Nicole Kelly, Mayor Teresa Millwood, Lainie Poon.  Photo credit: Regional Development Australia Tropical North

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The achievements and contributions of businesses across the region were recognised at the recent Cassowary Coast Local Business Awards, with community leaders, business owners and industry representatives gathering for an evening celebrating local success.

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Held at the Innisfail Shire Hall on Friday evening, the event recognised businesses and individuals across a range of categories while highlighting the important role local enterprise continues to play within the regional economy and community.

Attendees praised the presentation of the evening, with the venue transformed for the occasion and guests enjoying catering by Rosco's and entertainment from Alissa Q.

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“Last night I was So proud to hear the testimonies from Local stakeholders who have invested in the Cassowary Coast and how our Economic Development Team along with The Economic Leadership Committee are working hard alongside council in driving positive change and making brave decisions to see our region prosper” Mayor Teresa Millwood

Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network congratulated all finalists and winners and also celebrated the success of several member businesses recognised on the night.

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“Congrats to all the finalists and winners. Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network is super proud of our six member businesses who were finalists.”

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The organisation highlighted the importance of recognising the contribution small businesses make to communities and regional growth.

Among the award recipients on the night was Tropical Vets Cassowary Coast Clinics, which received the 2026 Leading Employer Recognition Award.

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“We are incredibly proud to share that Tropical Vets Cassowary Coast Clinics, including Innisfail, Tully, Mission Beach and Cardwell, have received the 2026 Leading Employer Recognition Award at the Cassowary Coast Business Awards,” the clinic said.

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“This award reflects the passion, care and dedication of our amazing team across all of our clinics. We are so grateful to our staff and to the wonderful community who continue to trust us with your animals each and every day.”

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Winning In Their Category:

Outstanding Business Achievement - Mission Beach Dive,  

Customer Services Excellence - House of Valmai and Trade,  

Retail & Services Excellence - O'Brien Electrical Innisfail

Leading Employer Recognition Award - Tropical Vets Cassowary Coast Clinics

People’s Choice Award - Hair Manor Innisfail.

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With Mother’s Day still fresh in many families’ minds, it can also be a reminder that parenting is not always picture-perfect. Between school pressures, busy schedules and the emotional ups and downs that come with raising children, many North Queensland families are finding the start of the year more challenging than expected.

That is where services like Tumbleweed Therapies - Psychology are stepping in to help. Based in Townsville, the practice offers parenting and family counselling designed to support families through difficult periods, whether it is communication breakdowns, behavioural concerns, relationship stress or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily life.  

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Tumbleweed Therapies was founded with a focus on providing accessible mental health support to regional communities across North Queensland, recognising that families outside major cities can often struggle to access timely services. The practice works with children, adolescents and adults, offering support that is tailored to each family’s circumstances.

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Parenting itself has changed significantly in recent years. Families are balancing technology, social pressures, school demands and the ongoing challenge of maintaining healthy routines and relationships. Counselling can provide practical strategies, a safe space for open conversations and tools to help families reconnect.

Importantly, seeking support is no longer viewed as a last resort. More families are recognising that counselling can strengthen relationships before problems escalate. Whether it is helping parents better understand their child’s emotions or supporting families through life transitions, services like Tumbleweed Therapies - Psychology are helping North Queensland families navigate modern life with greater confidence and connection.

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When businesses first move their data and computing systems to the cloud, costs often appear manageable. However, as operations expand, cloud expenses can rise much faster than revenue. This growing problem is known as “cloud waste”, the unnecessary spending hidden within monthly cloud invoices.

Cloud waste occurs when businesses pay for resources that are not delivering value. Common examples include underused servers, storage linked to completed projects, and development or testing environments left running outside business hours. While cloud platforms make it easy to create resources on demand, they also make it easy to forget to switch them off. Because most cloud providers operate on a pay-as-you-go pricing model, unused resources continue generating costs around the clock.

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One major source of waste is over-provisioning. Businesses often choose larger servers or more computing power than required “just in case”, then fail to reduce capacity later. Orphaned resources are another common issue. When projects end, storage disks, IP addresses and load balancers are frequently left active, quietly adding to monthly bills. Idle databases and containers can also drain budgets over time.

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The scale of the issue is significant. According to a 2025 VMware report surveying more than 1,800 global IT leaders, nearly half believed more than 25 per cent of their public cloud spending was wasted, while 31 per cent estimated waste exceeded 50 per cent.

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Addressing cloud waste requires more than a simple audit. Many organisations are adopting a FinOps approach, which brings finance, technology and business teams together to manage cloud spending collaboratively. Rather than simply cutting costs, FinOps focuses on maximising the business value gained from every cloud dollar spent.

