Staying socially connected is one of the most powerful ways to support mental and physical health. When people are connected, they’re more likely to make health choices and feel confident in their daily lives.

selectability’s Clubhouse is a member-led program designed to empower people to take charge of their wellbeing through meaningful social activities.

Group programs and recreational activities play an important role in promoting social connectedness, often through community engagement, meeting new people, or learning skills.

Recipients are encouraged to participate in activities based on their own interests. From cooking classes, gardening club, sewing groups and social trips, there’s a range of groups available for anyone to enjoy.

Julie Ross, Regional Coordinator for Ingham, has seen firsthand the difference these programs make on the lives of individuals.

“The engagement in our group programs has given recipients the opportunity to create new friendships and develop a stronger sense of confidence within themselves,” Julie explains.

“Our gardening club has become one of the most popular activities.”

Since the major flood event in 2025, Clubhouse members have played a key role in helping to restore the community garden. Their efforts, supported by the community and generous donations from local businesses have helped to bring the space back to life.

“It’s rewarding to not only see our recipients grow confidence and learn new skills but also to see them contribute towards areas of the community together through the Clubhouse.”

“Sometimes it’s more than just an activity, it’s a commitment that benefits everyone.”

“They take pride in learning new skills and being involved, knowing their contributions can make a lasting impact.”

This sense of purpose supports wellbeing and builds resilience, while strengthening ties between Clubhouse and the local community.

Due to popular demand, Clubhouse has recently extended its opening hours to allow new activities. These extended hours mean more opportunities for social connection and accessible support.

The Clubhouse is always looking for new opportunities to collaborate with local businesses. Pop into the Canegrowers Building at 11-13 Lannercost Street to chat with Julie and the team and find out more about what services are available or check out their program timetable at selectability.com.au.

Since closing its doors in December, the cafe has been a hubbub of carpentry and remodelling. Now, as the fresh paint has dried, it is time to welcome back one of Ingham’s little treasure chests. With doors flung back open on Monday, 19 January, there has already been a flurry of foot traffic as locals and visitors pop by to see what the revamped store is all about.

It is a place where you can come for a floral flourish or a delightful decoration. Fiori With Love sells a wide variety of homewares and gifts, now showcased in sleeker, more open displays. But do not worry, the floristry is still there it has moved into the newly remodelled space and become a beautiful stadalone feature. And the coffee is just as delicious as you remember.

There's more open space for larger gatherings, and if you preferr a quieter rendevous, lots of little nooks and smaller tables all acompanied by those miss-matched chairs that are a charming stable quirk of Fiori.

Stop by and say hello, and welcome back. Fiori With Love is spreading the love this New Year, and everyone is invited to come by and share it.

The Lucinda Hotel is inviting locals and visitors to celebrate Australia Day in style this long weekend, with great food, live music, cold drinks and plenty of giveaways.

Festivities kick off on Saturday with Shots Fired performing live from 7pm to 11pm, setting the tone for a weekend of fun. On Sunday, Bindi and The Sneakers take to the stage from 1pm to 5pm, accompanied by the popular Monster Goose Club from 12pm to 2pm, offering meat trays and giveaways to lucky patrons.

The celebration continues all weekend with a special Aussie menu, featuring favourites such as meat pies, spring rolls, tacos, wraps and cold beer. Guests can also enjoy Aussie-themed cocktails throughout the weekend.

Visitors will also have the chance to win a Bundy Live Bait Esky, while the grand giveaway of a Bundy Smoker will take place on Monday, 26 January at 10pm.

Grab your mates and head to the Lucinda Hotel to enjoy a fun-filled Australia Day long weekend, where there’s something for everyone — from music and drinks to delicious food and exciting prizes.

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The New Year in Hinchinbrook has certainly been heralded with some interesting weather patterns kicking off the year! What began as a welcome reprieve from the very hot and dry conditions quickly turned to more rain than was preferred and reminded us all to be prepared for another wet season. Thankfully, the predicted event did not eventuate — this time — however it was definitely a very good real-life reminder to get our wet season preparation in order.

Like many people, I believe the start of a New Year is an excellent opportunity to take time to reflect and reevaluate the year that has been and what the future direction for our personal, professional, and family lives may be taking. Many families may have children starting their education journey or the next phase into employment. Many may commence new jobs, return to work, change location, or commence the retirement phase of their lives.

For the business community, traditionally, the first quarter of the year is often a quieter trading period locally due to weather impacts, and the agricultural sector often is in the slower maintenance cycle of the year. This quieter pace provides an excellent opportunity to review and reassess the business plans for the year and take the opportunity to invest in personal and professional development time that will provide support for the remainder of the year.

