Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
2026 has marked an exciting new chapter for Science at Our Lady of Lourdes with the introduction of Science as a specialist subject across the school. Aligned with the Australian Curriculum Version 9, our science program provides students with opportunities to investigate real-world phenomena through hands-on learning, creativity, inquiry and play. At Lourdes, we believe that students learn best when they are actively engaged in meaningful experiences that allow them to question, explore, design, test and create. Across every year level, students have been immersed in learning that encourages curiosity while developing important skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving and resilience. Our Year 2 students have stepped into the role of designers and inventors by creating their own fidget toys. Students investigated how materials can be changed and selected for specific purposes, using the design process to create products that are both practical and engaging. They have loved seeing how different products can be made, especially their favourite toys. Students at Our Lady of Lourdes have had lots of fun being inventors. Photos supplied
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Feel the Magic is providing vital support to children and families across Australia who are navigating the pain of grief, offering a range of free early intervention programs designed to help young people “face, feel and heal” after the death of a parent, guardian or sibling. At the heart of the organisation is a belief that no child should face grief alone. Its programs create a nurturing, supportive environment where children aged 7 to 18 can express their emotions, learn coping strategies, and connect with others who understand their experience. Through its virtual camp programs, Feel the Magic is able to reach families regardless of location. These online sessions bring together grieving children to learn a shared “grief language”, build practical emotional tools, and reduce feelings of isolation through connection with other families. The organisation also offers specialised programs for those impacted by suicide bereavement. These include virtual camps, a one-day face-to-face “Let’s Talk Suicide Family Day Camp”, and the signature Camp Magic experience—an intensive 2.5-day overnight program where children are paired with trained volunteer mentors who provide one-on-one support throughout the camp. Camp Magic focuses on helping children understand grief, regulate difficult emotions and develop healthy coping strategies in a safe and structured environment. A concurrent emotional literacy workshop is also available for parents and guardians, helping families better understand grief responses and strengthen communication at home. For older participants, Grad Camp supports young people aged 16 to 19 as they transition into adulthood while continuing to process their grief experience. Across all programs, Feel the Magic emphasises connection, understanding and hope, with the organisation noting that even a single day can make a meaningful difference in a child’s journey through grief. To learn more about how you can get involved email lauren.galbraith@feelthemagic.org.au. WHAT: Family Day Camp WHEN: 26th July WHERE: The Cathedral School, Townsville
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A strong school community is built on the dedication of its people. At the heart of Halifax SS are highly experienced and caring learning support staff who ensure every student feels included, supported, and capable of success. Their work, alongside experienced and innovative teachers, creates engaging classrooms where creativity and curiosity thrive. Play-based learning is one example of this approach in action, helping students develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning from an early age. Bringing these strengths together is exceptional leadership. This has been recognised through the awarding of the prestigious Bill McClintock Medal, introduced in 2016 to honour individuals who contribute to the advocacy and service of the Queensland Association of State School Principals (QASSP), particularly through supporting colleagues across regional and remote communities. “We are all very proud of Michael for receiving this award,” a spokesperson said. “It reflects a commitment not only to school excellence, but to strengthening education across Queensland. “Together, caring support staff, innovative teaching, and award-winning leadership create an environment where students and communities thrive.” Caption: 1. Teacher aide Jenny Genrich incorporates play-based learning to actively engage students and support early skill development in the classroom. 2. Presentation of the Bill McClintock Medal, recognising outstanding leadership and service to education across Queensland.
