Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
You may have visited Hinchinbrook Island, but have you ever visited Survivor Island? Residents in regional communities across the country are being encouraged to step into the spotlight following a recent casting call for the next season of Australian Survivor. While the Hinchinbrook Shire hasn’t yet produced its own Australian Survivor castaway, residents from nearby communities, including Burdekin’s Janelle Durso (2021) and Townsville’s Indy Saleh (2025), have taken on the challenge. “People from regional areas aren’t shown much on the telly. We are a different breed,” Janelle said. “We’re the backbone of Australia with our resilience and hard work ethic. It’s always great to see someone you can see yourself in representing your area.” Interested in becoming a contestant yourself? Australian Survivor casting directors say they’re looking for everyday Australians with the strength, personality and determination to handle the game’s extreme challenges. Applicants must be physically and mentally resilient, able to endure harsh outdoor conditions and compete in demanding challenges. Contestants also need to be confident, engaging and comfortable living closely with strangers while forming alliances. Casting is open to men and women from all backgrounds and locations. To apply, hopeful contestants must complete an online application at www.survivorcasting.com.au, submit two photos and record a short video explaining why they believe they have what it takes to become the next Sole Survivor. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, aged 18 or over, and able to swim. “My advice for anyone wanting to apply is to be honest and be yourself,” Janelle said. “Make sure you’re in your best physical shape – and maybe practise puzzles!” CAPTION: Janelle Durso, from the Burdekin, competed in Australian Survivor in 2021. Photo source: Australian Survivor
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Residents are being invited to take part in a free community workshop aimed at helping people better prepare for extreme weather and emergencies. Hosted by the Australian Red Cross at the Cardwell Community Hall on Wednesday, 18 March, the EmergencyRedi™ Workshop will provide practical guidance on understanding local risks and building personal and household preparedness. Doors will open at 9:30am with a free morning tea, before the workshop runs from 10:15am to 11:45am. Everyone is welcome to attend. As Australia continues to experience more frequent and severe weather events, organisers say being prepared has never been more important. The workshop is supported by NRMA Insurance through its Help Nation initiative, which aims to bring communities together to strengthen resilience and readiness. During the session, participants will learn about the practical, psychological and social steps they can take to reduce the impacts of disasters and other crises. The workshop introduces attendees to the RediPlan®, an all-hazards household emergency plan developed by the Australian Red Cross. The workshop focuses on four key areas: learning about local emergency risks and plans; strengthening connections with household members and support networks; getting organised by securing important documents, planning for pets and dependants, and reviewing insurance; and preparing an emergency kit that is ready to go. EmergencyRedi™ workshops are designed to be relaxed, interactive and tailored to local needs, using real-life examples and facilitated discussion to make preparedness practical and achievable. Places are free but bookings are essential and can be made online at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/cardwell-australian-red-cross-emergencyreditm-workshop-tickets-1983579709307?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl. Community members are encouraged to secure their spot and take a proactive step towards being better prepared for whatever the season brings. What: Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ Workshop When: Wednesday, 18 March, 9:30am Where: Cardwell Community Hall CAPTION: A FREE Australian Red Cross, the EmergencyRedi™ Workshop will be held next week at the Cardwell Community Hall. Photo source: Australian Red Cross
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Local residents interested in starting a career in aged care are invited to take part in a nine week training program through the Community Embedded Learning Hub. The program offers participants the opportunity to begin their journey towards a Certificate III in Individual Support, providing the skills and knowledge needed to work in the aged care sector. Delivered by Centacare FNQ in partnership with Ageing Australia and Skills Generation, the course is designed to support participants throughout their learning while also helping connect them with employment opportunities. The course is free and includes both training and employment support to assist participants in finding work after completion. With demand for aged care workers continuing to grow, the program provides a valuable pathway into a rewarding and meaningful career. Places are limited and those interested are encouraged to enquire or apply as soon as possible. For more information, contact Reegan on 0428 975 609 or Penny on 0418 537 310, or email employmentandtraining@centacarefnq.org. The program is proudly supported by the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch.
