by Victoria Velton

Palm Creek was packed with energy, with 28 runners out on the course, including six travellers and four new PBs — myself included! I don't wear a watch when I run, so it's always a nice surprise to see how much I've improved each week. This time, I aimed to really push myself, going for 35 minutes (I usually run closer to 40). Fellow runner Maria and I kept each other paced and competitive, both striving to improve, and we finished at 36 minutes, just 10 seconds apart! Thank you to Steven in the cheer squad and the ladies at the finish line for all your encouragement.

Cardwell saw a huge leap in numbers this week, with 42 participants, including 16 visitors and new faces — what a fantastic turnout! Congratulations to Dave Morris on completing 25 parkruns, and a big thank you to him as well for donating post-run Zooper Doopers. Well done to Margot and Rachelle on achieving new PBs. Welcome to all the visitors this morning, and thanks to all the volunteers.

Remember, you can grab a coffee or post-parkrun brekkie with friends afterwards. The Cardwell crew love the atmosphere (and milkshakes!) at Seabreeze Café Lounge, and you’re welcome to join in too!

Park Run Results: 12th July 2025
Palm Creek #81 - 26 participants.
Fastest time: 20:38
Finishers time: 57:57
Volunteers: Erin Cerutti, Sandra Coco, Helen Digger, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Amanda Towner, Steven Veltmeyer

Cardwell #343 - 42 participants.
Fastest time: 23:45
Finishers time: 59:09
Volunteers: Kellie Ball, Teela Crooks, Terry Curtin, Jan Ferguson, Kerry Snell, Ward Weare

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Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire! I feel like I have driven all over the region and had so many wonderful experiences this week, documenting and photographing events for the paper.

I met the lovely volunteers at Meals on Wheels, and the great crowd at the Seniors Coffee Club (sorry to interrupt your bingo!), the amazing staff at the Pie Face and United Petroleum reopening, and then the fantastic volunteers of the North Queensland Wildlife Care who were raising orphaned joeys on the top of Mt Fox.

The drive was pretty challenging to the top of the mountain, but the joey cuteness and the lovely market of friendly people were so worth the trip to me. I picked up two books from the book swap there and said hello to many happy dogs. The views along the drive were spectacular, and the fresh mountain air was crisp and cleansing. If you have the chance, go visit the markets or camp at the grounds, they're held on the 1st Saturday of every month.

This weekend holds the Ingham Gold Cup Races, and I will be there, camera in hand to capture the fierce competition of both the horses and the fashions on the field - hope you all prepared your fascinators!

Victoria

Fun Fact: A relic of north Queensland's volcanic past, Mount Fox is an isolated, well-preserved, dormant volcano with a shallow crater which was formed 100,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption.

Vic Bargery, a resident of the Rockingham Home for the Aged, would like to give a big “Yay of the Week” to the Cardwell Shire Council for their swift response following a recent safety concern.

Vic regularly travels between the aged care facility and Cardwell town centre on his mobility scooter. During one of these daily trips, a large tree branch (albeit light), fell from a tree on the Esplanade, grazing his cheek, bruising his chest, and injuring his shoulder.

After contacting the Council to report the incident, Vic was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the matter was handled. Within two days, he received a call advising that two arborists would be inspecting the tree and were happy to meet with him to discuss what needed to be done.

The inspection confirmed that the tree posed a risk and required trimming. While someone later removed the identification tape marking the tree—possibly fearing it would be cut down—the Council proceeded with the agreed trimming only, making the tree safe while preserving it for the community to enjoy.

“Well done to the Council and its workers,” Vic said. As it was a win–win outcome and applauded the Council for taking his report seriously and following through with such professionalism and care. It’s great to see action taken quickly, with thought for both safety and the environment.

Ingham Gold Cup Race Day This Saturday - Book Your Tickets Now!

Get ready for a day of racing, fashion, and community celebration as the Ingham Gold Cup returns on Saturday 12 July! Hosted by the Herbert River Jockey Club, this iconic 18+ event promises thrilling local races, live Sky Racing coverage, and the glamour of Fashions on the Field.

