In a heartening reminder of the value of rural health care, the Ingham Health Service recently celebrated nine years since the reopening of its maternity service — and what better way to mark the occasion than with the birth of four babies in just 24 hours?

On the 7th and 8th of April, four mothers; Giorgia Firmi, Marites Carao, Hannah Bestmann, and Leah Dingwell, welcomed their little ones into the world, creating a unique bond not only between their babies, but among themselves as part of this milestone moment.

For first-time mum Giorgia Firmi, the experience was both challenging and affirming.

“I was in labour for probably 15 hours, and it was a really long night but she (my midwife Kelly) stayed for probably longer than she was supposed to,” Ms Firmi said, expressing her gratitude.

Fellow mum Marites Carao echoed the sentiment, praising the compassionate care she received throughout her pregnancy and delivery.

“As a first-time mum, it’s a very exciting journey and the midwives and doctors supported me throughout my entire pregnancy, through to the delivery and aftercare,” she said.

For Hannah Bestmann, who had previously delivered her two other children in a major hospital, the contrast highlighted the expertise and reassurance provided at Ingham.

“The first two were born at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and while the facilities at SCUH are more aesthetic and fresher, the expertise of my two midwives here in Ingham was noticeably significant,” she shared.

“I felt more and more confident in their care with each appointment, and they helped me trust my body to naturally labour without interventions which I appreciated and had hoped for.”

These powerful testimonies shine a light on a service that almost ceased to exist. Ingham’s birthing unit was closed for a decade before community advocacy led to its triumphant reopening on the 1st of July, 2016. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength — a testament to the commitment of its staff and the value of health care close to home.

Senior Medical Officer Dr Carmel Cockburn reflected on the journey so far.

“The ability to provide a safe and consistent rural birthing service despite workplace shortages across rural Australia has been a huge achievement,” she said.

“It has required constant dedication from our team and community. Our team includes midwives, rural generalists with obstetric and anaesthetic skills, as well as theatre nurses for those times caesarean section or operative complications arise.”

Clinical midwife Jodie Nema emphasised the importance of ensuring access to maternity services locally.

“We provide an essential service that encompasses antenatal, birth and postnatal care to pregnant women and their families in the Hinchinbrook area,” she explained.

“The midwifery group practice has capacity to provide services both at the hospital, and where appropriate, in-home care. We also work closely with maternity services at Townsville University Hospital when higher levels of care or support are required.”

At a time when many rural maternity services are under threat, Ingham's model shows what is possible when dedication, skill, and community will intersect. As the maternity team celebrates its ninth anniversary with four beautiful new arrivals, it reminds us that small towns can offer not only safe care—but exceptional care.

Expectant families in the region can self-refer to the service or be referred through their GP. For more information, call 07 4720 3050.

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How Will this Impact Our Region?

The Federal Government has taken serious steps to implement a gas reservation policy (RRP) on the east coast of Australia. However, the details of the plan will determine whether Mount Isa and North West Minerals Province survive or collapse.

Mayor Ramon Jayo commented, “I’m becoming increasingly concerned about what’s happening in Mount Isa, particularly with talk of the smelter shutting down and Glencore ceasing operations there,” he said. “While it’s undeniably tragic for the region in terms of employment and long-term viability, there’s also a broader issue that could directly impact our cane-growing district.”

“Phosphate Hill relies heavily on sulphuric acid from the Mount Isa smelter. It’s a byproduct of their operations and a critical ingredient in manufacturing phosphate-based fertilisers, which our local cane growers use extensively. If that acid supply is disrupted, it’s going to put serious pressure on fertiliser production.”

He continued, “Even now, they’re already facing rising gas costs to keep things running, and we’re starting to worry about what that means for phosphate prices and, in turn, fertiliser costs. Cane growers are already copping increased fuel prices, and if fertiliser costs go up too, that’s going to hurt.”

“It’s something we need to keep a very close eye on, because any further cost inflation will have a knock-on effect across our whole industry. Hopefully, the government can step in and help resolve some of the issues with Glencore, so we can keep something going — to support our farmers and ensure there’s reliable continuity in the production of phosphate fertilisers.”

