Mission Beach student Jack Christopher is preparing for the adventure of a lifetime after being selected to spend three months in Germany through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Photo supplied

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Most teenagers may perceive spending three months living on the other side of the world as a daunting prospect, yet for Mission Beach’s Jack Christopher, it's an opportunity he can't wait to embrace.

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A student at Good Counsel College in Innisfail, Jack has been honourably selected to take part in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, which will see him travel to Germany for a three-month cultural exchange, where he'll immerse himself in a new way of life, strengthen his German language skills and proudly represent both Australia and the Cassowary Coast.

Known for throwing himself into every opportunity that comes his way, Jack said stepping outside his comfort zone was exactly what attracted him to the program.

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"I enjoy taking on new challenges, and I became interested in this exchange because it's an incredible opportunity to experience a new culture, improve my German language skills and represent both Australia and my local community overseas," he enthused.

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"This exchange excites me because it is a big step outside my comfort zone, but that's also one of the reasons I wanted to do it."

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The Rotary Youth Exchange Program gives students aged 15 to 19 the chance to live overseas while building lifelong friendships, experiencing another culture and developing confidence, independence and a broader understanding of the world, however, for Jack, the experience is about far more than travel.

"Rotary's values of Service Above Self and making a positive difference are things I'm really proud to be a part of," he said.

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"I hope this experience helps me return with a greater understanding of another culture, more confidence and a stronger sense of independence."

Before he boards the plane, however, Jack has one more challenge to tackle, and he’s now seeking community support to help cover the costs of the exchange, including travel, insurance, Rotary program requirements, language preparation and other associated expenses.

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"Any support will not only help me access a life-changing opportunity, but will also support the values of cultural understanding, goodwill and international friendship that Rotary promotes around the world," Jack said.

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As part of his fundraising campaign, he is searching for 10 Foundation Sponsors willing to contribute $250 each. Sponsors will be recognised throughout his journey with thank-you posts, social media updates and regular acknowledgements as he prepares for Germany and shares his overseas experience.  

With the support of the Rotary Club of Mission Beach, Jack is also planning a community raffle featuring a major prize and a range of donated prizes from local businesses where he’s encouraging businesses and community members who are able to donate a prize or voucher to get involved, with all contributors to be publicly acknowledged.

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Jack said the support he has already received from the community has meant a great deal.

"Thank you again for all the support so far. I'm very grateful for the encouragement and excited to keep sharing the journey."

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Community members interested in becoming one of Jack's Foundation Sponsors or donating a raffle prize are encouraged to contact him through messaging or calling his father, Seth Christopher, on 040 723 8282 or via social media.

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Tuskers at the Beach will host a fundraising event next month in collaboration with RC Homestead Animal Encounters. Photo source: Tuckers at the Beach

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Local residents are warmly invited to enjoy an afternoon of live music, family fun and fundraising when Tuskers at the Beach hosts a special charity event on Sunday, 2nd August.

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Set to run from 3pm to 6pm, the family-friendly fundraiser will feature live entertainment from Andy G, along with raffles and a 100 Board, with all proceeds supporting the McGrath Foundation and Animal Welfare League Queensland.

Since 2005, the McGrath Foundation has supported more than 181,000 people and their families by providing specialist breast care nurses and has since expanded its vision to support people affected by all cancers. Meanwhile, Animal Welfare League Queensland works to improve the lives of vulnerable animals through rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and community education.

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Organised by RC Homestead Animal Encounters in partnership with Tuskers at the Beach, the event aims to bring the community together while raising much-needed funds for both charities.

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Locals are encouraged to book a table via calling Tuskers at the Beach on 4068 8503 and enjoy an afternoon of live music, good company and the chance to support two organisations making a meaningful difference to the lives of people and animals alike.  

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What: Community Fundraising Raffle  

When: Sunday, 2nd August, 3pm-6pm

Where: Tuskers at the Beach, South Mission Beach

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Aerial view of Palm Island. Photo sourced: Palm Island Council website

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Applications have opened for a new Rent-to-Buy Home Ownership Scheme on Palm Island, creating a pathway for eligible residents to purchase the social housing they currently live in.

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The scheme, delivered by the Queensland Government in partnership with Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, is the first of its kind for the community and fulfils an election commitment to improve opportunities for home ownership on Palm Island.

