Hello Hinchinbrook,

I hope everyone has had a fantastic week!

I come to you with a mix of emotions as I share some bittersweet news. This will be my final week with Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper as I transition back to the Whitsunday office, where I’ll be continuing my work as a journalist for our sister publication.

It has truly been an honour to be part of the team that brought print media back to this region, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together. It fills me with pride to know that the community has embraced what Hinchinbrook Life has brought to the area.

In my time here, I’ve witnessed my first natural disaster, contributed to a newspaper launch that brought the community together, and met so many incredible people from across the Hinchinbrook Shire.

None of this would have been possible without the amazing support of the broader Life Publishing Group team and many members of the local community.

I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mayor Ramon Jayo and the Hinchinbrook Shire Council for championing this paper for the people. It was actually Ramon who approached us with the idea of bringing print media back to the region, and that conversation sparked the creation of Hinchinbrook Life.

A huge thank you also goes to the local businesses and the community—you are the reason this paper is in your hands every week. We couldn’t do it without you.

Though this is my goodbye, Hinchinbrook Life is in great hands. For the past three months, Victoria has been training in the Whitsunday Life office, meeting the community, and preparing for this move up here. Victoria is eager to connect with all of you, and you can learn more about them on page 11.

This isn’t a full goodbye just yet—I’ll still be around until Thursday, so we may cross paths before I head off.

Thank you, Hinchinbrook, for the unforgettable experience.

Take care!

Before the advent of modern highways and air travel, North Queensland’s coastal waters teemed with small ships, serving as vital links between communities and transporting passengers and goods.

Up until 1881, a fleet of small vessels operated between Townsville and Cairns, with Dungeness serving as a vital port of call along the route.

Among the first steamers to service this passage were the Dugong and the Porpoise, pioneering transport along the rugged coastline. In 1881, a significant advancement came with the importation of a paddle steamer from England.

This vessel played a crucial role in ferrying passengers upstream from Dungeness, further enhancing connectivity in the region.

The legacy of these early steamers remains a fascinating chapter in the Hinchinbrook region’s rich maritime history.

The growing season rolls on, and the weather gods continue to throw curveballs to sugarcane growers.

After a relatively dry period following the February onslaught, the recent rain events may well cause a further downgrade in crop expectations.

The southern Wilmar crushing regions would appear to be a beneficiary of rain, however, the Burdekin and Herbert regions are looking for some sunshine to get the crop growing again.

With crop estimates released in early April, it is important for growers to cross-check that their GEI-nominated cane tonnes are aligned with their mill crush estimate.

The sugar market continues to find export support on price dips and scale-up trade selling on market rallies. This sideways trading pattern may well continue until the harvesters roll into the Brazilian crop in April.

In general, analysts are pulling back their forecast for Brazil as dry weather persists, and a delayed harvest will increase anxiety in the market as export stock levels are always low at this time of the year. The Indian harvest is nearing completion, with Wilmar estimates of 26.3M tonnes of sugar looking to be very close to final production.

The AUD continues to be bounced around by a gyrating USD reacting to the latest policy changes in the US. The risk of an escalated global trade war through reciprocal tariff hikes bodes poorly for the AUD. In addition, the recent Australian employment data suggests that the jobs market may be weakening, which could open the door for further rate cuts from the RBA. This should also keep the AUD under pressure.

In more positive news, we will be hosting information sessions ahead of the start of the 2025 crush to update growers on the sugar market and how marketing with Wilmar can benefit them.

Those attending will also get the opportunity to meet our new consultant, who will be taking over from Angus McKerrow in Plane Creek after his seven years of service to the region.

If you’re interested in attending an information session near you, please complete the registration form or contact your local consultant.

Hello residents of Hinchinbrook,

The past few weeks have been challenging, but we continue to show resilience. Additional assistance from Federal and State Government Disaster Grant Funding has now increased to Category D for primary producers, not-for-profits, and small businesses. With no insurance covering crop damage, the increase to $75,000 for eligible primary producers to repair farmland or replace lost stock is a welcome relief.