Bob Katter, the Federal Member for Kennedy, also voiced his concerns on the issue: "The complete collapse of Mount Isa's industrial base was imminent last week. The dominoes were already falling. Mount Isa pulls 3,000 jobs directly out of Townsville and fuels billions in industrial exports. If it goes under, it's not just a local issue – it's a national one."

Katter compared the situation to Western Australia, where a long-standing gas reservation policy is helping power the construction of a giant fertiliser plant by saying: "Here, we've got a fertiliser plant in Mount Isa that alone can bring in a thousand million dollars in a good year. And we're hanging by a thread."

While the Federal Government’s move toward an east coast gas reservation policy is a step in the right direction, its effectiveness will hinge on swift and strategic implementation. Local leaders and industry voices warn that without decisive action to secure an affordable gas supply and stabilise operations at key industrial hubs like Mount Isa, the ripple effects will be felt far beyond the region, from fertiliser production to jobs, and exports across northern Queensland.

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Heidi is a gentle soul with a heart of gold and a love for the simple things in life, like belly-up naps and chin scratches.

Though she might seem a little shy at first, all it takes is a bit of patience and a lot of love to win her over. Once she feels safe, Heidi blossoms into a loving companion who will happily claim your bed as her own snooze spot (preferably paws in the air, of course).

She’s got impeccable manners — this sweet girl will sit politely and wait while dinner is being served. Her favourite game? Hide and seek with her foster dad… and yes, she always wins. Heidi’s soft, affectionate nature makes her the perfect match for a calm, quiet home where she can relax, feel secure, and soak up the affection she adores.

If you're ready to welcome a lovely little lady who will repay your kindness tenfold, Heidi might just be your perfect match.

To meet Heidi, just fill out an enquiry form at: www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

Adoption fee: $210
DOB: 1/03/24 - 1yr 4mths.
Sex: Female
Breed: Domestic Short Hair (DSH)
Colour: Tuxedo (Black and White)
Kid friendly: Yes – with soft hands
Cat friendly: Untested
Dog friendly: Untested
Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors only

Included in the adoption fee: desexing, microchipping, up-to-date vaccinations, flea/tick/intestinal worm treatment.

Hospitality & Community Services

Young people in Ingham aged 15 and over now have the chance to gain practical skills and recognised qualifications — with no out-of-pocket costs — through two new training programs under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

Certificate I in Hospitality (SIT10222)
This 15-week course is perfect for those looking to enter the hospitality industry. This course includes four days a week of online learning (four hours per day), supported by a mentor, plus three weeks of real-world work experience at the end.

Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015)
Ideal for those wanting to support others and work in the community sector. This nine-week program, also delivered online and supported by a mentor. The course focuses on building real-world skills to support people in need.

Places are limited, and applications are now open! Food and transport are provided at no cost to the student. Eligibility can be sourced after an enquiry has been made here at: https://www.selectability.com.au/careers-training/selectability-training/

Flu and COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb across Queensland, with health authorities urging residents to practise good hygiene and get vaccinated to help curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.

In the last week of June alone, over 2,800 flu cases were recorded — the highest weekly number this year. Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said hospital admissions remain high, with nearly 300 beds occupied daily by flu and COVID-19 patients.

“Around half of all flu hospitalisations and 65 per cent of COVID hospitalisations are among people aged 65 and over,” Dr Carroll said.

She noted that more than 90 per cent of hospitalised patients are not up to date with their vaccinations.

“Vaccination is especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19. I encourage people to discuss their COVID vaccine and booster options with their vaccine provider,” she said.

“For influenza, nearly 3,000 people have been hospitalised this year, with almost all of these hospitalisations (92 per cent) among people who were not vaccinated.”

Children are also vulnerable, with nearly 450 hospitalised for flu so far in 2025.

“Children are more likely to catch and spread influenza, contributing to transmission in the community, but also young children are vulnerable to serious illness from the flu,” Dr Carroll said.

Queenslanders are encouraged to wash their hands, cover coughs, stay home when sick, and stay up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations.

