Have you ever thought about becoming a wildlife carer? Now is your chance to turn that curiosity into lifesaving action. Join an engaging and informative Wildlife Carer Introductory Course, where you will learn what it takes to rescue and care for North Queensland’s incredible native animals.

From tiny microbats and birds to majestic flying foxes, possums, macropods, and more, this course will give you a solid understanding of the diverse species that often come into care across the region. Led by experienced species coordinators from North Queensland Wildlife Care Inc, this session offers a realistic and practical introduction to wildlife care. You’ll gain insight into the skills, challenges, rewards, and equipment involved in helping these animals in need.

Whether you are looking to take the first step toward becoming a registered carer or simply want to understand how you can support wildlife in your community, this course is the perfect starting point. Please note that this event is not suitable for children under 12, as some images may be distressing. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

North Queensland is packed full of wildlife, and with increased urbanisation and natural threats, the need for passionate carers has never been greater. Your journey into wildlife rescue could begin right here this Saturday! For more details and to learn more about North Queensland Wildlife Care Inc, visit nqwildlife.org.au and to book your spot at the workshop visit: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1386682

Ticket Prices:
Individual NQ Wildlife Care Member – $15.00
Individual Non-Member – $30.00
Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) – $40.00
Individual Concession Holder – $15.00
Vet Industry (Student or Employee) – Free

WHAT: Wildlife Carer Introductory Course.
WHEN: Saturday, 10 May from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
WHERE: Tyto Conference and Events Centre, Corner of Bruce Highway and Cooper Street, Ingham QLD 4850

North Queensland’s biggest celebration of rural life, careers and community is almost here! The Link2Country Expo is set to take over the Ingham Showgrounds on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May 2025, bringing two full days of education, entertainment, and endless opportunity for anyone interested in the world of agriculture.

Designed to connect people to country, this vibrant event is a dynamic platform for students, jobseekers, farmers, businesses and travellers to come together and celebrate the strength and future of the agricultural industry in the Hinchinbrook region. Whether you're looking for work, want to upskill, or simply want a great weekend out, the Link2Country Expo is a must-attend event.

Gates open at 9am both days, with an action-packed program running through to the evening. Live music kicks off at 7:30pm, the bar opens at 5:00pm Friday and 3:00pm Saturday, and networking events from 5:30pm to 7:30pm give attendees the perfect chance to meet industry leaders, business owners, and potential employers. Food trucks will be on-site both days to keep you fed while you explore all the opportunities.

The Expo’s mission is built on three pillars — Educate, Entertain, and Encourage. In the Educate space, the Agri-Life Skills Program takes centre stage. Across two days, this hands-on program aims to reach over 500 students, with real-world learning experiences such as changing a tyre, handling livestock safely, and operating agricultural machinery. It’s practical, engaging, and geared toward planting seeds of interest in the next generation of Ag professionals.

The Entertain element is just as exciting as there will be cattle, horse, and working dog demonstrations, a Beers & Gears session, live excavator experiences and challenges, live music and more entertainment to come! Whether you’re watching from the sidelines or jumping into an activity yourself, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy.

The Expo also seeks to Encourage in the bounds of career exploration, business innovation, and strong community ties. Local clubs are running the bar and food areas as fundraisers, with maker markets and trade stalls supporting small businesses, artists, and Ag suppliers. Expect lucky door prizes, auctions, interactive displays, and loads of local flavour.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit five key industry zones:
Sugarcane Section – Learn planting, harvesting, processing and the economic importance of the cane industry.
Earthworks Section – Try your hand at operating an excavator or watch experts in action.
Horse Section – Perfect for equine lovers of all levels, with demonstrations and training sessions.
Cattle Section – From breeding to animal welfare, gain insight into the beef industry.
Careers Section – Connect with educational institutions, employers and training providers to map out your Ag future.

Ticket prices are as follows:
2-Day Adult Pass: $45.00
Friday or Saturday All Day Pass: $27.50
Friday or Saturday After 5pm Entry: $15.00
Saturday “Beers & Gears” VIP Hour: $250.00

Whether you’re looking to build a future in Ag or simply want a fun weekend with friends and family, the Link2Country Expo delivers something for everyone. Follow the event on Facebook at Link2Country for more updates and program news and scan the QR code for your tickets today!

