As part of the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, the Men’s Social Group will host a selection of regular activities within the community, including one set for this Tuesday, the 28th of January.

A FREE excursion bus will depart from the Support Centre located at 71 Townsville Road and will travel to Cardwell with stops scheduled for the Historic Telegraph, and the Post Office before arriving at the SeaView Café for a bite to eat and then heading home to Ingham.

“Are you a man over 60 or 55 if you identify as ATSI, looking for a place to belong, connect and share good times?” shared Hinchinbrook Community Support.

“Whether you’re feeling socially isolated or simply seeking a supportive and welcoming environment, we offer a space to meet other men, enjoy meaningful conversations, and participate in fun activities.”

To access additional details on how to register for the excursion, please reach out to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre on 4776 1822 or email communitysupport@hcsc.org.au.

What: Men’s Social Group Cardwell Excursion
When: Tuesday the 28th of January
Where: meet at the Support Centre, 71 Townsville Road
More Information: call 4776 1822 or email communitysupport@hcsc.org.au

As announced last November, the commencement of physical dredging operations for Port Hinchinbrook’s One Mile Creek officially began on Monday the 6th of January 2025 to enhance the local waterway.

Approximately 990 tonnes of material will be removed from the area and a 100m exclusion zone has been outlined around the site to ensure the safety of all water users and the stabilisation of the batter slopes and the seabed.

Although the Port Hinchinbrook Boat Ramp will be closed during the physical dredging period, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council encourages residents to utilise alternative boat ramp locations at Marine Parade, Menunga Creek or Fishers Creek.

Weather pending, the works will be completed before Saturday the 1st of February with working periods dependent on tidal variations.

The construction of the Taylors Beach revetment wall officially began Monday the 13th of January, with completion expected by Monday, the 24th of March. This important project will help protect the local coastline and improve the area’s resilience to coastal erosion.

As part of the works, the foreshore playground and surrounding area will be temporarily closed to the public for safety reasons. Residents and visitors are advised to follow any signage or instructions provided by the contractors working on-site.

Council acknowledges the disruption this may cause and appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation during the construction period. The finished revetment wall will significantly enhance the long-term stability and safety of Taylors Beach, benefiting both residents and visitors to the area. Further updates will be provided as necessary.

Council thanks everyone for their understanding and support during this essential work.

Hi everyone,

I hope you all had a great week.

Many of us find ourselves in a creative slump from time to time, and last week was one of those weeks for me. I spent a lot of time searching for inspiration—scrolling through Facebook for story ideas—but when content was scarce, it was easy to feel disheartened and lose momentum.
Thankfully, this week I sought advice from Mark at our sister paper, Burdekin Life. Mark offered some fantastic suggestions, like focusing on transcribing quotes from interviews early in the writing process and ensuring article photos are uploaded while drafting. These small steps helped me build momentum and maintain motivation. Thank you, Mark, for the wisdom—it’s made a huge difference!
On the personal front, balancing my Whitsundays rental commitments while living here in Hinchinbrook has been a challenge. I’m still paying rent for my place in the Whitsundays due to an agreement with the landlord, and while I’ve tried subletting, I haven’t had any luck yet. If you know anyone who might be looking for a place in the Whitsundays, I’d love to hear from you! Meanwhile, I’m grateful to Ruth from Whitsunday Life, who kindly created a budgeting spreadsheet to help me manage my finances better. Ruth, your support means the world—thank you.
I’m reminded every week how fortunate I am to work alongside such an incredible team. While I often hear how much people love the paper, it’s truly a group effort. Every member of our team contributes to making this a newspaper that reflects the heart of our Hinchinbrook community.
This paper is as much yours as it is ours, and I’d love to hear from you—whether it’s ideas for stories, events to highlight, or feedback on how we can improve. Let’s continue to grow this publication together, making it bigger, better, and an even greater celebration of our community.

Quote of the week
Take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time

Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club lifesavers Darius and Chris have become a part of a vital and historical moment in surf life saving.

