
A major Bruce Highway upgrade is underway, with works at Gairloch, Ripple Creek, Ingham-Halifax-Bemerside Road and the Cardwell Range targeting safer travel and improved flood resilience. The long-awaited improvements aim to reduce the severity of flooding across key sections of highway and help prevent head-on crashes, addressing challenges that can disrupt communities and isolate motorists during the wet season.
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This NQIB Country Cups Challenge Qualifier Race Day, racegoers are invited to embrace this year’s theme, Country Glamour. The Herbert River Jockey Club event will feature 10 Fashions on the Field categories, catering to everyone from junior entrants to experienced fashionistas. Categories include Forrest Beach Realty Fashions on the Field, Ingham Mazda Contemporary Lady of the Track, NQ Travel & Cruise Classic Lady of the Track, The Bloom Room Townsville Millinery and Lifelong Supports Best Dressed Man of the Track. Junior and youth categories, alongside Spotter’s Choice, will offer further opportunities to take part. Three judges will bring their individual fashion and racing experience to the competition. Amy Byrnes grew up immersed in racing, travelling to meetings with her family and making memories at Cluden Park. Now a racehorse owner herself, she enjoys attending meets across Queensland and internationally. Amy will be looking for confidence, personality and the joy an outfit brings to its wearer, with an appreciation for thoughtful accessories and finishing touches. Milliner Cat Murphy brings more than a decade of experience creating headwear worn at race meetings across Australia and in London. A passionate racing enthusiast, she values outfits that work cohesively with the theme, combining comfort, confidence and attention to detail. Millinery will naturally be a particular focus, whether a bold statement piece or a classic, understated design. Marnie Davidson brings a competitive edge, having collected 27 sashes during three years of Fashions on the Field competitions around Australia. Her achievements include finalist positions at Flemington’s Melbourne Cup Derby Day and Turnbull Stakes, as well as qualifying for several major fashion events. A self-confessed lover of coordinated looks, Marnie will be keeping an eye out for the little details that bring an outfit together. With experienced judges and a Country Glamour theme, racegoers are encouraged to bring their own interpretation of raceday style to the track. For event information and the full list of categories, visit hrjc.com.au. Dress to impress at the Country Cups this November. Photo sourced: Herbert Rivr Jockey Club
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Cassowary Coast Regional Council has been recognised for its innovative approach to flood monitoring, taking home the Local Government Mutual Services (LGMS) Risk Excellence Award at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Conference on Tuesday evening. The award recognises Council's Flash Flood Sensor Network project, which uses radar technology to monitor water levels at known flood-prone locations across the region. The information from the flood sensors is integrated into Council’s Disaster Dashboard, giving residents, emergency services and Council access to local conditions as they change. Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said the recognition highlighted Council's commitment to finding practical ways to improve community safety and disaster preparedness. "Living on the Cassowary Coast, we know how quickly heavy rainfall can turn into dangerous flooding, particularly in areas where water levels can rise with very little warning," Mayor Millwood said. "These sensors give us another set of eyes on some of our known flood trouble spots, providing real time information without having to send staff out into potentially dangerous conditions. "What's particularly important is that this information isn't just for Council. Our residents in flood prone areas can also access this information on the Disaster Dashboard to help them asses their risk, get prepared and make plans in case flooding looks likely." The network has already supported information sharing with local police and State Emergency Service personnel around Mission Beach, helping emergency services monitor conditions at known flood-prone locations. Previously, monitoring these locations relied heavily on weather forecasts, community reports and staff inspecting conditions on the ground. The technology provides another source of information to support earlier identification of rising water levels, planning for potential road closures and coordinating responses during heavy rainfall. Council is continuing to assess the network through a three-year trial, using observations from residents and emergency services to verify sensor readings and evaluate its effectiveness. Residents can access flood monitoring information, road updates and other important disaster information on Council’s Disaster Dashboard by ticking *New Water Levels Visit: www.disaster.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au Caption: Cassowary Coast Regional Council has been recognised for its innovative approach to flood monitoring. Photo supplied
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I have spent sleepless nights since last Monday, praying for my long-term and good friend in the Parliament, Helen Haines, along with her family, staff and the first responders to an inexcusable act on a beautiful human being inside and out, who has brought much sparkling joy and enlightenment to the centre of the crossbench. Whilst we are at opposite ends of the country and representing significantly different electorates, my tremendous respect of Helen’s tenacious advocacy for what she believes in, matches my great appreciation of our genuine friendship. We don’t represent a political party based in Melbourne or Sydney or Brisbane – we represent the people who sent us to parliament: the people of our electorate. And there’s no doubt that a terrible blow has been struck against democracy and the people of Australia. A lady in every sense of the word, Helen is a true moderate of the highest regard across the political spectrum – with the ability to get on with people with very definite views like the teals on one hand, and people like himself on the other. And I cannot help but think of her smiling face, whenever I leave the Chamber and tap her on the shoulder to ask, “You right if I leave this all under your control, Helen?” and her cheerful reply, “Yes Bob,” both of us laughing. Not to mention her culinary skills in constructing the most delicate of sponge cakes. Though I react quite frankly with rage and fury at this evil that can have no exculpatory explanations, may we all pray that God’s blessings are with Helen and her family, staff and friends as we all rally around them to provide the support they need during this extremely difficult time. Hon. Bob Katter MP, Federal Member for Kennedy Federal Kennedy MP Bob Katter at Australian Parliament House with his independent crossbench colleague Helen Haines MP, the Member for Indi. Photo supplied
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Whether it’s curling up beside you for cuddles, following you around for company, or simply being your calm little shadow, Pookie just loves being around people.
Pookie is wonderful with kids, adores affection, and has the sweetest nature. Pookie is a gentle and loving mumma cat who has spent the last little while safely in foster care raising her beautiful babies. Now that her kittens have all flown the nest, it’s finally her turn to find a forever home of her very own.
After being such a devoted mum, Pookie is more than ready to be spoiled, loved, and cherished the way she deserves. Pookie is an indoor cat. Included in the adoption fee of $210, Pookie is DESEXED, MICROCHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, and FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated.
Sex: Female
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
DOB: 01/01/2025
Cat Friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: No
Kid Friendly: Yes

