Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the Bandjin and Girramay Traditional Owners of Munamudanamy (Hinchinbrook Island National Park), has announced a significant new chapter for one of Australia’s most celebrated wilderness walks.

World Expeditions’ domestic division, Australian Walking Holidays, has been selected to operate fully supported four-day, three-night guided tours along the 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail. Renowned for its untouched landscapes and rich biodiversity, the trail is named after pioneering conservationists Arthur and Margaret Thorsborne, and is regarded as one of the country’s premier long-distance hikes.

The new guided tours have been developed in close collaboration with the Bandjin and Girramay People, ensuring that cultural knowledge and traditional stories remain at the heart of the visitor experience. As the Traditional Owners note, the initiative represents both a cultural sharing opportunity and a meaningful way to reconnect with the island.

The tours will follow strict Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the Thorsborne Trail’s wild ethos is preserved. Group sizes will remain small, with no more than 20 guided hikers on the trail at any one time, and participants will camp at designated sites at Little Ramsay Bay, South Zoe Bay, and Mulligan Falls. Independent hiker permits remain unaffected under the current Hinchinbrook Island National Park Management Plan, which continues to safeguard the trail’s remote character while allowing for greater accessibility and education.

This partnership represents a balance of conservation, culture, and visitor support. By combining responsible tourism with Traditional Owner leadership, the Thorsborne Trail is set to offer an enriched experience that honours both its natural beauty and deep cultural significance.

Councillor Donna Marbelli

Hi Readers,

So much to tell you on the sporting topic.

2025 North Queensland Sport Star Awards nominations are now open.

The North Queensland Sports Foundation is proud to announce that the 35th Annual North Queensland Sport Star Awards will be held in Townsville, hosted by the Townsville City Council, on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre. Sam Thaiday will be the VIP guest speaker on the night — how wonderful to have a legend of Rugby League.

These prestigious awards shine a spotlight on sporting excellence across our North Queensland region, recognising outstanding achievements in nine categories. From juniors and masters to volunteers, especially new for this year is the Officials Award. This helps celebrate the dedication, determination, and passion of those who inspire in sport.

Nominations open: Friday, 25 July 2025
Nominations close: Saturday, 6 September 2025
Event night: Saturday, 25 October 2025


So, if you know a sporting superstar or sporting team who deserves recognition, now is the time to nominate your sport star or sporting stars. Please contact Council for more information or click on the link on Council’s Facebook page starting the NQSF post. Nomination forms are easy to complete.

Also happening in Hinchinbrook is the 2025 Lions Club Sport Star of the Year Awards presented by the Lions Club of Ingham.

Tonight’s the night! The community comes together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our local athletes at the 2025 Hinchinbrook Sport Star of the Year Awards.

With nominations now closed, we’re looking forward to seeing who will be recognised across categories including:

Sport Star of the Year – Junior & Senior
Para-Athlete of the Year
Masters of Sport
Team of the Year


From rising stars to seasoned champions, these awards shine a spotlight on the dedication, talent, and spirit of Hinchinbrook’s sporting community.

Let’s get behind our local talent and give them the recognition they deserve.

There’s something special about our beaches at Lucinda, Taylor Beach, and Forrest Beach. They are not just scenic escapes; they’re part of our community’s identity.

But lately, we’ve seen a resurgence in reckless vehicle use across these foreshore areas, and it’s causing real damage.

Let’s be clear: driving on Council reserves, including dunes and vegetated foreshore areas, is unlawful without a permit.

These zones aren’t just sand and scrub — they’re fragile ecosystems that protect against erosion and provide nesting grounds for turtles and shorebirds.

When vehicles tear through them, we lose more than just plants; we lose habitat, stability, and peace for nearby residents.

Yes, there are legal ways to enjoy beach driving. You can drive between the low and high tide marks, as long as your vehicle is registered and you follow road rules.

Council even created a policy years ago with designated access points to make this easier and safer for everyone.

But lately, things have slipped.

Complaints are rising, and so is the damage.

That’s why Council is stepping up enforcement and prosecutions will follow for those who ignore the rules.

