After an extraordinary 15-year career at the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC), Marilyn Pavetto is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication that has profoundly shaped our community. Marilyn began her journey in disaster recovery in 2009, providing critical support to families during and post crisis. She then worked as a counsellor and rolled out and delivered a suicide prevention program into the community, educating over 700 locals on how to save their friends and families lives.
Her passion for uplifting others eventually led her to focus on social inclusion for the elderly, a role in which she truly found her calling. Over the years, Marilyn has become a champion for senior citizens, creating programs that foster connection and belonging. From intergenerational projects to information sharing and good old fashioned morning teas, her efforts have empowered older adults to live fulfilling and engaged lives.
Her colleagues praise her as a "tireless advocate and a true inspiration," and the countless lives she’s touched are a testament to her dedication. CEO Linda McClelland praises Marilyn for her dedication and commitment to the organisation and for being a fierce advocate for the aged.
“I will miss Marilyn in the workplace, but her efforts will not be forgotten,” she said.
As Marilyn moves into retirement, HCSC celebrates her incredible achievements and wishes her joy and relaxation in this next chapter. Thank you, Marilyn, for your remarkable service!
Contributed with thanks to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre.

A camera happy croc was snapped lazing about on a bank at Sunday Creek over the weekend, with many locals reminded of the need to be Crocwise when in croc country these Christmas holidays.

Captured by the Lucinda Fishing Lodge, many believe the crocodile frequents the area, with similar sightings dating back to 2009. Although its common to spot a reptile or two in the area, boaters can never be too cautious when venturing into croc country.

As advised by the Queensland Government, there are a few simple steps boaters can take to be Crocwise including keeping out of the water, staying at least five meters away from the water’s edge, and keeping a sturdy object between yourself and the water.

Additional tips include avoiding entering the water in the same location twice, exercise extra caution at night, dusk and dawn, dispose of scraps in bins rather than into the water or around boat ramps, and keep clear of areas exhibiting slide marks, tracks and other signs of nesting.

Stay aware and choose safe behaviours around the water in croc country these holidays, and year-round to enjoy waterways safety.

With the Christmas and New Year holiday period almost with us, the volunteers at Ingham Coast Guard would like to wish all boaties a happy and safe time on the water.

Whenever the region experiences an exceptionally low tide, the Ingham Coast Guard often sends a drone up to photograph the exit from the Enterprise Channel at Dungeness. The sand here is continuously moving and has covered up the previous channels through the sand bar that once existed.

The Ingham Coast Guard would like to advise there is now NO channel through the sand bar. All boaties are urged to ensure they have sufficient water under their keel before attempting to cross the bar. A general rule of thumb is that whatever the tide chart says at a given time, there is half that on the bar.

This year-to-date Ingham Coast Guard has been called out 31 times and has rescued 91 people. Please stay safe on the water.

Contributed with thanks to Steve Whipps, Commander, QF14 Ingham Coast Guard.

Lifesavers at Forrest Beach are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant after netting six box jellyfish outside the stinger net enclosure on Sunday 15 December. The lifesavers also conducted precautionary drags inside the stinger net, with no jellyfish detected.

With hot, calm weather and plenty of bait fish close to shore, conditions were ideal for box jellyfish, which were found in shallow waters. Lifesavers are reminding everyone to take stinger season seriously and follow key safety measures to reduce the risk of stings.

Safety Reminders for Beachgoers
   • Always swim inside the stinger net.
   • Wear a stinger suit for extra protection.
   • Avoid touching the sides of the net.
   • Boaters should exercise caution when launching boats at the ramp.

In the event of a sting, douse the affected area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds, carefully remove any tentacles, and seek medical attention. For severe stings outside patrolling hours, call Triple Zero for an ambulance.

Lifesaver Patrol Hours
While there are no weekday lifeguards during the school holidays, Forrest Beach's dedicated volunteer lifesavers are extending their patrols:
   • Saturdays: 1pm - 6pm.
   • Sundays: 9am - 6pm.
   • Public Holidays: 9am - 6pm.