Participants will enter into a payment agreement with Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council. Once the agreement is completed, ownership of the home will be transferred through a 99-year home ownership lease.

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The program will begin with 10 households and has the potential to expand over time, with up to 300 council-owned social homes able to be offered through the scheme depending on demand.

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Currently, only 1.4 per cent of Palm Island residents own their own home, compared with the Queensland average of 64 per cent. The initiative has been designed to address barriers to home ownership in remote communities, including the high cost of purchasing a home and limited access to traditional home loans.

The scheme follows extensive consultation with the Palm Island community and is supported through funding in the Queensland Government's 2026-27 Budget.

Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant milestone for the community.

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"The Home Ownership Scheme provides a new opportunity to own a home and, at the same time, create wealth for the next generation of our people," Mayor Lacey said.

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"This is not a hand up or a handout. It's better. This government has proven that it can walk side by side with us to create meaningful opportunities for our people, and I didn't think I'd see this in my lifetime."

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Amazing You Daily Magnesium Spray comes in two convenient sizes. Photo sourced: amazingyou.com

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If you're looking for an easy way to support your daily wellbeing, the Amazing You Daily Magnesium Spray, available at Ingham Wholelife Pharmacy & Healthfoods, could be just what you need.

Made with magnesium harvested from pristine Australian salt lakes, this lightweight, water-like spray is designed to absorb directly through the skin without leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue.

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With consistent use, the spray may help ease everyday tension, relieve muscle cramps, support natural energy levels, reduce tension headaches and help your body relax for a more restful night's sleep.

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Containing just magnesium chloride brine and purified water, the formula is free from unnecessary additives.

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For best results, apply four to five sprays to the upper body each morning to help start the day. In the evening, spray four to five pumps onto the tops of the feet, behind the knees and across the lower back to help the body unwind before bed. The spray can also be used throughout the day for relief from tight muscles or tension, with most people finding eight to 10 sprays a day works well.

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Wholelife Pharmacy & Healthfoods stocks the Amazing You Daily Magnesium Spray in two convenient sizes, along with Amazing You Daily Magnesium Bath Flakes for those who enjoy a relaxing soak while boosting their magnesium intake.

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The Queensland biosecurity system partners Graphic sourced: QLD GOV, Queensland Biosecurity Strategy 2024-2029

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council has reinforced its commitment to protecting the region from invasive pests and weeds, officially adopting the 2026-27 Hinchinbrook Local Government Area Biosecurity Plan.

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Adopted on Tuesday, June 30, the plan outlines strategic actions for managing priority weeds and pest animals across all land tenures while promoting a collaborative, community-wide approach to invasive species management.

Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, local governments are responsible for protecting their regions from invasive biosecurity threats, with Council reviewing the plan annually to ensure it remains responsive to emerging challenges and continues to support coordinated management efforts.

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The updated plan also aims to help landholders and the wider community understand their general biosecurity obligations, encouraging shared responsibility in managing invasive plants and animals.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said biosecurity is everyone's responsibility.

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“This Plan provides a clear roadmap for how Council, landholders, industry and the wider community can work together to protect Hinchinbrook's environment, waterways, agriculture and lifestyle from the impacts of invasive plants and animals,” Mayor Jayo said.

"The most effective biosecurity response is prevention and early action. By staying vigilant, reporting new pests and weeds, and meeting our general biosecurity obligations, we can reduce long-term impacts and costs while protecting the natural assets that make Hinchinbrook such a great place to live, work and visit.”

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The local plan announcement comes as the Queensland Government and Queensland Farmers' Federation expand the Biosecurity in the Boardroom initiative into Far North Queensland, encouraging businesses to strengthen their own biosecurity practices.

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The initiative provides practical advice to business leaders on identifying and managing biosecurity risks, highlighting the impacts plant and animal pests and diseases can have on business operations through costly delays and reputational damage.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said businesses had embraced the initiative.

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"Biosecurity is everyone's responsibility. Businesses have a legal obligation to uphold biosecurity standards, but this initiative encourages corporate leaders to go further and protect Queensland's great lifestyle while safeguarding their bottom line. It's a win-win," Minister Perrett said.

"Biosecurity threats are an ever-present reality, so we need to stay vigilant and prepared to protect our industries, our economy, our environment and our way of life.

