A new venture, Oxitec Australia, is taking on two of the deadliest virus-carrying mosquitos in the Pacific region—Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus —to fight the spread of diseases like dengue, Zika, and yellow fever, which claim hundreds of thousands of lives globally each year. 

Oxitec Australia is a collaboration between CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and UK-based Oxitec Ltd, the leading developer of biological solutions to control pests.  

The new venture leverages Oxitec's proven biological Friendly™ platform where genetically engineered male mosquitoes carry a self-limiting gene that ensures only non-biting males survive, reducing pest females and overall mosquito numbers through sustained releases. 

Professor Brett Sutton, Director of Health & Biosecurity at CSIRO, said Oxitec Australia is now seeking partners to accelerate its activities and product development in Australia. 
 
“Oxitec Australia offers a unique opportunity to help combat the growing threat of invasive and exotic pests, some of which are on mainland Australia’s doorstep like Aedes albopictus,” Professor Sutton said. 

“Factors like climate change and growing pesticide resistance will only bring greater challenges to the health of Australians and our region via vector-borne diseases. 

“By investing in new and innovative solutions that complement existing control programs, we can reduce the public health impacts of these exotic and invasive mosquito species. 

“This technology platform could also be used to develop solutions for a wide spectrum of pests that threaten livestock and crops and our food systems.” 

Subject to government and regulatory approvals, Oxitec Australia’s first solution will be a “just-add-water” product using the Friendly™ Aedes aegypti mosquito technology.  

This innovative product allows for the rapid production of Friendly™ non-biting male mosquitoes following the addition of water. 

Oxitec Australia is also developing a solution for the Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) with funding from the CSIRO to help prevent a major invasion risk to mainland Australia. 
The new venture is already working with local communities in the Torres Strait affected by these mosquito and dengue outbreaks. Once completed, it aims to deploy this technology in impacted regions.

Grey Frandsen, CEO of Oxitec, said, “In collaboration with Indigenous communities, leading scientific institutions, industry partners, and farmers, we’re committed to transforming how pest threats to health, food security, and ecosystems are addressed. In doing so, we aim to not only protect lives, livelihoods, and biodiversity but also empower Indigenous communities.”
 
Oxitec Australia is also working to address pests threatening crops, such as the fall armyworm caterpillar.

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Fast facts: 

Mosquitoes 
   • Mosquitoes in the Indo-Pacific spread diseases like malaria, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis and cause over 23,000 deaths each year.  
   • Globally, dengue alone infects more than 390 million people every year and threatens billions more across the tropics.
   • Only female mosquitoes bite and are capable of transmitting viruses to humans.

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council has taken a bold step forward in its commitment to protecting the region’s environment with the launch of the 2024-2026 Prevention and Control Program. This new initiative is designed to tackle the growing threat of invasive species, helping to preserve the Shire's unique biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of its ecosystems.

This program marks a significant step forward in safeguarding our environment and protecting our way of life.

The biennial program will focus on preventing the entry, establishment, and spread of invasive species that pose a significant biosecurity risk throughout the Shire.

As part of this program, Council officers will provide ongoing support and expert guidance to landholders, offering advice on best practices for biosecurity management. Educational initiatives, workshops, and resources will be available to ensure everyone understands their role in managing biosecurity risks and how they can contribute to the health and resilience of the local environment.

As a community, we are committed to maintaining the unique beauty and biodiversity of our Shire. The 2024-2026 Prevention and Control Program will run until 30 September 2026.

To view the program, please visit Council’s website, Land and Pest Management page.

For further information or clarification concerning this matter, please contact Council’s Natural Assets Team on 4776 4740.

Did you know?

Singapore Daisy is a restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

It has the ability to quickly invade drainage systems, lawns and the natural environment, destroying its biodiversity by smothering native vegetation and pasture.

