The resilience, beauty, and spirit of rural Australia have been captured in the winning entries of Rural Aid’s sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition.

This year’s competition drew a record-breaking response, with 201 entrants submitting 429 photos – almost double the number received in 2024. The powerful images tell stories of life on the land, from moments of quiet reflection to the vastness and challenges of the Australian landscape.

Ten winners were each awarded a $250 prepaid Visa card for photos that judges said reflected the realities of rural life – its struggles, its triumphs, and the deep connection people share with country and community.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the competition continues to highlight stories that might otherwise go unseen.

“This year’s photos are a moving tribute to life outside the city limits. They tell stories of perseverance, pride and connection,” Mr Warlters said.

“There’s an authenticity to these images that resonates. Whether it’s a family working through drought, or a breathtaking sunrise over a remote property, the spirit of the bush shines through.”

Among the winners was Calliope’s Amy Ahchay, a first-time entrant, whose candid photograph of countrymen Rob and Gordon sharing a laugh over a cuppa in the paddock struck a chord with judges.

“I spotted Rob and Gordon deep in conversation across the paddock and just had to capture the moment. It was the perfect snapshot of bush life, two country larrikins, their horses, a cuppa, and a good laugh,” Amy said.

“To me, this is what the spirit of the bush is all about. It’s raw, it’s real, but it’s also full of heart. Mateship, storytelling, and that unshakable sense of connection that ties rural communities together.”

The winning images will feature across Rural Aid’s campaigns, publications and social media, helping to raise awareness of life in the bush and the people who call it home.

Rural Aid is also encouraging photographers to consider becoming volunteer content creators by donating images to support its fundraising and awareness work.

Since 2015, Rural Aid has provided vital support to farmers and rural communities, from hay and drinking water to mental health counselling and community-building initiatives. Now celebrating its 10th year, the charity continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with rural Australians, ensuring their stories – and their resilience – are never forgotten.

Ingham State High School is delighted to announce that School Captain, Amayah Hague, has been awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Association’s Secondary Schools’ Citizenship Award for 2025 — a distinguished honour that recognises exemplary young Australians who demonstrate outstanding leadership, citizenship, and service to their communities.

Amayah is one of only twelve students across Queensland to receive this significant accolade in 2025, placing her among an elite group of young leaders whose contributions extend far beyond the classroom.

The award celebrates secondary school students who have made a substantial impact through civic involvement, volunteerism, and leadership initiatives. Amayah’s selection reflects her active involvement in both school and community initiatives, and her consistent embodiment of values such as integrity, compassion, and responsibility.

This achievement also marks a notable milestone for Ingham State High School, with the award being conferred on one of its students for the second consecutive year. In 2024, then Vice Captain David Schofield, received the same honour — a testament to the school’s continued focus on fostering leadership and community-mindedness in its student body.

Amayah received her award from Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, during an official ceremony held at Parliament House in Brisbane on Friday 19 September 2025. The occasion brought together award recipients from across the state, their families, and dignitaries to celebrate the next generation of civic leaders.

Ingham State High School Principal Rod Flood, commended Amayah on her achievement, stating, "Amayah is an outstanding young woman who has made a lasting impression on our school and the wider community. We are immensely proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing all that she will continue to accomplish."

The entire Ingham State High School community joins in congratulating Amayah on this extraordinary accomplishment. Her success stands as a proud reminder of the positive impact that young people can have — and reflects the values and spirit that define Ingham State High School.

Established in 1953 to serve the children of cane-farming families west of Ingham, Abergowrie State School has a long tradition of nurturing students in a caring, supportive environment. Over the decades, it has grown into a close-knit hub where families, staff, and students work together to create a positive and welcoming learning community.

Today, student wellbeing remains a priority at Abergowrie. From Early Childhood through to Year 6, teachers take the time to know each child, understand their learning needs, and provide tailored support to help them reach their goals. Classrooms are calm and focused, offering hands-on learning opportunities that build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while encouraging curiosity and creativity.

Alongside academic learning, students are supported to develop respect, resilience, and responsibility. Community involvement plays an important role, with families regularly invited to school events and celebrations that strengthen the connection between home and school. This partnership helps students see learning as a shared journey and builds pride in their achievements.

Abergowrie’s personalised learning environment meets each student where they are, guiding them on a journey of growth that extends beyond curriculum outcomes. By addressing the whole child, the school prepares students to thrive as balanced, confident lifelong learners who contribute meaningfully to their communities.

For families seeking a nurturing start to their child’s education, Abergowrie State School offers a place where learning is encouraged, friendships are formed, and every child is supported to be their best.

