New apprentices, from left Tristan Milan (boiler making), Mitchel Jayo (fitting and turning), Deegan Mancinelli (electrical) and Rhys Stewart (electrical). Photo source: Wilmar Sugar Australia

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has welcomed 18 first-year apprentices across its operations this year, with the new recruits already settling into roles spanning electrical, fitting and turning, boilermaking and diesel fitting trades.

The apprentices officially commenced in February and are now working across the company’s Sugar and Renewables division as part of one of Queensland’s largest apprenticeship programs.

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Group Manager Mechanical Engineering Tienie van Blerk said the new apprentices had adapted well to their roles and embraced the company’s workplace values.

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“They've integrated really well into the business and are demonstrating the values of teamwork and passion in their day-to-day work,” Mr van Blerk said.

“I'm really impressed by how keen they are to learn from our experienced trades and become the best they can be.”

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Group Manager Electrical Instrumentation and Control Chris Pickering said apprentices at Wilmar benefited from exposure to a wide range of advanced technologies and industrial systems.

“The sugar industry is known for turning out really well-rounded apprentices and our factories have some of the most advanced technological platforms available,” Mr Pickering said.

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“Our electrical trades are working with advanced automation and control systems, modern power generation and distribution systems, and smart instrumentation. Most electrical apprentices only get exposure to a narrow range of equipment. Ours are trained across a large range of industrial plant.”

General Manager Engineering Istvan Torok said the apprenticeship program played an important role in the company’s long-term workforce development and retention strategy.

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“We have one of the largest and most successful apprenticeship programs in Queensland,” Mr Torok said.

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“Not only do we have a very high completion rate, but we have a high retention rate among our newly qualified tradespeople. These first-year apprentices will become the highly-skilled tradespeople we rely upon to keep our factories, locos and mobile fleet running efficiently. They'll also become mentors for future generations of apprentices at our sites.”

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables currently employs around 120 apprentices across the business.

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Applications for the company’s 2027 apprenticeship intake will open on 9th June.

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The Federal Government is seeking feedback on proposed Right to Repair reforms that aim to repair access for agricultural machinery and support independent repairers. Photo source: Shutterstock

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The Federal Government is seeking feedback on proposed Right to Repair reforms aimed at expanding repair options for farmers, drivers and small businesses while helping reduce machinery downtime and maintenance costs.

Released last Thursday, the discussion paper outlines plans to extend Australia’s existing Right to Repair framework to agricultural machinery and make improvements to the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme, which has operated since 2022.

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The scheme requires vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repairers with access to service and repair information at a fair market price, supporting competition and consumer choice in the repair industry.

According to the Federal Government, a review of the scheme found it had been broadly successful, contributing to a $2.4 billion increase in annual turnover across the independent repair sector.

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Under the proposed changes, farmers and regional businesses could gain faster access to repair information for agricultural machinery, helping reduce costly delays during critical periods such as planting and harvest seasons.

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The Productivity Commission estimates expanding Right to Repair laws to agriculture could increase annual GDP by $97 million through increased grain outputs alone by reducing downtime during harvest.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the reforms aimed to give farmers greater flexibility and support regional repair businesses.

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“Our Government’s Right to Repair reforms will give farmers genuine choice about who repairs and services their machinery, while ensuring independent repairers have access to the information they need to compete fairly,” Ms Collins said.

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“By extending Right to Repair laws to include agricultural machinery, these changes will help reduce downtime, lower repair costs and keep farm operations moving when it matters most. This is a win for farmers, a win for regional businesses and a win for competition.”

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Minister for Small Business Anne Aly said the reforms would support small businesses and operators relying on machinery to stay productive.

“We know small businesses can’t afford to be out of action when machinery breaks, so we’re making it easier for small businesses, farmers and drivers to keep moving with access to fast and affordable repairs,” Ms Aly said.

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Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh said the reforms were designed to strengthen competition and improve access to repair services.

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“Whether it’s repairing a car or a tractor, Australian drivers and farmers deserve access to choice and competitive prices,” Dr Leigh said.

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Treasury is now seeking feedback from stakeholders and industry representatives on the proposed expansion to agricultural machinery and other improvements to the existing scheme. The consultation period is open until Friday, 3 July, 2026, with further information available via consult.treasury.gov.au.

