Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A major Bruce Highway upgrade is underway, with works at Gairloch, Ripple Creek, Ingham-Halifax-Bemerside Road and the Cardwell Range targeting safer travel and improved flood resilience. The long-awaited improvements aim to reduce the severity of flooding across key sections of highway and help prevent head-on crashes, addressing challenges that can disrupt communities and isolate motorists during the wet season.
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This NQIB Country Cups Challenge Qualifier Race Day, racegoers are invited to embrace this year’s theme, Country Glamour. The Herbert River Jockey Club event will feature 10 Fashions on the Field categories, catering to everyone from junior entrants to experienced fashionistas. Categories include Forrest Beach Realty Fashions on the Field, Ingham Mazda Contemporary Lady of the Track, NQ Travel & Cruise Classic Lady of the Track, The Bloom Room Townsville Millinery and Lifelong Supports Best Dressed Man of the Track. Junior and youth categories, alongside Spotter’s Choice, will offer further opportunities to take part. Three judges will bring their individual fashion and racing experience to the competition. Amy Byrnes grew up immersed in racing, travelling to meetings with her family and making memories at Cluden Park. Now a racehorse owner herself, she enjoys attending meets across Queensland and internationally. Amy will be looking for confidence, personality and the joy an outfit brings to its wearer, with an appreciation for thoughtful accessories and finishing touches. Milliner Cat Murphy brings more than a decade of experience creating headwear worn at race meetings across Australia and in London. A passionate racing enthusiast, she values outfits that work cohesively with the theme, combining comfort, confidence and attention to detail. Millinery will naturally be a particular focus, whether a bold statement piece or a classic, understated design. Marnie Davidson brings a competitive edge, having collected 27 sashes during three years of Fashions on the Field competitions around Australia. Her achievements include finalist positions at Flemington’s Melbourne Cup Derby Day and Turnbull Stakes, as well as qualifying for several major fashion events. A self-confessed lover of coordinated looks, Marnie will be keeping an eye out for the little details that bring an outfit together. With experienced judges and a Country Glamour theme, racegoers are encouraged to bring their own interpretation of raceday style to the track. For event information and the full list of categories, visit hrjc.com.au. Dress to impress at the Country Cups this November. Photo sourced: Herbert Rivr Jockey Club
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Cassowary Coast Regional Council has been recognised for its innovative approach to flood monitoring, taking home the Local Government Mutual Services (LGMS) Risk Excellence Award at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Conference on Tuesday evening. The award recognises Council's Flash Flood Sensor Network project, which uses radar technology to monitor water levels at known flood-prone locations across the region. The information from the flood sensors is integrated into Council’s Disaster Dashboard, giving residents, emergency services and Council access to local conditions as they change. Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said the recognition highlighted Council's commitment to finding practical ways to improve community safety and disaster preparedness. "Living on the Cassowary Coast, we know how quickly heavy rainfall can turn into dangerous flooding, particularly in areas where water levels can rise with very little warning," Mayor Millwood said. "These sensors give us another set of eyes on some of our known flood trouble spots, providing real time information without having to send staff out into potentially dangerous conditions. "What's particularly important is that this information isn't just for Council. Our residents in flood prone areas can also access this information on the Disaster Dashboard to help them asses their risk, get prepared and make plans in case flooding looks likely." The network has already supported information sharing with local police and State Emergency Service personnel around Mission Beach, helping emergency services monitor conditions at known flood-prone locations. Previously, monitoring these locations relied heavily on weather forecasts, community reports and staff inspecting conditions on the ground. The technology provides another source of information to support earlier identification of rising water levels, planning for potential road closures and coordinating responses during heavy rainfall. Council is continuing to assess the network through a three-year trial, using observations from residents and emergency services to verify sensor readings and evaluate its effectiveness. Residents can access flood monitoring information, road updates and other important disaster information on Council’s Disaster Dashboard by ticking *New Water Levels Visit: www.disaster.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au Caption: Cassowary Coast Regional Council has been recognised for its innovative approach to flood monitoring. Photo supplied
