With sleek, jet-black fur that shimmers in the light, Marley is a beauty to behold. However, it's his charming personality that truly sets him apart. Marley is the ultimate purr machine, and his gentle vibrations will instantly soothe you the moment you cuddle up together.

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Included in adoption fee of $225 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated.

Could Marley be the missing piece in your family?  Enquire today at: angelpawsinc.com.au/pets-for-adoption

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Sex: Male

Breed: DSH

Colour: Solid Black

DOB: 01/07/2025

Cat Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Kid Friendly: Yes

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The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre is partnered with Thread Together, bringing new clothing to people in need. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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When you hear the word homelessness, what comes to mind?

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For many people, it's someone sleeping rough on the street. But homelessness is often hidden, and it can affect people from all walks of life.

On Census night in 2021, more than 122,000 Australians were experiencing homelessness.

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Many were not sleeping on the streets. They were staying with friends or relatives, living in overcrowded housing, sleeping in cars, residing in temporary accommodation, or facing the very real possibility of losing the place they called home.

Here in the Hinchinbrook region, many people have witnessed just how challenging it has become to find safe, stable and affordable housing. Rising living costs, limited rental availability and the ongoing impacts of recent natural disasters have placed increasing pressure on individuals and families throughout our community.

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At Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC), we are seeing more people reaching out for support because they are worried about keeping a roof over their heads. Some are struggling to find an affordable rental. Others are facing unexpected life changes such as relationship breakdown, illness, loss of employment or family violence. Every story is different, but one thing remains the same - housing insecurity can affect anyone.

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This is why Homelessness Awareness Week, held from Monday 3 August to Sunday 9 August 2026, is so important. It encourages us to look beyond the stereotypes, build understanding and compassion, and remind those experiencing housing insecurity that support is available.

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HCSC's Housing and Homelessness Services support individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Our team works alongside people to provide information, advocacy, referrals and practical support, helping them work towards greater housing stability, independence and hope for the future.

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Join Us During Homelessness Awareness Week

As part of Homelessness Awareness Week, Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre is proud to host a Homelessness Event, bringing together local organisations and service providers to showcase the support available within our region.

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Rebecca (Bec) of Wild Local in her fish & chip shop by the display of all their locally sourced seafood. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Wild Local Has Sights Set On Putting Hinchinbrook On Australia's Culinary Map

Winning Queensland's 2026 Seafood Industry Take-Away Fish & Chips Award was a proud moment for Wild Local owner Rebecca (Bec) Zaghini, which represents the promise of something bigger on the horizon.

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With the business now preparing to represent Queensland as one of Australia's top three fish and chip shops at the Australian Seafood Industry Awards in Sydney on July 30^th, Bec believes the recognition belongs to an entire community.

"It was a win not just for our shop and our team here at Wild Local, but it was a win for our seafood community," she said.

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"We are nothing without the fishermen behind us who put that amazing product in the display every day."

When accepting the Queensland title earlier this year, Bec said she spoke from the heart, thanking the commercial fishers and their families whose hard work supplies fresh seafood to the region every day.

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"They're out on the water feeding our community, our visitors and our locals," she said.

Bec believes Wild Local stood out because of its commitment to serving locally caught seafood.

"We believe you deserve to know where your food comes from," she said.

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"That's why we champion sustainable fishing methods and proudly highlight our fishermen's accreditation through the Master Fishermen Accreditation Program with OceanWatch, because great seafood starts long before it reaches your plate."

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She said being based in Hinchinbrook gives the business a unique advantage, with access to fresh local seafood that many businesses elsewhere struggle to source.

"I'm talking to Darcy from Johnny's Fish Bar about how we make Ingham and Hinchinbrook a wild seafood destination," Bec said.

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"It doesn't matter if you're getting your fish and chips from Wild Local or from Johnny's Fish Bar. When you're shopping local, you're supporting our fishing families, our fishing culture and our community."