Gates open at 11am, with pre-booked tables, on-site catering by Marian & Piera Catering, and plenty of action trackside. Whether you're backing a winner or just there for the atmosphere, it's the social event of the season. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement!

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Ingham’s Biggest Day At The Races

The Herbert River Jockey Club is proud to present the 2025 Ingham Gold Cup, taking place on Saturday 12 July. This is strictly an 18+ event, with gates opening at 11am for what promises to be a day full of excitement, fashion, and community spirit.

Entry tickets are $20 and can be pre-purchased online. Reserved table tickets are also available online only, at a cost of $120 per table, with each table seating ten. Gate entry tickets will also be available for purchase on the day.

Attendees can look forward to five thrilling local races, with both local and southern bookmakers on site, as well as Sky Racing coverage. While an ATM will be available, patrons are advised there will be no on-course TAB facilities. Catering on race day will be provided by Marian & Piera Catering, offering delicious options throughout the event.

The ever-popular Fashions on the Field will return in full glamour, with categories including Contemporary Lady of the Track, Classic Lady of the Track, Best Dressed Man of the Track, Millinery, and the Spotters Choice Award.

Please note that photo identification must be produced upon request. For safety and security, eskies, glass, tables, or chairs will not be permitted through the gate, and no BYO or containers of liquid will be allowed with bags searched upon entry.

The Ingham Gold Cup is proudly supported by a wide range of local businesses and sponsors, helping to bring this signature event to life.

Bookings can be made online at www.trybooking.com/DCHZT or by scanning the QR code featured on promotional materials.

WHAT: Ingham Gold Cup
WHERE: 69 Marina Parade
WHEN: Saturday 12th July

Opinion Piece

Queenslanders deserve the right to feel safe in their own homes. That’s why I’ve launched a fresh parliamentary petition calling for the urgent introduction of Castle Law in Queensland. Castle Law would allow you to defend yourself, your loved ones and your property with whatever means necessary during a home invasion.

Last term, I sponsored a Castle Law petition that gained more than 40,000 signatures in just over five weeks. This demonstrated that many Queenslanders want this law change to galvanise the rights of homeowners who are forced to defend themselves or their families.

During that time, I also introduced the Criminal Code (Defensive Dwelling and Other Premises – Castle Law)
Amendment Bill 2024. Although I had the opportunity to address the Community Safety and Legal Affairs Committee on the need for this legislation to be passed, not one public hearing was held and the bill was allowed to lapse before the 2024 State election. With the change of government, our lobbying efforts now turn to convincing the LNP to adopt this policy and enact it into law. With public support, I believe this can be achieved.

Queenslanders deserve to feel safe. They deserve to know that if someone breaks into their home, the law will be on their side if they are forced to defend themselves. Right now, our laws make people second-guess their instincts in life-or-death situations. That hesitation can cost lives.

Castle Law is about restoring the balance and putting the rights of victims before offenders. The most effective way for this to happen is if the State Government supports the policy and introduces its own Castle Law bill. If they don’t, Katter’s Australian Party will be introducing their own once more.

I truly believe defending yourself in your home should be a God given right, and my commitment is to ensure that Queenslanders one day have that right without fear of legal ramifications.

The petition is open now and can be signed on the Queensland Parliament website. It closes on the 24th of October 2025. https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=4267

Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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One Community Group At A Time

Powerlink continues to support community programs across Queensland, investing in their long-term success by providing funding, equipment, and supplies to help them deliver valuable services. Just last week, both Ingham Meals on Wheels and Ingham Tennis Club received a welcome boost from Powerlink, delivered by representative Ben Galvin.

Ben Galvin explained, "This donation is part of our community investment programme, funded by the Genex Kidston project out at Greenvale. We are helping the communities and the LGAs where we're operating. So, we had a connection with Meals On Wheels, and we're happy to help them by supplying the oven that was the necessary equipment needed to increase their capacity. This donation aligns with our programme to really help the communities that we're operating in."

