The 98th annual Feast of St Anthony brought joy, tradition and plenty of good food to Bemerside on Sunday, 8th June, as locals gathered for one of the Hinchinbrook region’s most cherished community celebrations.

The day began with a reverent Celebration of Mass, led by the Parish Priest, setting a spiritual tone for the event. As the little church's bells quietened, the celebration flowed into an afternoon of festivity, family and fellowship.

Food stalls were a major drawcard, with the scent of BBQ, fish and chips, fresh sandwiches, and sweet treats drifting through the air. And yes, many, many cannoli were enjoyed with laughter and coffee under shady marquees!

A heartfelt Procession and Rosary were held, drawing families together for prayer and reflection, followed by the Blessing of Children and Distribution of St Anthony’s Bread, a truly symbolic moment that continues to hold deep meaning for many in the community.

Local favourite Anthony Fracchia provided a lively soundtrack for the day with some clapping and dancing along, while the 500 Club, monster raffle, bottle stall, bar and a jumping castle kept spirits high and children entertained.

Now nearly a century strong, the Feast of St Anthony remains a treasured expression of faith and community in the heart of Bemerside.

Find the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/26dmqezc

I was very pleased for the opportunity to attend our State Emergency Services headquarters in Menzies Street, Ingham last Tuesday to witness an incredible donation by Ergon, Energex and Powerlink of much-needed power equipment to our local SES units.

The donations included all modern appliances essential to our volunteers for undertaking their work in helping out our community in times of trouble—such as chainsaws, portable batteries, and other vital devices like blowers and heat guns.

The irony of the day was that all of the pertinent equipment donated was battery-powered, just showing how versatile, easy to use, and convenient battery-powered devices have become in our modern society. However, as was pointed out, batteries are good—very welcome and handy—but they still need to be charged from mains power somewhere.

On behalf of our SES units and our community, thank you very much to Ergon, Energex and Powerlink for your generosity. Our SES volunteers do a lot of heavy lifting and hard work in protecting and supporting our community, and every bit of equipment that can make life that little bit easier and lessen that load is appreciated.

Whilst on Ergon, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify one misnomer that continues to circulate in our community — and that is the belief that mains power into our district is restricted to, and only through, the Ingham substation.

The rhetoric is that if Ergon had other options in the electricity network, then the loss of power via the Ingham substation would not have been as bad as we all, unfortunately, experienced.

The fact is that Ergon does have the capacity to bypass the Ingham substation to supply the rural areas of our district. But unfortunately, that powerline was impacted by the disruptions that occurred at Ollera Creek, when power poles — as well as the bridge itself — were washed away.

I am extremely thankful for the effort of Ergon and all staff for getting the job done as quickly as they in fact did, given the extent of damage sustained to the network.

Rebecca Bornstein is a highly qualified and dedicated optometrist, committed to providing tailored, evidence-based care to every patient she sees. She holds a Bachelor of Vision Science with Distinction and a Master of Optometry from Deakin University and is endorsed to prescribe ocular therapeutics.

Although initially interested in nutrition, Rebecca was drawn to optometry after exploring a wide range of healthcare professions. saying that optometry ticked every box for her as a career that offered continual learning, a strong clinical focus, and good work-life balance.

Her clinical interests include paediatric eye care, glaucoma management, anterior eye conditions, and dry eye disease. These areas are particularly relevant in the Ingham area, where dry eye is prevalent among the ageing population. Rebecca explained that the regional location has provided the perfect opportunity with its many complicated and challenging patients, for her to apply her skills while continuing to learn.

Rebecca joined the Rachel Cauchi Optometrist's team with enthusiasm, saying "I wanted to be clinically challenged, mentally challenged. I came and met the team, and I just felt like we would be a good fit, and it has been so wonderful."

Her approach to patient care is full of empathy and preparation, particularly when working with children or nervous adults. “I try to relate to them, to be present with them, and if it's kids, to make them laugh and enjoy the process." She always has a strategy and a plan ready before the patients walk in, tailor-made to each one.

Rebecca encourages anyone who has not had an eye test recently to book an appointment, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. “Routine eye checks can detect issues that may not yet be noticeable,” she advises. “It’s an important part of overall health care, even if you aren't experiencing any symptoms," and advises getting checked every two years for those under 65 and every year if over 65.

Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending time in nature with her partner, cooking, and playing guitar. One of her favourite local spots is the Cardwell Jetty, as she never tires of the views.

