Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Caption: The Ingham Lions Club members at Bunnings. Photo supplied
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Mission Beach has celebrated the official opening of its revitalised town centre. Over the past 18 months, the Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation Project has delivered important upgrades including improved amenities, lighting, pedestrian access, shaded areas, and stormwater infrastructure, as well as unique artworks and new street furniture. All helping to create a safer, more welcoming town centre for the community and visitors. Over the weekend of the 17-19 of April the town came alive to celebrate the reopening and revitalisation project with a ribbon cutting ceremony and two days of free community activities and celebrations.
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Run Army is a national fitness initiative that brings communities together to recognise and honour Australia’s veterans and serving Defence personnel, while encouraging participation through a structured course designed to promote resilience and teamwork. In Hinchinbrook, participation was well represented across two groups on the Palm Creek parkrun course. Hinchinbrook Shire Councillor Donna Marbelli ran alongside a trio of determined locals. Also taking part in the challenge, a group of students from Abergowrie College visited Palm Creek Parkrun one morning to show their support of the Run Army initiative. Both groups demonstrated their support for the challenge, cheering each other on, reflecting respect for the armed forces and fitness through their individual efforts.
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Queensland fishers are being encouraged to log their catches, with every recorded trip helping to build a clearer picture of the state’s fisheries and secure the future of recreational fishing. Fishers record their trips for a range of personal reasons, for some, it’s about protecting local waters, while others want to see decisions backed by stronger data. Even just tracking their own fishing history helps provide feedback to improve the Qld Fishing 2.0 app. Whatever the motivation, each entry contributes to a broader understanding of fishing activity across Queensland. For many, the decision to record catches begins with concern for the future. “I started recording my catch because I was concerned about the future of fishing quality in our local area,” one Queensland fisher explained. Catch reporting plays a practical role in supporting sustainable fish stocks, protecting waterways and ensuring future generations can enjoy the same fishing experiences. Accurate data is also key to informed decision-making. By submitting trip details, fishers help Fisheries Queensland track species trends, monitor fishing pressure and identify changes over time. "When everyone submits their data from across Queensland, it gives us a clearer picture of fish quality, what species are being caught, and what we can do to preserve these fish for many years to come,” another fisher said. The information collected through the Qld Fishing 2.0 app is combined with commercial, charter and scientific data to guide fisheries management decisions, including size limits and seasonal closures. Recent figures highlight the growing impact of the initiative. In January 2026, 100 fishers recorded 159 trips, logging more than 1,600 fish. February continued the momentum, with 64 fishers submitting 122 trips and recording 825 fish. Importantly, even unsuccessful trips provide valuable insights, helping to create a realistic picture of fishing activity across the state. As participation grows, so too does the ability to protect Queensland’s fisheries, ensuring that every catch, or even no catch at all, contributes to a lasting legacy.
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Year 10 students at Ingham State High School recently had the opportunity to explore a wide range of career pathways during the school’s annual Speed Careers event.
Fourteen local industry representatives generously gave their time to speak with students in a series of fast-paced six-minute sessions. The “speed careers” format allowed students to meet with several professionals in a short amount of time, asking questions about different jobs, training requirements and career journeys.
Business owners, tradespeople and professionals shared valuable insights into their industries and spoke openly about the pathways that led them to their current roles. For many students, the experience opened their eyes to opportunities they had not previously considered and reinforced the message that there are many different paths to success.
Ingham State High School extends its sincere thanks to the local community members who generously shared their knowledge and experiences. Their guidance will be invaluable as students begin navigating their career choices over the coming years.
The event once again highlighted the strength of our local community and its ongoing support in helping prepare students for life beyond school.
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At Gilroy Santa Maria College, the Arts celebrate creativity, individuality, and the joy of making. Our aim is simple: to transform “I am bad at art” into “I had fun making it.”
In Year 7 Art, students are embracing this mindset by stepping outside their comfort zones and exploring new creative possibilities. This term, they have been working with pottery, designing functional yet decorative pieces inspired by our beautiful coastline.
Drawing inspiration from ceramic artists Carlton Ball and Olivia Walker, students have developed skills in coil and slab construction while learning how to bring their ideas to life. Working both collaboratively and independently, they have explored organic forms from the ocean, resulting in imaginative creations ranging from checkerboards inspired by sand dollars and brain coral to water jugs shaped with flowing mermaid tails.
Through experimentation and teamwork, our Year 7 artists are discovering that art is as much about the creative journey as it is about the final piece.
And, they are having a ball!
