Local Students Compete In Hydrogen Grand Prix World Final In Germany

Five talented students from Gilroy Santa Maria College in Ingham are trading the tropics for Germany as they compete in the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) World Final in Chemnitz. Known as the Gilroy Velocity Raptors, this Year 7–9 team earned global recognition after dominating the North Queensland Finals with a record-breaking 387 laps.

In their first year—and as the youngest team competing—they’ve turned a lunchtime STEM club into a world-class contender. Backed by strategy, resilience, and community pride, the Raptors are ready to showcase their hydrogen-powered innovation and prove that regional students can lead the charge in sustainable technology.

Gilroy Velocity Raptors Set For Global Stage In Germany

Five bright young minds from Gilroy Santa Maria College in Ingham are preparing to swap the tropics for the autobahn as they gear up for the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) World Final in Chemnitz, Germany this week.

The Gilroy Velocity Raptors, a team of Year 7 to 9 students, secured their place on the world stage after a commanding win at the H2GP North Queensland Finals. Their hydrogen-powered remote-controlled vehicle completed 387 laps in four hours, claiming the top award for endurance, energy efficiency, and design.

Remarkably, this is the Raptors’ first year in the competition, and they are the youngest team to qualify for the World Final. While many schools integrate H2GP into their science curriculum and compete annually, the Raptors began as a lunchtime STEM club—transforming a passion project into a world championship bid. Their success is even more impressive given the resources and experience of many rival teams.

To celebrate, the College brought the school community together for a special send-off event. The occasion showcased the winning vehicle, speeches from the team and teachers, and a tribute to the innovation and resilience that has driven the students’ success.

Team manager Owen, 14, said the team’s success was built on strategy and teamwork.

“We’ve spent months refining our strategy and testing every detail of the car. To now take that work to an international stage is incredible, we’re ready to show what regional students can do.”

Nate, 13, added, “We’ve faced breakdowns, battery issues, and hours of preparation during lunch breaks and before and after school, but every challenge has made us stronger. Competing in Germany is a dream come true.”

Principal Melissa Carr said, “This send-off is a celebration of grit, intelligence, and community spirit. These students are not just representing Gilroy, they’re representing the future of sustainable innovation.”

The H2GP World Final will bring together teams from across the globe, for the Gilroy Velocity Raptors, it’s not only a chance to compete at the highest level but also to inspire other regional students to dream big and embrace innovation.

Find the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/24thas5a

Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!

The other day, I had the chance to join the Meals on Wheels delivery run with a couple of friendly faces from NAB, Jess Castellani and Teresa Nieminen. What struck me straight away was how much heart goes into something as simple as delivering a meal. It’s not just about dropping off a meal, it’s about having a quick yarn, checking in and sharing a smile.

Jess put it beautifully when she said, “Meals on Wheels is more than a meal, it’s a moment of connection. Sometimes we might be the only people a client sees that day, and that little visit can really brighten things up.”

Teresa also told me, “Volunteering reminds us how important it is to slow down and look out for one another. It only takes an hour or two, but it makes such a big difference.”

I wholeheartedly agree with them. It’s a reminder of how much these small connections matter and how they keep people feeling part of the community.

NAB has supported Meals on Wheels for years, with staff taking turns to help out. It only takes an hour or two a month, but the impact is so much bigger than that.

Personally, I walked away from the day feeling grateful, not just for the chance to help, but for the warm welcomes at each stop. To everyone we visited, I hope you enjoyed your meals (and the paper!).

If you’ve got a little time to spare during the week, whether you’re a business, retiree or just someone who likes lending a hand, Meals on Wheels would love to hear from you. It’s a small effort that makes a world of difference.

Victoria

All around the Shire, and Australia, Vietnam Veterans' Day was commemorated in remembrance of the Battle of Long Tan and other Australian operations in the Vietnam War.

“Vietnam Veterans Day holds profound importance in Australia's national consciousness. It is not merely a day etched into the calendar, but a moment of collective reflection, a time to pay tribute to those who served to acknowledge the complexity of their experiences and to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.”