Across the Shire, I believe 2026 will provide some exciting opportunities, as well as challenges, across the diverse sectors that support our local economy. Not being one to make New Year's resolutions, however, each year I do take the time to pause and reset. My wish for our community in 2026 will be getting excited to seeing the housing growth continue, new developments come to fruition, and a continued willingness for our community to embrace new opportunities as they may present.

Happy New Year, Hinchinbrook!

STORM-PROOFING SEYMOUR RIVER BRIDGE IS LONG OVERDUE

If I had a dollar for every time I saw the question, “Is the Seymour River Bridge open?” on social media, the upgrade to that stretch of road might already be paid for.

Whilst there is no doubt that the Bruce Highway is a very vital transport corridor for Queensland, linking Brisbane to Cairns, it is also the main access road for around 250 residents of our community who reside in a farming and rural residential lifestyle in the northern reaches of our Hinchinbrook community. The Mount Gardiners Road and Seymour communities rely on this section of the Bruce Highway to travel to work, to attend school, or conduct business in Ingham daily, and unfortunately, disruption by weather events is becoming neither rare nor unexpected.

This year, the road at the Seymour has gone under three times and has remained cut for four days already, all from storms of 200 millimetres plus, not riverine flooding.

The section of road through the Seymour system is part of the Herbert River flood plain, and it’s ridiculous for anyone to suggest you can flood-proof a floodplain.

The issue we have is far more basic: the Seymour River Bridge can’t even handle storms.
This is about storm-proofing, not flood-proofing.

When the bridge goes under, causing disruption to our northern residents as aforesaid, commerce in general also grinds to a halt.

Produce can’t get south, stock can’t go north.

Fuel, groceries, and crucial supplies are delayed.

Trucks carrying goods between Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville, and Cairns are stranded.

Travellers are cut off, tourism suffers, and regional communities are reminded how fragile their connectivity really is.

There is a $9 billion pledge currently on the state books to improve the Bruce Highway — but the funding earmarked for our section of the Bruce through Seymour appears focused on safety rather than addressing flooding.

I am lobbying our State Government to reconsider the current design and plans for our section. A relatively modest lift of say half a metre in bridge or culvert fashion, enabling more water to flow freely beneath rather than damming, will, with a very good clean out of the system between the bridge and Seymour River proper, significantly reduce closures caused by routine wet-season storms.

Storms carrying 200mm plus mills of range rain are not an anomaly in our part of the world. They are a certainty.

As part of the National Land Transport Network, the Bruce is more than a highway. It is the lifeblood of the state, carrying around 20 million tonnes of freight each year, supporting agriculture, resources, construction, manufacturing, and services, and connecting to 11 coastal trading ports.

It services 62 per cent of Queensland’s population — more than 3.2 million people — a figure expected to exceed four million by 2041.

Given those statistics of the vitality of the Bruce, it is really a no brainer in my books.

The Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre has been a Driver Reviver site for two years, and we’re still going strong!

Since 11 December 2023, thousands of travellers have stopped into espresso themselves, grab a cuppa, and take a break before hitting the road. Because when it comes to fatigue, we say: don’t chai your luck — stop and revive!

Free tea, coffee, and snacks | Local maps and travel tips | A warm Hinchinbrook welcome

A latte love to our amazing volunteers and staff, and to Coles for keeping the milk flowing! Plus, big thanks to our national partners: AMMI, SES, FedEx, Arnott’s, Bushells, and Sunshine Sugar for making this possible.

Open daily (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day). Call 07 4776 4790 for more info.

Take a break, sip back, and discover the Hinchinbrook Way!

North Queensland farmers are being urged to register for assistance as prolonged flooding and severe weather continue to take a heavy toll across the region, with many producers still assessing the full extent of the damage.

While local farming communities are demonstrating strong resilience, the ongoing impacts of widespread flooding, isolation, and infrastructure damage are placing significant pressure on farming families. To ensure help can be delivered quickly and effectively, Rural Aid is calling on all affected primary producers to register for support.

Large areas of North and Northwest Queensland were already experiencing significant flooding before recent rainfall associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, which further elevated flood levels, extended isolation, and delayed recovery efforts in some districts.

Across grazing country and horticultural regions, producers are facing flooded properties, stock losses, damaged crops, washed-out fencing, impassable roads, and prolonged disruption to operations. While communities continue to support one another, Rural Aid warns that the scale of damage and uncertainty means assistance is urgently needed now and in the weeks ahead.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said North Queensland farmers are once again showing extraordinary resilience, but resilience alone is not enough.