This isn’t about spoiling anyone’s fun — it’s about protecting what makes our region special.

We know beach driving is a beloved pastime, and we’re not here to shut it down. We’re here to make sure it’s done responsibly.

That means sticking to the rules, respecting the environment, and thinking about the long-term impact of our actions.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to do the right thing to keep our beaches safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone, and that includes our locals, visitors, wildlife, and future generations.

And if you see something that doesn’t sit right, report it either to Council on 4776 4600 or if it’s a police-related matter call 131 444. Because protecting our coast is a community effort.

The Japanese House: From Kobe with Love

Ingham is home to a house with serious travel miles. Built in Kobe, Japan in 1887, it was shipped to Brisbane by Judge George William Paul, who admired its climate-friendly design.

Featuring sliding paper walls and intricate timber joinery, it stood out in New Farm before becoming a Country Women’s Association HQ.

In 1962, Dr Pam Markwell saved it from demolition, buying it for £600 and relocating it to Ingham piece by piece. Now nestled in Ingham, it’s the only known traditional Japanese house in Australia. With no glass windows and a roof adorned with Buddhist symbols, it’s a rare blend of elegance and endurance.

Heritage-listed and lovingly restored, it’s a quiet marvel that bridges cultures and centuries—proof that good design travels well.

Forrest Beach has always been a place where community and coastline meet, and now it has a new chapter in its real estate story. After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Mary Venables has retired, passing the torch of Venables Real Estate to Richard and Lisa, who have proudly launched Forrest Beach Real Estate. The change marks the end of an era, but also a fresh beginning for the township and its real estate landscape.

Mary’s journey in the industry is nothing short of remarkable. Arriving at Forrest Beach as a stay-at-home mother with four children, she was encouraged by friends and neighbours to pursue real estate. After gaining her licence, she worked alongside her husband and became a trusted name in property sales, deeply respected for her professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the community. Her legacy is evident not just in her successful career but in the relationships she built over decades and the connections that have made her an enduring figure at the beach.

Reflecting on her decision to retire, Mary shared that reaching 80 and completing her final property inspections made her realise it was the right time to step back. “It's so much so that everyone's saying, 'Oh, good on you!' and giving me hugs,” she said with a laugh, acknowledging the support and well-wishes from the community she’s served so faithfully. Her retirement, however, will not mean disappearing; Mary intends to remain an active and cherished presence in Forrest Beach life.

For Richard and Lisa Scobie, taking over the business is both an investment and a commitment. As long-time business neighbours and community members, they have witnessed the resilience and spirit of Forrest Beach, particularly following recent floods. Their goal is to honour Mary’s legacy while building upon it, maintaining the local love and personal care that has always been the hallmark of the office.

“We want people to feel a part of our community, to experience the same trust and care that Mary established,” Lisa said. With a plan that's been 12 months in the making, Lisa is eager to grow with the community, serve its people, and continue the proud tradition of locally-driven real estate service.

The transition also reflects a broader optimism for Forrest Beach itself. The township is experiencing a resurgence, with young families, dedicated local businesses, and a thriving surf lifesaving club contributing to the area’s vibrancy. Richard and Lisa’s investment in the business is a tangible demonstration of confidence in the community’s future, reinforcing that Forrest Beach is a place where people want to live and raise their families.

As Mary steps into a well-earned retirement and Richard and Lisa embark on this exciting venture, Forrest Beach residents can look forward to continuity, dedication, and a fresh perspective in real estate. The community’s legacy of trust, neighbourliness, and coastal pride continues, ensuring that the heart of 'The Beach' beats stronger than ever.

At Wilmar Grower Marketing, we understand how important it is for growers to have clear and timely information about what’s driving the sugar market. That’s why we’re pleased to announce the return of our annual Global Traders Roadshow, running across North Queensland from 22 to 25 September.

The roadshow gives local cane growers the opportunity to hear directly from Peter Bingham, Wilmar’s London-based Senior Sugar Trader, alongside Bevan Patterson, our Australian Risk Manager. Together, they will share the latest production outlooks for Brazil, India and Thailand, as well as the demand factors influencing Australian sugar premiums.