"Further, biosecurity underpins Queensland's ability to grow and produce clean, healthy and nutritious local food, and ultimately, strong biosecurity is the linchpin of a productive primary industries sector and regional and rural communities."

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"I'm pleased we can back the Queensland Farmers' Federation in taking this initiative to regional businesses and helping them not only identify, but lift their biosecurity practices."

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Queensland Farmers' Federation CEO Jo Sheppard said businesses across all sectors were beginning to recognise biosecurity as an essential part of risk management.

“Boards and leadership teams outside agriculture are starting to ask the right questions: is biosecurity on our risk register, have we trained our people, what would a breach actually cost us," Ms Sheppard said.

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“Business leaders from all sectors are encouraged to get involved and can access a range of resources from the QFF website to get the conversation started – it's about embedding biosecurity risk management as part of every company’s culture, just as we have for workplace health and safety, and cyber security risk management.”

The Biosecurity in the Boardroom initiative supports the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy 2024-2029, helping businesses build stronger planning and preparedness while complementing local government efforts such as Hinchinbrook's newly adopted biosecurity plan.

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The 2026-27 Hinchinbrook Local Government Area Biosecurity Plan is available on Hinchinbrook Shire Council's website. The Biosecurity in the Boardroom initiative directly supports the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy 2024–2029

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New Queensland E-Mobility Laws Now in Effect

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As you may be aware, the Queensland State Government has introduced new e-mobility laws that came into effect on 1 July 2026.

The new laws are designed to strengthen enforcement measures and address community concerns regarding the safe use of e-mobility devices.

It is important that our community is aware of these changes, particularly the new path speed limits and the legal responsibilities that now apply to parents and guardians for offences involving children.

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The legislation includes:

• Police powers to seize and destroy illegal devices.

• Random breath testing of riders in public places.

• A ban on e-bikes capable of exceeding 25 kilometres per hour without assistance.

• A 12 km/h speed limit on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths.

• Increased penalties for offences such as speeding, not wearing a helmet, careless riding, carrying passengers illegally, and riding on prohibited roads.

• Parental accountability for children under 16 using illegal devices.

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Further changes will commence from 31 August 2026, including a minimum rider age of 16 and a requirement for riders to hold at least a learner licence, with limited exemptions.

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Path Speed Limits

A consistent speed limit of 12 km/h now applies to both personal mobility devices and e-bikes when travelling on footpaths. On shared paths, riders must slow to 12 km/h when passing pedestrians.

Please note that all footpaths within the Hinchinbrook Shire are deemed to be shared paths.

While shared paths may be signposted, signage is not required under the new laws. There is no expectation that local governments install additional signage to support the new speed limits.

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Parking Offences

A new parking offence has also been introduced.

Authorised officers, including Queensland Police Service and local government officers, may issue a $172 fine if an e-mobility device is parked on a pathway in a hazardous or obstructive manner.

Authorised officers also have the power to request information from e-mobility providers about the last user of a device to assist with enforcement activities.

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Keeping Our Community Safe

We all have a role to play in improving e-mobility safety. By understanding and complying with these changes, we can help keep our footpaths safe for pedestrians and all path users.

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Brenden and the Wholelife staff celebrating in store with cake. Photo supplied

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Five years ago, Ingham WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods opened its doors with a vision of providing trusted healthcare and personalised service. Today, the business is celebrating a milestone that owner-operator and head pharmacist Brenden Seri says belongs just as much to the community as it does to the team.

"We've had the privilege of being part of this incredible community, sharing in life's happiest moments, supporting people through the challenging ones, and building friendships that mean the world to us," Brenden said.

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Behind the counter, he said, is a team that has become like family.

"Every single person who has been part of our team has helped shape Ingham WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods into the place it is today. They'll always be a part of our story," he said.

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Brenden thanked both past and present staff for their dedication and the care they show customers every day and he also paid tribute to the community that has supported the business throughout its first five years.

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"Your kindness, loyalty and support have made these five years so rewarding, and we truly wouldn't be here without each and every one of you."

Visitors who dropped into the pharmacy on Thursday, July 9, were invited to celebrate the milestone with the team, enjoying birthday cake, product samples and giveaways as a thank you for five years of loyal community support.

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Looking to the future, Brenden said the pharmacy remains committed to growing alongside the community while continuing to introduce new products and services.

