Celebrating 100 Years of the Trebonne Post Office

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Congratulations to Christine Johnson and her family, who this year proudly celebrate an extraordinary milestone, 100 years of continuous postal services in Trebonne.

The Trebonne Post Office first opened its doors in 1926 when Ormonde and Dorothy Britton established the service on the corner of Stone River Road and the site where it still operates today.

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For half a century, the Britton family served the local community before passing the reins in 1976 to their granddaughter, Christine. Since then, Christine has continued that remarkable tradition of service, ensuring generations of local residents have remained connected through one of the district's longest running family enterprises.

The role of the Trebonne post office extended well beyond sorting and delivering mail. Over the years, the business also operated a telephone exchange and provided banking services as a Commonwealth Bank agency, making it a vital hub for the Trebonnecommunity.

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Reaching 100 years of continuous operation is a truly outstanding achievement and a testament to the dedication, resilience and community spirit of the Britton and Johnson families. Their commitment has helped support local families, businesses and the broader district through generations of change.

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To mark this special centenary, Christine has established a Facebook page 'Trebonne CPA – Post Office’  to share photographs, stories and memories from the Trebonne Post Office's rich history. I encourage anyone with connections to the post office, whether as a customer, employee, family member or friend, to contribute and help preserve this important piece of Hinchinbrook's history.

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On behalf of Hinchinbrook Shire Council, congratulations to Christine and her family on this remarkable achievement. One hundred years of service is a legacy worth celebrating, and one that has earned a special place in the story of our community.

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Did you know that Council has a feral pig management program? In partnership with Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd (HCPSL), cane farmers, graziers, National Parks and other land managers, Council has been baiting and trapping feral pigs across the Shire since 2009.

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We are proud to operate the second-longest running feral pig management program in the country. Over the life of the program, approximately one million feral pigs have been managed through coordinated control activities.

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Feral pigs cause significant damage to our cane industry, environment and grazing lands.  

They dig up the ground, spread weeds, destroy pasture and crops, and leave the land rough, uneven and difficult to traverse.

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They can devastate cane crops, resulting in millions of dollars in yield losses, while also damaging cane stools needed for future ratoons. Feral pigs can spread disease and are a major biosecurity concern. They also threaten native wildlife, including turtle nesting areas along our beaches, where they can dig up and destroy nests.

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To support our Feral Pig Management Program and help reduce feral pig numbers even further, we are launching a Pig Trapping Competition.

The competition will run from 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026.

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Prizes will be awarded for the most pigs trapped, along with a participation prize. Terms and conditions apply, and participants must register to enter.

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This is a great opportunity for parents and grandparents to teach the next generation about responsible land management, protecting the environment, and controlling feral animals to support food security and agricultural production.

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To register or find out more, contact the HCPSL team on (07) 4776 5660 or email hcpslfrontdesk@hcpsl.com.au

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MP Wayde Chiesa at the Men’s Breakfast in Rollingstone. Photo credit: Offices of Wayde Chiesa MP

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By Wayde Chiesa MP, Member for Hinchinbrook

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Over the past fortnight, I have enjoyed getting out across the electorate and spending time with the community.

I recently joined locals at the Men’s Breakfast at Rollingstone, alongside representatives from a number of community organisations. These local groups are the backbone of our smaller communities. They bring people together, look out for those who need a hand and provide the volunteers who are there whenever our community needs them. It was great to catch up with everyone and hear directly about what is happening locally.  

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I also enjoyed visiting Bluewater State School, where the Year 6 students put me through my paces with plenty of questions about leadership and the qualities that make a good leader. It was a great morning with some impressive young people preparing to head into high school next year.

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Another issue I have been focused on is proposed changes to Commonwealth disaster funding. For North Queensland, this matters enormously.

Cyclones, floods and severe weather are a reality of where we live, and when disaster strikes, councils are often responsible for repairing enormous amounts of damaged local infrastructure.

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Under existing Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the Commonwealth can contribute up to 75 per cent of eligible expenditure for key categories of assistance, once relevant thresholds are met.

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We cannot accept changes that simply shift more of that financial burden from Canberra onto the Queensland Government, local councils and ultimately local ratepayers.

The Commonwealth raises around 80 per cent of Australia's tax revenue. It is therefore unreasonable to expect state and local governments, with much smaller revenue bases, to continually pick up a greater share of the cost of rebuilding communities after natural disasters.

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That is cost shifting, and I will stand with our North Queensland councils in opposing it.

