No, It's Rally Racers!

By Victoria Velton

Chris and Tracey Castles have taken to the skies on a 26-day, 10,500-kilometre journey as part of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Outback Air Race 2025. Flying under the banner of Team 15 – Rookies, the pair are navigating their fire engine red A32 Vixxen through some of Australia’s most remote regions in a rally that is less about speed and more about navigation, timing, and precision. Their mission is twofold: to embrace the adventure of a lifetime and to raise $75,000 for the RFDS, whose services have long been a lifeline across regional Australia. Continued on page 3

Team Rookies Take To The Skies

Chris and Tracey Castles are no strangers to adventure, but their latest endeavour has lifted their ambitions sky-high. On Wednesday, 20 August, the Ingham couple embarked on the Royal Flying Doctor Service Outback Air Race 2025, joining 45 other aircraft and around 100 participants in the charity challenge.

The event is less of a speed race and more of a rally. Pilots navigate between remote points, testing accuracy, timing, and teamwork. While both were engineers in the RAAF, Chris will act as the lead pilot for the rally, while Tracey is the load master and provides moral support.

“The race is really all about raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” Chris explained. “They do a lot of good work around the country, and we’ve been beneficiaries of that on occasion as well. So, it’s really about giving back while also getting to see Australia from a unique perspective.”

The Castles’ fundraising story has been remarkable. “Our first target was $20,000, then we raised it to $25,000, then $50,000, and now $75,000,” Tracey said with a smile. To date, they are just shy of $60,000, thanks to the generosity of family, friends, and community supporters.

The couple are also offering raffle tickets for a $20,000 bespoke travel experience, with the draw scheduled for 8 September via: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=5dezp&sref=xb79cnc9

Though they would love to win the rally, Chris and Tracey’s ultimate goal is to support the service that delivers critical medical care to rural and outback Australians. “It’s a win-win,” Tracey said. “The love of flying and the chance to help the Flying Doctor Service.”

Follow their progress on Facebook at 'Rookies RFDS Outback Air Race 2025' or donate to keep Team Rookies soaring towards their target via the QR code!

‍

https://royal-flying-doctor-service-western-operations.grassrootz.com/outbackairrace25/team-15-rookies/donate

‍

Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!

Daffodil Day was last week, and it's a day I look forward to every year since I can remember. I have always loved daffodils, being my mother's and grandmother's favourite flower. They also remind me of my historic family roots in Ireland, where many varieties of daffodils line the streets and pop out of every nook and cranny, making the towns and countryside a sea of creamy white, yellow and orange delight.

Growing up in Brisbane, on Daffodil Day, every town square, school and business that could get their hands on daffodils were hawking them for a noble cause - raising funds for the Cancer Council.

This year in Hinchinbrook, it saddened me to hear that not many knew about the day or its importance. Huge shout-out to the teams of both Petal and Beanz in Tully and the folk at Rachel Cauchi Optometrists in Ingham. Thank you for your efforts in raising awareness for the Cancer Council cause, I bought two bunches of daffodils, one for my mother and one to share with my neighbours as the flowers bring such joy to an empty window sill. If you would still like to donate to Cancer Council, you can do so here: donate.cancerqld.org.au/donate.

Victoria

Fun fact: The legend of Narcissus in Greek mythology tells the story of a beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. Narcissus is also the genus of plants that includes daffodils and their smaller counterpart, jonquils.

Recently, Ingham State High School shared another heartwarming update on the journey of one of their senior students, Max!

Currently nearing the end of Year 12, Max has established his very own business titled, “Max is Mobile” to further prepare for his post-schooling endeavours, and much to his delight, the community could not have been more supportive.

Touched by his ambition, the amazing team at Majestic Café have excitingly signed Max on for work experience each and every Wednesday right up until the end of Term 3 and cannot wait for Max to join the crew from 10am to 1pm each week.

Ingham State High School shared the news in a post online which has since attracted just shy of 500 interactions from members of the community adding comments commending Majestic Café on their support of local students and congratulating Max on his new business venture.

Marina and the staff of Majestic Café are not the first local business to support Max on his endeavours as just last June, Max joined Mandy Griffiths’ Mandy’s Beauty in The Bush to deliver beautiful flower bouquets across the Hinchinbrook Shire.