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When disaster strikes, firefighters are often the first people the community turns to. But behind every emergency response is a team of locals who give their time, train regularly and step up when their neighbours need them most. Forrest Beach Fire and Rescue is encouraging more community members, particularly younger residents, to consider joining the station and becoming part of the team. "It's a good thing to get people back in from the community, especially for the station here; because we're an elderly community. Getting the younger people in is really, really important,” said Acting Lieutenant Keith Amos. Keith highlighted that being part of the station is a chance to make a tangible impact on the community- and not just in cases of fire. During the major flooding event of 2025 that isolated Forrest Beach and surrounding areas, firefighters assisted residents, with rescues, but also delivering meals and helping secure damaged homes. "The floods, when we were cut off, the way we were seen by the community and how we helped people really made an impact," Keith said. The crew’s role is diverse, and potential recruits are reminded that it’s not all flashing lights and sirens. Beyond the emergencies, auxiliary firefighters have an important role in the everyday community; regularly attending markets, school safety days and events to teach fire safety and engage with local families. During the recent Tasman Turtle Picnic Day, a popular community event for children, countless young attendees were proudly sporting the station’s bright, colourful Blazer the Koala firefighting mascot stickers. "We try and get into the community, showing what we do," Auxiliary Firefighter Michael Monbelli said. Michael also explained that for him, the biggest obstacle is balancing service with everyday life – though this factor he feels is understood and well-supported by the crew. Michael balances his firefighting role with full time work at the mill, and a busy family life with young children. On his team, there is a schoolteacher, two ex-servicemen, and another millworker. Auxiliary firefighters also commit significant time to weekly training. As for emergency response, call-outs can occur at any hour of the day or night. "Being an auxiliary is that we're on call.” Acting Lieutenant Keith Amos explained. “So even on our Wednesday night training we can get a call." Keith described the role as ‘drop everything and jump into action’. Despite the demands, Former Army serviceman Mark McEwen believes many people underestimate how manageable the role can be. "It doesn't take too much out of your normal week. Give up your three hours of training on a Wednesday, and you're on call." At the same time, emergency work can be unpredictable. "Things can change in a heartbeat," Mark said. He recalled a 4:00am call-out to a possible house fire. "Eight hours later, we get home. Us older fellas feel it a bit more, but it was worthwhile. That's what we're here for." The crew also works closely with volunteer organisations including the SES and Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club. During the February 2025 flood event, firefighters and surf lifesavers combined resources to rescue elderly residents trapped by rising floodwaters. According to the firefighters, the biggest motivation to get involved is that it feels good to make a difference in your community. "It's that sense of pride," Keith said, "I take pride in this job and I love doing it." "Even if you've never thought about becoming a firefighter, come down and have a chat to us," Keith said. "It's that simple.” Caption: Members of the Forrest Beach Auxiliary Firefighters: Glyn Morgan, former Air Force serviceman, and Braydon Fratus, local mill worker and the brigade's newest recruit, standing by the Forrest Beach Brigade’s fire engine.
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LNP candidate for Hinchinbrook, Wayde Chiesa, says he is determined to deliver strong representation and practical outcomes for the region, drawing on his lifelong connection to the district and decades of experience across local industries and community organisations.
“I’m proud to be Ingham-born and bred, growing up on our family farm and spending weekends at Forrest Beach and playing footy,” Mr Chiesa said.
After finishing school, he moved to Townsville to study at university but says “Ingham has always been home.”
Across his career, Mr Chiesa has worked in a wide range of fields, from small and family businesses to senior roles in regional development. His experience includes serving as CEO of Regional Development Australia Townsville and Northwest Queensland, and as Director of Regional Development and Investment at Townsville Enterprise. He has also run his own business and spent 17 years as part of the Triple M Cowboys Call Team, calling Cowboys games and staying connected with communities right across North Queensland.
With Hinchinbrook heading into a by-election, Mr Chiesa views this moment as pivotal for securing a stronger voice at the state level.
“This by-election is a once-in-a generation opportunity to elect someone who can sit alongside David Crisafulli, around the table where decisions are made. For too long Hinchinbrook has been on the sidelines from Government but I want to change that,” he said.
Mr Chiesa’s key priority is tackling youth crime, advocating for a tougher, more consistent approach to community safety.
“I’m fighting for a sensible plan to deal with youth crime,” he said.
“The LNP’s Adult Crime, Adult Time laws are starting to hold youth criminals accountable but there’s a long way to go to fix a decade of Labor’s weak laws.”
He said the region needs “more police with better early intervention and rehabilitation that works – as well as CCTV in known trouble spots,” adding, “I’ll also fight for tougher bail laws for youth criminals, which I believe our State needs.”
