Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
2026 has marked an exciting new chapter for Science at Our Lady of Lourdes with the introduction of Science as a specialist subject across the school. Aligned with the Australian Curriculum Version 9, our science program provides students with opportunities to investigate real-world phenomena through hands-on learning, creativity, inquiry and play. At Lourdes, we believe that students learn best when they are actively engaged in meaningful experiences that allow them to question, explore, design, test and create. Across every year level, students have been immersed in learning that encourages curiosity while developing important skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving and resilience. Our Year 2 students have stepped into the role of designers and inventors by creating their own fidget toys. Students investigated how materials can be changed and selected for specific purposes, using the design process to create products that are both practical and engaging. They have loved seeing how different products can be made, especially their favourite toys. Students at Our Lady of Lourdes have had lots of fun being inventors. Photos supplied
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Feel the Magic is providing vital support to children and families across Australia who are navigating the pain of grief, offering a range of free early intervention programs designed to help young people “face, feel and heal” after the death of a parent, guardian or sibling. At the heart of the organisation is a belief that no child should face grief alone. Its programs create a nurturing, supportive environment where children aged 7 to 18 can express their emotions, learn coping strategies, and connect with others who understand their experience. Through its virtual camp programs, Feel the Magic is able to reach families regardless of location. These online sessions bring together grieving children to learn a shared “grief language”, build practical emotional tools, and reduce feelings of isolation through connection with other families. The organisation also offers specialised programs for those impacted by suicide bereavement. These include virtual camps, a one-day face-to-face “Let’s Talk Suicide Family Day Camp”, and the signature Camp Magic experience—an intensive 2.5-day overnight program where children are paired with trained volunteer mentors who provide one-on-one support throughout the camp. Camp Magic focuses on helping children understand grief, regulate difficult emotions and develop healthy coping strategies in a safe and structured environment. A concurrent emotional literacy workshop is also available for parents and guardians, helping families better understand grief responses and strengthen communication at home. For older participants, Grad Camp supports young people aged 16 to 19 as they transition into adulthood while continuing to process their grief experience. Across all programs, Feel the Magic emphasises connection, understanding and hope, with the organisation noting that even a single day can make a meaningful difference in a child’s journey through grief. To learn more about how you can get involved email lauren.galbraith@feelthemagic.org.au. WHAT: Family Day Camp WHEN: 26th July WHERE: The Cathedral School, Townsville
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A strong school community is built on the dedication of its people. At the heart of Halifax SS are highly experienced and caring learning support staff who ensure every student feels included, supported, and capable of success. Their work, alongside experienced and innovative teachers, creates engaging classrooms where creativity and curiosity thrive. Play-based learning is one example of this approach in action, helping students develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning from an early age. Bringing these strengths together is exceptional leadership. This has been recognised through the awarding of the prestigious Bill McClintock Medal, introduced in 2016 to honour individuals who contribute to the advocacy and service of the Queensland Association of State School Principals (QASSP), particularly through supporting colleagues across regional and remote communities. “We are all very proud of Michael for receiving this award,” a spokesperson said. “It reflects a commitment not only to school excellence, but to strengthening education across Queensland. “Together, caring support staff, innovative teaching, and award-winning leadership create an environment where students and communities thrive.” Caption: 1. Teacher aide Jenny Genrich incorporates play-based learning to actively engage students and support early skill development in the classroom. 2. Presentation of the Bill McClintock Medal, recognising outstanding leadership and service to education across Queensland.