For growers, this is more than just a market briefing – it’s a chance to understand how global shifts affect opportunities here at home. With markets as volatile as they’ve been, the insights and strategies presented at the roadshow can help you make informed pricing and marketing decisions. It’s also an opportunity to connect with fellow growers, ask questions, and speak directly with the people who trade sugar on the world stage.

On the global front, Brazil is powering ahead with its sugar harvest. UNICA’s latest figures show that more than half of the 2025-26 crop has already been processed. While production is about eight per cent behind last year, mills have significantly increased their capacity to crystallise sugar rather than divert cane to ethanol. This shift, driven by the strong price premium of raw sugar over ethanol in recent years, has pushed Brazil’s maximum crystallisation capacity to above 54 per cent of cane crushed. Despite this, lower sugar content in the cane has kept most analyst forecasts steady at around 40 million tonnes of sugar for the season.

Global sugar prices remain relatively stable, with plentiful supply expected to last until year’s end. The trade isn’t showing much appetite to push prices outside the current range, leaving speculators to move the market in the short term. Analysts suggest a potential tightening of supply could emerge in early 2026.

Closer to home, our team continues to grow. In the Herbert, Trent Johnson joined us as Relationship Manager on 1 September, working alongside Franco Zaini to support local growers. We’ve also recently welcomed Misty Bland in Proserpine and Jonathan Reichard in Plane Creek, strengthening our regional presence and ensuring every grower has access to local support.

We look forward to seeing you at the Global Traders Roadshow and introducing you to our expanding team. You can register your interest via the QR code on our ads below or by contacting your local Grower Marketing Relationship Manager.

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It’s About Protecting What Matters

National Biosecurity Week, held from 25 to 31 August 2025, seeks to dispel the misconception that biosecurity is simply about border controls and hazmat suits. The campaign highlights the critical role that farmers and rural communities play in protecting Australian agriculture from pests, weeds and diseases.

Australia’s farm sector is valued at $82 billion in gross production annually, with around 70 per cent of output exported to overseas markets. The system that protects this production is under constant pressure. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 40 per cent of global crop production is lost every year to pests. In Australia, 168 exotic invasive species and 42 exotic plant pests and diseases remain significant threats, while experts have warned of a 42 per cent chance of a serious exotic disease incursion within the next five years.

The consequences for producers are clear. An outbreak can bring heavy production losses, disrupt trade, impose quarantine costs and damage long-standing market relationships. Recent incursions such as varroa mite and ongoing threats from red imported fire ants show how quickly pests can spread and how difficult eradication programs can be once established.

National Biosecurity Week places emphasis on simple, practical measures that can make a major difference on farms. Farmers and workers are encouraged to:

• Clean clothing, footwear and equipment before entering or leaving properties to prevent the transfer of soil and seeds.
• Report unusual pests, diseases or weeds immediately via the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline (1800 084 881) or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).
• Source planting material, livestock and inputs from regulated and trusted suppliers, avoiding unregulated imports and online purchases.

These everyday actions form the first line of defence in keeping harmful organisms off properties and out of the wider industry. They are supported by national initiatives such as the Biosecurity Training Hub, which provides free online resources, and the Youth Biosecurity Hub, designed to build awareness among the next generation of landholders.

National Biosecurity Week is coordinated through partnerships between governments, industry bodies and communities. Its message is clear: biosecurity is not an abstract concept managed at the border, but a responsibility shared across farms, regions and industries. By remaining alert and consistent in on-farm practices, producers can help secure the long-term productivity of Australian agriculture.

Biosecurity at a Glance

$82 billion – Value of Australia’s annual agricultural production

70% – Proportion of production exported

40% – Global crop losses each year due to pests (FAO)

168 – Exotic invasive species threatening Australia

42% – Estimated chance of a serious exotic disease incursion within five years

Hotlines:
• Exotic Plant Pest – 1800 084 881
• Emergency Animal Disease – 1800 675 888

By Owen Menkens, CANEGROWERS Chairman

As we approach the midpoint of the 2025 crush, it’s clear this season is shaping up very differently to the one we endured last year.