Growers are being asked to absorb the cost of poor milling performance while serious questions remain over the long-term capacity and reliability of the local milling sector, CANEGROWERS Herbert River Chairman Steven Marbelli has said. 

Mr Marbelli said recent media coverage had focused too narrowly on the crush start date, when the real issue was whether growers should be expected to carry the cost of milling performance problems. 

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“CANEGROWERS is refusing to gamble with members’ long-term profitability,” Mr Marbelli said. 

“Starting earlier may look like the easy option, but if it shifts the cost of poor milling performance onto growers, it is not a solution. 

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“This is not about delaying the season for the sake of it. It is about standing up for growers, protecting their returns, and making sure the mill is held to the agreement growers negotiated.” 

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CANEGROWERS Herbert River is supporting a 16 June commencement date for the 2026 crush, in line with the position backed by the overwhelming majority of members who responded to a recent grower survey. 

The organisation has formally issued Wilmar Sugar with a Notice of Dispute and is seeking mediation through the Australian Disputes Centre over Wilmar’s proposed 9 June start date. 

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Under the Cane Supply Agreement, the nominal intended start date is the first Tuesday of the crushing season on or after 15 June, unless Wilmar and the growers’ bargaining representative reasonably agree otherwise. 

Mr Marbelli said CANEGROWERS Herbert River did not believe there had been a material change in circumstances to justify moving away from that agreed framework. 

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“The crop forecast is around 4.1 million tonnes,” he said. 

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“Under the agreement, a 4.125 million tonne crop should be crushed within 149 days. Even a 4.75 million tonne crop carries a performance guarantee period of 154 days. 

“Wilmar is proposing to start earlier while budgeting for a 24-week season, or about 165 days, for a crop of around 4.1 million tonnes. 

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“That raises the central question for growers – why should the season be pushed earlier if the real issue is mill performance?” 

Mr Marbelli said growers carried the financial impact when cane was crushed outside the optimal window, whether at the start or end of the season. 

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“Lower CCS has a direct impact on grower returns, while the mill receives the first four units of sugar regardless,” he said. 

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“Growers lose when the season drags on, when cane is stood over, and when cane is crushed before it has reached its optimal sugar content. 

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“That is why this dispute is about more than one week in June.” 

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Mr Marbelli said poor milling performance and delayed crushing seasons had become a spiralling issue for the local industry, with growers increasingly carrying the financial burden. 

“Mill infrastructure should be maintained and upgraded so the crop can be crushed within the agreed optimal window,” he said. 

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“Performance guarantees exist for a reason. They protect growers when the mill cannot crush the crop within the agreed timeframe. 

“But repeated reliance on performance guarantee payments is no substitute for the maintenance, reliability and investment needed to crush the crop properly and efficiently.” 

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CANEGROWERS Herbert River is also concerned that accepting earlier start dates could set a damaging precedent for future seasons. 

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“If the district accepts an earlier start for a crop of around 4.1 million tonnes, growers are entitled to ask what happens when the crop is larger,” Mr Marbelli said. 

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“Do we keep shifting the season earlier and earlier, or do we deal with the real issue – milling performance? 

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“CANEGROWERS is not prepared to accept a situation where growers are expected to absorb the cost of milling constraints year after year. 

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“Our focus is on holding the mill to the agreement, protecting grower returns, and securing the long-term future of the Herbert River sugarcane industry.” 

“Protecting growers is not a gamble. It is exactly what CANEGROWERS has been doing for 100 years.”

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Last Saturday I was honoured to be invited to the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Annual Presentation Night and to witness a historical moment in the club’s history when Melissa Hall was awarded Life Membership of the club.  

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Melissa’s well-deserved recognition of exemplary service to the club was indeed a special moment in the club’s history, but what made it all so much more special for Melissa and the club was that Melissa is the third member of the one family to be awarded Life Membership, with her father, Lenny Chiesa (1986), and mum, Pam (1989), also life members. Congratulations Melissa, and congratulations also to all the Chiesa family who, on my observation on the night, still have three generations of family actively involved in surf lifesaving at Forrest Beach.

