As we head into the summer and festive season, we must remain vigilant and be prepared for what Mother Nature can throw at us. Early in October was Get Ready Queensland Week. You may have seen our Disaster Management Officer, Michelle Watts, set up in front of the Council Office promoting preparedness.

On the back of this, there has been a series of Community Shed Meetings announced across the district for residents to gain information on how to prepare their household, ask questions, and speak directly with Council representatives and Councillors.

• Halifax: 29 October 2025, 5:00pm at Community Hall, Argaet Street.
• Bambaroo: 5 November 2025, 5:00pm at Bambaroo Rural Fire Station.
• Abergowrie: 13 November 2025, 5:00pm at Abergowrie State School, 5 Venables Rd.
• Mount Fox: 19 November 2025, 3:00pm at Mount Fox Campground.
• Forrest Beach: 26 November 2025, 5:00pm at Forrest Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
• Trebonne: 3 December 2025, 5:00pm at Leo Park, Trebonne.
• Taylors Beach: 8 December 2025, 2:30pm at Progress Park.
• Macknade: 8 December 2025, 5:00pm at Macknade Community Sporting Club.
• Ingham (Midday): 11 December 2025, 12:00pm at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall.
• Ingham (Evening): 11 December 2025, 5:00pm at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall.

These are free community sessions to offer practical information to help you prepare for the wet season.

To quote words from Council press release: "Living in Hinchinbrook means living with the reality of severe weather — cyclones, floods, and intense storms are all part of our way of life. But being prepared can make all the difference when disaster strikes. Are you ready? Do you have enough emergency and medical supplies to last 7–10 days? What will you do if the power goes out? What if we’re cut off from supplies for days? Getting yourself and your household ready for disaster season is your responsibility. Don’t wait for the storm — act now!" Until next time, take care, stay safe, and let's prepare by heading to https://disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/  — just in case.

REBUILDING OUR ROADS AND COMMUNITIES THANKS TO DRFA SUPPORT

It’s been a big year for recovery across our region. Hinchinbrook Shire Council crews and contractors have been working flat out to repair damage and get things back on track — with major support from the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

So far, more than $5.4 million has gone into emergency response efforts. That includes clearing debris, reopening roads, stabilising damaged infrastructure, and getting supplies to affected communities. These works helped restore access and safety quickly when it mattered most.

Now we’re deep into the long-haul phase by rebuilding over 215 kilometres of damaged roads across the Shire.

That’s hundreds of individual sites being repaired to reconnect residents, farmers, and businesses.

Council is providing assistance with priority roads that connects our agricultural industry, tourism routes and communities that carry higher traffic volumes. We have scheduled other areas that require gravel re-sheeting works where needed. The majority of DRFA works will be delivered by contractors.

It’s a huge job, and while rain and debris have caused some delays, most of the unsealed road work is expected to wrap up by mid-December 2025, weather-dependent.

We’re also tackling sealed roads and landslips. Roads like Mount Fox and Old Wharf are being repaired, and over 65 landslip sites on Mount Fox Road and Wallaman Falls Road are being planned for remediation. These projects are designed to improve safety and resilience before the wet season hits, but these are big projects and will take some time before all the landslips are repaired.

On top of that, the Community Relief Fund is helping local clubs bounce back. Groups have been provided support.

All up, the recovery program is estimated at $34 million — a massive investment in our region’s future. It’s a lot of work, a lot of money, and a lot of progress.

Nearly 200 tonnes of rubbish was picked up from cane farms and roadside reserves in September, thanks to the funding support for flood waste removal.

These works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and administered through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

I want to acknowledge the dedication of our crews on the ground and our contractors for their commitment. We’re not just recovering — we’re rebuilding stronger.

Halifax’s main street is lined with mango trees that have been standing since the 1880s. Locals call it Mango Avenue, and for good reason — these fruiting giants were planted by early settlers as natural shade in the North Queensland heat.

