Most of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables 500 Herbert employees are now back at work, after two weeks of disruption from the major flood event.

General Manager Operations Mike McLeod visited Wilmar’s Victoria and Macknade mills last week to check on employees and get a firsthand briefing on the flood damage. He also met with workers at Wilmar’s Herbert Centralised Workshop in Lannercost Street.

Mr McLeod’s visit took place a day after the bulk of Wilmar’s Herbert workforce was finally able to return to work, following two weeks of localised flooding and road closures.

“It was really good to be able to get up to Ingham, visit all of our sites and check on our people,” Mr McLeod said.

“Last Monday (17 February) was the first day that all of our employees were able to get to work. Prior to that, only a small portion of the workforce was able to travel to their work sites.”

Mr McLeod said crews had now finished the bulk of the clean-up and were working on planned maintenance activities. Major contractors were also back at the sites progressing capital projects.

He said that, in the background, the business was continuing to assess damage and develop repair plans.

“Due to the significant amount of time lost from the flood, we’re re-evaluating our maintenance plan to ensure we complete critical work ahead of the start of crushing in June.”

“Our absolute priority is on getting the maintenance program back on track and being ready for the 2025 season.”

Mr McLeod paid tribute to the Herbert team’s ability to bounce back and get on with the flood recovery work, even though some had been directly impacted by the disaster.

He also thanked the many teams across Wilmar’s broader business for supporting the Herbert flood recovery efforts.

Over 100 people attended Andy’s Roadhouse on the weekend for a barbecue, live music and good vibes.

People sat back, enjoyed live music and catching up with friends in a social setting, a much-needed light-hearted social occasion after devastating flooding swept through the region.

In attendance was Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, who said it was great to catch up with many of his mates.

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Andy Barra, owner of Andy’s Roadhouse said he decided to run a special Flood Recovery Concert to say thank you to everyone in the region for their hard work and to lift spirits following the challenging event.

He thanked businesses for their donations to keep Andys Roadhouse afloat during the flooding and also Tropic Distributors for sponsoring the Flood Recovery Concert.

“Today, the major sponsor is tropic distributors. They donated all the bread, all the sausages, all the onions, they donated the lot! Plus, they also donated $5,000 of fuel,” said Andy.

“This is to say thank you to the people of Ingham and district, Townsville, and we thought we'd put something back into it, and that's why we've got the bands playing free, everything is free. There's no charges for the band or anything.”

Marketing and Sales Manager of Tropic Petroleum Andrew Peters said the event was all about giving people a good time.

“It's about getting the people out of their homes. People look out their front yard and they’ve got all their furniture and everything there, so we try and give them a different outlook, where they don't have to spend money to go somewhere,” he said.

“It's just to try and create a little bit of positivity, we can't rebuild anybody's house, but at least we can give them a good experience for a couple of hours.”

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter MP said he was thrilled to show his support at the Flood Recovery Concert and said it was wonderful to see people in good spirits.

As recovery efforts from the recent major weather event continue, selectability is working through the impacts to operations and supporting our hardest hit regions as they continue to deliver services to vulnerable regional Queenslanders, despite not having a physical premises to base themselves.

As one of our most affected regions, the Ingham team, led by regional coordinator Julie Ross, has continued to provide support to their consumers, looking for innovative ways to stay connected amidst adversity.

“I am incredibly proud of the entire team and community for coming together during this event,” said Julie.

As an essential service, selectability employees have been providing phone support to consumers where possible both during the event and after.

“We have seen strong displays of community and dedication during this time, including a generous donation from the local Coles,” Julie said.

“With their support, we were able to prepare and hand out close to 50 food bags for consumers once roads were clear enough to drive on.

“The community was without these services for a long period of time, so we wanted to ensure those they had enough until they had access.

“From milk, bread and pasta, to hygiene items and cakes, consumers were very excited to receive supplies!”

Contributed with thanks to selectability

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In the aftermath of the devastating flood that swept through our community, the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) is striving for ‘business as usual’ despite one of their office buildings being lost to the flood.  

Usual services are up and running and HCSC has strived to support the community whilst managing the relocation of staff and equipment from the flooded building, the Centre, on Townsville Road.  This building will be under repair for some time, so all services and events will be delivered from the HUB on McIlwraith Street.