Box jellyfish stings can be life-threatening, but with the right precautions, everyone can stay safe. For more information on stinger safety, visit lifesaving.com.au.

Almost 150 people attended the official launch of Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper last week, the event marking a moment in history, with the Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli accepting an invitation to formally welcome the newspaper into the community.

QLD Premier Attends Newspaper’s Official Launch

Originally from Ingham, the Premier began his working career in the early 2000’s as a cadet journalist for the Herbert River Express.

This much-loved local newspaper printed its final publication in 2020, the closure of 14 regional newspapers in Queensland marked 124 years of history coming to an end for the Hinchinbrook region.

As such, the reigniting of a community newspaper dedicated to local news has come with much support from the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the business community and residents of the Shire.

Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper printed its first run on Tuesday 26th February and will print 3000 copies every week.

Publishing each Tuesday, the newspaper is available from more than 15 distribution stands and 50 pick-points throughout Ingham, surrounding townships, north to Cardwell and South to Rollingstone.

On the evening of Wednesday, 4th December, the community had the opportunity to celebrate the official launch of the paper at the Herbert River Sub-Branch RSL Club in Ingham.

The night began with a presentation by Editor in Chief of Life Publishing Group, Rachael Smith, and followed by a moving speech by Mayor Ramon Jayo who publicly acknowledged the value of the newspaper and voiced his support.

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto also spoke on the evening, complementing the newspaper on all the dealings he’d had with staff so far, expressing his gratitude and confirming his support.

The guest of honour, Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli attended the event with his wife Tegan, mum Karen, father Tony, sister Belinda and family.

Upon arrival he spent some time speaking with the many people that gathered around, treating each person with respect and courtesy.

When he took to the stage, David shared a story about the value of local newspapers stating that the biggest lesson had come from his father who had reminded him that it is the small communities that miss local newspapers the most.

He shared that it is for this reason, along with his long-standing love for regional newspapers and his affinity for his own hometown, that he accepted the invitation to attend the Official Launch.

The evening concluded with the Premier taking the time to speak to many others in the room, accepting invitations to be part of photos and graciously talking with countless attendees.

Hi Everyone,

What a week it has been!

I’m sure many of you will know already that Queensland Premier David Crisafulli came to town last week as the guest of honour at the official launch of Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper.

It was an absolute honour to have him at our launch at the Herbert River Sub Branch RSL in Ingham. David and his team are extremely kind and professional.

As I am still settling into Hinchinbrook, I find it wonderful that the community continue to approach me with story ideas.

This week, at the Launch of the paper, I was told about the mural painted on the side of the Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy wall. The very next day, I met Andrew (who owns the pharmacy), and he told me the story behind it, and it was fascinating.

Please keep contacting me about any stories you think the community would like to know. It’s these stories that the community want to hear, and I thoroughly enjoy sharing them with everyone.

Whenever I am out and about, I am thrilled to hear everyone’s praise for the paper, knowing that the community not only values the hard work myself and the team are putting in, but also love the paper. It means a lot to us.

Quote of the week

“Sometimes you are aware when your great moments are happening, and sometimes they rise from the past. Perhaps it's the same with people.”
(James Salter, Burning the Days)

For almost 60 years the Taylors Beach community has gathered together for the installation of the Taylors Beach Stinger Net.

The installation and removal has been an annual community event and has now become a community tradition.

President of the Taylors Beach Stinger Net Association Inc. Greg Sexton said this year’s stinger net was put up in mid-November and the net has a deep history.

“The Taylors Beach net started life in the 1960's and was recognised formally by Council in the late 1990's,” said Greg.

“A family got together with locals, and they decided where they wanted to put a net for kids to swim in.

“The first net was quite a primitive affair, there's no doubt about it, it had wooden posts and slats.

“Later steel railway tracks were driven into the sand, and the net was hung off that, and they made it a little bit better. And then one time I was over in UK, I came back and somebody put in some nice concrete posting with PVC tubes over and that's what I look after now.”

