Mungalla Station, nestled between Townsville and Cairns, is a place of deep cultural and historical significance. Located just 12 kilometres east of Ingham, this land belongs to the Nywaigi Aboriginal people, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. The traditional territory of the Nywaigi people stretches from the Herbert River in the north to Rollingstone in the south, and west to Stone River.

Today, the 880-hectare property is owned by the traditional custodians, who use it to promote Aboriginal cultural values while creating economic and cultural opportunities for future generations.

The Legacy of Mungalla
Mungalla is a place of both historical and contemporary significance, and it serves as a bridge between past and present. The Nywaigi people’s mission is clear: “Mungalla Station is a resource owned by the Nywaigi Traditional Owners for the purpose of fostering Aboriginal cultural values by building economic and cultural opportunities through the careful use of our country as a legacy for our children.”

Mungalla’s history also reflects the story of the Pacific Islanders, known as Kanakas, who were brought to Queensland to work on sugar plantations between 1863 and 1904. These Melanesian people, originally from Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia, were subjected to harsh conditions and often worked on properties like Mungalla after the White Australia Policy forced their deportation from the sugar industry. The cultural intersection between the Nywaigi people and the South Sea Islanders is an important aspect of the area’s history.

Cultural Significance of The Dreaming
The Aboriginal people of Mungalla and the surrounding areas have a rich mythology that has been passed down through generations. One of the most prominent stories is that of the Rainbow Serpent, a symbol of creation in Aboriginal culture. This mythical figure is said to have shaped the land and created the ridges, mountains, and gorges of the region. The Rainbow Serpent is also believed to control water, which is seen as life’s most precious resource.

The Tragic Story of Captive Lives
Mungalla’s history also includes the painful chapter of Indigenous people being taken from their homeland. In the 1990s, the story of these captive lives was brought to light through an exhibition at the National Library of Australia, “Captive Lives: Looking for Tambo and his Companions.” The exhibition focused on Tambo, a Nywaigi man from Mungalla, whose mummified body was discovered in a basement in Ohio, USA. Tambo’s remains were eventually returned to his homeland with the help of the Manbarra elders, where he was laid to rest.

Environmental and Cultural Preservation
Today, Mungalla remains a place of both environmental and cultural preservation. The property has long been known for its birdlife, with over 230 species recorded. The wetlands, home to numerous migratory birds, are an important feature of the property. Additionally, saltwater crocodiles inhabit the wetlands and Palm Creek, a reminder of the wild and untamed nature of the region.

The property has undertaken extensive wetlands rehabilitation projects to combat invasive species such as Hymenachne, a semi-aquatic grass that threatens the ecosystem. In collaboration with CSIRO and Greening Australia, Mungalla has made significant strides in restoring the wetlands and improving water quality in the region.

Tourism and Education
In recent years, tourism has become an important part of Mungalla’s mission. Visitors can learn about Aboriginal culture, the history of the property, and the ongoing environmental efforts at Mungalla. The "Captive Lives" exhibition is now housed in the homestead, where it serves as a powerful reminder of the past.

Mungalla is also a hub for educational experiences, with school groups visiting to learn about Indigenous culture, environmental conservation, and the history of the land. Through hands-on experiences, students participate in the property’s environmental projects, planting trees and helping with revegetation efforts.

Mungalla has received several prestigious awards, including the Queensland Tourism Award for Indigenous Tourism, and it continues to be a place of cultural pride and environmental stewardship for the Nywaigi people.

Looking to the Future
As Mungalla continues to thrive as a cultural and environmental center, the Nywaigi people remain committed to preserving their heritage and passing it on to future generations. The property is not only a place of historical significance but also a testament to the resilience and strength of the Nywaigi people, who have overcome centuries of adversity to reclaim their land and culture. Mungalla is truly a place where past and present come together to create a legacy for the future.

Contributed with thanks to Mungalla Station’s Environment and Tourism Officer Laura O’Connor.

Happy New Year to all.

As a Local Government Councillor, I remain committed to championing the needs and visibility of our community of 11,000 plus residents. Our rural setting brings unique challenges and opportunities, and it’s essential that we engage all citizens in discussions that directly impact our daily lives, from vital services like roads and waste management to creating a sense of belonging among our residents.

I firmly believe that effective governance is about more than just administrative tasks, it’s about fostering a vibrant community where every voice is heard. By encouraging active participation and collaboration, we can strengthen connections among residents and ensure that the diverse needs of our community are addressed. This is particularly important in a small community like ours, where each person’s input can significantly shape our shared future.

