Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
by Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre When we think about housing, it's easy to think simply about having a roof over our heads. However, safe and stable housing plays a much bigger role in our lives than many people realise. A secure home provides more than shelter. It offers safety, stability, privacy, connection to community, and a foundation from which individuals and families can thrive. Stable housing supports physical and mental wellbeing, helps children succeed at school, enables people to maintain employment, and provides a sense of belonging and security. Unfortunately, rising living costs, limited housing availability and changing life circumstances continue to place pressure on many households. For some people, maintaining suitable housing can become increasingly difficult, while others may find themselves facing housing insecurity or homelessness through no fault of their own. At Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, we understand that everyone's circumstances are different. Our Housing and Homelessness Services support individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. Our goal is to help people achieve greater self-reliance, independence and housing stability. HCSC also provides long-term housing options for eligible low-income families, as well as one and two-bedroom units for individuals and couples aged over 55 years. Maintaining a safe home environment is another important part of housing stability. Through our Home and Yard Maintenance Social Enterprise, HCSC provides comprehensive household maintenance services throughout the Hinchinbrook region. The service supports community housing providers, local welfare and community organisations, and householders who are frail, living with disability, or experiencing economic disadvantage. Simple tasks such as yard maintenance, minor household works and property upkeep can make a significant difference to safety, accessibility and quality of life, particularly for older community members and those facing barriers to maintaining their homes independently. Whether someone needs support to maintain their housing, access suitable accommodation, or keep their home safe and functional, assistance may be available. If you would like to learn more about HCSC's Housing and Homelessness Services or Home and Yard Maintenance Social Enterprise, we encourage you to contact our team for further information. Because everyone deserves the security, dignity and peace of mind that comes with having a safe place to call home. While this month we focus on the importance of safe and stable housing, next month we will take a closer look at the growing housing and homelessness challenges affecting communities across Australia, including regional areas such as our Hinchinbrook region. In recognition of Homelessness Awareness Week, we will explore the realities of housing insecurity, the impact homelessness can have on individuals and families, and the support services available within our community. We will also be sharing information about HCSC's upcoming Homelessness event in August, which will bring together services and organisations to provide information, support and connection for community members seeking assistance or wanting to learn more about housing and homelessness issues. We encourage community members to keep an eye out for next month's article for further details. Caption: The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre trades team hard at work. Photo supplied
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Mark Spina has built a long career in real estate, bringing decades of experience and a long-standing commitment to helping people buy, sell, rent and manage property throughout the Hinchinbrook region. As Director of Ingham Real Estate, Mark has been working in the industry since 1999, beginning his career as a Real Estate Salesperson in Hervey Bay. In 2007, Mark and his wife returned home to Ingham and purchased Ingham Real Estate, continuing to build a trusted local business. Mark and his team assist clients across all areas of property sales and property management, working with a wide range of properties and people throughout the region. He builds trust with his clients, focusing on clear conversations and strong relationships throughout each transaction. “Working one on one with Sellers and Buyers, Landlords and Tenants with open communication” Mark said the team at Ingham Real Estate appreciates everyone who has chosen to work with them over the years. “We would like to thank all past and future Sellers, Buyers, Landlords and Tenants for choosing to deal with Ingham Real Estate. Big or Small, we Rent and Sell em’ all.” Mark believes the Hinchinbrook Shire remains a great place for those looking to take their first step into the property market. “The Hinchinbrook Shire is a fantastic place to purchase a first home. There are still affordable properties to purchase and it’s a great place to raise a family.” Caption: Mark Spina is the Director of Ingham Real Estate. Photo sourced: Inghamrealestate.com
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New e-mobility laws will come into effect across Queensland from 1st July, introducing stronger rules and enforcement powers aimed at reducing dangerous behaviours involving e-scooters and e-bikes. The new laws will give Queensland Police additional powers to tackle illegal and high-powered devices, including the ability to seize and destroy devices that do not comply with safety requirements. Under the reforms, e-bikes and scooters capable of exceeding 25km/h without assistance will be banned, while a 12km/h speed limit will apply in areas where riders are travelling near pedestrians. Police will also have the power to conduct random breath testing for riders in public places from 1st July. Riders found over the 0.05 blood alcohol limit will face fines of more than $500, with maximum court penalties of up to $6,908. Higher penalties will also apply for offences including speeding, failing to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding Personal Mobility Devices on prohibited roads. The laws will also introduce licensing requirements for riders, with exemptions available for people with medical conditions or disabilities. Riders aged 12 to 17 will be able to use e-mobility devices under parental supervision from 31st August, while parents may be held accountable if children under 16 are found riding illegally. The reforms follow growing community concerns around illegal and high-powered e-mobility devices and aim to create clearer rules around who can ride, what devices can be used, where they can travel and how fast they can go. The changes were informed by community feedback and expert consultation, with the goal of improving safety while allowing responsible e-mobility use to continue. More information can be found on the Queensland Government’s website. Caption: E-Mobility Laws have now been introduced to make Queenslanders safer. Photo sourced: Shutterstock
