Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
North Queenslanders are being encouraged to shine a spotlight on their favourite people, places and businesses, with nominations now open for the 2026 QLD Day Awards and voting underway for the All the Best campaign. Held annually on 6 June, QLD Day celebrates the state’s identity, recognising the individuals and icons that make Queensland unique, from grassroots community heroes to beloved local businesses and destinations. The All the Best campaign invites Queenslanders to vote across 15 categories, including everything from the best bakery to the state’s most stunning beach, while the QLD Day Awards focus on honouring outstanding individuals and organisations. Premier David Crisafulli said the initiative was about celebrating the very best of the state. “From your local pizzeria to your favourite beach, we want Queenslanders to share what they love most about our amazing State,” he said. “We’re also calling on all Queenslanders to help us recognise our amazing community members and organisations by nominating them as part of this year’s competition.” North Queensland has already proven a strong contender in past years, with Ingham teacher Carina Chesson recognised as one of five Local Legends. “It was truly humbling as I felt there were hundreds of local legends who assisted during the 2025 local floods, but it was amazing to have my wonderful small rural town of Ingham acknowledged,” Ms Chesson said. Winners for the All the Best campaign will be announced on 3 June.CAPTION: Carina Chesson was recognised as one of 2025’s Queensland Day’s five Local Legends. Photo supplied
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QUESTION TIME : Fuel CrisisWith Wayde Chiesa, Member for HinchinbrookQ: The fuel crisis is impacting the whole world, but what do you see as the key pressure points here in our community? What are you actively doing to advocate for change or improved assistance through your networks? A: The biggest pressure points I’m hearing about are for farmers, tradies, freight operators and families who simply do not have other options. In a region like ours, when fuel goes up, everything goes up — from harvesting and freight to groceries, services and getting kids to school. For our sugar industry, additional diesel costs during harvest are a major concern. I have raised this in Parliament because it is critical that there is a national plan to not only secure diesel supply for our region, but that it is available at a reasonable cost. I’m working closely with industry groups, local businesses, State colleagues and Federal counterparts to make sure local impacts are understood. I’m also pushing for practical measures like a national fuel dashboard, with real-time supply information, and for stronger long-term fuel security for Australia. Q: People are feeling the pinch not only at the fuel pump, but also at the checkout. There is growing concern about the cost of living and the future stability of regional economies. What would you like to say to reassure our readers, while also speaking plainly about the influencing factors and what they should be aware of? A: There is no sugar-coating it — people are doing it tough, and the uncertainty is weighing heavily on families, businesses and communities. Cost of living pressures are real, and in regional areas like ours they hit harder because of freight, distance and fewer alternatives. What I want people to know is this: our region is resilient. We have faced challenges before and we have always come through them by backing each other and supporting local. There are broader pressures at play — global fuel prices, supply chain issues and economic uncertainty — but that does not mean regional communities should be left to carry the burden alone. I will keep advocating for policies and support that recognise the realities of living in the regions. Please keep sharing what you are seeing on the ground, because that local feedback matters. Q: What other common concerns are you currently hearing in your community? What solutions or reassurances would you like to share with our readers? A: Alongside cost of living, the issues I hear about most are roads, youth crime and workforce shortages. These are not abstract concerns — they affect how safe people feel, how easily they can move around the region, and whether local businesses can grow. On youth crime, people want continued action and greater community safety. We have seen 391 new recruits for our region in 18 months and good results from Operation Forge in only one month of its inception. Flood resiliance on our farms and roads. Areas like Bruce Highway at Gairloch and Seymour, the community expects practical upgrades and honest communication. I will keep working to ensure local feedback is taken directly to the Minister and department. And on workforce, the long-term answer is making our region an easier place to live and work — with the right housing, services, training and support to not only attract but retain people here.
