Mark 10th Birdlife Art Awards

More than 280 people gathered to celebrate Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s 10th Birdlife Art Awards at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery on Friday night, 1 August 2025. This milestone event continues to honour the rich birdlife of the Hinchinbrook region through the eyes of talented artists from across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It features an impressive 106 entries across various mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.

Open Award winner Kevin Young was emotional after the announcement, they said. “To be chosen from among so many amazing works—it’s given me the boost to keep pushing myself, and I hope it inspires others to keep going too.”

Birdlife Art Awards Open To Celebrate 10 Years Of Creativity And Conservation

Cr Donna Marbelli, Council’s Community and Culture Service Portfolio holder, said each piece showcases bird species found in Hinchinbrook, home to over 230 bird species, to the broader natural landscapes that inspire our local creatives.

“The Birdlife Art Awards are more than just an art competition,” Cr Marbelli said. “They’re a celebration of our environment, our community, and the incredible talent we have in our backyard.”

Kevin Young won the Birdlife Art Awards' top prize for their striking piece Brolga, which impressed judges with its creativity, technique, and deep connection to Hinchinbrook’s birdlife. The artwork was inspired by a powerful moment on a road trip, when Kevin witnessed a pair of brolgas dancing in a paddock, a sight that left a lasting impact.

“We pulled over and just watched,” Kevin recalled. “They started doing their dance, and it was an emotional event. And when the male threw his head, that image stayed in my mind, and so I had to do something with it. I had to. It's not a choice. It was a need to do so.”

Nick Dametto MP was among the many guests at the opening night and praised the calibre of entries and the dedication of organisers; "Every year I'm absolutely blown away, just like the locals that attend and people that come from out of town to enjoy the inaugural Bird Life Awards, it's absolutely spectacular.

The event is proudly supported by valued sponsors, each of whom has chosen a specific award category to sponsor:

Open Award sponsored by Windlab – Kevin Young: Brolga
Local Artist Award sponsored by Guido’s Panel and Paint – Sharon Cislowski: What the water knows
Youth Award sponsored by Ingham Real Estate - Esther-Rose McCaul: Black Cockatoo
Painting (2D) sponsored by Bisson’s Electrical – Kristina Fontana: Peewee Afterparty
Watercolour sponsored by Frosty Mango – Sahan Kulathunge: The Black Beauty
Mixed Media sponsored by Jenark Business Solutions – Diane Beningfield: Terrible Trio
Works on Paper – Amy Venn: The Bathers
Photography sponsored by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables – Stan Skeates: Pull the other one
Creamics – Meg Allford: Backyard Visitor
Sculptural Form sponsored by KDM Allsorts – Fran Nason: Cockatoo Sunrise

Voting for the People’s Choice Award sponsored by Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto will remain open until the close of the exhibition, with the winner of this category announced on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025.

To vote, please visit the TYTO Regional Art Gallery. The 10th Hinchinbrook Birdlife Art Awards will be on display daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm until Saturday, 30th August 2025. The full gallery of social photos from the opening night is avaliable online at: hinchinbrooklife.com

Friends of a feather celebrating art together, if you haven't yet, go and see all the beautiful birds artfully depicted in the Tyto Gallery. It's flocking fantastic to see the skill and love for Hinchinbrook's birdlife on display. I know I was thrown to the wind by a few of the pieces, and maybe you fall so in love with one, you may even purchase it to take home after the exhibition finishes.

This week was also a time to recognise our local legends and heroes, Police and Rural Fireies, receiving awards for their dedication and service. I got to meet Ian of the Ingahm S.E.S., and I can say I never knew how much they did for the community. Thank you all for your service to this community and beyond.

Things are also ramping up for the Australian UFO festival. This looks to be the best festival for anyone who loves everything about the stars and beyond, and as someone who has never experienced an alien encounter (yet!), I am definitely looking forward to reporting on it, maybe I'll even see a few of you there enjoying the workshops or partying it up in your best alien disguises.

Victoria

Fun Fact: Spaceballs is a 1987 American space opera parody film co-written, produced and directed by Mel Brooks. It primarily parodies the original Star Wars trilogy and was one of the first sci-fi films I ever saw, sparking a love for Mel Brooks films and the sci-fi genre. Doctor Who was also a childhood favourite, who's your favourite Doctor?

