With the winter boating season approaching, all boaters are reminded to be aware of the latest life jacket regulations to ensure everyone's safety on the water.

If you are operating an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length and you are boating alone, you are required to wear a life jacket at all times. Children under the age of 12 must also wear a life jacket at all times when on these smaller vessels. Additionally, if you are boating at night, wearing a life jacket at all times is mandatory, regardless of whether you are alone or accompanied.

For boats that are larger than 4.8 metres in length, children over one year old but under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket if the boat is open or has an open area.

These updated regulations have been introduced to protect your life and the lives of your passengers. Life jackets are a simple but essential safety measure that can prevent tragedy in the event of an emergency. Make sure your equipment is compliant, your jackets are accessible and well-fitted, and that everyone on board understands the rules. Stay safe on the water this season, and happy boating!

Contributed with thanks by Steve Whipps of the Australian Coast Guard Association

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I want to extend warm wishes to all our families, both local and those visiting our beautiful region during Easter and the school holidays. I hope everyone enjoyed our stunning parks, beaches, and vibrant communities, including Lucinda, Taylors Beach, Forrest Beach, and Halifax.

In light of the recent challenges we have faced, I encourage everyone to support our local businesses and accommodation. They are the backbone of our community and play a crucial role in our economic recovery. Your patronage not only helps them thrive but also strengthens our local economy.

On behalf of my family, I hope you had a happy and safe holiday season. This time of year, is not only about celebration, but also about connection and support within our community.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that your Council, including the Mayor and fellow Councillors, are your advocates. We are here to assist you and ensure that your voice is heard.

Currently, Council is undertaking the budget preparation process for the 2025-2026 Financial Year. We are committed to examining all aspects of our budget to identify areas where we can streamline costs while ensuring we maintain a clear vision for our Shire’s future.

Together, we can build a community that meets the needs of all residents. I hope you all had a joyful and safe Easter.

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The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre’s weekly Café Crawl brought a burst of Easter cheer to members last week, thanks to the warm hospitality of the team at Majestic Café.

Located on Lannercost Street in Ingham, Majestic Café went above and beyond to make the group feel welcome, setting the scene with a beautifully arranged table and festive Easter treats. The surprises didn’t stop there as each napkin was marked with a lucky number for door prize draws, and a few lucky attendees even discovered hidden prizes beneath the tables.

The HUB crew couldn’t speak highly enough of the thoughtful touches and cheerful atmosphere that made the day so memorable.

"It was such a thoughtful touch that really brought the Easter spirit to life for all our Cafe Crawl members,” one member shared.

As for the food, the caramel tarts were a standout favourite, impressing even the most seasoned Café Crawl regulars. The day was a delightful reminder of the kindness and community spirit that makes Ingham such a special place.

The Café Crawl meets weekly, visiting a new local café each Tuesday to connect, share stories, and enjoy good company over great food. New members are always welcome. To register for the next outing, simply contact Mei at The HUB on (07) 4776 1822!

Mark your calendars and get ready, Ingham! The gloves are coming off and the excitement has begun heating up ahead of Kingdom Boxing’s Kingdom Cup Pro-Am Boxing Ingham event set for the 7th of June, at the iconic Andy’s Roadhouse on the Bruce Highway.

This family-friendly event promises a thrilling evening of grassroots boxing action, featuring a powerful lineup of local talent and fighters from across the state. Whether you're a seasoned boxing enthusiast or just looking for a great night out, there’ll be something for everyone.

Organised by the passionate team at Kingdom Boxing, the evening will showcase a mix of amateur and professional bouts in a high-energy atmosphere complete with food trucks, a bar, a mega meat tray raffle, awesome prizes, and a live DJ to keep the energy pumping between rounds.

Tickets are expected to sell fast, with a range of options available beginning at $10 for children aged 6 to 17 years of age with kids under 6 scoring FREE entry! Additional ticket options include Family Passes for $70 (2 adults + 2 children) along with individual adult tickets priced at $30 each.

General door admission will be available on the night of the event if tickets are still available, and attendees should be advised both door admission and bar sales will all be cash only.

Searching for a VIP experience? A limited number of Gold and Standard Ringside Table Packages (seating 10) are available and will be perfect for groups looking to get up close to the action!

Online ticket sales will open next month via TryBooking, but for ringside table bookings and event enquiries, please contact Sophie on 0488 930 745.