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Social media has transformed the way we explore and share the natural world, but it has also had unintended consequences. Studies show that the rise of social media has contributed to habitat disturbances, impacting native species. Popular wildlife spots often experience increased visitor numbers, which can lead to habitat abandonment, changes in usage patterns, reduced breeding success, and altered feeding behaviours.
If you’re planning to photograph wildlife and share it online, here are some tips to ensure your actions contribute positively to conservation efforts:
Respect Your Surroundings
Be mindful of your environment. Avoid trampling sensitive vegetation or disrupting animals in their natural habitats. Every small action matters when it comes to preserving delicate ecosystems.
Say No to Flash Photography
When photographing nocturnal animals, avoid using flash. The sudden burst of light can startle them, disrupt their behaviours, or even lead to stress, which can have long-term impacts.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Keeping an appropriate distance from wildlife is essential to prevent causing stress or prompting animals to abandon their habitat. Use zoom lenses or binoculars to observe and capture them without interference.
Avoid Playback of Animal Calls
While it might seem like a harmless way to attract wildlife for the perfect shot, playing recorded animal calls can confuse or distress creatures. This can cause them to leave their nests or aggressively defend territory, putting them at risk.
Follow Local Regulations
Abide by local rules, including restricted access areas and opening hours. These guidelines are in place to protect both visitors and wildlife, ensuring a safe coexistence.
Queensland’s unique flora and fauna are worth celebrating, but it’s crucial to do so responsibly.
By being mindful of our actions, we can help ensure these precious environments thrive for future generations to admire.

The Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Inc. is a membership based, not-for-profit organisation that supports and advocates on behalf of the local business community. With this, comes valuable partnerships with leading organisations such as Townsville Enterprise Limited, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, Government Bodies, Regional Development Australia Townsville North West.

Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce understand that many businesses showcase job opportunities, and they want to help you.

By using the Jobs North Queensland/ Regional Development Australia/Live North Queensland Online portals it allows businesses to reach a broader audience of people seeking employment, it is also free.

If you are a business looking to advertise a position you can follow the directions below:

   • Jobs North Queensland (https://www.jobsnorthqueensland.com.au)
   • Sign In/Register
   • Job Seeker? Employer?
   • Register your details or sign in with Facebook, Google or Apple Accounts
   • Along the top menu, you’ll find “Employers” – “Post a job”
   • Fill in job details as prompted – Save and Go to Preview
OR
   • Employer Dashboard can also take you to “Post a Job”, and follow the above directions
   • Employer Dashboard shows all the jobs you have listed, any applications made, and any AirCV’s that are selected for that job.

OR:
   • Regional Development Australia (https://www.rdanwq.org.au)
   • Projects
   • Jobs Townsville North Queensland
   • Jobs North Queensland (https://www.jobsnorthqueensland.com.au)
   • And follow the directions as per above to list your job

OR:
   • Live North Queensland (https://www.livetownsvillenorthqueensland.com.au) is also connected to Jobs North Queensland, so if someone clicks into “work” along the top menu bar – “Find a job in North Queensland”, it’ll take you to Jobs North Queensland and your job listing. Or there’s a side bar menu “Looking for Jobs?” – “Find out more”, and it’ll take you to Jobs North Queensland as well.
   • And follow the directions as per above to list your job

The Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc. wish you all the best filling your employment positions, and should you require any further assistance with any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact them through any of their platforms.  New members are always very welcome and also make sure to follow them on social media.

Contributed with thanks to Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce President Mary Brown.

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Market goers and stallholders alike across the Hinchinbrook region are rejoicing following the confirmed return of the infamous Ingham Up Town Markets on Saturday the 22nd of March.

The Ingham Up Town Markets have been operating for many years with the event holding a special place on the fourth Saturday of each month from March to November. Running from 8am through to midday, the event invites members from the community to browse the impressive talents of their neighbours and enjoy a memorable market outing with family, friends and four-legged companions.

Over the past year, Julie Reed has been the friendly face behind the emails, coordinating stallholders, and overseeing the monthly event’s success following Barbra Raiteri stepping down from the role in 2023.

Unlike other markets you may come across, the Ingham Up Town Markets operates with a different approach and prides itself on hosting 100% local stallholders who retail 100% handmade products.

“We’re exclusive to legitimate makers, bakers, growers and sewers who live in the shire,” explained Julie.

“We don’t allow stallholders from out of town, so these markets are just local people supporting local shops.”

Running in Lannercost Street roughly between Lee’s Hotel and Rachel Cauchi Optometrists, the markets provide additional foot traffic to surrounding retailers and being an occasional stallholder herself, Julie highlights the mutual benefits the location provides for both businesses and stallholders.

“We’re really grateful for the support from the shops that allow us to set up in front of them and the markets bring added interest to the street, and that’s the point – to liven up the street a little bit more than normal,” shared Julie.

The Ingham Up Town Markets provides a variety of talented locals with the opportunity to showcase their handmade creations with the event hosting stalls specialising in a plethora of niches including glass art, machine embroidery, wooden replicas, candles, leatherwork, plants and more.

“January is quiet with no markets so we’re looking forward to March and all the stallholders are rearing to go,” added Julie.

