
Hi Everyone, Exciting news from the Life Publishing Group team this week – we’ve won this year’s Local Government Association of Queensland Journalism Award! We’re particularly humbled by this achievement, especially given the competition with The Australian coming in second and the ABC third. This state award recognises excellence in regional journalism, and our positive, community-focused, hyperlocal coverage across the group took out the top accolade. I travelled to Cairns on Tuesday to accept the award on behalf of our team, and I would like to acknowledge all our journalists for the exceptional work they do every day across all the regions we serve. A big round of applause goes to Hannah McNamara, Victoria Velton, Jacob Casha, Zach Houtenville and our Editorial Team Leader Suzanna McLoughlin. As some of you may know, most of our journalists come to the regions as cadets, embarking on their first jobs in journalism. They are thrown into a new community and often become the only on-the-ground journalists covering local news. They are then supported by our fantastic team of professionals, and together we produce the papers our communities read every week. Every page is a team effort, from the advertising booked by our Sales Managers to the pages created by our designers, the production team bringing it all together and our journalists delivering the content. Thank you to the whole team for everything you do and well done to each journalist for collectively producing a body of work of such a high standard that we received this top gong. I would also like to mention the origins of this award, which are particularly meaningful. The LGAQ established it in honour of ABC cameraman John Bean, journalist Paul Lockyer and helicopter pilot Gary Ticehurst, who tragically died in a crash while on assignment in 2011. They were a well-liked and deeply respected crew who spent much of their time working in regional areas. Their loss sparked an outpouring of grief from regional leaders who understood the enormous contribution they made to ensuring regional Queensland was given a voice and its contribution to public life was recognised. It is an honour to continue their legacy in our own small way, ensuring regional Queensland communities remain connected and have a strong voice through positive, local free newspapers every week. The awards night was spectacular, with more than 500 Mayors, Councillors and local government staff in attendance and I was thrilled to meet up with five of the local Mayors from the regions we serve. When I was called up on stage to accept the award on behalf of the team, it was a moment that made all our dedication to regional journalism feel worthwhile. To my surprise, when I came off the stage, all our local Mayors came over to congratulate us. I was greeted by Mayor Greg Williamson from Mackay, Mayor Ry Collins from the Whitsundays, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort from the Burdekin and Mayor Ramon Jayo from Hinchinbrook. I have to confess, I had tears in my eyes at that moment! I later found out that Mayor Ramon Jayo had nominated us for the award and that every Mayor had received a phone call from the judging committee, with each vouching for the incredible work our team does every day in their regions. Thank you to all the Mayors, including Mayor Teresa Millwood from Cassowary Coast, where we have recently expanded. It was a delight to share your table on the night! And finally, thank you to our incredible team, our Publisher Bec Douthwaite, the LGAQ for this significant recognition, and our wonderful readers and local businesses who are part of the Life community. Rach
Read the full story
Cardwell RSL Sub Branch’s new back up generator is up and running! The generator was secured through FRRR funding, and will give the sub branch peace of mind and a contingency plan should extreme weather cause any outages come storm season. Electrician Adrian Cammeleri visited the branch this week to give RSL Members a tutorial on how to run the back up generator. “The Cardwell RSL is extremely grateful for the generous support given by the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR),” said Cardwell RSL Sub Branch President Robert Lang. “Without their grant funding this Gen Set compound & electrical connection would not be possible.” FRRR works with local organisations and community groups to help address regional needs, recognising the importance of locally led projects in building stronger, more resilient communities. Its funding supports a range of initiatives, from community infrastructure to disaster preparedness. Local electrician Adrian Cammeleri offered the RSL some guidance on how to use their brand new back up generator. Photo supplied
Read the full story
