Regina Veivers has been appointed the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station following a 26-year career serving regional Queensland communities. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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After more than two decades serving regional Queensland communities, becoming the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station is a milestone Regina Veivers says reflects both personal achievement and the evolving face of policing leadership.

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“Being appointed as the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station is something I feel incredibly proud and humbled by,” she said.

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“Whilst it is a significant milestone personally, I also see it as a reflection of the positive evolution of policing and leadership within the Queensland Police Service and the broader community.”

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Regina said the appointment marked the culmination of 26 years of hard work, growth and experience across a wide range of policing roles. Over the years, her career with the Queensland Police Service has seen her serve several communities across the Townsville and Mount Isa Districts in operational and supervisory positions including prosecutions, domestic and family violence response, quality assurance and frontline policing.

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Regina strongly believes each of those experiences has helped shape her leadership style and in turn, reinforced the importance of empathy, accountability and strong relationships between police and the community.

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“My policing career began with a genuine desire to help people and make a positive difference in the community,” she reflected.

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“Policing is not just about enforcement, it’s about supporting people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, building partnerships and creating safer communities.”

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Regina said she hoped her appointment would encourage more women to pursue leadership opportunities within policing and beyond.

“I hope it demonstrates to other women within policing and the community that leadership roles are achievable and that diverse leadership perspectives strengthen organisations,” she said.  

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“Leadership opportunities are available to anyone willing to put themselves forward, work hard and remain committed to their values,” she said.

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Over the course of her career, Regina said she had witnessed significant positive change in the opportunities available to women in policing.

“There are now far greater opportunities for women to step into operational and leadership positions, and there is stronger recognition of the value that diversity brings to decision making, culture and community engagement,” she said.

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“Importantly, I have also seen increasing support for flexible leadership styles, collaboration and wellbeing-focused approaches which benefit policing as a whole.”

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Having lived in the Hinchinbrook region for more than two decades, Regina believes her connection to the community has continued to grow through years of working alongside local officers, community members, support services and partner agencies.

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“Ingham is a unique community with a strong sense of resilience, pride and connection. It’s a region where relationships matter and policing is most effective when trust and communication sit at the centre of everything we do.”

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Regina said policing in regional communities came with unique challenges, particularly during natural disasters and times of increased social pressure but also offered some of the most rewarding experiences.

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“In regional policing you work closely with the same community members over many years, which allows you to build genuine relationships and see the direct impact of your work,” she said.

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“I have seen firsthand the willingness of people to come together and support one another during difficult times. Being able to contribute positively during those times is something I value deeply.”

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Regina strongly encourages young women considering a career in policing or leadership to back themselves and embrace new challenges.

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“My advice would be to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone — get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” she said.

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“Leadership is about being authentic, treating people with respect, remaining resilient and being willing to be a lifelong learner. There will always be challenges, but there are also enormous opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and in your community. Every interaction is an opportunity.”

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Tragedy struck at the heart of a spear fishing expedition over the weekend when a 39-year-old man was attacked by what was believed to be a Bull Shark.

The incident occurred off the coast of Tully at Kennedy Shoal, about 30 kilometres from the Hull River Boat Ramp on Sunday 24^th May.

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The police were alerted at 11.50am with news that a boat containing four individuals, one in a critical condition, was returning to shore.

Nine News reported that the man had been in the water with one other person when the attack took place.

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He was brought back onto the vessel, but despite desperate attempts to keep him alive, he died as the result of a critical head injury.

Reports indicate that the area had been ‘swarming’ with Bull Sharks earlier that day, and many believe it was a Bull Shark that attacked.

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This is the second fatal shark attack in Australia in the past two weeks, following an incident in Western Australia several days ago.

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Our thoughts are with the family as this sad time.

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Community resilience and volunteer dedication were recognised in Townsville on Friday night at the Northern Region SES Awards, with the Ingham and Halifax SES Groups awarded the Regional Operational Response of the Year for their response during the 2025 floods.

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The award acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of volunteers who responded to more than 800 tasks under extreme conditions, including widespread power outages and limited communications, while continuing to support and protect their communities throughout a prolonged disaster event.