On 4 September, Gilroy Santa Maria College’s Year 12 Emerging Leaders were honoured at the Blak Excellence Lunch, a powerful celebration of First Nations excellence, leadership, and contribution to education. This special event, organised by Townsville Catholic Education, recognised the strength, resilience, and brilliance of these students as they continue to shape a future grounded in culture, community, and country.

Following the lunch, the students proudly represented the College at the Graduation Liturgy held at Sacred Heart Cathedral. The moving ceremony marked not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of many more as they prepare to step forward as future leaders in their communities.

The College community commends these students for their dedication and achievements, acknowledging the positive example they set for their peers. Their journey reflects a commitment to education and cultural identity, inspiring younger students to follow in their footsteps with confidence and pride.

Choosing the right beginning for your child’s education is an important step, and families are warmly invited to get to know St Peter’s Catholic School, Halifax. Nestled in the heart of the community, St Peter’s offers a caring, faith-filled environment where every child is supported to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

With small class sizes and an experienced early years teacher, students at St Peter’s enjoy personalised attention and one-on-one support. The school’s teaching is modern and engaging, grounded in the Science of Learning, and complemented by hands-on activities that make lessons meaningful. From creative arts and physical education to digital technologies, every child is encouraged to explore their talents and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

St Peter’s is more than a school; it is a close-knit community where children are nurtured in confidence, curiosity, and compassion. Guided by Gospel values and inspired by Catherine McAuley and Francis of Assisi, the school embraces its motto 'Together We Grow', partnering with families to support children in every aspect of their development.

To experience what makes St Peter’s unique, families are invited to attend a Prep Open Morning from 8:30am to 11:00am on the following dates:

➔ Friday 14 November
➔ Friday 21 November

Take a tour, meet the teachers, and see how your child can flourish in a supportive and welcoming environment. To book your visit, call 4777 7431 or email halfx@tsv.catholic.edu.au

Macknade State School came alive on Thursday, 18 September, as it hosted a district-wide Touch Football competition for primary schools. The Macknade Touch Carnival proved to be a great success, bringing together students, staff, and families for a day of sport and fun.

Organiser Mrs Phillips was warmly thanked for her efforts in coordinating the event, which was enjoyed by students across the district. Appreciation was also extended to the dedicated staff and community helpers who kept everyone refreshed at the canteen and drinks stalls throughout the day.

Competition was fierce across all divisions, with the following winners announced:
Junior B Final – Lourdes All Stars
Junior A Final – ISS Gators
Senior B Final – Lourdes Broncos
Senior A Final – Lourdes Aces
Open Final – Forrest Beach

The day highlighted not only the talent and enthusiasm of local students but also the strength of community support for small schools like Macknade. With smiles all round and plenty of action on the field, the carnival was a celebration of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit.

Tec-NQ House Year 11 boarder Max has taken a big step toward his future, securing a school-based plumbing apprenticeship with Hilditch Plumbing in Townsville. He splits his week between paid work on real sites, training with Tec-NQ, and the study he needs to complete his Senior Certificate, earning while he’s learning and loving every minute.

“It’s busy and it’s hands-on, which is exactly what I wanted,” said Max. “I’m earning while I learn, and I’m picking up skills on the tools that I can use straight away.”

Right now, Max is working in the civil construction space on local subdivisions. That means early starts, lots of digging, and the practical know-how that comes with preparing ground and pipe for underground services. “There’s a lot of groundwork,” he explained. “We’re trenching, bedding, and laying pipe. It’s hard work, but I’m really enjoying it.”

Head of Boarding, Luke Papworth, says Max’s journey shows how opportunity follows effort. “Max is a great example of what happens when a young person shows up, works hard, and makes a good impression on placement,” Luke said. “Good work experience can turn into paid employment and a school-based apprenticeship, and that’s exactly the vocational pathway we champion.”

Life at Tec-NQ House gives Max the structure to succeed. He leaves for site each morning with a nutritious packed lunch prepared by Don, the on-site chef at the House, then returns to a supportive environment in the afternoon to reset for the next day. “Having Chef Don’s lunches keeps the boys fuelled for long days,” Luke added. “Food, routine, and positive expectations make a huge difference when you’re juggling work and school.”

Max agrees the balance is working. “I go to work during the day, then come back to Tec-NQ House,” he said. “The staff help keep us on track, and the routine makes it easier to manage work, training, and study.”
During school holidays, Max transitions into full-time hours with Hilditch to accelerate his progress. The goal is clear: finish Year 12, move straight into a full-time apprenticeship, and qualify as a tradie with Hilditch Plumbing.

“Holidays are a chance to get more time on the tools,” Max said. “When I finish school, I want to step straight into full-time and keep going until I’m qualified.”

