At a time when families have countless choices about their children's education, the right school is not always the largest one, but the one that provides the environment where each child can grow, learn and succeed.

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Halifax State School demonstrates the unique strengths of a small school, where personalised learning and strong community connections place every child at the centre of their education.

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In a small school, no student becomes just another face in the crowd. Teachers know their students, understand their strengths and challenges, and work closely with families to support their progress. Individual learning goals, targeted support and opportunities for extension help ensure every child is appropriately challenged and celebrated for their achievements.

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These close relationships help create confident learners who feel comfortable fully engaging in school life. At Halifax, the strong connections between students, staff and families foster a genuine sense of belonging.

A smaller school does not mean fewer opportunities. Halifax students can access a range of sporting, cultural, artistic and community experiences that help develop well-rounded young people. Multi-age learning environments also encourage collaboration, leadership and resilience.

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Halifax State School's strong community connections, valued family involvement and local partnerships enrich learning, while its caring environment supports student wellbeing, confidence and future success.

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“Small School. Big Future.” is more than a slogan. It reflects a philosophy that educational success is measured not by a school's size, but by the opportunities and care it provides.

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At Halifax State School, every child matters and every goal counts.

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Kynan, Holly and Charlotte’s Ingham Show cake. Photo supplied

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With Gilroy Santa Maria College

Delicious delights have been crafted at Gilroy Santa Maria College in abundance recently, thanks to the talents of Hospitality students. From catering opportunities, to creating with colourful imaginations- there’s been plenty of cooks in the kitchen.

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Recently Year 11 and 12 students studying the Certificate II in Hospitality, set early alarms to cater for the Year 7 Expo breakfast at the College. The menu saw a variety of flavours and colours incorporating incredible attention to detail.

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Before the school holiday break students warmly hosted past Rugby League and Netball players back to the College for a special Alumni event on the Chapel lawn. This presented another opportunity for their culinary skills to shine, going beyond all expectations with outstanding butlered service.

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To finish Term 2, Year 9 Food Tech students at GSMC were inspired by the iconic Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book for their Ingham Show entries.

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The hard work in the College kitchen paid off, with students placing first, second, third and highly commended for their entries. This enthusiasm saw the Ingham Show Society receive a record number of secondary school submissions.

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As the only school in the Hinchinbrook Shire offering a Certificate II in Hospitality, this vocational education pathway will open doors for students to gain employment across the Hospitality and Tourism industries.

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We can’t wait to see what’s created next in the state-of-the-art industrial training facility that is the Gilroy Santa Maria College kitchen.  

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Hi Readers,

One of the greatest strengths of the Hinchinbrook Shire isn't our buildings or facilities — it's our people.

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Across our community, hundreds of volunteers quietly give their time to make our shire a better place. They coach our children on weekends, serve on committees, organise community events, raise funds for local causes, support sporting clubs, assist during emergencies, and lend a helping hand wherever it's needed. Many do so without seeking recognition or thanks.

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As a Councillor, I have the privilege of attending many community events throughout the year, and I am continually reminded that behind every successful event is a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether it's setting up before sunrise, cooking a barbecue, selling raffle tickets, cleaning up afterwards, or spending months planning behind the scenes, these contributions often go unseen but never go unappreciated.

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Volunteering isn't measured by the number of hours you give — it's measured by the difference you make. Every act of kindness, every hour donated, and every person willing to get involved helps build a stronger, more connected community.

If you've ever considered becoming a volunteer or joining a local community group but aren't sure what's involved, there's a great opportunity coming up. The 'Back to Basics' Hinchinbrook Volunteer Workshops will be held on 23–24 July, providing valuable skills, knowledge and support for both new and existing volunteers.

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To register for these free sessions, visit: How to do a Plan on a Page

• Session 1: https://events.humanitix.com/hinchinbrook-free-training-b2b-plan-on-a-page-volunteer-training    

• Session 2: https://events.humanitix.com/hinchinbrook-free-training-b2b-plan-on-a-page-volunteer-training-de9pxjfu  

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Good Governance: Not for Profit Health Check

• Session 1: https://events.humanitix.com/hinchinbrook-free-training-b2b-good-governance-nfp-health-check  

• Session 2: https://events.humanitix.com/hinchinbrook-free-training-b2b-good-governance-nfp-health-check-t5l8z5y6  

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For more information, please contact Hinchinbrook Shire Council on (07) 4776 4600. To every volunteer, committee member and community supporter across the Hinchinbrook Shire, thank you. Your generosity, commitment and community spirit help create opportunities for others and make our district the welcoming place we are all proud to call home.

