Hi Everyone,

I hope you are enjoying your new free local newspaper!

It’s an absolute pleasure to be sharing all your stories with the local community and I hope the paper is allowing you to feel more connected.

We have had an incredible response so far with our phones running hot on the day we first published the paper – most people were calling to find out where they could get their hands on a copy.

You can check out our Facebook page for the full list of locations and, make sure you give the page a ‘like’ while you’re there!

As you can see, Hinchinbrook Life is a free community newspaper, we are dedicated to making local news available to everyone in the community.

This means every printed word is free to read and so is every word published on our website – there are no pay walls.

The reason we can bring this all to you for free is because of the incredible local businesses that choose to advertise with us.

In fact, our Founding Advertising Partners, the community-minded individuals that got behind the paper before it even started, are the reason we are here at all.

I’d like to say a big thank you to this group of local businesses, we really appreciate your faith in us and your desire to help reinstate the local paper.

If you are a local business owner in the community, you can join this group of people by talking with our amazing Sales Manager Trish and booking an ad.

If you are a community member wondering how you can support this paper, the answer is simple – read about the advertisers, look at their ads, go into their businesses and buy a product or service from them.

This will continue to make this paper a success!

Rach

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Carol Sanderson has been a dedicated volunteer with the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre since its establishment in 1980—an incredible 44 years of service. Over this time, she has taken on numerous roles within the organization, including receptionist, emergency relief coordinator, and provider of community information and referrals. She also contributed to the food bank and served on the board.
The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre began as a simple community information center and has since evolved into the comprehensive service provider it is today. Carol has been a constant presence through this journey, embracing change with a cheerful and friendly attitude.
Beyond her work with the Centre, Carol volunteers with other community organizations, such as Ingham Palliative Care, and previously dedicated 20 years as a Scout Leader. For Carol, volunteering is a way to stay engaged and connected.
"It’s the best thing to do instead of sitting at home feeling sorry for yourself. I’m getting out and meeting a lot of nice people," she said.
When asked about the challenges of volunteering, Carol admits, "Not always being able to help everybody" is the hardest part.  
Volunteers like Carol are the backbone of the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, helping thousands of people in need every year. If you’re considering volunteering and want to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you!

Contributed with thanks to ​Carmon Martin Community Grants Officer from Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre

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Carol Sanderson has volunteered with the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre for 44 years. Photo supplied

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Disaster season is here and last Thursday 28 November the Herbert River Sub Group gathered to discuss the upcoming season and re-access the plan in case of emergency.

Sergeant and Officer in Charge of Halifax Police Station Giovanni Tantalo is coordinator of the meeting.

Sergeant Tantalo said this sub-group was created from the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), following the 2012 disaster season.

“The idea is to get together and have a bit of a brainstorm, and if any of the wardens or any of the members can think of a problem we have had previously that might need to be addressed we can bring those issues up with the LDMG,” explained Sergeant Tantalo.

“This meeting brings together our area wardens in each of our little townships that become islands in major floods, the emergency services, any other additional personnel who may need to know information for major events, such as our food providers, fuel business owners, that type of thing.

“The best advice I can give is to look at the Council’s notice board on the web, they also have hand-out flyers. Read those and follow those steps.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said it’s important to be prepared in disaster season.

“It is important that people understand what the risks to them are because then they can start thinking about how they will plan and prepare themselves to deal with that risk,” said Mayor Ramon Jayo.

“For instance, our most common risk here is flooding. What happens when there are floods? People are going to get isolated.

“At the council, we’ve got information which is relevant and tells us what our risks are and how best to prepare for it.

“We’re in cyclone alley, our big three disasters are cyclones, floods and storm surges.”

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Sergeant and Officer in Charge of Halifax Police Station Giovanni Tantalo and Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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On Thursday 28 November, the State Government took the first step towards restoring community safety and legislating Adult Crime, Adult Time with the introduction of the landmark, Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024.
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The Making Queensland Safer Laws deliver on a key commitment to Queenslanders to turn the tide on the Youth Crime Crisis. Under the new laws, juvenile offenders who commit some of the most serious crimes will face the same penalties as adult offenders and the rights of victims will be put ahead of the rights of offenders. 
With proposed amendments to the Youth Justice Act 1992, the tough provisions contained in the Bill complement plans for Gold Standard Early Intervention, crime prevention and effective rehabilitation to ensure fewer Queenslanders fall victim to crime. 

