As the hazard reduction burn season ramps up across Queensland, local firefighters and energy providers are reminding landowners to take extra precautions when burning near power infrastructure.

Both Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire Department are urging property owners to be mindful of power poles and electrical equipment when conducting hazard reduction burns, which play a vital role in reducing vegetation and fire risk across rural areas.

Ergon Energy’s Corinne Young, who also serves as a volunteer with the Rural Fire Service, emphasised the potential dangers of uncontrolled burns near community electrical infrastructure.

“Power poles are a critical part of keeping our communities connected, and any damage to these structures can lead to lengthy power outages and significant repair costs,” Ms Young said.

“Beyond the inconvenience, fallen powerlines pose a severe threat - they can cause serious injury or even be fatal to anyone or any animals that come into contact with them. Furthermore, out-of-control hazard reduction burns have been known to partially burn through poles, leaving them standing, only to fall over at a later date during high winds and other severe weather.

“To help protect these vital assets, we strongly recommend that before starting any hazard reduction burn, property owners clear at least five metres around all power poles and electrical equipment.”

Rural Fire Service Queensland Chief Officer Kaylene Jones echoed the importance of preparation and caution when conducting planned burns.

“Before commencing a burn, it’s important for landowners to be prepared by ensuring they have a permit and also have equipment such as hoses, water tanks, or fire extinguishers on hand should these be needed during an emergency,” Chief Officer Jones said.

“Landowners should clear their property and electricity infrastructure of any long grass, foliage and rubbish and never leave a planned burn unattended.”

“Always check the weather forecast before commencing any planned burn and postpone on windy days as conditions can change rapidly.”

“In the event of an emergency, dial Triple Zero and for more information about bushfire preparedness head to www.fire.qld.gov.au.”

Ergon and Energex also reminded property owners to take just as much care with privately owned property poles, which can also pose hazards and incur repair costs if damaged. For more information, visit www.energex.com.au/propertypoles.

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Statistics from Safe Work Australia continue to paint a sobering picture; Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing remains one of the most dangerous industries in the country, with an average of 38 workplace deaths reported each year.

The Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) used this year’s theme, ‘Second Chances’, to encourage farmers and agricultural workers to reflect on close calls as moments to learn and act before it’s too late.

“Farming is fast-paced and unpredictable. Every day, ag workers are operating heavy machinery, managing unpredictable animals, working at heights, mixing chemicals, or simply navigating long hours in tough conditions,” said AIHS CEO Julia Whitford.

“Near misses aren’t just lucky escapes – they’re important warnings. If we pause to reflect and act after a close call, we can mitigate that risk and prevent future incidents.”

Farm fatalities are often caused by vehicle rollovers, falls, equipment accidents, and being struck by moving objects, but Ms Whitford noted that safety concerns on farms go far beyond physical hazards.

“Long hours, financial pressures, and the mental strain of working in isolation or in extreme conditions also takes a toll,” she said.

“Many ag workers operate in remote areas without easy access to healthcare or support. Add to that the stress of unpredictable seasons, burn out, and market conditions, and you’ve got a perfect storm for both physical and psychological injury.”

National Farm Safety Week served as an important reminder to check in—not just with equipment and safety procedures, but with the wellbeing of oneself and others.

“We want farm workers to start asking: What went wrong? What nearly went wrong? And what can I do differently?” Ms Whitford said.

While Farm Safety Week is held each July, the call to action is year-round. Farmers are encouraged to keep safety front of mind and to treat every close call as a lesson that could save a life. More resources and safety tools are available at the AIHS website, www.aihs.org.au.

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This July, As Green As Garden Centre celebrated an incredible milestone of 20 years of service to Tully and the Cassowary Coast. Established on 1 July 2005 by Lisa and Michael Godfrey, the business has grown from a modest selection of plants to a bustling, full-range garden and pet supply destination. Now under the management of their daughter and her partner, the centre continues to be a family-run business built on the values of great service, community spirit, and trust.

Open seven days a week (Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm, and weekends from 9am to 2pm), the centre is known for its wide selection of products and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're after plants, pet food, aquarium supplies, or unique giftware, you're bound to find something that suits your needs.

