Luke Sleep will stand as One Nation’s candidate for Hinchinbrook and if elected, he’s confirmed he’ll prioritise affordable housing opportunities, reducing escalating crime rates, as well as upgrading local roads and infrastructures.

“Housing affordability is an important issue for me, for Hinchinbrook and for the entire state of Queensland. The major parties have been hopeless on this issue, favouring mass immigration that only limits housing availability for Australians while also driving up rents. One Nation’s the only party with a strong plan to slash immigration and improve housing availability and affordability,” Mr Sleep said.

“I’m also keen to get funding to better flood-proof our local roads and fix up the notorious Bruce Highway. Hinchinbrook gets a lot of rainfall, and this means some of our roads get flooded on a regular basis. With a bit of work and support, we can upgrade these roads and keep Hinchinbrook moving.”

Hailing from Townsville, Mr Sleep has been working as a heavy machinery operator in the mining industry over the past five years, and he plans to ensure the industry has the right settings to continue to yield valuable contributions statewide.

“It’s the largest industry in Queensland, valued at more than $60 billion and supporting more than half a million jobs,” he said.

“It’s absolutely critical we do what we can to enable this industry to thrive while ensuring Queenslanders get fair value in exchange for the exploitation of their resources. We need to strike the right balance with royalties, so we don’t drive miners offshore or interstate.”

A North Queensland local himself, Mr Sleep deeply understands how the community’s concerns on the area’s escalating crime rate have increased, and he plans to support real legislative change within the justice system once elected.

“Policies that make my community safer will also be a priority for me. The Crisafulli Government made a lot of promises to reduce the escalating crime in regional Queensland, but we’re not seeing any difference here in Hinchinbrook,” said Mr Sleep.

I’m backing One Nation’s policy for tougher penalties, a community panel to review court decisions that subsequently result in an offender committing crimes while on bail and integrating proven intervention and redirection programs for at-risk young people in the justice system.”

Luke Sleep and the One Nation party have confirmed they are committed to delivering stronger, safer and more sustainable outcomes for the people of the Hinchinbrook Shire, ensuring local voices and local needs remain at the forefront of all decision making across the state.

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Labor candidate for Hinchinbrook, Maurie Soars, has called the northern beaches of Townsville home for more than three decades, having made the move from Brisbane 35 years ago, a decision he describes as “one of the best” of his life.

Beginning at Saunders Beach before settling in Bushland Beach, Mr Soars is proud to be “the only candidate in this race who lives in the electorate of Hinchinbrook.”

Over the years, he and his family have shared their home with many pets, and now have just “one old cat, who rules the house.”

A motor mechanic by trade, Mr Soars later transitioned into sales and management, where he found his stride turning around underperforming businesses.

His reputation, however, is most firmly rooted in public life. Best known as a long-serving Townsville City Councillor, he spent more than a decade “delivering for North Queensland and trying to make this region a better place.”

If elected, Mr Soars said his first priority will be simple: to ensure “the people of Hinchinbrook get their fair share.” He lists accessible healthcare, affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, and attracting and retaining professionals as key needs, warning that “three years of doing nothing under an LNP Government will only send us backwards, and that’s a risk we can’t afford.”

Within his first year, Mr Soars plans to champion the Dungeness Dredging and Rock Wall Project, as well as complete the long-awaited fix for Port Hinchinbrook that began under Labor. He also wants to see “clear timelines and dollar figures for proposed Bruce Highway upgrades,” pressing for greater investment into northern beaches road networks and repairs to Mount Spec Road.

When asked what the region is currently lacking, Mr Soars is direct: business diversification. While acknowledging the strength of Hinchinbrook’s agricultural foundations, he believes the region has far more potential.

“I know we have a strong agriculture sector, but there is more we could be doing to add depth other areas such as tourism and accommodation variants to support,” he said.

“If elected, I will be pushing the Crisafulli Government to ensure Hinchinbrook gets its fair share.”

Beyond politics, Mr Soars has spent decades helping shape the local sporting scene, from founding yacht races and AFL Masters teams, to supporting clubs through growth, recovery, and community events. Deeply involved across Townsville and Hinchinbrook sport, he has held numerous leadership roles and received national recognition, including induction into both the Queensland and National AFL Masters Halls of Fame.

A dedicated resident who lives, works, and holidays in the region, Mr Soars says his commitment is simple: to deliver for the community he proudly calls home.

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Family First has endorsed Dr Amanda Nickson as its candidate for Hinchinbrook, supporting her push to relive the pressures imposed upon local families across North Queensland.