On Wednesday 15 January Surf Life Saving Queensland received artwork from Darius and Chris.

Surf Life Saving Queensland posted on Facebook about the moment.

“Yesterday [Wednesday 15 January], we had the privilege of receiving the incredible artwork from talented First Nations artists Christopher Ketchup and Darius Lewin-Pearson,” the post said.

“Every symbol in this piece is a tribute to the rich traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Christopher Ketchup and Darius Lewin-Pearson, from St Teresa’s College Abergowrie, bring Queensland’s First Nations artistry to life, sharing their deep connection to land and water.

“Their work carries forward generations of storytelling and visually represents SLSQ’s commitment to protecting Queensland’s coasts and honouring the custodianship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples over these lands and waters.”

The artwork is set to be digitalised and will feature in various Surf Life Saving Queensland platforms, hoping to inspire a sense of belonging across the organisation and the communities they serve.

The short-term dredging project at the Cardwell and One Mile Creek Boat Ramp in Port Hinchinbrook, is finally underway. This emergency dredging project, managed by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC), has been made possible through $1.5 million in federal funding.

I recently attended the site and met with Glen Black of AMA Marine Coastal Services, the contractor carrying out the project. Despite a few small mechanical and environmental hiccups, the project was progressing as planned and it has been estimated that works should be completed in approximately four weeks.

Although this dredging project won’t restore all tidal access it was the option the CCRC decided to go with as dredging under 1000 cubic meters required less stringent environmental approvals from the State.

While this dredging work addresses some of the immediate navigational challenges at the boat ramp, I remain focused on the bigger picture of a long-term solution for Port Hinchinbrook. My vision is for Cardwell and Port Hinchinbrook to once again thrive as a premier destination on the Cassowary Coast.

Through ongoing discussions with Economic Development Queensland and the new LNP government, the goal is to see the Port Hinchinbrook remediated into a saleable asset with a robust governance framework in place. This would ensure the entire area can thrive, providing benefits for all stakeholders.

It's important to celebrate the successes of Port Hinchinbrook as they occur, and this includes the recent opening of the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP). This milestone marks a key achievement in the overall normalisation process of Port Hinchinbrook. With this critical infrastructure in place, we are one step closer to ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the entire Cardwell region and the surrounding communities.

Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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As temperatures soar across the state, it's essential to take extra care of our furry, feathered, and scaly companions this summer. In accordance with the guidelines set out by the RSPCA Queensland, we have put together some important tips to keep your pets cool, comfortable, and safe in the heat.

DOGS
Dogs don’t sweat like humans, so they rely on panting and finding cool spots to regulate their body temperature. High humidity and heat can make this process less efficient, so always ensure your dog has access to fresh water.

Outside your home, make sure to provide plenty of shade, and avoid leaving your pups in confined hot areas like doghouses, however, in extreme heat, it’s best to keep your pets indoors in a well-ventilated space.

You can also create cool spots for your pets to lay by dampening their bed, using cool mats available in pet stores, or setting up a small kiddie pool in a shaded area. Another fun way to beat the heat is by making homemade frozen treats or ‘pupsicles’ to keep them entertained and cool.

It’s essential to remember to never leave your pet in a car during hot weather as it can be fatal, and always be mindful of heat stress symptoms, such as excessive panting or salivation.

CATS
Cats also need extra care during the heat, and simple tasks like keeping their water in a cool, shaded area and offering a fan or damp towels for them to lay on will go a long way.

SMALLER PETS
Guinea pigs and birds are also vulnerable to heat stress, and it’s highly beneficial to ensure they have plenty of fresh water, shade, and cool surfaces to rest on. For fish, monitor the water temperature closely, and for larger livestock, make sure they also always have access to shade and water.

In taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your pets stay safe, comfortable, and healthy during the summer months. Remember to always monitor for signs of heat stress, and don’t hesitate to seek veterinary assistance if needed. Visit www.rspcaqld.org.au for more tips on how to keep your pets chill this summer.

