Community News

Victoria's View | 16 December 2025

Victoria's View | 16 December 2025

Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire, I would like to address the tragedy that many of us woke up to on the 15th, of the mass shooting that happened at Bondi Beach in Sydney. An antisemitic massacre that directly targeted the Australian Jewish community, who were celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah. Local authorities declared it a terrorist attack, and it is now the second-deadliest mass shooting in Australian history. Though it happened miles from here, many locals, including myself, are holding the victims in our hearts, the youngest of whom was 10 years old, and mourning alongside those families affected, despite the distance. Robert Lang from the Cardwell RSL let me know that, "The National Flag flies at Half Mast at the Cardwell Cenotaph today in honour of the innocent victims of the horrendous attack by religious fanatics at Bondi Beach on the 14th of December 2025." It is truly tragic, Australia is a country built on community and mateship, that 'Australian melting pot'. In times like these, I hope everyone can be there for a friend or family member who may be hurting from this news. I will sign off with this message written by MP for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa, "My heart breaks for those that have lost their lives and those who are injured, in this senseless attack. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends, our brave first responders and the entire community." [SIGNATURE]

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Community Shed Meetings Make Our Shire Safer

Community Shed Meetings Make Our Shire Safer

Over the past seven weeks, Hinchinbrook Shire Council hosted 10 Community Shed Meetings across the region, from Halifax to Mount Fox and Forrest Beach to Ingham. These sessions provided residents with practical information and resources to prepare for disasters, strengthen response capabilities, and build resilience in homes, neighbourhoods, and communities. Mayor Ramon Jayo said disasters can strike at any time, and resilience starts with knowledge and planning. “By knowing your risk, making a plan and packing a kit, preparation is critical,” Mayor Jayo said. “Preparing by coming together, sharing ideas, and learning what steps to take, we make Hinchinbrook stronger and safer for everyone. Thank you for taking the time to be part of these important conversations.” It was also an opportunity for communities to discuss with the Mayor, Councillors and Council Executive local concerns. From roads, children’s parks, pet responsibility and local projects, everything was up for discussion. For more information on disaster preparedness visit https://getready.qld.gov.au and bookmark the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard https://disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/ for real-time updates.

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CELEBRATING THE HINCHINBROOK WAY’S HEARTBEAT

CELEBRATING THE HINCHINBROOK WAY’S HEARTBEAT

When you think of the Hinchinbrook Way, you picture breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. From the thunderous roar of Wallaman Falls to the serene beauty of TYTO Wetlands, Hinchinbrook is a destination that resets your mind, body, and soul. But behind every magical moment is something even more powerful – our volunteers. They are the heartbeat of our tourism industry. They are the smiling faces who greet visitors at the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre, organise and shelve books at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, welcome guests and guide them through exhibitions at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery, preserve our stories in local history, and bring life to community events. Together, they make every experience memorable. This month, we celebrated 42 incredible volunteers who have collectively dedicated nearly 500 years of service to our tourism industry. Hinchinbrook Shire Council Deputy Mayor Mary Brown said their passion drives the Hinchinbrook Way Ambassador Program. “This is a program dedicated to showcasing what makes Hinchinbrook special,” Cr Brown, who is the portfolio councillor for Economic Development and Tourism, said. “Why does this matter? Because the Hinchinbrook Way isn’t just a brand – it’s a lifestyle. “It’s the warm welcome and local knowledge you receive at the visitor information centre and library, where volunteers assist with programs, resources, and community engagement. “It’s the guidance and insight you get at the gallery, where volunteers help visitors connect with exhibitions and artists. “It’s the dedication of our local history volunteers preserving our heritage, and the energy of volunteers at events that bring our community together. “Our volunteers make this possible. They are the storytellers, the guides, and the guardians of our region’s charm. “On behalf of Council and our communities, I extend our heartfelt thanks to all our dedicated volunteers. “A special acknowledgment goes to Rini Dallavanzi for her incredible 32 years of service as she officially retires. “Your commitment has made a lasting impact, Rini, and we are truly grateful. To all our volunteers, you create unforgettable experiences for our visitors, and Rini, you have been an integral part of making that difference. Thank you.” Through the Ambassador Program, volunteers gain new skills while becoming part of a team that champions Hinchinbrook’s unique identity. Want to join the heartbeat of Hinchinbrook? Contact the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre on 4776 4790.