A lover of the sunshine state, Dr Nickson has lived, worked and raised her three children just south of the shire for the last three decades, noting holidays to the region’s several national parks, waterfalls, and time spent on Hinchinbrook Island as treasured family time well spent.

Dr Nickson’s Christian beliefs are at the core of each decision she makes, and throughout her career in social work, she found fulfilment in her commitment to expressing her faith through helping and serving people in times of need. Spanning across roles in both government and non-government organisations, Dr Nickson keeps herself busy, immersing herself in academia at James Cook University, and in her role in a private practice. Currently, Dr Nickson has been wearing another hat, one in her own small business where she provides training, professional and pastoral supervision, social work services, and organisational consultancy.

If elected, Dr Nickson said she’ll prioritise alleviating the pressures upon families with deflating electricity prices at the top of her list after fighting to stop all taxpayer subsidies to intermittent power projects like wind farms and solar farms. Dr Nickson has also confirmed she’ll work to abolish the Crisafulli Government’s education policy encouraging educators to ask children for their preferred pronouns as part of early learning inclusion practices. In another effort to take pressures off families, particularly young couples, Dr Nickson has listed she’ll prioritise lowering the cost of land to make buying a home more accessible for first time homeowners.

Additionally, Family First will seek to remove restrictions on parliamentary debate regarding late term abortions to ensure clear legal and clinical requirements for providing medical care to all infants born alive.

Hailing from Townsville, Dr Nickson also experienced the devastating floods which rocked the shire earlier this year, leading her to highlight flood proofing the Bruce Highway as a major project she hopes to drive forward within her first year if elected. Similarly, Dr Nickson has confirmed reliable, weather-proof transportation and access to the area as a basic priority for residents of the Hinchinbrook Shire, furthermore, strengthening her prioritisation of flood proofing the infamous Bruce Highway.

A leader, a mother, a wife, a social worker, a pastor, an author and a speaker, Dr Amanda Nickson and the Family First Party represent strong family values, promoting the notion that “raising your family shouldn’t be this hard”.

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Ever tossed an old gadget in the bin without thinking twice? Maybe a broken Bluetooth speaker, a vape, or that electric toothbrush that gave up the ghost? Inside those everyday items are batteries that can cause serious fires if they end up in your household rubbish.

Across Australia, the waste and recycling industry is battling up to 12,000 fires every year because of batteries thrown in the wrong place.

That’s not just a statistic — it’s a real risk to our waste workers, our trucks, and even community safety.

Loose batteries are easy to deal with. You can drop them off at Council buildings and waste facilities, including the Lannercost Office and both libraries, as well as at Woolworths, Coles, and Canegrowers Mitre 10. But the real challenge is the batteries you can’t see — the ones built into your gadgets.

These are called embedded batteries, and they’re in things we all use every day like Bluetooth speakers, e-scooters, cordless vacuums, flashing toys, smartwatches, and even electric toothbrushes.

You can’t just pop them out, and if they go in the bin, they can spark a fire.

To tackle this, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is working with our regional partners through the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC) to make it easier for you to do the right thing.

Together, we’re launching an Embedded Battery Amnesty Weekend in the new year.

It’s your chance to bring those tricky items in for free and know they’ll be recycled safely. No need to pull the battery out; just bring the whole device. Our industry partner will handle the rest.

Keep an eye out for our communications rolling out soon — we’d love everyone to get involved! We’re excited to be part of this campaign, proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Battery Collection Program and delivered in partnership with NQROC.

This is all about making things easy for everyone. Most of us have old gadgets tucked away in a drawer or out in the shed. Instead of tossing them in the bin, bring them in. By doing this, you’re helping protect our community, our waste workers, and our infrastructure from dangerous fires.

Mayor Ramon Jayo

Across the channel from the southern tip of Hinchinbrook Island are two coastal gems - Dungeness and Lucinda. They stand as gateways to world-class fishing and the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

These communities are more than scenic postcards to us. They are living, thriving places with enormous potential. It’s not rocket science that growth needs a strong foundation.

Our northern neighbours at Cassowary Coast are primed to reap immense benefit from Port Hinchinbrook being declared a Provisional Priority Development Area by the Queensland Government last week.

Here in Hinchinbrook, we’re working hard to ensure our region shares in that momentum.

Our vision is clear: unlock opportunities for tourism, attract new residents, and create jobs — all while protecting the pristine environment that makes this place unique.

To do that, we’re seeking $18 million to upgrade trunk infrastructure and treatment facilities.

These upgrades will enable further commercial development and support population growth in a way that is sustainable and future focused.

It’s a big ask, but essential for a small Shire like ours, where the cost of infrastructure continues to skyrocket and our ratepayer base is limited.