Article contributor, Georgia Dametto, GSMC Art Teacher
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Caption: Year 7 Ceramics, shaping and creating pottery with clay. Photos supplied
Local marine rescue operations are set to transition from the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard to the Queensland Marine Rescue Service, a move expected to deliver stronger support for smaller coastal communities such as Cardwell and Tully Heads.
The change was outlined during a community meeting held at the Cardwell RSL on Wednesday, March 11, where Marine Rescue Queensland Chief Officer Tony Wulff addressed local volunteers, community representatives and stakeholders.
The meeting focused on the future delivery of marine rescue services in the Hinchinbrook Channel region and surrounding coastal communities.
Key discussion points included ensuring community-donated assets and funding remain within the Cardwell and Tully Heads areas, as well as the return of marine rescue service operations at the Hinchinbrook Channel boat ramp.
Attendees also heard that Queensland Government funding for the service would continue under the new model, including support for new marine rescue vessels and transport assets for both Cardwell and Tully Heads units.
The transition to Marine Rescue Queensland is expected to bring additional benefits for local volunteers and the wider community. Among these is the introduction of cadetship opportunities for young members, creating pathways into industry training and maritime careers.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for community members and volunteers to discuss how marine rescue services can continue to operate effectively across the Cardwell region and neighbouring communities.
Support for the transition appears strong among local groups, with members at a separate meeting in Tully also expressing their backing for the move from the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard to Marine Rescue Queensland.
Local organisers said the discussions were an important step in shaping the future of marine rescue services across the Hinchinbrook Channel region.
Caption: The Coast Guard Tully - VMR 412 received their new Marine Rescue Queensland vessel in February, ahead of the transition. Photo credit: Coast Guard Tully
Caption: Showcasing the beautiful views across the water while on a rescue. Photo credit: Coast Guard Cardwell – QF23
Canegrowers in the Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook regions are being encouraged to attend free disaster resilience workshops aimed at helping farmers better prepare for floods and other extreme weather events.
The workshops will be held on 1 April in Tully at the Tully Support Centre and 21 April in Ingham at the Canegrowers Herbert River office.
Delivered by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries in partnership with Canegrowers, the sessions will focus on helping growers understand how river pathways and floodwaters could impact their properties.
Participants will take part in a one-on-one property mapping activity designed to identify key assets, irrigation systems and natural water flow across their farms.
The workshops will also provide growers with a satellite imagery map of their property to assist with future planning, as well as information on financial assistance available following natural disasters.
A number of experts will attend the sessions to share insights, including representatives from government agencies, river improvement trusts and regional planning organisations.
The workshops form part of the Queensland Government’s Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The Tully workshop will run from 8.30am to 1.30pm on 1 April at the Tully Support Centre, while the Ingham session will take place from 8.30am to 1.30pm on 21 April at the Canegrowers Herbert River office.
Attendance is free, however registrations are required. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Primary producers impacted by severe weather in early 2025 have been given more time to access financial assistance, with the deadline for disaster recovery grants now extended by six months.
The Australian and Queensland governments have announced that applications for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 will now close on 14 August, 2026. The funding supports farmers and producers affected by the North and Far North Tropical Low that caused widespread damage across the region.
The grants are jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and can be used for a range of recovery costs, including clean-up work, replacing damaged infrastructure, replanting crops, disposing of damaged goods, purchasing equipment and covering additional labour costs.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the extension would help producers still working through recovery.
“These grants are a lifeline for primary producers who have faced significant weather events over the past year,” Minister McBain said.
“We’re extending this deadline to ensure that primary producers who have been impacted by multiple disaster events over the past year have more time to complete clean-up and recovery activities.”
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the additional time would give farmers greater flexibility while managing ongoing recovery.
“Having been on the ground in Queensland last week to see the damage to crops, fences and equipment firsthand, I know this support is critical to helping impacted farmers and producers to get back on their feet quicker,” she said.
Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the extension recognised the challenges producers continued to face.
“This extension reflects our commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Queenslanders as they recover from the devastating impacts of the tropical low event in early 2025,” he said.
Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy said farmers had shown strong resilience.
“This extension is about giving them the time and support they need to recover and rebuild. We’re here to help every step of the way.”
CAPTION: The application deadline for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 has been extended to 14 August 2026. Photo source: Shutterstock
Australia’s agricultural production is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year, four years ahead of the National Farmers Federation’s 2030 target.
New forecasts released by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) show farm gate production will reach a record $101.4 billion in 2025–26, rising to $107.4 billion when combined with fisheries and forestry. Exports across agriculture, fisheries and forestry are also expected to hit a record high of almost $85 billion.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the result reflected the strength of the sector.
