Students at Ingham State High School undertaking Certificate II in Rural Operations are gaining valuable real-world experience, community connections, and inspiration to pursue careers in agriculture.

At the beginning of the course, students focused on Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S) within the agricultural industry and were introduced to the fundamentals of safe tractor operation and the use of various implements. Students gained valuable hands-on experience in the effective operation of both the school's New Holland tractor and the Herbert River Athletics Club’s Kubota lawn tractor and rotary hoe.

Due to unfavourable conditions earlier in the year, it has only recently been possible to begin preparing the school’s agricultural block on the George Day Athletics Oval. Students have now successfully planted sugar cane as well as a range of vegetables, including pumpkins, zucchini, long capsicums and eggplant to enhance their learning and meet course outcomes.

The success of the program is due in large part to the generous support of local farmers, industry companies, and agricultural bodies, including HCPSL and Canegrowers Herbert River. Local farmer, Alan Lynn, donated his time and expertise, along with the use of his Bed Mounder/Renovator, to help students prepare the block for planting.

Regan and Kristen Kernke from Agro Group also kindly donated and spread a full load of mill mud onto the block to assist with soil preparation. This donation not only improved soil health but also significantly reduced the need to purchase fertilisers, supporting the sustainability of the school’s agricultural program.

HCPSL also provided tissue-cultured sugar cane varieties, which students recently planted under the guidance of Field Technician Rhiannan Harragon. These newly released varieties will form part of the school’s entry in the Herbert River Canegrowers Sugar Cane Varieties competition at the annual Ingham Show.

Ingham State High School’s Certificate II in Rural Operations program continues to benefit from the strong partnership between the school and the local agricultural industry. The school extends its sincere appreciation for the ongoing support, which plays a vital role in student success.

This year, the Catholic community is joyfully celebrating the Year of Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope—a time to reflect on the shared journey of faith and the hope that lights the way forward.

As part of this special celebration, Townsville Catholic Education invited students from across the diocese—stretching from Ingham to Mount Isa, Townsville to Charters Towers, and every community in between—to create an artwork that captures the true essence of Hope.

Year 6 students from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and heartfelt reflection. They spent time exploring what hope means to them—in their faith, friendships, community, and dreams for the future.

The result is a stunning collection of artworks that are not only visually striking but deeply meaningful. Each piece tells its own powerful story of resilience, faith, and optimism.

The school community is incredibly proud of the students' creativity, insight, and the thoughtful way they have brought the theme of Hope to life. These artworks stand as a testament to the enduring strength of young voices and a reminder that—even in uncertain times—hope continues to guide, uplift, and inspire.

Here are some of the finalists from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School proudly showing their artworks that represent the Pilgrims of Hope.

This Father’s Day, JB Marine is helping you celebrate the legends in your life with unbeatable deals for all the fishing and boating dads out there!

For all your boating needs from wash to service, from 1st September to Monday, 8th September, enjoy 10% off all floor stock items when you use the code FATHERSDAY25 at purchase.

Whether you are after premium marine accessories, boating gear, or the latest gadgets, now is the time to grab a great deal, as they have everything perfect for keeping your vessel looking sharp and ready for adventure.

For those considering upgrading their outboard, Mercury Marine is running an unbeatable promotion. Right now, receive a complete rigging kit absolutely free when you purchase a selected 115 to 300 horsepower Mercury Marine outboard. This limited-time offer means serious value for your boating investment, but you will need to move fast.

Whether you are buying for Dad or upgrading your own boat and enjoying the new gear, JB Marine’s Father’s Day specials are the perfect excuse to set sail on new adventures with only the best new kit. Cast a line and show your old man some love with a fishing trip! Terms and conditions apply.

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Father’s Day is just around the corner, and at Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy, we’ve made it easy to find a gift that shows Dad how much he means to you. Whether your father is practical, sentimental, or enjoys a little indulgence, our shelves are stocked with thoughtful options to suit every taste and budget.

For the dad who loves to keep active and healthy, explore our range of men’s grooming products, skincare essentials, and health supplements. If your father prefers something a little more personal, we have premium fragrances, stylish accessories, and beautifully packaged gift sets that are sure to make him feel appreciated.

Not sure what to choose? Our friendly team is always on hand to help you find the perfect present, or even put together a custom hamper tailored just for him. With free gift wrapping available, you can leave our store ready to surprise Dad with something truly special.

This Father’s Day, skip the socks and give a gift that speaks from the heart. Visit Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy and let us help you make Dad’s day one to remember.

