July has been another exceptionally busy month of activities where Hinchinbrook Chamber has either facilitated, collaborated or participated in supporting its membership and the broader business community in a diverse number of ways. With the commencement of the new financial year, drive market visitation and cane crushing season well and truly underway, there has been a noticeable increase in activity and visitors in our community.

Chamber has been extremely active in continuing to support the broader community through the work being undertaken by the Community Recovery Officer. CRO Jane continues to extend the outreach work into the wider community and has been very busy this month, attending multiple events to inform attendees of the recovery support available, as well as engaging individually across her networks.

Chamber has also been facilitating individual appointments for residents to discuss grant information opportunities with Dept of Small and Family Business officer - Gerard Millican, as well as QRIDA Representative Sam Spina. The importance of the support being delivered by the many different government agencies cannot be understated, as these funds are essential to the recovery and rebuilding process to progress, for many in our community.

The very well attended “Women in the Agriculture” coffee morning resulted in many supportive, encouraging and enlightening conversations shared in a relaxed and informative environment. The insight gained from the attendees' perspective was very insightful and will assist in informing future recovery planning.

The third “Markets at the Mosaic” for the year was hosted on July 19 and with the theme being “Christmas in July”. This market day boasts 30 handmade artisans – the biggest markets to date, by way of stall holders, attendance and percentage of visitors from outside the shire. With this time of year showcasing superb weather conditions for our region, and an influx of tourist activity, the markets welcomed a staggering 46% of out-of-shire visitors to this event, with the vast majority surveyed stating they were holidaying for varying amounts of time.

It is indeed encouraging to witness the busyness in the community during this time of the year, and Chamber encourages all business owners to review their marketing plans to ensure they are capitalising on these increased opportunities.

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Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Max has his boots firmly planted in two very different worlds: the rugged, hands‑on life of a central Queensland cattle station, and the bustling day‑to‑day routine of boarding school in Townsville.

“I live on a station north of Clermont called Mazeppa,” Max explained. “When I’m not here at school, I live there with my family.”

Home for Max is anything but quiet. Mazeppa Station is a working property that runs both cattle and crops, keeping everyone on their toes year‑round. “We have a mix of cattle and crops, so there’s always plenty to do,” he said. “There’s not really such a thing as a day off on the property.”

Max is no stranger to getting his hands dirty. When he’s home, he’s often found helping his dad with jobs around the station, including driving tractors and mustering cattle, to basic maintenance like greasing machinery and checking equipment.

Max already has one eye on the future. His goal is to gain trade qualifications that will help him bring even more value to the family business.

“I think if I can do an apprenticeship as a mechanic or a diesel fitter or something like that, it’ll be great for working on the farm,” he said.

When he’s not lending a hand with station work, Max makes time for his own kind of fun. A keen rider, he often jumps on his CRF230 motorbike or catches up with friends. “We like to go pigging on weekends and in the school holidays,” Max said with a grin.

Despite the change of pace, Max has taken boarding school life in his stride. At Tec‑NQ House, he’s made strong friendships and settled well into the rhythm of living away from home. “In my free time, I go to Planet Fitness with my mates or watch the Storm play in the NRL,” Max said. “I’m enjoying it so far, it’s much better than regular school.”

Max is one of many regional students who benefit from Tec‑NQ House, a purpose‑built boys-only boarding facility located in Rosslea, Townsville. Opened in March 2022, it provides accommodation for up to 40 senior school students from regional and remote Queensland, helping them access Tec‑NQ’s unique trade‑focused senior school program.

The facility is designed to promote social connection and inclusivity while maintaining a nurturing, homely atmosphere. Students enjoy 24/7 supervised care, air‑conditioned double‑occupancy rooms, modern communal areas, streaming services, computers, a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities, and a basketball court.

Tec‑NQ House balances structure and support. Dedicated staff foster wellbeing and independence, while the on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals. Students also enjoy after‑hours excursions, sports, and social activities. Daily transport is provided to the Tec‑NQ Douglas co-educational campus and work placements.

