Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
More than 20 local artists and artisans came together at Bingil Bay Cafe for the opening of Mission Beach All Stars, celebrating the depth of creativity across the Mission Beach community. While wet weather kept the opening-night crowd a little smaller than usual, curator and organiser Bernard KC said the cafe’s exhibitions had developed a loyal following. “The locals are always completely supportive,” Bernard said. “We’ve got proper regulars now.” The exhibition brings together artists at different stages of their practice, continuing the cafe’s focus on giving local creatives a welcoming place to show their work. “It’s our chance to let everyone have a go,” Bernard said. He added that Mission Beach itself played a big part in nurturing such a strong creative community. “It’s more of a village, more natural — it’s a perfect spot for artists. There’s so much to be inspired by,” he shared. The opening night also featured live music and door prizes donated by local businesses, including Massage by Yoko and the brand-new Bingil Bay Distillery. Mission Beach All Stars will remain on display at Bingil Bay Cafe until October 30. 1: Angelika Jakob, Donna Spratling, Eb Harper and Bernard KC 2: Donna, Geoff and the BBC team 3: Jenn Payne Tropical Paradise Art 4: Judy Brady 5: Sally Moroney Photo credit: Imogen Kars
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Seabreeze Cafe Lounge is soon to celebrate its ninth birthday, marking almost a decade as a familiar part of the Hinchinbrook and Cardwell community. While the business has spent the past nine years serving locals as a cafe, the team has recently taken Seabreeze in a new direction, introducing an evening dining experience featuring à la carte meals and tapas. The new restaurant offering gives locals another option for dining out in the area, with a relaxed atmosphere, creative dishes and the added appeal of BYO. The evening menu has already been attracting attention from locals, with diners enjoying the opportunity to try the chef's changing creations and share a selection of dishes with friends and family. Recent specials have included the Fresh Off the Boat Open Fish Pie, which proved popular enough to make a return to the menu two weeks in a row. The dish features pan-fried Nanygai (Saddle Tail Snapper), fennel and bacon cream sauce, garlic mash and a golden pastry top, showcasing the fresh and creative approach being brought to the new evening dining experience. For Seabreeze, the move from a traditional cafe into evening dining marks an exciting new chapter as the business approaches its ninth birthday. After almost a decade in the local community, the team is continuing to focus on good food, relaxed dining and creating a place where locals can enjoy something different without having to travel further afield. With its combination of cafe favourites during the day, specialised evening dining, tapas and BYO, Seabreeze is building on what customers already love while offering locals something new to enjoy. The new direction is helping the business carve out a fresh place in the local dining scene as it celebrates the milestone that started it all almost nine years ago. Caption: The menu sees fresh ingredients transformed into dishes of class. Photo sourced: Seabreeze Cafe Lounge
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The Cassowary Coast has been identified as one of North Queensland’s most prospective areas for future plantation expansion, putting the region in a potentially strong position to benefit from a new $150 million federal forestry funding program. Research undertaken for the North Queensland Regional Forestry Hub found significant areas of land across the Cassowary Coast could potentially support commercial forestry under the right market and policy conditions. Timber Queensland Acting CEO Clarissa Brandt said significant areas of land could potentially support commercial forestry, although establishing new plantations remained a long-term investment decision. “Interest from landholders tends to depend on factors such as profitability, market certainty, access to processing facilities and the availability of complementary revenue streams such as carbon projects,” Ms Brandt said. “The funding may help improve the investment environment, but it is unlikely to result in large-scale plantation expansion overnight.” The comments follow the Federal Government’s announcement of $150 million in grants and initiatives through its Forestry Growth Fund, including up to $15 million to support plantation establishment. Up to $85 million will target modern wood-product processing, value-adding and manufacturing, while $30 million will support industry innovation and $15 million will focus on workforce capacity and regional career pathways. The first grant opportunities are expected to open in coming months. Ms Brandt said forestry investment could generate employment throughout the supply chain, including plantation management, harvesting, haulage, equipment operation, sawmilling, manufacturing, transport and maintenance. North Queensland’s forestry and wood-products sector already supports around 1,500 direct and indirect jobs. “While it would be unrealistic to suggest North Queensland will receive a large share of the national funding, any successful local projects could support additional employment and help strengthen existing businesses,” Ms Brandt said. However, securing investment remains a challenge. Ms Brandt said North Queensland’s relatively small forestry footprint could make it more difficult to attract investment, training providers and processing infrastructure, while workforce shortages, freight costs, limited local training, investment uncertainty and timber supply were also constraining growth. Despite those hurdles, she said the new national fund presented an opportunity for the region to build on work already undertaken through the North Queensland Regional Forestry Hub. “Recent Hub research has highlighted opportunities to expand future timber supply, strengthen workforce capability, grow local processing and increase the use of locally sourced timber products,” Ms Brandt said. With applications yet to open and projects set to compete for funding nationally, how much investment ultimately reaches the Cassowary Coast remains to be seen. But with the region already identified for its plantation potential, the coming funding rounds could provide an opportunity to turn that potential into further local investment, industry growth and jobs. CAPTION: The Cassowary Coast has been identified as one of North Queensland’s most prospective areas for future plantation expansion. Photo supplied
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A new group of students is preparing to step up and represent Tully State High School, with the school announcing its 2027 student leadership team. Jackson and Jordyn have been named School Captains for 2027, leading a team of students recognised for their commitment, leadership and willingness to contribute to the school community. Joining them will be Annie as Sports Captain, while Jesse will serve as President of the Student Leadership Team alongside Vice President Corrinne. Breanna has been selected as the school’s Indigenous Leader. Leadership roles have also been announced across Tully State High School’s sporting houses. Isaak and Aiden will lead Walter Hill, Hannah and Makayla have been named Tyson House Captains, Riley and Logan will lead Mackay, and Lee and Charlie will take on the roles for Kirrama. The school congratulated its incoming leaders following the announcement and said it looked forward to seeing the students lead, inspire others and make a positive difference throughout 2027. While the announcement looks ahead to a new year of student leadership, Tully State High School also took the opportunity to recognise those preparing to hand over the reins. The school thanked its outgoing 2026 student leaders for their dedication, enthusiasm and service throughout the year, acknowledging the contribution they have made to the wider school community. The newly announced team will officially take on their leadership roles in 2027, representing their fellow students across school activities, sporting events and the wider Tully community.