Concerns are mounting over the Federal Government’s proposed changes to disaster recovery funding, with Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo warning the move could have significant financial consequences for small regional councils already struggling to recover from natural disasters.
“Councils and communities are already grappling with the impacts of a high cost of living driven by inflation, high fuel prices and, for the farming sector, high fertiliser costs,” he said.
“Councils are being asked to do more with less. This is simply unstainable.”
The concerns come amid growing criticism of the Federal Government's proposed reforms to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which would reduce the Commonwealth's contribution towards natural disaster recovery costs. Senator Susan McDonald said Queensland would be the "biggest loser" under the changes, warning communities could face delays to rebuilding roads, bridges and public infrastructure if additional costs are passed on to state governments, councils and ratepayers.
“Regional Queenslanders are once again being victimised by decisions made in Canberra,” Senator McDonald said.
“The Queensland LNP Government has confirmed Queensland is the worst off in the country under these changes, with hundreds of millions of dollars per year being cut from setting up evacuation centres and sandbagging, and disaster resilience works such as raising roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure.”
Senator McDonald warned that if the Federal Government proceeds with the proposed changes, Queenslanders could face higher taxes and increased council rates, while critical infrastructure projects may be delayed and disaster-damaged roads, bridges and community facilities left unrepaired for longer.
“That means roads, bridges, and community facilities will take longer to rebuild, leaving communities to live with the consequences of disasters for years,” she said.
“Regional Australians should not be left to carry the burden alone when disaster strikes.”
While the full impact of the proposal is yet to be determined, Mayor Jayo said Hinchinbrook could not afford to absorb further cost pressures following successive natural disasters and rising operational expenses.
“For a small local authority like ours, with a small rate base and small population, this is simply an additional cost imposition that we cannot afford. We will need to argue strenuously against it.”

