The Herbert River Show Association has once again opened the gates to opportunity and celebration, as it announces the search for its 2025 Showgirl and Rural Ambassador. This cherished tradition not only highlights the vibrancy and talent within the local community but also honours the region’s deep connection to rural life and community values.

The role of Showgirl is open to women aged 18 to 28, regardless of marital status. It’s a title that represents elegance, confidence, and a deep appreciation for regional Queensland. Beyond the sashes and smiles, Showgirls are ambassadors for agricultural shows, promoting the importance of rural industries and helping preserve the cultural heart of country towns.

Equally important is the position of Rural Ambassador, open to both men and women aged 20 to 30. These individuals champion the growth and sustainability of rural communities and act as role models for younger generations. Whether married or unmarried, applicants are encouraged to bring their passion for regional development, leadership, and community involvement forewards.

Amanda Way is coordinating expressions of interest and can be contacted at a.way@bigpond.com.

In a time where rural communities continue to face challenges, recognising and celebrating the people who carry these towns forward is more important than ever. The 2025 Showgirl and Rural Ambassador will not only represent the Herbert River region but will embody the strength and resilience of country Queensland.

The Herbert River Jockey Club’s annual race meetings are fast approaching and with little more than 5 weeks to go until our first major Racing Event for 2025, preparations are well and truly underway for the JULY 12 INGHAM GOLD CUP. Everyone in the Ingham district experienced an extreme start to the year, and with the Jockey Club grounds having also being adversely affected by the widespread flooding, the hunt for local community support has never been more important!

Our annual Race Days are two of the most popular events Ingham has to offer on the social calendar, and this year we are promoting them as an opportunity to bring the community together in the wake of such devastation.

We’ve heard the terms “resilient”, “community” and “spirit” repeated over and over. Now is a perfect time to come together as a community, to show our spirit, and support our local Racing Events. The perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and put the worries of the world aside for a day.

We’d like to acknowledge Sponsors so far who are graciously supporting our 2025 events.

Race Day Sponsors:
Ingham Shire Council, Stokes & Company, Cellarbrations, NQIB Insurance Brokers, Ingham Mazda, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, W&T Garden Bails & Treeloping, Hinchinbrook Electorate Office, Ingham Agencies, MobbsMarr Legal, Frosty Mango, Beauty on Lannercost and Snippers Boutique for Hair.

We’d also like to thank the other local, Townsville and away businesses that have kindly supported us through donations.

No donation is too big, or too small, and we’ve got some amazing Sponsorship Packages available that will give you free entry tickets, free track-side tables, as well as extensive business exposure on social media, the Jockey Club Website, the official Ingham Gold Cup Race Day Poster, as well as in our Race Day booklets.

If your business would like to jump on board with Sponsorship, please contact Herbert River Jockey Club Secretary Christina Spencer on 0407 569 550 or email herbertriverjockeyclub@gmail.com

WHAT: Ingham Gold Cup
WHEN: July 12

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Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire! I have some amazing news to share with you all today as I received my first award in journalism!

On 11 February 2025, I contributed an editorial for Hinchinbrook Life's Flood Edition, documenting my family's struggles as they were, like the title said, marooned in Macknade. I entered this story into the QCPA Media Excellence Awards in March, and last weekend I received Bronze as Queensland Country Press Young Journalist of the Year!

Journalism is such a fast-moving world that I have only just begun to dip my toe into. Since taking on the reins of Hinchinbrook Life in April, I’m truly happy that it was this particular story of local struggle and family dedication that won me my first award. I endeavour to make every editorial I write a reflection of the people and services that make up this beautiful region and to continue improving and pushing forward.

Thank you, Hinchinbrook Shire, and the whole team across the Life Publishing network for giving me this opportunity. I’m incredibly happy with the recognition of my work and thank you all again for your support as your local journo!

Victoria

Fun Fact: In the UK, fish and chips were traditionally wrapped in old newspapers, giving the meal a unique newspaper ink flavour. This practice ended for health reasons, but it is still nostalgically remembered. Locally, Forrest Beach Takeaway mimics this tradition with fake 'newspaper' wrappings — which is a delight to see.

