Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

The results of our grower survey last year made it quite apparent that growers who market with Wilmar
believe that the market information we provide is one of the most important services of our Grower
Marketing team.

One way we keep growers up to date is via shed meetings and information sessions which we recently
held in Proserpine, Ingham and the Burdekin.

It’s always thoroughly enjoyable for the team to get out and about, meeting with growers, learning more
about their businesses and hearing what works for them.

With the current turmoil in global markets, it was a timely update given the uncertainty within the world. It
was also a great opportunity to have our Risk Manager Bevan Patterson up from Brisbane to review the
current Wilmar forecasts on global demand and supply, and try to make some sense of the chaos.

Currently we forecast a small net surplus in sugar for the upcoming season which is highly dependent on
Brazil delivering another record crop of 42 million tonnes of sugar. Harvest is about to get under way in
Brazil and the dry start to the year may result in yields underperforming current forecasts.

As Brazil accounts for nearly three quarters of global seaborne trade, any slip in production could see a
surplus turn into a deficit, and higher prices.

The global market turmoil triggered by the tariff tit for tat has caused the AUD to be extremely volatile as
traders analyse the impact on a trading nation like Australia. It is not often that we see the AUD below 60
cents and it has masked some of the drop in the #11 sugar price fall.

In better news, our 2024 season pools and allocation account continue to outperform, and we will soon
release our quarterly performance and comparative analysis for January to March. Keep an eye on your
inbox for that later this month. The analysis continues to show that growers are significantly better off by
marketing with Wilmar, irrespective of the mechanisms used for GEI sugar pricing.

After a few days out of the office and in the regions catching up with our growers, it is great to see the
sun shining and the fields drying out. We hope the rainy days are behind us, and we will soon see a hive
of activity out on the farms as planting begins.

The Ingham Gold Cup Race Day (18+ event) returns to our local Herbert River Jockey Club
track and events calendar on 12 July 2025 and promises a fun filled, action-packed day of horse racing, fashions on the field, music, food and beverages.

With a less-than-ideal start to the 2025 year, we were adversely affected by the recent
floods, with damage occurring in our Members Club House and one of the Jockey Rooms.
The most significant damage however impacted the Inside and Outside Running Rails on the track. Regardless of all these setbacks, we have embraced the new racing season and have already commenced preparations for the much-anticipated July event where the community can come together and celebrate our resilience and determination to build back stronger than ever!

We’re going to have the usual crowd-attracting entertainment. The excitement of horse
racing, the glamour of Fashions on the Field as well as local music entertainers keeping the party going into the night. Fashions Coordinator Christina Spencer has said “Our Fashions on the Field event was a head-turner at our last Race Meeting in November 2024 and this year promises to be just as spectacular. I have found three highly professional judges with an extensive background in the fashion industry; And sponsorship requests have been sent out to all local businesses in the hopes of compiling an extensive prize pool for the fashions winners.”

One of the Fashions categories introduced at our last event was “Hinchinbrook Way” – local category and we intend to include it again at this next event, highlighting the importance of supporting local business and shopping locally. The criteria for this category is living within the 4850 postcode, however extra prizes will be given if the outfit was purchased locally.

Other categories will be Contemporary Lady, Classic Lady, Best Dressed Male and Millinery, as well as the usual Spotter’s Choice. While our Fashions don’t have a particular theme in the style criteria, you can expect sunflowers, burlap and country vibes under the marquee!

With our updated website, and our current Facebook and Instagram sites, more details will be unveiled in the next few months, so stay tuned. If your business would like to become a sponsor, feel free to get in touch with the committee. There’s some amazing sponsorship packages also available!

MenZland
At MenZ, we’re all about colour and subtle patterns — perfect for standing out at this year’s Race Week. For Fashions on the Field, we’re loving shirts in soft pastels, earthy tones, and fine prints that add just the right amount of flair. Small-scale patterns bring a touch of personality without overpowering your look, keeping things fresh, modern, and race-day appropriate. It’s all about keeping it clean, confident, and comfortable. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it cool, we’ve got the perfect shirt to help you look sharp trackside. Pop in-store and let us help you find your winning look!

