A new generation of tradespeople is stepping up in North Queensland, with 37 apprentices launching their careers with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables. Among them, nine fresh recruits have joined the ranks at the Herbert mills, ready to learn their craft in one of the region’s most vital industries. Seventeen of the new recruits are based in the Burdekin region, where Wilmar owns four sugar factories. Five are based at Proserpine Mill and six at Plane Creek Mill in Sarina.

From electrical and fitting and turning to boilermaking and diesel fitting, these apprentices are diving into hands-on training that will shape their futures. They’re part of a long-standing tradition at Wilmar, which has built a reputation for developing highly skilled tradespeople across its four sugar milling regions.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said he was pleased to welcome such a high-calibre group of first-year apprentices into the business.

“Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has a long history of developing great tradespeople in our sugar milling regions.
“We’re one of North Queensland’s largest apprenticeship providers, with about 150 apprentices employed across our operations at any one time. Our program is also one of the most successful Australia, with a completion rate of 98 per cent.”

Mr Shipard said this year’s intake included five young women, one of whom had transitioned from a school-based apprenticeship with the company.

“We’ve also signed up five seasonal employees who were keen to get into our apprenticeship program and learn a trade,” he said.

Brooke Smith from the Burdekin was Wilmar’s first school-based apprentice and is now enrolled as an apprentice boilermaker at Pioneer Mill. She said she was excited to be working full time and developing her trade skills.
“Getting into Wilmar’s apprenticeship program means I’m finally going to get more experience and get more involved in what goes in the workshops. It also means I can really be part of the Wilmar business, instead of just being there one day a week,” she said.

First-year electrical apprentice Cody Masters said an apprenticeship with Wilmar meant being able to learn on the job while living in his home town of Ingham.

“It means I get to go home to mum and dad’s cane farm and still get to give back to the community,” he said.
Mr Shipard said the first-year apprentices kicked off their trade training with a two-week Safe Start program in December before beginning work at their respective sites.

“Our Safe Start program equips our apprentices to hit the ground running,” Mr Shipard said.

“It’s a comprehensive introduction that gives them important safety and technical skills, as well as the confidence to thrive in their new roles.”

Choosing the right estate agent may seem like a minor decision, but it is one of the most important factors when selling or buying a property. The right agent can make all the difference in finding your dream home or securing the best deal for your sale.

Here are five key tips to help you
find the perfect estate agent:

Do Your Research
Before selecting an agent, take the time to research their experience, track record, and reputation. Lookat online reviews, past sales, and client testimonials to get a sense of their performance.

Prioritise Local Knowledge
An agent with extensive knowledge of the local market is invaluable. Ask potential agents how long they have worked in the area and test their understanding of property trends, pricing, and neighbourhood insights. A well-informed agent brings energy and expertise that can significantly impact your sale or purchase.

Observe Them in Action
Attend open houses hosted by the agents you are considering. Pay attention to how they interact with buyers, present properties, and handle enquiries. A strong agent should be confident, approachable, and skilled at generating interest.

Ask the Right Questions
The more information you gather, the better prepared you will be for the sales process. Ask agents to walk you through case studies of previous sales, explaining how they achieved results. Find out why they use specific strategies and what approach they would recommend for your property.

Set Expectations and Check In Regularly

A great agent should have a clear strategy for selling your home. Establish expectations early and stay in touch throughout the process to ensure they are following through on their plan and adjusting strategies when needed. Lastly, it is essential that you feel
comfortable with your agent.

Trust and communication are key to a smooth property transaction, so choose someone who makes you feel confident in the process.

The world of health is constantly evolving, with advice on what’s good or bad for you changing all the time.

While it’s no secret that spending days on the sofa indulging in junk food won’t lead to a healthy lifestyle, some habits that seem unhealthy might actually have surprising benefits.

Here are five so-called ‘bad’ habits that could be good for you!

1: Having a glass of wine with dinner
Moderate alcohol consumption (up to two drinks daily for men, one for women) isn’t linked to obesity, but binge and heavy drinking increase weight gain risk. Enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, just don’t overdo it.

2: Indulging in your favorite comfort foods
Indulging in comfort food occasionally is fine. Choose healthier versions like whole grain pizza or clean-ingredient mashed potatoes. If you indulge, balance it with a nutritious next meal.

