Since launching its Container Refund Point in 2018, MAMS Group has transformed recycling in Ingham, processing over 40 million drink containers and returning a staggering $4 million to local residents. This family-owned North Queensland business has become a cornerstone of community sustainability, economic growth, and job creation.

As part of Queensland’s Containers for Change initiative, MAMS Group contributes to a statewide mission that has already kept more than 600,000 tonnes of waste out of landfill. In Ingham, the refund point is more than a drop-off site, it’s a community hub where recycling pays off, both environmentally and financially.

In a major development earlier this year, MAMS Group secured two key logistics contracts under the Containers for Change program. These contracts cover the Far North and North Regions—from Bowen to Mossman—expanding the company’s footprint and reinforcing its commitment to a cleaner, greener future for North Queensland.

“Our success in Ingham shows what can be achieved when business, community, and environmental goals align,” said Josh Lannen, General Manager of MAMS Group. “We’re proud to contribute to the region’s prosperity while keeping millions of containers out of landfill.”

With a proven track record and growing influence in Queensland’s recycling network, MAMS Group is showing how local businesses can lead the way in environmental innovation and community impact.

Drop off your eligible 10-cent containers at 21 Challands St, Ingham, and be part of the change.

Looking for the perfect Christmas gifts this year? NewsExtra Ingham has everything you need to make your festive season extra special.

Step into the store and explore a wide range of giftware and thoughtful presents for both men and women. From photo frames to capture life’s special moments, to greeting cards for every occasion, not just Christmas, you’ll find something to suit everyone on your list. There’s also a great range of novelty items and small gifts that are perfect for those “just because” moments.

Make your house smell great this Christmas with some beautiful diffusers and candles from Home Fragrances. We also have perfumes and colognes from many big-name brands, making it easy to find that perfect, personalised gift.

Don’t forget to check out our Christmas Scratchie tree, with treat-filled stockings and baubles, plus a full selection of lottery tickets and scratchies for a little Nextra luck this festive season.

There's also a selection of Christmas decorations in store too. Beautiful ornaments and snowglobes that are perfect for perching on the mantle or gracing the centre of the dining table at your Christmas dinner.

Keep up with all our latest arrivals, special promotions, and gift ideas by following us on Facebook at NexsExtraIngham. Make this Christmas memorable and support your local community by shopping local at NewsExtra Ingham!

Looking to make your Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations extra special? Halifax Meats has you covered, with everything from mains to sides, snacks, and spreads, all made fresh at Halifax.

Start with our famous cabanas, beer sticks, salamis, and hand-made bacon. They're perfect for platters, table spreads, or simply to snack on while celebrating. Our wood-smoked hams are fan favourites and are keeping 16 years of tradition alive and getting better every year.

With everything handmade in store, they also offer a wide variety of roasts from duck to beef, and stuffed meats, catering to all tastes. Popular stuffing flavours include sun-dried tomato, baby spinach and feta, camembert and asparagus, cranberry and pistachio, as well as simpler options like garlic and parsley.

To complement your feast, they also stock jams, chutneys, hand-glazes, and sauces, along with Lions Club Christmas cakes. Whether it’s your main course, sides, or everything in between, Halifax Meats has all you need to make your Christmas table unforgettable.

Whole turkeys and tur-duck-ens are available, as well as pork and chicken balls, marinated fillets, chicken wings, pork ribs, belly bites, and rolled loins, absolutely perfect for a family BBQ or for accompanying your glorious, central Christmas ham.

The last day for pre-Christmas shopping in store will be Wednesday, 24 December, and we’ll reopen on Monday, 29 December. Orders have been open since March, and we’ll continue taking them right up until early Christmas week to make sure everyone gets their festive favourites.

"Celebrate with family, eat, drink, and be merry", says the team of amazing butchers at Halifax Meats.

Halifax Meats has everything you need to make this Christmas deliciously memorable. Come in and see their mouthwatering selection today at 25 MacRossan St, Halifax. Or call (07) 4777 7711 and order ahead!

Children across the country were up before sunrise this week, eagerly lining up at public phones as Telstra’s beloved Free Calls to Santa hotline officially switched on for 2025.

The festive tradition, now in its fifth year, allows young callers to dial #HOHOHO (#464646) for free from any of Telstra’s 14,000-plus public payphones to share their Christmas wishes directly with Santa at the North Pole. The hotline will remain open daily from 13 November until Christmas Eve.

What began in 2021 as a simple way to teach kids how to use a public phone has quickly grown into one of Australia’s most cherished Christmas rituals. More than 1.5 million calls have been made to Santa since the hotline’s launch, with almost 100,000 children phoning his out-of-office line over the past year alone while waiting for the service to reopen.