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Congratulations also to Helen Stanton, who was also recognised for a lifetime of service to the club and lifesaving by Life Membership, and congratulations to all club members and supporters on a massive year on the beach, winning through many events and carnivals. As a club, you do our community proud. With the net out of the water at the moment, we hope you all take the opportunity to have a well-earned break through the winter.

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Congratulations also to the Taylors Beach Progress Association on the running of another successful family fishing classic over the weekend. With a record-breaking 287 entrants and an ever-growing prize pool, the event is growing significantly in popularity and is well and truly entrenched as a major family event in our community annual calendar. Congratulations to Jim and the team—job well done. I am going to nominate next year and get amongst those magnificent prizes myself.

I receive many comments from the public about the perception that we are experiencing significant water line breakages of late. The fact is that we are, although I wouldn’t say the number is extraordinary or above what normally has occurred historically. Would you be surprised if I told you that in Queensland, a water main breaks every 73 minutes?

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There are many reasons why water lines break: movement in the ground, water hammer from unauthorised openings, pressure fluctuations due to lightning strikes on pump stations, as occurred in November/December last year, and of course the occasional deep ripping by monstrous tractors about the place, to name a few.

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A big issue is, of course, the age of the infrastructure, and this is not an issue facing us alone. The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ)’s recently released report highlights the scale of the ageing infrastructure challenge facing Queensland councils and the communities they represent.

‘The Last Drop: Fixing Queensland’s Infrastructure Cliff’ report indicates that a $5 billion shortfall in funding for urgently needed water and wastewater renewals is needed to address the issue facing Queensland councils.

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It also presses home the need for a dedicated funding source for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Queensland, it’s one of our key asks in the upcoming State Budget.

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‘The Last Drop’ lays bare the “perfect storm” facing water and wastewater services, with ageing assets causing a pipe to break every 73 minutes across the state, a worsening trend since 2018.

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The LGAQ has indicated that councils and ratepayers cannot shoulder this significant burden and financial risk alone, and that’s why LGAQ is continuing to call on the State Government to act now.

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In Mount Fox, a community of around 100 people, something pretty impressive is happening and it’s all about recycling.

When we first introduced the Mount Fox Community Recycling Hub, the goal was simple: make recycling easier and more accessible, and see what happens. What we’ve seen since then has been nothing short of encouraging.

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Since the trial wrapped up in October last year, the community has continued to build on that momentum. Between October 2025 and May 2026, 16,800 litres of recyclables were collected across 15 services.

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For a town this size, that’s a significant effort and proof that small actions really do add up.

What stands out most to me isn’t just the numbers, but the consistency. Even with road works on the Mount Fox Range, recycling volumes increased by 23 per cent. That tells me this isn’t just a one-off success. It’s become part of everyday life. Recycling doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about making the right choice, day in and day out.

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And the Mount Fox community has shown that when you make it simple, people are more than willing to get involved.

I’ve also been really pleased to see the respect shown toward the facility. Contamination has stayed low, there’s been no damage or misuse, and residents have taken real pride in keeping the site clean and functional.

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I want to sincerely thank the Mount Fox community for embracing this initiative and working together to make it a success. That sense of ownership and community pride is what makes projects like this thrive.

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I also want to acknowledge the Council team who helped bring this initiative to life.  

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From planning through to delivery and ongoing support, their work has made it possible for a small community like Mount Fox to access a service that makes a real difference.

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At the end of the day, good waste management isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about people, and Mount Fox has shown that when communities are given the right tools, they step up and make them work.

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And that’s something worth talking about.

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SKY Renewables Growers Town Hall Meeting at the Noorla Bowls Club in Ingham. Photo supplied

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Enthusiasm for a biofuels industry built off Hinchinbrook’s sugarcane industry is growing in Ingham, with more than sixty canegrowers, community representatives and business leaders assembling for a town hall meeting last Monday.

With low sugar prices and rising costs hitting the local industry hard, there has never been a more important time for growers to look at diversifying their income streams.  

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SKY Renewables, a growing Queensland-based biofuels proponent and host of the town hall meeting, has been working with canegrowers in the Burdekin since 2018 to refine a proposal that links highquality Queensland agricultural feedstock, world-leading technology and increasing global demand for products like sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.

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Project Lion aims to turn the tops and trash of the cane plant and fallow crops into these low-carbon liquid fuels using a combination of thermal gasification and Fischer-Tropsch technologies.  