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Finally, our Breach Bail, Go to Jail laws are continuing their journey through Parliament. Public hearings will now be held in Townsville and Cairns, giving North and Far North Queenslanders another opportunity to have their voices heard.

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For too long, our communities have lived with the consequences of repeat offenders being released on bail and going on to offend again.

Bail is a privilege, and there must be consequences when that privilege is abused.

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These hearings are an important next step in ensuring these tougher laws are scrutinised, progressed and passed by Parliament before the end of the year.  

Breach Bail, Go to Jail – it is what our community asked for, and I will keep fighting to see it delivered.

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Many stores participated in the Shop & Win campaign in 2025. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Mary Brown, President of the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Industry & Tourism

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Hinchinbrook Chamber’s annual “Shop & Win” campaign has become a familiar part of the local Christmas calendar, encouraging our community to shop locally, support local businesses and keep spending within our region during one of the busiest retail periods of the year.

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Since the inception of this campaign, a very small team have been the driving force to make this happen, however this year that capacity is reduced and it will not be possible to go ahead with additional support.  

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This is why Chamber is putting the call out for assistance. Like many community initiatives, “Shop & Win” takes considerable time and effort behind the scenes to coordinate, promote and deliver. While Chamber is committed to supporting our local business community, the campaign cannot be successfully delivered by a small number of people alone.

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This year, we are calling on local retailers, Chamber members and community volunteers to put their hands up and help bring “Shop & Win” to life. We’re not asking one or two people to take on the entire campaign. Quite the opposite. If a number of people can each contribute a small amount of time, the workload becomes much more manageable.

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Support can take many forms, for those who are not currently members, it can be as simple as joining Chamber and becoming involved through the decision-making process. Other ways include assisting with campaign coordination, distributing and collecting materials, helping engage participating businesses, promotion, prize coordination or lending a hand with some of the administrative tasks involved in running the campaign.

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Many hands make light work, and even a small commitment of time from several people would make an enormous difference.

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“Shop & Win” exists to support our local business community. It encourages people to choose a local retailer, spend locally at Christmas and discover businesses they may not otherwise visit. But for a campaign designed to support local businesses to continue, it also needs the support of those businesses and the wider community.

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Without additional retailer and volunteer support, Chamber will unfortunately not be in a position to progress the “Shop & Win” campaign this year.

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Chamber knows there is strong community support for shopping local and would love to see “Shop & Win” return in 2026, however its future relies on a collaborative approach and people being willing to contribute to make it happen.

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That’s not an outcome Chamber wants to see, and we know “Shop & Win” is something many businesses and community members look forward to each year, however continuing the campaign needs to be a shared effort.

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If you are a retailer, Chamber member or community member who value “Shop & Win”, have benefited from it in previous years or simply want to help encourage people to shop locally, now is the time to get involved.  

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Interested parties can contact Chamber through their many platforms or come along to the monthly Chamber meeting on Monday 21st September at 5:30pm at 73-781 Lannercost Street.

Shop local. Support local.

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A new monthly food pantry will open in Ingham this month, offering affordable food boxes to help community members who are doing it tough with the rising cost of living.

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The Ingham ADRA Community Food Pantry will officially open on Friday 25^th September from 9am to 11am at 8 Stallen Street, with food boxes containing more than $100 worth of food available for just $25.

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The pantry will be operated by members of the local Adventist Church in partnership with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), with the intention of providing ongoing support to those experiencing financial hardship.

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Organisers said the initiative comes at a time when the increasing cost of everyday essentials is placing additional pressure on many households.

The pantry is planned to operate on the last Friday of each month, providing the community with a regular source of affordable food. Fresh produce and bread may also be available, depending on supply at the time.

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Food pantries have become an important resource across Australia, with similar services operating in Townsville, Ayr and Charters Towers, with the Townsville Food Pantry currently supports more than 250 families each week.

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Organisers hope the new Ingham pantry will become an ongoing community resource for individuals and families who need a little extra support.

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WHAT: The Ingham ADRA Community Food Pantry
WHEN: Friday September 25th, 9am–11am, then every last Friday of the Month
WHERE: 8 Stallan Street, Adventist Church, Ingham

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Take time to prepare your home and property this coming bushfire season. Photo sourced: Shutterstock  

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Contributed with thanks by Wayde Chiesa MP, Member for Hinchinbrook  

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Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa has welcomed another record year of hazard reduction burning across Queensland’s parks and protected areas as communities prepare for the 2026 bushfire risk period.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers treated a record 981,081 hectares through 546 planned burns during 2025–26, surpassing the previous record set one year earlier.