While Disaster Grants have helped individuals, many now turn to insurers for support in areas not covered. If you are making a claim for personal contents or residential building insurance, I hope you are receiving positive outcomes. We pay significantly higher premiums than our southern friends, so we expect fair support. If premium costs rise beyond reason, we will call on state and federal representatives to hold insurers accountable.

Business insurance presents its own challenges, including building, equipment, and stock loss claims. As Chair of the Economic Recovery Sub Group and a local Real Estate Agent, I see firsthand the struggles businesses face. We must support them in getting back on their feet.

Recently, I met an insurance advocate working with a local insurance broking company at a Chamber of Commerce recovery meeting. Their service has helped business owners navigate claims for positive outcomes, even without flood cover.

The company specialises in claims preparation and advocacy, liaising with insurers to manage claims and ensure well-supported submissions. Many businesses have cover for the fees under their insurance, allowing them to access expert advice at no cost.

For further information regarding the Insurance Advocates, contact the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce at admin@hinchinbrookchamber.com.au.

Take care, be kind, and stay safe.

I recently had the honour of officially opening Rabobank’s new premises at Shop 1, Homemakers, 57 Herbert Street Ingham.

The opening of the new premises clearly evidences Rabobank’s loyalty and commitment to our district.

Over the past few years, our district has unfortunately experienced a loss in banking services by the withdrawal of a number of institutions, but I can proudly say that such withdrawals were not occasioned through a lack of business or a lack of profitability that would reflect upon the fabric of our community, but rather was brought about by the fact that our community did not fit the business models of such institutions. Models that in the main proposed to do away with traditional face to face service and generally a decline in human interaction.

It is refreshing to see that there still remain corporations such as Rabobank that continue to value human interaction and provide that human touch for service delivery, as many of our community’s older demographic are accustomed to.

Thank you Rabobank for your dedication to our community and we are very glad to have you as part of our community.

On another note, Australia Post has informed Council that postal delivery arrangements at Taylors Beach are to change as of 1 April 2025.

Mail to existing PO boxes at Taylors Beach will cease to be delivered as of 31 March 2025. Residents will have the option of receiving mail by either street letter box, to be installed by residents on their respective property boundaries, or by acquiring a post box at either Halifax or Ingham post offices.

Residents will have a period of five weeks to install letter boxes, noting that such boxes have a minimum specification requirement imposed by Australia Post. Specifications may be obtained by visiting constituents @auspost.com.au. Please note that if you choose the letter box option, parcel deliveries will need to be collected from the Halifax Post Office.

I understand that residents have been provided information on changes proposed individually, but if further assistance is required, please contact Australia Post through the above address at your convenience.

Over 150 people attended the Dungeness Community Mural Painting Day on Sunday 30th March, hosted by Art by Lavinia.

The mural was painted on the amenities block at the Dungeness Harbour Boat Ramp and being a fishing location Lavinia said the theme was a river theme.

“This mural is more of a greeny colour, it shows the channel and the creek system and it celebrates the fish they have here. It’s good tell the story of the local area” she said.

The Lucinda Progress Association put on a free sausage sizzle and kept participants hydrated with free bottles of water.

By Amanda Wright

The 2025 Federal Budget was never just about dollars and cents—it was about the direction Australia takes in the years ahead. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest budget, delivered on 25 March, makes clear where the Albanese government believes that the future lies: in cost-of-living relief, housing, and a transition to a more sustainable economy. But with an election now set for 3 May, it’s impossible to ignore the political stakes. Is this a responsible economic plan or a budget designed to win votes?

Katter's Australian Party Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has issued a critical response to the 2025 Federal Budget, saying it has a lack of proactive infrastructure planning, onerous regulatory overreach, and an obvious lack of investment in agriculture and mining industries.