“With every bloom you’ve carried, you’ve brightened someone’s day. Thank you for the sunshine you’ve so effortlessly shared,” wrote Mandy.

“Well done, Max, because of you. You’ve made the world bloom a little brighter one petal at a time.”

Farewell To A Legend

On Friday, 22 August 2025, Ingham witnessed a powerful and heartfelt farewell for “Slammin’ Sam” Backo. One of this region's and Halifax's own, the rugby league legend was one of the most deeply grounded greats. At St Patrick’s Church, mourners clad in Sam’s favourite colour of maroon, an emblem of both Queensland pride and Backo’s own legacy. The pews were packed, and many spilled onto the streets as family and fans alike paid their respects to the legend.

Sam Backo’s life was a story of strength in both sport and spirit. Born on Warrgamay country on 1 January 1961, he rose to prominence through gritty displays for the Raiders, Brisbane Broncos, Queensland, and Australia. But it was off the field where his legacy truly flourished. As a cultural advocate and former chairman of the North Queensland Land Council, he channelled a generational commitment rooted in his mother, Dr Evelyn Scott’s lifelong activism, into real outcomes for First Nations people.

The funeral’s eulogy, delivered by his daughter Elaine, captured the ritual’s emotional core: “we say goodbye to a husband, father, brother… and welcome his spirit home back to the land that gave him strength,” she said. Sam was laid to rest beside the plaque honouring his mother in Halifax Cemetery.

This service was more than a farewell. It was a celebration of a man who lived with fierce conviction both on the rugby field and in his community. His legacy will remain as solid and profound as the maroon tide that gathered to honour him.

Mount Fox Road, a vital transport corridor serving residents, farmers, renewable industries and school communities, is set for a major remediation works.

The road sustained extensive damage during the February 2025 rain event, with over 35 landslip sites identified and critical drainage infrastructure compromised.

Mayor Ramon Jayo told a crowd of up to 80 people at the August Industry Breakfast held by Hinchinbrook Shire Council in conjunction with the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism that at the height of the damage, there was significant pressure to close the road completely.

“However, thanks to the dedication of local contractors and emergency crews, Council was able to maintain limited access, keeping the road open under restricted conditions,” Mayor Jayo said.

“Council has completed preliminary geotechnical assessments, with detailed design works well underway. We are preparing to go out to tender for major remediation works. This is not a short-term fix. This remediation work is undertaking full permanent repair of the sites impacted by the flooding events.”

Council started sealed pavement reconstruction on 13 August 2025, including pothole patching and surface reinstatement.

This phase is expected to take around 10 weeks, weather permitting, and Council is progressing with the planning and delivery of further works, including landslip repairs and more than $3 million in upgrades of the Mount Fox range for drainage improvements and minor road widening.

These upgrades are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), administered through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Council acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks the community for its patience. The priority remains delivering a safe and durable outcome. For updates, residents are encouraged to visit the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4776 4600.

Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Caleb has his sights set firmly on the automotive trade, splitting his week between the classroom, paid work, and hands-on experience at the Townsville Audi and Porsche dealership just down the road from Tec-NQ House boarding campus.

“I got to work on a timing belt,” said Caleb. “Each day I went to work experience, I walked because it was just up the road.”

Time in a prestigious workshop has given him confidence and clarity. “I get to help the workers in the workshop,” he commented. “Watching how they fix problems has shown me what the job is really like.”

Caleb isn’t waiting around for opportunity to knock. He’s stacking experience wherever he can, working part-time. “I also have a job at Dan’s Automotive,” said Caleb. “When I’m not doing work experience or school, I work there, where I am learning a lot.”

Head of Boarding, Luke Papworth, says Caleb’s initiative is exactly what Tec-NQ House is designed to encourage. “Caleb is taking every chance to learn; he’s balancing school, work experience, and a real job. That work ethic is what sets our students up for apprenticeships,” Luke said.

He also points to the advantage of transport and flexible staff support. “Transport is provided to the Tec-NQ Douglas co-educational campus each day, and students are driven to and from their workplaces as required,” said Luke. "That means students can get to placements, arrive on time, and focus on learning rather than logistics,” added Luke.

As a boarder, Caleb benefits from a supportive home base in Townsville. Tec-NQ House is a purpose-built boys-only boarding facility in Rosslea, providing accommodation for up to forty senior students from regional and remote Queensland so they can access Tec-NQ’s trade-focused senior school program.

