With Christmas In July

The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) Seniors Morning Coffee Club proudly hosted an amazing Christmas in July celebration, bringing together seniors from across our region for a day of good food, fun, and festive cheer. What began as a planned gathering for 80 quickly grew to a sold-out event, welcoming 120 guests who filled the Noorla Bowls Club in Ingham to capacity. Our usual Coffee Club of around 40 members more than tripled in size for this special day, with the added delight of 21 visitors from Rollingstone Neighbourhood Centre and groups from Lifelong Supports and Blue Care.

Continued on page 26 & 27

Christmas In July At Noorla Bowls Club

These valuable partnerships and events help create meaningful social connections and reduce isolation among our seniors, something our Centre is deeply committed to. Adding an informative touch, we were joined by two wonderful representatives from ADA Australia, who gave an insightful presentation about their fully funded advocacy services for older persons, highlighting vital support available within our community.

It was a feast to remember as guests were treated to a traditional Christmas meal, lovingly prepared by the talented team at Oasis Café. The generous spread featured baked ham, roasted pork, lamb, and vegetables, pasta and salad, and a crowd-favourite lasagne made by our very own HCSC Men’s Group facilitator, Angelo — a true kitchen whiz! To finish, a classic trifle provided a sweet end to a hearty meal.

The holiday spirit was alive and well, with many attendees arriving dressed in their best Christmas-themed outfits. Best Dressed prizes went to Veronica as The Grinch, Jimmy as Woody, Carol as Mrs Claus, Gordon as Christmas Bob Marley, and young Tara, whose festive energy lit up the room. The celebration continued with lively Bingo games and a spirited round of Trivia that had everyone scratching their heads and laughing in equal measure.

A special thank you goes to Rachele from the Lions Club, who not only brought along the iconic Lions Christmas Cakes, one of which was kindly donated as a raffle prize, but also generously lent a hand serving meals and ensuring everyone was well looked after. Events like these are only possible through the dedication of our wonderful volunteers and the unwavering support of the HCSC Staff. Your time, energy, and community spirit are the beating heart of these special gatherings.

To everyone who joined us for our Christmas in July, thank you for bringing warmth, laughter, and festive joy to our seniors. Here’s to many more moments of connection and celebration within our Hinchinbrook community.

Contributed with thanks by The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC)

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Find the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/27guvbhn

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With a united front from the board, staff, and club patrons, the RSL rallied together to raise vital funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation through a month-long series of raffles and events. Setting an ambitious goal of $5,000, the club not only met it but soared past it, raising a total of $8,042.

The campaign wrapped up with a special Sunday barbecue fundraiser that saw the function room buzzing with generous supporters and fantastic prizes. Local businesses got behind the cause, with Beauty on Lannercost contributing vouchers courtesy of Bec Weston, and Bissons Electrical donating an array of meat trays sourced from Blanco's and Flower arrangements from Mandy’s Beauty in the Bush. The afternoon barbecue was also proudly sponsored by Bissons Electrical, whose ongoing support helped make the event such a great success.

The Herbert River RSL extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who bought raffle tickets, wore pink, and stood united. The incredible funds raised will go directly toward supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation in its mission to fund life-saving research and support Australians affected by breast cancer.

The fundraising spirit continues as the Herbert River RSL launches its next campaign, It’s a Bloke Thing, in support of the National Prostate Cancer Foundation. Running through August and into Father’s Day, the campaign will culminate in a free sausage sizzle on Sunday, 7 September.

They’re calling on our community once again to get behind a cause that matters, standing together and making it count.

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Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire! This past weekend was so packed with events that it was difficult to make it to them all, but rest assured, I tried my best. Thank you to all who sent in reports on the events I couldn't get to!

I took my mother out to the races and we enjoyed the sunshine and the horses at the Ingham Gold Cup. So many beautiful people out in their race-day best, I know the Fashion On The Fields competition was just as fierce as the horse racing! I didn't place any bets myself, but in hindsight, maybe I should have. My mother and I had a little friendly competition between us, and our picks kept coming in the top 3. I guess we knew how to pick them! I greatly enjoy most horse sports, and I am happy I got to share the memories of my first horse races with my wonderful mother.

I also had a quick moment to visit the Conroy Hall Markets after Parkrun on Saturday, and it was quaint with some stalls inside the hall and some outside. Many talented stallholders let me take their pictures for my next market feature (coming soon!). I picked up a little sponge cake and it was so soft and fluffy, I enjoyed it as a post-Parkrun pick-me-up.