WHAT: Link2Country Expo
WHEN: Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May 2025, from 9:00am
WHERE: Ingham Showgrounds

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https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1348753

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The Hinchinbrook Shire Council is calling on individuals, community groups, and organisations to apply for funding under the 2024–2025 Community Grants Program. This initiative provides vital financial support to projects and activities that strengthen the Shire’s social fabric, support economic development, and celebrate local achievement. There are grants available that could help bring your goals to life.

Available Community Grant Types:
Youth Achievement Grant - $250 for individuals or $700 for teams of three or more.
Community Activity Grant - Up to $2,000 for events, activities or initiatives that benefit the local community.
Regional Economic Development Grant - Up to $10,000 for projects that support sustainable economic growth and local business development.

The Council's aim is to ensure funding is distributed fairly and effectively to initiatives that make a genuine impact across the Shire for both for-profit and not-for-profit organisations.

Applications close Wednesday 11 June 2025, to check your eligibility and download an application form, visit the 'Community Grants' page on the Council's website or scan the QR code. Now is the time to invest in your community so apply today and help shape Hinchinbrook’s future.

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https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/community-environment/grants-and-funding/community-grants/

Interfaced between the land and sea,
The tides that ebb and flow
Govern the ebb and flow of life
Where the mangrove forests grow,
Their twisted, tangled roots and trunks
Anchored to the mud below.

These aerial roots like coiling snakes
Prevent erosion of the coastline,
Trapping, recycling sediments and nutrients
Where rivers and seawaters combine,
Making an excellent marine breeding ground -
Nature’s nursery by design.

Here, in this sluggish, muddy world,
Pungent with unpleasant smell,
Hang ant-house plants on the mangrove stems,
Where sandflies and mosquitoes dwell
Along with wadding birds and small crabs
Encased in red and orange shells.

There is one of ancient order -
For he alone reigns supreme.
In the shadows of the night,
His sharp, red eyes gleam,
For the crocodile is the master
Of ambush and silent schemes.

Flying foxes by the thousands
Squabble in daytime roosting sites,
And when some loose their footing,
Crocodiles lie in wait for tasty bites.
When day is done and dusk arrives
They fly to their feeding grounds in hasty flight.

As the ocean meets the shore
In its never ending rhythm,
It quietly enters this muddy world,
Flowing through endless swamps and streams,
Fringed with the twisted, tangle of trunks and roots,
Topped with shiny, leafy crowns of green.

by Joyce Finocchiaro

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Council, on Tuesday 29 April 2025, acknowledged and recognised long serving SES volunteer Robert Morris for his unwavering dedication and commitment to the Hinchinbrook State Emergency Service (SES).

It was an honour for me to extend Council’s heartfelt thanks to Robert for his 26 years of voluntary service, an acknowledgement richly deserved. Robert’s journey with the SES began at just 16 years of age when he joined as a Cadet. Under the early guidance of Doug Ladner and later mentored by local controller Rodger Bow, Robert developed into a pillar of the Hinchinbrook unit.

His commitment over the years has seen him respond to countless emergencies, support the local community through cyclones and floods, and help train the next generation of volunteers. The presentation celebrated not only his years of service but also the values of resilience, teamwork and selflessness he continues to embody.

Hinchinbrook is stronger for volunteers like Robert Morris — individuals whose quiet dedication makes a lasting impact.

I would also like to mention that Hinchinbrook SES is looking for new members willing and able to help our community before, during and after emergencies. Every year about 5,000 volunteers support Queensland communities and as we saw during our recent flood event, the help is truly appreciated by community members in need.

So, if you have a desire to help, put that desire to good use and become a SES volunteer, contact Council and we will put you in touch with our local SES personnel. Volunteers perform a diverse range of functions in responding to many different types of activations as a result of disasters and emergencies including:

· Storms;

· Floods;

· Cyclones;

· Rescues;

· Transportation incidents (road/rail/air);

· Landslides; and

· Searches for missing persons.

The SES is designed to empower people to help themselves and others in their communities in times of emergency and disaster and will provide you with a truly rewarding experience.

Residents and business owners in Paluma and Hidden Valley say they are being left in limbo, months after flooding and landslides devastated Mount Spec Road and cut off vital access to their communities.