The plant range is extensive, with a great mix of Australian natives, tropicals, flowering varieties, ground covers, aquatics and more. You’ll find tube stocks, saplings, seedlings, bulbs and everything you need to top up an established garden or start fresh. There’s also a full selection of potting mixes, orchid mix, cocopeat, fertilisers, mulch, and decorative pots, all ideal for giving your garden new life.

Animal lovers are well catered for too. The store stocks dog, cat, bird, chicken, pig, and even roo food, as well as dog beds, collars, leads, cages, toys, scratchers, and wormers for a range of animals. Chickens, canaries, and budgies occasionally make an appearance, along with all the essentials to get started, like feeders, waterers, mealworms, and chicken treats.

Aquarium enthusiasts will find fish food, tanks, pond setup ideas and an ever-changing variety of fish, covering both indoor tank varieties and outdoor pond fish. For hydroponic growers, the store stocks trusted brands like Greenplanet, Cyco, and Massive Bloom.

The shop also offers gift lines, such as crystals, incense, fairy garden decorations, jewellery, and other whimsical items to fit your garden and homestyle dreams.

What truly sets As Green As Garden Centre apart is its commitment to personal service. The new managers say, “Our staff are always happy to answer questions and help you find what you need. We aim to make every visit a positive experience.”

As the business looks to the future, it does so with deep gratitude for two decades of community support. It’s clear that As Green As is more than just a garden centre; it's a valued part of the local landscape, growing alongside the people it serves.

Ingham Juniors Beat Brothers 5-4 To Win Kelso Cup

This was Ingham Pups’ second carnival victory of the season so far, they went 1-nil down in this final... But a Beatts double, plus goals from Sammy Pearce, Archer Carr and Thomas Martin helped fire Ingham to victory. Huxley Beatts scored a last-gasp winner to seal a 5-4 win for Ingham Pups over Brothers in the Kelso Cup grand final in Townsville. The goal was the culmination of a dramatic comeback for Ingham’s under-7s, who twice came from behind in the final, to overcome a side that beat them 6-1 in the group stage of the competition.

Ingham Pups Win Kelso Cup

Coach Melissa Carr said, "The boys dug deep and brought their A-game when it mattered most. After going down 6-1 to this side in an earlier match, some would have given up - but not these boys," she continued with pride, "It’s a testament to their attitude and the bond they’ve formed as a team."

Brothers levelled on the stroke of half-time and then roared into a 4-2 lead after the break. Archer Carr sparked the comeback for Ingham, curling the ball over four players and into the net to make it 4-3.

Thomas Martin then equalised to make it 4-4, setting the stage for Beatts to grab that late winner. Earlier in the day, Ingham Pups had sealed wins over Ingham Cubs (4-2), JCU Riverway (4-2) and Brothers Blue (3-0) before going down 6-1 to Brothers Red in their final group game.

Pups bounced back to win their semi-final 5-nil over Brothers Blue, sending them into the final, which they won 5-4 over Brothers Red. Patrick Pearce (4 goals) and Cristiano Rapista (2 goals) were also on the scoresheet for Pups during their six games on the day.

There were strong performances all-round from Ingham’s juniors in the Kelso Cup, with Ingham Cubs under-7s, coached by Cameron Blanco, reaching the semi-finals, and Ingham’s under-6s, led by Brenden Accornero, reaching the grand final and finishing runners-up at the event in Kelso, Townsville, on Sunday 14 July. Ingham’s under-13s girls also finished runners-up, having reached the grand final with some impressive performances.

Contributed with thanks by Jonny Pearce.

The Ingham Wolves Soccer Club is getting back on track thanks to a generous boost from the NAB Foundation Community Grant program. The club used the grant to replace vital canteen equipment lost during the devastating February floods, a step that’s helped refuel both their operations and team spirit.

The NAB Foundation’s Community Grants support local initiatives that build long-term resilience and recovery from natural disasters. Ingham Wolves was one of many grassroots groups to benefit from the program, which prioritises funding for community-led projects that strengthen local recovery efforts.