Is Your Business Ready For End Of Financial Year
With June 30th fast approaching, it’s a timely reminder for business owners and managers to take the necessary steps to ensure their organisation is in the best possible position to close out the financial year. Regardless of the size or nature of your operation, the same fundamental principles apply when preparing for the end of financial year.
For every business — whether you’re running a small family enterprise, an agricultural or harvesting operation, or a medium-to-large corporate entity — June 30th is a natural point to review, assess, and adjust. It’s an opportunity to step back and evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and what needs attention before entering a new financial period.
For those working in the financial sector, this is one of the busiest times of the year, as clients seek support with their financial planning, compliance, and strategic decision making. In retail, attention turns to stock management, often prompting promotions or discounting to optimise inventory levels before reporting deadlines.
While good business practice encourages continuous review throughout the year, this isn’t always achievable, particularly for owners who juggle every aspect of the business and are stretched for time. The common advice is that owners should spend more time “working on the business, not just in it.” Yet for many, this is easier said than done. Competing priorities, operational demands, and limited resources often make strategic planning feel out of reach.
As the end of financial year approaches, taking even small, deliberate steps can make a meaningful difference. A focused review now can set the foundation for stronger performance, clearer direction, and better resilience in the year ahead.
If you have not yet had the opportunity to consider what activities you will implement in your business, Chamber recommends now is the time to act and make those plans.

Two of the searchlights that were acquired with the Herbert River RSL’s generous funding. Photo supplied
Lucinda Coast Guard volunteers are shining a light on community generosity after receiving funding from the Herbert River RSL Sub-branch for five new searchlights across their two rescue vessels.
The new lights provide a viewing range of up to 400 metres and will play an important role during night-time search and rescue operations, particularly when searching for people lost overboard or from sinking vessels.
Equipped with remote-control capability, the lights can be adjusted up, down, left and right to improve visibility and coverage on the water.
Volunteers say the upgraded equipment will significantly strengthen their search capability and improve the chances of locating and safely rescuing people in the water after dark.
Lucinda Coast Guard extended its sincere thanks to the Herbert River RSL Sub-branch members for their generosity and continued support of local emergency services.

Introducing Hinchinbrook Life and Cassowary Coast Life Newspaper, a newly extended newspaper uniting our regions and highlighting the importance of sharing local community news to inform and uplift. Produced weekly and running on the flipside of this newspaper, Cassowary Coast Life will be distributed to Tully, El Arish and Mission Beach, along with the paper’s current footprint of Cardwell, Ingham, Halifax, Lucinda, Forrest Beach, Rollingstone and more.
We have some exciting news to share — Hinchinbrook Life is welcoming a little sister to the family, and she’s going to be part of this very newspaper!
You may have noticed her gradually taking shape over the past several months as we’ve expanded our coverage across the broader region. What started as a growing presence has now become something official.
In fact, next week she will take her first breath when Cassowary Coast Life is born.
Most importantly, we want to reassure our loyal readers that Hinchinbrook Life will remain exactly what it has always been. You will still receive the same 28–32 pages of dedicated local news, stories and community coverage each week. The only difference is that, from next week onwards, you’ll receive a second newspaper completely free on the flip side of this publication.
Essentially, it’s two newspapers in one - a Hinchinbrook Life masthead on one side and a Cassowary Coast Life masthead on the other.
This expansion has been almost a year in the making. Over that time, we’ve seen increasing demand for more Cassowary Coast news and greater coverage of the communities that sit just beyond our traditional footprint.
Since launching Hinchinbrook Life, Cardwell has always been an important part of both our news coverage and distribution network. Now, we are extending that reach further south to include Tully, Mission Beach and El Arish.
Our goal is simple: to strengthen the connection between neighbouring communities and encourage the flow of people, ideas and opportunities across the region. From next week, readers will be able to discover local events, community stories, business news and inspiring people from both regions every week.
This is the second time Life Publishing Group has adopted this unique newspaper format. We first introduced it with our flagship publication, Mackay and Whitsunday Life, where readers embraced the opportunity to share stories and celebrate what makes each community special.
We hope you enjoy it just as much.
As always, we value your feedback and would love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to reach out and share your views.