Tully State High School was delighted to welcome 162 students from Ohori Junior High School in Fukuoka, Japan, for a memorable day of cultural exchange and friendship. The visiting students spent the day getting to know our school community, sharing insights into their own school experiences, daily routines and interests. Tully SHS Year 8 students acted as buddies, proudly showing their Japanese visitors around the school and helping them feel welcome. A highlight of the visit was a range of Indigenous cultural activities facilitated by the Girringun Rangers. Students had the opportunity to try spear and boomerang throwing, hand painting and beading, providing a valuable insight into Indigenous culture and traditions. The day was filled with opportunities to learn from one another, celebrate cultural differences and build connections between the two school communities. A friendly game of dodgeball and Just Dance also brought plenty of fun and laughter! Tully State High School extends a heartfelt thank you to all the students, teachers, staff and the Girringun Rangers who contributed to making the visit such a wonderful and memorable experience. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen international connections, celebrate cultural diversity and create lasting memories for everyone involved.
Read the full story
Photo credit: Helen Cook From copyright concerns to smarter booking systems, artificial intelligence is presenting both opportunities and challenges for Cassowary Coast businesses. Members of the Cassowary Coast Businesswomen’s Network (CCBWN) explored the rapidly evolving technology at an informative evening with Cairns-based digital specialist Nicky Jurd at the Mt Tyson Hotel in Tully on Tuesday 13th October. Photo credit: Helen Cook Under the theme Human vs AI, Nicky introduced participants to the growing range of artificial intelligence platforms, explaining how they differ, their practical applications and how dramatically their capabilities have improved in recent months. With technology advancing at remarkable speed, keeping up with developments is becoming a challenge in itself. The presentation explored how businesses can harness AI to improve productivity, streamline everyday tasks and work more efficiently, while also considering the risks and responsibilities associated with its use. Photo credit: Helen Cook Nicky, who established her digital business Precedence in 2000, has more than 25 years' experience helping businesses navigate technological change. CCBWN President Kerry Chow said the evening reflected the network's commitment to supporting local business women through learning, networking and shared experiences. photo credit: Susan Kelly photo credit: Susan Kelly "The Human vs AI event was exactly the kind of evening the Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network is here to create," she said. "An opportunity to connect, learn, share ideas, support one another and explore a business topic that is becoming increasingly relevant to all of us. photo credit: Susan Kelly "It was a terrific example of professional development that was practical, engaging and genuinely useful." photo credit: Susan Kelly Beyond the presentations, the network provides valuable opportunities for local businesswomen to build connections, exchange experiences, learn from one another – and enjoy a fun night out. photo credit: Susan Kelly Next month, CCBWN is supporting the ‘growHer Long Lunch’ event organised by the Tully Women in Ag group, which is an initiative focused on building awareness and understanding around wellbeing in our rural communities - Saturday 7th November at the Tully Country Club. Members and guests are welcome. Visit www.ccbwn.org.au for more information on this and future events. photo credit: Susan Kelly photo credit: Susan Kelly
Read the full story
The Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc is preparing to welcome a new 2026/2027 Membership Year from 1 October 2026 — and there’s never been a better time for local businesses to get involved and become members.
The future of the Chamber’s hugely successful “Shop & Win Christmas Campaign” has been a topic of discussion for a number of months, however at the September meeting, members agreed on an exciting new direction for 2026.
“Shop & Win” will continue to be a community-wide campaign, with collection boxes available to any local business that would like to participate. However, the decision was made by membership that all prizes for the campaign will be purchasedfrom and showcase Chamber Member businesses.
It is one simple way for Chamber to give back to the businesses that support its work throughout the year, while continuing to deliver a campaign that encourages our community to shop locally at Christmas.
Chamber membership is about being part of a strong and connected local business community. It creates opportunities to connect with other businesses, collaborate, have your business promoted, contribute to local initiatives and have a voice in conversations affecting the Hinchinbrook business community.
Importantly, every membership also helps the Chamber continue its work advocating for local businesses, supporting initiatives and delivering activities designed to strengthen our local economy.
With the new Membership Year commencing 1 October, now is the perfect opportunity to renew your membership or join the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc., for the first time.
The stronger our membership, the stronger our collective voice — and the more we can achieve for businesses across Hinchinbrook.
If you operate a local business and have been thinking about joining, we’d love to have you on board for 2026/2027.
For more information about Chamber Membership or the 2026 Shop & Win Christmas Campaign, contact the Hinchinbrook Chamber team via their socials, emails or phone contacts.

