The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) enjoyed a spooky twist on their Seniors Morning Coffee Club this week, celebrating Halloween on 24th October. The morning also included a special birthday celebration for October, with warm wishes to Joan Oldham — happy birthday, Joan!

Attendees enjoyed a morning filled with Halloween-themed decorations, a few festive costumes, and plenty of laughter. Fun activities included a Halloween trivia challenge and several rounds of Bingo, making it a fantastic morning shared with wonderful company.

The next Coffee Morning will be held on Thursday, 7th November. Anyone interested in joining in can contact Desley at the HUB for more details on (07) 4776 1822.

On 26th October, the ladies at the Cardwell RSL were first in line to enjoy selections from the extensive buffet salad bar during on of the RSL's delightful Sunday BBQ lunch sessions. Among the guests were members of the National Servicemen’s Association, who had travelled from the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, and Townsville for their annual gathering.

The National Servicemen, conscripted into the Australian Army between 1951–1959 and 1964–1972, undertook the same training as Regular soldiers for a compulsory period. Around 20,000 of these “Nashos” saw active service in the Vietnam War, and their contribution to Australia’s defence remains deeply respected.

Though many of the attendees were in their eighties, the camaraderie among the group was evident. The strong bonds forged during their service continue to remain incredibly strong, a testament to the shared experiences that have stood the test of time.

Ingham locals know that the best kind of café is one that feeds both the body and the soul, and that’s exactly what Fiori With Love does so well. This Ingham floral café has become a local treasure where great food meets stunning blooms in perfect harmony.

From the moment you step inside, the scent of fresh coffee mingles with the fragrance of flowers, setting the tone for a truly sensory experience. The café menu is full of wholesome, home-style fare that celebrates simplicity done well. Expect breakfasts, fresh juices, toasted sandwiches, and indulgent cakes, all made with care in-house and served with a smile. Their coffee, rich and smooth, has earned a loyal following among locals who drop by for their morning pick-me-up or a slow afternoon chat among the flowers.

The display cabinet is always stocked with something inviting and worth a peek: house-baked slices, muffins, tartlets, and of course, cakes, that feel just like home. With vegetarian and gluten-free choices available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Adding to the charm is the setting itself. Fiori With Love doubles as a florist, so diners are treated to the sights and scents of seasonal greenery. It’s the kind of place where you can sip your latte while watching fresh bouquets being made just a few metres away.

Whether you’re meeting a friend for brunch, grabbing a takeaway coffee, or choosing flowers for someone special, Fiori With Love offers a taste of Ingham hospitality at its most heartfelt. With a little slice of beauty served on a plate and wrapped in petals. Reach out to Louise at 0407 166 186 to book a table or email louise@fioriwithlove.com.au, and enjoy something beautiful.

With Barnes Sewing Centre

You can get everything for this project at Barnes Sewing Centre on 16 Lannercost St, Ingham. Pop in and see the cute Christmas patterns in stock!

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 30–45 minutes

What You’ll Need:
Christmas-themed cotton fabric (30cm–50cm, depending on bag size)
Ribbon or twine for ties
Scissors or rotary cutter
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Pins or clips
Iron (optional)

Cut your fabric: A good starting size is 30cm wide by 40cm tall. Cut two equal rectangles.

Place right sides together: Pin or clip the fabric pieces together with the right sides facing each other.

Sew around the edges: Stitch along both sides and the bottom, leaving the top edge open. Use a 1cm seam allowance.

Finish the top edge: Fold the top edge down twice (about 1.5cm each fold) to hide the raw edges. Press flat, then stitch along to create a clean hem.

Add ribbon ties: You can either stitch a ribbon directly on opposite sides of the top edge for easy ties, or thread the ribbon through the top edge and leave two slits open for a draw-string effect.

Turn right side out: Flip your bag so the pattern side of the fabric is showing. Add your gifts, tie it up, and you’re done!

