Registrations are now open for one of the Burdekin’s most iconic events, and the excitement is building! The renowned Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships will take place on the 31st of May as part of the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival. This event continues to attract visitors from across the state and beyond, and cane farmers from the Hinchinbrook Shire are encouraged to take part.

The Championships are a true celebration of the Burdekin’s cane farming heritage, showcasing the strength, skill, and determination of the region's competitors. Whether experienced cane cutters or first-timers eager to take on the challenge, the event welcomes all participants.

Held at a historic cane paddock in Home Hill, this event is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the Burdekin community, its culture, and the hardworking spirit that defines it.

There are multiple competition categories available, including the Under 35 Years Competition, 35 – 55 Years Competition, Over 55 Years Competition, Ladies Cup, Ladies Novice, Corporate Challenge (3 teams of 4), Cut, Top and Load Relay (4 teams of 4), and the prestigious Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships Final.

With plenty of action to keep the crowd captivated, this day is set to be a highlight of the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival. Gates open at 10:30am, with food stalls, entertainment, and activities for the whole family throughout the day.

To register, visit www.sweetdayshotnights.com.au, follow the links to the Hand Cane Cutting Championships, and don’t miss the chance to be part of something special to the Burdekin community.

The organisers look forward to seeing participants from Hinchinbrook join in the excitement!

WHAT: Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival
WHEN: 30-31 May
WHERE: Burdekin

As we approach ANZAC Day 2025, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of our servicemen and women.

It is a time when Australians and New Zealanders unite to honour not only the original ANZACs who landed at Gallipoli over a century ago, but all who have worn our nations’ uniforms in times of war, conflict, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions.

Their bravery and loyal sense of duty continue to inspire us and form a cornerstone of our national identity.

In Hinchinbrook, ANZAC Day holds a special significance. Our community has a rich history of military service, and the local commemorations are a testament to the respect and gratitude we hold for our defence personnel.

From the stillness of the dawn services to the marching parades, every gathering no matter the size, is filled with pride. Schools, RSLs, local emergency services, and community groups come together each year to march, lay wreaths, and pay tribute to those who gave everything for us.

It’s important that as we remember those who fought for our freedom, we also recognise the contribution of the families and communities that supported them. War and conflict does not just impact on those who serve, but also on the families and loved ones left behind. Lest we forget.

Good Morning Hinchinbrook,

I hope you’ve had a wonderful Easter holiday with family and friends – I know I certainly did! I brought my mum and son to town, and they had a great time hanging out at the playparks, eating at local cafes, and swimming in the pool at our accommodation.

This was my first time back in Ingham since the floods. Although I felt connected to the event through our newspaper coverage, local relationships, and, of course, helping manage the welfare of our local staff, this was the first time I had actually ‘hit the ground’ myself.

It was heartwarming to see things reasonably back to normal, and I’m sure it has taken an incredible effort from everyone to get to this point. As many of you will know, our newspaper was only 10 weeks old when the floods hit, and we certainly felt the full impact on our small publication. I want to say a huge thank you to the Council for supporting the newspaper throughout the event, and to the incredible local businesses that continued to advertise with us, despite the hardships they were undoubtedly facing.

Without these partnerships, we wouldn’t be able to produce this lovely local paper, so please show your support by reading their ads, shopping at their businesses, and supporting them, as they are supporting our community.

While I was in town, I met with Deputy Mayor Mary Brown, who emphasised that the most important message right now is to reassure the rest of Queensland that the region is open for business. With that in mind, we’ll be launching some promotional articles across all four of our papers in the coming weeks, aiming to attract more visitors to shop local and explore the area.

Additionally, our talented Sales Account Manager, Sherie Hensler-Adams, is excited to launch our glossy travel publication in the region this month. Printing 15,000 copies every eight weeks, Tripping Magazine has been running for over 10 years and is available for free at tourist hotspots from Mackay to the Whitsundays, Burdekin, Townsville, and now... Hinchinbrook.

If you’d like more information about how you can be part of a brand-new dedicated Hinchinbrook section of Tripping Magazine, please reach out directly to Sherie – her contact number is listed next to this column.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” (Nelson Mandela)

‍

Home improvements can be a rewarding investment, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, with a bit of planning, you can achieve your dream home without breaking the bank.