Logilytics helps locals set up modern phone systems that are reliable, clear, and built for the way you work and live. Photo supplied
Missed calls cost money. Patchy reception, dropped calls, and “can you hear me now?” isn’t a great look, especially when customers are trying to reach you.
Logilytics helps locals set up modern phone systems that are reliable, clear, and built for the way you work (or live). Whether you’re in an office, on the road, juggling multiple locations, or just want better calling at home, we’ll design a solution that keeps you connected.
We can help with:
Most importantly, you get local support. If something isn’t right, you’re not stuck on hold to a provider, you can call us and we’ll sort it.
If you want a phone system that makes your business easier to reach – or your home setup clearer and more reliable – talk to Logilytics.

Vanessa promoting the CPR Awareness Program at an expo for local school students. Photo source: Facebook.
A Cassowary Coast ambulance leader who has weathered the storm of Queensland’s biggest natural disasters has been recognised for community leadership and her role in reinforcing local disaster preparedness.
Officer in Charge, Tully Ambulance Station, Vanessa Schafranek is one of three Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics announced as an Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) recipient in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.
This prestigious recognition is awarded to ambulance staff who have consistently exemplified the highest levels of dedication and professionalism throughout their career.
As Officer in Charge of Tully Ambulance Station, Vanessa Schafranek has served her beloved Tully community for the past 15 years, after first commencing as a paramedic in 2002.
As goes hand-in-hand with working in the Cassowary Coast region, Officer Schafranek has led her community through numerous natural disasters, including Tropical Cyclone (TC) Larry in 2006, TC Yasi in 2011, TC Ita in 2014, TC Debbie in 2017, and most recently TC Jasper in 2023.
Drawing on her boots-on-the-ground experience during these disasters, Officer Schafranek has been instrumental in developing procedures that assist the QAS in preparing for natural disasters to this day.
In addition to Officer Schafranek’s efforts during disasters, she continues to exemplify the characteristics of a frontline operational leader.
She leads by example, mentoring and guiding up-and-coming leaders and remaining active in ensuring positive welfare, wellbeing and psychological health in the workplace.
Officer Schafranek fell into the service by happenstance, when her husband saw an advertisement in the paper.
“It was nothing I'd ever thought of beforehand - it was never, ever on my radar,” she said.

“It was just completely by chance that the paper was there that day, which we didn't usually have.”
Officer Schafranek hasn’t looked back since, with 24 years of service now under her belt.
Officer Schafranek values the trust and support of her colleagues and the community, explaining that her love for rural areas is what drives her.
“I think working in a rural setting is very rewarding because you see the whole circle. You see patients after whatever has happened and see the results of what you’ve done,” Officer Schafranek said.
With a preference to fly under the radar, she was shocked to discover she had been nominated for the award.
“It's nice that someone's noticed that you've gone above and beyond, and you're doing a great job in that space,” Officer Schafranek said.
“It’s very heartwarming.”
QAS Commissioner Craig Emery said that Officer Schafranek’s dedication and professionalism have made her a standout leader in the service.
“This prestigious medal is a testament to her exceptional service, her tireless work ethic, and her passion for helping others,” Commissioner Emery said.
“I commend Officer Schafranek on her exemplary service, and her fitting recognition as she joins the distinguished few to receive an Ambulance Service Medal.”

Queensland children and teenagers who are uncomfortable with needle vaccinations can now access a free nasal spray flu vaccine under an expansion of the State Government’s FluMist program.
The Government has widened eligibility for the free nasal spray vaccine to children and teenagers aged six to 17, building on the existing program already available to children aged two to five years.
The expanded rollout forms part of the Government’s $31 million free flu vaccination program, which is available through participating GPs, pharmacies and vaccination clinics across Queensland.
The expansion comes to help fight the winter chills with families being urged to get vaccinated while FluMist stock remains available.
More than one million Queenslanders have already received a flu vaccination this year, including a significant rise in vaccinations among younger children.
The Government said the expansion followed feedback from health professionals and families, including parents of children with disability or sensory sensitivities, who said the needle-free option would make vaccination less stressful and more accessible.
Families have been encouraged to book vaccinations sooner rather than later, with FluMist supplies expected to run out nationally after early August due to the vaccine’s shorter shelf life.
More information about the free flu vaccination program and participating providers is available through the Queensland Health Flu Vaccination website via www.health.qld.gov.au.

