Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Victoria Velton Welcome to the Cutting The Cane, a column where we have a chat with those supporting the backbone of the local economy: the farmers behind the sugar. This week John Board, grower and recent recipient of the Nuffield Australia Scholarship answered our questions about the 2026 season. What stage is your paddock at now? Right now I have 12.5% of my mature cane still left to supply to the mill for this year, with the remainder of the farm in different growth stages ranging from plant cane being planted in early May, to ratooning cane that has been cut on various different dates from the 9th June until now. What are you hoping to learn or explore through your Nuffield Australia Scholarship? Predominantly I want to Learn how other countries have diversified away from making crystal sugar alone, while keeping it profitable for both the millers and farmers. I'm not so much going to be focused on looking at the technology of making other products, we know that already exists, e.g. Ethanol, Electricity. My focus will be more around the relationships between Farmers, Millers, Government, Fuel companies and the General Public. I think currently that's what is not working in Australia. We are all sitting in the same boat, but unfortunately not everybody is rowing in the same direction. If I can research what works well for other countries, and be able to apply that here, maybe we are in with a chance of diversifying our income streams, because currently relying solely on crystal sugar is not making business sense. If we keep doing what we've always done, we'll keep getting what we've always got. How do you think the ideas and experiences you gain through the Nuffield Scholarship could benefit the local cane industry? After spending a week in Darwin surrounded by other Nuffield scholars and Agri experts, I can say a real take home message for me was how many parallels there are between different commodities and sectors. Often we get so caught up with tunnel vision looking inwards at our own industry that we forget to zoom out and have a look at the big picture. A Lot of people said some of the biggest things they learnt and have taken back to their industries after their scholarship is actually not what they intentionally set out to find. The biggest thing for me is to find what works well and try to replicate that back here. Not try to reinvent the wheel, just look at why other wheels run smoother than what ours currently does. What are the major issues affecting crop growth in your area, and how are you managing them? Yield decline is one of our biggest issues facing us at the moment and nobody can really point exactly to one particular reason. For me personally, soil health is a big focus of mine. We've been intensively farming in the Herbert Valley for well over 100 years and I think we've taken for granted that we've been taking a lot out of the soil, and not putting much back in. Machinery is getting bigger and more expensive, and the crops are getting smaller and less profitable, it's not a good situation. Sure, rain and sun at the right time is essential to growing a good crop, but you can't control that. As growers we need to take a bit of responsibility for the things we can control. Once this year’s crop is in, what will you be thinking about next? There's always a fair bit of thinking going on in this big old head of mine, currently I'm doing a pretty significant earthmoving job on 1 paddock and fixing up some drainage and silt traps that were damaged in the 2025 floods. I'm starting to think about which fallow crops I'll be putting in on which paddocks. I normally do a few different fallow crops including Soybeans, Sunn Hemp, Cowpea, Lab Lab and Forage Sorghum. Just sorting out which ones will be suited to which soil types and which ones can handle going underwater for a period of time if the wet season chooses that for us this year. Like many others, it will pretty much be earthmoving, fertilising, spraying and planting cover crops until the weather forces us to stop. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
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Optimus is a big-hearted boy with a big personality to match! He’s doing so well in his foster home and is proving to be a friendly, fun-loving dog who enjoys getting out and about. One of his favourite things is interacting and playing with bigger dogs. He would be best suited to a home with another larger, confident dog or as an only dog. Optimus also loves adventures! He’s enjoying trips to the Strand, cafes, car rides, and exploring new places. He’s the kind of dog who would love a family that wants to include him in their adventures and give him plenty of opportunities to experience the world. He doesn’t always realise just how big he is though so he would be best suited to a home with older children or adults only. If you’re looking for a big, affectionate, playful boy who loves dogs, car rides and adventures, Optimus could be your perfect match. Included in adoption fee of $530 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated and on PROHEART. Enquire today at: angelpawsinc.com.au/pets-for-adoption/dogs/ Sex: Male Breed: Staffy X DOB: 29/12/2024 Colour: Brindle Kid friendly: Older kids Cat Friendly: Yes Other dogs: Yes, larger dogs
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Contributed with thanks by selectability Queensland Mental Health Week returns from the 3rd to 11th October, bringing Queenslanders together to raise awareness and encourage conversations about mental health and wellbeing. This year’s theme, “Build Community, Build Wellbeing”, highlights the important role that connection and belonging play in supporting positive mental health. It is a reminder that wellbeing isn’t something we build alone. To celebrate the everyday moments of connection that help people feel valued, supported, and like they belong. Because when we build community, we build wellbeing for everyone. At selectability, creating these opportunities for connection is an important part of supporting locals to improve their mental wellbeing. Regional Coordinator Julie Ross said programs like selectability’s Clubhouse provide a safe and welcoming space where people can meet others, build confidence, learn new skills and feel part of their community. “Whether it’s getting involved in self-reflection activities, engaging with others through cooking classes, or connecting with the community and nature through the community garden or out of town trips,” Julie said. “These activities are designed to foster connection and support, but also reduce loneliness.” Queensland Mental Health Week is an opportunity for everyone to think about the small ways they can strengthen their own connections, whether that’s joining a local activity, checking in with someone or simply making time to connect with the people around them. For anyone over 18 seeking support to improve their mental wellbeing, selectability offers a range of NDIS supports, with funding options also available for those not on the scheme. To find out more, contact the selectability Ingham team on 07 4781 2690 or pop into the Clubhouse at 11-13 Lannercost Street, Ingham, and chat with the team.
