Mangrove Trimming – Taylors Beach

Hinchinbrook Shire Council, in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), advises that mangrove trimming will occur between Thursday 27 November and Sunday 14 December 2025 within the permitted area on Council’s reserve adjacent to John Dory Street, Taylors Beach.

This trimming is only permitted adjacent to properties 56 to 68 John Dory Street under a unique historical arrangement—the only permit of its kind in Queensland. Only authorised Council personnel may undertake trimming within the designated area.

Unauthorised removal or damage of mangroves or other marine plants outside the permitted area is prohibited and may be reported to DPI. Council thanks the community for helping protect this culturally and environmentally significant area.

For more information or to report suspicious activity visit: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/reporting or call DPI: 1800 900 090

Temporary Closure – TYTO Precinct Car Park, Ingham

Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that the car park at the TYTO Precinct, providing access to Hinchinbrook Library and TYTO Regional Art Gallery, will be closed from Monday 1 December to Tuesday 16 December 2025.

Alternative parking is available via Macrossan Avenue. The closure is necessary to apply reflective roof paint to the library and gallery buildings, a passive cooling measure that enhances UV resistance, reduces roof surface temperatures, improves internal building comfort, boosts renewable energy performance, and lowers emissions.

The reflective roof paint will also be applied at Council’s Martin Street Depot from Monday 24 November to Tuesday 16 December 2025.

Taylors Beach Boat Ramp - Update

Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that the Taylors Beach Boat Ramp is now open.

Dredging of the Victoria Creek Navigation Channel remains underway and is expected to continue until Wednesday 17 December 2025 (weather permitting). For safety, please follow all signage and contractor directions, as a 100m exclusion zone remains in place around the dredge and pipework.

Oasis Coffee Shop is shifting into full Christmas mode, temporarily closing its coffee shop to meet the overwhelming demand for private functions, homemade ravioli and antipasto platters. The team has made the decision so they can dedicate their time to preparing the high-quality festive favourites locals look forward to each year.

While the café side will pause, customers are still welcome to visit and place or adjust their Christmas orders. Oasis will offer a generous range of seasonal treats, including classic Italian sweet treats, salami, olives and an assortment of deli meats and cheeses. Fresh cannoli shells will also be available, offering a true Italian deli experience just in time for the holidays.

From Tuesday, the 9th December, until Christmas, the focus will be entirely on festive orders. Although café meals and coffees will not be available, customers can still drop in to purchase grab-and-go Christmas essentials such as the homemade ravioli, peach blossoms, cannoli shells, storch and almond bread. The shop will remain open for order collections and general enquiries throughout the season.

For any questions, customers can call 4776 1522 or reach out through Facebook, where the team will continue posting updates and product availability as items are made fresh.

Oasis has expressed its deep appreciation for the tremendous support shown by the community throughout the year. After the Christmas rush, the coffee shop will reopen on Monday the 29th December 2025, ready to welcome customers back for their usual favourites.

The festive season often brings joy, connection and a chance to unwind. Yet for some, this time of year can bring challenges, including emotional strain, financial pressures and relationship stress.

selectability Ingham’s Regional Coordinator, Julie Ross said that with the holiday season fast approaching, it was crucial to find support and meaningful connections.

“We know that the holiday season can be a tough time of year, but it’s really important to look after yourself and practice self-care,” said Julie.

The selectability Ingham team has put together some simple but important self-care tips to help you navigate the holiday season.

Step away from social media: reducing comparisons to those online can increase meaningful connections.

Be kind to yourself: at such a hectic time of the year, remember to take time for yourself and rest to enjoy the season without burnout.

Be kind to others: spreading positive actions can enhance your mood and create a ripple effect on those around you.

Connect with your community: seek out community events and activities to build positive connections. selectability is running group programs that provide opportunities to meet new people, encourage connection, and learn new skills.

“Remembering to take care of yourself and reaching out to the appropriate support can reduce the risk of burnout,” said Julie.

“Developing strong connections through social activities can also help towards reducing isolation during the season.

“A reminder to the community that selectability’s Clubhouse offers a diverse range of activities that allow recipients to foster friendships.

“There’s a line-up of activities to help recipients get into the festive spirit, such as Christmas arts and crafts, and cooking, to name just a few.

