With heavy rains and flooding over the Bruce Highway last week, truckies were stuck in Ingham unable to travel north and south. Truckies in Cardwell were also stuck unable to travel south on their routes.

A frustrating delay for truckies, but Cardwell Swimming Pool opened their gates for truckies and stranded travellers, enabling them to use the full facilities free of charge.

Truck drivers enjoyed the showers and access to the pool…..

June Cotter Manager of Cardwell Swimming Pool said she was inspired to open the pool to stranded travellers and truck drivers because her nephew is a truckie, and she would like someone to look after him if he was stuck.

“There was nothing for them here in town so I said, just come and use the showers for free,” said June.

This isn’t the first time June has opened the pool and showers for travellers and truck drivers.

During the last flood in February she opened it once again.

“Last time it was so hot, and they're all out there sitting in the sun, and I had toilets and showers, so I just put it out there. Why don’t you just come and have a shower?”

“We fed them for three days at nighttime and breakfast until they left,” said June.

“The community bought stuff in and helped me and my staff and family. They bought soft drinks, so they didn't have to pay for them.”

June’s generosity and the support of the Cardwell community provided much-needed relief for stranded truck drivers and travellers. By opening the pool’s facilities, she not only offered comfort but also demonstrated the kindness and resilience that small towns are known for.

The March monthly Chamber Meeting was held last Monday and very well attended despite the return of another rain event. The meeting was very well attended with new Members welcomed and some new faces around the table.

Chamber would like to acknowledge and thank Alan and Sharon Quagliotto, previous owners of the Royal Hotel, for their years of support of chamber and for hosting the monthly meetings for so many years and always being accommodating and welcoming.  We wish them well in retirement and hope they have an opportunity to relax and enjoy this next phase of their life. We also thank the new hotel owners for continuing to support chamber in hosting their monthly meetings at this venue.

The meeting opened with President Mary Brown acknowledging the challenging times that the business (and broader) community has experienced during this recent flood event and commending the strength and determination that has been demonstrated by so many to reopen their businesses and return as quickly as possible to some kind of normal.

An update was provided in relation to the work that has been done by Chamber to continue to support its members and as many local business owners as possible during and after this event. Working with the relevant government agencies, Dept Small and Family Business, Rural financial Counsellors, Wellness Coach, Insurance Council of Australia and QRIDA. Chamber has to date, facilitated three lots of “One-on-One”  sessions for local business owners with QRIDA representatives and are very pleased with the uptake to date.

An update was provided in relation to the local spend from flood donations through GIVIT and how this is supporting the economic recovery processes locally, as well as benefiting those who have been significantly impacted through the flood event. Chamber’s Administration Assistant, Christina, provided valuable information in relation to business openings and contact for GIVIT team, immediately after they were engaged. This information assisted in ensuring as many local businesses could be included in the GIVIT local supplier database.

Chamber continues to survey local business owners to gain an understanding of the Flood event Impact, having commenced immediately after the event and follow up survey at 6 weeks post event. The information received from these surveys is consolidated to provide trends, which enables Chamber to provide input to the economic recovery sub group and advocate for support for the business community.

The Lions Club of Ingham has been actively assisting community members affected by the recent flood event.

President Col Dallavanzi, along with Lions members Rita Lynch, Ed Morris, and Angie Morris, visited the community support centre to present Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre staff with sheet sets for individuals to use that are in need of extra help during these challenging times.

Additionally, the Lions team attended the Meals on Wheels premises to officially hand over the newly constructed Freezer room.

This facility was made possible through a 50-50 donation from the Australian Lions Foundation and the Ingham Lions Club, aimed at supporting the new Meals on Wheels staff and community.

President of Meals on Wheels, Rita Phillips, joined Col Dallavanzi and members of the Lions Club for the handover ceremony.

While the Lions Club has completed the initial response phase of assistance related to the flood event, they are now transitioning into the recovery phase.