The row, now heritage-listed, became more than a streetscape — it was a social hub where the town’s Italian community gathered for news, gossip, and a cool breeze under the canopy. One tree was affectionately dubbed the “Tree of Knowledge,” a meeting place long before Facebook and coffee shops.

There’s something magical about strolling beneath those trees today — their gnarled roots whispering stories of sugar-mill workers, love letters, and Saturday-night dances. In Halifax, even the trees have tales to tell.

Hinchinbrook’s By-Election Battle Begins

The race for Hinchinbrook is heating up following the resignation of local MP Nick Dametto, setting the stage for one of the region’s most intriguing by-elections in years.

Katter’s Australian Party is backing Mark Molachino, the former Townsville Deputy Mayor whose surprise switch from Labor has stirred plenty of interest — and raised eyebrows — across North Queensland’s political circles.

The LNP’s Wayde Chiesa, a long-time local and former Regional Development Australia CEO, is running a campaign focused on tackling crime, driving flood recovery, and boosting support for the agriculture sector — issues that have long dominated conversations in the Hinchinbrook electorate.

One Nation’s Lisa Buchtmann, a Cardwell small business owner and former Army truck driver, is entering the race with a grassroots message centred on youth crime, tourism, and housing affordability — three issues she says are at the heart of everyday life in the region.

Labor, meanwhile, has confirmed it will field a candidate, though details of who that will be, and what their campaign will focus on, remain under wraps for now.

To give voters a clearer sense of where each contender stands, we reached out to all declared candidates with a few key questions:

What are your top priorities for Hinchinbrook?

How will you tackle the region’s biggest challenges, from crime to housing and jobs?

And what makes you the right person to represent this diverse electorate?

So far, only the LNP has responded, with other parties yet to outline their full campaign plans. As the by-election draws closer, locals will be watching closely to see which messages, and which candidates, truly resonate with them.

Please tell us a bit about yourself:

I’m proud to be Ingham-born and bred — growing up on our family farm and spending weekends at Forrest Beach and playing footy.  After finishing school, I moved to Townsville to study at university, but Ingham has always been home.

Tell us a bit about your professional background, including your previous career, skills, and education?

Over the years, I’ve worked across many industries — from small and family businesses to regional development — including as CEO of Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland, and as Director of Regional Development and Investment at Townsville Enterprise.

I’ve also run my own business and spent 17 years calling Cowboys games with the Triple M Cowboys Call Team, which has been an incredible way to stay connected to the community right across North Queensland.

If elected, what would your priorities be during your first 100 days in office?

This by-election is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elect someone who can sit alongside David Crisafulli, around the table where decisions are made. For too long Hinchinbrook has been on the sidelines from Government but I want to change that.

What is one major project or initiative you would seek to drive forward within your first year?

I’m fighting for a sensible plan to deal with youth crime. The LNP’s Adult Crime, Adult Time laws are starting to hold youth criminals accountable but there’s a long way to go to fix a decade of Labor’s weak laws.

We need more police with better early intervention and rehabilitation that works – as well as CCTV in known trouble spots.  I’ll also fight for tougher bail laws for youth criminals, which I believe our State needs.

In your view, what is currently missing in the Hinchinbrook region, and how would you propose to address it?

The traffic on the Northern Beaches keeps getting worse and I’ll also be fighting to get these busy local roads flowing again. Under-investment for the past decade has left us behind the eight ball and it will only get worse unless we get Government delivering. We need someone who can listen first, work hard and get results around the table where decisions are made.

Through my career I’ve championed our local industries including agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. My priorities will be to fix Port Hinchinbrook, improve marine infrastructure, improve flood resilience and getting better roads.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time or to relax outside of work?

Community has always played a big part in my life. I’ve volunteered with the Forrest Beach and Arcadian Surf Life Saving Clubs, served as Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Townsville, and helped organise the Townsville Triathlon Festival — all opportunities that have taught me the importance of teamwork, giving back, and supporting others.

Family means everything to me. My two kids, Lucy and Tommy, love spending time with their Nanna and Nonno here in Ingham — especially visiting the family farm and catching up with their cousins. Those connections and simple family moments are what keep me grounded and remind me why our region is such a great place to raise a family.

