Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
For more than five decades, Reeds Betta has been helping North Queensland families create comfortable, functional homes with quality appliances, furniture and expert advice. Established by the Reed family in 1969, the business remains proudly family-owned and operated, with third-generation owner Raymond Reed continuing the tradition of personalised service across the Tully and Innisfail communities. Located on Butler Street in Tully, Reeds Betta has become a trusted destination for whitegoods, home appliances, furniture and technology products. Customers can browse a wide range of leading brands across refrigeration, cooking, laundry, televisions, laptops and small appliances, all backed by local knowledge and friendly service. Now is an especially good time to visit, with the store's End of Financial Year Sale offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on a great range of products until 30th June 2026. Whether you're replacing an ageing fridge, upgrading your laundry, purchasing a new television or refreshing your home with quality furniture, the EOFY sale presents an opportunity to secure significant savings while supporting a local family business. As a local Jaycar Authorised Reseller, the store also stocks a range of electronics and technology products, stocking tools and parts to keep your projects up and running, providing customers with even more choice under one roof. With expert advice, trusted service, price matching on leading brands and substantial EOFY savings available now, Reeds Betta Tully continues to prove why shopping local is always a better deal.
Read the full story
As the end of the financial year approaches, many businesses are looking for ways to improve productivity, refresh their workspaces and prepare for the year ahead. For organisations across the Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook regions, Tully Office Supplies is helping make those upgrades easier than ever. As Northern Queensland's largest Office National dealer, Tully Office Supplies has built a strong reputation for supplying everything businesses need to stay organised, efficient and well-equipped. From everyday stationery and office essentials to furniture, technology accessories and workplace consumables, the locally operated business offers a comprehensive one-stop solution. The team supplies a diverse range of customers, including offices, schools, healthcare facilities, caravan parks and accommodation providers. Their extensive product range includes office furniture, computer accessories, cables and adaptors, cleaning products, bulk toilet paper and hand towels, as well as BioPak eco-friendly food packaging solutions. With EOFY now underway, businesses may have an opportunity to invest in new office furniture, workstations, storage solutions and workplace equipment. Tully Office Supplies encourages customers to seek independent financial advice or consult their accountant regarding eligibility, while taking advantage of EOFY opportunities to create more productive and comfortable workplaces. Convenience remains a key focus for the business, with an easy-to-use online ordering platform, competitive pricing, reliable delivery and personalised customer service helping customers throughout the region. Whether you're replacing ageing equipment, upgrading office furniture or stocking up on workplace essentials, Tully Office Supplies continues to provide local businesses with the products, advice and support needed to keep operations running smoothly.
Read the full story
A tiny joey has been given a second chance thanks to the quick actions of Terrain NRM team member Tamsin McLeish, who discovered the little wallaby while travelling home from Etty Bay. Tamsin came across a wallaby that had been hit on the road and stopped to safely move the animal and check whether there was a joey in the pouch. “When I rolled her over, I saw two tiny paws and a tail poking out and then some movement. I panicked! I’d never rescued a joey before and had no idea if it was injured,” Tamsin said. With no phone available to contact wildlife rescuers, Tamsin turned on her hazard lights and waited for another driver to come by and assist. Thankfully, help arrived within minutes. Using a flashlight, Tamsin was able to carefully remove the joey, later named Joe, from its mother’s pouch and place him into a fabric bag to provide comfort and help mimic the safety of a pouch. Tamsin contacted The Agile Project – Wildlife Rescue, who connected her with a Mission Beach wildlife carer. Despite the late hour, a carer was able to take Joe in. After driving the joey to his new carers, Tamsin was told Joe was lucky and had no injuries. The carers have continued to provide updates and photos as Joe begins his recovery. Caption: Little Joe is now safely in the hands of a wildlife carer. Photo credit Terrain NRM
Read the full story
The Cassowary Coast Business Women’s Network recently held its Annual General Meeting and are excited to introduce their new Executive Team. Kerry Clow returns as President for the third year with Britney Anastasi returning as Treasurer and Peta Abela as Committee Member. The dynamic group also welcome new members, Alicia Roelofs as Vice President, Yolanda Jenkins as Secretary and Nanette Gledhill and Christine Blair as new Committee Members. The CCBWN has also engaged the professional services of Susan Kelly as their Digital Communications Support. The CCBWN continues to grow with current membership sitting at 79, a growth of almost 50 just in the last year. “It is exciting to see this growth and the diversity of businesses covering areas of retail, trade, professional, legal and financial services, banks, real estate, tourism, health & wellbeing, agriculture, Government Services and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council,” said President Kerry Clow. “We note that new businesses moving into the Cassowary Coast see value in joining the CCBWN to make connections and give exposure to their businesses. “We also have attracted women who may not run a business, may be retired or see this group as a genuine way to still make a contribution and meet other professional women. “Our Vision is to connect, empower and celebrate women involved in business across the Cassowary Coast. We aim to support businesses and initiatives, personal and professional learning and development, provide a regional representative voice to local and state organisations, facilitate networking and enable social connection. “We are exciting about an upcoming event planned for 20 August 2026 to be held at the Mission Beach Village Green to showcase Cassowary Coast businesses in a lively festival style evening shopping and dining experience. If you want to know more check out this event on the CCBWN website, www.ccbwn.org.au.” Caption: L-R: Susan Kelly, Alicia Roelefs, Nannette Gledhill, Kerry Clow, Peta Abela, Christine Blair, Yolanda Jenkins, Britney Anastasi. Photo supplied
Read the full story
Photo credit: Innisfail State College
Innisfail State College has recognised the dedication and bravery of local first responders as part of Thank A First Responder Day.