Bossi Boots
Fashion is simply fabulous! Whether you love of colour, black and white, matchy-matchy, quirky, vintage, it's your time to shine! Stockings - no stockings, gloves - no gloves, it's what you like. Personally, stockings and gloves are quite classy even if it's hot and humid! What shoe suits your outfit? A block heel is guaranteed to help you stay stable all day but what style works with your outfit - strappy, closed in, peep toe, court shoe? Do you choose your headpiece first or your outfit? Whatever your fashion question, you're welcome to ask for advice at Bossi Boots to help you get races ready!

i love boutique
Whether you're rocking designer threads or your favourite op-shop score, with i love boutique we can help you find that confidence to really stand out! For Race Day style in Ingham, NQ fashion is all about bold colours, fun prints, and showing off your personal flair. This year, ladies are mixing it up with everything from classic dresses to jumpsuits, bright accessories, fascinators, and a bit of sparkle. Lightweight fabrics are a must in the heat, and comfort is key—because you want to enjoy the day, with the best part being loving how amazing you look in your outfit!

Lisa Maree
Our best tip for looking your absolute best this Race Day is simple: wear what truly suits you! Confidence is your most stunning accessory. With Lisa Maree, you can try on every colour, pattern, and cut until we find that perfect match. Whether you prefer a flowing dress or something more structured, a chic skirt or a casual classic, we've got you covered. Let yourself feel radiant and free to twirl in your gorgeous outfit, perfectly paired with sensible yet stylish Race Day heels. Add a bold touch like a statement piece bag, or colour-matched fascinators and own your moment!

Happy Easter Hinchinbrook, I cannot believe that it is that time of year once again. I hope everyone has the time and opportunity to be able to catch up with family and friends if possible and the weather finally improves.

The February 2025 floods triggered the activation of Council’s Disaster Recovery Subgroups. As Chair of the Hinchinbrook Recovery Group Infrastructure Subgroup, I want to highlight its role: coordinating the recovery of housing, buildings, and essential infrastructure like power, water, transport, and communications across the region.

Once a disaster event is declared, funding programs such as Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement (DRFA) are announced, which is administered by Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA). DRFA programs allow organisations to assess the damage that may have occurred during an event, make submissions, coordinate and manage the restoration and repairs and finalise claims through the project acquittal process.

Residents may have already noticed some repair work carried out, such as clearing of debris, pothole patching, cleaning of table drains and minor grading along some roads. These activities are being undertaken as emergency works, a priority of this program is to temporarily repair an essential public asset to enable safe operation.

Subsequent Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA) require submissions to be made to QRA for approval of funding. Once a submission has been assessed and approved, the procurement process for the restoration works will begin.

Once again it is great to be able to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and read through what has been and what will be happening throughout our Shire. Thank you for the opportunity once again.

Happy Easter, Hinchinbrook. As the Easter long weekend approaches, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Hinchinbrook a safe and enjoyable time with their friends and families.

Easter means different things to different people, but at its core, it’s a time to pause, reflect, and spend time with those who matter most. For those of the Christian faith it’s a time to reflect on the death and resurrection of Christ. The Easter message is one of hope, faith and new beginnings.

It’s been a rough start to the New Year with wet weather and flooding remaining front of mind for many of us. Here’s hoping the long weekend brings some well-deserved sunshine. Traditionally, this time of year sees many families heading to our local beaches, shooting off for a bit of camping, or taking a short holiday.

Personally, I’m looking forward to getting out on the water and heading over to Hinchinbrook Island to check out Mulligans and Zoe Bay Falls. With the recent rain, both will be a spectacular sight to see. Wallaman Falls Road is currently open with caution and would make for a great drive and a day trip, as would the Cardwell Spa Pools and the many swimming spots around Crystal Creek.

Also, as a friendly reminder, we have been warned that police will be out on our roads and on the water in higher numbers than usual, so it would be a good idea to check your speed, keep an eye on your alcohol consumption, and if boating, check your safety gear like flares, EPIRB and lifejackets.

Whatever you decide to do, take care, travel safe, and have a wonderful Easter weekend

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The Hinchinbrook Way invites you on a journey guided by local storytellers, weaving rich tales that celebrate culture, heritage, and adventure.

