A desire for a fresh start has driven Jake Bebendorf to take the reins at Ingham’s JB Mechanical & Suspension, stepping into ownership after seizing the perfect opportunity to grow within the mechanical industry.

Jake said stepping into ownership of JB Mechanical & Suspension has brought a strong sense of achievement, adding he is committed to running the business with integrity and a focus on honest, reliable workmanship.

Since taking over, Jake has steered JB Mechanical & Suspension toward a stronger focus on suspension services, particularly four-wheel drive setups, while also building close partnerships with local businesses and tradespeople to deliver high-quality, well-rounded service to clients.

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With a full schedule of both longstanding and new clients keeping Jake, administrator Sylvia and apprentice Malachi busy and accountable, Jake is confident his workmanship and approach to running the business will speak for themselves in building strong, trusted relationships.

“We’re trying to restore good, honest, reliable work to the business and make that distinction between then [previous ownership] and now [current ownership],” said Jake.

“We’re new owners, but we’re old faces and in the business itself, there are still the good old bones underneath of family values, business values, and staff values.”

With 12 months already under their belt since taking over the business, Jake has plans to grow and a strong focus on creating opportunities to welcome and train new apprentices.

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“In the business, there were a lot of things that weren’t working, and it [purchasing the business] was a very quick decision,” Jake added.  

“Since then, we’ve put more love, and a whole lot of liability into how we operate.”

Jake and the team at JB Mechanical & Suspension are welcoming the community to visit them at 4–6 Gedge Street, Ingham, or get in touch on 07 4776 3173.

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Donzel began his Tec-NQ House journey in Semester 2, 2025, bringing fresh energy to the boarding community. As a year 10 student, preparing for year 11 in 2026, he already had his future mapped out: a career in the automotive industry.

“I chose Tec-NQ for the opportunities after school,” said Donzel.

“I heard about this school from family members,” he added.

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It’s the strength of Tec-NQ’s vocational pathway options that attracted him, and he was keen to take every chance to learn. “So far, it’s been good,” he adds with a smile.

Head of Boarding, Dominic Stower, says Donzel’s attitude is a great fit for Tec-NQ House.

“When new students arrive with a clear goal, it sets them up to make the most of the opportunities here,” Dominic said. “Donzel has come in focused on automotive, and we’re already seeing his commitment.”

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Life outside of the classroom keeps Donzel busy. At home on Warraber Island in the Torres Strait, he spends spare time fishing with family and friends. In Townsville, he’s quick to make use of the boarding house facilities, enjoying games of pool and keeping up with basketball. A loyal Chicago Bulls supporter, his favourite number is 23, a tribute to Michael Jordan. On the rugby league field, he follows the Roosters.

For Dominic, this balance of vocational focus, sport and recreation is exactly what Tec-NQ House was designed to provide.  

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“Boarding gives young people independence with a safety net,” he explained. “We set expectations around learning, wellbeing and behaviour, and then we support them with structure and routine. That’s where they thrive.”

Tec-NQ House itself is a purpose-built boys-only residence located in Rosslea. Opened in 2022, it provides accommodation for up to forty senior school students from regional and remote Queensland, giving them access to Tec-NQ’s trade-focused senior school program.

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The facility blends structure with comfort. Students have air-conditioned double-occupancy rooms, communal lounges with streaming services and computer access, and a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities and a basketball court. An on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals every day, fuelling the boys for school, sport and work placements.

Transport is provided to the Tec-NQ Douglas co-educational campus, and staff also drive students to and from workplaces when required. This removes barriers and lets students focus on their learning, hobbies and friendships. After-hours, the boys enjoy organised sport, social activities and excursions, all designed to build a sense of community.

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Dominic says that for students like Donzel, these routines help them settle quickly.  

“First-year boarders do well when there is a clear rhythm to the week,” he said. “They learn to manage their time, connect with mates and build confidence. Those skills will serve them in school, in apprenticeships and in life.”

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With his career pathway in mind, his hobbies from home, and a willingness to get involved in boarding life, Donzel is making a strong start. We look forward to seeing his journey continue into year 11 and 12.