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Adult Crime, Adult Time offences include murder, manslaughter, unlawful striking causing death, grievous bodily harm, wounding, serious assault, home business break-ins and robbery, and dangerous operation of vehicles.

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The Making Queensland Safer laws propose removing the principle of detention as a last resort and will change the way in which offenders are sentenced with courts empowered to consider an offender’s full criminal history when sentencing.

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Premier David Crisafulli said restoring community safety would be the first order of business with the Making Queensland Safer Laws. 
“The Making Queensland Safer Laws are the first strike back against a youth crime crisis a decade in the making,” Premier Crisafulli said. 
“Where we are today is the result of decisions made a decade ago; a fresh start is what we need, Queenslanders demanded it and we are delivering it.”

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A travel influencer recently put Cardwell on the digital map, creating a viral video detailing the suspected extraterrestrial nature residing within the region.

Terry’s twenty-minute YouTube video titled, “Cardwell: Is this Tiny Town Australia’s UFO Capital?” has attracted well over 67,000 views and counting, with the video prompting many locals to reminisce on their own paranormal experiences.

Terry’s inspiration to investigate the mysterious alien phenomenon came after he read many reports of strange lights flickering in the night sky, exhibiting seemingly unexplainable behaviours, and acting on his inquisitiveness, he decided to interview a handful of locals on his travels in attempt to find answers.

“Since settlement there’s been unusual stories recorded about different things in the sky, coming out of the water, and on the land,” shared Thea, organiser of Cardwell’s annual Australian UFO Festival.

“There’s one particular phenomenon that has been recorded since early settlement and it’s these two lights that travel across the sky, parallel with each other and then they will just shoot straight up, and we’ve just coined it, the Cardwell Lights.”

The northern end of Cardwell, has homed many reports over the years where residents have claimed to witness these two strange lights travelling parallel at high speeds across the sky to then suddenly shoot directly upwards into the atmosphere, leaving onlookers feeling anxious and on edge.

Similarly, foreign objects have been witnessed emerging from the ocean nearing towards Hinchinbrook Island and rapidly flying into the sky, without a trace. Described as spaceships, fisherman recall the objects suddenly flying out from the depths of the ocean below, with some experiences causing all electronic equipment on board to lose power and reception.

Above all else, the most famous interplanetary sighting was reported in January of 1966 when local farmer, George Pedley was left “frigid with fright” after witnessing a flying saucer rise at great speed from a lagoon on his Tully property.

Regardless of the countess stories and local recounts, many are confident “seeing is believing,” despite the blanketed perception being “we aren’t alone,” however, although there’s a lack of evidence proving the reality of aliens, many scientists and researchers believe it’s likely extraterrestrial life exists.

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A mysterious “crop circle” found by George Pedley following a harrowing 1966 paranormal ordeal.

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On Monday 6 January 2025, physical emergency dredging operations will commence at Port Hinchinbrook’s One Mile Creek to improve both recreational and essential access.
Announced on Wednesday 27 November, countless locals welcomed the news with open arms, taking to social media to express their gratitude towards the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, adding these plans have been highly anticipated across the entire boating and fishing community.
One Mile Creek has been a contentious topic of discussion for many years, with Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto, spearheading concerns for the area since 2020, outlining the necessity of developing both a long-term solution as well as actioning emergency dredging.
Scheduled for January, the dredging will extend across a four-week period with approximately 990 tonnes of material expected to be removed from the area.
In order to execute the planned operations, a 100m exclusion zone around the dredging area will be established to protect the safety of all water users, whilst stabilising the batter slopes and seabed.
The Port Hinchinbrook Boat Ramp will be closed throughout the period, with the Cassowary Coat Regional Council encouraging the community to utilise alternative boat ramp locations at Marine Parade, Meunga Creek or Fishers Creek.
A lengthy process, the Cassowary Coat Regional Council has undertaken sediment testing, analysed dredge sediment disposal sites, conducted a hydrographic survey, and met with the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) prior to receiving $1.5 million in funding from the Australian Government to commence works.
“Following the receipt of a Deed of Variation from the Department of Infrastructure in October 2024, we are moving forward with this crucial project to enhance our local waterway,” shared the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
“We want to reassure the community, that environmental considerations are a priority, and we will be managing our obligations under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to monitor and mitigate any potential impacts.”
Although vital, the current emergency program exists as merely a short-term solution to the ongoing accessibility issues concerning One Mile Creek, Port Hinchinbrook Marina and the surrounding onshore facilities.