Wallaman Falls from the lower viewing area. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Work to repair and stabilise sections of Wallaman Falls Road is set to begin on Tuesday, October 6th with the project expected to continue through to February 2027, weather permitting.
The works, carried out by Hinchinbrook Shire Council in collaboration with Warrgamay Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, will address landslip damage and improve the safety and long-term resilience of the road.
Contractors will be working between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday, with sections of the road reduced to a single lane while works are underway.
Motorists should expect delays of up to 30 minutes and allow extra travel time when heading to or from Wallaman Falls. Drivers are asked to follow traffic signs and speed limits and check the electronic signboards at the base and summit of the road for the latest traffic conditions.
Some stages of the project may require temporary closures of up to one hour, while more significant works could result in full-day road closures. Updates will be provided as the project progresses.

Growers discussing the demonstrated planting method of tissue culture at the workshop. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
By Victoria Velton
Herbert River cane growers gathered at the Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd (HCPSL) Macknade depot on Wednesday 23rd September for a Tissue Culture Demonstration Day, to discuss and learn about the use of tissue culture in their own farming systems.
The field day provided growers with information on the availability of cane varieties, the increasing demand for tissue culture in the region, growing and care techniques, and the equipment being used to plant and irrigate tissue culture.

A grower panel provided practical insight into the process, discussing how much tissue culture material they ordered, their watering regimes and which blocks they had allocated for planting. The panel included growers with different levels of experience using tissue culture, allowing attendees to hear about how the system was being incorporated into different farming operations.
HCPSL’s field team also demonstrated the three-person tissue culture planting system and irrigation equipment being used in its plots.
Field Agronomist Rhiannan Harragon said there was no single approach that would suit every grower.

Grower Mark Zatta, who has grown tissue culture varieties from the nursery stage in Abergowrie, said a range of factors needed to be considered when establishing a successful crop, including soil type, moisture, minerals, pests, weeds and fertiliser requirements, as the Herbert region was hugely varied.
He recommended growers trial tissue culture in smaller areas or unused corners of paddocks before committing to a larger transition.
Tissue culture provides disease-free planting material, rapid multiplication and faster access to newly released cane varieties, while also providing the potential for increased productivity. This has seen the uptake of tissue culture in the Herbert River region increase significantly, with 103,700 plants ordered by growers between 2022 and 2026.

Orders reached 30,780 plants in 2026, following 23,730 in 2025, 29,810 in 2024, 17,320 in 2023 and 2,060 in 2022.
HCPSL noted that annual orders can fluctuate depending on the release and availability of new cane varieties. Newly released varieties can generate increased demand, meaning fluctuations in orders do not necessarily reflect changes in grower interest in tissue culture.
SRA32 and SRA48, which were released in 2025, generated significant demand.
The demonstration day was held as part of the Herbert Integrated Project, funded through the Queensland Government’s $330.5 million Queensland Reef and Catchment Water Quality Program and delivered through a partnership involving Terrain NRM, HCPSL, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, CANEGROWERS Herbert River and TropWATER, among others.

Photo credit: Victoria Velton
The first Ingham Food Pantry has received a strong response from the local community, with 40 grocery boxes almost completely distributed within the first 40 minutes of opening.
The initiative, supported by ADRA and delivered with the help of OzHarvest, Thread Together and Foodbank and Pantry teams from Charters Towers and Townsville, provided locals and their families with affordable grocery boxes alongside free fruit, vegetables and drinks. Household goods, toys and brand-new clothing were also available.
Vibrant and cheerful volunteers from the local host church helped manage the steady stream of visitors, welcoming and helping those who attended.
By Victoria Velton
The first Ingham Food Pantry has shown just how much demand there is for affordable groceries and household essentials, selling 40 boxes in just 40 minutes.
Supported by ADRA and delivered in partnership with OzHarvest, Thread Together, Foodbank and Pantry teams from Charters Towers and Townsville, the initiative gave locals access to a box of grocery staples for $25, along with additional free drinks, fruit and vegetables.
Visitors could also choose from household items including sheets and towels and toys available for $2 or free, while brand new clothing was freely available through their partnership with Thread Together.
ADRA Director Pastor Laufili said the pantry volunteers were delighted to support their local community this way.
“The whole idea is we're here simply just to respond to the need of our community,” Pastor Laufili said.
The response was immediate, with a line already stretching down the lawn when the doors opened at 9am.
By 9.40am, the initial 40 grocery boxes were almost gone, with just five remaining, while volunteers continued assisting people arriving later in the morning with the other available groceries, drinks, fresh produce, clothing and household items.
“It’s an exciting thing for this small church that they can provide such a service with our partnership and their support,” Pastor Laufili said.
Volunteers from the church helped manage the steady stream of visitors, including carrying grocery boxes and loading them into vehicles.

The strong turnout also provided the team with a valuable impression of local demand, with plans already being considered to increase the number of grocery boxes available at future pantry events.
Pastor Laufili said the first event had been a positive trial run.
With the support of its community and partner organisations, the Ingham Food Pantry is now looking towards its next opportunity to provide assistance to local families.