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Queensland cattle farmers can now apply for help to rebuild their herds. Photo sourced: Pexel

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Embryo transfer procedures to reinstate genetically valuable breeding stock are now eligible for reimbursement under Primary Producer Recovery Grants.

The grants are being delivered under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to support primary producers who have been impacted by the devastating Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji and Severe Weather which commenced in December 2025.

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The eligibility for embryo transfer procedures has been retrospectively applied to disaster events including and after North and Far North Tropical Low 29th Jan – 28th Feb 2025 where Primary Producer Recovery Grants have been announced.

The loss of genetically valuable breeding livestock and future breeders has severely affected the ability of producers to resume breeding operations to pre-disaster levels and reduced genetic improvement in key seedstock operations.

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Including embryo transfers as an eligible activity under the grants aims to support primary producers, particularly those operating stud cattle enterprises, who have been significantly impacted by recent natural disasters.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said this support would assist impacted primary producers in Queensland to rebuild their stock levels faster.

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“Queensland is home to some of Australia’s best beef products, but we know severe weather events have affected herd numbers, and this support gives farmers greater choice in how they rebuild,” Minister Collins said.

“Having visited flood-impacted farmers in Queensland, I know how important it is to work with them to support their recovery – and we will have their back at every stage of recovery.”

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Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the decision reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting Queensland’s primary producers through expanded access to disaster assistance.  

“By including embryo transfer as an eligible cost under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, we are ensuring that stud cattle enterprises and other affected producers can rebuild their herds and return to full production as quickly as possible,” Minister Perrett said.

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“More importantly, the inclusion of embryo transfer-related costs sends a strong signal to industry that both levels of government are supportive of graziers integrating embryo technology into their mitigation and resilience planning.”  

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The following embryo transfer-related costs are now eligible for reimbursement under the grants for primary producers directly impacted by an eligible disaster event:

- Synchronisation drugs for recipient cows

- Veterinary procedure fees for implantation

- Labour and technician costs associated with embryo transfer

- Travel costs required to access remote properties

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Primary producers can claim costs for using their own stored embryos that were cryopreserved prior to the disaster event or for donated embryos from industry partners, with only the implantation costs being claimable.  

Disaster Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 are now open for applications through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) website. Financial support is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the DRFA.  

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You can find out to access support here: www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/disaster/funding/industry-recovery-resilience-officers

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Donated to the 31st Battalion Band in 1915 by Queensland pastoralist Alfred John Cotton, the World War I cornet accompanied Australian soldiers during their service on the Western Front. The 31st Battalion, known as the Kennedy Regiment, drew many of its volunteers from North Queensland’s Kennedy District and formed part of the Australian Imperial Force.

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These men served with distinction in Europe, forging enduring links between regional Queensland communities and the battlefields of France and Belgium. The battalion suffered devastating losses at the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916 and later took part in key operations during the Allied advance of 1918, including fighting associated with the Villers‑Bretonneux area.

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Lost during the war, the cornet was later recovered and carefully restored. Today, it is preserved at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library as part of its Special Collections, where it sits as a tangible link to the service and sacrifice of the men of the Kennedy Regiment.

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The instrument holds deep symbolic value. During the war, musicians who played such instruments often served dual roles, acting not only in ceremonial capacities but also as stretcher bearers, carrying wounded soldiers from the battlefield under fire.

In a modern tribute, Australian Army musician Jeff Poole was granted special permission to play the restored cornet at Fromelles, sounding the Last Post during reburial ceremonies for Australian soldiers who had lain unidentified for more than a century. The cornet was loaned for the occasion by a member of the 31st Battalion Association who recognised its historical importance.

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Its use extended beyond Fromelles to ceremonies at the Menin Gate in Belgium, honouring thousands of soldiers who have no known grave.

More than a relic, the cornet represents continuity, remembrance and respect, connecting present‑day Australians with the legacy of the Kennedy Regiment and the sacrifice of those who served and died more than a century ago. For more information on ANZAC Day commemoration services across the region, visit Council’s website or follow Council’s Facebook page for details.