On Wednesday, 10th June, Student Council leaders invited representatives from emergency service organisations across the region to the college for a special morning tea.
Representatives from Ambulance, Police, SES, Fire, Surf Life Saving, Hospital services and Coast Guard attended the event, which was prepared and presented by the college’s Hospitality staff and students.
College Captains Lochlan and Jara delivered an address and presented Certificates of Appreciation to each organisation, acknowledging the vital role frontline workers play in keeping the community safe.
The morning provided an opportunity for students, staff and emergency service representatives to come together and show gratitude for the work carried out every day.
First responders are often among the first people on scene during emergencies, providing assistance during incidents including road accidents, floods, fires, water rescues and search and rescue operations.
The day also recognised the many volunteers who stand alongside professional emergency services, giving their time to support and protect others.
Innisfail State College thanked all frontline heroes for their ongoing commitment and the difference they make throughout the community.
Terrain NRM is supporting farmers across the Wet Tropics. Agro-ecologist David Hardwick shown facilitating a soil health workshop, 2023. Photo credit: Terrain NRM
The State Government is providing $2 million to Terrain Natural Resource Management Group to support the grazing, sugarcane and banana sectors in the Cassowary Coast Local Government Area.
The funding will allow Terrain NRM to provide landholders with practical tools and on-ground support to improve soil resilience, riparian vegetation, and land and streambank conditions.
The funding forms part of the State Government's $117.84 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program.
Regional Natural Resource Management groups are being supported to deliver targeted, practical initiatives that improve and restore areas essential to safeguarding Queensland's natural assets.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said the funding for Terrain Natural Resource Management group would support farmers to deliver improved agricultural and landscape management practices.
“Local landholders have been subject to extreme weather events in recent years, and this program will fund on-ground initiatives to improve farm resilience and soil and land conditions,” Minister Last said.
“We recognise the importance of local stewardship and this funding will empower landholders to build stronger farms and more resilient communities because they know how to do it best.
Terrain NRM CEO Stewart Christie said this program would future-proof the Cassowary Coast’s key industries through real engagement with landholders.
“The Cassowary Coast is a powerhouse for industries such as sugarcane, grazing and bananas, but it is also one of the regions most exposed to extreme weather,” Ms Christie said.
“We’ve seen firsthand the toll repeated severe weather events have taken on farms and farming families.
“This project is supporting landholders with practical tools, knowledge and on-ground support to recover, adapt and build resilience, so they can continue producing now and into the future.”
NRM Regions Queensland CEO Chris Norman said the NRM Expansion Program would not only leave a lasting impact on Queensland’s iconic landscapes but create jobs and boost local economies.
“We’re proud to be working alongside the Queensland Government and our regional NRM organisations to deliver big outcomes for people and for place through the Natural Resource Management Expansion Program,” Mr Norman said.
Three osprey chicks have hatched at Mission Beach after their nest famously delayed mobile tower upgrade works, and now the community is being invited to help choose their names. Photo credit: Mick Proctor
A family of ospreys that captured the attention of the Cassowary Coast community is celebrating the arrival of three fluffy chicks, who recently hatched at Mission Beach.
