Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa, Mayor of Townsville Nick Dametto, Premier David Crisafulli, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, and Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood presenting the plan for Port Hinchinbrook back in November 2025. Photo credit. Victoria Velton

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Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa has welcomed further progress on the Port Hinchinbrook Revitalisation Project, sharing the latest monthly update with the community.

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“It’s great to share another monthly update on Port Hinchinbrook and see the next steps taking shape towards rebuilding this precinct back into the ‘jewel in the crown’ of North Queensland tourism,” Mr Chiesa said.

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“Sharing this progress with our community and the wider region is a real highlight of the month. I’ve been working hard to deliver, and each step forward helps build confidence among local businesses, tourism operators and Cardwell residents.”

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Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) continues with planning, procurement, and site preparation activities to support the next stage of works at the marina.

Tenders for a dredging contractor closed on 4 September 2026, with evaluations now underway. All bids have been assessed, and the team expects to identify a preferred contractor soon.

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Site preparation on Lot 170 is also progressing, with clearing underway around two spoil ponds and drainage channels. This work will support the commencement of early works once the dredging contractor is appointed.

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EDQ continues to work with International Coastal Management, in partnership with RPS and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, to progress environmental approvals following submission of the Environmental Authority application in August.

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QBuild has also been engaged to refurbish the existing sales office at Port Hinchinbrook Marina, providing a dedicated site office for EDQ and the appointed dredging contractor during delivery.

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“During the by-election, the Crisafulli Government committed to fixing Port Hinchinbrook, and these are encouraging steps forward. More work remains, and I look forward to keeping you updated as the project progresses as we head into the end of the year.”

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Contributed with thanks by Wayde Chiesa MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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Nonna Pia with her daughters and granddaughter Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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Five generations of family came together at Lee's hotel in Ingham on Sunday to celebrate a very special milestone, the 90th birthday of much-loved matriarch, Nonna Pia

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Her extended family travelled from far and wide gathering to celebrate their Nonna Pia's life, and the many memories shared across the generations.

“I can’t believe it,” Nonna Pia said when asked what it meant to see so many of her family together.

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“I can’t believe that so many have come. There are a few here who have come from Italy and from France. Truly, it’s truly wonderful.”

For her daughters, seeing five generations together was a particularly meaningful moment.

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“She’s the matriarch of all of them,” they said.

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Nonna Pia came to Australia from Italy in 1955 at the age of 17, leaving her parents behind and beginning a new life in Australia. She initially settled in Blackrock with her family. Her eldest daughter Rosa was two years old when they arrived, while her other five children were born in Australia.

Her husband, Batista, worked at Victoria Mill on the railways, while Pia worked at the cane barracks cooking for workers and raising her family. She later worked in babysitting, ironing and cleaning, but family remained at the heart of her life.

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Her daughters name her as the “fun grandma”, always ready for a game, a laugh or an adventure with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Family meals were an important part of their childhood, including days spent making ravioli together.

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“There used to be that production line,” the family laughed, remembering flour spread throughout the house as everyone worked together.

Nonna Pia was also known for her gnocchi, polenta, beautifully painted nails, love of Italian music and her collection of colourful geraniums.

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After the death of her husband, Pia became increasingly involved with the Italian community and seniors groups in Ingham, travelling extensively with friends.

She visited Canada, New Zealand, Tasmania, Western Australia, Papua New Guinea, Norfolk Island and France, where she was able to reconnect with family.

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In her 70s, she also returned to study, attending the local Ingham TAFE with friends to improve her English.

Fondly called the 'Queen of Geraniums' for her masterful skill in horticulture, the family has also worked to preserve that most-loved tradition by propagating her geraniums and sharing them among the grandchildren.

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“We take the geraniums, strike some new ones and give them to the grandchildren, so they’ve got a little piece of her,” her daughters said fondly.

Now living in a nursing home, Pia’s family said her circumstances may have changed, but her personality has not.

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“She’s very spirited, very loving,” they said, “90 years old and young at heart is really who she still is.”