This year, pint-sized callers will again be treated to the popular kid-sized Telstra payphones, specially designed to make it easier for younger children to reach the handset. These miniature phones will be available in select Telstra stores in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane right up until Christmas Eve.

Telstra’s call data reveals some quirky trends behind the thousands of kids phoning the North Pole each year. Around 60 per cent of calls come from phones located near beaches and waterfronts, while a quarter originate from city centres and busy shopping precincts. Regional towns also play their part, with one of the most remote calls made from Anmatjere (Pmara Jutjunta), a First Nations community in the Northern Territory.

Meanwhile, Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall holds the title for the nation’s busiest Santa payphone, logging nearly 10,000 calls to Santa since the program began.

The hotline serves a practical purpose too, helping children learn how to locate and use a public phone, an important life skill in an emergency.

Since Telstra made all standard calls from payphones free in 2021, the use of public phones has tripled nationwide. Last year alone, more than 25 million free calls were made, including over 300,000 to emergency services. Over 4,000 of the payphones also provide free Wi-Fi, with more locations set to follow.

Families can locate their nearest participating phone through Telstra’s Payphone Finder or through Google Maps. All Telstra retail stores will also feature special Santa Phones from 3 December, allowing families to make their call while doing their Christmas shopping.

With thousands of excited children already lining up across Australia, it’s clear that Free Calls to Santa has secured its place as a truly modern Australian Christmas tradition - connecting communities, spreading festive joy, and keeping the magic of the season alive.

Looking to get your boat ready for summer or find the perfect gift for the boating enthusiast in your life? J&B Marine has you covered with incredible pre-Christmas deals and expert service.

If you haven’t booked your boat service yet, now is the time. Schedule in before all our spots fill up and get your vessel ready for a season of adventure on the water.

Mercury Outboard Savings – 2.5–30HP
Mercury is offering up to $700 off their 2.5–30HP FourStroke outboards (inc. GST), delivering unmatched performance, efficiency, and reliability. Perfect for inflatables, tinnies, or small fishing rigs, these lightweight engines provide smooth handling, easy portability, and trusted Mercury engineering. Offer ends 23 January 2026 – terms and conditions apply.

Mercury Outboard Savings – 60–150HP
For those looking to upgrade to more power, Mercury’s 60–150HP FourStroke outboards are built to deliver performance, efficiency, and reliability for offshore thrills or confident cruising. From 20 October to 15 December 2025, you can save up to $1500 (inc. GST) and enjoy Mercury Finance at a 3.99% comparison rate.

Whether it’s for a gift or your own adventure, there’s no better time to get more value, performance, and enjoyment from your boating season.

Visit jandbmarine.com or stop by in store at J&B Marine on 102 Cartwright Street, your local Mercury Dealer. Get that boatie in your life one of these limited-time offer outboards, seriously built to perform.

This gorgeous girl has a heart of gold, and there is nothing she loves more than curling up on her foster mum's bed for a snooze in her favourite sleeping position - belly up with her paws in the air!

Heidi loves her pats, especially under her chin and behind her ears. She has such a sweet nature and is very polite, she even knows to sit patiently and wait while her dinner is being prepared.

Her favourite game to play with her foster dad is hide and seek… probably because she always wins! Heidi can be a little nervous at first, but if you have a bit of patience and a lot of love, she will be your best friend in no time.

Does Heidi sound like your perfect match? Come see for yourself! To meet Heidi, fill in an inquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

Included in the adoption fee of $210: DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated.

DOB: 1/03/24
Sex: Female
Breed: DSH
Kid friendly: Soft Hands
Cat Friendly: Untested
Dog Friendly: Untested
Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors
BIN: BIN0000268254643

Historic Revitalisation for Port Hinchinbrook Announced

FRONT COVER

The State Government has kickstarted a long-awaited revitalisation of Port Hinchinbrook. The plan includes works to reinstate all-tide and Coast Guard access and resolve long-running legal issues. A Provisional Priority Development Area will be established to transform the precinct into a thriving tourism, economic, and residential hub. This initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to delivering a fresh start for Queensland and regional communities. Port Hinchinbrook will become the first-ever Provisional Priority Development Area, unlocking its full potential. The Queensland-first declaration marks a historic step and addresses long-standing issues that were neglected during the previous decade. Read on page 6

P.3
Premier Announces Port Hinchinbrook Revitilisation Plan

Economic Development Queensland will lead the initiative in partnership with Cassowary Coast Regional Council, industry, the community, and other key stakeholders.