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This Australia Day, let’s raise a cold one to our Aussie spirit and celebrate in style at the Herbert River Sub Branch RSL Ingham!
Escape the heat and dive into the community vibe with a free sausage sizzle lunch, served from 12pm to 3pm. Whether you're catching up with mates or spending time with family, there's plenty to enjoy all day long.
And that’s not all – get ready for a cracking raffle with top-notch prizes. You could be the lucky winner of one of five delicious meat trays, or even a VB esky! It’s the perfect chance to grab something special while supporting your local RSL.
Adding to the lively atmosphere, musician Kevin Spencer will provide entertainment, delivering a fantastic soundtrack to keep the celebration vibrant and memorable.

The Herbert River RSL will operate on its usual Sunday hours for the day, opening its doors at 10 am and closing at 6 pm. Please note that although there is a free sausage sizzle, there will be no lunch or dinner service from the restaurant on this day.

Make your Australia Day one to remember by joining in the festivities at the Herbert River Sub Branch RSL Ingham. With great food, music, and prizes, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the national holiday indoors with good company.

Bring your family along and head to the Herbert River RSL to enjoy an afternoon full of Aussie pride and community spirit!

Excitement is building as the 2025 Hinchinbrook Australia Day Awards approaches, set to take place this Friday, the 24th of January, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall. One of the evening's most anticipated moments will be the announcement of the Shire Citizen Award, an honour recognising outstanding community contribution. This year's nominees exemplify dedication, passion, and service to the region.
The nominees for the 2025 Shire Citizen Award are: Yvonne Bosworth, Tammy Collins, Piera Delroy, Alan Giles, Natalie Hulett, Keith Phillips, Rita Phillips, and Helen Stanton. Each nominee has demonstrated remarkable commitment to improving the lives of those around them.
In addition to the Shire Citizen Award, the 2025 Hinchinbrook Australia Day Awards will feature several other categories, recognising achievements in sports, culture, and community engagement. The full list of categories includes:
   • Junior Sports Award
   • Senior Sports Award
   • Junior Cultural Award
   • Senior Cultural Award
   • Individual Achievement Award
   • Community Event of the Year Award
   • Shire Young Citizen Award
Congratulations to all nominees for their exceptional contributions, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements this Friday!

Hinchinbrook To Reflect, Respect And Celebrate Australia Day With Ambassador Mirusia Louwerse

Mirusia Louwerse is a world-renowned soprano and entertainer, celebrated for her 18-year global career spanning operas, musicals, oratorios and concerts. At 21, she became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award, launching her international career as the star soprano with Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra.
“It is an honour to welcome Mirusia, an extraordinary ambassador of Australian talent, to Hinchinbrook for our 2025 Australia Day celebrations. Her remarkable career and inspiring achievements embody the spirit of excellence and resilience we hold dear. We look forward to her joining us for this special occasion,” declared Councillor Marbelli.

The Australia Day Ambassador Program is one of the longest-running and most successful national Australia Day programs, sending high-achieving Australians to over 300 community celebrations nationwide every Australia Day. Ambassadors are past recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards, sportspeople, scientists, businesspeople, actors and community workers who contributed greatly to the community.

Mirusia will be present at the Australia Day award presentations and celebrations. Australia Day is about so much more than the events of the one day – it is about who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be.

Mirusia will return to Ingham to grace our community with her extraordinary talent when she performs at the JL Kelly Theatre on 15 March 2025, promising an unforgettable evening of world-class entertainment.

2025 Hinchinbrook Australia Day Award Nominees

This annual celebration highlights the remarkable individuals and events that make the Hinchinbrook Shire such a vibrant and thriving community. The nominees for the Shire Citizen Award have been recognised for their outstanding contributions in various fields, from volunteer work and community service to arts and sports.

