Queenslanders Urged To Stick To Science As Melanoma Rates Remain Highest Worldwide Health experts are urging Queenslanders to rely on proven medical advice, not social media myths, when it comes to sun safety, as the state continues to record the highest melanoma rates in the world. Dermatologist Associate Professor Erin McMeniman, from Princess Alexandra Hospital and the University of Queensland’s School of Medicine, says misinformation about sunscreen is spreading online at an alarming rate. “Particularly in Queensland, most people receive enough sun exposure to produce vitamin D simply through their daily incidental activities, such as hanging out the washing or checking the letterbox,” she said. She warns that unprotected sun exposure remains the leading cause of melanoma and other skin cancers, with 4,085 Queenslanders diagnosed in 2021 and 385 losing their lives. “Skin damage can occur after 10 minutes exposure when the UV index is at 3 or above. In Queensland, the UV index is 3 or above all year round, even in winter,” she said. In recent weeks, UV levels have reached 14 and 15, classified as “extreme”, further emphasising the need for regular sun protection. Despite these well-established risks, a range of myths persist online, including claims that sunscreen causes cancer, that tans prevent sunburn, or that darker-skinned people cannot get skin cancer. Assoc Prof McMeniman says these claims are not only false, but dangerous. “Unprotected sun exposure has been proven to cause cancer.” She adds that sunscreen found in make-up is rarely strong enough to provide real protection. “You need SPF30 or higher rating to be protected against sun exposure,” she said. “If it’s not SPF30 or above, you should be wearing additional sunscreen under your makeup when you’re in the sun for an extended period.” Assoc Prof McMeniman says one of the biggest concerns is the rising number of Queensland children experiencing sunburn, with nearly half reporting at least one burn in the past year. “Sunburn in childhood, frequent sunburn and sunburn that blisters the skin all increase a person’s susceptibility to UV-related cancers,” she said. Adults over 60 remain the most at-risk group due to limited sun safety education when they were young. However, she says younger generations are benefiting from decades of awareness campaigns, with melanoma rates now slightly declining in those under 40. As Queensland heads into another Summer of intense UV levels, the message from experts remains clear: slip, slop, slap and slide, every day.
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There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown bushtucker. Bringing native Australian plants into your garden is a delicious way to connect with the land and enjoy fresh, seasonal flavours straight from your backyard. Here are four native plants that are easy to grow and a joy to harvest. Riberry Riberry, also known as lilly pilly, is a versatile shrub or small tree that brightens the garden with its glossy foliage and colourful fruit. The berries have a unique, spicy flavour with hints of clove and cinnamon, making them ideal for jams, sauces, or desserts. It's a magnet for birds and pollinators, so while you’re enjoying the fruits, your garden is also supporting local wildlife. Kangaroo Apple Kangaroo apple is a striking shrub that offers a distinct visual interest to the garden, with vibrant purple flowers and sweet, tangy fruit. The berries are delicious when fully ripe and can be enjoyed fresh or in creative dishes such as salads or preserves. Lemon Myrtle Lemon myrtle is a fragrant, evergreen plant prized for its intensely citrus-scented leaves. Perfect for teas, marinades, desserts, or sauces, this rainforest native is both ornamental and highly functional. It can be pruned to a manageable size, making it suitable for gardens of any scale. Lemon myrtle’s year-round leaves and aromatic qualities make it a must-have for any bush-tucker garden. Midyim Berry The midyim berry, or midgen berry, is a low-growing shrub with sweet, tangy berries that resemble blueberries. Its copper-toned new growth adds aesthetic charm, and the fruit is perfect for jams, sauces, or simply eating fresh. It also supports pollinators and provides food for native wildlife, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to cultivate a productive and ecologically friendly space. Why Grow Bushtucker? Native edible plants are naturally adapted to Australian soils and climates, often requiring less water and maintenance than exotic alternatives. They support biodiversity, offering food and habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. And, of course, they taste incredible, fresh, unique, and full of nutrients. A true taste of Australian bush bliss.
