Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Hi Everyone, Exciting news from the Life Publishing Group team this week – we’ve won this year’s Local Government Association of Queensland Journalism Award! We’re particularly humbled by this achievement, especially given the competition with The Australian coming in second and the ABC third. This state award recognises excellence in regional journalism, and our positive, community-focused, hyperlocal coverage across the group took out the top accolade. I travelled to Cairns on Tuesday to accept the award on behalf of our team, and I would like to acknowledge all our journalists for the exceptional work they do every day across all the regions we serve. A big round of applause goes to Hannah McNamara, Victoria Velton, Jacob Casha, Zach Houtenville and our Editorial Team Leader Suzanna McLoughlin. As some of you may know, most of our journalists come to the regions as cadets, embarking on their first jobs in journalism. They are thrown into a new community and often become the only on-the-ground journalists covering local news. They are then supported by our fantastic team of professionals, and together we produce the papers our communities read every week. Every page is a team effort, from the advertising booked by our Sales Managers to the pages created by our designers, the production team bringing it all together and our journalists delivering the content. Thank you to the whole team for everything you do and well done to each journalist for collectively producing a body of work of such a high standard that we received this top gong. I would also like to mention the origins of this award, which are particularly meaningful. The LGAQ established it in honour of ABC cameraman John Bean, journalist Paul Lockyer and helicopter pilot Gary Ticehurst, who tragically died in a crash while on assignment in 2011. They were a well-liked and deeply respected crew who spent much of their time working in regional areas. Their loss sparked an outpouring of grief from regional leaders who understood the enormous contribution they made to ensuring regional Queensland was given a voice and its contribution to public life was recognised. It is an honour to continue their legacy in our own small way, ensuring regional Queensland communities remain connected and have a strong voice through positive, local free newspapers every week. The awards night was spectacular, with more than 500 Mayors, Councillors and local government staff in attendance and I was thrilled to meet up with five of the local Mayors from the regions we serve. When I was called up on stage to accept the award on behalf of the team, it was a moment that made all our dedication to regional journalism feel worthwhile. To my surprise, when I came off the stage, all our local Mayors came over to congratulate us. I was greeted by Mayor Greg Williamson from Mackay, Mayor Ry Collins from the Whitsundays, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort from the Burdekin and Mayor Ramon Jayo from Hinchinbrook. I have to confess, I had tears in my eyes at that moment! I later found out that Mayor Ramon Jayo had nominated us for the award and that every Mayor had received a phone call from the judging committee, with each vouching for the incredible work our team does every day in their regions. Thank you to all the Mayors, including Mayor Teresa Millwood from Cassowary Coast, where we have recently expanded. It was a delight to share your table on the night! And finally, thank you to our incredible team, our Publisher Bec Douthwaite, the LGAQ for this significant recognition, and our wonderful readers and local businesses who are part of the Life community. Rach
Read the full story
Cardwell RSL Sub Branch’s new back up generator is up and running! The generator was secured through FRRR funding, and will give the sub branch peace of mind and a contingency plan should extreme weather cause any outages come storm season. Electrician Adrian Cammeleri visited the branch this week to give RSL Members a tutorial on how to run the back up generator. “The Cardwell RSL is extremely grateful for the generous support given by the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR),” said Cardwell RSL Sub Branch President Robert Lang. “Without their grant funding this Gen Set compound & electrical connection would not be possible.” FRRR works with local organisations and community groups to help address regional needs, recognising the importance of locally led projects in building stronger, more resilient communities. Its funding supports a range of initiatives, from community infrastructure to disaster preparedness. Local electrician Adrian Cammeleri offered the RSL some guidance on how to use their brand new back up generator. Photo supplied
Read the full story
Tully State High School was delighted to welcome 162 students from Ohori Junior High School in Fukuoka, Japan, for a memorable day of cultural exchange and friendship. The visiting students spent the day getting to know our school community, sharing insights into their own school experiences, daily routines and interests. Tully SHS Year 8 students acted as buddies, proudly showing their Japanese visitors around the school and helping them feel welcome. A highlight of the visit was a range of Indigenous cultural activities facilitated by the Girringun Rangers. Students had the opportunity to try spear and boomerang throwing, hand painting and beading, providing a valuable insight into Indigenous culture and traditions. The day was filled with opportunities to learn from one another, celebrate cultural differences and build connections between the two school communities. A friendly game of dodgeball and Just Dance also brought plenty of fun and laughter! Tully State High School extends a heartfelt thank you to all the students, teachers, staff and the Girringun Rangers who contributed to making the visit such a wonderful and memorable experience. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen international connections, celebrate cultural diversity and create lasting memories for everyone involved.