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Bec believes visitors should be encouraged to ask not only whether their seafood is Australian, but whether it was caught right here in Hinchinbrook.

"When you do that, you're really investing in our community, in jobs and in the future of our region."

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"It's not just a piece of fish on your Friday night. This is jobs. This is regional security. This is food security. This is history."

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That’s why Bec has established Wild & Fresh, a community initiative to bring together commercial fishers, seafood retailers, government and industry representatives.  

Its first major event, Spotlight on Hinchinbrook, will be held in September, welcoming delegates from across Australia for industry discussions, networking opportunities, seafood experiences and community celebrations designed to showcase everything the region has to offer.

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Bec hopes the event will pave the way for more.

"Our dream is to create a seafood festival here in 2027," she said.

While the Queensland title has placed Wild Local firmly in the national spotlight, Bec says the award is only the beginning of a much bigger journey to make Hinchinbrook synonymous with Australia's finest wild seafood.

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"The idea has been simmering away in my head for a little while," she said.

"I thought, why aren't we celebrating our seafood? We've got this amazing resource right on our doorstep."

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Bec hopes the Spotlight event will become an annual fixture and eventually grow into a major drawcard for the region. She envisions a celebration that not only showcases fresh local seafood, but also highlights Hinchinbrook's fishing heritage, local producers, live entertainment and unique tourism experiences.

"It's about creating opportunities for the next generation," she said.

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"It's about supporting our fishermen, our businesses and making sure people understand just how important this industry is."

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"It's not about businesses being competitive with each other, but how can we collaborate to lift each other up?" she said.

"If they're buying local seafood, they're supporting our fishing families."

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Mayor Jayo was part of a mayoral delegation standing up against proposed changes to disaster relief funding. Photo source: LGAQ

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The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has today taken six Queensland mayors from different corners of the state to Melbourne as the sector ramps up the fight to reverse the Federal Government’s disaster funding changes that critics say mightleave communities impacted by cyclones, floods and bushfires without the full financial support needed for recovery.

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The changes include reducing the Federal Government’s contribution to disaster recovery from an average of 64 per cent down to 50 per cent, despite the Federal Government taking about 80 per cent of all taxation revenue, compared to about 17 per cent for State Governments and three per cent for councils.

The Melbourne mayoral delegation comes just weeks after delegates from the country’s 538 councils used the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly in Canberra to call on the Federal Government to abandon its proposed changes, in a motion put forward by the Byron Shire Council in New South Wales.

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The local government leaders - who travelled a combined 16,000km one-way - discussed the proposed disaster recovering funding changes outside the Melbourne hotel where the Federal, State and Territory Ministers met.

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“Queensland councils fear these proposed funding reductions will leave communities worse off, in what is Australia’s most disaster-prone state,” LGAQ Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith said.

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“These mayors chose to travel to Melbourne to demonstrate how important it is that the Federal Government drops these proposed reforms.”

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Today, the six Queensland mayors – from Queensland’s far north, north west, south west, south east and tropical coast - described the proposed reforms as unfair.

“We all pay our taxes. Communities expect that when they need help, it should be provided. Yet when the Federal Government collects 80 per cent of all national taxation revenue, and councils collect just three per cent, the expectation is that Canberra should make the strongest contribution during natural disasters,” said Etheridge Shire Mayor Barry Hughes.

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“Instead the Commonwealth has decided it wants to slash disaster funding, and pocket more than $600 million a year across Queensland if the last disaster season is anything to go by,” said Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon.

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“No one wants or deserves a natural disaster. No one asks for their town to be cut off, their roads to be washed away, their main street to be flooded and covered in mud, or their food to run out or go off because the trucks can’t get through. But disaster recovery funding is like an insurance policy – you want it to pay out when a community is on its knees,” said Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo.

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“These are all the reality of living in Queensland. Locals all do what they can to survive and help each other. All we are asking is that the Commonwealth continues to come good with the current levels of funding to help out,” said Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan.