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Legacy’s Christmas Lunches Unite Regional Communities

Legacy’s Christmas Lunches Unite Regional Communities

Northern Queensland Legacy have once again hosted a series of heartwarming Christmas Lunches across several shires to bring the community together and ensure veterans’ families are supported this festive season. Annually, the Christmas Lunches provide a chance for widows and children of veterans to reconnect and celebrate the festive season with others who understand their unique circumstances. The Northern Queensland Legacy's Herbert River Christmas Party was held recently at the Oasis Café in Ingham where invited guests gathered together to share in a wonderful lunch and celebrated the silly season with a very competitive game of Christmas Trivia. David Burke, President of Northern Queensland Legacy, attended and sees these events as a rare opportunity to ensure that for those living in small towns or remote communities, distance doesn’t mean disconnection. “These Christmas lunches are much more than just a festive celebration. They are a vital lifeline for those who might otherwise feel isolated,” said David. “It’s in these moments of shared joy that we remind each other that we’re not alone, and that the Legacy community stands together, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year." Northern Queensland Legacy CEO, Nicole Hayes, believes the events are an essential part of Legacy’s tailored approach to addressing the challenges veterans’ widowers and children in small, remote communities face, especially when it comes to social isolation and access to services. “For many, especially those facing social isolation, these events are a lifeline, offering not just a social gathering but a reminder that they are part of a supportive network,” Nicole explained. “The sense of belonging and connection that these events foster helps reduce feelings of loneliness and builds a stronger sense of community. For those who might be living alone or distanced from family, these gatherings are a welcome opportunity to bond with others, share experiences, and feel supported in a fun, festive environment.” Northern Queensland Legacy provides a range of support services, including social activities, financial assistance, home visits, and advocacy, all aimed at connecting individuals with vital resources. “We strive to undertake regular contact including home visits and phone calls to check on people’s wellbeing to make sure that no one feels forgotten,” added Nicole. “We provide a listening ear and practical supports, including links with services and agencies. We try to create opportunities for connection to bridge the gap that isolation can create and we aim to ensure that veterans' families are supported no matter where they live.” Northern Queensland Legacy has expanded its eligibility criteria to now include the dependents of veterans who did not serve operationally or deploy overseas, opening the door for more families to access support. If your spouse served in the Australian Defence Force and you would like to check your eligibility, contact the Northern Queensland Legacy office on 4772 7533 or email admin@nqlegacy.com.au after the 26th of January 2026.

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Works Underway In Preparation For Ingham Health Service’s New CT scanner

November 10, 2025

Construction works have begun as the Ingham Health Service prepares for the installation of its new computed tomography (CT) scanner.

Director of nursing Janine Johnson said it was an exciting time for the health service as the CT installation project kicked off.

“We’re very excited for the CT scanner to be installed as it will be the first publicly available scanner for residents of the Hinchinbrook region,” she said.

“We anticipate that approximately 1,200 scans will be performed by this machine each year, saving our patients from travelling far from home for life-saving medical imaging.”

Hospital staff and visitors are advised to be aware of construction works, as they may affect the way they usually enter the building.

“The walkway from the public car park to the Community and main admin entrances will be closed for the next six to eight weeks,” Ms Johnson said.

“We’d recommend visitors accessing the hospital via the main entrance on McIlwraith St.

“For those that need to access the emergency department, parking is available on the grassed and bitumen car park at the rear of the building, near the ED entrance.”

Ms Johnson also cautioned visitors and staff to be aware of construction works as they came in and out of the car park.

“Please obey and observe all traffic instructions for the safety of all,” she said.

The Ingham Health Service CT Scanner project is expected to be completed mid-next year.

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Honouring A Legacy And Electing New Leadership

November 10, 2025

At Cardwell Meals On Wheels' 44th AGM

Cardwell Meals on Wheels Inc. 44th Annual General Meeting was held on 16/10/25 at Cardwell RSL. Terry & Mamiko catered for our Annual Dinner and the meal was delicious. It was well attended by volunteers, clients and the kitchen staff and Winston Boysen from Churches of Christ Rockingham Home for the Aged as our special guests and following the formal procedures, everyone enjoyed a great evening of dining, fun and laughter.