We rely on strong partnerships with state and federal governments to make these ambitions a reality.

At Dungeness, improving marine access remains a top priority. Council has already secured State approval for dredging the Enterprise Channel, a project that will make boating safer and more reliable year-round. This upgrade includes deepening the channel, constructing a rock-armoured retaining wall, and using clean dredged sand to replenish the beach and protect the spit from erosion. These works will ensure vessels can safely navigate even during low tides and rough weather.

The next step is Commonwealth approvals. We’ve engaged environmental and coastal specialists to prepare reports for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and confirm compliance under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act. These reports build on what we developed for State approvals and will demonstrate that the Reef’s values remain untouched. We expect this work to wrap up before the year’s end, so applications can be lodged early in the new year.

Meanwhile, commercial operators can look forward to a new $500,000 pontoon off Denney Street — hopefully by Christmas or early in the new year — providing safer, more convenient access for charter operators, a boost for our tourism sector.

Infrastructure projects like these are more than upgrades. They’re commitments to a thriving future where people can move to our area and reap the benefits in one of the most spectacular corners of Queensland.

We are keen to see some commitments, and we look forward to working towards a better future for our district together.

Every year, around late winter, something magical happens in the Hinchinbrook region’s hidden corners — thousands of bright blue Ulysses butterflies gather in secluded bays and forest glades. Butterfly Bay, tucked near Zoe Falls on Hinchinbrook Island, is one of their favourite haunts.

When sunlight filters through the canopy, the air comes alive with flickers of iridescent blue — like nature’s own confetti. You’ll find yourself holding your breath just to listen to the silence they leave behind. The locals say you don’t see them — you feel them — a shimmer of joy before they vanish again.

If you ever needed a reason to slow down and wander off the tourist map, this is it: Hinchinbrook’s best secrets don’t shout, they flutter.

Recently, Airlie Beach hosted the CANEGROWERS Policy Council, bringing together grower-elected representatives and district managers from all 12 CANEGROWERS districts. Representing the Herbert were Chair Steven Marbelli, Deputy Chair Leah Russo, and Manager Frank Scardamaglia, who joined colleagues to discuss the key challenges, opportunities, and policy settings shaping the future of Australia’s sugar cane industry.

Across two days, the Policy Council examined a wide range of issues affecting growers at both the farm and industry levels. Workforce shortages remain a major concern, with members continuing to explore solutions to attract and retain skilled labour. The harvesting sector also featured prominently, with discussions around improving operational efficiency, supporting contractor sustainability, and managing increasing pressures on harvest logistics.

Workplace Health and Safety was another strong focus, as districts shared experiences and considered ways to strengthen WH&S culture across all farming operations. This linked closely with environmental and sustainability discussions, including updates on the greenhouse gas calculator, ongoing progress with Smartcane BMP, and discussing future expectations from government, markets, and the community.

Other key agenda items included sugar marketing and trade dynamics, mental health support for growers and workers, regional transport challenges, and exciting developments in plant breeding—particularly the emerging use of artificial intelligence to enhance varietal development.

A standout highlight was the national rollout of the industry’s education strategy, which continues to gain strong momentum. Many CANEGROWERS districts are engaging students through competitions, classroom resources, and farm visits. The cane growing competition alone has seen an estimated 43 primary and secondary schools participate, helping build greater awareness of the industry among young Australians.

Throughout the meeting, grower leaders worked collaboratively to analyse these issues and develop practical pathways to influence policy where needed. This blend of grassroots insight and strategic planning ensures the Policy Council remains a vital voice for growers.

Reflecting on the meeting, Deputy Chair Leah Russo said:

“These gatherings are incredibly valuable. They allow growers from all districts to come together, share insights, and develop united solutions. The strength of our industry comes from collaboration and having a real voice in shaping policy for the future.”

The discussions in Airlie Beach reaffirmed a shared commitment to supporting a resilient, innovative, and profitable sugar industry that continues to deliver strong economic, environmental, and social outcomes for regions like Hinchinbrook.

A major community-driven effort is now delivering long-awaited upgrades to the interpretive signage along the Cardwell Foreshore, with the first six new signs completed and all remaining signs expected to be installed before the end of the year.

The project began after Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) was unable to allocate capital funding to replace the ageing foreshore signs, many of which had deteriorated under harsh UV exposure. Despite the budget constraints, the CCRC Open Spaces team redirected funds within its current operational budget to complete the first six signs.