For more details, visit www.health.qld.gov.au.

An elusive and endangered species, the mahogany glider is receiving new hope thanks to a collaborative conservation effort underway in North Queensland. The project, centred south of Ingham, is helping to link critical glider habitat while also delivering rare sightings of the species in the wild.

Indigenous ranger Chris Muriata is one of the few people lucky enough to see a mahogany glider in its natural habitat.

“To finally see one – it made me happy,” he says.

“It was in vegetation at the southern end of a glider pole array we were monitoring at Lily Creek near Cardwell. We’ve been working on mahogany glider projects for years – since Cyclone Yasi in 2011 when we put den boxes and cameras in trees. More recently, we’ve been part of monitoring programs. Still, to actually see one of these gliders is rare.”

Chris and his fellow Girringun Indigenous Rangers are now working alongside Terrain NRM on a new glider initiative, which focuses on removing invasive vines and woody weeds from forested corridors along creeks in cane-growing areas. This habitat restoration work is designed to support small, vulnerable populations of mahogany gliders living on the fringes of farmland near Yuruga and Bambaroo.

The project also builds on four years of monitoring, with the installation of new wildlife cameras helping to track the presence of gliders and assess habitat use.

Terrain NRM’s Evizel Seymour says the goal is to create a functional corridor between coastal glider habitats and the foothills of nearby national parks.

“We want this to be a functional corridor for mahogany gliders,” she explains.

“This is a new project in amongst a tapestry of projects that have helped mahogany gliders by increasing woodland habitat and bridging gaps in habitat through tree-planting projects, installing glider poles at roads, and replacing the top two strands of barbed wire in farm fences with barbless wire so gliders don’t get caught up in them.

“There has also been monitoring work and research to learn more about this species — to better understand the boundaries of mahogany glider habitat, where the remaining small populations live, how their genetic health is going, and how we can best help them to survive.”

Mahogany gliders are listed as endangered and are only found in a narrow range between Tully and Ollera Creek, north of Townsville. The last population estimate — between 1,500 and 2,000 individuals — dates back to surveys conducted in the 1990s, before much of their habitat was damaged by Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

So far, the project’s motion-sensing cameras have captured two mahogany gliders in the early morning hours — a promising sign.

“The cameras were up for six weeks,” Evizel said.

“We saw one mahogany glider at about 3 a.m. on four or five nights. It was active in a thin corridor of trees bordering a creek and cane land, a place where they haven’t been recorded on camera before. We saw another mahogany glider once, at a creekside area further north.”

The project, titled Keeping Country Connected for Mahogany Gliders, is funded through the Queensland Government’s Threatened Species Recovery Action Grants program.

The work is a partnership between Terrain NRM, Girringun and Nywaigi Indigenous Rangers, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The next stage of weed removal and habitat improvement will begin in the coming months, and further camera monitoring is planned for later this year.

The Hinchinbrook Way Walk is a scenic 1.9 km trail that offers a perfect introduction to tropical Ingham. Beginning at the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre, the walk takes you across an elevated walkway above tranquil wetlands, through the canopies of towering raintrees, and into the heart of the TYTO Precinct.

Along the way, spot native birdlife, marvel at public art, and uncover Ingham’s rich sugar cane history in the vibrant Mercer Lane Mosaic. This immersive trail leads you into the town centre, where you can explore boutique stores and gourmet delights, before looping back through the peaceful TYTO Parklands.

Just steps from the CBD, it’s an easy, engaging experience suitable for all visitors — whether you're chasing adventure or seeking relaxation. With a mix of nature, culture, and local charm, the Hinchinbrook Way Walk is a must-do for anyone wanting to connect with the essence of the Hinchinbrook region.

Hello Hinchinbrook,

Snap Send Solve is a free app that makes it quick and easy to report issues to your local council using your iPhone or Android device. You can also use it to submit general requests or feedback.

Whether it’s illegal rubbish dumping, a damaged street sign, or another local concern, Snap Send Solve lets you capture and report the issue straight from your smartphone.