During the evening, we held a minute silence for our long-serving President, Beverley Rose Altadonna, a position she held for 23 years, who passed away suddenly in September. Bev will be sadly missed by our organization.

Our Committee for 2025/26 – President Don Porter, Treasurer Allison Chellingworth, Secretary Lee

Porter, Committee Members – Arlie Robinson, John Newsome, Sue Hart, Bilie Fletcher, Mandy McGree, Carol Palmer, Katrina O’Brien, Peta Johnson, Lynn Crawford and Mandy Carucci.

Secretary Lee Porter thanked all the volunteers for their continuing support during the year.

Volunteers and clients were given a 2026 Calendar, which was produced by Stan Skeates, with amazing native animal photos from our volunteers Stan and Debbie Clancy.

If you would like to volunteer an hour or two a month, please contact our Convenor Lisa Cartwright on 0428980104 or email cardwellmow@hotmail.com

(Contributed with thanks by Lee Porter, Secretary of Cardwell Meals on Wheels)

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This Moment, We Remember Them

November 10, 2025

It would be great to stand before you today knowing no wars are going on around the planet, but unfortunately, there are two going on in Africa, one still only partially settled in the Middle East, and of course, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

When the Armistice was signed between the Germans and the Allied forces at the 11th hour on the 11th day and the 11th month in 1918, this First World War was supposed to be the war to end all wars. In the intervening hours from the document of surrender being signed and the cessation of hostilities, 2,700 more casualties were inflicted. This was a complete waste of lives, just like the preceding 4 years.

On this 107th anniversary of the end of World War 1, we haven't as a species been able to live together without conflict, and with the constant development of new weaponry, especially artificial intelligence-based, nothing looks like changing any time soon.

This was not the intention of the victors, if there were any, as the Great War, as it was known, was deemed to be the war to end all wars. Those brave Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen who gave their lives so we could live in peace and with freedom would be very disappointed that we still resort to war, which brings nothing but pain and suffering to the planet daily.

Today, we gather here to honour the sacrifice of all those who have served this country in times of peace and at war. Without their contributions in the defence of our way of life, none of us would be here today. It is a debt this nation can never repay, and having ceremonies like this one keeps their memories alive.

From school children to grandparents, for one minute of each year, we gather to Remember them. It's a very small sacrifice on our part, especially considering what those brave men and women gave for us.

It was interesting to read that the British Royal Artillery lost over 60,000 men in World War One; coincidentally, that's around the same figure that Australia lost. So it was a war that marked the rapid evolution of Artillery and the invention of the Maxim Machine Gun. Both these massed weapons inflicted a devastating impact on both sides of this war.

The genuine wish for peace by those signing the Armistice didn't last a generation, with the Second World War commencing in 1939. And Australia lost another 40,000 brave young souls.

Within 10 years of the cessation of both these wars, those numbers were doubled due to death from wounds or suicide.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could stand here before you next year and claim that there are no wars on our small planet, and no more mothers are weeping over lost children.

LEST WE FORGET

(Contributed with thanks by Robert Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch)

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“We remember you, the fallen ones who gave your lives for our freedom”

November 10, 2025

WILLIAM MARKEY – An Irish born soldier of the AIF

By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

Who would have thought that in researching the origins of the naming of Markey Street, Ingham, which, according to a Hinchinbrook Shire Council document, Future Road Names - Hinchinbrook Shire Council, is named for Thomas Markey, I would discover an oversight in local RSL records and on the cenotaph, William John MARKEY.

According to the Irish-born soldiers of the AIF, Private William John MARKEY. No. 373 was born in County Antrim, Ireland, to William and Ellen Markey. He came to Australia as a 19-year-old and was working on the Herbert at Victoria Mill when he enlisted on 13 April 1915 to fight for Australia in World War 1. He embarked on 25 May 1915, in Brisbane on the Ascanius. He was a member of the 2nd Australian Division Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Infantry. He was killed in action on 5 August 1916, aged 23 years. His personal effects: a bible, wallet and photos were returned to his mother on his death.