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MAMS Group Container for Change facility in Townsville. Photo supplied

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The MAMS Group has been recognised as a finalist in the 2026 Containers for Change Changemaker Awards, acknowledging the business's contribution to recycling, sustainability and community across North Queensland.

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The Ingham family-owned company operates Containers for Change depots in Ingham, Innisfail, Tully and Townsville and, since joining the scheme in 2018, has helped return millions of dollars to local families, schools, sporting clubs, charities and community organisations through container refunds and fundraising initiatives.

MAMS Group founders Brian and Bernice Day were among the early advocates for recycling in the Hinchinbrook region, working alongside Hinchinbrook Shire Council to introduce recycling initiatives at a time when the concept was still new to many people.

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Mrs Lannen said this recognition also celebrated the Day family legacy that began long before Containers for Change.

"It's incredibly special to receive this recognition because it reflects a journey that began with Mum and Dad's vision many years ago," she said.

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"Mum and Dad built MAMS on the belief that looking after the environment and supporting the local community go hand in hand. As the next generation of our family business, we're incredibly proud to continue building on that foundation.

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"Containers for Change has allowed us to introduce another recycling initiative that not only benefits the environment but also puts money back into the pockets of North Queensland families, schools and community organisations. That's something we're very proud to be part of."

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While the environmental benefits of the scheme are significant, Mrs Lannen said the greatest reward has been seeing the positive impact on local communities.

"We've been fortunate to build genuine relationships with our customers and community groups. Whether it's helping schools and sporting clubs fundraise or simply seeing familiar faces each week, it's incredibly rewarding to know we're part of something that gives back."

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Regardless of the outcome of the awards, Mrs Lannen said being named a finalist was already a significant achievement.

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"This recognition belongs to our staff, our customers and every community member who has supported our depots over the years," she said.

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"Thank you for choosing to recycle with us. Every container returned helps create cleaner communities while making a real difference for local families, schools, sporting clubs and charities."

Jack Larsen and his go kart, with his state championship trophy. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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The Blackrock boy of 13-years-old has been crowned the 2026 KA2 Queensland Champion after a dominant weekend at the state championships, where he claimed pole position in the qualifiers and went on to win the final by huge 5.7 seconds lead. And now, Jack Larsen is already looking beyond his recent Queensland karting title.

The result was even more impressive considering Larsen was bumped at the start of the 20-lap final and dropped back to fourth. But Jack had confidence in his skills.

“I passed them all in the second or third lap, then I just slowly gapped away,” Jack said.

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His strong finish came down to more than just speed. With only one set of tyres available for the entire championship weekend, from qualifying through to the final, Larsen had carefully managed his tyres while other competitors pushed harder.

“I think other people burnt their tyres out because they were driving too hard,” he said.

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“Then my tyres were better than the other guys because I saved them during the weekend, and I slowly pulled away.”

Larsen had started the weekend in the best possible position, qualifying on pole. The advantage was particularly important at the circuit, where being on the outside through a pair of right-hand corners could leave drivers running onto the dirt and losing grip.

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It was only the second time Larsen had raced at the track and qualifying first was also the moment he began to believe he could win the State championship.

The KA2 field included some serious competition, including the driver who had been leading the Australian Championship before the Queensland round, as well as several other previous state champions.

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“It was quite competitive,” Jack said. “There were definitely some difficult people to race. They’re good racers, but they’re difficult to beat.”

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Larsen has been racing since he was eight and said the sport has given him so much beyond just the competition.

“Meeting new people, making friends, building relationships, and setting up my future to have the best outcome possible,” he said.

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That future may eventually take him beyond karting and into cars. While his current focus is on an Australian title, Larsen and the team behind him are already looking at the next steps in his motorsport career, with Formula Ford being discussed as a potential future career goal.

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“There are different steps,” he said. “The next steps are into cars, and you get to the step where you actually start making money in it.”

The path to that point will require plenty of hard work, with success often coming down to the smallest details.

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“It’s finding very fine things that you need to fix,” he said.

While he is the driver, much of the work behind the scenes is a family and team effort. His father handles much of the kart preparation, while Jack helps with tasks such as changing tyres and cleaning the kart.

