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Fast Cars & Velocity Dreams

Fast Cars & Velocity Dreams

Local Students Compete In Hydrogen Grand Prix World Final In Germany Five talented students from Gilroy Santa Maria College in Ingham are trading the tropics for Germany as they compete in the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) World Final in Chemnitz. Known as the Gilroy Velocity Raptors, this Year 7–9 team earned global recognition after dominating the North Queensland Finals with a record-breaking 387 laps. In their first year—and as the youngest team competing—they’ve turned a lunchtime STEM club i

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Victoria's View | 19 August 2025

Victoria's View | 19 August 2025

Hiya Hinchinbrookshire! The other day, I had the chance to join the Meals on Wheels delivery run with a couple of friendly faces from NAB, Jess Castellani and Teresa Nieminen. What struck me straight away was how much heart goes into something as simple as delivering a meal. It’s not just about dropping off a meal, it’s about having a quick yarn, checking in and sharing a smile. Jess put it beautifully when she said, “Meals on Wheels is more than a meal, it’s a moment of connection. Sometimes

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Remembering Our Vietnam Veterans

Remembering Our Vietnam Veterans

All around the Shire, and Australia, Vietnam Veterans' Day was commemorated in remembrance of the Battle of Long Tan and other Australian operations in the Vietnam War. “Vietnam Veterans Day holds profound importance in Australia's national consciousness. It is not merely a day etched into the calendar, but a moment of collective reflection, a time to pay tribute to those who served to acknowledge the complexity of their experiences and to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.” “The sto

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Police Seek Dashcam Footage Following Cardwell Armed Robbery

Police Seek Dashcam Footage Following Cardwell Armed Robbery

Police are continuing to appeal for public assistance to help locate dashcam footage of a silver Toyota Hilux involved in an armed robbery in Cardwell on Saturday, the 26th of July. Motorists who travelled on the Bruce Highway through Cardwell between 5pm and 6pm, or through Euramo between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, are urged to check their dashcam recordings. Anyone with relevant footage or information is encouraged to contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.a

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Get Rid Of Those Post-Flooding Pests

March 24, 2025

Pests can be an annoyance all year round but after floods they can be particularly infuriating. Michael Slater and his business, The Pest Control Guy, are here in the Hinchinbrook region to help. They have identified the most common pests they have been treating following the floods are cockroaches, ants, and termites.

Cockroaches
These notoriously resilient pests can infest your home at any time of a flood. They can hold their breath in water for 15 minutes, which is plenty of time to swim from house to house. They will crawl through the smallest of gaps, and when your home is nice and wet, they will start several nests where you may never notice. Roaches tend to be noticed long after the floods have gone and their invasion can come as a surprise due to their quiet nature, only becoming noticeable when it's far too late.

Ants and Termites
Ants are often the first pest you'll notice inside your home when the rains start. These small insects have an uncanny knowledge of when dangerous weather systems are forming and will move their whole colony to safer ground.
If your property is elevated, they may establish a new colony outside in a safe space like a covered carport, open shed or garden. Still, they're not picky for places to stay and will likely enter your home searching for food and protection from the flood rains.

Termites can survive through floods in their vast underground systems. If that safety is ever compromised, they will travel similarly to ants to find higher ground or direct shelter. Termites are also a huge risk after floods when the wood and organic materials in your home are waterlogged. This makes them more digestible and easier for termites to chew through. Floods can wash away your existing termite barrier, so act swiftly to reapply it before infestation starts.

Michael The Pest Control Guy is a local and loves to help fellow locals, if you have any pests give him a call!

Contributed with thanks to The Pest Control Guy

Do you have pests? Give The Pest Control Guy a call. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Exciting Opportunities Await At Gilroy Santa Maria College’s

March 24, 2025

Gilroy Santa Maria College is committed to providing a seamless and enriching transition experience for students considering enrolment in Year 7. The College has designed a comprehensive program to help prospective students and their families explore the school’s vibrant learning environment, modern facilities, and strong pastoral support.

Year 7 Expo – Friday, 16 May
The first event of the transition program is the Year 7 Expo, which will commence at 7:30am. Families and potential Year 7 students will begin the morning with a delicious breakfast, followed by engaging interactive displays at the Santa Maria Centre (SMC). These displays, hosted by faculty members, will showcase various subjects including Science, English, Mathematics, Arts and more.