Variations: Add embroidered names or decorations to make each sack personal. Make several in different sizes for a matching set! This project also works for those who want to skip the tape and wrapping - it works as reusable gift bags you could pop under the tree every year.

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The Christmas countdown is on, and there’s no better time to refresh your summer wardrobe than at I Love Boutique in Ingham. With the North Queensland sun blazing down, the boutique is brimming with breezy styles that keep you cool while looking effortlessly chic.

For the ladies, lightweight dresses, playful minis and flowing long styles are perfect for sun-drenched days and balmy evenings. Bold prints and soft, breathable fabrics capture the spirit of the coast, while relaxed silhouettes ensure comfort without compromising on style. Pieces like the crinkle cotton dresses or boutique-exclusive statement dresses strike the perfect balance between festive flair and everyday wearability.

The boutique hasn’t forgotten the little ones either. They have bath bombs, cute jewellery pieces like beaded necklaces and crystal bracelets, stylish shoes and funky hats, making for fun and fashionable Christmas gift ideas.

I Love Boutique also offers gift-ready items to delight friends or loved ones this festive season. Accessories, sunhats and jewellery complement the summer wardrobe, providing thoughtful, on-trend gift options.

What makes the boutique truly special is the way it blends style with practicality. Each piece has been chosen to suit the coastal summer heat, offering comfort, colour and character for every occasion. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your children or someone special, I Love Boutique is your go-to destination for fresh summer styles, festive flair and a little bit of coastal magic, all just in time for Christmas!

Follow their socials for sales and style updates at iloveboutiqueingham on Facebook and Instagram!

If you’re searching for a place where the rainforest meets the reef, where waterfalls tumble from misty peaks and white sand beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, then look no further than Hinchinbrook Island National Park.

Just a hop, skip and a jump from your own backyard, off the coast between Cardwell and Lucinda, this rugged island wilderness is one of the country’s largest island national parks and a true gem of Tropical North Queensland. Known as Munamudanamy by the Bandjin and Girramay Traditional Owners, Hinchinbrook’s spectacular landscapes are rich in cultural and environmental significance.

Protected since 1932, the island spans nearly 40,000 hectares and lies within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Its diverse habitats range from mangrove-lined estuaries and paperbark wetlands to eucalypt forests and mountain ridges often cloaked in cloud. Dugongs, turtles, and countless bird species call these waters home, while the island’s mangrove forests remain some of the most varied in Australia.

But Hinchinbrook isn’t a resort island, it’s an adventure! With no hotels, cars, or crowds, visitors come to experience nature at its rawest, with camping the only way to stay overnight, ensuring a true wilderness escape for hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers.

The island’s crown jewel is the Thorsborne Trail, a 32-kilometre trek named after local conservationists Margaret and Arthur Thorsborne. Recognised worldwide for its untouched beauty, the trail takes around four days to complete and winds through rainforests, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. Only 40 hikers are allowed on the trail at any time to preserve its delicate ecosystems, so booking well in advance is essential.

If a shorter adventure is what you’re after, guided day tours and scenic cruises offer a glimpse into Hinchinbrook’s breathtaking terrain! Visitors can explore Zoe Bay, Mulligan Falls, or Ramsay Bay, where the rainforest meets the ocean, and marine life such as dolphins and dugongs can often be spotted.

While Hinchinbrook’s beauty is undeniable, visitors are reminded to tread lightly, leave nothing behind, take all rubbish with you, and help protect this precious island for future generations. Campers should come prepared and be aware of seasonal closures, crocodile warnings, and marine stingers during the warmer months between November and April.

Whether by foot, kayak, or boat, a journey to Hinchinbrook Island National Park is a journey back to nature which will be nothing short of wild, remote, and unforgettable!

To keep up to date with park alerts, trail bookings, and safety advice, visit the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website at www.queensland.com/us/en/places-to-see/experiences/islands/explore-hinchinbrook-island.

It’s cheers all round at NQ Travel & Cruise, with the Ingham-based agency proudly sharing in the success of its national network, Travellers Choice, which was named Australia’s Most Outstanding Travel Agency Network for the fifth consecutive year at the 2025 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA).