Kingdom Cup Boxing Ingham is set to be a major highlight this June, and you certainly don’t want to miss out on the action!

If you’ve picked up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life recently, it may have been delivered by Leslie, our newest paper deliver man. For nearly a month now, Leslie has been part of the team and he’s loving it.

He enjoys the hustle of the job and brings the energy to get the newspapers delivered on time. And though he says his day is too busy to stop and read the newspaper himself, he always makes sure his mum gets a copy because she loves reading it.

Leslie’s mornings start early, he’s up at five, has a shower, takes his tablets, and is out the door. One of his support workers meets him at home, and together they grab a coffee, run a few errands, and then hit the road to collect the newspapers for delivery.

The paper run takes them around 30 to 45 minutes, and Leslie moves with purpose; dashing in and out of shops with a 'Hello!' and a smile, always letting staff know the newspapers have arrived. He places them neatly on the counter, ready for eager readers.

The physical side of the job doesn’t faze him at all as Leslie keeps active by mowing lawns and lifting weights on the bench press. He says the job is actually helping him get stronger each week from carrying the heavy bundles of newspapers. To stay fit and mobile, he rides his push bike everywhere and owns two that he proudly maintains and enjoys.

A huge thank you to Leslie for his energy and commitment, to his support workers who assist him each week, and to the Lifelong Supports coordinators who help make this all possible. You’re all helping keep the community connected one paper at a time.

The Hinchinbrook community is warmly invited to save the date and attend the 98th Feast of Saint Anthony on the 8th of June, at Saint Anthony’s Church, located at 18 Fulton Drive.

Bemerside’s annual Feast of Saint Anthony celebration is the only one of its kind held in the Townsville diocese and after over 90 strong years, the next generation continues to honour the important religious event, with some visitors travelling great distances to attend.

The cherished celebration will begin with Mass at 11am which will then be followed by a procession in honour of Saint Anthony at 2:30pm.

From 12pm right through until 6pm, there will be a variety of food and drink stalls, a BBQ, a licensed bar, and a jumping castle for the kids to enjoy to furthermore offer a wonderful day out for the whole family. The talents of Anthony Fracchia will also be on show for the afternoon to add an extra layer to the celebrations.

Come along to honour tradition, enjoy delicious food, and share in the vibrant spirit of community this June and feel free to contact Angie on 0427 761 522 for all inquiries.

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Herbert River growers turned out in force for Queensland Sugar Limited’s latest market update, where insightful discussions were had over current global challenges and local opportunities. With the backdrop of a shifting geopolitical landscape, the session offered a timely chance for growers to connect, ask questions, and stay informed. Plenty of smiles, plenty of smarts — and, as always, plenty of cane talk.

It should come as no surprise that Hinchinbrook homes an incredible array of beautiful native wildlife, from shy gliders to bold cassowaries! Whilst many are iconic North Queensland symbols, some are becoming increasingly threatened, and it’s important to note how you can care for each of these gorgeous creatures.

Brushtail Possums

Don’t be surprised if you hear a scurry in your roof at night as it may be a brushtail possum. These adaptable marsupials are common in Hinchinbrook and often set up home in sheds, house eaves, and tree hollows. In urban areas, they navigate fences and powerlines to forage for fruit, however, if you suspect a possum has moved in uninvited, check for fur, droppings, or entry points in your roof. Trapping and relocating should only be done with care and locals are encouraged to contact North Queensland Wildlife Care Inc. on 0414 717 374 for help with injured or orphaned possums.

Agile Wallabies

Often spotted grazing around the TYTO Wetlands or on the edges of town, agile wallabies are a familiar and cherished sight, recognisable by the white stripes on their cheeks and thighs. Unfortunately, these gentle animals are particularly vulnerable to cars, dogs, and illegal hunting and its strongly encouraged to call the wildlife care number connect with a local carer if you find an injured wallaby or orphaned joey.

Southern Cassowaries

The southern cassowary is an elusive but majestic resident of Hinchinbrook’s rainforests. These endangered birds are known for their deep, booming calls and striking appearance, complete with a helmet-like casque atop their heads, however, if you’re lucky enough to spot one, keep your distance as cassowaries can become aggressive if threatened. It’s advised to never feed them, and if you come across an injured bird or orphaned chick, call the Cassowary Recovery Team hotline on 1300 130 372.