Community engagement is key to building a responsive Local Government that reflects our collective aspirations. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of our local area. This includes supporting our local agriculture and small, medium and large businesses, which are vital to our economy, and ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

As we move forward, I encourage all residents to get involved, whether it’s attending Council meetings, participating in community events, or simply sharing their thoughts and ideas. Together, we can create a stronger, more connected community that not only meets the needs of today but also paves the way for a prosperous future for all of us. Let’s work collaboratively to ensure that our rural community continues to flourish.

 
Sir Arthur William Fadden was born on 13 April 1894 in Ingham, eldest of ten children of Irish-born parents Richard John Fadden, police constable, and his wife Annie, née Moorhead.

Fadden was acting prime minister for four months early in 1941 (while Menzies was away in Europe) and earned respect for his down-to-earth manner.

Robert Menzies resigned the prime ministership on 28 August 1941. Fadden was selected as his successor and served as the 13th prime minister of Australia from 29 August to 7 October 1941.
Fadden left parliament in 1958 after delivering his eleventh and final budget. He pursued interests across a wide range of industries. Fadden worked as a consultant for a sugar mill in Tully and invested in an iron ore deposit at Mourilyan. 

Fadden died of leukaemia on 21 April 1973.

As we start a new year, I would like to take this opportunity to remind people that Council’s monthly meetings occur on the last Tuesday of each month and meetings are open to the public whom may wish to attend. The meeting agenda is also available to the public on Council’s website the day before the meeting and this enables ratepayers to peruse agenda items including staff recommendations, reports incorporating information on matters for Councillor information, contract tender details and much more information on Council’s daily operations for the previous month. Information you will see includes things like the flying fox dispersal works, road and drain maintenance activities, capital works being undertaken, Information Centre, library and gallery visitor numbers, requests to Council for attention on animals, water, waste and associated issues as well as contracts let by Council to third parties for contractual performances. As a Council we endeavour to ensure that as much information as possible is recorded in the Agenda in the interests of transparency and public knowledge.
For instance, you will see that at its 10 December 2024 meeting, Council resolved to accept a tender from the Marine Specialists to construct and install a new commercial service pontoon at Dungeness at a cost of $381,040.00 with works expected to be completed towards the end of the current calendar year. The project, designed to replace the current stairway infrastructure, was made possible through the financial assistance of the Queensland State Government for which Council is grateful. Works will not be able to commence until relevant permits from the Department of Environment are secured.
You will also see activities undertaken by Councillors throughout the previous month. The agendas may be accessed at https://bit.ly/3qLtXaH and I urge you to access same to see what Council is up to.
I would also like to remind potential developers in our region that Council remains very keen to encourage new development within the Shire, and to that end, has adopted Development Incentive Guidelines which allow for the consideration of waiving development application fees and infrastructure charges.
The Guidelines provide direction as to the circumstances where Council may consider waiving fees and charges for developments which meet certain eligibility criteria.  Please see our more detailed article in our Council Connections.
And finally, congratulations to all our local residents who have been nominated for this year’s Australia Day awards. You are all truly deserving of the nominations and I wish you every success at the Awards.

Bananas: they're not just a-peeling snacks but the tropical treasures that keep the Hinchinbrook region ripe with history, culture, and economic impact.

The Hinchinbrook region in North Queensland is a significant contributor to Australia's banana industry, offering several intriguing facts:
   1. Historical Roots: In the 1880s, the Tully River area, just north of Cardwell in the Hinchinbrook region, became a hub for Chinese banana farms. Chinese immigrants introduced banana cultivation to North Queensland in the 1870s, establishing a foundation for the region's future agricultural success.

   2. Economic Impact: Queensland accounts for 94% of Australia's banana production, with the majority concentrated in North Queensland. The Hinchinbrook region, including areas like Tully, Innisfail, and Kennedy, plays a pivotal role in this output. The industry significantly contributes to the local economy, providing employment and supporting related sectors.

   3. Cavendish Dominance: The Cavendish variety dominates Australia's banana production, accounting for 97% of the market. This variety is favoured for its resilience and suitability to the region's tropical climate. Other varieties, such as Lady Finger, Red Dacca, Goldfinger, Sucrier, Ducasse, and Plantains, make up a smaller portion of the market.