Wayde Chiesa, LNP for Hinchinbrook

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A Lifetime Of A Mauritian Canefarmer's Legacy

Born on 22 October 1922 in Mauritius, Oscar Joseph Henri Regnaud has lived a life defined by courage, hard work, and an enduring sense of community. The eldest son of Noel Henri Regnaud and Marie Oscar Marth Bouchet, Henri was the second of seven children. His father worked as a chief engineer at Bell Ombre Sugar Estate, and his mother often took him to visit his grandmother in town, where he lived for much of his childhood. Henri’s early years were shaped by the rhythms of island life, British colonial influence, and the strict routines of Catholic schooling at College du Saint Esprit, where he was taught by the Christian Brothers.

After finishing school, Henri followed in his father’s footsteps, completing an apprenticeship with him for a year, before joining the army as a gunner during the Second World War, serving from 1942 to 1945. Like many young men of his generation, he longed for new horizons and greater opportunities. Against his father’s wishes, Henri left Mauritius in 1947 aboard La Estancia with five friends, carrying just seven pounds in his pocket. The journey took him through Java, Sumatra, and Singapore before reaching Bowen, Queensland.

Henri’s early days in Australia were far from easy. He worked wherever he could, including loading grain bags in Brisbane, before heading north to Ingham. There, fate led him to Mr Girgenti, a local cane farmer near Victoria Mill, who offered Henri and his friends their first job cutting cane. Ill-prepared for the gruelling work and the tropical heat, they wore their formal shoes from Mauritius, which soon proved no match for the sugar fields.

"He said, 'Boys, you can't wear your shoes because your shoes are squashing the eyes.' I didn't even know what sandshoes were," Henri spoke on working on his first canecutting job.

Despite the challenges, Henri built a life in North Queensland, finding friendship among Australian and Italian locals and embracing his new home. In 1955, he married Muriel, and together they raised four children—a family that would become the foundation of his Australian legacy.

Now, more than 75 years after arriving in Australia, Henri remains a proud member of the Ingham community. His 103rd birthday celebration brought together 40 family members, friends, and neighbours to honour a man whose life has spanned continents and generations. After a morning service at St Patrick's Church surrounded by family, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Henri reflected on his long life and the love that continues to surround him.

“Now, in my old age, they have time for me. So I must have done something right along the way.”

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The North Queensland Sportstar Awards in Townsville were a night to remember, celebrating dedication, achievement, and community spirit across the region.

Local sporting stalwart Lenny Chiesa was honoured with the Alan Alfred Ticehurst Memorial Service to Sport Award, recognising his remarkable contribution to surf lifesaving and rugby league. One of seven exceptional finalists, Lenny’s accolade marks more than 50 years of commitment to sport in North Queensland. His passion and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact on countless athletes and volunteers across the community.

Also representing the region with pride was the Under 19 Beach Relay Team—Evandah, Jared, Mike, and Raiwri—who were named finalists for Team Sportstar of the Year. Their recognition among an impressive field of nominees reflects their skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, both on and off the beach.

Congratulations to Lenny, the U19 team, and all finalists for their outstanding achievements and contributions to North Queensland sport.

Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Recently, we released the first edition of this season’s comparative analysis for growers. This year’s analysis takes a slightly different focus, offering valuable insights into the strategies growers use to manage their GEI price exposure.

Typically, growers who choose to market with Wilmar Grower Marketing use the Target Price and GMPRS pricing mechanisms, which give them maximum control over their final price outcomes. This year’s report analyses the variation in the weighted GEI Sugar price by examining how different proportions are allocated across these mechanisms. With the revamped Managed Pool Plus (MPP), growers now have an additional choice within the committed cane category. As at the end of September, the analysis indicates that the greater the GEI Sugar exposure allocated to the MPP, the higher the weighted price overall.

The report also compares pricing mechanisms between marketers. As at 29 September, there was a clear benefit in marketing your GEI sugar tonnes through Wilmar across most pricing strategies employed. It’s important to note that it is still early in the season, and as pools are only partially hedged, the outright price and marketer differentials could shift significantly as the pricing period progresses.