"Well, we're not going anywhere anytime soon," he said.

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"This pharmacy has been a mainstay within the community for a long time, and it will be for a long time to come. It's onwards and upwards from here.

"We'll continue bringing new products and new ranges to the pharmacy and to Ingham so people don't miss out on the latest health and wellness trends. We want our customers to have access to all their favourite products right here in town.

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"It's been a really wonderful journey, and we're looking forward to continuing to care for our community for many years to come."

Andrew Giliberto, Pharmacist of Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy.

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Combining science with a genuine passion for helping others, a career in pharmacy was a natural career choice for Andrew Giliberto.  

"I've always enjoyed helping people and wanted a career where I could make a positive difference," Andrew said.

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"Pharmacy gave me the chance to combine science with caring for people, and I still love that every day brings a new opportunity to help someone."

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That passion has continued throughout his career, with Andrew saying the greatest reward is the relationships he's built within the Lower Herbert community.

"Halifax has such a strong sense of community,” he said.

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“It's a privilege to get to know our patients on a personal level. I enjoy being someone they can rely on for advice and support, not just when they're unwell, but to help them stay healthy too."

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While many people are familiar with the pharmacy for filling prescriptions, Andrew said the team offers far more than medication dispensing. Services include vaccinations, medication reviews, Webster packing, blood pressure checks and personalised health advice.

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"Sometimes it's simply taking the time to listen and point someone in the right direction that makes the biggest difference," he said.

Andrew believes the role of the community pharmacist has expanded significantly over the years.

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"We're much more involved in frontline healthcare than ever before," he said. "People often see us first because we're accessible, and we're able to provide advice, vaccinations and support that can save them a trip elsewhere."

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His advice to patients is straightforward: never be afraid to ask questions about your medicines.

"We're here to help, and understanding why and how to take them can make a real difference," he said.

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Andrew encourages people to stay on top of the basics by having regular check-ups, keeping active and taking medications as prescribed.

Above all, Andrew hopes everyone who visits the pharmacy feels welcome.

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"We genuinely care about our customers and want everyone to know they're among people who are happy to help," he said.

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As the Councillor responsible for Waste and Water Services portfolio, I often hear concerns about rising costs and how Council can continue to deliver services efficiently while keeping pressure off ratepayers. One area that has a major impact on both is landfill management.

Many people don't realise that operating a landfill involves much more than simply disposing of rubbish.

There are significant costs associated with daily operations, environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, and the long-term rehabilitation of landfill sites once they reach capacity and are no longer in use. As these costs continue to increase, so too does the challenge for councils to keep waste management services affordable.

The good news is that there are practical ways we can all help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

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Over many years, Hinchinbrook Shire Council has invested in waste education programs and improved waste separation at our transfer stations. Residents are encouraged to sort materials such as steel, timber, concrete, cardboardand reusable household items into dedicated waste streams. This reduces the volume of rubbish ending up in landfill and also creates opportunities for resource recovery, generating income that helps offset operating costs.

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Recycling remains one of the most effective ways to reduce landfill waste. By ensuring recyclable materials are placed in the correct bins and contamination is minimised, we can improve recycling outcomes and make better use of valuable resources.

Composting is another simple solution that can make a significant difference. Food scraps and garden waste make up a large proportion of household rubbish. Composting these materials at home reduces landfill volumes while creating a useful product for local gardens. Compost bins are readily available through local hardware stores and are a worthwhile investment for many households.

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Education also plays an important role. Through ongoing awareness campaigns, bin audits and community engagement, Council can help residents better understand what can and cannot be disposed of through kerbside collection services.

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Council is also working with other North Queensland councils through the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC) to explore regional waste management opportunities. By sharing knowledge, investigating new technologies and working collaboratively on common challenges, councils can identify more efficient and cost-effective approaches to waste management while reducing the amount of material sent to landfill.

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We continue to explore innovative solutions, including emerging waste-to-energy technologies and regional partnerships that may provide future benefits for our community.

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Waste management is everyone's responsibility. Every item recycled, reused or composted is one less item going to landfill. Small actions across our community can make a big difference — not only for the environment but also for managing costs and delivering better value for ratepayers.

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I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. What waste reduction initiatives would you like to see in the Hinchinbrook Shire?