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When disaster strikes, firefighters are often the first people the community turns to. But behind every emergency response is a team of locals who give their time, train regularly and step up when their neighbours need them most. Forrest Beach Fire and Rescue is encouraging more community members, particularly younger residents, to consider joining the station and becoming part of the team. "It's a good thing to get people back in from the community, especially for the station here; because we're an elderly community. Getting the younger people in is really, really important,” said Acting Lieutenant Keith Amos. Keith highlighted that being part of the station is a chance to make a tangible impact on the community- and not just in cases of fire. During the major flooding event of 2025 that isolated Forrest Beach and surrounding areas, firefighters assisted residents, with rescues, but also delivering meals and helping secure damaged homes. "The floods, when we were cut off, the way we were seen by the community and how we helped people really made an impact," Keith said. The crew’s role is diverse, and potential recruits are reminded that it’s not all flashing lights and sirens. Beyond the emergencies, auxiliary firefighters have an important role in the everyday community; regularly attending markets, school safety days and events to teach fire safety and engage with local families. During the recent Tasman Turtle Picnic Day, a popular community event for children, countless young attendees were proudly sporting the station’s bright, colourful Blazer the Koala firefighting mascot stickers. "We try and get into the community, showing what we do," Auxiliary Firefighter Michael Monbelli said. Michael also explained that for him, the biggest obstacle is balancing service with everyday life – though this factor he feels is understood and well-supported by the crew. Michael balances his firefighting role with full time work at the mill, and a busy family life with young children. On his team, there is a schoolteacher, two ex-servicemen, and another millworker. Auxiliary firefighters also commit significant time to weekly training. As for emergency response, call-outs can occur at any hour of the day or night. "Being an auxiliary is that we're on call.” Acting Lieutenant Keith Amos explained. “So even on our Wednesday night training we can get a call." Keith described the role as ‘drop everything and jump into action’. Despite the demands, Former Army serviceman Mark McEwen believes many people underestimate how manageable the role can be. "It doesn't take too much out of your normal week. Give up your three hours of training on a Wednesday, and you're on call." At the same time, emergency work can be unpredictable. "Things can change in a heartbeat," Mark said. He recalled a 4:00am call-out to a possible house fire. "Eight hours later, we get home. Us older fellas feel it a bit more, but it was worthwhile. That's what we're here for." The crew also works closely with volunteer organisations including the SES and Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club. During the February 2025 flood event, firefighters and surf lifesavers combined resources to rescue elderly residents trapped by rising floodwaters. According to the firefighters, the biggest motivation to get involved is that it feels good to make a difference in your community. "It's that sense of pride," Keith said, "I take pride in this job and I love doing it." "Even if you've never thought about becoming a firefighter, come down and have a chat to us," Keith said. "It's that simple.” Caption: Members of the Forrest Beach Auxiliary Firefighters: Glyn Morgan, former Air Force serviceman, and Braydon Fratus, local mill worker and the brigade's newest recruit, standing by the Forrest Beach Brigade’s fire engine.
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The Herbert River RSL was a field of green with early St Patrick’s Day celebrations as locals gathered for an afternoon of celebrating Irish spirit. Held on Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, the pre-St Patrick’s Day event featured a free sausage sizzle, meat tray raffles and live entertainment by Gerry Leigh.
The afternoon brought together members and visitors to celebrate the Irish tradition a little early. Organisers said the event was a great success, with a strong turnout and a lively atmosphere throughout the afternoon. The celebration highlighted the strong community support that continues to make events at the Herbert River RSL so popular.
Herbert River RSL Hosts Early St Patrick’s Day Celebration
The Herbert River RSL hosted a lively pre-St Patrick’s Day celebration on Sunday afternoon, welcoming locals for several hours of food, raffles and live entertainment.
Running from 12pm to 3pm, the event offered a relaxed way for the community to celebrate the Irish holiday ahead of the official date. Guests enjoyed a free sausage sizzle, while packed meat tray raffles added to the excitement throughout the afternoon.
Live entertainment was provided by Gerry Leigh, who kept the atmosphere upbeat as people gathered to socialise and enjoy the afternoon’s festivities.
“Our St Pat’s Day barbecue was a great success, and it was wonderful to see so many people come along and enjoy the afternoon.”
The event was proudly sponsored by Bissons Electrical, whose support helped make the celebration possible.
“A big thank you went out to the amazing board members for their help, Shane and Sue Bisson from Bisson Electrical, and Gerry Leigh who provided the entertainment and kept the atmosphere lively throughout the afternoon.”
A fantastic afternoon of celebrating St Patrick’s Day at the Herbert River RSL. Photo credit: Herbert River RSL
Critical trunk sewer infrastructure is progressing to support residential growth in the Hinchinbrook region, addressing housing demand and strengthening the Shire’s long-term resilience.