"The 2025 Budget reveals a government more focused on reactive policies rather than proactively addressing the needs of our nation," Mr Katter said.

"Our agriculture and mining sector is the backbone of our country's economic growth and prosperity. But it is clear that the country is nothing more than a quarrying nation. Its income comes from iron ore, coal, bauxite, and silicon – none are processed.

“We are giving our most vital resources to foreign landlords while shutting down our most lucrative industry: coal."

Carole Stanford, Greens Candidate for Kennedy had a different viewpoint to Mr Katter, saying, “The two big parties continue to pour away our money in the form of subsidies to the tune of $14.5 billion in 2023-2024 to largely foreign-owned companies to dig up our fossil fuels, export them, keep the bulk of the profits and worsen the climate crisis they choose to ignore to the detriment of our children.

“It is both bizarre and scandalous.”

Tax Cuts, Energy Rebates, And Election Shadows

A centrepiece of the budget is further personal income tax cuts, with the rate for incomes between $18,201 and $45,000 dropping from 16 per cent to 15 per cent in 2026, then to 14 per cent in 2027. That means up to $536 in additional tax relief per year, building on earlier reforms. While tax cuts were expected, the timeline—stretching beyond the next election—raises questions about whether the government is laying economic foundations or setting political traps for future governments.

Immediate relief is also a key theme. Energy bill support continues, with a $150 rebate for households and small businesses. Pharmaceutical costs will drop under the PBS, and HELP/HECS debts will shrink by 20 per cent. These are measures designed to help Australians struggling with rising costs, but critics argue they are band-aid solutions that don’t address the structural drivers of inflation.

Ms Stanford agreed with the opposition, saying, “Our young people are starting their work careers with a ridiculous debt burden while at the same time paying exorbitant rents and trying to support themselves.

“Twenty per cent isn’t enough but it is a start.

“The Greens are arguing for genuinely free public schooling - $800 per student to cover uniforms, excursions, school supplies - and extra funding for schools themselves.”

Housing remains a crisis point, and the budget throws billions at the problem. A two-year ban on foreign purchases of established homes is meant to ease competition, while modular and prefabricated housing get a funding boost to accelerate supply. The "Help to Buy" scheme expands, making home ownership more accessible—at least in theory. But with supply chain issues and soaring construction costs, it remains to be seen whether these policies will deliver real change or simply shift the goalposts.

Mr Katter also took issue with the government's approach to housing, calling for the removal of land restrictions in non-metropolitan areas to encourage growth and alleviate pressure on urban centres.

"Whilst this measure has been noted in repeated budgets, all housing development is still hamstrung by onerous regulatory oversight, making housing unaffordable and out of reach for everyday Australian families.”

As the Liberal National Party candidate for Kennedy, Annette Swaine said she was disappointed at the lack of long-term, transformational plans to stop businesses closing at record rates, to drastically improve telecommunications in the regions and get more people into housing.

“This was obviously a rushed Budget full of short-term sweeteners designed to win an election but which will bake in huge debt and even more spending,” she said.

“It’s hard to find one credible, impartial mainstream commentator who has praised this Budget, and rightly so. Australia, and especially regional Australia, can’t afford what Anthony Albanese is offering in another Labor Government.”

Ms Swaine also said there was little in the Budget to help the residents in Kennedy.

No commitment to build dams, no new funding for flood-proofing roads, nothing for regional GP shortages.

“The tax cuts will average about $5 a week for people, which is an insult considering the cost of everything has gone up so much in the past three years. Another electricity rebate is really just Labor giving us back our own money to help pay for higher power prices they created with their renewables-only energy policy.”

Ms Stanford added that neither of the two big parties are addressing major structural reform.

“Tax, for example, capital gains tax discounts and negative gearing on properties, effectively taxing the Australian billionaires who have been revealed by Oxfam to be making $67,000 an hour and the one in three big corporations that pay no tax.”