This unique pathway draws from over 60,000 years of living history, where Indigenous and immigrant voices come together. Their stories, steeped in tradition, are lovingly passed from generation to generation, shaping the vibrant spirit of our region.

Even the logo tells a story. It reflects the Rainbow Serpent, follows the winding Herbert River, traces the flow of Wallaman Falls, echoes the lines of cultivated fields, and playfully nods to Italian heritage with strands of colourful spaghetti.

More than just a journey, The Hinchinbrook Way is a celebration of lifestyle—relaxed, authentic, and set against the backdrop of some of the most stunning landscapes in North Queensland.

Ingham State High School students were recently invited to participate in the 2025 edition of the Illuminate program. The program developed by the Townsville City Galleries and Visual Art Teacher, Rose Rush, was aimed at enriching arts practice for Senior Art students in the Townsville Region.

This was the fifth year in which Ingham High students have attended the program and once again it proved to be a very rewarding opportunity to build skills and knowledge from key artists, Tamika Grant-Iramu and Lisa Ashcroft. Each student created two resolved artworks from the Whimsical Sculpture and the Organic Patterns & Forms workshops and especially enjoyed working amongst their like-minded creative peers.

A highlight for the attending students was also being able to experience Behind the Lines - The Year in Political Cartoons 2024 exhibition, which is currently exhibiting at Pinnacles Gallery.

While it might seem like a big job, refreshing your walls can be achieved in 4 basic steps and it’s an easy way to refresh or completely change the look and feel of a room. Pick a room for each weekend, put on your favourite music and get painting!

Before any paint tin gets opened, investing in the right tools for the job will not only stand you in good stead for your current paint job but any future projects. Here is a list of equipment you will need before getting started: Bucket & sponge, Sugar Soap, All Purpose Filler, Masking tape, Paintbrush, Cloth, Drop sheet, Sandpaper & block, Stirrer, Roller & tray, Extension pole, Interior (available in Matt, Low Sheen, Semi-gloss, Gloss), and all can be found at 100 Herbert Steet's Mitre10!

1. Prep - Prepping your walls properly will make the painting process a much easier one with a great result. Cover or remove furniture and lay down a drop sheet. To prepare the walls: wash down with Sugar Soap, fill any cracks with All Purpose Filler (allowing 30 minutes for dry time), sand back and dust off. Spot prime any patches with Multi Prep. You will then need to mask the trims for cutting in. This means putting masking tape along the edge of the wall, skirting boards or cornices so that the neighbouring wall, floor or ceiling does not get any unwanted paint on it.

2. Cut In - Cutting in means painting the corners or around fiddly bits like vents and light fittings with a paintbrush. Basically, spots that you wouldn’t be able to reach with a paint roller. Before dipping in your paintbrush to paint, mix the paint with a stirrer in a circular lifting motion.

3. Paint - Now it’s time for the fun part, load the roller with an even amount of paint. Start at the left edge of the wall and roll in an overlapping ‘W’ shape from top to bottom, this ensures even distribution of the paint.

4. Lay Off - Once you have applied 3-4 rollers full of paint, and before the paint has dried, it is time to lay off. This means rolling the roller (when it is ready for more paint, not loaded with paint) with no pressure in a straight line (vertically) starting at the top to ensure even coverage. Continue this process until you have completed the entire wall or section of wall.

There you have it! It's as simple as those four steps and the more you paint, the faster and more efficient you'll become. If you have questions about any part of the process or need advice for your next project come and chat in store at 100 Herbert Steet, Ingahm, Mitre10.

For more than 32 years – including the two decades I have lived in Kennedy – our proud communities here in Hinchinbrook have been represented by the same voice in Canberra.

But I ask you: has our region been taken seriously when big decisions are made? Has Hinchinbrook benefited from the transformational infrastructure we’ve been trying for years to receive? Has enough been done to give our kids and grandkids a reason to stay here?

Maybe it’s time for a fresh approach, and I’m ready to deliver it.

