After the overwhelming success of the first Late Night Shopping evening in late November, the Hinchinbrook Shire Council is gearing up to deliver another festive celebration on Thursday, 18th December from 5pm.

Last month’s event drew hundreds of enthusiastic shoppers who filled Lannercost, Palm Terrace, Herbert, and Cartwright Streets, as well as Hinchinbrook Central and Mercer Lane. The expanded precinct layout proved a winner, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to explore a wider range of retailers while showcasing the diversity of Ingham’s shopping districts. The atmosphere came alive thanks to Christmas carols from the Ingham Theatre Group and a lively performance by the talented local duo Obsession who kept the festive spirit flowing.

With retailers and market stalls embracing the season by offering discounts, special deals, and Black Friday–inspired bargains, the first event created a real sense of community buzz. Restaurants, cafés and a pop-up barbecue joined in by serving discounted dinners and sweet treats to keep shoppers fueled as they browsed their way through the precincts.

To keep the festive momentum going, some of your favourites have been confirmed for the second evening, with market stall holders and local shops confirmed to keep the shopping party going.

Families can look forward to Santa making a return appearance in NQ Makers Function Room, where you can snap your own Christmas phots. With the success of November’s event still echoing through the community, this second instalment offers one more chance to support local shops, discover new favourites, and enjoy a relaxed night of Christmas shopping under the summer evening sky.

If you missed the first event or simply want to back your favourite boutiques, stalls, and local traders again, make sure you mark your calendar.

WHAT: Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s Late Night Shopping
WHEN: Thursday 18th December 2025, 5pm to 9pm
WHERE: Ingham township precincts, including Lannercost Street, Mercer Lane & Palm Terrace.

As we wrap up a wonderful year, we bid farewell to our Year 6 graduates and Mrs Sandra Gherardi, whose contributions have been truly valued. We also proudly celebrate Mrs Marcelle Grube for an incredible 25 years of dedicated service to St Peter’s and Townsville Catholic Education. We thank our families and the community for their ongoing support and partnership throughout 2025. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and a season filled with peace and joy.

We look forward to welcoming you all back in 2026 for another exciting year together!

Cantatore Pharmacy officially reopened its doors at 86 Cartwright Street in Ingham on Wednesday, 10th December 2025, with a lively Grand Opening celebration that drew many inquisitive customers and local supporters. The store was filled with seasonal festive cheer, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the community.

Atlanta Knuth of Cantatore Pharmacy said the team was thrilled with the turnout, “Our official reopening day at Cantatore Pharmacy was a fantastic success, with both new and returning customers joining us to celebrate.”

She also highlighted the Christmas spirit present throughout the event as “The store was filled with festive Christmas spirit as everyone enjoyed giveaways, food, and drinks throughout the day.”

The pharmacy also welcomed the support of local leaders, with Atlanta thanking the Mayor for cutting the opening ribbon with them.

“We are incredibly grateful for the warm support from our community and extend a sincere thank-you to the Mayor of Ingham, Ramon Jayo, for attending and helping us mark this special occasion,” Atlanta said, “We wish the community a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

The event showcased the pharmacy’s full range of health, beauty, and lifestyle products, including the new Dukes weight-loss range, MCo Beauty products, and fragrances with discounts of 20–30%. Shoppers could enjoy professional foundation colour matching, sample Vital Nutrients and Dukes products, or browse Scholl and Homyped footwear for support and comfort.

Cantatore Pharmacy also emphasised its community focus with a raffle supporting the children’s cancer charity My Room, alongside generous contributions from local suppliers and businesses. Custom gift packs and complimentary gift wrapping added a festive touch, making it easy for visitors to find thoughtful gifts.

Beyond retail, the pharmacy provides private consultations, home deliveries, and mobility aids, catering to health and wellness needs across the district. The Grand Opening highlighted Cantatore Pharmacy as a friendly, community-minded hub, combining professional service with a welcoming space for locals just in time for the festive season.

This gorgeous trio of Staffy cross puppies is ready to melt hearts and find their forever families. Affectionate, intelligent and full of gentle charm, they each bring their own sparkle while sharing the same loving and easy-going nature that makes them beautiful companions.