Ingham-born Aircraftsman Class 1 Thomas Markey 152019, on the other hand, enlisted to fight in World War 2 in Townsville at the R.A.A.F Recruiting Unit, and formally joined up in Brisbane in 1943, at 18 years of age and was given the duties of aircraft hand. Thomas was born on April 26, 1925, to Patrick Markey and his wife, Jane (née Dunlop). His occupation was mail contractor, but he also worked in his father’s sawmill at Log Creek. He did not see overseas action but tragically died less than three weeks after enlistment in Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, on 4 August 1943, of an unspecified illness. He is buried in Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. His name is located on panel 115 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. On both the cenotaph and the honour board in the Ingham RSL, Thomas Markey is recorded as a casualty of World War 2.

William John Markey is one of the 11 soldiers whom the All Souls Church, Victoria Estate is dedicated to. He is honoured at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial and in the Commemorative Area Australian War Memorial - Panel 20. On his record held at the Australian War Memorial, it says that the cenotaph on which his name should appear is Herbert River, as that is where he enlisted. Since the RSL Board has been alerted of the omission, it has taken steps to rectify it. The Board is working towards having his name inserted on the RSL Honour Board and etched into the cenotaph. On Anzac Day 2025, William John Markey’s name was read out on the Roll of Honour.

This Remembrance Day, you may like to keep in your thoughts of the fallen not only Ingham boy Thomas Markey, but also William John Markey, an Irish boy, a long way from home, who lay down his life for his adopted country, Australia.

William John Markey (Source: Irish Born Soldiers of the AIF)
Thomas Markey (Source: Australian War Memorial)
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All aboard the Sugarcane Train!

November 10, 2025

“Chugga-chugga, choo-choo, here comes the train, rollin’ towards the sugarcane!” 

That’s the sound of a sweet new collaboration that’s taken off like a rocket, with George the Farmer and CANEGROWERS’ new song and video Sugarcane Train racking up more than 68,000 views in just three days.

The companion educational video, Learn About Sugarcane with George the Farmer, has also captured imaginations with over 65,000 views since Friday.

The upbeat tune Sugarcane Train takes kids on a musical ride from paddock to packet -showcasing how Queensland’s sugarcane is planted, grown, harvested and turned into everything from sugar to fuel, electricity and bioplastics.

“Sugarcane is one of Australia’s most vibrant, versatile and sustainable crops, and it’s great to see it come to life through George the Farmer’s unique storytelling,” said CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan.

“George’s new tune is fun, factual and might just get stuck in your head for days – and its incredible early success shows just how much kids love learning where their food and fibre come from.

"It also continues CANEGROWERS’ long-standing commitment to helping students and teachers understand our industry and its people.”

The Sugarcane Train song and educational video are the first in a new suite of George the Farmer resources developed in partnership with CANEGROWERS, with curriculum-aligned STEM materials for Prep to Year 4 students set for release in time for the 2026 school year.

These classroom materials are packed with fun, hands-on activities – from designing cane farms and building model harvesters to exploring how farming cares for the land.

“Kids can’t resist singing along – and Sugarcane Train is the perfect way to show how clever, creative and sustainable our farmers really are,” said George the Farmer creator Simone Kain.

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Looking Ahead: Managing Risk In A Volatile Sugar Market

November 10, 2025

Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Thank you to all growers who nominated Wilmar Grower Marketing as their GEI marketer for the 2026 season.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the growing number of new growers who have chosen Wilmar for the first time. We don’t take any nomination, new or existing, for granted and remain committed to delivering strong returns, flexible products and personalised service to maintain your trust in this vital part of your business.

This year has been particularly challenging on the pricing front. Just 8 months ago, the March 26 futures contract was trading close to 20 USc/lb, with the AUD sugar price above $650/t. We are now facing a $465/t price and futures at 14 USc/lb.

Our recent October Pool results have reinforced our decision to relaunch the Managed Pool as the Managed Pool Plus (MPP), with the key difference being its extended time horizon for price management compared to the Production Risk Pool (PRP).

At the end of October, the MPP was forecast at $560/t Actual versus the PRP at $515/t. During the month, the 2025 Season price fell by about $70/t Actual, while the MPP dropped $40/t and the PRP $60/t, reflecting the MPP’s higher hedge profile.