For Max, Tec‑NQ House isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a launchpad. With support and pathways into trade careers, students like Max are shaping their own promising futures, firmly grounded in both boots and books.

While the weather conditions during the month of July have provided some wetter-than-expected days, visitor numbers in the Shire are still holding quite strongly.

It is very encouraging to witness the strong visitation numbers that are being reported across the Shire and the number of tourists evident in the community, enjoying all our Shire has to offer.

The increased activity generated by the combination of the seasonal visitor influx, cane harvest and milling seasonal demands, and contractor workforce that are delivering construction and insurance projects is generating a greater demand for all types of employment opportunities across the Shire.

Employers are reporting a continued high demand for workers across many sectors, including in the hospitality, aged care, childcare, and disability support services, as well as the harvest and milling sectors.

The current competitive employment market is requiring employers to reassess their recruitment and job marketing strategies in an attempt to fill the numerous local vacancies.

The latest data has revealed that Hinchinbrook Shire has some of the most affordable housing in the state and combined with the very appealing lifestyle and surrounding abundant natural beauty, makes it a very desirable location for many Australians looking to relocate north.

With the major project opportunities that are moving toward commencement, the Hinchinbrook Shire is very well positioned to witness increased development in the foreseeable future.

Whilst the Shire residents continue to navigate the impacts the February flooding had on their lives, which has an understandably strong focus on repairing and rebuilding properties, livelihoods, and community, it is also important to have an eye to future opportunities.

Through the Hinchinbrook Employment and Skills Development Reference Group, Council brings together monthly representatives from secondary schools, training organisations, employment and apprenticeship providers, and major employers.

The purpose of these meetings is to identify these employment and skilling challenges, as well as explore potential opportunities facing employers.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is committed to delivering long-term, practical solutions for Mt Fox Road — a critical transport corridor that supports local residents, farmers, school communities, and key stakeholders such as Windlab.

Following a series of severe weather events, including the widespread February 2025 rain, Mt Fox Road sustained extensive and serious damage. More than 35 landslip sites were identified across the range, with large sections of the road base destabilised and critical drainage infrastructure compromised. At the height of the damage, there was significant pressure to close the road completely.

However, thanks to the dedication of local contractors and emergency crews, Council was able to maintain limited access, keeping the road open under restricted conditions. Council has now completed comprehensive geotechnical assessments and is progressing to the next phase of the project.

We are preparing to go out to tender for major remediation works. This is not a short-term fix. This remediation work is undertaking full permanent repair of the sites impacted by the flooding events. The scope involves substantial reconstruction of the range section, with funding secured through state and federal disaster recovery programs.

Works will include rebuilding the damaged road surface, improving drainage, including replacing inadequate culverts, and reinstating via stabilising landslips and structural failures associated with the terrain. Whilst Council will do its best to maintain reasonable access during reconstruction works — using stop-and-go personnel and detours where possible — there will likely be times when full road closures are necessary for extended periods to allow work to be carried out safely. This is due to the minimal space available for machinery and materials.

In these cases, it is expected that the road may be closed to all traffic from approximately 8:30am to 4:00pm on any given day. Council will ensure residents and stakeholders receive timely notice of any closures and will coordinate detours and alternate access where possible.

Cutting corners is not an option. We will continue to communicate with affected residents and stakeholders.  Council is in ongoing contact with our contractors, government funders, and project partners to ensure that the work is done thoroughly and to the highest standard.

Canegrowers Herbert River Chairman Steven Marbelli and Manager Frank Scardamaglia have met with Wilmar’s leadership team to voice growing frustration over the continued failures in the company’s rail and transport operations. The meeting, held earlier this week, came in response to a string of derailments and locomotive incidents that have plagued the region’s harvest operations and shaken the confidence of growers and harvesting contractors.

