A Busy Month for Chamber and Business

As May passes and Queensland Small Business Month comes to a close, the Chamber is very pleased to have been involved in a number of events and workshops throughout the month, which has been full of connection, advocacy, and community.

The additional, newly announced business grants over this past month have been welcomed. In addition, having representatives from the Department of Housing and Small and Family Business, Rural Financial Counselling Services, QRIDA, and the Wellness Coach visit the Hinchinbrook Information and Referral Centre ensures ongoing support for the community post-floods. These recent workshops and sessions have been well attended, and the attendees have expressed their appreciation for the additional information and assistance provided.

May also saw the return of the hugely anticipated “Markets at the Mosaic,” which enjoyed very strong attendance and support from stallholders and local retailers. The CBD was alive with activity and people. A survey conducted on the day showed that 35% of attendees had travelled to the district from outside the Shire and were keen to enjoy the visitor experience.

The Chamber was also proud to support the inaugural Link 2 Country event, which incorporated the “Find Your Futures in Hinchinbrook” and “NQ Makers Collective” Market Day. Local jobs currently available were showcased on the “Chamber Employment Wall,” with over 30 current vacancies on display, attracting consistent interest from the crowd over the two-day event.

The Hinchinbrook Chamber would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the organisers of the inaugural Link2Country Expo.

To wrap up Queensland Small Business Month, the Chamber celebrated with the Hinchinbrook Vibes Industry Brunch. This sell-out event hosted local business owners and employees, who enjoyed a relaxed morning of great company, coffee, and conversation. Guest speaker and content creator Jacqui Gage from GROW Social Co. took the audience into the world of social media and “Making it make sense!” Special VIP guest Queensland Premier David Crisafulli surprised the room with his arrival and was generous with his time and attention as he made his way around the room. The Premier listened attentively to the shared experiences and confirmed his government’s ongoing support for this community. Many in attendance expressed their heartfelt appreciation and acknowledgment that they are not being forgotten and that all is being done to support the Hinchinbrook community as it progresses through the recovery journey.

Council, in cooperation with the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Department of Resources, intends to conduct an aerial shoot to control feral pigs.

The areas covered during this program will include parcels of land that are under the management of participating organisations and landholders between and adjacent to Forrest Beach to the North, and Crystal Creek to the South.

Weather permitting, this program will take place on Monday 2 June and Tuesday 3 June 2025 between the hours of 5.00am and 7.00pm each day.

To ensure the safety of the public while this program is being conducted, access to the National Parks Estate, Bronte Road and the Halifax Bay Wetlands will be closed during these times. Access to the huts on Bronte Road will be permitted outside of the planned control times.

For further information or clarification concerning this matter, please contact Council’s Biosecurity Team on 07 4776 4088.

Tour de Cure Rides Into Ingham

From Airlie Beach to Port Douglas, 170 riders and support crew will travel more than 1,000 kilometres across some of North Queensland’s most scenic and lesser-travelled roads. Tour de Cure is heading north and they stopped by in Hinchinbrook for their Day 4-5 leg yesterday. Many came out to cheer the cyclists as they rode into the TYTO Parklands on Monday afternoon, meeting the heroes doing this great trek for a cure. Holding signs and with big smiles, Ingham locals got to wave them 'good luck!' as they departed from Borello Park Tuesday morning.

Tour de Cure Rolls Through Hinchinbrook
Pedals, Passion, and Purpose

For the participants this isn’t just a ride, it’s a powerful movement to help cure cancer. Tour de Cure is a cancer-agnostic organisation, meaning funds raised support a wide range of cancer research, support services, and prevention projects. The fundraising goal for Signature Tour 2025 is $2 million, and with $1,567,806  raised, they are so close to that goal.

Mark Beretta, Tour de Cure Board Member & Ambassadors, and Sports Presenter on Channel 7’s Sunrise commented that he was “Super excited to be experiencing this part of the world again on the bike! It’s just magic and we love the different landscapes and scenery, but best of all it’s the people that make it great!"

"They’re different up here – a bit more relaxed and friendly. And whether we’re on the bike or off it, they’re super generous and great to have a yarn with. The hospitality and the patience on the road are always great here and we are very grateful for the chance to enjoy this incredible part of the world and the finish in Port Douglas will be spectacular – and then we get to relax and really put our feet up!"