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The Seniors Medieval Morning Tea proved to be a magical and memorable occasion, filled with laughter, music and a sense of community. Guests were transported back in time as they were greeted by a visiting crusader knight, who mingled with the crowd and posed for cheerful photographs. Many princesses and noble ladies, dressed in their finest medieval attire, graced the tables, adding a colourful charm to the room.

The tables themselves were laden with decorations and delicious treats, as friends and neighbours gathered to share stories, enjoy the morning and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.

On stage, the entertainment flowed without pause. Chair exercises brought smiles and light-hearted participation, while choirs filled the hall with harmonies. Energetic dances swept across the stage, and talented musicians showcased instruments and voices that added a lively and charming touch to the event.

With every moment offering something new, the morning became a tapestry of joy, performance and companionship. It was a celebration of connection, where seniors could revel in fun, laughter and a little medieval magic.

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Find the fullk social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/22nu4ct3

Friday Recap And Upcoming Meeting

Last Friday, members of the HCSC Seniors Morning Coffee Club gathered at the Noorla Bowls Club for a morning filled with conversation, laughter, and activities. The highlight of the day was a thoughtful presentation from Penny King of NWRH, which was warmly received by everyone in attendance. Morning tea was a treat, with plenty of delicious options to enjoy before the fun continued with bingo and trivia. The atmosphere was lively, with plenty of smiles shared across the room.

Looking ahead, the club’s next meeting will take place on Friday, 29 August, and there will be a venue change. For the next few gatherings, members will come together at Conroy Hall, 41 McIlwraith Street, Ingham. The morning runs from 9:30am to 11:30am and continues to offer a wonderful program of games, trivia, prizes, and of course, a tasty morning tea.

A $5 entry fee helps cover the cost of catering, and transport options are available for seniors needing pick-ups from Halifax or around Ingham. To RSVP or register your interest, please contact Desley on 07 4776 1822.

Join us for another enjoyable morning of friendship and community.

Contributed with thanks by Desley Di Bella, Elderly Inclusion Facilitator of the HCSC.

The Cardwell and Tully Sub Branches met at the El Arish RSL Hall for a morning tea and a tour of the town's Museum. Incidentally, this gathering occurred on the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific or V.P. Day.

The El Arish Hall committee are to be congratulated for their hard work in keeping these buildings in top condition, and their community spirit was an inspiration to all the visitors. El Arish is an old soldier settlement town and has a very strong connection to our Military past.

The recently commissioned “War Horse to Plough Horse “ exhibit is a brilliant example of what a community can achieve.

Contributed with thanks by Rob Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub-Branch

Jim Hodge may call himself “a newbie” to Hinchinbrook, but after 22 years in Ingham, he has become a well-known voice both in person and online.

Born in Victoria in 1957, Jim spent little time in his birth state before moving around Australia. When it came time to settle, Ingham stood out. “It ticked enough boxes,” Jim said. “It was big enough to have Coles and Woolies, but not the traffic woes of bigger places. And the people were my kind of people.” He admired the strong work ethic of the Italian community in particular, which helped him feel right at home.

Jim’s working life was spent as a postie in New South Wales. He recalls long hours, especially at Christmas, when mail reached its peak. “One year, I didn’t start the round until five in the afternoon after a full day of sorting,” he said. The heavy workload eventually took a toll on his health, and he has been on a pension since his forties.

Life in Ingham has brought both challenges and new beginnings. Jim lost his first wife nearly 13 years ago after caring for her through illness. Today, he is married to Olivia, who has encouraged him to reconnect with the wider world. “Thanks to her, I got out in the world again,” he said. “The spirit wants to go, but the body doesn’t always agree anymore.”

Jim is a regular at the Seniors Morning Coffee Club, which he admits is his main form of socialising. Away from gatherings, he spends much of his time on the computer. While Olivia is active on Facebook, Jim also uses the platform, often adding his perspective to local conversations. “Somebody’s got to rock the boat,” he said with a smile.

Among his strongest views are the need for better community infrastructure, particularly footpaths. “It’s fine in the fancy parts of town, but down Perkins or McIlwraith Street, there’s nothing,” he said as he sees firsthand how difficult accessibility can be.

Before his father passed aged 94, Jim went to visit him as often as he could, always sporting his lucky hat so his father could recognise him. He suffered from dementia linked to a lack of vitamin B12, which has shaped Jim’s awareness of health services in regional areas. His own struggles with eyesight and the long wait for treatment have only reinforced his concerns about access to specialist care in smaller towns.

Candid, humorous, and never afraid to speak his mind, he continues to be an active presence in the Hinchinbrook community, and newcomer or not, Jim Hodge has found his place in Ingham.