The residence blends structure with a warm, homely feel. Students have 24/7 supervised care, air-conditioned double-occupancy rooms, modern communal lounges, computer access, a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities, and a basketball court.

Daily routines make success easier. An on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals, staff run after-hours sport and social activities, and regular excursions build friendships.

“Boarding gives students independence with a safety net,” said Luke. “We set expectations around study, wellbeing and behaviour, and we’re right there to guide them. The result is young people who are ready for the workplace.”

That workplace-ready mindset is exactly what Caleb is building. He’s learning to communicate with tradespeople, follow procedures, and take pride in doing the small things right: clean tools, tidy bays, and careful checks before a car leaves the workshop. Each shift adds to his confidence.

Caleb’s next goal is clear: secure an automotive apprenticeship and keep learning on the tools. With Tec-NQ House providing structure, support and proximity to employers, and with the combination of work experience, paid work and school learning under his belt, he’s well on the way.

Keep up the great work, Caleb; your future is idling at the lights, and you’ve already got the green.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is inviting residents to sign up to Hinchinbrook H2O, the online portal supporting digital water meters is a major step forward in smarter, more efficient water management across the Shire.

Since its rollout in 2022, the project has been helping households and Council alike better understand and manage water usage.

Jointly funded by Hinchinbrook Shire Council and the Queensland Government through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program, this initiative is part of Council’s long-term strategy to improve infrastructure and service delivery.

The new digital water meters provide real-time water usage data, transmitted every 60 minutes via a low-frequency radio signal — significantly weaker than a mobile phone signal and safe for residential areas.

Residents can access this data at any time through the Hinchinbrook H2O portal, giving them the power to monitor their water use, detect leaks early, and make informed decisions about their consumption.

Why Sign Up?

• Track your water usage hourly
• Identify leaks and unusual patterns quickly
• Manage your water bills more effectively
• Support Council in maintaining reliable infrastructure

Depending on your property’s existing setup, you’ll receive either a full meter replacement or a retrofitted device — ensuring compatibility and seamless integration.

The system also monitors operational performance, including battery life, helping reduce long-term maintenance costs.

As the project continues, residents will receive updates on how to access and use their water data.

Contact Council via email at council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au, sign up at https://h2o.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call 4776 4600 if you require sign-up assistance or for more information.

Water is central to life in the Hinchinbrook region. It keeps us healthy, supports our agriculture, sustains local businesses, and helps our communities thrive.

The Queensland Government has announced a review of the Wet Tropics Water Plan, which could lead to the release of unallocated water to support future growth.

This is a significant opportunity for our region, and Council encourages interested parties to get involved by lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) before 31 August 2025.

Water plans are important tools that determine how much water is available and how it’s managed across different sectors.

They aim to balance the needs of urban, industrial, agricultural, environmental, and cultural users, while ensuring long-term sustainability.

These plans may include reserves of unallocated water, which can be released for future use without affecting current water users or the environment.

In the Wet Tropics area, unallocated water is available from two sources:
The general reserve, which includes watercourse water and groundwater depending on location, and;
The high-flow reserve, which includes watercourse water.

This means there are real opportunities for local landholders, businesses, and developers to secure water access that could support agricultural expansion, diversification into higher-value crops, or new business ventures.

By submitting an EOI, you’re helping demonstrate genuine demand for the Hinchinbrook region, which can influence future decisions and ensure we are considered in the planning process.

Lodge an EOI here at this link https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/catchments-planning/unallocated-water/eoi/wet-tropics by Sunday, 31st of August 2025.

Missing it could mean waiting years for another chance to access new water allocations.

Opinion Piece

On the 1st of September, the Northern Territory Government will commence a twelve-month trial allowing everyday residents to legally purchase and carry oleoresin capsicum spray (commonly known as pepper spray) for self-defence. Western Australia (WA) has already permitted pepper spray for many years, with limited reports of misuse.

I strongly believe Queensland should follow in the NT’s footsteps and trial the legal carriage of pepper spray. Back in June, I asked the Police Minister in a Question on Notice whether the government would consider this. The response was a lacklustre “no” due to what he described as “significant risks, including potential misuse and unintended harm.” I find his answer intriguing, especially knowing that West Australians have been allowed to obtain and carry pepper spray for self-defence for twenty-five years without the sky falling in.