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One Mile Creek underwent emergency dredging in 2022.
One Mile Creek was also a contentious topic of discussion in 2020.

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The 58th Parliament of Queensland commenced last week as the Legislative Assembly sat for the first time under the incoming Crisafulli Government. Most of the first week was filled with ceremony and official proceedings except for Thursday when the incoming government introduced three new bills, one being the anticipated Making Queensland Safer Bill, which is set to become law before Christmas.
While the legislation is a step in the right direction, in my opinion it doesn’t go far enough. The bill takes inspiration from several of the Katter’s Australian Party’s (KAP) crime policies, like “removing detention as a last resort” and the principle of “adult crime = adult time” but fails to address the public’s calls to implement minimum mandatory sentencing and castle law.
Youth offenders must be locked up, but the fact is, our detention centres are full. Young crims are climbing over themselves to get into places like Cleveland Bay detention centre before Christmas because it’s a holiday camp. Detention should be a place to avoid, instead of plush purpose built metro facilities. I’d like to see these kids spending the Christmas holidays out in Western Queensland on a cattle station or in donga style accommodation near Urandangi serving time under KAP’s Relocation Sentencing policy.
Also, during the first week of parliament, I moved a disallowance motion to oppose incoming regulations that would make wearing a lifejacket mandatory in certain circumstances. From December 1st, boaties in vessels under 4.8 metres will be forced to wear lifejackets when boating alone or at night.
I’m all for safety, however mandating this requirement is overbearing and takes away what should be a personal responsibility. Boaties should have the right to decide if it is necessary or safe for them to wear a lifejacket or not. The regulations are not justified. What’s next, regulating floaties for everyone who decides to go swimming?
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Opinion Piece
Contributed with thanks to Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto

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Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto with his son Deekin at the official opening of the 58th State Parliament. Photo supplied

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Felix Reitano of Felix Reitano Furniture & Real Estate recently  became a life member of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).

He was recognised for a lifetime of dedication to the real estate profession and REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the real estate peak body considers this distinction for REIQ members who have shown long outstanding and meritorious service. 
 
“Felix certainly fits the bill for the honour of Life Member, holding REIQ membership since 1992, more than three decades, and in that time proudly and exceptionally serving his community and giving back to his real estate colleagues,” Ms Mercorella said.
 
“He has been a great supporter of the REIQ and our advocacy efforts over the years and it’s wonderful to acknowledge his contribution and firm commitment to the REIQ family.
 
“Felix Reitano Furniture & Real Estate is a family business that’s not only highly respected, but after celebrating 100 years of operation, it’s woven into the fabric of the community and is an Ingham institution – dare I say, it’s become part of the furniture!
 
“Felix is undoubtedly a ‘people person’ who thrives off human interaction, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he knew just about everyone in his district, giving him great influence.”
 
Accepting the Life Member certificate in person at the REIQ Office HQ, alongside his wife Judy, Felix said he was honoured to receive the award and dedicated it to his family.
 
“I’m 77 years young and my son, Felix Peter, is the fourth generation in our family business, but we both always keep in mind that we are carrying the baton on behalf of those that came before us,” he said.
 
“I dedicate this award to my grandfather and my father who were faced with much greater challenges, yet still accomplished so much and established a business with exceptional standards and service.
 
“We respect and honour that tradition by living by those standards, and the REIQ has been a great support in our endeavours because its high standards match ours. 
 