Halifax welcomed the first market of the year with a vibrant atmosphere and a strong sense of community spirit. Locals and visitors alike packed into the park to enjoy the sunny Saturday morning filled with soulful live music that set a relaxed and joyful tone for the marketgoers.

Stalls lined the area with a colourful mix of offerings. Plant lovers explored a beautiful selection of greenery, while others sampled fresh, marinated olives packed with flavour. Book enthusiasts discovered hidden gems at the bookstall, and curious minds were drawn to quirky 3D-printed creations, sparking interest in the blend of creativity and technology.

Face painting brought smiles and sparkles to young faces and overall, it was a day that celebrated the charm of local enterprise and the joy of coming together as a community. With its friendly vendors and buzzing atmosphere, Halifax's first market of the year proved to be a heart-warming success and a promising start to the season ahead. Locals are already looking forward to the next one.

The Agile Wallaby (Macropus agilis) is a frequent visitor to TYTO Parklands and Wetlands, especially during early mornings and late evenings. These shy marsupials graze on succulent grasses and are often seen in small groups of up to 10, but at TYTO, it's not uncommon to spot larger mobs, complete with joeys at foot.

With permanent water and ample open grassy areas, Agile Wallabies are able to breed year-round. If you stroll quietly through the parklands or wetlands, you might be rewarded with a special sight, and even better, a perfect photographic moment.

So next time you're at TYTO, keep your eyes peeled, you never know when one might hop into view!

Talented young tennis players, Riley Carr and Miles Dahlstrom, proudly represented Ingham Tennis Association at the 2025 North Region Junior Development Series – Gold Pan Teams event, held in Charters Towers over the weekend of May 31st and June 1st. This event brought together junior players from across the northern region to compete in doubles and singles matches in mixed-club teams.

Riley captained his Division 1 team with confidence and determination, leading them through a series of hard-fought matches to finish as runners-up. His leadership, both on and off the court, earned recognition and respect from coaches and peers.

Miles played an important role in Division 2, competing as the number 3 player for his team. Demonstrating consistency and strong team spirit, Miles helped his side secure the division title, emerging as overall winners in their category. Both players showed impressive sportsmanship and skill, and their performances have made the local tennis community proud.

To inspire and support the next generation of players, free junior coaching sessions, sponsored by Powerlink Queensland, will be held at the Ingham Tennis Courts on Tuesday 17th June at 3:30pm-4:30pm for ages 5-9 and 4:30pm-5:30pm for ages 10-17. There will be fun games and tennis tips from our coach and club volunteers. These sessions are open to all skill levels and are a great opportunity for kids to get involved in the sport, meet other young players, and build their confidence on court.

To register, contact Coach Tom Casey on 0413 199 702 or visit the Ingham Tennis Association Facebook page. Come along and see where tennis could take you!

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As a Councillor committed to environmental sustainability, I am pleased to share Council's ongoing efforts to transform our approach to waste management. Recognising that landfill space at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre is rapidly depleting, we have shifted our perspective from viewing waste as a burden to embracing it as a valuable resource that can be recovered and recycled.

One of the most pressing challenges we face is the contamination of household recycling bins. Contaminated materials hinder the recycling process and lead to increased costs and a loss of valuable resources. We are actively promoting educational campaigns such as the Bin Tagging Education Program (BTEP) to provide residents with instant feedback regarding their recycling practices and the importance of minimising contamination. To illustrate the effectiveness of this program, a Bin Tagging event conducted last week found an 18% decrease in households contaminating their yellow lidded recycling bins.

Council is also working to address the issue of the loss of valuable recyclable materials in both kerbside collection and commercial waste streams. By enhancing our recycling infrastructure and collaborating with local businesses, we aim to improve the recovery of these resources. Initiatives may include introducing more accessible recycling drop off locations and providing support for businesses to implement effective recycling programs. Watch this space.

Council is dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability within our community. Together we can minimise landfill use and increase resource recovery, paving the way for a cleaner and greener Hinchinbrook Shire. Every household plays a vital role. By recycling correctly, we can reduce contamination, protect our environment and contribute to a more sustainable future. I encourage all residents to actively support our waste and recycling initiatives and be part of this positive change.