Spending For The Future, But At What Cost?

Beyond immediate relief, the budget signals a push towards future industries. Renewable energy and green manufacturing receive heavy investment, positioning Australia as a leader in sustainable production. Increased funding for Medicare will support bulk billing, keeping healthcare accessible.

On paper, these initiatives look like long-term plays for a more self-sufficient economy, but the opposition has painted them as distractions from Australia’s immediate productivity challenges.

"This is a budget for the next five weeks, not the next five years," Opposition Leader Peter Dutton fired back.

Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, agreed with the criticism, highlighting the shortfalls he sees in the renewables race.

"It’s short-term fixes that do not address the long-term problems the nation faces."

"$150 wiped from a family's power bill for the second half of this year" is a shortsighted vote grab," Mr Katter added.

"And a further $8 billion has been allocated for renewables and low-emission projects.

"However, these measures do not acknowledge that the most cost-effective and reliable power source is still from coal-fired power generation.

"We need real measures to reduce the cost of electricity, and investment and upgrade rather than the shutdown of our coal-fired power stations.

“To ensure that Australians can have continued access to cheap, reliable power, we cannot afford the extravagance of renewables," Mr Katter said.

Ms Stanford disagreed, saying, “Allocating more money for improving the quality of water flowing into the Great Barrier Reef is nice, but it is paltry when they do nothing to stop the cause of coral bleaching - increasing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, causing sea temperatures to rise.

“We must attack the root of the bleaching problem by stopping the mining and burning of fossil fuels.”

Mr Dutton’s critique zeroes in on what many see as Labor’s greatest vulnerability—economic management. The underlying cash deficit for 2024–25 is expected to hit $27.6 billion, and while net government debt remains between 21 per cent and 24 per cent of GDP, there is little in the way of broader tax reform or strategies to boost productivity.

The numbers suggest a mixed economic outlook. Real GDP growth is forecast to increase to 2.75 per cent, while unemployment steadies at 4.25 per cent. Infrastructure remains a priority, with $1.8 billion allocated for road and rail over the next four years, as part of a $17 billion decade-long transport program. But with inflation still an issue and global uncertainty weighing heavily, voters will need to decide whether this budget provides genuine stability or temporary relief.

In response to the 2025 Budget, Mr Katter said he was once again left with little faith the country would return to its nation-building potential in any foreseeable future.

“The Budget is a mix of band-aid and tokenistic solutions that will do little to generate the real wealth that our nation needs,” he said.

"It is clearly an anti-development anti-jobs agenda, with no mines and no agricultural consideration, whatsoever.

"This budget is full of metro lollipops and its only outcome is decay."

Ms Swaine said that a Peter Dutton-led Coalition Government has regional development as one of its core aims.

“We will legislate to make the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility permanent, we will build better transport infrastructure to get cattle and minerals to market and help people move around, we will cut spending, reduce taxes, make it easier to do business and we will deliver a sensible energy mix including nuclear,” she said.

“The only way to change Kennedy’s future is to change the government and change the way we’ve done things for the past 32 years in opposition.”

Just three days after handing down the budget, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese fired the starting gun on an election campaign that will now be fought over its details. This is not just a spending plan—it’s a political blueprint.

The question is whether Australians believe it charts the right course or merely smooths the road to polling day.

*Efforts were made to contact the Labor candidate for Kennedy, however this publication did not receive a response prior to print.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is reminding North Queenslanders to take simple precautions after the recent flooding event to help stop the spread of weeds and pest animals.

Councillor Kate Milton, Chair of the Environment Sub Group said, “locals and travellers alike should heed warnings about the possible spread of biosecurity matters including dirt, plants and building materials.

"Weed seeds can be spread easily, but so can invasive pests such as Yellow Crazy Ants," she said.

“The floods were a devastating natural disaster, but if we are not careful, we might be faced with a natural disaster of a different kind – an increase and spread of weed infestations and the introduction of new pests,” Cr Milton advised.

