Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
With sunshine returning and numbers swelled by visiting runners, last weekend was a lively one on the Palm Creek course. I also took the opportunity to catch up with Bridgette Duffy, who recently reached an incredible milestone, of dedicating 200 of her Parkruns to volunteering. A true triple threat, that morning Bridgette marked the day as Run Director, Event Day Course Check and Volunteer Co-ordinator, highlighting the dedication and love she felt for the community fitness event “I’m pretty pleased,” Bridgette said. “I’m happy to be able to help the community, and it’s a good cause, getting people out, seeing them running, and starting their weekend off beautifully.” Her passion for Parkrun is evident when asked why she took up volunteering at them. “I like running for starters,” she said, “but I just think it’s great for our community to have an event where families can come too. It’s a great way to get fit and healthy for everybody, and it’s just a really nice community event.” Bridgette’s volunteer journey began back at the original TYTO course in Ingham, before the course was relocated to Palm Creek. “That’s when I started my volunteer journey with Parkrun. I just thought, ‘I like to come to Parkrun, and we all need volunteers to help out and keep it going. If we don’t put our hands up, nobody else is going to, you can’t expect anybody else to’." When asked about her favourite events, Bridgette said Palm Creek holds a special place. “I love this one, probably of all the ones I’ve done. I really liked Yeppoon, it was a lovely Parkrun, but I haven’t done too many different ones.” As the wind picked up, and the last people were crossing the finish line, I asked if she had any bucket list Parkruns she wanted to try, and for future plans, she smiled saying that she doesn’t have a specific one in mind but would “love to do one overseas.” Parkrun Results: 28th March 2026 Palm Creek #118 – 31 participants Fastest time: Julian Lee (18:53) Final finisher: Julie Mac Pherson (56:46) PBs: Carter Hague (18:59), Matthew Turner (28:06), Todd Cockburn (28:37), Sophie Parker (29:40), Kira Turner (34:26) First-timers: Jackson Mathews (23:37), Darcy Toholke (23:47), Sheridan Davis (56:44) Volunteers: Bridgette Duffy, Amanda Towner, Donna Panzenbock, Matteo Mancuso, Julie Mac Pherson Cardwell #380 – 19 participants Fastest time: Luke Tamblyn (22:26) Final finisher: Graeme Lake (53:54) PBs: Bruce Boland (40:36) First-timers: Liam Matthews (23:20), Steve Upton (25:58), Jacqui Lefebvre (34:00), Chris Page (38:52), Astrid Clancy (44:46), Brendan Clancy (46:19), Sue Patch (53:33) Volunteers: Kerry Snell, Luke Tamblyn, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Graeme Lake, Anita Davina
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A major upgrade to the Reef Ranger is set to strengthen protection efforts across the Great Barrier Reef, following a $2.9 million refit delivered by the Australian and Queensland governments. The vessel, a key asset for marine park operations since 2014, supports multi-day field trips, scientific research, compliance patrols and partnerships with Traditional Owners across remote reef and island locations. The refit introduces a range of innovative, eco-friendly upgrades designed to improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Among the changes are new propulsion engines capable of running on oil derived from waste cooking oils, alongside a hybrid solar and battery power system to cut reliance on diesel. Additional improvements, including a specialised silicone-based hull coating, are expected to reduce fuel use and emissions, allowing the vessel to operate more sustainably across its extensive patrol area. Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the vessel had long been central to reef operations. “The Reef Ranger has carried rangers and researchers to some of the most iconic places in the Great Barrier Reef, places like Raine Island, Wuthara and Hinchinbrook, helping communities protect the reef we all care about,” he said. With the latest upgrades now complete, the Reef Ranger will continue its critical role in safeguarding one of the world’s most important natural ecosystems.