At the celebration, Pia’s son John raised a toast to his mother, recognising those who had travelled from near and far to be there.

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“Friends, for a moment in celebration, people that have travelled from far, especially Serge and Liliane from Grenoble, France,” John said before inviting everyone to raise their glasses.

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“In all that, we’re just here. We’ll toast to Mum, Nonna, Pia. Everybody here, raise your glass.”

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For Nonna Pia, having five generations of her family gathered around her now at 90, her family say that while her body may not let her do everything she once could, her spirit remains as strong as ever.  

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Sam on the grounds of Parliament. Photo supplied

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From a chemistry classroom in Ingham to the floor of Queensland Parliament, Samantha “Sam” Musumeci has taken the Hinchinbrook community’s voice to Youth Parliament.  

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The Ingham State High School student spent six months working alongside young people from across Queensland before joining 92 other Youth Members for a week of debate at Parliament House.  

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From writing and passing a Youth Bill to hearing powerful personal stories from fellow regional young people, Sam says the experience has given her lifelong friendships, confidence and a deeper understanding of how young Queenslanders can create change.

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Ingham Student Takes Hinchinbrook Voice To Queensland Youth Parliament

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By Victoria Velton

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Ingham State High School student Samantha (Sam) Musumeci has taken the voice of Hinchinbrook to Queensland Parliament, representing the electorate as part of the 31st YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

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The six-month program culminated in a Residential Sitting Week at Parliament House in Brisbane from 27th September to 3rd October, where 93 young Queenslanders representing every state electorate debated eight Youth Bills.

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“I joined Youth Parliament because I wanted a way to represent my community and to give a voice from Hinchinbrook in Parliament,” Sam said.

“I saw the applications come out and decided to put my name down as the opportunity came at a perfect time for me.”

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Finding out she had been selected was a moment Sam said she would not forget.

“When I found out I had been accepted into Youth Parliament it was such an amazing experience,” she said.

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“I received the email that I had been accepted while sitting in a chemistry class on a Friday afternoon.”

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Far more than a week spent inside Parliament House, the experience spanned six months, Sam attended meetings and worked alongside young people from across Queensland to develop a Youth Bill.

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“For six months before attending Residential Sitting Week in Brisbane I was involved in attending many meetings and writing a bill that was passed in Parliament,” she said.

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“I worked alongside a committee of other youth across Queensland to write a bill. These people became some amazing lifelong friends.”

Arriving at Parliament House brought the significance of the opportunity into focus.

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“Stepping off the bus and being greeted by Parliament House is such a unique experience, as not many people will ever get to experience it in their life,” Sam said.

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“Being able to sit in the chamber and speak about personal experiences and on our own bill is an incredible experience.”

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“Sitting in the chamber surrounded by other youth members who have so much passion for the program is so amazing to experience, as everyone is there to share their unique voice,” she said.

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“Everyone is so open to share personal experience with other youth members or share stories from their town.”

“There were many moving speeches that moved a lot of people to tears.”

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Of the eight Youth Bills debated, Sam was particularly interested in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples bill, which proposes greater education about Aboriginal stories, culture, dances and songs, including a mandated day on Country.

“The bill that I found most interesting was the ATSIP bill,” Sam said.

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“It is aiming to introduce a new class to school curriculum to educate students on Aboriginal stories and learn dances and songs, with one mandated day out on Country.”

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For a student from regional Queensland, Sam's Youth Parliament experience has offered her a glimpse inside the state's political system. It has given her the opportunity to carry her community's perspective into the room and, in her own words, “give a voice from Hinchinbrook in Parliament”.

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Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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Welcome to the Cutting The Cane, a column where we have a chat with those supporting the backbone of the local economy: the farmers behind the sugar. This week John Board, grower and recent recipient of the Nuffield Australia Scholarship answered our questions about the 2026 season.

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What stage is your paddock at now?
Right now I have 12.5% of my mature cane still left to supply to the mill for this year, with the remainder of the farm in different growth stages ranging from plant cane being planted in early May, to ratooning cane that has been cut on various different dates from the 9th June until now.

