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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From an advertisement for War Savings Certificates, issued by the Department of Information 1 July 1941.

I should no longer excuse myself, as a woman, from facing up to, and thinking about, the full horror that threatens my home, my family, my children.

I believe that if my children are to grow up loving the freedom that I have always loved, then the time must come for me to fight as best I can.

I believe that if my husband, son or daughter are at work on War production then their strength, energy and peace of mind are my responsibility because it is on the ability of the worker to produce, and keep on producing through long days, long months and, God forbid, long years that our ultimate peace with happiness rests.

I believe that only then can I face my children and say "I have done all that it lies in my power to save your freedom"

In World War 1 it was said Australian soldiers taught the world what courage meant. In the peace and security of Australia those who were unable to join proved their patriotism by lending to the Commonwealth War Loans on a scale which made Australia famous for its generosity.

Since 1951, Carey Group has been more than just an accounting firm. We’ve been a trusted partner in the financial journeys of individuals, families and businesses across Queensland. With offices in Townsville, Brisbane, Cairns, Ingham and Malanda, our team combines local knowledge with a commitment to innovation, offering tailored strategies to suit each client’s unique needs.

Our services have evolved over the years to provide a comprehensive suite of financial solutions, including accounting, financial planning, auditing, bookkeeping, business consulting and self-managed super funds (SMSFs). We understand that every client is different, so we make sure our approach is always personal, practical, and proactive.

In 2024, we took an exciting step forward by partnering with Moore Australia (QLD/NNSW), forming Carey Thomson Moore (CTM) Consulting. This joint venture brings together Carey Group’s regional expertise and Moore Australia’s national reach, creating new opportunities for our clients through broader services and deeper insights.

At Carey Group, we pride ourselves on delivering expert, up-to-date advice while staying true to the warmth and care of a family business. Our clients trust us not only for technical know-how but for the personal relationships we build along the way.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, manage your super, plan for retirement or build wealth for the future, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our experienced team provides the strategies and support you need to make confident financial decisions at every stage of life.

Carey Group is proud to serve a diverse range of clients across regional and metropolitan Queensland. We’re committed to helping you stay on top of your finances with integrity, care and a focus on your success.

I Love Boutique:

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Step into timeless style with Lisa Maree jeans—where classic meets modern sophistication. Their denim is designed for real women who want to look smart and feel confident every day. Whether you're dressing up or keeping it casual, Lisa Maree's jeans selection offers the perfect balance of practicality and polish. They're your go-to for effortless style: flattering fits, quality fabrics, and that wear-anywhere versatility. From show days to everyday, these jeans work hard and look great doing it. Shop Ingham Show local and choose Lisa Maree, because great denim is always a good idea.

MENZ:

MENZ isn’t just about tough work gear! They’ve got your casual style covered too. When you head to the Ingham Show, shop local and stay warm this winter with their range of long sleeve shirts. Perfect for those chilly days, their casual line offers comfort without sacrificing practicality. Pair your shirt with a sturdy pair of jeans for a look that’s both functional and stylish. Supporting local has never looked so good. Shop local and drop by MENZ for your ideal show fit, one that's built for the outdoors, made for real life, and perfect for our North Queensland winter.

Friends of the Wild:

Get show-ready with Friends of the Wild, where western spirit meets free-spirited fun! Whether you're headed to the pavilions, laughing with mates, or dancing under the stars, our boho-western styles bring all the right energy for your Ingham Show moments. Think flowy fabrics, bold prints, fringe, and flair that moves with you.

"We’re all about celebrating your wild heart and dreamer’s soul – just bring that along, we’ve got the rest! From blouses to brims, layers to looks, we’ll have you feeling fabulous and show-stopping."

Shop local and let your style roam free with Friends of the Wild.

As part of a nationwide upgrade, construction has commenced on the nbn network infrastructure of both residential properties and businesses in Ingham with additional fibre connections set to be installed over the coming weeks.

Ventia has been working away to strengthen the nbn network of the community on behalf of nbn, with crews assuring they’ll be taking extra care to minimise disruptions during the construction period.

Residents are advised there may be some temporary footpath and/or road closures in the area as well as an increase in dust and noise in association with the construction and when possible, residents have been kindly asked to park vehicles in private driveways.

Construction will take place during the scheduled hours of work between Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm and Saturday 7am to 1pm and Ventia has confirmed the ongoing works will have no impact on the community’s existing telecommunications network.

The proposed improvements will entail the installation of cables through existing underground pipes or existing overhead power poles, digging and/or drilling on public property such as under footpaths or on nature strips and the installation of pits, similar to existing telecommunication pits.

“We will endeavour to restore any land affected during construction to a condition similar to what it was before the activity began,” stated Ventia Group in a release issued to local businesses.

“Please take care when near a construction zone and always follow pedestrian and traffic management instructions.”

Ventia encourages concerned residents to contact the group via email stakeholder.telco@ventia.com or phone 1300 275 799.

Angelo Cavaliere has been recently welcomed into the Community Support Centre team to act as a new facilitator to coordinate the organisation’s Senior Men’s Social Group.

With a wealth of experience under his belt, Angelo’s contributions have already been praised by the Community Support Centre, with Elderly Inclusion Facilitator, Desley Di Bella, noting Angelo has a fantastic eye for growth and a vested interest in ensuring the success of the Senior Men’s Social Group.

“Angelo is experienced in community work and is looking forward to working with men to create a sense of belonging and acceptance,” Desley explained.

With a rich calendar of events scheduled each week, senior members of the Hinchinbrook Shire are warmly invited to pop on down to the Community Support Centre at 71 Townsville Road to enjoy a plethora of social activities.