Owner Kathleen Lynch said the award – presented on 18 October at The Star Brisbane – is the Australian retail travel industry’s highest honour.

“To be recognised and awarded by your industry peers is an incredible honour and one of the highest forms of validation,” says Ms Lynch.

“It’s not every day you get to say your business is part of a multi-award-winning network. This award underscores what Travellers Choice and agencies like ours are all about, which is an unwavering focus on customers and offering the very best in personalised service, expert advice and unbeatable value.

“We’re proud to be part of a national network that champions independent agencies and supports us to deliver outstanding travel experiences to our local community.”

As an independent travel adviser, Ms Lynch takes the time to understand each traveller’s unique needs and preferences. Whether it’s a relaxing island getaway, a luxury river cruise or a once-in-a-lifetime overseas adventure, every detail is handled with professionalism and care.

NQ Travel & Cruise is also an ATIA Accredited Travel Agent, a recognition that represents the highest standard in the Australian travel industry. This accreditation is renewed annually following a detailed assessment of financial stability, workforce practices and operational integrity.

With NQ Travel & Cruise, your holiday plans are in expert hands. Find out more at www.nqntravelandcruise.com.au, visit the office at 73-81 Lannercost Street, Ingham or call 07 4440 3310.

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Ingham Maraka Festival 2025 – “Music Thru The Ages”

As the 2025 Ingham Maraka Festival draws to a close, organisers have extended their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this year’s celebration a resounding success. The festival brought together the vibrant spirit of the Hinchinbrook community, showcasing the very best of local creativity, talent, and tradition.

Maraka was proud to kick off the Hinchinbrook Festival of Events, with festivities that included the Run Swim Run, Wilmar Sugar Wine and Cheese Night, Careys Group and Ingham Ray White Afternoon Tea, Harvey Norman Ingham Spot the Window competition, Kids Day Out supported by Tropical Vets, McDonald’s Ingham, SpinFX Electrical NQ, and Hinchinbrook Life, and the spectacular Ergon and BK Bartolini Concreting & Earthworks Parade. The grand finale, featuring the NQIB Mardi Gras Stage, Ingham Agencies and Townsville Lime & Gypsum Fireworks, and the QCAR Mardi Gras Bar, was a testament to the incredible creativity and community spirit of the region.

A special thank you goes to the dedicated Maraka committee members, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the festival to life. Appreciation was also extended to all Queen and Princess entrants, volunteers, emcees, judges, local businesses, photographers, stallholders, performers, and the wider community for their support and enthusiasm.

Warm congratulations were offered to the winners of the 2025 Maraka Queen Quest, proudly sponsored by Rachael Cauchi Optometrists. This year’s Maraka Queen title was awarded to Ainslee DiMaggio, with Trista Kopeshke named as Runner-up. In the 2025 Maraka Princess Quest, sponsored by Windlab, Ashley Swarbrick was crowned Maraka Princess, with Vanessa Wilson receiving Runner-up honours.

Organisers also acknowledged the 2024 Quest winners: Maraka Queen Montana, Runner-up Johanna, and past Maraka Princesses Hazel and Millie for their ongoing support and contributions throughout the year.

A special thanks was shared with Nick Dametto, outgoing Local Member, for his outstanding support and years of service as Emcee, as well as Maddyn White, past Maraka Queen, for her continued involvement. The Maraka family also warmly welcomed Carley Whittington, who has recently returned to Ingham.

Further thanks were extended to Tourism and Events Queensland, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Tourism & Industry, and all who contributed grants, photography, and event coordination, including Ann and Anthony Vardanegh, Sherie Hensler-Adams from Hinchinbrook Life, and Chris and Christine Spencer from the Festival of Events.

