Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Two local women have been recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their outstanding dedication to community service, with one working in nursing and the other in foster care. Both recipients have spent years quietly supporting others, giving their time, care and compassion to those in need without expectation of recognition. Their awards acknowledge a lifetime of service that has made a lasting impact across the community.
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Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Inc has thanked the community for helping make the SavourLife Pet Adoption Day a huge success, with local generosity translating into much-needed support for animals in care. The volunteer-run not-for-profit animal shelter joined Pets Domain Innisfail on 30th May for the special event, bringing together pet lovers and supporters of animal welfare. A big thank you goes to everyone who purchased a bag of SavourLife pet food on the day. For every bag purchased, SavourLife donated an additional bag of food, helping double the impact of the community’s support. The shelter also extended its gratitude to Pets Domain Innisfail for hosting the event and welcoming the organisation into the store, as well as SavourLife for its generous contribution of dog and cat food. These donations will help provide essential supplies for animals awaiting their forever homes and support the ongoing work of Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Inc. As a volunteer-run organisation, the shelter relies heavily on the kindness and generosity of the local community to continue caring for animals in need. The team said they were incredibly grateful for everyone who attended, donated and helped support the cause, proving that small acts of kindness can make a big difference for local pets. Caption: The Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws volunteers alongside the Pets Domain Innisfail team and the donated SavourLife pet food. Photo source: Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Inc
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Finding the right vehicle close to home is important for local drivers, and FNQ Motor Group helps keep the process simple and accessible for customers across Tully, Innisfail and the wider Cassowary Coast region. With dealerships in Tully and Innisfail, FNQ Motor Group offers a wide range of new, demonstrator and pre-owned vehicles, along with finance options, servicing and parts support. The team understands the needs of regional drivers, from families searching for their next vehicle to locals needing a reliable work ute or a dependable run-around people mover for everyday life. With a focus on customer care and building long-term relationships, FNQ Motor Group has become a trusted name for drivers throughout the region. Whether you are upgrading, searching for your first vehicle or keeping your current car running smoothly, the team is ready to assist with local knowledge and a broad range of options. The dealerships regularly carry a diverse selection of vehicles to suit different lifestyles, including practical family cars, capable SUVs, work vehicles and models designed for weekend adventures. With a changing range of stock available, customers can explore options that match their needs, budget and driving habits. The FNQ Motor team can also help customers compare models, arrange test drives and find a vehicle that suits their day-to-day requirements. From busy family schedules to rural driving conditions, FNQ Motor Group understands what local motorists need. Supporting communities from Tully through to Innisfail, FNQ Motor Group continues to provide motorists with convenient access to quality vehicles and professional service close to home.
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We were thrilled to see locals picking up a copy of our first edition of Cassowary Life. Pictured are our very first readers – two lovely gentlemen from the men’s shed in Tully Thanks for the warm welcome, Cassowary Coast!
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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
Concerns are mounting over the Federal Government’s proposed changes to disaster recovery funding, with Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo warning the move could have significant financial consequences for small regional councils already struggling to recover from natural disasters.
“Councils and communities are already grappling with the impacts of a high cost of living driven by inflation, high fuel prices and, for the farming sector, high fertiliser costs,” he said.
“Councils are being asked to do more with less. This is simply unstainable.”
The concerns come amid growing criticism of the Federal Government's proposed reforms to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which would reduce the Commonwealth's contribution towards natural disaster recovery costs. Senator Susan McDonald said Queensland would be the "biggest loser" under the changes, warning communities could face delays to rebuilding roads, bridges and public infrastructure if additional costs are passed on to state governments, councils and ratepayers.
“Regional Queenslanders are once again being victimised by decisions made in Canberra,” Senator McDonald said.
“The Queensland LNP Government has confirmed Queensland is the worst off in the country under these changes, with hundreds of millions of dollars per year being cut from setting up evacuation centres and sandbagging, and disaster resilience works such as raising roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure.”
Senator McDonald warned that if the Federal Government proceeds with the proposed changes, Queenslanders could face higher taxes and increased council rates, while critical infrastructure projects may be delayed and disaster-damaged roads, bridges and community facilities left unrepaired for longer.
“That means roads, bridges, and community facilities will take longer to rebuild, leaving communities to live with the consequences of disasters for years,” she said.
“Regional Australians should not be left to carry the burden alone when disaster strikes.”