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Nissan Pathfinder, one of the unreserved Hinchinbrook Shire Council Abandoned Vehicles for auction. Photo credit: Hinchinbrook Shire Council

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises the community that a number of abandoned vehicles and other unclaimed assets will be offered for sale via a public online auction conducted by Pickles.  

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These vehicles were removed by Council from local roads after being abandoned and left unclaimed.

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Auction details:

·                Auction Opens: 10.00am Monday 27 July 2026  

·                Auction Closes: 3.00pm Tuesday 28 July 2026  

·                Auction Platform: Pickles Online Auctions

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Buyers can participate and bid from anywhere in Australia through the Pickles Online Auction platform.

For all auction enquiries, please contact the Pickles Customer Contact Centre on 1300 052 392  

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Introducing Sukki, a six-year-old beauty with striking markings that make her impossible to overlook. This gorgeous girl is searching for a new family to call her own.

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Sukki would prefer to be the only dog in the household, as she can be selective about her canine companions. What she may lack in dog friends, however, she more than makes up for with her unwavering loyalty and devotion to her people. If you’re looking for a loyal best friend who will stand by your side and fill your home with love, Sukki could be the perfect match.

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Included in adoption fee of $495, Sukki is DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, has up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated & and on PROHEART.

Enquire about Sukki through: Angelpawsinc.com.au/pets-for-adoption/Dogs

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Sex: Female

Breed: Staffy X

DOB: 10/04/2021

Cat Friendly: No

Dog Friendly: No

Kid Friendly: Yes

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With tyres hanging from cranes, volunteers hauling white chemical drums through the sand and piles of plastic bottles stacked high on the beach, the scale of rubbish washing onto Hinchinbrook Island is difficult to ignore.

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For Ocean Crusaders founder Ian Thomson, however, the cleanup is a step back to where the journey all began in 2010.

"I picked up a heap of dead turtles out of the Whitsundays. A few of them had died because of plastics, and I wanted to do something about it," he said.

Mr Thomson initially set a solo sailing world record around Australia to raise awareness of marine plastic pollution before establishing Ocean Crusaders as a hands-on conservation organisation.

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"There's plenty of people trying to educate people," he said.

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"We actually need to go pick up the stuff and get it out of the environment and save our wildlife."

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Since 2016, the organisation has removed more than one million kilograms of debris from Australian waterways. With operations now expanding into North Queensland through an Environmental Recovery Grant, the team recently removed 5.7 tonnes of rubbish from Townsville in just 10 days before beginning work around Hinchinbrook Island.

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The current campaign is only the beginning, with crews scheduled to return later this year to clean the northern reaches of Hinchinbrook, the Family and Barnard Islands, Palm Island group and, potentially, areas throughout the Cassowary Coast.

One of the biggest surprises for the Ocean Crusaders team has been where the rubbish is actually coming from. Many people assume debris washing onto Hinchinbrook Island has drifted across the Coral Sea from overseas, but Mr Thomson said the clean-up tells a very different story.

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"People would say the rubbish around here is foreign, but 99.9 per cent of what we're picking up at the moment is Australian rubbish," he said.

"It's coming out of our towns and ending up on our beaches. We've got to stop blaming other countries and actually look after our own crap first."

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In the Hinchinbrook region, much of that rubbish is believed to be carried down the Herbert River during the annual wet season before washing ashore on the island's beaches and becoming trapped in the mangrove forests.

"The big white drums are coming from farms. The tyres are coming off farms," Mr Thomson said.

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"Farmers don't throw tyres away; they're too expensive to dump, so they just put them around their farms, and when they go under, sadly they just wash away.”

Plastic bottles and aluminium cans remain common finds despite Queensland's Containers for Change scheme, while polystyrene continues to dominate many of the organisation's clean-ups.

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"On beaches like this it's a little bit less because it blows further into the mangroves, but in places like Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne around 30 to 35 per cent of what we collect is polystyrene."

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Working just five-hour days over three days, volunteers covered only about two-and-a-half kilometres of beach between George Point and the island's western point.

Even so, they filled a truck and boat with an estimated two-and-a-half tonnes of rubbish.

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"We've only scratched the surface," Mr Thomson said.

The operation has been made possible by Ocean Crusaders' specialised equipment, including a four-wheel-drive truck fitted with a crane and a shallow-draft work boat capable of reaching isolated creeks and beaches.