Ingham branch manager, Simon Hitchcock said, 'It’s so pleasing to see the IFC’s Canteen back up and running post the 2025 100-year flood event. Thank you to the dedicated club volunteers and the NAB Foundation Community Grant.'”

With the canteen now operational, the club can continue to provide food and refreshments for players and families, keeping athletes fuelled and offering a place to gather, share a snack and enjoy the club spirit after the final whistle.

This small yet impactful upgrade highlights the importance of community support in sport. Thanks to NAB and the tireless volunteers behind the Wolves, both on and off the field.

Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire! This last week has been a bit of a hectic one with myself and Sherie (our newspaper's fantastic Sales Manager) heading down to Airlie Beach for a two-day training session at the head office.

How I love a road trip! Sherie and I chatted the four and a half hours away and arrived in Airlie ready to learn more and hone our respective crafts. I think we both picked up some helpful tips and tricks across the two days, and it was lovely to see my old colleagues from Whitsunday Life and meet my new ones who were just beginning their journeys with the Life Publishing team.

Special shout-out to our Editorial Team Leader and sharkaholic, Ruth Puddefoot, who competed in the Airlie Beach Half Marathon on the weekend and smashed it! All the best on your travels, I know the team will miss you greatly as you take a well-deserved Western Australian sabbatical.

NAIDOC week is happening this week for the community. With a flag-raising ceremony at Ingham Council's office, and many schools participating in traditional crafts and storytelling. Now is the time to reflect and pay respects to our country's first peoples, their culture and traditions, past, present and emerging.

Victoria

Fun Fact: While more than 400 species of sharks are found worldwide today, about 170 of them inhabit Australian seas, from the world’s largest, the whale shark (14m), to one of the smallest, the pygmy shark (30cm). The Coral Sea is a hotspot of shark diversity with more than 50 species. My favourite shark is the wobbegong.

Hinchinbrook, it is very easy to shop locally when we are so spoilt for choice. It is heartening to see new small business establishing in Ingham and the town buzzing after a challenging first half of the year for many.

It was a pleasure to visit some of these new businesses recently to congratulate them and check out the exciting services they’re offering. Hinchinbrook is brimming with creativity, determination, and community spirit and our small businesses are a proud reflection of that.

Congratulations to Kaitlin Gileppa for officially opening Piccolo Poompi, on 5 July 2025 located at Lannercost Street. I’m sure parents, especially mums, will be thrilled to have a beautiful new children’s and gift store in town.

Also joining the Hinchinbrook business community is Adam’s Barbershop, now open on Herbert Street. It’s fantastic to see new residents choosing Ingham not just as a place to live, but as a place to invest in. We warmly welcome Adam and his family.

Adding even more variety to the local business scene is Neuro Calm, located on Palm Terrace and established by Madison. Neuro Calm is a gentle and non-invasive brain training service that improves clarity, focus, balance and resilience. It’s inspiring to see entrepreneurs bringing innovative business ideas to life right here in Ingham.

Another congratulations to Bec Weston, owner of Beauty on Lannercost, who has recently relocated from Maddie’s Hair Bar and opened her own shopfront. Bec has created a warm, stylish, and relaxing space where clients can enjoy being pampered.

It was also a pleasure meeting Jackie and the team from Connecting the Dots through Culture. Jackie and Cecelia bring extensive personal and professional cultural knowledge to support educators. They have also launched a new Play Shop that offers a variety of books, puzzles, finger puppets, snap cards and play-based resources for cultural learning.

While visiting some new businesses, I was able to catch up with Shirley from NQ Makers’ Collective and I was blown away with the local talent in our district. This unique shop offers locals an outlet to be creative by selling homewares, jewellery, local honey, candles, personalised gifts and so much more.

It’s always exciting meeting new business owners and hearing the stories behind their ventures. If you are a new business owner in the Hinchinbrook electorate and would like to arrange a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact the Hinchinbrook Electorate Office on (07) 4765 4700.

