North Queensland farmers have secured a long-fought victory, with the Federal and Queensland governments approving an increase in disaster recovery funding to $75,000 for primary producers. The announcement, made on March 12 by Senator Nita Green and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, marks a major step in supporting communities devastated by recent flooding.

After weeks of relentless advocacy from local farmers, industry groups, and community leaders, the Category D funding has finally been activated under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The boost also includes increases for small businesses and not-for-profits, now eligible for grants of up to $50,000.

“This wasn’t handed down from the heavens—it was won by the fighters on the ground who never backed down,” said Mr Katter.

By Amanda Wright

Flooded Farms, Fierce Advocacy
The Fight That Paid Off

For many in the sugarcane industry, this decision brings both financial relief and renewed hope, with CANEGROWERS and QCAR hailing it as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the devastation growers have faced.

“This increase reflects the rising costs of recovery and the immense challenges our farmers are dealing with,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said. “It’s a crucial step forward, but the road to full recovery will be long.”

QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella agreed, saying, “This funding is not just about rebuilding farms—it’s about restoring livelihoods and communities that have been hit hard.”

While this funding is a critical step forward, industry advocates are pushing for further support to ensure long-term recovery, including additional assistance for replanting and infrastructure repairs.

Tears of relief replaced weeks of frustration for North Queensland’s flood-affected farmers as the Federal and Queensland governments approved an increase in disaster funding, boosting grants for primary producers to $75,000.

The announcement, delivered by Senator Nita Green and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter on March 12, comes after weeks of intense advocacy from industry leaders, local politicians, and the farming community. The decision also increases funding for small businesses and not-for-profits to $50,000.

The announcement was made at the farm of CANEGROWERS members Michael and Zenan Reinaudo, whose family property suffered severe flood damage. Their experience mirrors that of many other farmers across the region.

Bob Katter, who has been at the forefront of the push for Category D funding, credited the win to relentless efforts from agricultural organisations and local representatives.

“This funding wasn’t handed down from the heavens—it was won by the fighters on the ground who never backed down,” Mr Katter said.

He singled out CANEGROWERS’ Leah Russo, AgForce Queensland’s Shane McCarthy, and QCAR’s Lawrence Di Bella for their unwavering efforts.

“Yes, we thank the PM and the Minister, but it’s because of this group of people with a tiger in their tank that the grants have finally been activated,” he said.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan welcomed the increased support, emphasising that the original $25,000 grant was nowhere near enough to help growers rebuild.

“This increase reflects the rising costs of recovery for growers who have been hit hard by recent flooding,” Mr Galligan said.

“We’ve been clear from the beginning that the original amount was simply inadequate. This boost will make a real difference for those struggling to rebuild.”

QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella described the funding boost as a step in the right direction, though challenges remain.

“This is a really positive step—it will rebuild our industry. Some of the damage is greater than $75,000, so we’ll still be looking for additional funding, but this is a great start,” Mr Di Bella said.

“The money that a farmer produces goes around our community multiple times. This is about rebuilding our entire community, not just individual farms.”

Mr Di Bella spoke of the sheer devastation farmers have faced.

“There were craters the size of swimming pools, tonnes of trash dumped on newly planted sugarcane, headlands washed away, trees uprooted, new creeks carved through fields, dead calves littering paddocks—the list goes on,” he said.

“Now there will be tears of relief with the release of Category D grants.”

AgForce Queensland General President Shane McCarthy agreed, calling the announcement a lifeline.

“This goes a long way to getting farmers back up and producing, which is what they need to do,” Mr McCarthy said.

“It’s not just this flood—it’s the accumulation of a few tough seasons. We need to get our producers back up and doing what they do best.”

Funding Secured, But The Recovery Battle Continues

Despite the funding win, industry leaders stress that further work is needed to ensure all farmers receive fair support.

QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan noted that current eligibility rules could leave some struggling farmers behind.

“We must now make sure the funding is fair and reaches those who need it,” Mr Ryan said.

He cited the case of Ingham sugarcane farmer Luke Roveda, who also runs a harvesting business and works as a glazier with his father. Under current rules, he could be deemed ineligible because less than 51% of his gross income comes from sugarcane.