“Councils and mayors are standing up for what is right, what is fair. If this deal goes ahead it is nothing less than kicking Queenslanders when they are down,” said Murweh Shire Mayor Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge.

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“Our current system works and needs to continue to provide the reassurance communities can rely on,” Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said.

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Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) analysis of the last three years of disasters shows Queensland would receive $1.5 billion less in Commonwealth disaster relief under the proposed changes, including $638 million less in just the past year alone.

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However, the modelling shows Queensland communities would have missed out on at least $2.8 billion in Federal support if the proposed regime had been in place since 2018.

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“In the 2025-26 summer, 74 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas were disaster activated,” Ms Smith said.

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“Councils have heard the Commonwealth say that no council will be worse off under these reforms, but with the size of the funding gap that this reduction in Federal support would create, these mayors are wondering who will meet this shortfall?” LGAQ CEO Alison Smith asked.  

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Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Lifelong Support has celebrated 50 years of supporting people with disability and their families, marking the milestone with a 50th Anniversary Cocktail Celebration on Saturday, July 18.

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The organisation's story began in 1976, when a group of parents and supporters came together to create better opportunities for their children at a time when disability services were limited.

Longtime supporter of the organisation, Nathan Henderson, was the MC and said the organisation's foundations were laid by parents who believed their sons and daughters deserved better.

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“The seeds of this organisation were planted 50 years ago,” he said.

“Those seeds weren't planted by governments or large charities. They were planted by a group of parents together with their friends and supporters who simply believed their sons and daughters deserve better.”

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Mr Henderson said the organisation had been created during a time when many families had little access to education, respite or therapy, with some travelling hundreds of kilometres to access services.

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“This wasn't because parents loved their children any less; it was because society hadn't caught up yet,” he said.

“Then a handful of parents decided enough was enough. They weren't experts or politicians. They were mums and dads, and somehow, they created lasting change in our community.”

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The celebration welcomed original parents, former clients, staff, volunteers and supporters, while recognising the organisation's history and the people who helped shape its future.

Letters and messages from throughout Lifelong Support's history were also read aloud during the evening, bringing tears to the eyes of many listeners as they reflected on the organisation's impact over five decades.

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A significant part of the celebration was recognising current CEO Elizabeth (Liz), whose long-term contribution was highlighted by one of Lifelong Support's founding parents. Liz was praised for her tireless advocacy for people with disability and her determination to challenge government departments and fight for better outcomes.

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The evening celebrated the many people who have contributed to Lifelong Support's 50-year journey and the continuing importance of its work in the community.

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See more photos here: www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/lifelong-support-celebrates-50-years-of-community-care

Forrest Beach Hotel’s exterior from the parking lot. Photo credit: Forrest Beach Seaside Resort

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After months of renovations and upgrades, the Forrest Beach Hotel has begun welcoming visitors and former patrons back through its doors.

The venue is currently in a soft-launch phase, with the bar and bottle shop now open to the public. Food services are not yet available as work continues towards the hotel's full reopening.

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The reopening marks the latest step in an extensive redevelopment of the hotel, which has undergone months of work to upgrade and refresh its facilities.

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"It's been incredibly rewarding to finally open our doors again and welcome the community back. The support we've received from locals has been overwhelming, and we're so grateful for everyone's patience while we've worked to breathe new life into the hotel. We're not finished yet, but we're excited to share what we've achieved so far and to continue building a venue the whole community can be proud of." said owner Noel Fichera.

For locals who have watched the renovations take place, the open doors offer the first opportunity to see the changes and return to a familiar community venue.

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The hotel is now welcoming visitors, old patrons and members of the community to come and see the progress for themselves while the next stages of the redevelopment continue.

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With the bar and bottle shop now operating, the Forrest Beach Hotel is gradually returning to life as work continues behind the scenes.

The venue's full offering, including food service, is expected to follow as further upgrades are completed.

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"The reopening of the bar and bottle shop is just the beginning. Our focus now is completing the restaurant renovations so we can introduce a quality dining experience that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. We know people are eager for the kitchen to open, and we're working hard to make sure it's worth the wait."

