergency Relief requests. With the rising cost of living and growing housing insecurity, more individuals and families are being forced to make impossible choices, which often look like going without food in order to pay rent, electricity bills, car insurance, registration, and other essential expenses.

HCSC is incredibly proud to be able to offer this program and provide immediate, practical relief to members of our community during times of need. While Emergency Relief cannot solve every challenge, it can ease pressure in moments of crisis and ensure people are not left without basic necessities.

Importantly, Emergency Relief appointments also allow our team to identify underlying and compounding issues that may be contributing to a person’s situation. Through these conversations, we often learn that individuals and families are experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, psychological trauma, or other significant life stressors.

As a Neighbourhood Centre, HCSC plays a critical role in connecting people to further support. Many clients accessing Emergency Relief are referred to additional services, which may be internally within HCSC programs or externally to other specialist service providers. This holistic approach helps individuals receive the right support to address their circumstances and work towards improved stability and wellbeing.

We are deeply honoured to support our community in this capacity and extend our sincere thanks to our donors, funding bodies, and community partners, whose generosity makes this essential work possible.

With plenty of boaties out on the water this Australia Day long weekend, Ergon Energy Network is urging skippers to take extra care when anchoring or navigating to avoid damaging electricity infrastructure and risking serious injury.

Ergon Work Group Leader Ryan Tuivaiti said the electricity company, at times, has recovered dozens of anchors from underwater electricity cables during inspections by commercial divers.

“We’ve seen far too many cases where anchors have been dropped directly onto our underwater cables, which can cause serious damage and pose a significant safety risk,” Mr Tuivaiti said.

“Before anchoring, boat owners must look for our large yellow signs on either side of the waterway or river. These signs indicate the presence of an underwater electricity cable crossing, and anchoring is strictly prohibited within 200 metres of these zones.”

Ergon is also reminding sailors to be aware of overhead powerlines in some waterways, especially during the highest astronomical tides.

“Sailboat owners should always check marine charts before heading out to ensure their vessel won’t come into contact with overhead powerlines,” Mr Tuivaiti said.

“Owners of trailable sailboats must fold down their masts before leaving the boat ramp. We’ve had incidents where masts have struck overhead powerlines while boats were being driven away.”

If a boat’s mast accidentally strikes an overhead powerline, everyone on board should avoid touching the mast and move as far away from it as possible.

Similarly, if an anchor hooks onto an underwater electricity cable, never attempt to pull the cable to the surface. If possible, cut the rope or chain and leave the anchor behind.

“If there’s no safe way to free your boat, call for help immediately,” Mr Tuivaiti said.

“Contact the Coast Guard, Voluntary Marine Rescue (VMR), or dial triple zero. Your safety is the priority.”

Ergon continues to work closely with marine authorities to raise awareness and protect Queensland’s electricity network from avoidable damage.

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As summer temperatures soar across the Hinchinbrook Shire, local pet owners are being urged to think twice before leaving animals in cars or on the back of utes, even for just a few minutes.

Most people know the discomfort of climbing into a car that has been sitting in the sun — scorching seatbelts, burning steering wheels and stifling heat. For pets, particularly dogs, those conditions can quickly become fatal.

On a hot summer’s day, the temperature inside a parked car can climb as high as 73 degrees Celsius. Even parking in the shade or leaving windows slightly open does little to reduce the risk, and ute trays can burn pets’ footpads or bodies within minutes.

Dogs are especially vulnerable to heat stress because they do not sweat like humans. Instead, they rely on panting, drinking water and resting on cool surfaces to regulate their body temperature. In hot, enclosed spaces such as cars, these cooling methods are simply not enough.

Authorities are reminding pet owners that leaving an animal without adequate water and shelter may constitute an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.

Providing ample shade, multiple water sources, ice cubes in drinking bowls, frozen dog treats and access to a shallow paddle pool can help pets cope with extreme heat.

Pets should never be tethered in the sun, as even 20 minutes tied up without shade can cause panic and rapid overheating.

