The donated shirts feature crocodiles and the Cardwell Jetty. Photo sourced: Cardwell Seafest

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Cardwell Seafest volunteers will be sporting a special piece of local pride this year, thanks to a generous donation from local business Fish Feen Australia.

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Fish Feen Australia designed and printed shirts featuring the “Cardwell by the Sea” branding, creating a unique look for the volunteers helping bring the popular seaside festival to life.

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The shirts were donated to Seafest volunteers, giving the team something matching and practical to wear throughout the festival, while showcasing the beauty and identity of Cardwell.

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The Seafest organisers thanked Fish Feen Australia for supporting the event and donating the shirts, saying the contribution was very much appreciated.

It is another example of local businesses getting behind community events and helping make them possible through their support.

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With Cardwell Seafest bringing locals and visitors together from Friday 2nd October to Sunday 4th October, the shirts will be a fitting way for volunteers to show their Cardwell pride while they get to work behind the scenes.

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Tully Rotarians Rick Taylor, Don Colls, William Moran and Kieran Borgna with the Golden Gumboot, lit blue for Dystonia Awareness Month.

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Tully’s iconic Gumboot turned blue on Friday night, to raise awareness of dystonia.

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With the help of Tully Rotary, the iconic landmark joined others across Australia illuminated on 18th September for Dystonia Awareness Month, which aims to increase understanding of the neurological movement disorder.

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Tully Gumboot Turns Blue For Dystonia


Tully’s iconic gumboot has been illuminated in blue to join an Australia-wide initiative raising awareness for dystonia.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that makes it difficult for people to control their muscles. It can cause involuntary muscle spasms, abnormal twisting movements, tremors and unusual postures. For some people, pain can be a significant symptom, and the condition can affect almost any part of the body. It can occur in both children and adults, with symptoms varying between individuals. 

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While there is currently no known cure for dystonia, treatment options are available to help manage symptoms. These can include medication, botulinum toxin and surgery, depending on the type of dystonia and the individual’s needs. 

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Dystonia can also affect people emotionally, socially and in their everyday lives. Support groups and community connections can help people living with the condition and their carers share experiences and find encouragement. 

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The blue illumination of Tully’s Gumboot is part of a wider effort to bring visibility to dystonia and encourage conversations about a condition that many people may not know about.

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Other landmarks taking part include Coffs Harbour’s big banana, Manly Town Hall and the Adelaide Oval.  

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To learn more about dystonia, access support or find out how you can help raise awareness, visit dystonia.org.au.

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They’re there for you. Nominate your clubs volunteering heroes! Image sourced: Shutterstock

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Local sporting clubs and community members are being encouraged to recognise the people who give their time behind the scenes, with nominations now open for the 2026 Australian Sports Commission Sport Volunteer of the Year Award.

The award provides an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of volunteers who help keep community sport running, whether they are coaching, organising teams, managing clubs, supporting events or simply lending a hand wherever they are needed.

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Often giving their time week after week without seeking recognition.

The Australian Sports Commission is calling on the community to nominate a sport volunteer who has made a meaningful contribution to their club, sport or local community.

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Nominations are now open, so if there is a local sporting volunteer who consistently goes above and beyond, now is the opportunity to put their name forward and celebrate the contribution they make to community sport.

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Nominations can be made through the Australian Sports Commission website by visiting the 2026 ASC Sport Volunteer of the Year Award page at ausport.gov.au  

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www.ausport.gov.au/volunteering/2026-asc-sport-volunteer-of-the-year

Miles with his Championship medal Photos sourced: Ingham Tennis Association

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By Victoria Velton

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For young Ingham-grown tennis player Miles Dahlstrom the 2026 season was a journey of steady improvement against tough competition, but that hard work paid off in a big win, when Miles took the trophy as the 2026 North Region U11 Tennis Champion.

The season took Miles all over Queensland, from representing Herbert River at school trials to stepping onto the state stage in Brisbane.