Read the full story
Photo credit: Helen Cook From copyright concerns to smarter booking systems, artificial intelligence is presenting both opportunities and challenges for Cassowary Coast businesses. Members of the Cassowary Coast Businesswomen’s Network (CCBWN) explored the rapidly evolving technology at an informative evening with Cairns-based digital specialist Nicky Jurd at the Mt Tyson Hotel in Tully on Tuesday 13th October. Photo credit: Helen Cook Under the theme Human vs AI, Nicky introduced participants to the growing range of artificial intelligence platforms, explaining how they differ, their practical applications and how dramatically their capabilities have improved in recent months. With technology advancing at remarkable speed, keeping up with developments is becoming a challenge in itself. The presentation explored how businesses can harness AI to improve productivity, streamline everyday tasks and work more efficiently, while also considering the risks and responsibilities associated with its use. Photo credit: Helen Cook Nicky, who established her digital business Precedence in 2000, has more than 25 years' experience helping businesses navigate technological change. CCBWN President Kerry Chow said the evening reflected the network's commitment to supporting local business women through learning, networking and shared experiences. photo credit: Susan Kelly photo credit: Susan Kelly "The Human vs AI event was exactly the kind of evening the Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network is here to create," she said. "An opportunity to connect, learn, share ideas, support one another and explore a business topic that is becoming increasingly relevant to all of us. photo credit: Susan Kelly "It was a terrific example of professional development that was practical, engaging and genuinely useful." photo credit: Susan Kelly Beyond the presentations, the network provides valuable opportunities for local businesswomen to build connections, exchange experiences, learn from one another – and enjoy a fun night out. photo credit: Susan Kelly Next month, CCBWN is supporting the ‘growHer Long Lunch’ event organised by the Tully Women in Ag group, which is an initiative focused on building awareness and understanding around wellbeing in our rural communities - Saturday 7th November at the Tully Country Club. Members and guests are welcome. Visit www.ccbwn.org.au for more information on this and future events. photo credit: Susan Kelly photo credit: Susan Kelly
Read the full story
Jules celebrates 10 years in her Mission Beach boutique with new eye-catching signage. Photo credit: Helen Cook
With a love of colour, an eye for something different and a passion for helping women look and feel their best, Jules Fashions is celebrating 10 years in its current Mission Beach premises, complete with a bright new look.
Owner Ilonka Julie Whitsed, known to everyone as Jules, has marked the milestone with new signage that's hard to miss.
Having previously worked in the health industry, Jules came to Mission Beach for a sea change and discovered a new passion in fashion retail. Her business journey began in 2014, when she took over a small, recycled clothing store on the Village Green before moving to her current premises two years later.
Today, Jules Fashions offers affordable women's clothing, jewellery, handbags, accessories and homewares, including colourful pieces from Mexico and India.
"I love clothes. I love colour. It's my passion," Jules said.
Her philosophy is simple: offer something different, keep prices affordable and provide good old-fashioned personal service.
"Affordability more than anything," she said. "I have a few ladies who come in, and they're wanting consultations on what to wear, so I provide that as well."
Jules isn't afraid to give an honest opinion, preferring customers to leave with something that genuinely suits them rather than simply making a sale.