   4. Environmental Challenges: The region's tropical climate, while ideal for banana cultivation, also presents challenges. Cyclones and diseases like the bunchy top virus have historically threatened crops. However, proactive measures and research have helped mitigate these risks, ensuring the industry's sustainability.

   5. Community and Culture: Banana farming has shaped the cultural landscape of the Hinchinbrook region. The industry's growth led to the establishment of communities and infrastructure, fostering a unique blend of cultures and traditions. Events celebrating bananas and their significance are common, highlighting the fruit's role in the region's identity.

From their rich history to their vibrant presence in the Hinchinbrook community today, bananas truly stand as a symbol of growth, resilience, and the tropical charm of North Queensland.

Australian sugar cane farmers will soon trade one tropical paradise for another as they explore first-hand the implications of Brazil being ranked number one and two in the world for sugarcane and ethanol production. 

Queensland sugarcane farmer Paul Atkinson is embarking on the 10-day tour for a second time because he is interested in how Brazil’s harvest and mills operate.  

“Brazil is our main competition,” Mr Atkinson said, adding its use of sugar to produce ethanol affected world sugar prices and thus Australia’s own sugarcane industry. 

While sugar may be Australia’s second-largest export crop after wheat, with 3-4 million tonnes (MT) valued at $1.5 to $2.5 billion headed overseas each year, these figures are dwarfed by Brazil’s. 

The South American nation produces about half of the world’s total sugar exports at more than 32MT per year, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), surpassing Australia’s total sugarcane production. 

To put things further into perspective, for every tonne of sugarcane produced down under, Brazil produces about 22 tonnes, with about half of this sugar then being used to make ethanol thanks to the Brazilian government’s mandates on fuel mixes. 

Stephen Ryan, the CEO of Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) and Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA), said the Brazil tour would give Aussies opportunities to meet with Brazilian farmers, processors, researchers and more to learn about the dynamics of the agricultural giant’s sugar cane and bio-energy industries. 

“Brazil, as of 2023, had 350 operational sugarcane plants, of which almost two-thirds produced both sugar and ethanol and almost a third were just for ethanol, USDA figures show,” Mr Ryan said. 

“The country made 35.3 billion litres of ethanol in 2023-24, and the demand for biofuel is only likely to increase with the Brazilian government amping up incentives to also produce sustainable aviation fuel to curb the country’s CO2 emissions. 

“But Brazil will be motivated to lean towards non-sugar alternatives like corn to meet the demands for biofuel as current world market prices make exporting sugar more commercially attractive.” 

As Mr Atkinson explained, extra Brazilian sugar on the world market made Australia’s product less valuable as per the mechanisms of supply and demand. 

The Cane Tour to Brazil itinerary includes visiting Sao Paulo, where innovation drives sugarcane cultivation and processing. Sao Paulo is home to the headquarters of Brazil’s largest sugarcane improvement company, the Sugarcane Technology Centre (STC). 

The STC owns the largest germplasm bank in the world, is aiming to double Brazil’s average annual sugarcane yields from 75MT per hectare to 150MT per hectare by 2040 and is working to create a synthetic seed to scrap needing to use sugarcane cuttings for planting.

Other highlights of the tour, organised and led by Australian ex-pat Sally Thomson in collaboration with Nuffield Brazil Farming Network, include a trip to the world’s largest corn bioenergy plant, hearing from startups working on Brazil’s agribusiness problems, and an unforgettable down-day to relish Bonito’s pristine rivers and natural wonders.

The cost is $3440 per person, based on twin-share, which includes all domestic travel, accommodation, meals, and visits. 

The tour, kicking off in late March, is limited to 20 participants to ensure a quality experience for all. 

To register your interest, contact Shirley Norris by phoning 0447 608 158 or emailing farmers700plus@gmail.com

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)’s In a Good Place (IAGP) program is inviting applications for grants up to $20,000 for community-driven projects that strengthen the mental, social and/or emotional health and well-being of people living in remote, rural and regional places, particularly in farming communities.

This round, the IAGP program has $290,000 to support initiatives or activities that prevent or respond to mental well-being concerns.

Priorities include increasing mental health education and understanding to reduce stigma, supporting people to build connections and reduce social isolation, and encouraging, supporting and enabling people to seek help for their mental health.

Thanks to FRRR’s donor partners, community groups and not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) can apply for grants through two streams of funding:

1. Community wellbeing: for projects that focus on strengthening the general mental health and wellbeing of people in remote, rural and regional communities.