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The reopening is a significant milestone for the hotel and the wider Forrest Beach community, providing a first look at the result of months of work and investment into the local venue. They have recently rebranded online to the Forrest Beach Seaside Resort, to fully encapsulate all their facilities.

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International Legends of League and The Herbert River Crushers players together pre-game. Photo credit: International Legends of League

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It was a weekend of rugby league and plenty of star power as the Legends of League came to the Hinchinbrook Shire. From school visits and community events, to a packed day at the Ingham Bowls Club and an evening at Lee’s Hotel, the weekend gave locals the chance to meet some of the game’s biggest names. The action culminated at Artie Gofton Oval, where more than 2,500 people watched the Australian League Legends take on the Herbert River Crushers Allstars.

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A 16-ALL THRILLER IN INGHAM AS LEGENDS TAKE ON CRUSHERS

A huge weekend of rugby league has wrapped up in Ingham, with the International Legends of League event bringing NRL stars, local legends and more than 2,500 spectators to Artie Gofton Oval on Saturday night.

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The Hinchinbrook event was the 102nd Legends of League showcase, but the first time the organisation had brought its NRL legends to the region, with players taking part in community visits and activities throughout the weekend.

The weekend began with the legends visiting schools across the Hinchinbrook Shire, delivering the Dream, Believe, Achieve program and speaking with students at Trebonne, Forrest Beach, Halifax, Ingham, Toobanna and Abergowrie State Schools.

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The players also visited the Ingham Bowls Club for a bowls day, while Friday night featured a dinner at the Lees Hotel.

Saturday's main event featured junior rugby league games before the Lewie Fire Protection Australian Legends took on the DRM Plumbing FNQ Pty Ltd Herbert River Crushers Allstars.

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The star-studded Australian Legends side included the likes of Matt Bowen, Sam Thaiday, Ben Hannant, Antonio Winterstein and Alex Glenn, while the Crushers team featured local rugby league legends from across the region.

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The visitors took a 16-6 lead into the second half, but the local side fought back in a thrilling finish. Jarrod Modder, a local fan who joined the team through an auction, levelled the scores at full-time. He had the chance to win the match with the conversion, but the kick missed, leaving the game tied 16-all.

The event was proudly presented by Hinchinbrook Shire Council, supported by the Queensland Government and made possible through the efforts of the Herbert River Crushers RLFC committee, sponsors, volunteers and the wider community.

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“Footy is part of the fabric of our community, and events like this give us the chance to celebrate that while also delivering real benefits for our young people and local clubs,” Mayor Jayo said.

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Organisers thanked the more than 2,500 people who attended and supported the event, as well as the many local businesses, schools and organisations that helped make the weekend possible. Special thanks were extended to Matt Chiesa and the hard-working Herbert River Crushers RLFC committee for partnering in the event, along with all sponsors whose support helped bring the Legends of League weekend to the Hinchinbrook Shire.

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See more photos here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/international-legends-of-league-vs-the-herberts-river-crushers-all-stars

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List of notable players include:

Visiting Lewie Fire Protection Australian Legends Players

Craig Wilson

Craig Teevan

Russell Bawden

Luke Goodwin

Stu Kelly

Scott Bolton

Jaiman Lowe

Neville Costigan

Kevin Campion

Noel Goldthorpe

John Hopoate

Darren Smith

Antonio Winterstein

Alex Glenn

Ben Hannant

Matt Bowen

Sam Thaiday

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DRM Plumbing FNQ Pty Ltd Herbert River Crushers Allstars Players

Todd Cockburn

Scott Vardanega

Paul Rose

Mitchell Seri

Grant Swarbrick

Damon Cockburn

Brenden Seri

Brendan Chapman

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Sally Sedgwick-James with some of the sorted boxes of yarn. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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A simple call for yarn donations has resulted in an overwhelming response for the Forrest Beach CWA, helping the group continue its long-running efforts to create blankets, scarves and beanies for people experiencing homelessness.