“These rules don’t reflect the reality of modern farming. Many producers diversify their income to survive, and they shouldn’t be penalised for it,” Mr Ryan said.

Another issue is funding for replanting crops, which remains restricted to plant cane rather than ratoon crops, despite ratoon cane making up about 84% of the Herbert’s sugarcane.

“This exemption makes no sense,” Mr Di Bella said. “If we’re serious about recovery, we need to ensure farmers can replant properly.”

QCAR is also pushing for additional funds to repair creek banks and drainage systems, support local businesses, restore the rail network for this year’s crushing season, and improve mental health services for impacted farmers.

Senator Nita Green reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting North Queensland’s recovery.

“This is all part of a bigger disaster recovery response from our two governments,” Senator Green said.

“We will continue to work with people on the ground to identify areas where funding or criteria can be improved.”

She acknowledged the vital role farmers and industry groups played in securing the funding.

“Thank you to the primary producers who welcomed this announcement with me today. North Queensland, we’ve got your back,” she said.

In addition to the increased grants, more than $50 million in extraordinary disaster assistance is now available to support North Queensland’s long-term recovery, including:
$30 million for sport and recreation community facilities
$20 million for community and recreational asset recovery
Extended disaster assistance for more councils across North and Far North Queensland

For farmers like Michael and Zenan Reinaudo, the funding boost brings hope after weeks of uncertainty. However, as industry leaders continue to advocate for further changes, the focus remains on ensuring all affected growers receive the support they need to recover and rebuild.

“This isn’t just about fixing damage—it’s about restoring livelihoods,” Mr Galligan said.

“Our growers have fought hard for this, and we’ll keep fighting to ensure they get the support they deserve.”

My Beauty Spot is set to open its new location at Beauty on Lannercost at 12 Lannercost Street. Owner Rebecca Weston said her dedication to getting to know the community has paid off, and her first week is already booked solid.

At the new location, Rebecca said clients can enjoy a wide range of treatments, including relax facials, skin concerns such as pigmentation, acne, anti-aging, and rosacea, and massage, waxing, and tinting.

“I love facials, but I love everything, I love body waxing, seeing the before and after is great,” she said.

Before moving to Ingham, Rebecca lived in Emu Park and had her own beauty salon there. She values the relationships she builds through her work, forming lasting friendships with clients.

“Even in Emu Park, I still keep in touch with former clients, and in Ingham, it's been really lovely to get to know the locals. I've got clients that I have here now that I see in the streets and say hello to.

Although Rebecca’s journey has taken many turns, including four years in the Navy and stints in hospitality and fashion, her heart has always been in beauty. Now, with her new salon set to open, she is eager to continue providing top-tier services to the Ingham community.

With extensive industry experience and a strong local focus, Ingham’s newest beauty salon is set to become a go-to destination for expert treatments in a welcoming space.

The Hinchinbrook Chamber held the first Coffee Connections session on Tuesday 11 March at JK’s Delicatessen between 7:30am and 9:00am.  This event was very well attended by local business owners, with a guest speaker for the morning being Charlotte Johansson, a wellness coach with Rural Financial Counselling Services NQ.

Chamber had planned to reintroduce these casual coffee catchups again in 2025, as a way for local business owners, employees and other agencies to come together in a relaxed environment and share experiences and connections.  Unfortunately the February flood event delayed the start of these gatherings for the year, however moving forward, Chamber intends to continue with these events at differing locations around the community.

During the morning, Charlotte took some time to explain her role and the importance of seeking support and mentorship if you are a business owner, especially in light of recent events. There was great discussion and Charlotte was able to answer many questions provide information in relation to how anyone could connect to arrange future individual appointments.

Since the flood event the Rural Financial Services Counselling team have been in the community providing opportunity for free support and arranging individual appointments, with business owners who may wish to engage additional support, during this challenging time of recovery.

The local response has been so significant, Charlotte has arranged for a local “pop up” office and is now scheduling appointments.

Overall, it was very informative and uplifting and Chamber is sincerely grateful to Karen and the JK’s Delicatessen team for hosting the first Coffee Connections for 2025. They also expressed a special thanks to Charlotte Johansson for being the first guest speaker of the year and to all who took the time to join the morning.