For Luke, Max’s story is exactly why Tec-NQ House exists. “Boarding gives students independence with a safety net,” he said. “We set clear expectations around learning and behaviour, and we’re right there to support them with transport, meals, and pastoral care so they can focus on what matters: doing a good job on site and at school.”

He adds that employers notice the difference. “When a student like Max turns up on time, listens, works hard, and takes pride in the basics, employers are eager to invest in them,” Luke said. “That consistency is what leads to apprenticeships and long-term careers."

With Hilditch Plumbing backing his development and Tec-NQ House providing the platform, Max is building momentum one trench, one length of pipe, and one solid day’s work at a time.

The countdown is on to the Cardwell Seafest Carnivale, returning over the King’s Birthday long weekend from the 3rd to the 5th of October.

Known as one of the region’s most anticipated community festivals, Seafest brings residents, visitors, and businesses together for a celebration of food, fun, and entertainment — all set against the stunning backdrop of the Cardwell foreshore.

This year’s program is brimming with activities, ensuring there’s something for all ages. Friday night gets the party started with live music, while Saturday’s Car and Bike Show along the waterfront is expected to draw huge crowds. Families can enjoy cupcake decorating, treasure hunts, kids’ games, and live entertainment throughout the day before fireworks light up the night sky.

Sunday promises more family-friendly fun, with everything from pie-eating contests and prawn peeling to the always popular Chuck a Mullet event. Kids will be spoilt with fishing competitions, fancy dress parades, and circus-style entertainment, while adults can enjoy the crab races, live music, and raffles.

Organisers say the festival wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors big and small, whose contributions help keep the event free for the community. The 2025 Monster Raffle is a standout, with a prize pool of $5,800 generously donated by local businesses.

More than just an event, Cardwell Seafest is about showcasing the town, supporting local enterprises, and creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and head to Cardwell this long weekend — Seafest 2025 is set to be spectacular!

The countdown to the 2025 Maraka Festival has begun, and time is running out to register as an entrant for the Maraka Queen and Princess competitions! This year is the 65th Maraka Festival, with the Parade theme Music Thru the Ages, promises an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to show your pride in our wonderful district. We encourage those considering entering to take the step and represent their individual spirit and creativity.

If you have an interest in being crowned as our Maraka Queen or Princess, please contact us immediately at inghammarakafestival@gmail.com. This is a wonderful opportunity to shine, engage with the community, and create lasting memories.

This year's festival features a fantastic Kids Day Out on Saturday Morning, 25th October at the Ingham Showgrounds, packed with FREE activities for our youth! Enjoy Laser Tag, Gel Blasting, a Petting Zoo, Fence Painting, and a Pet Parade, along with loop de Lou Ballon artistry, all at no cost.

We are thrilled to announce that we have a limited number of FREE Ride Tickets to give out for the Mardi Gras.  Our special guest performer, Peter Cullen, will be joining us, the Maraka Committee to hand out the free tickets from the Maraka Tent at the Mardi Gras from 6pm or a further undetermined time,TBA.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this vibrant celebration that highlights the spirit of Ingham and the Hinchinbrook Shire. Join us in making the 65th Maraka Festival a memorable event for everyone in our community! Contact us today to register as an entrant for the Maraka Queen or Princess event or to learn more about other festival activities.

The recent flood is still very much on our minds as it wreaked so much loss and trauma. Residents still talk of past floods and compare flood heights each time a flood event occurs. There is now unlikely to be anybody alive who experienced the worst flood on record, the 1927 flood. poet Dan Sheahan wrote of that flood that the Herbert River: “poured over the countryside like a drunken demon … bringing death and destruction in its wake.”

When a cyclone crossed the coast north of Cairns on February 9, it became a disastrous rain depression, filling the catchment area and swelling coastal streams. Meanwhile, rain poured down locally, the most being over Hawkins Creek which received in excess of 1,333.5 millimetres (52 1/2 inches).

When there was some warning that a flooding event was on the way, people rushed to the shops for fear of a shortage of food. The Police Magistrate had to take control and ration the food supply. The hospital kitchen baked bread for people if they supplied their own flour. Two babies were born during the flood despite there being 18 inches of water over the maternity ward floorboards. Dr Leckie visited his patients in his swimming costume, and many people adopted that attire to move through the flood waters. Apparently, it was business as usual in the hotels, with patrons and barmen alike standing chest-high in water!

The Herbert River broke its banks at Bemerside, sending flood waters coursing down onto the low-lying areas of the Valley. It was so sudden, widespread and ferocious that it literally swept away everything in its path, isolating Ingham and Halifax in a sea of water.