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Rachel Cauchis' Newest Optometrist Joining the team around the start of May, the practice’s newest optometrist has quickly settled into his role and has now been here for around seven months. When asked how he is finding it, he laughed, saying how much he enjoyed the office culture, showing he has meshed well with the other optometrists and enjoys the light-hearted environment of the workplace. Originally from Sydney, he studied optometry at the University of New South Wales. His move north came after a rural placement where he was encouraged to get in touch. After a phone call with Travis Cauchi the practice manager and co-owner, he decided to take a chance, packed everything up and thought, “Why not give it a go?” In practice, one of his favourite pieces of equipment is the slit lamp, which gives a magnified 3D view of the interior structures of the eye and allows him to closely examine eye anatomy and detect potential eye disease. He has a strong interest in picking up and managing eye disease, particularly in a regional setting where access to specialist care can be limited. He enjoys working closely with visiting ophthalmologists and doing his best to manage patients locally when travel is difficult. He sees professional development as something that happens every day, learning through experience and exposure to a wide variety of cases. While most of his patients are elderly, they are also his favourites. He enjoys their life stories, their humour and the genuine appreciation they show, which he finds incredibly rewarding. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring local waterfalls, travelling to Cairns and Townsville, and playing basketball with the local community. He is rarely without his film camera and considers himself more of a beach person, happy to sit by the water for hours.
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The Queensland Government has delivered its first major update to crocodile management in almost a decade. The new plan prioritises community safety, with increased patrols and an expansion of removal zones. It represents a commonsense approach to crocodile management. The Government’s Queensland Crocodile Management Plan puts human safety first and was developed with feedback from communities in North and Far North Queensland, including Ingham. The plan will implement increased crocodile management measures, including more patrols in high-risk areas and expanded removal zones. This evidence-based strategy demonstrates the Government’s commitment to listening to local communities and has been shaped by expert recommendations and extensive scientific research. Key changes for Ingham: Tyto Wetlands in Ingham to be upgraded to an Active Removal Zone, with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to undertake proactive patrols of this area and any crocodile found to be removed. Regional communities will continue to be consulted on the plan, with a designated four-week annual consultation period and updates made on a rolling basis. A mandatory review will be conducted every five years to ensure the plan continues to reflect the needs of the communities it impacts. The Government will also continue to remove crocodiles from the wild that pose a threat to public safety. Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the people of his electorate voted for change, and he was proud to deliver it in his first week as local Member. “Hinchinbrook now has a seat at the government table and work has already begun to deliver the fresh start we promised – starting with a new crocodile management plan that puts the safety of people first in Ingham,” Mr Chiesa said. “Upgrading Tyto Wetlands to an Active Removal Zone is the commonsense approach that’s needed and has been lacking for far too long under the former Government.” Mayor of Hinchinbrook regional council, Ramon Jayo, said it was a practical step to protect the area but to remain Crocwise. "TYTO Wetlands and the surrounding precinct remain one of our most popular destinations. While crocodiles are a natural part of life in North Queensland, proactive management is essential to keep visitors safe. Recent changes by the Queensland Government will allow for increased patrols and the targeted removal of crocodiles that pose a risk to the community. Crocodiles are part of our environment, so staying Crocwise is about using common sense—be alert near waterways, keep your distance, and never take chances."
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With the 2025 sugarcane crushing season set to begin on the 10th of June, it’s heartening to see our agribusinesses doing all they can to get on with the job after what’s been an incredibly testing start to the year.
It’s no secret that the February floods caused serious crop damage across the Herbert District, with many growers suffering losses to their ratooning and plant cane. This will be a wet season most of us would like to put behind us. This year’s crush will be vitally important, with not much room for error. Our farmers, harvesting contractors, and mill workers are potentially looking at a shorter season with crop yields down. This year’s crush will be below average, with Wilmar estimating they will crush around 3.27 million tonnes of sugar cane, compared to an average season of 4.08 million tonnes. Seeing harvesters in the paddocks and cane trains back on the tracks will be a welcome sight and a sign of our district’s ability to wipe the mud off our knees and get up again.
I want to acknowledge the maintenance crews and the navvies at Victoria and Macknade Mills. You’ve worked tirelessly throughout the slack to repair and prepare the mills and the rail network in record time, we’re all looking forward to steam trials and the shredder starting up.