In the wake of February’s devastating weather event, the Lions District of North Queensland, in partnership with Lions Clubs International, has launched a special Disaster Recovery Fund to support flood-affected families across the Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast regions.

With up to $1000 available per household, the fund is designed to assist those who have suffered severe loss or disruption due to the floods. It can help cover essential items and immediate needs, from replacing basic household goods to easing the financial burden of recovery and rebuilding their lives.

For the Lions Club, every contribution counts towards the journey of restoration.

The initiative reflects the Lions’ enduring commitment to community service, ensuring that support is not only fast-tracked but also local and accessible. More than a financial contribution, this fund is a gesture of solidarity, recognising that real recovery takes time, care and collective effort. List your preferred supplier and shop locally too; recipients are encouraged to support their local businesses, which were also impacted by the flood.

For more information or to apply for assistance, contact the Ingham Lions Club at inghamlionsclub@gmail.com.

In times of crisis, the Lions are once again proving that when a disaster strikes, kindness and community rise to meet it.

The devastating flooding event that impacted our region in February 2025 caused widespread damage, leaving homes and businesses reeling in its aftermath. One of the most serious consequences was the inundation and shutdown of the Ingham substation, which plunged the entire district into darkness and disrupted telecommunications at a time when we needed them most.

This significant power outage during a natural disaster made an already difficult situation even more challenging. The loss of electricity not only impacted homes and businesses but also vital communication and emergency response capabilities. In times of crisis, maintaining power should not be a luxury, it is a necessity. During a flooding event, our electrical distribution asset should be more resilient.

I recently submitted a Question on Notice to the Energy Minister, seeking clarity on what steps are being taken to flood-mitigate the Ingham substation. Specifically, I asked whether funding had been allocated, what planning was underway, and when we could expect to see tangible outcomes delivered.

In response, the Energy Minister has advised that Ergon Energy Corporation Limited (Ergon) has submitted a funding application to the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund for flood mitigation works for the Ingham Substation.

More notably, Energy Queensland has also advised that provisions have been made in the 2025-26 Budget for Ergon’s expected share of the works, with Ergon expressing confidence that critical works will be completed before the 2025-26 summer period.

This is a timeframe that reflects the urgency and importance of ensuring that Hinchinbrook Shire isn’t left in the dark again during our next flooding event. I am hopeful that we will see construction at the Ingham substation commence soon, which is a favourable outcome for the whole community.

These works are not just infrastructure upgrades, they are a necessary investment in Hinchinbrook’s safety, resilience and ability to respond in times of crisis.

I would like to extend appreciation to those who have advocated and thank you to the relevant Ministers, the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Ergon Energy and Energy Queensland for committing to deliver this flood resilience project.

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Sporting and recreation clubs across North and Far North Queensland impacted by early 2025’s severe flooding can now apply for a share in a $30 million funding package to help repair and rebuild their facilities.

The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) — a joint initiative by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) — offers up to $1 million per facility for eligible not-for-profit sport and racing clubs, as well as local councils.

Funding can be used to restore damaged facilities, equipment and infrastructure including canteens, amenities, playing courts, fences, lighting, racetracks, electrical systems, synthetic pitches, shade structures and carparks. In some cases, facilities may also be rebuilt to more resilient standards to help mitigate the impacts of future disasters.

The program aims to minimise disruption to community life and help resume local sporting competitions and recreational activities as soon as possible.

Earlier this year, North Queensland endured more than 12 consecutive days of monsoonal rain during January and February, with some regions recording over two metres of rainfall. Widespread flooding caused significant damage across the Hinchinbrook, Cassowary Coast, Burdekin, Charters Towers and Townsville local government areas.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kirsty McBain emphasised the importance of supporting community hubs.

“When disaster hits, it’s not just homes and roads that are impacted, it’s the places where people come together, and that includes local sporting grounds and community facilities," Minister McBain said.

“This program is about making sure recovery reaches every corner of the community, including the clubs and spaces that bring people together after tough times.

“We’ll keep working alongside the Queensland Government and local councils to make sure communities have the support they need to rebuild stronger and more resilient than before.”

Queensland Minister for Sport Tim Mander said the funding would assist with the next stage of the recovery.

“With the initial cleanups completed, this funding package is about making the more expansive repairs needed to ensure clubs can fully recuperate," Minister Mander said.