Chuck that Mullet! Action at the 2025 Seafest. Photo sourced: Cardwell Seafest
If you like your community festivals with a little bit of friendly competition and packed with a whole lot of ‘fishy stuff’, then Cardwell Seafest has you covered.
While the three-day celebration will feature live music, markets, classic cars, kids’ activities, food and plenty of entertainment, Sunday, is when things are set to get particularly fishy at the Cardwell foreshore.
One of the most popular events on the Seafest program is the annual Kids Jetty Fishing Competition, giving young anglers aged 12 and under the chance to wet a line and see what they can catch. Best of all, it is completely free to enter and every child who takes part will receive a prize.
The competition is being supported by the Hotel Euramo Boar and Barra Bash, with pre-registration available at Ob La Di during the Saturday Car 'n' Bike Show.
And while the kids are busy trying to land the big one, the adults can look forward to another Seafest favourite, the annual Prawn Peeling competition. The competition is always a crowd-pleaser, with contestants putting their peeling skills to the test as they race to see who can claim the title of Prawn Peeling Champion.
Tassal is supporting the event, helping bring this much-loved Seafest tradition back for another year with trophies for Junior and Senior competitors.
Then the event that has become synonymous with Seafest and is guaranteed to get the crowd cheering: the annual Chuck a Mullet.
Competitors will take aim and see just how far they can send a mullet flying, with trophies up for grabs in both the junior and senior competitions. Thanks go to Tweed Bait for helping to make sure the mullet will be flying once again.
Alongside the fishing events, Seafest will also feature markets, food vans, live music, the Bendigo Bank Kids Zone, face painting, Punch n Judy, Puppies on Parade, kids’ fancy dress, the Op Shop Kids Lolly Toss and the Monster Raffle.
Things are going to be fishy at this year's Cardwell Seafest!
Saturday, 3rd October
7:00am: Cardwell parkrun
9:00am: NQIB Rockabilly Car 'n' Bike Show
9:00am to 1:00pm: Tropical Plant Expo at Cardwell Coastguard
10:30am: Punch n Judy
11:00am: Rockabilly Fashions and Best Dressed competition
11:30am: Best Decorated Wheels, junior and senior
12:00pm: Car Show Awards, with $500 in prizes
2:00pm: Sausage Sizzle at Marine Hotel
3:30pm: Andy G LIVE at the Cardwell Jetty
4:00pm: Limbo Competition, Youth Challenge, Treasure Hunt & Chalk Art
5:00pm: Licensed Bar and Big BBQ Sizzle, raffles and meat trays
6:30pm: The Cassidy Connection LIVE
8:30pm: Cardwell Rocks Fireworks
Sunday, 4th October
8:00am: Euramo Boar & Barra Bash Kids Fishing Competition
9:00am: Brearleys Pie Eating Competition
9:30am: Tassal Prawn Peeling Competition
10:00am: Punch n Judy
10:30am: Kids Fishing Competition weigh-in
11:00am: Puppies on Parade and Best Dressed competition
11:30am: Chuck a Mullet
11:45am: Kids Fancy Dress & Best Dressed prizes
12:00pm: Op Shop Kids Lolly Toss
12:30pm: Monster Raffle Draw
2:00pm: Jag The Joker at Marine Hotel
-p-500.jpg)
A warm welcome awaits at the Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre – pictured Tasy Richards, Patrick Bluett, Michelle Lloyd, and Bernice Downing. Photo credit: Helen Cook
By Helen Cook
Just as the annual migration of grey nomads begins heading south and the school holidays bring families into local campgrounds and beachside accommodation, the Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre is settling into its new home in the heart of the village.
Cassowary Coast Tourism relocated the centre from the C4 complex in July to the Village Green – putting its staff and more than 20 volunteers right in the middle of the action.
With school holidays now upon us Executive Officer Patrick Lewis said the seasonal changing of the guard among visitors was also underway.
“The rule of thumb for the Tropics is the migration south to north for our ‘winter travellers’ starts after Mother’s Day, and once Father’s Day has concluded, they tend to head south again,” he said, adding that the footy finals were also a drawcard home.
And then come the families.
“For the school holidays, we generally see the vast majority of visitation from within that 250-kilometre drive market; from Cairns, the Tablelands and Townsville.”
Walking through the door of the local Visitor Information Centre offers something an online search can’t always provide – a conversation with a local who knows what’s happening now, what’s newly opened and where visitors might find something they weren’t even looking for.
The move into the village has already made a difference. Patrick said foot traffic and retail sales had increased significantly, with local businesses also reporting more visitors lingering around the village hub.
Behind the new shopfront is an important local resource – the team of more than 20 volunteers who, alongside staff, keep the accredited centre operating seven days a week.
Tourism Manager Michelle Lloyd describes them as the region’s “ambassadors”.
“They’re often the first person a visitor may meet when they come to our destination,” she said.
Volunteers provide everything from local advice and maps to tour bookings and ticketing, drawing on their own knowledge of the Cassowary Coast. They also regularly get out and experience attractions themselves, so they know what’s new and can pass that knowledge on.
For volunteer Tasy Richards, who moved to the region from south-west Western Australia, says she has always been keen to volunteer.
“Volunteering is a way that you can pursue your passion,” she said. “And just meeting different people from all over the place – learning all about where they’re from and what they’re doing.”
A keen bushwalker, Tasy regularly sends visitors out to explore local favourites including Lacey Creek, the Cutten Brothers Walking Track and Kennedy Walking Track.
Another volunteer, Bernice Downing, a Mission Beach resident of 16 years, has an equally straightforward reason for volunteering: “I love it here because of the people, locals and visitors.”
Cassowary Coast Tourism is always looking for new volunteers to join the team and welcomes locals who enjoy meeting people and sharing their knowledge of the region.
And there’s another reason for locals and visitors to stop by: Cassowary Coast LIFE is available outside the centre 24 hours a day – so even when the volunteers have gone home, you can still pick up your local read.
The Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre can be found at Shop 5, The Homestead, Porter Promenade, is open from 9am to 4pm, seven days a week, and can be contacted on (07) 4068 7099.