CANEGROWERS says Queensland’s growing biofuels industry could create major new opportunities for Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast cane growers. Photo source: CANEGROWERS
Queensland’s push to kick-start a domestic biofuels industry could unlock significant new opportunities for both Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast sugarcane sectors, according to CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan.
Mr Galligan welcomed the State Government’s recent $25 million investment into biodiesel production at Ampol’s Lytton Refinery in Brisbane, describing it as an important first step towards building a stronger and more resilient economy while paving the way for future growth across regional industries.
“While this project may not directly involve sugarcane, it’s an important step in establishing the kind of industry that, with the right investment and policy settings, can unlock significant opportunities for cane growers,” Mr Galligan said.
Queensland’s sugar industry has long advocated for the expansion of a domestic biofuels sector, with the potential to significantly increase ethanol production, generate more green electricity through sugar mills and eventually produce advanced biofuels such as sustainable aviation fuel.
With Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast recognised as one of the states largest sugar-producing regions, Mr Galligan said local growers could play a major role in helping power Queensland’s renewable fuel future.
“This is about more than cleaner energy – it’s about building a stronger, more resilient economy, creating new markets for growers, adding value to every tonne of cane, and backing regional jobs and investment,” he said.
“It’s also about fuel security. Recent global disruptions have shown how exposed Australia is to supply shocks, and building a domestic biofuels industry helps reduce that reliance.”

Mr Galligan said ensuring sugarcane remained central to future biofuel production would be critical to delivering the industry at scale and strengthening long-term opportunities for regional Queensland communities.
The announcement comes amid growing national discussions around fuel security, regional manufacturing and reducing Australia’s reliance on imported fuel supplies.
In recent weeks, the Queensland Government announced plans to strengthen the State’s fuel security through expanded local drilling, refining and storage capacity, including unlocking additional infrastructure opportunities at ports across Queensland.
Official expressions of interest have also opened under the new Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program, inviting industry proposals for fuel refining and storage projects on government-owned land and ports in Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Abbot Point, Bundaberg and Brisbane.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the focus was now on future-proofing the industry and creating long-term opportunities.
"We know what the challenges are and I’m looking at the opportunities going forward, because that's where we can make the greatest change and get the most benefit," Mr Last said.
After spending much of his 50-year political career fighting to secure a home-grown supply of cleaner, greener biofuels, Federal MP Bob Katter has backed a historic alliance of agricultural groups advocating for a national ethanol mandate aimed at strengthening Australia’s fuel self-sufficiency and supporting regional industries.
“In just 10 years, sustainably Australian-grown and manufactured renewable ethanol could be supplying 10 per cent of Australia’s total domestic petrol requirements, alongside local biodiesel for another five per cent self-sufficiency if there was a biofuels mandate,” Mr Katter said.
CANEGROWERS said it would continue working with government and industry partners to ensure momentum in the biofuels sector translates into practical outcomes for growers and regional communities across Queensland.

Wayde Chiesa MP and Premier David Crissafuli celebrating Queensland Day with students. Photo credit: David Crissafulli MP office
Last week, the Crisafulli Government announced that regional households will see electricity prices fall by up to 6.9 per cent, while small businesses will see reductions of up to 8.1 per cent. These are some of the largest drops in regional Queensland in a decade.
This is welcome news for households and small businesses across regional Queensland, with power prices set to fall from 1 July. Importantly, Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki, has directed Ergon Energy to pass these savings on in full to regional Queenslanders. That matters because families and small businesses deserve to see real relief on their bills, not just headlines.
This follows years of rising costs, with power bills having increased by 28.7 per cent in a single year under the former Labor Government. By contrast, the Crisafulli Government’s Energy Roadmap takes a balanced approach: improving what we have, while building what we need for the future.
Of course, we know many people across the region are still doing it tough. Farmers, in particular, continue to face higher fuel, fertiliser and input costs. Lower electricity prices will not solve every pressure, but they are an important step in the right direction.
Over recent weeks, I have had the great opportunity to visit a number of schools across the electorate, including St Peter’s School Halifax, Gilroy Santa Maria College, North Shore State High School and Ingham State High School. Spending time with students is always one of the most enjoyable parts of my role. Their confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm for the future should give us all great optimism.
I was also pleased to attend the Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball. It was wonderful to see so many young people celebrating an important milestone surrounded by proud parents, families and friends. Events like these reflect the strong community spirit and traditions that remain such an important part of life in our region.
As Queensland Day was celebrated last weekend, it was a timely reminder of what makes our State so special. For me, it is our people. From farmers and small business owners to teachers, parents, students and volunteers, I continue to be reminded why Hinchinbrook is such a wonderful place to call home.
Most importantly, after meeting so many young people across our community in recent weeks, I am more confident than ever that the future of Hinchinbrook is in very good hands.