I’m Annette Swaine, your LNP candidate for Kennedy, and I’m proud to call North Queensland home. I’ve lived, worked and raised my family right here in the Kennedy electorate for the past two decades. I know this region. I’ve walked its streets, fished its waters, and stood side by side with its people through good times and bad.
I grew up in the Torres Strait Islands in the commercial fishing industry, learning early the value of hard work and community. I served as a Queensland Police Sergeant in Innisfail, Mount Isa and Cardwell, specialising in the Child Protection and Investigation Unit. After leaving the police, I ran a small fishing charter and tourism business out of Cardwell.

Everything I’ve done in life has been shaped by service and community.

That’s why I’m putting my hand up – because more can be done to bring about positive change for the people of Kennedy.

Under a Dutton Liberal National Government, we will always fight for farmers, small businesses, and tradies. We will introduce a $12,000 incentive for small and medium businesses to take on new apprentices and trainees in critical skill areas. That means more local jobs and a stronger workforce for the future.

We’ll deliver immediate tax relief and cut fuel taxes. We’ll also reintroduce the $30,000 Instant Asset Write-Off, giving our cane farmers, graziers and other businesses a tax cut when they buy new equipment.

Unlike Labor, we will never tax unrealised capital gains – a policy that would force some small business owners and farmers to sell their assets just to pay the tax. I stand for lower, simpler, and fairer taxes, and responsible budget management.

Under a Dutton Liberal National government, we will establish a dedicated $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund from mining revenue to pump money directly into the regions and ensure the Australian way of life is continued in our communities.

Kennedy needs a representative who not only understands local issues but someone who sits with a party of government and is in the room when decisions are made.

I’m not here just to make up the numbers and I’m not here to discredit the work of our current MP – I’m here to offer the chance to forge a new path. Because after 32 years, we need a different approach, and I have the local knowledge, experience, and determination to be that difference.

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Last week, the R U OK? Conversation Convoy made its way through Hinchinbrook Shire on its way up the coast. The convoy gave people an opportunity to talk in a comfortable setting outside of their usual circle, opening up new ways to connect, and provided someone to listen and to understand what they’ve been through. Parked in Ingham's central Rotary Park, they had a great turn out - with many townspeople seizing the opportunity to stop by, grab a free hot drink, a snag, and have a chat or a game of chess with one of the members of the Convoy team out under the bright yellow umbrellas or in the comfort of the caravan.

Checking In, Not Just Passing Through

Deputy Mayor Mary Brown attended the Convoy and was blown away by its presentation, saying, "I think it's fantastic, with a very relaxed and welcoming environment, and that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? There’s no judgement."

Ms. Brown also stated that, "Everything in town looks clean and lovely now, you wouldn’t know we had a flood. But emotionally, there’s still a lot of instability around."

Lachlan Searle, the Community Director for the Conversation Convoy, said that the journey is truly "all about meeting people in their hometowns, in their communities, and encouraging them to look out for friends and family and have a conversation if they see signs that someone might be struggling."

He recognised their trials and hoped the convoy would help ease worries, saying,  "There's a lot of pressure at the moment with the cost of living, as the floods up here in North Queensland have made a very difficult start to the year. So we're here to remind people that you can look out for your friends, your family, your colleagues, and you can ask them, 'Are You Ok?' on any day of the year."

Specifically, he noted that "The Conversation Convoy is deliberately stopping at places like Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Lucinda, so we can check in and see communities who have been hit really hard by those February floods. Those who are still waiting on things to settle down, waiting for insurance companies to get back to them. Making sure communities understand that they can check in with each other by simply sitting down, finding the time to ask, Are you ok?"

Billy Cheeseman, a member of the R U OK? Conversation Convoy wrapped it all up nicely, saying, "We come into towns to remind people that all it takes is a conversation to change your life. We make it simple by following just a few small steps to encourage both action and check-ins." Which is so important, keep checking in with each other and remember with enough community support, we can help everyone feel OK.

They say politics hardens you – and in some ways, that's true. But for me, it's never been about the politics. It's about the people. What keeps me going is what's always kept me going – a deep, stubborn love for North Queensland and a refusal to accept second best for the communities that call it home.