The weekly Canasta group, meeting for the first time since the disaster, gathered at the HUB to share stories, support one another, and enjoy their favourite card game.  For many members offers not only entertainment but also a sense of community.

“After everything we’ve been through, just sitting together, laughing, and playing feels like a step toward normalcy,” said one attendee.

A mammoth effort has been the coordination and distribution of donated goods into the community.  Many individuals and businesses from all over Far North Qld have rallied together to send donations.  

HCSC staff have been responding to requests from the general community and have coordinated the delivery of essential items to our most disadvantaged seniors in need.

HCSC has partnered with community groups, support services and local council to share resources and offer helping hands. While the flood brought hardship, it has also strengthened our community bonds.

Contributed with thanks to Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre

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There's a mighty river in the north of this land we call Down Under.
And each year its gentle snaking flow can be raged into a thunder.
In the year of 2025 when it burst beyond controlling,
the Herbert rushed through Ingham town, the floods came up, the floods went down -
but the people kept on rolling.

As it swept the roads and houses, picking up tv sets and sofas,
and the lizards drifted through the streets - this was not a time for loafers.
While the SES - all volunteers - were the heroes out patrolling,
the currents sucked up utes and cars, and ripped through coffee shops and bars -
but the people kept on rolling.

Then a gateway bridge was washed away - which had cut the town's supply line.
And the Ergon station was a swamp - as more water filled the skyline.
There were townsfolk out in tinnies - helping their neighbours and consoling.
For days on end they had no power, or water in this endless shower -
still the people kept on rolling.

Some have lost their living and their homes, and their hearts are surely aching -
but the gutsy Herbert River mob are a long way yet from breaking.
And the valiant mayor and councillors - they have won their points for polling.
Each gave their all and had no rest, all members strived to do their best -
and the people kept on rolling.

It has smashed the records on the charts from the flood in ‘67 -
and has rivalled history's biggest flood - back in 1927.
When the sewage spread these streets were not fit for bathing or for strolling.
The homes they built on stilts up high, that never flood, did not stay dry -
but the people kept on rolling.

See, this town was built on floodplain paths of the Herbert when it’s raging.
And for five-score years and fifty now this town's culture has been aging.
All the sporting teams will soon go back to their soccer, league or bowling.
‘Cos choppers circled down and stopped, with parcels, fuel and food they dropped -
and the people kept on rolling.

As the bridges flood and roads are creeks and the central street’s a river -
there are ballsy Herbert River folk who will stand up and deliver.
They'll be out in force to give their all - while the trolls will keep on trolling.
When turkeys, chooks and bullock beef are sucked towards the coral reef -
Ingham people keep on rolling.

So this mighty flood of ‘25 may have left the town depleted,
but the honest Herbert River folk will be strengthened - not defeated.
And the cows will calf, and cane will grow, as the horses keep on foaling.
And when old man Herbert roars again, we know he will, but can't say when -
see the people keep on rolling.

Contributed with thanks to Jonny Paul

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Queensland’s community clubs are again swinging behind those impacted by the state’s severe weather with a $75,000 donation and an offer for free drinks with friends in the Herbert River.

The support from Clubs Queensland clubs kicks off with the donation collected from clubs in the North Queensland region. The donation will be handed to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre at a dedicated event for the local community at Herbert River RSL on Friday 28 February from 2pm.

Clubs Queensland CEO Kelly Egan said Operation Clubs Care: Have a Beer on Us was initiated by community clubs, including Brothers Rugby League Townsville and Cowboys Leagues Club, wanting to help after floods devastated the north.

“Our clubs only exist because of our communities, so they want to return the favour and provide that support to communities in times of need,” Mr Egan said.

“These severe weather events are not new for North Queenslanders but that doesn’t mean anyone is immune to their devastating effects. It is just heartening to know that when the chips are down, the clubs will rally around one another to help them get back on their feet.”

Herbert River RSL Manager Kerryn Brock said this Friday afternoon’s free community event provided the community with a chance to take a breath, relax and enjoy a few drinks on the house.

“No one has been able to come up for air yet,” Ms Brock said. “This event will be a way for people to come together, have conversation, enjoys some drinks and nibblies and present this incredible fundraising amount to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre.

“It’s extremely important to make sure the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre has the finances to keep supporting those in our community that do need that help right now.”

In the weeks since Chamber last provided an update, so very much has changed in the Hinchinbrook Shire, as a result of the February rain event.