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He also works closely with his team, analysing data to compare speed, acceleration and performance through different races.

His father, along with coaches including multiple Australian champion Cian Fothergill, Tom Williams Motorsport, and sponsors including JTH Asset Management, Joeflo Excavations, Ingham Express Transport, A & G Drone solutions, Bronte Ag, Cosca, ASM Eathmoving Company, HLD Constructions, Russo &Vella Machinery, have all played a role in supporting his racing.

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Jack has also competed internationally, travelling to Malaysia, Thailand and Italy, where he won a trip to race after finishing second in Australia the previous year. With a Queensland title now added to his achievements, Jack’s aim is now national.

“I would like to try and win a couple of Australian titles and win the Australian Championship,” Jack said.

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With his goal to continue climbing the motorsport ladder, for now, he is enjoying the perks that comes with his latest achievement, including the privileges and recognition of his new State Champion status.

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“When you are a state champion, you get to have a blue background behind your number,” he said.  

“Then everyone who looks at your kart knows you’re a state champion.”

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Jack Larsen Racing can be followed for updates on his motorsport journey on Facebook.

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Students, community members and local organisations will join forces on Gulngay Country to revegetate the Tully Heads foreshore as part of this year's National Tree Day. Photo source: Shutterstock

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In a region where rainforest meets reef, Planet Ark’s National Tree Day exists as a lovely opportunity for the community to come together, plant for the future and help protect the landscapes that make the Cassowary Coast such a special and beautiful place to live and visit.

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Community, conservation and the great outdoors will take centre stage on Wednesday, 22nd July, as Cassowary Coast Regional Council welcomes residents to plant trees together along the lush Tully Heads Foreshore in celebration of National Tree Day.

Residents are encouraged to arrive from 11:30am at the corner of Galmahra Road and Taylor Street, equipped with a water bottle, enclosed footwear and sun-smart clothing for an enjoyable afternoon of community planting.

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2026’s local planting effort will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Planet Ark initiative and focus on revegetating a section of the Tully Heads foreshore previously impacted by illegal clearing. Volunteers will plant clusters of native tube stock; including trees, shrubs and grasses suited to the local ecosystem, with the aim of stabilising the foreshore, reducing erosion, increasing biodiversity and creating valuable habitat for native wildlife.

Set to take place on Gulngay Country, the project will unite Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, Lower Tully State School students and members of the local community in a meaningful day of connection, conservation and giving back to the place they call home. For local students, the event offers more than just an opportunity to plant trees; it’s a chance to learn about Caring for Country, develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and play a hands-on role in protecting the wildlife and landscapes that make the Cassowary Coast so special.

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Better still, years from now, students will be able to return to Tully Heads and see the trees they planted standing tall, serving as a lasting reminder of the difference a community can make when it comes together.

Since its inception in 1996, Planet Ark’s National Tree Day has flourish into the country’s largest community tree planting and nature care event. In the Cassowary Coast, the nationwide movement focuses primarily on costal rehabilitation, and the conservation of habitats for native animals whilst allowing the community to connect and care for the nature in their own backyard.

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Over the past 30 years, volunteers have dedicated more than 10 billion hours to planting trees, restoring ecosystems and helping communities reconnect with nature. Although National Tree Day officially falls on the last Sunday of July, events are often tailored to local conditions, and, as Planet Ark reminds us, there's never a bad day to plant a tree.

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Residents are encouraged to RSVP via contacting Amber Kellett on 0436 801 950 or visit nationaltreeday.org.au for more information.

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What: National Tree Day Planting

When: Wednesday, 22nd July, 11:30am-1:30pm

Where: Taylor Street, Tully Heads Foreshore, Tully Heads

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The men who worked on the restoration holding certificates of appreciation, L-R George Murray, Jeff Bidner, Tim Smith, Ken Willoughby the Far Northern District RSL Sub Branch President, Ken Johnson, Stevo Knust, John Saunders, and Rob LangPhoto credit: Victoria Velton

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A restored World War II-era 40mm Bofors gun has officially been unveiled outside the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch, where it will stand as a lasting tribute to Australia's military history and those who served.

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The naval gun, donated by HMAS Cairns, underwent an extensive restoration after it was found to require significant repairs before it could be placed on display.