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On another note, fuel has been a regular topic around our dinner tables and workplaces for weeks now, and I know many locals are feeling concerned about availability and rising costs.  

For us, fuel isn’t a luxury, it’s essential to everyday life, whether you’re getting to work, running a business, taking kids to school or travelling long distances for services.

While Australia has fuel security measures in place, regional and remote communities like ours can still feel the impact of international instability through transport delays, increased demand and temporary supply pressures.

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Council has made fuel availability information easier to access through the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard.  

The information is sourced directly from the Queensland Government and provides near real‑time updates from participating fuel retailers. It’s designed to help you plan, avoid unnecessary trips between service stations and reduce panic buying. A little consideration goes a long way. Using fuel responsibly helps ensure there’s enough for emergency services, essential workers and those in our community who rely on it most.

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You can find the Dashboard, along with weather warnings and safety information by following the Hinchinbrook Disaster Information Facebook page or the Disaster Dashboard website.

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Over the years, I’ve heard many people say they want to recycle better, but they’re not always sure if they’re doing it right. That’s exactly why Hinchinbrook Shire Council is again rolling out the Bin Tagging Education Program across the Shire.

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This program is about helping households recycle correctly and keeping recyclable material out of landfill. On collection days, Council officers carry out simple visual checks of yellow lidded recycling bins and leave a coloured tag to show how that bin is tracking. A green tag means you’re doing a great job, orange shows there is a little contamination with tips to improve, and red highlights heavy contamination.

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I want to be very clear. This is an education-first approach. We know most residents want to do the right thing, and bin tagging provides practical, easy-to-understand feedback so small changes can be made without guesswork or frustration.

Each year, our community sends around 4,000 tonnes of kerbside waste to landfill. If we can divert just ten per cent of recyclable material out of red bins and into yellow bins, that is around 400 tonnes less waste going to landfill. That helps extend the life of our landfill, reduces environmental impacts, and keeps long term costs down for everyone.

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If a recycling bin is heavily contaminated, it may be emptied into general waste to protect the rest of the load. Households that continue to have issues will receive additional education and support, and only ongoing non-compliance may lead to further action.

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Recycling is not always straightforward, especially when packaging is unclear. Tools like Recycle Mate can help residents check what goes where.

This program is one more way Council is working alongside the community to improve recycling habits. Small changes really can make a big difference.

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For more information, follow Council’s Facebook page, check Council’s website or better yet, call (07) 4776 4600.

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Highly accessible AI tools can now generate sexually explicit content without a person’s knowledge or consent – a growing concern in Queensland schools – with harmful content being generated to cyber-bully.  

To ensure Queensland laws keep pace with technology, the Government will criminalise the creation of intimate images of a person through digital technology without their consent, closing the loophole that has allowed perpetrators to evade accountability.  

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The proposed new offence will:  

• Capture intimate images that are digitally altered or created entirely using digital technology, such as through image-editing software, AI-generated images or “nudify” applications.

• Include images of simulated or digitally generated people that closely resemble, or purport to be, an identifiable real person, ensuring offenders cannot evade accountability through technical loopholes.

• Carry a proposed maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment.  

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Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the reforms demonstrate the Government’s commitment to prioritising victims’ rights.

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“This is for the women who have had their images weaponised against them, the teachers who have been the subject of heinous cyber-bullying, and for every victim who was told the law couldn’t help - because now we are changing that,” the Attorney-General said.  

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“For too long, offenders have been able to exploit a loophole in the law to create harmful and exploitative content without facing the full consequences. We are closing that loophole.

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The Queensland Government will undertake targeted consultation with stakeholders across the education, legal, sexual violence and online safety sectors as part of developing the legislation.

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31st Battalion, 1939, Anzac Day Parade, Ingham. Photo supplied

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Long before their names appeared in service records and memorials, they were part of everyday life in regional Queensland.  

They were young people with families, neighbours with futures, community members with hopes much like our own. Their willingness to sacrifice their world in service of others has left a lasting mark on the region and on the generations that followed.