How it works:
The app uses your phone’s GPS to identify your local council and provide relevant contact details. When you send a report, your email and phone number are included so Hinchinbrook Shire Council can follow up with you directly.

You know your neighbourhood best, so if something doesn’t look right, let us know. We rely on your reports to help keep our Shire safe, clean, and running smoothly.

Use the app to report:
• Street lights not working
• Dumped rubbish
• Wandering or aggressive dogs
• Graffiti or vandalism
• Footpath damage or potholes
• Road safety issues
• Or anything else needing attention

Just Snap, Send, and Solve — take a photo and submit your report in a few simple steps.

Free to download from the App Store and Google Play, Snap Send Solve removes the guesswork from reporting local issues. It helps councils and other authorities respond more efficiently, and empowers the whole community to help look after our shared spaces.

Need help in person? Visit our Customer Service Centre at 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham, for assistance with enquiries, requests, applications, registrations, permits, or rates payments.

You can also report issues online via the Customer Service section at www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au. For urgent matters, please call 07 4776 4600.

It’s always a pleasure to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and see everything that’s been happening — and what’s coming up — in our beautiful Shire. Thanks again for the opportunity to connect.

Acting Mayor Mary Brown

As the Hinchinbrook Shire continues to recover and adapt following the 2025 severe weather season, the importance of reflective, community-driven planning cannot be overstated.

In support of ongoing preparedness and resilience-building, the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), in partnership with Council, has released a survey for community feedback — a purposeful step toward capturing local insights and experiences following this year’s major weather events.

The survey seeks to understand how residents across the region prepared for, responded to, and recovered from recent severe weather. This information will directly inform future disaster planning and decision-making, helping to shape emergency messaging, preparedness campaigns, support accessibility, and service delivery moving forward.

Recognising that each household and circumstance is different, the survey captures a wide range of lived experiences — including those of carers, people with disabilities, families, and individuals living in remote or isolated areas.

By doing so, Council and the LDMG aim to ensure that emergency planning and response measures reflect the unique needs and challenges of the Hinchinbrook community.

The survey also offers residents an opportunity to contribute beyond feedback, with the option to express interest in future disaster preparedness training or planning initiatives.

While the path to recovery continues, so too does Council’s commitment to improving safety, preparedness, and community resilience through meaningful engagement and informed planning.

Council strongly encourages all residents to participate — either by clicking the link on the Hinchinbrook Disaster Information Facebook page, scanning the QR code on the front page of the paper, or visiting Council for a hard copy.

We welcome all feedback by 6:00 pm on Sunday, 20 July 2025, and thank everyone who takes the time to provide this important insight.

Each response helps strengthen our collective ability to face future events — together, and with greater confidence.

Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Brazil remains front and centre in global sugar market movements. The latest UNICA report for the first half of June shows sugar production continuing to outpace ethanol. While sugar output dipped slightly in the fortnight, it still accounted for 51.5% of cane crushed, nudging the year-to-date figure to 50.5%—up from 48.3% in the previous season. However, cane quality remains a concern.

The ATR is hovering below 12%, prompting analysts to downgrade forecasts. Year-to-date, sugar production is trailing 15% behind last season, with a lack of yield data from Brazil—now about 30% into its harvest—keeping markets guessing.

Closer to home, local interest in the 2026 Managed Pool Plus continues to build. A strong response from both returning and new growers led to an extension of the nomination window through to the end of July, allowing more time for growers to finalise their nomination.

Amid softer global prices, growers are finding value in shared-risk pricing models. The Managed Pool Plus for 2025, for example, has a price forecast on June 30 at $45 per tonne above the 2025 season Target Price. While this will fluctuate with the market, it underlines the potential benefits of diversifying pricing strategies.

Another product we have introduced to growers is assistance with input costs, particularly fertiliser. Our grower survey indicated inflation of costs was a major concern. By leveraging the buying power of the Wilmar Farms business, we link growers into a secure supply of fertiliser with price certainty for the next couple of months. With Urea and Potash prices remaining volatile, this is proving popular with growers who are marketing their GEI with us. If you're interested to see what kind of savings you could receive, please reach out to the team.