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing June is shaping up to be a busy month, and we look forward to catching up with growers across our milling regions through a range of events and activities. This week, our Global Traders Roadshow returns, bringing together Wilmar's global trading experts and local Grower Marketing team to discuss the latest developments in sugar and currency markets. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the people monitoring global markets every day, while also asking questions about pricing options and current market conditions. We are looking forward to connecting with those of you who have put their name down to attend. We're also reminding growers that nominations for the 2027 Managed Pool Plus close on 30 June. If you've been considering the pool, now is the time to act. The Managed Pool Plus is designed for growers seeking a longer-term approach to pricing in volatile markets, with active management across both sugar and currency markets. The 2025 season has highlighted the value of this strategy, with the pool delivering a result above the seasonal average, demonstrating the benefits of disciplined pricing over an extended window rather than relying on short-term market movements. While past performance is never a guarantee of future returns, the result reinforces the value of having experienced market specialists actively managing price risk through changing market conditions. If you'd like to learn more before nominations close, speak with your local Grower Marketing Relationship Manager or catch us at one of the Global Traders Roadshow events. Beyond the markets, we're proud to continue supporting the local communities that support our industry. Throughout June, Wilmar Grower Marketing is once again sponsoring several regional events, including the Sarina Tractor Pull, Proserpine Cane Awards and Ingham Tractor Pull. These events celebrate the people who make our industry what it is and provide a great opportunity for families, growers and the wider community to come together. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces, celebrating another season and continuing the conversations that matter most to our growers. We hope to see you at one of our roadshow sessions or community events over the coming weeks. Caption: Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham (second from left) is excited to meet with growers and share insights into global sugar markets during Wilmar's Global Traders Roadshow this week. Photo supplied
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The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre is committed to recognising the invaluable contributions of men within our community and to providing avenues that foster connection, support, and wellbeing. A central part of this commitment is the Centre�E��E�E���E��Es Men�E��E�E���E��Es Group, successfully facilitated by Mr Angelo Cavaliere.
The HCSC Men's Group gentlemen out and about. Photo supplied
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Michael, better known as The Pest Control Guy, is based right here in the Hinchinbrook region and understands the challenges local homes and businesses face. As a proud local himself, hes passionate about helping the community stay pest-free with reliable, personalised service. This season, he seeing more infestations of cockroaches and termites than anything else and hes ready to stop them before they become a bigger problem.
Michael, The Pest Control Guy. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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The Halifax Emergency Liaison Partnership (HELP) has recognised the tireless efforts of the Queensland Country Women�E��E�E���E��Es Association (QCWA) Halifax Branch, donating $1000 to support their ongoing community work. The cheque was presented on 12 September by HELP representatives Natalie Hulett and Rita Ferrari, alongside Sargent Gio Tantalo, during a heartfelt visit to the Halifax CWA Hall.
�E��E�E���E��EOur members work tirelessly each week to support our community through twice-weekly morning teas and donations to people needing a hand. It is such a pleasure to be associated with such a fine mob,�E��E�E���E��E she said.
The $1000 contribution will help ensure the Halifax CWA can continue offering their essential support and uplifting community spirit well into the future.
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Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!
I had to nip down to Airlie Beach last Friday to say farewell to two of the company's lovliest ladies. Taking a Sundowner cruise felt symbolic as the sun set on their final days with Life Publishing. Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper's will definitely miss you both, and we all wish you well on your next steps and new journeys, Crissy and Amanda!
Locally, I attended the Orchid and Foliage show at Conroy Hall, and I must say, we have some extremely talented green thumbs in Hinchinbrook. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the hybridisation of bromeliads and the planting and nurturing techniques of African violets. The tropical foliage displays were so lush and the orchids were breathtaking. With so many kinds of plants on display and for sale, it was so hard to pick a favourite. You had to stop every few steps to admire something new.
On another note, I'm still on the lookout for sponsors to support me as a Maraka Queen entrant. If you're interested in being a sponsor, please reach out. Shout-out to Ingham Agencies, Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Information, and Solar Hair for their support.
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Fun Fact: Orchids are found naturally growing on all continents but Antarctica. The Orchidaceae family has been confirmed to have existed as far back as the Late Cretaceous period from an amber fossil dated 56 million years ago, with genetic sequencing indicating their overall biogeography and phylogenetic patterns trace back roughly 100 million years. This means that even dinosaurs could stop and smell the orchids.
