December is here, which means Christmas festivities are quickly approaching. For the Hinchinbrook community this year’s launch of “Christmas in Hinchinbrook”, commencing with the celebration and community event in Ingham CBD last Thursday,  meant that the festive season kicked off in the most spectacular way.
On behalf of Chamber members, business owners and the broader community, acknowledgement and recognition must be given to Hinchinbrook Shire Council for organising and funding this wonderful Christmas Launch event.  
The success of this event was witnessed by the vast numbers of locals and visitors in the street from early afternoon and well into the night.  
It was very pleasing to witness the culmination of the significant planning, engagement with business owners, market stall holders,  community groups and implementation of an effective marketing campaign which resulted in such a wonderful night.  
Feedback from community, retailers and stall holders has been exceptionally positive, with particular emphasis focusing on the opportunity for family and friends to enjoy a relaxed evening of shopping, catching up and enjoying the entertainment.
Many business owners have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming community support and this has provided confidence to explore the option of participating in a similar event on the last Thursday before Christmas.  
This week, the community has responded with overwhelming positivity to the return of a local community newspaper. It is hoped this will rebuild communication with the residents and raise a stronger awareness of the activities taking place locally and rebuild some of the connectivity that has slipped over the past several years.
Chamber continues to work with local businesses, bringing together this year’s massive prize draw for the “Shop & Win – the Hinchinbrook Way” promotion, that is due to be drawn on December 19th.   Shoppers are reminded to enter their receipts into the boxes provided, for their chance to win some amazing prizes.

‍

Often described as the “cane farmer’s supermarket”, Ingham Agencies has been serving the community under the management of the Pelleri family since 1994 and exists as a celebrated industrial and agricultural equipment supplier.

Collectively, Ingham Agencies operates locations in both Ingham and Tully, and effectively incorporate general engineering, retail, transportation and manufacturing services into their business structure to better accommodate clients and expand their customer base.

With expertise in agricultural manufacturing, Ingham Agencies specialises in manufacturing harvester parts, and tillage equipment along with carrying out general engineering, and repairs to further cater to the requirements of industrial and agricultural professionals in and around the community.

“We offer a broad range of services, and we cover the needs of cane farmers and industrial businesses between Ingham and Tully,” shared Michael.

A proud, family-owned business, Michael Pelleri and his wife Siobhan Pelleri have managed Ingham Agencies since his parents retired just over six years ago, and the pair pride themselves on continuing to uphold the same levels of customer service and expertise established thirty years ago.

Reflecting on the past three decades, Michael notes raising six children as an achievement he’s most proud of, and reminisces on establishing the business’ Tully branch, transport depot in Townsville and introducing transportation in 2009 into the mix as additional milestones.

“The transport business, QS Transport, was started to cater for the transportation needs of Ingham Agencies, and it’s grown from starting with one small, single axel truck to now running three semi trucks,” added Michael.

“QS Transport has been a major asset – it allows us to be far more flexible in our supply and services and puts us in control of our freight requirements.”

In seeing the whole picture, Ingham Agencies understands the integral role they play in supporting the success of the region’s sugar industry, and are committed to supporting the professionals in the industry to fulfill their industrial and agricultural endeavours.

‍

Brian Richmond has confidently managed and coordinated the purchasing and retail sales department of Ingham Agencies for just over eight years where he has come to value the key role his position plays in the company’s daily operations.

In catering to the needs and requirements of customers across the state, Brian’s additional four years with Ingham Agencies allows him to navigate the position with ease, professionalism, and with a high level of expertise.

Having relocated to Ingham from Cardwell in 2012, Brian has held prior positions in mechanics, purchasing and retail, furthermore, providing him with additional opportunities for development and growth.

“Michael and Siobhan are good people to work for, and I have done it all - each day at Ingham Agencies is different, no two days are the same,” explained Brian.

Over the past twelve years, Brian enjoys the ever-shifting day-to-day dynamics of Ingham Agencies, understanding each day presents a world of new challenges, opportunities and responsibilities to take on.