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What are you hoping to learn or explore through your Nuffield Australia Scholarship?

Predominantly I want to Learn how other countries have diversified away from making crystal sugar alone, while keeping it profitable for both the millers and farmers. I'm not so much going to be focused on looking at the technology of making other products, we know that already exists, e.g. Ethanol, Electricity. My focus will be more around the relationships between Farmers, Millers, Government, Fuel companies and the General Public.  

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I think currently that's what is not working in Australia. We are all sitting in the same boat, but unfortunately not everybody is rowing in the same direction. If I can research what works well for other countries, and be able to apply that here, maybe we are in with a chance of diversifying our income streams, because currently relying solely on crystal sugar is not making business sense.  

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If we keep doing what we've always done, we'll keep getting what we've always got.

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How do you think the ideas and experiences you gain through the Nuffield Scholarship could benefit the local cane industry?

After spending a week in Darwin surrounded by other Nuffield scholars and Agri experts, I can say a real take home message for me was how many parallels there are between different commodities and sectors. Often we get so caught up with tunnel vision looking inwards at our own industry that we forget to zoom out and have a look at the big picture.  

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A Lot of people said some of the biggest things they learnt and have taken back to their industries after their scholarship is actually not what they intentionally set out to find. The biggest thing for me is to find what works well and try to replicate that back here. Not try to reinvent the wheel, just look at why other wheels run smoother than what ours currently does.

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What are the major issues affecting crop growth in your area, and how are you managing them?

Yield decline is one of our biggest issues facing us at the moment and nobody can really point exactly to one particular reason. For me personally, soil health is a big focus of mine. We've been intensively farming in the Herbert Valley for well over 100 years and I think we've taken for granted that we've been taking a lot out of the soil, and not putting much back in.  

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Machinery is getting bigger and more expensive, and the crops are getting smaller and less profitable, it's not a good situation. Sure, rain and sun at the right time is essential to growing a good crop, but you can't control that. As growers we need to take a bit of responsibility for the things we can control.

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Once this year’s crop is in, what will you be thinking about next?

There's always a fair bit of thinking going on in this big old head of mine, currently I'm doing a pretty significant earthmoving job on 1 paddock and fixing up some drainage and silt traps that were damaged in the 2025 floods.  

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I'm starting to think about which fallow crops I'll be putting in on which paddocks. I normally do a few different fallow crops including Soybeans, Sunn Hemp, Cowpea, Lab Lab and Forage Sorghum. Just sorting out which ones will be suited to which soil types and which ones can handle going underwater for a period of time if the wet season chooses that for us this year. Like many others, it will pretty much be earthmoving, fertilising, spraying and planting cover crops until the weather forces us to stop.

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Optimus is a big-hearted boy with a big personality to match! He’s doing so well in his foster home and is proving to be a friendly, fun-loving dog who enjoys getting out and about.

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One of his favourite things is interacting and playing with bigger dogs. He would be best suited to a home with another larger, confident dog or as an only dog.  

Optimus also loves adventures! He’s enjoying trips to the Strand, cafes, car rides, and exploring new places. He’s the kind of dog who would love a family that wants to include him in their adventures and give him plenty of opportunities to experience the world.

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He doesn’t always realise just how big he is though so he would be best suited to a home with older children or adults only. If you’re looking for a big, affectionate, playful boy who loves dogs, car rides and adventures, Optimus could be your perfect match.

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Included in adoption fee of $530 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated and on PROHEART. Enquire today at: angelpawsinc.com.au/pets-for-adoption/dogs/

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Sex: Male  

Breed: Staffy X  

DOB: 29/12/2024

Colour: Brindle

Kid friendly: Older kids

Cat Friendly: Yes

Other dogs: Yes, larger dogs

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Contributed with thanks by selectability

Queensland Mental Health Week returns from the 3rd to 11th October, bringing Queenslanders together to raise awareness and encourage conversations about mental health and wellbeing.