3: Taking a break from your exercise routine
Skipping a workout isn’t a bad thing. Rest is essential for muscle recovery and growth. Overtraining can cause fatigue, injuries, and decreased performance. Experts recommend at least one rest day per week, whether through relaxation or light activities like yoga or stretching.

4: Nibbling on chocolate
Indulging your sweet tooth occasionally is fine. Dark chocolate, especially with 70% cacao or more, offers health benefits like reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and lowering blood pressure.

5: Stress
Stress isn't always bad. Moderate stress can improve performance, especially under pressure. Too little stress leads to low motivation, while too much can freeze you up. The key is finding a balance where stress helps you perform without overwhelming you.

So there you have it! Enjoying a square of chocolate, skipping a workout, or experiencing a bit of stress won’t harm your health as long as it's in moderation.

‍

A cake made with avocado might sound unusual, but this Chocolate Avocado Cake is a game-changer. Made with almond flour and avocado, it adds moisture and healthy fats to the batter without affecting the taste. The result is a rich, fudgy cake that’s so delicious, it’s sure to leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Cake:
3 ½ cups almond flour packed
⅔ cup coconut sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 ripe avocado mashed
1 cup maple syrup
¼ cup almond milk
2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Icing:
½ avocado mashed
½ cup butter
5 oz. dark chocolate chopped
1 teaspoon coconut oil
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line three 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper (or use two 8-inch pans, if preferred) and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

Scoop the avocado into a small bowl and mash it thoroughly with a fork, mashing for at least 30 seconds to remove any lumps. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together, then add the syrup, milk, and vanilla. Finally, add the mashed avocado.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula. It's okay if some avocado lumps remain, but be careful not to overmix the batter.

Once fully combined, evenly distribute the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Run a knife along the edges, then carefully invert the cakes onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the Icing:
Mash the avocado in a large bowl. Thinly slice the butter and add it to the bowl with the avocado.

Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together (either on the stove or in the microwave) until smooth. Pour the melted mixture over the butter and avocado, then let it sit for 3-5 minutes to soften the butter. Use a spatula to mix until smooth—don’t worry if the butter isn’t completely melted yet.

Add the powdered sugar and use a hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth. The icing should be thick but still spreadable.

To Assemble:
No need to trim the cake tops. Simply place a dollop of icing on each layer and spread it gently. Repeat the process, stacking the layers as you go.

Finish by topping the cake with extra chopped chocolate. Enjoy!

Recipe sourced from The Almond Eater: thealmondeater.com

‍

The recent severe floods in Ingham have left many gardens struggling to recover. Beyond their environmental benefits, gardens play a crucial role in mental well-being, offering a sense of renewal after disaster.

Drawing from past flood recovery efforts, this 10-step guide outlines essential practices to help flood-affected gardens regain their strength.

10 Steps to Garden Recovery

Avoid Walking on Wet Soil –

Foot traffic compacts soil, making recovery harder. Wait until it dries before working in the garden.

Rinse Plants Thoroughly –

Fine silt clogs leaves, hindering photosynthesis. A gentle wash improves plant survival.

Watch for Wilting –

Waterlogged roots lack oxygen. If plants continue wilting after the soil dries, prune lightly.

Restore Soil Microbes –

Beneficial microbes help plants recover and prevent harmful fungi from taking hold. Apply microbial treatments.

Use Organic Fungicides –

Treat stressed plants before adding microbes to prevent fungal infections.

Protect Trees –

Flood-damaged trees may show distress months later. Apply fungicide now and follow up with microbial treatments.

Reduce Soil Compaction –

Improve soil structure by adding organic matter like mulch and compost.

Manage Silt Deposits –

Silt contains nutrients but compacts soil. Mix it with mulch and microbes to restore balance.

Check for Contamination –

Floodwaters can carry sewage, heavy metals, and chemicals. Test soil if contamination is suspected.

Delay Fertilising –

Stressed plants struggle to absorb nutrients. Wait a month before fertilising and use compost instead of synthetic products.

With patience and proper care, gardens can flourish once again—bringing not just greenery, but a renewed sense of hope.

‍

The recent Cardwell Party brought the community together for a much-needed break after a challenging few weeks. The event, aimed at providing a relaxed atmosphere for locals, was well-received and fulfilled its purpose of offering a time for people to unwind.