“We’ll be closed on the public holidays and running a reduced timetable from Monday, 22 December 2025 until 5 January 2026.

“If you’re looking for something to do over the holiday period, pop in and see the team.

“Support is available, whether you are on the NDIS or not.”

To find out more, contact the team on 07 4781 2690 or pop into the Mental Health Hub at the Canegrowers Building, 11-13 Lannercost Street.

Lifeline 13 11 14 | Kids Helpline (5-25yrs) 1800 551 800

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 | Beyondblue 1300 224 636 | QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527

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With Naturally Kids Allied Health

As we wrap up another year, we’re filled with gratitude for the wonderful families and children who make Naturally Kids the warm, vibrant community it is. The festive season reminds us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the progress, big and small, that our clients have made throughout 2024.

A highlight for us each year is our Client Christmas Party, where families come together to connect, play, and share in the joy of the season. Seeing friendships form, confidence grow, and children simply enjoying themselves is always one of our most treasured moments.

This year, we continued offering our core supports, individual paediatric occupational therapy across home, school, daycare, and community settings; Joey’s Mob, our nature-based therapy program; and Sense Rugby for children aged 4–12 who find team sports challenging.

We also introduced exciting new group programs, including Dungeons & Dragons sessions to build teamwork and communication, and holiday-only themed activities such as art, sensory play, cooking, craft, and Minecraft groups.

At the heart of Naturally Kids is our neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, play-based approach. We believe children thrive when they feel understood, supported, and empowered, and we’re proud to offer therapy in environments that are meaningful and comfortable for them.

We’re also delighted that Kymberley remains the only Occupational Therapist in North Queensland certified in the ConTiGO approach.

The feedback we receive continues to remind us why we do what we do. One parent recently shared: “Naturally Kids has been a game changer for my teen… He goes from strength to strength with the support of amazing OT’s.”

As we celebrate Christmas and welcome a new year, we look forward to more growth, joy, and connection in 2025.

Warmest holiday wishes,
The Naturally Kids Allied Health Team

Wayde Chiesa Becomes New Member For Hinchinbrook

By Rachael Smith

Wayde Chiesa of the Liberal National Party of Queensland was successful in his bid to become the next Member for Hinchinbrook, topping the poll with 11,652 votes (41.51%), ahead of Katter’s Australian Party candidate Mark Molachino on 8,466 votes (30.16%).

One Nation’s Luke Sleep finished third with 3,756 votes (13.38%), followed by Labor’s Maurie Soars on 2,313 votes (8.24%). The Queensland Greens’ Aiden Creagh received 962 votes (3.43%), Family First’s Amanda Nickson secured 610 votes (2.17%), and independent candidate Steven Clare finished with 310 votes (1.10%).

In total, 28,069 formal votes were cast, making up 96 per cent of the total 29,238 ballots, with 1,169 informal votes accounting for the remaining 4 per cent.

‍"I knew it was going to be a big mountain to climb, and I knew I had to work as hard as I could"

From the elation of winning the election campaign he'd fought so hard for, to heading back to his parent's farm and sleeping on a mattress on the floor. It is clear from the outset that newly elected Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa is a committed fighter for the region, but also a humble man who puts others first.

It is qualities like these that will see Wayde continue the momentum of the election race and jump back onto the road this week, heading out around the electorate and talking to his constituents.

"Right from the beginning I've wanted to work hard and listen," he shared.

"I've spent time with people right around the electorate, reconnecting with people, many of whom I grew up with.

"I've spoken with businesses in Cardwell doing it tough, one told me they'd made just $75 that day - to return a few weeks later and announce the Port Hinchinbrook redevelopment alongside the Premier was a huge moment.

"I could see a glimmer of hope - and now I am looking forward to pushing the consultancy through and making sure the project stays on track."

"We have such a beautiful region and I want to put Hinchinbrook back on the map!"

An Ingham local, Wayde says he has pre-existing long-term relationships with both Council and the Chamber, he is now looking forward to using his new platform to help drive key projects forward.

"You can do things easier when you're in government and I'm looking forward to being that fighter, that loud voice for our region"

"There is something truly special about being given this responsibility, it is such a privilege, one I don't want to waste."

A big part of the campaign race was the backing by another Hinchinbrook local, Premier David Crisafulli, who spent days campaigning alongside Wayde in the days leading up to the election.