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So far in 2025, the dedicated volunteers of the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch have achieved something truly inspiring. Through the humble but much-loved Sunday BBQ/Buffet lunches, this small team, made up largely of local pensioners, has already raised and donated an incredible $10,000 to support local schools, the Coast Guard, the UFO Festival, and other not-for-profit groups.

It’s a remarkable result considering the group’s main source of income is their weekly $10 lunches, served with a warm smile and a generous helping of community spirit at 36 Roma Street. The buffet may be modestly priced, but the quality and variety, particularly the salads, are known to impress even the fussiest of diners.

In previous years, the Sub Branch’s efforts have continued to grow, with $24,000 donated in 2023 and $18,000 in 2024. This current management committee has prioritised making a real difference in the Cardwell district, supporting not only vital services and events but also strengthening the region socially.

While community support is a big part of their mission, the welfare of veterans and their families remains at the heart of the Cardwell RSL. Staying active and involved in the community is a key part of promoting physical and mental wellbeing for veterans, and these Sunday gatherings provide the perfect opportunity for connection, service, and support.

Travellers passing through Cardwell on a Sunday are warmly invited to stop in and enjoy lunch, meet some locals, and support a truly worthwhile cause. With thanks to the Cardwell community for their continued support, the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch is proving that with teamwork, heart, and a good feed, a small group can make a lasting impact.

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Elected Vice Chair of Queensland Canegrowers Board

Congratulations to local cane farmer and industry leader Steven Marbelli on his recent election as Vice Chair of the Queensland Canegrowers Board. This is a significant milestone not just for Steven, but for the entire Herbert River region, as one of our own steps into a key leadership role within Queensland’s peak sugarcane industry body.

Steven brings to the boardroom a wealth of firsthand experience and deep industry insight. He began farming in 1986 and currently manages over 500 hectares of sugarcane in the Herbert River district. In addition to his own farming enterprise, he has successfully operated a harvester contracting business for more than 30 years—giving him a unique and practical understanding of both the grower and harvesting sides of the industry.

Steven’s leadership journey with Canegrowers began in 2013 when he joined the board of Canegrowers Herbert River. Since then, he has continued to advocate for practical, grower-focused solutions to industry challenges. His strong voice and commitment to representing local growers saw him elected as Chairman of the Canegrowers Herbert River in 2025.

Further cementing his commitment to industry-wide improvement, Steven has also taken on the role as Chair of the Farm Inputs Committee. This committee reports to the Canegrowers Policy Council and is responsible for presenting recommendations on critical issues affecting farm input costs and availability—ensuring growers’ needs are front and centre in key policy discussions.

His election as Vice Chair of the Queensland Canegrowers Board is a reflection of the respect he has earned throughout the wider sugar industry. With his deep-rooted knowledge of farming and harvesting operations, Steven is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully at the state level. His practical approach, combined with years of leadership and advocacy experience, will strengthen efforts to ensure growers are not only heard, but supported through sound policy and effective representation.

As Vice Chair, Steven will play a vital role in shaping strategic decisions and advocating for policies that support a more sustainable and profitable sugar industry. His leadership will be invaluable as the industry navigates increasing demands for market competitiveness.

Steven’s dedication to the Herbert River region and to Queensland’s cane industry is unwavering. We are proud to see his contributions recognised on a broader stage and look forward to the positive impact he will make for growers across the state.

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Council at its General Meeting on, Tuesday 27 May 2025, adopted an innovative new strategy that goes beyond rebuilding after disaster and focuses on driving regional excellence to make the community stronger, better, and more liveable.

Following the significant flooding events that impacted the region, the strategy is designed to ensure Hinchinbrook doesn’t just recover but thrives. With a focus on growth, innovation, and long term sustainability, the strategy cements Council’s commitment to shaping its own future rather than waiting for external solutions.

Council sought community input and feedback through flyers, social media, events, and case studies in order to shape the strategy according to residents’ vision for the region’s future. Over 2,000 Hinchinbrook Shire residents provided feedback and contributed to shaping the strategy. The purpose of the strategy is to support the region’s quality of life through improved social infrastructure, connectivity, and economic growth.

Mayor Ramon Jayo said lifestyle and liveability is a significant draw for the Hinchinbrook region.

“People move here for a slower paced, more nature-oriented lifestyle, and many are looking to live on larger lots where their kids can play and there is more space for bikes and boats.”