This recognition reflects the operational capability, teamwork and commitment demonstrated by local SES volunteers during one of the region’s most significant emergency responses.

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Local Controller Dan Cordner was also awarded Regional Member of the Year for his outstanding leadership, dedication and contribution to strengthening operational capability within the Unit.

Dan’s calm, hands-on approach and commitment to supporting both volunteers and the wider community exemplifies the values of the State Emergency Service and the important role SES members play across the region.

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These awards are not simply individual achievements. They represent the collective efforts of SES volunteers and staff across the Northern Region who consistently step forward during emergencies, often in difficult and demanding circumstances, to assist their communities.

These are everyday people with families, jobs and responsibilities, who make the conscious decision to step away from their own lives when disaster strikes and put our community first. That commitment deserves our deepest respect.

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The work undertaken by SES volunteers during disaster events comes at significant personal sacrifice, requiring long hours, resilience and an unwavering commitment to public safety and community support.

Congratulations to all award recipients and nominees, and thank you to every SES volunteer and staff member across the region for your continued service and dedication to the community.

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Your efforts do not go unnoticed and our communities are stronger because of you.

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Forrest Beach Realty’s Lisa Scobie brings a refreshing blend of business acumen and authentic local passion to the regional property market. Whilst Lisa stepped into the real estate industry 12 months ago, she is far from a stranger to client-focused industries. Having owned and operated local small businesses for more than 12 years, she has built a flawless reputation grounded in premier customer service and deep community connection.

What truly sets Lisa and the team at Forrest Beach Realty apart is their intrinsic understanding of the relaxed coastal lifestyle. For Lisa, real estate is not just about transactions; it is about helping people discover a community and way of life they can fall in love with.

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The agency prides itself on offering personalised, honest service, building lasting relationships through trust, open communication, and unmatched local knowledge.

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"In the current market, buyers should focus on preparation, patience, and long-term value. With strong demand and limited supply continuing across our regional and coastal areas, well-presented properties still attract solid interest. Have your finance organised, do thorough research, and view real estate as a long-term investment that suits both your lifestyle and your budget," said Lisa.

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Lisa specialises in residential real estate, expertly guiding clients through the sale of houses and vacant land, alongside managing holiday accommodation and property rentals. Her expertise is perfectly tailored to helping buyers, sellers, investors, and holidaymakers navigate the unique coastal and regional market.

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A fresh chapter in local travel has begun, with Mercedes Travel – Helloworld officially acquiring Ingham Travel on Lannercost Street. The store will operate under the leadership of respected local travel expert Lea Vincenzi, who brings 14 years of industry experience and a deep commitment to personalised service.

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Mercedes Travel – Helloworld introduces renewed energy, modern travel solutions, and a passion for creating unforgettable holidays, cruises, and touring experiences for the Ingham and wider Hinchinbrook community.

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Driving the expansion is Mercedes Gonzalez, an industry leader with more than 40 years of experience, based in Cairns and proud of her early ties to Ingham. Mercedes is confident the refreshed brand will turn travel dreams into reality, backed by Lea’s exceptional customer service and extensive knowledge, regarded as some of the best in the business.

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Drop by the Ingham Travel Office between 10am & 2pm from Monday to Friday, or reach out to Lea at Lea@mercedestravel.com.au or call 04 1761 3772.

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Steven can come to you to help set up that pesky router or figure out what has gone wrong with your smart TV. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Navigating computer and technology glitches can be a daunting task for many Hinchinbrook residents, particularly when it involves dismantling hardware to haul it into a local shop. Steven Veltmeyer is eliminating this hassle by bringing adaptable, on-site IT assistance straight to residential homes and corporate workplaces.

Offering comprehensive aid for desktops, laptops, smartphones, smart TVs, surveillance cameras, Wi-Fi networks, and email setups, Steven’s on-the-go service prioritises sensible, real-world solutions tackled right where the issues arise.

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“I started Steven’s IT Services because I could see that many people in Hinchinbrook needed reliable IT help but didn’t always have the time, ability, or confidence to disconnect their equipment and take it into a shop,” Steven said.