A creek running through Girringun National Park. Photo credit: Tourism and Events QLD
Bushfire preparation has been underway across Queensland’s protected areas, with Cardwell State Forest among the locations included in a record year of hazard reduction burning.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers treated 981,081 hectares through 546 planned burns during 2025–26, exceeding the previous statewide record set a year earlier.
Cardwell State Forest was among the locations included in the program, which aims to reduce fuel loads, improve the health of protected areas and lower bushfire risks to surrounding communities and properties.
The work comes as Queensland enters the 2026 bushfire risk period, with planned burning continuing across national parks and State forests when weather and other conditions allow.
QPWS Fire Services Director Susan Scott said rangers would continue undertaking planned burns where conditions were suitable.
“Every planned burn we deliver is contributing to a healthier environment and a more bushfire-resilient state, which is especially important as we enter the 2026 bushfire risk period,” Ms Scott said.
Cassowary Coast residents and visitors are encouraged to remain aware of local fire conditions throughout the bushfire risk period.
Those planning trips into national parks and State forests should also check QPWS Park Alerts beforehand, particularly while planned burning continues across Queensland.
Smoke, firefighters, aircraft and machinery may be seen in the vicinity of the following areas:
Persons with respiratory or other health problems should seek medical advice on mitigating the effects of smoke inhalation.

Motorists travelling the Bruce Highway through the Cassowary Coast are being urged to take care around ongoing roadworks, with several safety upgrades underway across the region.
“If you’re seeing works underway on the Bruce Highway in the Cassowary Coast region, these are part of the Bruce Highway Targeted Road Safety Program being delivered by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR),” Council said.
“As the Bruce Highway is a state-controlled road, these works are managed by TMR.”
Among the major projects currently under construction is a $25 million upgrade between Dean Road and Tully State High School, where crews are widening the road and shoulders, installing wide centre lines, improving drainage and culverts and upgrading the signalised Dean Road intersection. The project is expected to continue until mid-2027.
Further north, work is underway on approximately five kilometres of highway extending from about 80 metres north of the Aldridge Road intersection to 300 metres south of Poppi Road in the Cowley area. The project includes road widening for wide centre lines and the replacement or extension of seven culverts, with completion expected in late 2026.
Pavement strengthening has also been scheduled across several Cassowary Coast locations, including a four-kilometre section between Mill Street and Mourilyan Road at Mourilyan and South Innisfail, one kilometre north of Francis Martin Street at El Arish, and four kilometres north from Mount Cudmore Road at Rungoo. Those works are expected to run until mid-October.