“We are taking action now to secure a future where Hinchinbrook is not just surviving, but leading the way in regional development by addressing emerging trends to enhance liveability in Hinchinbrook over the next 20 years,” Mayor Jayo said.

A key focus of the strategy is positioning the region for future investment, with Council set to apply for funding under the Queensland Government’s $2 billion infrastructure fund.

Chief Executive Officer, Mary-Anne Uren said “This proactive approach reflects Council’s commitment to driving change. This strategy is about Hinchinbrook taking control of its own destiny. We are putting forward real solutions and advocating for the support we need to make them a reality.

"Together, we are shaping the Hinchinbrook Way.”

The strategy outlines a series of transformative projects designed to enhance liveability, economic strength, and community resilience. Projects include proposals to create vibrant, connected public spaces to enhance social inclusion and connectedness, and foster environmental stewardship for a thriving outdoor lifestyle for generations to come.

Councillor Donna Marbelli highlighted the strategy’s importance for the people of Hinchinbrook. “Our community is at the heart of this strategy. It’s about making Hinchinbrook an even better place to live, work, and invest, not just for today, but for generations to come,” Cr Marbelli said.

The Liveability 2035: Shaping the Hinchinbrook Way strategy was shaped through an inclusive engagement process involving 2,000 residents. As part of this, a community quilt was crafted, using drawings from children depicting their views on what our community means to them.

Council encourages the community to explore the strategy and be part of the journey towards a stronger future. To view the Liveability 2035: Shaping the Hinchinbrook Way strategy, please visit Council’s website, Corporate Publications and Reports page.

The CANEGROWERS Herbert River Link2Country Expo took place on May 23-24, 2025, at the Ingham Showgrounds in North Queensland. This vibrant two-day event was designed to connect local communities with the agricultural sector through hands-on experiences and career opportunities, drawing attendees from across the region, including school students from Townsville and Charters Towers.

Among the many engaging stalls was the CANEGROWERS Herbert River team, who demonstrated how a Refractometer is used to measure Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS). Visitors also had the chance to journey through the sugar cane industry using immersive Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, offering a unique perspective on the day-to-day workings of cane farming and harvesting.

The Expo featured a variety of interactive activities that appealed to people of all ages. A popular highlight was the children’s tractor pull, which encouraged young participants to showcase their strength and coordination in a fun competition. Another crowd favourite was the excavator challenge, where contestants tested their precision skills by trying to pick up a small rugby league ball using only the excavator bucket. These hands-on experiences were designed not only to entertain but also to educate attendees about the machinery and skills vital to modern agriculture.

Adding to the lively atmosphere were line dancing performances, bringing the community together in a spirited celebration of rural culture and camaraderie. The event was especially well-received by school students, many of whom appreciated the opportunity to explore agricultural careers in an engaging and accessible setting.

Frank Scardamaglia, Manager of CANEGROWERS Herbert River, said, “It was great to see so many people connect with industry professionals within the agriculture sector.

"Nicole Chiesa’s vision in bringing together education and industry skills made the event a real success. It was a clever way to inspire the next generation while showcasing the importance of agriculture in our region.”

The event concluded with Chairman Steven Marbelli offering his congratulations to Nicole Chiesa and Link2Country.

“This well-organised Expo demonstrates the strong synergies between CANEGROWERS and the wider community. It’s a fantastic example of how industry and education can come together to promote agriculture’s future.”

The Link2Country Expo celebrated rural life, innovation, and the vital role agriculture plays in connecting people and communities across North Queensland.

The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre has extended an invitation to children and young people across the state to pick up their pencils, paints, and creativity for a Queensland-wide art competition in celebration of children’s rights.

Proudly presented by Children’s Rights Queensland and supported by the Queensland Family and Child Commission, this exciting initiative invites young artists to respond to the theme, “Every Queensland child is loved, respected and has their rights upheld”.

The competition encourages anyone between the ages of 0 to 25years to express their ideas, dreams, and hopes for a brighter future to showcase their creativity whilst helping to raise awareness of the rights of all children in Queensland.

With over $2,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, young participants are encouraged to let their voices be seen through bold colour, thoughtful messages, or imaginative storytelling!

Entries are open now, and to learn more or to enter, families can visit childrensrightsqld.org.au/art-competition-2025 or scan the QR Code.

Get drawing, painting, and imagining!

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https://childrensrightsqld.org.au/art-competition-2025/

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The Bemerside community is preparing to celebrate the 98th annual Feast of St Anthony on Sunday, 8th June. This much-loved local tradition brings together faith, family and community in a day filled with prayer, food and festivities.