‍

For an impressive three decades, Ingham Agencies & Queensland Steel and Equipment has been a trusted provider of agricultural and industrial supplies across Ingham, Tully, and the broader regions of North and Far North Queensland. Established in 1994, this family-owned and locally operated business is synonymous with quality products, excellent service, and prompt delivery options.

Diverse Product Offerings
Ingham Agencies boasts an extensive inventory tailored to meet the demands of agriculture, engineering, and industrial sectors. From hydraulic hoses and fittings to welding equipment, batteries, trailer parts, cleaning fluids, and tools, the range is designed to cater to businesses and individuals alike. A key highlight is their variety of high-grade steel products, including RHS, pipes, bars, plates, mesh, beams, and more. These materials support projects of any scale, offering options such as stainless steel, aluminium, and galvanised varieties.
Additionally, their engineering workshop provides customised solutions, including hole punching and the fabrication of bespoke components like cattle ramps.

Specialised Categories
Harvester Parts
The business is a one-stop shop for harvester components, offering a range of products such as blades, chopper knives, base cutter blades, elevator chains, and bearings. These parts ensure peak performance for agricultural machinery, helping customers maintain efficiency and productivity.

Bearings and Seals
Their comprehensive range of hydraulic seals, O-rings, and bearings caters to various applications, ensuring equipment operates smoothly.

Building Materials
Builders and renovators can access materials such as corrugated and trim deck sheeting, purlins, chain wire mesh, star pickets, gates, and roofing screws. These products support construction projects with durability and reliability.

Automotive and Trailer Supplies
Vehicle owners and operators benefit from their range of oils, lubricants, filters, coolants, cleaning agents, and essential trailer parts. Truck safety signs and sugar-dissolving oils are among the niche offerings that highlight the company’s attention to industry-specific needs.

Hardware and Tools
The general hardware section features wheels, castors, adhesives, grinding disks, and material handling equipment. Their selection of hand and power tools includes cordless combo kits, air tools, and toolboxes, perfect for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Power and Safety Equipment
Generators, pressure cleaners, and compressors form part of their power equipment line-up, while fire extinguishers, PPE, safety signs, and spill kits ensure a safe working environment.

Services and Manufacturing
Beyond retail, Ingham Agencies excels in manufacturing components like harvester blades, rippers, and fertiliser worms. Their ability to fabricate purlin cleats, angle brackets, and vida plate strips further enhances their reputation as a versatile solutions provider.

Customer Commitment
The team at Ingham Agencies is dedicated to offering high-quality products, tailored advice, and outstanding customer service. Their vast inventory, coupled with an in-house engineering workshop, allows them to address a wide array of industrial and agricultural challenges.

For businesses and individuals seeking dependable supplies and services, Ingham Agencies & Queensland Steel and Equipment is the region’s trusted partner, delivering solutions that help North Queensland thrive.

‍

Neil Roberts has held an integral role in the daily operations of Ingham Agencies since 2008, and prides himself on his adaptability to move with the company’s fast paced environment and continuous advancements.

Coordinating and overseeing the company’s transportation operations, Neil manages all dispatch and receiving processes to ensure Ingham Agencies continues serving the East Coast of Australia.

“I’ve been in this position for five years and with the company for sixteen years, and I bring a lot of skills from my past careers to my current job, and I enjoy keeping my end up,” shared Neil.

Prior to joining the team, Neil’s previous career in engineering granted him a world of experience and opportunities to build upon and expand both his skillset and knowledge base, furthermore, making him a valuable asset to Ingham Agencies. Having lived in both Tully and Ayr before relocating to Ingham in the early 2000’s, Neil holds a unique understanding of the areas Ingham Agencies services outside of the immediate community.

“Sometimes, just prior to the cane season, the pressure is enormous, with so many people requiring products to get machines ready and running the best they can, and part of my job is making sure each of those bits and pieces get where they need to go, and its satisfying watching the company grow,” added Neil.

In his current position, Neil ensures each customer’s needs are meet in a timely, and organised manner and prioritises acknowledging the same high standards of operation and customer service set by Michael’s parents thirty years ago.

“Ingham Agencies sources products from all over the world, and for a small company, their reach is quite large,” explained Neil.

