A Festive Message From Wayde Chiesa

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone across the Hinchinbrook community who offered their support, encouragement and assistance recently. Whether you volunteered your time, shared a kind word, displayed a sign, or simply stopped for a conversation, your support meant more than I can express.

To the residents of our patch of paradise, thank you for having your say. Listening to your concerns, ideas and hopes for the future has been a privilege, and I remain committed to working hard for you.

As we now approach the festive season, I would like to wish everyone a safe, joyful and Merry Christmas. I hope this time brings you the opportunity to slow down, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on the year that has been. I also extend my very best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to those that will be working over this time, those in retail, hospitality, emergency services and our volunteers, thank you for what you do.

May the holiday season bring peace, happiness and renewed hope to you and your family.

Please note that our office will reopen in 2026, and I look forward to continuing to engage with and support our community in the year ahead.

Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire,

This week's reflections are on the end of the year and how far we have come together.

Hinchinbrook Life turned 1, a big moment for physical news publications in our region. I am also approaching my first year as an in-field journalist. It has been so fun to work and grow with you all.

I have also made the big transition from a life in the city to one on the coast and in the country. It was frightening at first, not knowing anyone or having the convenience of city life at my fingertips. But I feel like I have really settled into my life out here.

Being in the Shire has given me the opportunities I couldn't have pursued in the bustle of the city. Here, I get to be part of the land and the community on a deeper level, and I have never felt more connected to a people than I do with the welcome and encouragement Hinchinbrook has shown me.

Here I get to follow passions I couldn't in the city, like horse riding and finding inspiration for painting.

Thank you, Hinchinbrook. Happy holidays, and here's to another year together!

Victoria

Imagine the joy of a child waking up on Christmas morning, eyes wide with wonder as they unwrap a gift they never expected.

For hundreds of families across Hinchinbrook, that moment will be possible because their community had their back when times were tough.

This year’s Mayor’s Christmas Appeal has seen an overwhelming outpouring of generosity from the Hinchinbrook community.

Toys, non-perishable food items, and cash donations have flowed in from every corner of the region — so much so that volunteers haven’t been able to keep up with counting the gifts.

What we do know is that $650 in cash donations, alongside hundreds of toys, gift vouchers and non-perishable food that will brighten the festive season for those who need it most.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said the response reflects the true spirit of Hinchinbrook.

“I am deeply moved by the kindness shown by our community. The sheer volume of donations has been incredible — so many toys, so much food, and generous cash contributions,” Mayor Jayo said.

“Every single gift represents hope and joy for a family doing it tough. Thank you to our community who gave so selflessly. You’ve reminded us of all what Christmas is truly about.”

Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre CEO Linda McClelland said the impact will be felt far beyond Christmas Day.

“Thanks to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and the generosity of this community, hundreds of local families will wake up to gifts under the tree and food on the table,” Ms McClelland said.

“For many, this means the world. It’s more than presents — it’s dignity, it’s relief, and it’s the reassurance that their community cares. We are so grateful to the Mayor, Council, and every donor for making this possible.”

The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal is a proud Hinchinbrook tradition, with all donations going directly to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, which provides emergency relief, food assistance, and referral services to vulnerable families across the region.

The Cardwell RSL Sub Branch recently treated members to a free Christmas Banquet, generously provided by Peter Brown. The occasion was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed, with plenty of festive cheer shared throughout the afternoon. Pictured are John Saunders and Ken Johnson, who were more than happy to make the most of the celebrations and enjoy a refreshment or two as part of the festivities. The banquet itself was nothing short of exceptional, with many agreeing it is unlikely there will ever be a bigger or better feast served at the Cardwell RSL.

“Our thanks to all our members, and especially our volunteers who have supported us so well in 2025,” said Robert Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch.

The event provided a wonderful opportunity to bring members together to celebrate the Christmas season and reflect on another year of camaraderie and service.

As we come to the close of another year at Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy, we want to pause and say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible customers and community.