Terrie Christensen, Service Manager at Ingham Meals on Wheels, shared her appreciation, "With sincere gratitude, Ingham Meals on Wheels would like to thank Powerlink for donating the Combi-Oven. As a team, we simply couldn’t do what we do without amazing businesses like Powerlink. Powerlink’s generosity means everything to us and the community. It has allowed Ingham Meals on Wheels to grow, and in turn, serve those within the community who not only need our service, but rely on it."

Richard Peeke, President of the Ingham Tennis Club, also expressed thanks, highlighting how the donation has supported the club’s junior development. It was through the donation from Powerlink that many young children in the local community could experience the joy and fun of playing tennis for free; "We would just like to thank Powerlink for their sponsorship in providing supportive funds towards Junior coaching, which is greatly increasing the number of kids who are coming to the club." He added with a smile, "And hopefully we'll see some future tennis stars out of them."

In a heartening reminder of the value of rural health care, the Ingham Health Service recently celebrated nine years since the reopening of its maternity service — and what better way to mark the occasion than with the birth of four babies in just 24 hours?

On the 7th and 8th of April, four mothers; Giorgia Firmi, Marites Carao, Hannah Bestmann, and Leah Dingwell, welcomed their little ones into the world, creating a unique bond not only between their babies, but among themselves as part of this milestone moment.

For first-time mum Giorgia Firmi, the experience was both challenging and affirming.

“I was in labour for probably 15 hours, and it was a really long night but she (my midwife Kelly) stayed for probably longer than she was supposed to,” Ms Firmi said, expressing her gratitude.

Fellow mum Marites Carao echoed the sentiment, praising the compassionate care she received throughout her pregnancy and delivery.

“As a first-time mum, it’s a very exciting journey and the midwives and doctors supported me throughout my entire pregnancy, through to the delivery and aftercare,” she said.

For Hannah Bestmann, who had previously delivered her two other children in a major hospital, the contrast highlighted the expertise and reassurance provided at Ingham.

“The first two were born at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and while the facilities at SCUH are more aesthetic and fresher, the expertise of my two midwives here in Ingham was noticeably significant,” she shared.

“I felt more and more confident in their care with each appointment, and they helped me trust my body to naturally labour without interventions which I appreciated and had hoped for.”

These powerful testimonies shine a light on a service that almost ceased to exist. Ingham’s birthing unit was closed for a decade before community advocacy led to its triumphant reopening on the 1st of July, 2016. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength — a testament to the commitment of its staff and the value of health care close to home.

Senior Medical Officer Dr Carmel Cockburn reflected on the journey so far.

“The ability to provide a safe and consistent rural birthing service despite workplace shortages across rural Australia has been a huge achievement,” she said.

“It has required constant dedication from our team and community. Our team includes midwives, rural generalists with obstetric and anaesthetic skills, as well as theatre nurses for those times caesarean section or operative complications arise.”

Clinical midwife Jodie Nema emphasised the importance of ensuring access to maternity services locally.

“We provide an essential service that encompasses antenatal, birth and postnatal care to pregnant women and their families in the Hinchinbrook area,” she explained.

“The midwifery group practice has capacity to provide services both at the hospital, and where appropriate, in-home care. We also work closely with maternity services at Townsville University Hospital when higher levels of care or support are required.”

At a time when many rural maternity services are under threat, Ingham's model shows what is possible when dedication, skill, and community will intersect. As the maternity team celebrates its ninth anniversary with four beautiful new arrivals, it reminds us that small towns can offer not only safe care—but exceptional care.

Expectant families in the region can self-refer to the service or be referred through their GP. For more information, call 07 4720 3050.

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How Will this Impact Our Region?

The Federal Government has taken serious steps to implement a gas reservation policy (RRP) on the east coast of Australia. However, the details of the plan will determine whether Mount Isa and North West Minerals Province survive or collapse.