Proudly funded by the Queensland Government, the projects focus on the construction of major sewer infrastructure across priority growth areas in Ingham and Toobanna.
This infrastructure will form the essential backbone required for future residential developments to connect to Council’s existing sewer network.
Importantly, the project does not involve constructing sewerage infrastructure on private land and does not require existing homes to connect.
Instead, it will support more than 300 future residential lots on flood-resilient land, creating capacity for new housing while ensuring growth is well planned and sustainable.
Mayor Ramon Jayo said the project is about laying the right foundations.
“This is the unglamorous but essential work that makes housing possible,” Mayor Jayo said.
“If we want new homes built in the right places, we need the right infrastructure in place first.”
Council’s role is to deliver trunk sewer infrastructure — large-scale pipes and pump station capacity that service new development areas and provide connection points for future growth. It is not about extending sewerage into existing neighbourhoods.
“This project is about enabling the future, not changing what already exists,” Mayor Jayo said.
“It does not mean sewerage is being pushed onto existing properties, and it does not mandate connections for residents in Toobanna or elsewhere.”
Developers who choose to build new residential lots will be responsible for their own internal subdivision sewer works, approvals, and connections to Council’s trunk infrastructure.
Council provides the backbone infrastructure, while developers build and manage the smaller internal systems within their estates.
Mayor Jayo said the project aligns with Council’s Local Housing Action Plan and supports recovery efforts following the 2025 North Queensland floods.
“This investment allows Council to plan ahead rather than react,” Mayor Jayo said.
“It supports recovery now and growth into the future, without placing new burdens on existing communities.”
Council will continue to provide updates as the project progresses through to delivery.
These projects are proudly funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by Hinchinbrook Shire Council.
Hiya Hinchinbrook, hope you all have your green on for Saint Patrick’s Day this week!
While the Herbert River RSL may have beat us all to it by having a pre-Patrick's day, I doubt that will stop many from celebrating this week. I know I will be raising a Guinness in spirit, to honour my Irish ancestors both alive and passed.
I don’t think I have often expressed enough how wonderful this job can be with all the amazing people I get to meet. Seeing their passions out in the field, or during a sit-down interview is one of the most rewarding practices a journalist can have. Writing it all up and capturing it in photos and words I feel a little like a historian, documenting Hinchinbrook history as it unfolds in front of me. Or as a fortune teller, when we write of community projects to come. Seeing them develop and the community interact with it all is just very fascinating.
This week’s newspaper has a lot of different topics from many places inside and outside Hinchinbrook region. A catch of Cassowary Coast, a touch of Townsville, and a whole lot of Hinchinbrook. The team and I behind the scenes had many discussions of what to include this week as we kept finding more and more interesting stories to fit in. You may notice that we had to give our Mount Fox story a continuation as there’s still so much to say for it that we simply couldn’t fit it all in in one edition.
So, keep an eye out for that and more riveting news in upcoming editions of Hinchinbrook Life!
Fun fact: I absolutely love old things, the feelings of nostalgia for bygone eras are capturing. This love extends not only for antiquities but also documentaries and learning about the past.
“When something annoys you on the way to work every day… grab a beer and a good looking guy and do something about it.”
That was the energy of the team at GLOWS Mission Beach, who decided to take action when one of the town’s beautiful signs had been strangled by leafy vines. The foliage had covered the Wongaling Beach sign so heavily that the wonderful artistry of its design could barely be seen.
The GLOWS team decided enough was enough and set out to remove the creeper. Thanks to their efforts, the sign is now visible again after a simple act of getting it done, with the Mission Beach community congratulating them for their community-minded spirit.
Before, the sign was covered in foliage. Photo credit: GLOWS Mission Beach
Now, the sign can be seen clearly again. Photo credit: GLOWS Mission Beach
You may have visited Hinchinbrook Island, but have you ever visited Survivor Island?
Residents in regional communities across the country are being encouraged to step into the spotlight following a recent casting call for the next season of Australian Survivor.
While the Hinchinbrook Shire hasn’t yet produced its own Australian Survivor castaway, residents from nearby communities, including Burdekin’s Janelle Durso (2021) and Townsville’s Indy Saleh (2025), have taken on the challenge.