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This year’s theme, “Build Community, Build Wellbeing”, highlights the important role that connection and belonging play in supporting positive mental health.

It is a reminder that wellbeing isn’t something we build alone. To celebrate the everyday moments of connection that help people feel valued, supported, and like they belong. Because when we build community, we build wellbeing for everyone.

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At selectability, creating these opportunities for connection is an important part of supporting locals to improve their mental wellbeing.

Regional Coordinator Julie Ross said programs like selectability’s Clubhouse provide a safe and welcoming space where people can meet others, build confidence, learn new skills and feel part of their community.

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“Whether it’s getting involved in self-reflection activities, engaging with others through cooking classes, or connecting with the community and nature through the community garden or out of town trips,” Julie said.

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“These activities are designed to foster connection and support, but also reduce loneliness.”

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Queensland Mental Health Week is an opportunity for everyone to think about the small ways they can strengthen their own connections, whether that’s joining a local activity, checking in with someone or simply making time to connect with the people around them.

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For anyone over 18 seeking support to improve their mental wellbeing, selectability offers a range of NDIS supports, with funding options also available for those not on the scheme.

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To find out more, contact the selectability Ingham team on 07 4781 2690 or pop into the Clubhouse at 11-13 Lannercost Street, Ingham, and chat with the team.

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Take care when home-trimming trees as they may have grown close to powerlines. Photo supplied: Ergon

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Contributed with thanks by Ergon Energy Network & Energex

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As Queenslanders get stuck into spring pruning, Ergon Energy Network is warning them to stay well clear of overhead service wires when trimming trees, at a high-risk time of year for vegetation management incidents.  

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Ergon’s Safety Manager Grace White said there were 33 accidental contacts with powerlines caused by vegetation management last spring, up 12 from the previous year.    

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“In recent weeks our crews have responded to a number of incidents, including a service line brought down by a home gardener in the Bundaberg region and an 11,000-volt conductor contacted by a branch cut by a professional tree cutter on the Gold Coast.    

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“You don’t need to be touching a powerline to be at risk of serious injury or death – electricity can flow through the tree branches you’re pruning, the ladder you’re standing on or tools you’re holding.

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“Thankfully no one was injured in the most recent incidents, but it’s a timely reminder to plan safe work near overhead powerlines and Look Up and Live while work is in progress.

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“Whether you’re cleaning up your own yard or cutting trees for a living, you need to consider the risks and how to stay safe,” Grace said.  

59 per cent of the incidents in the spring of 2024 and 2025 were caused by tree felling, predominantly carried out by professionals.    

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“You should use the Look Up and Live app to check the location of overhead wires, plan safe work and manage the risk of trees falling across powerlines, and if you’re still unsure you can contact us for further safety advice,” Grace said.

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Overhead service wires supplying power directly to people’s properties were the electrical asset most likely to be damaged.

“Like any powerline, fallen service wires should always be treated as live and reported immediately to Ergon on 13 16 70.

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“Green thumbs can help reduce the risk of incidents, damage and outages by planting smart in the first place – you can find a list of powerline-friendly trees on our website,” Grace said.    

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Ergon uses highly skilled vegetation management crews to trim trees near approximately 800,000 spans of overhead powerlines throughout the year.    

Small Moments, Lifelong Benefits

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Hi Readers,

Some of the most important learning in a child’s life happens long before the first day of school. It happens during a bedtime story, while singing in the car, on a walk around the neighbourhood or through a simple game at home.  

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These everyday moments might seem small, but they help children develop language, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. First 5 Forever is a wonderful initiative that helps Queensland families make the most of those important early years.

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Here in Hinchinbrook Shire, families can access First 5 Forever through our local library. It provides a welcoming place where parents, carers and young children can spend time together, learn, play and connect with others in the community.  

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Our library staff play an important role in making these opportunities accessible to local families and ensuring early literacy support is available close to home.