Traffic congestion across Townsville’s Northern Beaches and improved local infrastructure also feature strongly in his platform.
Mr Chiesa has long championed key North Queensland industries including agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. If elected, he intends to focus on fixing Port Hinchinbrook, improving marine facilities, building flood resilience, and securing better roads for the district.
Community involvement has been a constant in his life, from volunteering with the Forrest Beach and Arcadian Surf Life Saving Clubs to serving as Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Townsville and helping organise the Townsville Triathlon Festival, however above all else, family remains his greatest motivation.
“My two kids, Lucy and Tommy, love spending time with their Nanna and Nonno here in Ingham,” he said, noting that those simple moments on the family farm remind him why Hinchinbrook deserves strong, local representation.
By Rachael Smith
Following a whirlwind campaign and a significant leap of faith, former Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto has won his bid to become the next Mayor of Townsville.
Dametto stepped down from his role as local MP just over a month ago, stating that he wanted to give Townsville the Mayor it deserved.
On Saturday night, Dametto claimed victory and is now Mayor-elect, ahead of the formal declaration expected in the coming days.
After serving as Member for Hinchinbrook for the past eight years and Deputy Leader of Katter’s Australian Party since 2021, Nick Dametto made the bold decision last month to run for Townsville’s Mayoralty.
Acknowledging the move as a ‘step down’ and a ‘wage cut’, Dametto said the decision was driven by a bigger purpose — giving the people of Townsville the leader they deserve.
“I want Townsville to be proud of the leader they’ve elected,” Dametto stated on Monday morning.
“I want to give them someone who can act as an ambassador for the region, I want to help deliver pride and prosperity for all.”
Dametto thanked residents of the Hinchinbrook Shire for their support over the past eight years.
“Thank you for backing me for all those years – we wanted to leave Hinchinbrook in a better place than when we started, and I believe we did that.”
Committed to a grassroots campaign, Dametto said he spent considerable time engaging directly with the community throughout the election period.
“It was almost like a silent auction” he shared, referring to the postal-vote system used over the weekend.
Rather than being at polling booths, Dametto spent Saturday speaking with residents at a local tavern before heading to the vote-counting centre at 6pm.
He watched the tallying with scrutineers and said that “from the out-set there was strong support”, and by 9pm he believed it was a “done deal”.
Dametto praised his Campaign Manager, Catherine Holden, who he described as “an absolute God-send”, and acknowledged Matthew Pew for organising a dedicated team to deliver pamphlets.
“I would also like to thank everyone who supported me in any way – from displaying a bumper sticker to putting up a core flute – every gesture was a huge help.”
The Electoral Commission of Queensland is expected to officially declare the Mayoralship in the coming days. Once Dametto receives the paperwork, he will be sworn in.
When asked what his first few weeks as Mayor will look like, Dametto said he plans a ‘back to basics blitz’.
“A big thing for me is the proper maintenance of the city – I want to give the people a city they can be proud of,” he shared.
“If they put out a bin on Wednesday night, they deserve to have it picked up on Thursday morning.”
Dametto added that he will be engaging with all Councillors and the CEO, noting he looks forward to bringing the Council together to work as a united team.
Following the announcement, Premier David Crisafulli expressed his support.
“The people of Townsville have strongly backed Nick Dametto for Mayor,” he said.
“This result will give this proud city the local leadership it needs and deserves.
“Congratulations Nick - our Government looks forward to working with you to deliver better outcomes for a great city.”
As Dametto steps into his new role, Hinchinbrook now awaits a by-election to determine who will become the next local MP.
The election is scheduled for Saturday 29 November.
Candidates who have announced their intention to run include: Mark Molachino for Katter’s Australian Party, Wayde Chiesa for the Liberal National Party of Queensland, Maurie Soars for the Australian Labor Party, Amanda Nickson for Family First, Aiden Creagh for the Greens, Luke Sleep for One Nation, and Independent Steven Clare.
“With the upcoming by-election,” said Dametto, “I hope that the winners are the people of Hinchinbrook”.
Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!