Take Hinchinbrook, for example. Whether it's fighting for phone coverage, medical services, roads or flood recovery, we deserve what Brisbane gets and what all Australians deserve – the basics done right, and the backing of government that actually cares.

Late last year, we saw the completion of the Telstra tower at Forrest Beach – something locals had been fighting for – for many years. It was a hard slog, but we got there together. That tower might look like steel and wires to some, but to the people of Forrest Beach, it's safety, connection, and inclusion in the modern world. Thanks must go to Nick Dametto and the community, who fought every step of the way and made it happen.

In Cardwell, we went toe-to-toe with health ministers to ensure the local GP didn't close its doors. When others gave up, we kept going. And thanks to the tireless efforts of people like Julie McKay and Carmen Edmondson – two of the most unrelenting tigers I've ever met – we kept vital healthcare in the region.

When the rains hit in February this year, we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers, small business owners, and the community. After relentless pressure, we secured expanded Category D disaster grants – up to $75,000 – a critical lifeline. But our fight isn't over. Businesses that suffered devastating losses but weren't directly inundated, are still being left out. That's not good enough, and I'll keep pressing until that's fixed.

I've also fought hard to ensure our infrastructure is up to scratch. The Ollera Creek Bridge rebuild didn't just happen – it came after we got the PM and Premier to visit the site and get the works done. And just over two months ago, I secured the final 11kms of bitumen for the Kennedy Development Road inland from Hughenden. It might seem far away to some, but it's a game-changer for the North – offering a vital inland escape route when floods cut us off along the coast.

I know what it takes to get things done. I've got wisdom, mongrel, and patriot to keep fighting – because the North deserves nothing less.

Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism has been progressively increasing the support it offers its members and local business, over the past nine months, following the engagement of a part time marketing and administrative support officer. Having the skills and resources to provide this support, has enabled Chamber to deliver numerous targeted campaigns that has enabled local businesses to participate and grow their marketing reach. Whilst Chamber has very limited financial resources to dedicate to marketing, they use a strategic approach of combining print, radio and online platforms to achieve their promotional objectives.
During 2024, Chamber worked closely Life Publishing Group to assist in providing networks and supporting the return a local newspaper to the region. Following the launch of the hugely successful Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper, Chamber has continued to provide a weekly update on the current issues that are impacting the business community.
In the online arena, Chamber has been strategic in targeting the audience, relative to the campaigns developed. These have included a very strong “Shop Local - The Hinchinbrook Way – Buy Local: Shop Local: Support Local” campaign which was launched in August 2024 and has been building momentum since that time. The November to Christmas period saw the very successful “Shop & Win – The Hinchinbrook Way” promotion rolled out, which saw many local businesses participate and gain an increased exposure during this period.
Moving into the New Year saw Chamber embark on a promotion of local employment opportunities and then support a recovery campaign, showcasing local businesses and tourism operators, as they were able to resume trading. Chamber has also focussed on a tourist visitation promotion leading into school holidays and the Easter period, reminding tourists the Shire is “open for business”. Many local businesses have capitalised on these campaigns showcasing the shire and services provided, to embrace the opportunity to raise their individual business profile.

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Cr Marbelli and I had the privilege of attending the Herbert River Museum and Gallery Annual General Meeting last Friday. It was great to see the good turnout of members and the number of volunteers prepared to join the committee of this amazing group that present, maintain and showcase a wealth of memorabilia portraying our district’s rich history and heritage since establishment in the 1800's. The museum, situated in Macrossan Street Halifax, would not be what it is without these dedicated volunteers who all work countless hours to ensure a memorable visitor experience for all. This year has been all the more intense for the volunteers who have had to deal with flooding of the premises and extensive clean up operations due to mould affecting much of the display. But the committee has persevered and the museum is back in operation in time for our winter visitors. Returning members of the executive committee are President Coral Gard, Secretary & Grants Officer Janet Astorquia and Treasurer Therese Mitchell. Thank you for all that you do on behalf of our community.