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The appeal was made after the group ran out of yarn for its craft projects, with donations quickly arriving from across the region. The response has been so generous that the ladies are now taking stock of the materials they have received.

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One former Hinchinbrook Shire resident, now living in Brisbane, also rallied friends and CWA groups in her area and is expected to deliver around 190 balls of yarn to Forrest Beach next weekend.

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The CWA ladies regularly gather for craft mornings on Thursdays, where they knit and crochet items including large blankets big enough to wrap around a full-grown adult. A recent donation of blankets, scarves and beanies was delivered to the Hub for distribution to people in need.

“We sit together and knit to make these wonderful items on our Thursday craft mornings.” said CWA member Beverley Hulme, proudly showing off some of the beautiful blankets the ladies have made.

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The project will pause temporarily as the Forrest Beach CWA prepares to move to a new location on Progress Street later this year, but the generous donation from Brisbane will ensure the group has plenty of material to continue its work once settled.

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Steve and Marie Whipps were fishing when a shark took the line, “We got to the side of our boat, in an effort to get some of our gear back without having to cut the line, but it bit through 80lb braid like tissue paper, so we lost the rig.” Photo credit: Steve Whipps

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Just months after a fatal shark attack claimed the life of an experienced spearfisherman off the Hinchinbrook coast, the Queensland Government has announced a $2.4 million research project aimed at improving understanding of shark populations and strengthening future shark management across the state.

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The world-first study will examine key shark species, including bull and tiger sharks, through DNA analysis, tagging and acoustic tracking, with findings expected to help shape Queensland's Shark Control Program and improve swimmer safety.

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The announcement comes after 39-year-old Michael Jensz was fatally mauled while spearfishing at Kennedy Shoal, about 40 kilometres offshore from the Hull River Boat Ramp near Cardwell, earlier this year. Mr Jensz was diving with friends when he was attacked while attempting to retrieve a catch lodged on the reef.

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While authorities did not confirm the species involved, commercial fishers and recreational boaties have long reported regular sightings of bull and tiger sharks around offshore reef systems and deep-water drop-offs along the Hinchinbrook coastline.

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Unlike mainland swimming beaches, where shark control measures operate in many locations across Queensland, remote reef systems such as Kennedy Shoal do not have shark control equipment in place.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the research would deliver the most comprehensive understanding yet of Queensland's shark populations.

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"This is the first study of its kind for shark management in Queensland, and it will give us the most complete picture of these species we've ever had," Mr Perrett said.

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"I have said time and time again, the best science must inform our actions when it comes to fisheries [and] we're backing world-leading scientists to understand how sharks behave and how our management measures are affecting them.

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The project forms part of the Queensland Government's Shark Management Plan 2025–2029 and will be delivered in two stages. The first stage, already underway and due for completion in February 2027, will investigate the biology and genetics of key shark species to better understand how populations respond to fishing pressure and environmental change.

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A second stage, scheduled for 2028, will focus on mapping bull shark and pigeye shark populations through acoustic tracking, tagging and stable isotope analysis, providing scientists with new insights into movement patterns and breeding behaviour.

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The findings are expected to guide future shark management decisions across Queensland, including measures designed to keep beachgoers and ocean users safe while ensuring management strategies are based on the latest scientific evidence.

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Installing wildlife cameras along the creek: Chris Muriata, Girringun Rangers

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A small population of endangered mahogany gliders is living in narrow strips of forest on farmland south of Ingham. Wildlife cameras have captured mahogany gliders for two years in a row at four spots in the Bambaroo-St Helens area.

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Terrain NRM’s Evizel Seymour said the gliders were in forest along creeks where vines and woody weeds have been removed to improve its “glideability” and condition. Coupled with scientists’ findings from genetic research in recent years, it shows the critical need for more habitat restoration.