If a pet is found in a hot car, immediate action is critical. Members of the public are urged to call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625), contact police on 000 in an emergency, or notify centre management if the vehicle is in a car park. People are advised not to break vehicle windows, as police have the authority to enter vehicles safely and breaking glass can place both the rescuer and the animal at risk.

As temperatures continue to rise, authorities are urging Queenslanders to remember a simple rule: if it’s too hot for you, it’s far too hot for your pet.

WHAT AUSTRALIA DAY MEANS TO ME

Australia Day means something different to each of us. It’s shaped by who we are, where we’ve come from, and the path that led us to call this place home.

No two stories are the same — yet we all stand together in a country that values the voices, beliefs and contributions of its people.

And really, that’s the heart of Australia Day.

It’s a chance to pause and think about who we are as a nation, and the kind of nation we want to keep becoming.

It’s a day to gather with family, friends and community, to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, and to recognise the story we’re all part of — a story that keeps growing, changing and strengthening. Our history, our identity, and above all, our people.

And if there’s one thing we do well here in Hinchinbrook, it’s look after one another.

That spirit was on full display yesterday as we recognised our Australia Day Award winners and those who went above and beyond during the January–February 2025 floods.

This year’s 2026 Australia Day Honours List recognises Dan Cordner, Local Controller for the Halifax SES, with an Achievement Award.

He has been acknowledged for his outstanding leadership, training, operational support, and his unwavering commitment to the Queensland State Emergency Service and the wider community.

Dan’s contribution to our region is nothing short of extraordinary.

Dan worked for weeks on end during the 2025 floods, often in deteriorating conditions, sometimes isolated from support and even his own family.

He prepared his community, carried out evacuations, responded to requests for help, and when he finally got a moment to breathe, he deployed elsewhere to support other flood‑affected regions and those impacted by TC Alfred.

All year, Dan has been the same — selfless with his time, calm under pressure, forward‑thinking and deeply committed to protecting Queensland communities.

We’re incredibly fortunate to have people like him leading local disaster response.

Dan also joins a group of 24 Flood Hero Recognition recipients honoured yesterday.

These remarkable community members are: Evlyn Bailey, Victor Bligh, Robert Bonassi, Kerri Ann Burnell, Ian Cameron, Daniel Castorina, Travis Cauchi, Carina Chesson, Madeleine D’Urso, Francis Debono, Keldon Fletcher, Andrew Giliberto, Joe and Luke (Halifax Hotel), Ingham Lions Club, Russell Kealy, Paul Longbottom, Jeff McMurray, Robert Morris, Don Pollock, Greg Sexton, Luke Shepherdson, Gio Tantalo and Luke Venables.

To every one of you – thank you. You showed what community really means.

I also want to acknowledge our Australia Day Award winners.

These individuals make our region tick, and their dedication — day in and day out — is what makes this community strong:

Citizen of the Year – Leonardo “Lenny” Chiesa
Young Citizen of the Year – Gemma Di Bella
Beryl Prior Award – Sam Cosentino
Individual Achievement Award – Rina Zatta
Senior Cultural Award – Janice Carr
Junior Cultural Award – Indiana Guy
Junior Sports Award – Liam Fascetti and Levi Murray (dual winners)


We are lucky. Truly lucky to have so many outstanding people in this community.

Their actions, their generosity, their commitment … it’s what makes me proud to be Mayor of the Hinchinbrook Shire.

Thank you to all our nominees, our winners, and every quiet achiever who chips away, helping to make this place a better one.

What you do matters. More than you know.

Hello Hinchinbrook,

With Australia Day done and dusted, whether you are a local or a visitor, I hope you enjoyed the day in the Hinchinbrook Shire, as we offer a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and community spirit.

I thought I would mention an area in the Infrastructure Portfolio which is very important for this time of year.

Stormwater is the run-off from rain that falls on a roof or paved area like a driveway, road or footpath that flows into a stormwater drain. Council maintains a complex stormwater drainage network which includes many different types of drainage structures such as unlined drains (including natural waterways) and concrete-lined open drains, underground pipes and culverts, and grates and other inlet or outlet structures.