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There were wins, close losses and tournaments where the trophy remained just out of reach, but each competition provided another opportunity for the young player to develop his game.

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It all began in March when Miles competed at the Ayr Tennis Association JDS doubles tournament. While the focus was on doubles, Miles also made his mark in the singles competition, winning all but one of his matches.  

The Ingham Tennis Association noted at the time that Miles had demonstrated “huge improvements” in his game, despite not coming away with a trophy.

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Just weeks later, Miles travelled to Townsville for the Carmichael FORD Kalynda Chase Junior Championships, where he competed in the U12 events. Facing strong opponents from different centres, the tournament gave Miles another chance to test himself against a variety of playing styles and gain valuable experience- but alas, the trophy eluded him yet again.

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In May, Miles represented Herbert River alongside fellow Ingham State School student Macie at the North Queensland region schools tennis trials.

Competing in the U12 boys division, Miles finished fifth and earned a place as a shadow player for the North Queensland team. For a young player still developing his game, it was another opportunity to experience the pathway from local school tennis through to regional competition.

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“It meant a lot to me to be able to go and represent my district in tennis. When I played in the NQ trials in Home Hill for Herbert River, I was really hoping to make the team so I was a bit sad that I didn’t make the NQ team on the day and only made shadow player. So I was really excited when mum told me that she got an email saying that I had a spot on the NQ U12 team,” said Miles.

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Miles continued his season with the Home Hill Super in June, competing in Division 3. This time, he came remarkably close to taking the title, finishing second by just one game. It was another result that showed how skilled in competition Miles was becoming, with the narrow margin providing further motivation as the season continued.

The following month brought another major opportunity when Miles travelled to Brisbane to compete in the U12 State Tennis Championships. Against strong competition from across the state, the results did not go his way, but he came home to much praise for his sportsmanship throughout the competition.

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“He had done his school, club and region proud,” said the Ingham Tennis Association.

By September, Miles had spent months competing, learning and gradually building his confidence. His next challenge was the finals tournament at Ayr Tennis Association, where he entered the U11 boys competition.

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Miles made the perfect start, winning all three of his matches in his group and earning his place in the play-off, with the result set to determine whether he would claim the number one position.

“I was feeling really confident. I got to play against my friend Billy from Townsville. We’ve always had close matches but I came out on top winning 6-0, 6-0,” said Miles.

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The following day, Miles left it all on the court.

He secured the title of 2026 North Region U11 Tennis Champion, bringing together a year of work that had taken him from early-season improvement to regional and state-level competition, close finishes and increasingly strong performances.

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While the championship is now the headline achievement of Miles’ 2026 season, his journey throughout the year has been a strong progress as each match gave him another opportunity to compete, learn, build skills and develop as a player.

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“I’m most proud of my progress through 3 ability levels from green ball at the start of the year through to division 3 green ball by the end. I’m particularly proud of how my serve has developed,” said Miles.

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From Ayr and Townsville to Home Hill and Brisbane, Miles has continued to push himself in situations that challenge him. And now, after a season of building his game one match at a time, Miles has a regional championship to show for it.

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For a young player still at the beginning of his tennis journey, the trophy may have arrived in September, but the journey towards it gave him the steps to climb to the top of the regional podium.

SpinFX can install new and replace old split-system air conditioners. Photo supplied: SpinFX NQ

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Keeping your home comfortable and your power bills manageable starts with choosing the right products and having them installed by genuine electrical experts.

SpinFX offers a range of solar and air-conditioning solutions, helping local households make the most of reliable, energy-efficient technology suited to our conditions.

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Thinking about solar? SpinFX can help with new installations and replacements, with government rebates available for eligible systems. Options include photovoltaic (PV) solar, battery storage and off-grid systems, with Sungrow Power Co inverter and battery systems available.

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From tailored, in-house system design through to quality installation and local warranty support, SpinFX can help customers find a solar solution suited to their individual needs.