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Tax time can feel overwhelming, but AA Business Services is helping Hinchinbrook residents navigate the process with confidence. Based locally in Halifax, Alida Lee is commitment to providing trusted, affordable taxation support for individuals and small business owners across the region. Known for her approachable and practical style, Alida focuses on delivering clear advice and cost-effective solutions without the high fees often associated with larger firms. Whether it is a straightforward personal tax return, managing rental property income or assisting sole traders and small businesses, AA Business Services works closely with clients to ensure they remain organised, compliant and confident throughout the process. The business also offers reliable bookkeeping and accounting services, helping local operators stay on top of their finances year-round. Business Activity Statements and Instalment Activity Statements can be prepared and lodged electronically, while tax returns are also submitted online to help clients receive their refunds as quickly as possible. Late tax returns are welcome, with efficient systems in place to complete overdue lodgements quickly and with minimal stress. Proudly serving Halifax, Ingham and the wider Hinchinbrook community, AA Business Services continues to support locals with honest, dependable advice designed to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes at the best prices.
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Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!
I had to nip down to Airlie Beach last Friday to say farewell to two of the company's lovliest ladies. Taking a Sundowner cruise felt symbolic as the sun set on their final days with Life Publishing. Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper's will definitely miss you both, and we all wish you well on your next steps and new journeys, Crissy and Amanda!
Locally, I attended the Orchid and Foliage show at Conroy Hall, and I must say, we have some extremely talented green thumbs in Hinchinbrook. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the hybridisation of bromeliads and the planting and nurturing techniques of African violets. The tropical foliage displays were so lush and the orchids were breathtaking. With so many kinds of plants on display and for sale, it was so hard to pick a favourite. You had to stop every few steps to admire something new.
On another note, I'm still on the lookout for sponsors to support me as a Maraka Queen entrant. If you're interested in being a sponsor, please reach out. Shout-out to Ingham Agencies, Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Information, and Solar Hair for their support.
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Fun Fact: Orchids are found naturally growing on all continents but Antarctica. The Orchidaceae family has been confirmed to have existed as far back as the Late Cretaceous period from an amber fossil dated 56 million years ago, with genetic sequencing indicating their overall biogeography and phylogenetic patterns trace back roughly 100 million years. This means that even dinosaurs could stop and smell the orchids.
On 17 September, Hinchinbrook welcomed four new citizens in a heartfelt ceremony. After a welcome message, they were sworn in, the national anthem was sung, and little aussie flags were waved as four ladies officially became Australian citizens. Many had already called the region home for over a decade, with some living locally for up to 12 years.
Mayor Ramon Jayo led the proceedings and warmly shared, "It's always good to welcome new citizens to Australia. These people have been in Hinchinbrook for quite a substantial period of time and they've contributed to our community through their work."
He continued, "It's good that we recognise their contribution by granting them Australian citizenship and it's wonderful to finally see it happen for their families."
The ceremony not only marked a milestone in the lives of the new citizens but also highlighted the strength of Hinchinbrook�E��E�E���E��Es diverse community, now with new additions in Katie Butler (England), Denise Sartor (Germany), and Maria Flett and Miguelita McKeough (Philippines). With their commitment and long-standing ties to the region, the newest Australians were warmly celebrated as part of the Hinchinbrook family.
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Selectability is celebrating after their Ingham team was named a finalist in the Workplace �E��E�E���E��E Community Wellbeing category of the 2025 Queensland Mental Health Achievement Awards.
Essential programs such as the Ingham Clubhouse continued, giving recipients structure, connection and confidence during a time of uncertainty. The team also distributed close to 50 food and hygiene packs with the support of local businesses.
�E��E�E���E��ERecipients were very excited to receive supplies!�E��E�E���E��E the team shared, as their efforts extended well beyond immediate recovery, creating safe, inclusive spaces where recipients could stay engaged and supported.
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Ingham Meals on Wheels has been named the recipient of the prestigious Rhoda Cameron Award 2025, recognising the branch as the best in Queensland. The award honours Member Services that demonstrate the values of Rhoda Cameron, the founder of Meals on Wheels�E��E�E��E�E�� in Queensland.
Ms Phillips paid tribute to the branch�E��E�E���E��Es team, saying "ve a very special team, the Management Committee, Paid Staff and super-caring Volunteers who go above and beyond their call of duty for the vulnerable residents of this district."
"Ingham Meals on Wheels is for our Community and was built by the Community, and we appreciate very much the generosity given by everyone from this Community and also outside the Ingham District. The Herbert Valley Community is a place to be really proud to be part of."
Ingham Meals on Wheels is always looking for extra volunteers to help with delivering meals. If you can assist, please call the office and support this vital service.