Yellow Crazy Ants have already caused significant problems in Townsville and Cairns. These highly invasive ants form massive colonies and pose a serious threat to local wildlife, as they spray formic acid that can blind and kill small animals. They have been known to eliminate insect and bird populations in affected areas.

Council is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of unusual-looking ants. Yellow Crazy Ants can be transported through building materials, soil, and potted plants.

There are also a number of invasive weeds, including Gamba grass, Siam weed, and Navua sedge. Cr Kate Milton said people need to be aware of them.

Gamba grass has taken hold in several pockets of the Tablelands Regional Council area, and it is a significant concern due to its rapid spread and high flammability. This invasive species has now become an environmental hazard, increasing the risk of large-scale fires. It is already well-established in the Northern Territory, with its presence growing in Far North Queensland.

Another weed is Siam weed, which is spreading through the Herbert River area. Known for its aggressive growth, Siam weed can quickly overtake landscapes if not controlled promptly. While landowners have been managing it near their properties, the recent increase in river activity has raised concerns about its further spread downstream. Experts warn that if left unchecked, Siam weed could become a widespread issue, choking native vegetation and disrupting local ecosystems.

Nauva sedge is another persistent problem, particularly for cattle producers. This highly invasive weed is notorious for its resilience and rapid spread, making it a nightmare for farmers. Once established, it can be challenging to eradicate and can severely impact pasture quality and agricultural productivity.

Council acknowledges that everyone is busy with the clean-up. Still, it is also essential that all landholders remain vigilant for any new infestations that might take hold due to the floods and take action early if they see anything new on recently disturbed parts of their properties.

If you need assistance identifying pest weeds or further information regarding control measures, please call the Council’s Natural Assets team on 07 4776 4607.

Taylors Beach, a hidden coastal gem 18 km east of Ingham, offers a serene retreat along the Coral Sea. Nestled at the estuary of Victoria Creek, this tranquil destination boasts pristine sandy shores and exceptional fishing and boating opportunities.

Originally named Cassady after former Townsville Mayor Francis Cassady serving in 1894, 1901 and 1905, the town was officially renamed Taylors Beach October 1969.

Today, it remains a favourite among anglers, thanks to its well-equipped two-lane boat ramp, which provides easy access to both the sheltered waters of Victoria Creek and the open sea.  Whether casting a line, setting out on a boating adventure, or simply soaking in the coastal charm, visitors are sure to find a perfect escape in this picturesque seaside retreat.

In response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred and North Queensland Flood Event, a special RACQ Foundation grant round of $500,000 has been opened. With up to $25,000 available to individual projects, RACQ Foundation encourages eligible organisations to apply.

RACQ Foundation Community Grants Program was established in 2011 to help Queensland communities impacted by natural disasters. Since then, we have distributed more than $15m to over 500 recipients across the state.

Applicants can apply for up to $25,000 for each project, or up to $50,000 in extreme circumstances. Projects must relate specifically to Tropical Cyclone Alfred or the North Queensland Floods to assist with recovery efforts.

Who can apply for the grant

1. Queensland community groups and organisations (sporting clubs, historical and show societies, men’s sheds etc)
2. Charities that help Queenslanders
3. First Nations councils

Type Of Recovery-Based Projects Considered
•Equipment
Projects related to personal protective equipment (PPE), compliance, equipment for the organisation’s use and/or sporting equipment. Excluding technology.

•Capital works
Projects requesting funding for updates to infrastructure, renovations and other types of building work. Mitigation/resilience components to protect from future events must be incorporated.

•Technology
Includes projects related to digital services, technology equipment (such as replacement of hardware and software) and connectivity.

•Human Services
Projects related to mental health, wellbeing, and domestic violence.

How To apply
Applying online for the Grant is easy; applicants can save and return to the form at their convenience. Our website has all the information you’ll need to compile and submit your application.