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“The ‘I come to you’ approach makes it much easier for people, as it at no extra cost. I can see the issue at the home or business where it actually happens.”

Operating directly alongside locals and small-business owners enables Steven to swiftly troubleshoot faults, whether dealing with a sluggish operating system, malware, patchy Wi-Fi, or the configuration of brand-new gear.

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“The biggest advice I give people is to keep things simple and keep everything updated regularly,” he said.

Ultimately, Steven notes that whilst resolving hardware and software issues is crucial, his favourite aspect of the job is empowering clients to feel at ease with their digital tools.

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“One of the things I enjoy most about running Steven’s IT Services is helping people feel more confident with technology. IT shouldn’t be intimidating as it should make life easier. Being able to provide local, friendly support where people live and work is something I’m really proud of, and I’m always happy to help the community stay connected and secure.”

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Come join us at the feast of St Anthony’s. Photo supplied

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The Bemerside community is preparing to celebrate the 99th annual Feast of St Anthony on Sunday, 14 June 2026. This much-loved local tradition brings together faith, family, and community in a day filled with prayer, food, and festivities.

As the only celebration of its kind held in the Townsville diocese, this cherished event has stood strong for nearly a century. Today, the next generation continues to honour the important religious occasion, with some visitors travelling great distances to attend.

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Throughout the afternoon, a variety of food and drink stalls will be operating, offering everything from a BBQ and fish and chips to granita, cannoli, cakes, and sandwiches. A licensed bar, tea, coffee, and soft drinks will also be available.

Entertainment for all ages will feature live music from Anthony Fracchia, alongside a jumping castle for the children, a bottle stall, the 500 Club, and a monster raffle. Religious articles will also be featured.

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This annual celebration remains a valued part of the Hinchinbrook region’s cultural and spiritual life, and everyone is warmly invited to attend, share in the vibrant community spirit, and honour tradition.

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For more information please contact Anthony on 0408 151 833

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Event Schedule

• 11:00 am: Celebration of Mass, led by the Parish Priest.

• 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Lunch, stalls, and entertainment.

• 2:30 pm: Procession and Rosary, followed by the Blessing of Children and the Distribution of St Anthony’s Bread.

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WHAT: 99th Annual Feast of St Anthony.
WHEN: 11:00am - 6:00pm Sunday, 14th June 2026.
WHERE: St Anthony's Church on 18 Fulton Dr, Bemerside.

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Investing in Our Roads, Supporting Industry and Strengthening Our Community

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As your elected State Member, I’m pleased to share that important asphalt pavement maintenance works are underway on the Bruce Highway between Scovazzi’s Road and Larsen’s Road. This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to improving road safety and ensuring Queenslanders can travel on well-maintained, reliable infrastructure. By undertaking these works, we are addressing wear and tear while enhancing driving conditions for the many commuters, freight operators and families who rely on this critical transport corridor each and every day.

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Further to this, motorists are advised of temporary traffic changes on the Bruce Highway near Ollera Creek from 26 May to 17 July, between 6am and 6pm, to allow for essential geotechnical investigation works. These investigations are a key step in planning future improvements and maintaining the long-term resilience of our road network. I encourage everyone travelling through the area to plan ahead, follow signage, and take extra care.

Road safety remains a top priority, and while I understand roadworks can at times be inconvenient, they are vital to delivering safer and more efficient roads for our community. I urge all motorists travelling through work zones to drive carefully, follow traffic directions, and allow extra travel time where possible. Your patience and cooperation play an important role in keeping both road workers and fellow drivers safe.

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Strong infrastructure like this not only improves safety, it also supports the success of our key local industries. In that context, I recently had the incredible opportunity to tour the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal with Sugar Terminals Limited, gaining a firsthand look at one of North Queensland’s most significant export operations.

It is remarkable to think that a simple stick of cane planted right here in our district can be grown, harvested, and transported from local fields to international markets, where it is used in a wide range of products and industries around the world. This journey highlights not only the strength of our local agricultural sector, but also the critical role our transport networks play in connecting producers to global markets. I extend my sincere thanks to the team at the terminal for taking the time to show us through and share their knowledge.