"He loves this town like I do, he loves North Queensland and he loves the regions," said Wayde when asked about the Premier.

"This was personal for him, and it's personal for me."

Some of the key projects that the new Member for Hinchinbrook now looks forward to driving are looking at flood mitigation works alongside Council, being a "loud, proud voice" for the agriculture industry and "getting things delivered".

Wayde will reside in Townsville, however his central office will continue to be located in Ingham.

He looks forward to spending more time throughout the electorate and says he will be spending many more nights with his parents on the farm, quite possibly on his favourite mattress!

Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!

Happy Birthday, Hinchinbrook Life! We celebrated with cake and cupcakes this week with all our supporters; we even had a stall at the Late Night Shopping where we gave out free cupcakes - did you manage to snaffle one up?! They didn't even last an hour as they were such a delicious commodity! Huge shout out to Hinchinbrook Shire Council, for approaching Life Publishing Group and getting behind this newspaper from day 1, it was lovely to catch up with you all last week.

What a weekend for carolling, the Ingham Theatre Group and I had a blast singing together at both the Late Night Shopping and the Carols in the Park at Forrest Beach. It has been a while since I have sung in a chorus, but doing it all together for the community made it more fun than nerve-wracking.

If you're still up for a little carolling, both Cardwell and Lucinda have their events coming up soon! Check the Event Guide in the paper to see when, both have plenty for the kids to do, and Lucinda's also doubles as a Twilight market.

Another event coming up is the Community Planting Day at Mungalla Station, which will happen on the 6th of December. It will be a day of planting native shrubs to help restore impacted floodlands, with a BBQ lunch and community stalls. There will also be a presentation from Birdlife Australia and a Gospel Sunset Concert: it's going to be a day of connecting to the land and culture. No experience required, just bring your hats, water bottles and sunscreen and be ready to reconnect with nature.

Victoria

Fun Fact: My favourite Australian native tree is the wattle, what's yours?

A small moment at the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch recently captured the spirit of what makes the venue such a valued part of the community. During the weekly Sunday BBQ and buffet lunch, a guest arrived using a motorised scooter, navigating the hall with ease. According to President Rob, it is the first time the branch has welcomed a motorised scooter or wheelchair inside the space. It's a simple sight that said plenty about how the RSL continues to evolve with their community.

The lunch itself was cheerful and full of conversation, much like every weekend. Volunteers helped with serving meals, checking in on visitors, and keeping the afternoon running smoothly. Their efforts, week after week, allow the RSL to be a place where people can gather comfortably and feel welcome.

Seeing mobility equipment in the hall for the first time shows how accessible the venue has become, and how the Cardwell RSL continues to welcome people as they are, creating a space where locals can enjoy themselves without barriers or fuss.

Hinchinbrook’s Lenny Chiesa OAM has been recognised on the statewide stage, taking home the prestigious Service to Sport Award at the QSport 2025 Queensland Sport Awards on 27 November. The achievement follows his recent win at the North Queensland Sportstar Awards and reflects more than fifty years of service to Surf Lifesaving and Rugby League.

Lenny’s sporting journey began locally after he won the Ingham Lions Club Sportstar of the Year Award. From there, the club nominated him for the North Queensland Sportstar Awards. His commitment has shaped generations of athletes, volunteers and community members, and he continues to be held in high regard throughout Hinchinbrook.

The night’s ceremony highlighted the breadth of his impact, and Lenny expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honour.

"I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this special recognition. To be acknowledged in this way, especially among so many inspiring people who give so much to sport and to their communities across our state, is truly overwhelming."

He reflected on the lifelong role Surf Life Saving has played.

"Surf Life Saving has been a huge part of my life for many years. From the age of 14, when I earned my Bronze Medallion, it has shaped me, challenged me and connected me with incredible people. But above all, it has given me the privilege of serving others—and I believe that is why we all do what we do."

Lenny also shared his appreciation for the mentors who guided him.

"I have been extremely fortunate to have amazing mentors in my life from such a young age through sport, some of the very best, who helped shape me into who I am today. Many of them are no longer with us, but I honour them with this award as well."

He spoke warmly about working with First Nations young men in recent years.

"In recent years, I’ve had the privilege of working with First Nations young men, helping them gain their lifesaving awards, become lifesavers and coaching them in surf sports. These boys have certainly left a mark on my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside them."