She also takes pride in choosing labels that complement, rather than duplicate, those stocked by other Mission Beach boutiques. It's this individuality that attracts shoppers from Cairns, Townsville and surrounding communities looking for something different.
Among her loyal customers are grey nomads who return each year, sometimes wearing outfits purchased on previous visits. While she might not always remember their faces, Jules often recognises the garments they're wearing.
And it's those relationships that make running the business so rewarding.
"I like people who walk away happy with what they've got and excited and come back and say, I've had so many comments about the clothes I'm wearing."
Visit Jules Fashions at Shop 6, The Hub Shopping Centre, Porter Promenade, Mission Beach, or phone 0477 470 449. Open from 9.30am to 3pm, six days a week, closed Tuesdays.
.jpg)
U12 North Qld team with Mr Gino Paris (left) at the Cairns Carnival in the early 1980s. Photo supplied
It's time to get the old teams back together, as former FNQ Crocs, Marlins and NQ Canecutters players join generations of young footballers from across Queensland for a special reunion celebrating 70 years of the Gino Paris Carnival.
The anniversary celebration will be held in Townsville this Saturday 17th October, bringing together former players, coaches, managers, referees and supporters to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate one of Queensland's longest-running junior football competitions.
Established in 1956 through the generosity of Ingham businessman Gino Paris, who donated a trophy to encourage junior representative soccer, the Under-12 carnival became a much-anticipated event on Queensland's football calendar.
For seven days, young players from across the state came together to compete, develop their skills and form friendships that often lasted long after the final whistle.
The Cassowary Coast has a proud connection to that history, with the Johnstone River Soccer Association hosting the carnival at Silkwood in 1985 and 2005. In 2005, the NQ Canecutters took home the coveted cup, under manager Geoff Green and coach John Frost.
Among those representing Far North Queensland in the green and gold jerseys of the FNQ Crocs were players from Mission Beach, Tully, Silkwood, Innisfail and surrounding districts.
The 2005 team included Ben Murray, James Orr, Scott Dellaway, Grayson Pedroni, Luke Brown, Matthew Moran and Dylan Bettini, under coach Danny Schmidt, assistant coach Jason Jia and manager Michael Plunkett.
Two decades on, organisers are hoping the anniversary will bring back plenty of familiar faces, rekindle old friendships and revive memories of those junior football days.
A special guest will be Australian football legend Les Scheinflug AM, a former Socceroos captain and national coach who dedicated much of his career to developing young footballers. Inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, Scheinflug is widely regarded as a pioneer of Australian youth football.
The reunion will also recognise the countless volunteers, coaches and families who made the carnival possible, often travelling hundreds of kilometres and giving up a week of their time to support their teams.
For more information, contact Carla Dal Santo on 0438 832 622 or Adriane Paris on (07) 4776 6612, or visit the Gino Paris Carnival 70 Year Anniversary Facebook page.
An upcoming country and western night is set to fundraise for the future of Garradunga Hall. Photo supplied
A night of country music, dancing, food and fundraising is set to help bring Garradunga Hall back to life, with locals invited to dust off their cowboy boots and celebrate the historic venue.
The Save the Garradunga Hall Country and Western Night will take place on Saturday 17th October, featuring live local bands, line dancing, a food van serving up meals, a bar, soft drinks and raffle prizes.
Organised by the Garradunga Progress Association, the event comes as a renewed committee works to secure the future of the hall, which has been a gathering place for the farming community since it officially opened in 1930.
Over the decades, the hall has hosted dances, parties, weddings, birthday celebrations and community gatherings. Earlier this year, its future looked uncertain after years of reduced activity, prompting committee members to step up efforts to raise awareness, attract support and cover ongoing expenses.
Those efforts have already seen association membership grow from eight to 88, alongside fundraising initiatives, generous donations and support from local businesses.