“People from regional areas aren’t shown much on the telly. We are a different breed,” Janelle said.
“We’re the backbone of Australia with our resilience and hard work ethic. It’s always great to see someone you can see yourself in representing your area.”
Interested in becoming a contestant yourself? Australian Survivor casting directors say they’re looking for everyday Australians with the strength, personality and determination to handle the game’s extreme challenges.
Applicants must be physically and mentally resilient, able to endure harsh outdoor conditions and compete in demanding challenges. Contestants also need to be confident, engaging and comfortable living closely with strangers while forming alliances.
Casting is open to men and women from all backgrounds and locations.
To apply, hopeful contestants must complete an online application at www.survivorcasting.com.au, submit two photos and record a short video explaining why they believe they have what it takes to become the next Sole Survivor. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, aged 18 or over, and able to swim.
“My advice for anyone wanting to apply is to be honest and be yourself,” Janelle said.
“Make sure you’re in your best physical shape – and maybe practise puzzles!”
CAPTION: Janelle Durso, from the Burdekin, competed in Australian Survivor in 2021. Photo source: Australian Survivor
Residents are being invited to take part in a free community workshop aimed at helping people better prepare for extreme weather and emergencies.
Hosted by the Australian Red Cross at the Cardwell Community Hall on Wednesday, 18 March, the EmergencyRedi™ Workshop will provide practical guidance on understanding local risks and building personal and household preparedness. Doors will open at 9:30am with a free morning tea, before the workshop runs from 10:15am to 11:45am. Everyone is welcome to attend.
As Australia continues to experience more frequent and severe weather events, organisers say being prepared has never been more important. The workshop is supported by NRMA Insurance through its Help Nation initiative, which aims to bring communities together to strengthen resilience and readiness.
During the session, participants will learn about the practical, psychological and social steps they can take to reduce the impacts of disasters and other crises. The workshop introduces attendees to the RediPlan®, an all-hazards household emergency plan developed by the Australian Red Cross.
The workshop focuses on four key areas: learning about local emergency risks and plans; strengthening connections with household members and support networks; getting organised by securing important documents, planning for pets and dependants, and reviewing insurance; and preparing an emergency kit that is ready to go.
EmergencyRedi™ workshops are designed to be relaxed, interactive and tailored to local needs, using real-life examples and facilitated discussion to make preparedness practical and achievable.
Places are free but bookings are essential and can be made online at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/cardwell-australian-red-cross-emergencyreditm-workshop-tickets-1983579709307?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl.
Community members are encouraged to secure their spot and take a proactive step towards being better prepared for whatever the season brings.
What: Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ Workshop
When: Wednesday, 18 March, 9:30am
Where: Cardwell Community Hall
CAPTION: A FREE Australian Red Cross, the EmergencyRedi™ Workshop will be held next week at the Cardwell Community Hall. Photo source: Australian Red Cross
Local residents interested in starting a career in aged care are invited to take part in a nine week training program through the Community Embedded Learning Hub.
The program offers participants the opportunity to begin their journey towards a Certificate III in Individual Support, providing the skills and knowledge needed to work in the aged care sector.
Delivered by Centacare FNQ in partnership with Ageing Australia and Skills Generation, the course is designed to support participants throughout their learning while also helping connect them with employment opportunities.
The course is free and includes both training and employment support to assist participants in finding work after completion. With demand for aged care workers continuing to grow, the program provides a valuable pathway into a rewarding and meaningful career.
Places are limited and those interested are encouraged to enquire or apply as soon as possible.
For more information, contact Reegan on 0428 975 609 or Penny on 0418 537 310, or email employmentandtraining@centacarefnq.org.
The program is proudly supported by the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch.
Tax time can feel overwhelming, but AA Business Services is helping Hinchinbrook residents navigate the process with confidence. Based locally in Halifax, Alida Lee is commitment to providing trusted, affordable taxation support for individuals and small business owners across the region.
Known for her approachable and practical style, Alida focuses on delivering clear advice and cost-effective solutions without the high fees often associated with larger firms. Whether it is a straightforward personal tax return, managing rental property income or assisting sole traders and small businesses, AA Business Services works closely with clients to ensure they remain organised, compliant and confident throughout the process.