The next spectacular Seniors Morning Coffee Club will be held on Friday, the 6th of June at the Noorla Bowls Club from 9:30am to 11:30am – RSVP to Desley on 07 4776 1822.

Weekly, the Community Support Centre hosts a Tuesday Café Crawl (RSVP to Mei 07 4776 1822), a Thursday Senior Men’s Social Group, Wednesday Canasta Cards, and Thursday Mahjong, with each activity growing in popularity as the weeks go on.

Call the Community Support Centre on 07 4776 1822 and ask for Desley or Mei for all inquires on upcoming events.

Everyone loves to see Humpback and Minke whales breaching out of the water, and from June each year, these magnificent creatures pass through the Hinchinbrook waters on their way north to the warm waters of the Coral Sea, before making the return trip months later, heading back to Antarctic waters.

It is important to be aware that you cannot approach a whale within 100 metres side-on, and 300 metres from the front or rear. It is advisable that if you see whales approaching, you move slowly out of their way and switch off your motor until they have passed. Sometimes they are curious about humans and may approach your vessel while you are drifting—in which case, enjoy the moment and take lots of pictures. Please do not restart your motor until they have moved well away.

If you have any recent or old photos, please upload them to HappyWhale. Just go to www.happywhale.com and be part of a global tracking and sighting community of aquatic enthusiasts! Your contributions can help document migration patterns and record sightings of other creatures too—not just whales, but penguins, seals, sharks, and even polar bears.

Contributed by Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard.

With the 2025 sugarcane crushing season set to begin on the 10th of June, it’s heartening to see our agribusinesses doing all they can to get on with the job after what’s been an incredibly testing start to the year.

It’s no secret that the February floods caused serious crop damage across the Herbert District, with many growers suffering losses to their ratooning and plant cane. This will be a wet season most of us would like to put behind us. This year’s crush will be vitally important, with not much room for error. Our farmers, harvesting contractors, and mill workers are potentially looking at a shorter season with crop yields down. This year’s crush will be below average, with Wilmar estimating they will crush around 3.27 million tonnes of sugar cane, compared to an average season of 4.08 million tonnes. Seeing harvesters in the paddocks and cane trains back on the tracks will be a welcome sight and a sign of our district’s ability to wipe the mud off our knees and get up again.

I want to acknowledge the maintenance crews and the navvies at Victoria and Macknade Mills. You’ve worked tirelessly throughout the slack to repair and prepare the mills and the rail network in record time, we’re all looking forward to steam trials and the shredder starting up.

Despite the tough conditions, our growers have put in the hard work to deliver the best crop possible during this year’s wet conditions. Your work keeps our economy ticking and supports jobs right across the region.

As this year’s season kicks off, I’d like to wish our harvester operators and haulout driver’s a safe and productive season. You all work incredibly long hours to ensure our season is a success, it’s pretty simple: without our harvesting crews, we don’t have a season.

As a final note, I urge everyone to be on the lookout for haulout tractors, heavy machinery and cane trains this season. Here’s to a safe and successful crush for everyone involved.

A Busy Month for Chamber and Business

As May passes and Queensland Small Business Month comes to a close, the Chamber is very pleased to have been involved in a number of events and workshops throughout the month, which has been full of connection, advocacy, and community.

The additional, newly announced business grants over this past month have been welcomed. In addition, having representatives from the Department of Housing and Small and Family Business, Rural Financial Counselling Services, QRIDA, and the Wellness Coach visit the Hinchinbrook Information and Referral Centre ensures ongoing support for the community post-floods. These recent workshops and sessions have been well attended, and the attendees have expressed their appreciation for the additional information and assistance provided.

May also saw the return of the hugely anticipated “Markets at the Mosaic,” which enjoyed very strong attendance and support from stallholders and local retailers. The CBD was alive with activity and people. A survey conducted on the day showed that 35% of attendees had travelled to the district from outside the Shire and were keen to enjoy the visitor experience.

The Chamber was also proud to support the inaugural Link 2 Country event, which incorporated the “Find Your Futures in Hinchinbrook” and “NQ Makers Collective” Market Day. Local jobs currently available were showcased on the “Chamber Employment Wall,” with over 30 current vacancies on display, attracting consistent interest from the crowd over the two-day event.

The Hinchinbrook Chamber would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the organisers of the inaugural Link2Country Expo.

To wrap up Queensland Small Business Month, the Chamber celebrated with the Hinchinbrook Vibes Industry Brunch. This sell-out event hosted local business owners and employees, who enjoyed a relaxed morning of great company, coffee, and conversation. Guest speaker and content creator Jacqui Gage from GROW Social Co. took the audience into the world of social media and “Making it make sense!” Special VIP guest Queensland Premier David Crisafulli surprised the room with his arrival and was generous with his time and attention as he made his way around the room. The Premier listened attentively to the shared experiences and confirmed his government’s ongoing support for this community. Many in attendance expressed their heartfelt appreciation and acknowledgment that they are not being forgotten and that all is being done to support the Hinchinbrook community as it progresses through the recovery journey.

Council, in cooperation with the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Department of Resources, intends to conduct an aerial shoot to control feral pigs.

The areas covered during this program will include parcels of land that are under the management of participating organisations and landholders between and adjacent to Forrest Beach to the North, and Crystal Creek to the South.

Weather permitting, this program will take place on Monday 2 June and Tuesday 3 June 2025 between the hours of 5.00am and 7.00pm each day.

To ensure the safety of the public while this program is being conducted, access to the National Parks Estate, Bronte Road and the Halifax Bay Wetlands will be closed during these times. Access to the huts on Bronte Road will be permitted outside of the planned control times.

For further information or clarification concerning this matter, please contact Council’s Biosecurity Team on 07 4776 4088.