Mahogany Gliders

Seldom seen and officially endangered, mahogany gliders are a true treasure of North Queensland. These nocturnal gliders live in the forests between Townsville and Tully, soaring from tree to tree with ease, unless development interrupt their flight path. To help, the region has introduced clever solutions like rope bridges and launching poles along major roads to keep gliders off the ground and out of danger.

So keep your eyes peeled Hinchinbrook, and you may spot one of the region's most treasured wildlife wonders next time you're out and about!

This year, Ingham Post Office is celebrating 90 years of service and keeping regional Queensland connected. Built in 1935, the post office has become one of the region’s most prominent community hubs and was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List in 2012. Over the decades, it has connected generations of locals through letters, telegrams, phone calls, and now digital services.

The region’s postal history dates back to 1871, when services began with a steamer mail run from Cardwell and a fortnightly horseback mail service between Townsville. Ingham’s first purpose-built post office was constructed in 1875, just as the sugar industry began to boom. It was 60 years later in 1935, when Ingham Post Office as it is known today was built.

Throughout its history, the post office has played a key role in local life, from delivering vital wartime communications to serving as a weather station recording rainfall for local farmers. In the decades following WWII, it became one of the first in the region to introduce an automated telephone exchange, which was operated by local women on the switchboard.

From its heritage-listed walls to its evolving role in communication, the Ingham Post Office remains a cornerstone of the community, 90 years strong.

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The Ingham Post Office has artefacts like this tough leather satchel, used to deliver letters by foot when the town flooded. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.

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Dawn Service - Ingham
4:15am the DAWN PARADE will assemble at Mafeking Tree, opposite the Police Station. At the service conclusion all those attending are invited to the RSL Club for breakfast.

RSL Remembrance Ceremony - Ingham
6:00am a ceremony will be conducted at the Ingham War Cemetery by the Herbert River Sub-branch of the Returned Service League of Australia.

Commemoration Ceremony - Forrest Beach
7:00am a commemoration ceremony will be conducted at the Forrest Beach Memorial.

Parade and Commemoration Ceremony - Halifax
8:00am Schools and local organisations are invited to march, starting at Halifax State School. the Parade will commence at 8:05 and march to the Lions Clock and back.

Parade and Commemoration Ceremony - Ingham
9:20am Schools and local organisations are invited to participate, assembling in Rotary Park adjacent to Honeycombs Sales & Services. Marching in the northern lane of Herbert St, to Palm Tce, to the Cenotaph where the commemoration ceremony will follow. Wreaths are to be placed on the Cenotaph, and the Last Post and Reveille will be sounded.

by Victoria Velton

Leonardo (Lenny) Toscano, is Ingham's longest serving postal employee. With nearly 40 years of service, he’s seen the post office evolve over the decades, but says its focus has always remained the same by serving the needs of the locals and delivering their messages.

Lenny’s career began around 1985, when he was working for a courier company that delivered mail to the post office, recalling, "That’s how I sort of got my foot in the door, really,” he said. “We used to bring the mail up from Townsville in the back of a ute, it was mostly letters back then.”

In 1988, the post office manager offered him a part-time role inside, which he gladly took to escape working in the weather. He started by delivering telegrams and collecting from public phone boxes.

“Way back in the day, coin-operated phone boxes had a little tin in the bottom. I used to count up the money and pass it on to the Telstra boys.”

Eventually, a postman position became available and Lenny jumped at the opportunity. He stayed in that role until a truck collision put him on light duties. When a staff member retired, Lenny stepped into a retail and counter position as one of five people working behind a long service counter. He eventually worked his way up to become the manager, and over the years also served as a relief postal manager in Mount Isa, Tully, Ayr, Charters Towers, and several Townsville offices, staying within the region.

“I’m a local, so when they didn’t have a manager somewhere, their HR person would ring up at seven or eight o’clock in the morning and say, ‘You’re going to work here.’ Then I’d drive up to Tully and work there for the day.”

He’s seen three major renovations, watching the space evolve into the retail-focused hub locals see today. Loving the history of the place he holds onto memorabilia such as a crockery set featuring the old Ingham Post Office with its historic red roof.

One of his fondest memories is from 1993, when the entire Ingham Post Office got together to join Nobby Young, a postman walking around the entirety of Australia for charity, as Young passed through Ingham, They all walked a leg of the journey alongside him.