Ingham to Townsville road signpost: Photo supplied
Major safety and resilience upgrades are continuing along the Bruce Highway, with several projects set to benefit motorists travelling through the Hinchinbrook region.
Under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland governments, a range of projects are planned between Townsville, Ingham and Innisfail over the coming years.
Among the works announced are new overtaking lanes between Townsville and Ingham, aimed at improving traffic flow and providing safer passing opportunities on one of North Queensland's busiest transport corridors.
Motorists can also expect to see extensive wide centre line treatments and pavement strengthening works rolled out across sections of the highway as part of a broader safety upgrade program.
Several bridge replacement projects are also planned between Ingham and Innisfail, including upgrades at Palm Creek, St Margaret Creek, Emmett Creek, Mackenzie Creek and Alligator Creek. These works will replace narrow bridges and improve safety for motorists, freight operators and other road users.
Further north, flood resilience works on the Bruce Highway south of Tully have now been completed. The upgrades between Dallachy Road and Dean Road are expected to improve the highway's performance during flood events, with modelling indicatinga significant reduction in annual flood disruption.
The latest announcements form part of a wider Bruce Highway improvement program, with dozens of projects either completed, underway or progressing to design and construction phases across Queensland.
Transport and Main Roads says the upgrades are focused on improving road safety, strengthening flood resilience and supporting the long-term reliability of the state's key north-south transport route.
Additional projects are expected to be delivered progressively through to 2030 as the program continues.
For tender details, visit: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/business-with-us/tenders-and-contracts/tenders

Juvenile barramundi being released by members of the Ingham Rod & Reel Club at Gairloch Bridge. Photo credits: Victoria Velton
Thousands of juvenile barramundi have been released into the Herbert River as part of the Ingham Rod & Reel Club's ongoing fish restocking program, helping to support local fish stocks and the future of recreational fishing in the region.
Club President Paul Dametto said the club releases around 5,000 juvenile barramundi into local waterways each year as part of its commitment to maintaining healthy fish populations.

"As part of our restocking program we let approximately 5,000 juvenile barramundi back into the river every year, just hoping they'll help keep the stocks up," he said.
Approximately 2,000 barra were released during the latest stocking event, with around 4,000 released across two days. The fish are around four months old and measure approximately 120mm in length.

Mr Dametto explained that previous releases involved larger fish measuring between 250mm and 300mm, however the smaller fish are now being used to see if there are any survival differences in release sizes.
The young barramundi are released in freshwater sections of the river, giving them time to grow before naturally traveling downstream towards the ocean as they mature.

"Part of our permit requires us to release them in the river rather than straight into the channel," Mr Dametto said.
"It gives them a chance to grow out with fewer predators before eventually moving downstream and out to saltwater when they're older."
While larger barramundi remain a natural predator, invasive tilapia continue to present challenges in local waterways.

"Tilapia are a noxious fish and they're becoming more common in our waterways," Mr Dametto said.
The success of the restocking program is already being seen throughout the district, with previous year’s released tagged fish regularly reported by anglers as far upstream as Abergowrie.
Importantly, research conducted in partnership with James Cook University has also shown stocked barramundi are successfully breeding with wild fish populations, helping strengthen future stocks naturally.