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At the same time, it is equally important that we preserve the heritage that defines our region. It is great to see funding allocated under the North and Far North Tropical Low Heritage Disaster Recovery Grant toward Ingham’s Gairloch Bridge Conservation Project. This iconic local landmark holds cherished memories for so many and has long served as a vital connection point within our community. The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the preservation of heritage-listed places and the landmarks that tell the story of our region.

Looking ahead, I also encourage community members and stakeholders to stay informed and have their say on broader policy matters affecting Queensland. The Queensland Productivity Commission has been tasked with undertaking a public inquiry into the impacts of the Australian Government’s 2025 reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

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This inquiry will examine how these changes affect Queensland in practice, including regulatory and economic impacts, implementation risks, and operational arrangements. Importantly, it will also consider opportunities to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden while improving efficiency; an issue that matters greatly to our industries, regional communities, and future development.

The Commission will shortly release a call for submissions, and I encourage interested individuals, businesses and organisations to take part in the process. You can also contact the Commission directly at enquiry@qpc.qld.gov.au to contribute or learn more.

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By continuing to invest in our roads, support our industries, preserve our heritage, and engage in important policy discussions, we are building a stronger, more resilient future for Hinchinbrook and all Queenslanders.

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At a recent Chamber Industry Breakfast, many locals learned about resilience and how to apply it to their businesses. Featuring guest speaker Fiona Jago from Resilient Ready. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Navigating The Ever-Changing World Of Business

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Chamber is receiving feedback from many business owners that there has been a noticeable decline on consumer confidence in recent months and the broader uncertainty is creating an environment of caution and restraint.

The ongoing hostilities around the world are adding to the impacts being felt in households across the nation where heightened cost of living pressures, interest rate rises and more recently taxation changes announced in the Federal budget are giving rise to increased apprehension.

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In addition to these impacts, at a local level for those involved in the agricultural sector, the continuing low world sugar price will affect the wider local community, as the broader economic outlook is directly related to the sugar industry.

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For many in business, including staff and contractors, this is a very challenging and concerning time as they navigate the pathway to remain sustainable. At recent Chamber meetings and events, we have encouraged open and frank discussion regarding the challenges but also explored the opportunities to expand market audience and review whole of business operations that may enable more streamlined operations.    

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Because of the diversity of local business types and client-base, there is not one simple solution, rather a tailored approach that aligns with the operations of each business. Some owners are reviewing the impact of changing staffing availability to amend trading hours, some are reviewing marketing strategies, and others are reviewing stock levels or refining the service delivery options.  

Regardless of the decisions that each owner may take, the one constant theme that emerges particularly during challenging times in the economy, is how essential it is for every business owner to be constantly reviewing and assessing how things are travelling.  

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Owning a business can be very rewarding and sometimes very stressful or isolating. Chamber strives to inform and support its membership and encourages anyone in the business community who be feeling the strain, to please reach out, connect with your support network and seek help to navigate the journey.  

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Hannah McNamara Journalist from Mackay Life Newspaper, Sherie Hensler-Adams Sales Manager from Hinchinbrook Life, Bec Douthwaite Owner and Publisher, Jacob Casha journalist from Burdekin Life Newspaper, Victoria Velton Journalist from Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper, Rachael Smith Life Publishing Group Editor in Chief and Trish Jandt Sales Manager for Whitsunday Life.

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Every paper within the Life Publishing Group umbrella is sharing in the glory of a successful Queensland Country Press Awards, where this small but mighty independent newspaper group brought home six awards.

Owner and publisher Bec Douthwaite said she was immensely proud of the team and delighted to see each newspaper thriving within their communities.

“It was an incredible night and amazing to see our entire team shine at state level!”

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Life Publishing Group Brings Home 3 Gold And 3 Silver State Awards

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The team at Life Publishing Group are celebrating this week following one of their most successful years at the Queensland Country Press Awards which were held in the Sunshine Coast over the weekend.

Jacob Casha, journalist with Burdekin Life Newspaper, was announced as Best Young Journalist of the year and also received a silver for Best Single Story by an Individual Journalist.