1914-18 WAR
ALM, L B
ALLAN, J
ARMSTRONG, F
ALSTON, R E
ANDERSON, H H
BARNES, A J J
BARNES, F J
BOREHAM, A J
BEATTS, J E
BAXTER, D R MC
BRIDGER, E
CHRISTIE, P
CUMMINS, A R
CATES, A
FILIPPI, Albert
FULTON, W E
GHENSI, L
HARDY, J
HEMBROW, H E
IRWIN, H E
KELLEY, W E
KNOWLES, R M
KEHL, A E
MORRIS, E P
MARKEY, W J
MARKHAM, S
NINNIS, W
ROSS, P W
SKINNER, G R
SCRUTTON, A D
SMITH, J
SMITH, H
TAYLOR, A
TAYLOR, H A S
THOMPSON, R
URQUHART, J H
VENABLES, G F MM
WHITE, A

1939-45 WAR
AGNEW, R
BISHOP, M A
BROWN, A B
CHRISTIE, A M
CHRISTIE, E M
CHALLANDS, P R
CABON, B C
COUSENS, A
CORNISH, W R
CLEARY, W L
CUMISKEY, P J
DESJARDINS, L
DIEHM, N L
DIXON, J M
DUNSTAN, J D
DOHERTY, E
EDDLESTON, G H
FARRELL, M J
FULTON, K
GLOVER, E A
GRAHAM, D L
HARVEY, H F
HUNTER, W D
HOPKINS, J
HOPKINS, R
JESSUP, R
LESINA, C P
LYNCH, K
LANGLEY, J W
MARKEY, T
MILLS, H T
NAYLER, M
NICHOLSON, N
O’MALLEY, M
RICHARDSON, P
SCHMIDT, H G
SIMPSON, J
SINCLAIR, J W
SWARBRICK, H H
TEITZEL, L J K
TAYLOR, E E G
WARING, J K
WATSON, C Y
WEHRLE, R N
WILKINSON, L

KOREAN WAR
ORIGLASSI, F J

MALAYSIA
COWEN, V J

Regrettably, I must report that vandals have struck again. Significant damage has been inflicted to the State Emergency Services headquarters building in Ingham and to the male toilet compartment of the amenities building at Vince Corbett Park, Forrest Beach.

Why people will cause random senseless damage to community assets is beyond me, particularly when it is realised that the cost of repair is a cost to the community. Council is looking at the best part of twenty thousand dollars to undertake the repairs and that is twenty thousand dollars that now requires to be redirected towards maintenance rather than enhancing community venues for the enjoyment of all.

I am appealing to anyone who may have information about the perpetrators of this damage to come forward so that we can pursue conviction and restitution. Whether we get the restitution to compensate for the damage sustained is academic, but a strong showing of help from the community to identify the culprits should surely send a strong message to all concerned that this community is not prepared to put up with this rubbish. So please, if you know anything, let us know.

Residents may recall that on Friday 19 July 2024, Council approved a development application submitted by Gilvear Planning Pty Ltd on behalf of Mt Fox BESS Pty Ltd. The proposal sought approval to construct a Battery Storage Facility on land located at Ewan Road, Furber Road and Knuckledown Road, Mt Fox. The facility was intended to support and enhance the wind farm project in the area, which has already received approval from the Queensland State Government.

Following Council’s decision, the approval was appealed in the Queensland Planning and Environment Court by community members who had lodged formal submissions. As part of the legal process, Council and the Applicant worked together to respond to the appeal.

Since that time and following the Court’s determination, Mt Fox BESS Pty Ltd has decided not to proceed with the development as originally proposed. This means the original Council approval has now been negated.

However, Council understands that the Applicants for the renewable energy projects in the Mt Fox area are still progressing with their development proposals and are currently seeking their final approvals through State and Federal Government channels. These projects now fall under different legislative processes and do not require further Council approvals.

Tour de Cure’s is heading north for eight unforgettable days of cycling through Queensland. From Airlie Beach to Port Douglas, 190 riders and support crew will travel more than 1,000 kilometres across some of North Queensland’s most scenic and lesser-travelled roads.

This isn’t just a ride, it’s a powerful movement to help cure cancer. Tour de Cure is a cancer-agnostic organisation, meaning funds raised support a wide range of cancer research, support services, and prevention projects. The fundraising goal for Signature Tour 2025 is $2 million, and has $902,870 already raised!

Along the route, the team will engage with local communities, meet ambassadors from regional cancer charities, and visit schools to speak with children about healthy, happy living.