The ospreys first made headlines last month when their nest temporarily delayed planned upgrades to a Telstra mobile tower. Rather than disturb the nesting birds, works were postponed, allowing the eggs to hatch safely.
Now, Cassowary Coast Regional Council is inviting the community to help choose names for the three healthy chicks via Council’s Facebook page.
Residents are being encouraged to submit themed trios of names, with suggestions ranging from famous characters and iconic duos-turned-trios to names inspired by the local area.
The most popular entries will progress to a community vote.
The story has become a heartwarming reminder that sometimes progress can wait while nature takes centre stage.
A marine radio course will be available soon with the QF14 Coast Guard. Photo supplied
Lucinda Coast Guard will host a Marine Radio VHF Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency Course at its Patterson Parade base in Lucinda on Saturday 25th July and Sunday 26th July.
The course has been subsidised thanks to a donation from Hinchinbrook Shire Council, with participants able to complete the training for $50.
Saturday will focus on theory, while Sunday will cover practical radio operation.
Bookings are required, with interested participants able to contact Rex on 0439 079 922.
Boat owners are reminded that anyone operating a marine radio must hold a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency.
Maritime Safety Queensland and Water Police can issue an on-the-spot fine of $330 for operating a marine radio without the required qualification. If the matter is taken to court, the maximum fine can increase to $3,960.
Completing the course helps ensure boaties can communicate effectively and stay safe on the water.
The rescued vessel under tow. Photo supplied
A fishing trip to Bramble Reef turned into a rescue mission last Thursday morning when four men experienced fuel line issues on their return journey.
The vessel’s motor failed approximately 10 nautical miles north-east of the end of the sugar conveyor belt, leaving the group anchored offshore and needing assistance. The crew contacted Lucinda Coast Guard, with volunteers quickly organising a response mission.
Due to a rapidly dropping tide and limited water over the sandbar, the larger vessel could not be used, so the smaller RHIB vessel “JJ” was deployed to reach the stranded boat.
The Coast Guard crew located the vessel, attached a tow line, and safely returned the four men and their boat to Dungeness. Conditions were challenging, with strong south-westerly winds creating a rough cross-swell and white-caps during the trip out and the return tow.
The successful rescue highlights the importance of marine safety preparation and having reliable communication equipment while on the water.
(Contributed with thanks by Steve Whipps, commander of the QF14 Coast Guard)
The survey will be conducted looking for pest such as the African tulip, a relatively common weed in urban areas, near houses and along creek lines and waterways in the Hinchinbrook shire. Dense infestations occur in some locations including Tyto Wetlands. Photos sourced: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that an aerial survey will be conducted along the Herbert River on Friday, 19th June 2026, between 6:30am and 2:30pm.
The purpose of the survey is to identify and monitor priority weed species as outlined in the Hinchinbrook Local Government Area Biosecurity Plan (HLGABP).
The HLGABP provides a strategic framework for the management of priority weeds and pest animals across all land tenures within the Hinchinbrook region.
Mangroves provide stability against land erosion and storm surges. Photo sourced: Australian Environmental Education
Hinchinbrook Shire Council, in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), advises that mangrove trimming will occur between Friday 26th June and Monday 13th July 2026 within the permitted area on Council’s reserve adjacent to John Dory Street, Taylors Beach.
This trimming is only permitted adjacent to properties 56 to 68 John Dory Street under a unique historical arrangement and is the only permit of its kind in Queensland.
Only persons authorised by Council may undertake trimming within the designated area.
Unauthorised removal or damage of mangroves or other marine plants outside the permitted area is prohibited and may be reported to DPI.
Council appreciates the community’s cooperation in protecting this culturally and environmentally significant area.
Visit: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/reporting or call the DPI on 1800 900 090 for more information or to report suspicious activity.
Alternatively email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call Council’s customer service centre on (07) 4776 4600.
Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group advises residents that the Australian Government will be introducing AusAlert, a new national warning system designed to send emergency alerts directly to compatible mobile devices.
AusAlert uses modern cell broadcast technology to deliver near-instant messages during emergencies, including natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones, as well as other critical incidents.
Prior to its official launch in October 2026, the system will undergo testing to ensure it operates effectively and that the community is familiar with how alerts will appear and sound.
Community testing will occur across selected locations in June 2026, followed by a national test on Monday 27 July 2026.
In Queensland, the national test will occur at approximately 2:00pm, and compatible mobile devices may:
Residents are advised that:
If the alert sound may cause concern or disruption, residents may wish to switch their device to aeroplane mode prior to the test and leave it off for up to one hour.