If you would like to cheer the cyclist along their route, see the tour information below. If you would like to donate, you can do so online: signaturetour.tourdecure.com.au/donate

Day 5 - Ingham to Mission Beach
Tuesday, 03 June 2025. 'Journey' 140km (bus uplift to finish) 'Classic/Challenge' 167km, 717m elevation. Borello Park, Ingham – Cardwell Park, Cardwell – Tully Showground, Tully – Club Wyndham, Mission Beach.

Day 6 - Mission Beach to Cairns
Wednesday, 04 June 2025. 'Journey' 130km (bus uplift to finish) 'Classic' 164km, 959m elevation. 'Challenge' 187km, 2,036m elevation. Club Wyndham, Mission Beach – Paronella Park, Mena Creek – Smithy Holmes Park, Aloomba – Malanda Oval, Malanda – Northern Event Lawn, Cairns.

Day 7 - Cairns to Atherton
Thursday, 05 June 2025. 97km, 1,429m elevation. Lexus, Cairns – Atherton Showgrounds, Atherton.

Day 8 - Atherton to Port Douglas
Friday, 06 June 2025. 137km, 636m elevation. Halloran’s Hill, Atherton – Mount Molloy – Mossman Park – Port Douglas Surf Club, Port Douglas.

signaturetour.tourdecure.com.au/donate

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As the fields of Hinchinbrook prepare for another busy crushing season, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the remarkable engine that drives our region forward - our farmers, contractors, mill workers, and the local businesses that stand beside them, rain or shine.

At Honeycombes Sales and Service Ingham, we are proud to be part of that engine. As Hinchinbrook’s local John Deere dealer, we serve not just as a supplier of world-class products and machinery, but as a committed partner to the people and enterprises that make this community thrive and prosper. Whether it's a family farm nurturing the next generation, a school maintaining its grounds for the students, a council caring for public spaces, or a large-scale cane operation, we’re here to support the hard work happening all across our region every single day.

From ride-on mowers to tractors, all the way through to high-powered cane harvesters, our range of John Deere equipment is backed by deep product knowledge, decades of experience, and a team that lives and works right here in the district. These machines are built to meet the varied needs of all – the small property owners through to large scale agricultural businesses, ensuring there’s a John Deere for every job. We understand the demands of the land, because we’ve walked it ourselves.

More than just a dealership, Honeycombes Ingham is a hub for reliable advice, expert service, and genuine parts. Our sales, parts and service teams are specialists in their field, offering local support and a strong commitment to keeping your machinery performing at its best. When a piece of equipment breaks down mid-season, it’s not just an inconvenience; it’s time, money, and momentum lost. That’s why our parts and service teams are dedicated to getting our customers back up and running with minimal delay and maximum care.

As the season ramps up, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank and salute the growers, contractors, and mill workers whose long hours and hard work power the Hinchinbrook region. We wish you a safe, successful, and prosperous season and remind you that we’re here, as always, to support you every step of the way.

For local expertise, genuine John Deere solutions, and a team that knows what matters most, visit Honeycombes Sales and Service Ingham at 5 Herbert Street or call us on (07) 4776 7600.

Let’s keep Hinchinbrook moving, together.

At The Forrest Beach Takeaway

At Forrest Beach Takeaway, we believe food should be made with love, care and the freshest ingredients. Every meal is cooked to order and full of love by local chef Dayu.

From Monday to Thursday each week, our chef’s nightly specials are the highlight of the menu, showcasing a rotating selection of classic Aussie pub favourites, cherished family recipes, and authentic Balinese and Asian flavours — all served alongside our regular fish and chip and burger takeaway menu.

We make everything in-house using fresh ingredients, including our curry pastes, sauces, crumbed chicken and steak, burger patties and pasta sauces. This homemade approach is what sets us apart and keeps our customers coming back for more.

Friday is Pizza Night, featuring stone baked bases topped with our homemade sauces and a generous topping of fresh ingredients. The pizza menu changes weekly, offering new flavours and crowd-pleasers each time.

On weekends, we offer a range of hearty meal specials to complement our regular menu. Saturdays and Sundays are all about comfort food, with all-day options including crumbed steak, crumbed chicken, lasagne, or fish — each served with chips and salad. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a relaxed and satisfying weekend.

If you're planning ahead, our freezer is stocked with homemade lasagne, frozen ravioli, tortellini, gnocchi, pizza and other meals. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner when you're short on time.