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QUESTION TIME : Fuel Crisis Bob Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy: Q: The fuel crisis is impacting the whole world, but what do you see as the key pressure points here in our community? What are you actively doing to advocate for change or improved assistance through your networks? A: Whilst North Queenslanders had a win by forcing Government to halve the fuel excise tax and suspend the heavy vehicle road user charge last Monday – a full fortnight after my request in writing to the Prime Minister, on behalf of the transport sector and regional communities demanding urgent action – it’s a stay of execution, not a solution, for primary producers on the knife-edge of a crumbling supply chain for our national food security. The Government didn’t lead on this – they were dragged to it – which proves that when the people fight, they can still win. But right now, we’re fighting for immediate Government action to guarantee time-critical diesel and fertiliser supplies that are not cost-prohibitive for the continuation of primary industries across North Queensland. And we remain in constant contact with the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Energy Minister to secure critical interventions where cumulative supply pressures are most acute, from our regional centres to our rural and remote communities. Q: People are feeling the pinch not only at the fuel pump, but also at the checkout. There is growing concern about the cost of living and the future stability of regional economies. What would you like to say to reassure our readers, while also speaking plainly about the influencing factors and what they should be aware of? A: Until Australia can fuel itself, this crisis will continue. As one of the world’s biggest producers of grain and sugar as ethanol feedstocks, we're uniquely placed for self-sufficiency – yet we live at the mercy of the Middle East. While my electorate offices from Mount Isa to Innisfail are assisting our local families and regional industries being stung at the pointiest end of the global supply chain, we are told just today that two of Melbourne’s biggest truck stops are both out of diesel, while our canegrowers can’t secure diesel or fertiliser supplies for upcoming harvesting or the next crop – never mind at the doubled-plus prices leaving the whole enterprise in the balance. I have warned continuously that ‘we will go without fuel’ – and now what I am telling my fellow Australians is, 'you will go without food'. The fuel crisis hitting North Queensland’s once-great foodbowl industries from fishing to farming… soon there won't be any left, leaving our regional communities facing a precarious future as ghost towns. Q: What other common concerns are you currently hearing in your community? What solutions or reassurances would you like to share with our readers? A: You cannot run a country on imported fuel and expect security. Australia is 20 per cent self-sufficient in oil, yet only three per cent in petrol. As I have reiterated in Parliament and our ongoing representations to Government in recent weeks, this escalating crisis impels at the very least: banning Australian oil exports, which we buy back as foreign-owned fuel for 10 times what we sell it for; reopening recently closed fuel refineries, and ramping up production at our remaining two; and ramping up ethanol production (including converting sugar mills and boosting our existing grain and sugar ethanol plants), alongside immediate enforcement, in full, of existing ethanol and biodiesel mandates in Queensland and New South Wales, and urgent expansion to 10 per cent ethanol-blended petrol nationally; to ensure we use all we produce in our thriving regional industries, whilst further reducing our dangerous reliance on dirtier, imported fuels that cost Australians’ health and hip-pockets to deliver super-profits to our foreign overlords.
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Our Lady of Lourdes primary class 2B, was all about the art this easter. Finishing just before school ended for the term, they took pens, pencils and paint and together, all coloured in a copy of last week’s children’s activity page. Such great teamwork and what a showcase of Easter spirit. Their teacher Miss Kimberley said, “It was such fun for them to do it all together, they just love reading the paper and looking at everything that goes on in their area.”Caption: Class 2B of Our Lady of Lourdes primary school. Photo credit: Victoria VeltonGetting Creative This Easter Holidays!Getting amongst the news has never looked so colourful. Our Lady of Lourdes primary class 2B whisked away the last day of school term with art and Easter cheer. A wonderous surprise to us at Hinchinbrook Life to receive the call that not one child but 15 had all got together to colour in the activity page we published last week. It was lovely to pop in and say hello to all the children as they were excited to be ‘famous’ in the paper. Taking their picture was a delight, even if a bit difficult as they were full of bouncing beans and couldn't sit still for a second. All were so proud to show off their artwork, and some even held up the works of friends who were away, truly a class full of camaraderie. Their teacher and aides each reflected the sentiment of how much fun they had doing an arty Easter activity. “The children just love visual arts,” said their teacher Miss Kimberley, “and all of them were so excited to meet a journalist and be in the paper.” It was a classroom scramble to pile together for the pictures, a bucket of pencils was knocked over in the eager rush, but it was all happy smiles in the end. Happy Easter 2B! Have a wonderful school holiday from the team at Hinchinbrook Life.Caption: Class 2B of Our Lady of Lourdes primary school. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
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Records show that the first death in Cardwell was on 7th March 1864, and the first burial in the cemetery was that of a six-month-old female child later in 1864. The first European baby born in Cardwell was George Cardwell Peters, on October 9th 1864, and in 1866 the Province of Cardwell was proclaimed. The telegraph line reached Cardwell in December 1869 after five men lost their lives from Jungle Fever during its construction from Townsville. Cardwell’s first school opened in 1870 with 16 students, with Miss Marion D’Arcy serving as the first teacher. In 1872, the first jetty was built and two large creeks on Hinchinbrook Island were named after HMS ships Paluma and Gayundah.