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SKY Renewables Founder and CEO, Simon Yim, said that the early recognition of the importance of feedstock, and persevering with direct engagements with primary producers in North Queensland, are what set the company apart.

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“We are passionate about engaging growers from day one. Without secure feedstock, biofuels projects simply do not get off the ground”, Mr Yim said.  

“We understand that canegrowers in the Hinchinbrook do things differently to the Burdekin, but the principle remains the same: paying growers an attractive price for a product that is underutilised and undervalued.

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“However, it makes complete sense that we partner with growers in the Herbert River and Hinchinbrook district to help firm up our projects.

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“We are just wrapping up pre-feasibility studies and will move to front-end engineering and design so we can finally get a biofuels industry going here in North Queensland.  

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“We look forward to sharing the benefits of the opportunities this new industry brings with local growers”.

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Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Jayo said ‘Keeping our communities connected is critical. Not just for residents, but for agriculture,’ here shown with Wayde Chiesa MP, member for Hinchinbrook, talking with Tony Perrett MP, Member for Gympie & Queensland Minister for Primary Industries during recent visit to the region. Photo sourced: Tony Perrett MP’s Facebook page.

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Fifteen months on from the 2025 severe weather events, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is delivering a major, multi-year disaster recovery program, repairing damage across more than 300 roads and essential infrastructure assets.

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Funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the $36.2 million recovery and reconstruction program is restoring critical infrastructure and community assets across the Shire following impacts from the North and Far North Tropical Low (January–February 2025) and the North Queensland Monsoon Trough, including Tropical Cyclone Koji (December 2025).

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Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the recovery program was critical to restoring confidence and connectivity across the region.

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“This is about delivering for Queensland by rebuilding vital infrastructure, reconnecting communities and restoring safety where you live after a challenging disaster season,” Mr Chiesa said.

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Mayor Ramon Jayo said the scale of the program reflects both the extent of damage and the importance of rebuilding stronger.

“Fifteen months on, this work is still ongoing because of the scale of the impact across our region,” Mayor Jayo said.

“These events significantly affected our roads, infrastructure, and community facilities, and this program is about restoring what was lost while ensuring Hinchinbrook is better prepared for the future.”

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A key component of the program is a $28.38 million road and infrastructure recovery effort, delivering repairs across more than 300 roads, streets and access routes throughout the region.

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“Keeping our communities connected is critical. Not just for residents, but for agriculture, freight, and emergency services. These works ensure our network remains safe, reliable, and resilient,” he said.

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Council also undertook an extensive emergency response, with more than $2.5 million invested in Counter Disaster Operations, including coordinating response efforts, managing road closures, deploying crews, and supporting affected communities.

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Immediate recovery works valued at $2.51 million were carried out to restore access, stabilise infrastructure, and ensure public safety in the aftermath of the events.

In addition, $2.51 million is being delivered through the Community and Recreational Asset Recovery Grants program, supporting the restoration of 41 community facilities across the Shire, including parks, walking tracks, the TYTO precinct, and key public buildings.

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Mayor Jayo said the recovery effort is focused on both infrastructure and community wellbeing.

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“This is not just about rebuilding roads, it’s about restoring the places people rely on every day and ensuring our community remains connected, active, and supported.”

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The program is being delivered in stages, with major reconstruction works continuing through to 2027 and 2028 in line with funding timeframes.

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This is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth–state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

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Regina Veivers has been appointed the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station following a 26-year career serving regional Queensland communities. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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After more than two decades serving regional Queensland communities, becoming the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station is a milestone Regina Veivers says reflects both personal achievement and the evolving face of policing leadership.

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“Being appointed as the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station is something I feel incredibly proud and humbled by,” she said.

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“Whilst it is a significant milestone personally, I also see it as a reflection of the positive evolution of policing and leadership within the Queensland Police Service and the broader community.”

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Regina said the appointment marked the culmination of 26 years of hard work, growth and experience across a wide range of policing roles. Over the years, her career with the Queensland Police Service has seen her serve several communities across the Townsville and Mount Isa Districts in operational and supervisory positions including prosecutions, domestic and family violence response, quality assurance and frontline policing.