“Assessments are ongoing, and we will continue to extend the eligibility as more clubs continue to seek support.

“I encourage clubs and councils to contact their local Sport and Recreation officer to see if they may be eligible. We want our clubs to get back on their feet so Queenslanders can not only experience the physical and mental health benefits of sport but also the togetherness that these clubs bring to the community.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the support was critical in restoring the heartbeat of affected regions.

“It is a well-known fact that sport and recreation plays a vital role in the community by providing much needed extracurricular activity through sport and social activities," Minister Leahy said.

“Restoring the operations of impacted facilities contributes significantly to community recovery.”

Clubs and councils can find eligibility guidelines and application details online at www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/sport-and-recreation-recovery-grant, and more general disaster help information is available at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

On the evening of Thursday the 31st of July the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Forensic Crash Unit were called to investigate a fatal traffic crash in Ingham.

Emergency services responded at around 10:50pm to reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a white Toyota Hilux on Trebonne Road. Tragically, the pedestrian, a 54-year-old Rowes Bay man, died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, a 36-year-old Bemerside man, and a passenger, a 22-year-old Aitkenvale man, were not physically injured.

Investigations are ongoing into what caused the crash and police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the areas around the time of the crash to come forward.

To report information contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444 and quote the reference number QP2501346729.

Each August, Loneliness Awareness Week reminds us that human connection is vital. Embracing this year’s theme ‘Moments Matter’, selectability Ingham’s Clubhouse demonstrates how everyday interactions such as shared meals, creative projects, or simply a cuppa and a chat, are helping to overcome social isolation and loneliness.

With research showing 1 in 6 Australians experience severe loneliness, a condition as harmful to physical health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, selectability’s Clubhouse program offers a recovery-oriented solution to overcoming social isolation.

selectability’s Ingham Regional Coordinator, Julie Ross, said their Breakfast Club had become a popular way to bring the community together to share a meal and connect with others, as it's available for everyone to enjoy.

“The theme of this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week ‘Moments Matter’, really does demonstrate that simple activities like Breakfast Club can create small moments that can make a positive difference," said Julie.

“Overcoming loneliness and building connection and purpose can all start by starting your day with a good feed surrounded by friendly faces and great conversation.”

Held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30am to 8:00am at the Canegrowers Building, 11-13 Lannercost Street, the Breakfast Club initiative aims to provide a warm meal and space that fosters a sense of belonging for the whole community to enjoy.

For anyone over 18 seeking support to improve their mental wellbeing, there are a range of NDIS packages available, and funding options for those not on the scheme. To find out more, contact Julie and the team on 07 4781 2690.

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

The Cardwell RSL Sub Branch hosted a memorable cheque presentation ceremony on Sunday the 27th of July, marking yet another act of generosity from the organisation. The latest donation ensures the Sub Branch will receive an invitation to the Over 65’s Lions Christmas Party later this year, an exciting event all members are eager to attend.

So far in 2025, Cardwell RSL has donated more than $13,000 to various community organisations, including local schools, the Coast Guard, and other non-profits.

Much of the funding for these donations comes from the Sub Branch’s popular Sunday BBQ and buffet lunches. At just $10 per person, the spread which includes a wide variety of fresh salads—continues to draw crowds, with 66 diners attending last weekend alone.

The ongoing success of these community lunches is thanks to the dedication of Cardwell RSL’s volunteers. From manning the BBQ and kitchen to running the bar, the volunteer team keeps operations running smoothly each week.

Their hard work not only feeds the community but helps fund vital local projects, proving once again that when a community comes together, everyone benefits.

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I recently travelled to Canberra with the northwest Queensland delegation after notification from Glencore that they would be closing the Mount Isa copper smelter.

The closure of the smelter has significant flow-on effects for us who rely on agriculture.

About 17,000 jobs affected across various sectors will have a significant impact on our economy in North Queensland, of which we are a part. In addition, it puts our fertiliser supply under real pressure.

One of the by-products of that copper smelting is sulphuric acid and that’s key for making phosphate fertilisers.

In the Hinchinbrook region, some of our soils are phosphate-deficient.

The phosphate is mined at Phosphate Hill, about 200km from Mount Isa, and then blended with urea and other products in Townsville to make the fertilisers we all rely upon.