In 1873, George Dalrymple led an expedition charting coastal areas from Cardwell to Cooktown, later taking charge of Somerset, Cape York in 1874 before his death in Scotland in 1876. In 1875, Cardwell Shire had a population of 150 residents, and its jurisdiction spanned an area from Mourilyan Harbour to Charters Towers – approximately 7,000 square miles. The region suffered maritime tragedies as well; in 1876, the steamer Banshee was wrecked on Cape Sandwich with the loss of 21 lives, and another incident involved the ship Merchant, loaded with fragrant Daintree cedar cargo, which went aground on Kennedy Shoal. Although she was repaired in Cardwell and left the day before a cyclone struck, the ship, its cargo of timber and all its crew were lost.
The cultural heritage of the region is reflected in several ancient sites. At the Haven on Hinchinbrook Island, the remains of Aboriginal fish traps have been found. Additional fish trap sites are located on the western shore of Missionary Bay and on Goold Island, while middens have been discovered in Ramsey Bay.
The regional balance shifted in 1880 when Townsville overtook Cardwell as the main port in North Queensland. In the early 1880s, a sawmill was established on the north-west part of Hinchinbrook by Page, Lovell & Company, and Thomas Page, the manager of the sawmill, resided there with his family and employees. In 1884, the Johnstone Division severed from the Cardwell Division, and in the same year the Cardwell Divisional Board was formed. The inaugural meeting of the Board was held in the Court House – now part of the current museum complex on Victoria Street – and the Board initially comprised six members and two divisions with James Thorn Senior serving as its first Chairman. By 1889, there were 103 rateable dwellings and 262 rate payers, with general rates set at one shilling in the pound.
Sugar cane remains Hinchinbrook’s main industry and a vital source of income for many locals. Economists estimate that every dollar generated locally from sugar is circulated around six times. In places like Ingham this means the local hairdresser, butcher, and dress store benefit on every stick of sugar cane produced and milled in the Herbert.
The Crisafulli Government recently announced that the Primary Industries and Resources Committee will conduct a Parliamentary Inquiry into the sugar cane industry. The Inquiry will explore value-adding opportunities and seek to overcome regulatory barriers currently holding growers back.
I firmly believe we should be doing more with our raw sugar product. While sugar is Queensland’s top agricultural export, it has far more potential than just being a food product. Multiple sources of income can come from a stick of sugar cane, but there is very little incentive for growers to become excited about this with the way farmers are currently paid for their crop and a lack of off take for some of these products.
Back in 2022, I introduced the KAP's Liquid Fuel Supply (Minimum Biobased Petrol Content) Amendment Bill 2022 which aimed to address issues that existed with the operation of Queensland’s bio-based petrol mandate, which despite in operation since 2017, has failed to drive a biofuels market. The Bill wasn’t supported by the government or the opposition at the time.
The sugar industry has already invested heavily in planning for biofuels production. Projects like the North Queensland Bio Energy Project in Hinchinbrook, the Pentland Bioenergy Project, and Burdekin’s Auscane Energy have all been proposed but gained no traction under the previous Labor Government.
The opportunity to turn cane into energy that powers everything from homes, cars and planes could mean more jobs in our regional towns, add value to our existing mills, and, most importantly, provide greater energy independence for Queensland.
The Committee is expected to hand down an interim issues paper within six months, and a final report is due to be tabled within a year. I look forward to following and contributing to the Inquiry to ensure Hinchinbrook has a strong voice at the table.
‘Early start, early finish’ for the harvest season is advocated for by Queensland Cane and Renewables (QCAR), and it is the only way to avoid harvesting in December and in some years, January. Longer crushes are stifling industry growth and significantly limiting cane productivity, while decreasing profits across the value chain and the wider community.