In the regions, the annual show season has been in full swing, with our team on the ground sponsoring cane-growing competitions and presenting awards—further strengthening ties with our growers and the local communities.

Operationally, the mills have made a solid start to the season. Provided weather conditions hold, we remain on track to meet the forecast harvest timelines.

The 2028 season officially opened on 1 July, alongside increased forward pricing exposure limits for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. With sugar prices currently in a contango structure (future prices higher than current), it may be timely for growers to consider setting foundation pricing orders for 2028.

Finally, our Global Trader roadshow with Peter Bingham has unfortunately been rescheduled to September due to changing commitments. With any luck, the market will have found more solid ground by then.

CANEGROWERS Australia Chairman Owen Menkens has been elected President of the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers (WABCG), marking a proud moment for the Australian sugarcane industry on the final day of the WABCG Conference in Cairns.

The appointment was confirmed during official proceedings last Wednesday, with delegates from around the world endorsing Mr Menkens to lead the peak global body representing sugarcane and beet growers from 38 countries.

“It’s a great honour to be elected to this position and to represent growers from around the world,” Mr Menkens said.

“Sugar producers globally are facing many shared challenges – from trade access and climate change to sustainability and pricing. The WABCG plays an important role in ensuring that growers’ voices are heard and that we learn from one another.”

Last week's gathering in Cairns marked the long-awaited return of the annual WABCG conference to Australia after more than 15 years.

Over three dynamic days, delegates from around the world explored the challenges and opportunities facing the global sugar industry, toured sugarcane farms across Far North Queensland, and experienced the region’s rich culture and warm hospitality.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said Mr Menkens’ election was a strong endorsement of Australia’s leadership in sustainable, innovative and grower-led sugarcane production.

“Owen is a passionate advocate for farmers and for the future of our industry,” Mr Galligan said.

“His election as WABCG President is a recognition of both his leadership and the role Australian growers play on the world stage.”

The conference wrapped up with a field tour through the Tableland and Gordonvale areas, providing international delegates with a firsthand look at Queensland’s cane farming regions and innovation in the paddock.

The cost of living is front and centre for Australian women. Principally still the primary shopper for family provisions. However increasing costs are not accurately reflected by the published inflation figures. Manufacturers of food items are contributing to hidden inflation our shoppers are faced with every day and week.

To protect profit margins and sales volume, manufacturers down size those prepacked bottled and canned goods. Its marketing mantra to hold a price rather than increase it, reducing contents by size weight and volume. Of course all our shoppers are extremely aware that a Sao biscuit is now a small wafer, Deodorant sticks once 75g are now 50g samples. Potato chips are contained in ever reducing fly weights in the same large bag size and so on.

Personally I would like to see manufacturers simply hold product size and quality, and increase the price. If you must supply for the real budget stressed, have half packs. And yes that means shelf space in the Supermarkets. But the current down sizing is simply disguising inflation. Your not fooling Australian shoppers. Only letting atrocious Governments of all persuasion off the hook. Food manufacturers are running an unintended protection racket, for bad Government by disguising just how bad inflation really is, where it hurts most and really unavoidable.

Bob Ford

There was a real sense of celebration in the air as United Petroleum Ingham officially reopened its doors this week, a welcome sight for many a traveller and local alike.

United Petroleum’s General Manager of Retail, Grant McGregor, said, “We have eagerly reopened the doors of our Ingham site and extend a warm invitation to the community to experience the unparalleled quality and convenience we offer. As one of Australia's fastest-growing fuel and convenience brands, United Petroleum is excited to deepen our ties with the local community.”

He added, “With our dedicated team of locals committed to delivering great service, our Ingham location is poised to become the go-to destination for fuel, refreshments, and freshly made barista coffee again.”

Councillor Donna Marbelli joined the celebrations, noting, “After the devastation in February, it’s heartening to see our local businesses bouncing back and reopening their doors. It’s wonderful to be here today celebrating yet another business returning to the heart of our community.”