“The story of the Vietnam veteran is one of resilience. It is a tale of men and women who adapted to an unfamiliar and unforgiving environment, who endured the heartbreak of loss and the burden of survival, and who returned home not to parade but to silence and misunderstanding.”

“Among the 60,000 Australians who served, over 500 brave souls paid the ultimate price, their names forever etched in the annals of history and the hearts of their loved ones.”

“One of the enduring legacies of the Vietnam War is the bond forged among those who served, transcending rank or role, a beacon of solidarity for all who wear the Australian uniform.”

“While commemoration is vital, action is equally imperative. We must continue to advocate for our veterans, ensuring they receive the support, recognition and services they deserve.” - Rodger Bow, President of the Ingham RSL

Police are continuing to appeal for public assistance to help locate dashcam footage of a silver Toyota Hilux involved in an armed robbery in Cardwell on Saturday, the 26th of July.

Motorists who travelled on the Bruce Highway through Cardwell between 5pm and 6pm, or through Euramo between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, are urged to check their dashcam recordings.

Anyone with relevant footage or information is encouraged to contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Please quote reference number QP2501312384.

Hinchinbrook, I’m very excited to announce that on Saturday, the 6th of September, at the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo, I’ll again be pulling on the boots for the Charity Bull Ride. This time, I will be going head-to-head against a former North Queensland Cowboys player, with Ingham Palliative Care being the beneficiary of this year’s bucking bull madness.

After putting a quick phone call through to Cowboys CFO, Michael Luck, to round us up a worthy rider to challenge me in this year’s Charity Ride, it didn’t take long for legendary NRL Cowboys Team Manager, Glenn Hall, to put his hand up for the cause.

Glenn is a former North Queensland Cowboys forward who retired at the end of the 2015 season. With a stellar career spanning over 14 years, he played a grand total of 98 games for the Cowboys in his final five seasons. This retired football player has never sat on a bull, let alone ridden one, but has professed that this has been on his bucket list for a very long time.

Due to wet weather, last year’s Ingham rodeo was cancelled, and after the 2023 event, I thought that may have been the end of my short but eventful bull riding career. However, after seeing first-hand and experiencing the compassionate work performed by the Ingham Palliative Care unit during the passing of my Nonna (Grandmother) last year, I felt compelled to do what I could to raise much-needed funds to help support their cause.

Ingham Palliative Care provides compassionate, end-of-life care and support to patients and families during one of life’s most difficult moments. This fundraising event aims to help them purchase essential equipment to allow them to continue their incredible work.

This year, our fundraising goal is $10,000 and with the help of Glenn Hall and his supporters, I believe this is a very achievable target that will directly benefit our community. To donate to the 2025 Charity Bull Ride and help raise funds for Ingham Palliative Care, please visit our GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/6dcfe141 We will also be shaking the tin at this year’s event if you’d prefer to donate in cash.

Corporate and local business sponsorship is welcome and will be given shout-outs on social media in the lead-up, as well as call-outs on the night. I look forward to seeing you all at the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo next month!

Contributed with thanks by Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook

The Lions Club of Ingham is once again proud to present the annual Ingham Sportstar Awards, celebrating the outstanding sporting achievements and contributions of local athletes, teams, and volunteers. Nominations are now open, and the Club is calling on the community to help shine a spotlight on Hinchinbrook’s sporting heroes.

The awards recognise achievements from 1st September 2024 through to the nomination closing date, and all nominees must be Hinchinbrook residents or represent a local sporting club. Categories include Junior and Senior Sportstar of the Year, Para-Athlete of the Year, Masters of Sport Award, Team of the Year, and a special Recognition of Contribution to Ingham Sport.

This is a unique opportunity to acknowledge not just elite performance, but also the dedication, sportsmanship, and community spirit that define Hinchinbrook’s vibrant sporting scene.