Growers have a range of options to manage their GEI sugar pricing. Wilmar Grower Marketing offers a suite of products that allows you to take control of your own pricing or have Wilmar manage your exposure. You can lock in prices up to three years forward to gain income certainty or commit to pools that allow your GEI price to move with the market over time.

This flexibility enables you to tailor a pricing strategy that suits your individual circumstances and risk appetite. The Wilmar Grower Marketing team can help you understand how each mechanism works and provide general guidance on price risk management principles.

With the 2026 season nomination deadline fast approaching, this is the final opportunity for growers to choose Wilmar Grower Marketing.

It is important to note that you can make or change your nomination up until this date. Any proportion of your GEI sugar that isn’t priced can be moved – you aren’t locked in.

Nominations close on 31 October, so now is the time to review your options and decide on the marketing partner that best aligns with your business goals.

The Herbert River Cane Auditing Team continues to demonstrate professionalism and integrity in their role, ensuring accuracy and fairness in the assessment of cane quality throughout the crushing season. Their main function is to test and audit cane juice and fibre under the Cane Analysis Program (CAP), a critical component of the Cane Supply Agreement (CSA). This program underpins how cane payments are determined, making the auditing team’s work essential to maintaining trust between growers and the miller.

The auditors operate as a bipartisan team, with both the growers and the miller sharing the employment costs, reinforcing the impartial nature of their work. Every week, the cane auditors present detailed auditing reports, providing transparency around the testing outcomes. Their commitment to accuracy ensures that the process remains fair and reflective of the true quality of cane being delivered.

While the Herbert River and Burdekin regions follow almost identical auditing processes, the Burdekin does have additional procedures which relate to burnt cane. However, aside from these minor adjustments, both districts adhere closely to the same CAP guidelines, ensuring consistency across the regions.

One of the greatest strengths of the cane auditing system is its transparency. Every grower, or their representative, has the right to engage directly with the cane auditors to question results or request a full breakdown of data to understand how results were derived. This open process allows for accountability at every stage, fostering confidence in the system.

All growers also have full access to the Cane Analysis Program (CAP) document. For those who do not yet have a copy, Canegrowers Herbert River encourages them to contact the office to obtain an electronic version.

One way to further enhance cane testing accuracy and efficiency is through the adoption of Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) technology, which provides rapid and precise analysis of cane quality. Unfortunately, the mill has not shown interest to date, citing that NIR is not currently National Measurement Institute (NMI) approved. Nevertheless, Canegrowers Herbert River will continue to advocate for NIR to be introduced in the future, recognising its potential to modernise and strengthen the cane testing process for the benefit of all stakeholders.

To further enhance understanding of the cane testing process, Canegrowers Herbert River has extended an invitation to growers interested in participating in a mill and juice lab tour before the end of the crushing season. This initiative provides a valuable opportunity to see the testing process firsthand and gain deeper insight into how results are calculated.

Growers who wish to take part in the upcoming mill and juice lab tour are encouraged to contact the Canegrowers office on (07) 4776 5350.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards, which aim to inspire women to pursue careers in Queensland’s manufacturing sector.

The awards celebrate the state’s manufacturing trailblazers, offering $10,000 to the winner of the Leading Apprentice Award and a $5,000 prize to the runner-up Highly Commended Apprentice Award. Judged on outstanding leadership and a passion for excellence in the workplace, the prizes will support winners by funding training or helping with essential costs such as tools and uniforms.

“These awards are about celebrating the trailblazing women leading the way in manufacturing, because we want more young women to see the exciting opportunities in this sector,” Minister Last said.

“Through the Government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, we’re putting manufacturing back at the heart of our state’s economy by cutting red tape, driving investment and giving more young Queenslanders pathways to rewarding, secure careers.

“But right now, women only make up a quarter of the manufacturing workforce. As we grow the sector through the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, we want more women to be part of that success, whether it’s on the factory floor, in a robotics lab or alongside emerging industries like critical minerals processing.