The Grower Marketing team are fielding lots of enquiries from growers seeking guidance on sugar price outlooks. While no one can predict prices with certainty, our analysts expect global sugar stocks to build over the next 12 to 18 months due to large crops in India and Brazil, assuming normal weather.

Ethanol remains another key factor, with prices influenced by oil markets, relative feedstock prices, and government regulation. The recent dip in sugar prices below 14 USc/lb has already prompted some Brazilian mills to switch from sugar to ethanol, showing price signals are working to rebalance supply and demand.

Across all regions, growers are underpriced for the 2025 season, and even more so for 2026. While that is a challenge shared across the industry, it is important to look ahead. If you could lock in $525/t today for the 2025 season, would you take it? The 2028 season has that price available now, and pricing even a small portion early can help manage risk and secure a solid base as markets evolve.

The AUD Sugar price has dropped considerably since its last high in April, from over $650/t to recent lows under $460/t. Graphic supplied
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Planting The Trees For A Greener TYTO

November 10, 2025

By Victoria Velton

On Friday, 7 November, community members came together for a morning of hands-on environmental action. Volunteers planted native tree saplings that, once grown, will help shade out invasive parra grass and restore valuable habitat for the wetlands’ feathered and furry locals.

Participants gathered beside two ute-loads of native trees. Some drilled holes into the clay-like soil, others prepared the saplings, and everyone planted as many trees as they could in the heat, each contributing to a greener future.

The event highlighted the importance of community collaboration in tackling invasive species and supporting local biodiversity. It was a day not only about planting trees but also about nurturing long-term environmental stewardship in the region.

The planting site adjoined another successfully revegetated area that had been established in a previous project, continuing the creation of a vital wildlife corridor through the TYTO Wetlands.

All the volunteers and council members who planted the trees.
Kimberley Veltmeyer and Juliette Green preparing the saplings for the planters.
Volunteers planting trees and drilling holes.
Skylah Veltmeyer planting a tree
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Get Your Hands Dirty With The Green Thumbs Garden Club

November 10, 2025

If you love gardening and enjoying the great outdoors, the Green Thumbs Garden Club at the Community Garden, 100 McIlwraith Street, Ingham, is the place to be. This community garden is open to everyone, offering a space to plant, nurture, and harvest plants all for free.

The Green Thumbs Garden Club now meets every Friday from 2:30pm, inviting volunteers and community members to dig in, plant whatever they like, and enjoy some fresh air. No experience is needed, just bring some garden gloves if you like, and a willingness to get a little dirty.

The garden is also shared with local organisations including Mental Health Queensland, Selectability, and other community groups, who bring their clients to learn, garden, and connect. Children are welcome too, learning how to plant, water, and care for their own seedlings, and enjoying the harvest of their own fruits and vegetables once they’re ready.

The Green Thumbs Garden Club is run by The Hub, a not-for-profit organisation, and everything in the garden—from seeds and fertiliser to tools—is provided free of charge. The initiative also supports the community by helping address food scarcity, allowing anyone to take home fresh produce. All members of the public are welcome; simply contact the organisers to arrange a time and find out which garden beds are available.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a curious beginner, or looking for a family-friendly outdoor activity, the Green Thumbs Garden Club is the place to dig in!

For more information, call the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre on (07) 4776 1822.

Tomatoes growing at the Community Garden
Your flowers could bloom as lovely as these, join the Greens Thumbs Club!
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Funky Summer Fashion At I Love Boutique

November 10, 2025

Bright, bold and full of personality, that’s the vibe this season at I Love Boutique, Ingham’s destination for fun, fashionable summer style. Located in the heart of town, the boutique is known for its ever-changing range of trendy clothing, accessories, and gifts that celebrate individuality and creativity.

With the heat of summer setting in, now’s the time to refresh your wardrobe with easy, stylish pieces that keep you cool and confident. Think funky, artistic oversized T-shirts, lightweight shorts, and breezy dresses in bold prints and flattering cuts. Each piece at I Love Boutique is carefully chosen for its unique look and relaxed fit, perfect for casual days, coastal weekends, or festive get-togethers.