To ensure the full replacement of all 24 signs, Wildlife Queensland Cassowary Coast–Hinchinbrook sought additional support and successfully secured a CCRC Infrastructure Grant of $7,500. This effort was strengthened by contributions from numerous community groups and individuals. Wildcard Art provided in-kind support by preparing consultancy reports and assisting with graphic design, while Wildlife Queensland Cassowary Coast–Hinchinbrook supplied an additional $5,000 to progress the project. A small funding shortfall remains, but organisers are confident the remaining costs will be met.

All new sign graphics are being produced by ARMSIGN using high-quality UV-protected materials. Although the existing placement along the foreshore exposes the signs to ongoing sun exposure, relocating them to more sheltered positions would have required engineering assessments at 24 different sites, adding significant cost and time. Given the circumstances, organisers opted to proceed with the best available materials to ensure a long-lasting result.

The original foreshore signage, installed in 2009–2010, was an extensive community initiative involving local research, writing, design, and contributed artwork. The current project continues that legacy, bringing together volunteers, organisations, and council staff to restore an important community asset.

CCRC is now exploring options to schedule future maintenance and renewal funding to ensure the signage can continue to be updated as needed.

With all 24 signs now in production and installation planned by year’s end, the Cardwell Foreshore is set to receive a refreshed and informative display that reflects the dedication of the local community.

Our School’s Christmas Giving Tradition

Every year, St Peter’s Catholic School proudly responds to the needs of others in our community, living out the message of love for your neighbour. One of our most cherished Term 4 projects is the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Each class receives a list of essential items to donate, and our families never fail to show incredible generosity.

Throughout the year, students also raise funds by selling ice blocks, with proceeds used to purchase toys for the local Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. This initiative culminates in a special tradition: our Year 6 students venture into town to personally select gifts for local children, ensuring every child experiences the joy of Christmas.

Through these acts of kindness and generosity, our school community demonstrates that giving is at the heart of Christmas. Together, we make a real difference for families in need.

With the much anticipated ‘Grad Week’ underway for Gilroy Santa Maria College Year 12 students, Pastoral Leader Mrs Erin Cerutti has taken a moment to reflect on their GSMC journey.

As their Pastoral Leader, I have had the privilege of walking alongside the Year 12 cohort throughout their final year of schooling. This group’s journey through high school has been anything but ordinary. They began their secondary education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of great uncertainty and change, and they concluded it following the floods that marked the beginning of this year. Through it all, they have shown remarkable resilience, adaptability, and unity.

What has stood out most about this group is their willingness to throw themselves wholeheartedly into every aspect of college life. Whether it was cheering at carnivals, leading assemblies, participating in ANZAC Day services, or supporting one another through the ups and downs of senior year, they have consistently demonstrated teamwork, spirit, and pride in their college community.

Over the past few months, I have seen a genuine transformation in their mindset. They have approached their studies with determination and maturity, focused on their goals and motivated to pursue their chosen pathways. Their perseverance and commitment to personal growth have been truly inspiring.

On behalf of the college community, I’d like to wish our class of 2025 every success in their future endeavours.

Contributed by Erin Cerutti - Pastoral Leader Yr11/12

On the evening of Friday 14th, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School came alive with festive cheer as the community gathered for the annual Christmas Fair, the school’s major fundraiser for the year. The event attracted a large crowd, drawn by a fun-filled program and an exciting new feature, the 50/50 Raffle.

The raffle proved to be a standout attraction, with one fortunate winner taking home an impressive $17,265. The school retained the same amount, which will go directly toward enhancing facilities and improving learning opportunities for students.

The Christmas concert performed by Prep to Year 2 students was another highlight. Their joyful singing and festive routines captivated families and set a heartwarming tone for the night. Classes also created themed wares for the popular Christmas Markets, where families enjoyed browsing and purchasing handmade items.

There was no shortage of delicious food for the community to enjoy, with a fantastic selection of vendors serving up crowd favourites. The Ingham Lions Club hosted a traditional BBQ, while Woodfired Pizza, Cobby’s Kitchen, and Thai cuisine were on offer, along with Italian delights from Ingham’s newest food van, The Saucy Stallion. The school extends its thanks to these wonderful food vendors and to the community for their ongoing support.

The Cent Sale was another major drawcard, made possible by the generosity of local business houses and school families who donated a wide range of prizes. Thanks to this strong community support, the Cent Sale enjoyed tremendous success.

The Christmas Fair once again showcased the strength, spirit, and generosity of the Our Lady of Lourdes community, making it a memorable evening for all who attended.

Ingham State High School is proud to recognise the exceptional accomplishments of the following students, who have achieved a perfect score of 100% in all Internal Assessments this year.

This remarkable achievement reflects not only their diligence and determination but also their passion for learning and commitment to excellence.