The reality is that making pepper spray legal in Queensland could be done quickly and easily because it doesn’t even require a legislative change. A simple amendment to the Weapons Categories Regulation 1997 signed off by the Minister is all that’s required. With the stroke of a pen, this government could empower Queensland’s most vulnerable to better protect themselves.

Criminals are already arming themselves with knives and other weapons. Experts in self-defence believe that allowing law-abiding Queenslanders to carry pepper spray would give prospective victims a fighting chance. If criminals wanted to acquire pepper spray to use as a weapon, then they already would. Sensible safeguards could be put in place, such as limiting sales to persons over the age of eighteen with no criminal history and using licensed firearm dealers to manage distribution. We already have the networks in place to sell and regulate restricted items, and pepper spray could be easily added to that list with very little disruption.

With sustained levels of property crime, violent offences, carjackings and rapes, Queenslanders are currently left vulnerable and exposed. The NT Government has shown leadership on this issue and has taken steps to empower its residents. With very little effort, our state government could do the same.

Contributed with thanks by Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook.

The Cardwell RSL Sub Branch has ensured an important piece of wartime history will never be forgotten with the unveiling of a bronze plaque dedicated to the Hudson Bomber crew who crashed in the Hinchinbrook Channel on May 4, 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea.

The project, a year in the making, received strong community backing with thanks extended to the Fletcher family, the Far Northern District RSL, Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood and Councillor Chris Littlemore, who officially attended the ceremony in support. Along with Far Northern District RSL Secretary, Julie Tepaz, travelled from Cairns to attend the commemoration, and unveiled the plaque with Cr Littlemore.

The plaque serves as a reminder of how close the war came to Australia’s shores and of the sacrifices made by four young RAAF servicemen. The Hudson Bomber A16-162, caught in a tropical storm while searching for Japanese ships, crash-landed in the channel before being towed ashore at Cardwell’s main beach. Co-pilot Sgt James East tragically lost his life and was later laid to rest in Tully. Sgt Geoff Fletcher displayed remarkable bravery, rescuing his surviving crewmates from the wreckage in waters teeming with sharks and crocodiles. His legacy extends beyond the war, with his son Ken and grandson Dustin together playing a total of 664 VFL/AFL games for the Essendon Football Club (the Bombers).

The Hudson Bomber plaque now stands as a lasting tribute to courage, sacrifice and service. For more information, visit the Battle of the Coral Sea Memorial Park at 4 Coral Sea Drive, Cardwell.

Lest we forget.

Contributed with thanks by Robert Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub-Branch.

The Herbert River RSL is turning blue this August in support of men’s health, launching a fundraising campaign to back the It’s a Bloke’s Thing Foundation. The initiative runs through to Father’s Day on Sunday, 7 September, with funds raised helping to increase awareness and provide vital support for those affected by prostate cancer.

All proceeds from the RSL’s popular Friday night raffles, as well as special Father’s Day raffles, will be donated directly to the cause. Patrons are also being encouraged to wear blue when visiting the club throughout August as a visible show of support for the campaign.

Committee members say the event is about more than just raising funds. It is about bringing the community together, honouring fathers and families, and sparking conversations about an issue that affects so many Australian men. Prostate cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the country, and community-driven efforts such as this play a critical role in funding research and support services.

Locals can get involved by attending the raffles, donating online, or simply spreading the word. With the added spirit of Father’s Day celebrations at the RSL, the initiative offers both a chance to come together and an opportunity to make a real difference.

Make a real difference by donating: www.bbqwithdad.com.au/donate

The countdown is on for one of North Queensland’s biggest annual events, with the 2025 Long Pocket Earthmoving Ingham Sugar City Rodeo set to take over the Ingham Showgrounds on Saturday, 6 September.

This year’s rodeo promises all the thrills, spills, and family fun the event is known for – with an extra special highlight. In a true show of community spirit, Nick Dametto, State Member for Hinchinbrook, and Glenn Hall, former North Queensland Toyota Cowboys forward and current Team Manager, will climb onto the back of a bull to raise funds for the Ingham Palliative Care Unit.