This year was not without its challenges. The February floods tested Hinchinbrook in ways many of us will never forget. Homes, businesses, routines and peace of mind were all disrupted, and for some, the road back has been long and exhausting. Through it all, we witnessed something truly powerful: resilience, kindness, and a community that looks after its own.

During those difficult weeks, you showed patience when deliveries were delayed, understanding when stock was limited, and gratitude when our team did everything possible to keep essential medicines and services available. Many of you checked in on our staff, shared updates, and supported not just us, but each other. That spirit is what defines Hinchinbrook.

Despite the hardships, this has been a remarkable year for our pharmacy. Every prescription filled, every piece of advice given, every late afternoon consult and quiet reassurance was made meaningful because you chose to support a local, family-owned business. Your trust allows us to keep improving our services, expanding what we offer, and being here when you need us most — not just in good times, but in the tough ones too.

We are deeply proud to serve a community that values connection, compassion, and resilience. Whether you popped in for a script, advice, a quick chat, or simply a familiar face, you are the reason we do what we do.

As we look ahead to the new year, we do so with gratitude, optimism, and a renewed commitment to caring for Hinchinbrook — whatever comes our way.

From all of us at Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy, thank you for an incredible year, for your loyalty, and for standing strong together.

Here’s to calmer days, better health, and a brighter year ahead.

The Team at Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy

Ever been out at the beach, finished your drink, and thought, “I’ll just toss this in the bin”?

We’ve all done it. But here’s the thing, those bottles and cans aren’t just rubbish.

They’re worth money, and more importantly, they’re worth saving from landfill.

That’s why I’m excited about Hinchinbrook’s Pay-It-Forward Stations. They’re simple, clever, and they make recycling easy for everyone.

Instead of throwing your containers away, you pop them into a PiF Station. Anyone can donate, anyone can collect — no strings attached.

Maybe you’re someone who loves recycling but doesn’t want the hassle of chasing refunds. Or maybe you know someone who could use a few extra dollars. Either way, this system works because it’s about community helping community.

Here’s the reality: every year, about 870,000 drink containers in Hinchinbrook end up as litter or in landfill.

That’s roughly $87,000 in refunds gone — along with valuable materials and precious landfill space. PiF Stations help fix that.

We’ve got two types. One has small holders on fences or posts for quick drop-offs and the other has bigger cages near public bins for when you’ve got more to give

It’s easy, and it makes a difference. Cleaner parks, less litter, and a little extra pocket money for someone who needs it.

Western Australia has already shown how successful this idea can be, and now Hinchinbrook is proud to be part of the change and what we’ve done is being trialled across multiple local government areas in Queensland.

So before you toss it, think about it. The smallest action you can do will make a big difference in our community when it comes to waste management.

In closing, I would like to say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our ratepayers and visitors to our region.

By Maurice Filei, secretary of the Ingham Branch National Servicemen's Association of Australia

The Ingham Branch National Servicemen's Association of Australia held their final meeting at the Herbert River RSL recently, to swap memories and say their farewells to a historic part of the hinchinbrook community.

On the 16th June, 2002, State Treasurer Neil Freier and Liaison Officer Ray Lower, together with other District members, gathered at the Herbert River RSL to form an Ingham Branch of the NSAA. An early highlight of the Branch was the presentation by the Hon. Bob Katter of over 50 National Service medals, either personally or posthumously. The District RSL President, Rodger Bow and the Herbert River RSL President Lloyd Greentree, suggested that the local branch should lead the 2003 Anzac Day Parade. The end result was that a photo of the Nashos leading the parade and ended up on the front page of the HRE, State Newspapers and the front cover of the Nashos State Magazine.

The Ingham Branch received its Charter on the 25th September 2003 at the Mackay State Conference, presented to the Inaugural President, John W Pearson, by the State President Colin Bell. Also in 2003, Inaugural President, John W Pearson, Inaugural Secretary Maurice Filei and Inaugural Treasurer, Rod Pearce, joined the Ingham Branch of Townsville Legacy.