The Lions Club will be reaching out to community members who have not yet received assistance or who require additional support to apply for a grant. More information regarding the grant will be made available soon.

In the meantime, community members in need of assistance to purchase goods or for other support are encouraged to contact 0427 737 675 or email lionsclubofingham@gmail.com, or reach out to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre.

Contributed with thanks to Patrick Lynch

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The wet season rain has once again cut the Bruce Highway at the Seymour and Gairloch crossings, leaving locals stranded, businesses struggling, and supply chains in disarray. This isn’t a one-off event, as many of you would know, it’s a recurring disaster that demands immediate action.

For too long, successive State and Federal Governments have failed to prioritise flood-resilient infrastructure for North Queensland. The Gairloch project, which includes the notorious Seymour crossing, has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo for over a decade, despite having $48 million in funding. Yet, construction hasn’t even started.

So far in 2025, the Bruce Highway has been closed at Seymour for 16 days, and we’re not even at the end of March. Imagine if a major highway in Brisbane or Sydney was shut down for over two weeks. It wouldn’t be tolerated, and neither should this.

Every time our highway is cut, food, fuel, and essential supplies can’t get into the northern areas, and local produce can’t get out. Freight companies are forced onto the costly inland route, driving up prices for businesses and consumers alike. Meanwhile, the tourism industry also suffers as visitors reroute their trips to avoid flood-affected areas.

To add insult to injury, the State and Federal Governments have committed $9 billion to the Bruce Highway, yet not a single cent is dedicated to flood immunity projects. Instead, the money is going towards safety upgrades that do nothing to keep the road open when it matters most.

That’s why I’ve written an open letter to every MP from Hinchinbrook to the tip of Cape York, urging them to stand together and demand:

a) The immediate fast-tracking of the Gairloch (and Seymour) project to ensure no more time is wasted

b) A fair share of the $9 billion Bruce Highway package for flood immunity projects.

Improving food immunity for this section of the Bruce Highway should be everyone’s concern, I look forward to one day seeing construction start on the Gairloch and Seymour sections of the highway.

Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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In the wake of the Federal Government’s Category D disaster declaration, QCAR remains on the ground, ensuring flood-affected growers receive the support they desperately need.

Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella has been meeting with industry and financial leaders, including senior NAB staff, to outline the long-term challenges rural businesses now face. While the $75,000 grants have provided a crucial lifeline, red tape is still preventing many from accessing essential funding.

QCAR is actively campaigning for changes to eligibility criteria, pushing for support to extend beyond primary income requirements so that growers supplementing their earnings—like Ingham’s Luke Roveda—aren’t unfairly excluded. Additionally, the fight continues to ensure replanting assistance includes ratoon crops, which make up the bulk of the region’s sugarcane.

Beyond financial aid, QCAR is advocating for urgent repairs to damaged creek banks and drainage systems, assistance for the harvesting and local business sectors, and the restoration of the rail network ahead of crushing season. Mental health remains a top priority, with QCAR calling for increased services to help struggling farmers.

“We’ve secured a win with the Category D funding, but there’s more to be done,” QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan said.

“We won’t stop fighting to make sure our growers and their communities get the help they deserve.”

For assistance, contact Lawrence Di Bella and the Herbert River team at 0448 084 252 or email ldibella@qcar.com.au.

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With the Oriental fruit fly last detected on mainland Australia near Cairns in 1995, the risk of another incursion remains a serious threat to North Queensland’s fruit industry. The pest, which thrives in climates similar to our own, could devastate key crops such as bananas and mangoes—staples of both local farms and the broader Australian horticultural sector. With Hinchinbrook and surrounding regions heavily reliant on these industries, another outbreak could have dire economic and environmental consequences.

A joint PNG-Australia expedition visited remote Treaty Villages in PNG’s Western Province last week to discuss and help manage one of the world’s worst horticultural pests. With just 6km separating the two countries, the project seeks to reduce the impact of fruit fly in PNG while also preventing a potentially catastrophic outbreak in North Queensland.