Nomination forms can be obtained by emailing inghamlionssportstarawards@gmail.com or contacting Sharon on 0402 902 887. Don’t delay—nominations close on 25th August 2025.

Winners will be honoured at a special awards evening hosted at the RSL Ingham on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. It promises to be a night of celebration and pride as the community comes together to recognise those who have made a mark on local sport over the past year.

Whether it's a rising junior, a seasoned master, a dedicated volunteer, or an inspirational team, now is the time to nominate and celebrate Hinchinbrook’s sporting excellence.

Born and raised in the Burdekin, Meagan Morris from MortgageWorks brings over 20 years of experience in banking and lending. She understands what makes North Queensland tick and how that affects local lending. With clients across Australia, her focus remains on helping the north navigate complex finance needs with clarity and care.

“Finance isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Meagan said.

“My job is to help clients fine tune their financial strategy in a way that suits them.

“I work closely with accountants, solicitors and financial planners across all states and this network helps me ensure that the clients receive neutral information.”

A large proportion of the northern population work in seasonal industries, with around 50–60% as PAYG employees and 30–40% self-employed, often in trades or small businesses.

Meagan works across four key areas: property finance, refinancing, first home buying, and lending for renovations or refurbishments.

Properties like kit homes, stump houses or those in cyclone-prone areas often fall outside preferred lender postcodes. Meagan matches clients with lenders who understand local risks and property types.

For first home buyers, she offers guidance on state grants and family guarantee strategies. Meagan also helps young people enter the market without paying lenders mortgage insurance.

Refinancing is often overlooked. Meagan explained that clients may be on the wrong structure or have had changes to their circumstances, and that refinancing can be a perfect reset. “I recently helped a client consolidate six loans into three, saving them over $300,000 in potential interest,” she said.

Renovation lending is also growing. “More people are choosing to upgrade their existing home rather than move. That might mean funding for extensions, kitchens or structural changes, each with different lending requirements.”

Councillor Andrew Carr

Hello Hinchinbrook,

I thought I would mention that Works for Queensland (W4Q) is a non-competitive, allocation-based funding program that supports regional councils to undertake job-creating maintenance and minor infrastructure projects.

The 2024–2027 W4Q budget totals $300 million, to be delivered over three financial years.

The 2024–2027 W4Q aims to provide funding to non-SEQ councils to deliver infrastructure, planning, maintenance, and capability development projects.

These projects enable councils to further drive local employment opportunities, support essential services, contribute to community economic development, and improve their long-term sustainability. They create and sustain jobs while fostering liveable communities where Queenslanders want to live, work, and play.

Proposed projects focus on supporting councils to manage their long-term sustainability and must demonstrate alignment with their long-term and strategic planning.

Hinchinbrook Shire’s 2024–2027 W4Q project funding allocation of $3.23 million has been endorsed by the Queensland Government and must be completed by 30 June 2027.

Also, another reminder — to request a service, make an enquiry, or report an issue, please use the web forms under Customer Service on Council’s website www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or phone 4776 4600.

Once again, it is great to be able to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and read through what has been and what will be happening throughout our Shire.

Thank you for the opportunity once again.

Mayor Ramon Jayo

There’s been a lot of conversation lately about development near our coastal areas and how we manage flood risk in a region like ours.

So let’s break it down, and while we’re at it, give you the info you need to stay safe and in-the-know.
Earlier this year, Council made the decision to refuse a development application near the Forrest Beach foreshore.

Why? Not because we don’t welcome growth — quite the opposite. But we have a responsibility to ensure any new development is safe, sustainable, and future-proofed.

In this case, the plans didn’t provide enough clarity on design, infrastructure, or how future residents would be protected from coastal hazards that result from cyclones and ensuring the coastal dune systems are protected.

Council’s role isn’t just to say “yes” or “no” — it’s to guide developers to meet standards that protect our community today and tomorrow.

The applicant has since appealed Council’s decision. Mediation was heard in the Planning and Environment Court in Brisbane on Wednesday, 13 August 2025. We’ll continue working with them to refine the proposal and make sure that, if development goes ahead, it aligns with sound planning principles and community expectations.