The next milestone was the unveiling, on Remembrance Day, 11 November 2004, of the Ingham District Branch Memorial, located in the Memorial Park adjacent to the Cenotaph. The impressive stone was donated by Mayor Pino Giandomenico, in association with I Q C. However, the greatest triumph of our local branch, undoubtedly, was the construction of the Nasho Memorial Wall, located at the New Ingham Cemetery.

Presently, 110 bronze plaques are affixed to the Wall, commemorating the service of deceased Nashos from the Army, Navy and Air Force. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the first Intake of National Servicemen,1951-1972. National Service was compulsory. Some 287,000 young Australian men were called up, in 2 separate schemes, for compulsory training. Of these, 212 died on active service in Borneo and Vietnam. National Service was Australia’s defence readiness for over 20 years.

From its inception Ingham Branch of Nashos has enjoyed the help from volunteers. Most notable being Reverend Peter Blackburn, who has volunteered his time and energy on numerous occasions as Honorary Pastor, at all times when needed for services relating to the demise of Nashos, Memorial Services, Service Dinners, etc. Ably assisted by our always ready to volunteer, Honorary Bugler Louie Piotto.

Sadly, from 2026 onwards, Nashos, as we know it, will cease to exist...

As 2025 draws to a close, the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) reflects with pride on another year of serving our community and upholding the role of the “HUB” as a place of support, connection and resilience.

The year began with immediate and urgent demands, as devastating flood events impacted the Hinchinbrook region. Our staff responded swiftly, providing support to community members affected by the floods. Notably, several staff members were themselves impacted by inundation yet continued to assist others who had experienced loss and displacement. This commitment exemplifies the dedication and compassion of our workforce.

Throughout 2025, HCSC has continued to witness the strength of a close-knit community that actively looks after its own. Whether through accessing our Emergency Relief services, referring a friend or family member, or seeking support through our Domestic and Family Violence and Homelessness programs, community members have shown immense courage in reaching out for assistance. While support services are often under significant demand, every request for help contributes to a broader understanding of community need. This data inform government reporting and play a vital role in shaping future policy, legislation and funding opportunities that enable expanded support across Queensland.

This year also marked a significant milestone with the completion of new community housing developments. These dwellings have provided safe and stable accommodation for elderly community members who were at risk of homelessness or living in substandard conditions. Our Housing Team continues to manage a range of properties, including crisis properties, family homes and single-occupancy dwellings, ensuring safe and secure housing options remain available to those most in need.

Our Maintenance Team has worked tirelessly throughout the year, managing flood-affected homes and community spaces in addition to maintaining regular service schedules. Their visible presence and practical support across the region have been invaluable during recovery efforts.

Alongside emergency and housing services, HCSC has continued to deliver a range of community and youth programs aimed at managing trauma, reducing social isolation and strengthening community connection. These programs remain an essential part of fostering inclusion, wellbeing and resilience within the Hinchinbrook community.

We also wish to acknowledge and sincerely thank the many schools, small businesses, large organisations and individual community members who generously supported our annual Christmas Appeal, either directly or through donations to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. Through these collective efforts, more than 200 children and families were supported with Christmas cheer during the festive season. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference and brought hope and joy to many households.

As we reflect on the year that was, we are deeply grateful for the strength, kindness and solidarity shown across the Hinchinbrook community.

From all of us at the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous New Year.

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'As 2025 draws to a close, the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) reflects with pride on another year of serving our community'. Photos supplied

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Safety is Optus’ number one priority and we understand that being connected, especially during an Australian summer, is extremely important. That is why we’re updating everyone on the proactive steps Optus is taking to ensure our customers are only using phones that can connect to Emergency Services.

What’s happening?
Some mobile devices, particularly those with outdated software or those purchased or configured overseas may experience issues connecting to Emergency Services in rare mobile network scenarios. This means that identified incompatible devices will be blocked from the Optus network and will not be able to make or receive calls/texts or use data on the Optus mobile network. These challenges are not unique to Optus; they also exist across other networks.

Our commitment:
Keeping our customers safe is our first priority. Optus invests $1.4 billion annually to improve and grow our network, including expanding 5G coverage. We work closely with government, the Triple Zero Custodian, other telcos, and mobile device manufacturers to strengthen emergency calling systems.

