With the Oriental fruit fly last detected on mainland Australia near Cairns in 1995, the risk of another incursion remains a serious threat to North Queensland’s fruit industry. The pest, which thrives in climates similar to our own, could devastate key crops such as bananas and mangoes—staples of both local farms and the broader Australian horticultural sector. With Hinchinbrook and surrounding regions heavily reliant on these industries, another outbreak could have dire economic and environmental consequences.

A joint PNG-Australia expedition visited remote Treaty Villages in PNG’s Western Province last week to discuss and help manage one of the world’s worst horticultural pests. With just 6km separating the two countries, the project seeks to reduce the impact of fruit fly in PNG while also preventing a potentially catastrophic outbreak in North Queensland.

The last time the pest was detected on the Australian mainland, not far from Hinchinbrook, the eradication effort cost at least $33 million, with a further $100 million lost in trade and associated expenses. A future outbreak could have severe consequences for Queensland growers, making prevention a top priority.

Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity Justine Saunders said the project was critical for both countries.

“We already have Queensland fruit fly, but Oriental fruit fly would be much worse in terms of impact to production and trade, as recognised by its listing on Australia’s National Priority Plant Pest List," Ms Saunders said.

“This trip established foundational relationships with the village communities, which the team hopes to strengthen further on a return trip in May 2025. The next phase is to trial control strategies in the hope of reducing the number of fruit flies in the Treaty Villages to assist our neighbours with food security.

“The program has employed and trained more than 30 South Fly rangers since 2022 to trap the insects, collect samples and manage data. It builds on more than two decades of collaboration in plant health initiatives between DAFF and NAQIA. The results of this work could have benefits to share across PNG and with our neighbours in the Pacific.”

The Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) attacks more than 400 different plants, including key crops in North Queensland such as mangoes, pawpaws, bananas, and guavas.

The villages of Berr, Buzi, Jarai, and Mari, where the trial is proposed, rely heavily on the food they grow. Damage to crops has serious health and social implications for villagers. At the same time, stopping the pest at its source is vital to preventing another outbreak in Australia.

The delegation consisted of three officers from PNG’s National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA), three from DAFF, a PhD student, delivery partner INLOC, and the South Fly rangers.

INLOC and the South Fly rangers coordinated the trip’s logistics, which involved liaising with Treaty Village leaders and community members, long boat rides, camping, and unpredictable tides.

With so much at stake, the work being done in PNG is not just about protecting their crops—it’s also a frontline defence for North Queensland’s fruit growers.

The Seniors Morning Coffee Club is back and excited to welcome all local seniors for a morning of good company, laughter, and plenty of fun! If you're looking for a great way to catch up with friends, meet new people, and enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere, this is the perfect place to be.

Held every second Friday from 9:30am to 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, the event offers a relaxed and friendly setting where seniors can enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, a delicious morning tea, and a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you love playing games, testing your knowledge with trivia, or sitting back and chatting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For just $3, you can be part of this wonderful social gathering that brings the community together. The Seniors Morning Coffee Club isn’t just about coffee, it’s about sharing stories, making connections, and creating lasting friendships. Come along and experience a cheerful and lively morning filled with great conversations and plenty of smiles!

All attendees must RSVP for catering purposes and you can do this by calling Desley at the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Inc. on 4776 1822.

Please note, a small retraction from last week's information printed in this paper: the team have very limited transport to pick up attendees and can do so in town only as they sadly lost their bus in the floods.

WHAT: Seniors Morning Coffee Club
WHERE: Noorla Bowls Club
WHEN: Friday 28th March 9.30am – 11.30am

In 2024, The Australian and HarperCollins Australia launched the Australian Fiction Prize, a prestigious new literary award aimed at celebrating exceptional Australian storytelling. Open to all Australian writers, this annual prize offers a remarkable opportunity for aspiring authors to showcase their talent.

The winner will receive $20,000 in prize money, $15,000 in advance, and the chance to be published by HarperCollins Australia. The inaugural winner, Katherine Johnson, took home the prize with her novel A Wild Heart, marking a successful start for this new award.

There were over 500 entries last year, and this year there’s hope that a local Whitsunday author may take home the prize. This is your opportunity to participate and get your work in front of HarperCollins' talented publishers.