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors
Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Windlab Pty Ltd
Wilmar Sugar
Triple M

Platinum Sponsors
NQIB
QCAR – Qld Cane Agricultural and Renewables
Rachel Cauchi Optometrists
SpinFX Electrical NQ

Gold Sponsors
BK Bartolini Concreting & Earthworks
Ergon Energy
Carey Group
Ray White Ingham

Silver Sponsors
Guido’s Panel & Paint
Ingham Agencies
Townsville Lime & Gypsum
Tropical Vet Services

Major In-Kind Sponsors
McDonald’s Ingham
Harvey Norman Ingham
Hinchinbrook Life
House of Harvey

Thank you all for making the Ingham Maraka Festival a cherished tradition and a highlight of the Hinchinbrook calendar. The community looks forward to celebrating together again in the future.

The Conns Of Conn Creek

By Dr. Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

Many have crossed Conn Creek on the way to Cardwell without giving much thought for whom the creek is named.

William George Conn was a Scottish immigrant who arrived on the lower Herbert in 1870, aged 51. He was a pioneer of the Clarence River, NSW, and afterwards took up Dillelah station near Warrego, western Queensland. Conn Waterhole west of Winton is named for him. He was described as ‘a brave and clever bushman and explorer’.

His second wife, Elizabeth Burrows, accompanied him to the Herbert when she was 31 years of age. They established a garden growing fruit, sweet potatoes and maize on the south bank of the Herbert, directly opposite Macknade Plantation on the north bank, where William did fencing work.

They carved a track from the south bank, across a group of sand islands — identified in a survey map of 1871 as the Elizabeth Group — to the north side. This track came to be called Conn’s Crossing. Once a new trafficable bridle path was cut from the Crossing to Cardwell in 1872, the previous track over the Seaview Range became obsolete.

In 1873, they moved to an isolated selection 22.5 kilometres south of Cardwell that they named the Hermitage. They named the nearby creek, which was an access point between mainland and Hinchinbrook Island for the Indigenous people, Williams Brook (later Conn Creek). The Government paid William a small salary to keep the track open to traffic. Again, they established gardens, producing fresh produce for the Cardwell market, and offered refreshments to travellers.

Elizabeth was a hard worker. Planter Arthur Neame observed the Conn’s building a hut with William on the ground and Elizabeth on the roof putting on the thatch! By the end of 1873, their selection was well-established.

Neame and his fellow planters thought that the Conns were very foolish to settle where they had, with no other white settlers nearby. So concerned were they that William Bairstow Ingham invited William to come and work on his Ings plantation, but Conn refused.

There had been few violent confrontations between settlers and the Indigenous people on the lower Herbert, and Conn was of the opinion that if he treated them kindly, they would not interfere with him. So trusting was he that he traded vegetables for fish with those who paddled their canoes up Conn Creek to their property. However, misunderstandings began when vegetables were taken without the offer of an exchange of goods.

When his potatoes were getting close to being ready for harvest, William contacted Robert Johnstone and his Native Police detachment, who usually did boat patrols of the area. William made it clear that he did not want Johnstone to ‘molest’ the Aboriginals. Johnstone was so concerned for the Conn's welfare that he made a special patrol on horseback, where he found Elizabeth had taken ill. As she was too sick to travel with him on horseback, he promised to return the next day in a boat to take her to Gairloch, where there were ladies who could provide nursing care.

Unfortunately, due to bad weather and tidal conditions, Johnstone did not reach the Conn’s farm until sunrise on the morning of 7 April, in which time the Conns had been massacred. At the time of their deaths, Elizabeth was dressed and ready to leave with the boat patrol and had been preparing breakfast, while William was wheeling manure to his garden. There are numerous conjectures as to why they were massacred, but given their formerly amicable relations with the visiting Aboriginal people, there clearly had been a misunderstanding.

A group of Aboriginal people was located nearby with incriminating items in their camp. Retribution was immediate and merciless. Neame believed that the actual perpetrators got away, and those killed, including women and children, had nothing to do with the massacre.

The Conns were buried near their cottage, and a tree marked with the date and their names. It is said that the markers of their graves only disappeared in recent times when work on the adjacent government railway line was carried out.