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The festive season is just around the corner, and the Cardwell Christmas Twilight Markets are set to light up the community with holiday cheer. Organised by Cardwell Seafest Incorporated, the markets will be held at the Jetty on Saturday, 14 December, from 4pm to 7.30pm.
Marketgoers can enjoy a traditional sausage sizzle and BBQ while exploring a variety of stalls offering everything from bric-a-brac and homemade goods to plants, fresh produce, and local crafts. The afternoon will also host an array of Christmas décor and treasures, perfect for finding unique gifts or adding a festive touch to your home.
The Cardwell Christmas Twilight Markets are calling for interested stallholders to join in the festivities and to contact Robyn on 0411 618 533.
Bring the family, support local businesses, and embrace the holiday spirit at this delightful community event. Don’t miss out on the chance to make magical Christmas memories!
WHAT: Cardwell Christmas Twilight Markets
WHERE: Cardwell Jetty
WHEN: Saturday, 14 December, from 4pm to 7.30pm
The holiday season is a time of giving, and Hinchinbrook residents are being called upon to spread the festive cheer as part of the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.
Launched by Mayor Ramon Jayo, the appeal encourages the community to contribute gifts and non-perishable food items for local families in need during the Christmas season.
“Hinchinbrook residents have always shown incredible compassion, generously contributing gifts and non-perishable food for local families in need during the Christmas period,” said Mayor Jayo.
To participate, residents can add an extra toy or non-perishable item to their shopping and place it under the Christmas tree at the Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s main office.
For those with limited time, monetary donations are also welcome, and these contributions will be used by the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre to purchase essential items for families facing challenges this festive season.
The appeal is open until 5pm on Friday, 6 December, allowing ample time for donations to be collected and distributed to those in need.
“I am grateful for the ongoing support from the community and encourage everyone to join in supporting this important cause,” Mayor Jayo added.
“Please help us spread the Christmas spirit throughout Hinchinbrook.”
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. This annual appeal not only provides essential support but also uplifts the spirits of local families, ensuring they too can experience the joy of Christmas.
For more information or to contribute, visit the Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s main office.
Give back this Christmas with Mayor Ramon Jayo’s Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.
Are you looking to improve your computer skills and stay connected in today’s digital world? The Hinchinbrook Shire Library is offering free computer classes every Thursday (excluding school holidays), catering to both beginners and advanced users.
Advanced sessions run from 10am to 11.30am, followed by beginner sessions from 12pm to 1.30pm making it easy to find a group that suits your skill level. Classes are held at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, located at 73-75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society, being tech-savvy has countless benefits. From managing online banking and accessing government services to staying connected with loved ones via email and social media, digital skills are essential for navigating daily life.
Each of these classes have been designed to provide hands-on experience in a supportive and friendly environment. Participants will learn valuable skills like internet navigation, email use, and software basics, empowering them to embrace technology with confidence.
The best part? These classes are completely free! Spaces are limited, so RSVPs are essential. To secure your spot or to find out more, email library@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call 4776 4600.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your digital skills and join a growing community of learners. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your existing knowledge, these classes will set you on the path to becoming more tech-savvy.
WHAT: Free Computer Classes
WHERE: Hinchinbrook Shire Library
WHEN: Every Thursday (except school holidays)
The Herbert River Men’s Shed has been operating in Ingham since 2012, and they have a focus on men’s health through building various metal or woodwork projects.
President of the Herbert River Men’s Shed Dave Willoughby said the main priority of Men’s Shed is for men to talk about their health with each other.
“We plot along this table here and some of the guys get together and tell each other their troubles, and that's why Men’s Shed is all about men talking shoulder to shoulder in a husband’s day care centre, type of thing,” said Dave.
“Men's health is the charter of the Australian Men's Sheds Association, and we follow through with that.
Dave explains there have been occasions they’ve invited a doctor to attend a meeting so they could answer any questions the group may have.
“We got the doctor to talk about prostrate cancer and by the time the doctor had finished, he'd answered every question from the blokes on prostrate, heart health and all sorts of other stuff.”
While men’s health is at the heart of the group, so too is contributing to the local community.
Member of Herbert River Men’s Shed Ian Merritt said they are approached with a variety of projects.
“We do the odd commission job, we do stuff for ourselves and we occasionally go out and do some work for the hub on a semi-professional basis,” he said.
“If the kindy brings in something, we tend to fix it for them.
“I guess you could say it’s community service for what is worthy or eligible.”
The Herbert River Men’s Shed, build and make repairs to various different items, but Ian said they try to not compete against other businesses.
“We do a little bit of commission work but we try very significantly to stay away from competing against any local businesses,” said Ian.
“We do the sort of stuff that they're not likely to do.”
Members of the Herbert River Men’s Shed. Photo credit Daniel Heggie
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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