The business also offers reliable bookkeeping and accounting services, helping local operators stay on top of their finances year-round. Business Activity Statements and Instalment Activity Statements can be prepared and lodged electronically, while tax returns are also submitted online to help clients receive their refunds as quickly as possible.
Late tax returns are welcome, with efficient systems in place to complete overdue lodgements quickly and with minimal stress.
Proudly serving Halifax, Ingham and the wider Hinchinbrook community, AA Business Services continues to support locals with honest, dependable advice designed to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes at the best prices.
The natural, unflavoured Nutra Organics Collagen products are versatile and can be added to coffee, tea, smoothies, soups, baking, and more. Collagen is crucial for maintaining skin hydration, joint function, and tissue repair. Production naturally declines after age 20, leading to wrinkles and stiffer joints. Customers love these formulas for collagen quality, skin feel, and overall improvements in skin, hair, nails, and wellbeing.
Glow from the inside out with Collagen Beauty, Collagen for Skin, Hair, Nails + Gut, a natural collagen supplement featuring VERISOL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides and 100% RDI Vitamin C. It helps plump skin, support healing, improve hydration and elasticity, and promotes healthy hair, nails, and gut function. Scientifically formulated for visible results in just 8 weeks, Collagen Beauty complements an active, balanced lifestyle, helping you feel radiant and nourished while boosting overall wellbeing.
Collagen for Joint & Bone Strength is a natural wholefood formulation with FORTIGEL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides, vitamin D, and calcium (50% RDI) to support healthy joints and bones. Ideal for busy, active lifestyles as well as mature adults, it promotes mobility and helps you stay strong, supporting both exercise and everyday activities.
Caption: Nutra Organics Collagen Formulas are available at Ingham Whole Life Pharmacy. Image credits: Nutra Naturals
After months spent indoors and glued to screens, many children are showing signs of reduced physical and emotional wellbeing. Tanya Bird, Practice Manager at Naturally Kids, says, “We are increasingly seeing children who have had fewer opportunities for movement, exploration and social interaction in their everyday lives.”
Physically, this can show up as “reduced core strength, balance and coordination, as well as delays in motor development. As children are spending more time sitting, in their day both at school and at home we see the resultant impact on posture and overall physical confidence.” She explains, “We’re seeing more children who struggle with attention, emotional regulation and resilience. When children spend extended periods indoors and on screens, they miss out on the natural opportunities to practise problem-solving, risk-taking and social interaction that come with active play.”
The solution, Bird says, is outdoor play. “Outdoor play provides children with a rich environment that supports multiple areas of development at once. Nature encourages children to move in varied and unpredictable ways — climbing, balancing, running and exploring — which helps build strength, coordination and body awareness. It also stimulates sensory development, which is essential for children’s ability to regulate their emotions and focus on tasks.”
Bird highlights that outdoor activity can help children ‘reset’ after time spent indoors. “The open environment, natural light and freedom to explore allow children to reconnect with their bodies, their curiosity and their sense of independence.” Beyond physical benefits, time outside supports mental wellbeing and social skills. “Outdoor play offers children something that structured indoor environments often cannot — freedom to experiment, take manageable risks and solve problems independently. When children climb a tree, build something with sticks or work together to complete a task outdoors, they are developing confidence and resilience.”
Outdoor play also encourages collaboration. “Children negotiate rules, share ideas and practise teamwork without the pressure that can sometimes come with structured activities. From a mental health perspective, time outdoors is incredibly regulating for children. It helps reduce anxiety, improves mood, and supports attention and concentration. These benefits are particularly important for neurodiverse children who may experience sensory or emotional regulation challenges.”
For parents unsure how to get their children outside, Bird recommends starting small and keeping it fun. “Make it part of everyday life rather than something that feels like another task. Children learn from watching adults model the behaviour. Some simple strategies include visiting local parks or beaches for short, regular play sessions, encouraging unstructured play outdoors, creating ‘nature challenges’ like collecting leaves or spotting wildlife, replacing some screen time with family walks or backyard play, and letting children lead the activity rather than directing how they should play.”