Sweet tooths are well looked after too! Our display fridge is full of traditional favourites such as lamingtons, peach blossoms, cream horns and caramel marshmallow slice. Our handmade biscuits are a hit as well, from Amarettini Italian and Nana’s Old-Fashioned Jam Drops to our best-selling Nutella Choc Chip and Ginger n' Molasses biscuits.

We also create gift bags and boxes for special occasions including Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for our daily and weekly specials and seasonal treats. There’s always something new and tasty waiting for you at the Forrest Beach Takeaway.

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Sip, Shop & Smell the Roses

In the heart of Ingham, Fiori With Love is more than a florist. It’s a warm and welcoming hub where the scent of fresh flowers meets the aroma of locally roasted Colombian coffee. This unique fusion of café and florist creates an atmosphere that’s hard to match, offering visitors the perfect blend of comfort and beauty.

Whether you’re dropping in for an all-day breakfast made with fresh, organic ingredients or taking your meal to go, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The menu offers a thoughtful selection of house-made cakes, sweet and savoury treats, along with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Pair it with a perfectly brewed Colombian coffee or a specialty tea sourced from around the world, and you’re set for a delicious start to your day or a snack for in-between.

What truly sets Fiori With Love apart, however, is its ability to combine all the things we love: good food, fresh flowers, and thoughtful gifting. Their shelves are constantly updated with new and unique homewares, gifts and decorative pieces, giving every visit a sense of delightful discovery. From freshly baked cakes to seasonal tableware, there’s always something special to take home or share with loved ones.

Florals remain at the heart of the business, with delivery options available across the Hinchinbrook district and as far as Townsville.

Need flowers sent further afield? No problem as Fiori With Love can organise delivery Australia-wide, making it a reliable choice for life’s big moments, near or far.

After years of building something truly special, the current owners are looking for someone to carry the torch. If you’ve dreamed of running a vibrant, creative business rooted in community and quality, this could be your perfect opportunity.

Interested? Reach out to Louise at 0407 166 186 or email louise@fioriwithlove.com.au and step into something beautiful.

On Monday 26 May, the Queensland Ambulance Service marked a remarkable milestone – 100 years of dedicated service from the Ingham Ambulance Station. The centenary celebration brought together past and present paramedics, volunteers, and community members to honour the station’s enduring legacy in the Hinchinbrook region.

The day was a heartfelt reminder of how deeply the Ingham Ambulance Service is woven into the lives of locals. From childhood memories of bandaged knees and getting their ears peirced, to life-saving responses in times of crisis, the service has always stood ready with compassion and care.

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto MP shared his thanks:

“Congratulations Ingham Ambulance Station on your 100 year celebration. On behalf of the Hinchinbrook electorate, I would like to say a sincere thank you to all past and present staff and officers for your service and dedication to our community.”

"A special thanks to those who worked so hard to organise the event. Your efforts ensured the station’s rich history was properly recognised and celebrated."

Happy 100th Birthday, Ingham Ambulance Station and thank you for a century of outstanding service. Here's to the next 100 years of care, courage, and community.

The Herbert River Show Association has once again opened the gates to opportunity and celebration, as it announces the search for its 2025 Showgirl and Rural Ambassador. This cherished tradition not only highlights the vibrancy and talent within the local community but also honours the region’s deep connection to rural life and community values.

The role of Showgirl is open to women aged 18 to 28, regardless of marital status. It’s a title that represents elegance, confidence, and a deep appreciation for regional Queensland. Beyond the sashes and smiles, Showgirls are ambassadors for agricultural shows, promoting the importance of rural industries and helping preserve the cultural heart of country towns.

Equally important is the position of Rural Ambassador, open to both men and women aged 20 to 30. These individuals champion the growth and sustainability of rural communities and act as role models for younger generations. Whether married or unmarried, applicants are encouraged to bring their passion for regional development, leadership, and community involvement forewards.

Amanda Way is coordinating expressions of interest and can be contacted at a.way@bigpond.com.

In a time where rural communities continue to face challenges, recognising and celebrating the people who carry these towns forward is more important than ever. The 2025 Showgirl and Rural Ambassador will not only represent the Herbert River region but will embody the strength and resilience of country Queensland.

The Herbert River Jockey Club’s annual race meetings are fast approaching and with little more than 5 weeks to go until our first major Racing Event for 2025, preparations are well and truly underway for the JULY 12 INGHAM GOLD CUP. Everyone in the Ingham district experienced an extreme start to the year, and with the Jockey Club grounds having also being adversely affected by the widespread flooding, the hunt for local community support has never been more important!