The community is set to come together to celebrate 25 years of the Ulysses Link. Photo source: Shutterstock
A much-loved piece of Mission Beach history will celebrate its silver anniversary this month, with the Ulysses Link marking 25 years since opening in September 2001.
The foreshore walking track grew from local resident Penny Phillips’ vision to create a walking and cycling link connecting Mission Beach’s coastal communities.
A community steering group began developing the idea in 1998, with the project eventually becoming a joint community and council initiative.
Named after the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly, the original link winds along the Mission Beach foreshore towards Clump Point, incorporating mosaics, carvings and ceramic sculptures that share the area’s cultural, historical and environmental stories.
The link has continued to grow over the years, with almost 12 kilometres of the original near-20-kilometre vision completed by 2023.
The community will celebrate the milestone in Mission Beach on Saturday 26th September
The event will take place at Perry Harvey Jetty, with start time to be confirmed.

Members of the Cassowary Coast Business Women’s Network enjoying the evening at El Arish Tavern Contributed by Susan Kelly
El Arish Tavern played host to the latest Cassowary Coast Business Women’s Network gathering, bringing local women together for an evening designed to uncover the people behind the businesses.
Built around the theme “What’s Behind the Business Card?”, the event used small, interactive discussion groups to give members the chance to share more about themselves and their businesses.

Network representative Kerry said the idea came from wanting members to get to know one another beyond a quick introduction or job title.
“There were some fun ways and some more considered ways of sharing information about each other, and it was fun,” she said.
The evening gave members a better understanding of the businesses, skills and services represented across the region, while creating space for new and existing members to connect.

The network’s next event will be held on 13 October at the Mt Tyson Hotel in Tully, where Nicky Jurd will speak about AI tools beyond ChatGPT.





Attendees enjoyed an educational evening teamed with tasty fresh produce. Photos supplied
Science at the Pub saw another popular event unfold, with a special cassowary-themed night at Shanti Beach Café last week.
Terry Carmichael from the Wet Tropics Management Authority provided an engaging insight into the fascinating life of the southern cassowary, detailing how local habitats provide an essential ecosystem within which these unique creatures continue to thrive.
Joined by Jeff Lewis and Joanna Schmid from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, attendees enjoyed a discussion about cassowary habitat and ecology, and the importance of data collection for their long-term survival.
This iteration of Science at the Pub also coincided with the Australian Good Food Guide annual Spring Dinner, focusing on local produce from local producers.

Highlighting the depth and breadth of local produce, the evening showcased Mission Beach produce from Benny's Line Caught Fishing, MBL Bananas and Bingil Bay Limes, serving up Nannygai tacos with banoffee pie.
“A big thank you to the three presenters at Tuesday night's Science at the Pub, and to Amber from CCRC for her final appearance after two amazing years, and of course to the many locals who turned up for a fascinating evening,” shared organisers.
Presented by Cassowary Coast Council, this regular community event is proving a popular mainstay on the Mission Beach calendar.
The next Science at the Pub in Mission Beach is scheduled for Wednesday, 23 September 2026, at 5:30pm.

Cassowary Coast Library and Museum Services invites the community to come together for a special open day celebrating local stories, shared strength and the reopening of the refurbished Cardwell Library and Heritage Precinct.
Stronger Together: Celebrating Community Resilience will be held on Friday 9 October from 10.00am to 4.00pm, with free activities taking place across the Cardwell Library, JC Hubinger Memorial Museum, Heritage Precinct and surrounding green spaces.
The day will begin with an official opening, followed by the Voices of Cardwell Conversation Café and community morning tea. Residents are encouraged to share their memories, photographs and experiences of Cardwell, including stories of Cyclones Yasi, Larry and Winifred and the community connections formed through recovery.
Visitors can explore the recently refurbished facilities through guided library, museum and heritage tours, view a special cyclone commemoration exhibition presented by the Cardwell & District Historical Society, and connect with Council representatives, emergency services and community organisations.
Practical activities will include disaster preparedness information, a Get Ready Queensland dashboard workshop, digital workshops and friendly Tech Help. Families can also enjoy interactive children’s activities and an after-school community afternoon tea on the lawn from 3.00pm.
The event will recognise the invaluable contribution of local volunteers and provide opportunities to learn more about community services, volunteering and disaster preparedness.
The refurbishment works were made possible through the jointly funded Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. This community event is also supported by the Australian Library and Information Association through its Social Cohesion funding program.
Stronger Together is a opportunity to reconnect with the precinct, celebrate Cardwell’s resilience and help preserve local stories for future generations.