Hinchinbrook MP and Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto, has joined their call for urgent answers, pressing the State Government and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to provide a clear timeline for when the road will be fully restored.

Road crews on the ground have taken on a mammoth task under extremely difficult conditions and I thank them for their continued efforts as they work to clear and stabilise Mount Spec Road, but it’s now time for the Minister to provide the residents and small businesses in this area some certainty around when access will be restored,” Mr Dametto said.

Following the destructive February floods, multiple landslides rendered Mount Spec Road—classified as a Heritage Listed route—impassable. While temporary access has since been restored via the western route, locals are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of information about the long-term plan.

“Every day without answers pushes this community closer to the brink of collapse," added Mr Dametto.

"People who live in Paluma and work in Townsville have been forced to either spend hours travelling via Hervey Range Road or pay for accommodation in Townsville just to keep their jobs - this situation is completely untenable.”

Mr Dametto acknowledged the importance of preserving historic infrastructure, such as Crystal Creek Bridge and the heritage culverts, but believes the listing of the entire road is preventing critical upgrades.

“Our office is currently putting together an application to scrab the heritage listing in favour of building a fit for purpose road that may mitigate some these issues into the future,” he said.

While praising the collaboration seen during the recovery of the Olera Creek Bridge on the Bruce Highway, Mr Dametto said the same urgency must now be applied to Mount Spec Road.

“People aren’t asking for miracles, they understand that this is a complex task - all we expect is a clear plan and a genuine timeline for delivery,” he said.

Locals are encouraged to share their concerns with Mr Dametto’s office as the push for clarity and stronger infrastructure continues.

Queensland Cane Action Roundtable (QCAR) has been out in force across the state in recent weeks, building momentum for workforce solutions and innovation in the sugarcane industry.

QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella and Central District Manager Sonia Ball were among the representatives at the 2025 Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) Conference, held at the Royal International Convention Centre last week.

Attending alongside AgEtal and AgForce, the team was promoting the AgTIY – RSDetect testing kit, a tool designed to provide reliable, on-farm results to better inform farming decisions.

The exhibit drew strong interest, with many stopping by to speak with Kylie and Adele from AgEtal, and learn more about the testing process. SRA’s Farzana Darain was among those who dropped in to the QCAR, AgEtal and AgForce stall, as was Peter Larson of Wilmar.

Meanwhile, QCAR has been stepping up its engagement with ALA Workforce Solutions, working collaboratively to address labour shortages across the sugarcane and agricultural sectors.

Herbert River district growers have been invited to attend an information evening on Monday 6 May at the Royal Hotel. RSVPs officially closed on 2 May, however last-minute enquiries can be directed to QCAR Administration Officer Anna Di Bella on 0419 673 000.

The workforce push follows a successful start to a three-event series in Far North Queensland, with a strong turnout for the first meeting at the Crown Hotel, Innisfail, followed by Babinda and Walkamin.

QCAR continues to drive change across Queensland and into the northern tip of New South Wales, supporting sugarcane growers with tools, partnerships and opportunities.

For more information about QCAR’s work or the AgTIY – RSDetect kit, contact Lawrence Di Bella on 0448 084 252.

Cassowaries are a majestic animal but they can act in an unpredictable way, which can include dangerous behaviour.

They should never be fed or given access to food. This can cause them to become habituated and begin to approach people expecting food. Cassowaries have been known to become aggressive when approaching people for food but not receiving any.

Recently, a man from Cardwell sustained a minor leg injury after an encounter with a cassowary in his backyard and was treated at Tully Hospital. An inspection from wildlife Rangers saw that the Cassowary displayed behaviour indicative of being habituated to human feeding, serving as a caution to the public about wildlife interaction.

People can help preserve wild populations of cassowaries by being Cass-O-Wary:
➡️ Never approach cassowaries.
➡️ Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
➡️ Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal and can be dangerous for the birds and for humans.
➡️ Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
➡️ Always slow down when driving in cassowary territory.
➡️ Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.
➡️ Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.

Cassowary sightings in north Queensland should be reported to QPWS by calling 1300 130 372.

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By Queensland Environment

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Seven residents took a proud step forward in their Australian journey at a Citizenship Ceremony held yesterday, Wednesday 30 April 2025, in the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Chambers.