Mayor Ramon Jayo commented, “I’m becoming increasingly concerned about what’s happening in Mount Isa, particularly with talk of the smelter shutting down and Glencore ceasing operations there,” he said. “While it’s undeniably tragic for the region in terms of employment and long-term viability, there’s also a broader issue that could directly impact our cane-growing district.”

“Phosphate Hill relies heavily on sulphuric acid from the Mount Isa smelter. It’s a byproduct of their operations and a critical ingredient in manufacturing phosphate-based fertilisers, which our local cane growers use extensively. If that acid supply is disrupted, it’s going to put serious pressure on fertiliser production.”

He continued, “Even now, they’re already facing rising gas costs to keep things running, and we’re starting to worry about what that means for phosphate prices and, in turn, fertiliser costs. Cane growers are already copping increased fuel prices, and if fertiliser costs go up too, that’s going to hurt.”

“It’s something we need to keep a very close eye on, because any further cost inflation will have a knock-on effect across our whole industry. Hopefully, the government can step in and help resolve some of the issues with Glencore, so we can keep something going — to support our farmers and ensure there’s reliable continuity in the production of phosphate fertilisers.”

Bob Katter, the Federal Member for Kennedy, also voiced his concerns on the issue: "The complete collapse of Mount Isa's industrial base was imminent last week. The dominoes were already falling. Mount Isa pulls 3,000 jobs directly out of Townsville and fuels billions in industrial exports. If it goes under, it's not just a local issue – it's a national one."

Katter compared the situation to Western Australia, where a long-standing gas reservation policy is helping power the construction of a giant fertiliser plant by saying: "Here, we've got a fertiliser plant in Mount Isa that alone can bring in a thousand million dollars in a good year. And we're hanging by a thread."

While the Federal Government’s move toward an east coast gas reservation policy is a step in the right direction, its effectiveness will hinge on swift and strategic implementation. Local leaders and industry voices warn that without decisive action to secure an affordable gas supply and stabilise operations at key industrial hubs like Mount Isa, the ripple effects will be felt far beyond the region, from fertiliser production to jobs, and exports across northern Queensland.

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Heidi is a gentle soul with a heart of gold and a love for the simple things in life, like belly-up naps and chin scratches.

Though she might seem a little shy at first, all it takes is a bit of patience and a lot of love to win her over. Once she feels safe, Heidi blossoms into a loving companion who will happily claim your bed as her own snooze spot (preferably paws in the air, of course).

She’s got impeccable manners — this sweet girl will sit politely and wait while dinner is being served. Her favourite game? Hide and seek with her foster dad… and yes, she always wins. Heidi’s soft, affectionate nature makes her the perfect match for a calm, quiet home where she can relax, feel secure, and soak up the affection she adores.

If you're ready to welcome a lovely little lady who will repay your kindness tenfold, Heidi might just be your perfect match.

To meet Heidi, just fill out an enquiry form at: www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

Adoption fee: $210
DOB: 1/03/24 - 1yr 4mths.
Sex: Female
Breed: Domestic Short Hair (DSH)
Colour: Tuxedo (Black and White)
Kid friendly: Yes – with soft hands
Cat friendly: Untested
Dog friendly: Untested
Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors only

Included in the adoption fee: desexing, microchipping, up-to-date vaccinations, flea/tick/intestinal worm treatment.

Hospitality & Community Services

Young people in Ingham aged 15 and over now have the chance to gain practical skills and recognised qualifications — with no out-of-pocket costs — through two new training programs under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

Certificate I in Hospitality (SIT10222)
This 15-week course is perfect for those looking to enter the hospitality industry. This course includes four days a week of online learning (four hours per day), supported by a mentor, plus three weeks of real-world work experience at the end.

Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015)
Ideal for those wanting to support others and work in the community sector. This nine-week program, also delivered online and supported by a mentor. The course focuses on building real-world skills to support people in need.