“Real estate is far more technical now than the old days when you shook hands and away you went, but with rights come responsibility and I take that responsibility seriously.”
 
Felix Reitano has spent nearly all of his 77 years in Ingham, leading the family business for over 45 years. As the third generation to take the helm, Felix has upheld a proud legacy of service in the Hinchinbrook district, with the business celebrating 100 years of operation in 2023.
 
He is a family man and active community leader, Felix was named the Hinchinbrook Shire’s Citizen of the Year in 2024, further cementing his legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to the real estate profession and his local community. 

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Antonia Mercorella (REIQ CEO), Felix & Judy Reitano & Peter Brewer (REIQ Chairman). Photo supplied

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In January of 2014, the lives of the Williams and Fettell family were turned upside down when thirty-four-year-old mother of two, Lauri Fettell was diagnosed with breast cancer. In navigating the news of her daughter’s diagnosis, Sandra Williams discovered a way in which she could not only help her daughter, but also support so many others experiencing breast cancer, and channelled her daughter’s strength to establish The Simple Gift of a Bag.

Lauri underwent a mastectomy, and whilst in hospital recovering from the surgery, Sandra noticed the unpracticality and uncomfortableness her daughter’s drainage bag caused, and with that, she began planning for something better. Although experiencing the unthinkable, both Sandra and Lauri focused on providing other breast cancer survivors with compassion and strived to provide women across Australia with the opportunity to access the bags.

“Even while undergoing chemotherapy, my daughter Lauri would lie in bed, and ring around to try find hospitals within Australia that would like our bags as each bag gives that little bit of dignity and kindness for a person during an overwhelming time in their life and Lauri knows this as she’s lived through it, and knows exactly how the patient feels,” added Sandra.

“Our page grew bigger and so did the volunteers – the generosity of people never ceased to amaze us, and we have around sixty women who have been sewing bags, with more offering to help every day,” Sandra added.

The pair’s initiative has continued to gain traction, and today, with women sewing across Australia, ‘The Simple Gift of a Bag’ posts drainage bag covers to over eighty-eight hospitals and specialist rooms throughout the country for patients to use freely during their post operation recovery. To date, just over 30,500 bags have been handmade and donated as part of ‘The Simple Gift of a Bag’[, with both Lauri and Sandra beyond grateful for the support of the Hinchinbrook community and beyond.

“We love our connection to the Hinchinbrook community, and the businesses in Ingham, Halifax and Lucinda suburbs are so generous with gift vouchers, and prizes that we use each year for our Winter Fundraiser Raffle – it’s a very important part of our yearly fundraising campaign.”

Sandra invites anyone who may be interested in volunteering their time in support of The Simple Gift of a Bag to email sly.sis@bigpond.com.

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Lauri Fettell today with her beautiful family.
John Flynn Private Hospital staff with some of the amazing bags donated by The Simple Gift of a Bag.
Fundraising for a fantastic cause, Sandra is often blown away with the community’s support.

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Greetings, Hinchinbrook Residents! 

It is such a privilege to be able to contribute to the Hinchinbrook Life Councillor Column. The first issue of the Hinchinbrook Life set the bar high, it was great to be able to sit down and read through what has been and will be happening throughout our Shire.

I am deeply passionate about our community, and I was thrilled to be allocated the Infrastructure Services Advisory Portfolio.

Since taking on this role, I have been eager to meet with the public, listen to your concerns, and bring your ideas back to the Mayor and Councillors. Together, we can work on initiatives that will benefit our community.

In addition to my primary responsibilities, I also sit on several other Council advisory committees and external organisations.These include Herbert River Improvement Trust (HRIT) as Deputy Chair, Hinchinbrook Road Safety Advisory Committee as Chair, Asset Management Steering Committee and the Hinchinbrook Recovery Group Infrastructure Sub-Group Chair Councillor.

Council is responsible for its infrastructure assets, however may seek reimbursement of expenditure for restoration of damaged infrastructure assets through the DRFA and NDRRA programs, subject to eligibility assessments undertaken by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).