Bird emphasises consistency with, “Even small amounts of outdoor play each day can have a big impact on a child’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Children are naturally curious. Often, once they are outside and given time to explore, the motivation to play emerges quickly.”
Naturally Kids integrates outdoor environments into therapy programs as well. “Our therapists regularly work with children in community settings such as parks, schools and other natural environments, allowing therapy to occur in spaces where children feel comfortable and motivated to engage. We also offer nature-based occupational therapy groups such as Joey’s Mob, where small groups of children participate in therapist-led outdoor activities, including building swings, crafting and exploring nature. Programs such as Sense Rugby provide structured movement experiences that support gross motor skills, balance, sensory processing, teamwork and social interaction in a fun and supportive environment.”
Bird concludes, “A child may benefit from more structured support when challenges with coordination, attention, emotional regulation, social participation or sensory processing begin to affect everyday activities such as school, play or friendships. Occupational therapy can help children build these skills through play-based approaches that are engaging, meaningful and tailored to each child’s strengths.”
Encouraging children to spend time outdoors doesn’t have to be complicated. By creating opportunities for exploration, movement, and connection with nature, families can help children build physical strength, confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of active play. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the simple joy of outdoor adventure may be exactly what today’s children need to thrive.
Caption: Activities as simple as splashing water about in a creek can build body awareness and coordination. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Caption: Building a bark and stick hut is a fun way to encourage creativity and natural connections. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Looking to reduce your power bills, protect your home or business from outages, or upgrade to a more sustainable energy solution? SpinFX NQ now offers professional Solar PV and Hybrid Installations across North Queensland, servicing Ingham, Forrest Beach, Lucinda, Cardwell, Georgetown, Mount Surprise through to Karumba, Forsayth, Croydon, and Einasleigh.
Whether you’re building a new home, renovating an existing property, or upgrading your electricity systems, SpinFX NQ provides top-quality solar panels and battery solutions tailored to your needs. Our expert electricians carry an extensive range of equipment and parts from leading brands, including Sungrade, ensuring reliable, long-lasting results.
Solar battery systems are a smart investment, allowing you to store energy generated by your solar panels for later use. This means you can draw on your own power at night, during peak times, or in the event of a power outage, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering your electricity bills. With government rebates and incentives available now, it’s a great time to invest before rebate reductions take effect on 1st May 2026.
SpinFX NQ also offers fully automatic generator and genset change-over installations, providing peace of mind for businesses with critical power needs. From cold rooms and freezers to fuel pumps, our systems ensure operations continue without interruption.
Owner Jesse Spina explains why solar is a priority for SpinFX NQ, "We got into solar as a lot of our clients were enquiring about it and have had numerous reports of their power bills going up",” he explained.
“And what better place to do it other than North Queensland? We have the best sun in the world, and there's an abundance of it,” said Jesse.
“Solar wasn’t really affordable a few years ago but prices have since dropped and with government incentives, it is much easier to afford it and we also provide finance options to help cash flow"
Don’t wait! Now is the perfect time to install your battery system and lock in savings before costs rise. Call SpinFX NQ today on 0447 774 854 for a free quote and ensure your home or business is powered by reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable electricity solutions.
Caption: SpinFX NQ now offers professional Solar PV and Hybrid Installations across North Queensland’ Photo credit: SpinFX NQ
The Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook has continued to serve the Hinchinbrook District over the last year. Some of the events that have happened for the club are it’s Changeover night where the new board was sworn in with Madeleine D’Urso handing the role of President over to Sari Russo. Also on that night 2 of the clubs hardworking members received awards. Keith Josey received a Paul Harris Fellow award (Life Membership) while Anne Accorsini received a Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire pin that is a step up recognising the further work Anne has done within the club.
Since that time the club has also been involved with sponsoring such local groups such as the Herbert River Show Society, Herbert River Netball, Ingham Art Action Group and have over recent years supported local schools with the Ingham State High School Creative Generation trip, Gilroy Santa Maria Velocity Raptors trip overseas and most recently Chris & Tracey Castles in the Outback Airrace that raised money for the Royal Flying Doctors.