The project was supported through grant funding under Stream A of the 2024 Anzac Day Trust Fund Grants Program, with much of the restoration also made possible through the dedication of local volunteers and businesses who recognised the historical significance of the relic and what it would mean to the Cardwell community.

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Cardwell RSL Sub Branch President Robert Lang spoke at Sunday's unveiling, sharing the history of the Bofors gun, detailing the restoration process and acknowledging the many people who contributed their time, skills and resources to return the wartime relic to its former condition.

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Mr Lang thanked those involved in the project, including local businesses, volunteers and personnel who assisted with dismantling, repairs, painting and reassembly.

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Now mounted outside the Cardwell RSL, the restored gun is set to become a prominent feature of the memorial precinct, serving as a reminder of the role similar weapons played during World War II and preserving an important piece of Australia's wartime heritage for future generations.

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The unveiling marked the culmination of years of paperwork and months of restoration work and reflects the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch's ongoing commitment to preserving military history while honouring the service and sacrifice of Australia's veterans.

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Competitors from across Australia and New Zealand tackled rainforest trails, mountain bike tracks and coastal waters as the Amazon Adventure Race returned to Mission Beach, challenging women to push beyond their limits over three demanding days. Photo credit: Margarete Oti Oliverira

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Rain-soaked rainforests, rough seas, mountain trails and endless kilometres tested the grit of competitors as the Amazon Adventure Race returned to Mission Beach for its second year.

Over three demanding days, 25 all-female teams from across Australia and New Zealand tackled an unforgiving course through the Cassowary Coast, navigating by map and compass as they hiked, paddled and mountain biked across some of the region's most spectacular and challenging landscapes.

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For many competitors, including Mission Beach locals Angela Olsen and Elizabeth Stavreski, it was their first taste of adventure racing. Despite being pushed well beyond their comfort zones, crossing the finish line became a triumph they will never forget.

Race directors Jan Leverton and Kim Beckinsale say the event is about far more than competition, creating an environment where women can challenge themselves, build confidence and discover what they're truly capable of.

Mission Beach Becomes The Ultimate Playground For The Amazons

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Mission Beach once again became Australia's adventure racing capital as 25 all-female teams took on the Amazon Adventure Race, tackling three days of hiking, mountain biking, paddling and navigation through some of the Cassowary Coast's most spectacular landscapes.

Returning for its second year, the event attracted competitors from across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand, all eager to test themselves in an adventure stage race unlike any other.

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Created by race directors Jan Leverton and Kim Beckinsale, who have spent more than 25 years competing in adventure racing, the event was designed to challenge women while making the sport more accessible.

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"We wanted to put an event on for women that was challenging but also nice, so we made it a stage race where they get to sleep every night," Jan said.

"With adventure racing you can't predict the distances, as they navigate themselves with a map and compass. Every day they're doing a bit of paddling, mountain biking and trekking."

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Each day, competitors had eight hours to complete as much of the course as possible, relying solely on their navigation skills to find checkpoints scattered across the region.

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The challenging course took racers through Tully Gorge, deep into tropical rainforest, across mixed cycling terrain and into the waters surrounding Dunk Island. However, unpredictable tropical weather added another layer of difficulty, with heavy rain and strong winds forcing organisers to make last-minute changes throughout the event.

For Mission Beach locals Angela Olsen and Elizabeth Stavreski, watching the inaugural race last year was enough to convince them to sign up.

"It was very tough, we were very much out of our depth with all of it. First adventure race, longest time I've ever been on a bike or Kayak, on foot and we finished it!" Angela said.

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"We warmed into it, our first two days were tough but today which is our 3rd day was our best performance by a long shot," Elizabeth said.

Despite the physical demands, competitors were rewarded with unforgettable encounters with the region's natural beauty.

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"We see so many different and cool things, cassowaries, feral pigs, turtles and a dugongs," Kristina O'Dwyer said.

She and teammate Genevieve Healy, from Brisbane, completed their second Amazon Adventure Race with an overwhelming sense of achievement.

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"That last little bit was hard but I'm very happy to be here and I'm very proud of ourselves," Genevieve said.

For Jan, the event is about much more than crossing the finish line.

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"We're really happy that we've got these strong, amazing women and we've developed them. Everyone's sort of loving the event, it's really hard out there… they were stretched out of their comfort zones," she said.

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"To us is so exciting that we've helped women be that, you know, that next level and put them up on a pedestal."