Photos supplied
Cassowary Coast Careers Day 2026 has given local young people the opportunity to explore future career pathways, connect with businesses and industries, and learn more about the skills and qualifications needed for employment.
The event focused on the unique opportunities available across the Cassowary Coast Region, helping strengthen connections between young people, education providers, employers and the broader community.

Through conversations with local businesses and industries, attendees were able to gain insight into potential career directions and the requirements for entering different fields.
A youth survey was also conducted as part of the event, providing an opportunity for young people to share their views and priorities with Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

The survey will help guide the work of the Youth Advisory Committee, while giving Council a better understanding of what matters most to local youth.
This includes what young people would like to see, do and become involved in across the Cassowary Coast, supporting future initiatives that reflect the interests and needs of the region’s younger generation.


Cassowary Coast banana growers are watching closely as the Australian Government assesses the potential biosecurity risks of importing fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines. Photo supplied
By Chelsea Ravizza
The future of one of the Cassowary Coast’s biggest agricultural industries remains under scrutiny as the Australian Government assesses whether fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines could eventually enter the Australian market.
For growers across Tully, Innisfail and Kennedy, the issue carries particular weight. The Cassowary Coast is one of Australia’s major banana-growing regions, with Queensland producing about 94 per cent of the nation’s bananas, and in 2024-25 alone, Australia produced 368,701 tonnes of bananas worth $719.4 million.
More than 70 banana growers and Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) affiliate members gathered in Innisfail earlier this month, with Panama disease Tropical Race 4 (TR4) and the proposed Philippine import arrangements among the key issues discussed.
The Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry commenced a Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (BIRA) on 16th June, assessing whether alternative measures could manage the biosecurity risks associated with importing fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.
No imports have been approved.
The Philippines has been seeking access to Australia’s banana market since 1995. While Australia agreed in principle in 2009 to allow imports if strict biosecurity requirements were met, the necessary arrangements were never finalised and no trade began. In 2018, the Philippines asked Australia to consider alternative ways of managing the biosecurity risks, setting the process now underway in motion.
DAFF conducted a technical visit to the Philippines from 23rd to 27th March, visiting commercial plantations and packing facilities across banana-growing areas of Mindanao.

The ABGC has strongly opposed the prospect of imports, with Banana Imports Committee chair Paul Inderbitzin identifying Moko and black Sigatoka as two of the industry's major concerns.
“There are a number of biosecurity risks associated with importing bananas. Two of the main ones are Moko and black Sigatoka. Australia is one of the few countries free from these devastating diseases,” he said.
According to ABGC, Moko and black Sigatoka are not currently present in Australia, however, the organisation has warned that an introduction could have significant consequences for banana production and increase production costs.
The Cassowary Coast already has first-hand experience of the long-term challenge posed by TR4 with DAFF confirming the disease was detected in Tully in 2015 and can remain in soil for decades.
Senator Susan McDonald, who has been campaigning against the prospect of banana imports, said the region had much at stake.
“The Cassowary Coast is the heartland of Australian banana production and I have visited farms there,” she said.
“Once a disease becomes established, you can’t undo the damage. Our growers have already experienced the enormous cost and disruption of managing Panama TR4.”

ABGC says the Australian banana industry supports about 18,000 jobs, including flow-on employment, and contributes about $1.3 billion to the Australian economy with the organisation calling for the assessment to protect the industry's existing biosecurity status.
DAFF, meanwhile, describes the assessment as a technical, science-based process conducted under Australia's biosecurity legislation and international standards. The department says it is assessing whether proposed production practices and any additional measures could reduce the risk to Australia's appropriate level of protection.
The department expects to release a draft report in the first half of 2027, followed by at least 60 calendar days of public consultation. Even if the assessment finds a pathway could meet Australia's biosecurity requirements, further verification and development of import conditions would be required before trade could begin with DAFF claiming the full process could take several years.
In the Cassowary Coast, the debate is therefore still some way from a final decision, but one that could have significant implications for an industry deeply embedded in the region's economy and communities.

Bandit loves learning about the news in the Cassowary Coast… Or maybe he just enjoys pouncing on the paper?
Either way, the paper is pet friendly. Snuggle on the couch with your cat and do a puzzle, look at the pictures, or flick through the news. Cats don’t have thumbs, you know - you have to turn those pages for them!