From there, it’s sent out to the cane fields, not just here in the Hinchinbrook region but across the east coast.

If that smelter shuts and we lose local acid supply, we’d have to start importing phosphate from overseas and then truck it all the way back to Phosphate Hill. Imagine the cost of that.

What’s that going to do to the price of our fertiliser?

These issues were raised with politicians. They listened, seemed to get it – now let’s see what they do about it.

On a brighter note, we just want to sincerely congratulate the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club on their nomination for Club of the Year.

It just goes to show what a well-run group of dedicated volunteers can achieve. We wish them all the success going forward.

With the challenging start to the year, it is warming to see new shops opening, along with new ideas across the town.

Out of challenges, opportunities present themselves, and it is commendable that these new business owners have opened up shop at the best time of the year, when many travellers stop and sample what our great district has to offer.

We have also recently seen some business owners relocate to new locations, continuing to deliver their unique business services to the community and visitors. To existing business operators, it is also admirable, despite the challenges from the start of the year.

Our shire is known for its resilience and determination; we must continue to drive forward with positive outcomes being the goal. Whilst some buildings and shopfronts are amid restoration work or insurance repairs, there are still some businesses looking to reopen after being displaced.

Some of these businesses require particular shop requirements, with larger areas under roof. As restoration work progresses with repairs to buildings, we trust this may free up shop space for these businesses to reopen, or for more new businesses to seize the opportunity and open new shops.

Assistance for business remains in place, and if you wish to talk about what assistance is available, I would urge you to visit the Hinchinbrook Information and Referral Centre at 73–81 Lannercost Street.

On another note, I must congratulate our parks and gardens team for making the town look great. Unfortunately, there are some who don’t share the same sense of pride in our town, with some acts of senseless vandalism occurring lately. This is frustrating and takes time, effort, and money to repair.

If you happen to see any such negative activity taking place around the town, please report it to Police or to the Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

Until next time, take care and stay safe, everyone.

Members of the Cassowary Coast Patrol Group were honoured for their outstanding service at a special awards ceremony held on Monday, the 29th of July, celebrating the dedication, bravery, and long-standing commitment of officers, Police Liaison Officers (PLOs), and Queensland Police Service (QPS) staff.

A total of 28 individuals were recognised across a range of commendations, including District Officer Certificates for their involvement in key operations such as the February 2025 Cardwell floods, Operation Victor Diabelli, and the 2019 bushfires on the Queensland-New South Wales border.

Several QPS Medals and Clasps and National Police Service Medals were also awarded, honouring officers who have served for up to 40 years.

Among the notable recipients was Senior PLO Michael Sands, who received the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal in recognition of his ongoing work in crime prevention, youth engagement, and strengthening ties between QPS and First Nations communities in Innisfail.

“I am constantly blown away by the commitment and hard work shown by these recipients, and thank them for their service,” said Cassowary Coast Patrol Group Inspector Nathan Blain.

“Our community appreciates the hard work they do each day, facing dangerous and difficult situations to keep them safe.

I am proud of each and every one of these recipients, and the commitment, sacrifice and bravery they embody.”

Five officers—Sergeant Ali Duggan, Special Constable Adam Tickner, Senior Constable Shelly Wright, Senior Constable Aaron Stanley, and Constable Jake Jenkins—received District Officer Certificates for their unwavering commitment to the Cardwell community during the devastating floods earlier this year.

Detective Senior Constable Michael Pearson was awarded the Queensland Police Bravery Medal for his courageous actions on the 22nd of April, 2024, when he disarmed a woman wielding a large hunting knife after a crash involving her children. Pearson entered the vehicle, removed the weapon, and ensured the children’s safety.

The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the risks faced by local officers and the deep sense of duty that drives them.

Four dedicated local volunteers have been officially recognised for their years of commitment and courage as members of the Rural Fire Brigade. Their awards were presented at the Rural Fire Service Week Northern Region Awards Ceremony, held on Sunday, 27th July at the QFD Northern Region Emergency Services Complex in Mount St John.

Peter Maltby, of Seymour Rural Fire Brigade, received a Clasp to his National Medal, marking an extraordinary 25 years of service to the community. His continued dedication reflects the resilience and selflessness often found in rural firefighting volunteers.