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While the race tested competitors physically and mentally, it also celebrated resilience, teamwork and courage, proving that the greatest achievement wasn't simply completing the course—it was discovering just how much they were capable of.

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See more photos here: www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/women-conquer-the-tropics-in-epic-amazon-adventure

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Mission Beach’s Susan Kelly with her two-year-old Australian Shepherd, Mr Percival. Photo supplied

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Since making Mission Beach home in 1985, Susan Kelly has become a familiar face across the Cassowary Coast; not because she has stayed in one lane, but because she has never been afraid to embrace new opportunities.

Over the years, Ms Kelly has worn many hats, from developing an award-winning eco-tourism retreat and teaching yoga to photographing local businesses, running photography workshops and now providing digital support for the Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network (CCBWN). In every chapter, her work has been united by a passion for people, creativity and community, and today, much of Ms Kelly’s work centres on helping local businesses tell the stories behind their brands.

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“I always knew that every business has a story behind it and there’s always a person, a reason, a risk, a lot of hard work, and usually a few extra good stories along the way,” she said.

“I enjoy working with small businesses because most people are so busy running the business that they don’t have time to stop and tell its story, and they may not even realise how interesting or valuable that story is. I love being able to help with that—to see the story, take the photos, create the content and help build their business.”

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That passion for championing small business naturally led Ms Kelly to her role as Digital Support for the CCBWN, where she helps showcase the people behind the organisation while encouraging more women in business to connect, collaborate and support one another.

“I've always loved the heart of small business. I know how much courage, work and belief it takes to build something, especially as a sole trader,” she said.

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“One of the reasons I wanted to become involved with the Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network is because I really believe that every business that does well is good for the whole community. When local businesses are supported, people grow, confidence grows, ideas grow, and the whole region benefits.”

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Reflecting on a career spent helping people tell their stories, Ms Kelly hopes one message stands out above all else: don't wait for the perfect moment to begin.

“Whether it's a business, a creative idea, a yoga practice, or becoming more involved in your community, it all starts with the first step. You learn as you go. You grow by beginning,” she said.

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“I think we can be very good at seeing the value in other people, but not always as good at seeing it in ourselves. Sometimes it takes a photograph, a conversation, a class, or being in the right room with the right people to think, ‘Maybe I can do this’.”

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Ms Kelly believes people don't need to have all the answers before taking the first step, and that no story needs to be perfect to be worth sharing.

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“You don't have to be great to start something, but you have to start to be great. Back yourself enough to begin, tell people what you're doing and let your community know how they can support you. When people show up for each other, small communities thrive.”

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A feral pig entering a Council-operated trap as part of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council's coordinated feral pig management program Photos supplied: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

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More than 800 feral pigs have been removed across the Cassowary Coast over the past 12 months through a coordinated management program involving industry, government, environmental organisations and local landholders.

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The region's Feral Pig Executive Oversight Group has led the cross-industry initiative, bringing together stakeholders from the sugar and banana industries, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, environmental groups and landholders to deliver targeted control programs aimed at reducing the impacts of feral pigs on agriculture, the environment and the wider community.

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The result was achieved through a combination of aerial shooting, Council trapping operations, and landholder-led trapping and baiting programs.

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood said the outcome demonstrated the strength of a collaborative approach to one of the region's most significant biosecurity challenges.

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"Feral pigs have a significant impact on our environment, agricultural land and natural ecosystems, so it's encouraging to see what can be achieved when organisations and landholders work together towards a common goal," Mayor Millwood said.

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"This program is a great example of collaboration in action, and we'd like to thank everyone involved, including our industry partners, Queensland Government, landholders, and community members who continue to report feral pig activity."

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Council acknowledged the support of Terrain NRM over the past year, which has helped expand the operational component of the feral pig management program.

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The partnership has enabled targeted action to protect endangered vegetation within the Wet Tropics and funded the purchase of five additional traps to strengthen Council's landholder trapping support program.

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Council still has three recycled cane bin pig traps available for purchase by interested landholders to assist with ongoing feral pig control efforts. Residents are encouraged to continue reporting feral pig activity and problem areas to help Council and its partners direct control efforts where they are needed most.  