Now as our community slowly commences the process of rebuilding lives, homes, businesses and more broadly our community, we know the journey ahead will be at times difficult and challenging.  

Having acknowledged that, we also know that as a community, we have always come together to support, encourage and work together, when and as required and we know with absolute confidence, that in time we will recover and rebuild.

Many of our local businesses have been significantly impacted as a result of this flooding event and because of this, Chamber commenced the process last week of undertaking an initial survey to gain a better understanding of specific impacts, to enable data to be available more immediately to raise awareness to government agencies and visiting politicians.  

Once the roads were able to open, there has been a strong and immediate response from insurance companies, government support agencies and other organisations offering to provide any assistance to the community, as it commences its recovery.
 
This week’s Chamber meeting provided an excellent opportunity to bring together many of these representatives and connect them to the business owners who were able to attend.  The evening provided a broad oversight of the grants, support and services currently available locally and gave assurance that help is here to assist those who have been impacted.

One of the key messages provided was the need for the business community to complete the Queensland Government survey, which will provide critical information regarding impact and its economic effect.  This survey data will provide evidence to the government, when formulating the level of funding support that may be offered moving forward.  All business are strongly encouraged to complete this survey, if they have not already done so:-
Disaster impact surveys | Business Queensland

For anyone who was unable to attend this meeting or for those who require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact either Administration Assistant Christina Spencer on 0407569550 or President Mary Brown on 0409356252 or email admin@hinchinbrookchamber.com.au.

Contributed with thanks to Chamber President Mary Brown

I believe the Month of February 2025, will gain a new place in the history books as the event that has reset the historical benchmark for floods and their impact, in the Hinchinbrook Shire.  

Our community has been through some incredibly challenging and sometimes distressing times, in the past few weeks and we also acknowledge that for many, the hard work is just beginning, as we move to the recovery phase.

As Chair of the Local Disaster Recovery Group, I can assure the community that no time has been wasted in commencing the process of planning, bringing together the various stakeholder groups to gather information on impact, provide input on potential solutions and to commence the process of formulating  the Hinchinbrook Recovery Plan 2025.

The Recovery Plan, is a framework that brings together as many relevant and impacted community groups, government agencies and representative organisations, to inform the “community lead” pathway to recovery, that will guide how the Hinchinbrook Shire rebuilds into the future.  The plan will incorporate short, medium and long term goals,  to achieve and in addition to the practical outcomes, will be valuable advocacy document when communicating with political leaders and decision makers.

The announcement last week of former State Member and Deputy Mayor of Hinchinbrook – Andrew Cripps, as State Disaster Co-ordinator, to assist all impacted communities navigate their pathway as we emerge from these weather events, has been welcomed.  

Andrew has an existing knowledge of some of the key issues that impact these communities and not wasted any time in getting on the ground in the Shire to speak to community.  Andrew was also able to attended the first meeting of the master recovery group, last Friday and this has provided some early insights into the challenges being faced.

The structure of the recovery framework, in simple terms, includes myself as Chair, Cr. Pat Lynch as Deputy Chair, Chairs of Sub Groups that engage with the various stakeholder groups being:-
• Infrastructure – Cr Andrew Carr
• Economic – Cr mark Spina
• Human and Social – Cr Donna Marbelli
• Environment – Cr Kate Milton

The chairs of the sub groups continue to reach out to the community, to gather information and understanding of impact, to enable them to provide the best possible details and data into the meetings, that will then be captured and incorporated into the recovery planning.

New lifejacket laws have come into effect that all boat users must be aware of. The changes include stricter rules on when lifejackets must be worn as well as the phasing out of older Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) that do not meet modern Australian Standards.

While safety on the water is paramount, many North Queenslanders consider the new laws to be impractical as they fail to consider the realities of local boating conditions.

The laws came into effect on December 1, 2024, however there are still many people who are unaware of the new requirements. We are told that enforcement of the new rules will be delayed until July 1, 2025, as Marine Safety Queensland (MSQ) attempts to improve communication and education of the public about the requirements.

For those who aren’t yet aware, the changes now make it mandatory to wear a lifejacket in the following circumstances:

• When boating alone, or only with children under 12 on an open boat under 4.8m while underway.

• When crossing designated coastal bars on an open ship or in an open area of any boat.

• For children aged 1-12 who are on an open boat or in an open area of any boat while underway.