A drainage easement is a portion of land that a property owner has granted to Council to enable the carriage of stormwater through to the main drainage system.

Illegal dumping of green waste and household rubbish in waterways, easements and drains increases the risk of flooding to properties and costs millions of dollars in property damage across the region.

Dumping waste, planting garden beds or building fences across the flow path are all examples of activities that can obstruct stormwater flow.

To request a service, make an enquiry or report an issue, please use the web forms under Customer Service on the Hinchinbrook Shire Council website here at www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/our-council/customer-service/

Snap Send Solve is a free app that lets you report a problem to your local council using an iPhone or Android device. You can also make a general request or provide feedback. Visit their website here for more at www.snapsendsolve.com/snappers

Snap Send Solve allows you to quickly and easily capture and report common issues, such as illegal rubbish dumping or a street sign needing repair.

How Snap Send Solve works: Snap Send Solve determines your local council using your smartphone’s GPS location. It then sends you your council’s contact information, location and email contact. When you use Snap Send Solve, your request is sent from the app using your email address and phone number so that Hinchinbrook Shire Council can communicate directly with you to resolve the issue.

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

Did you know the most common possum species found in the Hinchinbrook Shire is the Brushtail Possum?

These cheeky night-owls are pros at living alongside humans. The Brushtail Possum is highly adaptable and often sets up home in sheds, roof cavities, wall spaces and backyard trees. In built-up areas where old hollow trees are scarce, our homes can become their cosy substitute.

Brushtails love to travel high, using fences and power lines as possum highways while foraging for fruit and leaves. When they’re forced to the ground, however, they’re far more vulnerable to cars, dogs and other dangers.

If you think a possum has moved into your roof, there are humane ways to check and manage the situation. Look for signs like droppings, fur or urine stains, and gently block suspected entry points with paper to see if they’re disturbed. Always make sure the possum has safely exited before sealing gaps, and never trap or relocate one without proper advice.

They might be noisy neighbours—but they’re an important part of our local wildlife too!

As we welcome growers into 2026, I’d like to extend a warm Happy New Year to all members of the Herbert River grower community. The year ahead promises to be an exciting one as we continue to build on the strong foundations of our district, while also celebrating a major milestone in our organisation’s history.

The 2025 year once again highlighted the strength, resilience and determination of Herbert River growers. Despite a challenging season marked by weather impacts, operational pressures and ongoing industry change, growers across the district continued to adapt, collaborate and push forward. That collective spirit remains one of our greatest assets.

Throughout the year, Canegrowers Herbert River remained focused on advocacy, service delivery and building long-term capacity for our members. One of the most significant achievements was our success in lobbying the government to secure Category D Disaster Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 for growers affected by the Tropical Low event in January and February 2025. This vital funding has gone a long way in assisting growers to recover, rebuild and restore operations following major disaster impacts.

We also worked closely with Canegrowers Queensland and other Canegrowers districts to extend the definition of “primary producer” under disaster recovery grants, ensuring more growers were eligible for assistance. We continue to advocate strongly for improved disaster assistance and recovery settings on behalf of Herbert River growers.

Another priority was the delivery of the Haulout Course, which supports improved safety outcomes and practical skills development across the district. Our Young Growers Branch also continued to grow in strength, with activities including a successful trip to Cairns that provided valuable learning experiences and strengthened connections within the next generation of sugar industry leaders.

Education and school engagement expanded in 2025, with Canegrowers Herbert River working with eight local schools. With support from HCPSL, SRA and Ingham State High School, students planted cane at these schools, creating hands-on learning opportunities and highlighting career pathways in agriculture.

Throughout the crushing season, we maintained strong advocacy with the mills, ensuring grower concerns were raised consistently and constructively. Our Board and Management also remained active across regional, state and national forums, ensuring the Herbert River’s voice was heard on key policy and industry issues.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are pleased to share several upcoming events for the first half of the year. These include the 2026 Haulout Course in May, a Young Growers trip to Maleny and Bundaberg in March, Business Essentials Training in April, and our biggest event of all, the Canegrowers 100 Year Celebration in May. We will be sharing further details about this milestone event in the coming weeks.