“In an era of uncertainty, economic challenges and rush and stress, we need places to gather where time slows down while we meet for recreation, classes, new activities or good old fashioned fun,” shared a spokesperson from the Garradunga Progress Association.
“This is what the Garradunga Hall, with its high ceilings, corrugated iron walls, hatch windows and timber floors, still provides – a glimpse and a feel of quieter, more peaceful times past, when we were more focussed on personal connection than the internet, phones and tv.
“We want to preserve this treasure - this atmosphere and this venue for our young people and their children! As canefields are being replaced by bananas, galangal and taro, we want to welcome our new residents. Many Hmong and Indian families have now made this area home, and we would love the hall to become a place where they too can forge new friendships and make precious memories.”
Entry is free for association members, $10 for adults, and free for children under 16. To RSVP or find out more, contact the Garradunga Progress Association at garradungaprogress@gmail.com or Ian on 0437 474 488.
Daryl Dickson in her studio. Photo supplied
For Cardwell wildlife artist Daryl Dickson, the endangered mahogany glider is much more than a subject for her paintings. It has shaped her life and decades of dedication to protecting North Queensland’s wildlife.
This evening, Daryl will share her knowledge and experiences at C4’s Science in the Pub at Shanti Café in Mission Beach, introducing audiences to one of Australia’s rarest and least-known marsupials.
Rediscovered in 1989 after being lost to science for more than a century, the mahogany glider survives in a limited area of North Queensland, where habitat loss and fragmentation threaten its future.
“It’s still a very unknown species,” Daryl said. “The more people know about it, the better chance they’ve got of making good decisions that don’t harm the landscape or the animals that rely on it.”
Her presentation will explore the glider’s remarkable characteristics, its habitat and the conservation efforts underway to secure its survival.
Daryl’s connection with the Wet Tropics began in 1988, when a hot-air ballooning trip from Adelaide introduced her to the region.
“I couldn’t believe the colour, and the forests, and the wildlife,” she recalled. “There was just something so magic about this place.”
In 1993, she and husband Geoff Moffatt left their telecommunications careers behind and moved north, eventually building their own home beside Myunga Creek in the Kennedy Valley. They later discovered their property was important mahogany glider habitat, sparking decades of involvement in conservation and wildlife rehabilitation.
Today, their Mungarru Lodge Sanctuary helps injured and orphaned gliders and possums prepare for release into the wild. A large enclosure allows recovering animals to rebuild the strength and fitness needed to survive in their natural environment. That close connection with wildlife also informs Daryl’s art.
“What they give me in return is this close contact and the ability to observe them moving naturally and doing things that they do, which informs my art,” she said.
For Daryl, art and conservation are inseparable, shaped by more than three decades living among the animals she paints.
“We’re just another animal in their forest,” she said.
Tuesday’s presentation offers an opportunity to discover the extraordinary mahogany glider through the eyes of someone who has devoted much of her life to understanding and protecting it.
1. Born to glide: Mahogany gliders can glide up to 60 metres between trees and rarely come to ground.
2. Family life: They breed once a year, producing one or two young cared for by both parents. Each pair defends a territory of approximately 20 hectares.
3. Rare and endangered: Found nowhere else on Earth, mahogany gliders were rediscovered in 1989 after more than a century lost to science.
Source: Fact Sheet, Mungarru Lodge Sanctuary
Mayor Teresa Millwood uses her Waste Disposal Voucher – have you?
This week Mayor Teresa Millwood led by example using her Waste Disposal Voucher after clearing her property in preparation for disaster season.
Council encourages all residents to remain on high alert despite a drier start to the season.
“Cassowary Coaster’s are built different when it comes to severe weather,” shared Council.
“A drier start to the season doesn’t mean we can afford to be complacent. Now is the time to get ready.”
Every rate payer in the region has received a waste disposal voucher with their latest rate notice.
This voucher can be used to dispose of a load of eligible dry household waste.
“It’s a great chance to clear out unwanted items around your home and yard before monsoon rains and cyclone season get underway,” said Council.