What: Hinchinbrook Makers and Growers’ Ingham Up Town Markets
When: The fourth Saturday of the Month from 8am to 12pm
Where: Lannercost Street, Ingham
More Information: inghamuptwosnmarket@gmail.com or call 0467 901 306

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Since opening its doors in August last year, Sola the Salon has become a breath of fresh, stylish air for the Cardwell community.
As the town’s sole salon, Sola has quickly earned its place as a cherished hub of beauty and connection. Owner Tennille Capstick shared her heartfelt gratitude for the warm embrace she’s received from locals.
“Honestly, it’s been overwhelming to see just how kind and generous people are,” Tennille said.
“They’re so grateful to have a hairdresser back in Cardwell, and I’m equally grateful to be part of this beautiful community.”
At Sola the Salon, all your haircutting needs are taken care of, including ladies, men's, children’s, and Tenille’s favourite—colours.

“I have a particular interest in balayage and lived in blonde transformations. That's what I love to do,” said Tennille.

“I love seeing people's faces when you do a big transformation, something that they've never had done before, or perhaps techniques that they've not had done on them before.

“At the end, people will say, ‘I love it,’ and that’s a feel-good moment for me.”

Tennille is a born-and-bred Ingham local. After some time away, she has returned to start her family while also being close to her family, who reside here.

“We love the lifestyle as well the weather, but we love fishing and doing all those sorts of things, which we couldn’t really do where we used to live,” she said.

Tennille travelled around the country but returned to Ingham with her husband in 2020. She found herself in other jobs outside of her passion for hairdressing, but now she is happy to be back in the industry and is looking forward to a busy 2025.

Heading back to school is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring its share of stress. To help your child start the year off on the right foot, here are some essential items and tips to ease the back-to-school jitters:
1. Invest in a High-Quality Backpack
A good backpack is a must-have for students who carry a variety of items, from lunch boxes and water bottles to books and stationery. Look for a comfortable, durable rucksack with adjustable straps and multiple compartments to help organise everything. A well-designed backpack can make all the difference in your child’s day!
2. Essential Stationery Supplies
A complete stationery set is key for primary school students. Make sure to stock up on these basics:
   • Pencils
   • Highlighters
   • Pens
   • Folders with pockets
   • Three-ring binders
   • Lined notebooks
   • Ruler
   • Calculator
   • Index cards
   • Stretchable book covers
   • Sticky notes
These items will not only help with everyday learning but also keep things organized for easy access.
3. Lunch Boxes and Water Bottles
Healthy eating habits start with good planning. A sturdy, reliable lunchbox ensures your child can enjoy fresh, nutritious meals at school. Don't forget a reusable water bottle to keep your child hydrated throughout the day!
4. Educational Games and Toys
Learning can be fun! Educational games help promote creativity, problem-solving, and social skills. Choose toys that foster interactive learning and encourage your child’s curiosity. These can be a great addition to their at-home study routine.
5. Scientific and Graphing Calculators (for High Schoolers)
For high school students diving into advanced math or science courses, a scientific or graphing calculator is essential. Make sure it meets the school's requirements and is appropriate for your child’s course load. Brilliant Minds offers a range of Sharp calculators at competitive prices in Australia.
6. Planners and Organisers
High school brings a surge of responsibilities, from homework assignments to extracurricular activities. A well-organised planner can help your child stay on top of deadlines and improve time management skills. The 2024 Student Diary, available at Brilliant Minds, is a fantastic tool to keep everything in order.
By preparing with these essentials, your child will feel more confident and organised as they embark on the school year. Let the learning and growth begin!

Here is an amazing opportunity for you to buy into a piece of history of the Hinchinbrook district! The Trebonne Hotel has been a popular watering hole for a long period of the shire's history. The hotel has a bar area, pool room, toilets and beer garden. There is also a kitchen and dining room that could possibly be re-opened by a new owner. There are also 2 coldrooms and a storage area downstairs.
 
There is also manager's residence including a bathroom and 8 guest rooms with 2 extra bathrooms upstairs. The deck at the front gives great views over the canefields to the mountains surrounding the area.
 
A large modern 5 bay shed (1 enclosed, 3 roller doors & 1 open bay) is located at the rear of the property. A new roof was added to the hotel since Cyclone Yasi, while a large amount of fencing has been done.

The 1,388 square metre corner block is located on a busy intersection. The main road travels between Ingham and Abergowrie while the side road leads to Mount Fox.
 
A new owner could continue on as the hotel with opening up the other avenues available or even make it into a bed & breakfast establishment. There are so many opportunities to consider. 
 