Contributing to the reduced throughputs at mills and extending the seasons are a multitude of factors, including the weather, factory reliability, shorter maintenance seasons, labour issues and high extraneous matter lowering bin weights in green cane harvested areas.
In some cane growing regions, there has been a reluctance to start the crush due to historical norms and arrangements, making it nearly impossible to harvest crops in a timely and profit-inducive manner.
Every sector of the sugarcane industry must take a cold, hard look at this situation, so collectively we can address the critical issues driving down our productivity and profitability; especially as profit margins get tighter.
As an obvious starting point, we must stop ignoring the sound, science-based knowledge base built up over the past 50 years from both Australian and overseas studies, about harvest scheduling and its effects on the sucrose and subsequent ratooning of a crop.
We know across most Australian sugar growing districts that high November and December rainfall (as was the case in 2024) causes havoc with getting the crops to the mills and adversely impacts crop productivity in the ensuing season.
We also know the disadvantages of starting the crush earlier far outweigh the disadvantages of finishing the harvest late because of loss of sugar yield, loss of cane yields in the subsequent ratoons, and the possibility of premature ploughing out of the crop due to ratoon failure.
QCAR Herbert Committee Chair- Matthew Pappin said, “we can’t control the weather, but we can ensure that we can do our best to get crops off as early as possible.”
He said QCAR had been in discussions for quite some time with Wilmar about turning the industry around by adopting the ‘Early start, early finish’ approach to getting the crop off in a timely manner.
“The 2025 Herbert harvest season commenced on 10 June, two weeks earlier than the previous year; this is a positive step in the right direction.
“An ‘Early start, early finish’ to the harvest season is a win-win for the whole industry and the wider community,” Mr Pappin said.
The Lucinda Coast Guard Depot has long served the community, not only in its primary role for marine safety but also as a local polling booth during State and Federal elections. However, with the original building constructed in the 1970s, the facility was not designed to accommodate wheelchairs or people with restricted mobility.
To bring the building in line with current Health and Safety Regulations, the team applied for funding through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. Thanks to a successful $10,000 grant, much-needed upgrades have now been completed. These include the installation of a wider front entrance door with digital security access, a new access ramp, and a sturdy handrail to provide extra stability. The work was proudly carried out by local tradespeople, helping support the wider Lucinda business community.
In other exciting news, the Lucinda Coast Guard is preparing to celebrate the official opening of their brand new vessel storage shed. The new structure is dedicated to the memory of a beloved former crew member, who tragically passed away at a young age. The dedication reflects the Coast Guard’s strong sense of camaraderie and respect for those who serve. The local community is warmly encouraged to attend this significant event.
WHAT: Official opening of the Lucinda Coast Guard Vessel Storage Shed.
WHEN: 11:00am, Sunday 13th July 2025.
WHERE: Lucinda Coast Guard Depot, 19 Patterson Parade, Lucinda.
Cardwell markets are teeming with spectacular finds for any market-goers looking for something a little different. Dangling dream catchers sparkle in the sunlight, painted sculptures gather 'ooo's' and 'aah's', and delicious local baked goods and home-grown fruit fly of the tables- its a market where you can take a stroll down the jetty or along the foreshore with your food truck bubble tea or hot coffee.
Relaxed and delightful, these markets often partner up with local events, the last being the Volksfest and the next being the UFO Festival on the 10th of August, to make for a market experience that brings smiles and entertainment too.
See the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/23yxj9no
For over 70 years, Carey Group has been a trusted financial services provider in regional Queensland, offering a broad range of services including accounting, financial planning, business advisory and SMSF administration. With offices across Townsville, Cairns, Ingham, Malanda and Brisbane, the firm combines deep local knowledge with professional expertise and modern technology.
Carey Group’s SMSF services are designed to give you greater control over your retirement savings. Their experienced team works with you to establish a fund that aligns with your goals, helping to develop a suitable strategy, structure and investment mix tailored to your needs.
At the helm of the SMSF team are Senior SMSF Manager Sandra Kerber and SMSF Manager Tania Barnes. With decades of combined experience, Sandra and Tania bring exceptional technical knowledge, attention to detail and a strong focus on compliance. They take pride in providing personalised support and strategic guidance to help clients manage their funds with confidence.