Plans are already underway for Chamber's April event, stay tuned on Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce social media pages and website for more details.

Contributed with thanks to Chamber President Mary Brown

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After many years of closure, Lucinda Store has once again opened its doors. Owners Fortini and Waldon officially reopened the store on the 14th of December 2022, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike.

Trading seven days a week, the newly refurbished convenience store and café offer an array of everyday essentials alongside a tempting selection of freshly prepared meals. Customers can enjoy fresh fish and chips, breakfast cooked daily, indulgent homemade treats, and delicious pizzas. The store also boasts a relaxing alfresco outdoor dining area, providing a perfect setting to sit back and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Fabia Fortini said "The store is on the beachfront, creating a beautiful setting and a relaxed and welcoming vibe," she said.

The outdoor dining area is one of the store’s standout features, offering a cool ocean breeze and breathtaking views of the islands and the iconic Lucinda Jetty. As the longest service jetty in the southern hemisphere, it serves as a popular tourist destination whilst travelling through the Hinchinbrook Shire.

The store’s owners are committed to providing high-quality products and a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. Fresh seafood is sourced from local professional fishermen, ensuring customers receive the best and freshest options available. This focus on quality and local sourcing has helped the store build a reputation for excellence in both service and product offerings.

Since reopening, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents and seasonal tourists have warmly welcomed the return of Lucinda Store, with many expressing relief at having a local spot once again available for food, drinks, and grocery needs. The convenience of a local store, combined with its high standard of food and service, has quickly made it a favourite among regulars.

With its prime location, delicious food, and friendly service, Lucinda Store is once again a cherished part of the community. Whether it’s for a quick coffee, a relaxed meal, or a takeaway to enjoy by the beach, the store has successfully reestablished itself as a must-visit destination. Fortini and Waldon’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that Lucinda Store will continue to thrive for years to come.

Did You Know
The Big Jetty Burger is a local favourite, popular for its home-made patty, enormous size and flavours

Mick’s Bread Kitchen has expressed a heartfelt thank you to the many individuals and organisations that stepped up to support them during the recent floods.

The Mick’s Bread Kitchen team were truly humbled by everyone that helped out during the floods and took to Facebook to broadcast their thanks.

Among those who provided crucial assistance was JW Org, which generously donated flour to keep the bakery in operation. Coffee Presto also stepped in, supplying coffee and syrups to help the team stay energised.

The importance of cold storage was addressed by Meals on Wheels crew, with Keith and Rita Phillips offering the use of their cold room, while the Lions Club provided a mobile cold room. Lahtinen Electrical also played a key role in getting the business back up and running with prompt and professional service.

Local generosity extended beyond the bakery doors, with Holly Sheahan bringing paying it forward coffee. Tropical VW Air Townsville Volkfest provided bread vouchers for the public. Meanwhile, Jess Gilmour and Chris DeLuca assisted with errands and groceries, ensuring the team could continue their work.

Outside of the bakery, Eryn McCulloch took on the responsibility of caring for Mick’s Bread Kitchen owners’ horses while they were cut off due to floodwaters.

Mick’s Bread Kitchen also added a thank you to their loyal customers and they feel grateful to be in this Hinchinbrook community.

If you’re an avid reader of Hinchinbrook Life, you might not have seen my byline too often—but I’ve been here since the beginning. While Rachael steers the ship and Daniel is our man on the ground, I’ve been working behind the scenes covering rural affairs. And as the federal election race heats up, you’ll be seeing more from me outside the rural pages, too.

Politics has always fascinated me—not just the policies, but the passion. I love a good debate, the fiery exchanges, and watching our politicians go to battle for their local regions. With an election on the horizon, expect plenty of political coverage alongside my usual dive into all things agriculture.

A bit about me: I’m Amanda, the newspaper’s rural journalist, and if there’s one thing I love, it’s getting to the heart of a good story—whether that’s in the paddock, Parliament, or somewhere in between. When I’m not chasing down stories, I’m chasing down my almost-two-year-old, who has the energy of a category-five cyclone and a talent for making me question why I buy him toys, when he gets as much delight from rocks from the garden or a cardboard box.