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“Mahogany gliders are only found between the Hull River near Tully and Ollera Creek north of Townsville, with an estimated total population of about 2500,’’ Evizel said.  

“The woodlands they live in are often narrow fragments of forest. To help this species, a big focus is restoring and connecting their habitat.”

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Recent genetics research by James Cook University researcher Eryn Chang found the species was retaining moderate genetic diversity despite decades of habitat loss. But it also identified inbreeding in northern parts of the mahogany glider’s habitat and researchers fear the increasing fragmented mahogany glider population could lead to serious genetic health issues.

During Terrain NRM’s recent ‘Keeping Country Connected for Mahogany Gliders’ project, crews from Hinchinbrook Shire Council removed woody weeds and vines from 15 kilometres of forest along Waterview Creek, Easter Creek and two unnamed creeks on cane farming land in the Bambaroo-St Helens area.  

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Evizel said wildlife cameras, installed twice at 30 spots along the creeks for six-week periods over two years, had led to mahogany glider detections across 15 locations.

“Of these, four locations recorded mahogany gliders during both survey periods, indicating consistent use of those areas,” she said.

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“The narrow strips of woodland are between sugar cane land and waterways and they’re close to Paluma and Halifax Bay national parks. The aim is to link more coastal patches of mahogany glider habitat to foothills in national parks via vegetated waterway areas, so there is a functional corridor for this endangered species.”

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This work follows a series of Australian and Queensland government-funded mahogany glider projects led by Terrain NRM over the past 15 years.

Mahogany Glider Recovery Team Chair Jacqui Diggins said that the multifaceted recovery teams members had strategically used their resources to improve habitat management and raise awareness of the species’ fight for survival.

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Ms Diggins said habitat connectivity remained the big issue.  

“The only north-south corridor for mahogany gliders is on the edge of national park and it’s a really narrow band of woodland abutting a steeper range that’s inaccessible to the species,’’

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“Land was historically cleared to the edge of the foothills. The forest areas that remain are progressively declining with the creep of rainforest species, woody weeds and sclerophyll making the narrow bands of habitat even less traversable for mahogany gliders.

“Mahogany gliders can glide about 30 metres. Sometimes connecting relatively small sections of land can make a huge difference. It helps these gliders to move between habitat areas for feeding and it can also help the flow of genes.”

The recent ‘Keeping Country Connected for Mahogany Gliders’ project, which ended this month, was proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Threatened Species Recovery Action Grants program. It was delivered by Terrain NRM in partnership with Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Girringun and Nywaigi Indigenous Rangers and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

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(Contributed with thanks by Terrain NRM)

Shining little Sukki, a six-year-old beauty with striking markings that make her impossible to overlook. This gorgeous girl is searching for a new family to call her own. Sukki could easily grace the cover of a dog lifestyle magazine. She has the looks, the presence, and the personality to turn heads wherever she goes.

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Sukki would prefer to be the only dog in the household, as she can be selective about her canine companions. What she may lack in dog friends, however, she more than makes up for with her unwavering loyalty and devotion to her people.

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You’ll also appreciate Sukki’s watchful nature. She’s always quick to let you know when someone is at the gate, making her an excellent guardian of her home while remaining a loving and faithful companion. If you’re looking for a loyal best friend who will stand by your side and fill your home with love, Sukki could be the perfect match.

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Could Sukki be the missing piece in your family?  Enquire today about Sukki at: angelpawsinc.com.au/pets-for-adoption

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

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DOB: 10/04/2021

Sex: Female

Colour: White and tan

Breed: Staffy X

Kid friendly: Yes

Cat Friendly: No

Other dogs: Selective

Fences: 6ft

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An information session for stakeholders and service providers in Ingham was hosted by selectability. Photo supplied

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Understanding local priorities helps create stronger partnerships and better outcomes for communities. Through regular engagement with community leaders and stakeholders, selectability gains valuable insights that help shape future planning and service delivery.