With two more derailments occurring recently, the pressure has mounted for Wilmar to not only acknowledge the systemic issues but to urgently formulate and communicate a clear improvement plan.

“Growers and harvester operators have simply had enough,” Mr Marbelli said. “We’re already facing a poor crop due to the February floods, and the ongoing rail breakdowns are now threatening what’s left of this season’s viability.

"The lack of performance from Wilmar’s transport division is unacceptable.”

Mr Scardamaglia reinforced the point that confidence in Wilmar’s ability to crush the crop in a timely manner is at an all-time low.

“It’s not just about the derailments – it’s about a broader pattern of unreliability, lack of communication, and an absence of visible strategy. The performance this year has been far below industry expectations. If Wilmar doesn’t turn this around 180 degrees, we’re going to see serious consequences for growers’ bottom lines,” he said.

Local grower Michael Reinaudo, who is also a harvester contractor and one of the largest growers in the district, echoed these concerns, stating, “We can’t keep investing in our operations only to be let down by a transport system that doesn’t function. Every day there’s a delay is another day we risk losing cane. If this keeps up, some growers simply won’t want to continue growing or supporting the industry.”

Canegrowers Herbert River urged Wilmar to provide a detailed plan on how they intend to stabilise their rail operations and rebuild trust with the grower base. This includes addressing the root causes of the ongoing derailments, ensuring proper maintenance and staffing levels, and communicating with growers more transparently and proactively.

Growers have already made major investments in this season, and many are now being forced to absorb additional costs and delays because of rail failures that are outside their control. With the wet weather earlier in the year already damaging crop yields, growers cannot afford further disruption from operational mismanagement.

Canegrowers Herbert River has committed to keeping its members updated and will continue to hold Wilmar accountable until meaningful improvements are seen across the transport network.

“Wilmar must now step up and deliver real solutions – the industry is depending on it,” Mr Marbelli said.

Contributed with thanks to Canegrowers Herbert River.

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National Farm Safety Week, held from the 20th to the 26th of July, served as an important reminder that the health and wellbeing of farmers is critical to maintaining safety on the land. Marking the occasion, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) called for stronger support for rural healthcare services to better protect those who work in one of the country’s most demanding industries.

According to ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin, investing in local, high-quality healthcare is essential for creating safer farming environments across Australia’s rural and remote regions.

“Farming is one of the most physically and mentally demanding jobs in Australia, and our farmers face unique health and safety risks every day,” Dr Martin said.

“To support safer farms, we must support the health of the people who run them — that means having skilled, locally based doctors who understand rural and remote life and can provide care when and where it’s needed.”

Dr Martin said Rural Generalists (RGs) — doctors trained to work across multiple disciplines in rural settings — play a key role in delivering that care.

“Rural Generalist doctors bring advanced skills in emergency medicine, mental health, surgery, maternity care, anaesthetics, and more – and are trained to deliver whole-of-life care in settings beyond the urban footprint,” he said.

“Whether it’s responding to a machinery accident, providing mental health support via telehealth, or managing chronic disease, RGs are vital to the fabric of healthy rural communities.”

As the only medical college dedicated to training a Rural Generalist workforce, ACRRM says that improving access to these services is not only good for individual farmers but also for the future of entire communities.

“Investing in RGs will not only improve rural health outcomes — it will help stabilise the rural medical workforce and support the sustainability of rural towns,” Dr Martin said.

“It’s time we recognised that building up rural healthcare is part of building up rural Australia.”

While Farm Safety Week has wrapped up for another year, the message is clear: year-round support for rural healthcare is essential to safer farms, stronger communities, and a more resilient agricultural sector.

Driven By People, Powered By Tech

At Logilytics, they believe local businesses deserve local solutions and that starts with the team. As a family-owned business based in Ingham, Logilytics are proud to serve North Queensland with a hands-on, community-focused approach to IT.