Entries are now open for 2025, the prize promises to continue its mission of uncovering Australia's next great writer. It’s time to get those pens scribbling or those keyboards clacking and submit your manuscript today!

For those interested in entering, there’s an FAQ available at www.harpercollins.com.au/theaustralianfictionprize. This prize builds on the legacy of the iconic Vogel’s Award, celebrating Australia’s literary talent and nurturing the nation’s storytelling future and you could be next!

A familiar face made a reappearance over the weekend, when it's 4-metre long reptilian body was spotted cruising the waterways outside the Lucinda Cove Resort.

Owner of the resort, Paul McLennan, said this snap-happy neighbour lives out the front of his home and has visited the resort twice now.

Despite the croc appearing to be of no immediate danger to the public, Paul assured locals he will be keeping an eye on it.

“If he’s doing it frequently we might have to get him moved on,” he explained.

Paul also said the croc has been in the area for quite a while but usually resides 100 metres up the river.

Crocodiles can be found in freshwater and saltwater locations along the coast and inland including, rivers and creeks, swamps, lagoons, waterholes, beaches, oceans and offshore of islands too.

It’s important to stay Crocwise in Croc Country, but especially after floods as they can migrate to locations, they never had access to before.

If you see a crocodile in report it to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation by using the QWildlife app, by accessing the sighting report online or by calling 1300 130 372.

Being Crocwise starts with three simple steps:
• Keep out of the water
• Stay more than 5 metres away from the water’s edge
• Keep a sturdy object between yourself and the water

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Starting a business is an exciting venture, but it comes with its challenges. Whether you’re launching a café, a clothes store or a trade service, careful planning and preparation are essential for long-term success. Here are some key steps to consider when starting a business.

1. Develop a Business Plan
   A well-structured business plan serves as a roadmap, outlining your goals, target market, competition, and financial projections. It helps you stay focused and is often required when seeking funding from banks or investors.
2. Research the Market
   Understanding your industry and potential customers is crucial, especially in a small town. Researching the demand for your product or service is knowledge that will help you refine your offerings and find your unique selling point.
3. Register Your Business
   Choose a business name and register it with the relevant authorities. The Hinchinbrook Shire Council website has a page titled ‘Business Licensing’, where relative information can be found.
4. Secure Funding
   Starting a business often requires capital. Explore funding options such as personal savings, bank loans, government grants, or investors. Ensure you have a clear budget to manage expenses and cash flow effectively.
5. Set Up Operations
   Find a suitable location if your business requires a physical presence. Additionally, invest in equipment, supplies, and software needed to operate efficiently.
6. Build a Strong Brand
   A memorable brand identity helps differentiate you from others. This includes a compelling logo, consistent branding across platforms, and an engaging marketing strategy to attract customers.
7. Market Your Business
   Use a mix of traditional and digital marketing methods to reach your audience. Social media, local advertising in the newspaper, and word-of-mouth referrals are great ways to promote your business.
8. Provide Excellent Customer Service
   Customer satisfaction is key to building loyalty and growing your business. Prioritise quality service and seek feedback to improve your offerings.
9. Stay Compliant and Keep Learning
   Ensure your business complies with legal and tax regulations. Stay updated with industry trends and be willing to adapt as your business grows.
   Starting a business takes dedication and resilience, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding journey. By planning carefully and staying committed to your goals, you can turn your entrepreneurial dream into a successful reality.

Hello Hinchinbrook!

As someone who’s passionate about sports, I have to admit — Rugby League isn’t my number one sport - I am more of a Rugby Union kind of guy, but please do not hold that against me! While I may not share the same deep connection to 'League' as many Queenslanders, I still make sure to watch the State of Origin every year and, of course, support the Maroons.

This weekend, I’ll be heading to Townsville to watch the Cowboys play. I know they’ve been having a tough season, but I’m hopeful that the home crowd can give them the boost they need to secure their first win.

Although rugby league isn’t my primary interest, I do follow other sports, particularly football (or soccer, as some call it). My team, Newcastle United, just won a trophy after 70 years, and I can’t tell you how exciting it was to wake up at 2am to watch the match. It was definitely worth it!