These pups thrive on human connection and whether it is cuddling on the couch, learning new skills or tagging along for family time, they adore being close to their people. They enjoy the company of other dogs and are wonderfully social little characters, making them well-suited to homes with existing pets.

Harvey is the laid-back boy of the group, bringing calm energy and a peaceful presence wherever he goes. Harley is the sweet snuggle lover who is always ready for affection. Hestia is the devoted little shadow who loves nothing more than curling up in your lap and sharing her warmth. Together, they offer a mix of heartfelt personalities, each bursting with love to give.

These puppies are ready to grow, learn and flourish with families who can offer patience, kindness and plenty of cuddles. If you are looking for a loving, loyal and family-friendly pup, Harvey, Harley or Hestia might be the perfect match for you.

Fill in an inquiry or adoption form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

All puppies are DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, have up-to-date VACCINATIONS, are FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated and are on PROHEART.

Adoption Fee: $545
DOB: 13/06/2025
Sex: Harvey (Male), Harley (Male), Hestia (Female)
Breed: Staffy x
Kid Friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Harvey (Untested), Harley (Untested), Hestia (Yes)
Other Dogs: Yes
Fences: 6ft

Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!

Another busy week has come and gone, and I think this last weekend was probably one of my busiest yet! A few weeks ago when we met with Hinchinbrook Shire Council and they mentioned there had been community requests for a Christmas Lights Trail, a guide to the region’s best festive displays, and they wondered if we might put one together.

At the paper, we are always keen to deliver for the community, so we decided to accept the challenge!

Sherie and I hopped in the car and hit the roads, and went full-on “light hunt” mode to track down all the local Christmas displays for you. We drove around for ages, oohing and aahing at all the lights. Then we turned our road trip into our very special Christmas Lights Trail, ready for you to follow too.

You can check it out on pages 6 and 7 and don’t forget to peek at some of last year’s best displays! Hope you love it as much as we enjoyed creating it for you.

It is so wonderful to get out and see everybody enjoying the Festival of Events and all the other end-of-year celebrations in between. It sounds like the whole Hinchinbrook Shire is carolling up a Christmas storm before the actual wet season hits.

On that note, are you prepared for the wet? The Hinchinbrook Shire Council has published many great tips on how to get prepared, useful checklists, and helpful information sessions. If you have somehow missed those on their Facebook pages, the Hinchinbrook Life publishes it all too, so keep a copy of us handy. You never know how much you will enjoy a crossword by candlelight once the power goes off and you have nothing else to do.

Victoria

Fun Fact: The Grinch first appeared in the 1957 children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr Seuss and has since become a beloved Christmas figure.

“As owner and operator of Golden Touch Auto Detailing, this morning was a very proud moment for me,” said Frank as he delivered a cheque for $1,180 to Ingham Palliative Care.

Frank presented the cheque to Judy Cardillo, expressing his gratitude to everyone who supported this important local initiative. The funds were raised through his inaugural detailing workshop, along with generous contributions from community members who donated to the cause.

He said the morning gave him the greatest pleasure and pride to hand the cheque over, reflecting the community’s willingness to get behind such a meaningful local service that helps so many.

The donation was warmly received, marking a heartfelt moment of generosity and local business giving back.

The first stage of a major upgrade to the Ingham substation has been completed, delivering a crucial boost to the region’s flood resilience ahead of the wet season. The $1.61 million project—jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments—has raised the height of critical electrical equipment above projected 2025 flood levels, reducing the likelihood of extended power outages during future deluges.

This investment follows Ingham’s worst flooding since 1967, when severe weather earlier this year left homes, businesses and essential services vulnerable. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the upgrade would “help ensure the impacts we saw during the North Queensland floods earlier this year are minimised.” Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Nita Green added the works will give Ingham families and businesses “a sense of security” heading into future wet seasons.

Local leaders have praised the project as a vital step in safeguarding the community and strengthening Hinchinbrook’s critical infrastructure.**

Critical flood-resilience upgrades to the substation serving Ingham in North Queensland have been completed just in time for the wet season — delivering renewed energy security for homes and businesses across the region.

The first stage of the upgrade, jointly funded by the federal and state governments, raised the height of essential electrical equipment above this year’s flood levels. The $1.61 million project was financed using efficiencies from the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The move reduces the likelihood the substation will require shutdown during major floods — cutting the duration of power outages when the community needs electricity most.