• During night-time boating (sunset to sunrise) on an open boat under 4.8m while underway.

In response to community concerns, I moved a disallowance motion in Parliament to scrap these heavy- handed changes which were introduced by the State Labor Government just prior to the 2024 State election. Although I had hoped for the current State Government’s support, the subordinate legislation was passed and will remain in force.

I will continue to push back against government over-regulation and fight to protect our cherished North Queensland freedoms. For more information about the new rules please visit https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/About-us/News-and-stories/New-rules-for-wearing-lifejackets or phone MSQ on 13 23 80.

Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

Opened in 1949, the New Ingham Cemetery lies just 5 km from town, hidden amongst fields of tall sugar cane.

At first glance, there is grey argyle granite, gleaming white marble and enough tiles to pave a path back home to Italy.

Ornate ceramic flowers and crucifixes adorn the landscape, standing in solemn contrast to the grand mausoleums that define the cemetery’s character.

The Mammino family mausoleum, built in 1952, holds the distinction of being the first of its kind.

Nearby, the Prestipino family mausoleum, constructed in 1955, spans eight burial plots and boasts a stately portico—providing shelter rain or shine. Here, the departed rest beneath pieces of their homeland, a poignant tribute to the rich Italian heritage that helped shape Ingham.

Herbert River growers are picking up the pieces after the torrential rain event that devastated the district earlier this month. With over a metre of rain in just three days, floods and landslides buried paddocks, washed away topsoil, and left many wondering how they’ll recover.

Among those hit hardest was Ingham grower Victor Cervellin, who watched helplessly as his newly planted cane block was swallowed by a landslide.

“I live on the opposite side of the creek to where this happened, but I could see the colour of the water getting really dark and dirty,” Victor said.

“As soon as I could, I drove over and saw the landslide above my property, with a waterfall washing through the paddock. A lot of it’s now been buried.”

**CANEGROWERS fighting for growers’ recovery**
With many growers impacted, CANEGROWERS has been working hard to ensure disaster recovery grants provide meaningful support.

Thanks to strong advocacy, growers can now claim replanting costs under the grants – an essential win for those who lost plant cane. But the fight isn’t over.

“We’ve also been calling for the assistance cap to be lifted to $75,000, in line with Cyclone Jasper relief,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

“Recovery isn’t just about cleaning up – it’s about getting crops back in the ground so farmers can rebuild.”

CANEGROWERS Herbert River Chairman Chris Bosworth estimates at least 10% of the region’s cane yield has been lost, with impacts rippling across the district.

“Our floods generally come in March or April, so no one was expecting this,” Chris said.

“Most cane farmers have been impacted to some extent. It will be a long recovery.”

CANEGROWERS is also pushing for broader eligibility so all affected growers, including those with off-farm income, can access assistance.

**Economic and mental health concerns**
Beyond the immediate damage, the economic fallout is significant. Power outages hit businesses hard, with no prior warning to allow for preparation.

“If we had six to ten hours’ notice, we could have organised generators,” Chris said. “Instead, businesses lost millions.”

The mental health toll is another growing concern. Years of challenges – from poor seasons to rat plagues – are wearing growers down.

“People in the wet end of town had six feet of water around them, no food, no electricity, and poor communication,” Chris said. “It was scary.”

CANEGROWERS will continue working with the government to cut red tape and deliver real relief.
As the waters recede, the organisation remains committed to ensuring Herbert River growers get the support they need to rebuild and recover.

Contributed with thanks to Frank Scardamaglia Manager CANEGROWERS Herbert River

Global Care Australia is the charity arm of International Network of Churches, and recently they have set up base in Life Church Ingham, with various donations ready to give out to people in the community that are in need.

They opened on Monday and will remain open throughout the week, until their donations are finished.

National Coordinator Andy Backhouse said there are food items, frozen meals, pre-packed meals, clothing, sheets, towels, hygiene kits and more.

“At Global Care, we do disaster response and recovery all around Australia, but to see the community from North Queensland and all through Queensland come together as they have to support the Hinchinbrook community and the Cassowary Coast community has been phenomenal,” he said.

“There's a lot of people being blessed by a lot of generous individuals and organisations and charities.”

As well as the donations, Global Care are providing people with cleanups, from home mud outs, pressure washing and curb side rubbish removal.