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One of the biggest issues we face as a community going forward into the future is waste and waste disposal practices. A number of years ago, the State Government introduced a waste disposal strategy designed to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, through improvement of recycling practices.

This strategy was underpinned by the imposition of a waste levy payable by most local authorities operating land refuse facilities such as Hinchinbrook, on the pretext that the levies would generate income to create markets to accept all forms of recyclable waste, thus creating the impetus for better recycling behaviour by the community. You observed increases in refuse disposal costs, including increased gate fees at the tip, as Council’s sought to recover the costs of the levy payable to the State. Fortunately, due to a rebate scheme, also introduced by the State Government with respect to household waste, residents were spared the full impact of the waste levy charges.

The levy was duly introduced by government and paid by Councils such as Hinchinbrook, but unfortunately, the markets for recyclable materials have not readily appeared and the jobs associated with the improved recycling market have not yet eventuated.

The State Government has now determined to review the former strategy and a new Queensland Waste Strategy 2025–2030 has been released for community consultation, with the commitment to reduce waste to landfill, transitioning towards a waste-free society. Hopefully, this time around more success will be achieved as the issue of what to do with waste is becoming very critical.

Whilst there has been a marked improvement in commitment to recycling throughout our district, we are still lagging well behind state averages, and we are nowhere near being in a position to meet the State targets any time soon.

We are still seeing contamination rates of 40 percent in our recycling bins, resulting in our recyclable loads condemned to general landfill at the Materials Recovery Facility in Townsville at great cost to our community. The underpinning principle towards encouraging material recycling is your hip pocket. To recycle is free, but to dispose of waste to landfill is costly, and will become more costly to the disposer as time goes on.

Please refer to Council’s website to gain information about the benefits of recycling and how to go about recycling as a simple practice in your everyday life. Make no mistake, recycling will save you a lot of money.

If you would like to know more about the new Queensland Waste Strategy 2025-2030, please visit the Queensland government website at https://bit.ly/4mGWvNx

Baby season for the Little Red Flying Fox has officially begun, and NQ Wildlife Care is calling on the community to help protect these vulnerable native animals.

At this time of year, mother bats are giving birth and raising their young. The baby flying foxes are unable to fly for several weeks and rely entirely on their mothers for survival.

“Sometimes pups may fall off their mums and land in random spots around town,” explained a spokesperson from NQ Wildlife Care.

“If you see a baby bat alone anywhere, please call us immediately."

The organisation has only just finished caring for microbat and black flying fox babies and says while the work never stops, the dedicated volunteers are committed to safeguarding local wildlife.

Residents are reminded not to touch or attempt to care for any bats themselves, as bats can carry disease and need expert handling. Instead, any sightings of baby bats should be reported directly to NQ Wildlife Care.

To report a sighting or get assistance, phone 0414 717 374.

Hi Everyone,

It’s hard to believe, but Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper has now been serving our community for six months — an incredible milestone that fills us with pride and gratitude.

A huge thank you to Daniel Heggie, our first journalist, who laid the foundation by building strong community connections and getting the paper off the ground.

A big shoutout to Victoria Velton, who has done a fantastic job taking over the editorial reins and driving the paper forward every week.

To Sherie Hensler-Adams, our dedicated Sales Manager — your passion and hard work ensure the paper runs smoothly, from distribution to impressive sales. We truly appreciate you.

Thanks also to Crissy and Ruby at our central office, whose friendly, can-do attitudes make advertising with us seamless, and to our distributors Julian and Lesley for delivering the paper reliably each week.

Most importantly, thank YOU — our readers and advertisers. Your support is the heartbeat of this free community paper, which flies off the stands every week and often leaves demand for more copies.

This month marks a special milestone — our first-ever 40-page edition! This expanded format reflects growing community interest and your ongoing support. With your continued encouragement, we hope to bring you a 40-page paper every week.

As a free newspaper, we rely entirely on local businesses’ support. In return, we encourage readers to support these businesses by engaging with their ads and choosing their products and services. This cycle strengthens our local economy and community.