Greg also said that the Hinchinbrook Shire Council support them throughout the year which is greatly appreciated.

Additionally, the Taylors Beach community has come together once more to donate $20 towards the upkeep of the net, and Greg is appreciative of that ongoing gesture.

The Taylors Beach net encloses an area 25 metres by 50 metres with two sets of stairs over a rock wall to enter the swimming area.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is delighted to announce the arrival of nesting Green and Flatback Turtles along the pristine shorelines this season. These remarkable marine creatures are laying their clutches of eggs between November and January, with hatchlings expected to emerge from January to April.

Green Turtles typically lay around 50 eggs per clutch, while Flatback Turtles lay closer to 100. Many turtles nest multiple times a season, and their hatchlings begin a courageous journey to the sea, returning decades later to continue the cycle.

During nesting and hatchling season it’s important to reduce our use of artificial light on the shoreline. Hatchlings use the moonlight and starlight to navigate themselves towards the ocean, which means artificial light can confuse them and they may end up in land.

In addition, nesting turtles prefer beaches with no artificial light, the use of the light can deter them from nesting at their desired beach.

Council is calling on the community to assist in identifying nesting locations and turtle tracks. By reporting sightings or evidence of nesting, such as tracks, residents play a vital role in enabling Council to manage and monitor these sites for the duration of the nesting season.

Nesting sites, including those identified near Lucinda Beach, are fragile ecosystems. Council reminds residents and visitors that activities such as driving or misuse of beaches can crush turtle nests, damage vegetation that protects dunes, and exacerbate erosion. Prohibited behaviours may result in penalties under various legislations.

To report nesting sea turtle sites, please contact Council on 4776 4800 or send a photo of a nest and tracks to council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.

Your support helps protect these magnificent creatures and ensures their legacy for future generations.

Understanding nesting patterns is crucial for:

• Contributing to the conservation of turtle populations within the Great Barrier Reef and globally

• Strengthening funding applications for initiatives like the Hinchinbrook Community Feral Pig Management Program, as feral pigs are known predators of turtle eggs

• Enhancing Hinchinbrook's wilderness appeal, drawing visitors to experience its natural beauty.

Opinion Piece.
As a proud Australian of a multi-cultural nation, I believe it’s important to celebrate where we’ve come from while embracing the values of our country. It’s been disappointing to see the growing trend of corporations and groups using their influence to push people away from celebrating Australia Day—one of the most important dates on our national calendar.
Not celebrating all things Australian on the designated day sounds un-Australian to me. In recent years, the minority voices have tried to shame Australians for celebrating our heritage. Our country and forebearers are not without fault and it’s understandable some may have negative feelings towards our past, but at some stage we must find a way to move forward.
Australia Day is more than just a date, it’s an opportunity to be embrace all that it means to be Australian, what it means to be a resilient, strong and united country.
It’s a time to reflect, to celebrate the people and the achievements that make this country great, and to acknowledge both the triumphs and the challenges that we have collectively faced.
We are a great sporting nation; we are a nation with a proud military history, and we are home to some of the world’s most brilliant minds. Although we are a young nation comparatively, we have a rich multicultural background that can be interwoven with our Indigenous peoples story to create what is modern day Australia.
Bowing to cancel culture by trying to erase Australia Day doesn’t fix anything—it only divides us further. We should be finding ways to unite our nation while instilling national pride in our flag, anthem and country.
This January 26, I encourage every Aussie to find a way to come together with family and friends, to celebrate what it means to live in the lucky country, a country free from war, conflict or imminent treat, a country where everyone is afforded opportunity and free will.
If you choose not to mark the day, that’s your choice—that’s the beauty of living in a free country. But no one has the right to tell us to stop celebrating what the majority love about Australia.
‍

Nick Dametto MP
Member for Hinchinbrook

‍

A celebrated tradition across the region, the annual Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball will make its return in 2025 on the evening of Saturday 31 May at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall in the presence of the Bishop of Townsville, Bishop Timothy Harris.

The Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball stands as the only remaining debutante ball in the Hinchinbrook area and exists as a wonderful celebration of young ladies in Year 11 of any denomination or school to make their official debut.

With a rich history in the region, the ball provides both debutants and their families with the opportunity to uphold generations of tradition through learning classic dances and celebrating community spirit.

As organised by Gilroy Santa Maria College, all interested students are encouraged to pre-register by emailing c58.cathdeb@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au to stay informed on all updates and upcoming news.

2025 debutants are kindly asked to provide their name, parent’s or guardian’s name, mobile number and email address when pre-registering and to join the Facebook page titled 2025 Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball.

An information evening will be held on Sunday 9 February 2025 at Mercy Hall on Abbott Street, Ingham with dance rehearsals set to be held each Monday night in preparation for the May event.

The Gilroy Santa Maria College hopes to host another wonderful debutante ball in 2025, to continue celebrating and upholding the traditions of the Hinchinbrook community.

What: Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball
When: Saturday 31 May, 6pm
Where: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall
More Information: Contact Gilroy Santa Maria College on 4776 2888

‍

As a Local Government Councillor for the Hinchinbrook Shire, I am dedicated to enhancing our community's environmental sustainability through effective waste management and recycling initiatives.

One of our recent accomplishments is the installation of Containers for Change Pay-it-Forward (PIF) stations at Rotary Park and various other parks throughout the Shire. These stations are designed to streamline the recycling process and encourage residents to actively participate in reducing waste.

Council recognises the importance of proper waste disposal, and I urge those who collect recyclables to ensure they are emptied before being placed in the recycling bins. This small step can significantly improve the quality of our recycling efforts and help us achieve our environmental goals. Remember, every effort counts when it comes to protecting our beautiful surroundings.

I also want to remind our residents about the availability of two vouchers per household for free disposal of domestic general waste and free dumping of domestically sourced green waste.

These vouchers allow you to take your sorted waste to designated facilities, ensuring that recyclable materials are separated from general refuse. Proper sorting not only helps in minimising landfill contributions but also promotes a more sustainable community.

As we approach the festive season, it’s essential to stay mindful of our waste habits. With gatherings and celebrations, we can easily generate more waste. I encourage everyone to think about their recycling practices during this time. Let’s work together to keep our Shire clean and green!

In closing, I wish all residents a safe and joyous holiday season surrounded by family and friends. May your Christmas be filled with happiness and the spirit of giving. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making Hinchinbrook a better place for everyone.
Together, we can create a healthier environment for generations to come.

The historic Gairloch Bridge, opened for traffic on 4 November 1891, holds a unique place in Australia’s engineering heritage. Designed by Alfred Barton Brady, it was the first submersible road bridge of its kind in the country. Submersible bridges, built lower than traditional flood-level bridges, were a cost-effective solution to crossing waterways in flood-prone areas.
Brady's innovative design minimised obstructions to floodwaters and the debris they carry, ensuring durability and functionality even during major floods. Remarkably, the Gairloch Bridge is the only known road bridge of this design constructed in 19th-century Australia. It remains a testament to resourceful engineering in an era that prioritised practical solutions to challenging environments.