“I have noticed this company has grown exponentially - it seems to be growing each year, and I think it’s a thriving business that’s just going to keep growing stronger.”

‍

Di Bella Produce and Farming is a family-owned, family-run business situated in Ingham. The Di Bella’s believe that business diversity is critical in agriculture to ride through the ups and downs found in agriculture, when dealing with weather, markets, pests and diseases, etc.

Lawrence Di Bella originally established a seed business in 2000, but handed the business over to his friend Tom Gilbert, to grow the business, whilst Lawrence and his wife Anna raised their young family.

Tom retired in 2019, and Lawrence, Anna and Hayden Di Bella decided to re-purchase the seed business to see it thrive and continue to grow it.

“We are at a point now where we have grown large enough that we actually have to grow our own seed to meet our client’s demand,” explained Lawrence.

“Last year was our first year of growing and we grew 12.8 tonne, it was our first attempt, and we grew that in the Burdekin.

“This year we have had almost over 90 tonne of seed that we have grown in the Ingham and the Burdekin areas under contract with other growers. This seed will be sold over the next few months throughout Queensland and NSW.”

Last year they sold seed to as far north as Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory, to as far south as central New South Wales.

Whilst selling Australia wide, Di Bella Produce and Farming’s main group of clients are located in Ingham and Tully area.

What sets Di Bella Produce and Farming apart from other businesses is that they also offer agronomic advice too.

“We don't just buy and sell seed. We are actually there to provide agronomic advice and support that goes with the seed,” said Lawrence.

“That's what makes us a little bit different.

“We look at what plant species will suit each situation. For example, if a farmer is growing a mixed fallow legume crop, we will look at what is the optimum mix for their soil type and conditions.”

“Our Northern Territory growers are actually more veggie growers or into regenerative cropping systems.

“If there's any disease pressures, they can have a chat with me about what is the disease and how to manage it their vegetable crops.

“We also do pasture where we actually work out pasture is best for the cattle or horses.”

Lawrence is an agronomist with three tertiary qualifications. Years of experience and being involved with trials undertaken by various universities and the CRC Soils over his working career, has allowed him to develop a wealth of knowledge.  Di Bella Produce and Farming has also undertaken trials on its farms to access different plant species and their suitability.

Di Bella Produce and Farming is now a diversified farming business growing sugarcane and horticultural crops, seed sales, farm machinery contracting and agriculture consulting through Tropical Agricultural Services.

Lawrence and Anna are the owners, with their children Hayden, Nicholas and Gemma all employed in the business in different roles and capacities.

The family love working in their agriculture business, and they’re excited to see what the future entails as they keep growing and expanding the business.

Lawrence Di Bella and Anna Di Bella, Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

QCAR Herbert River District Administration Officer Anna Di Bella took this stunning photo on her farm last week

This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
Victoria
95,740
2,326,846
Macknade
44,549
1,169,829
Total
140,289
3,496,675
Crop forecast
3.9M
This week
Season to date
District CCS
12.03
12.52
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q253
29.6
11.33
SRA14
2.6
11.40
Q208
19.0
12.84
Q250
2.4
11.57
Q200
11.2
13.28
Q242
1.9
11.35
Q232
9.9
11.77
Q226
1.8
11.24
Q240
6.8
11.86
SRA5
1.4
11.60
Comments:
Just over 140,000 tonnes of cane were crushed for the week, bringing the season-to-date total to almost 3.5M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 12.03, which is down from last week’s 12.25 units.
Further rainfall is forecast for later in the week. Please stay in contact with the operations centre if there are any issues with cane supply.
Please continue to use your train brain and always take care around our cane rail network. Our cane trains operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Chris Winship
Cane Supply Manager
Herbert Region

‍

Farmers, AgTech innovators and industry stakeholders in Queensland’s agricultural sector are being encouraged to take part in the first-ever First Nations-led AgTech showcase being held in North Queensland on 10-11 February 2025, with expressions of interest now open. 
 
The Millennia of Ag-Innovation event, facilitated by the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Drought Hub) in collaboration with key partners, will explore the intersection of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge agricultural technologies. 
 