It feels like Christmas has finally crept into the region. My family puts up the tree as soon as Halloween is over, although it looks like plenty of others are now getting into the Christmas spirit as well. Lights are already appearing on houses and hedges, and posters, pickets, and even the occasional roadside VMS are popping up to tempt passersby with the promise of carolling and markets full of cheer.
The 47th Hinchinbrook Art Awards were also held last weekend. I even had a go and submitted two pieces, and I hope even more people enter next year. I would love to see the gallery filled from floor to ceiling, Salon Style. I also helped out at McHappy Day in Ingham with my newspaper co-star Sherie and the whole team at Maccas. It was a colourful and fun day, and I hope we raised plenty to support families in need.
It's the Schools feature this week in the paper, and I want to congratulate all the graduates and every student who has put in the hard yards to make it to the end of the year. Enjoy your Schoolies or your upcoming gap years, remember to stay safe, and have fun before getting stuck in at university or wherever life takes you.
Victoria
Fun Fact: On my gap year, I worked as a receptionist in an Irish hotel for a time. I also reconnected with old Irish family roots and visited the farm where my great-grandmother grew up.
Hinchinbrook’s own Forrest Beach Country Women’s Association (CWA) were warmly thanked for their craftiness and kindness after last week’s Beach Armistice Day Remembrance Ceremony.
Held on Monday, the 11th of November, the Remembrance Day event provided the community with the opportunity to come together to reflect and honour the courage, sacrifice and spirit of those who served in defence of our nation. Residents and community groups gathered throughout the shire to observe a minute’s silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, along with millions of other communities at services held around the world.
Annually, the ladies of Forrest Beach CWA volunteer their time to crochet poppies to freely share with ceremony attendees as a true act of kindness and respect.
Officially adopted in 1919, red poppies serve as a symbol to represent remembrance for those who have lost their lives or suffered in times of war or conflict and are often worn on Remembrance Day as a way to honour the sacrifice of service members and veterans. In day-to-day life, some chose to wear a red poppy as a way of keeping the memory of those we have lost alive, continuing to respect the little flower as a global emblem of remembrance.
The ladies’ selfless gesture never fails to warm the hearts of the community, with locals often describing Forrest Beach CWA volunteers as dedicated, passionate, and beautifully kind women continuing to spread goodwill within the shire.
A photographic artist and academic who proudly calls Ingham home has taken out the Open Award at the 47th Hinchinbrook Art Awards at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery last Friday night.
Ann Vardanega claimed the Open Award with her “Spirit of the Land” from a field of 113 entries, showcasing the incredible depth of creativity and talent within our region and beyond.
This annual event continues to provide a respected platform for artists of all levels to share their work in a professional gallery setting, reinforcing its place as one of North Queensland’s most valued cultural traditions. Nearly 180 guests gathered to celebrate the arts and recognise the outstanding achievements on display.
Cr Donna Marbelli said the Hinchinbrook Art Awards showcase the incredible talent within our community and beyond.
“Each piece tells a story, and together they create a rich tapestry of creativity that we are proud to celebrate,” Cr Marbelli said.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the sponsors and local businesses whose support makes these Awards possible. Their contributions help foster creativity and ensure the continued success of this important cultural event.”
The category winners:
The exhibition will remain open to the public until Friday 19 December 2025, from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery. Visitors are encouraged to explore the collection and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced in early January 2026.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that the Taylors Beach boat ramp will be temporarily closed to all users from Monday, 17 November to Monday, 1 December 2025.
This closure is required to support the biennial dredging of the Victoria Creek Navigation Channel, which will take place over a four-week period from Monday, 17 November to Wednesday, 17 December 2025, weather permitting.
Unlike previous methods involving excavation and sand transfer, this year’s works will use a dredger to remove material and pump it through a pipeline to a designated discharge area, as required by permit conditions. Unfortunately, the pipeline must cross the boat ramp.
Key dates and impacts:
Council urges all users to follow signage and directions provided by the contractor for safety.
Alternative boat ramps are available at Dungeness and Forrest Beach during the closure.
Council appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation while these important works are carried out. An update will be provided once the boat ramp is ready to reopen.
For further information, please contact Council on 4776 4600.