Recently attending a Mount Fox Community Shed Meeting gave a great opportunity to share a coffee and scones whilst catching up with and listening to the residents.

Continuing to represent Council at the Halifax Progress Association’s monthly meetings is a real honour, and I am looking forward to collaborating with the Association to support their ideas and events, including their monthly markets and yearly street party.

I am committed to being accessible and responsive to your needs. Please feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts and suggestions. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us make informed decisions that enhance our community.

I am excited about the future and the opportunity to serve you. Together, we can make Hinchinbrook an even better place to live, work, and play.

As the current crushing season draws to a close and we head towards a well-earned break with family and friends, please stay safe and take time to enjoy your Shire and what it has to offer. 

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas in Hinchinbrook.

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Nestled just beyond the winding, mangrove lined Hinchinbrook Channel lies Australia’s largest island national park, Hinchinbrook Island, spanning 39,00 hectares of pristine wilderness.
Fringed by the world’s most extensive coral reef system, this untouched paradise is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure.
A short 20 minute charter from Lucinda, located northeast of Ingham, brings you to this awe-inspiring destination.
As you draw closer, the island unveils a breathtaking tapestry of emerald rainforests cascading over rugged mountains that plunge dramatically into deserted beaches.
For the adventurous, the island features the legendary Thorsborne Trail, ranked as one of the world’s top 10 multi day hikes.
Pack your bags, embrace your sense of wonder, and prepare to uncover one of Australia’s best kept secrets and find your Hinchinbrook Way.

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I am pleased to report that Council adopted the Annual Report for 2023-2024 at its monthly General Meeting held 26 November 2024. The Annual Report is a reflection on the past year, highlighting Council’s achievements and progress towards enhancing the wellbeing and advancement of our community.
The report contains a great deal of information including infrastructure projects undertaken and emerging initiatives in the maintenance, renewal and replacement of essential assets to meet demand and expectations of the community and in that regard, it was pleasing to observe, albeit very modest, the continued upward trajectory of our population statistics over the past two years.
As a key indicator of our population growth in the past year, Council was excited to welcome 49 babies at the Underwater Wonderland Baby Welcoming Ceremony, a new record for the annual baby welcoming event.
A further indicator of continuing growth was observed through the demand for additional housing reported by real estate agents in the community, reports supported by the exponential growth in property transfers occurring and building applications for new housing lodged. Applications for land reconfigurations have also risen significantly in the past year compared to the previous decade.
The report is available on Council’s website under Corporate Documents or may be purchased from Council at a cost of $40.00.
It’s time to Get Ready Hinchinbrook
Our storm season is now approaching, and it is time for us to prepare for whatever Mother Nature has in store for Hinchinbrook this summer.
We will experience flooding which may prevent us from coming to town and obtaining food.  So as part of your plan, it would be essential that you have a pantry full of food to last you at least three days, just in case.
We know that in Hinchinbrook we are prone to cyclones. Do you have torches, batteries and mobile devices to recharge your phone batteries from your car plug.
Many more examples of problems you may experience and actions you should take to address such problems can be found on Council’s website under Disaster and Emergency Information as well as websites such as Get Ready Queensland.  If you don’t have access to the web, then call into Council’s offices on Lannercost Street and pick up hard copies to read at home.

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Ingham Motorcycles and Mowers has been owned and operated by the same family since 1994, which means the team are now celebrating their 30th year of servicing the community together. 
 
Christine Pagliuso, current owner of Ingham Motorcycles and Mowers, bought the business from her father Franco, in 2022. 
 
When her parents first purchased the store, it was called Ingham Motorcycles and Marine, specialising in motorcycles, boating and camping equipment. It was some years later that her father Franco sold the marine side of the business, choosing to concentrate on power equipment instead. And so, Ingham Motorcycles and Mowers was born.
 
Christine, now owner of the store, has been working at the store since 1998 and knows the store inside and out. She has even completed a motorcycle and small engine mechanical trade certificate. Her sister Karen works alongside her, after returning to Ingham in 2005.