Students will receive an enrolment pack and a special ‘passport’ to complete by visiting different activity stations. Completed passports will be entered into a draw to win a Bluetooth speaker.

At 8:30am, Acting Principal Melissa Carr and the Senior Leadership Team will present an information session outlining the College’s strengths, including its commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and state-of-the-art facilities. Following this, guided tours led by Year 12 students will provide families with firsthand insight into the school environment. Prospective students will then participate in interactive sessions across key areas such as hospitality, the trade training centre, and STEM facilities, allowing them to experience college life in a dynamic and engaging way.

Transition Days – A Pathway to Success
Following the Year 7 Expo, the College’s three Year 7 Transition Days, are designed to help students build confidence and familiarity with their future school community. These sessions enable students to interact with their peers and teachers, ensuring they feel welcome and prepared well before the formal Orientation Day at the end of the year.

The Year 7 Transition Days will take place from 8:30am to 11:30am on the following dates:
• Friday, 20 June
• Friday, 25 July
• Friday, 15 August

Orientation Day – Tuesday, 2 December
The transition program will culminate in a full-day Orientation on Tuesday, 2 December, where incoming Year 7 students will participate in a structured program designed to familiarise them with their new school environment, peers, and teachers.

For more information on Gilroy Santa Maria College’s Year 7 Expo and Transition Days, please refer to the College website or official flyers. This is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and their families to experience all that Gilroy has to offer and take the first step towards an exciting secondary school journey.

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Beaumont Tiles Experts In The Look You Want

March 24, 2025

Beaumont Tiles, in Ingham has been a cornerstone of the local building and renovation industry, providing expert advice, quality products, and unwavering community support. Owned and operated by Helen and Eric Shoubridge, this family business is more than just a tile and bathroomware supplier, it is a trusted resource for homeowners and builders alike.

The store serves for both residential and commercial customers, providing tiles floors, walls, kitchens, and bathrooms and assisting in designing and creating beautiful bathrooms and laundries with our fixtures and fittings.  Beaumonts Exclusive Complete Bathroom Packages make creating beautiful bathrooms a breeze.  If you want to visualise perhaps your main floor make-over with our stunning tiles, our BeVisual Live Visualiser is the perfect tool.

Helen emphasises that tiles are more than just a functional, they are in fact amongst the most durable and hardwearing flooring product available.  The beauty of these pieces truly bring the WOW factor into a space.  New technologies in tile production has seen the development of natural looking stone, marble and wood tiles.  They have all the durability of porcelain without the hard work and maintenance and upkeep.

"We are thrilled that our range has everything from the on trend 100x 100 tiles, to subways and even large format beauties that are 1m x 3m," she said.

A significant part of their work involves collaborating with homeowners, contractors, and insurance companies to ensure seamless renovations.

People go into Beaumont Tiles with plans, and they can recommend tiles and bathroomware to work within different price ranges, all whilst finding what the customer had envisioned.

Helen and Eric moved to the district in 2004 to become motel owners and operators, and the experience they have gained since living in the region has allowed them to prepare for future disasters.

They have faced significant flooding and cyclone events whilst living in Ingham, and they quickly learnt the importance of quality materials and expert advice. This understanding led them to join Beaumont Tiles, a company known for its extensive range and reliable supply chain.

“We’ve been through these challenges ourselves,” Helen explained.

“Every flood has taught us something valuable, and that knowledge allows us to guide our customers on how to make the best choices for their homes and businesses.”

The recent floods brought unexpected challenges, with the store’s warehouse experiencing flooding for the first time. Despite taking precautions by storing materials on pallets, some stock was damaged. However, due to Beaumont Tiles being Australia wide with locations throughout the country, they were able to work successfully to fulfil orders.

Helen said that Beaumont Tiles were and continue to be incredibly supportive, assisting in the recovery process, and ensuring that supply remains consistent despite logistical difficulties.

Community support remains at the heart of Helen and Eric’s business philosophy.

“One of the reasons we chose to stay in Ingham was the incredible community spirit,” Helen said.

“When we first moved here, people would come by and ask if we needed help after a flood.”

Helen continues to give thanks for all the support shown to her in the early years by actively volunteering with Life Long Supports and The Abergowrie Long Pocket QCWA.

While Beaumont Tiles does not handle installations directly, Eric and Helen provide customers with names of local businesses and assist customers in working through current building challenges in the area.

As design trends evolve, the store ensures that customers have access to the latest styles and materials.