On the 12th of November, a member of the public reported a crocodile sighting within the stinger net enclosure at Forrest Beach. The sighting occurred outside of weekend patrol hours.
Upon receiving the report, we were notified immediately and our net supervisor promptly responded removing the net from the water to eliminate the risk to the public. After a safe period of monitoring, the net was reinstalled.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Lifesaving Services Coordinator for the North Barrier Branch and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, were all notified.
As we know, North Queensland is crocodile country, and sightings can occur in both open and enclosed swimming areas any where along the north coast. We remind everyone to exercise caution, remain vigilant and follow all safety signage and lifesavers instructions when visiting the beach.
Your safety remains our top priority, and we thank the community for their continued awareness and cooperation.
(By the Forrest Beach SLSC)
Learn how to be crocwise and how to report sightings here https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/crocodiles/becrocwise
Communities across the Hinchinbrook region paused on 11 November to honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s men and women in uniform. Cardwell and Ingham each held moving ceremonies that demonstrated the enduring respect locals hold for those who served, those who still serve, and those who never returned home.
In Cardwell, more than 80 attendees gathered at the Cenotaph for a solemn and well-supported ceremony. The Cardwell RSL Sub Branch once again showcased the strength of its volunteers and performers, with Piper Judith Tannoch—resplendent in full Scottish regalia—leading the commemoration with stirring bagpipes. She was joined by vocalist Colleen Tennent and bugler Adrian Frost, whose contributions set a dignified tone for the morning. The presence of former QATB officers underscored the depth of community connection.
In Ingham, residents gathered to reflect when, in 1918, the guns finally fell silent on the Western Front. Rodger Bow’s tribute reminded those assembled of the courage and sacrifice that shaped the freedoms enjoyed today. Wreaths were laid by community members and Australian diggers, flags were lowered, and the sound of the bugle echoed across the memorial space. It was a simple yet powerful ceremony, strengthened by the collective act of remembrance.
At 11:00am, the crowds observed a minute’s silence, standing together in quiet reflection. Lest We Forget.
What began as a mountain to climb at the start of this campaign has blossomed and grown with each passing week. Now, as we near the finish line, six weeks of fun, laughter, community, culture, and artistry are drawing to a close.
This past weekend we celebrated the NQIB Country Cups Challenge Qualifier and the Hinchinbrook Cup Raceday, which once again proved to be a standout event on our festival calendar. Trackside Tables sold out quicker than you can say “ready, set, go!” and the crowd braved the heat, turning up in numbers that exceeded even our biggest Race Meets of recent times.
From the energy at the track to JD Smith performing Unchained Melodies for an appreciative audience at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, the weekend delivered something special for everyone.
As we move further into November and closer to Christmas, we begin to see our community Christmas festivities taking shape. This year brings a brand new event thanks to the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, together with various Halifax Community Groups. Almost Christmas! A Community Celebration will bring the communities of Halifax and surrounding areas together as they ring in the festive season.
This celebration will be held on November 22nd at the Halifax Community Hall in Argaet Street, across from the Halifax Cemetery, from 8:00am to 1:00pm. The morning will include Market Stalls, Christmas Raffles, Food and Drinks, Entertainment, Christmas Photos, Kids Activities, and a range of Cultural Experiences. One of the most intriguing additions is the Human Library Performances. It is shaping up to be a family-friendly morning full of festive fun.
For more information, visit Hinchinbrook Festival of Events on socials or go to the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism website at www.hinchinbrookchamber.com.au/hinchinbrook-festival-of-events
WHAT: Almost Christmas! A Community Celebration
WHEN: Saturday 22 November 2025 8:00am to 1:00pm
WHERE: Halifax Community Hall, Argaet Street, Halifax
Queensland Greens candidate for Hinchinbrook, Aiden Creagh, believes the people of North Queensland deserve to be delt a better hand, and hopes to implement commendable changes once elected to make life fairer for everyday locals.
Hailing from Ingham, Mr Creagh has witnessed the struggles of the community firsthand for almost three decades, noting the ignorance of larger corporations as a key catalyst in his decision to run in this year’s by-election.