With Easter fast approaching, Council staff and contractors have been focussing on restoring access to our well known camping hotspots including Wallaman Falls and Jourama. Wallaman Falls in particular has proved quite a challenge with around thirty landslip affected areas assessed and short term hazard mitigation measures to support ongoing access and safety work undertaken. With emergent works now undertaken, Council is working in coordination with state agencies to meet the requirements of the disaster relief funding arrangements and Wet Tropics Management Authority guidelines to ensure permanent remediation works are undertaken as soon as possible.

The Mount Fox range has also proven very challenging due to the tremendous rain experienced over the past three months. Significant work has been performed to ensure temporary safety measures to allow access for our residents at the top of the range. Risk assessments and engineering evaluations are ongoing with the design phase for permanent slope stabilisation now initiated. I would like to remind all that the road remains under load restriction, due to continuing wet subgrade and road surrounds, and that extreme care continues to be needed whilst travelling on the road, particularly at night.

Happy Easter everyone, travel safely and have an enjoyable break with family and friends.

A heartwarming new initiative in North Queensland has already begun changing lives, giving young people in Townsville and the Hinchinbrook Shire the support they need to build bright futures. Set to Succeed, a Townsville-based not-for-profit, has launched a life-changing pilot program that not only helps young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people kick-start their careers in automotive, construction, and energy - but also ensures they have a safe and supportive place to call home.

The program has been made possible through partnerships with Mike Carney Toyota, AMA Group, and the Rotary Club of Thuringowa Central and aims to remove the housing barriers that often deter young people from staying within the Hinchinbrook region to peruse employment opportunities. Two houses have been provided to offer safe and supportive accommodation for five young people, along with a live-in support coordinator who will provide mentorship, life skills, and daily assistance.

Local businesses and community organisations have rallied behind the project in recognition of the urgent need for housing solutions to complement the region’s growing job market.

“Housing, Life Skills, Financial Literacy and Wellbeing are key challenges facing young people who want to continue their employment and training in Townsville (and Hinchinbrook),” shared Chris Carney of Mike Carney Group.

Antonio Winterstein founded Set to Succeed to further support the professional development and training of North Queensland’s future leaders, and he hopes the program will continue to flourish in the coming years.

“I founded Set to Succeed alongside others that have a drive to change the future of young people in North Queensland,” shared Antonio.

“We are so grateful to our industry and community supporters who understand our vision and want to be part of the solution.”

The pilot program will serve as a stepping stone for a larger, purpose-built facility in the future. With strong community and industry backing, Set to Succeed is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for young people in North Queensland.

To learn more or support the initiative, visit www.settosucceed.com.au.

Although your bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in your home, the space still deserves as much love as any other! Whether you’re a novice decorator looking for quick fixes or a DIY enthusiast ready to tackle a project, there are plenty of ways to refresh your space without breaking the bank.

Simple Updates for Instant Impact

• Swap Out Accessories: One of the easiest ways to give your bathroom a fresh feel is by changing out the little details. Pop in a new candle, handwash dispenser, toothbrush holder or decorative tray for your toiletries to instantly elevate the space.
• Update Hardware: If your vanity is looking a little tired, bust out the screwdriver and quickly replace a couple of drawer handles and cabinet knobs with modern or stylish alternatives.
• Introduce Greenery: A small indoor plant, such as a fern or peace lily, can breathe life into your bathroom and improve air quality.
• Fresh Linens and a Shower Curtain: A new bathmat, plush towels, or a bold-patterned shower curtain can go a long way in adding colour and personality to the space.

**For the DIY Go-Getters

• Repaint or Refresh Your Walls: A fresh coat of paint in a soft neutral or a bold accent colour can transform the mood of your bathroom. For a stylish upgrade, consider adding peel-and-stick wallpaper for a statement wall.
• Upgrade Your Mirror: Instead of a plain mirror, opt for a framed one or add a DIY frame to your existing mirror for a high-end look on a budget.
• Install Open Shelving: Floating shelves can add both storage and style. Use them to display candles, neatly folded towels, or small decorative pieces.
• Replace Your Vanity or Sink: If you’re ready for a more hands-on project, swapping out an outdated vanity for a more modern version can dramatically change the feel of your bathroom.

Whether you’re making small changes or taking on a full-scale DIY project, these ideas will help you create a bathroom that feels fresh, stylish, and welcoming without the need for a full renovation!