A key highlight of the event was the support from the Tully and Innisfail Lions Clubs, who manned the BBQ, allowing the Cardwell Lions Club to take a step back and enjoy the festivities. The delicious salads, prepared by Barbara and Rob Lang, were also a hit with attendees.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of volunteers contributed to the success of the event, handling everything from decorating and letterbox drops to selling raffle tickets. The businesses that donated raffle prizes played a crucial role, with the proceeds from the raffle helping to fund the event’s entertainment.

Music was provided by Snowy and Craig, creating the perfect atmosphere for the event. Children were also kept entertained, thanks to the efforts of the Cardwell Chamber of Commerce and Tully Support Centre Inc. The Cardwell Country Club generously opened its doors, providing the ideal venue for the community to come together.

Did you feel the earth move on the 1st of March? A magnitude 4.4 earthquake shook homes in Townsville on Saturday night, causing a stir across the region.

While the earthquake’s epicenter was located in Townsville, its impact reverberated along the entire Queensland coast, affecting residents in several cities.

Geoscience Australia took to social media to alert locals about the seismic event, which struck at 9:31 PM. According to the agency, the earthquake was detected approximately 17 kilometers from Townsville, with its depth reaching 10 kilometers below the earth’s surface.

Over 5,000 individuals reported feeling the tremor on the Geoscience Australia "Felt Report," with people as far away as Mackay and Cairns noticing the shaking. Many residents experienced moments of panic as buildings swayed and everyday activities were disrupted.

While the earthquake was significant, it serves as a reminder to stay prepared in case of future seismic activity.

The Apex Club of Herbert River recently made a generous donation to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre following the flooding event.

The Apex Club of Herbert River built 22 units in 1971 for senior citizens that cannot afford their own accommodation. This generous community organisation still aims to provide support to the elderly people at these units even though it is now managed by the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre.

Although not effected by the flooding, Secretary Darrin Hopffensetz said the Apex Club wanted to show support.

Darrin said they would donate $1,500 to assist with replacements, and also a $3,500 donation to use as they please.

CEO of Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Linda McClelland said she was thrilled with the donation.

“We've been offered a contract from the Government to continue the community recovery efforts when they close up the hubs. So, when they close up the hub, and they all go back to their day jobs.

"They've given us a three-month contract to continue those works for some of the more vulnerable people who didn't get their issues resolved while the hubs were open.

“I'm thinking that $3500 will be able to help some of those individuals that in that period of time didn’t get that help.

"By getting a grant we can not only provide just a product that makes us feel good, but a product that's specific to that person and their needs is amazing."

In addition to the donation to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, Apex Club of Herbert River also donated $100 gift cards to residents at the Units.

‍

‍

Sam Spina from Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) visited the region last week to discuss government loans and grants with local businesses.

In conjunction with the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Sam Spina presented a one-on-one business forum to help businesses understand how to be eligible for grant applications and get back on their feet.

“You need to earn the majority of your income, and spend the majority of your time on the Small Business Enterprise,” he explained.

“Your business has to restart again. They're not going to give you money if you close your business down. You need to provide insurance details to make sure that you're not insured. If you are insured, we'd expect you to draw on that first and then claim through the grant.

“It is a $25,000 grant for businesses that have been directly impacted, so flood water through the business, and that's non-repayable. You can access the first $5,000 on the basis of quotes, and then after that, it's a reimbursement type scheme, so you spend the money, and we'll reimburse it for you.”

Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce President Mary Brown said the turnout at the event was good, and the Chamber has been working hard since the flooding event.

“Chamber has been reaching out since the event to try and understand the impact, and we recognise that it's probably only now that people are having the chance to put their head up, start to look at their business, and understand whether they are going to have insurance, or not going to have insurance, and getting their head around the impact here that is starting to hit,” explained Mary Brown.

“We would encourage them to please reach out to Chamber. We are doing all we possibly can to advocate on behalf of the business community, by collecting data, by feeding it through to the relevant government authorities, so that the government can have a comprehension of exactly how much impact has been in this community.

“That's what we are trying to do, lobby and advocate on behalf of businesses, to get the maximum amount of support we can from the government.”

From day one of the floods Lahtinen Electrical & Refrigeration had one primary focus, coordinating with the Council, local Disaster Management, Ergon Energy and the Army to maintain the town’s water.