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I have spent sleepless nights since last Monday, praying for my long-term and good friend in the Parliament, Helen Haines, along with her family, staff and the first responders to an inexcusable act on a beautiful human being inside and out, who has brought much sparkling joy and enlightenment to the centre of the crossbench. Whilst we are at opposite ends of the country and representing significantly different electorates, my tremendous respect of Helen’s tenacious advocacy for what she believes in, matches my great appreciation of our genuine friendship. We don’t represent a political party based in Melbourne or Sydney or Brisbane – we represent the people who sent us to parliament: the people of our electorate. And there’s no doubt that a terrible blow has been struck against democracy and the people of Australia. A lady in every sense of the word, Helen is a true moderate of the highest regard across the political spectrum – with the ability to get on with people with very definite views like the teals on one hand, and people like himself on the other. And I cannot help but think of her smiling face, whenever I leave the Chamber and tap her on the shoulder to ask, “You right if I leave this all under your control, Helen?” and her cheerful reply, “Yes Bob,” both of us laughing. Not to mention her culinary skills in constructing the most delicate of sponge cakes. Though I react quite frankly with rage and fury at this evil that can have no exculpatory explanations, may we all pray that God’s blessings are with Helen and her family, staff and friends as we all rally around them to provide the support they need during this extremely difficult time. Hon. Bob Katter MP, Federal Member for Kennedy Federal Kennedy MP Bob Katter at Australian Parliament House with his independent crossbench colleague Helen Haines MP, the Member for Indi. Photo supplied
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ANZAC Day services across Hinchinbrook and Cardwell drew strong community attendance, with locals gathering to pause, reflect, and honour those who have served. From the Dawn Service in Ingham to ceremonies at Forrest Beach and Halifax, the day was marked with respect and remembrance.
Hinchinbrook MP Wayde Chiesa said it was an honour to attend services across the region and deliver the main address in Cardwell, noting the strong turnout as a powerful reminder that the ANZAC spirit remains as strong as ever.
“It was incredibly special to see so many people come together to pause, reflect, and remember.” He said, “ANZAC Day is about honouring the courage, sacrifice and service of the men and women who have served our country, and ensuring their legacy continues for future generations.”
Under Jesse, SpinFX has built a long-standing reputation for reliable workmanship, high standards, and delivering quality results from the outset. That reputation underpins every part of the business, including its expanding solar and energy division.
While Jesse cannot be on every site personally, he ensures each member of the SpinFX team is fully supported with the training, tools, and ongoing professional development required to meet the same standard. Regular upskilling and industry training are embedded in the business, keeping the team aligned with current best practice and evolving technology.
This approach is what defines The SpinFX Standard. It extends beyond installation work alone and reflects a commitment to consistency, attention to detail, and outcomes that clients can depend on long after the job is complete. Jesse has confidence in every team member to deliver work that reflects the same professionalism, care, and accountability that the SpinFX name represents.
That standard is especially evident in the company’s solar and battery installations. Power your future with SpinFX Energy! A recent project featured a 19.74kW solar PV system using TW 470W panels, a Sungrow 10kW hybrid inverter, and a Sungrow 20kWh battery. Designed to combat rising electricity costs, systems like this provide greater energy independence, long-term savings, and improved household or business resilience.
For homeowners and businesses considering solar and battery storage, SpinFX Energy delivers tailored solutions backed by proven workmanship and ongoing support.
When you choose SpinFX, you are choosing consistency, capability, and a standard of work that is built to last. It’s North Queensland powered right.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that smoke testing and visual sewer inspections will be carried out in selected areas of Ingham from Wednesday 29 April to Wednesday 27 May 2026, weather permitting. These works are being undertaken by Council’s appointed contractors as part of the sewer manhole condition assessment program.