“Beaumonts designers travel the world and are amongst the best in the country in tile and bathroomware design selections, therefore you’ll see our range always has what’s new alongside the classics everyone loves,” said Helen.

“It’s quite exciting to collaborate with people to make their flooring, bathrooms, kitchens and laundries satisfying.”

Helen and Eric’s commitment to the community, combined with their deep industry knowledge has made Beaumont Tiles in Ingham an invaluable resource for homeowners and businesses alike.

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Gilroy Santa Maria College Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

March 24, 2025

St. Patrick’s Day at Gilroy Santa Maria College was a vibrant and joyous occasion, bringing students and teachers together in a celebration of community spirit. The event, led by Erin Cerutti and the Year 12 students as part of a pastoral initiative, provided a wonderful opportunity for the school to embrace the festive atmosphere while strengthening connections among students across all year levels.

Acting Principal Melissa Carr reflected on the day’s success, highlighting the enthusiasm and participation of both students and staff.

“It was beautiful to see everyone put in the effort,” Carr said. “The way the students embraced the celebration, the smiling faces, the laughter—it was fantastic. At second lunch, we even had cupcakes available at the Tuck Shop, which was a special treat. It was a great way to encourage interaction between students and teachers.”

A key highlight of the celebration was the Best Dressed Competition, with each homeroom selecting a winner before the overall Best Dressed Student was crowned. Congratulations to Mariah, who took home the top prize for her outstanding display of St. Patrick’s Day spirit!

Beyond the festivities, the event also played a significant role in fostering inter-year connections, an important focus for the Year 12 students this year. By engaging in shared experiences like this, students across different grade levels had the chance to bond and build a stronger sense of school spirit and camaraderie.

St. Patrick’s Day at Gilroy Santa Maria College was a testament to the school’s commitment to community, inclusivity, and student engagement. Events like these continue to strengthen the College’s culture, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment for all.

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Bringing Indigenous Knowledge Into Education

March 24, 2025

Connecting the Dots through Culture is making significant strides in embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday practice within education and support services.

Established in 2019, the company is dedicated to training educators and professionals to create culturally inclusive environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children feel valued, respected, and seen.

Co-founders Jackie Bennett and Cecelia See Kee bring decades of experience in community work and education. Their shared vision arose from a recognised need for sustainable, long-term programs that go beyond the short-term cycles of government funding.

“Our biggest mission is working within the Early Childhood sector—because that’s where real change begins,” says the team.

Connecting the Dots through Culture delivers a range of training programs, including the powerful ‘Hidden Histories’ workshop, which explores Australia’s true history from pre-colonisation to the present day. The program invites participants to reflect on where their own family histories intersect with this timeline, creating space for personal connection and understanding.

The organisation’s professional development packages also include mentoring and hands-on workshops, typically delivered in small groups to foster meaningful discussion and engagement.

A standout feature of their work is the immersive study tours to Cherbourg and Thursday Island. These experiences allow educators to learn firsthand about the rich diversity within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities offering a deeper insight into the diversity of the two cultures.

In addition to training, Connecting the Dots through Culture now offers a growing range of educational resources—books, puzzles, and culturally responsive teaching tools—available at their newly expanded shopfront on Palm Terrace in Ingham.

With a growing national reach, Connecting the Dots through Culture continues to foster cultural understanding within education and community services.

Cecelia See Kee, Jackie Bennett, Lauris Winship, Lacey Long
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Go Bananas At The River Feast!

March 24, 2025

Sunday, 30th March will see the culmination of the four-day Feast of the Senses Festival with the signature event, Australian Bananas River Feast, the biggest of all the events during the festival. Gates open at 9.00am on Sunday morning, and entry is free.

“We are thrilled that the Australian Bananas River Feast is almost here,” said committee President Rosi Jensen. “Our volunteer committee has worked incredibly hard to bring this event to the community, and it would not happen without the financial support of Australian Bananas and numerous other supporters, including the Cassowary Coast Council,” she said.

“We’re still looking for volunteers to assist the committee with set-up from 5am. Early birds can just turn up on the day to volunteer and will earn a free breakfast voucher. Just sign in at the volunteer tent first and remember to wear your closed-in shoes for safety.”

There will be an amazing array of food on offer, local produce, cooking demonstrations & tastings on the Brothers’ Leagues Club Canecutter Court stage and musical entertainment on the riverbank featuring local performers. There’s a great line-up of entertainment commencing at 9.30am.