“I’ve had a gut full of watching politicians line their own pockets with corporate donations and lobbyists' donations and then turn around and work for them and not us, so now I’m running for the one party in the Hinchinbrook by-election that does not take political donations and works for the people,” said Mr Creagh.
“People used to be able to buy a home on one income, now we’re struggling to rent one on two, it’s cooked! Everything’s been privatised, housing, power, even water. Tax the corporations what they owe us! I pay tax, so should they.”
At just 27, Mr Creagh often finds himself frustrated with how difficult it can be for ordinary people to “get ahead” in the current economic climate, chalking it down to the current government’s neglect of locals and the land. Mr Creagh believes it’s time for the big corporations, especially fossil fuel giants, to face the music and pay their fair share to fund what truly matters.
“The gas and coal companies are making billions while families can’t afford groceries or rent. If we tax those profits properly, we can fund affordable housing, flood prevention, free education, and Medicare, including dental. It’s common sense: make the polluters pay for the solutions.”
Over the course of his time spent living and working in North Queensland, Mr Creagh has endured and experienced the hardships the people of the Hinchinbrook Shire know all too well including floods, droughts, and housing pressures, recognising local communities are more than ready for suitable solutions which yield results rather than divisional scare campaigns.
“There’s a lot of misinformation out there about the Greens, and I get it, the big parties and their donors want to keep people scared of change so they can keep lining their pockets, but when you actually look at what we stand for, fair rents, clean energy, better healthcare, free education, it’s exactly what most people want,” he said.
“The North is a special place, from the reef to the rainforest, and it’s our responsibility to protect it. We can have good jobs, thriving communities, and a healthy environment. It just takes some political courage to get there.”
Aiden Creagh and the Queensland Greens are pushing for fair rental caps, tenants’ rights, clean, renewable energy, and a tax on large gas and coal profits to fund a fair, sustainable future.
Luke Sleep will stand as One Nation’s candidate for Hinchinbrook and if elected, he’s confirmed he’ll prioritise affordable housing opportunities, reducing escalating crime rates, as well as upgrading local roads and infrastructures.
“Housing affordability is an important issue for me, for Hinchinbrook and for the entire state of Queensland. The major parties have been hopeless on this issue, favouring mass immigration that only limits housing availability for Australians while also driving up rents. One Nation’s the only party with a strong plan to slash immigration and improve housing availability and affordability,” Mr Sleep said.
“I’m also keen to get funding to better flood-proof our local roads and fix up the notorious Bruce Highway. Hinchinbrook gets a lot of rainfall, and this means some of our roads get flooded on a regular basis. With a bit of work and support, we can upgrade these roads and keep Hinchinbrook moving.”
Hailing from Townsville, Mr Sleep has been working as a heavy machinery operator in the mining industry over the past five years, and he plans to ensure the industry has the right settings to continue to yield valuable contributions statewide.
“It’s the largest industry in Queensland, valued at more than $60 billion and supporting more than half a million jobs,” he said.
“It’s absolutely critical we do what we can to enable this industry to thrive while ensuring Queenslanders get fair value in exchange for the exploitation of their resources. We need to strike the right balance with royalties, so we don’t drive miners offshore or interstate.”
A North Queensland local himself, Mr Sleep deeply understands how the community’s concerns on the area’s escalating crime rate have increased, and he plans to support real legislative change within the justice system once elected.
“Policies that make my community safer will also be a priority for me. The Crisafulli Government made a lot of promises to reduce the escalating crime in regional Queensland, but we’re not seeing any difference here in Hinchinbrook,” said Mr Sleep.
I’m backing One Nation’s policy for tougher penalties, a community panel to review court decisions that subsequently result in an offender committing crimes while on bail and integrating proven intervention and redirection programs for at-risk young people in the justice system.”
Luke Sleep and the One Nation party have confirmed they are committed to delivering stronger, safer and more sustainable outcomes for the people of the Hinchinbrook Shire, ensuring local voices and local needs remain at the forefront of all decision making across the state.