The Second World War also left its mark on the region. In December 1942, the American B24 bomber Texas Terror crashed on Mount Straloch, killing all on board – five crew members and seven passengers. Cardwell later became home to the Battle of the Coral Sea memorial, commemorating the fierce battle fought in 1942 against the Japanese by US allies just 800 metres off the Queensland coast.

Post-war developments saw gradual population growth and economic changes. In 1961, the Cardwell Shire Council area had a population of 5,183, and by 1967 the Queensland Government called for applications for the development of a tourist resort at Cape Richards; consequently, Hinchinbrook Island Proprietary Limited were granted the lease. The current jetty – the third constructed at Cardwell – was officially opened in July 1969. Hinchinbrook Island itself, recognised as Australia’s largest island National Park, spans 52 km in length and 10 km in width, with its highest peak, Mt Bowen, reaching 1,142 metres.

Texas Terror: There were heavy storms around Ingham and Cardwell that morning, and the crew would not be expecting such big peaks as those found on Hinchinbrook while flying over the sea. Although coastal residents reported seeing a flash on Mt Straloch on the day of the crash, and later sugar mill workers reported seeing sunlight flash off pieces of metal just below the summit, the search for the "Texas Terror" was concentrated further north.

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Lucinda Coast Guard will be conducting a Marine Radio Licence course for members of the public at the Lucinda Base, 19 Patterson Parade, Lucinda, on Saturday, 27th September. It is a legal requirement to hold a marine radio licence if you have a marine radio installed on your boat.

The course covers both LROCP (Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency) for HF radios and SROCP (Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency) for VHF radios. It begins at 8:15am and runs for approximately 7 hours. Please bring your own lunch, tea and coffee will be available.

The course costs $100 and bookings are essential. To reserve your place, please contact Rex on 0439 079 922.

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the 37th issue of Hinchinbrook Life! It’s hard to believe we’ve been producing your free weekly newspaper for over six months now – and what an incredible journey it’s been!

We’re proud to bring back a local newspaper to the region. Our passion shines through in everything we do – from our journalist Victoria out gathering stories and snapping photos, to our sales manager Sherie, who works closely with local businesses to meet their marketing needs. And behind the scenes, our central office team helps bring it all together each week.

For those new to our story, Life Publishing Group is an independent, locally-owned business. We’ve been publishing magazines for nearly 15 years and added weekly newspapers five years ago – right when many printed publications were shutting down, we took the opposite path and grew.

What started as one paper has grown into five weekly mastheads. Our mission is simple: to connect communities, provide a free local voice in print, and give businesses a platform they can be proud of.

Local businesses have been at the heart of this journey from day one. Their support makes it possible for us to deliver this paper to you free each week.

If you’re a business owner, we’d love to see your ad here. You’ll get free design, strong local exposure, and a real sense of pride in supporting something truly local.

And to our readers – take a moment to check out those ads. Shop local, support the businesses that support your newspaper – and be sure to mention where you saw them!

Thank you for your continued support – it means the world.

Rach

Women across the region are being encouraged to take the next step in their leadership journey, with partial scholarships now available through Women & Leadership Australia.

With up to $5,000 on offer per person, the scholarships aim to empower more women to build their leadership skills, expand their workplace impact, and take on greater responsibilities—regardless of career stage.

Women & Leadership Australia’s programs are designed for flexibility, allowing participants to engage in part-time study that blends cutting-edge theory with practical application.

There are four programs available, each tailored to different levels of experience:

• Impact Program ($700 scholarship) – Designed to build interpersonal skills and boost career confidence for women at any career stage.
• Leading Edge Program ($1,000 scholarship) – Perfect for early-career or aspiring leaders looking to establish strong leadership foundations.
• Executive Ready Program ($3,000 scholarship) – Aimed at mid-level and experienced professionals wanting to lead high-performing teams with confidence.
• Advanced Leadership Program ($5,000 scholarship) – For senior leaders ready to elevate their strategic impact at the executive level.

Graduates are seeing real results with 9 in 10 gaining the confidence to step into senior leadership, more than 90% improving their ability to lead change, and 80% reporting positive career progression.

Applications close Friday, the 22nd of August and to learn more and register, visit www.wla.edu.au/industry/register.

Galactic Gathering At The UFO Festival

Cardwell was transformed into an intergalactic hotspot from 8 to 10 August 2025 as the Australian UFO Festival returned for its fourth year, attracting visitors from across the country. After a year’s absence in 2024, anticipation had been building for months, and the festival did not disappoint, offering three days packed with cosmic conversation, community fun, and unforgettable experiences.