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Regina strongly believes each of those experiences has helped shape her leadership style and in turn, reinforced the importance of empathy, accountability and strong relationships between police and the community.

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“My policing career began with a genuine desire to help people and make a positive difference in the community,” she reflected.

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“Policing is not just about enforcement, it’s about supporting people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, building partnerships and creating safer communities.”

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Regina said she hoped her appointment would encourage more women to pursue leadership opportunities within policing and beyond.

“I hope it demonstrates to other women within policing and the community that leadership roles are achievable and that diverse leadership perspectives strengthen organisations,” she said.  

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“Leadership opportunities are available to anyone willing to put themselves forward, work hard and remain committed to their values,” she said.

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Over the course of her career, Regina said she had witnessed significant positive change in the opportunities available to women in policing.

“There are now far greater opportunities for women to step into operational and leadership positions, and there is stronger recognition of the value that diversity brings to decision making, culture and community engagement,” she said.

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“Importantly, I have also seen increasing support for flexible leadership styles, collaboration and wellbeing-focused approaches which benefit policing as a whole.”

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Having lived in the Hinchinbrook region for more than two decades, Regina believes her connection to the community has continued to grow through years of working alongside local officers, community members, support services and partner agencies.

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“Ingham is a unique community with a strong sense of resilience, pride and connection. It’s a region where relationships matter and policing is most effective when trust and communication sit at the centre of everything we do.”

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Regina said policing in regional communities came with unique challenges, particularly during natural disasters and times of increased social pressure but also offered some of the most rewarding experiences.

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“In regional policing you work closely with the same community members over many years, which allows you to build genuine relationships and see the direct impact of your work,” she said.

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“I have seen firsthand the willingness of people to come together and support one another during difficult times. Being able to contribute positively during those times is something I value deeply.”

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Regina strongly encourages young women considering a career in policing or leadership to back themselves and embrace new challenges.

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“My advice would be to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone — get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” she said.

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“Leadership is about being authentic, treating people with respect, remaining resilient and being willing to be a lifelong learner. There will always be challenges, but there are also enormous opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and in your community. Every interaction is an opportunity.”

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Tragedy struck at the heart of a spear fishing expedition over the weekend when a 39-year-old man was attacked by what was believed to be a Bull Shark.

The incident occurred off the coast of Tully at Kennedy Shoal, about 30 kilometres from the Hull River Boat Ramp on Sunday 24^th May.

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The police were alerted at 11.50am with news that a boat containing four individuals, one in a critical condition, was returning to shore.

Nine News reported that the man had been in the water with one other person when the attack took place.

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He was brought back onto the vessel, but despite desperate attempts to keep him alive, he died as the result of a critical head injury.

Reports indicate that the area had been ‘swarming’ with Bull Sharks earlier that day, and many believe it was a Bull Shark that attacked.

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This is the second fatal shark attack in Australia in the past two weeks, following an incident in Western Australia several days ago.

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Our thoughts are with the family as this sad time.

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Community resilience and volunteer dedication were recognised in Townsville on Friday night at the Northern Region SES Awards, with the Ingham and Halifax SES Groups awarded the Regional Operational Response of the Year for their response during the 2025 floods.

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The award acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of volunteers who responded to more than 800 tasks under extreme conditions, including widespread power outages and limited communications, while continuing to support and protect their communities throughout a prolonged disaster event.

This recognition reflects the operational capability, teamwork and commitment demonstrated by local SES volunteers during one of the region’s most significant emergency responses.

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Local Controller Dan Cordner was also awarded Regional Member of the Year for his outstanding leadership, dedication and contribution to strengthening operational capability within the Unit.

Dan’s calm, hands-on approach and commitment to supporting both volunteers and the wider community exemplifies the values of the State Emergency Service and the important role SES members play across the region.

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These awards are not simply individual achievements. They represent the collective efforts of SES volunteers and staff across the Northern Region who consistently step forward during emergencies, often in difficult and demanding circumstances, to assist their communities.

These are everyday people with families, jobs and responsibilities, who make the conscious decision to step away from their own lives when disaster strikes and put our community first. That commitment deserves our deepest respect.

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The work undertaken by SES volunteers during disaster events comes at significant personal sacrifice, requiring long hours, resilience and an unwavering commitment to public safety and community support.