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When it comes to staying cool, SpinFX can install new and replace old split-system air conditioners from LG and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).

LG offers heating and cooling across a range of sizes from 2.6kW to 9.4kW, with Wi-Fi Smart Control through the ThinQ App, alongside a reliable and stylish design.

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries air conditioners provide powerful heating and cooling, energy-efficient performance and Wi-Fi control, with units built to handle Australian conditions. SpinFX is also an MHI warranty agent, providing local support when customers need it.

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Whether you are upgrading an existing system, replacing an old air conditioner or looking at solar and battery storage for your home or getting off-grid, SpinFX can help you explore your options.

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By Joe Bond

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There’s something pretty special about taking something we would normally throw away and turning it into something useful.  

Long before The Honest Garden was growing fruit and vegetables out in Forrest Beach, I was teaching children in Sydney about the importance of looking after our environment.

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I loved nothing more than getting children outside and involved in the garden. We had recycling programs, composting, a kitchen-to-garden food cycle, vegetable patches and even a little weekly mini vegetable stall. The children would collect food scraps, learn about what could be composted and watch as their waste slowly transformed into something that could feed the garden.

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There was something wonderful about seeing the excitement on their faces when they realised that the food scraps they had once thrown in the bin could actually help grow more food.

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Compost is simply organic material that has broken down over time.

With the right balance of materials, moisture and air, these ingredients slowly break down and become a dark, crumbly material that can be added back into the garden.

The trick is to have a balance of what we call “greens” and “browns”.

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Greens, such as fresh food scraps and grass clippings, provide nitrogen. Browns, such as dry leaves and cardboard, provide carbon. Together, they help create the right conditions for the composting process.

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If your compost starts to smell or becomes soggy, try adding more dry leaves, shredded cardboard or other brown materials. Turning the compost helps introduce air and keeps things moving.

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A good compost pile should be damp, like a wrung-out sponge, but not soaking wet.

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Happy composting, everyone!

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On Monday 24 September 1883 the Halifax Provisional School was opened to an initial enrolment of ten girls and seven boys.

There’s quite a bit of Maui to love! Weighing in at an impressive 5.3kg, this handsome boy is proof that sometimes, more really is more.

Maui has stunning colouring and a personality to match. He can be a bit of a Houdini, so his new family will need to make sure those screen doors are firmly shut as this clever boy knows how to make an escape!

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Maui is not a fan of dogs and isn’t keen on sharing his space with other cats. He definitely wants to be the king of the castle, and when you look this good, who could blame him? Maui is looking for a home where he can be your one and only feline superstar, soaking up all the love and attention he deserves.

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Maui is indoors only, so could you give this handsome king a castle of his own?

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Included in adoption fee of $300 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated. Enquire today: angelpawsinc.com.au/pets-for-adoption/cats/

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Sex: Male

Breed: Ragdoll

Colour: Blue Lynx Point

DOB: 03/03/2022

Cat Friendly: No

Dog Friendly: No

Kid Friendly: No

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Residents in Forrest Beach and Allingham are being warned to take precautions as thick smoke continues to affect the area from a vegetation fire burning near Ingham Forrest Beach Road.

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Queensland Fire Department issued an advice-level smoke warning on Sunday 20th September, stating the fire could continue burning for several days.

Fire crews were on scene when the warning was issued, with no properties reported to be at risk.

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Residents experiencing thick smoke are advised to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and keep any medication needed to assist with breathing close at hand.

People affected by smoke may need to leave the area and are advised to monitor warnings regularly for changes to the situation. Anyone concerned about the effects of smoke on their health should contact their doctor or 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

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Motorists should also take care, with smoke potentially affecting visibility.

Residents are reminded not to fly drones near the fire, as drones can interfere with firefighting operations.

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The fire, listed as the Forrest Beach vegetation fire, was first reported on 19th September. Queensland Fire Department’s latest update on Monday morning, 21st September, listed the incident as being patrolled.