Store representative Fred Noack spoke warmly at the reopening, reflecting on the difficult road back, “We’ve had two closures in the last few years... but as soon as access was allowed, the SES were the first people here to help us clean up. We had community help us with removing and storing our pumps and different pieces of equipment, so today is just about giving back to the community in a little way.”

He also took a moment to recognise a key team member, “We’ve got some new staff here, including Sheila, who's been here for three years and has been through both of those big flood events. She can tell a lot of stories about what it was like, how quickly the floodwaters rose this year compared to the previous time. We didn’t get enough time to do what we needed to do. It rose that quickly. It’s great to see her back.”

The United Petroleum Ingham site is home to a Quickstop convenience store and beloved Aussie brand Pie Face, which continues to serve up its iconic oven-baked pies, sausage rolls, barista coffee and sweet treats to customers across Australia. The turnout for the re-opening exceeded expectations, and many visitors left with a pie or dounut in hand, a car full of fuel and with little ones happily carrying balloons. The day was a powerful show of resilience, gratitude, and community pride.

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Boris Skorbatcheff passed away in Cardwell in 1987 and left his estate to the Cardwell RSL Sub-Branch, which was his workshop on a block of land on the Cardwell Esplanade. Boris was known locally as “Bob the Russian”. Without this generous donation from this World War One Russian Army veteran, there is little chance Cardwell would have its own Sub-Branch building here at 36 Roma Street.

As the RSL Committee plans future entertainment area extensions and plans a Greenco dinner at the Beachcomber Restaurant for those wonderful “Mud Army” volunteers. Our ability to fundraise, particularly through our Sunday BBQ/Buffet lunches and donations to the various local schools, and many other not-for-profit organisations, it’s important to remember that without the generosity of “Bob the Russian” none of this would be possible.

Appropriately, the bar in the RSL is proudly named “Bob the Russians, Bar”. Bob also has his portrait painted on our large mural. Anyone who reads our booklet on the life and times of Boris Skorbatcheff would think that the Russian story of Dr Zhivago was a very tame affair.

After being promoted to the rank of Sergeant-Major on the 1st of October 1917 when he served with the 100 Black Sea Division, he was invested with the “Order of St George the Martyr, Class 2” for his service to the Empire, above and beyond his call of duty.

We are very proud of our history, our country and our flag, and thanks to our benefactor, we can keep his story alive.

Lest we forget.

Contributed with thanks by Robert Lang, Cardwell RSL Sub-Branch President.

On 24th March 1890, a cyclone struck Cardwell, destroying the jetty and schoolhouse while badly damaging the Courthouse. In 1892, a building costing £228 was constructed to house the Cardwell Divisional Board offices. When Walter Scott died at the Valley of Lagoons in 1890, a memorial Celtic Cross was sent from England, which was erected in Cardwell as it proved too heavy to carry up the mountain; the cross now stands in the grounds of the Anglican Church. On Hinchinbrook Island, the Diehm brothers carried out the grinding and processing of shells to produce lime.

In 1894, Hubinger’s Hut was built at the Five Mile Meatworks to serve as a tongue house, and the meatworks supplied tinned beef to soldiers during the Boer War. From 1902, Hubinger’s Hut served as a room for the sons of John Christian Hubinger (senior). In 1920, it was relocated to Sunbeam Creek, its current location approximately 5 km north of Cardwell. In 1895, a twice-monthly mail service was established by coastal steamers. In the same year, John Murray secured a two-year mail contract to carry mail weekly by packhorse from Cardwell to remote locations for a fee of £80 per annum.

In 1900, in an unusual experiment to provide food for shipwreck survivors, two red deer stags and two hinds were shipped to the Haven on Hinchinbrook Island. In the early 1900s, William Watkins cultivated citrus trees and ran cattle south of Hecate Point on Hinchinbrook Island. By 1902, the Cardwell Divisional Board evolved into the Cardwell Shire Council with Johann Hubinger becoming its first Chairman. In 1911, the Cardwell Shire Council area, covering 2,901 square kilometres, had 440 residents, and by 1921 this number was recorded as 370.