On the local sports front, I received an update from Councillor Mark Spina this week about two local boys who competed in the ABCRA National Finals in Tamworth earlier this year. You can read all about their achievements on the back cover and on page 27. It’s always great to see our community’s talent shining on a bigger stage.

With the sports season now underway, I’m excited to expand the sports section in the paper. It’s going to be fantastic to include local sports results, photos, and stories of our community members doing what they love.

And here's the best part—if you're part of a local sporting club, we’d love to hear from you! Just send us a 250-word report by 9am Monday morning, and we’ll publish it for free in that week’s edition.

I look forward to hearing from you!

I recently had the opportunity of speaking with the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, The Honourable Tim Nicolls concerning matters affecting health services in our district. Our meeting followed my earlier correspondence to the Minister wherein I raised issues, including appointment waiting times of four to six weeks, and practices actually closing their books to new patients due to an inability to handle existing patient numbers, as a result of practitioner shortage throughout rural areas of Queensland. I also raised an apparent inability of existing long established and well credentialled local practices not being able to attract qualified doctors to rural areas for the required GP training programs.

It is my understanding that attraction of young doctors to GP training in rural areas is quite problematic when one considers that the incentives provided by government for doctors to establish in rural areas such as Ingham are no different at all to doctors who establish in say Townsville or Cairns.  How can that be considered an incentive for venturing to rural areas?

I am informed that the Crisafulli Government has been working on addressing these very issues and are developing a Regional Medical Pathway Program intended to create, among other things, a pipeline of doctors to work in regional hospitals and private clinics under arrangements with hospitals. The Minister advised that he will provide an update on progress within a few months.

Whilst I also had the opportunity to meet with many other State Ministers on flood related issues, including permitting vegetation works to improve drainage through coastal areas, and road improvements to address flood immunity, one conversation that captured my imagination was a meeting with the Honourable Tim Mander, Minister for the Olympic Games. My discussion with the Minister centred upon enabling Council an avenue to sell our district tourism and liveability to visitors during the shoulder periods to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games through the Olympics marketing mechanisms. Whilst in agreement with such request, Minister Mander informed that the Crisafulli Government has a distinct appetite to leave, within reason of course, a legacy of the Brisbane Olympics.  Meaning the potential for new, revised, refurbished or upgraded sporting facilities and venues in areas outside of metropolitan Brisbane were under consideration. This is something that our district sporting organisations would relish, so we will keenly await the guidelines.

And again, and still, I must unfortunately make mention of the weather. Whilst we have seen widespread areas of rain develop across northwest and western Queensland over the last few days, the Bureau is advising that slow moving showers and thunderstorms could redevelop about the tropical east coast between Cooktown and Townsville from early week. Localised flash flooding may become an increased risk, given the already saturated nature of our catchments and watercourses. We need to be prepared for any hazard that comes our way, which includes for possible periods of isolation due to flooding. So, if you have not already done so, and if you still have the opportunity, finalise your preparations now. For information on how to be prepared, visit the Hinchinbrook Shire Council disaster dashboard.

Until next week, stay safe.

Dramatic footage of an overturned vehicle surfaced this week after heavy rains swept through the region, reminding drivers of the dangerous conditions that can arise from wet weather.

A local tour company announced on Saturday that they would not be travelling north as far as Tully due to dangerous conditions.

"Good morning everyone. Please note that driving conditions towards Tully are hazardous, especially at Whiting's Crossing, where a truck has also tipped over. We hope they are okay," said a spokesperson for Hop On Tours.

"To ensure the safety of both our passengers and staff, we will not be using this route as of 9am this morning. For those planning to travel to Tully, we will be taking an alternative route to prioritise the safety of everyone onboard."

Although the incident occurred further north, it serves as a timely reminder for all road users to exercise caution, especially when the weather turns. Wet roads, flooded crossings, and poor visibility can quickly turn a routine drive into a dangerous one.

Safety Tips for Drivers:

• Slow Down: Wet weather significantly reduces traction, so it's essential to drive at a safe, reduced speed.
• Check Tires: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth for better grip on wet surfaces.
• Avoid Flooded Areas: If you see flooded roads, don’t attempt to drive through them. Even shallow water can cause vehicles to lose control or stall.
• Keep Distance: Increase the distance between your car and others to allow extra time to react to sudden changes.
• Use Your Headlights: In poor visibility, including heavy rain or fog, turn on your headlights to help other drivers see you.
• Stay Informed: Check local weather updates and road conditions before setting out, especially if traveling to areas prone to flash flooding.
• Remember, if roads are flooded, the safest option is to stay home. Don’t risk driving through water, as it can be difficult to gauge its depth and current.