The day will begin with a Celebration of Mass at 11:00am, led by the Parish Priest. Then from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, a variety of food and drink stalls will be operating, offering everything from BBQ and fish and chips to granita, cannoli, cakes, sandwiches and more. A licensed bar and soft drinks will also be available.

Also at 2:30pm, the Procession and Rosary will take place, followed by the Blessing of Children and the Distribution of St Anthony’s Bread.

Entertainment throughout the afternoon will include live music from Anthony Fracchia, along with activities for all ages such as the 500 Club, monster raffle, bottle stall, and a jumping castle for the children. Religious articles will also be featured.

This annual celebration is a valued part of the Hinchinbrook region’s cultural and spiritual life. Everyone is welcome to attend and take part in this special day of reflection and community spirit. For more information, contact Angie on 0427 761 522.

WHAT: 98th Annual Feast of St Anthony.
WHEN: 11:am - 6:00pm Sunday, 8th June 2025.
WHERE: St Anthony's Church on 18 Fulton Dr, Bemerside.

Naturally Kids Allied Health homes a passionate team of pediatric professionals at 6/141 Ingham Road in West End to offer the children and families of both Townsville and the broader Hinchinbrook Shire with a range of occupational therapy services.

Comprised of a dedicated team of Occupational Therapists Kym, Aidan, Amy, Vania, Emma, Grace and Neil, as well as Allied Health Assistants Shae, Georgia, Sophie and Dominic, Practice Manger Tanya and Client Experience Concierge Julie-Ann work to deliver neurodevelopmental and sensory-based therapy through fun, and effective sessions whilst ensuring each family’s experience is smooth and supportive.

On a regular basis, one of Naturally Kids Allied Health’s Occupational Therapists travels to Ingham to bring these services directly to the Hinchinbrook community, further delivering accessible play-based, strength-focused sessions to support children in achieving their goals.

“Naturally Kids believes all children deserve to be understood, supported, and celebrated, regardless of where they live - that’s why we’re proud to extend our services to Ingham and surrounding areas,” shared Practice Manager, Tanya Bird.

“Our team is neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed, ensuring that every child feels safe, connected, and empowered during therapy and by combining evidence-based strategies with fun, play-based approaches, we help children build skills that support them at home, school, and in the community.”

Paired with traditional services, Naturally Kids Allied Health are excited to offer a number of specialised sessions including Nature-Based Occupational Therapy and Sense Rugby to help children improve social, emotional, and physical skills while supporting kids who struggle with traditional team sports.

“Families in the Hinchinbrook region should choose Naturally Kids because we bring high-quality, compassionate therapy directly to your doorstep,” Tanya added.

“Whether it's for help with fine motor skills, sensory challenges, emotional regulation, or daily living tasks — we're here for you.”

The Rotary Club of Townsville Central made a generous donation to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre early this year. This was given with the heartfelt intention of distributing these funds directly to those in need within our community, and that is exactly what it did for many people.

This incredible act of kindness offered vital assistance to individuals and families impacted by the recent floods, helping them rebuild their lives and renew their sense of hope.

The Rotary Club of Townsville Central recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary and is a very active service club in our region. Operating under the motto “Service Above Self,” the club focuses on community service, professional development, and fostering fellowship among its members.

Thanks to the unwavering support of the dedicated service organisations just like the Rotary Club, we can continue to extend meaningful assistance to those in our community who need it most. Their ongoing commitments, both near and far, make a real difference in the lives of countless individuals.

Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre extend a great thank you to the Rotary Club of Townsville Central for your compassion, generosity, and tireless service. Your support brings hope when needed most.

A Large Scale Mural Artist

Local artist Lavinia has once again brought colour, culture, and community spirit to the Hinchinbrook region through her latest mural projects, including a vibrant depiction of Lucinda’s waterways, commissioned by the Lucinda Progress Association and the Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

The new artwork is a “sister mural” to Lavinia’s previous creation at Borrello Park. While the earlier mural focused on the coral reef system, this latest piece turns its attention inland, celebrating the mangroves, river systems, and the incredible array of aquatic life that call them home.

A key highlight of the project was the community painting day, where around 150 locals of all ages came together to contribute to the mural under Lavinia’s guidance.

“The community day was fantastic,” she said. “Afterwards, I spent the next couple of weeks adding all the details—the little elements, the layers of paint, and the finishing touches. Now we have this beautiful, vibrant mural that really showcases our local waterways."