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Contributed with thanks by Ergon Energy Network & Energex As Queenslanders get stuck into spring pruning, Ergon Energy Network is warning them to stay well clear of overhead service wires when trimming trees, at a high-risk time of year for vegetation management incidents. Ergon’s Safety Manager Grace White said there were 33 accidental contacts with powerlines caused by vegetation management last spring, up 12 from the previous year. “In recent weeks our crews have responded to a number of incidents, including a service line brought down by a home gardener in the Bundaberg region and an 11,000-volt conductor contacted by a branch cut by a professional tree cutter on the Gold Coast. “You don’t need to be touching a powerline to be at risk of serious injury or death – electricity can flow through the tree branches you’re pruning, the ladder you’re standing on or tools you’re holding. “Thankfully no one was injured in the most recent incidents, but it’s a timely reminder to plan safe work near overhead powerlines and Look Up and Live while work is in progress. “Whether you’re cleaning up your own yard or cutting trees for a living, you need to consider the risks and how to stay safe,” Grace said. 59 per cent of the incidents in the spring of 2024 and 2025 were caused by tree felling, predominantly carried out by professionals. “You should use the Look Up and Live app to check the location of overhead wires, plan safe work and manage the risk of trees falling across powerlines, and if you’re still unsure you can contact us for further safety advice,” Grace said. Overhead service wires supplying power directly to people’s properties were the electrical asset most likely to be damaged. “Like any powerline, fallen service wires should always be treated as live and reported immediately to Ergon on 13 16 70. “Green thumbs can help reduce the risk of incidents, damage and outages by planting smart in the first place – you can find a list of powerline-friendly trees on our website,” Grace said. Ergon uses highly skilled vegetation management crews to trim trees near approximately 800,000 spans of overhead powerlines throughout the year. Caption: Take care when home-trimming trees as they may have grown close to powerlines. Photo supplied: Ergon
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Small Moments, Lifelong Benefits
Hi Readers,
Some of the most important learning in a child’s life happens long before the first day of school. It happens during a bedtime story, while singing in the car, on a walk around the neighbourhood or through a simple game at home.
These everyday moments might seem small, but they help children develop language, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. First 5 Forever is a wonderful initiative that helps Queensland families make the most of those important early years.
Here in Hinchinbrook Shire, families can access First 5 Forever through our local library. It provides a welcoming place where parents, carers and young children can spend time together, learn, play and connect with others in the community.
Our library staff play an important role in making these opportunities accessible to local families and ensuring early literacy support is available close to home.
The great things about early learning it doesn’t require expensive equipment or formal lessons. Simple everyday moments talking, reading, singing and playing together can make a real difference.
I encourage families with young children to drop into the library, meet the team and discover what First 5 Forever has to offer.
First 5 Forever is held every Thursday 10:30am – 12pm For more information, contact our local library on 4776 4614.
Small moments today can help build strong foundations for a lifetime.
Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch President Rodger Bow with Lynette Croton and George Croton, holding their volunteer service recognitions. Photo supplied: Herbert River RSL
By Victoria Velton
For 30 years, the Herbert River RSL have hosted raffles and prizes on Friday nights. Behind this consistent fundraising has been the quiet dedication of George and Lynette Croton.
The couple were recently recognised for three decades of voluntary service to the Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch, having spent thousands of Friday nights volunteering, selling raffle tickets and helping wherever they were needed, as well as giving countless hours behind the scenes.
“Thirty years of volunteering isn't just a milestone — it represents an incredible amount of dedication, generosity and commitment to our Club,” said Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch Manager Kerryn Brock.
Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch President, Rodger Bow said the raffles did not simply happen each week, with someone needing to organise prizes, prepare for the evening, sell tickets, conduct the draws and make sure everything ran smoothly.