Last year threw a challenge my way in the form of bowel cancer, but after eight rounds of chemo, I got to ring the bell just before Christmas to celebrate being in remission. A quick PSA—do those bowel screen tests, even if you think you’re ‘too young.’ I was 43 when diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer, and I’m beyond grateful that we caught it when we did.

I moved from New Zealand to Queensland 13 years ago, and while I’ll always have a soft spot for an All Blacks v Wallabies clash, these days, you’ll find me watching more rugby league than union. (Queensland loyalty might be rubbing off on me.)

While my home is in the rural pages, you’ll start seeing more of my work in the lead-up to the election across Hinchinbrook Life, and our sister publiations; Burdekin Life, and Mackay Life. So, if you’re passionate about agriculture, politics, or just want to argue footy codes—let’s talk.

Looking forward to bringing you more of the stories that shape our region.

Amanda

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As many of you may already be aware,  Moduline is proposing to redevelop land owned by its directors in Herbert Street for the purpose of accommodating new manufacturing and retail facilities. An application for development permit has been lodged with Council.

Several residents have contacted the Council, expressing concerns that they were not given the opportunity to provide input, as they believe details of the development were not made public. To address these concerns and dispel any misinformation, I wanted to take a moment to clarify the development application process.

Developments in Queensland must be applied for and assessed in compliance with the Planning Act 2016.  All development applications go through a standard assessment process in compliance with the Development Assessment Rules to make sure they are assessed equitably. There are five parts to the formal Development Assessment

1. Application:  When lodging a development application the applicant must meet certain criteria to ensure it is properly made.
2. Referral:  In some circumstances a development application may require additional assessment by other agencies in addition to Council such as the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the application must first be referred to such agencies for review.
3. Information Request:  The assessment manager – Council and any referral agency have the opportunity to ask the applicant for more information if they so need.
4. Public notification:  During the public notification period, the community can make submissions about a development application to the assessment manager who will consider these when making a decision.
5. Decision:  The assessment manager makes the decision on the development application to either approve, approve in part, approve with conditions or refuse.

After a development application has been decided, the Planning Act specifies certain instances where the applicant or another party who has made submissions can appeal the decision.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to undertake public notification when that stage is reached. There are certain requirements that must be met including placing a public notice on the premises;  giving notice to owners of lots adjoining the premises; publishing a public notice in a newspaper circulated locally. The Development Assessment rules outline the time of when public notification starts and finishes and the public notice requirements including the size and content of the sign and notices.

Contrary to rumour, Council is yet to decide the application and as at the time of writing (15/03/25), the public notification period had not yet commenced. Happy to clarify the process further if anyone requires. Have a good week all.

An Ingham couple has turned tragedy into positivity by initiating a project to bring much needed seating to Ingham’s Apex Park in memory of their late daughter, Lucy.

When Lucy Margaret Campbell was born on 16 February 2024, joy was quickly followed by confusion and fear. Complications during the birth resulted in admission to NICU at the Townsville University Hospital, where it was confirmed that Lucy had suffered severe brain damage, incompatible with life. On 24 February 2024, Lucy peacefully died in her parents’ arms in the hospital’s Federation Gardens.

Following Lucy’s death, parents Alex Meehan and Alex Campbell searched for meaning in her short life, and like many bereaved parents, a way to remember her.

“We would often see kids playing in the park near our house, where parents would sit on the edge of the soft-fall area surrounding the playground equipment with nowhere more comfortable to sit, eat or just watch their kids. It seemed wrong that this beautiful park didn’t have somewhere for people to sit comfortably,” Lucy’s father, Alex Campbell, said.

Lucy’s mother, Alex Meehan, agreed, “We would have taken Lucy to the park and enjoyed watching her play, and we thought other parents might be encouraged to take their children there, if there was somewhere nice to sit down.”

The couple contacted their local council to seek support for some new seating at the site.  As with all things involving government departments, there is a process that needs to be followed, but after jumping through a few hoops, Council executives were briefed with all the relevant details and in-principle support provided by Council.

Hinchinbrook Shire Councillor Donna Marbelli warmly welcomed the project, highlighting its positive impact on the community.