Whether you’re drawn to vibrant colours, playful patterns, or soft neutral tones, the team at I Love Boutique can help you put together a look that’s distinctly yours. Their range is all about comfort without compromising on style, ideal for the laid-back North Queensland lifestyle.

Visit I Love Boutique, 66 Lannercost Street, Ingham, or shop their new arrivals online at shop.iloveboutique.com.au for all the latest arrivals and deals!

New oversized tees from @foxwoodclothing have just landed. Fresh colours, and endless comfort. Photo credit: I Love Boutique
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Summer Style Sorted At Lisa Maree Boutique

November 10, 2025

Step into the season looking effortlessly chic with the latest arrivals from Lisa Maree Boutique in Ingham. Known for their beautiful range of women’s fashion, shoes, and accessories, the boutique has become a go-to for locals who love modern styles with a touch of flair.

This summer, it’s all about staying cool while looking fabulous. Lisa Maree Boutique has a stunning collection of flowy dresses in eye-catching prints and flattering cuts, perfect for festive gatherings or lazy summer days. Oversized T-shirts and comfy mix-and-match shorts are also in stock, making it easy to build a relaxed yet stylish wardrobe for the heat of a North Queensland Christmas.

Whether you prefer bold statement pieces or simple elegance, the team at Lisa Maree Boutique can help you find just the right outfit. With their focus on quality, comfort, and style, you’ll walk away feeling confident and ready to take on the season in style.

Visit Lisa Maree Boutique, 60 Lannercost Street, Ingham, Monday to Friday 9am–5pm or Saturday 9am–12pm, and explore their full range of fashion for every occasion.

Get your outfits at Lisa Maree and be comfortably stylish this Christmas. Photo credit: Lisa Maree Boutique
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Blossoming Into A New Chapter

November 10, 2025

Cassowary Blooms & Coffee

Petal & Beanz has officially changed its name to Cassowary Blooms & Coffee, marking an exciting new chapter for the much-loved local business.

The rebrand reflects a renewed focus on what the team does best: creating beautiful floral arrangements, serving quality coffee, and offering freshly made and blended juices to the Cassowary Coast community.

While the café will no longer serve food, it remains a welcoming space to relax, meet friends, or work online while enjoying coffee, juice, and the scent of freshly cut flowers.

Cassowary Blooms & Coffee continues to provide a full floral service, with pick-up and delivery available for fresh flowers and custom bouquets.

“Flowers for any occasion. Where there are flowers, there is love and healing,” says Eseta.

The team is also expanding its giftware range in time for Christmas, making it the perfect place to find thoughtful gifts and stunning native arrangements for loved ones this festive season.

Contact Cassowary Blooms & Coffee by calling (07) 4068 1780 or emailing CassowaryBlooms@gmail.com, and celebrate Christmas by giving your loved ones blooms that bring smiles.

Enjoy coffee with your friends and relax in a welcoming environment amongst the scent of fresh flowers.
Nobody does native bouquets like Cassowary Blooms & Coffee
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Bring The Fun Home This Christmas With SportsPower Ingham

November 10, 2025

Shop SportsPower Ingham this Christmas for all your family's active needs.

SportsPower Ingham has the perfect gifts to get the whole family active and outdoors this holiday season.

Make your backyard the ultimate play zone with high-performance 10 or 12-foot trampolines, perfect for kids to bounce and burn off energy. Challenge the family to a table tennis showdown for hours of laughter and friendly competition, ideal for all ages.

For fishing enthusiasts, Shimano has you covered with sunglasses, boot socks, tackle boxes, and mug-and-sock gift packs, all designed to suit anglers of every level.

Find gifts for every interest across the sporting and hobby world, at every level, beginner to pro, from exercise equipment and comfortable sportswear to items for fans to rep their favourite teams. Cowboys-themed footy? Check!

SportsPower Ingham also offers a huge range of gifts under $50. Think bright and colourful Wilson and Spalding basketballs, family games like dartboards, and backyard favourites, including beach cricket sets. There is something for everyone, making it easy to tick off every name on your Christmas list.

Visit SportsPower Ingham in-store at 57 Herbert Street, Ingham, or browse online at sportspower.com.au to see the full range of gifts to keep your family active, entertained, and smiling this Christmas.