AusAlert is one of the ways governments are working together to help keep communities informed and safe during emergencies. For more information and to prepare for the testing period, please visit: www.ausalert.gov.au
GSMC past pupils and current teaching staff Matthew Spina and Cassy Venturato with 2026 Confro and QISSN players Connor Matsen and Louise Kaurila. Photo supplied
Gilroy Santa Maria College past students will gather on the Chapel lawn this month to celebrate the College’s rich sports history at an inaugural Alumni event.
Locals who donned the blue and gold at the Confraternity & QISSN Carnivals during their GSMC days, are invited back to the College for the inaugural Alumni event on Thursday 25th June.
While there will be decades of memories to recall, the spotlight will also be on the current College players preparing for the yearly pilgrimage to both carnivals, with a presentation of the 2026 playing squads made to the crowd in attendance.
GSMC has proudly competed in the annual Confraternity Carnival for the past 30 years, building on a legacy of rugby league at the college that stretches back to the late 1940s. The Confraternity Carnival is now the largest school rugby league carnival in Australia with well over 60 schools involved and countless players recruited for higher honours, with only Gilroy Santa Maria College and St Teresa's College representing the Hinchinbrook Shire locally.
GSMC’s involvement in the annual QISSN Carnival is equally impressive with their involvement approaching 25 years and also builds on a long history of netball at the College. Today the QISSN Carnival is the biggest school netball carnival in Australia and only Gilroy Santa Maria College is able to offer this opportunity locally.
Alumni are invited to the Chapel lawn to celebrate their Confro and QISSN days on Thursday 25th, June from 4pm-6:30pm, with tickets still available in the 50/50 “Beyond the Books” fundraiser, which will also be drawn on the night.
Exceptional results for Nalini Schofield, who achieved perfect scores in Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, General English and Chemistry. Photo supplied
Ingham State High School is pleased to acknowledge the academic achievements of the Class of 2026, following the confirmation of Internal Assessment results by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).
These results reflect the diligence, commitment and academic capability of our senior students, with some students achieving 100% across a range of subjects. Ingham High extends its congratulations to all students who attained perfect scores in their Internal Assessments.
Nalini Schofield: Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, General English, Chemistry
Olivia Bishop: Mathematical Methods, Biology, Chemistry
Lucas Fallea: Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Biology
Harry Flood: Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry
Keldon Fletcher: Mathematical Methods, Chemistry
Ava Ackery: Biology
Courtney Larragan: General Mathematics
Aylah Tomba: Psychology
Such accomplishments are indicative not only of the dedication and perseverance of our students, but also of the expertise and support provided by our teaching staff, families and the wider community.
Ingham High congratulates all students on their achievements and looks forward to witnessing the continued success of the Class of 2026 as they progress through their final months of schooling.
Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) are reminding people to take extra care conducting burns around power poles and powerlines. Photo supplied
With many landholders preparing hazard reduction burns ahead of bushfire season, Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) are reminding people to take extra care clearing around power poles and powerlines.
Ergon’s General Manager Field Delivery Trevor Bath said burn‑offs getting too close to electricity infrastructure can have serious consequences.
“Unfortunately, in some hazard reduction burn periods, we’ve seen more than a dozen power poles burnt down after burns escaped control,” Mr Bath said.
“In some cases, entire communities have lost power when poles and powerlines came down.
“Beyond the inconvenience, fallen powerlines are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or even death to people and livestock.
“Even poles that are only partly burnt are a major risk. They may look fine but can be significantly weakened and collapse later in strong winds or storms, without warning.
“That’s why we’re asking landholders to clear all vegetation within at least five metres of the base of any power pole before lighting a fire.”
Rural Fire Service Queensland Chief Officer Kaylene Jones said managing bushfire risk was a shared responsibility and landowners needed to take important considerations before conducting hazard reduction burns.
“Weather conditions can strongly impact fire behaviour, which is why anyone planning a hazard reduction burn must monitor the forecast and Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for their area,” she said.
“Landowners can take simple steps like clearing long grass, shrubs and debris from around electricity infrastructure on their property to reduce damage.
“Anyone planning to conduct a burn larger than two metres in any direction must obtain a Permit to Light Fire through their local Fire Warden.
“The burn must also be monitored at all times to ensure the fire doesn’t escape and turn into a large-scale grassfire.”
In an emergency, always dial Triple Zero (000).