Here are some essential tips for budgeting home improvements effectively:

- Prioritise Your Projects:
Start by determining which improvements will provide the most value to your home and your lifestyle. Tackle the essential repairs first, like fixing plumbing or updating worn-out electrical systems, then move on to cosmetic changes like painting or landscaping.

- Create a Detailed Budget:
Set a realistic budget that includes a buffer for unexpected costs. Break down your budget by materials, labour, and any permits you may need. A detailed plan will prevent you from overspending and allow you to stay on track.

- DIY When Possible:
If you’re handy, taking on some of the work yourself can save a lot of money. Tasks like painting, landscaping, or installing basic fixtures are often manageable for homeowners with basic skills. Just be realistic about your abilities to avoid costly mistakes.

- Shop for Deals:
Look for sales or discounted materials, and consider purchasing second-hand items for furniture or fixtures. Many home improvement stores offer seasonal discounts, so planning your project during a sale can yield significant savings.

- Tiling Tip:
When tiling, choose a timeless style and purchase tiles in bulk. Often, ordering extra tiles upfront can save you money on per-tile costs. Additionally, opting for porcelain or ceramic tiles, which are durable yet affordable, can stretch your budget further.

By planning wisely and prioritising, you can make the most of your home improvement budget.

by Victoria Velton

Ingham’s 2024 Showgirl, Amanda Way, is heading to Tully to represent her community at the sub-chamber finals, a key step on the road to the prestigious finals at Brisbane’s EKKA. While Amanda was the sole entrant in last year’s Ingham Showgirl competition, her commitment to the role has been anything but minimal.

“I sort of knew I was already selected to represent Ingham, because at the show last year I was the only one that entered,” Amanda said. “So we didn't get to run a local competition, unfortunately, but that is ultimately the goal. So, at the Show last year, I got sashed as the 2024 Ingham Showgirl, and with that, I knew that I would be representing Ingham at the sub-chamber finals.”

The time between being sashed locally and stepping onto the sub-chamber stage is spent learning the ins and outs of how shows operate and how Showgirls can support their local communities as Amanda explains “You have about eight months to understand the show, go to show meetings, and get a bit more information before going to the sub-chamber finals.” This is to give the Showgirl time to engage with the community and the event itself.

As part of her role, Amanda has been instrumental in creating new traditions that connect the younger generation to Ingham’s agricultural roots.

“For the Showgirl, you’re responsible for organising the next competition and promoting it, but you also get to represent your community and help shape the future of the show,” she said.

“We started getting the tissue culture cane planted in the schools and the childcare, including where I work at St Mary MacKillop Childcare. That allows the kids to then grow, cut, and enter cane into the show." And the project has not only engaged children, but their families as well.

“I’ve had kindergarten kids go home and demand their parents to enter their farms' cane,” she laughed. “We’ve had fathers say, ‘It’s your fault, I’m digging out cane!’ But I always say, ‘If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have a cane section at all!’ And that’s one of the biggest parts of our show, the cane display.”

Amanda’s own connection to the show runs deep, recalling that, "Growing up, I have always gone to the show. It's one of the only large events Ingham has, so when it does come around, you make the effort to go and support it, because without the support, there's not going to be a show any more."

If Amanda wins in Tully, she will go on to represent all of North Queensland at the finals held at the iconic EKKA in Brisbane, she hopes to win saying, “I’ve never been to the EKKA. That would just top the whole experience off.”

Still, she balances her Showgirl duties with full-time university and full-time work, it hasn’t been easy, but Amanda is determined.

And if she wins it all?

“That would be amazing. It would mean everything to me. To be a voice for all things ‘show’, to empower women, and to grow the community. Getting young children involved and helping people understand the value of the Show, that’s what I’d want to focus on.”

Amanda Way is not only wearing the sash, she’s carrying the spirit of Ingham with her, good luck Amanda at the sub-chamber finals!

Australian plague locusts are an endemic pest that threatens our agricultural industry, devastating crops, and causing losses of up to $30 million.