Lenny thanked those who had supported him throughout his journey.

"I want to thank the Queensland Government, QSport for this recognition. Thank you also to my club, my colleagues, and my family—your support has made every step of this journey possible. My wife, who is with me tonight, has served by my side from the very beginning. This award is very much hers as it is mine. And to my children and grandchildren, who are all part of the lifesaving movement. They remind me every day of the generational power of sport and community. Seeing them walk the same beaches, wear the same colours, and serve the same people fills me with pride beyond words."

Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club also celebrated Lenny’s achievement, noting his more than 55 years of service and the proud tradition continued by his children and grandchildren.

Sharon Fighera from Lions Club said, "Lenny is such a deserving winner and does so much for our Ingham Community. Congratulations Lenny you are our local hero."

The entire Hinchinbrook community joins in congratulating Lenny on this well-deserved statewide recognition. His decades of service continue to inspire and strengthen the spirit of sport and community across our region.

On Sunday, 30th November, the Taylors Beach community installed the stinger net/swimming enclosure ready for the 25/26 holiday season. This has been an annual event for the past 40 years or more, with the stinger net remaining in place until after the Easter holiday.

The Taylors Beach Stinger Net is a public facility free to use by all residents and visitors in the Hinchinbrook Shire and is located at the southern end of Taylors Beach on John Dory Street. This facility is funded by individual contributions, funding from Hinchinbrook Shire Council & a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

The enclosure is unique in its design. with the net suspended on poles above the HWM [high water mark], which prevents marine life and trash from entering the enclosure. It is 25 metres wide and deep, by 50 metres long, with two sets of stairs across a rocky bank to enter the swimming area. The sandy beach provides water depths between 0.5 metres and 2 metres, depending on the tide, with the headland of Forrest Beach opposite ensuring calm water in the net and shelter from the wind.

There is a shower at the net and 100 metres away in the Robert Nazzari Park. there are toilets, a shower and changing facilities with the added benefit of undercover seating, an electric barbecue area, a play area and plenty of parking. Also, this is a popular spot for fishing off the beach.

So please support this wonderful facility and join us at Taylors Beach, where the best swimming can be had an hour either side of high. See you there!

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Contributed with thanks by Greg Sexton, President, Taylors Beach Stinger Net Association Inc.

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A major $50 million upgrade is set to strengthen a flood-prone stretch of the Bruce Highway between Ingham and Innisfail, improving safety, drainage, and reliability for North Queensland motorists.

Detailed designs have been finalised for the Gairloch to Ripple Creek section near the Seymour River, with the project expected to go out to tender in the coming months. Construction is scheduled to begin next year.

The resilience works will include reconstructing the highway to a higher standard, widening the road, installing wide centreline treatments, and replacing ageing culverts to improve drainage. The goal is to reduce the frequency and duration of closures during the disaster season, keeping communities and supply routes open for longer.

The project forms part of the $450 million Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program (QRRRP), jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Australian Government is investing in practical upgrades that strengthen essential connections in the north.

“These works on the Bruce Highway will make a real difference for North Queenslanders who rely on this route for essential travel, supplies and emergency access,” Minister McBain said.

“By replacing ageing culverts and strengthening the pavement, we’re ensuring this stretch of highway can better withstand the floods that impact the region year after year.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said delivering resilient infrastructure is a key priority for the Crisafulli Government.

“Betterment projects like this are smart investments in our state’s future, using the lessons we’ve learned from past disasters to strengthen us for the future,” Minister Leahy said.

“Our upgrades to the Bruce Highway will be transformational for our state and benefit every Queenslander, particularly in our regions and the north.”

“We can’t stop severe weather from occurring, but we can improve our resilience to its impacts, and that’s what these Gairloch to Ripple Creek road improvements are all about.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the works represent a long-term investment in the reliability of North Queensland’s most important transport corridor.

“We are committed to building stronger infrastructure, making sure Queensland is better prepared for disasters in the future,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“For more than a decade this section of road has been a choke point as it floods regularly during the storm season and holds up logistics, so we are going to deliver the road improvements the region has been asking for.”

“Workers will be on-site in the next year building a more durable stretch of road that ensures safer and more reliable travel on the Bruce Highway while reducing the time and cost of road closures and repair works.”