“For the past 30 years, two of our members have done exactly that,” Rodger said.
“Through their steadfast dedication, reliability and countless hours of voluntary service, they have made Friday nights a valued tradition and contributed greatly to our club's success.”
Lynette said the award was a meaningful acknowledgement of the years she and George have spent supporting the RSL and its members.
“It’s a real honour. I was really surprised. Thirty years to me is a long time,” she said.
The couple first became involved with the RSL around 30 years ago, with Lynette’s father already involved with the Board.
At the time, there were no Friday night raffles, and Lynette approached the manager about starting them.
She enlisted the help of her friend Diane, and the pair began organising the weekly raffles.
“I think it was ’96 that we started,” George said.
Three decades later, the raffles remain a familiar part of the club, but the couple say the friendships built along the way have been just as important.
“We’ve made lots and lots of friends over the last 30 years. It’s been really great,” said George.
Beyond the raffles, George has also regularly taken on jobs around the club and even heads to the cemetery to repair and paint graves without being asked.
“If there’s something to be done around here, we just do it,” George said.
“It’s just something that we like doing, and we don’t do it because we have to. We do it because we want to do it.”
The couple plan to be involved with the RSL for as long as they are able.
“It’s just nice to be appreciated for what you do. We’ve been working here a long time,” George said.
“But we don’t do it for the recognition. We just do it because we enjoy doing it.”
On the BBQ, sizzling up a storm. Photo sourced: State Emergency Service Halifax & Ingham Groups
A local business has helped put the sizzle into a State Emergency Service (SES) get-together, donating meat for a BBQ enjoyed by members and their families.
The SES thanked Frank at Galipo’s Midtown Meats for the donation, which gave local volunteers an opportunity to put aside their uniforms and emergency duties and simply catch up over a meal.
“SES is many things to many people,” the Halifax and Ingham SES wrote.
“It's not always activating, deploying, training, preparing and helping our communities. Sometimes it's just like last night, a time for our members and their families to catch up over a BBQ.”
The donation was a gesture that helped support the volunteers who give their time to helping the community during emergencies and severe weather events.
The SES also used the occasion to encourage more locals to consider joining the organisation, with information nights planned for both the Ingham and Halifax SES groups over the coming months.
“If you are keen to join SES, get in touch now,” the organisation said.
The SES plays an important role in supporting Queensland communities during emergencies, but its work also relies on local volunteers being willing to step forward.
Anyone interested in joining the Halifax or Ingham SES groups is encouraged to get in touch and attend an upcoming information night to find out more about volunteering.
Tuesday morning means Scrabble for Angie La Spina, Wendy Frazer and Robyn Brunello at Tully Library.
From Scrabble and Mahjong to bowls, pickleball, golf, pottery, walking and volunteering, Cassowary Coast seniors are keeping active, involved and connected in all sorts of ways.
This October, Queensland Seniors Month offers another opportunity to join in, with Cassowary Coast Libraries hosting free events where people can meet others and perhaps discover an activity that keeps them coming back.
At Tully Library, those connections happen every week around the Scrabble board.
“I’ve been coming here every Tuesday since I retired about four years ago,” Robyn Brunello said.
She joins up to 20 keen wordsmiths and returns on Wednesdays for Mahjong.
Scrabble keeps spelling and arithmetic skills sharp, but there’s a social side too, with cards drawn each week to determine who plays who. Newcomers are always welcome.
“If you want to have a look, we’ll squeeze you in,” Robyn said. “Same with Mahjong – even if you’ve never played before.”
Beyond games, Cassowary Coast Libraries offer year-round activities including Craft & Laugh, Conversation Café and Tech Help, helping people of all ages learn, socialise and stay connected.
Connection could be your highest-scoring word this Seniors Month. Put your local library’s free morning tea on the calendar… With good company, fun and activities on the cards, it could be the first move towards a new hobby, group or friendship.
Cardwell – Stronger Together: Celebrating Community Resilience
Friday 9th October, 10am–4pm
A free community day with morning tea, local history, guided tours, Conversation Café, digital workshops, Tech Help and other activities.
Mission Beach Library Morning Tea
Thursday 15th October, 10am–12pm
Tully Library Morning Tea
Friday 16th October, 9.30–11.30am
Innisfail Library Morning Tea
Wednesday 21st October, 10am–12pm
All events are free. Booking ahead for catering is appreciated. Visit your local library or call 1300 366 616.
Staying socially connected isn't just enjoyable, it's good for your health.
The World Health Organisation says around one in four older people is socially isolated, while research links social isolation and loneliness with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, depression and dementia. Meaningful social activities can improve mental health, life satisfaction and quality of life.