Shop SportsPower Ingham this Christmas for all your family's active needs.
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It’s Movember

November 10, 2025

Let’s Talk About Men, Mental Health, And Knowing Where To Mo/Go

It’s that time of year again, a few more moustaches around town, some half-grown, some glorious, all part of the same message: men’s mental health matters.

Movember is more than just a charity campaign. It’s a reminder that, for many men, mental health is still something that happens in silence. Too many blokes push through, bottle things up, or don’t know where to start when things feel off. And even when they’re ready to reach out, knowing who to go to can feel confusing.

So let’s talk about it — not just the why, but the where.

Your GP is often the best starting point. They know your overall health and can help rule out physical causes, start conversations about mental wellbeing, talk through medications if appropriate and put together a referral for Medicare-rebated sessions with the right person.

A counsellor can support you to work through life’s challenges, be it stress, relationships, grief, transitions, identity, or just feeling stuck. Counselling is often less clinical and more conversational, offering space to unpack what's going on in a way that feels safe.

A psychologist helps with mental health diagnoses and evidence-based therapy. They can support people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, executive functioning issues, or patterns that are getting in the way of day-to-day life. You might also come across the provisional psychologist: this is someone who’s completed their studies and is now completing a supervised internship. They can offer excellent, affordable support under guidance from a fully registered psychologist.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental illness, especially when medications are needed, or symptoms are complex. A referral from your GP is required to see one.

There’s also support through local hospital teams and acute care services, especially when someone is in crisis or when there are concerns for safety. In Queensland, that’s 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255).

At Tumbleweed Therapies, we know that men’s mental health doesn’t always show up as sadness. It often looks like anger. Exhaustion. Numbness. Withdrawal. Overwork. Or silence.

We’re here to help men reconnect with themselves, their mates, their values, and the things that matter. Therapy isn’t about fixing; it’s about making space to think, reset, and move forward.

So if you’re growing a mo, great! But let it be more than a fundraiser. Let it be a reminder to check in on yourself, your mates, your dad, your brother, and your son.

You don’t need to do it all alone.

Email intake@tumbleweedtherapies.com or call 07 4463 8679, inquire or check out our website and see how we can help www.tumbleweedtherapies.com.au

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Tennis Tuesdays 11 November

November 10, 2025

The Ingham Tennis Association introduced a social tennis session for more experienced juniors on Tuesday afternoons. Richard generously volunteers his time to run this session, which the club greatly appreciates.

As the Club President, Richard oversees the Tuesday sessions, allowing the juniors to play matches, record their scores, and participate in a few fun games.

On top of that, Richard has also been busy doing repairs around the clubhouse to give it a freshen-up so everyone can enjoy the facilities.

If your child has some tennis experience, they are welcome to come down for a hit on a Tuesday afternoon at 3:30pm.

(Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso)

Tuesday afternoon social tennis kids, with coach Richard. Photo supplied
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Spreading Christmas Cheer One Bon Bon At A Time

November 4, 2025

The Lower Herbert Lions Club recently received a generous donation from Thread Together, collecting a selection of festive Christmas bon bons, just in time for the Christmas season!

Thread Together has supported the Hinchinbrook Shire several times in the past, donating new clothes to those in need within the community and beyond. Run by a group of passionate individuals who believe in making a real change in the world, Thread Together works to divert brand-new, unsold clothes destined for landfill into the hands of those who need them most.

Michael from the Lower Herbert Lions Club excitedly received the donation a couple of weeks ago at the Queensland Country Women’s Club (QCWA) Halifax Branch, noting they’ll certainly go to good use! The Lions Club plans to use the gift at this year’s wonderful Christmas Luncheon, an annually celebrated extravaganza hosted for the seniors of the Hinchinbrook Shire.

Usually hosted towards the end of November or in the early days of December, the Lower Herbert Halifax Lions Club Seniors’ Christmas Luncheon continues to bring the community together for a fabulous day of socialisation, festive fun and a delicious barbecue spread. Check up on the Lower Herbert Halifax Lions Club’s socials, call 0429 383 405 or email lowerherberthalifaxlionsclub@gmail.com to be the first to know when the date for 2025’s Christmas Luncheon drops!

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