Victoria

Fun Fact: champion racehorse Winx's filly by stallion Pierro sold for a world record $10 million in 2024. The sale set an all-time southern hemisphere record for a thoroughbred yearling, doubling the $5 million paid for Black Caviar's half-brother in 2013.

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The Ingham Flotilla QF-14 of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard has officially opened the Matthew White Wing, named in honour of Matthew White and his mother, Donna White, in memory of their service and dedicated support to the Coast Guard.

Steve Whipps of QF-14 spoke with pride and gratitude, saying, “It's a special occasion for us. We don’t have many of them, but I would like to say that the funds for this shed all came out of public fundraising in the Shire of Hinchinbrook. Without the people of Hinchinbrook, we wouldn't have been able to do it. Some of the funding did come from one of our generous contributors, and we’re very grateful. I’d also like to acknowledge our squadron, Commodore North Queensland Squadron, Commodore Terry Spurrier, and invite him to say a few words and cut the ribbon.”

Commodore Terry Spurrier said the occasion was deeply meaningful, “This shed doesn't just represent storage for the boat. It symbolises the hard work of our members, our sponsors, and it stands as a memorial to a valued past member. There’s a lot of sentiment here today. I’d like to thank everyone for the work they do, and a special thank you to the partners and families for understanding when the 2am call-out comes and it’s time to go. I’m very proud to be here.”

Nick Dametto MP shared his personal reflections on the dedication, “Having the Matty White Wing opened today is an absolute testimony to the dedication that young man had for, at the time, the Ingham Coast Guard. A life taken too early, but one that will be remembered for many years to come." He continued, “It’s very heartwarming to see the shed named in his honour. Matty was known for his commitment, from driving the tractor down to launch the boat to helping rescue those in need. They even nicknamed it ‘Matty’s tractor’. The fact that this new wing was funded entirely by local donations is a testament to the hardworking volunteers and the community that supports them.”

Acting Mayor Mary Brown also praised the efforts of the Coast Guard and the significance of the new facility, “It’s fantastic to see an extension to the infrastructure and facilities already here. The role the Coast Guard plays in our community is critical, often not fully appreciated until you need them. Kudos to all the volunteers and to the community that stands behind them. This shed is not just infrastructure; it’s about building resilience for a growing coastal region and ensuring we can continue to support both residents and visitors enjoying our marine environment.”

The Matthew White Wing stands as a proud symbol of local unity, volunteer dedication, and the enduring memory of a young man whose legacy lives on in every rescue, every launch, and every life kept safe on the water.

The Ingham Gold Cup Races was a gathering for the district and beyond to enjoy. The turnout steadily built throughout the afternoon as many flocked to the racetrack. Encouragement from trackside and the grandstand grew as onlookers rallied their picks to gallop faster. A crescendo of joy for the event and the sport could be heard as many raised their drinks to their winnings and a good show across the five races.

Christina Spencer, the Herbert River Jockey Club Secretary and Fashions on the Field Coordinator, was delighted with how the event was shaping up: "It's turned out to be a perfect, beautiful day. No clouds in the sky, and the crowd is starting to roll in."

She was ready to take her position at the fashion tent as many beautifully dressed ladies and smartly dressed men signed up to be judged across the various categories. It was shaping up to be a tough competition this year. Alternating between races and fashion show segments, the atmosphere was lively and even those whose bets didn’t pay off took it in their stride with a good-natured laugh at the friendly competition.

The winners of Fashions on the Field gorgeously twirled and walked the catwalk for the judges. There were eight overall winners and four Spotter’s Choice winners, and according to the judges, the contest was fierce. They were looking for matching features and overall outfit continuity, as one judge put it: "Head to toe perfection of it all tied together."

Fashions on the Field Winners
Coffee Presto Contemporary Lady of the Track Winner: Sarah Fascetti
Coffee Presto Contemporary Lady of the Track Runner Up: Ibi Holder

Beauty on Lannercost Classic Lady of the Track Winner: Kymberlee Cockrem
Beauty on Lannercost Classic Lady of the Track Runner Up: Marnie Davidson

Ingham Agencies Man of the Track Winner: Phillip Burger
Ingham Agencies Man of the Track Runner Up: Ryan Todd

Snippers Boutique for Hair Millinery Winner: Marnie Davidson
Snippers Boutique for Hair Millinery Runner Up: Amy Byrnes

Spotter’s Choice Winners: Rae Scuderi, Rebecca Weston, Shannon Reynolds and Erica Lee Cheu