Serving and retired police gathered at St Clare’s Catholic Church for Tully’s National Police Remembrance Day service. Image supplied
Serving and retired police officers from across the Cassowary Coast joined community members in Tully this week for National Police Remembrance Day, honouring officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
A colour party marched through the town in a formal procession before gathering at St Clare’s Catholic Church for the annual service where among the traditions was the handover of the Cassowary Coast community baton.
Originally presented to the Inspector at Innisfail Police Station on behalf of the Cassowary Coast community, the baton symbolises the goodwill and trust placed in local police and is carried each National Police Remembrance Day by a retired officer during the march.
At this years’ service, retired Police Special Constable Darrin Padget formally carried and passed the baton to First Year Constable Bryce Haigh.
Accepting it on behalf of current members of the Cassowary Coast Patrol Group, Constable Haigh acknowledged the trust it represented.
“We understand it is a symbol of goodwill and trust on behalf of the community and will endeavour to do our best to uphold the values the community expects from us,” he said.
Following the service, officers and guests gathered for morning tea provided by the St Clare’s Catholic Women Tully.
First observed nationally in 1989, National Police Remembrance Day is held annually on 29th September, the feast day of St Michael the Archangel, traditionally regarded as the patron saint of police. In 2006, the National Police Memorial in Canberra was dedicated on the same date, providing a permanent place of remembrance for Australian police officers who have died because of their duties.
The sack race saw some eager competitors. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
By Victoria Velton
Volunteers are being called on to keep Forrest Beach’s community events alive, as the Progress Association wraps up a successful year of markets and prepares for its upcoming Carols by the Sea.
This year saw the Progress Association introduce a series of themed markets throughout the year, including a Show and Shine in June, an emergency services theme in July, Spring into Fitness in August and a school holiday-focused market for the final event.
The final Forrest Beach market of the year attracted a strong crowd, with Event Coordinator Mr Scuderia saying the rides and games proved particularly popular with families, namely the sack races, jumping castles and carousel.
Mr Scuderia said that although he was sad to see the season close, the themed markets would return next year, with the association already planning another emergency services and Show and Shine market.
“It’s the last one for the year, so I’m always disappointed because I would like to see markets 12 months of the year here,” Mr Scuderia laughed.
“But we’re happy to recharge and start fresh next year.”
Now, the association is also preparing for its annual Carols by the Sea event, which will be held in partnership with the local lifesavers. The event will move from Progress Park to the lifesavers’ venue, with the association expecting a strong crowd following last year’s attendance of around 500 people.
The evening will feature local singers, food, popcorn and fireworks, with the carols beginning at 6pm and fireworks scheduled for 8.30pm. The new partnership will also allow alcohol to be sold within the lifesavers’ licensed area.
Looking further ahead, the Progress Association hopes to work with the lifesavers on reviving the Stinger Net opening event, potentially bringing back fashion parades and Battle of the Bands. Mr Scuderia said the lifesavers’ sloping lawn provided a natural amphitheatre for large community events.
The association has also continued working closely with the CWA, which is expected to co-lease the Progress Hall next year after leaving its current premises.
Despite the success of the year, Mr Scuderia highlighted a growing need for volunteers, with many community clubs and associations facing an ageing membership.
Mr Scuderia said without new members and volunteers, some organisations could eventually disappear, taking their markets, festivals and other community events with them.
Volunteering with the Progress Association offers opportunity to learn practical skills, handling money, serving customers, building connections and gaining valuable experience in a friendly and supportive environment.
The Progress Association thanked those who continue to volunteer their time and encouraged more people to put their hand up and help keep local community events running.
Wayde Chiesa MP attended a Parliamentary Committee hearing in Cairns on the proposed Breach Bail, Go to Jail laws. Photo source: Wayde Chiesa MP
The past fortnight has taken me from Parliament in Brisbane back across North Queensland, with plenty happening on some of the issues that matter most to our communities - community safety, growing our visitor economy and supporting the industries that underpin our region.
Last week, I attended Parliamentary Hearings in Cairns and Townsville into the Crisafulli Government’s Breach Bail, Go to Jail laws. Since the Hinchinbrook by-election, I have continued to advocate for stronger bail laws and consequences for repeat offenders. It was important that the Committee came to North Queensland and heard directly from our communities who have experienced the consequences of repeat offending. These new laws will introduce tougher consequences for serious offences committed while on bail and strengthen the tests around granting bail.
There were different perspectives put forward during the hearings, and that is an important part of the parliamentary process. But my position remains clear: bail is a privilege, and if you breach bail, there must be consequences. The Committee will now consider the evidence before reporting back to Parliament, and I will continue advocating for stronger laws that put victims and our community safety first.