There are fish depicted such as the Mangrove Jack, lots of little Archerfish, Coral Trout, a Mudcrab on the other side, Giant Trevally, Queenfish, Barramundi, and even a Sleepy Cod. There’s even a Grunter based on a fish that Lavinia’s own son caught. When he reeled it in, she just knew she had to paint it.

In addition to her work in Lucinda, Lavinia has finished a major commission in Tully, where she painted a massive mural to mark Tully Sugar’s 100th anniversary.

"They commissioned me to paint a massive, almost 30-meter by five-meter high wall, celebrating not just the sugar industry, but the Tully area itself as well, including the people who work the land and live there. It’s been wonderful."

Through her murals, Lavinia continues to combine storytelling, natural beauty, and community engagement, creating lasting legacies that bring people together and honour the unique landscapes of North Queensland.

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The Forrest Beach Markets returned on 25 May for their first market of the year. What a sight it was, with so many stall options, treats and treasures. There was everything from hand-knitted goods to artistic sculptures, potted plants and even saucy books. A big shout-out to the Forrest Beach Progress Association for keeping market-goers well fed. The barbecue was a smashing success!

The next markets are on 22 June, so if you would like to join this wonderful community as a stallholder, phone: 0437 297 370 to book your spot. Do not miss out on all the fun and friendly beach vibes!

For Prestigious Queensland Training Award

Seventeen-year-old Sophie Johnson is making waves in the healthcare sector, earning recognition as a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Training Awards.

A student at Gilroy Santa Maria College, Sophie is one of only three contenders shortlisted in the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year category for the North Queensland region - an impressive feat given that more than 750 applications were received statewide.

Sophie is the first school-based trainee from Ingham Health Service to participate in the Deadly Start program, an initiative designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 11 and 12 as they gain hands-on experience and formal qualifications in healthcare.

Now in the final months of her traineeship, Sophie reflected on the journey so far.

“It has helped me to define what I want to do when I leave school, and that is work in healthcare and help out my community,” Sophie explained.

“The most rewarding part of the traineeship has been supporting others and as part of the program I have also got to work across all areas of the health service, which has given me a great understanding of the complexities and interconnectedness of healthcare.

“Having that understanding has helped me in being able to communicate with patients, particularly First Nations people in the community.”

Sophie’s contributions haven’t gone unnoticed by her colleagues. Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker Diana Friday praised Sophie for her work ethic, community spirit, and natural leadership.

“Sophie has thrived in the healthcare environment and has shown a real passion for helping people and becoming an emerging leader in the community,” Ms Friday said.

“Her passion for helping people has been evident since day one and Sophie has been a great role model for other people in the community and her deep connection to her community has not only shone through in how she has interacted with patients but also her involvement with Vinnies Youth and her efforts in organising yarning circles - she has been a valuable addition to the Ingham Health Service for both staff and patients.”

The winners for the North Queensland region will be announced in July. Regional winners will go on to compete for state honours at the Queensland Training Awards finals in September.

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Twelve Italian families from the Herbert River district came together on Monday, the 26th of May, for a heartwarming Italian Family Lunch hosted by the Herbert River RSL, celebrating a tradition now spanning more than 15 years.

The annual event recognises the enduring cultural ties of the Hinchinbrook Shire’s Italian community, many of whom trace their roots to the Friuli and Carnia provinces in northern Italy, about two hours from Venice. These small towns, rich in history and heritage, continue to hold a special place in the hearts of local descendants.

Organised by Flavia and Vanda, the event provided a chance for families to reflect on their shared past and the importance of preserving their culture for future generations. Longtime community members Guido and Corrado led conversations that acknowledged the decline in local Italian families and the need to keep their stories and traditions alive.

Mario Cristante and Roberto Puntil were among those who shared personal stories of growing up in the small village of Friuli, offering touching memories that resonated deeply with the group.

One standout moment came with the story of Pesariis, a town renowned for its clockmakers. From crafting traditional clock towers to developing airport departure boards and fine watches, the legacy of Pesariis continues to shine as a symbol of innovation and craftsmanship.

Adding a visual dimension to the event, George displayed photographs from his recent trip to the region, sparking conversations and fond recollections among attendees.

The lunch was more than just a gathering, it was a celebration of family, memory, and cultural pride. As the families shared food, stories, and laughter, they also renewed their commitment to ensuring that the Italian legacy in the Herbert River region remains strong for generations to come.

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