Once your SMSF is established, Carey Group provides ongoing administration, real-time reporting and regular reviews to ensure your fund stays on track. Their use of automated systems streamlines annual audits and lodgements, making the process efficient and stress-free.
Whether you are setting up your first SMSF or optimising an existing one, Carey Group offers the expertise, tools and support to help you grow your retirement wealth, backed by a team who understands the unique needs of regional Australians. Visit www.careygroup.com.au or call 07 4760 5900 for more information on how Carey Group can help.
Australians are making a clear move away from carpet and embracing stylish, durable hard flooring throughout their homes. This shift in design preference was highlighted in the recent Great Flooring Debate survey, and now, with Beaumont Tiles' massive End of Financial Year Sale, you too can make the smart switch from carpet to tiles.
The survey found that while carpet still holds its place in bedrooms, other spaces like living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and hallways are now dominated by new-generation hard flooring and tiles. In bathrooms, tiles remain the number one choice, with 94 per cent of Australians preferring their water resistance, longevity and variety of design options.
According to Darren Brittan, Strategic Designer at Beaumont Tiles, homeowners are choosing surfaces that offer both style and practicality.
“It’s no longer just about looks - homeowners want surfaces that can withstand life’s messiness without sacrificing style,” said Mr Brittan, “Tiles continue to reign supreme in bathrooms thanks to their longevity, water resistance and ever-expanding range of styles that let people personalise their space.”
The research also revealed that flooring is now considered the most important design choice when building or renovating. More than half of those surveyed admitted they had been discouraged from purchasing a home based on the existing flooring.
If you are considering an upgrade or currently repairing or renovating, now is the perfect time to refresh your home. Beaumont Tiles is holding its huge End of Financial Year Sale, with discounts of up to 50% on BT tiles. Every tile is reduced, with savings ranging from 10% to 50% on Super Specials, available while stocks last.
Explore the range at beaumont-tiles.com.au and take advantage of these savings before the sale ends.
Supporting local seniors is at the heart of the work being done at the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre. Through dedicated programs and practical assistance, the Centre is helping older residents navigate the often complex world of aged care services, government support and essential paperwork.
Desley Di Bella, the Centre’s Elderly Inclusion Facilitator, plays a key role in delivering this support. Desley provides personalised, one-on-one advocacy for seniors across the community, with the aim of ensuring that every individual feels informed, supported and empowered to access the services they need.
This support covers a wide range of practical tasks, including assistance with completing and submitting various forms and documents, as well as liaising directly with agencies such as My Aged Care, Centrelink, medical clinics and specialist services on behalf of clients.
Desley also offers help with coordinating appointments, making phone calls and managing email communications to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Justice of the Peace (JP) services are also available, including the certifying and witnessing of important documents.
No matter what kind of help is needed, the goal remains the same. With a caring desire for seniors in this region to feel supported, informed and confident in accessing the assistance they need.
Appointments can be made by contacting The Hub on 07 4776 1822. They also have many other supportive services, not just for seniors, and many community groups to participate in as well. Give the HUB a call or check out their website at www.hcsc.org.au and see what the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre can help you with today!
Small changes are making a big difference across Queensland, and Hinchinbrook Shire is proudly playing its part.
Through a smart partnership with Containers for Change QLD (COEX), more than 600 outdoor recycling units have now been installed in parks and public spaces across 13 participating councils, including Hinchinbrook Shire Council.
The initiative, supported by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), aims to make recycling more accessible while creating lasting social and environmental benefits. These specially designed units provide locals and visitors with a convenient way to recycle bottles and cans, helping reduce litter, support sustainability, and contribute to a cleaner community.
The Sunshine Coast Council first trialled the program, reporting up to 300 containers diverted from landfill daily. Following this success, other councils - including the City of Moreton Bay, Townsville, Burdekin, and Hinchinbrook —have joined the movement to scale the positive impact.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s involvement in the program highlights the region’s continued commitment to sustainability and innovative local solutions. The initiative not only reduces waste but also contributes to the circular economy by ensuring collected containers can be reused or repurposed.
As the program continues to roll out across the state, Hinchinbrook residents are encouraged to make use of the new outdoor recycling bins when enjoying local parks, playgrounds, and public spaces.
Community spaces across the Hinchinbrook region could soon receive much-needed repairs, with the opening of a $19.2 million flood recovery fund to support North and Far North Queensland councils affected by this year’s summer weather disaster.