“Opening doors for young women to pursue diverse careers in manufacturing is a priority for the Government, because it’s about delivering real opportunities for the next generation.”

Nominations close 5pm AEST, on 14th November 2025.
Winners will be announced at the Women in Manufacturing event in Brisbane on 6 March 2026 to coincide with International Women’s Day.

The awards will have 2 prize categories judged by an independent panel:
Women in Manufacturing Leading Apprentice Award 2026 ($10,000)
Women in Manufacturing Highly Commended Apprentice Award 2026 ($5,000), sponsored by Manufacturing Skills Queensland.

To make a nomination or for more information, visit www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/manufacturing/women-in-manufacturing/apprentice-awards.

Home to Australia’s highest density of southern cassowaries and half of the country’s remaining Licuala Fan Palm forests, Mission Beach is a place of rare beauty and ecological importance. But as urban growth and environmental change continue to place pressure on the region, the community faces an important challenge: how to balance conservation with responsible development.

The Mission Beach Planning and Mapping Project, funded by a grant from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, will support smarter conservation and development planning in the area. The project is being led by Friends of Ninney Rise in collaboration with Terrain NRM, James Cook University, and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

C4 President Peter Rowles will join the project’s Steering Committee, which brings together key local and scientific leaders to ensure community values and environmental priorities are reflected in future planning.

Over the next year, the project will map critical rainforest values and wildlife corridors, identify gaps and opportunities in existing planning tools, and host community workshops to gather local knowledge and perspectives.

On Saturday, the 8th of November, the community are invited to attend a Mission Beach Mapping and Planning Community Workshop at Ninney Rise to learn about the future of the area's environment and development. To register, visit https://tally.so/r/w20d29.

An outcomes report will be prepared for public review before being delivered to Council in July of 2026. The findings will help guide future decisions to protect the natural character and biodiversity that make Mission Beach so special.

Visit www.ninneyrise.com for project updates or email friendsofninneyrise@gmail.com

WHAT: Mission Beach Mapping and Planning Community Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, 8 November
WHERE: Ninney Rise

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With the warm weather fast approaching, now is the perfect time to prepare your pool for a season of sunshine, swimming, and outdoor fun. A little preparation now will save time, money, and stress once summer hits, and the team at Ingham Manufactures Mitre 10 is ready to help make your pool sparkle.

The first step to a healthy pool is crystal clear water, and regular water testing is essential. Ingham Manufactures Mitre 10 offers free professional in-store water testing using the WaterLink Spin system. This industry leading technology provides fast and accurate results, allowing trained staff to analyse your water and provide a clear, easy-to-follow report. With expert advice on the spot, you can correct imbalances quickly and keep your pool safe for the whole family.

Keeping your pool clean and well-maintained throughout summer is easier when you have the right tools and products. In-store, you will find a full range of Baracuda pool chemicals, accessories, and automatic pool cleaners to suit every pool size and budget. From chlorine and balancing products to brushes, nets, filters, and robotic cleaners, the team can help you choose exactly what you need.

A well cared for pool not only looks inviting, it reduces the risk of algae, cloudy water, and costly repairs later in the season. With friendly service and a passion for helping residents enjoy the best of outdoor living, Ingham Manufactures Mitre 10 has all the essentials for a stress-free summer.

Visit Ingham Manufactures Mitre 10 at 100 Herbert Street and get your pool summer ready today. The team is always happy to share tips so you can enjoy sparkling water all season long.

Tuesday 28 October

Cafe Crawl
9:00am – 11:00am, cafe location provided on RSVP.
Join us on a cafe adventure through our community. Come along as we explore the different cafe's we have available to us within our community and have a chat, sip a coffee and a bite to eat. If interested please RSVP with Mei at: 07 4776 1822.

Green Thumbs Club
2:30pm at Community Garden, 100 McIlwraith Street, Ingham.
Join the Green Thumbs for an afternoon of planting, chatting and getting dirty in the soil. Whether you’re putting seedlings in the ground or just soaking up the fresh air, it’s all about community spirit and good vibes. No experience needed – just bring a smile and maybe a pair of garden gloves. Call the HSCS (07) 4776 1822 for more info!