The Get ready Queensland campaign encourages all residents to:
And don’t forget to bookmark the Cassowary Coast Disaster Dashboard — your best address in a disaster.
Lion Sue Hart (President), Lion Callan Ihle (Vice President) and Lion Caroline Dyer, outside Cardwell State School with the donated Front Row Sound System. Photo supplied
Cardwell Lions Club is continuing its support of local students, recently donating a Front Row Sound System valued at $1,875 to Cardwell State School.
The specialised sound system will assist students with diagnosed hearing impairments, while also supporting teachers and students in general classroom situations by helping ensure instructions and discussions can be heard clearly.
The donation is part of Cardwell Lions Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting the needs and wellbeing of the Cardwell community, particularly its younger residents.
“One very important consideration is support for our young citizens during their important school years,” the organisation said.
Cardwell Lions Club was formed in 1968 and is celebrating 58 years of service to the community this year.
Anyone interested in joining Cardwell Lions can contact Membership Officer Lion Callan Ihle on 0424 079 925.
The club meets on the third Sunday of each month at the Lions Hall from 9.30am.
Senator Susan McDonald presenting the 2026 Spotlight Master Fisherman of the Year to Darcy Fazio Photo supplied: Rebecca Zaghini
Local fishing industry achievements were celebrated during an awards evening held at Cloakey Restaurant on September 25th as part of the Spotlight on Hinchinbrook Seafood Expo.
The evening recognised the dedication, experience and sustainability efforts of fishermen who contribute to the region’s seafood industry.
Darcy Fazio was named the 2026 Spotlight Master Fisherman of the Year, with Senator Susan McDonald presenting the award.
Allan Bobbermen was recognised with the Lifetime of Achievement Award, presented by Deputy Mayor Mary Brown in acknowledgement of his longstanding contribution to the industry.
A posthumous award for the achievement Lifetime of Service was presented to Walter Putzka by Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa MP, with his wife, Lisa Putzka, accepting the honour on his behalf.
John Taifalos received the Most Sustainable Fisher award, presented by Kylie Dunstan of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), recognising his commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
Pavement rehabilitation maintenance works set to begin on Ingham–Forrest Beach Road. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Contributed with thanks by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
Motorists travelling along Ingham–Forrest Beach Road can expect changed traffic conditions, with pavement rehabilitation maintenance works having recently commenced approximately four kilometres west of Forrest Beach.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) advises works will take place through to Saturday, 24th October, between 7am and 5pm, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Motorists should allow extra travel time, with single-lane closures, moderate delays and reduced speed limits expected throughout the work zone. Traffic controllers will be onsite during active construction hours, while automatic traffic signals will operate outside these hours.
Access to all properties will remain open throughout the works. Drivers may also experience noise from heavy machinery and should follow all traffic control directions and reduced speed limits.
Variable message signs and advance warning signs will be installed on approaches to the work site to alert motorists to changed conditions.
TMR thanked motorists in advance for their patience and understanding while the rehabilitation works are completed.
For current road conditions, check the QLDTraffic website or call 13 19 40.
Epaderm is a versatile skincare range designed to help moisturise, soothe and protect dry and sensitive skin. Photo supplied: Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy
Love Your Skin With Epaderm!
Dry, itchy or sensitive skin? Give your skin some extra love with Epaderm!
This week at Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy, we’re shining the spotlight on Epaderm — a trusted, versatile skincare range designed to help moisturise, soothe and protect dry and sensitive skin.
Whether it’s dry winter skin, eczema-prone skin or simply skin that needs a little extra TLC, Epaderm can be a fantastic addition to your everyday skincare routine. Its emollient formulations help moisturise the skin and provide a protective layer to help prevent moisture from escaping.
And the best part? Epaderm is incredibly versatile! Depending on the product, it can be used as a moisturiser, cleanser or bath additive, making it an easy choice for the whole family.