The event will showcase arts, crafts, artisanal foods, and delicious treats, creating a vibrant tropical atmosphere. The highlight is the Rare & Tropical Fruit display by the Cassowary Coast Rare Fruits Association, sponsored by Paronella Park. Visitors can sample the fruits before bidding at the end-of-day auction. The marquee, sponsored by Murray Brothers, will host the display.

For families, the Feast of Fun Kid Zone at the skatepark end of the riverbank, sponsored by Soils First, offers inflatable rides, art and craft activities, and more. Rides are $5 each or $20 for an all-day wristband.

This amazing ‘top 10’ Queensland event is right on your doorstep, so don’t miss it!

For more information go to www.feastofthesenses.com.au/events/

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Helping Women Thrive Performance Physio Group

March 24, 2025

Women of all ages face a wide range of health challenges, from pelvic pain and prolapse to menopause symptoms and urinary incontinence. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping women manage and overcome these issues through education, exercise, and specialised manual techniques.

At Performance Physio Group in Ingham, Sonya Bell has dedicated her career to supporting women in their health journeys.

“We can help women with a wide variety of problems, from young women to our older population anything from pelvic pain, prolapse, menopause symptoms, urinary incontinence,” said Sonya.

“As a physiotherapist specialising in women's health, we use tailored exercises, manual therapy and education to empower women to regain control over their bodies and improve their quality of life.

“Whether it's preparing for childbirth, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic pain, we offer personalized care to help women achieve their optimal health at every stage of life.”

For treatment, the most common way to see results is to do exercises, and the importance of committing to physiotherapy exercises cannot be overstated.

"If you don’t follow through, you can’t expect change," Sonya says.

Sonya shared a story of a mother who struggled with returning to running after having her second child. But after six weeks of targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, she was back to doing her 5K Parkrun with no issues.

Strength and flexibility are key elements to overall health, and Sonya said one without the other does not work; your body needs both.

“Flexibility without control and strength is going to cause pain,” said Sonya.

“Hypermobile people have got joints destroyed, left, right and centre. Being flexible is good you also need strength to control that movement.

“On the other end, if you’re very stiff, that is also going to wear down joints quickly.”

Beyond exercise, diet also plays a significant role in women’s health.

"Constipation is a huge issue that affects the lower area.

“If there is extra bulky mass in the abdominal area that can push your bladder forward, and that can mean controlling the bladder is harder, so diets are usually around hydration to keep everything at a good flow,” said Sonya.

Sonya’s expertise extends beyond women’s health, as she also treats musculoskeletal, sports injuries and headaches, low back pain, and neck pains.

Since joining her team in 2020, Sonya has found great satisfaction in her work.

"I like seeing results. When people come back to me, and they say, ‘I feel so much better’, it’s great, but I love it when people say, ‘I did my exercises, and I feel so much better’,” said Sonya.

“I like seeing the physical change. Being able to assess something and say this is the measurement, we do something about it, and then when you can see that it's different and a significant change has happened.

“I get warm fuzzies all over.”

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Councillor Column Councillor Kate Milton

March 24, 2025

Ingham residents are some of the most resilient and strong willed people I know. We support each other, step up when needed, and look out for our community. While we may get a bit wet at times, our beautiful home remains paradise in so many ways.

Council has been actively working in the recovery space, identifying issues and implementing actions. I am Chair of the Environment Recovery Sub Group, one of four key groups—Infrastructure, Human and Social, Economic and Environment. These groups include representatives from relevant organisations, including Government, working together to support our community.

Following an event like this, biosecurity becomes a major concern. With numerous washouts across the region, large amounts of fill will be required. It's crucial to ensure machinery is properly cleaned between sites to prevent the spread of seeds and contaminants within the fill itself.

Many gardens have been lost, and residents may seek replacement plants from areas like Townsville or Cairns. However, these regions have known infestations of Yellow Crazy Ants, which local councils are actively managing. These invasive pests can spread through soil, building materials, and other transported items. Additionally, the Herbert River can carry weed species like Siam weed and there’s a risk of Gamba grass seed coming from infestations in the Tablelands Regional Council area.

Knowledge and early detection remain our best tools. Council’s Biosecurity Officers are available to assist with identification and control measures.