Congratulations to all award recipients and nominees, and thank you to every SES volunteer and staff member across the region for your continued service and dedication to the community.

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Your efforts do not go unnoticed and our communities are stronger because of you.

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Forrest Beach Realty’s Lisa Scobie brings a refreshing blend of business acumen and authentic local passion to the regional property market. Whilst Lisa stepped into the real estate industry 12 months ago, she is far from a stranger to client-focused industries. Having owned and operated local small businesses for more than 12 years, she has built a flawless reputation grounded in premier customer service and deep community connection.

What truly sets Lisa and the team at Forrest Beach Realty apart is their intrinsic understanding of the relaxed coastal lifestyle. For Lisa, real estate is not just about transactions; it is about helping people discover a community and way of life they can fall in love with.

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The agency prides itself on offering personalised, honest service, building lasting relationships through trust, open communication, and unmatched local knowledge.

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"In the current market, buyers should focus on preparation, patience, and long-term value. With strong demand and limited supply continuing across our regional and coastal areas, well-presented properties still attract solid interest. Have your finance organised, do thorough research, and view real estate as a long-term investment that suits both your lifestyle and your budget," said Lisa.

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Lisa specialises in residential real estate, expertly guiding clients through the sale of houses and vacant land, alongside managing holiday accommodation and property rentals. Her expertise is perfectly tailored to helping buyers, sellers, investors, and holidaymakers navigate the unique coastal and regional market.

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A fresh chapter in local travel has begun, with Mercedes Travel – Helloworld officially acquiring Ingham Travel on Lannercost Street. The store will operate under the leadership of respected local travel expert Lea Vincenzi, who brings 14 years of industry experience and a deep commitment to personalised service.

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Mercedes Travel – Helloworld introduces renewed energy, modern travel solutions, and a passion for creating unforgettable holidays, cruises, and touring experiences for the Ingham and wider Hinchinbrook community.

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Driving the expansion is Mercedes Gonzalez, an industry leader with more than 40 years of experience, based in Cairns and proud of her early ties to Ingham. Mercedes is confident the refreshed brand will turn travel dreams into reality, backed by Lea’s exceptional customer service and extensive knowledge, regarded as some of the best in the business.

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Drop by the Ingham Travel Office between 10am & 2pm from Monday to Friday, or reach out to Lea at Lea@mercedestravel.com.au or call 04 1761 3772.

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Steven can come to you to help set up that pesky router or figure out what has gone wrong with your smart TV. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Navigating computer and technology glitches can be a daunting task for many Hinchinbrook residents, particularly when it involves dismantling hardware to haul it into a local shop. Steven Veltmeyer is eliminating this hassle by bringing adaptable, on-site IT assistance straight to residential homes and corporate workplaces.

Offering comprehensive aid for desktops, laptops, smartphones, smart TVs, surveillance cameras, Wi-Fi networks, and email setups, Steven’s on-the-go service prioritises sensible, real-world solutions tackled right where the issues arise.

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“I started Steven’s IT Services because I could see that many people in Hinchinbrook needed reliable IT help but didn’t always have the time, ability, or confidence to disconnect their equipment and take it into a shop,” Steven said.

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“The ‘I come to you’ approach makes it much easier for people, as it at no extra cost. I can see the issue at the home or business where it actually happens.”

Operating directly alongside locals and small-business owners enables Steven to swiftly troubleshoot faults, whether dealing with a sluggish operating system, malware, patchy Wi-Fi, or the configuration of brand-new gear.

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“The biggest advice I give people is to keep things simple and keep everything updated regularly,” he said.

Ultimately, Steven notes that whilst resolving hardware and software issues is crucial, his favourite aspect of the job is empowering clients to feel at ease with their digital tools.

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“One of the things I enjoy most about running Steven’s IT Services is helping people feel more confident with technology. IT shouldn’t be intimidating as it should make life easier. Being able to provide local, friendly support where people live and work is something I’m really proud of, and I’m always happy to help the community stay connected and secure.”

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Come join us at the feast of St Anthony’s. Photo supplied

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The Bemerside community is preparing to celebrate the 99th annual Feast of St Anthony on Sunday, 14 June 2026. This much-loved local tradition brings together faith, family, and community in a day filled with prayer, food, and festivities.