The action began on Friday with free community events, including a Planetarium experience and Stories in the Stars, setting a tone of wonder and curiosity for the weekend ahead.

Australian UFO Festival Was Out Of This World!

At the heart of the festival was the C-Files Forum, a two-day program that once again proved to be one of the festival’s biggest drawcards. Guest speakers such as author Rowan Bo and researcher Grant Lavac shared thought-provoking insights into UFO encounters, UAP investigations, and extraterrestrial disclosure. Along with the C-Files Tours, which sold out, took visitors to local UFO hot spots and shared Cardwell’s own mysterious sightings history

Beyond the forums and tours, the weekend celebrated Cardwell’s creative spirit and community connection. The Hinchinbrook Regional Arts Mosaic Workshop and Star People & Ancestral Connections Workshop explored the artistic and cultural sides of cosmic curiosity.

Families flocked to the foreshore on the weekend, especially for Sunday’s Monster Market Day featuring dozens of stalls, face painting and alien crafts, crab races, and a classic Aussie BBQ. A Moon Phases Workshop and a bustling car boot sale added to the variety, ensuring there was something for every type of festival-goer.

From serious discussions on the unexplained to light-hearted fun for the whole family, the 2025 Australian UFO Festival proved why it has become one of the region’s most unique and beloved annual events, leaving visitors and locals alike eager for the next chance to connect under the Cardwell stars.

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Since the commencement of the Hinchinbrook Life, I have published weekly updates to keep everyone better informed about State Government and other important local matters from across our region. So much positive feedback has been received, and I am grateful that my contributions are achieving their purpose.

This has only been made possible by the return of a free, local paper and I wanted to take some time this week to give a well-deserved acknowledgement to the Hinchinbrook Life and the hard-working team behind the publication who go above and beyond to not only provide important information and news, but who also create a proud sense of community connection.

The Hinchinbrook Life provides the best of both worlds with an easily accessible online platform for those who prefer to read electronically, as well as a generous supply of printed papers for those who prefer a hard copy. Printed versions can be found at 15 newspaper stands in high-traffic locations and 87 business drop-off points such as cafes, medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, takeaway stores, hardware stores, Woolworths and Coles.

As a weekly contributor, I’ve found this paper to be an invaluable platform. As regular readers would have seen, it allows me to engage with the community, provide Parliamentary updates, highlight important local issues, inform policy developments, and celebrate our electorate’s achievements. It’s a direct and personal way to stay in touch with the community.

The proof of Hinchinbrook Life’s success lies in its numbers. Initially, 2,700 weekly copies of the paper were printed, and this has now been increased to 3,000 copies. After being distributed on Tuesday each week, approximately 98% of copies are gone by Thursday.

I would like to specifically acknowledge certain members of the Hinchinbrook Life team. Our local journalist, Victoria Velton, Editor-in-Chief, Rachael Smith, Sales Manager Sherie Hensler-Adams and the brilliant graphic design team, who deserve medals for their patience in creating individual and specific artworks on my behalf and all of the business advertisers. Thank you for all your efforts and the pride you take in the attention to detail.

Equally important are the local businesses whose advertising helps fund the production of this paper. Without their backing, a free community paper like this simply wouldn’t be possible. The combined effort has brought a wonderful benefit to our region.

Contributed with thanks by Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook.

An All-Ages Community Event

To mark the beginning of celebrations for 2025 National Skills Week, on Saturday, August 23, North Queensland Senior School and training organisation, Tec-NQ, will throw open its doors for an all-ages Open Day with a difference. With 69 trades currently identified as experiencing a national skills shortage, there is no better time to try out a trade.

Tec-NQ Chief Executive Officer Ross Jorgensen said this year’s Open Day will be an all-ages celebration of everything trade, offering something of interest for the whole family.

“Again in 2025, we’ll have a selection of industry partners displaying unique and emerging technical tools of trade. Teachers, trainers, industry partners and students will also be on hand to talk about undertaking a work-based education at Tec-NQ” he added.

There will be hands-on try-a-trade activities for all ages. Kids can rev up a big diesel motor, teens can wire a circuit board, and everyone can test their welding skills on the augmented reality simulator. Plus, engage in interactive activities and small take-home projects.

Tec-NQ is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), an independent senior secondary school and an accredited boarding school with extensive industry networks to deliver trade-based career opportunities for North Queensland students. Tec-NQ House, located in Rosslea, accommodates up to 40 male boarding students from remote and rural communities completing their schooling at Tec-NQ.

The Open Day runs from 9am – 12.30pm on Saturday 23rd August at their campus at 54 Discovery Drive in Douglas. Register for a campus tour and information session at tecnq.com.au