Ingham Gold Cup Race Winners
Race 1 Winner: Pardon The Purr
Trainer: Joanna Hassett
Jockey: Denicious Smith

Race 2 Winner: Tequila Dancer
Trainer: Shryn Royes
Jockey: Tyler Leslight

Race 3 Winner: Injada
Trainer: Bodine Bailey
Jockey: Lacey Morrison

Race 4 Winner: Seventies Hit
Trainer: Bodine Bailey
Jockey: Lacey Morrison

Race 5 Winner: Mission House
Trainer: Matthew McGuire
Jockey: Graham Kliese

Photos credited to Christopher Spencer

Find the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/yw8uybsq

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Acting Mayor
Mary Brown said the Crisafulli Government’s
Residential Activation Fund would
support the delivery of critical trunk infrastructure
across two key growth areas in
Hinchinbrook Shire.
“These projects are a game-changer for
Hinchinbrook, unlocking nearly 200 new
housing lots on flood-resilient land and
setting the stage for sustainable growth,”
Cr Brown said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the
Queensland Government for backing this
vital infrastructure investment. It’s not just
about pipes in the ground — it’s about creating
a future where our community can
thrive.”
At least half of the total Residential Activation
Fund is earmarked for regional, rural
and remote areas, with Hinchinbrook recognised
as a priority growth location.

I believe all Queenslanders should have access to quality health services and medical professionals should have the equipment and facilities that support them to do so.

That’s why I recently asked a Question on Notice to the Minister for Health, the Hon. Timothy Nicholls, what steps the Government has taken to progress the proposed upgrades at the Ingham Hospital Emergency Department
(ED), and what the current status of the project is.

I am pleased to advise that the Minister has stated the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) has identified the need to upgrade Ingham Hospital’s ED as a local infrastructure priority. The first step will be for the THHS to develop a clinical service plan for Ingham Hospital, which is expected to be completed this year. This will then drive the development of a revised infrastructure master plan to set a roadmap for expansion.

Currently, Ingham Hospital’s ED is a small, confined space that does not allow for proper patient triaging. The absence of a designated waiting area and private consultation spaces means patients are often treated in an open space area which is sometimes in close contact with others.

The current open space design offers no segregation and very little protection for our healthcare workers, which can be particularly dangerous in situations involving an aggravated or violent patient.

Additionally, in the event of a cardiac arrest, for example, healthcare workers are required to perform medical care in an open area, with only curtains providing separation from others. This situation can be distressing not only for the patient’s family but also for others in the vicinity.

Ingham Hospital’s ED is in urgent need of upgrades to ensure it can deliver a high standard of care for patients and provide a safe, comfortable and productive working environment for staff.

While we are talking about upgrades for the Ingham Hospital, the Minister also advised that work is continuing to deliver the CT Scanner at the Ingham Hospital, and this is on track to be delivered in 2026.

I look forward to seeing the clinical service plan developed by THHS and will continue to keep the community updated as this important project progresses.

Contributed by Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook.

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Nick Dametto MP at Ingham Hospital. Photo supplied.

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In 1873, the Banshee, a wooden paddle steamer, met its end off the coast of Hinchinbrook Island. Caught in treacherous seas near the island’s northern tip, the vessel struck a reef and was wrecked, becoming one of the earliest recorded maritime accidents in the area.

The Banshee was on a routine journey transporting cargo and passengers when rough conditions proved too much. Thankfully, all aboard survived, but the ship was lost to the sea. Over time, the remains of the Banshee have become shrouded in sand and mystery, occasionally revealed by shifting tides.

This wreck adds to Hinchinbrook’s reputation as a place of natural beauty with a dramatic past. For maritime history buffs, the story of the Banshee offers a glimpse into the risks of early sea travel in Far North Queensland and the enduring legacy of vessels lost to the Coral Sea.

The improving weather conditions locally, is witnessing a return of the visitor drive market to the Hinchinbrook Shire for 2025.

Welcoming visitors to the district is a very important milestone for the Shire, in terms of the community recovery and signifying some return to routine, as well as providing economic benefit to the community.

This current tourism season is already witnessing encouraging trends in overnight visitation at the local RV Parks and reflects a steady presence of visitors in the wider community.

The strong early start of the drive market visitation this year, is raising hopes for positive growth and improvement to tourist numbers recorded this year.

These are encouraging statistics help guide decision making in relation to Council investment in supporting the growth of the tourism sector in the Shire.  As the community is aware, a number of Council assets have been damaged during the flood event and are still awaiting repair.

Sadly, the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre has been impacted, yet the very dedicated staff who support the tourism industry locally, have worked tirelessly to continue their service delivery from a demountable on-site.