The club also helped out at events such as Hinchinbrook Gallery Opening Events, Maraka, Forrest Beach Christmas Carols and they have also continued to sing Christmas Carols at the Ingham Nursing Homes each December. Club member Madeleine D’Urso took the lead in arranging the combined club Rotary, Lions and Apex clubs to come together to run a food stall at the recent Tones and I concert.
Presently the club is preparing to assist with the North Queensland Field Days in Townsville. Club members are also heavily involved with other committees around the district.
The club meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month with the 4th Wednesday being a Dinner Meeting which partners are welcome to attend. Besides those Dinners the club is involved with other such social events as Dinners with other clubs and their own Christmas functions.
Contributed with thanks by Peter Reitano.
It’s been a fantastic start to the year at Logilytics, and we want to say a genuine thank you to everyone who’s supported our family-owned business. Your trust keeps us doing what we do best: getting your IT and connectivity where it needs to be, be it at home or at work.
If your internet is slow, unreliable, or holding your team back, we can help with some great options available right now:
From smoother streaming and faster downloads at home, to more reliable video calls, cloud apps, and POS systems in business, we’ll recommend a fit-for-purpose solution and install it properly — no guesswork, no runaround.
Start 2026 with internet that actually keeps up. Call 07 4448 4707, message, or drop in and chat with the team today.
*Free fibre upgrade subject to eligibility, pathway, and service availability. Terms apply. Internet plan charges apply.
Caption Install: ‘We’ll recommend a fit-for-purpose solution and install it properly — no guesswork, no runaround.’ Photo supplied
Caption Team: Logilytics thanks everyone for supporting them and their family-owned business. Photo supplied
The contract to deliver the remedial works has been awarded to Advanced Aqua Blasting, a locally owned company established in 1998 by David Gianotti. AAB first secured work at Lucinda in 2009 and has since partnered on projects across the state.
The company will employ 10 Advanced Aqua Blasting staff on the project and has reinforced its purchase-and-employ-local policy throughout mobilisation. Local businesses including Diggers Plumbing, Lucinda Electrical Services, Henry Solari at NQ Garages and Sheds, Bark Concreting, Bike and Power Ingham, Devietti Ag and Machinery, and welding specialists from Ingham Agencies have contributed equipment, trades and materials.
The remediation process involves detailed welding repairs, with 2 staff from Ingham Agencies. Advanced Aqua Blasting staff will do precision abrasive blasting of steel headstocks, full repainting, and the fitting of Denso jackets to protect piles from ongoing marine exposure.
For AAB, as a locally owned company, to be entrusted with extending the life of such a critical asset for the Herbert River sugar industry, securing that contract meant so much.
“The sugar industry is the lifeblood of the Ingham district and the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal is critical for the shipping of the raw sugar to refineries. How vital the terminal was to the local sugar industry was evident in the aftermath of cyclone Yasi, where the sugar had to be road transported to Townsville.”
“Advanced Aqua Blasting won the contract through having a proven track record in working with QSL, where high safety, environmental protection and quality are the benchmarks achieved before and are expected again.”
Prioritising local trades, subcontractors and suppliers is central to AAB’s approach, and shows a long-term project like this will benefit the wider community.
“Advanced Aqua Blasting is not only a local company employing locals, but also a family company. Working beside owner David Gianotti is his son in law Damian, his son Tamatoa, his wife Juvie and his brother Geoff.”
“This multi-million-dollar contract is 4 years in length, so with the employ and buy local mindset and with 6 scaffolding staff from out of town living in the district for 10 months of the year, the economic flow on will be substantial.”
“Over its four-year lifespan, the project represents sustained economic activity for the region, supporting jobs, suppliers and local businesses while protecting the infrastructure that underpins one of North Queensland’s most important industries.”
Advanced Aqua Blasting is proud to uphold the responsibility and standards required for such complex marine remediation works. The company has brought the skills and expertise needed to carry out this specialised work in a challenging marine environment, supporting the long-term future of the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal and the regional industry it serves.