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Meanwhile, Chelsea Ravizza, who writes across all Life Publishing Group papers, including this one, received a silver in the Best Young Journalist of the Year category.

“Young journalists are the lifeblood of regional journalism,” said Life Publishing Group Editor in Chief Rachael Smith.

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“Our journalists learn the ropes fast, attending community events, forming connections and networks, writing and reporting on every aspect of news from sports to events – it is a big job that sets the tone for a dynamic career.

“To think that two members of our team took out the two top spots in this category is incredibly humbling – and an example of the calibre of writing all our journalists are striving towards.  

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“This was capped off by Jacob receiving a silver award for Best Single Story — it’s fantastic to see him recognised in his first year alongside seasoned journalists who have spent years refining their craft.”

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In addition to the editorial awards, Life Publishing Group won three advertising awards.

A highlight was receiving gold for Best Print Community Advertising Promotion for the Life Publishing Group Enchanted Garden Charity Event which raised an impressive $56,000 for seven regional charities.

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A second gold was awarded for Best Locally Produced Print Advertisement of the year and was followed by silver for Best Locally Produced Advertising Campaign of the year.

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“It makes life easy when you know you have a great team to back you up,” said Hinchinbrook Life Sales Manager Sherie Hensler Adams.

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“At Life Publishing Group, our incredible creative team designs each ad from scratch, working closely with our clients to bring out the best in their business.  

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“We truly care about every client, and you can see this clearly in the love that goes into the design of all the ads and all the pages in every paper.”

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There are more than 60 independent news media publishers registered with Queensland Country Press Association.

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“In 2024 we were thrilled to bring home Best Free Newspaper in Queensland for our sister publication Mackay and Whitsunday Life,” shared Rachael Smith.

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“This was a huge honour, and one we are looking forward to achieving again as we grow our other publications, especially here in Hinchinbrook.

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“2026 represents a year where we have solidified our presence within the newspaper community and are seen as high achievers among our peers – this is something I am truly proud of.

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“Everyone in the team has contributed to the success behind all these awards and they are a result of us all striving for excellence in everything we do.”

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Radayne Spina has begun a First Nations traineeship with Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s Biosecurity Team through Greening Australia’s Palm Creek Restoration Project. Photo supplied.

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A new First Nations traineeship role created through Greening Australia’s Palm Creek Restoration Project is helping open doors to careers caring for Country in the Hinchinbrook region.

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Girramay, Kalkadoon, Nywaigi and Gia man Radayne Spina has been appointed to the role, which is the first identified position created through the partnership between Greening Australia, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, local Nywaigi and Girramay Elders, and regional partners.

The traineeship, funded through the Caterpillar Foundation, will see Mr Spina complete a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management with Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s Biosecurity Team while gaining hands-on field experience.

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Mr Spina said his passion for environmental work began while growing up around his father’s work as a ranger with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

“Growing up with my Father working at QPWS I always enjoyed being outside in the natural environment and learning about it and would like see the environment healthy for generations to come,” he said.

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“This traineeship is helping me build skills and experience, learning from Council staff, Elders, and mentors at Greening Australia. I’m grateful for the support through the Palm Creek project and I’m excited to use what I’m learning to care for Country.”

As part of the traineeship, Mr Spina is learning revegetation and nursery procedures, weed management and digital mapping, while also completing TAFE studies including safe chainsaw operation.

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“It’s good to learn from people who have experience within environmental fields and for them to pass their knowledge onto me,” he said.

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Mr Spina said he also hoped to gain rural firefighting qualifications in the future to explore cultural burning and further career opportunities in the environmental sector.

“As people are part of the environment I believe that if we take care of the land it will take care of us,” he said.

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Mary-Anne Uren said the identified position had been shaped through consultation with local Elders to ensure it was culturally informed and community-led.

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“This is an incredible opportunity provided through Greening Australia and the Caterpillar Foundation, and we want to thank the local Nywaigi and Girramay Elders who have chatted with us about this identified position to ensure it is culturally informed and community-led,” Ms Uren said.