As Anzac Day approaches, residents are encouraged to reflect on Hinchinbrook Shire Library’s extensive and significant record of the region’s military heritage, with a particular focus on the 31st Battalion, The Kennedy Regiment.

Mayor Ramon Jayo said Anzac Day offers an important opportunity to connect remembrance with learning and local history.

“Anzac Day reminds us that service and sacrifice are not abstract ideas, they are lived experiences of people from our own towns, streets and families,” Mayor Jayo said.

“Our Library plays a vital role in preserving these stories and ensuring they remain accessible to the community, researchers and future generations.”

The special collection was bequeathed to the Hinchinbrook Shire Library by Captain Bob Burla RFD, ED & Bars (RL), the voluntary historian for the 31st Battalion Infantry Association.

Since its establishment in 1999, it has become a major custodian of documentary material relating to the 31st Battalion, including service records, photographs, personal papers, publications and military ephemera.

Complementing this military collection, the Library’s Special Collections also encompass local histories, photographs, council records and newspapers.

Together, these materials help tell the broader story of life in the Hinchinbrook Shire during times of both peace and conflict.

Mayor Jayo said these collections ensure remembrance remains active, relevant and meaningful.

“Preserving history is not simply about looking back, it’s about ensuring future generations understand the service, resilience and contributions of those who came before them,” he said.

“Our library collections allow these stories to be shared with accuracy, respect and strong local context.”

Community members, veterans, families and students are encouraged to visit the Hinchinbrook Shire Library at 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham, during normal hours: Monday–Wednesday and Friday 10:00am–4:00pm
Thursday 10:00am–6:00pm
Saturday 9:00am–12:00pm

The library will be closed on Anzac Day, with further information on commemoration services available at www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/2026-anzac-day-commemoration-services/  

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From the Herbert River RSL Sub Branch and the Rollingstone RSL Sub Branch

C.A. Marshall

World War I

L.B. Alm
J. Allan
F. Armstrong
R.E. Alston
H.H. Anderson
A.J.J. Barnes
F.J. Barnes
A.J. Boreham
J.E. Beatts
D.R.Mc Baxter
E. Bridger
P. Christie
A.R. Cummins
A. Cates
A. Filippi
W.E. Fulton
L. Ghensi
J. Hardy
H.E. Hembrow
H.E. Irwin
W.E. Kelley
R.M. Knowles
A.E. Kehl
E.P. Morris
S. Markham
W.J. Markey
W. Ninnis
P.W. Ross
G.R. Skinner
A.D. Scrutton
J. Smith
H. Smith
A. Taylor
H.A.S. Taylor
R. Thompson
J.H. Urquhart
G.F.M.M. Venables
A. White
W.B. Dwyer

World War II

R. Agnew
M.A. Bishop
A.B. Brown
A.M. Christie
E.M. Christie
P.R. Challands
B.C. Cabon
A. Cousens
W.R. Cornish
W.L. Cleary
P.J. Cumiskey
L. Desjardins
N.L. Diehm
J.M. Dixon
J.D. Dunstan
E. Doherty
G.H. Eddleston
M.J. Farrell
K. Fulton
E.A. Glover
D.L. Graham
H.F. Harvey
W.D. Hunter
J. Hopkins
R. Hopkins
R. Jessup
C.P. Lesina
K. Lynch
J.W. Langley
T. Markey
H.T. Mills
M. Nayler
N. Nicholson
M. O’Malley
P. Richardson
H.G. Schmidt
J. Simpson
J.W. Sinclair
H.H. Swarbrick
L.J.K. Teitzel
E.E.G. Taylor
J.K. Waring
C.Y. Watson
R.N. Wehrle
L. Wilkinson
R.E. Innes
R.H. Jones
B. Roberts
L. Polmear

Korean War

F.J. Origlassi

Malaysia

V.J. Cowen

LEST WE FORGET

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INGHAM DAWN PARADE

All Ex-Servicemen and Women and members of the public are invited to attend the DAWN PARADE assembling at the Mafeking Tree, opposite the Police Station, Ingham at 4:15am Saturday 25 April 2026.  At the conclusion of the service, all those attending are invited to the RSL Clubrooms for breakfast.