In 2024, widespread delays, mill breakdowns, and wet weather left many growers stuck in the paddock and well behind schedule. This year, thankfully, we’re in a better place.

Dry conditions have helped keep the wheels turning. Some districts are even ahead of schedule, a rare but welcome sight. Mills are running more reliably in many areas, thanks to stronger off-season planning and maintenance.

It’s not perfect, and we’ve still seen disruptions, but cane is being harvested and crushed more efficiently than this time last year.

While this is relieving for a grower’s state of mind, we continue to navigate ongoing challenges, the global sugar price has dropped substantially from last year and input costs continue to pressure margins. Fuel, fertiliser, labour all remain elevated compared to last season and water availability remains critical.

Still, one thing hasn’t changed: the resilience of our growers. Time and time again, they rise to the challenge. It’s not just about farming cane — it’s about keeping the heartbeat of regional Queensland strong. Growers support local jobs, schools, businesses, and services. Their success underpins entire communities.

In my conversations across the state, the sentiment is cautiously optimistic. There’s relief that the season is progressing better than last year, and a quiet determination to keep pushing forward. Growers are realists, they know how quickly things can turn, whether it’s from global markets, extreme weather, or shifting policy. But they also know how to adapt and keep going.

Compared to last year, there’s a stronger sense of stability in the air. That’s thanks to the people on the ground, the growers, families, and workers who make this industry what it is.

Let’s stay on track and finish the season strong.

There’s a quiet rhythm to river travel — like stepping into the soft, measured pulse of history. Long before the establishment of high-speed rail networks and highways, Europe’s rivers carried travellers, merchants, artists and aristocrats from one cultural capital to the next.

Today, Travelmarvel echoes that tradition aboard a fleet of modern river ships, blending contemporary elegance with thoughtful discovery. As you step aboard, you become immersed in a modern Grand Tour, inspired by the aristocratic journeys of the 17th and 18th centuries. From the storybook streets of Regensburg to the café-lined boulevards of Budapest, this is slow travel reimagined.

Onboard, you’ll rediscover the joy of the journey itself. Elegant ships glide past vineyard-covered hills and baroque palaces, docking in the heart of cities like Vienna, Strasbourg and Porto. With fewer than 200 guests, guided excursions, fine dining, and the expert services of your Travelmarvel Cruise Director, each day feels personal and unique.

Whether sipping wine in the True North Lounge or watching the sun set from the rooftop terrace, each moment invites you to pause, reflect and connect. A Travelmarvel river cruise is more than a holiday — it’s a seamless blend of history, comfort and discovery that leaves a lasting impression.

The Travelmarvel Fly Free Europe 2026 Sale is now on. Book the popular European Gems river cruise by 10 September and you'll fly to Europe for free*.

For more information, talk to a Travelmarvel Specialist at NQ Travel and Cruise.

POP OUT BOX: European Gems River Cruise
15 Days Budapest to Amsterdam
Book by 10 September 2025 and FLY FREE*
From $6,795 per person, twin share*

Conditions apply and subject to availability. Offer valid until 10 September 2025, unless sold out prior. SEE: travelmarvel.com.au or contact NQ Travel and Cruise for full terms and conditions.

Recently, Fiori With Love in Ingham was filled with laughter, hugs, and a few happy tears as we had the joy of hosting a very special surprise birthday celebration. The occasion was a 70th birthday for a beloved local lady, and the look on her face the moment she walked into our side room and realised the party was for her was truly priceless.

Our intimate side room, which comfortably hosted 28 guests, was the perfect setting for this memorable event. It allowed the birthday lady and her family and friends to enjoy the celebration in a space that felt completely their own. Guests savoured a beautifully presented high tea, while a stunning birthday cake, crafted with love, was shared alongside a selection of other sweets, adding an extra touch of warmth and personal connection to the day.

Throughout the celebration, the room echoed with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and moments of genuine emotion as friends and family embraced, reminisced, and celebrated together. It was a day that highlighted the joy of gathering, the beauty of thoughtful surprises, and the power of sharing special moments with loved ones.