Despite the tough conditions, our growers have put in the hard work to deliver the best crop possible during this year’s wet conditions. Your work keeps our economy ticking and supports jobs right across the region.
As this year’s season kicks off, I’d like to wish our harvester operators and haulout driver’s a safe and productive season. You all work incredibly long hours to ensure our season is a success, it’s pretty simple: without our harvesting crews, we don’t have a season.
As a final note, I urge everyone to be on the lookout for haulout tractors, heavy machinery and cane trains this season. Here’s to a safe and successful crush for everyone involved.
As May passes and Queensland Small Business Month comes to a close, the Chamber is very pleased to have been involved in a number of events and workshops throughout the month, which has been full of connection, advocacy, and community.
The additional, newly announced business grants over this past month have been welcomed. In addition, having representatives from the Department of Housing and Small and Family Business, Rural Financial Counselling Services, QRIDA, and the Wellness Coach visit the Hinchinbrook Information and Referral Centre ensures ongoing support for the community post-floods. These recent workshops and sessions have been well attended, and the attendees have expressed their appreciation for the additional information and assistance provided.
May also saw the return of the hugely anticipated “Markets at the Mosaic,” which enjoyed very strong attendance and support from stallholders and local retailers. The CBD was alive with activity and people. A survey conducted on the day showed that 35% of attendees had travelled to the district from outside the Shire and were keen to enjoy the visitor experience.
The Chamber was also proud to support the inaugural Link 2 Country event, which incorporated the “Find Your Futures in Hinchinbrook” and “NQ Makers Collective” Market Day. Local jobs currently available were showcased on the “Chamber Employment Wall,” with over 30 current vacancies on display, attracting consistent interest from the crowd over the two-day event.
The Hinchinbrook Chamber would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the organisers of the inaugural Link2Country Expo.
To wrap up Queensland Small Business Month, the Chamber celebrated with the Hinchinbrook Vibes Industry Brunch. This sell-out event hosted local business owners and employees, who enjoyed a relaxed morning of great company, coffee, and conversation. Guest speaker and content creator Jacqui Gage from GROW Social Co. took the audience into the world of social media and “Making it make sense!” Special VIP guest Queensland Premier David Crisafulli surprised the room with his arrival and was generous with his time and attention as he made his way around the room. The Premier listened attentively to the shared experiences and confirmed his government’s ongoing support for this community. Many in attendance expressed their heartfelt appreciation and acknowledgment that they are not being forgotten and that all is being done to support the Hinchinbrook community as it progresses through the recovery journey.
Council, in cooperation with the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Department of Resources, intends to conduct an aerial shoot to control feral pigs.
The areas covered during this program will include parcels of land that are under the management of participating organisations and landholders between and adjacent to Forrest Beach to the North, and Crystal Creek to the South.
Weather permitting, this program will take place on Monday 2 June and Tuesday 3 June 2025 between the hours of 5.00am and 7.00pm each day.
To ensure the safety of the public while this program is being conducted, access to the National Parks Estate, Bronte Road and the Halifax Bay Wetlands will be closed during these times. Access to the huts on Bronte Road will be permitted outside of the planned control times.
For further information or clarification concerning this matter, please contact Council’s Biosecurity Team on 07 4776 4088.
From Airlie Beach to Port Douglas, 170 riders and support crew will travel more than 1,000 kilometres across some of North Queensland’s most scenic and lesser-travelled roads. Tour de Cure is heading north and they stopped by in Hinchinbrook for their Day 4-5 leg yesterday. Many came out to cheer the cyclists as they rode into the TYTO Parklands on Monday afternoon, meeting the heroes doing this great trek for a cure. Holding signs and with big smiles, Ingham locals got to wave them 'good luck!' as they departed from Borello Park Tuesday morning.
For the participants this isn’t just a ride, it’s a powerful movement to help cure cancer. Tour de Cure is a cancer-agnostic organisation, meaning funds raised support a wide range of cancer research, support services, and prevention projects. The fundraising goal for Signature Tour 2025 is $2 million, and with $1,567,806 raised, they are so close to that goal.