As the only celebration of its kind held in the Townsville diocese, this cherished event has stood strong for nearly a century. Today, the next generation continues to honour the important religious occasion, with some visitors travelling great distances to attend.

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Throughout the afternoon, a variety of food and drink stalls will be operating, offering everything from a BBQ and fish and chips to granita, cannoli, cakes, and sandwiches. A licensed bar, tea, coffee, and soft drinks will also be available.

Entertainment for all ages will feature live music from Anthony Fracchia, alongside a jumping castle for the children, a bottle stall, the 500 Club, and a monster raffle. Religious articles will also be featured.

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This annual celebration remains a valued part of the Hinchinbrook region’s cultural and spiritual life, and everyone is warmly invited to attend, share in the vibrant community spirit, and honour tradition.

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For more information please contact Anthony on 0408 151 833

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Event Schedule

• 11:00 am: Celebration of Mass, led by the Parish Priest.

• 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Lunch, stalls, and entertainment.

• 2:30 pm: Procession and Rosary, followed by the Blessing of Children and the Distribution of St Anthony’s Bread.

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WHAT: 99th Annual Feast of St Anthony.
WHEN: 11:00am - 6:00pm Sunday, 14th June 2026.
WHERE: St Anthony's Church on 18 Fulton Dr, Bemerside.

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Investing in Our Roads, Supporting Industry and Strengthening Our Community

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As your elected State Member, I’m pleased to share that important asphalt pavement maintenance works are underway on the Bruce Highway between Scovazzi’s Road and Larsen’s Road. This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to improving road safety and ensuring Queenslanders can travel on well-maintained, reliable infrastructure. By undertaking these works, we are addressing wear and tear while enhancing driving conditions for the many commuters, freight operators and families who rely on this critical transport corridor each and every day.

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Further to this, motorists are advised of temporary traffic changes on the Bruce Highway near Ollera Creek from 26 May to 17 July, between 6am and 6pm, to allow for essential geotechnical investigation works. These investigations are a key step in planning future improvements and maintaining the long-term resilience of our road network. I encourage everyone travelling through the area to plan ahead, follow signage, and take extra care.

Road safety remains a top priority, and while I understand roadworks can at times be inconvenient, they are vital to delivering safer and more efficient roads for our community. I urge all motorists travelling through work zones to drive carefully, follow traffic directions, and allow extra travel time where possible. Your patience and cooperation play an important role in keeping both road workers and fellow drivers safe.

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Strong infrastructure like this not only improves safety, it also supports the success of our key local industries. In that context, I recently had the incredible opportunity to tour the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal with Sugar Terminals Limited, gaining a firsthand look at one of North Queensland’s most significant export operations.

It is remarkable to think that a simple stick of cane planted right here in our district can be grown, harvested, and transported from local fields to international markets, where it is used in a wide range of products and industries around the world. This journey highlights not only the strength of our local agricultural sector, but also the critical role our transport networks play in connecting producers to global markets. I extend my sincere thanks to the team at the terminal for taking the time to show us through and share their knowledge.

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At the same time, it is equally important that we preserve the heritage that defines our region. It is great to see funding allocated under the North and Far North Tropical Low Heritage Disaster Recovery Grant toward Ingham’s Gairloch Bridge Conservation Project. This iconic local landmark holds cherished memories for so many and has long served as a vital connection point within our community. The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the preservation of heritage-listed places and the landmarks that tell the story of our region.

Looking ahead, I also encourage community members and stakeholders to stay informed and have their say on broader policy matters affecting Queensland. The Queensland Productivity Commission has been tasked with undertaking a public inquiry into the impacts of the Australian Government’s 2025 reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

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This inquiry will examine how these changes affect Queensland in practice, including regulatory and economic impacts, implementation risks, and operational arrangements. Importantly, it will also consider opportunities to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden while improving efficiency; an issue that matters greatly to our industries, regional communities, and future development.

The Commission will shortly release a call for submissions, and I encourage interested individuals, businesses and organisations to take part in the process. You can also contact the Commission directly at enquiry@qpc.qld.gov.au to contribute or learn more.

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By continuing to invest in our roads, support our industries, preserve our heritage, and engage in important policy discussions, we are building a stronger, more resilient future for Hinchinbrook and all Queenslanders.

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