Shire Citizen Award
   • Yvonne Bosworth – Recognised for her community leadership as Manager of Canegrowers Mitre 10, mentoring school trainees, volunteering at school events, and organising successful fundraisers for the McGrath Foundation. Yvonne has also made contributions to the Ingham Football Club and Ingham State High P&C.
   • Tammy Collins – Honoured for her extensive volunteer fundraising for charities, including significant efforts supporting the Palliative Carers Committee. Her boundless energy and generosity have left a lasting impact.
   • Piera Delroy – Celebrated for decades of volunteering, including roles with the Australian-Italian Festival and Ingham Palliative Care. Piera’s dedication to community events and support exemplifies selfless service.
   • Alan Giles – Recognised for 20+ years with the Ingham Theatre Group, directing standout productions and coordinating community performances, spreading joy through the arts.
   • Natalie Hulett – Acknowledged for her volunteer work with Audrey’s Angels of Hope, Hinchinbrook Blue Light, and PCYC Emergency Cadets, where she introduced Blue Light Care Bears to support hospital patients.
   • Keith Phillips – Honoured for his vital role with the Lower Herbert Halifax Lions Club, contributing expertise and resources to community projects like the Seniors Centre and Meals on Wheels.
   • Rita Phillips – Celebrated for her dedication to Meals on Wheels and the Anglican Church, including coordinating volunteers, finances, and redevelopment of facilities, alongside her community ministry work.
   • Helen Stanton – Recognised for her contributions to the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club and gymnastics, including coaching, event coordination, and securing funding to support local sports programs.

Shire Young Citizen Award
   • Coen Luxford – Nominated for his participation as a drummer at all local ANZAC Day parades, rain or shine. He also participates with the Ingham Theatre Group when possible. Coen served as Junior Sports Captain and is now Senior School Captain at Ingham State High School. In 2024, he represented the Hinchinbrook Electorate at the Queensland Youth Parliament, attending Parliament House on several occasions.

Good luck to all nominees for the Shire Citizen Award and all other categories! The celebration doesn’t stop there, as several more awards are up for grabs:
Junior Sports Award
   • Liam Fascetti
   • Jack Larsen
   • Brax Roveda
Senior Sports Award
   • Ally Rhodes
Junior Cultural Award
   • Coen Luxford
   • Kaitlyn Rapista
Senior Cultural Award
   • Alan Giles
Individual Achievement Award
   • Piera Delroy
   • Bridgette Duffy
   • Alan Giles
   • Natalie Hulett
   • Coen Luxford
   • Rita Phillips
   • Helen Stanton
Community Event of the Year Award
   • Dean Schifilliti Shield (Herbert River Junior Rugby League)
   • 'Mystery on the Orient Express' – Ingham Theatre Group
   • Palm Creek Parkrun
   • Rootbound Festival
   • Safer Families Event 2024 – Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre

Cardiovascular disease touches more than four million Australians and remains the leading cause of death across the country with the disease claiming 51 lives every day – killing one Australian every 30 minutes.  

Heart Research Australia has concluded maintaining a healthy heart can also help protect the brain, cognitive function, and memory and reduce the risk of age-related conditions like dementia, with research highlighting the intimate connection heart and brain health share.  

“The brain relies on a steady supply of blood from the heart,” says Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Miranda Say.

“Conditions like high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can disrupt blood flow, increasing the risk of stroke and cognitive decline, including dementia.”

As recorded in 2024, over 421,000 Australians are living with dementia, and with the figure projected to double by 2054, vascular dementia and its link to cardiovascular health is becoming a growing concern.

In recognition of Heart Research Australia’s Heart Awareness Month, also known as REDFEB, Australians have been urged to come together and take action to safeguard both their heart and brain health to effectively reduce the alarming nationwide statistics.

Heart Research Australia’s CEO, Nicci Dent, has outlined the importance of taking proactive steps now.

“Prioritising heart health isn’t just about preventing heart attacks—it’s also about safeguarding your brain health and reducing your future risk of cognitive decline, including dementia,” she said.

“The message is simple, what’s good for your heart health is also good for your brain health.”