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For the latest fire warnings, residents can check the Qld Fire website and follow Queensland Fire Department on Facebook.

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Local information is available through the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Local Disaster Dashboard.

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Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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From colourful orchids to lush ferns and eye-catching foliage, the Herbert River Orchid and Allied Plant Society’s annual show had plant lovers stopping to smell the flowers!

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Now in its 52nd year, the event brought together local growers, curious visitors and plenty of impressive plants. Adding a little extra excitement this year were three junior competitors, aged five, 10 and 14, who brought along their own plants to showcase.

With plenty of knowledge shared and fun enjoyed, the annual show proved there’s no shortage of green thumbs around the Herbert River.

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Read more here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/article/young-growers-make-their-mark-at-annual-orchid-show

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At Abergowrie State School, climbing, balancing, running, jumping, riding bikes and navigating natural obstacles are not just fun, they help build the foundations for future learning. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Abergowrie State School

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At Abergowrie State School, young children are encouraged to have a say in what and how they learn, with their interests, ideas and choices helping shape the kindergarten program.

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The school’s State Delivered Kindy provides a nature-rich and inclusive environment for children aged three to five, with learning built around play, exploration and children’s individual interests.

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“We like to try new things and make our own choices,” is one of the ideas underpinning the school’s philosophy.

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, educators use children’s interests as a starting point, combining child-led learning with intentional teaching to extend their skills and understanding.

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Children are encouraged to participate in decision-making and share their ideas, helping build confidence, responsibility and a sense of belonging.

“We help make decisions and share our ideas.”

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The rural setting provides another important part of the learning experience, with Bush Kindy among the opportunities available to students, alongside specialist Music and STEM programs. Their outdoor Nature Playground provides children with space to explore, take safe risks, move their bodies and learn through play.

“We love exploring outside and caring for the land.”

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Learning at Abergowrie also extends beyond the classroom, with families and local Elders contributing knowledge, culture and lived experiences to the program. This collaborative approach supports the school’s broader focus on identity, belonging, wellbeing and connection to Country.

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The quality of Abergowrie’s State Delivered Kindy has been recognised through its assessment against the National Quality Standard. The service received a rating of Meeting the National Quality Standard across all seven quality areas, with an Exceeding rating in Quality Area 1, Educational Program and Practice.

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Families interested in State Delivered Kindy and Prep can contact Abergowrie State School on 07 4780 8444 for enrolment information and details about Open Days in Term 4.

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It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Hinchinbrook community, to acknowledge and congratulate long-standing community members Lawrence Molachino and Silvia Brown, who were recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) by Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland.

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The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to their communities.

Lawrence was recognised for his long-standing commitment to numerous community organisations, volunteering, and helping others. Silvia was acknowledged for her exceptional service to nursing in our district since 1995.

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Congratulations to both Lawrence and Silvia and thank you for your service to our district. Your dedication over many years has made a lasting and meaningful difference to our community.

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The strength of our district has always been the people who step forward to help others. Whether it is through decades of volunteering, caring for those in need, supporting local organisations, or simply checking in on a neighbour during difficult times, community spirit remains one of Hinchinbrook's greatest assets.  

As we head into the warmer months and prepare for the challenges that fire season can bring, that same spirit of looking out for one another will continue to be important. We have not spoken much about the weather lately, so I would like to share a reminder about the current long-range forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology.

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Current outlooks indicate warmer than average days and nights across the region over the coming months. Rainfall is expected to be below average during October before returning closer to average levels through November and December.

Sea surface temperatures remain warmer than average around parts of Australia, which can contribute additional moisture and energy to weather systems over the months ahead.

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While we welcome any rainfall, the current dry conditions mean we must remain mindful of the risk of bushfires and take sensible precautions to protect our families, properties and communities.