“Being women in a male dominated industry has its challenges but my sister and I have been doing this for a long time and we know our products,” said Christine.
 
Ingham Motorcycles and Mowers has been in the Pagliuso family for over three decades and Christine believes it is due to the standard that they set.
 
“We maintain the same level of sales and workshop support that we always have for the local community and surrounding areas,” said Christine
 
“I have three full-time mechanics out there at the moment, two qualified technicians, and one third-year apprentice.
 
“We repair everything that we sell, plus many brands of motorcycles, mowers, generators, all the power equipment.”
 
“What sets us apart is our good quality honest service, reasonable rates and a quick turnaround of work.”
 
Christine was born and raised in the area and she loves the region, saying it is a great place to live. Above all, however, Christine loves supporting her local community, staff and customers. 
 
Her love for the staff shines through and customers of the store always experience a warm greeting when they come through the doors. 

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Ingham Motorcycles and Mowers owner Christine Pagliuso. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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December is here, which means Christmas festivities are quickly approaching. For the Hinchinbrook community this year’s launch of “Christmas in Hinchinbrook”, commencing with the celebration and community event in Ingham CBD last Thursday,  meant that the festive season kicked off in the most spectacular way.
On behalf of Chamber members, business owners and the broader community, acknowledgement and recognition must be given to Hinchinbrook Shire Council for organising and funding this wonderful Christmas Launch event.  
The success of this event was witnessed by the vast numbers of locals and visitors in the street from early afternoon and well into the night.  
It was very pleasing to witness the culmination of the significant planning, engagement with business owners, market stall holders,  community groups and implementation of an effective marketing campaign which resulted in such a wonderful night.  
Feedback from community, retailers and stall holders has been exceptionally positive, with particular emphasis focusing on the opportunity for family and friends to enjoy a relaxed evening of shopping, catching up and enjoying the entertainment.
Many business owners have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming community support and this has provided confidence to explore the option of participating in a similar event on the last Thursday before Christmas.  
This week, the community has responded with overwhelming positivity to the return of a local community newspaper. It is hoped this will rebuild communication with the residents and raise a stronger awareness of the activities taking place locally and rebuild some of the connectivity that has slipped over the past several years.
Chamber continues to work with local businesses, bringing together this year’s massive prize draw for the “Shop & Win – the Hinchinbrook Way” promotion, that is due to be drawn on December 19th.   Shoppers are reminded to enter their receipts into the boxes provided, for their chance to win some amazing prizes.

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Often described as the “cane farmer’s supermarket”, Ingham Agencies has been serving the community under the management of the Pelleri family since 1994 and exists as a celebrated industrial and agricultural equipment supplier.

Collectively, Ingham Agencies operates locations in both Ingham and Tully, and effectively incorporate general engineering, retail, transportation and manufacturing services into their business structure to better accommodate clients and expand their customer base.

With expertise in agricultural manufacturing, Ingham Agencies specialises in manufacturing harvester parts, and tillage equipment along with carrying out general engineering, and repairs to further cater to the requirements of industrial and agricultural professionals in and around the community.

“We offer a broad range of services, and we cover the needs of cane farmers and industrial businesses between Ingham and Tully,” shared Michael.

A proud, family-owned business, Michael Pelleri and his wife Siobhan Pelleri have managed Ingham Agencies since his parents retired just over six years ago, and the pair pride themselves on continuing to uphold the same levels of customer service and expertise established thirty years ago.

Reflecting on the past three decades, Michael notes raising six children as an achievement he’s most proud of, and reminisces on establishing the business’ Tully branch, transport depot in Townsville and introducing transportation in 2009 into the mix as additional milestones.

“The transport business, QS Transport, was started to cater for the transportation needs of Ingham Agencies, and it’s grown from starting with one small, single axel truck to now running three semi trucks,” added Michael.

“QS Transport has been a major asset – it allows us to be far more flexible in our supply and services and puts us in control of our freight requirements.”

In seeing the whole picture, Ingham Agencies understands the integral role they play in supporting the success of the region’s sugar industry, and are committed to supporting the professionals in the industry to fulfill their industrial and agricultural endeavours.

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