Owners Ben and Jess Barbi lead the way, combining vision and dedication to keep Logilytics at the forefront of technology. Ben, the business Director, brings years of experience in managed IT services and a passion for helping businesses thrive in a digital world. Jess is the backbone of our operations, working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly and the team has what they need to deliver top-notch service.

Behind the scenes, Denise Barbi keeps accounts and administration running smoothly, ensuring everything stays on track. On the ground, Mario Patane is the go-to expert for data and communications. Whether it’s cabling, networking, or security cameras, Mario’s attention to detail keeps clients connected and secure.

The team at Logilytics are also committed to growing local talent. Seth Morton is their IT Trainee, he is learning the ropes and bringing fresh ideas to every challenge. Cameron Giuffrida is a school-based trainee and represents the next generation of tech support: He's eager to learn and ready to help.

Together, Logilytics are more than just an IT company. They are your neighbours, your partners, and your team. Dedicated to helping North Queensland businesses stay secure, connected, and ready for what’s next.

Whether you’re settling into a new home, revamping your garden, or simply refreshing your living space, the way we shape our surroundings has a powerful impact on how we feel. A well-loved home doesn’t have to be perfect – it just needs to reflect your personality, support your lifestyle, and offer a sense of comfort.

In recent years, we’ve seen a growing trend towards practical and sustainable design choices in both homes and gardens. People are making the most of indoor-outdoor flow, bringing nature in with potted plants and leafy corners, and turning unused spaces into productive gardens. Even a small courtyard or balcony can be transformed into a thriving herb patch or flower haven with a few clever containers and a splash of creativity.

Inside the home, it’s all about balance and function. Storage solutions are getting smarter, colour palettes are more calming, and natural materials remain popular for their warmth and timeless appeal. Whether you’re into upcycled vintage finds or sleek modern finishes, there’s always room for both beauty and practicality.

Local trades and services are also a key part of home improvement. From landscape designers and builders to painters and plant nurseries, tapping into regional expertise not only boosts your own space but supports the community too.

No matter the size of your home or garden, small improvements can make a big difference. Start where you are, use what you have, and watch your space come to life.

Would you like to shine a light on your business while connecting with the Hinchinbrook business community? The Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism is inviting local businesses to host a Chamber Event. It is a great opportunity to boost your visibility, grow your network, and show the community what you do.

You can choose how you want to take part. There are two event styles available: Coffee Connections and Showcase Your Business, or you can even combine both.

Coffee Connections is a morning event held from 7:30am to 9:00am. You open your doors to local professionals and community members, offer coffee and light refreshments, and welcome a guest speaker. It is a relaxed and social setting designed to encourage conversations and connections.

Showcase Your Business events can be held at a time that suits you. These sessions give you the chance to walk attendees through your space, introduce your team, and highlight your services or products in action.

Whether you choose a morning catch-up or a full tour of your operations, Chamber Events are all about celebrating and supporting local business. The Chamber will help tailor the event to suit your needs.

To learn more or to get involved, contact the Hinchinbrook Chamber today at: admin@hinchinbrookchamber.com.au

Loneliness Awareness Week has just wrapped up, and it was a good reminder to check in on those around you: When was the last time you called your mum? Sent a message to your mate? Or checked in with yourself?

Loneliness doesn’t always look like isolation, it can sneak in quietly. When you feel flat around people, keep busy to avoid thinking, or just don’t feel like “yourself.”

In small towns like Ingham, where life is full and familiar, it can be hard to speak up.

That’s why we’re growing our team here at Tumbleweed Therapies. We’ve been offering outreach clinics in Ingham for over two years now, and we’re excited to welcome Lucia Bunce, an accredited counsellor, to the local team. Lucia brings seven years of experience, a calm, grounded approach, and a passion for helping people feel heard and understood.

Whether it’s stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, burnout or something else you can’t quite name, having someone to talk to can make all the difference. Having someone to talk to is the first step toward overcoming loneliness.

Take the time to check in on yourself so you’re in the right space to check in on others, too.