By harnessing cutting edge science, experts can forecast locust outbreaks with greater accuracy, helping mitigate economic impacts.

The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) uses advanced analytics to improve early detection and rapid response. However, forecasting locust populations is challenging.

The APLC has been developing a simulation model to predict locust population dynamics across their entire range. This model predicts the development, survival, and behaviour of locusts across all life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults.

However, locusts inhabit a vast range of more than 2 million square kilometres, so deploying the model is challenging. Field surveys alone cannot provide enough coverage to initialise the model.

But artificial intelligence is changing the game. The APLC has partnered with the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) to develop a new AI-driven model. The machine learning algorithms developed have incorporated 37 years of locust data with high-resolution weather, vegetation, and soil records to generate more accurate short-term forecasts (up to 90%).

These AI models will not only initialise the population dynamics model but also enhance field survey targeting, leading to more reliable on-the-ground surveillance. Additionally, they will support better planning and resource allocation.

Thanks to a growing ecosystem of models, the APLC is now better equipped to predict locust populations, making it easier to forecast their changes in response to Australia's highly variable climate. This will enable governments and industry to prepare and respond more effectively.

The APLC plans to integrate this AI-driven forecasting system into a new online data dashboard. This will further support enhanced locust predictions, enable real-time monitoring, and improve response strategies.

Reform of global agricultural subsidies and tariffs at the World Trade Organization would support better environmental and food security outcomes, according to the latest ABARES Insights paper.

Executive Director of ABARES, Dr Jared Greenville, said taxpayers and consumers bear the brunt of hundreds of billions of dollars spent every year on agricultural support policies that inadvertently create adverse environmental impacts.

“Some forms of agricultural support distort production decisions in a way that encourages excess production and the use of inputs above and beyond what the market demands,” Dr Jared Greenville said.

“This excess can lead to environmental harm in the form of more emissions and more chemical use.”

The most environmentally harmful agricultural support policies, such as tariffs, price floors and payments linked to agricultural inputs and production, cost taxpayers and consumers around the world US$472 billion a year, between 2019 to 2023. This figure climbs to US$671 billion a year when export restrictions and other market price-deflating policies are included.

Europe and Asia provided the most environmentally harmful support as a share of farm income between 2019 and 2023. Australia and New Zealand recorded some of the lowest levels.

The report, Addressing Environmental Harm: Reforming Agricultural Support, details how removing and redirecting environmentally harmful support has the capacity to improve environmental outcomes.

Dr Greenville said the report details that “what is good for efficient global agricultural production is also good for the environment”.

“It is possible to minimise the environmental impacts of agriculture without compromising food security,” he said.

‍

Hinchinbrook’s Kylee Frankee has been awarded the Exceptional Tradeswoman, Technician, and Operator Award at the 2025 BMA Mitsubishi Alliance Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) Awards. With 16 years of experience as an Electrical and Instrument Technician, Kylee has earned a reputation for her expertise, leadership, and dedication to supporting apprentices and advocating for mental health in the workplace. A passionate mentor, she also champions programs for women and Indigenous youth in the resources sector. Proudly representing Hinchinbrook, Kylee’s achievement highlights the power of small communities producing big talent.

Local Tradie Wins Resource Industry Award

Hinchinbrook was proudly represented at the 2025 BMA Mitsubishi Alliance Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) Awards, as Ingham local Kylee Frankee was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the resources sector.

Kylee took home the Exceptional Tradeswoman, Technician, and Operator Award, standing out in a wide field of nominees. With 16 years of industry experience, she has built a strong reputation as a highly skilled Electrical and Instrument Technician, as well as a respected mentor and leader in her field.

Her influence goes well beyond her technical expertise. Kylee is a passionate advocate for mental health in the workplace, supports apprentices through hands-on training and personal development, and actively promotes leadership among her peers. She is also a proud supporter of programs like the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, helping to inspire and guide the next generation of tradespeople, particularly women and Indigenous youth, toward rewarding careers in the resources sector.

Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto MP, praised Kylee’s achievement, describing it as a strong reflection of the region’s values.