For those in the cattle industry, a reminder that the Grazing Connect workshop—originally postponed in February—will now be held on Friday 4 April and Saturday 5 April 2025 at the Longpocket CWA Hall. If you're interested in attending, please RSVP to either myself or Lawrence DiBella with any dietary requirements by Friday 28 March 2025.

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Free Shower And Swim For Stranded Truckies

March 24, 2025

With heavy rains and flooding over the Bruce Highway last week, truckies were stuck in Ingham unable to travel north and south. Truckies in Cardwell were also stuck unable to travel south on their routes.

A frustrating delay for truckies, but Cardwell Swimming Pool opened their gates for truckies and stranded travellers, enabling them to use the full facilities free of charge.

Truck drivers enjoyed the showers and access to the pool…..

June Cotter Manager of Cardwell Swimming Pool said she was inspired to open the pool to stranded travellers and truck drivers because her nephew is a truckie, and she would like someone to look after him if he was stuck.

“There was nothing for them here in town so I said, just come and use the showers for free,” said June.

This isn’t the first time June has opened the pool and showers for travellers and truck drivers.

During the last flood in February she opened it once again.

“Last time it was so hot, and they're all out there sitting in the sun, and I had toilets and showers, so I just put it out there. Why don’t you just come and have a shower?”

“We fed them for three days at nighttime and breakfast until they left,” said June.

“The community bought stuff in and helped me and my staff and family. They bought soft drinks, so they didn't have to pay for them.”

June’s generosity and the support of the Cardwell community provided much-needed relief for stranded truck drivers and travellers. By opening the pool’s facilities, she not only offered comfort but also demonstrated the kindness and resilience that small towns are known for.

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Chamber March Meeting Wrap-up

March 24, 2025

The March monthly Chamber Meeting was held last Monday and very well attended despite the return of another rain event. The meeting was very well attended with new Members welcomed and some new faces around the table.

Chamber would like to acknowledge and thank Alan and Sharon Quagliotto, previous owners of the Royal Hotel, for their years of support of chamber and for hosting the monthly meetings for so many years and always being accommodating and welcoming.  We wish them well in retirement and hope they have an opportunity to relax and enjoy this next phase of their life. We also thank the new hotel owners for continuing to support chamber in hosting their monthly meetings at this venue.

The meeting opened with President Mary Brown acknowledging the challenging times that the business (and broader) community has experienced during this recent flood event and commending the strength and determination that has been demonstrated by so many to reopen their businesses and return as quickly as possible to some kind of normal.

An update was provided in relation to the work that has been done by Chamber to continue to support its members and as many local business owners as possible during and after this event. Working with the relevant government agencies, Dept Small and Family Business, Rural financial Counsellors, Wellness Coach, Insurance Council of Australia and QRIDA. Chamber has to date, facilitated three lots of “One-on-One”  sessions for local business owners with QRIDA representatives and are very pleased with the uptake to date.

An update was provided in relation to the local spend from flood donations through GIVIT and how this is supporting the economic recovery processes locally, as well as benefiting those who have been significantly impacted through the flood event. Chamber’s Administration Assistant, Christina, provided valuable information in relation to business openings and contact for GIVIT team, immediately after they were engaged. This information assisted in ensuring as many local businesses could be included in the GIVIT local supplier database.

Chamber continues to survey local business owners to gain an understanding of the Flood event Impact, having commenced immediately after the event and follow up survey at 6 weeks post event. The information received from these surveys is consolidated to provide trends, which enables Chamber to provide input to the economic recovery sub group and advocate for support for the business community.

Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce President Mary Brown and Chamber admin Christina Spencer. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce March Monthly meeting was well attended. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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Ingham Lions Club Supports Community Flood Recovery

March 24, 2025

The Lions Club of Ingham has been actively assisting community members affected by the recent flood event.

President Col Dallavanzi, along with Lions members Rita Lynch, Ed Morris, and Angie Morris, visited the community support centre to present Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre staff with sheet sets for individuals to use that are in need of extra help during these challenging times.

Additionally, the Lions team attended the Meals on Wheels premises to officially hand over the newly constructed Freezer room.

This facility was made possible through a 50-50 donation from the Australian Lions Foundation and the Ingham Lions Club, aimed at supporting the new Meals on Wheels staff and community.

President of Meals on Wheels, Rita Phillips, joined Col Dallavanzi and members of the Lions Club for the handover ceremony.

While the Lions Club has completed the initial response phase of assistance related to the flood event, they are now transitioning into the recovery phase.