The last time the pest was detected on the Australian mainland, not far from Hinchinbrook, the eradication effort cost at least $33 million, with a further $100 million lost in trade and associated expenses. A future outbreak could have severe consequences for Queensland growers, making prevention a top priority.

Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity Justine Saunders said the project was critical for both countries.

“We already have Queensland fruit fly, but Oriental fruit fly would be much worse in terms of impact to production and trade, as recognised by its listing on Australia’s National Priority Plant Pest List," Ms Saunders said.

“This trip established foundational relationships with the village communities, which the team hopes to strengthen further on a return trip in May 2025. The next phase is to trial control strategies in the hope of reducing the number of fruit flies in the Treaty Villages to assist our neighbours with food security.

“The program has employed and trained more than 30 South Fly rangers since 2022 to trap the insects, collect samples and manage data. It builds on more than two decades of collaboration in plant health initiatives between DAFF and NAQIA. The results of this work could have benefits to share across PNG and with our neighbours in the Pacific.”

The Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) attacks more than 400 different plants, including key crops in North Queensland such as mangoes, pawpaws, bananas, and guavas.

The villages of Berr, Buzi, Jarai, and Mari, where the trial is proposed, rely heavily on the food they grow. Damage to crops has serious health and social implications for villagers. At the same time, stopping the pest at its source is vital to preventing another outbreak in Australia.

The delegation consisted of three officers from PNG’s National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA), three from DAFF, a PhD student, delivery partner INLOC, and the South Fly rangers.

INLOC and the South Fly rangers coordinated the trip’s logistics, which involved liaising with Treaty Village leaders and community members, long boat rides, camping, and unpredictable tides.

With so much at stake, the work being done in PNG is not just about protecting their crops—it’s also a frontline defence for North Queensland’s fruit growers.

The Seniors Morning Coffee Club is back and excited to welcome all local seniors for a morning of good company, laughter, and plenty of fun! If you're looking for a great way to catch up with friends, meet new people, and enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere, this is the perfect place to be.

Held every second Friday from 9:30am to 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, the event offers a relaxed and friendly setting where seniors can enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, a delicious morning tea, and a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you love playing games, testing your knowledge with trivia, or sitting back and chatting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For just $3, you can be part of this wonderful social gathering that brings the community together. The Seniors Morning Coffee Club isn’t just about coffee, it’s about sharing stories, making connections, and creating lasting friendships. Come along and experience a cheerful and lively morning filled with great conversations and plenty of smiles!

All attendees must RSVP for catering purposes and you can do this by calling Desley at the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Inc. on 4776 1822.

Please note, a small retraction from last week's information printed in this paper: the team have very limited transport to pick up attendees and can do so in town only as they sadly lost their bus in the floods.

WHAT: Seniors Morning Coffee Club
WHERE: Noorla Bowls Club
WHEN: Friday 28th March 9.30am – 11.30am

In 2024, The Australian and HarperCollins Australia launched the Australian Fiction Prize, a prestigious new literary award aimed at celebrating exceptional Australian storytelling. Open to all Australian writers, this annual prize offers a remarkable opportunity for aspiring authors to showcase their talent.

The winner will receive $20,000 in prize money, $15,000 in advance, and the chance to be published by HarperCollins Australia. The inaugural winner, Katherine Johnson, took home the prize with her novel A Wild Heart, marking a successful start for this new award.

There were over 500 entries last year, and this year there’s hope that a local Whitsunday author may take home the prize. This is your opportunity to participate and get your work in front of HarperCollins' talented publishers.

Entries are now open for 2025, the prize promises to continue its mission of uncovering Australia's next great writer. It’s time to get those pens scribbling or those keyboards clacking and submit your manuscript today!

For those interested in entering, there’s an FAQ available at www.harpercollins.com.au/theaustralianfictionprize. This prize builds on the legacy of the iconic Vogel’s Award, celebrating Australia’s literary talent and nurturing the nation’s storytelling future and you could be next!