As the 2025 Ingham Marka Festival “Music thru the Ages” concludes, the organisers extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this year’s Festival a resounding success. The event brought together the vibrant spirit of the community, showcasing the best of what Ingham has to offer.

The Ingham Maraka Festival Committe would like to extend special to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their commitment and passion made the festival possible. Thanks to their efforts, the Ingham Marka Festival remains a cherished tradition and a highlight of the year. The community looks forward to celebrating together again in the future. See the highlights in the social pics tab on our website!

Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!

What a journey the Maraka festival has been. I would like to thank my sponsors who supported me, and my friends and family who stood by me. Ingham Agencies and Hinchinbrook Chamber of Industry and Tourism for their financial support and advice, Hinchinbrook Life for their encouragement, Rupp Plumbing and Hardware for their manpower and dedication, Sola the Salon for their love and amazing hair skills, and finally Ingham Lions Club for their persistance in asking me to participate and being my origional sponsors, I enjoyed every Maraka event (especially the parade) and it would not have been possible without you, thank you all!

Special mention and much love to Tennille, Brian, Julie, Kimberley, Steven, Maria, and Chance. All of you stepped up to help me when I was in the tightest spots and were always prepared with a word of kindness to calm my nerves. I couldn't ask for better 'Yes Men'. You all were there for me, lending a hand, a glue gun, a can of hairspray and a gentle comb, or a last-minute ute - your joy on this journey with me was everything. Thank you all so much.

Though I come away crown-less, I think I gained so much more than I could have hoped for. I may not have the roots here that the other beautiful entrants have, but Maraka has definitely helped plant the seed. Thank you, Hinchinbrook, for welcoming me to this community in such a way that let me step out of my comfort zone and do something I never would have thought myself doing.

With the Hinchinbrook Life newspapers' 1st birthday just around the corner, I hope everyone will continue to support myself and Sherie, your local on-the-ground Team Hinchinbrook, and all the others behind the scenes. With my first big festival under my belt, I can't wait to see what the region has to offer in our second year together. I'm ready to try my best to capture every moment and preserve this journey in print with you all.

Victoria

Fun Fact: On a work trip to Tully a few months ago to drop off our CORE and Tripping Magazines, I visited a boutique called Mamma Mia and I loved their style immediately. So later on, I went back and got my Maraka outfits and a few accessories from them. They were so helpful with finding sizes and fashion-fitting my ideas, thank you ladies!

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Combined Rotary Clubs of Townsville, Ingham and Ayr are doing it again!

BUSINESSES from across Queensland are already making plans to be part of the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day on 29-30 May 2026.

With a change of venue to the Townsville Show Grounds and more suitable dates than the previous event, the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day is gearing up to be a cracker event.

With a few new faces on the 2026 Committee, combined with some seasoned committee members, these volunteers are working with exhibitors and stakeholders to ensure that the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day will be a successful event showcasing the best of North Queensland. One on the calendar not to miss.

All proceeds from this event are farmed back into the communities of Townsville, Ingham and Ayr.

We are happy to announce that Ian Gough from Gough Plastics and Justin Minuti from TRACPOWER have shown their support to the community, once again, by partnering with Rotary for this event.

The Battle Family from Nortrans have thrown their support behind the event as well, coming on board as a major sponsor.

From the latest in farming technology to time-honoured traditions, the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day will be about sharing knowledge, strengthening connections, and honouring the hardworking hands that shape our fields and our future.

There will be a broader range of exhibitors, including but not limited to technology, lifestyle interests, machinery for the farm and the everyday household.

Other exhibitors at the event will include government agencies, health services, financial services, community support organisations, job training and secondary and tertiary education providers from across North Queensland.

Interested exhibitors can secure their site on the website nqfieldday.com.au

Online ticket purchases will once again be available, and there will be regular prize draws for those who have pre-purchased tickets. Mark it on your calendar; book your exhibitor's site and/or pre-purchase your tickets and follow our updates on Facebook.