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By Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard A couple and their young child from Townsville got into a spot of bother last week when on the way back from Bramble Reef after a day’s fishing, they lost all steering on their alloy boat. A radio call to Coast Guard Townsville resulted in the team at Coast Guard Lucinda being notified of the situation, and a volunteer rescue crew was activated. The rescue vessel “Snow Stafford”, manned by four crew members, and with a Radio Operator at the base, was launched in quick time and headed out to sea. Thankfully the sea was calm, and the distressed vessel was quickly located about 15 kilometres northeast of Pelorus Island. A tow line was attached, the return trip was completed without incident, and three people were very glad to be safely ashore.
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New Car, Old Meals On Wheels Charm Ingham Meals on Wheels is hitting the road in style, with a brand new vehicle set to support the volunteers who have long been the backbone of the service. The new Mazda CX-5 was made possible through funding from the Herbert River RSL Sub Branch, purchased locally through Ingham Mazda, and finished with professional signage by Global Signage, showcasing a strong show of community support. “For more than four decades, Meals on Wheels volunteers in Ingham quietly used their own vehicles to ensure meals reached those in need,” Rodger Bow said. “Recognising the strain this placed on volunteers, the decision was made that it was time to provide a dedicated vehicle.” Ingham Mazda’s Jenna Devietti said supporting the initiative was a natural fit. “We’re proud to be part of the Ingham community, so supporting organisations like Ingham Meals on Wheels is something that’s genuinely important to us,” she said. “The work they do goes far beyond delivering meals — they provide care, connection, and daily support.” To ensure the vehicle remains on the road, Ingham Mazda has also committed to five years of free servicing. “We wanted our support to be practical and ongoing, rather than a one-time gesture,” Ms Devietti said. Meals on Wheels President Rita Phillips said the donation was deeply appreciated. “At times the support that we receive is overwhelming,” she said. “Since 1983 volunteers have used their own vehicles at their own expense.” Ms Phillips said the new vehicle would ease pressure on volunteers while strengthening service delivery. “In the current economic time, this vehicle will not only assist the volunteers to continue deliveries, but also helps keep the connection of our clients to the community,” she said. “This vehicle will reduce use of the volunteers’ vehicles, which includes longer runs that include Halifax and the beaches.” “Our new Mazda will provide continuity of deliveries to all who rely on Ingham Meals on Wheels.” While the vehicle is new, the heart of the service remains unchanged. “We are so privileged to live in a community with such generosity, not only monetarily, but also selflessly volunteering their valuable time,” Ms Phillips said. “All members of our community should be proud to live in the Herbert River Valley.”
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Since launching in December last year, the Hurley Bus has already completed more than 400 bookings, providing free transport for elderly, frail, and palliative community members. The service, run entirely by volunteers through the Ingham Palliative Carers Committee, offers a safe, reliable, and compassionate way for people to stay connected and attend important appointments.
The eight-seat bus is wheelchair accessible and travels throughout Ingham, the surrounding districts, Cardwell, and even to Townsville. While it is most often used for medical appointments, airport transfers, and clinic visits, the service is also available for outings such as family functions, church, shopping trips, the movies, hairdresser appointments, or special occasions.
Each trip includes both a driver and an assistant, all of whom are volunteers with First Aid Certificates and, most importantly, a willingness to help with kindness and joy.
�E��EWe do what we do, and we do it with joy,�E��E says coordinator Judy Cardillo. �E��EAs long as they can, the Hurley Bus will help you get there.�E��E
Residents in Cardwell are especially encouraged to make use of the service.
For more information, or to enquire about volunteering, contact Judy Cardillo on 0428 921 822 or email ninoandjudy@bigpond.com
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This weekend, the Tropical North Showjumping Club (TNSJC) will host the thrilling finale of the 2025 Frosty Mango NQ Leaderboard Series with the eagerly awaited �E��E�E���E��EOut of the Floods Comes the Warmbloods�E��E�E���E��E event. After a season disrupted by severe weather, riders and their horses are ready to put on a spectacular show of skill and determination.
With electric energy, thrilling performances, and trophies on the line, Ingham is the place to be for anyone wanting to witness North Queensland�E��E�E���E��Es best riders in action.