Mayor Ramon Jayo officially welcomed Mr Daijo John, Mrs Alice Mathew along with their two children Elina and Albin, Mr James Kellett, Mr Thomas Kellett and Mrs Florence Fotheringham as Australia’s newest citizens.

Family, friends and Councillors gathered for the occasion, celebrating the commitment each individual has made to becoming a full member of the Australian community.

The candidates honoured at today’s ceremony come from diverse backgrounds, including India, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, reflecting the multicultural fabric of the Hinchinbrook region.

“Choosing to become an Australian citizen is a meaningful and life changing decision,” Mayor Jayo said, "They were really excited and very happy to be granted their citizenship and I think they're going to add amazing value to our community."

“It is about embracing the values we share including freedom, democracy and opportunity and becoming part of a community that supports and celebrates diversity. I am honoured to welcome Daijo, Alice, Elina, Albin, James Thomas and Florence to our community.”

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All seven new Australian Citizens with Mayor Ramon Jayo. Right: Mr Daijo John, Mrs Alice Mathew along with their two children Elina and Albin. Left: Mr James Kellett and Mr Thomas Kellett and Mrs Florence Fotheringham. Photo credits: Victoria Velton.

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Within just one hour of Ingham, anglers can access the full spectrum of world-class recreational fishing. Cast a line from Hinchinbrook’s pristine beaches, fish from the wharf at Lucinda and Dungeness, or chase sooty grunter in the rugged Herbert River Gorge.

The Hinchinbrook Channel offers legendary Barramundi fishing in calm, scenic waters, while the Great Barrier Reef delivers thrilling open-water action. Whether you're after serenity or adventure, Hinchinbrook delivers it all.

With picture-postcard scenery as your backdrop, there’s no better way to experience the region than by getting out on the water and embracing its incredible fishing diversity.

This year’s Feast of St Anthony in Bemerside will be extra special as St Anthony’s Committee have made a special donation to Ronald McDonald House to mark the saint’s legacy of caring for children.

Known for compassion and commitment to young people, St Anthony’s memory is honoured in a way that reflects both his values and the community spirit of the day.

At the 98th Feast of St Anthony, everyone is invited to join in the fun and celebrate St Anthony. The 98th annual Feast of St Anthony is on Sunday, 8 June 2025. It will be a day filled with spiritual reflection, family-friendly activities, and delicious food.

Festivities will begin at 11am with the Celebration of Mass led by the Parish Priest, offering a chance for the faithful to come together in prayer and tradition. From 2.30pm, a procession and rosary will be followed by the Blessing of Children and the traditional Distribution of St Anthony Bread.

Food stalls will be open from 12pm through to 6pm, offering a wide variety including BBQ, fish and chips, cakes, sandwiches, and canoli. Visitors can also enjoy tea, coffee, soft drinks, and a fully stocked bar.

Entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon by popular performer Anthony Fracchia, adding a lively atmosphere to the event. A range of stalls and attractions will keep everyone entertained, including a monster raffle, the 500 Club, a bottle stall, and a jumping castle for the kids. Religious articles will also be adding to the excitement.

The Feast of St Anthony is a long-standing tradition in Bemerside and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to come together in faith and community spirit.

For more information, contact Angie on 0427 761 522.

It is so lovely to be entering ‘the best time of the year’ in North Queensland. The weather is fabulous, and things are starting to dry up.

I thought I would mention a potential biosecurity threat Council has been alerted to, that we should all be aware of and actively monitor.

Avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu. Although no outbreaks have yet been confirmed in Queensland, migratory birds flying along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway pose a real risk, especially in coastal wetlands and inland water systems such as the Burdekin and Herbert River catchments.

While the virus has primarily affected poultry farms and wild bird populations in southern Australia and overseas, biosecurity experts are warning that North Queensland is not immune. With our mix of backyard poultry, commercial operations, and rich biodiversity of migratory birds, the region could be vulnerable to outbreaks if vigilance slips.

For North Queensland residents, the message is clear: don't panic, but don’t be complacent. Report unusual bird deaths, avoid handling sick wildlife, and follow safe poultry handling practices.

Dr. Emma Keating, says North Queensland’s climate and wildlife diversity make it a “hot zone” for surveillance. “We have contact points between wild waterfowl, domestic poultry, and even native mammals. If the virus makes landfall here, containment will be challenging without swift detection and coordination.”