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"There's not many boats that can do what we did today," Mr Thomson said.

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"It's why councils call us after floods and cyclones."

Following Cyclone Alfred earlier this year, councils across South East Queensland queued for assistance, with Ocean Crusaders prioritising locations closest to river mouths to stop debris reaching the ocean. Now the organisation hopes to apply that same approach across North Queensland.  

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While the work is physically demanding, volunteers say the spectacular locations make every cleanup worthwhile.

Volunteer Moira said cleaning beaches and mangroves offered the chance to experience nature while helping protect it.

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"The whole reason for doing this is to reduce the negative human impact on nature, so that we're leaving a place better than we found it," she said.

She particularly enjoys working through mangrove forests where storm surges trap debris among the trees.

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"I like the trees, the forest, the flowers, the fungi - just the smells in there."

Long-time volunteer Layne has spent almost a decade travelling across Queensland with Ocean Crusaders and took recreation leave from work to join the Hinchinbrook operation.

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"I'll do what I'm told and clean up where we need to clean up," he said.

"I'm more of a mangrove person than a beach person. Beaches are just too hard to walk around on the soft sand."

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During the Hinchinbrook cleanup, one unusual discovery prompted a response from emergency services.

"We found an aluminium phosphide canister," Layne said.

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"What resulted from that was quite interesting. Learning the emergency response processes and procedures from the Queensland Fire Department about how they had to dispose of it."

Volunteer Deborah, who has been with Ocean Crusaders since before COVID, said the organisation regularly takes volunteers into environments few people ever experience.

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"Ocean Crusaders has taken me to some of the most magical places in the mangroves that you would expect to see on a David Attenborough film," she said.

"Blue underneath, green above, full of wildlife. Spectacular."

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She said the team had recovered everything from truck tyres and water tanks to half refrigerators and even what first appeared to be an eight-person spa.

"We finally realised it was the entire top of a boat!" she laughed.

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For Mr Thomson, however, every unusual find reinforces the same message.

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"We're not a 50-kilo-a-day cleaner. We're closer to a one-tonne-a-day cleaner," he said.

"You'll come home tired. You're usually wet or filthy, but when you look at the boat or the truck and you see how much rubbish there is, it's a satisfying feeling of just going, 'We did that. We're making a real, real difference.'"

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Ocean Crusaders is largely volunteer-run, with community members able to register for future clean-up events through the organisation's website.

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The snake that was placed across the only vehicle entry point to the Halifax RV Park. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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The Halifax Progress Association is calling for an end to suspected malicious vandalism at the Halifax RV Park after sharp metal shards capable of puncturing tyres and a dead snake were deliberately left at the park's only driveway entrance.

The first incident occurred on the evening of Monday, July 6, when hundreds of sharp steel fragments, believed to be a type used in reinforcing concrete fibres, were scattered across the entrance to the park.

The following morning, RV park guests alerted attendants at the local SPA to further suspicious activity. The attendants said they notified the Halifax Progress Association, with volunteers attending the site to clean up the area and dispose of a dead snake that had been placed in the middle of the driveway.

Halifax Progress Association representative Michelle Richards said the deliberate placement of the metal posed a serious safety risk.

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"It was scattered all the way across the path, which is a huge safety issue," Ms Richards said, indicating that the metal laid all down the driveway from where the main road met the park’s fenceline.

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"It's the only way in and out."

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Ms Richards said the sharp metal was difficult to see, while she was cleaning up the entrance in the low light of the evening of the first incident.

“I went home with several of them in my shoes.”

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She said the incidents were particularly concerning given the number of families who use the volunteer-run facility.

"The park attracts visitors from all over, including families travelling with children and dogs," she said.

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"The steel shards and the dead snake at the entrance created a hazard for anyone entering or leaving the park."

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Ms Richards believes the latest incidents were not isolated, with several acts of suspicious or malicious behaviour occurring since the park opened for the tourist season.

"There have been little bouts of suspicious activity happening since we opened up the park to visitors," she said.

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"It's very saddening because we're all volunteers. We just want this park to be beautiful and welcome as many people as possible."

She said there had now been more than five occasions of alleged malicious activity directed at the park.