“But even the toughest communities face limits,” Mr Warlters said.

“Farming families are under intense pressure from ongoing flooding and severe weather, managing losses, disrupted operations, and the stress that comes with uncertainty. That’s why it’s so important for producers to register with Rural Aid – so we can provide practical support when it’s needed most.”

Mr Warlters said the flooding is affecting multiple agricultural sectors across the region.

“North Queensland produces so much of Australia’s food and fibre – from prime Angus beef in Winton, to Bowen’s mangoes, and Mackay’s sugarcane – and all of these vital industries are under pressure from flooding and cyclone damage,” he said.

“Many producers are still assessing the full extent of the damage, which is exactly why registering with Rural Aid is so important, it allows us to act quickly and deliver the right support as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Rural Aid is already responding on the ground, with hay deliveries underway and logistics in place to transport feed and essential supplies to affected producers as access becomes available. Mental health and wellbeing support is also continuing, recognising the emotional strain prolonged and repeated disaster events place on farming families.

“Natural disasters don’t just damage land and livestock – they take a heavy toll on mental health,” Mr Warlters said.

“Our counsellors are available, and our team is checking in with farmers to make sure no one is facing this alone.”

Rural Aid provides a range of free and confidential services to registered primary producers, including financial assistance for urgent expenses, professional counselling and wellbeing support, emergency hay and water deliveries, and volunteer assistance through the Farm Army program to support response and recovery efforts.

All primary producers affected by flooding across North Queensland are strongly encouraged to register for support at faa.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

“Even if you’re managing for now, registering puts you on our radar,” Mr Warlters said.

“It means when the water recedes and the real work begins, we can be there to provide practical support and work alongside you for the long haul recovery.”

Funding support has been activated for primary producers in flooded areas to claim eligible veterinary fees associated with the health and welfare of production livestock as a result of the disaster and during the recovery period as well as costs associated with carcass disposal on their own property.

Under the funding, eligible vet fees include call-out charges and any costs associated with carcass disposal.

In addition, freight subsidies up to $5,000 per property to move essential materials including fodder, building and fencing materials, machinery, and animals for restocking is available.

The Department of Primary Industries continues to work closely with producers, industry stakeholders and local communities across north and north west Queensland to offer financial and practical support wherever possible.

The Department understands many producers are still dealing with immediate safety and recovery priorities.

As the recovery efforts continue, many producers will face the difficult task of dealing with large numbers of deceased stock.

Before producers consider moving any dead animals, the Department urges them to consider their own safety first. There are several bacterial diseases in water, wet soil and carcasses that can cause serious diseases in humans.

Producers are encouraged to follow on-farm biosecurity procedures, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, leather or rubber boots, clothes that cover as much skin as possible, and respiratory and eye protection.

Producers should aim to handle the carcasses as little as possible, use machines if they are available and wash your hands well with soap and water.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said both levels of government would continue to work closely to address recovery needs.

“I saw firsthand the severe impact this flood event has had on primary producers during my visit to some of the worst hit areas this week. It’s been a truly tough time for communities in these flood-hit regions,” Minister McBain said.

“I want the people of Queensland to know that we will continue to be there for you through the long recovery.”

Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said that vet fees and costs associated with carcass disposal can be significant and add to already burdened primary producers.

“We know this is a really difficult time for our primary producers, both emotionally and financially. These grants can ease some of that financial burden," Minister Perrett said

“We are also encouraging affected producers to complete the Disaster Impact Survey to report damages and losses on their property. This information will help speed up the process to activate disaster relief.

“Without that information we can’t accurately assess the scope and scale of the devastating losses that our primary producers are facing.”

Disaster Recovery Grants up to $75,000 are open for applications on the QRIDA website.

Financial support is funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Complete the Disaster Impact Survey here. https://tinyurl.com/yb3bml3f

With the new year in full swing, rural and remote Australians are being urged to take a moment to check in on their health — making preventative care a priority for 2026. Whether it’s booking a routine check-up or following up on a lingering concern, now is the ideal time to schedule an appointment with a local Rural Generalist (RG).

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) President Dr Rod Martin says the start of the year offers a natural opportunity to refocus on long-term health.

“Many of us make New Year’s resolutions that come and go. Prioritising your health is one of the most important commitments you can make,” Dr Martin says.

“We all lead busy lives, but taking the time to check in on your health — rather than ignoring those aches, pains or warning signs — can make a real difference.”

Data shows that the further people live from metropolitan centres, the greater their risk of chronic conditions such as heart and kidney disease, diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.