I also recently joined Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell for a tourism roundtable and discussions with Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo about the opportunities we have right across our region. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of Queensland, with everything from Wallaman Falls and Hinchinbrook Island to our beaches and our incredible national parks, waterways and coastline. The opportunity is to encourage more people travelling between Townsville and Cairns to stop, stay longer and spend in our communities. That means continuing to look at how we promote our region, improve the visitor experience and support new tourism opportunities.
Of course, one industry that has sustained our communities for generations is sugar, and the crushing season continues across the Herbert. It has been a particularly challenging season. Different parts of the district have experienced vastly different weather conditions, while high fuel prices continue to put pressure on growers and harvesting contractors.
Despite these challenges, our growers, harvesting crews, mill workers, transport operators and everyone involved in the industry continue to get on with the job. As we move through the remaining weeks of the crush, I hope conditions are kind, the season progresses well and every grower has the opportunity to get their crop away.
Whether it is making our communities safer, growing our visitor economy or backing the industries that sustain our region, I will continue listening locally and making sure Hinchinbrook has a strong voice and a seat at the table.
Photo credit: Victoria Velton
By Victoria Velton
Hinchinbrook’s seafood industry took centre stage last week as fishers, industry representatives, researchers, business owners and government representatives gathered for the inaugural Spotlight On Hinchinbrook seafood industry event.
Organised by local business owner and Wild Local operator Rebecca Zahgini, the three-day event aimed to bring together people from across the seafood sector while highlighting the importance of commercial fishing to regional communities.
Among those invited were the CEO of Seafood Industry Australia, representatives from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, OceanWatch Australia, Fisheries Queensland, Hinchinbrook Shire Council members, Hinchinbrook MP Wayde Chiesa and Senator Susan McDonald.
Rebecca said she was excited to welcome industry representatives from across Queensland and Australia, and “show them our beautiful hometown and our country hospitality.”
“Seafood is not just commercial fishing,” Rebecca said.
“It also includes research and science, such as with aquaculture. There’s lots of different diverse ways people can be involved in the seafood industry.”
The program began with a Women in Seafood Australia (WISA) afternoon tea, which a representative said was set to bring fishers, post-harvest businesses, advocates and policymakers together to build connection and trust.
Next, the event moved into a seafood barbecue featuring local produce, before a networking evening at the TYTO Conference Centre.
The event then continued with a WISA business breakfast and fisheries workshop, with panellists Kate Lamason, Sienna Green and Raelene Moody discussing their experiences working in and running businesses within North Queensland’s seafood industry.
Rebecca said the main purpose of bringing the industry together in Hinchinbrook was to highlight the positive contribution made by the sector.
“The main reason of bringing everyone here to Ingham is to show what a positive and professional industry it is,” she said.
“To really shine a light on the importance of it in little regional communities.”
She also wanted the event to recognise and shine light on the region’s commercial fishers, a theme that echoed throughout the event, with OceanWatch Australia highlighting its Master Fisherman program and the local operators involved.
OceanWatch Australia described the program as an opportunity for fishers to demonstrate their commitment to best practice, with attendees encouraged to acknowledge their experience and contribution to the industry.
“Here in this region, our fishers are master fishers,” a representative said.
“They’re always striving to do the right things on the water, but they don’t always get seen and don’t always get acknowledged for that.”
“There’s hundreds of years’ worth of knowledge and experience, and people working for their community, and they provide such a valuable resource,” the OceanWatch representative said.
Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo welcomed Spotlight On Hinchinbrook attendees to the region, highlighting the long history of commercial fishing in the district.
“We are fortunate to live and work in a region blessed with pristine waters, rich marine resources, and a seafood industry that proudly supplies some of the finest products in the region,” he said.
“Commercial fishing and produce have been part of the fabric for a very long time.”
Mayor Jayo also spoke about the changes faced by the local fishing industry over the years and the importance of finding a balance between conservation and maintaining a viable industry.
“I am conservative by nature and embrace the need for conservation for our environment and future generations, but there does need to be appropriate balance,” he said.
“To my mind, commercial fishing and local preparation and distribution are imperative not only to our community but our society in general.”
He also highlighted Council’s work to support local operators, including improvements to marine access and new infrastructure for commercial operators.
“My Council is quite proud of our district’s seafood industry, and we do engage and assist where possible,” Mayor Jayo said.
“We will continue to support the industry as best as we can.”
The event also recognised individuals for their contribution to the fishing industry, with John Taifalos, Lisa Putzka, Darcy Fazio and Allan Bobbermen receiving awards during the Expo.