Our passionate team continues to welcome travellers from across the globe with big smiles, tailored travel tips, and a whole lot of local pride. From self-guided strolls through the stunning TYTO Wetlands to exploring hidden gems across our region, the visitor experience is still alive and well — because at the end of the day, it’s not the building that makes the magic, it’s the people.

Thank you to our staff and volunteers for their resilience. It’s certainly not going unnoticed.

Another example of our community spirit is the upcoming Lucinda Coastal Clean Up on Saturday 19 July 2025. Volunteers will help remove flood debris along the beaches, mangroves, and foreshore from Dungeness to Gentle Annie Creek, with all waste collected and disposed of. The clean up will kick off at Borello Park Lucinda at 7.30am and we hope to see you there.

This event is proudly supported by Hinchinbrook Shire Council as a Reef Guardian Council, alongside our partners: Lucinda Progress Association, Herbert River Catchment and Landcare Group, Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, and the Ingham Rod and Reel Club. Lunch will be provided, and to register, simply call Council on 4776 4600.

I also encourage all residents to take part in the 2025 February Severe Weather Event Community Feedback Survey, which closes on Sunday 20 July 2025. Your feedback is vital to helping us plan, respond, and recover more effectively in the future.

Let’s keep building a Hinchinbrook that’s ready for anything.

As a Councillor for the Shire of Hinchinbrook, I am committed to transparency and keeping our community informed about the recent budget decisions that directly impact our residents. After extensive discussions and careful consideration, we have approved an overall rate increase of 4.79% for the upcoming financial year. For more information, visit Council’s website.

This decision was not made lightly. Council understands that any increase in rates can be a concern for our ratepayers. However, this adjustment is essential to ensure we can continue to provide high-quality services, particularly in the areas of waste management and sewage treatment, which fall under my portfolio. Our infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance and improvement to meet the growing needs of our community. The additional revenue generated from this rate increase will ensure they remain efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant.

This investment will help us reduce the risk of system disruption.

Moreover, we are committed to implementing innovative solutions to improve our services while keeping costs manageable. As we look to the future, our goal is to strike a balance between maintaining essential services and minimising the financial burden on our residents.

I encourage all residents to stay engaged and provide feedback on how we can continue to improve our community. Together, we can ensure that Hinchinbrook remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate these important decisions for our shire.

For any questions or further information, please feel free to reach out to me.

The new QCAR Herbert Committee was installed on 18 June 2025. The results of the recent QCAR District Committee elections were announced in May following the election. Successfully elected to the five available committee positions were:

· John Board (Chair)
· Matthew Pappin (Deputy Chair)
· Walter Giordani
· Gino Zatta
· Robert Carey

Michael Penna was appointed to the Committee as the AgForce delegate and representative.

QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella said he and the Committee would like to thank Carole Mackee and Bradley Perkins for their nominations, however they were unsuccessful in this bid on this occasion.

“The calibre of all the nominees was of a very high standard and quality, making the decision a difficult one for members to elect the Committee,” Mr Di Bella said.

“Having a well-contested election is a sign of a healthy and vibrant organisation, whereby its members are engaged, willing to give their time and effort to drive the industry forward.

“We would also like to thank our outgoing Committee members who have served our industry well - Johnathan Biasi, Carole Mackee and Ian Kemp. We would like to give a special mention to Ian and Carole for decades of service to the ACFA, the integration of ACFA into QCAR and more recently as QCAR committee members – job very well done.”

John Board accepted the role as QCAR Herbert District Committee Chair and Matthew Pappin accepted the role as QCAR Herbert Committee Deputy Chair and QCAR/ACFA National Board member.

The new Herbert QCAR Committee look forward to working hard for its members and advancing the industry, he said.

During the QCAR Herbert District Committee meeting Matthew Pappin and QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella presented Carol Mackee and Ian Kemp

with commemorative cane knives. This gesture recognised their longstanding dedication to the cane industry and their tireless involvement with both ACFA and QCAR.

Mr Di Bella said the QCAR Herbert Committee extended a heartfelt thank you to Carol and Ian for their commitment and contributions to the industry for many years.

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A Morning Tea For Women In Agriculture

In the heart of every thriving agricultural community, there's a network of dedicated individuals whose contributions often extend beyond the visible fields and livestock. While the day-to-day management of farms keeps many busy, it's often the wives, partners, and women behind the scenes who deftly handle the crucial administrative and logistical aspects of the agricultural business. Their insights, resilience, and unique perspectives are invaluable, particularly as communities navigate the path of recovery.