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Ingham�E��E�E���E��Es brand-new electric vehicle charging station is already proving its worth, with one of its very first users, Bradley, a retired tradie turned traveller, sharing his excitement about the addition.
Mayor Ramon Jayo, who was on hand to mark the milestone, reflected on the journey to get the project completed, "We�E��E�E���E��Ere really pleased to see this finally in place, after three to four years in the making. One of the main challenges was finding a relatively flood-free and accessible site that met the company�E��E�E���E��Es requirements. It�E��E�E���E��Es very pleasing to see it up and running, because this (electric vehicles) is where people are heading.
With the charging station now live, Ingham is set to welcome more travellers, boost the local economy, and showcase the beauty of the district to a new wave of visitors. The charging station is located in the car park behind Ingham's Westpac bank, accessable via Hawkins or Euclid St.
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Singapore Airlines has ushered in a new era of comfort and connectivity for Far North Queensland with its upgraded Cairns�E��ESingapore service, operating four times weekly on the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900.
But the real game-changer lies in the connections. Flights are timed to integrate smoothly with Singapore Airlines�E��E extensive global network, unlocking effortless onward travel to the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Planning a getaway to Europe, the UK or beyond? Fly direct from Cairns with Singapore Airlines - and take advantage of their Early Bird Sales, available until 30 September 2025.
Did you know that the Cairns Airport is having a $55 million International Terminal Upgrade?
Cairns Airport is undergoing a $55 million transformation of its international terminal - the first major upgrade in over 30 years. The redevelopment, set for completion by the end of 2025, includes a refurbished terminal, including remodelled bathrooms, new seating, all-new baggage reclaim belts and four air-conditioned glass airbridges.
Guests departing from the international terminal can now also take advantage of a newly opened airport lounge experience. Operated by Escape Lounges, the stylish space offers premium facilities and complimentary dining in comfort.
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When people look back at the flying fox story in Ingham, they often remember the heatwaves. The flying foxes dropping from the trees, the overwhelming smell, and the struggles families faced living, schooling, and working with colonies that grew to hundreds of thousands.
But what�E��E�E���E��Es sometimes overlooked is the extraordinary science, strategy, and teamwork that turned things around. Back in 2019, our community was in crisis. Half a million flying foxes spilled out of the Botanical Gardens and into our parks and schoolyards. The usual tricks �E��E�E���E��E pots, pans, and pool noodles �E��E�E���E��E didn�E��E�E���E��Et make much of a difference, just sending the animals from one backyard to the next.
It was noisy, smoky, and relentless work �E��E�E���E��E more like mustering cattle than managing wildlife �E��E�E���E��E but it worked. And none of this would have been possible without the unsung heroes of the whole effort: our dedicated staff.
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With the cane harvest season now passed the halfway mark and the traditional southern state tourist season moving toward its latter weeks as the temperature starts to warm up, it is timely to reflect on how far our community has progressed since the impactful weather event in February this year.
The harvest figures to date have revealed a more positive trend, which has seen the current crop estimate increase throughout the district. The recent announcement by the Federal Government of a $1.1 billion biofuels program has created much excitement for the future of value-adding opportunities for the sugar industry.
Recorded local visitor numbers to date have seen very encouraging increases and positive upward trends, with hospitality and retail businesses reporting strong visitor spending in the district. The appointment of an experienced international hike operator to conduct tours on Hinchinbrook Island, planned to commence in the first half of 2026, is a long-awaited and exciting tourism opportunity for the Shire and region.
This year has also seen several additional new tourism products enter the local market, which has further increased visitor spending in the Shire. The development of products that support the visitor experience and showcase Hinchinbrook Shire to the world has been many years in the making, and it is exceptionally pleasing to now witness these new opportunities being delivered.
The launch on Friday by Townsville Enterprise of the largest-ever tourism marketing campaign for North Queensland will provide the opportunity for the Hinchinbrook Shire to be showcased on the state, national, and international stage, providing more opportunities for tourism growth in our Shire.
Despite the incredibly challenging start to 2025, which many residents continue to navigate, these positive developments in the sugar and tourism industries should provide confidence that some exciting opportunities are on the horizon.
Macknade Mill has completed its largest capital program in a decade, with a new high-grade fugal station already delivering positive results halfway through the 2025 sugar production season.