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Havana and Heath loved making their crafty gifts for their mums.

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At Halifax State School the prep students created a special “Love You to Pieces” wall hanging ornament for their mothers for Mother’s Day this year. The wording on the timber was laser engraved, and students carefully glued jigsaw pieces onto their hanging to complete the design.

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Students also personalised little white heart boxes and selected two chocolates to give to Mum. The gifts were beautifully wrapped using paper created from the students’ balloon paintings completed earlier in the week.

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Each gift for mum was crafted with love and each student had fun making them. Huge thanks to Mrs Jenny, for supplying the resources that allowed the preps to craft such thoughtful and lovely gifts.

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Robert and ITW Townsville generously donated a TrakFast gun to the school. Photo credit: Ingham State High School

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Our Construction students were extremely fortunate to take part in a specialised industry training session delivered by Robert Buckley from ITW Townsville. Experiences like this continue to provide our students with valuable opportunities to work directly with industry professionals and gain exposure to the latest technology being used in the construction industry.

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Throughout the session, students gained an insight into Ramset and the important role fastening systems play within the building and construction industry. Robert took students through the history and development of both mechanical and chemical fasteners, before showcasing how modern fastening technology has evolved to meet industry demands.

Students were trained in the correct use of ChemSet chemical fastening systems, as well as a variety of traditional mechanical fastening methods commonly used on construction sites today.

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The highlight of the day was students having the opportunity to use industry-standard equipment, including the TrakFast fastening system, allowing them to fix timber directly to steel and concrete, a fantastic hands-on experience that many students would not normally access until entering the workforce.

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We are also incredibly grateful to Robert and ITW Townsville for generously donating a TrakFast gun to the school. This equipment will allow us to continue training students with industry-standard tools and provide even more authentic, hands-on learning experiences within our Construction program.

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At Ingham State High School, we are proud to continue building strong partnerships with industry leaders to ensure our students are developing practical, job-ready skills and gaining authentic experiences that prepare them for future pathways in the construction industry.

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A huge thank you to Robert and ITW Townsville for supporting our students and helping bring real-world industry training into the classroom.

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Students working together in the kitchen to prepare a shared meal. Photo supplied

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Learning at our school is beginning to flourish through hands-on experiences that connect the garden to the kitchen. As part of the Pick of the Crop program, students have recently started working in the garden beds, learning how to care for plants and understand where food comes from.

Outdoors, students are developing responsibility as they begin planting, weeding and maintaining the garden spaces. These early steps are helping students build knowledge about growing fresh produce and the importance of caring for the environment. The garden is quickly becoming a purposeful space where students can engage in practical, meaningful learning.

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This learning is already extending into the kitchen, where students are exploring how ingredients can be used to create simple meals. Working together, students assist with preparing food, practising safe handling and sharing tasks. These experiences encourage teamwork and give students a sense of involvement in the food journey.

Although the program is still in its early stages, students are beginning to see the valuable connection between growing and preparing food. The combination of gardening and cooking is supporting the development of practical life skills while fostering curiosity and engagement.

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As the Pick of the Crop program continues, students will have even more opportunities to deepen their understanding and take pride in what they grow and create.

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Gilroy student Sophia doing Year 10 Work Experience. Photo supplied

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Without realising it, some of our greatest triumphs start from a seed planted while in secondary school.

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The encouragement given to students at Gilroy Santa Maria College to explore their career pathways and possibilities, often sparks success for years to come. Students who have experienced this journey are returning to the school yard on Thursday May 28 for a past student panel career discussion, at GSMC’s Beyond the Classroom evening.

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Featuring a range of professions including Engineers, Electricians and Miners, this experienced panel will discuss how they worked towards achieving their career aspirations while at Gilroy Santa Maria College and how encouragement from passionate educators developed their goals beyond any limits.

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The evening will also feature opportunities to meet the College’s Careers staff and find out how they work with students for maximum results.

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“This will be an exciting opportunity for local families to kick start or dive further into crafting their child’s career pathway. There are going to be great conversations from our past student panel,” says Marie Noble, GSMC VET and Careers Leader.  

Local businesses, educators and employers will also share their knowledge via the booths available to be explored on the night.

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Any businesses that would like to host a booth are welcome to express their interest to the College Office on 4776 2888.

Gilroy Santa Maria College ‘Beyond the Classroom’ career possibilities and pathways evening will take place at the College from 5pm-6:30pm on Thursday May 28. All local Year 10-12 students and their families are invited to attend.

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Northern Heavy Machinery can help you find the right machine for your job. Photo supplied

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Northern Heavy Machinery is a Townsville-based heavy equipment supplier and service provider working across North and Central Queensland. The team supports industries such as construction, mining, agriculture and earthmoving by providing machinery, parts and servicing that help keep operations running smoothly in tough regional conditions. At its core, the business is focused on practical support, reliability and building long-term relationships with customers who rely on their equipment every day.