It will be an exciting year as we celebrate the past, present and future of Canegrowers Herbert River, and the community of people involved who have made the organisation what it is today. As always, we remain committed to strong advocacy, clear communication and supporting members through whatever challenges and opportunities the new season may bring.

Rural landholders impacted by the North and Far North Tropical Low between 29th January and 28th February 2025 are being reminded that financial assistance remains available, with applications for the Rural Landholder Recovery Grant Scheme closing on 13th February 2026.

The scheme provides grants of up to $10,000 to assist eligible landholders with clean-up and reinstatement activities after direct damage to primary production enterprises. The funding is jointly provided by the Australian Government and the Queensland Government through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The grant is designed to help cover the costs of recovery work such as repairing fences, restoring infrastructure, and returning properties to operational condition following the severe weather event.

Who can apply?
To be eligible, applicants must own or lease at least 10 hectares of land within a declared disaster area and operate a primary production enterprise. Landholders must also have earned at least $20,000 in gross income from primary production in the financial year before the disaster and hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) at the time of the event.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• The property must be located in a declared disaster area for the event
• Applicants must intend to re-establish their primary production enterprise
• Combined off-farm income must not exceed $250,000
• Applicants must not have already received other disaster-related grants or loans for the same event
• Declared disaster areas

How to apply
To apply, landholders within the Hinchinbrook Shire must submit a completed application form along with supporting documentation, including proof of land ownership or lease, five to ten photographs of damage, evidence of expenditure, and insurance details where applicable.

Applications can be submitted online via QRIDA’s Application Portal, or by downloading the application form and submitting it by email or post. Applicants using the paper form are advised to download and save the document before completing it, and to avoid sending original documents by mail.

With just weeks remaining before applications close, eligible rural landholders are encouraged to review the guidelines and apply as soon as possible to access this recovery support and continue rebuilding after the 2025 tropical low event.

Meet Hestia!

She's a devoted canine companion on a mission to find her new family. This charming pup is absolutely smitten with her humans and finds her greatest joy in being by your side. If you're looking for a furry friend who offers unconditional affection, Hestia is your girl.

Hestia's favourite place is undoubtedly your lap, where she graciously settles, exuding warmth and love. This affectionate pup is a fast learner when it comes to manners, making her an excellent addition to any household.

For Hestia, every day is an opportunity to deepen her bond with her family. Her charming personality and gentle nature make her a wonderful match for those who can provide love and attention. Hestia's dedication and loyalty will surely make her a treasured friend, bringing happiness and companionship to her new family's life.

If you’re interested in meeting any of the lovely Hestia, please complete an animal enquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

Included in adoption fee of $495: Desexed, Micro-chipped, Up to date vaccinations, Flea, tick, and intestinal worm treated, and on ProHeart.

DOB: 13/06/2025
Sex: Female
Breed: Staffy x
Colour: White & Brindle
Kid friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Yes
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 6ft

For tradies and serious DIYers who rely on cordless tools every day, battery performance can make or break a job. At Ingham Manufactures Mitre 10 on Herbert Street, the Makita 40V Max LI-ION battery range is standing out for one clear reason. Consistent, intelligent power delivery backed by durability built for real worksites.

The Makita 40V Max LI-ION system is an advanced digital communication between the tool and the battery. This technology allows both components to constantly exchange information, ensuring power output is optimised for the task at hand. The result is improved efficiency, stronger performance under load, and better overall battery management.

Durability is another defining feature across the range, with heavy duty cell casing significantly improving impact resistance, an important consideration on busy job sites where drops and knocks are unavoidable. A built-in battery ventilation system helps regulate temperature, allowing the battery to run cooler during use and extending its overall lifespan.

Protection from the elements has also been carefully engineered as a short-circuit prevention structure that shields battery terminals from dust and moisture, while a three-layer moisture protection system guards internal cells against water ingress. Together, these features ensure the batteries are well suited to Queensland conditions, where getting dirty is part of the job.