If you’ve lived in Hinchinbrook for more than a season, you know that flooding is part of our reality, especially with the Herbert River catchment at the heart of our landscape.

Council operates a comprehensive network of rainfall and river height stations feeding data directly into our systems in Ingham. These include:
· A dedicated sensor network in the Halifax and Lower Herbert area.
· Six automated flood cameras on key bridges along the Herbert River, updating every 30 minutes during daylight hours.
· Seven highway cameras, north and south of Ingham, managed by TMR.
· The Bureau of Meteorology’s 30 rain gauge stations across the district.

And all of this info? It's live and accessible on our Disaster Dashboard. We’ve learned a lot from the major flood earlier this year. It exposed some tech challenges:
· Poor connectivity in some 4G areas.
· Low image quality, especially at night.
· Cameras only operating during daylight and only updating every 30 minutes.

We’re not just sitting back. Right now, Council is reviewing new systems to boost our flood monitoring capabilities. One option we’re exploring uses laser-based sensors instead of cameras — these detect water over roads and measures depth with precision, even at night, without relying on constant image feeds. This could give our Local Disaster Management Group much better visibility in critical situations.

For our community, I cannot stress enough that you must follow our official Disaster Dashboard online at www.disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au and also follow the Hinchinbrook Disaster Information page on Facebook. It’s the only Council-authorised source on social media for disaster updates, road closures, weather alerts, and emergency instructions.

The Countdown Is On For 2025 Ingham Sugar City Rodeo

Dust off your boots and grab your hat – the countdown is on! In less than three weeks, the Long Pocket Earthmoving Ingham Sugar City Rodeo will burst into action at the Ingham Showgrounds on Saturday, the 6th of September.

From the crack of dawn, gates will swing open at 8:00am, welcoming rodeo-goers to one of North Queensland’s most exciting days on the calendar. Whether you’re a rodeo regular or brand new to the sport, expect heart-pounding action as riders tackle more than 25 events. From junior and novice categories to professional showdowns, plus feature events and the crowd-favourite charity ride, the arena will be buzzing with thrills, spills, and plenty of cowboy grit.

Off the dirt, there’s just as much to enjoy. Stroll through bustling market stalls, tap your boots to live music, and refuel at mouth-watering food stands. With the event’s proud ABCRA affiliation and local stock contractors supplying top-notch animals, you can bet on high-quality competition all day long.

Since bucking out of the gates in 1995, the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo has grown into a must-attend celebration of the north’s rural heritage. Visitors not only get an action-packed day but also the perfect excuse to explore the Hinchinbrook region’s warm hospitality, great food, and stunning scenery.

So, mark your calendars, rally your mates, and get ready for an unforgettable day in the heart of Ingham. The countdown is on, and the rodeo is calling!

WHAT: 2025 Ingham Sugar City Rodeo
WHEN: Saturday, the 6th of September
WHERE: Ingham Showgrounds

Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

The global sugar market has been holding steady in recent weeks, with supply fundamentals keeping a lid on prices.

Brazil is now halfway through its crushing season, and analysts are forecasting production between 39 and 40 million tonnes. With that much sugar expected, commercial traders are confident supply will comfortably meet demand through to the first quarter of next year. This has left speculators largely in control of short-term price movements, looking to push prices below 16 US cents per pound before easing back towards 17 US cents. While they hold a large short position, they remain vulnerable to any unexpected news of lower supply.

Here at home, Wilmar Grower Marketing has released its three-year comparative analysis report, following the finalisation of 2024-season pricing on 30 June. The results speak for themselves: Our Production Risk Pool and Allocation Account have consistently outperformed QSL’s Harvest Pool and Shared Pool. Over three years, the difference in total income for an average-sized grower is significant.