“Council is proud to support projects like this that enhance our public spaces and provide meaningful benefits to our community. The new seating at Apex Park not only offers a practical improvement for families but also serves as a touching tribute to Lucy’s memory. This project is a testament to the strength and generosity of the Hinchinbrook community, and we are grateful to have been part of it.”

The Apex Club of Herbert River became aware of the project and was keen for the Apex Club to be involved since the park in question is named in honour of Apex.  Apex Club president, Michael Nash said, “The Apex club is always looking for worthy causes to support locally, and given this would benefit young families within the Herbert River District, we were only too happy to help out by sponsoring the picnic table and shelter.”

Following further public consultation with councillors and the community, Hinchinbrook Shire Council approved the project via Council resolution and the Council’s Parks and Gardens team installed the picnic table and shelter on behalf of the community.

“Lucy’s name means 'bringer of light', so it was only fitting that the shelter was a bright, beautiful yellow,” Alex Meehan remarked.

Alex and Alex also contributed funds to supply the memorial plaque, which includes a quote from Kay Redfield Jamison:

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.”

“Play is such an important part of a child’s development growing, and we wanted parents to be encouraged and remember that when life gets busy, to take a moment and just enjoy watching their children explore and grow through play,” Alex Meehan said.

“That’s how we keep Lucy’s memory alive, through other children enjoying their childhood and having space and facilities to play. It’s our hope that the new seating and table in Apex Park allows families to enjoy just one of the many beautiful parks in the region even more,” explained Alex Campbell.

Woolworths North Queensland Operations Manager said Woolworths has always supported The Salvation Army and during the flooding they continued their efforts.

“In the height of it, we donated nine or 10 pallets of basic foods and water, which we flew in by Chinook through the government ADF, purely for the Salvation Army to then distribute out to their centres,” he said.

“Interestingly, driving up from Townsville this morning, sort of thinking about, we’ve already reached a couple of simple visions that we live by, one is to make a little difference to somebody everyday and we work better together.”

Andrew Cripps was present on behalf of Minister for Community Recovery Ann Leahy MP to witness the donation and to thank the Woolworths workers for their efforts.

“I know that they are invested in the welfare and circumstances of the people who they serve every week and so when we have an event like this, they're the same people in the aisles, and they're the same people at the checkout counter,” he said.

“There's a genuine relationship between our local staff at Woolworths and the people who are coming in with difficult circumstances because they've been cut off during the event.

“Thank you to the local Woolworths team I know and saw how hard you were working to keep the shelves stacked and to keep the services supplied to the people who unfortunately had to go through that event over the last couple of weeks.”

Ingham Woolworths Store Manager Julie Buckley said she is proud to be able to service the community and that although it will be a long road to recover, they will be there at locals' time of need.

Mayor Ramon Jayo also expressed his praise for the team at Woolworths and explained when Woolworths opened their doors there was still water in the street.

“We brought Julie through flood waters and thank you very much, because if you wouldn't have done that, everything else would have failed, he said.

“At that point in time, we had no food, we didn't have a food outlet. We had nothing in this town.

“We had no power, no one was here, and Juliet coming through the flood waters, she opened the door.”

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto MP also thanked the staff for their hard work.

“From the bottom of our hearts, from the whole Hinchinbrook Shire and the greater Hinchinbrook electorate we want to thank all the staff and Woolworths for doing everything they could to make sure that once those doors were open that the shelves were stocked, food was coming in, and workin, with the local disaster management group and those state agencies to ensure that we're able to start feeding people in Ingham and the outskirts again,” said Nick Dametto MP.

“Without the dedication from the Woolworth staff, I don't think we would have come through this disaster scenario the way we did.

“People went above and beyond, left their own families, their own homes behind, and came out here to help and serve the community.”

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than with a rich, indulgent Irish stout pudding? We've got the ultimate recipe to make your celebration even more delicious!