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Mr Chiesa said well-managed national parks and State forests were particularly important for Hinchinbrook, including areas surrounding Paluma Range National Park, Hinchinbrook Island, Goold Island, and Cardwell State Forest.

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“Many communities across Hinchinbrook live alongside or near national parks, State forests and other areas of dense vegetation,” Mr Chiesa said.

“Reducing fuel loads and improving the condition of our protected areas helps strengthen bushfire preparedness and makes these areas better neighbours to nearby homes, farms and businesses.

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“Hazard reduction burning is important work. It supports healthier landscapes while helping reduce the risk bushfires pose to our surrounding communities and properties.

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“This record result demonstrates the Crisafulli Government is doing the work required before bushfire season started and delivering on our commitment to provide better-managed national parks.”

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The record program was delivered as part of the State Government’s More Rangers, Better Neighbours commitment.

It follows the Government’s decision to retain 40 specialist fire ranger positions that had been left unfunded by the former Government, ensuring Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has the frontline capability needed to prepare and manage protected areas.

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“Retaining these specialist rangers means Queensland has experienced people on the ground undertaking planned burns and helping communities prepare for the bushfire season,” Mr Chiesa said.

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“Their work is particularly valuable in regional electorates such as Hinchinbrook, where our communities, agricultural properties and visitor destinations are closely connected to the natural environment.

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“I thank our rangers and emergency-service personnel for the work they do to protect our communities.”

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Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will continue undertaking planned burns in national parks and State forests when conditions allow.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to check Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Park Alerts for information about planned burns and local park conditions before travelling.

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More information about how QPWS manages fire in parks and forests is available on the DETSI website: parks.qld.gov.au/management/programs/fire-management

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FACTS:

• The State Government has delivered another record hazard reduction burn program across Queensland’s parks and protected areas, with almost 1 million hectares treated.

• The record-breaking result was delivered as part of the State Government’s More Rangers, Better Neighbours election promise.

• The record follows the State Government’s decision to save 40 specialist fire positions left unfunded by the former Government.

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Joe Bond and her dogs at home in Forrest Beach. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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Twelve years ago, Joe Bond was getting up at 5:30 in the morning to exercise before heading to work, then stopping at the gym again on her way home. She was physically strong, active and confident in what her body could do. Serious repeated injuries changed that.

Now, she celebrates just walking across her yard.

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Between these two moments unfolded a long mental health journey.

In 2021, Joe reached the peak of her struggle.

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“That year saw me on suicide watch and severe mental health issues, where I just couldn't function,” she said.

It took around nine months for Joe to begin working through what was happening in her mind, with days when she could not get out of bed.  

Her dog Bree Girl become an important support, becoming a trained therapy dog. When Joe could not find a reason to get up, Bree gave her one.

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“She’s the reason why I ended up getting out of bed every day because she was the one that would sit by my bed watching me, and she would need to pee, basically,” Joe said.

“So I had to open the door. I had to get up physically, get up out of bed, and open the door.”

On 20th December 2021, Joe reached a turning point.  

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Having always loved travel, she set off on a trip she had dreamt about for years: leaving her home in Sydney and taking a lap of Australia in a caravan.  

Within the first week of being on the road, she realised she had found something she had desperately needed: a sense of freedom.

“I really didn't understand that I could make all these decisions myself, and I didn't have to check with anybody,” she said.

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“I didn't need approval. I didn't need someone to say it's okay.”

“I felt I learned to be confident in who I was to be able to make those decisions,” she said.

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“Once I learnt that, I became a lot stronger mentally to say, ‘Yes, I can do this. I can keep going.’

“Every day was a new day. Every day was a new destination. Every day was a mindset,” Joe said.

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“I'm going to keep going.”

Joe believes travel has made her the person she is today. It gave her the opportunity to manage her own budget, learn about mechanics, try different jobs and experience a life outside the routine she had previously felt trapped within.

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“I was so stuck in that mortgage, going to work, walking the dogs, the daily grind, that I couldn't see outside of that square,” she said.

When Joe reached Forrest Beach, she stopped, and decided to call the town her new home. Now, she’s decided to take on the last leg of her trip, travelling to Sydney to close the loop.  

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A major challenge in this last leg will be Joe’s physical health.  

To accommodate her limitations, Joe tries not to push herself too hard, and finds opportunities to enjoy the sights her way.  

“If I set myself up to fail, then I'm going to fail,” she said.