On 17 September, Hinchinbrook welcomed four new citizens in a heartfelt ceremony. After a welcome message, they were sworn in, the national anthem was sung, and little aussie flags were waved as four ladies officially became Australian citizens. Many had already called the region home for over a decade, with some living locally for up to 12 years.
Mayor Ramon Jayo led the proceedings and warmly shared, "It's always good to welcome new citizens to Australia. These people have been in Hinchinbrook for quite a substantial period of time and they've contributed to our community through their work."
He continued, "It's good that we recognise their contribution by granting them Australian citizenship and it's wonderful to finally see it happen for their families."
The ceremony not only marked a milestone in the lives of the new citizens but also highlighted the strength of Hinchinbrook�E��E�E���E��Es diverse community, now with new additions in Katie Butler (England), Denise Sartor (Germany), and Maria Flett and Miguelita McKeough (Philippines). With their commitment and long-standing ties to the region, the newest Australians were warmly celebrated as part of the Hinchinbrook family.
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Selectability is celebrating after their Ingham team was named a finalist in the Workplace �E��E�E���E��E Community Wellbeing category of the 2025 Queensland Mental Health Achievement Awards.
Essential programs such as the Ingham Clubhouse continued, giving recipients structure, connection and confidence during a time of uncertainty. The team also distributed close to 50 food and hygiene packs with the support of local businesses.
�E��E�E���E��ERecipients were very excited to receive supplies!�E��E�E���E��E the team shared, as their efforts extended well beyond immediate recovery, creating safe, inclusive spaces where recipients could stay engaged and supported.
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Ingham Meals on Wheels has been named the recipient of the prestigious Rhoda Cameron Award 2025, recognising the branch as the best in Queensland. The award honours Member Services that demonstrate the values of Rhoda Cameron, the founder of Meals on Wheels�E��E�E��E�E�� in Queensland.
Ms Phillips paid tribute to the branch�E��E�E���E��Es team, saying "ve a very special team, the Management Committee, Paid Staff and super-caring Volunteers who go above and beyond their call of duty for the vulnerable residents of this district."
"Ingham Meals on Wheels is for our Community and was built by the Community, and we appreciate very much the generosity given by everyone from this Community and also outside the Ingham District. The Herbert Valley Community is a place to be really proud to be part of."
Ingham Meals on Wheels is always looking for extra volunteers to help with delivering meals. If you can assist, please call the office and support this vital service.
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Ingham�E��E�E���E��Es brand-new electric vehicle charging station is already proving its worth, with one of its very first users, Bradley, a retired tradie turned traveller, sharing his excitement about the addition.
Mayor Ramon Jayo, who was on hand to mark the milestone, reflected on the journey to get the project completed, "We�E��E�E���E��Ere really pleased to see this finally in place, after three to four years in the making. One of the main challenges was finding a relatively flood-free and accessible site that met the company�E��E�E���E��Es requirements. It�E��E�E���E��Es very pleasing to see it up and running, because this (electric vehicles) is where people are heading.
With the charging station now live, Ingham is set to welcome more travellers, boost the local economy, and showcase the beauty of the district to a new wave of visitors. The charging station is located in the car park behind Ingham's Westpac bank, accessable via Hawkins or Euclid St.
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Singapore Airlines has ushered in a new era of comfort and connectivity for Far North Queensland with its upgraded Cairns�E��ESingapore service, operating four times weekly on the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900.
But the real game-changer lies in the connections. Flights are timed to integrate smoothly with Singapore Airlines�E��E extensive global network, unlocking effortless onward travel to the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Planning a getaway to Europe, the UK or beyond? Fly direct from Cairns with Singapore Airlines - and take advantage of their Early Bird Sales, available until 30 September 2025.
Did you know that the Cairns Airport is having a $55 million International Terminal Upgrade?
Cairns Airport is undergoing a $55 million transformation of its international terminal - the first major upgrade in over 30 years. The redevelopment, set for completion by the end of 2025, includes a refurbished terminal, including remodelled bathrooms, new seating, all-new baggage reclaim belts and four air-conditioned glass airbridges.
Guests departing from the international terminal can now also take advantage of a newly opened airport lounge experience. Operated by Escape Lounges, the stylish space offers premium facilities and complimentary dining in comfort.
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When people look back at the flying fox story in Ingham, they often remember the heatwaves. The flying foxes dropping from the trees, the overwhelming smell, and the struggles families faced living, schooling, and working with colonies that grew to hundreds of thousands.