The hotel is down the road from the local nursing home and across the road from the local shop, mechanic & fuel depot. The local state school is a short drive away.
 
The property is listed at $650,000.
 
For further details, or to arrange an inspection contact Felix Reitano Real Estate at their office at 109 Cartwright Street, Ingham or on 4776 5007, or Peter on 0407 167 108 / peter@reitano.com.au or Felix on 0417 641 830 / felix@reitano.com.au

Contributed with thanks to Peter Reitano

This three-bedroom home is located in a great area, in a nice quiet location that is high and dry, just off the far Eastern End of Cartwright Street.

The home has had internal refurbishments including works to the bathroom with updated flooring and being fully airconditioned, with a mix of split system and box air conditioning units. The layout of the home is also quite unique with a back bedroom that has its own living area and kitchenette area making this a great teenagers or parents retreat.

With a fully fenced yard, including an inner fenced yard that is great for the pets. The block size is 809m2 with room for side access to the back yard if need be. The property is just a short walk to the High School, Primary Schools and the local Swimming Pool.

Did I mention that the home also comes furnished with what you see in the photos. Currently vacant possession but from an investment point of view it was recently rented for $500 per week on a fixed term lease, being fully furnished.

Sure, the exterior needs some paint but choose your colours to make it Home. As the headline says, blink and this will be gone, so arrange your inspection today.

For further details contact Ingham Real Estate on (07) 4776 5222 / info@inghamrealestate.com.au or Mark Spina on 0409 584 900 / mark@inghamrealestate.com.au

Contributed with thanks to Mark Spina

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Keita Services might be best known for moving mountains—literally—but this Ingham-based business also excels in all things concrete, from home driveways to major council projects like roads and bridges.
Currently, the team is hard at work on the Taylors Beach foreshore, tackling erosion with a mix of expertise and heavy machinery.
“The foreshore was being washed away, and the temporary sandbags weren’t holding up,” explained Keith Phillips, owner of Keita Services.
“Council got the green light to place rocks down to stop the erosion, and we’re proud to be part of a solution that will protect the area for years to come.”
In addition to their earth-moving capabilities, Keita Services takes concrete seriously, crafting their own materials at their Eleanor Street depot.
“That’s where we construct all our concrete works,” Keith said. “It gives us quality control and ensures every job is built to last.”
“We’re making blocks for the Taylors Beach job now, and we have big sheds, so we can work through rain, hail, or shine,” said Keith.
Heading into the wet season, Keith explained that they keep going regardless of the weather. “We don’t stop; we keep working,” he said.
Keita Services has built a reputation for taking on projects no one else will.
“There was a job at Wallaman Falls—a big landslide where the road had slipped away—and we ended up being the only tenderer,” Keith said. “If we hadn’t tendered, people could get to the falls, but only just. There was a little track because half the road had slid away.”
Keith’s knowledge of the Hinchinbrook Shire region has been a major advantage for Keita Services. He previously worked for the Hinchinbrook Shire Council for 31 years as Sewage and Water Manager and served one term as Mayor from 2000 to 2004.
Keita Services has been around since 1992 but Keith only became full-time in the business after his term as Mayor.
While they primarily focus on bitumen, Keith emphasised that Keita Services is open to all kinds of work.
“We don’t care what it is—we’ll do it,” he said, sharing that they’ve even done drainage work for farmers.
Keith, who turns 78 this year, has no plans to retire.
“I look at jobs differently, and I think I’ve got an ability to see the finished product and know what I can achieve,” he said.
“While my health is good enough and I enjoy doing it, I’ll keep going.”

Looking for a way to make a real difference in your community in 2025? Join the Ingham and Halifax State Emergency Service (SES) and help Queensland communities before, during, and after emergencies. With over 5,000 volunteers across the state, the SES plays a crucial role in disaster response, and we need individuals like you to step up and support our efforts.

As an SES volunteer, you’ll respond to various emergencies, including storms, floods, cyclones, rescues, road/rail/air incidents, landslides, and missing person searches. Your skills will directly impact local, state, and national disaster management, helping protect lives, property, and the environment.

Volunteers come from all backgrounds and bring unique skills. Whether you’re quick-thinking, physically fit, or passionate about helping others, there’s a role for you. Volunteers develop emergency skills like flood boat operations, road crash rescue, land search, and more. We also provide ongoing training in first aid, map reading, and emergency operations.

To join, you must be 16 or older, committed to serving your community, and able to activate during emergencies. Volunteers over 18 will undergo a criminal history check and need to apply for a Blue Card to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.