At Fiori With Love, we take great pride in creating the perfect environment for these intimate celebrations. Our side room is designed to cater for occasions just like this. It's a space where guests can feel comfortable, connected, and completely immersed in the celebration.

Hosting this birthday was an absolute delight for our team. Sharing in such a heartfelt milestone with a wonderful lady and her nearest and dearest reminded us why we love what we do: creating spaces where memories are made, laughter flows freely, and every guest feels cherished.

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The Majestic Café has long been a local favourite, a bustling hub where friendly faces and warm hospitality are as much a part of the menu as the coffee and cakes. Family-run and community-focused, the café prides itself on being a welcoming spot for everyone, whether you are dropping in for your morning coffee, meeting friends for lunch, or looking for professional catering for a special occasion.

In recent months, the team has placed greater focus on catering and event services, from conferences and meetings to birthday parties and weddings. This shift has helped the café continue moving forward after the devastating 2025 floods, which left lasting memories and challenges. Yet despite the hardships, the Majestic Café has not lost sight of what makes it special: delicious food and genuine service.

The café champions its staff, creating a positive workplace where team members thrive. Many of the ladies on the team say they love working at the café so much that they often linger after hours, enjoying a chat once the doors are closed and the open sign is flipped. Their latest addition, Max, a Year 12 student from Ingham State High School completing his work experience, has been warmly welcomed. Customers have quickly noticed his enthusiasm and excellent service, further adding to the café’s charm.

Inside is a place where you can settle in with a paper, sip away at some coffee or share a slice of scrumptious cake with a loved one. With the lunch menu being equally enticing, offering ever-changing specials that keep regulars coming back for more. From hearty bolognese to classic milkshakes, there is something to suit every taste.

For many in the community, the Majestic Café is more than a place to eat and drink. It is a meeting point, a comfort, and a symbol of resilience through the years. Whether it's daily dining or large-scale catering, the café continues to serve with warmth, flavour, and a commitment to community connection.

Friday nights just got a whole lot tastier at Forrest Beach Takeaway, where pizza lovers can indulge in a mouth-watering selection of flavours starting from just $21.50. Whether you’re in the mood for classic favourites or something a little more adventurous, there’s something for everyone.

Choose from crowd-pleasers like Supreme, Meatlovers, Hawaiian, Pepperoni, Godfather, or the Tropically-inspired BBQ Chicken. For those seeking something a little different, try the Bianco, Huntsman with its creamy garlic base, Antipasto, or Spanish Prawn pizzas, all priced from $21.50 to $25.50. Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed either, with the seafood pizza offering a delicious ocean-fresh option.

For families or friends looking to customise their pizza, gluten-free bases are available on request, and you can even add anchovies for just $2 extra. Pizzas are served from 5:30pm, making Friday nights the perfect opportunity to unwind, catch up with friends, and enjoy a relaxed, delicious meal in the comfort of home.

Forrest Beach Takeaway’s Friday Night Pizza has quickly become a local favourite, combining quality ingredients with generous toppings and unbeatable flavours. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting the area, treat yourself this Friday to a pizza that hits all the right notes and starts the weekend off on a tasty high.

The Herbert River RSL is making weekday lunches something to look forward to, with a line-up of hearty specials that deliver on both taste and value. Running from Tuesday to Friday, between 11:30am and 1:45pm, diners can enjoy a delicious meal for just $17, with terms and conditions applying.

Each day brings a different favourite to the table. Tuesdays are all about the crowd-pleasing “Tradie Tuesday” special, where you can sink your teeth into a loaded burger served with a pot of beer or a soft drink. Midweek diners can enjoy a classic rump steak on Wednesday, a 200g cut cooked to perfection and served with salad and chips.

Thursday keeps things traditional with a chicken parmigiana, the golden crumbed favourite topped with rich Napoli sauce and cheese. To finish the week, Fridays feature the ever-popular fish and chips, with your choice of battered, crumbed or grilled fish, served alongside a pot of beer or a soft drink.