Ingredients

• 6 ounces unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup Guinness Stout
• 1 Tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 large eggs
• pinch kosher salt
• 6 ounces dark chocolate chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter 5-7 ramekins (I used ½ cup ramekins and got 7 pudding cakes; if using larger ramekins, you'll have fewer). Arrange the ramekins on a baking sheet.
2. In a small saucepan, combine butter and molasses. Melt the butter over low heat, stirring until fully melted.
3. Bring the Guinness to a boil over medium heat and simmer until reduced to ⅓ cup, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Add the chocolate, sugar, vanilla, and salt to the melted butter, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually mix in the chocolate mixture and stir until fully combined. Then, add the reduced Guinness and mix.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the ramekins and place them on the middle rack of the oven.
7. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to crack, while the center remains soft and shiny.
8. Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce.
9. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little fleur de sel on top if desired.

Happy St Patricks Day!

Recipe credit: whatagirleats.com/

Get ready for a mouthwatering adventure at the 22nd annual Feast of the Senses, returning this March! From fruity trivia to vibrant food trails, tropical tastes, and lively entertainment, this four-day festival has something for everyone. Kick off the fun on Thursday, March 27th, and explore the best local flavors and experiences from food trails, market stalls, and a riverfront celebration. With activities for all ages, the Feast of the Senses is the perfect way to savor the tropics—don’t miss out!

A Feast For All The Senses

The Feast of the Senses returns this month for its 22nd annual festival and everyone in the community is invited to come along!

This four-day event kicks off on Thursday 27th March with some fun and fruity trivia at the Innisfail RSL Club with the Gone Troppo Trivia Night, followed by the Northern and Southern food trails during the day on Friday and Saturday, and delicious tropical food events at the RSL and Brothers Leagues Club Bistro in the evenings.

Tickets for the food trails are now on sale and places are filling fast, with a notable increase in out of town, southern and international visitors.

“Our food trails are eagerly awaited every year,” said President and volunteer Festival Manager, Rosi Jensen.

“We have some terrific venues to visit on both food trails. It’s a great day out and a unique experience of the tropics for locals and visitors alike.”

The Innisfail riverfront and Canecutter Court come alive on Sunday 30th March with music and entertainment all day, along with a huge variety of market stalls, food vans and taste sensations.

Don’t miss the Cassowary Coast Rare Fruits Association amazing display and free fruit tastings in their marquee on the river, with the fruit auction later in the day.
Families with children can enjoy the free and ticketed activities in the Feast of Fun Kid Zone all day while adults can linger at the cooking stage for recipe ideas, demonstrations and free tastings in Canecutter Court.

Sunday’s River Feast, from 9am to 3pm, is a great day out for the family and people of all ages. Queensland’s premier fruit festival is right on your door-step so don’t miss it!

You can check the Feast of the Senses website and Facebook page for all details, book tickets, register to go on the email list to get festival news direct to your inbox, or book your stall to be part of this great event at www.feastofthesenses.com.au

WHAT: Feast of the Senses
WHERE: Innisfail
WHEN: 27th - 30th March

Upon entering Fiori With Love, you are enveloped in a harmonious blend of sight and scent, enhancing the dining experience with both visual beauty and aromatic warmth.

What started as a florist on Cartwright Street by owner Louise Zaghini and her husband, has blossomed into a fusion of rich coffee aroma mingled with the delicate fragrance of flowers, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a bright summer morning.

As you wait for your coffee, you can wander through the thoughtfully curated selection of flowers and homewares, adding to the charm of this cosy space.

A favorite spot for birthday celebrations, customers often place fresh flowers on their tables as they enjoy their morning brew or indulge in delicious breakfast and lunch offerings.

What makes Fiori With Love's food so special is the fact it is all homemade, while they don't have a huge menu, everything is really fresh and popular with customers, even growing their own herbs to garnish their delicious options.

Owner, Louise Zaghini, explained how one of her items that is popular with locals is the fresh pumpkin scones with jam and cream.

"We also do lots of fresh juices, smoothies, and milkshakes," Louise added.

When asked to describe Fiori With Love in three words, Louise stated the cafe is

"Relaxing, fulfilling, and yummy!"

"Everyone just comments on how lovely and fresh the food is, and how yummy!"

After 10 incredible years of Fiori With Love, Louise wants to share the bittersweet news that she has decided to put the business up for sale. While it wasn’t an easy decision, she is excited about the fresh energy and creativity new owners will bring.

"We hope to pass it on to someone who will continue to nurture and grow it — perhaps a mother and daughter, two friends, or simply someone with a true passion for creativity."