Caption LEADERS: Back row L-R Andrew La Spina, Daniel Castorina, David Ruggieri, all QSL Lucinda staff. Front row L-R Damian Floyd of Advanced Aqua Blasting, Monica Accornero of QSL Lucinda, David Gianotti and Geoff Gianotti of Advanced Aqua Blasting.
Caption CROWDSHOT: All the attendees of the briefing session, across both QSL and AAB. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Caption LEARNING: Project workers gathered at the Slipway restaurant for a briefing session. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
From the Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba to the Criterion Hotel in Warwick, 19 of Queensland’s heritage-listed landmarks received funding support for much-needed conservation work, with grants of up to $50,000 each.
Now, from the title of the grant to the example places listed, you wouldn’t expect a wallaby to fit in. But out in Forrest Beach, one woman is preserving heritage one “pouch potato” at a time.
Tracey Stoddart is a qualified macropod carer who raises orphaned kangaroos and wallabies until they are strong enough to return to the wild. Tracey applied for the grant and was successful in securing a total of $7,000, supporting the joeys in her care, which represent a quieter but equally important form of heritage preservation.
The funding helped improve her macropod enclosure with new fencing, shade cloth and irrigation, as well as assist with the cost of specialised formula used to raise joeys. She was allocated $3,000 in Round 7 and $4,000 in Round 8 under the Wildlife Carers Assistance category.
“I got water actually pumped and plumbed into my enclosure from the house, which saved me having to go backwards and forwards about six or seven times a day with watering cans to change water. So now I’ve got pressure and water in there, which is fantastic. It also helps me get food for my animals, which is very expensive, and I go through lots of it because I have a lot of animals,” said Tracey.
At present, her backyard nursery is home to a small mob of joeys at different stages of development.
“At the moment I have nine animals: four eastern greys, three red kangaroos and two ring-tailed wallabies. They come to me in all conditions, too.” She remarked, saying that not all rescues are hairless pinkies, “but they all need care and love,” she said.
Tracey works largely independently under her own wildlife permit, though she maintains connections with local rescue networks.
As an advocate for native wildlife, Tracey is also a proud member of the Hinchinbrook Wildlife Support group on Facebook and a former member of NQ Wildlife Care. Through her efforts as a surrogate mother to a mob of macropods, she is helping keep heritage and history alive and hopping for the next generation to enjoy and love.
“I take them in. I get them from all over. I’m with a couple of wildlife groups, but mainly I work on my own permit, under my own service. I specialise in macropods, especially the larger species,” said Tracey.
While she focuses on larger red and eastern grey kangaroos, Tracey admits she has a soft spot for ring-tailed wallabies, describing them as “exquisite and divine” little creatures that she occasionally takes on from time to time when she doesn’t have too many of the larger species in her care.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said preserving Queensland’s heritage remained a priority for the Government.
“Queensland’s heritage-listed places tell the story of our state; they are precious pieces of our past that give us a glimpse into the lives and times of those who came before us,” Minister Powell said.
“The Government is conserving these heritage assets because it is important for Queenslanders and creates opportunities for locals and visitors seeking enriching experiences that connect them with our history.”
While the grant program often focuses on historic buildings and landmarks, Tracey’s work highlights another side of heritage, the native wildlife that has shaped Australia’s identity for thousands of years.
With upgraded facilities and consistent care, Tracey’s joeys will eventually leave the safety of their interim nursery and return to the wild, helping to preserve a small but vital part of Australia’s living heritage.
Heritage doesn’t always come in the form of brick and mortar. Sometimes it is a fuzzy, floppy-eared joey — living heritage that is central to the Queensland and broader Australian way of life — nurtured by carers like Tracey in their own backyards.
The improvements funded by the grant help protect this living heritage, which has been part of Australia for millions of years, ensuring it keeps bounding forward.
Caption POUCHES: The nine joeys currently in Tracey’s care, all tucked up in handmade pouches, ready for their afternoon naps. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Caption TRACEY: Tracey Stoddart holding one of her favourite little ‘pouch potatoes’, a ring-tailed wallaby. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Caption ENCLOSURE: The grant funds enabled Tracey to upgrade and improve her rehabilitation enclosure, including features like running water and shade cloth installations. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
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