The great things about early learning it doesn’t require expensive equipment or formal lessons. Simple everyday moments talking, reading, singing and playing together can make a real difference.

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I encourage families with young children to drop into the library, meet the team and discover what First 5 Forever has to offer.

First 5 Forever is held every Thursday 10:30am – 12pm For more information, contact our local library on 4776 4614.

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Small moments today can help build strong foundations for a lifetime.

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Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch President Rodger Bow with Lynette Croton and George Croton, holding their volunteer service recognitions. Photo supplied: Herbert River RSL

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By Victoria Velton

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For 30 years, the Herbert River RSL have hosted raffles and prizes on Friday nights. Behind this consistent fundraising has been the quiet dedication of George and Lynette Croton.

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The couple were recently recognised for three decades of voluntary service to the Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch, having spent thousands of Friday nights volunteering, selling raffle tickets and helping wherever they were needed, as well as giving countless hours behind the scenes.

“Thirty years of volunteering isn't just a milestone — it represents an incredible amount of dedication, generosity and commitment to our Club,” said Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch Manager Kerryn Brock.

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Herbert River RSL Sub-Branch President, Rodger Bow said the raffles did not simply happen each week, with someone needing to organise prizes, prepare for the evening, sell tickets, conduct the draws and make sure everything ran smoothly.

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“For the past 30 years, two of our members have done exactly that,” Rodger said.

“Through their steadfast dedication, reliability and countless hours of voluntary service, they have made Friday nights a valued tradition and contributed greatly to our club's success.”

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Lynette said the award was a meaningful acknowledgement of the years she and George have spent supporting the RSL and its members.

“It’s a real honour. I was really surprised. Thirty years to me is a long time,” she said.

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The couple first became involved with the RSL around 30 years ago, with Lynette’s father already involved with the Board.  

At the time, there were no Friday night raffles, and Lynette approached the manager about starting them.

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She enlisted the help of her friend Diane, and the pair began organising the weekly raffles.  

“I think it was ’96 that we started,” George said.

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Three decades later, the raffles remain a familiar part of the club, but the couple say the friendships built along the way have been just as important.

“We’ve made lots and lots of friends over the last 30 years. It’s been really great,” said George.

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Beyond the raffles, George has also regularly taken on jobs around the club and even heads to the cemetery to repair and paint graves without being asked.

“If there’s something to be done around here, we just do it,” George said.  

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“It’s just something that we like doing, and we don’t do it because we have to. We do it because we want to do it.”

The couple plan to be involved with the RSL for as long as they are able.

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“It’s just nice to be appreciated for what you do. We’ve been working here a long time,” George said.

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“But we don’t do it for the recognition. We just do it because we enjoy doing it.”  

On the BBQ, sizzling up a storm. Photo sourced: State Emergency Service Halifax & Ingham Groups

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A local business has helped put the sizzle into a State Emergency Service (SES) get-together, donating meat for a BBQ enjoyed by members and their families.

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The SES thanked Frank at Galipo’s Midtown Meats for the donation, which gave local volunteers an opportunity to put aside their uniforms and emergency duties and simply catch up over a meal.

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“SES is many things to many people,” the Halifax and Ingham SES wrote.

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“It's not always activating, deploying, training, preparing and helping our communities. Sometimes it's just like last night, a time for our members and their families to catch up over a BBQ.”

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The donation was a gesture that helped support the volunteers who give their time to helping the community during emergencies and severe weather events.

The SES also used the occasion to encourage more locals to consider joining the organisation, with information nights planned for both the Ingham and Halifax SES groups over the coming months.

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“If you are keen to join SES, get in touch now,” the organisation said.

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The SES plays an important role in supporting Queensland communities during emergencies, but its work also relies on local volunteers being willing to step forward.

Anyone interested in joining the Halifax or Ingham SES groups is encouraged to get in touch and attend an upcoming information night to find out more about volunteering.

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Tuesday morning means Scrabble for Angie La Spina, Wendy Frazer and Robyn Brunello at Tully Library.