Stay safe and drive cautiously.

Year 6 students from across the region are invited to take part in the High School Experience Day at Ingham State High School on Thursday, 20 March. This event offers a unique opportunity for students to explore high school life and get a firsthand look at what Ingham High has to offer.

The Experience Day will feature a variety of activities, school tours, and hands-on experiences, designed to help students feel more confident and excited about transitioning to high school. Ingham High hopes all Year 6 students will enjoy their time and gain valuable insights into their future education.

Students attending the event are reminded to wear their school uniform, bring closed-in shoes, a hat, and a water bottle. They should also bring an exercise book with pens/pencils for activities and either a packed lunch or money for the tuck shop.

Parents and caregivers can register their child by using the QR code provided on the event flyer or by calling the General Office at 4797 1333. Registration for state school students will be handled through their primary school.

For further details about Ingham State High School’s Transition Program, parents can contact Mr. Peter Bishop, Deputy Principal, at 4797 1333 or via email at admin@inghamshs.eq.edu.au.

This event is a great opportunity for Year 6 students to get a glimpse of high school life and begin to prepare for the next exciting chapter in their education.

Thread Together's mobile wardrobe made a meaningful stop in Cardwell last week, offering local residents in need access to free, brand-new clothing. On March 14th, the mobile wardrobe set up at the Cardwell Community Hall from 9am to 11am, providing much-needed clothing to those facing financial or personal challenges.

Since its founding in 2012, Thread Together has been a beacon of hope for Australians facing hardship, working to bridge the gap between excess fashion and clothing insecurity. The organization’s mission is simple: to ensure that every person has access to essential, brand-new clothing, regardless of their circumstances.

Thread Together was created by Andie Halas, who saw an opportunity to address two significant issues: fashion waste and clothing insecurity. Each year, millions of brand-new garments go to landfills, while at the same time, thousands of Australians experience hardship without access to basic clothing. Andie’s idea was revolutionary—why not redirect these unsold clothes to people who need them most? This simple yet impactful concept has since grown into a nationwide initiative, transforming lives across the country.

Since its inception, Thread Together has rescued millions of garments and given them a second life through its network of registered charities. These clothes are distributed free of charge to people experiencing crisis, homelessness, domestic violence, and the aftermath of natural disasters. Thread Together’s efforts create a sustainable solution to both fashion waste and clothing insecurity.

The process behind Thread Together’s work is both straightforward and impactful. Fashion brands donate new clothing, volunteers sort and distribute the items, and charities connect the organization with individuals in need. This partnership between fashion brands, volunteers, and charities ensures that clothing reaches those who require it most, restoring dignity and offering hope to those in crisis.

The Cardwell stop was part of Thread Together’s ongoing mission to make a difference across Australia. By bringing the mobile wardrobe to the Cardwell Recovery Hub, the organisation was able to provide valuable support to the local community. Residents were able to access new clothing at no cost, helping to ease some of the challenges many are currently facing.

Thread Together’s success would not be possible without the dedication of its volunteers, donors, and corporate partners. Those interested in supporting the initiative, whether by donating clothing or offering their time as volunteers, can visit Thread Together’s website to learn more.

Thread Together’s mission remains clear: to ensure that every person in need has access to new clothing, while also reducing the environmental impact of fashion waste. The mobile wardrobe’s visit to Cardwell was another step toward fulfilling that vision and offering hope to those who need it most.

Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

As the ground dries out and activity picks up on farm, so does the activity of our Grower Marketing team. We are in the process of organising our popular shed meetings where we come on farm and update growers on our recent results, the global sugar market and new products or services we can offer.

This will be followed up in June with a regional tour by our Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham to deliver an in-depth analysis of global production and consumption forecasts and consequent price expectations. If you’re interested in attending one of these events near you, please reach out to your local consultant to register your interest.