Taking the time to check in with a local doctor at the start of the year could make 2026 the healthiest one yet for rural Australians.

A major new study has revealed forests across Australia are losing trees at accelerating rates, signalling a continent-wide shift in vegetation driven by a rapidly warming climate.

New James Cook University-supported research, led by Western Sydney University, analysed 83 years of data from more than 2,700 forest plots nationwide. The study provides the first comprehensive synthesis of background tree mortality — tree loss not caused by fire, logging or land clearing — across Australia’s diverse forest ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, savannas and temperate eucalypt forests.

JCU Associate Professor Michael Liddell was a co-author on the research and contributed tropical rainforest data. The findings show a persistent rise in background tree mortality since the 1940s, with the trend strikingly consistent across all forest types.

Over the same period, tree growth has remained static or slowed, indicating the increase in mortality is not part of a natural regeneration cycle but evidence of a growing imbalance between tree growth and loss.

Assoc Prof Liddell said the research highlighted the importance of long-term forest monitoring.

“As climate change reshapes the questions we ask of forest systems, long-term datasets are becoming increasingly important for answering them with confidence,” he said.

“We know tree mortality will have flow-on effects, so we need to track carbon fluxes, and faunal biodiversity to better understand how ecosystems are responding to a rapidly warming climate.”

The study found tree mortality is increasing fastest in hot, dry regions and dense forests where competition for water and light intensifies stress.

Senior author Distinguished Professor Belinda Medlyn warned rising mortality threatens forests’ ability to store carbon.

“Increasing tree mortality in our unique forests will affect all of these,” she said.

“Our results highlight the critical need for ongoing forest monitoring that is designed to detect long-term trends, in order to guide effective forest management for the future.”

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Sugarcane growers in the Central district are being invited to share their insights as part of a new Sugar Research Australia (SRA) demonstration examining root system differences across sugarcane varieties and what they could mean for crop management.

Interest in root systems has been growing among local growers, particularly around how different varieties establish and perform under varying conditions, sparking a project by Sugar Research Australia Central.

The demonstration forms part of the current District Productivity Plan and aims to capture grower experience with established varieties to help inform the management of newer varieties with similar root characteristics.

The trial began on the 27th of June 2025, with 15 sugarcane varieties collected from SRA plots across the Central district. These included established varieties, recently released varieties and promising clones. Single-eye setts were prepared, germinated under controlled conditions and then transplanted into mesh cylinders within pots to allow detailed observation of root growth.

Over a 90-day period, the plants were monitored under an overhead irrigation system. At the conclusion of the trial, roots were assessed using an internationally recognised method to calculate the Root Growth Angle Index (RGAI), which indicates whether roots tend to grow more vertically or spread laterally. Results from the demonstration were presented to growers and advisors in Proserpine, Te Kowai and Carmila in late 2025.

Feedback to date has been supportive, with growers keen to see the work continue and to contribute their own observations. SRA is now encouraging growers to review the findings and provide feedback on variety management based on their experience, helping to shape future research and practical recommendations online at sugarresearch.com.au.

The Government has unveiled a five-year, science-backed plan to restore Queensland’s depleted saucer scallop stocks, with a strong focus on protecting the iconic Hinchinbrook Channel and securing the long-term future of the fishery.

The strategy follows the 2025 saucer scallop survey, conducted jointly by industry and the Department of Primary Industries, which revealed the fragile state of the Queensland fishery, with biomass in some regions falling below 20 per cent of unfished levels. The survey also highlighted Hinchinbrook Channel as a designated scallop replenishment area, where strict regulations are in place to protect vulnerable stocks.

Under the new approach, commercial scallop fishing is recommended to resume in some east coast otter trawl fishery regions, including the central and southern offshore areas, using adaptive management to balance commercial opportunity with sustainability. Meanwhile, the southern inshore region and the Hinchinbrook Channel remain closed to harvesting, reflecting their vulnerable status.

The strategy also sets Total Allowable Commercial Catches (TACC) of 167,776 kilograms for the central region and 248,609 kilograms for the southern offshore region for the 2026 season, while reinforcing regulations in Hinchinbrook waters to ensure the protection of saucer scallops and other sensitive marine species.

Public consultation undertaken in late 2025 received feedback from commercial and recreational fishers, seafood businesses, environmental groups, and local councils, helping shape the final recommendations.

Residents and fishers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest regulations in the Hinchinbrook Channel and surrounding scallop fisheries, with details available through the Department of Primary Industries.

With the warmer, humid months comes the unwelcome return of mould. While mould can affect both your home and your health, tackling it doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals. Many effective remedies can be made from natural ingredients you may already have in your kitchen or cupboards, making them safe, convenient and budget-friendly.