If you have any queries regarding the special grant round, or if you are having trouble filling out the form, please email racqfoundation@racq.com.au or call 07 3872 8603.

Community sentiment remains strained as the region faced another round of torrential rain towards the end of last week. Localised heavy rainfall hit quickly, with up to 450mm recorded within a 24-hour period. In addition, the Halifax Bridge level rose to 5.36 metres—eerily close to the peak record of 5.6 metres set during the devastating January floods.

Despite this recent deluge, Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Master Flood Recovery Group Process, Mary Brown, encourages residents to remember that "waves" of heavy rain are common at this time of year. She reassured the community that the recent flooding receded quickly and, to the best of their knowledge, "no houses were impacted."

Saturated Ground Increases Flood Susceptibility

Although this recent rain event is considered "minor," the community remains on high alert, with flood levels recorded close to the peak of January’s devastating floods on the Halifax Bridge gauge.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council reminds residents that the ground is still heavily saturated from January’s floods, with the water table remaining high. As a result, any additional heavy rainfall is likely to lead to flooding more quickly than usual.

However, these areas are also expected to recede faster than in previous events.

Last week, more than 450mm of rain was recorded in just 24 hours.

Deputy Mayor Mary Brown noted that the rainfall was concentrated in "a very, very short period of time, very localised, but it moved quickly."

“The recent rain event affected the Ingham CBD and surrounding areas, but the water also drained away quickly,” she explained.

“The Lower Herbert was also impacted, particularly areas like Halifax, Lucinda, Macknade, and Taylors Beach, which are at the end of the river system.”

In addition to the local flooding, the Bruce Highway was again cut off for a period last Thursday.

Mary Brown shared that trucks were briefly allowed to pass Wednesday evening before the road was closed again overnight and did not reopen until Friday morning.

The Seymour River Bridge remains the main issue, having historically caused frequent road closures, and this latest event was no exception.

Currently, no flood resistance measures are in place for this area.

The Gairloch Washaway is another known issue on the Bruce Highway, with flood mitigation works currently underway to address this problem.

So far this year, the Bruce Highway has been closed for more than 16 days, severely disrupting traffic flow through the region.

“It is potentially not over yet; this is an exceptionally wet 'wet season,' and we often get it in waves. So, while it’s not uncommon, it’s important to stay alert and prepared,” explained Deputy Mayor Mary Brown.

Since January’s extreme flooding, Mary Brown has worked closely with other Hinchinbrook Shire Councillors to coordinate the recovery process and compile data that will inform future responses to similar events.

Councillors have identified short, medium, and long-term actions that will form the basis of the region’s recovery plan.

These actions include ensuring flood-damaged items are removed from properties within two weeks, and providing quick access to emergency grants to help the community recover faster.

Both of these initiatives proved successful during the January floods and have been prioritised for future events.

While the community continues to recover, Council urges residents to stay vigilant but not alarmed, reassuring them that the Council is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively if needed.

The Hinchinbrook Sustainable Pasture Group is holding a Hinchinbrook Grazing Connect Workshop next weekend, 4th – 5th April, at the Long Pocket CWA Hall to discuss ways to improve animal and pasture management, highlight new technologies and R and D in the grazing industry.

The workshop is free of charge, and open to all, including graziers north of Townsville to Tully.

Councillor and Hinchinbrook Sustainable Pasture Group Chairperson, Kate Milton, said she is looking forward to the event and is excited to learn about the five main issues that will be discussed. We have some excellent presenters and sponsors over the two-day event that are keen to work with local Graziers to give them the tools to improve the management and profitability of their properties.

• Animal nutrition and genetics
• Pasture management
• Weed management
• Biosecurity issues
• Working through Government policy

Cr Milton said that this type of workshop is something that has been missing for the grazing industry in Hinchinbrook for quite a while.