Support is closer than you think. Contact the Tumbleweed Therapies team on 07 4463 8679, or email intake@tumbleweedtherapies.com and check out their website: www.tumbleweedtherapies.com.au.

Help is right around the corner.

On Monday, the 18th of August, we commemorate the 59th anniversary of a battle between North Vietnamese and Australian Army soldiers. The result was at least 245 Vietnamese Soldiers killed, 18 Aussies killed, and 39 wounded. Those who survived the battle agree that without the Australian, United States and in particular the New Zealand Artillery, the Australian casualties would have been much higher.

There were many other battles during the 10-year war (1962 – 1972), but the Battle of Long Tan was the one that cost Australia the most casualties. Eventually, 521 Aussies paid the ultimate sacrifice in the jungles of South Vietnam, and approximately 3,000 were wounded out of a total force of 61,000.

Like those who used to gather to remember their comrades after the First World War, then the 2nd World War, the Korean War, and the Malayan Emergency. Long Tan Day or Vietnam Veterans Day will eventually morph into Veterans Day, and it is the fervent wish of all Veterans that other young men will never again be selected by birthday lottery to serve in another bloody war.

LEST WE FORGET

Contributed by Robert Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch

Get ready for a full day of thrills, spills, and non-stop excitement as the 2025 Long Pocket Earthmoving Ingham Sugar City Rodeo is just around the corner. On Saturday, 6 September, the Ingham Showgrounds will come alive with adrenaline-pumping rodeo action, family fun, and a true celebration of the region’s rural heritage.

Gates open at 8:00am, giving spectators the perfect chance to grab a great seat and soak in the atmosphere before the main events kick off. This year’s program features more than 25 rodeo events, from juniors and novice riders to professional competitions, feature events, and the ever-popular charity ride. Expect top-quality stock, provided by local contractors, and professional competition thanks to the event’s ABCRA affiliation.

Beyond the arena, the day offers something for everyone. Enjoy live music, tempting food stalls, local market vendors, and the warm hospitality that makes Ingham such a special place.

“This event is not just about the rodeo, it’s about bringing people together,” said a representative from the Ingham Rodeo Committee. “It’s a true celebration of Ingham and everything we love about life in the north.”

Whether you’re cheering from the grandstands, browsing market stalls, or tucking into a hearty meal from a local food truck, this is a highlight of the North Queensland events calendar you won’t want to miss.

What: 2025 Ingham Sugar City Rodeo
When: Saturday 6 September 2025, gates open 8:00am
Where: Ingham Showgrounds, Ingham

Mark 10th Birdlife Art Awards

More than 280 people gathered to celebrate Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s 10th Birdlife Art Awards at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery on Friday night, 1 August 2025. This milestone event continues to honour the rich birdlife of the Hinchinbrook region through the eyes of talented artists from across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It features an impressive 106 entries across various mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.

Open Award winner Kevin Young was emotional after the announcement, they said. “To be chosen from among so many amazing works—it’s given me the boost to keep pushing myself, and I hope it inspires others to keep going too.”

Birdlife Art Awards Open To Celebrate 10 Years Of Creativity And Conservation

Cr Donna Marbelli, Council’s Community and Culture Service Portfolio holder, said each piece showcases bird species found in Hinchinbrook, home to over 230 bird species, to the broader natural landscapes that inspire our local creatives.

“The Birdlife Art Awards are more than just an art competition,” Cr Marbelli said. “They’re a celebration of our environment, our community, and the incredible talent we have in our backyard.”

Kevin Young won the Birdlife Art Awards' top prize for their striking piece Brolga, which impressed judges with its creativity, technique, and deep connection to Hinchinbrook’s birdlife. The artwork was inspired by a powerful moment on a road trip, when Kevin witnessed a pair of brolgas dancing in a paddock, a sight that left a lasting impact.