The Lions Club will be reaching out to community members who have not yet received assistance or who require additional support to apply for a grant. More information regarding the grant will be made available soon.

In the meantime, community members in need of assistance to purchase goods or for other support are encouraged to contact 0427 737 675 or email lionsclubofingham@gmail.com, or reach out to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre.

Contributed with thanks to Patrick Lynch

Contributed with thanks to Patrick Lynch
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Dametto Says Enough Is Enough! Following Gairloch And Seymour Flooding

March 24, 2025

The wet season rain has once again cut the Bruce Highway at the Seymour and Gairloch crossings, leaving locals stranded, businesses struggling, and supply chains in disarray. This isn’t a one-off event, as many of you would know, it’s a recurring disaster that demands immediate action.

For too long, successive State and Federal Governments have failed to prioritise flood-resilient infrastructure for North Queensland. The Gairloch project, which includes the notorious Seymour crossing, has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo for over a decade, despite having $48 million in funding. Yet, construction hasn’t even started.

So far in 2025, the Bruce Highway has been closed at Seymour for 16 days, and we’re not even at the end of March. Imagine if a major highway in Brisbane or Sydney was shut down for over two weeks. It wouldn’t be tolerated, and neither should this.

Every time our highway is cut, food, fuel, and essential supplies can’t get into the northern areas, and local produce can’t get out. Freight companies are forced onto the costly inland route, driving up prices for businesses and consumers alike. Meanwhile, the tourism industry also suffers as visitors reroute their trips to avoid flood-affected areas.

To add insult to injury, the State and Federal Governments have committed $9 billion to the Bruce Highway, yet not a single cent is dedicated to flood immunity projects. Instead, the money is going towards safety upgrades that do nothing to keep the road open when it matters most.

That’s why I’ve written an open letter to every MP from Hinchinbrook to the tip of Cape York, urging them to stand together and demand:

a) The immediate fast-tracking of the Gairloch (and Seymour) project to ensure no more time is wasted

b) A fair share of the $9 billion Bruce Highway package for flood immunity projects.

Improving food immunity for this section of the Bruce Highway should be everyone’s concern, I look forward to one day seeing construction start on the Gairloch and Seymour sections of the highway.

Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

Dametto says the Bruce Highway has been cut for 16 days so far this year and "enough is enough". Photo supplied
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QCAR Continues Fight For Fair Flood Recovery Support

March 24, 2025

In the wake of the Federal Government’s Category D disaster declaration, QCAR remains on the ground, ensuring flood-affected growers receive the support they desperately need.

Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella has been meeting with industry and financial leaders, including senior NAB staff, to outline the long-term challenges rural businesses now face. While the $75,000 grants have provided a crucial lifeline, red tape is still preventing many from accessing essential funding.

QCAR is actively campaigning for changes to eligibility criteria, pushing for support to extend beyond primary income requirements so that growers supplementing their earnings—like Ingham’s Luke Roveda—aren’t unfairly excluded. Additionally, the fight continues to ensure replanting assistance includes ratoon crops, which make up the bulk of the region’s sugarcane.

Beyond financial aid, QCAR is advocating for urgent repairs to damaged creek banks and drainage systems, assistance for the harvesting and local business sectors, and the restoration of the rail network ahead of crushing season. Mental health remains a top priority, with QCAR calling for increased services to help struggling farmers.

“We’ve secured a win with the Category D funding, but there’s more to be done,” QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan said.

“We won’t stop fighting to make sure our growers and their communities get the help they deserve.”

For assistance, contact Lawrence Di Bella and the Herbert River team at 0448 084 252 or email ldibella@qcar.com.au.

QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella, second from left, updates senior NAB staff from left Paul Carter, Gulay Kunduz, and Matt Penny on the impacts of recent devastating floods on rural businesses in the region. Photo supplied
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Pest Expedition Bears Fruit For Bio And Food Security

March 24, 2025

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.

A joint PNG-Australia team visited remote Treaty Villages in PNG’s Western Province to discuss strategies for managing the Oriental fruit fly, a serious threat to horticulture in both countries. Photo credit: Darrol Williams
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Join The Seniors Morning Coffee Club

March 24, 2025

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

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Your FREE Voice In Print

Located in lots of high foot traffic areas around your region.
Including your Local Grocery store, Cafes, Doctors, Fuel stations, News agencies and more!

Locally Owned. Community Loved.