Serving up more than just a good meal, it is an opportunity to enjoy great company in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you are a local regular or just dropping in, the Herbert River RSL lunch specials are a reason to gather, have a great feed and enjoy your lunch break for just $17!

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Here at Halifax Meats, we are a family-owned and operated butcher shop located in the heart of Halifax, a small historic town nestled between the beaches east of Ingham. Since first opening in 2009, our focus has always been on providing not just quality meats, but a true paddock-to-plate experience for our customers. Over the years, locals and visitors alike have come to know us as much more than a butcher; we are part of the community.

We offer a wide variety of quality meats and smallgoods, all handcrafted and made right here in-store. Our beautiful grass-fed Tableland beef is a standout, renowned for its authentic taste, tenderness and flavour. For those looking to impress, our tomahawk steaks are a show-stopper, packed with bold flavour and perfect for the barbecue. Customers also love our convenient oven-ready parcels, prepared with only the finest cuts of meat, making dinner time easy without sacrificing taste or quality.

Our smallgoods range has something for every occasion. From our delicious traditional wood-smoked leg ham and Bushman’s ham, through to kabanas, beersticks, chorizos and salamis, everything is made with care and attention to detail. With many more options available in store, there’s always something new to try. Each product reflects the pride we take in crafting food that people love to share with family and friends.

At Halifax Meats, we also pride ourselves on sourcing and supplying the best possible local products. We believe in supporting local farmers and producers, ensuring our customers enjoy the freshest and highest quality items available.

To make life easier, we provide a wide range of services, including online ordering, home deliveries, free slicing, and expert advice on both products and cooking methods. We even offer shipping to Palm Island residents, ensuring no one misses out on our great range.

You will find us on Halifax's main street, easily recognised by our colourful mural that has become a landmark in itself. Step inside, meet the team, and experience the friendly service and quality that Halifax Meats has built its reputation on.

Located at 25 Macrossan Street, Halifax. Call (07) 4777 7711, or visit halifaxmeats.com.au

Walter W. Mason’s Book Launch in Ingham

Ingham welcomed local author Walter W. Mason for the launch of his two highly anticipated books, Little Girl Beautiful and The Blue Bus, and the event was nothing short of a triumph. The community gathered in high spirits, catching up with Mason, sharing stories, and celebrating a lifetime of connection to the region. By the end of the launch, every copy of The Blue Bus had sold out, and Mason was down to his last box of Little Girl Beautiful. Those who missed out eagerly placed orders online, ensuring his work would continue reaching readers far beyond the district.

Mason, who has spent almost all his life in Ingham, is known for weaving the North Queensland landscape and its people into his stories. Little Girl Beautiful is a gripping novel set in the district, with the Wallaman Falls area imaginatively modified to suit the narrative. The story follows Sebastian Castorana’s desperate search for his missing daughter, exploring family secrets, cultural tensions, and suspense against the lush backdrop of Queensland. The novel marks a departure from Mason’s earlier humorous tales, tackling darker, more intense themes with authenticity and depth.

The Blue Bus, Mason’s memoir, is an intimate account of his fifty-year marriage to his wife, Leigh, and their journey through love, loss, and the devastating onset of dementia. The book captures both the joy of their early romance and the heartbreak of caregiving, offering a raw, heartfelt testament to devotion, resilience, and enduring love. As guests at the launch shared conversations with Mason, many were moved by his candour, humour, and the courage with which he recounts personal tragedy.

The atmosphere of the launch, held at JK's Delicatessant and Cafe, was warm and convivial, with Mason chatting with everyone who stopped by, old friends catching up, and coming together to celebrate local talent. Heartfelt exchanges filled the space, reflecting both the personal and universal themes of Mason’s work. His stories, whether fictional or memoir, resonate deeply with anyone familiar with the landscapes and people of North Queensland.

Available on Amazon and Booktopia, Mason’s books stand as a powerful reflection of a life lived deeply, enriched by love, tragedy, and the beauty of the local environment. The launch was more than its books; it was a celebration of storytelling, community, and the enduring impact of one man’s remarkable life.