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Please take extreme care when using equipment that may generate sparks, such as welders, grinders, slashers and other machinery. If you live near bushland or areas with significant vegetation, now is also a good time to ensure appropriate firebreaks are in place and your property is prepared should a bushfire occur.

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Residents are encouraged to stay informed and monitor local conditions throughout the fire season. For the latest emergency updates and local disaster information, visit Council's Disaster Dashboard at https://disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au

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Information on preparing for bushfires, current warnings and incident updates is also available from the Queensland Fire Department at https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents

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Turning Major Investment Into Local Opportunity

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After many years in the planning phase, the recent announcement that the Gawara Baya Wind Farm renewable energy project to be developed just outside the Hinchinbrook Shire boundary, has reached financial close, has the potential to provide positive impact for local contractors, employees and the broader local economy.

Regardless of individual views surrounding renewable energy development, a major investment close to our doorstep presents a rare economic opportunity for this community. Whilst local government was not the approval agency in this process, supporting economic sustainability is one it’s important priorities and there is a conversation that needs to be had - what opportunities could this create for our local businesses, contractors and broader economy?

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Major infrastructure projects require far more than the specialist companies whose names appear on the project announcement. They need civil contractors, machinery operators, electricians, transport providers, mechanics, accommodation, fuel, catering, cleaning, waste services, trades, equipment hire and countless other goods and services throughout construction and, potentially, ongoing operations. These are services that regional businesses already provide.

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For our local contractors, particularly those who have built capable businesses servicing agriculture, construction, transport and industry, projects of this scale could represent significant opportunities to tender for work, expand their workforceand invest further in their businesses.

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The economic benefit does not necessarily stop with the contractor who wins the job.  When a local business secures additional work, that money has the potential to circulate throughout our community. It can mean another employee on the books, additional machinery purchased or serviced locally, more fuel bought locally, more meals through local cafes and pubs, more people staying in local accommodation and greater spending through retail and service sectors. That flow-on effect is where major investment can become meaningful for a regional economy.  

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Many local businesses have already participated in the “meet the buyer” events hosted over the past two years and connected with the project lead contractors. This has given the project proponents an understanding of the capability that already exists within our region and encourages genuine local procurement wherever possible.

Economic development is not simply about welcoming investment at any cost. It is about ensuring regional communities receive a fair and lasting benefit from development occurring in and around them.

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Contributed with thanks by the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre

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When we think about looking after our mental health, we often think about what to do when things go wrong. But supporting our mental wellbeing is also about the things we do every day that help us feel connected, valued and part of something bigger than ourselves.

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With Mental Health Month approaching in October, September is a good time to think about the important role that connection, belonging and community can play in our wellbeing.

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Life can become isolating for many reasons. Retirement, the loss of a partner or friend, changes in health or mobility, moving to a new community, financial pressures or simply the busyness of everyday life can gradually reduce our opportunities to connect with others.

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And loneliness isn't always obvious. A person can be surrounded by people and still feel disconnected.

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Regular social connection gives us opportunities to talk, laugh, share experiences, try something new and feel that we belong. It doesn't have to mean having a huge social circle or a packed calendar. Sometimes it's simply having somewhere to go each week where people know your name and are happy to see you.

At Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC), creating opportunities for people to connect and participate is an important part of what we do. Throughout the week, a range of regular groups and activities provide welcoming spaces for people to meet others, discover new interests, get active and stay connected within our community.

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HCSC also wants our community programs to reflect the interests and needs of the people who live here, and we'd love to hear from you.

We're inviting community members to complete a short survey and tell us what types of groups, activities and opportunities you'd like to see, and you don't need to currently attend an HCSC program to have your say.

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Your feedback helps us understand what our community wants and guide future programs.

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You don't necessarily need to know anyone before you come along to one of our programs. In fact, that's often the whole point. Taking that first step into a new group can sometimes feel uncomfortable, particularly if you've been feeling isolated or haven't participated in community activities for a while. But one new connection can lead to another, and over time those small interactions can become an important part of your support network.