What we’re doing:
Communicating to impacted customers: When we identify issues, we alert customers promptly. It’s vital that anyone receiving a message from Optus, or any carrier requesting they take action to ensure they can call Emergency Services, follows the instructions provided.

Comprehensive Testing: End-to-end device and network testing, including emergency call scenarios.

Collaboration: Partnering with handset manufacturers and network suppliers to resolve issues quickly.

Network Evolution Validation: Ensuring emergency calling works as new technologies roll out.

Continuous Monitoring: Live network monitoring and investigations to improve reliability.

We encourage Australians to take simple steps to stay safe:
Check your mobile device, because if you receive an SMS or email from your telco provider asking you to take action to ensure your phone works during an emergency action, do so immediately. Optus customers can visit our website, stores, or call our Customer Centre.

Update your phones software and always install the latest updates. Consider upgrading older or overseas devices and check with your manufacturer to ensure it meets current Australian Emergency Services calling requirements.

Be patient during emergencies as calls to Emergency Services (i.e. ‘000’ & ‘112) may take up to 60 seconds, and in some cases minutes to connect in blackspots or during outages.

Have a plan to stay online and in touch with your loved ones and Emergency Services. Visit our webpage for advice on staying connected during natural disasters.

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By Jonny Paul of Abergowrie

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At Christmas in Ingham it’s sticky and sweet.
The sugar’s been cut and they melt in the heat.

All tools have been downed and the cane knives are blunt.
It's time for the boys with the pig dogs to hunt.

And after they've butchered a sow or a boar -
they'll drink ‘til they're blind and can't drink any more.

The church is packed out for the Christmas Eve mass -
where Jesus is laid with the cows, sheep and ass.

St Patrick's is brimming and bursts with the cheer -
of people who make it there twice in a year.

Beer cartons of ‘middies’, like Northern and Gold,
have been well stocked up for the young and the old.

And bright the next morning when Santa's been through -
you'd struggle to witness a merrier crew.

The families all gather, while women prepare
roast turkey with gnocchis and veggies to share.

To squeeze them all in a huge table is dressed
with colours and crackers and food to be blessed.

There's feasting and music and plenty of booze -
‘til Nonno creeps off to his chair for a snooze.

The aircon is blasting but no-one gets cool -
so Christmas in Ingham spills into the pool.

With four generations in some of these homes,
all living in paradise - nobody roams.

You might hear the sound of a bat and a ball -
as cricket is played in the street or the hall.

The ice in the esky puts up a good fight -
it's 40 degrees in the day and the night.

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Mayor Ramon Jayo

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NEW FACES, OLD RISKS: WHY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS MUST BE FRONT OF MIND

Hinchinbrook is growing.

Our region is welcoming new professionals and families drawn by lifestyle, affordability and the beauty of North Queensland.

This is something to celebrate, but with growth comes responsibility. We need to make sure everyone understands the realities of living in a disaster-prone area.

Cyclones, floods, severe storms and storm tides aren’t distant possibilities here, they’re part of life. Long-time locals know this instinctively, but for newcomers, the risk can feel abstract until it’s too late.

Disaster preparedness isn’t just a seasonal reminder; it’s a community responsibility.

When severe weather hits, it can happen fast. Roads can close in hours, power can fail for days and isolation is real.

Nearly 12 months ago, many households were stranded without access to shops or pharmacies. That’s why planning ahead is critical, not optional.

Preparation starts with awareness. The Australian Warning System uses three simple levels: Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warning.

Knowing what these mean can save lives. But awareness alone isn’t enough.

Every household needs a plan — a Household Emergency Plan and Evacuation Plan, an Emergency Kit with essentials like water, food, torch, radio, chargers and important documents, and a Pet Emergency Plan because animals depend on us too.

One reality new residents to our region may not anticipate is isolation.

When floods cut roads or cyclones damage infrastructure, rural properties and small communities can be cut off for days. Every home should have seven to ten days of essential supplies — non-perishable food, water, medications, pet food, fuel and batteries. These aren’t luxuries; they’re lifelines.