Recognising this vital role, Jane Carne, Community Recovery Officer, has been actively engaging with various sectors to understand their progress and identify areas where support can be most effective. It's clear that the agricultural community holds a special place in these efforts, and specifically, the women within it who contribute so significantly.

To foster connection and provide a relaxed forum for these remarkable individuals, Jane is hosting a special morning tea event titled "Coffee • Crops • Conversations." This initiative is designed to be an informal gathering where women (and any gentlemen who wish to attend) in agriculture can come together. It's an opportunity to sip on some coffee, share experiences, and engage in conversations about how they are faring and any challenges they might be encountering as the community progresses through recovery.

This isn't a formal presentation or a structured seminar. Instead, it's an open invitation to simply drop in, have a coffee on us, and connect with peers who understand the unique demands and rewards of life in agriculture. Whether you can spare the entire morning or just a brief moment, your presence and perspective would be warmly welcomed.

"We value the incredible contributions of all those involved in our agricultural sector and believe that by coming together, we can further strengthen our community's recovery journey," Jane said.

"We encourage all interested to mark their calendars and join us for what promises to be a supportive and enriching morning."

Event Details:

When: 25 July 2025

Time: 8:30am - 11:00am

Where: JK's Deli

Cost: Free

RSVP: By 3:00pm on 23 July at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-agriculture-morning-tea-tickets-1468228193049?aff=oddtdtcreator
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We look forward to seeing you there and continuing to cultivate a strong, supportive agricultural community.

On 12 July, the shoreline at Balgal Beach was buzzing with excitement as 117 young anglers and their families took part in the annual Fisherman’s Landing Fishing & Social Club Kids Fishing Classic. What began as a small, local effort to get kids active and outdoors has grown into a community highlight, drawing support from across the region.

Thanks to generous sponsors and the dedicated efforts of the Club, the morning was filled with rods, reels, and smiles, as children tested their luck in the hope of reeling in the big one.

State Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto MP, was full of praise for the community spirit on display.

“There was a great fishing competition at Balgal Beach yesterday, hosted by the Fisherman's Landing Fishing & Social Club. What started with about 30 entrants has steadily grown — 60 the next year, then 70, and this year we saw 117 kids out there fishing. It was just fantastic to see young kids, their families, parents, carers and siblings all out enjoying the great outdoors. The weather really turned it on, and afterwards many stopped in at Fisherman's Landing for some fish and chips — especially those who didn’t manage to catch the big one!”


One proud parent, Jamie Lejarraga, whose daughter took out the Biggest Fish prize, shared her joy:

“It was a well-run kids' fishing comp and a fun morning. My daughter was super stoked to win the biggest fish — cheers to Nick Dametto MP and Fisherman’s Landing Fishing & Social Club Balgal Beach Inc.”


With its growing popularity and strong community backing, the Kids Fishing Classic looks set to become an even bigger tradition in years to come.

Last term ended on a high note at Our Lady of Lourdes, as families were warmly welcomed into classrooms across all year levels for the school's Learning Journey events.

Parents and carers had the chance to step into their children's school day and celebrate their academic and creative achievements from Term 2.

"It was a wonderful opportunity for families to see the progress their children have made and enjoy a glimpse into daily classroom life," said a Grade 4 representative.

A highlight of the event came from the Year 6 classrooms, where students proudly presented websites they had created about significant figures involved in Australian Federation.

"It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their hard work and all they achieved in Term 2," shared the teacher.

The enthusiasm wasn’t limited to the older students. In Year 1, the excitement was just as strong.

"Our students were thrilled to showcase their hard work and creativity," expressed a Year 1 teacher.

Congratulations to all students on a fantastic Term 2—best of luck as Term 3 begins!

Ingham State High School’s Relay for Resilience was a resounding success, with students clocking an incredible 3,081 laps, totalling 1,232km, the equivalent of running all the way to Bundaberg!

This student-led initiative was more than just a physical challenge as it was a celebration of School spirit, determination, and resilience. From start to finish, the atmosphere was electric, with students donning vibrant costumes and body paint, embracing the event with enthusiasm and creativity.

Bringing the school community together in a shared goal to support flood recovery efforts both locally and in Western Queensland. Thanks to the overwhelming support of sponsors, families, and friends, all funds raised will go directly to GIVIT, helping those still rebuilding their lives after the devastating floods.

Events like this remind us of the strength and spirit within our schools and wider community. Well done to all involved — you’ve not only run far, but you’ve made a real difference.