Because of a lack of communication, it was not known how each township fared. It was not until Tom Mullins set out from Halifax for Ingham on foot and was noticed on the rise near Cordelia by two men that it was revealed that Halifax hadn’t been washed away. They hoisted him on their backs and kept calling out, ‘Halifax is saved! ’
There was a tragic loss of life. In the Herbert River Valley alone there were in excess of 25 lives lost. People sheltered where they could, crawling up into ceilings and on roofs, while some took refuge at the convent in Abbott Street or at the hospital. Amongst the dead were Salvatore Lizzio, Mitakara Sukezaymon, James MacMillan, and Ambulance Superintendent Edgar Von Alpen.

The heavy loss of life at Bemerside was because the river cut a new channel from Gairloch Bridge right across to the Seymour, creating a large racing stream. Members of the Russo, Sofra and Ragonese families (eight adults and six children) took refuge in Giuseppe Strano’s house, which was not bolted to its seven-foot blocks (as many houses were not in those days). It floated away, breaking into pieces in the strength of the current and ending up in the Anabranch. All the people clinging to the roof were thrown into the floodwater. Only three adults survived.

Encampments on Palm Creek of both Aboriginal people and Melanesian people were washed away. While the total number of these residents’ lives lost is untallied, Lily Cassady and five children, including Volki and George Palmer, and one man were known to have lost their lives.

1,500 horses were calculated to have drowned, and loss of crops, stock and property was estimated to have been in the vicinity of £300,000, though it was much higher. Farm paddocks were stilted over to the depth of several feet in some areas. Roads, bridges and railway lines were damaged, and homes were lost or damaged. At least nine homes on Townsville Road were washed away.

At Father Mambrini’s instigation, a Catholic Committee was formed to erect a monument for a communal grave for those bodies recovered. The monument was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and was blessed on November 17, 1927. The unveiling ceremony was performed by the Chairman of the Shire, Mr Frank Cassady and an address given by Parish Priest, Dr Kelly. The memorial towers above all the other tombstones and stands forever as a reminder of the fearful potential of the Herbert River.

Contributed with thanks by Dr. Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui.

Locals are being encouraged to give their pre-loved or new toys a second life by donating them to support veteran families in need.

The initiative, run through the Wounded Heroes Veterans Centre in Hyde Park, aims to bring joy to children while lending a helping hand to families who have served our country.

Wounded Heroes Australia was established in 2007 to provide immediate financial support to veterans & their families. Now they have established a Veteran Centre in Townsville with an OPSHOP & Cafe.

Organisers are calling on the community to rummage through cupboards, toy boxes, and sheds for items that can be donated.

“Every toy brings a smile, and every donation makes a difference,” they said.

Donations can be dropped off at the Wounded Heroes Veterans Centre, 20/36–48 Kings Road, Hyde Park (rear entrance).

By passing on toys that are no longer needed, locals can help brighten a child’s day and support the well-being of veteran families.

Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!

Now that it's coming to the tail end of the year, things are starting to really happen. Large-scale events such as the Rodeo last week and the Seafest soon to come, or the cross-school ball and many school discos, just show how packed everyone's schedule is this time of year. Huge props to anyone who is managing it all - school, work, a business, and planning and pulling off an event on the side - you all deserve a treat and a holiday!

Please know that if there's an event in the community, the paper wants to know about it! Nothing is too small to have its story known and told. Just reach out to myself or the lovely Sherie, you can find our emails in the contacts section of the paper or on the Hinchinbrook Life website for our online readers.

I'm still on the lookout for sponsors to support me as a Maraka Queen entrant. If you’d be interested in being a sponsor, please reach out. Shout-out to Hinchinbrook Life and the Ingham Lions Club for being my first ones and for showing their support. Here's hoping that having your local journo participating and not just snapping pics on the sidelines gets everybody excited for Maraka!

Victoria

Fun Fact: A parade float is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle like a truck or towed behind one. In the past, Maraka has seen utes, flatbed lorries and even boats being towed, used as floats for parade participants to perch in.

The 25th anniversary of the IGC NRL Tipping competition was marked with a lively celebration at the Ingham RSL, where participants gathered to toast a quarter-century of friendly rivalry and community spirit. The night brimmed with high spirits, storytelling and anticipation as long-time tippers mingled with newer faces, united by their shared love of rugby league.

A major highlight of the evening was the charity raffle for a framed and signed ‘Maroon Commanders’ photograph featuring Queensland Origin legends. The prized piece of memorabilia sparked excitement among the crowd, with every ticket snapped up before the evening's game had begun. The raffle raised an impressive $1,000, which will be donated to Ingham Meals on Wheels to support their vital work in the community. The generous contribution drew loud applause from the room, underscoring the competition’s commitment to giving back.