Our annual Race Days are two of the most popular events Ingham has to offer on the social calendar, and this year we are promoting them as an opportunity to bring the community together in the wake of such devastation.

We’ve heard the terms “resilient”, “community” and “spirit” repeated over and over. Now is a perfect time to come together as a community, to show our spirit, and support our local Racing Events. The perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and put the worries of the world aside for a day.

We’d like to acknowledge Sponsors so far who are graciously supporting our 2025 events.

Race Day Sponsors:
Ingham Shire Council, Stokes & Company, Cellarbrations, NQIB Insurance Brokers, Ingham Mazda, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, W&T Garden Bails & Treeloping, Hinchinbrook Electorate Office, Ingham Agencies, MobbsMarr Legal, Frosty Mango, Beauty on Lannercost and Snippers Boutique for Hair.

We’d also like to thank the other local, Townsville and away businesses that have kindly supported us through donations.

No donation is too big, or too small, and we’ve got some amazing Sponsorship Packages available that will give you free entry tickets, free track-side tables, as well as extensive business exposure on social media, the Jockey Club Website, the official Ingham Gold Cup Race Day Poster, as well as in our Race Day booklets.

If your business would like to jump on board with Sponsorship, please contact Herbert River Jockey Club Secretary Christina Spencer on 0407 569 550 or email herbertriverjockeyclub@gmail.com

WHAT: Ingham Gold Cup
WHEN: July 12

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Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire! I have some amazing news to share with you all today as I received my first award in journalism!

On 11 February 2025, I contributed an editorial for Hinchinbrook Life's Flood Edition, documenting my family's struggles as they were, like the title said, marooned in Macknade. I entered this story into the QCPA Media Excellence Awards in March, and last weekend I received Bronze as Queensland Country Press Young Journalist of the Year!

Journalism is such a fast-moving world that I have only just begun to dip my toe into. Since taking on the reins of Hinchinbrook Life in April, I’m truly happy that it was this particular story of local struggle and family dedication that won me my first award. I endeavour to make every editorial I write a reflection of the people and services that make up this beautiful region and to continue improving and pushing forward.

Thank you, Hinchinbrook Shire, and the whole team across the Life Publishing network for giving me this opportunity. I’m incredibly happy with the recognition of my work and thank you all again for your support as your local journo!

Victoria

Fun Fact: In the UK, fish and chips were traditionally wrapped in old newspapers, giving the meal a unique newspaper ink flavour. This practice ended for health reasons, but it is still nostalgically remembered. Locally, Forrest Beach Takeaway mimics this tradition with fake 'newspaper' wrappings — which is a delight to see.

Halifax welcomed the first market of the year with a vibrant atmosphere and a strong sense of community spirit. Locals and visitors alike packed into the park to enjoy the sunny Saturday morning filled with soulful live music that set a relaxed and joyful tone for the marketgoers.

Stalls lined the area with a colourful mix of offerings. Plant lovers explored a beautiful selection of greenery, while others sampled fresh, marinated olives packed with flavour. Book enthusiasts discovered hidden gems at the bookstall, and curious minds were drawn to quirky 3D-printed creations, sparking interest in the blend of creativity and technology.

Face painting brought smiles and sparkles to young faces and overall, it was a day that celebrated the charm of local enterprise and the joy of coming together as a community. With its friendly vendors and buzzing atmosphere, Halifax's first market of the year proved to be a heart-warming success and a promising start to the season ahead. Locals are already looking forward to the next one.

The Agile Wallaby (Macropus agilis) is a frequent visitor to TYTO Parklands and Wetlands, especially during early mornings and late evenings. These shy marsupials graze on succulent grasses and are often seen in small groups of up to 10, but at TYTO, it's not uncommon to spot larger mobs, complete with joeys at foot.

With permanent water and ample open grassy areas, Agile Wallabies are able to breed year-round. If you stroll quietly through the parklands or wetlands, you might be rewarded with a special sight, and even better, a perfect photographic moment.

So next time you're at TYTO, keep your eyes peeled, you never know when one might hop into view!

Talented young tennis players, Riley Carr and Miles Dahlstrom, proudly represented Ingham Tennis Association at the 2025 North Region Junior Development Series – Gold Pan Teams event, held in Charters Towers over the weekend of May 31st and June 1st. This event brought together junior players from across the northern region to compete in doubles and singles matches in mixed-club teams.