Prior to the formalisation of the Provisional Priority Development Area, Economic Development Queensland will secure all final approvals for infrastructure works, including the dredging at Port Hinchinbrook.

The declaration enables the State Government to begin transforming the Port and surrounding areas by:

• Reinstating all-tide access for boats to the Port’s marina and public waterways by removing dredging spoil.
• Restoring clear access for the local Coast Guard to improve safety for boaties.
• Resolving long-standing legal issues that have impeded the Port’s redevelopment and economic future.

The Government will also acquire selected land parcels within the 140-hectare Provisional Priority Development Area – with no impact on private residential properties – to address economic and environmental issues.

The conformed deed over the property will be extinguished.

Residents are encouraged to provide feedback before the formalisation of the Provisional Priority Development Area in January 2026. Enabling works will follow, with dredging scheduled to commence in the second half of 2026.

Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was delivering a fresh start for Port Hinchinbrook.

"We've only been in office for a short period of time, but I think most people realise that you've got a government that understands that Queensland is a little bigger than Brisbane, and that's what this is about."

“Port Hinchinbrook has been neglected for far too long and today marks the beginning of a new chapter for this proud North Queensland community,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“This historic declaration is the first step towards unlocking the Port’s economic and tourism potential and finally fixing the issues that have held this community back for a decade.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the people of Port Hinchinbrook deserved a fast-tracked solution to a complex issue – one that had remained unresolved for far too long.

"Local tourism stalled and the community was repeatedly left without answers."

He said they were, "restoring Port Hinchinbrook to its rightful place as a thriving tourism and lifestyle hub for North Queensland.”

Mayor of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Teresa Millwood, said the project means more to the people of the area as "It's about bringing Port Hinchinbrook back to its former life. The dredging is only one part of it, but it'll mean the world to not only Port Hinchinbrook, but the whole township of Cardwell and the whole of the Cassowary Coast. You heard them talking about the jewel in the crown. This is the southern gateway. So it's going to be unbelievable."

Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!

With Remembrance Day and Plant A Tree Day, I can’t help but reflect on what I can do to make a difference through my own small actions. On 11 November, I remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and consider how we might live up, even in a small way, to the service they gave for our country.

That’s why events like Plant A Tree Day are so important. You are literally planting a better future. By helping in small ways, such as planting a few trees, I can do my part to protect and nurture the environment. I hear about the destruction of our green spaces from disasters and pests almost every day, so I donned my gloves and planted my share of trees.

After speaking with the organisers, I learned that the area we planted was another link in a chain that will become a wildlife corridor for our native fauna, now that the patch of invasive parra grass had been killed back. Hopefully, the trees we planted will grow strong and healthy, providing a thriving ecosystem for many years to come.

Victoria

Quotes: 'That is why young men die in battle for their country’s sake and why old men plant trees they will never sit under.' - from 1955, Essays in The Public Philosophy by Walter Lippmann. 'The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago, the second best time is now.' - popular saying.

The stinger net enclosure has been reinstalled at Forrest Beach just in time for stinger season, ensuring swimmers can enjoy the water safely during the warmer months.

Beachgoers are reminded to always swim inside the stinger net and between the red and yellow flags. Protective clothing, such as a lycra stinger suit, is recommended, and visitors should avoid hanging off the floating pontoon or venturing near the edges of the net. Fishers are also urged to take care when launching boats.

Box jellyfish are commonly found in calm, shallow waters and thrive in hot conditions, so vigilance is essential. Lifesavers are on patrol at the following times:

Saturday: 1pm–5pm
Sunday: 9am–5pm
Public holidays: 9am–5pm

Vinegar stations are available at the top of the beach and near the boat ramp to treat stings if they occur. Visitors with questions are encouraged to speak with the lifesavers on duty.

With the stinger net in place, Forrest Beach is ready for a safe and enjoyable summer in the water.

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By-Election Update

With nominations closing today, 11 November, there has been considerable shuffling among the minor parties, while the major parties have their campaigns in full swing.

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Queensland (One Nation) party saw Lisa Buchtmann withdraw due to personal health issues, while the Labor, Greens, and Family First parties only recently announced their nominations.

Joining major party contenders Mark Molachino for Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) and Wayde Chiesa for the Liberal National Party of Queensland (LNP) are the following candidates:

• Maurie Soars for the Australian Labor Party, announced on 3 November 2025.
• Amanda Nickson for Family First, endorsed on 6 November 2025.
• Aiden Creagh for the Greens, confirmed on 8 November 2025.
• One Nation has confirmed they have a new candidate to contest the By Election as of 10 November.