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Queensland Police were notified of the incidents, with Ms Richards saying the matter had been recorded as illegal dumping, although she believes the deliberate scattering of steel shards and the placing of the dead snake was clearly intended to create a negative image of the RV park.

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A vehicle was reportedly seen entering the area at about 5am on July 7, however darkness prevented witnesses from identifying it.

As a possible preventative measure, the association has discussed options including additional security or trail cameras near the entrance, although no decision has been made.

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Ms Richards said the association would continue working with authorities while monitoring the situation in the hope the behaviour stops before someone or their vehicle is seriously harmed.

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The Progress Association has reported this incident to Council, and Council is now following up on the matter.

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Whether its sweet or savory, Micks Bread Kitchen has a freshly made delicacy just for you. Photos supplied.

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Regular customers visiting Mick's Bread Kitchen will notice a few new additions, with the bakery expanding its menu to include creative drinks and new hearty pies alongside returning favourites.

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From artisan breads and pastries to hearty savouries and decadent sweets, Mick's Bread Kitchen has become a popular stop for locals looking for quality food made with care. The latest additions to the menu continue that tradition, giving customers plenty of reasons to call in and see what's new.

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For those after something heartier, the pie warmer is always filled with their freshly baked favourites. Traditional Pepper Steak and Potato Top pies remain popular choices, while the Pizza Pie offers a fun twist on a bakery classic. New to the range is the Pulled Smoked Brisket Pie with Jalapeño and Cheese, with just the right amount of spice for a delicious hearty meal on the go.

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Leading the way is the café's new Lavender and Sakura Nitro Coffee, a drink that's already turning heads. Smooth, creamy Nitro Cold Brew is infused with delicate lavender or sakura, creating a refreshing floral twist that's unlike anything else on the menu. Thanks to the nitrogen the coffee develops a naturally velvety texture with a silky finish- it’s a perfect for choice for those looking to try something a little different.

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For anyone with a sweet tooth, Mick's Bread Kitchen has welcomed back one of its most requested treats: Creme Brulle and Boston Cream Doughnuts. The soft, fluffy doughnuts are filled with smooth vanilla bean custard and finished with a glossy chocolate glaze. Other flavours include Pistachio, Biscoff and Jam, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving.

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Whether you're stopping in for your morning coffee, grabbing lunch or picking up an afternoon treat, there's always something fresh coming out of the oven at Mick's Bread Kitchen. With inventive new flavours sitting comfortably beside bakery favourites, every visit offers another reason to come back.

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This fortnight, the Crisafulli Government delivered its second Queensland Budget, focused on delivering for Queenslanders through investment in the services and infrastructure our communities need.  

This Budget is especially important because it delivers on the commitments I made to the people of Hinchinbrook. During the by-election, I said I would fight for safer communities, improve safety and flood resilience on the Bruce Highway, deliver better health services, support more housing and unlock opportunities across our region. This Budget backs those commitments with real investment.  

Roads remain one of the biggest issues people raise with me, and this Budget delivers funding to improve flood resilience between Gairloch Floodway and Ripple Creek on the Bruce Highway, along with continued Bruce Highway safety upgrades. These projects will keep our communities connected, support local businesses and improve safety for everyone travelling our region.  

The Budget also delivers funding for new hospital staff accommodation. In addition, the new CT scanner for the Ingham Health Service will give local residents greater access to important diagnostic services closer to home. Investment in trunk infrastructure for Toobanna and Ingham will support future housing, while reconstruction works on Mount Spec Road will strengthen resilience and connectivity across the electorate.  

Another significant milestone this fortnight has been securing the future of Phosphate Hill. This agreement provides greater certainty for regional industries, local workers and the agricultural sector that underpins so much of North Queensland. Supporting the industries our farmers rely on is essential to the long-term strength of our region and helps protect local jobs.  

Budgets are about priorities, and this one sends a clear message. It says Hinchinbrook matters. It says our roads, our health services, our communities and our future deserve investment. I will continue working to ensure Hinchinbrook has a strong voice in Brisbane and that we keep delivering for our region.  

Before I close, I want to acknowledge the tragic events that unfolded across our community last week. My heartfelt condolences are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and my thoughts and prayers remain with everyone affected.  

This has been a heartbreaking week for our community. I also want to sincerely thank our emergency services and first responders for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in responding under incredibly difficult circumstances.

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