The batteries are fully compatible with the Makita XGT platforms, allowing users to build a flexible cordless setup that grows with their needs. Available locally at Ingham Manufactures Mitre 10, the Makita 40V Max LI-ION battery range represents a smart investment in power with performance that lasts.

WHERE WEDDING DREAMS MEET WILD BEAUTY

From rainforest romance to coastal elegance, discover North Queensland’s hidden gem for weddings.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels cinematic, Hinchinbrook Way is the destination you’ve been searching for. This breathtaking stretch of coastline and hinterland offers lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches, and sweeping island vistas, all within easy reach of charming regional towns.

PICTURE-PERFECT BACKDROPS
Start in Ingham, where TYTO Parklands provides a serene setting with boardwalks winding through lily-strewn lagoons and fluttering birdlife. For couples who crave adventure, Wallaman Falls, Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall, offers misty rainforest and thundering water straight out of a fairytale. Coastal lovers will fall for Lucinda and Dungeness, where the sugar-loading jetty stretches into turquoise waters framed by Hinchinbrook Island’s peaks. Forrest Beach and Taylors Beach offer secluded sands perfect for romantic sunset shots.

MORE THAN JUST PHOTOS
Hinchinbrook Way isn’t just about scenery; it’s a complete wedding experience. Boutique venues offer ceremony decks overlooking the Channel, luxury accommodation, and styling services. Imagine exchanging vows with Hinchinbrook Island as your backdrop, then dancing under a canopy of stars.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE
For the groom’s crew, Hinchinbrook is a buck’s party paradise, with world-class fishing including barramundi, reef trips, and heli-fishing adventures. Hens can enjoy bohemian beach picnics at Forrest or Taylors Beach. Add local boutique food experiences, such as Italian delicacies from Ingham delis, and you have the perfect recipe for a relaxed, chic celebration.

Tennille, the owner of Sola the Salon, is passionate about bridal hair and ensures that after each appointment you feel beautiful, confident, and stylish. Tennille takes care of everything, from consultation to the big day. Whether it’s trials, colour, or cuts, she listens to exactly what you want and brings it to life.

The whole bridal party is welcome, from flower girl to best man. Style duo Tennille and Carly can travel to event locations, or the entire salon can be booked out for a boutique, private session. Enquire at www.solathesalon.com.au or call 04 7580 5274 to discuss your upcoming wedding and event!

Meet one of Ingham’s best local Authorised marriage celebrants, Sandra Bison.

Sandra describes her role honestly as the happiest job in the world, spending the past five years being part of many special days. Each ceremony is created from scratch and tailored to reflect every couple’s individual style and story, with a strong focus on making each celebration personal and meaningful.

Sandra is also part of the popular local music duo Obsession and can provide live entertainment for wedding receptions, offering couples added convenience. Couples interested in a relaxed, casual chat can contact Sandra on 0407 760 063.

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Planning a sweet celebration in 2026? Courtney’s Delectable Treats specialises in creating beautiful and delicious desserts to make any occasion memorable. From custom cakes and cupcakes to cake pops, cookies, macarons, slices, and a variety of treats, Courtney can tailor creations to suit your event and personal style.

Bookings are open and filling quickly. So whether you’re planning a birthday, wedding, or special milestone, Courtney is ready to bring your sweet ideas to life.

To secure your date or discuss your ideas, contact Courtney via email at courtneysdelectabletreats@gmail.com or send a DM through her Facebook page!

Mandy’s Beauty in the Bush specialises in bespoke florals for intimate weddings, creating meaningful, personalised arrangements made to be remembered. With a focus on timeless elegance, each arrangement is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the couple’s story.

Blending artistry and creativity, Mandy’s work is defined by exceptional attention to detail, delivering floral designs that are perfect for your special day.

Ph: 0419 676 758 | Em: mandy@mandysbeautyinthebush.com.au | Facebook: Mandy's Beauty In The Bush

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