Senator Susan McDonald, who attended the event, congratulated the recipients.
“We need Australian seafood caught by Australian fishers on Australian tables,” she said.
The three-day event also sparked discussion around the future of the industry, including current fisheries policies and whether some existing approaches remain suited to the realities of the sector.
Alongside the policy discussions, speakers highlighted the value of generational knowledge built up among local fishers and the importance of ensuring Australian-caught seafood remains an accessible choice for Australian consumers.
Sophie Turner, Cassandra Cataldo and Annie Hepner enjoy the many interpretations of Sanctuary at the exhibition’s opening night including Cassandra’s painting ’Home Is Where The Curlews Are’
More than 20 works by local artists are exploring the many meanings of Sanctuary in the latest exhibition to open at Mission Arts.
From the comfort of home and familiar wildlife to the peace found in nature and landscape, the exhibition reveals personal interpretations of what it means to find refuge, belonging and calm.
Opening the exhibition on Friday night, local artist Sally Maroney said the theme was deliberately chosen to challenge artists to explore their own interpretation of the topic.
“Sanctuary is a theme that can be interpreted in many different ways – safe and comfortable, for people or animals; or for refugees, a new home,” she said.
Each artist has also provided a statement to accompany their work, available on the Mission Arts website, offering an insight into the inspiration and meaning behind each piece.
For Cassandra Cataldo, sanctuary can be found close to home. Her acrylic painting, Home Is Where The Curlews Are, celebrates some familiar feathered residents.
“The curlews have been in our yard as long as we have – my sanctuary,” Cassandra wrote.
For Bruce Parry, his artwork Sanctuary – Dunk Island from South Mission is also closely connected to the natural world.
“For me, sanctuary means being surrounded by nature and being able to have the time to observe in great depth,” he wrote.
Sanctuary is on exhibition at Mission Arts until October 20. The gallery at the Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, MARCS Park, 2290 Tully Mission Beach Road, is open daily from 10am to 2pm. Entry is free.
Information about the exhibition and artists’ statements can be viewed at www.missionarts.au.
The QCWA Flying Fish Point hall was destroyed by fire following an electrical fault, leaving the branch working to rebuild its facilities. Photo supplied by QCWA Flying Fish Point
Queensland Country Women's Association (QWCA) Flying Fish Point is calling on the community to come together for a day of fundraising as the group works to recover from a devastating fire.
Members will be holding a Cent Sale at Innisfail’s Queens Hotel on Saturday 21st November, with proceeds helping fund repairs and refurbishment of the branch’s cottage on Alice Street, as well as plans to eventually rebuild its hall.
“Unfortunately, our hall was destroyed by the fire due to electrical fault, leaving us without the larger meeting and community space that was such an important part of our Branch,” said 2026 QCWA Flying Fish Point President Deborah Blennerhassett.
“We are determined to keep moving forward and restore the Cottage as a welcoming space for our members and the wider community.”
Since the fire, the cottage has faced several attempted break-ins, creating further repair costs and leaving the branch in need of new furnishings.
QCWA Flying Fish Point is the only remaining QCWA branch in the Innisfail area, with members keen to ensure the organisation keeps going. Broader fundraising efforts have included selling raffle tickets and Hundred Boards through local businesses and community events.
“Our future plans include restoring our cottage, working towards rebuilding our hall and eventually promoting the cottage and hall as a community venue and destination for functions and weddings,” Deborah said.
“We would love to see the cottage become a place where people can gather, hold events and enjoy the beautiful Far North Queensland area.
“We want to get back to doing what we love — supporting our community. Over the years, our Branch has supported many local causes and community organisations, and having our cottage and hall back up and running will allow us to become even more involved and continue giving back to the community.”
Members have continued to meet despite the loss of their facilities, with regular meetings and craft days taking place. The branch is welcoming new members from Innisfail and surrounding areas, with no previous QCWA experience required.
November’s Cent Sale will feature a range of prizes, with doors opening at 9am ahead of the first call at 10:30am. Entry is $10 per person, with numbers limited. Attendees will need to bring their numbered invitation, which will also serve as their lucky door prize number.
A pre-sale afternoon will also be held on Friday, 20th November, from 3pm to 6pm for people without a booked seat who would like to purchase their tickets ahead of the event. Bookings are required before the event, with the branch encouraging people to secure their places early by emailing admin@qcwaffp.com or calling 0457 971 111.
“Every ticket purchased, donation made and person who comes along to one of our fundraising activities helps us take another step towards restoring our Cottage and rebuilding our hall,” Deborah said.
“For our members, this is about much more than simply raising money. It is about bringing our Branch back to life, creating a place for our members and community to come together, and getting back to supporting the many local causes that are so important to us.”