The showcase held in Cairns aims to highlight groundbreaking First Nations initiatives and demonstrate how the fusion of traditional practices with modern AgTech can drive sustainable advancements across the sector.
 
TNQ Drought Hub Director Professor David Phelps said the Millennia of Ag-Innovation event, which is being funded by AgriFutures Australia, is part of a larger effort to spotlight First Nations innovation and collaboration within the industry.
 
“The Millennia of Ag-Innovation event aims to bring together First Nations farmers, contemporary producers, and AgTech developers to advance sustainable agricultural practices and showcase the innovative technologies shaping the future of our region,” said Professor Phelps. 
 
“It offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with key players in both the agriculture and AgTech sectors, while gaining insights into the crucial role traditional knowledge plays in promoting sustainable practices. 
 
“With a program covering livestock, cropping, and aquaculture, the event offers valuable opportunities for learning, innovation, and sustainable growth for both farmers and AgTech developers alike.”
 
The event will feature live AgTech showcases, installations and interactive workshops, culminating in a cultural evening hosted by Local Indigenous Food Enterprise Services and BushTukkaWoman, Samantha Martin with a traditional dinner and performance by the Gimuy Yidinji tribe.
 
Attendees will also explore Indigenous-led innovations at the Rainstick facility, a networking breakfast at James Cook University’s Ideas Lab, and demonstrations of TEKFARM’s cutting-edge on-farm deployments across the Cairns Hinterland.
 
The event is part of a pre-tour for evokeAG, the Asia-Pacific’s premier agricultural and food technology event, taking place in Brisbane on 18-19 February 2025.
 
Rainstick co-founder Darryl Lyons highlighted the significance of the Cairns-based showcase in attracting national delegates to Tropical North Queensland.
 
“EvokeAg is such a hub for industry connection and collaboration, so having the Millennia of Ag-Innovation event offered as a pre-tour option will help to further solidify the region’s reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation,” said Mr Lyons.
 
“It’s an exciting opportunity to welcome both national and international delegates and showcase the breadth of what Far North Queensland has to offer, including world-leading technology inspired by First Nations innovation.”
 
Professor Phelps noted that there are still opportunities to get involved with the event, whether as a presenter, sponsor, or attendee.
 
“We’re encouraging anyone interested in contributing to this one-of-a-kind event to consider the various ways you can get involved,” he said. 
 
“Whether you’re looking to be a speaker, sponsor, exhibitor, or simply attend, it provides a valuable opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and showcase the remarkable Indigenous innovation happening in Tropical North Queensland.”

EOI for sponsorship, exhibitors, and speakers is now open. Please contact Tony Matchett (TNQ Drought Hub): tony.matchett@jcu.edu.au 

‍

TNQ Drought Hub representatives at the 2024 evokeAG event in Brisbane earlier this year
TNQ Drought Hub Director - Professor David Phelps
The showcase aims to highlight groundbreaking First Nations initiatives and demonstrate how the fusion of traditional practices with modern AgTech can drive sustainable advancements across the sector
The event will spotlight First Nations Innovation at the Bush Tukka Park in Cairns in Feb 2025
Bush Tukka Park where the Cairns-based showcase will be taking place

‍

On the 26 November the Hinchinbrook Shire Council gathered in the council chambers for the November General Meeting.

During the meeting, Hinchinbrook Shire Council adopted the 2023-2024 Annual Report, showcasing a year of achievements, community resilience, and forward thinking strategies to support growth and prosperity in the region.

Highlights of the year included the successful delivery of vital infrastructure projects, vibrant community initiatives, and plans to address key challenges such as housing demand and workforce development.

The report reflects Council’s dedication to enhancing liveability and economic opportunities while preserving the Shire’s natural beauty.

Key achievements included:

• Infrastructure upgrades - projects such as the Orient Road Water Main Extension, Herbert Street revitalisation, and Forrest Beach drainage improvements have strengthened the region’s resilience and liveability

• Population growth – Council welcomed 49 new babies at the Underwater Wonderland Baby Welcoming Ceremony, the highest in the event’s history, reflecting an upward population trend

• Sustainability initiatives - rooftop solar installations and a new waste cell at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre are advancing Council’s sustainability goals

• Economic development - the Local Housing Strategy and Development Incentive Schemes are paving the way for new housing projects to meet community needs.