Ingham endured some of the worst deluge conditions in nearly 60 years earlier this year. The upgrade is part of a broader government effort to strengthen vital infrastructure across flood-prone areas.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the improvements will help shield the community from future flood impact.

“This jointly funded project will help ensure the impacts we saw during the North Queensland floods earlier this year are minimised should a similar event occur in the future,” Minister McBain said.

“This work will have a direct positive impact for Ingham by ensuring there is still access to electricity during future flood events when the community needs it most.”

Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Nita Green added the upgrades were vital for building resilience in remote and northern communities.

“This project will ensure that in the case of future events the community of Ingham is better prepared and more resilient,” Assistant Minister Green said.

“It will provide a sense of security to the people and businesses in Ingham that were hit so hard almost a year ago.”

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki praised the rapid response efforts earlier this year — noting that crews restored power within just 28 hours under extreme conditions — and said the upgrades will help safeguard electricity supply in future flood events.

“By building back better we’re helping future proof the substation for major flooding events in the future,” Mr Janetzki said.

“Ergon crews did an exceptional job supporting Ingham last summer and their tireless efforts ensured the substation was re-energised within just 28 hours of crews gaining access.

“Never has a substation been re-energised so quickly in such challenging conditions and I thank them for their ongoing commitment to the region as they work to complete this flood mitigation project before year’s end.”

Hinchinbrook Shire’s incoming representative Wayde Chiesa described the project as a significant boost to the area’s infrastructure resilience.

“This is about safeguarding the future of Ingham and its people, and I thank the Government for delivering this for this community,” Mr Chiesa said.

“We can’t stop natural disasters, but we can minimise the impacts and that's what this does.
“By raising key equipment above projected flood levels, this will significantly reduce the risk of damage for families, businesses and emergency services.”

Local leadership also welcomed the outcome. Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said the upgrades provided much-needed peace of mind for residents.

"We're all very thankful and relieved this work has been undertaken," Mayor Jayo said.

"The community has been concerned this may happen again with a similar occurrence, so we acknowledge these crucial upgrades can alleviate those concerns."

With the completion of this first stage, the Ingham substation is now far better protected against future floods. For many residents and businesses, that means greater confidence in uninterrupted power supply — even when heavy rain hits.

The Government has announced the next round of Bruce Highway safety upgrades, with several key projects set to benefit the Ingham and Hinchinbrook region.

As part of the half-billion-dollar investment into the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, two major packages of work will be delivered locally.

Pavement strengthening will take place across five sections of the Bruce Highway between Ingham and Innisfail, improving skid resistance and stability, particularly during wet conditions. A further series of strengthening works are planned on the stretch between Townsville and Ingham, supporting a safer and more reliable journey for motorists travelling into the Hinchinbrook district.

These projects form part of the broader $9 billion Bruce Highway program, designed to reduce run-off-road and head-on collisions through resurfacing, widening, and targeted treatments across high-risk areas of the highway.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the Australian Government was deeply committed to improving road safety.

Minister King said that this is "the biggest ever investment in the Bruce Highway because we want to ensure it is safer for all Queenslanders.”

“With significant progress already made in delivering the $300 million early works package this next wave of work will ensure these priority safety improvements continue to roll out on the Bruce Highway.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said Queenslanders were beginning to see the benefits.

“We are delivering a major boost to safety along the Bruce with rubber hitting the road on another 22 projects,” Minister Mickelberg said.

The new works continue the momentum of the first 16 priority projects, six of which are complete and eight are currently under construction. Further rounds of upgrades will be announced as part of the ongoing program.

“We’re delivering the critical safety upgrades needed between Gympie and Cairns, to service the spine of our State.

“Queenslanders are starting to see the benefits as we accelerate these upgrades, and we’ll continue to drive forward delivering them across the regions.”

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In the Hinchinbrook Shire, community spirit isn’t just a phrase; it’s woven into everyday life. It appears in the neighbour who checks on elders after a storm, the coach who gives up weekends to guide young athletes, the artist who adds colour to public spaces, and the volunteers who quietly keep the community connected, supported, and strong.

As another Australia Day approaches, the Hinchinbrook Shire Council is calling on residents to help celebrate these everyday legends, the people who rarely seek recognition but leave a lasting impact on the lives around them.

Nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards are now open. This is the community’s chance to shine a light on the individuals and groups who make Hinchinbrook a place to be proud of. Whether someone has made a difference through years of dedication, a single moment of kindness, or a lifetime of service, every act contributes to the heart of the Shire.

If someone has inspired you, supported you, or helped the community grow, nominating them is a meaningful way to say thank you. Nominees must reside within the Hinchinbrook Shire, and every nomination — big or small — helps tell the story of who we are.

Submitting a nomination is simple. Complete the official 2026 Australia Day Awards Nomination Form and lodge it by 5:00pm on Monday, 15 December 2025. Forms can be submitted in person at the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Main Office at 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham; by email to council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au

Or by post to the Chief Executive Officer, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, PO Box 366, Ingham QLD 4850. Supporting documents are welcome if they help share your nominee’s story.

The 2026 Australia Day Awards span a wide range of achievements, with categories including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Individual Achievement, Senior Cultural, Junior Cultural, Community Event of the Year, Senior Sport, and Junior Sport. Each category honours a different kind of passion and dedication, the qualities that make Hinchinbrook unique.

Award recipients will be announced at the Australia Day Celebrations on Monday, 26 January 2026, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall on Lannercost Street. It will be a day to gather, reflect, and celebrate the people whose kindness and commitment strengthen the community.

Now is the time to recognise the heart of Hinchinbrook, the people who make it shine. If you know someone deserving, share their story.

www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/community-environment/australia-day-celebrations/how-to-nominate/

Government Delivers New Police Officers To Frontline

The Government is strengthening the police frontline, with 118 new officers graduating in Queensland. A strong cohort has headed into the Northern Region, including Ingham, providing immediate support for the Hinchinbrook community.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said today’s graduation reflects the Government’s commitment to giving Queensland Police the resources and backing they deserve.

“These new officers will bolster the incredible work already being done by hardworking police across Queensland, particularly here in the North and in the Hinchinbrook electorate,” Minister Purdie said.

Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski congratulated the new constables, recognising their determination and resilience throughout an intensive training program.

“Our graduating officers are not only the future of policing, they will be the foundation of safer, stronger regional communities,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.

Northern Region Allocations:

Townsville, Kirwan, Deeragun, Ingham, Ayr, Stuart, Mundingburra – 31 officers

WHY CLEANING UP YOUR YARD MATTERS THIS STORM SEASON

Living in North Queensland means we know how quickly the weather can turn. One minute it’s blue skies, the next it’s strong winds and heavy rain.

As we head into the summer storm season, now is the time to take a good look around your yard and ask: What could become a flying hazard in a cyclone or a severe storm?

Loose items such as outdoor furniture, barbeques, bikes, and even garden tools can turn into dangerous projectiles when the wind picks up.

These aren’t just a risk to your property, they can damage your neighbour’s home or injure someone.

A simple clean-up now can save you, your home and your neighbourhood a lot of stress later.

To make it easier, Council is offering two free Storm Season Clean Up Disposal Days at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre and Halifax Resource Recovery Centre on Saturday, 13th December and Saturday, 20th December.

You can dispose of eligible items for free, including:
White goods
Outdoor furniture and barbeques
Bicycles and play equipment
Scrap steel
Green waste and timber

Standard fees apply for things like tyres, mattresses, and car bodies, so check the list before you load up.

Remember to sort your items before arriving and bring proof of residence — this service is for Hinchinbrook residents only.

If you’d rather avoid the rush, Council accepts most recyclables free of charge year-round.

And don’t forget, trimming trees and securing loose branches is just as important as clearing clutter. Tree limbs should be cut to 1.2m lengths and under 400mm in diameter for disposal.

Storm season is unpredictable, but being prepared isn’t. A tidy yard means fewer hazards, less damage, and greater peace of mind when the next storm rolls in. So grab your gloves, get the family involved, and make the most of these free disposal days.

For more preparation tips, visit getready.qld.gov.au or contact Council on (07) 4776 4600.

I’m sure I am not alone in our community in being astounded at how quickly we have reached the end of another year... and what a year it has been!

It is fair to say that 2025 has been the year that Hinchinbrook took centre stage in the local, state, and national arenas for several reasons.