Cameron Anderson standing and speaking up for the district’s youth
At just 20, Innisfail’s Cameron Anderson has already spent several years putting his hand up for his community, joining the inaugural Cassowary Coast Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) in 2023 to help give young people a voice across the region.
Cameron joined YAC while school captain at Innisfail State College, after encouragement from his uncle.
“He said, ‘You’ve always had a passion for volunteering. You’ve always wanted to get yourself out there. So put in for this and just see if you get anywhere with it.’”
One initiative Cameron is particularly proud of came during YAC’s early meetings, when members raised the need for better access to university study locally.
“We had the Vocational Pathways Group come in to talk with us because we had an idea to create the Rural Study Hub,” Cameron said. “We were all in agreement. We prefer for youth to stay here and study, if they want to.”
Today, Cameron is benefiting from that opportunity himself. He works four days a week at Innisfail Hospital while studying online through CQUniversity to be a paramedic and uses the university study hub at Innisfail Library.
His willingness to speak up has prompted others to suggest he might consider a more formal community leadership role in the future – something Cameron says he may consider one day. For now, he believes YAC offers young people an opportunity to become more involved in their own communities.
“You begin to have a deeper understanding in what’s going on within your community and what can go on, and what you can provide for your community,” he said.
Members meet regularly, either face-to-face or online via Teams, with Cameron describing it simply as “a group of mates” discussing what is happening locally and what they can do.
And he wants more young people, particularly young men, to get involved.
“More people means a louder voice,” Cameron said. “Which means more can be done for the youth of the Cassowary Coast.”
Young people aged 15 to 25 interested in joining YAC can contact Council on 1300 763 903, email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au, or visit Council’s Youth Advisory Committee page.
A $2,000 Council grant will help the long-running Innisfail and District Pipe Band Association purchase and safely store new equipment as it looks to attract new members. Pictured at Innisfail’s 2025 Anzac Day parade from left: David Cornish, Marc Darveniza, Elliott Ferguson, Michael Lindsey and Cameron Ferguson (Image supplied)
Community groups from Cardwell to Goondi will share in more than $200,000 of Cassowary Coast Regional Council grants, supporting everything from new pipe band equipment and community events to facility improvements and lawn care.
Council’s first round of its 2026–27 Community Grants and Support Program has backed six projects through its Community Programs and Initiatives stream, worth more than $24,000, along with 15 projects through the Community Infrastructure stream.
Among the recipients is the Innisfail and District Pipe Band Association, which will receive $2,000.
Band secretary, David Cornish, said the money would help purchase new equipment and provide suitable storage – an important investment for the small band as it looks to attract new pipers and drummers.
Formed in 1953, the band has a proud history in the district and once boasted a large membership. Today, membership has fallen to just six, but Mr Cornish hopes the grant will help breathe new life into the band and ensure the distinctive sound of the pipes continues to be heard at events across the district.
Elsewhere, the grants stretch across the region and cover a diverse range of local needs.
Cardwell UFO Festival will receive $7,500, Cardwell Sportfishing Club $3,630, Tully Women in Agriculture $2,000, Tully Motorcycle Club $4,942.40 and Goondi Scout Group $4,019.
Infrastructure funding includes $30,000 for Tully Show Society, $28,498 for Tully and District Men’s Shed, $25,400 for Mission Beach Rotary Club, $25,254 for Cardwell State School P&C Association and $19,064 for Garradunga Progress Association.
Mission Beach Community Arts, Innisfail golf and tennis clubs, Tully Girl Guides, QCWA Silkwood, Mission Beach Sailing Club and the Rotary Club of Tully are also among the successful recipients.
Mayor Teresa Millwood said the grants helped local organisations deliver projects that brought people together, encouraged participation and fostered local pride.
Further Community Grants and Support Program funding rounds will open soon, with details to be published on Council’s website and Facebook page.
Liz Gaille with some of the colourful cassowary road signs created from Mission Beach State School students’ artwork, currently on display at the Bingil Bay Café. Photo credit: Helen Cook
When Liz Gaille first arrived at Mission Beach in the 1970s, she was captivated by the rainforest and wildlife. Decades later, that connection remains – particularly her love for the region’s most famous resident, the cassowary.
Living in cassowary habitat at Bingil Bay gave Liz plenty of opportunities to observe and photograph the birds – and discover just how different each one can be.
An original member of C4, Liz established Mission Beach Cassowaries in 2009, including its popular Facebook page, where she shares photographs, information and a gentle but persistent message about protecting the local cassowary population.