Under the Community Recreational Assets Recovery Program, eligible councils—including Hinchinbrook Shire Council—can now apply for funding to help clean up and restore vital recreational assets damaged during the North and Far North Tropical Low disaster event, which occurred between the 29th of January and the 28th of February.
Funded under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) by the Australian and Queensland Governments, the program is being administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).
The funding will assist in repairing community centres, clubhouses, walkways, bikeways, parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and beach access points—assets that form the social and recreational heart of many communities.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said investing in community infrastructure was a proven way to lift community spirits.
“Programs like this deliver tangible outcomes and stand as visible reminders that no matter the scale and breadth of a disaster, we will overcome it,” Minister McBain said.
“By restoring community recreational assets we are helping return life to normal for residents affected, providing places for people to make positive memories once more.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government would support councils through the program from application to project completion.
“We are stronger when we work together, and I’m pleased all levels of government are partnering working to rebuild recreational assets in their communities,” Minister Leahy said.
“Just as flooding events evolve over time, our recovery does as well, and tailored funding channels like this reaffirm our unwavering support for disaster hit regions.”
Hinchinbrook is among 30 eligible council areas that can submit applications until the 11th of July, 2025, with all funded projects to be completed by the 30th of June, 2027.
More information and application details are available on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.
The government’s Reconstruction Monitoring operation is now underway across Queensland, with Hinchinbrook among the regions where disaster-impacted homes and businesses will receive in-person visits from Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) officers this month.
Running from Monday the 9th of June to Friday the 27th of June, the three-week state-wide operation will see QRA officers door-knocking more than 3,400 properties across 21 local government areas, including the Hinchinbrook Shire, to check on recovery progress and the wellbeing of residents following recent severe weather events.
The Hinchinbrook visits were scheduled for the week of Monday the 16th of June to Friday the 20th of June, focusing on areas affected by the North and Far North Tropical Low floods of early 2025.
The monitoring program also covers recovery assessments from other major events including Tropical Cyclones Jasper, Kirrily and Alfred, as well as the 2023 South East Queensland Christmas storms.
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the government is determined to ensure that no Queenslander is forgotten after a disaster.
“This Government stands shoulder to shoulder with every Queenslander impacted by our recent natural disasters,” Minister Leahy said.
“The intel we gather from our Reconstruction Monitoring operations is unmatched and will make sure recovery reaches every corner of the State and this is an unprecedented Reconstruction Monitoring operation for Queensland, capturing insights from five separate disasters, but we are determined to leave no stone unturned with our recovery efforts.”
QRA CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) encouraged Hinchinbrook residents to speak with officers when they visit.
“These operations are crucial to inform QRA’s recovery work and where we need to focus our attention,” Major General Ellwood said.
“Our June assessments are going to be particularly valuable for understanding the support needed for communities impacted by multiple major disasters in a short period and if you need disaster recovery support and see a QRA officer in your area, please stop and chat. We are here for Queenslanders.”
During each visit, QRA officers will gather information about property repairs, insurance claims, and the overall wellbeing of residents. This data will help coordinate additional recovery efforts between councils, state agencies, and other support organisations.
For more information on the Reconstruction Monitoring program, visit www.qra.qld.gov.au/reconstruction-monitoring.
Over the last few weeks, there have been more welcome announcements from the Queensland and Australian Governments, with extra support measures for small businesses and primary producers.
The Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant provides financial assistance of up to $15,000 to eligible small businesses in Ingham and other affected areas in North Queensland, to help them re-establish operations and maintain employment after the 2025 North and Far North Tropical Low event. The grant is available to small businesses within the defined disaster areas that experienced significant trading disruptions, including ceasing trade or suffering a revenue loss of 60% or more for at least two consecutive weeks due to the disaster.
The other major announcement is something that many stakeholders have been advocating for a long time — the change in the definition of a primary producer. In a statement released by the Federal and State Governments, it was announced that more Queensland producers will now be able to access support under changes to the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
A primary producer whose income includes agricultural support services, such as cane harvesting, is now eligible for primary producer DRFA grants, as this is considered primary production income. This means disaster-affected farmers who may have previously been ineligible for assistance in Queensland can now apply for support measures like Disaster Recovery Grants and Loans.