While the Local Disaster Coordination Centre can arrange resupply for isolated areas, this is a last resort and only after prolonged isolation.

The process takes time and it’s not free. Your best defence is self-sufficiency.

For real-time updates, the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard is your go-to hub. It provides live information on road closures, flood alerts, power outages and weather warnings.

Residents can even opt in for email notifications tailored to their location. When severe weather hits, minutes matter — and these alerts give you time to act.

Visit disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au and getready.qld.gov.au for practical guides and checklists.

Our locals are known for their hospitality, and that should extend to disaster preparedness.

If you see this message in Hinchinbrook Life or on social media, share it with those who don’t have access.

Instead of commenting, “not everyone has Facebook,” help deliver the message. Check on your neighbours. Share contact details. Point people to the right resources. Community connections matter when the power goes out or roads are closed.

Disasters don’t wait. Neither should you.

Preparation saves lives, protects families, pets and property.

As our community grows, so does our responsibility to spread the word.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to plan, prepare and stay safe — and help others do the same.

Coconuts and Cane – Nature’s Energy Drinks

Two plants define Hinchinbrook’s landscape: the whispering sugarcane and the stately coconut palm. Along the coastlines from Lucinda to Forrest Beach, rows of palms frame the sea like postcards from paradise. Their presence is as iconic as the mill stacks inland — both symbols of hard work and harvest. Local cafes and markets often feature fresh coconut water and coconut-based treats, offering a taste of the tropics without leaving home. Crack one open (safely!) and you’ll discover a refreshing; naturally sweet drink packed with energy and electrolytes — the ultimate North Queensland pick-me-up. Cane and coconuts together tell the story of Hinchinbrook: proud agricultural roots, a love of the land, and a rhythm that beats to the sound of ocean waves and rustling fields. It’s authentic, sun-kissed and unmistakably Hinchinbrook.

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Limes, Lemons and Backyard Legends

From Halifax to Forrest Beach, citrus trees bow beneath their glossy leaves. Many were first planted by post-war Italian families, grafted and handed down through generations. The coastal air keeps the rinds thin and juicy, perfect for Hinchinbrook seafood nights or a zingy lime cordial. Stroll through a local market and you’ll smell it before you see it — baskets of home-grown limes, lemons and mandarins glowing like sunlight. In Hinchinbrook, zest isn’t just a flavour — it’s a family heirloom.

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Lychee Love – Little Jewels of the Tropics

The lychee capital of Hinchinbrook lies just south of Ingham, around Toobanna, Helen Hill and Coolbie. The fertile volcanic foothills and warm nights give Hinchinbrook lychees their perfume and snap. For a few brief weeks in December, branches sag under bunches of ruby-skinned fruit. Peel one open and you’ll find pearly flesh that smells faintly of rosewater and honey. Locals chill them in esky ice, or freeze them for cocktails when the wet rolls in. Lychee season is short, sweet, and impossible to forget — much like a North Queensland summer fling.

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What keeps thousands of road-trippers refreshed at the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre? We know it’s not just the coffee beans, it’s the milk that makes every cuppa complete.

For two years, our Centre has proudly served as a Driver Reviver site, and thanks to Coles’ generous milk donations, we’ve been able to keep the coffee flowing and the tea perfectly brewed. Since 11 December 2023, travellers have stopped in to espresso themselves, grab a free drink, and take a well-earned break before hitting the road.

Because when it comes to fatigue, we say: don’t chai your luck — stop and revive!

Here’s what’s on offer:

• Free tea, coffee, and snacks
• Local maps and travel tips
• A warm Hinchinbrook welcome

A huge thank you to Coles for keeping the milk flowing, and to our amazing volunteers and staff who make every stop special. Plus, big thanks to our national partners — AAMI, SES, FedEx, Arnott’s, Bushells, and Sunshine Sugar — for making this possible.

This is open daily (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day). Call (07) 4776 4790 for more information.

So next time you’re on the road, take a break, sip back, and discover the Hinchinbrook Way.