“Let’s Dig In, Gear Up and Grow Together.”

Following the devastating February 2025 flood event, the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) continues to play a vital role in helping the community rebuild, with funding support through both State and Federal Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

When the Herbert River broke its banks, the Ingham district experienced extensive flooding that damaged hundreds of homes, destroyed local infrastructure, and displaced families across the region. The event left lasting impacts on housing, livelihoods, and community wellbeing.

In response, HCSC engaged Kim Petersen in a Disaster Recovery role to assist residents affected by the floods. Kim provides information/advice/referral, case management and psychological first aid support for individuals and families affected by the event and navigating Structural Assistance Grants — government-funded support designed to help repair and restore flood-damaged homes.

Kim’s position will remain in place until January 2026, ensuring continued assistance for residents still working through the recovery and rebuilding process.

Also included in the Disaster Recovery team are Peter Buckland, Community Recovery Officer for the North and Far North Tropical Low (January 2025), who supports local organisations and community recovery initiatives, and Libby Carney, a Community Recovery Worker assisting clients between Ingham and the Cassowary Coast with Structural Assistance Grants and rebuilding support.

Progress So Far
Since the floods, significant progress has been made across the Hinchinbrook region:

· HCSC has coordinated with local and state agencies to connect residents to financial and practical recovery supports, including housing assistance and structural repair funding.

· Local volunteers and community groups have worked tirelessly on clean-up and restoration efforts, removing debris and helping affected households get back on their feet.

· Community outreach and recovery sessions have helped residents understand grant eligibility, navigate insurance processes, and access mental health and wellbeing services.

· Infrastructure repairs continue, with priority given to essential community facilities and flood-affected roads.

Ongoing Need for Support
While much has been achieved, recovery in the Herbert region is far from over. Many residents are still dealing with the long-term impacts of flood damage, housing shortages, and financial strain. Access to support through HCSC Disaster Recovery program ensures that no one is left behind during this slow but steady process of rebuilding. Community members are encouraged to contact HCSC for help to connect with a Disaster Recovery Officer or for education to prepare for the upcoming wet season.

As we head into the summer and festive season, we must remain vigilant and be prepared for what Mother Nature can throw at us. Early in October was Get Ready Queensland Week. You may have seen our Disaster Management Officer, Michelle Watts, set up in front of the Council Office promoting preparedness.

On the back of this, there has been a series of Community Shed Meetings announced across the district for residents to gain information on how to prepare their household, ask questions, and speak directly with Council representatives and Councillors.

• Halifax: 29 October 2025, 5:00pm at Community Hall, Argaet Street.
• Bambaroo: 5 November 2025, 5:00pm at Bambaroo Rural Fire Station.
• Abergowrie: 13 November 2025, 5:00pm at Abergowrie State School, 5 Venables Rd.
• Mount Fox: 19 November 2025, 3:00pm at Mount Fox Campground.
• Forrest Beach: 26 November 2025, 5:00pm at Forrest Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
• Trebonne: 3 December 2025, 5:00pm at Leo Park, Trebonne.
• Taylors Beach: 8 December 2025, 2:30pm at Progress Park.
• Macknade: 8 December 2025, 5:00pm at Macknade Community Sporting Club.
• Ingham (Midday): 11 December 2025, 12:00pm at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall.
• Ingham (Evening): 11 December 2025, 5:00pm at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall.

These are free community sessions to offer practical information to help you prepare for the wet season.

To quote words from Council press release: "Living in Hinchinbrook means living with the reality of severe weather — cyclones, floods, and intense storms are all part of our way of life. But being prepared can make all the difference when disaster strikes. Are you ready? Do you have enough emergency and medical supplies to last 7–10 days? What will you do if the power goes out? What if we’re cut off from supplies for days? Getting yourself and your household ready for disaster season is your responsibility. Don’t wait for the storm — act now!" Until next time, take care, stay safe, and let's prepare by heading to https://disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/  — just in case.