Labor candidate for Hinchinbrook, Maurie Soars, has called the northern beaches of Townsville home for more than three decades, having made the move from Brisbane 35 years ago, a decision he describes as “one of the best” of his life.
Beginning at Saunders Beach before settling in Bushland Beach, Mr Soars is proud to be “the only candidate in this race who lives in the electorate of Hinchinbrook.”
Over the years, he and his family have shared their home with many pets, and now have just “one old cat, who rules the house.”
A motor mechanic by trade, Mr Soars later transitioned into sales and management, where he found his stride turning around underperforming businesses.
His reputation, however, is most firmly rooted in public life. Best known as a long-serving Townsville City Councillor, he spent more than a decade “delivering for North Queensland and trying to make this region a better place.”
If elected, Mr Soars said his first priority will be simple: to ensure “the people of Hinchinbrook get their fair share.” He lists accessible healthcare, affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, and attracting and retaining professionals as key needs, warning that “three years of doing nothing under an LNP Government will only send us backwards, and that’s a risk we can’t afford.”
Within his first year, Mr Soars plans to champion the Dungeness Dredging and Rock Wall Project, as well as complete the long-awaited fix for Port Hinchinbrook that began under Labor. He also wants to see “clear timelines and dollar figures for proposed Bruce Highway upgrades,” pressing for greater investment into northern beaches road networks and repairs to Mount Spec Road.
When asked what the region is currently lacking, Mr Soars is direct: business diversification. While acknowledging the strength of Hinchinbrook’s agricultural foundations, he believes the region has far more potential.
“I know we have a strong agriculture sector, but there is more we could be doing to add depth other areas such as tourism and accommodation variants to support,” he said.
“If elected, I will be pushing the Crisafulli Government to ensure Hinchinbrook gets its fair share.”
Beyond politics, Mr Soars has spent decades helping shape the local sporting scene, from founding yacht races and AFL Masters teams, to supporting clubs through growth, recovery, and community events. Deeply involved across Townsville and Hinchinbrook sport, he has held numerous leadership roles and received national recognition, including induction into both the Queensland and National AFL Masters Halls of Fame.
A dedicated resident who lives, works, and holidays in the region, Mr Soars says his commitment is simple: to deliver for the community he proudly calls home.
Family First has endorsed Dr Amanda Nickson as its candidate for Hinchinbrook, supporting her push to relive the pressures imposed upon local families across North Queensland.
A lover of the sunshine state, Dr Nickson has lived, worked and raised her three children just south of the shire for the last three decades, noting holidays to the region’s several national parks, waterfalls, and time spent on Hinchinbrook Island as treasured family time well spent.
Dr Nickson’s Christian beliefs are at the core of each decision she makes, and throughout her career in social work, she found fulfilment in her commitment to expressing her faith through helping and serving people in times of need. Spanning across roles in both government and non-government organisations, Dr Nickson keeps herself busy, immersing herself in academia at James Cook University, and in her role in a private practice. Currently, Dr Nickson has been wearing another hat, one in her own small business where she provides training, professional and pastoral supervision, social work services, and organisational consultancy.
If elected, Dr Nickson said she’ll prioritise alleviating the pressures upon families with deflating electricity prices at the top of her list after fighting to stop all taxpayer subsidies to intermittent power projects like wind farms and solar farms. Dr Nickson has also confirmed she’ll work to abolish the Crisafulli Government’s education policy encouraging educators to ask children for their preferred pronouns as part of early learning inclusion practices. In another effort to take pressures off families, particularly young couples, Dr Nickson has listed she’ll prioritise lowering the cost of land to make buying a home more accessible for first time homeowners.
Additionally, Family First will seek to remove restrictions on parliamentary debate regarding late term abortions to ensure clear legal and clinical requirements for providing medical care to all infants born alive.
Hailing from Townsville, Dr Nickson also experienced the devastating floods which rocked the shire earlier this year, leading her to highlight flood proofing the Bruce Highway as a major project she hopes to drive forward within her first year if elected. Similarly, Dr Nickson has confirmed reliable, weather-proof transportation and access to the area as a basic priority for residents of the Hinchinbrook Shire, furthermore, strengthening her prioritisation of flood proofing the infamous Bruce Highway.