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From Scrabble and Mahjong to bowls, pickleball, golf, pottery, walking and volunteering, Cassowary Coast seniors are keeping active, involved and connected in all sorts of ways.

This October, Queensland Seniors Month offers another opportunity to join in, with Cassowary Coast Libraries hosting free events where people can meet others and perhaps discover an activity that keeps them coming back.

At Tully Library, those connections happen every week around the Scrabble board.

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“I’ve been coming here every Tuesday since I retired about four years ago,” Robyn Brunello said.

She joins up to 20 keen wordsmiths and returns on Wednesdays for Mahjong.

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Scrabble keeps spelling and arithmetic skills sharp, but there’s a social side too, with cards drawn  each week to determine who plays who. Newcomers are always welcome.

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“If you want to have a look, we’ll squeeze you in,” Robyn said. “Same with Mahjong – even if you’ve never played before.”

Beyond games, Cassowary Coast Libraries offer year-round activities including Craft & Laugh, Conversation Café and Tech Help, helping people of all ages learn, socialise and stay connected.

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Connection could be your highest-scoring word this Seniors Month. Put your local library’s free morning tea on the calendar… With good company, fun and activities on the cards, it could be the first move towards a new hobby, group or friendship.

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Seniors Month – Cassowary Coast Libraries events

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Cardwell – Stronger Together: Celebrating Community Resilience
Friday 9th October, 10am–4pm
A free community day with morning tea, local history, guided tours, Conversation Café, digital workshops, Tech Help and other activities.

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Mission Beach Library Morning Tea
Thursday 15th October, 10am–12pm

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Tully Library Morning Tea
Friday 16th October, 9.30–11.30am

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Innisfail Library Morning Tea
Wednesday 21st October, 10am–12pm

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All events are free. Booking ahead for catering is appreciated. Visit your local library or call 1300 366 616.

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CONNECTED FOR HEALTH

Staying socially connected isn't just enjoyable, it's good for your health.  

The World Health Organisation says around one in four older people is socially isolated, while research links social isolation and loneliness with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, depression and dementia. Meaningful social activities can improve mental health, life satisfaction and quality of life.

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Serving and retired police gathered at St Clare’s Catholic Church for Tully’s National Police Remembrance Day service. Image supplied

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Serving and retired police officers from across the Cassowary Coast joined community members in Tully this week for National Police Remembrance Day, honouring officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

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A colour party marched through the town in a formal procession before gathering at St Clare’s Catholic Church for the annual service where among the traditions was the handover of the Cassowary Coast community baton.

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Originally presented to the Inspector at Innisfail Police Station on behalf of the Cassowary Coast community, the baton symbolises the goodwill and trust placed in local police and is carried each National Police Remembrance Day by a retired officer during the march.  

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At this years’ service, retired Police Special Constable Darrin Padget formally carried and passed the baton to First Year Constable Bryce Haigh.

Accepting it on behalf of current members of the Cassowary Coast Patrol Group, Constable Haigh acknowledged the trust it represented.

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“We understand it is a symbol of goodwill and trust on behalf of the community and will endeavour to do our best to uphold the values the community expects from us,” he said.

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Following the service, officers and guests gathered for morning tea provided by the St Clare’s Catholic Women Tully.

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First observed nationally in 1989, National Police Remembrance Day is held annually on 29^th September, the feast day of St Michael the Archangel, traditionally regarded as the patron saint of police. In 2006, the National Police Memorial in Canberra was dedicated on the same date, providing a permanent place of remembrance for Australian police officers who have died because of their duties.

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The sack race saw some eager competitors. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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Volunteers are being called on to keep Forrest Beach’s community events alive, as the Progress Association wraps up a successful year of markets and prepares for its upcoming Carols by the Sea.

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This year saw the Progress Association introduce a series of themed markets throughout the year, including a Show and Shine in June, an emergency services theme in July, Spring into Fitness in August and a school holiday-focused market for the final event.