“As the State Member for Hinchinbrook, I speak on behalf of the entire electorate when I say we are incredibly proud of Kylee,” Mr Dametto said.

“It was an honour to attend the event, witness Kylee’s passion and professionalism firsthand, and meet so many other inspiring women who are driving change and innovation in the industry.”

Miss Frankee said she felt truly humbled to be recognised.

“If you’d told my younger self this was possible, I’m not sure she would’ve believed it,” she said.

“I’m proud of my journey with South32, and prouder still to represent the Hinchinbrook Shire. It’s a reminder that big things can come from small places. Growing up in a small regional town shaped who I am, and I hope this moment shows other young girls from communities like ours that they can build strong, successful careers in these industries.’”

A heartfelt round of applause goes out to the incredible Cardwell community for their generosity and kindness in supporting the Community Tip Jar initiative. Donated by Terry and Mamiko, this simple jar became a powerful symbol of what can happen when people come together for a good cause. Through loose change, quiet contributions, and shared goodwill, a total of $190.60 was raised and all donated by everyday people with a shared desire to give back, or simply empty their pockets.

The chosen recipient, QF23 Cardwell Coastguard, plays a vital role in keeping our local waters safe, and this donation will directly support their ongoing efforts, as they put "keeping our boaties safe". But more than just the amount raised, it's the collective act of giving that deserves recognition. The Cardwell community has shown that generosity and care for one another still thrive.

To everyone who added a coin, of any amount, thank you. Here's to the quiet heroes in our community who continue to lead with heart.

‍

If your child was born after March 2024, the Hinchinbrook Shire Council warmly invites your family to attend the 2025 Baby Welcoming Ceremony at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library.

At this special event, your little one will be officially welcomed as a member of the Hinchinbrook community by the Mayor. Each family will receive a gift bag, a personalised certificate, and a commemorative sapling to symbolise the setting down of new roots and the special new bud added to your family tree.

Parents and carers who have already registered for this year’s ceremony do not need to register again and the ceremony will take place from 9.00 am on Saturday, 17 May 2025.

Registration for new families will open soon, so keep an eye on the Hinchinbrook Shire Council's Facebook page!

For further information, please contact the Hinchinbrook Shire Library on: 07 4776 4614 or email: library@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.

WHAT: Hinchinbrook Baby Welcoming Ceremony.
WHEN: Saturday 17 May, from 9.00am.
WHERE: TYTO Conference and Events Centre 73-75 McIlwraith St, Ingham.

‍

With the winter boating season approaching, all boaters are reminded to be aware of the latest life jacket regulations to ensure everyone's safety on the water.

If you are operating an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length and you are boating alone, you are required to wear a life jacket at all times. Children under the age of 12 must also wear a life jacket at all times when on these smaller vessels. Additionally, if you are boating at night, wearing a life jacket at all times is mandatory, regardless of whether you are alone or accompanied.

For boats that are larger than 4.8 metres in length, children over one year old but under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket if the boat is open or has an open area.

These updated regulations have been introduced to protect your life and the lives of your passengers. Life jackets are a simple but essential safety measure that can prevent tragedy in the event of an emergency. Make sure your equipment is compliant, your jackets are accessible and well-fitted, and that everyone on board understands the rules. Stay safe on the water this season, and happy boating!

Contributed with thanks by Steve Whipps of the Australian Coast Guard Association

‍

I want to extend warm wishes to all our families, both local and those visiting our beautiful region during Easter and the school holidays. I hope everyone enjoyed our stunning parks, beaches, and vibrant communities, including Lucinda, Taylors Beach, Forrest Beach, and Halifax.

In light of the recent challenges we have faced, I encourage everyone to support our local businesses and accommodation. They are the backbone of our community and play a crucial role in our economic recovery. Your patronage not only helps them thrive but also strengthens our local economy.

On behalf of my family, I hope you had a happy and safe holiday season. This time of year, is not only about celebration, but also about connection and support within our community.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that your Council, including the Mayor and fellow Councillors, are your advocates. We are here to assist you and ensure that your voice is heard.