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RSL REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY AT INGHAM CEMETERY

This ceremony, conducted by the Herbert River Sub-Branch of the RSL, will take place at the Ingham War Cemetery commencing at 6:00am.

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FORREST BEACH PARADE AND COMMEMORATION CEREMONY

Individuals, schools and local organisations are invited to participate in the Forrest Beach Progress Association Parade and Commemoration Ceremony.  All marchers taking part in the parade are requested to assemble, under the direction of the Parade Marshall, Mr Richard Scobie, in Corbett Park near the Forrest Beach SLSC, at 6:50am.  The parade will move at 7:00am, march along Palm Street to the Memorial Site in Progress Park where a wreath laying ceremony will take place. Light refreshments will be provided after the ceremony.

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HALIFAX PARADE AND COMMEMORATION CEREMONY

Schools and local organisations are invited to participate in the Halifax Parade and Commemoration Ceremony.  All marchers taking part in the parade are requested to assemble at 8:00am at the Halifax State School in Victoria Terrace, under the direction of the Parade Marshall, Mr Gordon Schmierer.  The parade will move at 8:05am, march along the main street of Halifax to Lion’s clock and return to the War Memorial where a wreath laying ceremony will take place.

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INGHAM PARADE AND COMMEMORATION CEREMONY

Schools and local organisations are invited to participate in the Anzac Day Parade and are requested to assemble, under the direction of the Parade Marshall, Captain Felix Reitano Retd., in Rotary Park adjacent old Barra Motors building, at 9:20am to march on the northern lane of Herbert Street into Palm Terrace to the Cenotaph where the commemoration ceremony will follow, wreaths will be placed on the Cenotaph and the Last Post and Reveille sounded. The parade will then be dismissed at the completion of the service.

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FLAGS: Business people in the Shire are encouraged to display flags which are to be flown at half-mast from 8:00am until noon and at the masthead for the remainder of the day.

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WREATHS: The Committee respectfully suggests that persons considering the laying of Wreaths give consideration to the substitution of an Inscribed Book either instead of, or as well as, a Wreath.  These books will then be presented to local Schools for inclusion in their Libraries as a lasting memento of the Ceremony.

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ORDER OF MARCH: Air Force Cadets; Returned and Service Persons; National Servicemen’s Association – Ingham Branch; Drummers; Scouts; Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School; Ingham State Primary School; Country Schools; Ingham State High School; St Teresa’s College; Gilroy Santa Maria College.

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"LEST WE FORGET"

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Championship 4’s Winners: L Melvin, E Piotto, L DiBella & G Wright. Photo supplied

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Semi Finals Championship Fours results:
G. Wright, L. DiBella, E. Piotto, L. Melvin 24 vs A. Burns, J. Bell, N. Mammerella, M. Owen 18.
M. Spano, J. Casanovas, J. Feneoglio, N. Evans 22 vs I. Byrne, K. Rotondo, J. Craven, S. Ryan 17.

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Final winners were G. Wright, L. DiBella, E. Piotto, L. Melvin.

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Our Allamanda Fours was well attended with 14 teams playing in good bowling conditions. Overall winners for the day was a team skippered by Rhonda Tawse from Townsville.  Townsville skips L. Poole and L. Riches took out 2^nd and 3^rd place with a local team coming 4^th.  

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Our thanks go out to our sponsors, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, The Carey Group and Wilmar for making our day possible. Wednesday was back to club bowls with 1 competition being played. B Grade Singles saw D. Tomba defeat T. Mawson 25/12.  

Social play results:
B. Eddleston, M. Owens, E. Piotto 22 vs M.  Spano, N.Evans, J. Fenoglio 14.  
A. Burns, J. Casanovas, J. Craven 19 vs N. Mammerella M. Moore, L. DiBella 13.

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Results of Play Wednesday 8 April - Championship Singles:
Jan Craven def. Judy Fenoglio 26/19.
Norma Evans Def. Sandy Ryan 26/15.