As part of REDFEB, Heart Research Australia encourages Australians to take small, simple steps to benefit both their heart and brain health in the areas of meals, movement, measurement and mental wellness. For further information on REDFEB, visit www.heartresearch.com.au.

Wholelife Pharmacy & Healthfoods in Ingham is anything but your typical pharmacy. With exciting changes ahead, they’re set to offer a range of services that go beyond the usual prescriptions.
In 2025, they’ll be recognised as a Queensland Full Scope Community Pharmacy involved in the Queensland Health pilot. Enabling them specially training pharmacists to provide consultations and even prescribe treatments for specific range of conditions.
Owner Brenden Seri believes this new service will be a game-changer for the local community, providing accessible care for a variety of conditions.
“The consultations will cover things like earaches, shingles, and school sores, and they will be offered at a fee-for-service basis—it’s not bulk-billed or anything like that,” Brenden explained.
“We will be able to autonomously prescribe, within a set of guidelines, and I think it's only going to add to better health outcomes for the community, because we should also be able to refer the cases that need doctor or hospital in a more timely manner, resulting in better treatment.”
The new consultations will bring something fresh to the community, further enhancing the unique services Wholelife Pharmacy & Healthfoods in Ingham already provides.
In 2021, Brenden and business partner Atlanta Knuth took on the Wholelife Pharmacy & Healthfoods brand, expanding their offerings to include  Healthfoods.
“We can offer advice and provide a range of products that complement medicines, taking this pharmacy beyond just somewhere to pick up your prescriptions. Now, you can come and shop the awesome range,” said Brenden.
“You can make healthy choices and get your organic items. If you have seen our fridges and freezer section, do yourself a favour and do that as soon as possible—it’s something Ingham didn’t really have. If we don’t have your favourite product ask the staff our available via our suppliers in over 12000 health food items and growing every month.”
“We have lots of cafés, and plenty of options for food, but we didn’t have many options when it came to health food shopping.”

Please see page 7 for their ad and contact details.

Happy New Year Hinchinbrook, I cannot believe that Christmas and New Years have come and gone.  I hope everyone had the time and opportunity to catch up with family and friends where possible.
For myself, I did manage to spend time with family and enjoy the great natural assets Hinchinbrook Shire has to offer with them.
I look forward to continuing my work with the Councillors and Staff in 2025, ensuring that the projects from the current financial year progress smoothly toward successful completion.
With Australia Day not far away, whether you’re a local or visiting the area, the Hinchinbrook Shire is the perfect place to celebrate.  Enjoy a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and community spirit.
For an up-to-date list of events, you can check out the Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s Community Events Calendar on our website.  The Council Australia Day Awards Ceremony will kick off the weekend on Friday night, with the Fuller Family Golf Day and Australia Day Pool Party organised for Sunday.
On a more serious note, disasters can be a frequent occurrence during the wet season.                 If you are new to the area, be sure to visit Council’s Disaster Information page to gain a better understanding and access valuable links to vital information to assist you to Plan and   Prepare for disasters. 'Opt-In' to the Disaster Dashboard for crucial updates, tips and                      links.  As a Local Area Warden for the Local Disaster Management Group, I understand the need to provide valuable assistance in response to a natural disaster for the Cordelia area. I can't stress enough the need to be informed and to plan and prepare well in advance of the wet season commencing.
Once again, it’s great to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and explore the highlights of what has happened and what’s ahead for our Shire.
Have a great 2025, thank you.

Situated near the southern end of World Heritage-listed Hinchinbrook Island, the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal boasts the longest service jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Constructed in 1979, the jetty extends 5.76 kilometres into the Coral Sea.  Supported by over 660 concrete and steel pylons, the jetty is nothing short of an engineering masterpiece, where its design accounts for the earth's curvature, resulting in a 2-metre difference in height between its two ends. 

It is a bulk sugar loading facility, transporting raw sugar from the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal to large shipping vessels anchored offshore.  Sugar takes 22 minutes to travel along the conveyor from the terminal on-shore storage to the ship loader.