While the full impact of the proposal is yet to be determined, Mayor Jayo said Hinchinbrook could not afford to absorb further cost pressures following successive natural disasters and rising operational expenses.
“For a small local authority like ours, with a small rate base and small population, this is simply an additional cost imposition that we cannot afford. We will need to argue strenuously against it.”
Is Your Business Ready For End Of Financial Year
With June 30th fast approaching, it’s a timely reminder for business owners and managers to take the necessary steps to ensure their organisation is in the best possible position to close out the financial year. Regardless of the size or nature of your operation, the same fundamental principles apply when preparing for the end of financial year.
For every business — whether you’re running a small family enterprise, an agricultural or harvesting operation, or a medium-to-large corporate entity — June 30th is a natural point to review, assess, and adjust. It’s an opportunity to step back and evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and what needs attention before entering a new financial period.
For those working in the financial sector, this is one of the busiest times of the year, as clients seek support with their financial planning, compliance, and strategic decision making. In retail, attention turns to stock management, often prompting promotions or discounting to optimise inventory levels before reporting deadlines.
While good business practice encourages continuous review throughout the year, this isn’t always achievable, particularly for owners who juggle every aspect of the business and are stretched for time. The common advice is that owners should spend more time “working on the business, not just in it.” Yet for many, this is easier said than done. Competing priorities, operational demands, and limited resources often make strategic planning feel out of reach.
As the end of financial year approaches, taking even small, deliberate steps can make a meaningful difference. A focused review now can set the foundation for stronger performance, clearer direction, and better resilience in the year ahead.
If you have not yet had the opportunity to consider what activities you will implement in your business, Chamber recommends now is the time to act and make those plans.
Two of the searchlights that were acquired with the Herbert River RSL’s generous funding. Photo supplied
Lucinda Coast Guard volunteers are shining a light on community generosity after receiving funding from the Herbert River RSL Sub-branch for five new searchlights across their two rescue vessels.
The new lights provide a viewing range of up to 400 metres and will play an important role during night-time search and rescue operations, particularly when searching for people lost overboard or from sinking vessels.
Equipped with remote-control capability, the lights can be adjusted up, down, left and right to improve visibility and coverage on the water.
Volunteers say the upgraded equipment will significantly strengthen their search capability and improve the chances of locating and safely rescuing people in the water after dark.
Lucinda Coast Guard extended its sincere thanks to the Herbert River RSL Sub-branch members for their generosity and continued support of local emergency services.
Introducing Hinchinbrook Life and Cassowary Coast Life Newspaper, a newly extended newspaper uniting our regions and highlighting the importance of sharing local community news to inform and uplift. Produced weekly and running on the flipside of this newspaper, Cassowary Coast Life will be distributed to Tully, El Arish and Mission Beach, along with the paper’s current footprint of Cardwell, Ingham, Halifax, Lucinda, Forrest Beach, Rollingstone and more.
We have some exciting news to share — Hinchinbrook Life is welcoming a little sister to the family, and she’s going to be part of this very newspaper!
You may have noticed her gradually taking shape over the past several months as we’ve expanded our coverage across the broader region. What started as a growing presence has now become something official.
In fact, next week she will take her first breath when Cassowary Coast Life is born.
Most importantly, we want to reassure our loyal readers that Hinchinbrook Life will remain exactly what it has always been. You will still receive the same 28–32 pages of dedicated local news, stories and community coverage each week. The only difference is that, from next week onwards, you’ll receive a second newspaper completely free on the flip side of this publication.
Essentially, it’s two newspapers in one - a Hinchinbrook Life masthead on one side and a Cassowary Coast Life masthead on the other.
This expansion has been almost a year in the making. Over that time, we’ve seen increasing demand for more Cassowary Coast news and greater coverage of the communities that sit just beyond our traditional footprint.
Since launching Hinchinbrook Life, Cardwell has always been an important part of both our news coverage and distribution network. Now, we are extending that reach further south to include Tully, Mission Beach and El Arish.
Our goal is simple: to strengthen the connection between neighbouring communities and encourage the flow of people, ideas and opportunities across the region. From next week, readers will be able to discover local events, community stories, business news and inspiring people from both regions every week.
This is the second time Life Publishing Group has adopted this unique newspaper format. We first introduced it with our flagship publication, Mackay and Whitsunday Life, where readers embraced the opportunity to share stories and celebrate what makes each community special.
We hope you enjoy it just as much.