The final Forrest Beach market of the year attracted a strong crowd, with Event Coordinator Mr Scuderia saying the rides and games proved particularly popular with families, namely the sack races, jumping castles and carousel.  

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Mr Scuderia said that although he was sad to see the season close, the themed markets would return next year, with the association already planning another emergency services and Show and Shine market.

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“It’s the last one for the year, so I’m always disappointed because I would like to see markets 12 months of the year here,” Mr Scuderia laughed.

“But we’re happy to recharge and start fresh next year.”

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Now, the association is also preparing for its annual Carols by the Sea event, which will be held in partnership with the local lifesavers. The event will move from Progress Park to the lifesavers’ venue, with the association expecting a strong crowd following last year’s attendance of around 500 people.

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The evening will feature local singers, food, popcorn and fireworks, with the carols beginning at 6pm and fireworks scheduled for 8.30pm. The new partnership will also allow alcohol to be sold within the lifesavers’ licensed area.

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Looking further ahead, the Progress Association hopes to work with the lifesavers on reviving the Stinger Net opening event, potentially bringing back fashion parades and Battle of the Bands. Mr Scuderia said the lifesavers’ sloping lawn provided a natural amphitheatre for large community events.

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The association has also continued working closely with the CWA, which is expected to co-lease the Progress Hall next year after leaving its current premises.

Despite the success of the year, Mr Scuderia highlighted a growing need for volunteers, with many community clubs and associations facing an ageing membership.

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Mr Scuderia said without new members and volunteers, some organisations could eventually disappear, taking their markets, festivals and other community events with them.

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Volunteering with the Progress Association offers opportunity to learn practical skills, handling money, serving customers, building connections and gaining valuable experience in a friendly and supportive environment.

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The Progress Association thanked those who continue to volunteer their time and encouraged more people to put their hand up and help keep local community events running.

Wayde Chiesa MP attended a Parliamentary Committee hearing in Cairns on the proposed Breach Bail, Go to Jail laws. Photo source: Wayde Chiesa MP

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The past fortnight has taken me from Parliament in Brisbane back across North Queensland, with plenty happening on some of the issues that matter most to our communities - community safety, growing our visitor economy and supporting the industries that underpin our region.  

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Last week, I attended Parliamentary Hearings in Cairns and Townsville into the Crisafulli Government’s Breach Bail, Go to Jail laws. Since the Hinchinbrook by-election, I have continued to advocate for stronger bail laws and consequences for repeat offenders. It was important that the Committee came to North Queensland and heard directly from our communities who have experienced the consequences of repeat offending. These new laws will introduce tougher consequences for serious offences committed while on bail and strengthen the tests around granting bail.  

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There were different perspectives put forward during the hearings, and that is an important part of the parliamentary process. But my position remains clear: bail is a privilege, and if you breach bail, there must be consequences. The Committee will now consider the evidence before reporting back to Parliament, and I will continue advocating for stronger laws that put victims and our community safety first.  

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I also recently joined Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell for a tourism roundtable and discussions with Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo about the opportunities we have right across our region. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of Queensland, with everything from Wallaman Falls and Hinchinbrook Island to our beaches and our incredible national parks, waterways and coastline. The opportunity is to encourage more people travelling between Townsville and Cairns to stop, stay longer and spend in our communities. That means continuing to look at how we promote our region, improve the visitor experience and support new tourism opportunities.  

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Of course, one industry that has sustained our communities for generations is sugar, and the crushing season continues across the Herbert. It has been a particularly challenging season. Different parts of the district have experienced vastly different weather conditions, while high fuel prices continue to put pressure on growers and harvesting contractors.

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Despite these challenges, our growers, harvesting crews, mill workers, transport operators and everyone involved in the industry continue to get on with the job. As we move through the remaining weeks of the crush, I hope conditions are kind, the season progresses well and every grower has the opportunity to get their crop away.  

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Whether it is making our communities safer, growing our visitor economy or backing the industries that sustain our region, I will continue listening locally and making sure Hinchinbrook has a strong voice and a seat at the table.