Smoke testing and inspections will occur in the following Ingham streets: Hardy Street, Cartwright Street, Atzeni Lane, Blackburn Street, Burke Street, Bird Street, Renouf Street, Stone Street, Stallan Street, Harvey Street, Flynn Street, Cassady Street, Lyons Street, Clay Street, Forgan Street, Jesson Street, Hunter Street, Morrissey Street, Victoria Mill Road, Covell Street, Mahoney Street, Tilley Street, Giugni Street and Scott Street.
Smoke testing is a safe and non-invasive way for Council to inspect the sewer network and identify issues that are not always visible. It helps locate cracks or breaks in sewer pipes, damaged or deteriorated infrastructure, illegal stormwater or roof drainage connections entering the sewer system, and faulty house drain connections linked to Council assets.
Identifying these issues early helps reduce sewer overflows and system failures, improves the reliability and performance of the sewer network, and protects the environment.
Smoke testing also helps prevent sewer backups that can affect properties during wet weather and reduces the risk of costly emergency repairs by addressing problems before they escalate.
Smoke testing works by blowing non-toxic smoke into sewer mains through manholes, allowing authorised inspectors to observe where smoke escapes and identify areas where Council infrastructure may need to be inspected and resealed.
The smoke is non-toxic, odourless and harmless. It is made from a high-grade food oil, may be visible around sewer vents, yards or roof drainage points, and clears quickly. There will be no disruption to water or sewer services.
If smoke enters your home, it may indicate a perished toilet seal or a dry or empty gully trap. These are private plumbing issues and do not pose a health risk.
Authorised Council officers may enter properties for restricted inspection purposes only. Entry is limited to the property and does not include entry into buildings. Inspectors will doorknock the day before access is required, or leave a notification leaflet if no one is home, advising of inspection the following working day.
Please ensure pets, including dogs, are secured to allow safe access for inspectors.
Council thanks residents for their cooperation while these important inspections are undertaken. Call Council on (07) 4776 4600 or email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au for more information.
When it comes to crop establishment, getting the first stage right is critical, and that is where LiquaForce PlantStarter is setting a new benchmark for growers. Designed to deliver nutrients directly to the root zone, PlantStarter is helping farmers achieve stronger germination, faster strike rates, and more consistent crop performance from day one.
PlantStarter can deliver faster strike rates, greater shoot lengths, and a reduction in nitrogen leaching compared to traditional granular fertiliser. These results reflect a major step forward in both efficiency and environmental performance.
Unlike granular products that rely on soil breakdown and moisture movement, PlantStarter delivers nutrients straight to the cane set or seedling roots. This direct delivery system reduces nutrient tie-up in the soil and ensures immediate plant availability, even in challenging conditions.
For growers, this means fewer risks at planting time. Cold, wet soils or waterlogged paddocks do not prevent uptake, with PlantStarter remaining effective in conditions that typically slow establishment.
If a tractor can travel across the paddock, PlantStarter can be applied.
Liquid application also brings practical advantages, loading faster, applying faster, and going further using existing machinery. This reduces man hours while improving coverage and consistency across planting operations.
PlantStarter combines enhanced efficiency fertiliser technology with organic and synthetic growth promotants to deliver a balanced nutrient mix. The result is rapid root development and stronger early shoot growth, giving crops the strongest possible start.
PlantStarter continues to demonstrate that strong establishment is the foundation of strong yield outcomes, season after season.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that several Council facilities will be closed for the Labour Day public holiday on Monday 4 May 2026.
The following facilities will be closed:
• Lannercost Street Office
• Martin Street Works Depot
• Water and Sewerage Depot
• Hinchinbrook Shire Library
• TYTO Regional Art Gallery
• Halifax Library Sub-Branch
• Halifax Resource Recovery Centre
Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly during this period until normal operating hours resume.
Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre and kerbside waste collection will continue as normal and visit https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/water-waste-and-roads/waste-and-recycling/domestic-waste-collection/ for more information.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that line marking works for the annual reseal program will be carried out at various locations across the Shire between Thursday 30 April 2026 and Friday 1 May 2026 (weather permitting) at the following locations:
Traffic control measures will be in place, and motorists may experience minor delays while works are underway. Motorists are asked to allow extra time when travelling through work areas.
Council thanks the community for their patience and cooperation during these works.
The reseal-line marking project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Roads to Recovery Program and the Queensland Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.
For more information, email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4776 4600.
Image from Shutterstock
To understand a community like Hinchinbrook, you start with the people who turn up. The volunteers. The ones who stay back, lend a hand, and quietly keep things moving.
That’s the spirit behind the Stronger Together Hinchinbrook Grassroots Training Project, being launched by Volunteering North Queensland (VNQ) during National Volunteer Week 2026. VNQ will be on the ground in Hinchinbrook, not to lecture or dictate, but to listen. To sit down with volunteers, community groups and local leaders and ask a simple question: What do you need to keep going?
VNQ Secretary Margie Ryder says the answers matter. “This isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all workshop,” Ms Ryder said. “It’s about hearing from the people who live and volunteer here and building support around what they actually need — not what someone else thinks they need.”
The session is practical and hands‑on, designed to help local groups strengthen what they already do. From attracting and keeping volunteers to running events, navigating funding and building confidence to step into leadership roles. But the listening comes first. The initialsession will gather ideas and identify priorities, with VNQ returning to Hinchinbrook three more times to deliver targeted training shaped by local voices and real‑world experience.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council has welcomed the initiative, with Mayor Ramon Jayo describing volunteers as the heartbeat of the community.
“With one of Queensland’s oldest populations, it’s more important than ever that we grow the next generation of local volunteers and support those who already give so much,” Mayor Jayo said.
“This project is an important step in strengthening our community organisations, building capacity, and giving people the skills and confidence to step up and lend a hand. We’re proud to support an initiative that invests in our people today and helps secure a strong, caring community for the future.”
The project is supported by funding from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), part of a shared commitment to strengthening rural and regional communities where it matters most.
For anyone who’s ever thought about volunteering, already volunteers, or simply cares about their community, the invitation is open for the hour session from 10:00am to 11:00am on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at the TYTO Conference and Events Centre.
Visit https://events.humanitix.com/hinchinbrook-nvw-volunteer-workshop to register now.
Australian farmers are set to benefit from faster access to fertiliser following new measures introduced by the Government to streamline import processes without compromising biosecurity.
Announced on 16 April 2026, the changes aim to reduce delays at ports, cut costs and ease administrative burdens, while maintaining Australia’s strict biosecurity standards.
The Government said the move comes amid ongoing global pressure on fertiliser supply, particularly due to conflict in the Middle East, which has impacted availability and delivery times.
Under the updated system, imported fertiliser will undergo improved offshore certification processes, ensuring goods are free from biosecurity risk material before arriving in Australia. Importers using higher-risk pathways will also be required to provide samples for inspection, while registration and compliance processes will be simplified.
Despite the streamlined approach, strict safeguards remain in place, including the requirement that all imported inorganic fertiliser be free from contaminants.
The announcement builds on a range of existing measures designed to support the agriculture sector, including the establishment of a Fertiliser Supply Working Group, collaboration with alternative suppliers, and legislative changes to support private sector purchasing.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the changes strike a balance between efficiency and safety.
“We understand how important fertiliser is for Australian farmers and our food production system,” she said.
“That’s why the Government is working day and night with industry to support fertiliser getting to Australian farmers. We have engaged closely with industry to establish these changes, and appreciate Fertilizer Australia’s commitment to practical collaboration and problem solving.
“The Government will never compromise on biosecurity, but this is a sensible way to streamline the robust systems in place to help get the fertiliser we need faster.”