Mark Beretta, Tour de Cure Board Member & Ambassadors, and Sports Presenter on Channel 7’s Sunrise commented that he was “Super excited to be experiencing this part of the world again on the bike! It’s just magic and we love the different landscapes and scenery, but best of all it’s the people that make it great!"
"They’re different up here – a bit more relaxed and friendly. And whether we’re on the bike or off it, they’re super generous and great to have a yarn with. The hospitality and the patience on the road are always great here and we are very grateful for the chance to enjoy this incredible part of the world and the finish in Port Douglas will be spectacular – and then we get to relax and really put our feet up!"
If you would like to cheer the cyclist along their route, see the tour information below. If you would like to donate, you can do so online: signaturetour.tourdecure.com.au/donate
Day 5 - Ingham to Mission Beach
Tuesday, 03 June 2025. 'Journey' 140km (bus uplift to finish) 'Classic/Challenge' 167km, 717m elevation. Borello Park, Ingham – Cardwell Park, Cardwell – Tully Showground, Tully – Club Wyndham, Mission Beach.
Day 6 - Mission Beach to Cairns
Wednesday, 04 June 2025. 'Journey' 130km (bus uplift to finish) 'Classic' 164km, 959m elevation. 'Challenge' 187km, 2,036m elevation. Club Wyndham, Mission Beach – Paronella Park, Mena Creek – Smithy Holmes Park, Aloomba – Malanda Oval, Malanda – Northern Event Lawn, Cairns.
Day 7 - Cairns to Atherton
Thursday, 05 June 2025. 97km, 1,429m elevation. Lexus, Cairns – Atherton Showgrounds, Atherton.
Day 8 - Atherton to Port Douglas
Friday, 06 June 2025. 137km, 636m elevation. Halloran’s Hill, Atherton – Mount Molloy – Mossman Park – Port Douglas Surf Club, Port Douglas.
signaturetour.tourdecure.com.au/donate
As the fields of Hinchinbrook prepare for another busy crushing season, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the remarkable engine that drives our region forward - our farmers, contractors, mill workers, and the local businesses that stand beside them, rain or shine.
At Honeycombes Sales and Service Ingham, we are proud to be part of that engine. As Hinchinbrook’s local John Deere dealer, we serve not just as a supplier of world-class products and machinery, but as a committed partner to the people and enterprises that make this community thrive and prosper. Whether it's a family farm nurturing the next generation, a school maintaining its grounds for the students, a council caring for public spaces, or a large-scale cane operation, we’re here to support the hard work happening all across our region every single day.
From ride-on mowers to tractors, all the way through to high-powered cane harvesters, our range of John Deere equipment is backed by deep product knowledge, decades of experience, and a team that lives and works right here in the district. These machines are built to meet the varied needs of all – the small property owners through to large scale agricultural businesses, ensuring there’s a John Deere for every job. We understand the demands of the land, because we’ve walked it ourselves.
More than just a dealership, Honeycombes Ingham is a hub for reliable advice, expert service, and genuine parts. Our sales, parts and service teams are specialists in their field, offering local support and a strong commitment to keeping your machinery performing at its best. When a piece of equipment breaks down mid-season, it’s not just an inconvenience; it’s time, money, and momentum lost. That’s why our parts and service teams are dedicated to getting our customers back up and running with minimal delay and maximum care.
As the season ramps up, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank and salute the growers, contractors, and mill workers whose long hours and hard work power the Hinchinbrook region. We wish you a safe, successful, and prosperous season and remind you that we’re here, as always, to support you every step of the way.
For local expertise, genuine John Deere solutions, and a team that knows what matters most, visit Honeycombes Sales and Service Ingham at 5 Herbert Street or call us on (07) 4776 7600.
Let’s keep Hinchinbrook moving, together.
At Forrest Beach Takeaway, we believe food should be made with love, care and the freshest ingredients. Every meal is cooked to order and full of love by local chef Dayu.