2. Farmers and farming communities: for projects specifically supporting the mental health and well-being of farmers and the communities they live in.

Jill Karena, Head of Granting at FRRR, said that while Australia’s farming communities are incredibly vibrant and resilient, even the strongest person needs help from time to time.

“There is a legacy of silence and perceived stigma around speaking up and seeking support for mental health issues. Thankfully, in rural communities, this narrative is shifting,” Ms Karena said.

“Together with our funding partners, we are supporting local groups to be part of that momentum and continue to challenge and positively shift perceptions about mental health in their remote, rural and regional communities.

“We want to fund initiatives that foster open and honest discussions around mental health, support the social and emotional well-being of vulnerable community members, and encourage farmers and other community members concerned with their mental health to seek support.

“We look forward to reading the project ideas put forward by community groups and not-for-profits across the country and to be inspired by their positive, proactive and community-focussed mental health initiatives,” Ms Karena said.

Groups seeking support must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), which is due 14 February.

Final applications from those shortlisted are due by the 11th of March.

Learn more at: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/in-a-good-place/

Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

The New Year has heralded an unwelcome change in global sugar price sentiment, initially prompted by the world market getting more comfortable that the first quarter supply of sugar was tight but manageable. This resulted in a gradual deterioration of the ICE #11 March 25 futures premium over the May contract.

The speculative money sensed the path of least resistance was down, so they had been getting increasingly aggressive with their short-selling strategies. This was being met with scale-down trade buying. Then the rumour – and now fact – that the Indian government is issuing export licences for 1 million tonnes of white sugar, broke the market to the downside.

India's choice to issue export licences at this time is puzzling. Wilmar has been revising down sugar estimates for the current harvest due to a poor growing season combined with an increase in crop disease, and an increase in ethanol production. This results in a low domestic stock position of what is an important base energy source for a large proportion of the population.

With this harvest approximately 50 per cent complete, production is running behind schedule, and the increased disease is resulting in poor cane quality. Indian domestic sugar prices have rallied and, at current levels, it appears there is no incentive for sugar to be exported. The notion that the government would subsidise exports is a possibility but there appears little incentive for that to occur.

The wrap-up of the 24 season for Brazil is all but done, with the final sugar production estimated to be just under 40mt. Rain in Brazil has been reasonable over the last couple of months so there is some alleviation from the dry growing season of 24.

The current forecast for Brazil's 25 crop is for a large 42.5m tonnes of sugar production. The increase is based largely on the assumption of a 52 per cent sugar to ethanol mix (24 season was 48 per cent).

So after a long period at the end of last year with minimal market news, the New Year has started with a flurry. How this plays out is yet to be determined. The structure of futures prices is relatively flat so the current consensus of the market is an each-way bet.

Fortunately, the AUD has weakened significantly over the past couple of months, which has dulled the impact of the falling futures market. However, at 62 cents, the AUD is at levels that historically have proven good buying, so it could be vulnerable to a rally on the back of USD weakness linked to the changing mood of Trump.

While bananas might steal the tropical spotlight, it’s the property market in Regional Queensland—ripe with growth and opportunity—that quietly became 2024’s true success story.

In 2024, Regional Queensland's property market showed notable growth, with property values increasing by 12.1% over the year. This trend was particularly evident in key regional hubs. According to The Australian Financial Review, Rockhampton led the way with a 9.2% quarterly growth in values, followed by Townsville (8.34%), Gladstone (6.74%), and Mackay (6.19%).

In the Hinchinbrook Shire, the market kept pace with this regional upswing. Data from Real Estate Investar showed that Ingham, the administrative heart of the region, recorded a 14.45% increase in its median house listing price over the past year, reaching $285,000. Over the last two years, this figure rose by 16.32%, highlighting sustained growth in the area.

The demand for property in Regional Queensland was fuelled by several factors. The Australian reported that interstate migration from pricier markets played a key role, as did the appeal of a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. Moreover, the expansion of business operations into regional areas contributed to the surge.

However, not all parts of Queensland experienced the same momentum. For example, The Courier Mail noted a 20.7% drop in building approvals on the Gold Coast, reflecting challenges in the construction sector despite a broader statewide recovery. This decline is a concerning trend, especially given the ongoing housing shortage in the area.