Life Church Ingham at 28/32 Townsville Road will be open all week from 10am – 2pm for people in need to stock up on essentials and Andy said they are always looking for volunteers too, to volunteer you can contact Life Church.

After the monumental rain and flooding that swept the Hinchinbrook Region, Herbert River Crushers Rugby League Football Club was severely damaged, but rival Brothers Rugby League Townsville announced a $10,000 donation to the Crushers to aid the rebuild of their facilities.

Brothers In Arms: Rival Club Donates $10,000

Despite boasting one of the fiercest on field rivalries of the past decade and a half, Brothers, through it’s rugby league club, Townsville Blackhawks and Brothers Leagues Club has stepped up to support their long-time adversaries during this time of crisis.

Heavy monsoonal rains swept through the region this month, leaving the Crushers’ clubhouse, training grounds, and equipment storage inundated with water. The floodwaters caused extensive damage, leaving the club struggling to rebuild in the wake of the disaster.

Crushers President Matt Chiesa said they lost approximately 80% of their belongings.

“It’s been a rough couple of weeks," he shared.

"Even when we thought the flooding was over the water came back up. We’ve lost a lot of gear, both the seniors and juniors, training gear, playing gear, the lot.”

Matt Chiesa heaped praise on Brothers President Jeff Doyle and his commitment to the Townsville rugby league community.  

“Since he came into the role a couple of years ago he has been great to deal with. This financial assistance is nothing short of inspirational and shows that everyone has a lot of mutual respect and care in the rugby league," he said.

Brothers Club President Jeff Doyle said rivalry aside, we are a rugby league community.

“What has happened to the whole Ingham region is heartbreaking, and we felt it was our duty to step up and help in any way we could. This donation is a gesture of goodwill and a recognition of the importance of a strong local rugby league competition, both seniors and juniors,” said Jeff Doyle.

Brothers Leagues Club CEO Justin Wilkins, said they hoped that the financial contribution will go directly toward repairing the damaged facilities, replacing lost equipment, and ensuring that the Crushers can continue to provide opportunities for players, staff, and supporters, especially immediately following the event.

This year marks the 30th year of the Herbert River Crushers and despite the set back, they have no plan to postpone, or delay their season. Matt Chiesa said they have lost a couple of weeks but are looking forward to starting up again soon.

President Matt Chiesa also added an interesting stat from the Crushers past.

“There's a couple of floods that have happened in the past, 09 and 2018, and they have won competitions with the flood event,” he said.

“Not so much this height but there is a good stat with a flood and going forward and winning the comp.”

Performance Physio Group in Ingham opened fulltime in 2016 and since then has been offering expert physiotherapy and care for the Hinchinbrook community.

Performance Physio Group covers a wide range of musculoskeletal treatments, post-surgical rehabilitation, and sports injury management. Mitchell Seri, the clinic's Director and Senior Physio grew up in Ingham, and has been steadily expanding its services to meet the diverse needs of the community.

The clinic offers treatment for general musculoskeletal injuries, including neck, back, shoulder, and ankle issues, as well as rehabilitation for patients recovering from joint replacements and reconstructions. Workplace injury management is also a key focus, ensuring individuals can return to their jobs safely and effectively. Additionally, the clinic provides mobile services for elderly patients who may not have the means to travel, as well as pre-employment screenings for seasonal workers and mining companies.

A key area the clinic aims to expand is women’s health, with one of the physiotherapists specialising in this field. Mitchell said it’s something that a lot of women could use and he looks forward to developing it within the region. Plans are in place to highlight these services in the future to raise awareness of their benefits.

Continuous learning is an essential aspect of physiotherapy, with professionals required to complete 20 hours of professional development each year to stay up to date with the latest medical advancements.

“The medical field is always moving, it's always moving forward with new advancements. So, it's important that you stay up to date with the latest treatments,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell also noted that his favourite part about being a physio is guiding patients through their therapy, and seeing them make a full recovery.

“We are getting people's lives back on track in terms of returning to work or returning to sport,” he said.

“To get to guide that person not only through the physical but with emotional stuff too,
people can get quite down about their situation from an injury, and to see the progress both physically and mentally through that process, it's pretty rewarding.”

With a commitment to high-quality care and community well-being, the clinic continues to expand its services, ensuring that residents of Ingham have access to expert physiotherapy treatments tailored to their needs.