Although it was challenging, thankfully they were able to successfully maintain the district’s supply throughout the entire flood.

Other priorities in the early days included connecting and maintaining the generators to the hospital, Woolworths and fuel stations. This involved helicopter trips into town, being ferried around town by Swift Water Rescue as well as midnight truck trips through floodwaters.

Karen Lahtinen said it was an incredibly challenging time.

“Flood recovery has also been extremely busy, working long days and through the weekends making hundreds of businesses and homes electrically safe for power restoration,” she added.

Customer of Lahtinen Electrical Nathan Adcock praised their work during the flooding event.

“Lahtinen Electrical installed 11kW of batteries, a 7.5kW inverter and 10kW of solar panels to our home three years ago and during the recent flood and subsequent power outage, our system performed beyond our expectations," he said.

"Even during the heaviest of rainy days (Sunday and Monday) our system supplied power for lights, fans, tv, two fridges and freezers and a hot water system. As well as seeing a 40% battery charge to supply our nighttime power usage.

"By Tuesday, we were seeing slightly more sunlight and were able to run our air-conditioners.

"Lahtinen Electrical were great to deal with and able to help with any questions we had regarding system performance. There is also peace of mind knowing they are a local contractor you can contact if there is ever a problem with the system.”

Generators

Customers who had had generator inlets installed in their main switchboard were easily able to switch over to generator supply when the power went out. Depending on the generator size you could run your whole house or choose to easily turn separate circuits on and off.

A 2.5kVA generator is good to keep fridges and lights running ensuring essentials stay powered, however larger houses or those looking to run larger loads such as a bedroom aircon or additional appliances should look for 5kVA or larger.

Batteries

Some people in the region had solar and a battery system installed.

These people were able to run large loads, cooking appliances, and also had the benefit of not having to rely on petrol to keep the house running, many people experienced that fuel was in very short supply.

Batteries automatically switch on when the power goes off so if you are not home, there is no need to worry. Karen also noted that people are pleasantly surprised to find their batteries charged even in overcast conditions.

Contributed with thanks to Karen Lahtinen

‍

Sans Souci Apartments has been restored to boutique heritage accommodation which offers guests an unparalleled accommodation experience.

Originally built in the mid-20th century, this historic building once provided a welcoming first home for newly arrived migrants seeking a fresh start in the region. Over time, the building fell into disrepair—until its current owners saw an opportunity to breathe new life into this cherished landmark.

With a deep appreciation for history and a vision for the future, the owners embarked on a meticulous restoration, preserving the building’s unique character while thoughtfully enhancing it for today’s travellers. The name "Sans Souci," meaning "without worries," perfectly embodies the experience offered here - a place where guests can truly unwind, free from the stresses of the outside world.

Sans Souci Apartment's careful restoration highlights original features, while incorporating contemporary luxuries to ensure a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. Each apartment has been carefully curated with decor that honours the building’s past while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

What truly sets Sans Souci Apartments apart is the passion and hospitality of its owners, they bring a distinctive flair to their approach, creating an experience that goes beyond accommodation.

Their commitment extends beyond the walls of the apartments — they are dedicated to contributing to the region’s economic growth, fostering local employment, and strengthening community connections.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll experience a level of warmth and attentiveness that turns a simple stay into something truly special.

For bookings visit www.sanssouciapartments.com.au

Contributed with thanks to Adam Rowland

Local farmers and industry representatives are continuing their fight for increased disaster relief funding as they struggle with the severe impacts of recent weather events.

At a recent meeting, concerns were raised about the urgent need to move from Category C to Category D assistance, which would provide greater financial support to those affected.

One major issue is the definition of a 'farmer' under the scheme. An example is if a business derives 51% of its gross income from its harvesting business and 49% from the farming business, it is deemed not eligible for farm business assistance. This has left some primary producers without financial aid, despite suffering significant damage to their farm. Many farming businesses undertake multiple activities to service debt and to make ends meet.

Representatives have been actively lobbying government officials at both state and federal levels to escalate the disaster classification. However, the process requires a recommendation from the state government before it can be approved by the Prime Minister. So far, despite four weeks passing since the disaster, no Category D funding has been granted, leaving affected farmers in a precarious situation.

QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella said all farmers should apply for the current grant and they will continue to try and achieve Category D funding.