The $10.76 million project saw the installation of seven Silver Seibull 1250E fugals during the maintenance season, along with new supporting structures, civil works, services, and switch rooms.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Senior Project Engineer Joseph Bonassi said the project was about more than just new equipment.
�E��E�E���E��ELocal drainage and access systems were also improved as a portion of the scope of the project, with the aim of improving upon safety culture and factory performance,�E��E�E���E��E he said.
�E��E�E���E��EThe quality of work was outstanding, reflecting the care and pride our people put into every detail. This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and skill of our people,�E��E�E���E��E he said.
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The resilience, beauty, and spirit of rural Australia have been captured in the winning entries of Rural Aid�E��Es sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition.
�E��EThis year�E��Es photos are a moving tribute to life outside the city limits. They tell stories of perseverance, pride and connection,�E��E Mr Warlters said.
Since 2015, Rural Aid has provided vital support to farmers and rural communities, from hay and drinking water to mental health counselling and community-building initiatives. Now celebrating its 10th year, the charity continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with rural Australians, ensuring their stories �E��E and their resilience �E��E are never forgotten.
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Ingham State High School is delighted to announce that School Captain, Amayah Hague, has been awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Association�E��E�E���E��Es Secondary Schools�E��E�E���E��E Citizenship Award for 2025 �E��E�E���E��E a distinguished honour that recognises exemplary young Australians who demonstrate outstanding leadership, citizenship, and service to their communities.
The entire Ingham State High School community joins in congratulating Amayah on this extraordinary accomplishment. Her success stands as a proud reminder of the positive impact that young people can have �E��E�E���E��E and reflects the values and spirit that define Ingham State High School.
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Established in 1953 to serve the children of cane-farming families west of Ingham, Abergowrie State School has a long tradition of nurturing students in a caring, supportive environment. Over the decades, it has grown into a close-knit hub where families, staff, and students work together to create a positive and welcoming learning community.
Today, student wellbeing remains a priority at Abergowrie. From Early Childhood through to Year 6, teachers take the time to know each child, understand their learning needs, and provide tailored support to help them reach their goals. Classrooms are calm and focused, offering hands-on learning opportunities that build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while encouraging curiosity and creativity.
Alongside academic learning, students are supported to develop respect, resilience, and responsibility. Community involvement plays an important role, with families regularly invited to school events and celebrations that strengthen the connection between home and school. This partnership helps students see learning as a shared journey and builds pride in their achievements.
Abergowrie�E��Es personalised learning environment meets each student where they are, guiding them on a journey of growth that extends beyond curriculum outcomes. By addressing the whole child, the school prepares students to thrive as balanced, confident lifelong learners who contribute meaningfully to their communities.
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On 4 September, Gilroy Santa Maria College�E��Es Year 12 Emerging Leaders were honoured at the Blak Excellence Lunch, a powerful celebration of First Nations excellence, leadership, and contribution to education. This special event, organised by Townsville Catholic Education, recognised the strength, resilience, and brilliance of these students as they continue to shape a future grounded in culture, community, and country.
The College community commends these students for their dedication and achievements, acknowledging the positive example they set for their peers. Their journey reflects a commitment to education and cultural identity, inspiring younger students to follow in their footsteps with confidence and pride.
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Choosing the right beginning for your child�E��E�E���E��Es education is an important step, and families are warmly invited to get to know St Peter�E��E�E���E��Es Catholic School, Halifax. Nestled in the heart of the community, St Peter�E��E�E���E��Es offers a caring, faith-filled environment where every child is supported to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
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Macknade State School came alive on Thursday, 18 September, as it hosted a district-wide Touch Football competition for primary schools. The Macknade Touch Carnival proved to be a great success, bringing together students, staff, and families for a day of sport and fun.
Organiser Mrs Phillips was warmly thanked for her efforts in coordinating the event, which was enjoyed by students across the district. Appreciation was also extended to the dedicated staff and community helpers who kept everyone refreshed at the canteen and drinks stalls throughout the day.
Competition was fierce across all divisions, with the following winners announced:
Junior B Final �E��E�E���E��E Lourdes All Stars
Junior A Final �E��E�E���E��E ISS Gators
Senior B Final �E��E�E���E��E Lourdes Broncos
Senior A Final �E��E�E���E��E Lourdes Aces
Open Final �E��E�E���E��E Forrest Beach
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