The release program operates under permit conditions and is undertaken in consultation with relevant authorities, ensuring the fish are released responsibly and in suitable habitat.
For local anglers, the program represents a long-term investment in the health of the Herbert River and the future of one of North Queensland's most iconic sportfish.

The town of Ingham has become iconic for a number of events: the Italian-Australia Festival, the Maraka Festival, and St Anthony’s Feast Day- which will be celebrated on Sunday 14th June in the small hamlet of Bemerside, on the north-eastern side of Ingham.
This year marks the Feast Day’s 99th year of being celebrated, occurring annually since 13th of June 1927 on the grounds where the church of St Anthony stands.
This year’s festival program begins at 11am on Sunday 14th June, with Mass in St Anthony’s church. Mass, and the choir’s hymns, will be performed in both English and Italian.
The service will be followed by an afternoon fete, with beautiful lunch offerings at a large variety of food stalls, and competitions with prizes up for grabs. There is a licenced bar for refreshment, and a wine stall, along with a popular stall offering various mementoes of St Anthony and other religious icons.
St Anthony is known as the patron saint of children, and to honour St Anthony’s passion, children attending the festival can enjoy a free jumping castle.
Live entertainment throughout the afternoon from one of Ingham’s celebrated entertainers will also bring colour to the day’s festivities.
At 2pm the statue of St Anthony will be placed on a Vara and at 2.30pm the parish priest will lead the procession of people on the main road (closed to traffic for this activity) from St Anthony’s church for 600 metres. The rosary will be recited in both English and Italian and hymns will also be sung throughout this procession.
On completion of the procession people will gather around the front of the church to witness the blessing of the children. St Anthony’s bread will be distributed for all attendees to enjoy in a symbol of unity, peace and community.
This will conclude the formal part of the day, however people may continue to stay on for delicious food, beverages, 500 club draws, monster raffle prize draws and live entertainment. All stalls will have cash and card facilities available.
The parish of St Anthony welcomes people of all faiths to attend this festival to mark community, goodwill and continuing commitment to peace and unity.

Council provides the following update regarding scheduled hydrant maintenance works across Blackrock and Ingham. These works are essential to maintain and improve the reliability of the water network and may require temporary water outages to safely complete repairs.
BLACKROCK WORKS: POSTPONED
Hydrant maintenance works scheduled for Blackrock have been postponed to a later date. Council will provide further updates once new dates are confirmed.
INGHAM WORKS: PROCEEDING AS PLANNED
From Tuesday 9th June 2026, hydrant maintenance works will proceed in Ingham. Temporary water interruptions of up to one hour may affect the following areas:
• Menzies Street (approximately 14 properties);
• Victoria Mill Road (approximately 6 properties);
• Palm Terrace (approximately 16 properties);
• Halifax Road (approximately 6 properties);
• McIlwraith Street (approximately 16 properties);
• Pindar Street (approximately 17 properties); and
• Sir Arthur Fadden Parade (approximately 17 properties).
Council crews will make every effort to minimise disruption, and affected residents may also be notified directly where possible.
Following restoration of supply, some households may experience discoloured water or temporary fluctuations in pressure. If this occurs, please run taps for up to five minutes or until the water runs clear. Where possible, consider repurposing flushed water for gardening or lawn irrigation.
Call Council’s customer service centre on (07) 4776 4600 or email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au for more information.

Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group advises residents that the Australian Government will be introducing AusAlert, a new national warning system designed to send emergency alerts directly to compatible mobile devices.
AusAlert uses modern cell broadcast technology to deliver near-instant messages during emergencies, including natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones, as well as other critical incidents.
Prior to its official launch in October 2026, the system will undergo testing to ensure it operates effectively and that the community is familiar with how alerts will appear and sound.
Community testing will occur across selected locations in June 2026, followed by a national test on Monday 27 July 2026.
In Queensland, the national test will occur at approximately 2:00pm, and compatible mobile devices may:
Residents are advised that:
If the alert sound may cause concern or disruption, residents may wish to switch their device to aeroplane mode prior to the test and leave it off for up to one hour.
AusAlert is one of the ways governments are working together to help keep communities informed and safe during emergencies. For more information and to prepare for the testing period, please visit: www.ausalert.gov.au