Mayor Ramon Jayo expressed pride in the Shire’s progress, stating, “This year has been one of collaboration and innovation, as we strive to make Hinchinbrook a destination of choice for residents and visitors. With events, increased housing developments, and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping a stronger future for our community.”

Council acknowledged the hurdles faced during the year, including skilled workforce shortages and rising operational costs. Innovative solutions, such as the development of a Regional University Hub and targeted training programs, aim to bridge these gaps while fostering local talent.

The report highlights the success of marquee events like Tasman Turtle’s Big Day Out, Mega Movie Weekends and Queensland Seniors Week, which brought residents together in celebration and strengthened the Shire’s vibrant community identity.

As Hinchinbrook continues to grow, Council is committed to transparency, accountability, and working together with stakeholders to meet future needs.

To view the 2023-2024 Annual Report, please visit Council’s website, Corporate Publications and Reports page.

‍

Hinchinbrook Shire Councillors and Mayor at the November General Meeting. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

‍

Last Tuesday the first edition of Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper was launched and, to thank all the Founding Advertising Partners for their support, the newspaper hosted a special celebratory breakfast at Lee’s Hotel in Ingham.

Attendees were among the first to cast their eyes on the new Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper, and local Journalist Daniel Heggie said he was thrilled by the response.

“It is great to hear the wonderful comments, and we hope to continue to provide this level of gratification every week,” he shared.

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

‍

As Christmas approaches and the time to be with family arrives Mick’s Bread Kitchen is ready to cater for all your needs.

This holiday season Mick’s Bread Kitchen is offering various Christmas treats to get the community in the festive spirit.

The moist and flavourful Christmas fruit cake is bound to be a popular choice, they also have rum balls, apricot balls, assorted Christmas cookies, and co-owner Simone Stanta said she will be creating rocky road in the following days.

Simone also mentioned that there will be specially crafted Christmas gift packs with a mixture of everything, creating an easy option that is bound to impress that special someone.

Mick’s Bread Kitchen can also cater for Christmas parties, offering a variety of choices for that are ideal for small or large gatherings.

All Christmas goodies, aside from the cookies, are freshly baked in store. Customers can enjoy the taste of real authentic home-made flavoursome treats that are made with love and a deep desire to feed the community with joy.

Simone loves Christmas, she loves spending time with her family and being surrounded by good food.

Mick’s Bread Kitchen has been owned by Simone and her husband Michael since 1990, and this year they celebrated their 34th year in business.

Over the years they have entered and won many awards in various meat pie competitions, including the Great Aussie Meat Pie Competition.

Simone said that the competition gave them so much confidence in their delicious pies and that they apply a similar standard to everything they do.

“We don't compete. We set the standard,” said Simone. “We try and keep a high standard across the board on everything we do.”

Christmas Opening Hours:
LAST OPEN DAY – Monday 23 December
RE-OPEN – Monday 20 January

Co-owner Simone Stanta from Mick’s Bread Kitchen holding one of their delicious Christmas fruit cakes. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Simone Stanta and one of the must-try Christmas Fruit Cakes from Mick’s Bread Kitchen. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