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Recently, General Manager Regional Development, Sally Schaefer, and Regional Coordinator Julie Ross hosted an information session for stakeholders and service providers in Ingham to discuss emerging challenges, future opportunities and ways to support wellbeing outcomes across the region.

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Sally said the discussion gave participants an opportunity to share insights, strengthen relationships and explore how services can continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the local community.

"Strong communities are built through strong relationships and genuine collaboration," Sally said.

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"By listening to local voices and working with community partners, selectability can better understand what people need and ensure services continue to make a meaningful difference in people's lives."

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Stakeholders also received an update on selectability's ongoing commitment to the region, including a service overview, workforce capability and community partnerships that support positive outcomes for people and communities across the Hinchinbrook region.

The session highlighted the value of collaboration in strengthening community wellbeing and ensuring services remain responsive to local circumstances and emerging needs. Insights from the discussion will help inform future planning and support selectability'scontinued commitment to caring for people and communities in need across regional, rural and remote Queensland.

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To learn more about selectability's services in Ingham, visit the Canegrowers Building at 11–13 Lannercost Street to chat with Julie and the team and find out more about what services are available. Our new office hours are 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.  

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Due to popular demand, the Clubhouse has also extended its opening hours to allow new activities. These extended hours provide more opportunities for social connection and accessible support. The clubhouse is now open 9am – 3pm, Monday to Friday. Check out the program timetable at selectability.com.au.

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Congratulations to the Pace Family, who on Saturday celebrated a massive 90 years of farming in our region, an extraordinary achievement that marks continuous farming and clearly evidences a commitment to hard work and a drive to succeed through many a generation.

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Many stories would no doubt be told about the challenges faced along the way, including weather events and changing markets over nearly a century of farming, but throughout it all, the commitment to farming and the contribution to agriculture and food production have remained clear.

Congratulations on 90 remarkable years. Your contribution to the Hinchinbrook Shire is remarkable, and your legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come. Best wishes for the continuing farming enterprise of the Pace family.

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Congratulations also to Ingham Bowls Club for once again bringing home the Dunn Cup for 2026. The Dunn Cup is the most prestigious lawn bowls competition in North Queensland, and this year was contested by seventeen teams from communities across North Queensland. Congratulations to Ingham Bowls Club and players Dave Wells, Phil Kite, Frank Pallanza and Brad Wilson on a job well done.

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The Dunn Cup has been played since 1937, and Ingham has won on 19 occasions, making Ingham Bowls Club the most successful club in tournament history. That is certainly something to boast about and is a testament to the great talent that exists within our district. Well done, Ingham Bowls. You have made our district proud.

Just a heads up that Powerlink will shortly commence works at the Ingham Powerlink station on Skinner Street, Ingham, with upgrades to critical equipment and the installation of a new control building designed to withstand Q200 flood events.

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The Ingham South Substation is an important part of Powerlink’s 132kV transmission network, helping to supply electricity to the wider Ingham area as well as Ergon Energy’s 66kV Ingham Substation next door.

The project will be delivered in stages over a three-year period, with all works expected to be completed by November 2028. These works are necessary to ensure a safe, secure and reliable electricity supply into the future.

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The first stage of works will commence on Monday, 3^rd August 2026 and continue through to mid-December 2026. No power outages are expected as a result of the work. As some construction activities may take up to 12 hours and must continue once they start, work crews will be onsite between 6:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Sunday. If you have any concerns, you may contact Powerlink at: (07) 4034 7600 or email nqprojects@powerlink.com.au for more information.

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Wade Chiesa MP at the Pace family 90 years celebration. Photo sourced: Wayde Chiesa MP’s Facebook page

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Wayde Chiesa MP, Member For Hinchinbrook

When I stood as your local Member at the Hinchinbrook by-election, I made a commitment to be a strong voice for our community and focus on the issues that matter most to local families.  