From Monday to Thursday each week, our chef’s nightly specials are the highlight of the menu, showcasing a rotating selection of classic Aussie pub favourites, cherished family recipes, and authentic Balinese and Asian flavours — all served alongside our regular fish and chip and burger takeaway menu.
We make everything in-house using fresh ingredients, including our curry pastes, sauces, crumbed chicken and steak, burger patties and pasta sauces. This homemade approach is what sets us apart and keeps our customers coming back for more.
Friday is Pizza Night, featuring stone baked bases topped with our homemade sauces and a generous topping of fresh ingredients. The pizza menu changes weekly, offering new flavours and crowd-pleasers each time.
On weekends, we offer a range of hearty meal specials to complement our regular menu. Saturdays and Sundays are all about comfort food, with all-day options including crumbed steak, crumbed chicken, lasagne, or fish — each served with chips and salad. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a relaxed and satisfying weekend.
If you're planning ahead, our freezer is stocked with homemade lasagne, frozen ravioli, tortellini, gnocchi, pizza and other meals. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner when you're short on time.
Sweet tooths are well looked after too! Our display fridge is full of traditional favourites such as lamingtons, peach blossoms, cream horns and caramel marshmallow slice. Our handmade biscuits are a hit as well, from Amarettini Italian and Nana’s Old-Fashioned Jam Drops to our best-selling Nutella Choc Chip and Ginger n' Molasses biscuits.
We also create gift bags and boxes for special occasions including Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for our daily and weekly specials and seasonal treats. There’s always something new and tasty waiting for you at the Forrest Beach Takeaway.
In the heart of Ingham, Fiori With Love is more than a florist. It’s a warm and welcoming hub where the scent of fresh flowers meets the aroma of locally roasted Colombian coffee. This unique fusion of café and florist creates an atmosphere that’s hard to match, offering visitors the perfect blend of comfort and beauty.
Whether you’re dropping in for an all-day breakfast made with fresh, organic ingredients or taking your meal to go, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The menu offers a thoughtful selection of house-made cakes, sweet and savoury treats, along with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Pair it with a perfectly brewed Colombian coffee or a specialty tea sourced from around the world, and you’re set for a delicious start to your day or a snack for in-between.
What truly sets Fiori With Love apart, however, is its ability to combine all the things we love: good food, fresh flowers, and thoughtful gifting. Their shelves are constantly updated with new and unique homewares, gifts and decorative pieces, giving every visit a sense of delightful discovery. From freshly baked cakes to seasonal tableware, there’s always something special to take home or share with loved ones.
Florals remain at the heart of the business, with delivery options available across the Hinchinbrook district and as far as Townsville.
Need flowers sent further afield? No problem as Fiori With Love can organise delivery Australia-wide, making it a reliable choice for life’s big moments, near or far.
After years of building something truly special, the current owners are looking for someone to carry the torch. If you’ve dreamed of running a vibrant, creative business rooted in community and quality, this could be your perfect opportunity.
Interested? Reach out to Louise at 0407 166 186 or email louise@fioriwithlove.com.au and step into something beautiful.
On Monday 26 May, the Queensland Ambulance Service marked a remarkable milestone – 100 years of dedicated service from the Ingham Ambulance Station. The centenary celebration brought together past and present paramedics, volunteers, and community members to honour the station’s enduring legacy in the Hinchinbrook region.
The day was a heartfelt reminder of how deeply the Ingham Ambulance Service is woven into the lives of locals. From childhood memories of bandaged knees and getting their ears peirced, to life-saving responses in times of crisis, the service has always stood ready with compassion and care.
Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto MP shared his thanks:
“Congratulations Ingham Ambulance Station on your 100 year celebration. On behalf of the Hinchinbrook electorate, I would like to say a sincere thank you to all past and present staff and officers for your service and dedication to our community.”
"A special thanks to those who worked so hard to organise the event. Your efforts ensured the station’s rich history was properly recognised and celebrated."
Happy 100th Birthday, Ingham Ambulance Station and thank you for a century of outstanding service. Here's to the next 100 years of care, courage, and community.