Founded in 2007, Tour de Cure began with a vision to improve health outcomes for Australians. To date, the organisation has raised over $145 million, funded 1,198 cancer projects, educated 250,000 children, and contributed to 185 cancer research breakthroughs. Recognising the challenges faced by rural Australians, the Tour makes a lasting impact in each town it visits. Every night, $10,000 is donated to local cancer support projects, with funds presented at community dinners held throughout the tour. These donations go directly to grassroots services that make a real difference in the lives of local families.

Life Publishing Group will be able to cover this amazing tour as it begins in Airlie Beach, travels to Bowen, where-in after a day it will reach the sister-paper in Hinchinbrook as it rolls through Ingham.

If you would like to cheer the cyclist along their route, see the tour information below. (These dates and meeting locations are subject to change but what's currently planned for the schedule). If you would like to donate, you can do so online:signaturetour.tourdecure.com.au/donate

Day 1 - Airlie Beach to Bowen
Friday, 30 May 2025. 146km, 594m elevation.
Riders depart Airlie Beach Foreshore from 6am- 9am. The team will stop at Dingo Bay mid-morning. Finishes at Grays Beach, Bowen between 2-3pm.

Day 2 - Bowen to Townsville
Saturday, 31 May 2025. 'Journey' 157km (bus uplift to finish) 'Classic/Challenge' 209km, 761m elevation.

Day 3 - Townsville to Magnetic Island
Sunday, 01 June 2025. 54km, 1,054m elevation.

Day 4 - Magnetic Island to Ingham
Monday, 02 June 2025. 'Journey' 130km (bus uplift to finish) 'Classic' 164km, 1,726m elevation. 'Challenge' 187km, 2,036m elevation.
Riders finish at TYTO Parklands, Ingham around 3pm.

Day 5 - Ingham to Mission Beach
Tuesday, 03 June 2025. 'Journey' 140km (bus uplift to finish) 'Classic/Challenge' 167km, 717m elevation. Riders have breakfast in the jetty and boat ramp area in Dungness, Lucinda, from 6am-9am including riders departure.

Day 6 - Mission Beach to Cairns
Wednesday, 04 June 2025. 'Journey' 130km (bus uplift to finish) 'Classic' 164km, 959m elevation. 'Challenge' 187km, 2,036m elevation.

Day 7 - Cairns to Atherton
Thursday, 05 June 2025. 97km, 1,429m elevation.

Day 8 - Atherton to Port Douglas
Friday, 06 June 2025. 137km, 636m elevation.

Although the Easter long weekend has been and gone for another year, local authorities hope water safety remains at the forefront of Queenslander’s plans no matter the holiday.

Annually, the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) ramp up water safety education and enforcement tactics each and every school holiday period, yet between the 1st of January and the 30th of March, over 140 people were caught operating watercraft without a valid licence, and 21 were found on the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In response, the QPS, MSQ and SLSQ teamed up to crack down on risky behaviour across our waterways and beaches with QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Joe Jaramazovic stating officers increased patrols over Easter to ensure everyone could enjoy the water safely.

“With increased traffic on the waterways, it is critical that everyone remains vigilant in their approach to safety by keeping to speed limits, never operating their watercraft while under the influence and ensuring everyone on board has the correct safety gear,” he explained.

“We are seeing a high number of people on the water operating jet skis without appropriate licences and in these situations, both the operator and the owner of these watercrafts can face significant fines.”

MSQ General Manager Kell Dillon echoed the call for vigilance, highlighting Queensland’s new lifejacket rules that took effect on the 1st of December of 2024.

“While our team will be concentrating on education rather than enforcement of the new rules until 1 July of this year, we want skippers to understand and comply with them now,” Kell urged.

Under the new regulations, every child under 12 must wear a lifejacket in the open area of a moving boat, and lifejackets are compulsory at night, when boating solo, or when crossing coastal bars in an open vessel.

On the beach front, SLSQ Lifesaving Services Manager Natalie Edwards reminded families that patrolled beaches remain the safest spots to swim.

“Please follow the advice of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards if you are visiting a patrolled beach,” Natalie said.

“If you are taking the risk to swim in an un-patrolled location, know your limits, do not enter the surf if you are not a confident swimmer and have a plan to call for help if you need it.”

Safe boating and swimming habits are everyone’s responsibility, so keep your licence current, wear your lifejacket, and respect the rules to ensure our waterways stay fun and accident free all year round.