Fertilizer Australia Chief Executive Officer Stephen Annells welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of collaboration between industry and government.
“Fertilizer Australia is committed to working alongside the government, ensuring that our collaborative efforts lead to sound biosecurity systems and timely access to fertiliser for Australian farmers,” he said.
“This partnership not only emphasises the importance of practical solutions but also reinforces our shared dedication to maintaining rigorous biosecurity standards, protecting Australia's farming ecosystems and export markets.”
The Ingham Lions Club members at Bunnings. Photo supplied
On Saturday, 18 April, the Ingham Lions Club headed to the North Shore Bunnings in Townsville to raise funds towards the fight against children’s cancer.
In true Bunnings style, the BBQ was sizzling and the snags were flying off the grill. That day they raised around $1500 for children fighting one of the hardest battles.
Pat Lynch of the Ingham Lions Club said, “Supporting this charity is a big part of the Lions Club, we dedicated this day to this particular project at Bunnings and our club voted to channel those raised funds to childhood cancer. Just a small contribution through a sausage ... it was a day we all enjoyed.”
Pat also said it was a fundraising effort they put on monthly at the Bunnings so if you would like to make a donation to support the fight against children's caner, as every child deserves the chance at a healthy life, you can do so at their next Bunning BBQ or on the Lions Club Childhood Cancer website: alccrf.lions.org.au or scan the QR code.
Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood cut the official ribbon, opening Mission Beach’s revitalised town centre. Pictured with Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa, Senator for Queensland Nita Green, and Cassowary Coast Councillor Trudy Tschui. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Mission Beach has celebrated the official opening of its revitalised town centre.
Over the past 18 months, the Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation Project has delivered important upgrades including improved amenities, lighting, pedestrian access, shaded areas, and stormwater infrastructure, as well as unique artworks and new street furniture. All helping to create a safer, more welcoming town centre for the community and visitors.
Over the weekend of the 17-19 of April the town came alive to celebrate the reopening and revitalisation project with a ribbon cutting ceremony and two days of free community activities and celebrations.
The project supports the long-term future of the area by encouraging tourism, supporting local businesses, and creating a more vibrant community space.
The $21.5 million revitalisation project is funded by $7.92 million from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program, $3.52 million from the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies 2022-24 Program and $9.7 million from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
The revitalised space was officially opened on Friday 17 April, with locals and visitors coming to ‘Meet us in Mission’ on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April for community celebrations.
Saturday was a hub of activities for people of all ages encouraging trade with local businesses and enjoying the vast features the revitalised space had to offer.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP said,
"The completion of the Mission Beach Town Centre revitalisation is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when three levels of government work together to deliver for regional Australia.”
Queensland Minister for Local Government, Water and Volunteers, Ann Leahy agreed,
“We’re proud to have partnered with the Cassowary Coast Regional Council to deliver funding that brings real, lasting benefits to the people of Mission Beach and the many visitors who come to experience this incredible destination.”
Member for Hinchinbrook, Wayde Chiesa said that,
“Mission Beach is one of North Queensland’s most iconic destinations, and these upgrades ensure it continues to be a place people are proud to live in and visit.
“By working closely with council, we’re ensuring communities like Mission Beach have the infrastructure they need to grow, attract visitors, and thrive well into the future.”
Mayor of Cassowary Coast, Cr Teresa Millwood added,
“The revitalisation project represents the first major investment in the town centre since the 1970s, and it has created a more welcoming and functional space for the community.
“The works weren’t easy, and I thank the community for sticking with us,” she said, “Your resilience, patience, and the way you’ve worked with us through all the ups and downs has been fantastic.
Managing Director of RMS Engineering and Construction Pty Ltd, Richard McDonald was heavily involved with the project;
“The project had its fair share of challenges, but it was great to work through them with local suppliers and contractors and to see such a strong result at the end,” he said. “The confined space of the work area, the continued groundwater intrusion, nature’s wet weather events, and the endless maze of underground services resulted in one of the most challenging and intricate projects RMS have ever been involved in.