The Herbert River Show Association has once again opened the gates to opportunity and celebration, as it announces the search for its 2025 Showgirl and Rural Ambassador. This cherished tradition not only highlights the vibrancy and talent within the local community but also honours the region’s deep connection to rural life and community values.
The role of Showgirl is open to women aged 18 to 28, regardless of marital status. It’s a title that represents elegance, confidence, and a deep appreciation for regional Queensland. Beyond the sashes and smiles, Showgirls are ambassadors for agricultural shows, promoting the importance of rural industries and helping preserve the cultural heart of country towns.
Equally important is the position of Rural Ambassador, open to both men and women aged 20 to 30. These individuals champion the growth and sustainability of rural communities and act as role models for younger generations. Whether married or unmarried, applicants are encouraged to bring their passion for regional development, leadership, and community involvement forewards.
Amanda Way is coordinating expressions of interest and can be contacted at a.way@bigpond.com.
In a time where rural communities continue to face challenges, recognising and celebrating the people who carry these towns forward is more important than ever. The 2025 Showgirl and Rural Ambassador will not only represent the Herbert River region but will embody the strength and resilience of country Queensland.
The Herbert River Jockey Club’s annual race meetings are fast approaching and with little more than 5 weeks to go until our first major Racing Event for 2025, preparations are well and truly underway for the JULY 12 INGHAM GOLD CUP. Everyone in the Ingham district experienced an extreme start to the year, and with the Jockey Club grounds having also being adversely affected by the widespread flooding, the hunt for local community support has never been more important!
Our annual Race Days are two of the most popular events Ingham has to offer on the social calendar, and this year we are promoting them as an opportunity to bring the community together in the wake of such devastation.
We’ve heard the terms “resilient”, “community” and “spirit” repeated over and over. Now is a perfect time to come together as a community, to show our spirit, and support our local Racing Events. The perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and put the worries of the world aside for a day.
We’d like to acknowledge Sponsors so far who are graciously supporting our 2025 events.
Race Day Sponsors:
Ingham Shire Council, Stokes & Company, Cellarbrations, NQIB Insurance Brokers, Ingham Mazda, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, W&T Garden Bails & Treeloping, Hinchinbrook Electorate Office, Ingham Agencies, MobbsMarr Legal, Frosty Mango, Beauty on Lannercost and Snippers Boutique for Hair.
We’d also like to thank the other local, Townsville and away businesses that have kindly supported us through donations.
No donation is too big, or too small, and we’ve got some amazing Sponsorship Packages available that will give you free entry tickets, free track-side tables, as well as extensive business exposure on social media, the Jockey Club Website, the official Ingham Gold Cup Race Day Poster, as well as in our Race Day booklets.
If your business would like to jump on board with Sponsorship, please contact Herbert River Jockey Club Secretary Christina Spencer on 0407 569 550 or email herbertriverjockeyclub@gmail.com
WHAT: Ingham Gold Cup
WHEN: July 12
Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire! I have some amazing news to share with you all today as I received my first award in journalism!
On 11 February 2025, I contributed an editorial for Hinchinbrook Life's Flood Edition, documenting my family's struggles as they were, like the title said, marooned in Macknade. I entered this story into the QCPA Media Excellence Awards in March, and last weekend I received Bronze as Queensland Country Press Young Journalist of the Year!
Journalism is such a fast-moving world that I have only just begun to dip my toe into. Since taking on the reins of Hinchinbrook Life in April, I’m truly happy that it was this particular story of local struggle and family dedication that won me my first award. I endeavour to make every editorial I write a reflection of the people and services that make up this beautiful region and to continue improving and pushing forward.
Thank you, Hinchinbrook Shire, and the whole team across the Life Publishing network for giving me this opportunity. I’m incredibly happy with the recognition of my work and thank you all again for your support as your local journo!
Victoria
Fun Fact: In the UK, fish and chips were traditionally wrapped in old newspapers, giving the meal a unique newspaper ink flavour. This practice ended for health reasons, but it is still nostalgically remembered. Locally, Forrest Beach Takeaway mimics this tradition with fake 'newspaper' wrappings — which is a delight to see.