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Be Ready Because Disasters Are A Reality Here
Living in Hinchinbrook Shire on Queensland�E��E�E���E��Es north-east coast means living with the reality of severe weather. Cyclones, floods, and intense storms are part of life here �E��E�E���E��E and during disaster season, we need to be ready to respond quickly and calmly when the time comes.
What if the power goes out for an extended period?
What if we can�E��E�E���E��Et get to the shops or the pharmacy?
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Hello Hinchinbrook,
I thought I�E��Ed mention the Hinchinbrook Road Safety Advisory Committee, which provides strategic direction and leadership to improve road safety in our community. Its purpose is to enhance safety and maintenance across the shire�E��Es state and local road corridors.
It also aims to create a clear channel for communication and participation between the community and Council on road safety matters.
In addition, the Committee seeks to raise awareness of road safety issues and initiatives, support the planning and delivery of local road safety programs and promotions, and develop targeted initiatives that address specific groups and concerns within the community.
Just a reminder �E��E if you need to request a service, make an enquiry, or report an issue, please use the web forms under Customer Service on the Hinchinbrook Shire Council website: https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/
or call our staff on 4776 4600.
It�E��Es always great to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and read about what�E��Es been happening �E��E and what�E��Es coming up �E��E across our Shire. Thank you again for the opportunity.
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Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises residents that the connection for the Trebonne water main replacement project will take place on Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
To complete this essential upgrade, a final water outage will be required for all Trebonne residents between 9:00am and 5:00pm on the day of connection.
Residents may also experience temporary discoloured water once the supply is restored.
Council sincerely thanks the Trebonne community for their patience and cooperation throughout these works, which are part of our commitment to improving water reliability and service across the Shire. For more information, please contact Council�E��E�E���E��Es Customer Service Centre on (07) 4776 4600.
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Wilmar Grower Marketing�E���E���E��s annual Global Traders Roadshow has wrapped up for another year
after a busy week of presentations,
Through strong partnerships, innovation, and on-farm action, agriculture will play a pivotal role in ensuring Australia�E��E�E���E��Es net zero future - delivering not only environmental outcomes but also economic opportunities for communities across the nation.
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James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction as new and escalating threats push the species closer to the brink.
Despite their reputation as noisy and messy neighbours, spectacled flying-foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia�E��E�E���E��Es rainforests, travelling vast distances to pollinate flowers and spread seeds at levels unmatched by any other species.
JCU-led research researchers calls for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from the threat of extinction (Photo Supplied)
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Recently, the Cardwell community came together for a Social Meeting hosted by the Red Cross at the Cardwell RSL. Robbie Savage, Red Cross Emergency Services Officer based in Cairns, joined the gathering to share his insights into disaster response and recovery in Far North Queensland.
Robbie spoke about his role as a secondary responder during emergencies, coordinating disaster management efforts across the region. His knowledge and experience were eye-opening, especially his emphasis on the importance of neighbour and friend networks, as well as community recovery hubs in the aftermath of a disaster. These connections can make all the difference when it comes to resilience and recovery.
The Tully Red Cross branch is planning to establish a Cardwell-based group and is inviting local residents to get involved. Opportunities for participation include fundraising, supporting disaster response, knitting trauma teddies, organising local events, and engaging with community groups. Contributions from volunteers are expected to be highly valued.
This year has already seen incredible collaboration between our branches and broader teams. By joining Red Cross, you�E��E�E���E��Ell be part of something much bigger, helping your community prepare for and respond to severe weather events, and being a trusted face of support in Cardwell.
Members of the Cardwell community met with the Red Cross for a social meeting. Photo credit: Centacare FNQ
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Drip, drip, drip �E��E the sound of rain pitter-pattering through the foliage of the tropics. At the Tropical Plant Expo 2025, you can discover a taste for all things tropical. Get ready to be surrounded by vibrant sights and luxurious leafery as this one-day event transforms into a paradise for plant lovers, packed with stunning displays and stalls overflowing with lush greenery.