The scale of the February floods and the substantial impact on people, infrastructure, and livelihoods certainly challenged and tested our community.

However, as we head toward another wet season, I believe it is important to reflect on how remarkably this community continues to rebound and pay tribute to all the incredibly hard-working individuals and organisations who have contributed in any way to that recovery journey.

Having been intimately involved in the recovery process, I am aware of the incredibly high level of support and assistance that has been made available to this community, across the spectrum from all levels of government, not-for-profit organisations, right through to individuals who have done what they could to support our community in a meaningful way.

The support shown this year is an encouraging reminder that when our community is experiencing challenging times, we are not alone, and having these robust processes in place to access assistance is integral to helping our community “get back on their feet” as quickly as possible.

Now the harvest is complete, and the first storms of the season have commenced, I would like to acknowledge all those involved in successfully completing another season. Despite the enormity of the challenges faced to repair critical infrastructure and navigate unknown flood damage within the paddocks, the workforce has risen to the challenge and successfully delivered a larger-than-expected crop outcome in a timely manner.

Through all this, volunteer sporting and event committees have stepped up to deliver outstanding recreational events, and the community has come out to support them.

To each and every person who has contributed, supported, and strengthened our community this year, I say a huge THANK YOU! You have made a difference, and you are valued. Merry Christmas to all, and may you have a safe and happy Christmas with family and loved ones!

The festive season is a busy time for gift shopping, and ensuring the toys you bring home are safe is just as important as choosing something fun. Here’s a simple guide to help make safer choices for young children this Christmas.

Step 1: Inspect the Build Quality
Check how well the toy is made. Look for loose parts, weak seams, or poorly fitted components that could break off and become a hazard.

Step 2: Watch For Small Parts
Toys with small wheels, bells, foam pieces, or lights can pose a choking risk for younger children. Avoid items that could easily detach.

Step 3: Check For Sharp Edges or Points
Run your hands along the edges of the toy. Sharp corners or exposed points can cause cuts or injuries during play.

Step 4: Consider Strings and Cords
Strings longer than 30cm or cords on toys can present a strangulation risk. Opt for items with short, safe lengths or securely fastened attachments.

Step 5: Examine Battery Compartments
Products with button or coin batteries should have secure compartments that cannot be opened by children. Ensure any instructions or safety warnings are clearly visible. Batteries can cause serious damage when ingested.

Step 6: Buy From Reputable Sources
Purchase toys from trusted stores or suppliers that adhere to Australian safety standards. Be cautious with overseas online purchases, as these may not meet local regulations.

By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of accidents and make Christmas a safe, enjoyable time for all. For any concerns about unsafe products, contact the Office of Fair Trading at 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Whilst out exploring the region, residents have begun to notice several snake sightings in and around the Hinchinbrook Shire, and with the school holidays and the festive season fast approaching, the community are being reminded to stay alert.

As published by the Queensland Government Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the majority of the 35 species of reptiles within the Hinchinbrook Shire are considered harmless; however, several venomous snakes are known to inhabit local bushlands, farms, creeks, and even residential backyards during the warmer months of the year.

Among the species known to inhabit the region are Whipsnakes, the Northern Death Adder, and several sea snakes, which can be found along the coastline. Non-venomous species frequently spotted include the Green Tree Snake, Spotted Python, Carpet Python, and Amethystine Python, which may appear in gardens, bushland, or even rooftops in search of shade and prey.

With the temperatures rising, snake encounters often become more frequent during this time of the year, and there are several steps you can take to keep you and your family safe these holidays such as:

1. Keeping backyards tidy.
2. Securing homes and sheds.
3. Wearing shoes outdoors.
4. Cautioning your children to never approach or touch a snake.
5. Keeping your pets on leads when walking near creeks or bushland.

If you spot a snake out and about, remember to keep your distance, and if they're injured, contact North Queensland Wildlife Care on 0414 717 374. If you come across a snake on your property that raises concern, please contact a local snake catcher or a snake relocation service.

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The Herbert Valley Voices choir brought festive cheer to the residents of Ozcare Magdalene Villa in Trebonne, performing a selection of beloved Christmas carols. Their heartfelt songs filled the home's gathering space with joy and holiday spirit, giving residents a memorable celebration and a true sense of community during the festive season. Residents and staff alike appreciated the special treat from the choir.