“This forecast gives Australians 100 billion reasons to thank our farmers, whose hard work, resilience and skill is helping power our national economy,” she said.
“It shows that the Albanese Labor Government’s work to diversify trade opportunities is helping our farmers and producers to export more of Australia’s world-class agricultural products than ever before.”
The National Farmers Federation first set its $100 billion target in 2018, when the sector was valued at around $88 billion. Since 2022, production value has increased by 15 per cent, with exports now reaching around 190 markets.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre described the forecast as a “landmark moment for Australian agriculture”.
“In 2018, $100 billion was seen as ambitious. Today we’re forecast to reach it ahead of schedule,” he said.
“It proves Australian agriculture can compete with the best in the world.”
CAPTION: Australia’s farm gate production value is forecast to reach a record $101.4 billion in 2025–26, surpassing the National Farmers Federation’s $100 billion target ahead of schedule. Photo source: Shutterstock
Australian sugarcane growers and industry partners are invited to attend an upcoming online presentation examining the key challenges limiting crop productivity across the industry.
The webinar, titled Agronomy Constraints to Sugarcane Productivity, will be delivered by leading sugarcane agronomist Dr Barry Salter and will explore factors contributing to the yield plateau currently evident in the Australian sugarcane sector.
Topics to be covered include soil compaction, waterlogging, marginal soils, and observations about soil fertility following a recent industry-wide leaf and soil survey. The session will conclude with a live question-and-answer segment, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with Dr Salter.
Dr Salter, Manager Translation Research at Sugar Research Australia (SRA), has worked as a research agronomist in sugarcane for more than 20 years. His work has focused on farming systems including fallow cropping, minimum tillage, row configurations, nutrient use efficiency, enhanced efficiency fertilisers and interactions with varieties.
The webinar will run from 2pm to 3pm on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Growers and industry stakeholders can register online to attend via https://lnkd.in/ggfyVWPM.
SRA’s Dr Barry Salter will lead the webinar. Photo source: SRA
The Cassowary Coast is home to some of the most unique ecosystems on Earth, but these environments face constant pressure from pests and invasive species.
Among the most damaging are feral cats, which pose a serious threat to native wildlife. They prey on small mammals, birds and reptiles, spread disease, and are recognised as one of Australia’s most destructive invasive species, significantly impacting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Concern was recently raised online when residents noted the damage a local cat colony was doing in the seaside town of Cardwell. Many called for trapping and rehoming, alongside suggestions for mandatory desexing and greater owner accountability for wandering and abandoned pets that contribute to feral populations.
Managing pests is a shared responsibility across the community. Whether you are a landholder, farmer, resident, tourism operator or council employee, everyone has a role to play in reducing the spread of invasive species.
With the recently celebrated World Wildlife Day, invasive and pest animals have been the forefront concern for many native wildlife carers and communities.
Under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014, landholders are required to take reasonable steps to manage biosecurity risks on their property. Local councils support this effort through education, guidance and programs such as trapping and trap hire.
A spokesperson from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council said, “Cassowary Coast Regional Council is aware of a population of feral cats in parts of Cardwell and is working with residents and businesses to help identify and trap the animals.
“Feral cats can create issues in communities as they can be unsightly, produce strong odours, spread disease and pose a threat to native wildlife, particularly small mammals and birds.
“Residents are strongly discouraged from feeding wandering cats or allowing pet cats to roam, especially if they are not desexed.
“Council provides cat traps for hire and will assess trapped animals, with suitable cats considered for rehoming. Cats that cannot be rehomed may be humanely euthanised.”
Residents who have feral cats on their property can contact council to arrange access to feral cat traps or seek further information.
For more information about hiring a cat trap, visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au or contact council on 1300 763 903.
Caption: Every year Feral cats kill millions of native species. Photo credit: Invasive Species Council, Australia
The Government is delivering further relief to disaster-affected landholders, automatically deferring land rent payments for those recovering from the North Queensland Monsoon Trough, ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji and associated severe weather.
A 12-month rent deferral will apply to eligible state land tenure holders across several North and Central Queensland communities, providing much-needed breathing room for landholders as recovery efforts continue.
The measure will support almost 3,000 tenures, including primary production, residential and business leases across the Cassowary Coast and other Regional Councils.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the additional relief would support communities still dealing with the impacts of severe flooding and extreme weather.
“We know North and Central Queenslanders have endured a tough start to the year with the monsoon trough, flooding and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji,” Minister Last said.
“We are delivering targeted support through automatic land rent deferral across almost 3,000 tenures.