Poultry producers are on high alert, with the Queensland Department of Agriculture reinforcing biosecurity protocols for farms, hobbyists, and bird sanctuaries. Measures include restricting contact between wild and domestic birds, disinfecting equipment, and monitoring for sudden bird deaths or respiratory symptoms.

Early action matters, so if you see anything unusual or have any concerns, please phone Biosecurity Queensland on 132 523 or 1800 675 888 or contact Council’s Natural Assets Team on 4776 4600.

The April meeting of the Hinchinbrook Chamber Meeting of Commerce, Industry & tourism Inc. was held at the community Recovery and Referral Centre at 73-81 Lannercost Street last week and was well attended by Chamber Members.

Chamber has recently taken on the short-term project of supporting the community following the recent flood impacts and will be delivering the Queensland Government funded, Community Recovery Officer role, on behalf of Hinchinbrook Shire Council. This new role will provide the opportunity for chamber to work with and support the community, including business owners and managers, to access the diverse range of assistance that is available to support recovery from the February event.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the issues that have been impacting them as residents and business owners, touching on the various topics from insurance, construction capacity to undertake flood repair works and skilling attraction to fill the workforce gaps to enable businesses to rebuild and recover.

The members were very pleased to be made aware of the announcement that those businesses who had been impacted by loss of electricity during the event, resulting in loss of perishable stock, had now been included as being business grant eligible. The members expressed their absolute thanks and appreciation to Hinchinbrook Shire Council and all those who had advocated so strongly to achieve this outcome.

Another opportunity now available to the business community was shared by Hinchinbrook Life representatives that they are now offering marketing opportunities in their publication “Tripping Magazine”. Hinchinbrook Shire will feature in the May edition, with favourable packages now available for interested businesses. These publications are free, and available in many tourist hotspots from Mackay, Bowen Basin, Whitsundays, Burdekin, Townsville and now Hinchinbrook.

May is Queensland Small Business Month and planning is also well underway for the Chamber event – Hinchinbrook Vibes - being hosted at end of month to celebrate.

For more information, or to keep up to date with what’s happening, follow Hinchinbrook Chamber on Facebook and Instagram, or visit our Website.

In a heartwarming display of generosity and community spirit, Thread Together recently rolled into Hinchinbrook with their mobile clothing van, offering brand-new clothing to anyone in need, completely free of charge.

Stopping at various locations throughout the shire, the initiative provided residents with access to high-quality, brand new, unworn garments donated by top fashion brands. Thread Together is more than just a clothing drive, their mission is rooted in dignity, choice, and environmental responsibility. By collecting end-of-line stock that would otherwise end up in landfill, they give these clothes a second chance and people a fresh start.

Run by passionate volunteers, Thread Together brings practical support and hope to disaster-affected and disadvantaged communities across Australia. Their presence in Hinchinbrook was a welcome relief to many, offering not only essential clothing but also a sense of care and connection.

The organisation’s motto, "new clothes for new beginnings," was brought to life here in our community halls' front lawns. Their work is a reminder that sometimes, a simple act of receiving a new jacket or a pair of shoes can make a world of difference.

Thank you to Thread Together and their dedicated volunteers for making a real impact in our region. Your kindness clothed our community in comfort, confidence, and a new wardrobe.

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Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire! Gosh another long weekend and I hope everyone had a great one. I for one, am anticipating the library's reopening as having a good book to read over a long weekend is just the best kind of activity to pass the time.

Speaking of literature, you may have noticed that we have started a new feature - the Creative Corner!

This is where we aim to highlight local artistic and cultural talent and give them the recognition they deserve through the publication. So, if you have a poem, short story, comic or another form of creative writing we would love to hear from any and all aspiring artists. Send them to my email at victoria@lifepublishinggroup.com and I will let you know if your work has been selected to be featured in the newspaper.

Creative writing is a passion of mine, and I love experiencing it in all the forms it can take such as theatre, movies, songs, and of course in books. I have even turned my own hand at writing a few stories myself. I love the traditional way of writing by scribbling down my ideas as they pop into my head, or making a note to develop upon later. Sometimes I will even add a little drawing to really get the idea down right.

What's your creative process?

Victoria

Fun Fact: The American author Mark Twain not only owned many cats, but also rented them when he couldn't travel with his own. He even refused to associate with people who didn't like cats.