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Connection is important across every stage of life. Feeling that we belong, having people to talk to and having somewhere we feel welcome can contribute to our sense of purpose, resilience and overall wellbeing.

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As we approach Mental Health Month, perhaps it's worth asking ourselves not only “How am I feeling?” but also “How connected am I?”

Maybe it's time to call someone you haven't spoken to for a while. Invite someone for a coffee. Try a new activity. Or come through the doors at HCSC and see what's happening. Strong communities are built through connection, and sometimes it begins with something as simple as a shared interest or a quick conversation.

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At HCSC, there's a place for everyone to connect, participate and belong.

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Visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C263X8M to complete our short community survey.

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PROGRAMS AT HCSC

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Mondays

Empowering Women XYZ — 9:30am–11:30am, 71 Townsville Road

Creative Corner – All Welcome — 2:00pm–3:30pm, 71 Townsville Road

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Tuesdays

Cafe Crawl – All Welcome — 9:00am–12:00pm, RSVP to the Hub

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Wednesdays

Canasta — 1:30pm–3:30pm, 71 Townsville Road

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Thursdays

Men's Group — 9:00am–12:00pm, RSVP to the Hub

Active Explorers — 9:00am–11:00am, Meet at TYTO, Macrossan Avenue carpark

Mahjong — 1:00pm–3:00pm, 71 Townsville Road

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Fridays

Seniors Morning Coffee Club — Every second Friday, RSVP to the Hub

Green Thumbs – All Welcome — 2:00pm–3:30pm, Community Garden, 100 McIlwraith Street

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Ashley Swarbrick, the 2025 Maraka Princess. Photo Credit: Peta Hill Photography

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Time is running out for women and girls to put their names forward for the 2026 Maraka Queen and Princess Quests, with nominations closing this Friday 25th September.

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The Ingham Maraka Festival is calling on women to take the leap and become part of one of Ingham’s biggest community celebrations.  

2025 Maraka Queen Ainsley Dimaggio and runner-up Trista Kopeshke have encouraged women to get involved, sharing how the Quest gave them the opportunity to meet people, engage with local businesses and events, and become more involved in their community.

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If you are interested in entering the 2026 Maraka Queen Quest, contact Ainsley on 04 5565 6364 or Trista on 04 3474 4764 as soon as possible.

The Princess Quest is another chance to become part of the Maraka celebrations.

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From the Maraka Afternoon Tea and Kids Big Day Out to other community activities, Princess entrants experience Maraka from the inside.

Whether they have always dreamed of becoming a princess or simply want to try something new, the Princess Quest offers younger entrants the chance to create memories and be part of the Maraka tradition.

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In 2025, Ashley Swarbrick was crowned Maraka Princess. Looking, Ashley said the journey helped her build confidence.

“I decided to be a part of the 2025 Maraka Princess Quest because I wanted to be part of an important community event and to become more confident and improve my public speaking skills and meet new people,” Ashley said.

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“My favourite part of the Maraka Festival was having the opportunity to be involved and participating in all the different Maraka events such as the Afternoon Tea, Pet Parade and the Street Parade,” she said.

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“The whole journey was amazing and I enjoyed every minute. Spending time with all the other entrants and forming new friendships was something that I will treasure for a lifetime.”

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Now, as she looks back on her year representing the community as Maraka Princess, Ashley is encouraging other girls to put themselves forward for the 2026 Princess Quest.

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“Being part of the Maraka Princess journey is an amazing experience,” she said.

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“I have had an amazing year representing my community as the 2025 Maraka Princess and I would definitely encourage all young girls in Years 5 and 6 to consider being part of the 2026 Maraka Princess Quest.

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“This is your opportunity to be part of this great community event. So get your entry in.”

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For Princess Quest information and nominations, contact Bec and Trish on 04 1877 8783.

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