While talking with growers, consultants have also been setting up the pricing mechanisms for the 2025 season and checking that GEI nomination estimates line up with initial crop estimates. For growers who want to control their pricing more closely we recommend using the Grower Managed Production Risk Scheme (GMPRS) for the last third of your 2025 season crop over the Production Risk Pool.

While the Production Risk Pool has been performing well over the past few years there is no guarantee of gaining a higher return versus pricing yourself and we have seen many growers achieve above average returns. Those growers who don’t market with Wilmar are unfortunately missing out even further, with our Production Risk Pool currently forecast to pay more than $23 a tonne higher than QSL’s Harvest Pool for the 2024 Season.

A quick reminder for growers that all Call, Target and GMPRS pricing for the 2024 season needs to be completed by 18 of April. On a similar timeline, the set-up of Call and Target pricing for the 2025 season needs to complete by the end of April, so the GMPRS nominations can be opened at the beginning of May. We are also getting plenty of enquiries about the opening of nominations for the 2026 season Managed Pool Plus, so stay tuned for further announcements on that opportunity.

When not helping growers with pricing and pooling information, the Grower Marketing consultants are out and about in the local communities. We are proud to have extended our sponsorship budget this year to include a range of sporting teams and community activities through the regions.

Recently several Wilmar Sugar and Renewables staff including our Burdekin Business Development Manager, Owen Richards, participated in an International Women’s Day Fun Run organised by Mater Chicks in Pink. The Sugar and Renewables team raised more than $1,200 for breast cancer research.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is reminding North Queenslanders to take simple precautions after the recent flooding event to help stop the spread of weeds and pest animals.

Councillor Kate Milton, Chair of the Environment Sub Group said, “locals and travellers alike should heed warnings about the possible spread of biosecurity matters including dirt, plants and building materials.

"Weed seeds can be spread easily, but so can invasive pests such as Yellow Crazy Ants," she said.

“The floods were a devastating natural disaster, but if we are not careful, we might be faced with a natural disaster of a different kind – an increase and spread of weed infestations and the introduction of new pests,” Cr Milton advised.

Yellow Crazy Ants have already caused significant problems in Townsville and Cairns. These highly invasive ants form massive colonies and pose a serious threat to local wildlife, as they spray formic acid that can blind and kill small animals. They have been known to eliminate insect and bird populations in affected areas.

Council is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of unusual-looking ants. Yellow Crazy Ants can be transported through building materials, soil, and potted plants.

There are also a number of invasive weeds, including Gamba grass, Siam weed, and Navua sedge. Cr Kate Milton said people need to be aware of them.

Gamba grass has taken hold in several pockets of the Tablelands Regional Council area, and it is a significant concern due to its rapid spread and high flammability. This invasive species has now become an environmental hazard, increasing the risk of large-scale fires. It is already well-established in the Northern Territory, with its presence growing in Far North Queensland.

Another weed is Siam weed, which is spreading through the Herbert River area. Known for its aggressive growth, Siam weed can quickly overtake landscapes if not controlled promptly. While landowners have been managing it near their properties, the recent increase in river activity has raised concerns about its further spread downstream. Experts warn that if left unchecked, Siam weed could become a widespread issue, choking native vegetation and disrupting local ecosystems.

Nauva sedge is another persistent problem, particularly for cattle producers. This highly invasive weed is notorious for its resilience and rapid spread, making it a nightmare for farmers. Once established, it can be challenging to eradicate and can severely impact pasture quality and agricultural productivity.

Council acknowledges that everyone is busy with the clean-up. Still, it is also essential that all landholders remain vigilant for any new infestations that might take hold due to the floods and take action early if they see anything new on recently disturbed parts of their properties.

If you need assistance identifying pest weeds or further information regarding control measures, please call the Council’s Natural Assets team on 07 4776 4607.

Premier David Crisafulli was in Ingham last week to talk about the Stronger Homes Program, joined by State Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto MP, State Disaster Recovery Coordinator Andrew Cripps, CEO of GIVIT Chris Staines, and homeowner Mark Hutchinson.

The Premier announced that the Stronger Homes Program was already gaining interest. 300 people expressed their interest in the program, and from Thursday, March 13, they would be able to access it and get back on their feet.