Both men have set an ambitious goal of $10,000, determined to support the unit’s vital work in providing care and comfort to locals and their families. Rodeo organisers are encouraging the community to get behind the cause. Donations can be made online at gofund.me/6dcfe141.

Gates open at 8am, with a full day of rodeo action including bull riding, barrel racing, junior events, live music, food stalls, and local market vendors.

Tickets are on sale now via trybooking.com/DBCUT
. Don’t miss this year’s rodeo — and the chance to see two local legends #RideForACause!

The renowned Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island (Munamudanamy) is receiving a significant upgrade, with works currently underway to enhance visitor experience while preserving the island’s unique natural and cultural values.

Led by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the project is being delivered in close collaboration with Bandjin and Girramay Traditional Owners. The aim is to improve infrastructure along the 32-kilometre trail without compromising the remote and pristine character that has made it one of Queensland’s most celebrated multi-day hikes.

As part of the upgrade, key camping areas along the trail are being refreshed, with improvements designed to ensure walkers remain immersed in nature. Other enhancements include better trail infrastructure, signage, and environmental protection measures, supporting sustainable tourism and maintaining visitor safety.

Hinchinbrook Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and is recognised for its rugged landscapes, rich biodiversity and cultural significance. Access to the trail remains limited, with bookings capped to protect the environment and maintain the low-impact nature of the experience.

The Thorsborne Trail enhancement project reflects the Queensland Government’s broader commitment to strengthening partnerships with Traditional Owners and delivering ecotourism experiences that celebrate both nature and culture.

For more details, visit the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Rural Aid has launched a powerful new fundraising campaign to secure the future of rural Australia by supporting the next generation of farmers — the children growing up on the land today.

These children are not only the future of their family farms, but also the future custodians of Australia’s food supply. Right now, many are facing significant challenges. From natural disasters to financial stress, country kids often grow up surrounded by uncertainty, with the weight of the farm’s future on their young shoulders.

Rural Aid is raising funds to provide both immediate and long-term support for country kids and their families. Donations will help deliver practical support including hay, domestic water, financial assistance, specialist counselling services, and continued delivery of Rural Aid’s Mustering Growth program — a school-based mental health and wellbeing initiative designed to build resilience and emotional strength in rural students.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the campaign is about much more than providing short-term support.

“If we want to keep young people on the land, we must support them now and from an early age. These kids are growing up in incredibly trying circumstances, but they are also the future of farming in this country,” Mr Warlters said.

“Many of our farms are passed down through generations. When we nurture country kids, when we support their wellbeing, confidence and connection to community, we’re not just helping them today. We’re safeguarding rural Australia’s future.”

For families like Danny and Erin Hutchinson, cattle and cropping farmers from Biddon, NSW, the value of support is deeply felt. Their children — Amelia (8), Ali (6) and Lockie (3) — are growing up with plenty of space to explore, but also with the stress of drought and financial strain close to home.

“We’re just so grateful for the support we received from Rural Aid,” said Ms Hutchinson. “It made a real difference, not just to the farm, but to our whole family’s wellbeing.”

Recent Rural Aid research highlights the scale of the challenge:
41% of farming parents are most concerned about financial stability and meeting their child’s basic needs
57% believe rural children need access to tailored mental health support
83% of farming families have used or would use Rural Aid’s counselling services

The campaign aims to ensure country kids have the support, skills and confidence they need to grow into strong, capable adults who can carry their communities, and the farming sector, into the future.

To help secure the future of our country kids and Australian farming, donate today at www.countrykids.ruralaid.org.au.

As rural Australia’s most trusted agribusiness, Elders has played an important role in the agricultural sector for more than 185 years. Our expansive network across Australia offers links to markets, tailored advice and specialist knowledge across a range of products and services, including farm supplies, agronomy, livestock, wool, grain, finance, insurance, and real estate.

Elders is committed to a sustainable and prosperous future for rural and regional communities, and creating value for all stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain, across both Australian and international markets.

That same dedication can be found locally, through the branch in Ingham. Over the past five years, Elders Ingham has been servicing agricultural clients in the region and giving back to the local community.

Today, the team continues that commitment from its new premises at 23 Barnes Street, Ingham. Clients can expect the same friendly team and specialist advice, all backed by the strength of Elders’ national network.

Elders is for Australian agriculture.