Wednesday 29 October

Morning Melodies: Frankly Sinatra
9:00am – 12:00pm at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham.
Enjoy a special Morning Melodies performance starring Queensland-born music theatre performer Ian Stenlake and award-winning singer Michelle Fitzmaurice. Doors open at 9:30am for a relaxed morning of live music and entertainment. Tickets at www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au

Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group
9:00am - 3:00pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham.
Quilting, crocette, knitting and sewing, all crafts are enjoyed at at this club! Bring whatever you need and your own lunch and refreshments for a lovely day of being creative. Contact Jackie for further detials on: 04 2771 7605.

Canasta & Cards
1:30pm – 3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd.
Enjoy games of canasta among other card games with your fellow card players! Please call Desley to register your interest: 07 4776 1822.

Halifax Community Shed Meeting
5:00pm at Community Hall, Argaet Street, Halifax.
An open community discussion focusing on disaster preparedness, response, and resilience. These sessions are part of a regional series designed to help residents strengthen their homes, neighbourhoods, and communities ahead of the disaster season. Sessions will also be held in Bambaroo, Abergowrie, Mount Fox, Forrest Beach, Trebonne, Taylors Beach, Macknade, and Ingham.

Social Darts
7:00pm in the Upstairs Area, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper St, Ingham.
Social darts have been back in full swing and the enthusiasm is stronger than ever. Be sure to check in before 7:00pm to join the competition and experience the friendly spirit of the game.

Thursday 30 October

CWA Craft Group
9:00am – 12:00pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm St.
Everyone is welcome to do your own craft or join an organised craft activity. For just $2.00 enjoy the company of other crafters, all levels of experience and craft types welcome! Our gold coin donation library is also open with books aplenty, CDs, DVDs, and puzzles too!

Senior Men's Social Group
9:00am – 12:00pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd, Ingham.
Are you a man over 60, or 55 if you identify as ATSI, looking for a place to belong, connect and share good times? Meet other men, enjoy meaningful conversations, and participate in fun activities. Please contact Desley at: 4776 1822.

Mummy’s Matter
1:00pm to 2:00pm at The Hub, 100 McIlwraith Street, Ingham.
A welcoming and judgement-free group for mums who may be feeling isolated, vulnerable, or at risk of postnatal depression. Expectant mothers are also encouraged to join. Sessions focus on connection, support and creating a sense of belonging, with children under school age welcome to attend alongside their mums. For more info, contact Shannen at the HCSC on 07 4776 1822.

Mahjong
1:00pm – 3:00pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd.
Join in friendly games of mahjong and test your tile skills with fellow enthusiasts! Please call Desley to register your interest: 07 4776 1822.

Friday 31 October

October 2025 Tea And Trivia
9:30am – 11:30am at TYTO Conference and Events Centre, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham.
Join in the fun at Council’s Tea and Trivia morning and enjoy a lively mix of trivia, bingo, raffles, and locally baked treats, along with tea and coffee. Tickets are $12 per person and can be purchased from Council’s Main Office. Bookings are essential, with ticket sales closing at 1:00pm Wednesday 29 October 2025 (unless sold out earlier). For more information, phone 4776 4600 or email events@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au

Beers By The Beach
5pm at the Forrest Beach SLSC, 6 Palm st, Forrest Beach.
The SLSC is a place where everyone can unwind with a cold drink in hand while soaking up ocean views. Nibbles and occasional raffles add to the fun, with prizes like fresh prawns up for grabs. Bring the kids, there’s a park next door, or pop in before your evening beachside stroll. It’s a laid-back evening for everyone to enjoy.

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Saturday 1 November

Park Run
7:00am in Palm Creek, Ingham & The Cardwell foreshore.
A FREE weekly 5k exercising event for participants of all fitness levels, an opportunity for all the local community, regardless of age or gender, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the outdoors and get physically active. Encouraging people to run, jog, walk and volunteer together!