‍

Meredith Yeoman’s magical Floral Stitches Thread Art and Macra Weave exhibition is currently gracing the walls of Ingham’s TYTO Regional Art Gallery until Friday 20 December.
Meredith found her love for the unusual and intricate artform whilst enjoying retirement, and in early 2021, she undertook an embroidery course to explore her passion further.
“As you do with workshops and courses – you do them, then you put them aside, but towards the end of 2021 I picked the art up again, and have just really run with it ever since,” explained Meredith.
Intricately created on a sewing machine on dissolvable fabric, each of Meredith’s pieces are completed and then placed into water to be moulded and sculpted into the finished product. A niche artform, Meredith’s Floral Stitches exhibition at the gallery began in early November and stands as the first time her artwork has been displayed in this capacity.
“I have entered singular pieces into competitions including last year’s Hinchinbrook Art Awards where I received a lot of interest in my piece as it’s not something you come across every day, and from there, I found the opportunity for an exhibition at TYTO,” added Meredith.
To mark the official debut of her display, Meredith held an Artist Talk on Saturday 9 November, where a few ladies joined her for a guided demonstration of her beautiful creations.
Now almost four weeks into her showcase, Meredith’s art pieces have received much attention from gallery patrons with plenty of “oos and ahhs” of amazement being heard as viewers explore her work.
Meredith and her husband relocated to Saunders Beach in June of 2020 to enjoy retirement, and with her newfound passion and creative talents, Meredith runs regular workshops to allow others to explore their interests, explaining her hobby has transformed into a fulltime job.
“I’ve turned to art very late in my life but I’m thoroughly enjoying it,” shared Meredith.
“If you find something that you’re passionate about and that you love it’s not a chore.”

What: Meredith’s Floral Stitches Exhibition.
When: Monday to Saturday until Friday 20 December.
Where: Ingham’s TYTO Regional Art Gallery.

Meredith Yeoman opened her exhibition in November with an Artist Talk and demonstration.

‍

Queensland introduces New Lifejacket Regulations to Boost Maritime Safety. The
new lifejacket regulations came into effect across the state on Sunday 1 December, 2024 as part of the Queensland Government’s initiative to increase maritime safety.

Although enforcement of these new laws will be delayed until 1 July 2025, the Queensland Government advises boaters to understand and abide by these changes to stay safe and compliant on the water.

“We will be focusing on education, with enforcement delayed until 1 July 2025, to ensure all boaties are aware of the change,” said a Maritime Safety Queensland spokesperson.

In the interest of increasing water safety, the new regulations will make wearing a lifejacket mandatory in the following circumstances:
   • Boating alone, or only with children under 12 years on an open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway.
   • Crossing designated coastal bars on an open ship, and on an open area of a boat of any length, and on certain craft.
   • Children one year or more and under 12 years are on an open boat or an open area of a boat of any length whilst underway.
   • Nighttime boating, between sunset and sunrise on any open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway.

The rules apply to a plethora of boats and crafts (excluding body boards, and stand-up paddle boards), like small sailboats, pedal boats, rafts (including inflatables), rowboats (except Club Surfboards by Surf Life Saving Australia), and sea kayaks.

The legislative change hopes to bring Queensland in line with the safety standards observed in other states, with the Queensland Government stating the change hopes to ensure you, your passengers and your loved ones get home safely.

Within the last 5 years, there were 64 boating fatalities in Queensland, and only 5 were known to be wearing their lifejacket at the time of the incident. Studies have concluded time and time again that children, and those boating alone, at night or crossing coastal bars are at the highest risk of drowning at sea.

To access up to date and relevant information on legislative changes and maritime safety, please visit www.msq.qld.gov.au.

‍

New lifejacket laws came into effect across Queensland on 1 December 2024.

‍

As of today, the Hinchinbrook Region has a new free weekly community newspaper, and it is largely thanks to all the people on the front page of this first edition.

Free weekly newspapers are supported by the local business community and each business you read about in this publication is a local champion, they are the reason this newspaper has been made possible.

The Founding Advertising Partners, a group of local business owners who have all contributed to starting this newspaper. Photo credit: Rachael Smith.

Guided By Council, Brought To You By The Business Community

A positive and proactive Council is at the heart of every dynamic community and that has certainly been true for the Hinchinbrook Shire Regional Council which has been the driving force behind re-instating a dedicated local newspaper for the region.

Earlier this year, Mayor Ramon Jayo was visiting his friend and former Burdekin Mayor, Lyn McLaughlin, when he picked up a copy of Burdekin Life Newspaper.

“I grabbed a copy and brought it up here,” Mayor Jayo recalls, commenting that he loved the look of the paper and wished his community had something similar.

“A few days later, I was at the Volunteers Recognition Ceremony,” he added.