As campaigning ramps up, questions remain: Will KAP hold the seat without its long-serving local MP? Can the LNP or Labor make enough inroads to close the gap and potentially claim victory?

This by-election offers a snapshot of shifting political dynamics in regional Queensland, particularly in a seat long held by KAP. In the 2024 general election, Nick Dametto secured 46.42 per cent of the primary vote for KAP, with the LNP on 28.22 per cent and Labor on 14.03 per cent.

With Dametto’s departure and a new slate of candidates, the vote could swing. If the LNP or Labor achieve strong gains, it could indicate broader changes in how regional electorates respond to both major and minor parties alike.

Next week, we’ll be publishing a special Q&A with the candidates — comparing apples with apples on their policies, plans, and visions for how they aim to improve the region if elected.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is calling on all by-election candidates to back a bold vision for the future with $26.75 million in strategic investment across three interconnected projects.

Hinchinbrook is proud to be a vital contributor to North Queensland’s economy, offering world-class fishing, thriving agriculture, and a lifestyle that attracts visitors from across Australia.

With continued investment, the region can build on its strengths — delivering better connectivity, stronger resilience, and a sustainable future.

Mayor Ramon Jayo said Hinchinbrook works hard not just for itself, but for the broader regional Queensland community.

“From reef to rainforest, Hinchinbrook is a region of opportunity. These investments will deliver better connectivity, stronger resilience, and a more sustainable future for our community,” Mayor Jayo said.

Council’s priorities include:

Marine Access at Forrest Beach

Forrest Beach is Hinchinbrook’s premier lifestyle destination, but reliable marine access remains a challenge. Council is seeking $4 million to upgrade the Cassady Creek boat ramp and $750,000 to prepare a business case for new ramp and jetty facilities. Mayor Jayo said reliable marine access isn’t just about convenience — it’s about unlocking opportunity for tourism, emergency response, and community growth.

Lucinda Sewage Infrastructure

Lucinda is a coastal gem and gateway to world-class fishing, but growth needs a foundation. Council is calling for $18 million to upgrade trunk infrastructure and treatment facilities, enabling housing development, tourism expansion, and FIFO/DIDO attraction. Mayor Jayo said upgrading Lucinda’s sewage network is the key to housing, tourism, and attracting workers who want to live where the reef meets the rainforest.

Recycling Waste Facility

Council is committed to a sustainable future through a $4 million Recycling Waste Facility at Warrens Hill. The project will maximise recycling, extend landfill life, and create five direct jobs. Mayor Jayo said a modern recycling facility will cut landfill waste, create jobs, and position Hinchinbrook as a leader in the circular economy.

The Hinchinbrook state by-election will be held on Saturday, 29 November 2025. For more information about voting, visit https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/election-events/hinchinbrook-by-election on the Electoral Commission Queensland website

I thought I would like to give an update on the Hinchinbrook Drainage Advisory Group.

As a result of the February flooding events, the Council Disaster Recovery Groups were activated. From these initial meetings, stakeholders put forward the idea of forming a group to create a forum to look at drainage throughout the Hinchinbrook Shire. Hence, the Hinchinbrook Drainage Advisory Group was formed.

Some of the stakeholders in the group are:

HSC – Hinchinbrook Shire Council
HRIT – Herbert River Improvement Trust
LHWMA – Lower Herbert Water Management Authority
HRCG – Herbert River Catchment Group
QCAR – Queensland Cane Action Reserve
WILMAR – Wilmar Sugar Australia
DTMR – Department of Transport and Main Roads
QR – Queensland Rail
DPI – Department of Primary Industries
DETSI – Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
SARA – State Assessment and Referral Agency


One of, but definitely not the only, areas of concern was blockages of mangrove drains and the inability to maintain these vital and fragile areas back to functioning waterways.

The group has held monthly meetings and onsite visits to examples of these areas. From these visits, it helped the government departments gain a better understanding of the matters relating to mangrove maintenance works required in the Lower Herbert Catchment.

The group has identified four trial sites, which involve Queensland Government department tenure, landholder onsite drains, as well as HRIT and LHWMA infrastructure. All of these sites require maintenance in the mangrove areas.

Recently, the group was successful in gaining support from the DPI to conduct well-overdue maintenance at these four trial sites. Works will still require a development application submitted through the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).

Once the sites have received maintenance and been rehabilitated, they will serve as an example of a workable process that can be used throughout our Shire to deliver consistent and sustainable results.

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

Sugarcane has been the backbone of Hinchinbrook’s economy for generations, and today it offers even greater potential through its versatility.

It produces not only sugar but also bioenergy, bioplastics, and other innovative products that can drive a sustainable future.