Queensland’s frontline disaster network reached an important milestone this month, celebrating the first anniversary of the State Emergency Service (SES) and Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) operating under the banner of the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

The SES formally transferred to QPS on the 3rd of June, with MRQ launched one month later. The realignment created the state’s first integrated marine rescue model and strengthened existing partnerships across emergency agencies.

Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy APM said the results speak for themselves.

“I’ve witnessed first hand the strength of collaboration between our agencies, and how it has transformed our approach to disaster management,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.

“Over the past year, the SES, MRQ and QPS have worked side by side to support communities through major weather events, including widespread flooding across the north and west, and the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“I’m proud of the difference our crews have made in the lives of Queenslanders who were deeply affected by these disasters.

“As we look ahead, I’m committed to continuing this close partnership with our emergency services as we strengthen our collective response in times of crisis.”

Throughout the year, SES volunteers answered thousands of calls for help, from evacuations and roof repairs to clearing fallen trees.

“Our volunteers made a significant difference in many communities, when we responded to the multiple disasters this year,” SES Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong CSC said.

“One year on from transition, the SES stands ready to support Queenslanders in times of need.”

For MRQ, the anniversary coincides with the first birthdays of its inaugural units in Mackay and Gladstone.

“From our first two units in Central Queensland, we’ve grown to 14 units … with more units scheduled to transition across before the end of 2025,” MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff said.

“We anticipate MRQ will ultimately grow to around 2,700 Queensland volunteers operating across 47 units, undertaking 4,000 activations across the state every year.”

Queenslanders are reminded to dial Triple Zero (000) for life‑threatening emergencies, call SES on 132 500 for storm or flood assistance, and stay informed via the Bureau of Meteorology’s warning summaries.

By Victoria Velton

“I tell young people to do everything you possibly can within your capabilities. If you miss the opportunity, it’s gone."

At 87, Ursula Collins speaks from rich experience. A resident of the Lions Retirement Village in Halifax since 2009, she lives quietly these days, but her past is anything but. Born in Leicestershire, England, in 1937, two years before the outbreak of World War II, Ursula has lived through some of the most turbulent and transformative decades in modern history, carving out a life full of adventure, challenge and resilience.

She trained as a state-registered nurse in post-war England. “I wasn’t supposed to marry during training, it was frowned upon in the 1950s, but I did,” she said, smiling. Ursula and her husband, an Oxford undergraduate, soon set off with their three-week-old baby to Kenya, where they lived in the bush for five years. “No electricity, no phone... we were burgled twice in three nights,” she recalled. When independence was coming and things got rough, they decided to leave.

And they didn’t just fly out, they drove home, across the Middle East, in a three-month road trip through Iraq, Iran and Jordan. “We had a six-foot tent for the four of us. And it was fantastic, it really was. People were so good to us all the way through, so kind."

The next chapter took them to Papua New Guinea, but their marriage ended there. Coincidentally, both later married Australians, and Ursula moved to Darwin shortly after Cyclone Tracy in 1974, where she continued working in health, including as a physiotherapy assistant, and eventually settled into a quieter life. “But we still had the travel bug," she said with pride, mentioning adventures such as living on a yacht for two years, sailing the ocean.

Life, however, has not been without sorrow. “I had four children. One son only lived 24 hours.” Her daughter suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm in 2006 and lost the ability to speak. Her eldest son is currently in palliative care with advanced prostate cancer. “I really feel I’m going to outlive my children,” she said quietly.

After her husband passed away in 2004, Ursula moved to Ingham in 2009 to be closer to her family. “I hate cities and towns. I love the country and used to love camping and fishing, but all that stopped when my husband died.” Now she enjoys the peace of retirement village life, where everyone has their own unit but checks in on each other. “It’s like a little family. We’re not in each other’s pockets, but we help when needed.”

Though less active these days, Ursula fondly remembers her time with the Mossman Seniors in Port Douglas. “We went on a tramp steamer to Thursday Island, delivering supplies up the Gulf. One of many wonderful adventures.”

Ursula’s mantra remains strong to “Get on with everybody you know, and to just enjoy people, and not bother about trivial upsets.” Wise words from someone who’s lived a life full of adventure, resilience and heart.