“The completed beatification project speaks for itself, and full credit to everyone involved.”
The students from Abergowrie College after finishing their challenge at Palm Creek Parkrun. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Run Army is a national fitness initiative that brings communities together to recognise and honour Australia’s veterans and serving Defence personnel, while encouraging participation through a structured course designed to promote resilience and teamwork.
In Hinchinbrook, participation was well represented across two groups on the Palm Creek parkrun course. Hinchinbrook Shire Councillor Donna Marbelli ran alongside a trio of determined locals. Also taking part in the challenge, a group of students from Abergowrie College visited Palm Creek Parkrun one morning to show their support of the Run Army initiative.
Both groups demonstrated their support for the challenge, cheering each other on, reflecting respect for the armed forces and fitness through their individual efforts.
Queensland fishers are being encouraged to record their catches through the Qld Fishing 2.0 app, helping build a clearer picture of fish stocks and support sustainable fishing for future generations.
Queensland fishers are being encouraged to log their catches, with every recorded trip helping to build a clearer picture of the state’s fisheries and secure the future of recreational fishing.
Fishers record their trips for a range of personal reasons, for some, it’s about protecting local waters, while others want to see decisions backed by stronger data. Even just tracking their own fishing history helps provide feedback to improve the Qld Fishing 2.0 app.
Whatever the motivation, each entry contributes to a broader understanding of fishing activity across Queensland.
For many, the decision to record catches begins with concern for the future.
“I started recording my catch because I was concerned about the future of fishing quality in our local area,” one Queensland fisher explained.
Catch reporting plays a practical role in supporting sustainable fish stocks, protecting waterways and ensuring future generations can enjoy the same fishing experiences.
Accurate data is also key to informed decision-making. By submitting trip details, fishers help Fisheries Queensland track species trends, monitor fishing pressure and identify changes over time.
"When everyone submits their data from across Queensland, it gives us a clearer picture of fish quality, what species are being caught, and what we can do to preserve these fish for many years to come,” another fisher said.
The information collected through the Qld Fishing 2.0 app is combined with commercial, charter and scientific data to guide fisheries management decisions, including size limits and seasonal closures.
Recent figures highlight the growing impact of the initiative. In January 2026, 100 fishers recorded 159 trips, logging more than 1,600 fish. February continued the momentum, with 64 fishers submitting 122 trips and recording 825 fish.
Importantly, even unsuccessful trips provide valuable insights, helping to create a realistic picture of fishing activity across the state.
As participation grows, so too does the ability to protect Queensland’s fisheries, ensuring that every catch, or even no catch at all, contributes to a lasting legacy.
The return trip, with the rescued vessel under tow. Photo supplied
Last Sunday morning a couple with 3 children took their Shark Cat runabout over to Pelorus Island for a swim and snorkel, but then discovered that their steering mechanism had failed, and they could not steer the boat. Lucinda Coast Guard received the call for help at 8:15am, and the Commander rang around to find a crew.
The rescue vessel “JJ” was soon launched, and headed over to Pelorus, a trip of around 30 minutes on a good day and soon had a tow line attached.
The return trip to Dungeness was a very slow one, as without steering the towed vessel swung all over the place, but the professional volunteer crew knew what to do, and everyone was safely delivered back to the boat ramp, having just scraped over the sandbar on a dropping tide.
Please stay safe on the water, especially if your vessel has been unused for a period of time. Check its systems and fuel thoroughly before going out onto the water.
(Article contributed with thanks and written by Steve Whipps, Commander, Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard)
Applications to become a Collaboration Partner during Queensland Small Business Month remain open until 30 April. Photo source: Queensland Government
Small businesses across the Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast shires are being encouraged to take advantage of new opportunities as registrations open for the 2026 Queensland Small Business Month expos.