"It will break my heart to say goodbye, but there comes a time when you have to step back. This will also give us the chance to spend more time with our grandkids!"

If you or someone you know is looking for the opportunity to take over a much-loved creative business, take a look at Fiori With Love — you could be the perfect second owners to continue its story.

Start your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on a fresh and festive note with a vibrant green smoothie! This delightful drink isn’t just a fun way to embrace the holiday spirit — it’s also a delicious and nourishing way to fuel your body and start your day on the right foot.

With only four simple ingredients, this smoothie comes together in just five minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick, easy, and wholesome breakfast or snack. Despite its simplicity, it’s packed with fresh flavours, natural goodness, and a boost of nutrients to keep you feeling energised throughout the day.

Whether you’re gearing up for a full day of St. Patrick’s Day festivities or simply looking for a refreshing and healthy treat, this smoothie is sure to satisfy. Its vibrant green colour makes it a fun addition to any celebration, while its light and invigorating taste will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever the day has in store.

Ingredients

1. 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
2. 2 cups spinach frozen
3. 1 medium banana frozen
4. ½ cup frozen mango and ½ cup frozen pineapple, but feel free to use your favourite fruits.
5. Optional add ins: protein powder bee pollen, collagen, etc.

Instructions

• Put ingredients into the container of a Vitamix blender in the order listed.
• Start blending on low speed and increase to high.
• Blend on high speed for 50-60 seconds until mixture is smooth.
• Pour into glasses and enjoy!

Recipe credit: /joyfoodsunshine.com

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Every year, Australians gather in unity to honor the fallen Anzac soldiers. This heartfelt tradition is observed at Anzac memorial services, where individuals take a moment to reflect on and remember the courageous Australian and New Zealander soldiers who fought in numerous wars and conflicts throughout history.

These services not only provide an opportunity to commemorate the lives of those who gave everything for their country but also serve as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and peace. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and respect as we recognise the selflessness of these heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their nation and values.

For those wishing to honour and pay their respects, the following nearby services are scheduled:

Dawn Parade - Fall in at Mafeking Tree at 4.15am (in front of Ingham Police Station), march to cenotaph for service.

Forrest Beach – parade to commence at 7.00am from Corbett Park near Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club march to the memorial.

Halifax - parade to commence at 8.00am, march to Lions Clock and back to cenotaph.

Ingham – parade to commence at 9.30am, march from Rotary Park to cenotaph.

Last week, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb was in Ingham and addressed several small businesses.

She indicated that she’d been out to visit a number of small local businesses that were reporting mounting pressures as a result of the floods, including lost income and damage to property. She was able to provide information about some of the resources and services offered by the department, including small business financial counsellors, wellness coaches, and disaster funding, including QRIDA loans.

Chair of Recovery Mary Brown was happy Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb was present, and said it’s important people in this community understand that they are not alone.

“We do have support agencies at other levels of government who have reached out and are working with us to try and find solutions to some of the challenges we're having now,” she said.

“There are no guarantees. We know that, but bringing in those support services into the community is a stepping stone to try and help.

“Each and every business will have different challenges and different impacts, whether they were insured, whether they weren't insured, whether they have a lot of financial commitments prior to this event, whether they're well-placed cash flow wise, every single business is so different.

“So, we're not going to be a solution for everyone, but I think we have a common interest to our community, in that we all have had some impact.”

For many business owners flood recovery will be a very challenging time mentally, and for those businesses it’s important that they know help is available in region.

Wellness Coach Charlotte Johansson from Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland is in the region at the Recovery Centre, and is about to start one-on-one appointments with clients.

“I help business owners look after their mental and emotional wellness and that can be from a personal perspective, but it can also be from a business perspective. So, we can talk business strategies, so we can look at basic foundations of your business that might work or might not work, or that might be stressful,” explained Charlotte.

“One of the things that we do in terms of assisting people with business, is ownership challenges that they might have. It could be things such as staffing issues, we can work with managing material, how to manage, and how to work with the dynamic in your business.

“We can also work with things such as your personal wellness, you might have family members working in your business, and it can be challenging. So we can work on that dynamic, and we can work on things that people are struggling with at the moment.”