“We pulled over and just watched,” Kevin recalled. “They started doing their dance, and it was an emotional event. And when the male threw his head, that image stayed in my mind, and so I had to do something with it. I had to. It's not a choice. It was a need to do so.”

Nick Dametto MP was among the many guests at the opening night and praised the calibre of entries and the dedication of organisers; "Every year I'm absolutely blown away, just like the locals that attend and people that come from out of town to enjoy the inaugural Bird Life Awards, it's absolutely spectacular.

The event is proudly supported by valued sponsors, each of whom has chosen a specific award category to sponsor:

Open Award sponsored by Windlab – Kevin Young: Brolga
Local Artist Award sponsored by Guido’s Panel and Paint – Sharon Cislowski: What the water knows
Youth Award sponsored by Ingham Real Estate - Esther-Rose McCaul: Black Cockatoo
Painting (2D) sponsored by Bisson’s Electrical – Kristina Fontana: Peewee Afterparty
Watercolour sponsored by Frosty Mango – Sahan Kulathunge: The Black Beauty
Mixed Media sponsored by Jenark Business Solutions – Diane Beningfield: Terrible Trio
Works on Paper – Amy Venn: The Bathers
Photography sponsored by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables – Stan Skeates: Pull the other one
Creamics – Meg Allford: Backyard Visitor
Sculptural Form sponsored by KDM Allsorts – Fran Nason: Cockatoo Sunrise

Voting for the People’s Choice Award sponsored by Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto will remain open until the close of the exhibition, with the winner of this category announced on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025.

To vote, please visit the TYTO Regional Art Gallery. The 10th Hinchinbrook Birdlife Art Awards will be on display daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm until Saturday, 30th August 2025. The full gallery of social photos from the opening night is avaliable online at: hinchinbrooklife.com

Friends of a feather celebrating art together, if you haven't yet, go and see all the beautiful birds artfully depicted in the Tyto Gallery. It's flocking fantastic to see the skill and love for Hinchinbrook's birdlife on display. I know I was thrown to the wind by a few of the pieces, and maybe you fall so in love with one, you may even purchase it to take home after the exhibition finishes.

This week was also a time to recognise our local legends and heroes, Police and Rural Fireies, receiving awards for their dedication and service. I got to meet Ian of the Ingahm S.E.S., and I can say I never knew how much they did for the community. Thank you all for your service to this community and beyond.

Things are also ramping up for the Australian UFO festival. This looks to be the best festival for anyone who loves everything about the stars and beyond, and as someone who has never experienced an alien encounter (yet!), I am definitely looking forward to reporting on it, maybe I'll even see a few of you there enjoying the workshops or partying it up in your best alien disguises.

Victoria

Fun Fact: Spaceballs is a 1987 American space opera parody film co-written, produced and directed by Mel Brooks. It primarily parodies the original Star Wars trilogy and was one of the first sci-fi films I ever saw, sparking a love for Mel Brooks films and the sci-fi genre. Doctor Who was also a childhood favourite, who's your favourite Doctor?

In the wake of February’s devastating weather event, the Lions District of North Queensland, in partnership with Lions Clubs International, has launched a special Disaster Recovery Fund to support flood-affected families across the Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast regions.

With up to $1000 available per household, the fund is designed to assist those who have suffered severe loss or disruption due to the floods. It can help cover essential items and immediate needs, from replacing basic household goods to easing the financial burden of recovery and rebuilding their lives.

For the Lions Club, every contribution counts towards the journey of restoration.

The initiative reflects the Lions’ enduring commitment to community service, ensuring that support is not only fast-tracked but also local and accessible. More than a financial contribution, this fund is a gesture of solidarity, recognising that real recovery takes time, care and collective effort. List your preferred supplier and shop locally too; recipients are encouraged to support their local businesses, which were also impacted by the flood.

For more information or to apply for assistance, contact the Ingham Lions Club at inghamlionsclub@gmail.com.

In times of crisis, the Lions are once again proving that when a disaster strikes, kindness and community rise to meet it.