Places are limited, and applications are now open! Food and transport are provided at no cost to the student. Eligibility can be sourced after an enquiry has been made here at: https://www.selectability.com.au/careers-training/selectability-training/

Flu and COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb across Queensland, with health authorities urging residents to practise good hygiene and get vaccinated to help curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.

In the last week of June alone, over 2,800 flu cases were recorded — the highest weekly number this year. Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said hospital admissions remain high, with nearly 300 beds occupied daily by flu and COVID-19 patients.

“Around half of all flu hospitalisations and 65 per cent of COVID hospitalisations are among people aged 65 and over,” Dr Carroll said.

She noted that more than 90 per cent of hospitalised patients are not up to date with their vaccinations.

“Vaccination is especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19. I encourage people to discuss their COVID vaccine and booster options with their vaccine provider,” she said.

“For influenza, nearly 3,000 people have been hospitalised this year, with almost all of these hospitalisations (92 per cent) among people who were not vaccinated.”

Children are also vulnerable, with nearly 450 hospitalised for flu so far in 2025.

“Children are more likely to catch and spread influenza, contributing to transmission in the community, but also young children are vulnerable to serious illness from the flu,” Dr Carroll said.

Queenslanders are encouraged to wash their hands, cover coughs, stay home when sick, and stay up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations.

For more details, visit www.health.qld.gov.au.

An elusive and endangered species, the mahogany glider is receiving new hope thanks to a collaborative conservation effort underway in North Queensland. The project, centred south of Ingham, is helping to link critical glider habitat while also delivering rare sightings of the species in the wild.

Indigenous ranger Chris Muriata is one of the few people lucky enough to see a mahogany glider in its natural habitat.

“To finally see one – it made me happy,” he says.

“It was in vegetation at the southern end of a glider pole array we were monitoring at Lily Creek near Cardwell. We’ve been working on mahogany glider projects for years – since Cyclone Yasi in 2011 when we put den boxes and cameras in trees. More recently, we’ve been part of monitoring programs. Still, to actually see one of these gliders is rare.”

Chris and his fellow Girringun Indigenous Rangers are now working alongside Terrain NRM on a new glider initiative, which focuses on removing invasive vines and woody weeds from forested corridors along creeks in cane-growing areas. This habitat restoration work is designed to support small, vulnerable populations of mahogany gliders living on the fringes of farmland near Yuruga and Bambaroo.

The project also builds on four years of monitoring, with the installation of new wildlife cameras helping to track the presence of gliders and assess habitat use.

Terrain NRM’s Evizel Seymour says the goal is to create a functional corridor between coastal glider habitats and the foothills of nearby national parks.

“We want this to be a functional corridor for mahogany gliders,” she explains.

“This is a new project in amongst a tapestry of projects that have helped mahogany gliders by increasing woodland habitat and bridging gaps in habitat through tree-planting projects, installing glider poles at roads, and replacing the top two strands of barbed wire in farm fences with barbless wire so gliders don’t get caught up in them.

“There has also been monitoring work and research to learn more about this species — to better understand the boundaries of mahogany glider habitat, where the remaining small populations live, how their genetic health is going, and how we can best help them to survive.”

Mahogany gliders are listed as endangered and are only found in a narrow range between Tully and Ollera Creek, north of Townsville. The last population estimate — between 1,500 and 2,000 individuals — dates back to surveys conducted in the 1990s, before much of their habitat was damaged by Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

So far, the project’s motion-sensing cameras have captured two mahogany gliders in the early morning hours — a promising sign.

“The cameras were up for six weeks,” Evizel said.

“We saw one mahogany glider at about 3 a.m. on four or five nights. It was active in a thin corridor of trees bordering a creek and cane land, a place where they haven’t been recorded on camera before. We saw another mahogany glider once, at a creekside area further north.”

The project, titled Keeping Country Connected for Mahogany Gliders, is funded through the Queensland Government’s Threatened Species Recovery Action Grants program.