Joining him in the honours were fellow Seymour Brigade members Brad Morley and Bernie Bostock, each receiving the National Medal for more than 15 years of committed service. The same honour was awarded to Alex Moroney of Mt Fox Rural Fire Brigade, also celebrating over 15 years of frontline volunteer contribution.

The Governor-General of Australia awards the National Medal to recognise long and diligent service by members of organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their own safety. It is one of the nation’s most respected service awards, highlighting not only time served but the unwavering commitment behind every year.

The awards were presented during a ceremony led by Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Mr Stephen Smith AFSM, who welcomed attendees and expressed deep appreciation for the tireless work of volunteer firefighters across the Northern Region.

“Our devoted RFSQ volunteers never stop working to protect Queenslanders, and this week is a chance for us to celebrate the outstanding work they do,” Commissioner Smith said.

“They don’t do it for praise, but each and every one of our RFSQ volunteers and staff deserves our gratitude.”
In a time when bushfire seasons are growing longer and more intense, it is the steadfast service of volunteers like Peter, Brad, Bernie and Alex that keeps communities prepared and protected.

Ian Cameron SES Senior Field Officer 2 Stripes

After a long career in teaching, one Hinchinbrook local made good on a retirement promise - to give back to his community by joining the State Emergency Service. Since 2013, he has become a familiar and reliable face in Ingham’s SES unit.

“I had always intended to join the SES, but in hindsight, I wish I’d joined before I retired,” Ian said. “I would’ve loved to have done more of the activities. But even now, I get so much out of it, I stuck to my plan."

Ian's time with the SES has seen him take part in countless local operations, flood response efforts, and even a major deployment to Proserpine after Cyclone Debbie. He recalls the long hours, chainsawing all day, cutting and hauling heavy debris. But it’s not just the big disasters that stick in his mind, it's the human connections.

“The things that stay with me most are the search and rescue jobs. Especially the recoveries, when we’ve been able to give closure to families. It’s incredibly meaningful work.”

From welfare checks in chest-deep floodwater to assisting police, he’s seen the full scope of what SES volunteers do. He’s also trained in first aid, search and rescue, chainsaw operations, and even holds a drone licence and an aeronautical radio certificate.

“There’s a lot people don’t see,” he said. “We’re traffic control at events, we help people lift belongings before floods, and we support other agencies. We’re part of the community, not just there for disasters.”

This spirit of community is what drives the SES. And now, they’re calling for more recruits.

On Thursday, 7th August, Ingham SES will host a Sign-On and Information Night at their HQ on Menzies Street. Locals of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels are encouraged to attend and find out how they can get involved.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people in our community to give back and be part of something bigger,” said Dan Cordner, SES Local Controller.

During this year’s floods, SES received more than 800 requests for assistance. Local volunteers were bolstered by over 100 state and country-wide SES members giving their time to help our community

Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

In a volatile global sugar market, having the right marketing partner can make all the difference. Wilmar Grower Marketing is helping local cane growers take charge of their sugar price exposure with tailored support, flexible options, and proven results.

As one of world’s largest sugar traders, Wilmar offers growers the confidence to navigate changing market conditions. Whether you're someone who wants hands-on involvement or would rather leave pricing decisions to the experts, our flexible approach puts the power in your hands.

Some growers want to be closely involved in their pricing decisions. Others prefer to hand it over to an experienced team. We cater to both. Our service and products are designed to give growers genuine choice - whether that’s through managed pools, target pricing, or a mix of both.

One of our biggest strengths is our people. Our regional team members live and work in cane communities, so we’re always close by when support is needed. At the same time, we’re backed by a global trading desk, giving us access to detailed market insights that we share with our growers to inform their pricing decisions.

Over the past few seasons, we’ve been proud of the results we’ve delivered. Strong pool performance, competitive premiums and well-timed decisions have helped growers capture more value for every tonne of cane.

We also place a big emphasis on keeping things clear and simple. We know growers are busy running their farms — so we aim to make marketing something that supports your business, not complicates it.

The 2026 season is shaping up to be another important one for growers, and with the 31 October nomination deadline approaching, now’s the time to start thinking about who you want in your corner.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your sugar pricing strategy or simply want peace of mind knowing your pricing is in good hands, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.

To find out more about how we can support your marketing in 2026 and beyond, get in touch with our team.

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