Overall, 2024 marked a significant year for Regional Queensland's property market, with the Hinchinbrook region capitalising on the momentum. Strong demand, limited supply, and economic shifts played key roles in shaping the market's positive trajectory.

Styling your home effectively can significantly enhance its appeal to potential buyers, leading to quicker sales and potentially higher offers. According to The Urbane Property Stylist, "styling your home for sale is about creating a space that allows buyers to envision themselves living there."

Declutter and Depersonalise
Begin by removing personal items and excess belongings. This creates a neutral environment where buyers can imagine their own lives unfolding. As noted by The Urbane Property Stylist, "how to declutter your home for sale? It’s simple. Have less stuff."

Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. Ensure your garden is tidy and lawns are mowed, and consider a fresh coat of paint for the front door. These small investments can make a significant difference.

Light and Bright
Maximise natural light by opening curtains and blinds during inspections. Use mirrors strategically to create a sense of space and brightness.

Modern Touches on a Budget
Updating fixtures like handles, taps, and light fittings can modernise a space without a hefty price tag. Additionally, repainting walls in neutral tones provides a fresh and contemporary feel.

Professional Styling
While DIY styling is cost-effective, investing in professional property styling can yield substantial returns. According to an article in The Daily Telegraph, not staging homes can lead to a significant reduction in final selling prices, as professionally staged homes attract more interest from potential buyers.

By implementing these strategies, you can present your home in the best possible light, attracting more potential buyers and achieving a favourable sale outcome.

Summer can be as tough on gardens as it is on people. Blazing sun, unexpected downpours, and shifting soil conditions create a perfect storm of challenges for even the most seasoned gardeners. But with a few smart strategies, your garden can beat the heat and burst with life all summer long.

Start from the Ground Up
Great gardens grow from the ground up, and the secret lies in healthy soil. Think of soil as the lifeline for plants—holding nutrients, retaining moisture, and anchoring roots. Australia’s intense summer weather, combined with frequent watering, can strip the soil of nutrients, compact it, or leave it parched. This weakens plants and makes them more susceptible to pests, diseases, and heat stress.

To give your soil a fighting chance, enrich it with organic matter like compost. This improves its structure, allowing it to hold more water and essential nutrients. Healthy soil also nurtures beneficial microorganisms that help break down organic materials, making nutrients more available to plants. With nutrient-rich soil, plants grow stronger, develop deeper roots, and are better equipped to handle extreme conditions.

Mulch: Your Garden’s Summer Shield
Once the soil is healthy, a good layer of mulch is your garden’s best defence against the summer heat. Mulch helps lock in moisture, regulates soil temperature, and shields delicate roots from the harsh sun. It’s also a natural weed suppressant, making garden maintenance easier.

Before mulching, ensure the soil is well-watered. Spread a layer of mulch 5–10 cm thick, keeping it away from the base of plants to prevent rot. This simple step can make a big difference in how your garden handles summer’s ups and downs.

Pick Plants that Love the Heat
Choosing plants suited to your climate is essential for a flourishing garden. In the Wet and Dry Tropics, such as North Queensland, vibrant flowers like petunias, coleus, and marigolds thrive in the heat. For vegetables, cucumbers and tomatoes make great choices, while herbs like lemongrass and mint add a fresh, tropical touch.

By tailoring your garden to the climate and giving it a solid foundation, you can transform even the hottest summer days into an opportunity for growth. With healthy soil, smart mulching, and the right plant choices, your garden will thrive—and so will your love for gardening.

Keep It Tidy and Pest-Free
A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to keeping your garden in peak condition. Regularly pruning dead or diseased branches and removing fading blooms encourages new growth and improves airflow around your plants, helping them stay healthy in summer’s heat.
Pests can be a gardener’s nemesis during warmer months, but with a few smart choices, you can stay ahead of them. Keep an eye out for common culprits like stink bugs, aphids, grasshoppers, and fruit flies. To naturally repel pests, consider planting marigolds, lavender, basil, or rosemary—these plants don’t just look and smell great; they’re nature’s pest deterrents.

The real estate market at Forrest Beach remains quite fluid compared to the slowing of the market seen in the Southeast of the state. Venables Real Estate is still receiving many out-of-town enquiries from both investors and buyers looking to move to the area. There is a good mix of retirees and young families, as well as professionals looking to live in the friendly coastal community. Many feel that the area is a safe and welcoming community to either raise their family or retire to.

The owner of Venables Real Estate said a safe community is a huge reason why Forrest Beach is so popular.