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“But if I set myself up to say, let's have a look, I might be able to walk 500 metres. Let's give it a go. Five hundred metres is better than nothing.”

Mentally, there are still difficult periods. But Joe feels she is better equipped now to deal with them.  

A major step has been learning to identify when she is struggling and say it out loud.

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“It's not easy, but it's getting easier,” she said.

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“As long as I tell someone, or tell my friends or my family, ‘I'm not okay’, then they go, ‘How can we help you? What do you need?’” she said.

“I think it's all in the mindset.”

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For anyone struggling with their mental health, or trying to come to terms with a life or body that has changed, Joe says ‘It's okay.’  

“You've just got to listen to yourself and find something every day to look for.”

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Vince Corbett Park at Forrest Beach. Photo: Victoria Velton

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Rising construction and material costs have prompted Hinchinbrook Shire Council to reshape its $3.23 million Works for Queensland program, with several projects revised to ensure the State Government funding can still deliver benefits across the community.

The revised program, endorsed at Council’s August General Meeting, includes a new pump track, more than $1.25 million in upgrades at Forrest Beach, improvements to sporting and recreation facilities and planning work for future infrastructure.

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Some projects have been scaled back, while others will now focus on design and planning rather than construction.

Mayor Ramon Jayo said the changes were about making the most of the available funding.

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“Construction costs, material prices and project delivery costs have all increased significantly since these projects were originally developed,” Mayor Jayo said.

“Rather than pushing ahead with projects that may not be achievable within budget, Council has taken a sensible approach to make sure we continue delivering outcomes for the community while also planning for future opportunities.”

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The largest allocation is more than $1.25 million for infrastructure upgrades at Vince Corbett Park at Forrest Beach, while $606,587 has been allocated for a pump track at Merv Wacker Park.

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The program also includes improvements to the Ingham Showground car park, additional parking at Merv Wacker Park, half basketball courts in Ingham and Trebonne, and shade and site improvements at the Taylors Beach playground.

Funding will also support planning and delivery of trunk infrastructure for existing and future growth at Toobanna and around Sir Arthur Fadden Parade.

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Meanwhile, the proposed JL Kelly Theatre foyer upgrade has been removed from the program, while the first stage of the Taylors Beach Seawalk has been revised to focus on design and concept planning.

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Council said the Seawalk design needs to be reconsidered to meet current State Government environmental requirements.

Mayor Jayo said completing the design and planning work would leave Council better positioned to seek funding for construction in the future.

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“This isn’t about shelving projects. It’s about getting them shovel-ready,” he said.

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“By progressing the design and planning work now, Council will be in a much stronger position to pursue future grant funding opportunities when they become available.”

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The revised Works for Queensland program includes:

• Vince Corbett Park infrastructure upgrades, Forrest Beach

• Pump track at Merv Wacker Park

• Ingham Showground car park improvements

• Merv Wacker Park car parking improvements

• Half basketball courts in Ingham and Trebonne

• Taylors Beach playground shade covering and site improvements

• Taylors Beach Seawalk Stage 1 design

• Borello Park concept design

• Riverview Park enhancements

• Sewerage expansion planning for Toobanna and Sir Arthur Fadden Parade.

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Mayor Jayo said the program would deliver a mix of recreational improvements and infrastructure planning.

“These projects are about improving liveability, supporting families, creating new recreational opportunities and making sure we’re planning ahead for growth,” he said.

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Council will now work with the Queensland Government to finalise the amended program, with projects expected to be delivered by 30th June 2027.

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Photo credit: Gilroy Santa Maria College

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Gilroy Santa Maria College students and staff came together for more than just a feed when the school hosted their R U OK? Day breakfast.

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The morning provided students with a relaxed opportunity to catch up with friends and staff, and enjoy activities designed to bring everyone together. From lawn games to getting active on the dance floor, students were encouraged to spend time connecting with one another and enjoying a positive start to the school day.

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The school encouraged students to remember that asking “R U OK?” is not limited to one day of the year, emphasizing simple ways to make a difference like taking the time to listen and encouraging someone to seek support.

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The event stands as an example that meaning conversations can happen anytime, any place – we just need to be willing to take the time to sit down and listen.

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Students packed the dancefloor at Ingham State High School. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Students Hit The Dancefloor At The Annual Highschool Ball

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Students from Ingham State High School, Gilroy Santa Maria College, and St Teresa’s College came together at this year’s Boots & Ballgowns themed All Schools Ball.

The evening provided an opportunity for pupils to step away from the classroom and come together, with the live band and full dancefloor cited as the highlight of the night.