While the flagship events will be held in Cairns, the Gold Coast and Brisbane this May, local operators can still benefit through online resources, webinars and a range of initiatives designed to support regional and remote businesses.
The expos aim to help small and family businesses build resilience, embrace innovation and tap into emerging opportunities, including those linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the events would provide practical tools and support.
“Queensland Small Business Month 2026 is about helping small businesses build resilience, embrace innovation and seize opportunities,” Minister Minnikin said.
“The expos will bring together industry leaders, government representatives, and business experts to deliver engaging sessions that address the real challenges and opportunities facing small businesses today.
“Attendees will also be able to access one-on-one support, including mentoring, financial counselling, and cyber security advice, ensuring they leave with actionable strategies to strengthen their small businesses.”
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said initiatives like Queensland Small Business Month can make a difference for regional communities when backed by meaningful, ongoing support.
“Yes, they can make a difference—particularly when they are well targeted and supported at the local level,” he said.
“Queensland Small Business Month provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate small businesses, raise awareness of available support, and encourage collaboration and learning. For regional communities like Hinchinbrook, the real value comes when these initiatives are paired with practical support, local engagement, and follow-up that extends beyond a single month.”
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood said small businesses play a vital role in the region, highlighting Council’s Growing Stronger Together 2033 strategy as a key driver of economic resilience and local growth.
“Small businesses are absolutely at the heart of the Cassowary Coast,” she said.
“They’re not just creating jobs - they’re creating opportunity, supporting families, and keeping our towns strong and connected. Our Growing Stronger Together 2033 strategy is built around exactly that, backing local business, attracting investment, and building a more resilient economy for the future. Because when our small businesses succeed, our whole community benefits.”
Mayor Millwood said initiatives like Queensland Small Business Month are particularly valuable for regional communities.
“For regional communities like ours, visibility and connection are everything. Initiatives like Queensland Small Business Month give small businesses the chance to build networks, access support, and be recognised for the role they play in our economy,” she said.
“They also complement the work we’re doing locally, supporting businesses at every stage, whether they’re starting out or looking to grow. It’s about making sure regional voices are part of the bigger picture.”
To get involved, register for an event, become a Collaboration Partner, or find out more about what’s on this Queensland Small Business Month, head to www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-services/business-events/qsbm.
Steve Chapman receives a certificate in recognition of ten years with Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy, presented by Kevin Griffiths (Carinity CEO) and Dan Lyons (Carinity Director of Missional Culture and Leadership). Photo supplied
It takes a special type of person to enter a prison – by choice – to support convicted criminals.
Steve Chapman is a dedicated volunteer chaplain with Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy, which has had a presence inside Queensland correctional centres for more than 50 years.
The Innisfail resident is so driven to support men facing dark times in prison that he makes a four-hour round trip each week to do so.
Within two years months of release, around half of all prisoners will be back behind bars. Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy aims to break this cycle through supporting men and women in prison to change their lives.
Steve and his brother Andrew are part of Inside Out's team of more than 40 volunteer pastoral carers who visit people inside prisons from Far North Queensland to the Gold Coast.
Steve has been a prison chaplain for a decade but admits the thought of going into a prison once “put a shiver up my spine”.
“My first recollection of going into the correctional centre was intense security of cameras and large iron gates,” he recalls.
“After some prayerful consideration I felt the Lord saying that, ‘Sometimes you may have to go outside your comfort zone to do my Will.’
“I find it a privilege to be in a place where these guys can have a ‘safe place’ to unload, then to look and be ready to share the hope in Jesus Christ.
“The most gratifying moments are when you see the change in the countenance of those who find hope and peace in their hearts.”
Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy is a ministry of Carinity, a Queensland non-profit which also operates aged care, disability support, special assistance schools, accommodation for homeless youth, and family counselling services.
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