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Rather than simply selling machinery, the team takes a hands-on approach, helping customers find the right equipment for the job and backing it up with servicing, repairs and parts support. This includes everything from heavy earthmoving machines through to smaller utility equipment, with a focus on keeping downtime to a minimum and productivity high.

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Northern Heavy Machinery is also looking forward to connecting with the community at the Rotary NQ Field Day 2026, where the team will be on site to meet attendees, answer questions and showcase a range of their machinery. It is a chance for local operators, contractors and farmers to see the equipment up close, talk directly with the people who service and supply it, and get practical advice tailored to their needs. Having machines on display also gives visitors a clearer understanding of what is available and how it performs in real working conditions.

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With a strong regional presence and a commitment to supporting North Queensland industries, Northern Heavy Machinery continues to focus on being a trusted partner both on the job site and within the wider community.

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Tec-NQ delivers specialised training across a range of trade and vocational areas, like carpentry and construction. Photo credit: Tec-NQ

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Tec-NQ is a leading provider of senior education, vocational training, and boarding opportunities in North Queensland, creating pathways for students to succeed both in the classroom and in industry. With a strong focus on hands-on learning, Tec-NQ offers students the opportunity to gain practical skills while completing their education in a supportive and industry-focused environment.

Located in Townsville, Tec-NQ delivers specialised training across a range of trade and vocational areas including engineering, automotive, plumbing, construction and electrical. The organisation prides itself on preparing students for real-world careers by working closely with local industries and employers to create work experience, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities.

It’s home to a growing boarding community, welcoming students from regional and remote areas across Queensland. The purpose-built boarding facilities provide students with a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment while they pursue their education and training goals.

Beyond the classroom and workshops, Tec-NQ places a strong emphasis on community involvement, student wellbeing, and personal growth. From sporting teams and leadership opportunities to community events and industry partnerships, students are encouraged to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills.

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With a commitment to innovation, opportunity, and student success, Tec-NQ continues to empower young people to achieve their goals and build successful futures.

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Roadworks have begun on the Bruce Highway between Ingham and Townsville. Photo credit: Queensland Department of Roads and Transport

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Motorists travelling between Townsville and Ingham are being advised to prepare for changed traffic conditions, with asphalt pavement maintenance works set to begin on the Bruce Highway between Scovazzis Road and Larsens Road.

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The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) says the works are part of ongoing road maintenance efforts aimed at improving the condition of the highway and maintaining safety for motorists using the route.

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Construction activities will take place across two stages. Day works are scheduled from Thursday, 14th May to Thursday, 21st May between 7:00am and 5:00pm. Night works will then continue from Sunday, 24th May through to Tuesday, 2nd June between 7:00pm and 5:00am. All construction remains subject to weather and site conditions.

During the works, motorists should expect changed traffic conditions. Traffic controllers will be on site during active construction periods to direct traffic and assist motorists travelling through the area.

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TMR has advised that access to all properties along the route will remain available throughout the works, while two-way traffic arrangements will be maintained outside active construction periods.

Drivers may also notice increased noise associated with heavy machinery and should be aware that traffic management signage may remain in place after construction activities have finished while final works such as line marking, pavement markers and signage reinstatement are completed.

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Variable message signs and advanced warning signs will be placed on approaches to the site to notify motorists of upcoming changes. Road users are encouraged to drive carefully through work zones, follow traffic directions and allow extra travel time where possible.

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Serving the Hinchinbrook region and beyond, Damo's Workwear has built a reputation as a trusted local supplier of quality workwear, safety gear and boots for a wide range of industries. The family-owned business focuses on helping customers find practical, durable clothing and protective equipment suited to demanding North Queensland conditions.

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From steel-capped boots and hi-vis clothing through to corporate uniforms and accessories, Damo’s Workwear stocks leading brands including Steel Blue, Bisley, Hard Yakka and FXD. The business also offers embroidery, screen-printing and clothing alteration services, giving local businesses and workers access to customised solutions tailored to their needs.  

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Known for its friendly service and strong local knowledge, the team prides itself on creating a welcoming environment where customers can receive practical advice and personalised support. Whether fitting out a large workforce or helping an individual find the right gear, Damo’s Workwear continues to be a go-to destination for reliable workwear across the region.

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Hinchinbrook MP Wayde Chiesa at Queensland Parliament in support of the work of Cancer Council Queensland. Photo credit: Wayde Chiesa MP Offices

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Local Hinchinbrook MP Wayde Chiesa is encouraging the community to get behind Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, highlighting the impact cancer continues to have on families across the region and throughout Queensland.