A leader, a mother, a wife, a social worker, a pastor, an author and a speaker, Dr Amanda Nickson and the Family First Party represent strong family values, promoting the notion that “raising your family shouldn’t be this hard”.
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Ever tossed an old gadget in the bin without thinking twice? Maybe a broken Bluetooth speaker, a vape, or that electric toothbrush that gave up the ghost? Inside those everyday items are batteries that can cause serious fires if they end up in your household rubbish.
Across Australia, the waste and recycling industry is battling up to 12,000 fires every year because of batteries thrown in the wrong place.
That’s not just a statistic — it’s a real risk to our waste workers, our trucks, and even community safety.
Loose batteries are easy to deal with. You can drop them off at Council buildings and waste facilities, including the Lannercost Office and both libraries, as well as at Woolworths, Coles, and Canegrowers Mitre 10. But the real challenge is the batteries you can’t see — the ones built into your gadgets.
These are called embedded batteries, and they’re in things we all use every day like Bluetooth speakers, e-scooters, cordless vacuums, flashing toys, smartwatches, and even electric toothbrushes.
You can’t just pop them out, and if they go in the bin, they can spark a fire.
To tackle this, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is working with our regional partners through the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC) to make it easier for you to do the right thing.
Together, we’re launching an Embedded Battery Amnesty Weekend in the new year.
It’s your chance to bring those tricky items in for free and know they’ll be recycled safely. No need to pull the battery out; just bring the whole device. Our industry partner will handle the rest.
Keep an eye out for our communications rolling out soon — we’d love everyone to get involved! We’re excited to be part of this campaign, proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Battery Collection Program and delivered in partnership with NQROC.
This is all about making things easy for everyone. Most of us have old gadgets tucked away in a drawer or out in the shed. Instead of tossing them in the bin, bring them in. By doing this, you’re helping protect our community, our waste workers, and our infrastructure from dangerous fires.
Across the channel from the southern tip of Hinchinbrook Island are two coastal gems - Dungeness and Lucinda. They stand as gateways to world-class fishing and the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
These communities are more than scenic postcards to us. They are living, thriving places with enormous potential. It’s not rocket science that growth needs a strong foundation.
Our northern neighbours at Cassowary Coast are primed to reap immense benefit from Port Hinchinbrook being declared a Provisional Priority Development Area by the Queensland Government last week.
Here in Hinchinbrook, we’re working hard to ensure our region shares in that momentum.
Our vision is clear: unlock opportunities for tourism, attract new residents, and create jobs — all while protecting the pristine environment that makes this place unique.
To do that, we’re seeking $18 million to upgrade trunk infrastructure and treatment facilities.
These upgrades will enable further commercial development and support population growth in a way that is sustainable and future focused.
It’s a big ask, but essential for a small Shire like ours, where the cost of infrastructure continues to skyrocket and our ratepayer base is limited.
We rely on strong partnerships with state and federal governments to make these ambitions a reality.
At Dungeness, improving marine access remains a top priority. Council has already secured State approval for dredging the Enterprise Channel, a project that will make boating safer and more reliable year-round. This upgrade includes deepening the channel, constructing a rock-armoured retaining wall, and using clean dredged sand to replenish the beach and protect the spit from erosion. These works will ensure vessels can safely navigate even during low tides and rough weather.
The next step is Commonwealth approvals. We’ve engaged environmental and coastal specialists to prepare reports for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and confirm compliance under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act. These reports build on what we developed for State approvals and will demonstrate that the Reef’s values remain untouched. We expect this work to wrap up before the year’s end, so applications can be lodged early in the new year.
Meanwhile, commercial operators can look forward to a new $500,000 pontoon off Denney Street — hopefully by Christmas or early in the new year — providing safer, more convenient access for charter operators, a boost for our tourism sector.
Infrastructure projects like these are more than upgrades. They’re commitments to a thriving future where people can move to our area and reap the benefits in one of the most spectacular corners of Queensland.
We are keen to see some commitments, and we look forward to working towards a better future for our district together.
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