“This is some of the worst impact we have seen, especially on infrastructure, washouts, roads, and lands,” he added.

AgForce North Regional Director Michael Penna noted that during Cyclone Jasper north of Ingham received Category D funding within a week, but here in the Herbert District this disaster has been listed as Category C for four weeks.

AgForce North East Regional Manager Katie Malouf said if the grant does get upgraded to a Category D it will require additional paperwork, but a new grant will not be needed.

“They can start up their application now and then they can upgrade,” she said.

“They only get paid for what they spend. They've got to spend the money, then you give the receipts. It gets quantified that that is a receipt that you've spent on damage, and then you get the money back.”

Local resident, Moiya Finocchiaro contacted the paper to let us know about two individuals in the community that she feels deserve to be acknowledged for their selfless actions during the floods.

When floodwaters rose around a community of elderly residents in Ingham, two women stepped forward to offer much-needed assistance, providing support that has left a lasting impact on those they helped.

Moiya Finocchiaro, a 79-year-old resident at the Apex Units recalls how Lea Vincenzi and Carina Chesson went out of their way to ensure the safety and well-being of her and her neighbours, many of whom were left isolated and without power during the crisis.

Moiya said that Lea drove through flood waters and announced “Excuse me, is there anything I can do to assist you?”

Moiya said that Carina allowed residents to charge their phones and even watch the news on a tablet.

“It was just something from the outside world, and we could see what other people were suffering too,” explained Moiya.

“We then realised that we were quite happy here - we all assisted each other as much as we could."

Almost four weeks later and Moiya says the residents of the Apex Units are still talking about the selfless acts of the two women helpers.

“I would like to thank them. This is the future of Ingham. Ingham will never die while we have these type of women to carry on and that's the truth of it," expressed Moiya.

“They had their own problems, but they took their time out to come to 22 people that they didn't know.”

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has advised that Wallaman Falls Road will remain closed until further notice due to significant damage caused by recent heavy rainfall.

The extent of the damage has made the road impassable, and authorities are urging travellers to avoid the area until repairs can be completed.

Council has stressed that there is no access to Wallaman Falls at this time, and visitors planning a trip to the popular natural attraction will need to make alternative arrangements.

Safety remains a top priority, and engineers will assess the extent of the damage before any timelines for reopening can be provided.

Wallaman Falls is Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall and it is a key tourist destination in the Hinchinbrook region, drawing visitors from across the country.

Located 51 kilometres south-west of Ingham this stunning waterfall is a highly popular destination for locals and travellers alike.

Whilst repairs to the road are pending, the council encourages travellers to explore other attractions in the area.

Stay updated by going to Queensland National Parks website and visiting the Park Alerts page.

During the recent floods, Optimise Health and Wellness played a critical role in ensuring vulnerable community members received the care they needed. Despite widespread disruptions, the organisation remained operational, implementing emergency management strategies and strategically positioning staff across affected areas to provide continuous healthcare services.

Director and Mental Health Occupational Therapist Kara Christopher highlighted their efforts in supporting isolated individuals.

“One of our participants with Parkinson’s was alone and cut off from services, but our team maintained regular phone check-ins and worked with local stakeholders to ensure he was safe and supported. Knowing someone was checking in on him made all the difference,” she said.

Beyond direct client care, Kara was also involved in the Community Recovery Centre, to be able to offer mental health services to more people, not just clients of Optimise Health and Wellness.

Kara provided mental health support to residents processing the emotional toll of the disaster. She noted that people experienced lots of loss and a sense of being trapped.

“Having the opportunity to sit and normalise and discuss, that helps. And it's been kind of humbling to be able to sit and be part of that process and work through with people and to work within the broader team."

Despite the trauma of the event, Kara also said that Ingham residents are resilient and there are always people that believe someone is worse off than them. As a local Kara says she had heard about how caring the Ingham community is, but to witness it first-hand during the floods was incredibly uplifting.

In addition to crisis response, Optimise Health and Wellness provides a range of essential healthcare services year-round. They have been operational since 2018 and offer allied health support, including occupational therapy, psychology, exercise physiology, and therapy assistance. Their team works closely with NDIS and aged care, they mostly work with vulnerable people in the community.

With a strong focus on accessibility and person-centred care, Optimise Health and Wellness continues to be a pillar of support for the community, ensuring that healthcare services are available when and where they are needed.

‍