“This is about supporting our farmers and regional Queenslanders by giving them time to focus on their recovery and get their operations back on track.
“We’re focused on helping Queenslanders recover faster and rebuild stronger for the future.”
The Government is monitoring the current flooding across Queensland and is on the ground meeting with affected communities. There is disaster relief is on the way to support the recovery efforts of those impacted.
The land rent deferral will automatically be applied to eligible land tenure holders.
For more information please visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/rents/hardship-deferral
Caption: Cane crops damaged in flooding. Photo credit: Queensland Reconstruction Authority
This year CANEGROWERS celebrates its 100-year milestone. In 1901 and the introduction of the ‘White Australia Policy’ it was hard to envisage what the industry would look like after the withdrawal of indentured labour. Farmers and millers danced around each other trying to work out the best way for the industry to be represented.
The report of the 1912 Royal Commission into the Australian Sugar Industry indicated a need for government control of raw sugar prices. In 1915 the Queensland government enacted legislation to achieve that control: the Sugar Acquisition Act which allowed the Queensland government to acquire all sugar manufactured in Queensland and sell it on to the Commonwealth Government at cost. And the Regulation of Sugar Cane Prices Act to ensure a fair division of raw sugar returns between millers and growers.
Lack of unity across the agricultural community prompted the Queensland government to embark on a comprehensive reorganisation of farm industries. It enacted the Primary Producers’ Organisation Act of 1922 which legislated for the formation of commodity industry bodies with power to compel all persons in that industry to become members and pay levies.
The Primary Producers’ Organisation and Marketing Act of 1926 replaced the former Act making special provisions for the sugar industry with compulsory membership and a compulsory farmer levy paid to the Queensland Cand Growers Association (QCGA). It provided for mill suppliers committees, district cane growers’ executives, and the Queensland Cane Growers’ Council (QCGC) which became the governing body of the Queensland Cane Growers’ Association (QCGA).
The QCGC was made up of two cane grower representatives from each of the mill areas. The local District Executive of the QCGA was formed in 1926. HRFL members A.L. Musgrave was elected as the first secretary of district executive, and George Geeson as first president while W. M. Tooth, former president of the HRFL became the first Herbert River representative on the QCGC.
The steps that brought this district executive into existence are unknown. Annette Veree Ford who wrote a thesis on the QCGA Herbert River district branch found that there were no records kept until 1933. What is known is that the district executive inherited the HRFL’s active membership and readymade area branches and invited the district executive to hold meetings in the HRFL building and rent office space in which to carry out administrative tasks.
The district executive’s roles duplicated those of the HRFL: conducting large district meetings; negotiating with CSR on cane price and supervising labour arrangements; and the political and social community role of petitioning state or federal government representatives on both industry and wider community needs. To those roles was added those pertaining to production and marketing.
In February 1932 the Herbert River Cane Growers Association (HRCGA) was formed. Prominent member of the HRFL T.J. McMillan, was elected as the first president. When the HRCGA decided that its “status and dignity” warranted its own building it gained a perpetual lease of an allotment on the opposite side of Lannercost Street, defiantly facing the HRFL building. The new farmers’ building was opened in 1934.
Image 1: Caption: Farmers’ building opened in 1934. Image source: State Library of Queensland. Image number: 96364
Image 2: Caption: The Canecutters: A Tribute to the Sugar Field Workers of Herbert Valley. Image supplied
The Herbert River Crushers U19s kicked off the 2026 senior rugby league season with a trial match against Brothers RLFC on Saturday 14 March at Jack Manski Oval. With several new recruits from across the region, along with the addition of St Teresa’s Abergowrie boys this season, the team was always going to need some time to gel.
Heading into the break 16–0 down, the boys regrouped, tightened up their discipline and reduced their early errors to win the second half 16–8, eventually going down 24–16 to the back-to-back premiers. Continued on page 31.
New Blood Bulks The Crushers Ranks
Introducing the team’s lineup are new recruits Haley Gaidan (lock), Jared Dau (centre), Maddyx Mancuso (front row), Captain Mitch Maher (fullback), Aiden Stedman (half/hooker) and Hezekiah Nona (half) all showed plenty of promise in their first outing as River boys, putting in strong performances. Local juniors Connor Matsen (lock/hooker), Shaun Devietti (front row) and Tristan Milan (front row) also played big minutes, taking on the powerful Brothers forward pack. While ist jus pre-season prep for now, onlookers anticipate their first game, an away vs Norths Devils on Saturday, 11 April.