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The Ingham Courthouse is a standout example of post-war modernist architecture in regional Queensland. Built between 1948 and 1953, it replaced an earlier timber structure destroyed by fire.

Designed by Queensland's Public Works Department, the building features a distinctive two-storey brick façade with strong horizontal lines, cantilevered balconies and glass louvres, marking a bold shift from traditional courthouse design.

More than just a legal centre, it symbolised post-war confidence and civic pride in Hinchinbrook. Its layout cleverly separates judicial, public and administrative spaces, making it both functional and forward thinking for its time.

Heritage listed in 2000, the courthouse continues to serve the community and stands as a reminder of Ingham’s resilience and modernisation in the mid 20th century. Look closely next time you pass, it’s not just bricks and mortar, but a chapter of local history.

With two-thirds of the region underwater, the damage to homes, farms, roads, and businesses has been widespread and long-lasting.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has worked closely with emergency services and government agencies to coordinate clean-up operations, facilitate community recovery support across a diverse range of services, advocate for additional grant assistance for impacted community and industry sectors, and liaise with insurance representatives to encourage timely claim processing.

Thousands of insurance claims have been lodged. While many residents are still navigating assessments and temporary housing, progress is being made — albeit slower than many had hoped.

Understandably, there's been a mix of good progress and growing frustration. For many, the return to normal routines has taken longer than expected.

The recovery process is complex, involving multiple layers of assessment, funding approvals, and coordination between local, state, and federal bodies.

One of the key milestones in our recovery journey is the upcoming transition in the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements works program, a joint initiative between the Australian and Queensland governments.

We’re now moving from the emergency works phase — which focused on restoring access — to the next phase of the reconstruction of our roads, where the goal is to rebuild infrastructure to its pre-event standard.

Contractors and suppliers should keep an eye out for tenders being released over the coming months.

Council is also facing similar insurance challenges as residents, with infrastructure assessments still underway for key facilities such as the Visitor Information Centre and the JL Kelly Theatre.

Despite the delays, recovery efforts are progressing.

For those still needing support, the Hinchinbrook Information and Referral Centre at 73–81 Lannercost Street remains a vital resource and will remain open until September.

The Centre offers financial counselling, wellness coaching, business assistance, and access to grants and recovery programs. For help navigating your recovery journey, call 4776 3479.

Hi Hinchinbrook Life readers,

On Friday 1 August at 6:00pm, the TYTO Regional Art Gallery will burst into colour, creativity, and community spirit as we open the 2025 10th Birdlife Art Awards Exhibition.

This cherished annual event celebrates the incredible birdlife of the Hinchinbrook region—from the TYTO wetlands to beyond. This year, we’re proud to showcase 104 entries across drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.

Each piece highlights bird species found right here in Hinchinbrook, reflecting our shared love for the natural beauty around us.

I’m honoured to be judging alongside Ashleigh Peters, a talented artist and designer known for blending traditional and digital techniques. We have a third judge, and we’ll announce it on social media very soon.

Together, we’ll face the exciting challenge of selecting winners from an inspiring pool of entries.

We’re also grateful for the support of our generous sponsors who make this event possible:
Windlab – Open Award;
Guido’s Panel and Paint – Local Artist Award;
Ingham Real Estate – Youth Award;
Nick Dametto MP – People’s Choice Award;
Bisson’s Electrical – Painting (2D);
Frosty Mango – Watercolour;
Jenark Business Solutions – Mixed Media;
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables – Photography; and
KDM Allsorts – Sculptural Form.

Join us for an evening of art, light refreshments, and community connection. Meet the artists and enjoy the award presentations.

Save the date: Friday 1 August, 6:00pm

We promise you’ll leave feeling inspired and reminded of how special our slice of paradise truly is. Tickets on sale now at hinchinbrooktickets.com.au – see you at opening night.

Simon Hood – Wilmar Manager, Grower Marketing

Every grower has a different way of handling their GEI sugar price exposure, which affects their final cane price. Some like to keep a close eye on the market, while others prefer a hands-off approach.

We offer a range of pricing options so growers can choose what suits their level of interest and their risk appetite.