I would like your opinion on an issue that arises every wet season, resulting in persuasive argument both for and against, and that is whether the Minor Flood Level classifications in the Herbert River should be changed to a higher level.  
Minor flooding is defined as ‘causes inconvenience’.  Low lying areas next to watercourses are inundated which may require the removal of stock and equipment.  Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged.
With the exception of the Dalrymple Bridge on Hawkins Creek Road, no inconvenience is caused anywhere along the Lower Herbert River at current minor flood level classifications. As an example, let’s look at the Abergowrie Bridge where the minor flood level is 6 metres.
The argument is that this criteria is not met at a river height of 6 metres, it comes into play at around the 8-9 metre mark.  The argument is that issuing the periodic notices and advanced warnings at 6 metres, when no inconvenience is occurring, causes people to ignore the warnings and to become complacent.
There have been 17 instances since January 2020 where the Minor Flood Level has been exceeded at Abergowrie Bridge.  Of these, 5 went on to rise further to moderate level.
Last year (2024) we recorded 7 exceedances of minor, with only one going on to exceed moderate.
On the other side of the coin, the argument is that you can never get enough notice of potential flooding.  It is also argued that the river, in some instances, can rise very rapidly between minor and major and increasing the minor level may result in insufficient or inadequate notice on some occasions.
Do you have a view?  If so, we would like to hear it.  Please email Council on council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au at your convenience.

Cane toads remain a persistent menace in Queensland, and with their breeding season in full swing, the Great Cane Toad Bust is back.

This nationwide effort, running from January 18–26, 2025, invites communities to join the fight against this invasive species. Last year, more than 50,000 toads were removed, and organisers hope to surpass that figure this year.

These unwelcome amphibians, introduced in 1935 to combat sugarcane beetles, have wreaked havoc on native ecosystems. Cane toads can live up to 10 years, and a single female can lay an astonishing 30,000 eggs at once. Their toxic glands, lethal to predators, make them a dire threat to wildlife. Combined with their ability to consume almost anything, they’ve become one of the most destructive forces in Australia’s environment.

The Great Toad Bust encourages participants to trap and humanely euthanise toads, using methods outlined in free info packs from Watergum. Specialised traps can eliminate up to 47% of local populations. It’s crucial, however, to avoid mistaking native frogs, such as the Giant Frog (Cyclorana australis), for cane toads.

On the cultural front, Bob Katter has renewed his call for kids to become cane toad bounty hunters. He advocates for low-powered air rifles and 50-cent rewards per toad. Speaking on Tony Armstrong’s Eat the Invaders, Katter argued that this approach could engage communities while tackling the problem.

As part of the show, Katter dined at Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), known for its daring experiments with invasive species cuisine. Initially believing he was eating cane toad legs, Katter was served sugarcane pheasant (chicken) paired with invasive Indian myna bird. MONA’s executive chef, Vince Trim, clarified that scientists have ruled out cane toads as safe for consumption due to their toxicity.

MONA’s “Eat the Problem” philosophy stems from the 2019 release of Kirsha Kaechele’s deluxe food and art book, which champions creative solutions for addressing environmental issues. Instead of relying on heavily farmed meats, MONA’s menus highlight feral and abundant species like wallaby, deer, and rabbit. By transforming these invasive species into gourmet dishes, MONA aims to reduce their environmental impact while challenging conventional dining norms.

“The scale of the food operation at MONA is mammoth,” Trim explained. “Eat the Problem forced us to ask why we’re serving farmed meats that can negatively affect the environment while valuable resources like pests are being culled and left to waste.”

From wild-harvested venison to sea-urchin cocktails, the initiative turns ecological challenges into innovative dining experiences.

“Magpies eat cane toads,” Katter said, doubling down on his push for grassroots action to combat the pest.

With the breeding season upon us, the time to act is now. Whether you’re helping local wildlife thrive or simply keeping your farm’s dam clear, join the fight.

Register for the Great Cane Toad Bust at watergum.org/greatcanetoadbust and play your part in protecting Australia’s environment!