Method 1. Mix 100% clove oil to 1 litre water in a spray bottle, spray mould spores and soak for 20 minutes, wipe off with a microfibre cloth. NOTE: Clove oil can irritate the skin and mucous membranes (especially in its pure form) so always take precautions when using it.

Method 2. Use undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle, spray mould spores and soak for 1 hour before wiping the area clean with water.

Method 3. Add one-quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle of water and shake until dissolved. Spray mould spores, then use a scrub/toothbrush to remove mould, rinse with water.

Method 4. Combine one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle and shake vigorously to blend the water and oil. Spray the mouldy area, leave it to dry for an hour, clean surface as you would ordinarily.

Using natural remedies like these not only helps keep your home mould-free but also reduces exposure to harsh chemicals, making it safer for families and pets. With simple ingredients often already on hand, keeping your home clean and healthy has never been easier or more natural.

Abandoned vehicles are an increasing problem in our community. Some car owners abandon vehicles without caring for the consequences, creating an eyesore which can encourage similar crimes such as auto theft, and could possibly endanger lives, property and the environment. Council works to remove abandoned vehicles as quickly as possible but the community has a role to play in solving this problem.

Any motorised vehicle, trailer, caravan, horse float or similar that is parked on any roadway or public place under the control of Council can be removed if abandoned.

A vehicle is deemed abandoned if:
The vehicle has been in the same location for an unusual length of time.
The vehicle has a derelict appearance and appears inoperable (no tyres etc.).
The owner cannot be located, or
The vehicle does not display a valid registration sticker.

How are abandoned vehicles removed?
Once Council has received a report of an abandoned vehicle, a Local Laws Officer will inspect the vehicle, and if it's considered abandoned, the Council Officer will affix a Notice under the Transport Operations (Road Use and Management) Act 1995 stipulating that unless the owner removes the vehicle within 7 days, Council will remove it to a place for safe storage.

If the owner is identified, they are required to relocate the vehicle to private property and pay any parking tickets that have been issued. However, if the vehicle's owner is not located, proceedings will begin to have the vehicle removed.

The process for removing a vehicle with no ownership identification is simple. Any vehicle parked in a public area may be ticketed and towed. Council also liaises with the Queensland Police Service to determine whether or not the vehicle is of any interest regarding ongoing Police investigations. If the vehicle has been reported stolen, the Police will notify the owner and Council's action will be placed on hold.

What should I do if my vehicle is missing or stolen?
Contact the Queensland Police Service immediately. You can also contact Council to enquire whether the Council has removed the vehicle. Should this be the case, your vehicle can be released upon sending a written application to the Chief Executive Officer showing proof of ownership and/or authority to act on the owner's behalf. If your car was stolen and Council has moved it, provided you notified the Police and your insurance company, Council's enquiries will reveal this and Council will let you know your vehicle has been found.

Owners will be required to pay any expenses incurred by Council during the detention and removal of the vehicle.

What happens to unclaimed vehicles?
All unclaimed abandoned vehicles detained by Council are stored at a facility awaiting auction. The proceeds of auctions are used to pay associated costs incurred by Council to have the vehicle removed and stored (including administrative costs).

If you would like to report an abandoned vehicle, you can visit the Make a Request page at www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au

What You Need to Know

Ehrlichia canis is a serious disease affecting dogs, transmitted by the brown dog tick. Early detection and prevention are crucial, as symptoms can be vague and develop slowly, sometimes going unnoticed until the disease is advanced.

Common symptoms may include:

• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Nosebleeds or bruising on the skin
• Swollen lymph nodes

“Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improves outcomes,” veterinary experts say.

If your dog is showing any of the above signs, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

Tick prevention is essential
Experts recommend a two-pronged approach to tick prevention. Using a reliable tick control product alongside a Seresto collar provides the best protection against Ehrlichia canis.

Why is this combination important? Ehrlichia canis is transmitted when an infected tick bites a dog. Many standard monthly tick preventatives only kill ticks after they attach, which may not be fast enough to prevent disease transmission. A Seresto collar adds an extra layer of defence, repelling and killing ticks on contact. This complementary protection is particularly useful if a preventative dose is delayed, tick pressure is high, or ticks attach before other products take effect.

When used alongside routine parasite control, a Seresto collar helps close protection gaps, giving dogs a stronger defence against this potentially life-threatening disease. Pet owners should note that Seresto collars remain effective against brown dog ticks for up to four months.

Taking preventative action now can keep your dog safe, healthy, and tick-free this season.