Ready to get involved? Register your interest online now at www.ses.qld.gov.au/form/become-an-ses-member, and start your journey toward becoming an SES volunteer.

The boat trip to beautiful Zoe Bay to climb up to the top of the waterfall is a “must do” Hinchinbrook highlight for visitors and locals; however, your venture may turn into a huge problem if you are not careful.

The entry to the creek is shallow and should only be attempted above a two-metre tide level. If you tie up to the bank at the edge of the campground, make sure you have time to take the walk and do the climb, before the tide starts to drop. Staying too long could leave you returning to your vessel to find it sitting high and dry on the mudbank, with a very long six-hour wait until the tide returns.

There is virtually no phone or radio reception at the campground, so contact may not be possible with the outside world. Please take care when enjoying the wonderful sights of fabulous Hinchinbrook Island.

Contributed with thanks to Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Ingham Coast Guard.

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Forrest Beach’s stinger net enclosure has been temporarily taken out of the water for cleaning due to an accumulation of seaweed and debris, raising concerns about safety risks for swimmers. The move comes after several box jellyfish were found washed up against the outside of the net, heightening the urgency to maintain the barrier that protects beachgoers during stinger season.

Forrest Beach Surf Club Director of Lifesaving, Lenny Chiesa, emphasised the importance of safety measures, urging swimmers to adhere to safety signs, especially while the net was out of the water and the beach was closed for swimming. He also stressed the importance of wearing protective clothing, such as lycra stinger suits, while swimming inside the net.

"While the net does a great job of protecting swimmers, we know there is a risk of tentacles breaking off inside the net. We strongly advise swimmers to add the extra layer of protection," Mr Chiesa said.

Mr Chiesa also issued a warning to those fishing or boating, urging extra caution as conditions are ideal for box jellyfish who frequent shallow waters in search of baitfish.

"Even wading in the water presents a potential risk," he cautioned. "It's important to be vigilant, not just for swimmers but for anyone interacting with the water."

The stinger net, which provides a vital safety measure during the stinger season from November to May, was removed on Sunday with the help of Uni Net representatives from Cairns and local lifesavers. The process of taking the net out for cleaning is a labour-intensive task, involving high pressure cleaning to ensure the enclosure remains effective in preventing dangerous jellyfish encounters.

"We are fortunate to have a swimming enclosure at Forrest Beach," Mr Chiesa added, acknowledging the crucial role the net plays in allowing locals and visitors to safely enjoy the water during the peak stinger season. While the net is being cleaned, swimmers are reminded to stay vigilant and follow all safety guidelines.

The stinger net will be returned to the water later in the week ensuring that Forrest Beach remains a safe destination for beachgoers during the remainder of the season.

Forrest Beach SLSC has advised the beach will remain closed following the discovery of an influx of hair jellyfish (commonly known as "snotties").

Although the stinger net was originally scheduled to be returned on Friday the 17th of January, a further inspection revealed that the presence of these jellyfish would compromise the net’s effectiveness. This is a common occurrence for this time of year, however, the beach will stay closed until the jellyfish pass through.

In addition to the hair jellyfish, box jellyfish - known for their potentially dangerous stings - are also present in the area. Many beaches along the coast, as far south as Mackay, have reported sightings of box jellyfish. Swimming is strictly prohibited, and all swimmers are urged to obey safety signage.

Boaters should exercise caution as hair jellyfish, while harmless, can still sting and cause mild to severe reactions. Stinger suits are recommended for protection.

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Over 70 people attended the Forrest Beach Progress Association’s first Hoy of the year on Saturday, 11th of January. Many prizes were given out, but most importantly, it was a great day out, and fun was had by all.

Every game of Hoy resulted in a prize, every fifth game winner won a meat tray.

There were also two raffles and a cent sale, and the money raised helped the Forrest Beach Progress Association treat the community.

Forrest Beach Progress Association President Wayne Squires said the Forrest Beach Progress Association is about getting the community together, and they have more things on the horizon.

“We're all about giving back to the community,” said Wayne.

“There's a lot of hours put in, and there are lots of ideas that are coming in, beautifying the main streets, for example.

“Another project we're going to negotiate with council is fully fencing the playground near the toilets on the beach.”

The Hoy was highly competitive and was catered by the QWCA Forrest Beach.

Forrest Beach Progress Association January Hoy

The first Hoy of the year was well received. Many players exclaimed that the match was highly intense, and all were eager to beat their fellow competitors.

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