“This is the first workshop that we've had in Ingham for a long time, so we have been a bit lacking in information for graziers in Hinchinbrook,” Cr Milton said.

“It all started with Lawrence Di Bella from Tropical Agricultural Services, Peter Spies from Pinnacle Pocket Cattle and Consulting and myself having a conversation about moving the industry forward in the Wet Tropics. Together we applied for a DAF (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) grant to help bring information to local graziers in the region.

“We are hoping that the workshop will bring like minded Graziers together to form their own beef producers’ group that can work together to assist in aiding their management practices. Its really about getting people together to learn from their experiences.”

What: Grazing Connect Workshop
Where: Long Pocket CWA Hall
When: 4th – 5th April
RSVP: Friday 28th March, email ldibellatas@gmail.com or contact Kate Milton on 0428 180 412

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Pests can be an annoyance all year round but after floods they can be particularly infuriating. Michael Slater and his business, The Pest Control Guy, are here in the Hinchinbrook region to help. They have identified the most common pests they have been treating following the floods are cockroaches, ants, and termites.

Cockroaches
These notoriously resilient pests can infest your home at any time of a flood. They can hold their breath in water for 15 minutes, which is plenty of time to swim from house to house. They will crawl through the smallest of gaps, and when your home is nice and wet, they will start several nests where you may never notice. Roaches tend to be noticed long after the floods have gone and their invasion can come as a surprise due to their quiet nature, only becoming noticeable when it's far too late.

Ants and Termites
Ants are often the first pest you'll notice inside your home when the rains start. These small insects have an uncanny knowledge of when dangerous weather systems are forming and will move their whole colony to safer ground.
If your property is elevated, they may establish a new colony outside in a safe space like a covered carport, open shed or garden. Still, they're not picky for places to stay and will likely enter your home searching for food and protection from the flood rains.

Termites can survive through floods in their vast underground systems. If that safety is ever compromised, they will travel similarly to ants to find higher ground or direct shelter. Termites are also a huge risk after floods when the wood and organic materials in your home are waterlogged. This makes them more digestible and easier for termites to chew through. Floods can wash away your existing termite barrier, so act swiftly to reapply it before infestation starts.

Michael The Pest Control Guy is a local and loves to help fellow locals, if you have any pests give him a call!

Contributed with thanks to The Pest Control Guy

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Do you have pests? Give The Pest Control Guy a call. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Gilroy Santa Maria College is committed to providing a seamless and enriching transition experience for students considering enrolment in Year 7. The College has designed a comprehensive program to help prospective students and their families explore the school’s vibrant learning environment, modern facilities, and strong pastoral support.

Year 7 Expo – Friday, 16 May
The first event of the transition program is the Year 7 Expo, which will commence at 7:30am. Families and potential Year 7 students will begin the morning with a delicious breakfast, followed by engaging interactive displays at the Santa Maria Centre (SMC). These displays, hosted by faculty members, will showcase various subjects including Science, English, Mathematics, Arts and more.

Students will receive an enrolment pack and a special ‘passport’ to complete by visiting different activity stations. Completed passports will be entered into a draw to win a Bluetooth speaker.

At 8:30am, Acting Principal Melissa Carr and the Senior Leadership Team will present an information session outlining the College’s strengths, including its commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and state-of-the-art facilities. Following this, guided tours led by Year 12 students will provide families with firsthand insight into the school environment. Prospective students will then participate in interactive sessions across key areas such as hospitality, the trade training centre, and STEM facilities, allowing them to experience college life in a dynamic and engaging way.

Transition Days – A Pathway to Success
Following the Year 7 Expo, the College’s three Year 7 Transition Days, are designed to help students build confidence and familiarity with their future school community. These sessions enable students to interact with their peers and teachers, ensuring they feel welcome and prepared well before the formal Orientation Day at the end of the year.