I am often asked about what powers the Mayor has, so I thought I might take the opportunity to explain a Councillor’s role.
Councillors (who include the Mayor and Councillors), do not have any authority to act or make decisions as individuals. They are members of an elected body collectively called ‘the Council’ that makes decisions on behalf of a Local Government through a formal meeting process.
Councillors are responsible for strategic vision and planning for the Local Government area to deliver outcomes for the community.
Councillors are not responsible for the day-to-day administration of Council, operational matters or overseeing the works done by Local Government employees. These functions are the responsibility of Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
A Councillor cannot direct a Local Government employee to do anything.  However, the Mayor has the authority to direct the CEO in accordance with Council policies and decisions.
The role of each Councillor is to:
   • Represent the current and future interests of residents;
   • Provide leadership and guidance to the community;
   • Facilitate two-way communication between the community and Council officers and employees; and
   • Participate in decision making processes at meetings.
Councillors represent the community’s interests in many ways. They can pass on an elector’s views, support initiatives and report complaints and problems they perceive, by informing the CEO or raising such matters in Council meetings.
People often look to their elected representatives to provide leadership and guidance. This can be done by highlighting directions that could be followed, putting forward options, and presenting arguments or possible solutions to a problem at community forums and Council meetings.
To initiate new policies and activities successfully, a Councillor will often need to gather information and obtain advice. This may be achieved through the Council staff, following an approach to the CEO. Councillors may approach other Senior Executive staff as authorised by the CEO in accordance with the CEO’s guidelines.
However, it should be remembered that while a policy may begin with an individual idea, decisions are not made by the individual Councillor alone. They are made by the whole Council.
The democratic process stipulates that a Councillor must accept the majority decision when the Council votes upon a motion. Consequently, if a Councillor feels strongly about an issue, and does not have a conflict of interest in the matter, he or she should present a well constructed and researched argument during the debate of the motion. If the result of the vote is against the wishes of an individual Councillor, he or she should accept that result graciously. Each Councillor has the right to have their dissent recorded in the minutes.
Councillors have a duty to attend Council meetings to ensure that electors are adequately represented. In recognition of this, under the Local Government Act 2009 a Councillor who is absent from two consecutive ordinary Council meetings without leave being granted by the Council, is automatically disqualified.

Hi everyone! We may have chatted together already, but if not, I’ll introduce myself.
I’m Chelsea Ravizza, and I have been helping Daniel here and there to bring you this wonderful free newspaper for the past few weeks. It has been an absolute pleasure hearing your stories and publishing the news of the Hinchinbrook region.
I’ve spent just about half my life living in Townsville, and the later half living in the Burdekin after my family moved to Ayr just before I began high school. For the past few years, however, I’ve been living in Brisbane while completing a Bachelor of Communication and Journalism at Griffith University.
Actually, today, Tuesday 10 December, is my graduation day, and if you’re reading this at around 10am, I’ll be taking a stroll across the stage at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in South Bank… how exciting!
Although I have been living in Brisbane, I have been writing for the Burdekin Life Newspaper for just over 12 months now after completing a university placement period in October of 2023.
I’ve loved sharing community focused news stories since before I even began my studies and have always had a passion for writing and journalism since I was very young after watching movies like The Devil Wears Prada and Confessions of a Shopaholic with my Mum!
This week I’ll be braving the journey and driving up from Brisbane back to the Burdekin, and you’ll certainly see me pop up to Hinchinbrook to say hello! I can’t wait to keep meeting you all, and please feel free to reach out and send me an email, chelsea@lifepublishinggroup.com.

Steven Devietti is a true local and was born and bred in Ingham where he has owned Ingham Tyre Centre for nine years now.

When Steven completed a mechanical automotive apprenticeship, it sparked his interest in the automotive industry.

Inspired to pursue a career, he purchased the old Goodyear tyre service store, recuing it from liquidation in December 2015.

Steven said it was quite challenging getting the store up and running again.

“This business was shut for three months, and it was in the middle of cane season, so it was a tough start,” said Steven.

“But since then, we built it up and now everything's going well.

When Steven took over the store, it was Goodyear but has rebranded earlier this month and is proudly Tyrepower.

He made the decision to swap networks for several reasons.

“The Goodyear Autocare Program had changed quite significantly, where they no longer distributed their own tyres,” explained Steven.

“The opportunity presented itself that I could change to a Tyrepower and Tyrepower is the biggest independent tyre network in Australia, and I wanted to become one of them.”

Tyrepower Ingham supply a range of services to the community, including new tyres for every piece of equipment, and service work.

“In our service work we go out in the field,” said Steven.

“We go out to farms and do tyre changes for customers.

“The best thing is talking to people and giving people the best service we can.

“I want to keep serving the community the best we can.”