But what�E��E�E���E��Es sometimes overlooked is the extraordinary science, strategy, and teamwork that turned things around. Back in 2019, our community was in crisis. Half a million flying foxes spilled out of the Botanical Gardens and into our parks and schoolyards. The usual tricks �E��E�E���E��E pots, pans, and pool noodles �E��E�E���E��E didn�E��E�E���E��Et make much of a difference, just sending the animals from one backyard to the next.
It was noisy, smoky, and relentless work �E��E�E���E��E more like mustering cattle than managing wildlife �E��E�E���E��E but it worked. And none of this would have been possible without the unsung heroes of the whole effort: our dedicated staff.
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With the cane harvest season now passed the halfway mark and the traditional southern state tourist season moving toward its latter weeks as the temperature starts to warm up, it is timely to reflect on how far our community has progressed since the impactful weather event in February this year.
The harvest figures to date have revealed a more positive trend, which has seen the current crop estimate increase throughout the district. The recent announcement by the Federal Government of a $1.1 billion biofuels program has created much excitement for the future of value-adding opportunities for the sugar industry.
Recorded local visitor numbers to date have seen very encouraging increases and positive upward trends, with hospitality and retail businesses reporting strong visitor spending in the district. The appointment of an experienced international hike operator to conduct tours on Hinchinbrook Island, planned to commence in the first half of 2026, is a long-awaited and exciting tourism opportunity for the Shire and region.
This year has also seen several additional new tourism products enter the local market, which has further increased visitor spending in the Shire. The development of products that support the visitor experience and showcase Hinchinbrook Shire to the world has been many years in the making, and it is exceptionally pleasing to now witness these new opportunities being delivered.
The launch on Friday by Townsville Enterprise of the largest-ever tourism marketing campaign for North Queensland will provide the opportunity for the Hinchinbrook Shire to be showcased on the state, national, and international stage, providing more opportunities for tourism growth in our Shire.
Despite the incredibly challenging start to 2025, which many residents continue to navigate, these positive developments in the sugar and tourism industries should provide confidence that some exciting opportunities are on the horizon.
Macknade Mill has completed its largest capital program in a decade, with a new high-grade fugal station already delivering positive results halfway through the 2025 sugar production season.
The $10.76 million project saw the installation of seven Silver Seibull 1250E fugals during the maintenance season, along with new supporting structures, civil works, services, and switch rooms.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Senior Project Engineer Joseph Bonassi said the project was about more than just new equipment.
�E��E�E���E��ELocal drainage and access systems were also improved as a portion of the scope of the project, with the aim of improving upon safety culture and factory performance,�E��E�E���E��E he said.
�E��E�E���E��EThe quality of work was outstanding, reflecting the care and pride our people put into every detail. This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and skill of our people,�E��E�E���E��E he said.
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The resilience, beauty, and spirit of rural Australia have been captured in the winning entries of Rural Aid�E��Es sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition.
�E��EThis year�E��Es photos are a moving tribute to life outside the city limits. They tell stories of perseverance, pride and connection,�E��E Mr Warlters said.
Since 2015, Rural Aid has provided vital support to farmers and rural communities, from hay and drinking water to mental health counselling and community-building initiatives. Now celebrating its 10th year, the charity continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with rural Australians, ensuring their stories �E��E and their resilience �E��E are never forgotten.
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Ingham State High School is delighted to announce that School Captain, Amayah Hague, has been awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Association�E��E�E���E��Es Secondary Schools�E��E�E���E��E Citizenship Award for 2025 �E��E�E���E��E a distinguished honour that recognises exemplary young Australians who demonstrate outstanding leadership, citizenship, and service to their communities.
The entire Ingham State High School community joins in congratulating Amayah on this extraordinary accomplishment. Her success stands as a proud reminder of the positive impact that young people can have �E��E�E���E��E and reflects the values and spirit that define Ingham State High School.
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Established in 1953 to serve the children of cane-farming families west of Ingham, Abergowrie State School has a long tradition of nurturing students in a caring, supportive environment. Over the decades, it has grown into a close-knit hub where families, staff, and students work together to create a positive and welcoming learning community.
Today, student wellbeing remains a priority at Abergowrie. From Early Childhood through to Year 6, teachers take the time to know each child, understand their learning needs, and provide tailored support to help them reach their goals. Classrooms are calm and focused, offering hands-on learning opportunities that build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while encouraging curiosity and creativity.
Alongside academic learning, students are supported to develop respect, resilience, and responsibility. Community involvement plays an important role, with families regularly invited to school events and celebrations that strengthen the connection between home and school. This partnership helps students see learning as a shared journey and builds pride in their achievements.
Abergowrie�E��Es personalised learning environment meets each student where they are, guiding them on a journey of growth that extends beyond curriculum outcomes. By addressing the whole child, the school prepares students to thrive as balanced, confident lifelong learners who contribute meaningfully to their communities.
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