(Contributed with thanks by Energy Queensland)
Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that survey works will be undertaken at Taylors Beach on Tuesday 16th, June 2026, as part of the detailed planning and design stage of the Taylors Beach Seawalk project.
The works will include:
The area of the survey works is shown in the image, outlined by the white polygon, and includes both the ocean-facing coastline and the landward side near residential properties along Taylors Beach.
Residents may notice survey personnel, equipment, and a drone operating in the area during this time. Council appreciates your cooperation while these important works are carried out.
The Taylors Beach Seawalk detailed planning and design is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Works of Queensland program in partnership with Hinchinbrook Shire Council. For more information, email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4776 4600.
Can I take a moment of your time to alert you to proposed changes by the Federal Government to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), and to seek your support in opposing them.
These changes were announced on Friday, 5th June 2026, via a late afternoon media release. If implemented in their current form, they will fundamentally alter the way disaster response and recovery is managed in Queensland.
For councils like ours, the impacts could be severe. It has been forecast that these changes have the potential to place significant financial strain on local governments, particularly those, like ours, that are highly exposed to natural disasters.
So what do these proposed changes mean for our community?
These changes matter because of our lived experience.
In 2019, disaster damage in our community totalled $17.4 million.
In 2023, recovery works cost $3.8 million.
Last year’s event is estimated to cost $42.5 million.
Under the proposed 25% reduction in Commonwealth funding, our community would have faced shortfalls of approximately:
These are not small figures; they represent roads not repaired, infrastructure left vulnerable and added pressure on ratepayers.
Living where we do, we are no strangers to natural disasters. It is a reality we cannot ignore, and we must ensure we have the support systems in place to respond and recover effectively.
The Federal Government has opened a two-month consultation period, and I encourage you to make your voice heard. You can support this effort by:
For years, disasters impacting our community have been met with a fair and effective funding framework that brought all three levels of government together. That partnership has been critical to our recovery.
Council is standing up to protect it, but we need your support.
If we lose this world-class disaster response and recovery framework, it will be Queensland communities like ours that feel the impact most.
I ask you to stand with us.
Council Biosecurity staff recently partnered with Hinchinbrook Sportsfishing Club and the Herbert River Catchment Landcare Group to provide information and advice on minimising the spread of the Shire’s tilapia incursion at our recent Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day.
A live display of a locally caught tilapia, along with a couple of native species, including a sooty grunter and sleepy cod made identification easy for families on the day. Tilapia, are an invasive pest fish that are now in a lot of our waterways in the Hinchinbrook Shire.
These fish breed quickly, compete with native species for food and habitat, and can damage the health of local creeks, wetlands and river systems.
Under Queensland law, tilapia are a restricted noxious fish under the Biosecurity Regulation 2016. That means if you catch a tilapia, you cannot return it to the water, move it to another location, keep it, eat it, give it away, sell it or use it as bait. The legal requirement is to humanely kill the fish immediately and dispose of it away from the waterway. Burial is usually the best option.
This is one of those issues where awareness really matters. If residents, visitors and anglers know the rules, we have a better chance of protecting native fish and preventing further spread through our waterways. If you think you have caught tilapia, the safest approach is to follow Queensland biosecurity advice: bury the fish well away from the water and report sightings where appropriate. Protecting Hinchinbrook’s waterways is everyone’s responsibility.
On a good note, the weather is wonderful, our parks and gardens are looking amazing and we’re about to start coconut de-nutting at the beaches. Speaking of beaches, Forrest Beach BMX track has new Koppers logs replacing the existing one. Ninja Park is up and running at TYTO Parklands and the Rotary Park playground equipment has a new shade shelter.
As a final reminder, don’t forget the harvesting season has started, so remember to stop and look at those train crossings!
Whether it’s curling up beside you for cuddles, following you around for company, or simply being your calm little shadow, Pookie just loves being around people.
Pookie is wonderful with kids, adores affection, and has the sweetest nature. Pookie is a gentle and loving mumma cat who has spent the last little while safely in foster care raising her beautiful babies. Now that her kittens have all flown the nest, it’s finally her turn to find a forever home of her very own.
After being such a devoted mum, Pookie is more than ready to be spoiled, loved, and cherished the way she deserves. Pookie is an indoor cat. Included in the adoption fee of $210, Pookie is DESEXED, MICROCHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, and FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated.
Sex: Female
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
DOB: 01/01/2025
Cat Friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: No
Kid Friendly: Yes
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes. Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