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Greening Australia project lead Sharon Marks said the role was already creating positive outcomes within the community.

“Radayne is a great fit for this position and is already getting plenty of field experience. Sometimes opening doors for one person can have a ripple effect for a whole community,” Ms Marks said.

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Since 2022, the Palm Creek Restoration Project has worked alongside Traditional Owners, council and regional partners to restore habitat, improve water quality and support First Nations-led environmental outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.

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Local heroes were recognised in Townsville last week for their resilience, teamwork and dedication during the 2025 Floods

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Ingham and Halifax SES groups were awarded Regional Operational Response of the Year at the Northern Region SES Awards last week, in recognition of their extraordinary resilience, teamwork and dedication during the 2025 Floods. On top of this, Local Controller Dan Cordner was awarded the Regional Member of the Year for his outstanding contribution.

Mayor Ramon Jayo has congratulated and thanked the volunteers for their dedication and hard work.

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“These are everyday people with families, jobs and responsibilities, who make the conscious decision to step away from their own lives when disaster strikes and put our community first. That commitment deserves our deepest respect,” Mayor Jayo said.  

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“Your efforts do not go unnoticed and our communities are stronger because of you.”

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SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong said the awards offered an opportunity to recognise the ongoing dedication, professionalism and service embodied by the state’s volunteers during challenging conditions.

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“For over 50 years SES members have supported regional and rural communities to prepare for and recover from emergency situations,” Chief Officer Armstrong said.

“Across Queensland, our 5,000 volunteers selflessly answer the call 24 hours a day, 365 days per year when Queenslanders need them most.”

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SES Regional Director Northern Region, Daryl Camp ESM said the award recipients had each demonstrated a remarkable commitment to deliver crucial services to North and North West Queensland communities within the last year.  

“When record breaking flood conditions hit North and North West Queensland in February 2025, our volunteers were immediately on the ground to sandbag, provide temporary repairs, assist with rescues and provide emergency operations support,” Mr Camp said.

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“They also answered the call earlier this month to support communities from Townsville to Mackay facing flooding as a result of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

“We are proud of every single one of our volunteers and are thrilled to recognise the particularly exceptional efforts of nine of our members who performed work beyond what is normally expected.

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“We are privileged to have them as part of the SES and are proud to acknowledge them at tonight’s awards.”

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Our local SES groups are on the lookout for new members so we can keep helping the community in times of disaster.

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When emergencies strike—whether they are floods, storms, or road rescues—our community relies on volunteers like you. By becoming part of your local SES group, you will support your community when it matters most, while learning valuable skills in teamwork, leadership, and emergency response.

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Right now, we especially need community members to step into roles such as flood boat operators, working safely at height operators, and incident management. No prior experience is necessary, as full training and support are provided. Contact your local SES group today to start volunteering, or simply scan the QR code and fill out our quick form.

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NR.Recruit@ses.qld.gov.au | 0400 751 622 | Tuesday nights 6:00pm, Menzies St, Ingham

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Attendees representing and supporting businesses from across the region came together on Friday night to celebrate at the 2026 Cassowary Coast Local Business Awards.

The evening recognised outstanding local businesses across eight award categories, celebrating hardworking operators helping drive the region forward.

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate the businesses that help shape the region’s identity and strengthen local communities.

“Local businesses are the heart of the Cassowary Coast, and these awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the passion, resilience and dedication shown by businesses right across our region.”

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“From long-standing local family run businesses to exciting new businesses, the calibre of finalists and winners this year was exceptional.”

“These businesses not only contribute to our economy, but they help create vibrant communities, local jobs and a strong sense of place.”

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2026 Cassowary Coast Local Business Award winners

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•Rising Star Award: JK Rocket Fuel

•Outstanding Business Award: Mission Beach Dive

•Customer Service Excellence: House of Valmai

•Environmental Sustainability Award: Aus Fish Coral Pty Ltd

•Leading Employer: Tropical Vets

•Community Engagement: Silkwood Hotel

•Trade, Retail and Services Excellence: O'Brien's Electrical Innisfail

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People’s Choice Business of the Year

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One of the biggest moments of the evening was the announcement of the People’s Choice Business of the Year Award, with community voting delivering an incredibly close result between all of the Top 5!