Congratulations to the Pace family on celebrating 90 years of farming. This is an incredible milestone and a testament to generations of hard work and dedication, and a privilege to celebrate such a remarkable legacy. It was also great to attend the Legends of the League night at Lees Hotel and welcome such a fantastic event to my hometown. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate rugby league and support our local community.  

Community safety remains one of the biggest issues people raise with me. That's why the Crisafulli Government is continuing to strengthen youth justice laws, including expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time by introducing Breach Bail, Go to Jail laws and minimum sentencing for serious repeat offenders. These reforms are about restoring community confidence and making Queensland a safer place to live.  

We're also delivering better healthcare closer to home. With both additional funding for staff accommodations and a new CT scanner for Ingham Health Service, local residents will have access to important diagnostic imaging without having to travel further afield.  

Road safety remains one of the biggest issues people raise with me. The first works towards safety improvements between Ripple Creek and Mount Cudmore Road will soon begin with land acquisitions as part of the broader Bruce Highway (Ingham–Innisfail) Ingham to Cardwell Range Safety and Resilience Package. It's another important milestone in making the Bruce Highway safer and more resilient for our communities.  

We're also making real progress on the Port Hinchinbrook Revitalisation Project. The market sounding process for the dredging works has now closed, marking another important milestone in bringing this long-awaited project to life. I'll continue to keep the community updated as we move into the next stage and work towards unlocking the full potential of Port Hinchinbrook for tourism, local businesses and our wider regional economy.  

These are the commitments I took to the people of Hinchinbrook, and they're the commitments I'll continue working every day to deliver. Thank you for your continued support and your feedback. Together, we're building a stronger future for our community.

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By Mary Brown, President of the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism

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The Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc. is excited to announce the return of the Hinchinbrook Festival of Events following the overwhelming success of its inaugural campaign in 2025.

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Attendance and engagement in last year's Hinchinbrook Festival of Events exceeded all expectations, bringing together a diverse calendar of events that showcased the very best of our region. From community celebrations and sporting events to arts, culture, entertainment and markets, the festival attracted thousands of attendees, increased visitation to the Hinchinbrook Shire and created a vibrant atmosphere that was felt across the entire community.

One of the most rewarding outcomes was the significant number of visitors who travelled to the region specifically to experience events featured as part of the Hinchinbrook Festival of Events. Accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, retailers and local businesses all benefited from the increased visitor spend, demonstrating the important role events play in strengthening our local economy.

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Many events experienced record attendances, with several selling out well in advance. Event organisers received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both locals and visitors, with many commenting on the variety, quality and welcoming community spirit that Hinchinbrook offers. The success of the inaugural festival highlighted what can be achieved when community organisations, volunteers, businesses and event organisers work together towards a common goal.

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As a result of this incredible community support and the many positive comments received throughout the 2025 festival period, Chamber members have supported the proposal to host and fund the Hinchinbrook Festival of Events campaign in 2026.

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The 2026 Festival will once again celebrate everything that makes the Hinchinbrook region unique, providing opportunities to showcase local talent, support local businesses, attract visitors and encourage people to stay longer and experience more of what Hinchinbrook has to offer.

The Chamber is now inviting all community groups, sporting clubs, schools, businesses and event organisers to be part of this year's festival.

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Chamber would like to hear about any events planned across the Hinchinbrook Shire between 17 October 2026 and 26 November 2026. Whether it's a community celebration, fundraiser, sporting event, exhibition, workshop, live performance, market or family day, your event could become part of the official Hinchinbrook Festival of Events program.

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Being included in the festival provides an opportunity for that event to benefit from coordinated regional promotion, increased exposure and the collective momentum created by a packed calendar of events designed to encourage visitors to explore our region throughout the festival period.

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Together, we can continue building a festival that not only celebrates our incredible community but also delivers lasting economic and tourism benefits for the entire Hinchinbrook Shire.

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If you have an event that you'd like included in this year's Festival of Events, please contact the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc. We look forward to working with our community once again to make the 2026 Hinchinbrook Festival of Events even bigger and better than its successful debut.

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