For beautifully moisturised skin, regular application is key, especially after bathing or showering. Apply while your skin is still slightly damp to help seal in that much-needed moisture.
Pop into Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy this week and discover why Epaderm could become a new favourite in your family’s skincare routine!
Our friendly team is always here to help you choose the right product for your skin. Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy — your local team for healthy, happy skin!
Book now for the FREE Women’s Wellbeing Health Clinic for a one-on-one consultation with personalised support and insights around menopause-related symptoms, bone health, Vitamin D and iron screening, digestive health and sleep, and navigating perimenopause or menopause.
The clinic is run by a qualified registered nurse, each 20-minute appointment offers a confidential space to discuss symptoms and concerns around perimenopause, menopause, breast health, gut or sleep health, and general wellbeing. Attendees receive complimentary finger-prick screening for iron (ferritin) and vitamin D deficiencies, along with education and a demonstration on breast self-examination, giving every woman practical, tailored strategies to manage her health with confidence.
The Women’s Health Clinic may not be suitable for everyone. Some concerns may require further assessment by a medical practitioner. Speak with our pharmacists or your GP if you are unsure whether the service is right for you.
WHAT: Free Women's Wellbeing Health Clinic
WHEN: Thursday, 5th November, 9am–1pm
WHERE: Ingham Wholelife Pharmacy & Healthfoods, Woolworths Complex, Ingham
Speckled Flying Fox mother and pup. Photo credit: Vivvy Hsieh
Contributed with thanks by Terrain NRM.
Conservationists are urging Far North Queensland residents to give flying-fox mothers and their babies space as the annual birthing season gets underway.
Endangered Spectacled Flying-foxes are beginning to give birth across Far North Queensland, with maternity roosts expected to become busier over the coming months.
The native fruit bats give birth to just one pup each year, making every new arrival important for the recovery of the species.
Wet Tropics Wildlife Rescue Coordinator Kristy Jensen said Spectacled Flying-foxes congregate at maternity roosts during spring and summer.
“The birthing and nursery season typically runs from September through to March, and numbers at maternity roosts can increase significantly during this time,” Ms Jensen said.
“Many maternity roosts are in urban areas and, while having a roost nearby can be challenging for residents, this is seasonal behaviour. By Easter, most roosts will have dispersed to other locations.”
Wildlife carer and FNQ Wildlife Rescue Bat Coordinator Cheryl Hudson said hundreds of flying-fox pups are orphaned or separated from their mothers each year.
“Flying-fox mothers carry their young constantly during the first few weeks of life, so this is a particularly vulnerable time.
“Mothers and pups can become separated when roosts are disturbed by loud noises, severe weather or other disturbances.”
Spectacled Flying-foxes play an important role in maintaining healthy rainforests, pollinating flowering plants and dispersing seeds over large distances as they move through the landscape at night.
The species faces significant threats including climate change, habitat loss, paralysis ticks, entanglement in barbed wire and powerlines, and human disturbance. A severe heatwave in 2018 caused mass deaths of Spectacled Flying-foxes, contributing to the species being listed as endangered.
Ms Jensen said recent monitoring had shown encouraging signs of population recovery, but significant threats remained.
“With summer approaching, every pup matters,” she said.
“Giving mothers and their babies a safe, undisturbed place to raise their young is one simple way the community can help.”
If you find a sick, injured or dead flying-fox, do not touch it. If it is safe to do so, cover it with a towel, box or blanket and contact FNQ Wildlife Rescue on (07) 4053 4467.
Spectacled Flying-foxes are protected under Queensland and Australian Government legislation. Disturbing or harming flying-foxes or their roosts may result in significant penalties. For more information, see Terrain NRM’s Spectacled Flying-fox FAQs
This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust and the Saving Native Species Programs.
Preparatory works for the Gawara Baya Project near Mount Fox have begun as of Monday, 12th October, with road and bridge works expected to commence later this month.