Whilst this is very welcome news, I believe there is room to further improve this definition. In my opinion, it should include that any loss of agricultural land — food production land — damaged or lost due to a severe weather event should be eligible to be restored to its pre-event condition with assistance from Disaster Recovery Funding, regardless of where the owner’s income comes from.
After all, it’s about protecting agricultural and food-producing land and supporting those who farm it.
Please pop into the Hinchinbrook Information and Referral Centre at 73-81 Lannercost Street, Ingham, if you require any assistance.
Until next time Hinchinbrook residents — take care, stay safe, and be kind.
There’s something special about the people of Ingham — and the recent recognition of Carina Chesson, Felix Reitano and Patrick Brown just proves it.
Too often, we fall into the trap of tall poppy syndrome — the idea that success should be cut down rather than celebrated. But not here, not now. It’s time we turn that thinking on its head. Let’s be loud and proud about the incredible people who are shaping and lifting up our community.
Take Carina Chesson — a beloved teacher at Ingham State High School and now officially a “Local Legend.” When we faced devastating floods in February, Carina didn’t wait to be asked. She became a lifeline — conducting welfare checks, distributing supplies, and working with emergency services to make sure help reached those in need. She acted with courage, compassion and the kind of quiet leadership that inspires a community. That’s the Hinchinbrook way.
Then there’s Felix Reitano — local real estate agent, lifelong volunteer, and now a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
From his decades-long service to the Chamber of Commerce to his military background, JP duties, and tireless community involvement, Felix’s humility says it all: “You do these things because you like helping others.” In his late 70s, he’s still hard at work — and still making his town proud.
And Patrick Brown — our Ingham Ambulance Station Officer-in-Charge — has earned one of the highest honours in the country. With 46 years of service under his belt, Patrick has shown unwavering commitment to caring for others in some of the toughest situations imaginable. His legacy stretches far beyond emergency callouts — he’s a peer support leader, a chaplain, and a rock within our Local Disaster Management Group.
So, let’s do away with modesty for a moment. These individuals represent the best of us, and they deserve to be celebrated. To Carina, Felix, and Patrick — and to all those quietly making a difference — we see you, value you, and stand proud beside you.
Local residents still navigating the complex challenges of recovery and rebuilding after recent disasters are invited to attend an important Rebuilding Information Session hosted by Centacare at the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch.
At previous sessions, attendees walked away with renewed motivation after their confusion and uncertainty were replaced with clear, practical steps forward. This upcoming evening aims to deliver the same outcome, offering vital information, guidance and one-on-one advice.
A strong line-up of expert speakers will cover key areas such as building and construction processes, insurance, financial support, mental health and community recovery.
Speakers on the night will include:
This is a great opportunity for residents to connect directly with professionals who can help them take the next steps in their rebuilding journey.
Thanks go to Rob and Jeff from Cardwell RSL for generously hosting the event and providing afternoon tea and light refreshments. All residents are welcome. For more information, contact Centacare FNQ or Cardwell RSL.
WHAT: Rebuilding Information Session
WHEN: Thursday, 10 July 2025, 4:00pm to 6:00pm
WHERE: Cardwell RSL, 36 Roma Street, Cardwell
As the cooler months settle in, rats and mice may start seeking warmth and shelter inside your home. While these warm-blooded pests can survive outdoors, they are opportunistic and will not hesitate to sneak inside when given the chance.
Once indoors, rodents can quickly become a serious problem. They often chew through books, papers, and insulation to build nests, and can also gnaw on electrical cables hidden behind walls and cabinets, creating fire hazards. In addition to property damage, rodents can pose significant health risks to you and your family through the spread of bacteria and disease.
That is where local expert Michael Slater, The Pest Control Guy, comes in. Michael offers professional, reliable rodent control services designed to protect your home from unwanted invaders. Michael understands that pest issues can arise at any time, which is why he offers flexible scheduling to help tackle the problem as soon as possible, with appointments available six days a week.
If you suspect rats or mice have made themselves at home, do not delay. Taking swift action is the best way to prevent further damage and health concerns.
Call Michael Slater today on 0409 065 069 or 0439 722 311, or email appc147@gmail.com and let The Pest Control Guy help keep your home rodent-free this winter.
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