Halifax welcomed the first market of the year with a vibrant atmosphere and a strong sense of community spirit. Locals and visitors alike packed into the park to enjoy the sunny Saturday morning filled with soulful live music that set a relaxed and joyful tone for the marketgoers.
Stalls lined the area with a colourful mix of offerings. Plant lovers explored a beautiful selection of greenery, while others sampled fresh, marinated olives packed with flavour. Book enthusiasts discovered hidden gems at the bookstall, and curious minds were drawn to quirky 3D-printed creations, sparking interest in the blend of creativity and technology.
Face painting brought smiles and sparkles to young faces and overall, it was a day that celebrated the charm of local enterprise and the joy of coming together as a community. With its friendly vendors and buzzing atmosphere, Halifax's first market of the year proved to be a heart-warming success and a promising start to the season ahead. Locals are already looking forward to the next one.
The Agile Wallaby (Macropus agilis) is a frequent visitor to TYTO Parklands and Wetlands, especially during early mornings and late evenings. These shy marsupials graze on succulent grasses and are often seen in small groups of up to 10, but at TYTO, it's not uncommon to spot larger mobs, complete with joeys at foot.
With permanent water and ample open grassy areas, Agile Wallabies are able to breed year-round. If you stroll quietly through the parklands or wetlands, you might be rewarded with a special sight, and even better, a perfect photographic moment.
So next time you're at TYTO, keep your eyes peeled, you never know when one might hop into view!
Talented young tennis players, Riley Carr and Miles Dahlstrom, proudly represented Ingham Tennis Association at the 2025 North Region Junior Development Series – Gold Pan Teams event, held in Charters Towers over the weekend of May 31st and June 1st. This event brought together junior players from across the northern region to compete in doubles and singles matches in mixed-club teams.
Riley captained his Division 1 team with confidence and determination, leading them through a series of hard-fought matches to finish as runners-up. His leadership, both on and off the court, earned recognition and respect from coaches and peers.
Miles played an important role in Division 2, competing as the number 3 player for his team. Demonstrating consistency and strong team spirit, Miles helped his side secure the division title, emerging as overall winners in their category. Both players showed impressive sportsmanship and skill, and their performances have made the local tennis community proud.
To inspire and support the next generation of players, free junior coaching sessions, sponsored by Powerlink Queensland, will be held at the Ingham Tennis Courts on Tuesday 17th June at 3:30pm-4:30pm for ages 5-9 and 4:30pm-5:30pm for ages 10-17. There will be fun games and tennis tips from our coach and club volunteers. These sessions are open to all skill levels and are a great opportunity for kids to get involved in the sport, meet other young players, and build their confidence on court.
To register, contact Coach Tom Casey on 0413 199 702 or visit the Ingham Tennis Association Facebook page. Come along and see where tennis could take you!
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As a Councillor committed to environmental sustainability, I am pleased to share Council's ongoing efforts to transform our approach to waste management. Recognising that landfill space at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre is rapidly depleting, we have shifted our perspective from viewing waste as a burden to embracing it as a valuable resource that can be recovered and recycled.
One of the most pressing challenges we face is the contamination of household recycling bins. Contaminated materials hinder the recycling process and lead to increased costs and a loss of valuable resources. We are actively promoting educational campaigns such as the Bin Tagging Education Program (BTEP) to provide residents with instant feedback regarding their recycling practices and the importance of minimising contamination. To illustrate the effectiveness of this program, a Bin Tagging event conducted last week found an 18% decrease in households contaminating their yellow lidded recycling bins.
Council is also working to address the issue of the loss of valuable recyclable materials in both kerbside collection and commercial waste streams. By enhancing our recycling infrastructure and collaborating with local businesses, we aim to improve the recovery of these resources. Initiatives may include introducing more accessible recycling drop off locations and providing support for businesses to implement effective recycling programs. Watch this space.
Council is dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability within our community. Together we can minimise landfill use and increase resource recovery, paving the way for a cleaner and greener Hinchinbrook Shire. Every household plays a vital role. By recycling correctly, we can reduce contamination, protect our environment and contribute to a more sustainable future. I encourage all residents to actively support our waste and recycling initiatives and be part of this positive change.
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