Mt Fox Markets
11:00am at the Mt Fox camp grounds.
Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199 758.

HR Crushers – Derby Day
1:00pm – late, at The Crusher Clubhouse.
Celebrate the race that stops the nation in style at the Crusher Clubhouse’s annual Derby Day. Enjoy all the racing action, music from DJ Westy, delicious finger food, and a lively black-and-white themed atmosphere. Whether you love the horses, the fashion, or the party, don’t miss this iconic event—tickets are limited.

Sunday 2 November

Ingham Raintree Community Markets
8:00am – 12:00pm at Rotary Park, Ingham.
Held under the shade of Ingham’s iconic raintrees in Rotary Park, enjoy crafts, bric-a-brac, tropical plants, and local made treats! All stallholder fees are proudly donated to Palliative Care Ingham, supporting a vital local cause. For more infoor to book a site, please contact Linda on 0436 047 358.

Monday 3 November

Chat Room
9:30am – 10:30am at the Community Support Centre, 52 McIlwraith St, Ingham.
A social group for like-minded adults who wouldlike to gather, socialise and enjoy a chat with their coffee. No need to sign up, just drop in and have a cuppa!

Empowering Women Generations XYZ
9:30am to 11:30am at Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, Ingham.
Designed to support women through connection, confidence and community belonging. Sessions provide opportunities to build skills, improve wellbeing, and access both formal and informal supports in a safe space. Transport assistance is available. For more info or to get involved, contact the HCSC on 4776 1822 or email donna@hcsc.org.au

Creative Corner Craft Group
2:00pm – 3:00pm at The HUB, 100 McIlwraith St, Ingham.
This crafty event is free and materials will mostly be provided. However on occasion, depending on the activity, members will be asked to bring consumables. Please contact Desley, Shannen or Mei at: 4776 1822.

Tuesday 4 November

Mayor’s Christmas Appeal 2025
8:30am Tuesday 4 November – 5:00pm Wednesday 10 December 2025 at Hinchinbrook Shire Council, 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham.
Donate a new toy or non-perishable food item at Council’s Customer Service Centre to support local families in need this Christmas. Contributions go directly to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre-, which provides emergency relief, food assistance, counselling, and referral services to vulnerable residents across the region. For more info, phone 4776 4600 or email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au

Cafe Crawl
9:00am – 11:00am, cafe location provided on RSVP.
Join us on a cafe adventure through our community. Come along as we explore the different cafe's we have available to us within our community and have a chat, sip a coffee and a bite to eat. If interested please RSVP with Mei at: 07 4776 1822.

Green Thumbs Club
2:30pm at Community Garden, 100 McIlwraith Street, Ingham.
Join the Green Thumbs for an afternoon of planting, chatting and getting dirty in the soil. Whether you’re putting seedlings in the ground or just soaking up the fresh air, it’s all about community spirit and good vibes. No experience needed – just bring a smile and maybe a pair of garden gloves. Call the HSCS (07) 4776 1822 for more info!

Wednesday 5 November

Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group
9:00am - 3:00pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham.
Quilting, crocette, knitting and sewing, all crafts are enjoyed at at this club! Bring whatever you need and your own lunch and refreshments for a lovely day of being creative. Contact Jackie for further detials on: 04 2771 7605.

Canasta & Cards
1:30pm – 3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd.
Enjoy games of canasta among other card games with your fellow card players! Please call Desley to register your interest: 07 4776 1822.

Bambaroo Community Shed Meeting
5:00pm at Bambaroo Rural Fire Station, Bambaroo Road, Bambaroo.
An open community discussion focusing on disaster preparedness, response, and resilience. These sessions are part of a regional series designed to help residents strengthen their homes, neighbourhoods, and communities ahead of the disaster season. Sessions will also be held in Abergowrie, Mount Fox, Forrest Beach, Trebonne, Taylors Beach, Macknade, and Ingham.