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Council also reminded the public not to interfere with feral pig traps under any circumstances, noting that all traps operated by Cassowary Coast Regional Council are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

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Lions District Governor of Far North Queensland Ed Morris and new Tully Lions President Peter Reed surrounded by his board of directors, who serve the local and surrounding communities, and beyond. Photos supplied

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The Tully Lions Club has welcomed new president Peter Reed, who will lead the club through the 2026-27 Lions year following the club's 55th installation dinner.

Held at the Tully Motel and Plantations Restaurant, the evening celebrated another year of service while recognising the volunteers who continue to support the local community.

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Far North Queensland Lions District Governor Ed Morris officially handed the ceremonial gavel to Mr Reed, marking the change of leadership.

Alongside his board of directors, Mr Reed will oversee the club's ongoing community projects and fundraising efforts, guided by the Lions motto, "We Serve".

District Governor Morris congratulated both the incoming and outgoing leadership teams.

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"Thanks for opportunity to install the incoming board with Peter Reed as incoming President. Congratulations to out going President Michael Ottone and the Lions Club of Tully for a great year of service and donations to the local Community," he said.

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The club thanked everyone who attended the milestone installation dinner, as well as those who contributed to the evening's raffle, including Plantations Restaurant, which donated two $50 vouchers.

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Members also acknowledged District Governor Morris for officiating the installation ceremony and wished Mr Reed and his board every success for the year ahead.

For more than five decades, the Tully Lions Club has supported local organisations, community events and people in need, continuing the Lions' commitment that "Where there is a need, there is a Lion."

Steve Lizzo, Richelle Miles and their sons, Silas and Micah, have spent the past decade growing MBL Bananas into one of the Cassowary Coast's leading banana farms. Photo supplied

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Just 50 metres from their home sits the farm that has become Steve Lizzo and Richelle Miles' life's work — a 150-acre banana plantation believed to be the closest operating banana farm to the Great Barrier Reef.

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The couple purchased MBL Bananas a decade ago and have since transformed the property into one of the region's leading banana producers through a focus on sustainability, soil health and innovation.

For Steve, banana farming has always been in his blood. He grew up just 15 kilometres away in Silkwood, working on his family's property, Liverpool Rivers Bananas. Richelle, originally from New Zealand, studied zoology before becoming an agronomist. After the pair met in 2016 and moved to Mission Beach, they discovered their new home backed onto a banana farm.

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It was a perfect fit.

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"Over the next few years we just put work and effort into slowly building it up, slowly improving soil health, increasing organic matter," Richelle said.

Steve said Mission Beach had a rich history as one of Australia's premier banana-growing regions.

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"About 40 - 50 years ago Mission Beach was the largest growing region for Australian Banana's," he said.

"We've got the opportunity to take over some beautiful land... and we're farming some original banana plantations that have existed for over 40 - 50 years. So that's been pretty special."

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Today, MBL Bananas employs around 30 staff and operates seven days a week, year-round. The farm produces approximately 40 tonnes of bananas each week, equating to more than 2,000 tonnes annually.

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Operations are divided into two key stages. Before harvest, crews work in the paddocks planting, weeding, pruning and harvesting banana bunches. Once picked, the fruit is transported to the packing shed, where another team prepares it for distribution across Australia.

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Mission Beach's tropical microclimate provides ideal growing conditions, but the weather can also present significant challenges.

"So when we get 6 inches of natural weather that comes down we also get the other bit from the subdivision [next door] racing through our farm which can do a lot of damage, you can lose up to 2 or 3 tones of dirt in one night," Steve said.

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To combat erosion and protect the surrounding environment, the couple has invested in water management infrastructure across the property.

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"It then flows into two ponds which acts as a sediment trap, so any soil that is running off from heavy rainfall goes into the ponds and then the soil settles and the clean water on top runs off," Richelle said.

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Their commitment to environmental stewardship has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, MBL Bananas received a major industry award recognising excellence in environmental best management practices, cementing its reputation as one of the region's leading banana producers.

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For Steve and Richelle, the award reflects years of dedication to caring for both the land and the industry that has shaped their lives.

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Youth Advisory Committee Member Gabby. Photo source: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

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Young people across the region are being encouraged to help shape the future, with expressions of interest now open for Council's new Youth Advisory Committee.

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The committee will give residents aged 15 to 25 the opportunity to share their ideas, concerns and priorities with Council, helping inform planning and decision-making on issues that matter most to young people.

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The initiative responds to community feedback gathered through the Cassowary Coast Community Scorecard and Community Voice Action Plan, which identified youth services as a key priority.