After a strong show of community support and hundreds of votes, the 2026 People’s Choice Business of the Year was awarded to Hair Manor.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Nicolle Kelly said the awards were a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the important role small businesses play in regional communities across Queensland.

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“Queensland Small Business Month is about celebrating the incredible contributions of small businesses in our communities, and the Cassowary Coast Local Business Awards is a great example of this.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and events like these shine a well-deserved spotlight on the hardworking individuals and teams who go above and beyond to create jobs, drive innovation, and make our regions thrive.

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It’s inspiring to see the passion and dedication of local business owners here on the Cassowary Coast, and I congratulate all the finalists and winners for their outstanding achievements.”

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Outstanding Business Award winner Jade Parsonage from Mission Beach Dive said the recognition was a proud moment for the team and a reflection of the strong support shown across the local business community.

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“We were absolutely chuffed to be finalists in four award categories, including the People’s Choice Award. To take home the Outstanding Business Award feels really special,” Ms Parsonage said.

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“It was fantastic to be recognised alongside so many incredible local businesses and to feel the support from Council and the wider business community across the region. The night itself had a great atmosphere and was a wonderful celebration of local business on the Cassowary Coast.”

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Mayor Teresa Millwood also acknowledged the efforts of Council’s Economic Development team for delivering the event as part of Queensland Small Business Month.

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“The Local Business Awards are about recognising the people behind the businesses. The operators who continue to invest in our communities, support local jobs and contribute so much to making the Cassowary Coast the most liveable tropical community,” Mayor Millwood said.

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Coalition representatives are urging the Australian Government to strengthen protections for cane growers as the nation’s Sugar Code of Conduct undergoes a major review.

The review comes as the existing code, introduced by the former Coalition Government, approaches its 10-year sunset period and faces a decision on whether it will be renewed or remade.

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Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Susan McDonald said the code had played a critical role in protecting growers during negotiations with large milling companies.

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“The Sugar Code of Conduct was introduced for a reason, and it has proven effective,” she said.

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“Cane growers often have limited leverage when negotiating with large mills, and the code provides important protections to ensure negotiations are fair and disputes can be resolved. We do not want to see growers lose the safeguards that have helped deliver certainty and stability across the industry.”

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Senator McDonald said the review also presented an opportunity to consider how the code could apply to emerging sugar cane products including ethanol and biofuels.

“As the industry evolves into ethanol, biofuels and other value-added products, it makes sense to consult growers and industry about whether sensible adaptations are required,” she said.

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“But any future changes must preserve the strong protections already provided under the code.”

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Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the review needed to recognise the mounting pressures already facing cane farmers.

“This review must recognise that our cane farmers are the ones taking all the risk with mother nature, while dealing with massive global price fluctuations and rising input costs,” he said.

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“This Code was designed to level the playing field and ensure that negotiations are handled in good faith. We have already seen Labor leave regional Australians out in the cold in this week’s Budget, and we cannot afford for them to do the same with the Sugar Code.”

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Mr Willcox said growers needed to benefit from the industry’s transition into bio-manufacturing and renewable energy sectors.

“As our industry evolves into biofuels, ethanol, and other value-added products, the Code must evolve with it,” he said.

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“We need to ensure that our cane farmers are rewarded for the innovation they bring to the sector, not just the raw product they deliver to the mill gate.”

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Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister Darren Chester said consultation with growers would be crucial throughout the process.

“The Coalition introduced the Sugar Code to give growers practical protections and a fairer playing field, and this review must strengthen those safeguards, not water them down,” he said.

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Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister and Burdekin MP Dale Last said the Burdekin had previously experienced the uncertainty caused when negotiations between growers and mills stalled.

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“A decade ago, the Burdekin witnessed first-hand what can happen when that safety net does not exist and those crucial negotiations are left at a stalemate,” Mr Last said.

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Industry consultation and regional shed meetings are expected to form part of the review process in coming months, with growers and communities encouraged to provide feedback.

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