Contributed with thanks by Peter Reitano
The Herbert River Crushers U19s kicked off the 2026 senior rugby league season with a trial match against Brothers RLFC on Saturday. Photos supplied
Hinchinbrook Shire Council wishes to advise residents that landslip remediation and slope stabilisation works will be carried out on Wallaman Falls Road from 23 March 2026 to 30 November 2026.
Crews will be on-site from 6:00am to 4:00pm each day, weather permitting. During this period, the road will remain open however, motorists are advised of the following:
Council acknowledges the inconvenience these works may cause and sincerely thanks the community for its patience and understanding as we deliver important improvements to this transport corridor.
These works are being delivered under the joint Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.
Council will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses.
Visit https://hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4776 4600 for more information.
Caption: Wallaman Falls from the lower viewing area. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Are you driven to lend a hand in times of need, to make a difference?
With firefighter Jason Blewitt leaving the Forrest Beach auxiliaries to take up a position in North Mackay, and with other upcoming personnel changes, the Forrest Beach Fire Station are currently looking for community-minded locals to join the team.
The Forrest Beach auxiliary station is an on-call station that responds to emergency situations when needed. The current crew includes tradespeople, a teacher, a train driver and a couple of retirees who are under the QFD retirement age of 65. It shows the QFD auxiliary service caters for a wide variety of people and fits around everyday life.
Full training is provided for all recruits and if this sounds like something you may be interested in, an invitation is extended to come down on Wednesday nights between 6:30pm and 8:30pm at the Forrest Beach Station on Maple Street to speak with members of our crew, or visit the QFES website for more information.
Locals may have noticed the big red truck around town more often on Wednesday nights. The Firies are not trying to scare anyone, just these outings help the crew become more familiar with fire hydrant locations, street names, and how house numbering changes where streets intersect. So if you see the truck outside your house on a Wednesday night with its lights flashing, it does not mean your neighbour’s house is on fire. It simply means they are getting to know the local area better.
If you see them out and about, feel free to go over and ask any questions about becoming an Auxiliary On-Call Firefighter.
Caption: Have You Thought About Becoming A Firefighter? Photo credit: Queensland Fire Department (QFD)
On Sunday 29 March, a free event hosted by Link 2 Country Pty Ltd will be held at the Noorla Bowls Club in Ingham covering many topics of interest for contractor before this years season. For a 5pm start, 4 major company will head the information night, discussing points of their relevant feild.
Link 2 Country Pty Ltd – Nicole Chiesa, with support from Jodie Morton of Safety & Learning Techniques will be holding an open conversation about workforce needs for the 2026 season. With ideas for online support, a Sugar Contractors Directory and raising industry visibility, and exploring pathways and opportunities for people wanting to work in the sugar industry. Giving practical, real-world approaches to staying organised with records and pre-starts (including QR codes).
Then Canegrowers Herbert River will deliver a local industry update and what's happening on the ground with information about the upcoming haul-out training course, 100yr celebrations and QRIDA disaster funding. Providing definition of a primary producer and re-planting, alongside discussions on late bin phone number and other transport issues.
Westpac will present Business overdrafts – secured and unsecured options. Credit cards – personal or business liability options depending on business structure and equipment finance – including deferred repayments to allow investments time to generate returns, with the ability to structure repayments to match seasonal cashflow. And insurance premium funding that is helping free up cashflow by funding insurance and WorkCover premiums over $5,000 and smoothing seasonal expenses.
Finally GlueTread AU will reveal a new product and talk about a heavy-duty tyre repair system specifically designed to fix sidewall damage, punctures and slices on tractor and off-road tyres, keeping gear rolling when it matters most. With tractor sample repair kits available for inspection, along with information on their range of products and exclusive discount available for event attendees.
Please RSVP by calling Nicole on 0427 560 558
Proudly serving Halifax, Ingham and surrounding Hinchinbrook communities, AA Business Services delivers honest, local support that helps clients manage their finances with confidence. Overdue tax returns are welcome, with efficient systems allowing late lodgements to be completed quickly and with minimal stress. Business Activity Statements and tax returns are prepared and lodged electronically, helping clients receive refunds as fast as possible.
At the heart of the business is Alida Lee, a registered tax agent with more than 25 years of experience. She specialises in individual tax returns, rental properties, sole traders and small businesses, offering practical advice and straightforward solutions without the complexity or high fees often associated with larger firms.
Whether it’s keeping small business finances organised, navigating tax obligations, or providing clear guidance for everyday clients, AA Business Services works closely with the Hinchinbrook community to deliver reliable, cost-effective support. Friendly, approachable and professional, Alida ensures every client feels confident and informed throughout the process.
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