“It enables people to make sure that they don't have to replace the same things to the same standard in their house and expect a different result, it's about working with the insurance industry, working with builders, and making sure that when people are picking up the pieces, that they can do it in a stronger way to make them more resilient for the next time,” said Premier Crisafulli.

“So, it might be lifting a hot water system out of harm's way, lifting your power points, replacing carpets with tiles, doing the little things to make your home stronger.

“But in the end, we want people to be able to live in the communities they love, and we want to make them more resilient.”

Nick Dametto MP said people living in Ingham know that flooding may occur, but thanks to the new Stronger Homes Grant, they can better prepare.

“We know living here in the Hinchinbrook electorate, in the middle of the Hinchinbrook Shire right now, that we are prone to flooding, and this time of year, as you can see right now, it continues to rain,” he said.

“We are in the middle of the wet season, and we usually do build properties here that are actually able to sustain wet weather events, but making sure that we can make them more resilient and stronger for the next round is a win for everybody.”

State Disaster Recovery Coordinator Andrew Cripps was also present at the announcement and said $7.8 million in personal hardship grants had been issued to individuals who have been impacted by the flood event. This included 38,000 applications in multiple regions.

“This represents a boost to people who are trying to get back up on their feet after the impact of the flood event in terms of their personal circumstances,” said Mr Cripps.

“Yesterday (Wednesday 12 March) was an important announcement in terms of the uplift for the grants to businesses and primary producers across the impacted area.

“The Queensland recovery team and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority in particular have spent the last four weeks working diligently to secure the information, the data and the images required for the Queensland Government to make applications to the Commonwealth for uplift in those grants to businesses and primary producers.”

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Last week, I was in Brisbane for Parliament, and it was a busy week with plenty of important issues relevant to Hinchinbrook on the agenda.

One key topic I spoke about in the House was the urgent need for Castle Law in Queensland. I’ve held off on speaking about crime in Parliament to give the new government and Youth Justice Minister a chance to act, but things aren’t getting better, especially in North Queensland. We’ve seen some despicable crimes in both Cairns and Townsville recently, and recent law reforms simply don’t go far enough.

In the last month, Townsville recorded an average of nearly nine break-ins every day, and an average of more than three stolen cars per day, many of which were used in reckless joyrides, for committing further crimes, or were simply burnt out. These aren’t just numbers, they represent real families, business owners, and residents waking up to find their homes invaded and their cars gone, or worse.

No one should have to live in fear in their own home. That’s why I’ve been pushing for Castle Law, to give homeowners the legal right to defend themselves, their families, and their property without the risk of being charged for protecting what’s theirs.

I also submitted a Question on Notice to the Youth Justice Minister about the government’s version of bush sentencing, known as the Regional Reset Program. I’ve sought details of what this program will look like and when it will be rolled out.

Another critical topic in Hinchinbrook right now is Mount Spec Road up to Paluma which remains closed due to the damage suffered in the January-February weather event. We need to do more than just get the road re-opened, we need to see investment in betterment works to future-proof Mount Spec Road and mitigate the risk of future long-term closures. I sought assurance from the Transport and Main Roads Minister that this was part of the recovery plan.

I look forward to receiving responses to these questions. In the meantime, if anyone would like more information about any of the above, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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Three local fishermen found themselves stranded at Rib Reef after their boat's batteries failed, leaving them unable to start their engine. Despite Rib Reef being a notorious black spot for phone and marine radio reception, they managed to send a text message to a friend onshore, who rang Lucinda Coast Guard.

Upon receiving the distress call, a crew was quickly assembled, and the large rescue vessel "Snow Stafford" was launched. By 10:45 am, the crew was on the water, making use of just enough tidal coverage over the sandbar at Dungeness to reach the open ocean.

The rescue team travelled 60 kilometres out to the reef, where they located the stranded vessel. An initial attempt to restart the boat using a portable jump starter pack was unsuccessful. As a result, a tow line was attached, and the return journey commenced.

Fortunately, the weather was favourable, with relatively calm seas making for a smooth journey back. The fishermen and their boat were safely returned to the boat ramp at Dungeness without further incident.

This year to date the Lucinda Coast Guard has been called out six times, successfully rescuing 11 people in total.

Stay safe on the water.

Contributed with thanks to Steve Whipps Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard

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