Mayor Teresa Millwood said the committee would ensure young people had a genuine voice in the future of the region.

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"Our young people are the future of the Cassowary Coast, and their voices matter. The Youth Advisory Committee is a fantastic opportunity for them to share their ideas and help shape a region they're proud to call home," Cr Millwood said.

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"I encourage all eligible young people to apply and be part of this exciting initiative."

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The committee will include three representatives each from Innisfail, Tully, Mission Beach and Cardwell. Applicants must live within the Cassowary Coast region and be between 15 and 25 years of age. Members aged over 18 will require a Blue Card, with Council providing assistance through the application process.

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Expressions of interest close on Sunday, 16th August. Applications can be submitted via Council's Your Say website or by contacting Cassowary Coast Regional Council on 1300 763 903 for more information.

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Division 2 Councillor Ellen Jessop is encouraging residents to have their say. Photo source: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

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Cassowary Coast residents, ratepayers and business owners are being encouraged to have their say on the region's future waste management, with community consultation now open on the proposed Resource Recovery and Waste Strategy 2026–2030.

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Council’s seeking community feedback on five priorities: harnessing economic opportunity, improving recycling access and behaviour change, driving innovation, reducing the cost of living and minimising the environmental impact of waste. The strategy also proposes improvements to kerbside collection services, upgrades to transfer stations, support for local circular economy initiatives, stronger community education and measures to keep waste services affordable.

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Mayor Teresa Millwood said community feedback would help shape the region's future.

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"By working together, we can create a cleaner, smarter, more sustainable waste system. The draft waste strategy ensures transparency for ratepayers, accountability for outcomes, and a shared vision for a cleaner and more prosperous Cassowary Coast."

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Councillor Ellen Jessop said waste management remained one of Council's largest operational costs.

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"Waste management is an essential service, but it is also one of Council's most significant operational expenses. My goal is to ensure we deliver this service as efficiently as possible, seek opportunities to reduce costs, and work with the community to divert more material from landfill."

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Community consultation closes on Friday, 27th July. Residents can provide feedback via Council's Your Say website, complete a paper survey or attend a community engagement session. For more information, visit yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

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Jim McQuillians’ adult children Barbara, Kevin and Susan toasting the new vessel. Photo supplied

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On Saturday 4th July the Tully Coast Guard held a ceremony to officially name and commission their new primary rescue vessel TU21, now known as; Jim McQuillian.  

The vessel has been named after the one of the founders and first commander of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association Inc (QF2). Jim dedicated over 40 years of active volunteering to his community and sadly passed away on 24 Dec 2024.

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Without Jim’s efforts as a founder the Tully Coast Guard wouldn’t be what it is today. Jim was pivotal in obtaining a radio base that opened on 1st October 1977.  Five months later in March1978 Tully received its formal Charter of Operations as the 12th Flotilla in Queensland with their first Commander: Jim McQuillan.  

Jim’s three children Susan, Kevin and Barbara, attended the celebrations over the weekend.  

“Seeing his name carried forward in a vessel dedicated to helping others feels especially meaningful, because he believed strongly in people helping people in order to support and strength community,” shared Susan.

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The launching of a new vessel was a significant moment for the Tully Coast Guard with ‘Jim McQuillians’ predecessor; The ‘Mary Liddle’ serving as their primary boat for over 23 years.  

The new vessel reflects current best practises within marine rescue and includes a sophisticated data network that brings together the information available through modern marine rescue technology including autopilot, automatic tilt/ trim, thermal imagining camera, radar, GPS and radio detector.  

“The new vessel, will be much more reliable, much better to ride in and much quieter,” said Rod Fittock Deputy Flotilla Commander

“With the extra technology, when we have a search and rescue where we don’t know where the person is; now with the infrared and a sat phone [it means we have] much greater communication, [and it’s] safer and speedier.”  

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The Tully Coast Guard plays a vital role in keeping the community safe on the water. They are a volunteer marine-safety organisation and serve, Tully, Mission Beach, Hull Heads, Tully Heads and the surrounding waterways.

The festivities also coincided with the recent signing of a Deed Transition which will see Tully Coast Guard move from the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association INC over to Marine Rescue Queensland. The MRQ are the custodians of the ‘Jim McQuillan’ vessel and this will only strength the partnership with Tully Coast Guard going forward.  

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