A familiar face made a reappearance over the weekend, when it's 4-metre long reptilian body was spotted cruising the waterways outside the Lucinda Cove Resort.

Owner of the resort, Paul McLennan, said this snap-happy neighbour lives out the front of his home and has visited the resort twice now.

Despite the croc appearing to be of no immediate danger to the public, Paul assured locals he will be keeping an eye on it.

“If he’s doing it frequently we might have to get him moved on,” he explained.

Paul also said the croc has been in the area for quite a while but usually resides 100 metres up the river.

Crocodiles can be found in freshwater and saltwater locations along the coast and inland including, rivers and creeks, swamps, lagoons, waterholes, beaches, oceans and offshore of islands too.

It’s important to stay Crocwise in Croc Country, but especially after floods as they can migrate to locations, they never had access to before.

If you see a crocodile in report it to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation by using the QWildlife app, by accessing the sighting report online or by calling 1300 130 372.

Being Crocwise starts with three simple steps:
• Keep out of the water
• Stay more than 5 metres away from the water’s edge
• Keep a sturdy object between yourself and the water

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Starting a business is an exciting venture, but it comes with its challenges. Whether you’re launching a café, a clothes store or a trade service, careful planning and preparation are essential for long-term success. Here are some key steps to consider when starting a business.

1. Develop a Business Plan
   A well-structured business plan serves as a roadmap, outlining your goals, target market, competition, and financial projections. It helps you stay focused and is often required when seeking funding from banks or investors.
2. Research the Market
   Understanding your industry and potential customers is crucial, especially in a small town. Researching the demand for your product or service is knowledge that will help you refine your offerings and find your unique selling point.
3. Register Your Business
   Choose a business name and register it with the relevant authorities. The Hinchinbrook Shire Council website has a page titled ‘Business Licensing’, where relative information can be found.
4. Secure Funding
   Starting a business often requires capital. Explore funding options such as personal savings, bank loans, government grants, or investors. Ensure you have a clear budget to manage expenses and cash flow effectively.
5. Set Up Operations
   Find a suitable location if your business requires a physical presence. Additionally, invest in equipment, supplies, and software needed to operate efficiently.
6. Build a Strong Brand
   A memorable brand identity helps differentiate you from others. This includes a compelling logo, consistent branding across platforms, and an engaging marketing strategy to attract customers.
7. Market Your Business
   Use a mix of traditional and digital marketing methods to reach your audience. Social media, local advertising in the newspaper, and word-of-mouth referrals are great ways to promote your business.
8. Provide Excellent Customer Service
   Customer satisfaction is key to building loyalty and growing your business. Prioritise quality service and seek feedback to improve your offerings.
9. Stay Compliant and Keep Learning
   Ensure your business complies with legal and tax regulations. Stay updated with industry trends and be willing to adapt as your business grows.
   Starting a business takes dedication and resilience, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding journey. By planning carefully and staying committed to your goals, you can turn your entrepreneurial dream into a successful reality.

Hello Hinchinbrook!

As someone who’s passionate about sports, I have to admit — Rugby League isn’t my number one sport - I am more of a Rugby Union kind of guy, but please do not hold that against me! While I may not share the same deep connection to 'League' as many Queenslanders, I still make sure to watch the State of Origin every year and, of course, support the Maroons.

This weekend, I’ll be heading to Townsville to watch the Cowboys play. I know they’ve been having a tough season, but I’m hopeful that the home crowd can give them the boost they need to secure their first win.

Although rugby league isn’t my primary interest, I do follow other sports, particularly football (or soccer, as some call it). My team, Newcastle United, just won a trophy after 70 years, and I can’t tell you how exciting it was to wake up at 2am to watch the match. It was definitely worth it!

On the local sports front, I received an update from Councillor Mark Spina this week about two local boys who competed in the ABCRA National Finals in Tamworth earlier this year. You can read all about their achievements on the back cover and on page 27. It’s always great to see our community’s talent shining on a bigger stage.