The work is a partnership between Terrain NRM, Girringun and Nywaigi Indigenous Rangers, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The next stage of weed removal and habitat improvement will begin in the coming months, and further camera monitoring is planned for later this year.

The Hinchinbrook Way Walk is a scenic 1.9 km trail that offers a perfect introduction to tropical Ingham. Beginning at the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre, the walk takes you across an elevated walkway above tranquil wetlands, through the canopies of towering raintrees, and into the heart of the TYTO Precinct.

Along the way, spot native birdlife, marvel at public art, and uncover Ingham’s rich sugar cane history in the vibrant Mercer Lane Mosaic. This immersive trail leads you into the town centre, where you can explore boutique stores and gourmet delights, before looping back through the peaceful TYTO Parklands.

Just steps from the CBD, it’s an easy, engaging experience suitable for all visitors — whether you're chasing adventure or seeking relaxation. With a mix of nature, culture, and local charm, the Hinchinbrook Way Walk is a must-do for anyone wanting to connect with the essence of the Hinchinbrook region.

Hello Hinchinbrook,

Snap Send Solve is a free app that makes it quick and easy to report issues to your local council using your iPhone or Android device. You can also use it to submit general requests or feedback.

Whether it’s illegal rubbish dumping, a damaged street sign, or another local concern, Snap Send Solve lets you capture and report the issue straight from your smartphone.

How it works:
The app uses your phone’s GPS to identify your local council and provide relevant contact details. When you send a report, your email and phone number are included so Hinchinbrook Shire Council can follow up with you directly.

You know your neighbourhood best, so if something doesn’t look right, let us know. We rely on your reports to help keep our Shire safe, clean, and running smoothly.

Use the app to report:
• Street lights not working
• Dumped rubbish
• Wandering or aggressive dogs
• Graffiti or vandalism
• Footpath damage or potholes
• Road safety issues
• Or anything else needing attention

Just Snap, Send, and Solve — take a photo and submit your report in a few simple steps.

Free to download from the App Store and Google Play, Snap Send Solve removes the guesswork from reporting local issues. It helps councils and other authorities respond more efficiently, and empowers the whole community to help look after our shared spaces.

Need help in person? Visit our Customer Service Centre at 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham, for assistance with enquiries, requests, applications, registrations, permits, or rates payments.

You can also report issues online via the Customer Service section at www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au. For urgent matters, please call 07 4776 4600.

It’s always a pleasure to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and see everything that’s been happening — and what’s coming up — in our beautiful Shire. Thanks again for the opportunity to connect.

Acting Mayor Mary Brown

As the Hinchinbrook Shire continues to recover and adapt following the 2025 severe weather season, the importance of reflective, community-driven planning cannot be overstated.

In support of ongoing preparedness and resilience-building, the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), in partnership with Council, has released a survey for community feedback — a purposeful step toward capturing local insights and experiences following this year’s major weather events.

The survey seeks to understand how residents across the region prepared for, responded to, and recovered from recent severe weather. This information will directly inform future disaster planning and decision-making, helping to shape emergency messaging, preparedness campaigns, support accessibility, and service delivery moving forward.

Recognising that each household and circumstance is different, the survey captures a wide range of lived experiences — including those of carers, people with disabilities, families, and individuals living in remote or isolated areas.

By doing so, Council and the LDMG aim to ensure that emergency planning and response measures reflect the unique needs and challenges of the Hinchinbrook community.

The survey also offers residents an opportunity to contribute beyond feedback, with the option to express interest in future disaster preparedness training or planning initiatives.

While the path to recovery continues, so too does Council’s commitment to improving safety, preparedness, and community resilience through meaningful engagement and informed planning.

Council strongly encourages all residents to participate — either by clicking the link on the Hinchinbrook Disaster Information Facebook page, scanning the QR code on the front page of the paper, or visiting Council for a hard copy.

We welcome all feedback by 6:00 pm on Sunday, 20 July 2025, and thank everyone who takes the time to provide this important insight.

Each response helps strengthen our collective ability to face future events — together, and with greater confidence.