We’ve also issued our quarterly update on the 2025 Managed Pool Plus, giving participating growers insight into the hedging strategies we use to maximise returns. This season’s pool includes committed MEI (miller economic interest) tonnes, meaning we’re working hard to deliver the best possible outcome in all market conditions. Against our benchmarks, the pool is performing well despite the softer market. Interest in managed pool pricing is growing, with the 2026 Managed Pool Plus attracting strong commitments before it closed at the end of July.

Outside the office, our team has been busy during show season, supporting local events, presenting awards, and catching up with growers. Most recently, our Plane Creek Grower Relationship Manager Jonathan Reichard joined colleagues from the Plane Creek Mill and AgServices teams at the Sarina Show to host the Wilmar stand – a great opportunity to connect with the community and celebrate our local industries.

We’re also delighted to welcome Misty Bland as our new Grower Relationship Manager in Proserpine. A canegrower herself, Misty understands the realities of farming life and is passionate about supporting growers. She’s also well known for her volunteer work and community involvement – values that are a big part of who we are at Wilmar Grower Marketing.

As the Ingham community continues to recover from the devastating floods earlier this year, Women in Sugar Herbert (WISH), a branch of CANEGROWERS Herbert River, has stepped up to support local schools in a meaningful way. The group recently donated 15 copies of the children’s book No Drama Cane Farmer, written by Mackay-based educator and cane-farming mum Nicki Townley, to primary schools and kindergartens throughout the Ingham district.

One of the most grateful recipients was Toobanna State School, located just south of Ingham, which lost its entire library collection in the February floods.

“When we presented the books, the school staff were overwhelmed and so grateful,” said WISH President Sharon Fighera. “It’s a small gesture, but one that brings joy, hope, and a touch of normality back to these young students.”

WISH, a branch of Canegrowers Herbert River, is a committed local networking group of women actively engaged in the sugar industry. Meeting monthly, they connect, share knowledge, and support one another while advancing the region’s sugarcane sector through community initiatives like this.

The donation comes in the wake of one of the worst flood events in the region’s history. In February 2025, torrential rain caused the Herbert River to rise to nearly 15.2 metres, inundating large parts of Ingham and surrounding areas. The flooding left widespread damage across homes, roads, farms, and schools, displacing hundreds of residents into emergency shelters.

No Drama Cane Farmer, released in April, has quickly gained popularity across Queensland. The story follows a young boy discovering the workings of a sugarcane farm, from planting and harvesting to machinery and processing, through engaging rhymes and vibrant illustrations.

Author Nicki Townley says the book is based on her own family’s life on a cane farm and was written to help children better understand where their food comes from and to instil pride in rural living. With this donation, Women in Sugar Herbert hopes to help rebuild lost resources and inspire a renewed love of reading and agriculture among local children.

Contributed with thanks to Canegrowers Herbert River.

Recently, the Herbert River Farmers’ League (HRFL) awarded their annual scholarships. Do you know that the Ingham Travel building is situated in the former League Building? Look up and you will see the date 1925, but the words Herbert River Farmers League Limited Est 1896 are now covered by a sign.

So what are the origins of the HRFL? The League, which advocated and negotiated for small farmers for 80 years, has its origins in the Herbert River Farmers’ Association (HRFA), formed in 1882. That association was unique in the sugar growing world in representing small independent sugar farmers' interests and the first in Queensland formed to represent small growers’ interests rather than those of the planters.

It all began in plantation days when a group of small farmers—described as a ‘clique of insignificant cockies’— bravely approached the powerful Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR)—once described as ‘the most selfish company in the Australasias'—with the suggestion that they could supply sugar cane to CSR’s Victoria Plantation Mill for crushing. Those farmers were Swedish August Anderssen, Norwegians Johan (John) Alm and Harald Hoffensetz, Danish Neils C. Rosendahl, English Arthur W. Carr, and Irish Francis Herron. Together they formed the Herbert River Farmers’ Association (HRFA).

The founding principle was 'to work for and promote the interests of the farming industry in general and the welfare and progress of the Herbert River district in particular'. The association was a 'Bureau through which the farmers could communicate with the Government or others on any matter of common interest with one voice'. For 14 years it was the voice of the Valley’s small farmers.