Speaking after attending Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at Queensland Parliament in support of the work of Cancer Council Queensland, Mr Chiesa said cancer remains an issue affecting countless households.

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“Cancer touches far too many families across Hinchinbrook and Queensland,” he said.

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“Every 20 minutes, a Queenslander receives a cancer diagnosis. If you can, put the kettle on, host a morning tea, and help support Queenslanders impacted by cancer.”

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea raises funds to support cancer research, prevention programs and support services for people affected by cancer. Community groups, workplaces, schools and individuals can all take part by hosting their own event and encouraging donations.

Local residents wanting to get involved, host an event or support the campaign can register through the official Australia's Biggest Morning Tea website: www.biggestmorningtea.com.au ‍

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has confirmed start dates for the 2026 sugar production season, with mills across the Burdekin, Proserpine and Plane Creek regions preparing to begin crushing in early June.

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The company’s four Burdekin mills; Invicta, Pioneer, Kalamia and Inkerman, along with Plane Creek Mill at Sarina, are scheduled to begin operations on 2 June. Proserpine Mill and the Herbert region’s Victoria and Macknade mills will follow on 9 June.

General Manager Operations James Wallace said the start dates were determined by crop forecasts, factory readiness and expected paddock conditions.

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“We've got a bigger crop than last year, and we're keen to get the season under way to minimise the risk of a late finish and the associated challenges of pushing into the wet season,” Mr Wallace said.

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“Our goal is to have all of our factories crushed out by mid-to-late November.”

Wilmar is forecasting a statewide crop of 15.19 million tonnes for the 2026 season, almost one million tonnes higher than last year’s total throughput of 14.23 million tonnes.

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Regional estimates include 7.97 million tonnes in the Burdekin, 1.67 million tonnes in Proserpine and 1.45 million tonnes at Plane Creek.

General Manager Engineering Istvan Torok said maintenance and upgrade works across factories, rail networks and rolling stock were nearing completion ahead of the season start.

General Manager Cane Supply and Grower Relations Dave Zeller said loco driver training was already under way and reminded motorists to remain vigilant around cane rail crossings.

“We’re reminding residents and visitors to take extra care on the roads and look out for cane trains,” Mr Zeller said.

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Image from Shutterstock

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Queensland families are continuing to benefit from the State Government’s Back to School Boost initiative, with more than $15 million already used to help cover the cost of school expenses for primary school students.

So far, more than $15.2 million has been accessed by families across Queensland. However, with only around half of the available funding currently used, many students still have credits sitting on their school accounts waiting to be claimed.

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If you are a parent or guardian, check your school account for unused credit.

The program provides $100 per year for every Queensland primary school-aged child (Prep to Year 6), including students attending state schools, non-state schools and home-schooling programs. The funding is applied directly to school accounts and can be used throughout the year to assist with education-related costs.

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Parents and carers can put the funding towards a range of school expenses including uniforms, stationery, equipment, excursions, musical instruments and extracurricular activities.

The initiative is designed to ease cost-of-living pressures and give families greater flexibility in managing education expenses throughout the year.

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Education support programs such as the Back to School Boost aim to reduce some of the financial pressure associated with the school year and ensure students have access to essential items and opportunities.

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Families seeking more information or wanting to check eligibility and available credits can visit the relevant Back to School Boost information page.

The free mulch is available for Hinchinbrook residents at Lucinda. Photo sourced: Shutterstock

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Residents looking to improve their gardens or landscaping projects will have an opportunity to access free mulch through a Hinchinbrook Shire Council initiative beginning this month.

Council is making mulch available to residents for personal household use, with stockpiles created from local tree maintenance activities and contractor works across the region. The initiative provides an opportunity for the community to reuse organic material while helping residents with gardening and property maintenance needs.

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The mulch will be available for collection from the Lucinda BMX Track at 1–7 Dungeness Road, Lucinda, from Tuesday, 19th May through to Tuesday, 26th May. Collection hours will operate daily, including weekends, from 7:00am until 5:00pm.

Council has advised that the mulch is being provided as-is and, like any recycled organic material, may contain natural debris including leaves, seeds and other organic matter. Residents are asked to collect and use the material at their own discretion.

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Those wishing to collect mulch will need to load their own trailers or vehicles and should ensure they bring suitable equipment for loading. Residents are also reminded that access to the site is at their own risk, children must remain supervised at all times and all on-site signage and safety directions should be followed.

The free mulch is available strictly for personal use and commercial collection will not be permitted. Supply will also be limited to available stock and offered on a first come, first served basis, with entry gates only open during the advertised collection period.

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For more information email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call Council’s customer service centre on (07) 4776 4600.

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