Currently, Council is undertaking the budget preparation process for the 2025-2026 Financial Year. We are committed to examining all aspects of our budget to identify areas where we can streamline costs while ensuring we maintain a clear vision for our Shire’s future.

Together, we can build a community that meets the needs of all residents. I hope you all had a joyful and safe Easter.

‍

The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre’s weekly Café Crawl brought a burst of Easter cheer to members last week, thanks to the warm hospitality of the team at Majestic Café.

Located on Lannercost Street in Ingham, Majestic Café went above and beyond to make the group feel welcome, setting the scene with a beautifully arranged table and festive Easter treats. The surprises didn’t stop there as each napkin was marked with a lucky number for door prize draws, and a few lucky attendees even discovered hidden prizes beneath the tables.

The HUB crew couldn’t speak highly enough of the thoughtful touches and cheerful atmosphere that made the day so memorable.

"It was such a thoughtful touch that really brought the Easter spirit to life for all our Cafe Crawl members,” one member shared.

As for the food, the caramel tarts were a standout favourite, impressing even the most seasoned Café Crawl regulars. The day was a delightful reminder of the kindness and community spirit that makes Ingham such a special place.

The Café Crawl meets weekly, visiting a new local café each Tuesday to connect, share stories, and enjoy good company over great food. New members are always welcome. To register for the next outing, simply contact Mei at The HUB on (07) 4776 1822!

Mark your calendars and get ready, Ingham! The gloves are coming off and the excitement has begun heating up ahead of Kingdom Boxing’s Kingdom Cup Pro-Am Boxing Ingham event set for the 7th of June, at the iconic Andy’s Roadhouse on the Bruce Highway.

This family-friendly event promises a thrilling evening of grassroots boxing action, featuring a powerful lineup of local talent and fighters from across the state. Whether you're a seasoned boxing enthusiast or just looking for a great night out, there’ll be something for everyone.

Organised by the passionate team at Kingdom Boxing, the evening will showcase a mix of amateur and professional bouts in a high-energy atmosphere complete with food trucks, a bar, a mega meat tray raffle, awesome prizes, and a live DJ to keep the energy pumping between rounds.

Tickets are expected to sell fast, with a range of options available beginning at $10 for children aged 6 to 17 years of age with kids under 6 scoring FREE entry! Additional ticket options include Family Passes for $70 (2 adults + 2 children) along with individual adult tickets priced at $30 each.

General door admission will be available on the night of the event if tickets are still available, and attendees should be advised both door admission and bar sales will all be cash only.

Searching for a VIP experience? A limited number of Gold and Standard Ringside Table Packages (seating 10) are available and will be perfect for groups looking to get up close to the action!

Online ticket sales will open next month via TryBooking, but for ringside table bookings and event enquiries, please contact Sophie on 0488 930 745.

Kingdom Cup Boxing Ingham is set to be a major highlight this June, and you certainly don’t want to miss out on the action!

If you’ve picked up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life recently, it may have been delivered by Leslie, our newest paper deliver man. For nearly a month now, Leslie has been part of the team and he’s loving it.

He enjoys the hustle of the job and brings the energy to get the newspapers delivered on time. And though he says his day is too busy to stop and read the newspaper himself, he always makes sure his mum gets a copy because she loves reading it.

Leslie’s mornings start early, he’s up at five, has a shower, takes his tablets, and is out the door. One of his support workers meets him at home, and together they grab a coffee, run a few errands, and then hit the road to collect the newspapers for delivery.

The paper run takes them around 30 to 45 minutes, and Leslie moves with purpose; dashing in and out of shops with a 'Hello!' and a smile, always letting staff know the newspapers have arrived. He places them neatly on the counter, ready for eager readers.

The physical side of the job doesn’t faze him at all as Leslie keeps active by mowing lawns and lifting weights on the bench press. He says the job is actually helping him get stronger each week from carrying the heavy bundles of newspapers. To stay fit and mobile, he rides his push bike everywhere and owns two that he proudly maintains and enjoys.

A huge thank you to Leslie for his energy and commitment, to his support workers who assist him each week, and to the Lifelong Supports coordinators who help make this all possible. You’re all helping keep the community connected one paper at a time.