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Social play results:
R. Horton, M. Spano, L. DiBella, A. Rutherford 15 v N. Mammerella, M. Moore, T. Rhodes 14.
D. Toomba, B. Eddleston, E. Piotto 25 v T. Mawson, K. Rotondo, J. Casanovas 13.

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(Contributed with thanks by Sandy Ryan & John and Elsa Piotto)

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Macie (Left) competing in the under 12 girls. Miles (Right)competing in the under 12 boys. Photo supplied

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Recently, Ingham Tennis Association had some of their juniors go to the Kalynda Chase Open Tennis Tournament, this tournament put their players in the same age grouping as players who came from Cairns and surrounding areas.

The opens are for experienced players and award money is offered in the adult sections. This time, the Ingham juniors didn't get any placings but came away a lot better for the experience and made new friends enjoying the whole weekend.  

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They have the Ingham Junior Development Series tournament coming up soon which gives kids of all abilities the chance to compete and have some fun against kids of the same ability.  

Ingham Tennis has paused for the school holidays as a break but will be in full swing in the first week back from the easter break.

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(Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso)

Banyan Creek Bridge along the Bruce Highway. Photo source: Google Maps

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Confusion surrounding multiple Banyan Creek road signs in the Cassowary Coast has been raised as a concern, with questions emerging around clarity for road users.

The issue was recently flagged by longtime resident and local Councillor, Trudy Tschui, who has formally raised the matter with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR), citing concerns about the potential for misdirection.

“This request to DTMR aligns with the ongoing issues at that area.  The bridge and access are dangerous, add in the confusion of the uncertainty of the name, and it is an accident waiting to happen,” said Ms Tschui.

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Within the region, there are three locations known as Banyan Creek: one on Tully/Mission Beach Road (Whitings Crossing), another on the Bruce Highway north of Tully near the service stations, and a third as you cross the bridge into the Tully township.

Drivers unfamiliar with the region have been left guessing, with the signage causing uncertainty for those navigating between communities, especially during North Queensland’s wet season.  

“The confusion happens when the flooding occurs and social media reports Whitings is over, and as new residents are unsure where that is, they may head out to the Bruce Highway from Mission Beach only to discover the road is closed,” explained Ms Tschui.

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Ms Tschui said the issue had been brought to the attention of Cassowary Coast Regional Council through both community feedback, and personal experiences.

“I have had residents contact me directly about the matter, and I see the comments on social media of other voicing their concerns,” she added.

In response, the concern was escalated to DTMR, the authority responsible for road signage across the state.

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“I have contacted DTMR directly, asking for a sign to go under the Banyan Creek sign reading “Known Locally as Whitings Crossing”, but I have not been successful with that request,” said Ms Tschui.

“There’s a process and policy regarding name changing, but I feel another sign would be adequate as opposed to a name change.”

A TMR spokesperson confirmed the department is aware of the concerns, stating that signage across the area is accurate.

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“The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is aware of concerns regarding multiple Banyan Creek signs in the Cassowary Coast region,” the spokesperson said.

“There are two state-controlled roads that cross Banyan Creek: the Bruce Highway and Tully–Mission Beach Road. Signage at both crossings is accurate and compliant with TMR guidelines.”

Clear and consistent signage plays an important role in ensuring safe and efficient travel, particularly in regional areas where visitors may rely heavily on road directions.

At the time of publishment, despite community concerns, no changes to the existing signage have been confirmed.

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Upgraded recovery grants will offer vital support for local businesses and community groups in the Cassowary Coast region. Photo source: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

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Small businesses and community organisations across the Cassowary Coast are being urged to apply for increased disaster recovery support, with grants of up to $50,000 now available through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

The Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants have been doubled from $25,000 to $50,000, reflecting the severity of recent weather events, including the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclones Koji and Narelle, and severe weather since December 2025. The Cassowary Coast is among the activated local government areas, making eligible businesses and not-for-profits able to access the funding.