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Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

Hinchinbrook’s seafood industry took centre stage last week as fishers, industry representatives, researchers, business owners and government representatives gathered for the inaugural Spotlight On Hinchinbrook seafood industry event.

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Organised by local business owner and Wild Local operator Rebecca Zahgini, the three-day event aimed to bring together people from across the seafood sector while highlighting the importance of commercial fishing to regional communities.

Among those invited were the CEO of Seafood Industry Australia, representatives from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, OceanWatch Australia, Fisheries Queensland, Hinchinbrook Shire Council members, Hinchinbrook MP Wayde Chiesa and Senator Susan McDonald.  

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Rebecca said she was excited to welcome industry representatives from across Queensland and Australia, and “show them our beautiful hometown and our country hospitality.”  

“Seafood is not just commercial fishing,” Rebecca said.

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“It also includes research and science, such as with aquaculture. There’s lots of different diverse ways people can be involved in the seafood industry.”

The program began with a Women in Seafood Australia (WISA) afternoon tea, which a representative said was set to bring fishers, post-harvest businesses, advocates and policymakers together to build connection and trust.

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Next, the event moved into a seafood barbecue featuring local produce, before a networking evening at the TYTO Conference Centre.

The event then continued with a WISA business breakfast and fisheries workshop, with panellists Kate Lamason, Sienna Green and Raelene Moody discussing their experiences working in and running businesses within North Queensland’s seafood industry.

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Rebecca said the main purpose of bringing the industry together in Hinchinbrook was to highlight the positive contribution made by the sector.

“The main reason of bringing everyone here to Ingham is to show what a positive and professional industry it is,” she said.

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“To really shine a light on the importance of it in little regional communities.”

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She also wanted the event to recognise and shine light on the region’s commercial fishers, a theme that echoed throughout the event, with OceanWatch Australia highlighting its Master Fisherman program and the local operators involved.

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OceanWatch Australia described the program as an opportunity for fishers to demonstrate their commitment to best practice, with attendees encouraged to acknowledge their experience and contribution to the industry.

“Here in this region, our fishers are master fishers,” a representative said.

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“They’re always striving to do the right things on the water, but they don’t always get seen and don’t always get acknowledged for that.”

“There’s hundreds of years’ worth of knowledge and experience, and people working for their community, and they provide such a valuable resource,” the OceanWatch representative said.

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Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo welcomed Spotlight On Hinchinbrook attendees to the region, highlighting the long history of commercial fishing in the district.

“We are fortunate to live and work in a region blessed with pristine waters, rich marine resources, and a seafood industry that proudly supplies some of the finest products in the region,” he said.

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“Commercial fishing and produce have been part of the fabric for a very long time.”

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Inaugural Spotlight On Hinchinbrook Event Puts Seafood Industry In Focus

Mayor Jayo also spoke about the changes faced by the local fishing industry over the years and the importance of finding a balance between conservation and maintaining a viable industry.

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“I am conservative by nature and embrace the need for conservation for our environment and future generations, but there does need to be appropriate balance,” he said.

“To my mind, commercial fishing and local preparation and distribution are imperative not only to our community but our society in general.”

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He also highlighted Council’s work to support local operators, including improvements to marine access and new infrastructure for commercial operators.

“My Council is quite proud of our district’s seafood industry, and we do engage and assist where possible,” Mayor Jayo said.

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“We will continue to support the industry as best as we can.”

The event also recognised individuals for their contribution to the fishing industry, with John Taifalos, Lisa Putzka, Darcy Fazio and Allan Bobbermen receiving awards during the Expo.

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Senator Susan McDonald, who attended the event, congratulated the recipients.

“We need Australian seafood caught by Australian fishers on Australian tables,” she said.

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The three-day event also sparked discussion around the future of the industry, including current fisheries policies and whether some existing approaches remain suited to the realities of the sector.

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Alongside the policy discussions, speakers highlighted the value of generational knowledge built up among local fishers and the importance of ensuring Australian-caught seafood remains an accessible choice for Australian consumers.

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