The Year 7 Transition Days will take place from 8:30am to 11:30am on the following dates:
• Friday, 20 June
• Friday, 25 July
• Friday, 15 August

Orientation Day – Tuesday, 2 December
The transition program will culminate in a full-day Orientation on Tuesday, 2 December, where incoming Year 7 students will participate in a structured program designed to familiarise them with their new school environment, peers, and teachers.

For more information on Gilroy Santa Maria College’s Year 7 Expo and Transition Days, please refer to the College website or official flyers. This is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and their families to experience all that Gilroy has to offer and take the first step towards an exciting secondary school journey.

Beaumont Tiles, in Ingham has been a cornerstone of the local building and renovation industry, providing expert advice, quality products, and unwavering community support. Owned and operated by Helen and Eric Shoubridge, this family business is more than just a tile and bathroomware supplier, it is a trusted resource for homeowners and builders alike.

The store serves for both residential and commercial customers, providing tiles floors, walls, kitchens, and bathrooms and assisting in designing and creating beautiful bathrooms and laundries with our fixtures and fittings.  Beaumonts Exclusive Complete Bathroom Packages make creating beautiful bathrooms a breeze.  If you want to visualise perhaps your main floor make-over with our stunning tiles, our BeVisual Live Visualiser is the perfect tool.

Helen emphasises that tiles are more than just a functional, they are in fact amongst the most durable and hardwearing flooring product available.  The beauty of these pieces truly bring the WOW factor into a space.  New technologies in tile production has seen the development of natural looking stone, marble and wood tiles.  They have all the durability of porcelain without the hard work and maintenance and upkeep.

"We are thrilled that our range has everything from the on trend 100x 100 tiles, to subways and even large format beauties that are 1m x 3m," she said.

A significant part of their work involves collaborating with homeowners, contractors, and insurance companies to ensure seamless renovations.

People go into Beaumont Tiles with plans, and they can recommend tiles and bathroomware to work within different price ranges, all whilst finding what the customer had envisioned.

Helen and Eric moved to the district in 2004 to become motel owners and operators, and the experience they have gained since living in the region has allowed them to prepare for future disasters.

They have faced significant flooding and cyclone events whilst living in Ingham, and they quickly learnt the importance of quality materials and expert advice. This understanding led them to join Beaumont Tiles, a company known for its extensive range and reliable supply chain.

“We’ve been through these challenges ourselves,” Helen explained.

“Every flood has taught us something valuable, and that knowledge allows us to guide our customers on how to make the best choices for their homes and businesses.”

The recent floods brought unexpected challenges, with the store’s warehouse experiencing flooding for the first time. Despite taking precautions by storing materials on pallets, some stock was damaged. However, due to Beaumont Tiles being Australia wide with locations throughout the country, they were able to work successfully to fulfil orders.

Helen said that Beaumont Tiles were and continue to be incredibly supportive, assisting in the recovery process, and ensuring that supply remains consistent despite logistical difficulties.

Community support remains at the heart of Helen and Eric’s business philosophy.

“One of the reasons we chose to stay in Ingham was the incredible community spirit,” Helen said.

“When we first moved here, people would come by and ask if we needed help after a flood.”

Helen continues to give thanks for all the support shown to her in the early years by actively volunteering with Life Long Supports and The Abergowrie Long Pocket QCWA.

While Beaumont Tiles does not handle installations directly, Eric and Helen provide customers with names of local businesses and assist customers in working through current building challenges in the area.

As design trends evolve, the store ensures that customers have access to the latest styles and materials.

“Beaumonts designers travel the world and are amongst the best in the country in tile and bathroomware design selections, therefore you’ll see our range always has what’s new alongside the classics everyone loves,” said Helen.

“It’s quite exciting to collaborate with people to make their flooring, bathrooms, kitchens and laundries satisfying.”

Helen and Eric’s commitment to the community, combined with their deep industry knowledge has made Beaumont Tiles in Ingham an invaluable resource for homeowners and businesses alike.