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The grants are designed to support clean-up and recovery efforts, covering costs such as repairing damaged infrastructure, replacing equipment, removing debris, and covering additional labour expenses. Non-profit organisations can also apply for the same level of funding, while some areas may be eligible for additional low-interest disaster recovery loans.

To make the process easier, QRIDA is offering personalised support through its “QRIDA Connect” sessions, allowing applicants to receive one-on-one assistance online or over the phone without leaving their home or business.

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Authorities are encouraging those affected to begin documenting damage as soon as it is safe, complete the Disaster Impact Survey, and gather key documents such as photos, financial records and insurance details to support their applications.

QRIDA has also highlighted the importance of mental health support, with free and confidential services available to help individuals and communities through the recovery process.

Eligible businesses and organisations are encouraged to act quickly, with the increased funding providing a timely boost to support recovery and rebuild efforts across the region. Additional information can be found online at www.qrida.qld.gov.au/program/exceptional-disaster-assistance-recovery-grants-nq-monsoon-trough.

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Mission Beach is set to mark a major milestone this April, with a weekend of celebrations to officially reopen the revitalised town centre following the largest investment in the precinct in more than 50 years.

Official proceedings, including speeches and a ribbon cutting, will take place on Friday 17 April from 3:30pm at the Mission Beach stage. Special guests include Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood, Councillor Trudy Tschui, and Managing Director of RMS Richard McDonald.

The main community celebrations will follow across Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April, bringing locals, visitors and businesses together to experience the renewed heart of Mission Beach.

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Saturday’s program begins at 7am with a new-look Paradise Run, before Porter Promenade comes alive with a full day of free activities. Live music, beach games, wildlife displays, creative workshops, roving entertainment and native tree giveaways will feature, alongside food and drink specials from local businesses. Visitors can also enter to win a prize pack valued at more than $1,500 by supporting participating traders.

Sunday wraps up the weekend with the Mission Beach Markets at Ulysses Park from 7am, along with Wearable Weaves workshops at Castaways throughout the day.

Mayor Teresa Millwood said the project marked a significant turning point for the region.

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“This project has brought this iconic destination to life – unleashing Mission Beach’s tremendous tourism potential and creating opportunities for investment, economic growth, and prosperity.”

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“The works weren’t easy, and I thank the community for sticking with us. Your resilience, patience, and the way you’ve worked with us through all the ups and downs has been fantastic.”

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Councillor Trudy Tschui said the revitalisation had created a space designed for both locals and visitors.

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“The revitalisation project has transformed the heart of Mission Beach. It’s a vibrant, welcoming, accessible and family-friendly place that invites visitors and locals to linger longer.”

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The $21.5 million project, jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Cassowary Coast Regional Council, has delivered significant upgrades to Porter Promenade and the beachfront precinct, improving accessibility, safety and overall amenity.

The community is encouraged to come along, explore the revitalised space and support local businesses as Mission Beach celebrates its next chapter.

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For more information visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Meet-us-in-Mission

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WHAT: Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation Opening & Community Celebration
WHEN: Friday 17 April 2026 3:30pm (official opening), Saturday 18 April 2026 from 7:00am, Sunday 19 April 2026 from 7:00am
WHERE: Mission Beach Stage, Porter Promenade, & Ulysses Park, Mission Beach

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Motorists are being advised of upcoming closures at Vic Sivyer Bridge, with essential maintenance works scheduled to take place across April.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will undertake repairs to key steel structural components as part of its ongoing program to maintain the safety and reliability of bridges on the state-controlled road network.

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Closures will occur from Monday 13 April to Sunday 19 April, between 7:30am and 4pm daily. A second phase of works will run from Monday 20 April to Wednesday 22 April, with adjusted hours from 9am to 2:30pm to support school access.

During both periods, a half-hour access window will be available each day from 11:30am to 12pm to allow limited vehicle movement. Emergency services will be granted access at all times if required.

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Variable Message Signs will be installed on approaches to the bridge to keep motorists informed of changing traffic conditions, with any weather-related delays also communicated via signage.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during the works period. For further information, residents can contact TMR directly via email at cairns.office@tmr.qld.gov.au or by phone on 4045 7144.

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