As always, we value your feedback and would love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to reach out and share your views.
Logilytics helps locals set up modern phone systems that are reliable, clear, and built for the way you work and live. Photo supplied
Missed calls cost money. Patchy reception, dropped calls, and “can you hear me now?” isn’t a great look, especially when customers are trying to reach you.
Logilytics helps locals set up modern phone systems that are reliable, clear, and built for the way you work (or live). Whether you’re in an office, on the road, juggling multiple locations, or just want better calling at home, we’ll design a solution that keeps you connected.
We can help with:
Most importantly, you get local support. If something isn’t right, you’re not stuck on hold to a provider, you can call us and we’ll sort it.
If you want a phone system that makes your business easier to reach – or your home setup clearer and more reliable – talk to Logilytics.
Vanessa promoting the CPR Awareness Program at an expo for local school students. Photo source: Facebook.
A Cassowary Coast ambulance leader who has weathered the storm of Queensland’s biggest natural disasters has been recognised for community leadership and her role in reinforcing local disaster preparedness.
Officer in Charge, Tully Ambulance Station, Vanessa Schafranek is one of three Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics announced as an Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) recipient in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.
This prestigious recognition is awarded to ambulance staff who have consistently exemplified the highest levels of dedication and professionalism throughout their career.
As Officer in Charge of Tully Ambulance Station, Vanessa Schafranek has served her beloved Tully community for the past 15 years, after first commencing as a paramedic in 2002.
As goes hand-in-hand with working in the Cassowary Coast region, Officer Schafranek has led her community through numerous natural disasters, including Tropical Cyclone (TC) Larry in 2006, TC Yasi in 2011, TC Ita in 2014, TC Debbie in 2017, and most recently TC Jasper in 2023.
Drawing on her boots-on-the-ground experience during these disasters, Officer Schafranek has been instrumental in developing procedures that assist the QAS in preparing for natural disasters to this day.
In addition to Officer Schafranek’s efforts during disasters, she continues to exemplify the characteristics of a frontline operational leader.
She leads by example, mentoring and guiding up-and-coming leaders and remaining active in ensuring positive welfare, wellbeing and psychological health in the workplace.
Officer Schafranek fell into the service by happenstance, when her husband saw an advertisement in the paper.
“It was nothing I'd ever thought of beforehand - it was never, ever on my radar,” she said.
“It was just completely by chance that the paper was there that day, which we didn't usually have.”
Officer Schafranek hasn’t looked back since, with 24 years of service now under her belt.
Officer Schafranek values the trust and support of her colleagues and the community, explaining that her love for rural areas is what drives her.
“I think working in a rural setting is very rewarding because you see the whole circle. You see patients after whatever has happened and see the results of what you’ve done,” Officer Schafranek said.
With a preference to fly under the radar, she was shocked to discover she had been nominated for the award.
“It's nice that someone's noticed that you've gone above and beyond, and you're doing a great job in that space,” Officer Schafranek said.
“It’s very heartwarming.”
QAS Commissioner Craig Emery said that Officer Schafranek’s dedication and professionalism have made her a standout leader in the service.
“This prestigious medal is a testament to her exceptional service, her tireless work ethic, and her passion for helping others,” Commissioner Emery said.
“I commend Officer Schafranek on her exemplary service, and her fitting recognition as she joins the distinguished few to receive an Ambulance Service Medal.”
Queensland children and teenagers who are uncomfortable with needle vaccinations can now access a free nasal spray flu vaccine under an expansion of the State Government’s FluMist program.
The Government has widened eligibility for the free nasal spray vaccine to children and teenagers aged six to 17, building on the existing program already available to children aged two to five years.
The expanded rollout forms part of the Government’s $31 million free flu vaccination program, which is available through participating GPs, pharmacies and vaccination clinics across Queensland.
The expansion comes to help fight the winter chills with families being urged to get vaccinated while FluMist stock remains available.
More than one million Queenslanders have already received a flu vaccination this year, including a significant rise in vaccinations among younger children.
The Government said the expansion followed feedback from health professionals and families, including parents of children with disability or sensory sensitivities, who said the needle-free option would make vaccination less stressful and more accessible.
Families have been encouraged to book vaccinations sooner rather than later, with FluMist supplies expected to run out nationally after early August due to the vaccine’s shorter shelf life.
More information about the free flu vaccination program and participating providers is available through the Queensland Health Flu Vaccination website via www.health.qld.gov.au.
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