Social Darts
7:00pm in the Upstairs Area, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper St, Ingham.
Social darts have been back in full swing and the enthusiasm is stronger than ever. Be sure to check in before 7:00pm to join the competition and experience the friendly spirit of the game.

Thursday 6 November

CWA Craft Group
9:00am – 12:00pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm St.
Everyone is welcome to do your own craft or join an organised craft activity. For just $2.00 enjoy the company of other crafters, all levels of experience and craft types welcome! Our gold coin donation library is also open with books aplenty, CDs, DVDs, and puzzles too!

Friday mornings at the Ingham Flames Gymnastics Club are a hive of activity with the Under 5's class filling the gym with excitement and exploration.

Gymnastics for our littlest members is all about fun and movement as the children swing, crawl, climb, jump, hop, balance and roll in an inviting and colourful environment.

It is remarkable to watch the children’s physical and social confidence soar over a gymnastics term, in a space that celebrates and channels the high energy levels and creativity of our toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Come and join us for a free trial class to see what the hype is all about!

Or inquire with us by emailing ingham.gymnastics@gmail.com

‍Candidates announced for Hinchinbrook by-election after Dametto’s shock exit

The Hinchinbrook by-election is set to be a hot contest after Nick Dametto’s unexpected resignation earlier this month. The candidates are now confirmed ahead of the fast-approaching vote.

Katter’s Australian Party has nominated Mark Molachino, former Townsville Deputy Mayor and councillor, who brings years of local government experience. His recent switch from the Labor Party has attracted attention.

The LNP’s pick is Wayde Chiesa, a local former Regional Development Australia CEO. Premier David Crisafulli praised Chiesa’s commitment to tackling crime, flood recovery, and supporting local agriculture.

One Nation’s candidate is Lisa Buchtmann, a Cardwell small business owner and ex-army truck driver, focused on youth crime, tourism infrastructure, and housing affordability.

Labor confirmed it will run a candidate but has not yet made an official announcement.

As campaigning ramps up, voters will be closely watching these candidates and their policies ahead of the by-election.

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Mark Molachino

Representing Katter’s Australian Party in the Hinchinbrook by-election is Mark Molachino, the former Deputy Mayor of Townsville. Mr Molachino served as the councillor for Division 4 from 2016 until he lost his seat in the 2024 local government elections. Throughout his time on council, he was involved in a range of infrastructure, planning, and community initiatives across the city. Prior to joining Katter’s Australian Party, Mr Molachino was previously affiliated with the Labor Party, a detail that has drawn attention in the lead-up to the by-election. His candidacy brings both experience and a notable shift in political alignment.

Wayde Chiesa

Wayde Chiesa has been announced as the LNP candidate for the Hinchinbrook by-election, launched by Premier David Crisafulli in Ingham. A former RDA CEO, Mr Chiesa grew up locally and said he’s “passionate about delivering for this region.” Premier Crisafulli, who’s known him for decades, said Chiesa is “made of the right stuff” and “will do a great job.” Mr Chiesa identified crime, flood recovery, and agriculture as key issues. “I will fight 24/7 to make our community safer,” he said, backing new CCTV under the Secure Communities program. “I’m getting off the bench and on the field,” he added.

Lisa Buchtmann

Former army truck driver and small business owner Lisa Buchtmann will stand as One Nation’s candidate for the Hinchinbrook by-election. Based in Cardwell, the 40-year-old is focused on tourism infrastructure, youth crime, housing affordability, and cost of living. “I’m a mother with a teenage son and I’m very concerned about his future in our community, and the future for all kids in Hinchinbrook,” Ms Buchtmann said. She pointed to the Bruce Highway’s poor condition and backed One Nation’s plans to “slash immigration,” dismantle “net zero policies,” and reduce youth crime through programs like “Operation Hard Yakka” and a judicial accountability panel.

Labor Party

The Labor Party has confirmed it will contest the by-election, although a formal announcement of its candidate is yet to be made.

As the political arena heats up, more information on each candidate will be shared to help inform your vote - you can read more in our 'Meet the Candidates' special in the paper next week.