This upgrade follows the $48 million Gairloch Floodway project, also funded by the Australian Government and currently in the design phase. Meanwhile, both levels of government are working together to finalise the scope of a further $205 million in betterment funding to strengthen the Bruce Highway and other key regional roads damaged during this year’s extreme rainfall.

The Cardwell RSL Bingo players enjoyed a meal as they wound up for their Christmas break at Terry and Mamiko’s Fish and Chip Shop opposite the Jetty. This was their second dining-out experience for the year, and the local RSL and its associated groups continue to share their patronage among local businesses.

Congratulations to Tookie and Janet for organising Bingo each week. 2026 has been a very successful year for everyone involved with the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch.

"On behalf of the Management Committee, I’d like to wish all our patrons a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2026." - Robert Lang.

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

Our home is our castle is a phrase that you may have heard before.

The great Aussie dream of being able to buy a block of land to build on is the goal of many, but there is a concerning increase in what that “home” or dwelling may be.

The classification rating for an approved dwelling is there for a reason. It ensures that the structure proposed to be built on the land meets the building requirements set by the National Construction Code.

Some requirements include that the dwelling meets the wind rating category for the area, complies with energy efficiency requirements, and meets the minimum habitable floor height for flooding, to name a few. It means that the dwelling is approved and safe for habitation.

This structure is what is called a Class 1a structure, or habitable dwelling, with all plumbing and services connected and certified as a Class 1a habitable dwelling.

The increase in people constructing sheds on their land and then living in them is concerning because this type of construction is classified as Class 10a structures, and they do not meet the required standards for a Class 1a habitable dwelling.

These are not approved dwellings. They do not meet the building code for a habitable dwelling and are therefore not legal to occupy either as a permanent or part-time place of residence.

This is not a local council law; this is statewide legislation. However, it is up to the local council and, in particular, the Development and Regulatory Services Department within the local council to manage.

To add to this, if you choose to invest money in making a Class 10a structure more homelike, it may not add value to the property when you go to sell it, as it is not an approved habitable dwelling.

This is not a new issue and is not isolated to our shire. However, the building code is there for a reason—to make our home our castle. If you have any concerns or enquiries, call Council on (07) 4776 4600, and our planning department will be happy to assist.

The 2025 crushing season is now done and dusted, and what a season it has been. From all reports, the Herbert mills finished on a high, processing a total of 3.82 million tonnes of cane — slightly above the crop forecast of 3.70 million tonnes.

That’s a fantastic result, especially when we think back to February when things looked far less certain.

This outcome is something we can all be proud of.

Sugar remains the backbone of our district, and the more cane we cut, the better it is for our local economy.

Every tonne matters, and this season’s performance reinforces just how important this industry is to Hinchinbrook.

The provisional season commercial cane sugar averaged 12.82 units, reflecting solid sugar content, and the average bin weight held steady at 6.6 tonnes.

These are figures that speak to the resilience and hard work of everyone involved.

I want to extend a big thank you to all who made this possible.

That’s our farmers, harvesting contractors, train crews, the milling sector, and the sugar terminal teams.

Behind these workers are families who supported them through long hours and demanding schedules, and their contribution deserves recognition too.

This season wasn’t without its challenges. Weather events and significant debris left in fields after flooding made conditions tough, yet the industry pulled together and got the job done.

The final bin was tipped at Victoria Mill at 2:27pm on 23 November 2025, with Macknade Mill finishing a few days earlier on 20 November 2025.

These milestones mark the end of a season that tested us but ultimately delivered a strong result.

To everyone who played a part, thank you.

Your efforts keep this district moving forward and remind us of the strength of our community when we work together.

There’s nowhere quite like the Herbert River delta — where crocs sun themselves on muddy banks, sugarcane hums in the breeze, and clouds cling to the peaks of Hinchinbrook Island like slow-moving smoke. It’s the kind of place that feels unchanged by time, equal parts beauty and bite. Locals know the tides by heart and tell stories of “Old Charlie,” a crocodile said to have ruled one particular bend for decades.

Whether myth or memory, it’s all part of Hinchinbrook’s charm: raw, unfiltered nature sitting side by side with generations of hard-working cane farmers. Bring a camera, an open mind, and a dash of respect — this is North Queensland at its quirkiest and most real, where the sugar’s sweet but the rivers have teeth.