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Boots & Ballgowns

2026 Combined Schools Ball

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Senior students from across the district traded uniforms for boots and ballgowns for a night of dancing at the 2026 Combined Schools Ball.

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The annual event brought together Year 10, 11 and 12 students from Ingham State High School, Gilroy Santa Maria College and Saint Teresa’s Catholic College, Abergowrie, giving students from the three schools the chance to celebrate the end of a busy year and socialise together.

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This year’s Boots & Ballgowns theme was designed with the students’ feedback in mind, with organisers moving away from the more formal style of previous balls in favour of a relaxed country-inspired evening.

Ingham State High School P&C President said organisers were “rapt” with how the night had come together, with Sophie and Nicole taking the lead in bringing the students’ ideas to life.

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“We listened to the feedback,” she said.

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Students had asked for a less formal event, a live band, tables to sit at and a dedicated photo area, with organisers working to incorporate their suggestions throughout the evening.

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For the first time, a live band, The Sneaky Beats, provided the entertainment, with students enjoying plenty of boot-scooting boogieing throughout the night.

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“It’s fantastic to see three schools coming together to celebrate what’s been a very busy year for them, and for them to socialise together,” said Ingham State High School Principal Rod Flood.

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See more photos here:

1. https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/boots-ballgowns-2026-combined-schools-ball
2. https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/boots-ballgowns-2026-combined-schools-ball-2
3. www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/boots-ballgowns-2026-combined-schools-ball-3

Generations of 103 Squadron members, ex-103 cadets and visiting officials and representatives gathered at the Herbert River RSL for the 75th celebration. Photo credits: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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Seventy-five years of history and service were commemorated in Ingham last Saturday, as the 103 Squadron of the Australian Air Force Cadets celebrated its three-quarter-century anniversary with a special dinner at the Herbert River RSL, bringing together generations of cadets and supporters.

The 75th Anniversary Dinner was a significant occasion for the squadron, welcoming current cadets and their families alongside former cadets, past members and special guests who travelled to Ingham to mark the occasion.

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Among the guests were visiting representatives from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy, adding to the significance of the celebration and highlighting the strong connections the Australian Air Force Cadets share with the wider Australian Defence Force.

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For the current generation of cadets, the evening provided an opportunity to meet people who have served in uniform and hear from those who have been part of the squadron and its history over the decades.

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Just as importantly, former cadets returned to support the young people who are now following in their footsteps. Instructors, volunteers, parents and supporters were all recognised.

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Event organiser Simone Lennox said the celebration was the culmination of several weeks of planning, organising, printing and chasing up the many details needed to bring such a significant event together.

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“There were plenty of late nights, last-minute changes and stressful moments, but we did it,” Simone said.

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For a youth organisation with such a long history in the community, the presence of ex-cadets was particularly meaningful, demonstrating the endurance of friendships, experiences and lessons gained through the program.

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The evening also featured displays and memorabilia reflecting the squadron’s history, helping to bring together stories from its past with the work being carried out by its current members.

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Special commemorative pieces were also created for the occasion, with current Cadet Unit Officer Saxon Crabb and former CUO/LAC Corey Crabb working together to create 75th Anniversary 3D-printed pieces giving guests a unique reminder of the milestone.

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Simone thanked Erin and Sandra for their work in helping organise the celebration, as well as the Herbert River Sub Branch RSL for hosting the event. Bec from Budget Colour Copies was also recognised for her help with the extensive printing, scanning and last-minute jobs required in the lead-up to the dinner.

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“Seeing everyone there, catching up, sharing stories and enjoying the night made all the work worthwhile,” Simone said.

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After 75 years, the anniversary was a celebration of the people who have been part of 103 Squadron, the memories created along the way and the young cadets who are now carrying that tradition into the future.

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Ingham’s own Mick’s Bread Kitchen has cooked up a spectacular result on the national stage, taking home two gold medals at the 2026 Official Great Aussie Pie Competition.  

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The bakery’s Smoked Brisket Pie and Pork Pie both claimed gold, with the brisket creation developed by Mick’s daughter, Monique Toichev.  

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The bakery entered four pies in the prestigious competition, with its Ned Kelly Pie also taking silver and its Plain Pie earning bronze. The four-medal haul has given the local team plenty to celebrate, with Monique saying the recognition was the result of hard work and a commitment to perfecting every part of the pie.

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Read more here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/article/pies-on-the-podium-for-micks-bread-kitchen

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The 2026 Ona Mission endurance event was a roaring success, with participants running, paddling and cycling across the rainforests and bays of Mission Beach.  