Global sugar prices fluctuate, and when they fall, the impact on our community is immediate.

That’s why the future lies in diversification — transforming sugarcane into more than sugar.

Sugarcane is a powerhouse crop with enormous potential beyond traditional production.

It can help power Queensland’s clean energy future through bioenergy, including renewable electricity, biofuels, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Bagasse, the fibre left after crushing cane, already generates electricity for the grid.

With the right investment and policy support, we can expand this capability and create new industries that deliver jobs, innovation, and resilience for our region.

Townsville Enterprise, which advocates on behalf of Hinchinbrook Shire to state and federal political entities, lodged a submission to the Queensland Government’s Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities, highlighting the significant potential of this industry.

A report by Licella found that Queensland’s sugarcane biofuel sector alone could create 8,000 new full-time jobs and 1,000 construction jobs, deliver $10 billion in new investment, add $5 billion to Queensland’s GDP, and meet more than 10% of Australia’s aviation fuel needs through SAF.

These figures demonstrate that bioenergy is not just an environmental solution — it is an economic game-changer.

The Burdekin and Hinchinbrook regions already produce over 11 million tonnes of sugarcane annually.

With coordinated policy and investment, these regions can lead Queensland’s renewable transition.

Opportunities to use leftover cane fibre for electricity or refine cane into fuel for cars and planes will only grow, but decisive action is needed now.

This is why Hinchinbrook Shire Council is calling on all candidates in the Hinchinbrook by-election to commit to supporting this vision.

It is not just about sugar; it is about securing jobs, attracting investment, and building national fuel security. If Brazil, India, and Thailand can do it, how come the Smart State of Queensland can’t?

Sugar has served us well, but its future lies in complementing traditional production with new, sustainable industries.

This is our opportunity to turn Hinchinbrook into a hub for bioenergy innovation, an opportunity that has been waiting far too long. To make it happen, we need every single level of government on board.

The Island That Forgot It Was An Island

It’s hard to believe that Hinchinbrook Island — one of Australia’s most pristine wilderness escapes — wasn’t always recognised as an island. For years, it was thought to be part of the mainland until surveyors in 1843 discovered the narrow channel separating it.

Today, that very gap known as the Hinchinbrook Channel is a natural maze of mangroves and crocodile country, beloved by kayakers and nature photographers. The island itself is a sanctuary of misty peaks, rainforest, and waterfalls — and it gave the Shire its name.

So next time you look across from Lucinda or Cardwell, remember: the mighty island that defines Hinchinbrook’s identity once hid in plain sight. Turns out even nature plays a cheeky game of “who moved my cheese.”

One of the Australian Army’s largest support battalions has opened its expansive workshops to local schools, aiming to inspire the next generation of recruits.

Approximately 250 high school students from Townsville, Ayr, Ingham, and Tully attended the open day in October. Among them were Indigenous students from the Clontarf Foundation.

Students had the opportunity to meet ADF career specialists and speak directly with 3CSSB personnel while touring some of the largest mechanical workshops and military supply warehouses in the country.

They also engaged with cutting-edge drone technology and participated in physical fitness training sessions.

The 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion (3CSSB), based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, plays a critical role in supporting the 3rd Brigade with essential transport, supply, and maintenance services—enabling the Brigade to move, train, and fight effectively.

With more than 500 officers and soldiers across over 40 employment categories, 3CSSB is actively supporting Australian Defence Force (ADF) Careers to attract new recruits to join the ADF by highlighting some of its roles, including vehicle mechanics and operators, fuel and cargo specialists, electronics technicians, and more.

3CSSB Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Long, said the event helped open young minds to career paths they may not have previously considered.

“There’s a wide range of benefits to pursuing a logistics role in the military,” LTCOL Long said.

“But you also gain trade qualifications with civilian equivalencies, giving you the flexibility to transition into employment beyond the military.”

“We need skilled people to maintain these platforms and ensure our capabilities will be up to meeting whatever challenge is thrown at us. Townsville is a key garrison city with a strong defence and industrial base. These trade qualifications offer individuals the chance to build lasting careers right here in the region.”

Key trades showcased during the open day included recovery mechanics, vehicle technicians, electronics technicians, and material technicians—all currently in high demand as the 3rd Brigade prepares for growth.

ADF Careers Senior Recruiting Officer, Major Peter Cherry, said it is an exciting time to join the ADF in Army logistics.

“Events like this show the community the breadth of roles that the ADF has to offer and the opportunities that come with a career in the ADF,” MAJ Cherry said.

For more information on ADF Careers and pathways such as the Gap Year program, visit adfcareers.gov.au or call 13 19 01