Riley captained his Division 1 team with confidence and determination, leading them through a series of hard-fought matches to finish as runners-up. His leadership, both on and off the court, earned recognition and respect from coaches and peers.

Miles played an important role in Division 2, competing as the number 3 player for his team. Demonstrating consistency and strong team spirit, Miles helped his side secure the division title, emerging as overall winners in their category. Both players showed impressive sportsmanship and skill, and their performances have made the local tennis community proud.

To inspire and support the next generation of players, free junior coaching sessions, sponsored by Powerlink Queensland, will be held at the Ingham Tennis Courts on Tuesday 17th June at 3:30pm-4:30pm for ages 5-9 and 4:30pm-5:30pm for ages 10-17. There will be fun games and tennis tips from our coach and club volunteers. These sessions are open to all skill levels and are a great opportunity for kids to get involved in the sport, meet other young players, and build their confidence on court.

To register, contact Coach Tom Casey on 0413 199 702 or visit the Ingham Tennis Association Facebook page. Come along and see where tennis could take you!

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As a Councillor committed to environmental sustainability, I am pleased to share Council's ongoing efforts to transform our approach to waste management. Recognising that landfill space at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre is rapidly depleting, we have shifted our perspective from viewing waste as a burden to embracing it as a valuable resource that can be recovered and recycled.

One of the most pressing challenges we face is the contamination of household recycling bins. Contaminated materials hinder the recycling process and lead to increased costs and a loss of valuable resources. We are actively promoting educational campaigns such as the Bin Tagging Education Program (BTEP) to provide residents with instant feedback regarding their recycling practices and the importance of minimising contamination. To illustrate the effectiveness of this program, a Bin Tagging event conducted last week found an 18% decrease in households contaminating their yellow lidded recycling bins.

Council is also working to address the issue of the loss of valuable recyclable materials in both kerbside collection and commercial waste streams. By enhancing our recycling infrastructure and collaborating with local businesses, we aim to improve the recovery of these resources. Initiatives may include introducing more accessible recycling drop off locations and providing support for businesses to implement effective recycling programs. Watch this space.

Council is dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability within our community. Together we can minimise landfill use and increase resource recovery, paving the way for a cleaner and greener Hinchinbrook Shire. Every household plays a vital role. By recycling correctly, we can reduce contamination, protect our environment and contribute to a more sustainable future. I encourage all residents to actively support our waste and recycling initiatives and be part of this positive change.

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One of the biggest issues we face as a community going forward into the future is waste and waste disposal practices. A number of years ago, the State Government introduced a waste disposal strategy designed to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, through improvement of recycling practices.

This strategy was underpinned by the imposition of a waste levy payable by most local authorities operating land refuse facilities such as Hinchinbrook, on the pretext that the levies would generate income to create markets to accept all forms of recyclable waste, thus creating the impetus for better recycling behaviour by the community. You observed increases in refuse disposal costs, including increased gate fees at the tip, as Council’s sought to recover the costs of the levy payable to the State. Fortunately, due to a rebate scheme, also introduced by the State Government with respect to household waste, residents were spared the full impact of the waste levy charges.

The levy was duly introduced by government and paid by Councils such as Hinchinbrook, but unfortunately, the markets for recyclable materials have not readily appeared and the jobs associated with the improved recycling market have not yet eventuated.

The State Government has now determined to review the former strategy and a new Queensland Waste Strategy 2025–2030 has been released for community consultation, with the commitment to reduce waste to landfill, transitioning towards a waste-free society. Hopefully, this time around more success will be achieved as the issue of what to do with waste is becoming very critical.

Whilst there has been a marked improvement in commitment to recycling throughout our district, we are still lagging well behind state averages, and we are nowhere near being in a position to meet the State targets any time soon.

We are still seeing contamination rates of 40 percent in our recycling bins, resulting in our recyclable loads condemned to general landfill at the Materials Recovery Facility in Townsville at great cost to our community. The underpinning principle towards encouraging material recycling is your hip pocket. To recycle is free, but to dispose of waste to landfill is costly, and will become more costly to the disposer as time goes on.

Please refer to Council’s website to gain information about the benefits of recycling and how to go about recycling as a simple practice in your everyday life. Make no mistake, recycling will save you a lot of money.

If you would like to know more about the new Queensland Waste Strategy 2025-2030, please visit the Queensland government website at https://bit.ly/4mGWvNx