With the sports season now underway, I’m excited to expand the sports section in the paper. It’s going to be fantastic to include local sports results, photos, and stories of our community members doing what they love.

And here's the best part—if you're part of a local sporting club, we’d love to hear from you! Just send us a 250-word report by 9am Monday morning, and we’ll publish it for free in that week’s edition.

I look forward to hearing from you!

I recently had the opportunity of speaking with the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, The Honourable Tim Nicolls concerning matters affecting health services in our district. Our meeting followed my earlier correspondence to the Minister wherein I raised issues, including appointment waiting times of four to six weeks, and practices actually closing their books to new patients due to an inability to handle existing patient numbers, as a result of practitioner shortage throughout rural areas of Queensland. I also raised an apparent inability of existing long established and well credentialled local practices not being able to attract qualified doctors to rural areas for the required GP training programs.

It is my understanding that attraction of young doctors to GP training in rural areas is quite problematic when one considers that the incentives provided by government for doctors to establish in rural areas such as Ingham are no different at all to doctors who establish in say Townsville or Cairns.  How can that be considered an incentive for venturing to rural areas?

I am informed that the Crisafulli Government has been working on addressing these very issues and are developing a Regional Medical Pathway Program intended to create, among other things, a pipeline of doctors to work in regional hospitals and private clinics under arrangements with hospitals. The Minister advised that he will provide an update on progress within a few months.

Whilst I also had the opportunity to meet with many other State Ministers on flood related issues, including permitting vegetation works to improve drainage through coastal areas, and road improvements to address flood immunity, one conversation that captured my imagination was a meeting with the Honourable Tim Mander, Minister for the Olympic Games. My discussion with the Minister centred upon enabling Council an avenue to sell our district tourism and liveability to visitors during the shoulder periods to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games through the Olympics marketing mechanisms. Whilst in agreement with such request, Minister Mander informed that the Crisafulli Government has a distinct appetite to leave, within reason of course, a legacy of the Brisbane Olympics.  Meaning the potential for new, revised, refurbished or upgraded sporting facilities and venues in areas outside of metropolitan Brisbane were under consideration. This is something that our district sporting organisations would relish, so we will keenly await the guidelines.

And again, and still, I must unfortunately make mention of the weather. Whilst we have seen widespread areas of rain develop across northwest and western Queensland over the last few days, the Bureau is advising that slow moving showers and thunderstorms could redevelop about the tropical east coast between Cooktown and Townsville from early week. Localised flash flooding may become an increased risk, given the already saturated nature of our catchments and watercourses. We need to be prepared for any hazard that comes our way, which includes for possible periods of isolation due to flooding. So, if you have not already done so, and if you still have the opportunity, finalise your preparations now. For information on how to be prepared, visit the Hinchinbrook Shire Council disaster dashboard.

Until next week, stay safe.

Dramatic footage of an overturned vehicle surfaced this week after heavy rains swept through the region, reminding drivers of the dangerous conditions that can arise from wet weather.

A local tour company announced on Saturday that they would not be travelling north as far as Tully due to dangerous conditions.

"Good morning everyone. Please note that driving conditions towards Tully are hazardous, especially at Whiting's Crossing, where a truck has also tipped over. We hope they are okay," said a spokesperson for Hop On Tours.

"To ensure the safety of both our passengers and staff, we will not be using this route as of 9am this morning. For those planning to travel to Tully, we will be taking an alternative route to prioritise the safety of everyone onboard."

Although the incident occurred further north, it serves as a timely reminder for all road users to exercise caution, especially when the weather turns. Wet roads, flooded crossings, and poor visibility can quickly turn a routine drive into a dangerous one.