We’re proud that nearly 90% of our Foundation Advertising Partners have renewed their campaigns — thank you for trusting us from the start. We hope we’ve done you proud!

When you support Hinchinbrook Life, you’re helping to keep four local jobs going and providing a community paper that everyone can enjoy. So, when you’re deciding where to spend your advertising dollars, choosing to advertise with us means you’re supporting your community in a real and meaningful way.

With gratitude,
Rach

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Volunteer With Ingham Meals On Wheels

Have you been looking for a wonderful way to give back to your community whilst spreading a little love and kindness to the amazing people of the Hinchinbrook Shire?

Ingham Meals on Wheels have sounded a call for volunteers to join their terrific team and help the organisation continue to deliver meals around the community to those who need them most.

“Do you, or do you know someone that would like to volunteer in our kitchen?” asked Ingham Meals on Wheels.

“We are seeking kitchen volunteers to help us out with our ever-growing clientele! You wouldn’t only be helping us but helping to feed our elderly clients in the community and providing the best service we possible can!”

Recognised and valued across the country, Meals on Wheels Inc. is an outstanding volunteer run organisation committed to providing hot meals and support to senior and vulnerable members within local communities. Over the past 65 odd years, the organisation’s network of services have grown, with volunteers often going the extra mile to support those in need, especially during the uncertain times of COVID19 or the recent string of natural disasters.

Operating out of 17 Eleanor Street, Ingham, the team, comprised of dedicated local volunteers, have been regularly celebrated and commended by the community, with many noting there’s always a laugh to be had in and outside the kitchen.

Anyone interested in volunteering are warmly invited to email inghammow@bigpond.com or call 07 4776 3078 for more information.

Angelina Mastrippolito's Debut Novel

Growing up among the rustling rows of sugarcane in Macknade, Angelina Mastrippolito never imagined she would one day write a book delving deep into the trauma of two world wars, resilience, and cultural clash that shaped her childhood. Now living in Sydney, the proud daughter of cane farmers and second-generation Italian immigrants is sharing her story in print with Australia, one that began right here in North Queensland.

Her debut book, Le Seconde: Inheriting the Unspoken, is an evocative and honest account of life caught between two worlds - the old traditions of Fascist Italy and the evolving, feminist wave of 1960s and ’70s Australia. But at its core, the book is grounded in the cane fields and tight-knit Italian community that defined Angelina’s upbringing.

Among the first generations of Italians to settle in the Ingham region, Angelina’s family found familiarity and comfort in the multicultural enclave known as “Little Italy.” But behind the vibrant community life were often untold stories of emotional hardship, trauma, and cultural displacement.

Born in 1961, she began school without speaking a word of English. Yet, she excelled, earning top marks in maths and physics, before going on to become one of Australia’s first female actuaries. Despite her academic and professional success, Angelina said she struggled with identity, shaped by the cultural expectations of her childhood and then the expectations of an Australia which had not yet come to terms with its multicultural identity.

“Quando una bambina nasce, nasce per essere solo un mucchio di paglia,” her mother would say - “When a girl is born, she is born to be just a pile of straw.”

The phrase, handed down from her mother, epitomises the gendered beliefs she fought so hard to escape, first in her own home, then in the male-dominated corporate world of Australia’s financial sector.

Her words not only bring to life the region’s unique social fabric, a place of gumboot-stained hard work and quiet sacrifice but also the resourcefulness and resilience of the migrant women who raised families under the North Queensland sun.

Le Seconde is a deeply personal and timely contribution to Australia’s evolving understanding of migrant identity, generational trauma, and womanhood. But for those in Macknade and Ingham, it’s also a poignant reminder of the stories, both spoken and unspoken, that live in the cane fields and family kitchens of our own community.

Angelina will be hosting a wonderful book launch in TYTO Conference Centre’s Jacana Room on Monday the 16th of June from 9:30am to 11:30am. Please RSVP on or before the 6th of June to Angie herself by emailing amastrip@outlook.com

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Queensland is a state built on mateship, resilience, and community spirit and every town and suburb has someone who quietly embodies those values. As Queensland Day approaches, now is the perfect time to give those people the recognition they truly deserve with the newly launched Queensland Day Local Legend Awards!