The milestone event also featured the new ‘Simply the Best’ challenge, which brought 14 former champions together in a spirited battle to crown the ultimate tipper. Prizes supplied by the North Queensland Cowboys, including footballs, caps and jerseys, added extra buzz to the competition and gave the night a celebratory edge.

While many in attendance were staunch Roosters supporters, the mood turned to good-natured banter as the Cronulla Sharks upset the Sydney Roosters 20-10 at Shark Park, knocking them out in the first week of finals. The result did little to dampen spirits at the RSL, where raised glasses and tales from local footy legends filled the night.

With its mix of competition, camaraderie and a strong show of community support, the 25th anniversary event captured the essence of what the IGC NRL Tipping competition has become, not just a contest of sporting predictions, but a cherished annual tradition that brings Ingham locals together.

Last week, I attended the public hearing into Queensland’s sugar cogeneration and bioenergy held in Townsville. Industry representatives from QCAR, Canegrowers, Burdekin Renewable Fuels, Burdekin Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Kalagro and Townsville Enterprise shared their experiences and ideas on how to expand bioenergy production and remove barriers to investment.

Queensland is home to some of the most productive sugar cane land in the world, yet diversification opportunities for the industry were missed by consecutive governments, not allowing sugar to reach its full potential. Many agree that continuing to rely solely on sugar production while ignoring opportunities in bioenergy and the expansion of electrical co-generation means we are not seeing the full potential of our cornerstone crop.

At the hearing, industry representatives put forward a range of options that are worthy of being explored, but importantly, they highlighted the significant barriers to future investment into diversification. Without meaningful government intervention and support, a sustainable biofuels industry has zero chance of ever getting off the ground. I’d like to see the State Government make legislative and regulatory changes that guarantee offtakes for biofuels and incentivise millers and growers to invest in electrical co-generation projects to help produce affordable dispatchable baseload power.

I believe we must address the current flaws in the state’s bio-based petrol mandate. Back in 2022, I introduced the Liquid Fuel Supply (Minimum Biobased Petrol Content) Amendment Bill. It aimed to fix the shortcomings in the mandate, which despite operating since 2017, has failed to create a sustainable market for biofuels. At the time, neither the Government nor the Opposition would support it.

We must take every opportunity to give growers and the industry certainty, back innovation in bioenergy, and take immediate steps if we wish to see a future that isn’t solely reliant on the world sugar price. I look forward to hearing the committee’s findings when they hand down their report and recommendations in December.

Contributed with thanks by Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook

The Hinchinbrook Art Awards Return

Creativity is set to take centre stage once again as the Hinchinbrook Art Awards return in 2025, welcoming artists from across Australia! The awards offer emerging and established artists a chance to have their work seen and celebrated as part of Hinchinbrook’s rich artistic tradition.

Artists have until 4:00pm on Friday, 17 October 2025, to submit their entries, along with a $25 entry fee per work. Successful entrants will deliver their pieces to the TYTO Regional Art Gallery between Friday, 31 October and Friday, 7 November, ready for judging.

The winners will be announced during a special Awards Night on Friday, 14 November at 6:00pm, where the gallery will come alive with colour, conversation, and celebration of the arts. All submitted works will remain on display to the public until Friday, 19 December 2025, giving the community a chance to enjoy and be inspired by the diverse range of works on show.

Categories
OPEN AWARD ACQUISITIVE - All entries will be judged for the Open Award prize. The winning artwork of this award will be acquired by Council. $3,000.
LOCAL ARTIST AWARD - Automatic entry for local artists (unless already a winner in any other section). Must have residential status within Hinchinbrook Shire. $800.
INDIGENOUS ARTIST AWARD - Outstanding indigenous artist from any section. $400.
YOUTH AWARD – Outstanding work from any section by an artist under 18 years. $400.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD - Viewers vote. Votes counted after closure of competition. $400.

Sections
PAINTING (2D) - Any subject, any style in any medium - $350
WATER COLOUR - Traditional or contemporary water colour on any support or base - $350
MIXED MEDIA (2D) – A combination of two/plus different media - $350
DIGITAL MEDIA – Any subject, any style - $350
WORKS ON PAPER - Any subject, any medium - $350
PHOTOGRAPHY – Any subject, any style - $350
CERAMICS – Any method of construction - $350
SCULPTURAL FORM – Any subject, any medium - $350

For further information or to download an Entry Form and Terms and Conditions, visit the TYTO Regional Art Gallery website at www.gallery.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/art-awards