Safety Tips for Drivers:

• Slow Down: Wet weather significantly reduces traction, so it's essential to drive at a safe, reduced speed.
• Check Tires: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth for better grip on wet surfaces.
• Avoid Flooded Areas: If you see flooded roads, don’t attempt to drive through them. Even shallow water can cause vehicles to lose control or stall.
• Keep Distance: Increase the distance between your car and others to allow extra time to react to sudden changes.
• Use Your Headlights: In poor visibility, including heavy rain or fog, turn on your headlights to help other drivers see you.
• Stay Informed: Check local weather updates and road conditions before setting out, especially if traveling to areas prone to flash flooding.
• Remember, if roads are flooded, the safest option is to stay home. Don’t risk driving through water, as it can be difficult to gauge its depth and current.

Stay safe and drive cautiously.

Year 6 students from across the region are invited to take part in the High School Experience Day at Ingham State High School on Thursday, 20 March. This event offers a unique opportunity for students to explore high school life and get a firsthand look at what Ingham High has to offer.

The Experience Day will feature a variety of activities, school tours, and hands-on experiences, designed to help students feel more confident and excited about transitioning to high school. Ingham High hopes all Year 6 students will enjoy their time and gain valuable insights into their future education.

Students attending the event are reminded to wear their school uniform, bring closed-in shoes, a hat, and a water bottle. They should also bring an exercise book with pens/pencils for activities and either a packed lunch or money for the tuck shop.

Parents and caregivers can register their child by using the QR code provided on the event flyer or by calling the General Office at 4797 1333. Registration for state school students will be handled through their primary school.

For further details about Ingham State High School’s Transition Program, parents can contact Mr. Peter Bishop, Deputy Principal, at 4797 1333 or via email at admin@inghamshs.eq.edu.au.

This event is a great opportunity for Year 6 students to get a glimpse of high school life and begin to prepare for the next exciting chapter in their education.

Thread Together's mobile wardrobe made a meaningful stop in Cardwell last week, offering local residents in need access to free, brand-new clothing. On March 14th, the mobile wardrobe set up at the Cardwell Community Hall from 9am to 11am, providing much-needed clothing to those facing financial or personal challenges.

Since its founding in 2012, Thread Together has been a beacon of hope for Australians facing hardship, working to bridge the gap between excess fashion and clothing insecurity. The organization’s mission is simple: to ensure that every person has access to essential, brand-new clothing, regardless of their circumstances.

Thread Together was created by Andie Halas, who saw an opportunity to address two significant issues: fashion waste and clothing insecurity. Each year, millions of brand-new garments go to landfills, while at the same time, thousands of Australians experience hardship without access to basic clothing. Andie’s idea was revolutionary—why not redirect these unsold clothes to people who need them most? This simple yet impactful concept has since grown into a nationwide initiative, transforming lives across the country.

Since its inception, Thread Together has rescued millions of garments and given them a second life through its network of registered charities. These clothes are distributed free of charge to people experiencing crisis, homelessness, domestic violence, and the aftermath of natural disasters. Thread Together’s efforts create a sustainable solution to both fashion waste and clothing insecurity.

The process behind Thread Together’s work is both straightforward and impactful. Fashion brands donate new clothing, volunteers sort and distribute the items, and charities connect the organization with individuals in need. This partnership between fashion brands, volunteers, and charities ensures that clothing reaches those who require it most, restoring dignity and offering hope to those in crisis.

The Cardwell stop was part of Thread Together’s ongoing mission to make a difference across Australia. By bringing the mobile wardrobe to the Cardwell Recovery Hub, the organisation was able to provide valuable support to the local community. Residents were able to access new clothing at no cost, helping to ease some of the challenges many are currently facing.

Thread Together’s success would not be possible without the dedication of its volunteers, donors, and corporate partners. Those interested in supporting the initiative, whether by donating clothing or offering their time as volunteers, can visit Thread Together’s website to learn more.

Thread Together’s mission remains clear: to ensure that every person in need has access to new clothing, while also reducing the environmental impact of fashion waste. The mobile wardrobe’s visit to Cardwell was another step toward fulfilling that vision and offering hope to those who need it most.