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With a short and long course to choose from, both seasoned and rookie athletes came together for a varied event with a unique community vibe.

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Read more here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/article/ona-mission-pushes-competitors-across-sea-land-and-rainforest

The annual Tilapia Tournament will return to Warrina Lakes this October. Photo supplied by Cassowary Coast Regional Council

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Locals are being encouraged to grab their rods and help tackle one of the region’s invasive pests when the annual Tilapia Tournament returns to Warrina Lakes during the October school holidays.

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council will host the free, family-friendly fishing competition from Thursday 1st October to Saturday 3rd October, combining a day out for the community with an important effort to protect local waterways and native aquatic life.

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The tournament challenges participants to catch and remove Tilapia, an invasive pest fish capable of rapidly establishing large populations and outcompeting native species.

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Tilapia feed on plants, insects and small native fish and can produce hundreds of young in a single season. Their nesting behaviour can also stir up mud and damage important habitat for native fish and other aquatic species.

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Fortunately for competitors, the pest fish are relatively easy to catch and will take a variety of bait, including corn, bread, worms and pellets.

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Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said every fish removed during the tournament would contribute to improving the health of the local ecosystem.

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“The Tilapia Tournament is a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors to get involved in protecting our waterways while enjoying a free, family-friendly event during the school holidays,” Cr Millwood said.

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“Every Tilapia removed from Warrina Lakes helps reduce the pressure on our native species and improves the health of our local ecosystem. I encourage everyone to come along, register and be part of this important community effort.”

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The tournament is open to all ages, although children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear, hat, sunscreen, water bottle and camping chair, with prizes also up for grabs throughout the event. Entry is free, however registration is essential. Further information and registration details are available through the Cassowary Coast Regional Council website.

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Bronze for Kathy White. Photo credit: Xavier Keutch Photography

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By Victoria Velton

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Mission Beach Outrigger Canoe Club paddler Kathy White has returned from the Singapore IVF Va’a World Sprints Championships with two world titles and an individual bronze, after helping an Australian crew achieve a feat not seen in almost three decades.

Kathy joined fellow Mission Beach paddlers Clare James and Kate Rolfe, alongside Emma Morgan, Sue Lockwood and Kate Rolfe from Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club in Cairns, to form a combined six-person V6 crew.

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The team claimed gold in both the 500m straight sprint and the 1000m sprint featuring three turns, finishing the championship undefeated in both events.

According to Kathy, the last time an Australian team won gold in both V6 sprint events was in 1996.

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“It’s a fierce competition,” Kathy said, explaining crews must progress through heats, semi-finals and finals, with some forced to race through repechage.

Conditions in Singapore added another challenge, with intense heat and humidity testing even the Far North Queensland paddlers.

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Despite the pressure, the crew remained calm and focused, relying on the work they had put in during months of preparation.

The six paddlers are seasoned competitors across V12, V6, V1 and OC1 racing, but, as Kathy pointed out, are not professional athletes.

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“We all work, have family commitments and are time poor; however, we committed to each other to train mostly individually and together as much as we could,” Kathy said.

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Previous coaching from Tuki Brown helped lay the foundations for the campaign, giving the crew confidence that they had something special.  

Kathy was the paddler sitting in seat one.

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“I am completely focused on my role of stroke with my sight firmly on the finish line, feeling the energy of the canoe and knowing how to get the most out of us to finish strong with lifts when needed,” she said.

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For Kathy, the achievement was made possible by the trust between the six paddlers.

Before and after every race, the crew openly discussed what had worked and what could be adjusted.

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“It’s often the small changes that make the difference when there are sometimes hundredths of a second between places.”

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Kathy also returned home with an individual bronze medal after finishing third in the 500m V1 straight sprint, an achievement she said she was incredibly proud of.

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She credited her coach Robyn Saultry for mentoring her through two major world-level challenges this year, including the 52km Kaiwi Channel Solo OC1 crossing from Molokai to Oahu in May.

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She also shared the success with her family, friends and the Mission Beach Outrigger Canoe Club community.

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For Kathy, Mission Beach itself plays an important role in developing paddlers like her and her team, who are prepared for challenging conditions.

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“When you get to paddle in paradise, it’s easy to quickly develop a love of outrigger canoes or any water sport or outdoor adventure for that matter,” she said.

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“We don’t shy from adverse conditions, quite the opposite, we thrive on it.

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“Not many people can say that they paddled around an island before or after work. We are truly blessed.”