“Mrs Elena Mason came up to me and explained she’d just been on holiday to the Whitsundays and brought back a copy of the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper – I noticed it was the same – that’s when I decided to get in touch.”

Burdekin Life Newspaper and Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper are part of a small, independent and family-owned business called Life Publishing Group which was established in the Whitsundays almost 15 years ago.

During this time, they have been producing two glossy magazines – a lifestyle publication named Core Life and a travel magazine entitled Tripping - both still exist today.

Four years ago, however, when the company heard that the printed version of 14 regional newspapers were being closed overnight and moved online, they decided to take action.

“We were determined to bring the community back their free voice in print,” said co-owner Rebecca Douthwaite.

“Every community deserves to have access to free local news – whether it’s the sporting results, real estate information, events and entertainment, and of course things like the funeral notices.

“Living in a regional area means many people are not online as much as they are in the cities, this makes the regional newspapers more important than they have ever been.”

In May this year, Mayor Jayo called Life Publishing Group’s Editor in Chief, Rachael Smith, and asked if the company would be interested in starting a newspaper in the region.

“When I received the call, I was very excited,” said Ms Smith.

“He called while Bec and I were at the Queensland Country Press Awards conference and later that night we won Best Free Newspaper in Queensland for Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper.

“I think this was a good omen!”

By August this year, Rebecca and Rachael attended a Council meeting at the local Council Chambers and they were excited to see the warmth and welcoming response to the newspaper, both at the meeting and when they spoke to local business owners.

“When we launched Burdekin Life Newspaper the year before it was because we were also invited by the local community,” shared Rachael.

“It is a wonderful feeling to be invited and gives a bigger meaning to what we are trying to achieve.

“Right from the beginning we wanted to give regional communities back their free voice in print – we want to help people feel connected, we want to help preserve history as it’s happening and every single person in our team deeply cares about the community.

“We would like to thank all of our Founding Advertising Partners for being part of the group of local businesses which have enabled a dedicated local newspaper to return, without them, this would not have been possible.”

“I would also like to thank Mayor Jayo and Deputy Mayor Mary Brown who have both been instrumental in bringing this publication to life.”

Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper comes out every Tuesday and is free for the community with 3000 copies published every week.

The newspaper is available at 15 dedicated distribution stands and over 50 other pick-up points from Ingham and surrounding townships through to Cardwell and Rollingstone.

The entire publication is also available for free online every week.

Councillors Andrew Carr and Pat Lynch, Deputy Mayor Mary Brown, Mayor Ramon Jayo, Councillors Donna Marbelli, Kate Milton and Mark Spina. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

Hi Everyone

Welcome to the first edition of Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper, it is an absolute honour to bring a newspaper back to the Hinchinbrook community.

My name is Daniel and I will be the go-to guy for everything involving Hinchinbrook. In March of this year, I moved from Adelaide to the Whitsundays, where I have been a Cadet Journalist for Whitsunday Life Newspaper, up until now.

When our Editor-In-Chief, Rachael Smith, asked me if I would like to be part of the launch team for Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper, I said yes almost immediately.

I was eager to take on the responsibility and to meet the Hinchinbrook community, which I was told was lovely.

And, now that I’ve spent a week in the community, I couldn’t agree more!

From my short time in the region already everyone has been incredibly accepting, encouraging, welcoming and warm - thank you all so much for this.

Whilst I am the man here in region, I cannot do anything I do without the amazing team that we have, from Rachael to our Sales Manager Trish (who many of you have already met) to our fantastic Production Manager, Crissy.

I would also like to acknowledge my fellow journalist, Chelsea Ravizza, who is from the Burdekin and will be working with me to write a lot of this newspaper. We also have our Mackay Editor, Amanda Wright, who will be overseeing our in-depth weekly rural section.

In addition, we also have a wonderful team in our central office - Ruby who works as social media manager and production, Ruth our Whitsunday journalist and our three amazing graphic designers Taylor, Lara and Marc.

Lastly, I would like to thank our owners Bec and Paul for providing me with this amazing opportunity.

I cannot wait to learn more about the region and would love your help. If you have a story idea please reach out, and please enjoy this first edition of Hinchinbrook Life.

‍