“Being safe is a huge thing, especially for families and children growing up, but also with people on their own, or older people. Having a safe community in which to live is a major point in why they would stay.”

During COVID Venables Real Estate saw a positive impact on the real estate market at Forrest Beach with the median house price increasing to $360,000 (an increase of $120,000 over the past four years) and land valuations increasing across the region. Modern, low-set, concrete block homes are still in high demand, and they have a waiting list of buyers wanting to move to the area.

Increased interest from interstate investors is having a positive impact on Venables Real Estate. Mary said it allows for additional rental properties to be added to their listings.

Mary also said that the days of buyers looking for renovation projects are over.

“Many of our clients are looking for homes that they can walk in and put their feet up,” she said.

“Properties with renovated kitchens and bathrooms are seen favourably by buyers, as it reflects value for money; whilst large garages with high vehicle access are highly sought after for boat and caravan storage.

“Above all, buyers are looking to escape the flashy tourist beaches like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach or Port Douglas. They enjoy the relaxed, friendly community and the pristine beach that Forrest Beach has to offer, while still being able to access all of the necessary amenities.”

Contributed with thanks to Venables Real Estate

‍

Ingham’s Australian Air Force Cadet (AAFC) 103 Squadron resumes this Friday 31st January and Flight Lieutenant and Commanding Officer (CO) Rodger Bow is looking forward to another year.

Rodger Bow has been with the 103 Squadron for 36 years and what keeps him coming back is the working with the cadets and seeing them grow up and mature.

With the Air Force Cadets, cadets learn a wide variety of skills.

“They learn field craft which includes putting up tents, building fires and camping activities, we are now into drone technology, so cadets build drones and fly the drones,” said CO Rodger Bow.

“But it’s all about discipline, the AAFC are the primary youth organisation in Australia and disciplines part of it.”

Cadets also learn skills in the classroom too and last year the 103 Squadron implemented a new curriculum, and CO Rodger Bow said it includes everything.

AAFC is not just learning in the classroom; they get to use those skills on bivouacs.

“We join up with Townsville, Charters Towers and Ayr and we go to a scout camp down in Bluewater. Or we go out to Macrossan Training Area at Charters Towers.

“They live in tents while they are there, they sleep on the ground in their sleeping bag.

“Also, once a year we go to Ayr for a weekend of firearms training. Cadets shoot .22 Calibre Rifles and the best part is they're trained to shoot load, clear the weapons and things like that, they are taught properly.”

To become a part of the Australian Air Force Cadets you must be 13, or be turning 13 before the 31st December 2025.

The AAFC runs every Friday night 6.30pm – 10.30pm during school terms, and fees cost $160 a year for the first year, but following that $100, all uniform is included.

The 103 Squadron are currently recruiting up until the 31st March, and CO Rodger Bow encourages any that are thinking of signing up, to come and have a tour of the squadron.

Location: Ingham Airport Entrance, Townsville Road, Ingham, QLD, 4850
Apply online: https://www.airforcecadets.gov.au/how-to-join/wings/1-wing-aafc-nth-qld/103-squadron-ingham

‍

The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre has extended a warm invitation to locals with a love for both caffeine and socialisation to attend Chat Room!

A newly introduced group working to connect the community, Chat Room meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 10:30am at 52 Mcilwraith Street, Ingham. In the interest of making connecting with neighbours easier, the event does not require registration or signups – instead, community members are encouraged to drop in within the hour and have a cuppa!

“The aim of these groups is fostering social connectedness for adults,” shared the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre.

What: Chat Room
When: every Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30am to 10:30am
Where: 52 Mcilwraith Street, Ingham
More Information: call 4776 1822 or email communitysupport@hcsc.org.au

Losing a beloved pet can be a stressful experience, but the Hinchinbrook Shire Council is here to help. The Council’s pound provides a safe, temporary haven for impounded animals and offers clear steps for owners to reclaim their pets.

Owners have three to five working days to collect their animals, depending on registration and microchipping requirements. If unclaimed, these animals become available for rehoming after 2pm on their exit date with the full list of currently impounded animals available online at www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/community-environment/pets-and-animals/impounded-animals/.

Want to give a pet a forever home? You can register your interest in rehoming with the Council before noon on the exit date. Adopting a pet requires completing a simple application and paying a registration fee.

To report a lost or found animal, contact the Council by calling 4776 4600 or emailing council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.