WHAT: Tropical Plant Expo 2025
WHEN: 9:00am, Saturday 11 October
WHERE: 1 Victoria Street, Cardwell
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Few readers would recognise the name George Wickham, but he is somewhat important to the history of the Herbert River district, though not as important as his wife.
George hailed from Novia Scotia, British America, arriving in Cardwell in 1870. He was a carpenter and worked for the Mackenzie family, which established Gairloch Plantation. Scottish widow Isabella Campbell (nee Morrison) and her children travelled out from Scotland to Australia with the Mackenzie family and lived and worked on the Plantation.
George was an early selector, who along with others, selected land in the Gairloch Plantation area. Wickham established his property, Cudmore, in 1872 and in 1875, the Planters Retreat Hotel. Its auspicious location, at the landing where passengers alighted for the two-mile road journey from Gairloch to the Camping Reserve (later Ingham township), meant that the hotel did a roaring trade.
George married Isabella on 25 January 1871 in Cardwell, in a marriage celebrated by Reverend William Mackenzie. During the seven years that George was licensee of the Planters Retreat Hotel, the hotel flourished with Isabella building up its reputation for �E��E�E���E��Egood pure spirits and delicious Scotch scones�E��E�E���E��E. A hotel was guaranteed success if the publican did not water down the spirits and the food was hearty and plentiful.
Isabella held the Planters Retreat Hotel license from 1882 to 1892. Her son-in-law George Hunter, took on the license in 1893 and then her daughter, Isabella Alexandrina Hunter (nee Campbell), in 1904.
In her daughter�E��E�E���E��Es published recollections, Isabella was very instrumental in the development of the district. It was she who produced the first sugar in a kitchen saucepan from cane crushed by the new Gairloch Mill. This milestone event is not mentioned in contemporary men�E��E�E���E��Es accounts. Her daughter�E��E�E���E��Es recollections are full of praise for the ingenuity and work of her mother, with little reference, if any, to her stepfather, George Wickham.
Contributed with thanks by Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui
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A thank-you dinner was held at the Beachcomber Restaurant in Cardwell on Thursday evening, 18 September 2025, for the hard-working volunteers. Led by Christine Ihle, they were recognised for their quick response following the disastrous flood on 2 February this year, when their efforts helped lift the spirits of the entire community. recieved received
When a grant opportunity was offered by CleanCo, the government-backed organisation that produces clean energy at Kareeya Hydro Power Station near Tully and Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station near Cairns, the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch submitted a successful application. The grant contributed $3,000 towards the dinner, with the remaining $1,500 donated by the Cardwell RSL Sub-Branch.
Special thanks were extended to Damien Clarke from CleanCo and his wife Charelle for attending, and a wonderful evening was enjoyed by all.
Contributed with thanks by Robert Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch
Surrounded by the lush landscapes of North Queensland, Abergowrie State School is a place where curiosity and culture grow hand in hand. Catering from Kindergarten to Year 6, we provide a personalised education where every child is known, supported, and encouraged to thrive. From just two students in 2020 to 13 today, our growth reflects our belief that �E��E�E���E��EFrom small things, big things grow.�E��E�E���E��E
Our strong community connections, including walking alongside local Elders on Warrgamay Country, enrich our curriculum and culture. Abergowrie was proud to receive the Queensland Premier�E��E�E���E��Es Reconciliation Award in Education (2024) for embedding culture and language into everyday practice.
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Crikey! What amazing crocodile catchers I had to hide from this time! Congratulations to Nowell Tento and Daniel Heggie, who spotted me waaayyy up in the sky on an aeroplane journey through the outback.
Nowell found me on Thursday and Daniel caught me on Friday, great spotting you two!
Nowell is a Hinchinbrook local and a regular reader of Hinchinbrook Life. Daniel, the former journalist with the paper, still reads it, even though he now lives down in the Whitsundays. Both enjoyed the challenge of snapping me up for a chance to have their pictures in the paper. I'd better find an even harder hiding spot next time!
Amazing work catching me Nowell and Daniel, until next time, later 'gators!
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