The project team has advised that works will take place across the Mount Fox area from October 2026 through to mid-to-late 2027, with the schedule subject to weather, permits and site conditions.
Initial activities will include preparing the project camp site and constructing the site entrance off Mount Fox Road, before progressing to road and bridge works along Lava Plains Mount Fox Road.
Works will occur between 6.30am and 6.30pm, seven days a week, although hours may vary depending on conditions and the nature of the work.
Motorists travelling through the area should expect changed traffic conditions, including temporary traffic lights at the intersection of Gregory Developmental Road and Mount Fox Road. Traffic management will also be in place around work sites, and speed limits may change throughout the project.
The project team has advised that access to private properties is not expected to be affected.
Residents and motorists may also notice increased noise and dust during construction, as well as water trucks travelling between extraction points and work areas via Mount Fox Road and project access routes. Measures will be taken to minimise disruption and manage traffic and dust.
The project team thanked the community for its patience as work progresses to construct Gawara Baya for North Queensland.
For more information, or to discuss specific access requirements, contact the project team on 1800 676 864, email info@gawarabaya.com or visit gawarabaya.com
Loading up the raffle prizes for the winners back in August. Photo source: Herbert River Museum & Gallery Inc.
The Herbert River Museum and Gallery is getting into the Melbourne Cup spirit with preparations well underway for its upcoming Melbourne Cup Luncheon.
On Friday 21st August the Museum had the pleasure of welcoming Councillor Donna Marbelli to draw its latest raffle, helping raise funds towards the much-anticipated event.
The luncheon will be held on Tuesday 3rd November from 11am at Macknade Bowls Club on Golf Links Road, Macknade Wilmar Estate.
Guests can look forward to a social day celebrating the race that stops the nation, with catering provided by Peira and Marian. Dietary requirements must be advised when making a booking.
The Melbourne Cup Luncheon is an important fundraiser for the Herbert River Museum, helping support the organisation and its ongoing work preserving and sharing the district’s history.
Whether you are a racing enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out with friends, the luncheon promises to be a great opportunity to enjoy good company while supporting a local community organisation.
For bookings and enquiries, contact Evlyn on 0427 128 091 or Janet on 0428 750 072.
Meet Blair, a lovely feline companion whose silky black fur is as soft as velvet. With her striking appearance and gentle nature, Blair is sure to capture your heart and become an inseparable part of your life. Though she came from a large group of felines, she has blossomed in our care and is now ready to embark on her new journey of love and companionship.
Blair may have had a less-than-ideal start to life, but her resilience and adaptability have helped her flourish into the affectionate, charming cat she is today. After receiving all her necessary care and attention, she is prepared to bring joy and warmth to a loving home. An adopter who appreciates her soft, gentle demeanour and is ready to provide endless love will find an exceptional companion in Blair.
This elegant cat is ready to share her heart with a new family. Whether curled up on a cozy windowsill or softly purring in your lap, Blair will undoubtedly enhance your life. She is an indoors only cat.
Included in adoption fee of $225 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated. Enquire today at angelpawsinc.com.au/pets-for-adoption/cats/
Sex: Female
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Black
DOB: 01/03/2025
Cat Friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: Unsure
Kid Friendly: Yes
Construction works on Venables Crossing Road at Lannercost are now expected to be completed by Friday 30th October, weather permitting.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council has advised the project has experienced a slight delay due to contractor availability and vandalism at the construction site.
The upgrade involves widening the road to provide a safer pull-over area beside the Give Way sign near the bridge on the eastern approach to the crossing, alongside drainage improvements.
Traffic control will remain in place during construction, with traffic reduced to a single lane. Motorists are urged to follow all signage and directions from traffic controllers when travelling through the work area.
Council thanked residents and road users for their patience and cooperation while the works are completed.
The project is jointly funded by the Queensland Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) and Hinchinbrook Shire Council.
For further information, contact Council by emailing council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or calling (07) 4776 4600.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes. Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