She’s also a lifelong creative – an artist and jewellery maker who admits she approaches most things with a “creative bent”. So perhaps it was inevitable that creativity, cassowaries and community campaigning would come together.
Around World Cassowary Day in 2017, Liz began working with Mission Beach State School students to create road-safety signs with a difference.
The children drew cassowaries and added their own messages to motorists. Liz then digitally transformed their artwork into printable signs, funded through donations, while making sure the distinctive drawings and handwriting remained.
“I tried to keep the drawing and writing exactly the way the children created the message,” she said.
Since then, Liz has produced several sets of signs featuring straight-to-the-point messages such as “Don’t Hurt Me” and “Save the Cassowary.”
Simple, colourful and hard to miss, they carry an important message from local children to motorists – slow down and look out for the true Mission Beach locals on World Cassowary Day, and every day.
This month, I want to update our community on three important issues we are continuing to advocate strongly for the Cassowary Coast.
Firstly, following a recent social media post I shared on behalf of our community regarding the incorrect disposal of used syringes and needles in our public spaces, Queensland Health has requested a meeting with Council to discuss the concerns that have been raised.
Representatives from Queensland Health, Cairns and Hinterland Drug and Alcohol Services, the Queensland Needle and Syringe Program, and the Queensland Injectors Health Network will attend.
The discussion will cover concerns regarding discarded injecting equipment in Innisfail, current program operations and supports, local impacts and community concerns, potential response options and partnership opportunities, and the next steps.
This is an important opportunity to ensurethe Cassowary Coast’s concerns are heard directly and that practical local responses are explored.Secondly, Council is establishing advisory stakeholder groups for both the Innisfail CBD Revitalisation Project and the future of the Warrina Lakes building.
These groups are about making sure community voices continue to help shape important local projects.
For the Innisfail CBD Revitalisation Project, the new Detailed Design Stakeholder Reference Group will help inform the next phase of planning for three priority areas identified in the 2023 Master Plan - Waterfront South Part A, Fitzgerald Esplanade Part A, and the Northern Gateway including ANZAC Memorial Park.
The group will include representatives from community organisations, business, youth, marine users, emergency services and key agencies, ensuring a broad range of perspectives are considered as detailed design work progresses.
For Warrina Lakes, we have proposed a Stakeholder Reference Group to support Council’s consideration of the building’s future.
Community feedback has shown just how strongly people value this facility.While no final decision has been made on whether the building will be refurbished or rebuilt, the advisory group will help review technical information, provide feedback on possible options, and contribute to the next stage of planning.
In both cases, these groups will be advisory only, but they will play an important role in helping Council make informed decisions.Finally, I want to acknowledge the growing concern across our region about insurance affordability and availability.
This is a very real issue for households, businesses and community organisations across the Cassowary Coast.
The rising cost of premiums, and in some cases the difficulty of obtaining cover at all, is placing additional pressure on communities already dealing with the challenges of living in a disaster-prone region.
This is not an issue Council can solve alone, which is why advocacy at all levels is so important.
I also acknowledge the involvement of Bob Katter, who has publicly raised these concerns and added his voice to calls for action on behalf of northern communities
Barry Lansdown with children, Nicholas, Julian, and Marina. Photo supplied
A unique reunion brought together eight former members of a Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) B Troop at the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch on Saturday, 19th September, to celebrate the 80th birthday of local identity Barry Lansdown.
B Troop served as a frontline Counter Terrorism Response Team in 1982, with the former members gathering in Cardwell to reminisce about their time together and the experiences they shared as young men.
Barry was Troop Sergeant and second-in-command during their 12-month cycle with B Troop, and reflected on the strong bond formed between the Navy and Army personnel.
He recalled how the two groups “integrated perfectly” and worked together as one team.
“Not Army, not Navy, just B Troop,” Barry said, describing the team as harmonious and the period as “the highlight of my career”.
Of the 25 operators pictured in the original Troop photograph, four went on to become Regimental Sergeant Majors, many became Warrant Officers Class 2, while one became a Brigadier and another a Commodore.
The eight former B Troop members who attended the reunion each indicated that Barry had played a significant role in their careers through his inspirational leadership.
The strength of the friendships formed during their training was evident as the group shared memories of their time serving together.
A small memorial service was also held at the Cardwell Memorial in honour of a B Troop member who died during training while the team was serving together.
The service provided an opportunity to remember those who did not return and the role the men held as a Counter Terrorist Response Team.
Barry’s 80th birthday was also a family occasion, with his son Nicholas travelling from Canada, son Julian from Townsville and daughter Marina from New York attending the celebrations.
Lest we forget.
Contributed with thanks by Cardwell RSL President, Robert Lang. Edited by Victoria Velton.
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