As the sugar industry spread across the Valley and farmers formed local interest groups, the HRFA’s representative role was then assumed in 1896 by the Herbert River Farmers’ League—an amalgamation of the HRFA and the local associations, which became affiliated branches. The members of the HRFA who predominantly farmed in the Halifax area continued an advocacy role there through membership in the HRFL and their own local association, the Halifax Planters’ Club (HPC).

Just as the HRFL built its own building in Lannercost Street from which to conduct its business, in 1926, the Queensland Government legislated for a statutory industry-wide association, the Queensland Cane Growers’ Association (QCGA), now CANEGROWERS. After the formation of the local branch of the QCGA in 1932— the Herbert River Cane Growers’ Association (HRCGA)—the HRFL continued to advocate on behalf of small farmers until 1976, at which time it reinvented itself as an educational scholarship funding body.

Contributed with thanks by Dr. Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has recorded its biggest year of planned burns to date, surpassing its annual target by more than 50 per cent.

Between the 1st of July 2024 and the 30th of June 2025, QPWS carried out 637 planned burns across 968,884 hectares of Queensland’s public protected estate. The burns aim to reduce the risk and severity of bushfires, protect communities and infrastructure, and promote healthy ecosystems across the state’s parks and forests.

The milestone comes as part of the State Government’s More Rangers, Better Neighbours initiative, which has invested in additional fire management staff, upgraded equipment, enhanced training, and improved engagement with local communities. This includes restoring funding for 40 specialist fire rangers to strengthen bushfire preparedness and park management.

Planned burns are highly weather-dependent, requiring cooler conditions and minimal wind to create a patchwork of burnt and unburnt areas that support biodiversity and habitat conservation.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell praised the achievement.

“It is fantastic to see Rangers prepare our protected areas for the months and years ahead through the strategic use of fire,” Minister Powell said.

“What they have achieved this year is astounding – bolstered by good weather, strong investment in the QPWS fire program and an increased use of aerial burning techniques to deliver broadscale burning across multiple parts of Queensland when conditions are right.

“I want to congratulate our QPWS rangers and Fire teams for their focus, coordination, and commitment to deliver such an incredible result – protecting Queensland communities and our precious environment.”

QPWS Fire Services Director Troy Spinks said burns would continue over the coming weeks while conditions remain favourable.

“Rangers have done an exceptional job this year, but people can still expect to see smoke on the horizon as crews make the most of these cooler, milder conditions to undertake even more burns within national parks and state forests,” Mr Spinks said.

“These planned burns not only provide a picture-perfect sunset but prepare us for the upcoming bushfire season.

“We thank the community for your support and understanding over the coming weeks as we work to protect our parks and neighbours by delivering these vital planned burns.”

Families seeking a nurturing and enriching beginning to their child’s education are invited to enrol for Prep 2026 at St Peter’s Catholic School, Halifax. The school offers a warm and caring environment where each child is valued and supported to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

With small class sizes and a qualified, experienced early years teacher, St Peter’s ensures every student receives personalised attention and one-on-one support tailored to their unique needs. Teaching practices at the school are modern, engaging, and grounded in the Science of Learning. Emphasising hands-on experiences, students learn through play-based exploration and real-world activities that make learning both fun and meaningful.

The curriculum also includes creative arts, physical education, and digital technologies, promoting well-rounded development across all key learning areas.

St Peter’s Catholic School is proud to foster a loving and inclusive school community where children are encouraged to grow in confidence, curiosity, and compassion. Rooted in Gospel values, students are supported and challenged to live out the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives.

To experience the difference a supportive and faith-filled learning environment can make, families are warmly invited to attend one of the upcoming Prep Open Mornings, running from 8:30am to 11:00am on the following dates:

➔ Friday 12th September
➔ Friday 19th September
➔ Friday 14th November
➔ Friday 21st November

To book a tour or find out more, contact the school on 4777 7431 or email halfx@tsv.catholic.edu.au.