The initiative has been designed to spotlight the everyday heroes among us, the volunteers, neighbours, and community champions who lend a hand without ever asking for thanks.

“The Local Legends are the ones who don’t ask for credit – they just get in and get the job done – and embody the Queensland spirit,” Premier David Crisafulli said.

These are the people who man the barbecues at local fundraisers, patrol our beaches on hot summer days, mow the local sporting fields before game day, and check in on those doing it tough as their kindness and service are the threads that hold our communities together.

Every Queenslander is encouraged to nominate someone who makes a difference, no matter how big or small the act.

“Every Queensland town or city has someone who makes that community a better place, and this is about giving those people the recognition they deserve,” added Premier Crisafulli.

Award recipients will be announced on the 6th of June, during Queensland Day celebrations at the Dolphins v St George Illawarra Dragons NRL game at Suncorp Stadium. Winners will receive a certificate presented by the Premier himself, along with a pack of limited-edition Bundaberg Brewed Drinks ‘Local Legend’ ginger beer.

This initiative follows the government’s “All the Best” campaign launched earlier last week, inviting Queenslanders to celebrate their favourite places, produce and local icons from the best meat pie to the most-loved beach or pub.

Nominations close at 11:59pm on Sunday the 1st of June, and can be submitted online at www.qld.gov.au/qldday.

Tucked into the lush fringes of Ingham’s wetlands is the Boonyee Rushgin Training Café. Known locally as the Tyto Café, it’s a vibrant community hub offering picturesque wetland views, delicious food, and a strong community spirit. Open Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm for morning tea and lunch, and Sundays from 9 am to 12:30 pm for a continental-style buffet breakfast, it’s the perfect place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy flavours from near and far.

Run by CEO Marg Oxley and Head Chef Ingolf Mueller, the café also serves as a training venue for emerging hospitality workers, providing hands-on experience in a real-world environment. The menu is ever-changing; think hearty mains, delicate pastries, and a hotel-style Sunday breakfast with both hot and cold options ($25 per adult), along with a soon-to-launch ‘Around the World’ dinner series, starting with Morocco.

Beyond the table, the café plays a quiet but vital role in the community. Today, frozen meals are prepared onsite and stocked at the Forrest Beach Spar for purchase and during the February 2025 floods, the café became a community lifeline, serving three meals a day over nearly two weeks to locals and flood responders. The team offered more than food as they created a space for connection, support, and healing.

Take the time to slow down and appreciate this local gem. Enjoy a meal on the deck while you take in the sights and sounds of the local birdlife. The Tyto Café team is here to serve only the best, made with the immense love they hold for their community. Drop by and experience it for yourself.

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Women across the Hinchinbrook Shire are warmly invited to share in a heartwarming and social morning tea this June, with an event that promises laughter, good company, and a touch of magic.

Presented by the Zonta Club of Townsville and the Hinchinbrook branches of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), the free morning tea will take place on Monday the 10th of June, from 9:30am at the Ingham Bowls Club on Ann Street.

The event welcomes ladies from across the region, including Abergowrie, Long Pocket, Forrest Beach, Halifax, and Upper Stone, to come together and enjoy a relaxed few hours filled with connection and conversation.

Attendees can look forward to a lively game of hoy, along with a fantastic selection of raffles, a cent sale, and lucky door prizes to keep the atmosphere festive and the excitement flowing.

Organisers hope the morning tea will be a chance for local women to take a well-deserved break, meet new friends, and celebrate the strength and spirit of Hinchinbrook’s regional communities.

Due to limited seating, bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Chris Walker on 0466 853 840, Sandy Ryan on 0434 338 371, Marion Martin on 0439 774 141, Maree Mitchell on 0427 225 836, or Margaret Hill on 0427 856 725. Alternatively, bookings can also be made online at northerndivision@qcwa.org.au.

WHAT: Women's FREE Morning Tea.
WHEN: Monday 10th June, 9:30am.
WHERE: Ingham Bowls Club.

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