We recommend thinking about sugar pricing as a form of risk management. If you're using Target Pricing, it means selling in small steps as the price improves, with the aim of locking in a solid average price over time.

Another pricing option we recently introduced is our Managed Pool Plus. This is an actively managed pool that includes both miller and grower sugar price exposure. Our goal is to outperform the market across the life of the pool. Despite a tough market, the 2025 pool is holding up well.

Due to increased enquiry from growers, we have extended the nomination deadline for the 2026 Season Managed Pool Plus until 31 July. That means there’s still time to allocate some of your 2026 GEI sugar exposure.

We created this pool to help reduce some of the stress around pricing decisions. Some growers dip their toe in by allocating just 10% to see how we perform. Others have put a greater share into the pool. A popular strategy is to split your exposure into thirds – one third into MPP, another third managed through Target Pricing, and the final third left until April to decide between the Production Risk Pool or our Grower Managed Production Risk Scheme.

If you’re not sure how the Managed Pool Plus could work for you, we can help. Our Grower Marketing team can compare different approaches, show how prices have moved, and talk you through possible outcomes under various market conditions. We can also check on any active orders you have and share the latest updates from our global market analysts.

Right now, the market is sitting tight, waiting on more solid data before making any big shifts. Brazil is still the country to watch. Its sugarcane crush is running 15% behind last year. They’re pushing hard on sugar production (over 53% of the crush), but the quality of cane – particularly the sugar content (ATR) – is down more than 5% on last year. That’s a big deal, and something the market is watching closely.

The CANEGROWERS Policy Council, which met in Brisbane last week, has recognised and congratulated sugar mill workers across Queensland for their efforts in delivering a smooth start to the 2025 crushing season.

CANEGROWERS has the unique ability to bring together grass roots farmers from each mill supply area across the state for this two-day meeting to discuss industry policy and strategy. Amongst a range of long- and short-term priorities discussed there was a common view that one month into the 2025 crush, in most areas it has been a positive start.

CANEGROWERS Chair Owen Menkens said favourable weather has played a role, but it’s clear that the hard work and investment during the off-season maintenance period is paying off.

“We know the last five years have been incredibly tough for everyone in the industry, with persistent challenges in milling reliability,” Mr Menkens said.

“That’s why it’s so important to call it as we see it — and right now, mill workers across the state deserve credit for a job well done in getting this season off to a solid start.”

CEO Dan Galligan echoed the sentiment, acknowledging that while the season hasn’t been without its usual workforce challenges, the collaborative effort across the industry is what drives success.

“Growers, harvesters and millers, all rely on each other,” Mr Galligan said.

“When we work well together, we are all stronger — and the start to this season shows what’s possible when we pull in the same direction.”

The Policy Council agreed that continued cooperation, transparency and mutual respect across all parts of the supply chain will be essential to maintaining momentum and tackling the inevitable challenges ahead.

“At CANEGROWERS, we believe in telling it straight,” Mr Menkens said.

“And this season, the story starts with a positive tone — thanks to the people who made it happen.”

The Australian Government is seeking input from community and industry stakeholders on the popular On Farm Connectivity Program to ensure it is delivering the best possible outcomes for primary producers through the upcoming third round.

Through over $30 million in rebates provided over the first two rounds, thousands of primary producers have been able to extend connectivity and take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts has commenced public consultation on design aspects of Round 3, ahead of opening applications later this year.

The department is requesting feedback on options to adjust the Program to ensure opportunities are optimised for primary producers to address connectivity gaps, particularly in light of the unprecedented demand in Round 2.

Proposed changes to the Program including refining the scope of equipment eligible for rebate, and streamlining processes by providing rebates directly to primary producers.

The public consultation builds on discussions already underway with state and Commonwealth government agencies and industry representatives, including the National Farmers’ Federation, as well as feedback already received following delivery of the first two rounds.

The Government has allocated $53 million across all three rounds of the Program over 2023-24 to 2025-26, as part of the Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.

For more information and to have your say on the proposed changes for Round 3, visit the On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3 consultation page. Consultation closes on Tuesday 26 August 2025.