Congratulations to Year 12 students: Zoe Lahtinen, who excelled in both Mathematical Methods and Chemistry; Kara Nash, who achieved perfection in Chemistry; Lily Chittenden and Sophee Lepinath, who both achieved a perfect score in Biology; and Emily Provians, who attained full marks in Drama.

Their success reflects not only their dedication and determination but also the commitment of the school’s Expert Educators who have supported and inspired them throughout their studies.

This result reflects the strength of Ingham High’s academic culture and the school’s ongoing mission to equip students for success in both their senior years and beyond.

By Joyce Finocchiaro

Ingham's Namesake
Born 4-6-1850 Black Hall, Yorkshire, England
Died 28-11-1878 New Guinea

He was handsome, he was charming,
From the landed English gentry,
An adventurer and a dreamer was he.
He was brave and self-reliant,
With a Cambridge education,
He left the Royal Navy aged twenty-three.

Adventure lured him to the colonies,
With sixty pounds at his disposal,
He sailed to a far off destination.
Via Tasmania and New South Wales
He came to the Herbert River Valley,
Bought and named Ings Plantation.

He acquired a steamboat, cleared his land,
Had Kanakas plant sugarcane,
And machinery for a sugar-mill be bought.
Low sugar prices and rust disease
Forced him to abandon his plantation,
And the dream in the fortune he had sought.

He headed north on the 'LOUISA'
Freighting cargo unsuccessfully,
But his sawmill turned out a good investment.
He surveyed the Barron River,
Moved to Port Moresby in New Guinea,
And became an agent for the Queensland Government.

He met with his untimely end
Along with six others of his crew,
On the Louisade Archipelago at Opening Bay,
Where by natives he was killed,
In a cannibalistic ritual he was eaten,
On that fateful, twenty-eight September day.

He was handsome, he was charming,
From the landed English gentry,
An adventurer and a dreamer was he.
He was brave and self-reliant,
With a Cambridge education,
William Bairstow Ingham was he.

Author’s Note:
The town of Ingham was gazetted and named in 1874. Prior to this the settlement was known by the Irish name Siligo. Ingham's relatives and the townsfolk installed three stained glass windows in the Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity as a further memorial to this young man whose name will forever live in Ingham's history.

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Since launching its Container Refund Point in 2018, MAMS Group has transformed recycling in Ingham, processing over 40 million drink containers and returning a staggering $4 million to local residents. This family-owned North Queensland business has become a cornerstone of community sustainability, economic growth, and job creation.

As part of Queensland’s Containers for Change initiative, MAMS Group contributes to a statewide mission that has already kept more than 600,000 tonnes of waste out of landfill. In Ingham, the refund point is more than a drop-off site, it’s a community hub where recycling pays off, both environmentally and financially.

In a major development earlier this year, MAMS Group secured two key logistics contracts under the Containers for Change program. These contracts cover the Far North and North Regions—from Bowen to Mossman—expanding the company’s footprint and reinforcing its commitment to a cleaner, greener future for North Queensland.

“Our success in Ingham shows what can be achieved when business, community, and environmental goals align,” said Josh Lannen, General Manager of MAMS Group. “We’re proud to contribute to the region’s prosperity while keeping millions of containers out of landfill.”

With a proven track record and growing influence in Queensland’s recycling network, MAMS Group is showing how local businesses can lead the way in environmental innovation and community impact.

Drop off your eligible 10-cent containers at 21 Challands St, Ingham, and be part of the change.

Looking for the perfect Christmas gifts this year? NewsExtra Ingham has everything you need to make your festive season extra special.

Step into the store and explore a wide range of giftware and thoughtful presents for both men and women. From photo frames to capture life’s special moments, to greeting cards for every occasion, not just Christmas, you’ll find something to suit everyone on your list. There’s also a great range of novelty items and small gifts that are perfect for those “just because” moments.

Make your house smell great this Christmas with some beautiful diffusers and candles from Home Fragrances. We also have perfumes and colognes from many big-name brands, making it easy to find that perfect, personalised gift.

Don’t forget to check out our Christmas Scratchie tree, with treat-filled stockings and baubles, plus a full selection of lottery tickets and scratchies for a little Nextra luck this festive season.

There's also a selection of Christmas decorations in store too. Beautiful ornaments and snowglobes that are perfect for perching on the mantle or gracing the centre of the dining table at your Christmas dinner.

Keep up with all our latest arrivals, special promotions, and gift ideas by following us on Facebook at NexsExtraIngham. Make this Christmas memorable and support your local community by shopping local at NewsExtra Ingham!