With heavy hearts, the Australian-Italian Festival Committee issued an official statement on Wednesday the 9th of April outlining 2025’s event will not go ahead as planned.

The Committee made the decision last week following lengthy discussions in consideration of 2025’s destructive floods and the devastating impact the weather event had across the Hinchinbrook Shire earlier this year.

“The Committee considered the extent of devastation and impact to the Ingham community following the February flooding and realised that there was no other option but to cancel the Festival for this 2025,” published the Australian-Italian Festival Committee.

In November of 2024, the community were overjoyed to read the Australian-Italian Festival would celebrate its 30th anniversary this June, especially following plenty of rumours the beloved celebration would not continue into the new year, however, following its cancellation, the future of the event remains uncertain.

Mr Pino Giandomenico, long term President of the Australian-Italian Festival Committee, was saddened to confirm 2025’s cancelation, and was particularly at a loss to call off the 30th anniversary celebrations.

“It was very sad to have to make this decision as the committee was looking forward to presenting our 30th Festival but the impact of the flooding on our sponsors, committee members and volunteers and the community in general left us no choice but to cancel," wrote Mr Giandomenico.

Plenty of hugs, messages of encouragement and words of support were sent Mr Giandomenico’s way from the Hinchinbrook Shire and beyond, with many extending their thanks to the Committee for dedicating so much time and effort into hosting such an iconic event.

“Let’s hope that the community stays strong and gets plenty of support to help rebuild so that the memories of the great contributions that the Italians have brought to this country by having these festivals are never forgotten by generations past, present and future - in bocco al lupo (good luck),” shared Domenico Taraborrelli.

Have you ever thought about opening your home to the world? This July and August, a group of bright and enthusiastic exchange students from across Europe will be arriving in Australia and they’re looking for loving host families right here in Hinchinbrook to help make their Aussie adventure unforgettable.

Volunteers are urgently needed to host these students, with placements coordinated through WEP (World Education Program), a not-for-profit student exchange organisation. Families, couples, and individuals are all encouraged to apply and all that’s required is a warm heart, a spare bed, and a desire to share a slice of everyday Australian life.

Each student comes with their own unique passions and personality, and all are eager to experience true Australian culture, school life, and way of living.

Among those hoping to be placed in Hinchinbrook are:
• E from Finland – a creative spirit who enjoys music, dance, travel, painting, and movies.
• L from Germany – passionate about theatre, cooking, reading, and exploring new places.
• C from France – loves playing music, badminton, gymnastics, sailing, skiing, and baking.
• A from Denmark – enjoys board games, playing cards, and keeping fit.

Hosting a student is more than just sharing your home, it's about building lifelong friendships, learning about another culture, and making a young person’s dream come true. Those interested in learning more about being part of such a rewarding experience are invited to call WEP on (03) 9598 4733.

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CANEGROWERS has welcomed Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki’s comments supporting the development of a domestic biofuels industry, during his speech to the Queensland Energy Club in Brisbane today.

“The sugarcane sector is ready to see a biofuels industry take off in Queensland, with cane as a key feedstock,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

"It's great to see the Treasurer not just showing support, but taking on an important leadership role in driving the development of this emerging industry."

However, Mr Galligan, who sits on the State Government’s recently formed expert panel on biofuels, said that it’s time to move from talk to action.

“The airline industry is on board, the bioenergy sector is keen, and the emerging SAF industry is pushing forward with pilot projects – like the one recently launched by biofuels company Licella at the Isis Central Sugar Mill in Childers.

“The government clearly wants this too, so let’s make it happen.”

Mr Galligan noted that developing a biofuels industry in Queensland, with sugarcane as a central feedstock, is a key focus of the industry’s 2030 strategic roadmap – Sugar Plus: Fuelling the Future of Food, Energy and Fabrication.

“Queensland’s sugarcane industry already produces ethanol and green electricity, so we are well positioned to supply a sustainable aviation fuel industry that could help power the future of Australian air travel,” Mr Galligan said.

“But to give the industry the confidence to make the switch to biofuels production, a national feedstock strategy, supported by offtake agreements, is essential.”

As members of Bioenergy Australia, CANEGROWERS and the Australian Sugar Manufacturers have been advocating for the development of a national biofuels feedstock strategy for over a year.

“Our global competitors are way ahead on biofuels. We can’t afford to fall further behind. We need decisive action and meaningful government investment now,” Mr Galligan said.

“The development of a biofuels industry in Queensland won’t just help Australia meet its emissions targets – it will also boost energy security, boost the economy, and stimulate regional agricultural and industrial growth.

“We appreciate the Treasurer’s support, but what we really need now is a strong commitment from both State and Federal governments. That starts with a national feedstock strategy,” Mr Galligan said.

Between work, school, sport, and daily commitments, family life can often feel like a whirlwind however, even amidst the hustle, there are simple and meaningful ways to stay connected with one another with no special occasion or school holiday required!

Creating time for regular family routines can have a lasting impact on children’s wellbeing and development. Whether it’s sitting down for a shared dinner a few times a week, reading together before bed, or taking a short evening walk around the neighbourhood, these little pockets of time help build stronger relationships and a sense of belonging.

Communication is key, especially during busy school terms. Asking open-ended questions like “What was a highlight of your day?” or “Was there anything tricky about your day?” can help children open up and reflect. Even a few minutes of focused conversation can go a long way in making kids feel heard and supported.

Weekends can also offer a chance to reconnect as a family, even with just a few simple activities. A visit to the local markets, cooking a meal together, or doing a DIY project in the backyard are great ways to get everyone involved. Especially within the Hinchinbrook Shire, families are lucky to have loads of natural beauty right on their doorstep from local parks and beaches to walking trails and wildlife!

While big family holidays and outings are wonderful, it’s the consistent small moments that truly strengthen the bonds between parents, children, and siblings. Making space for laughter, conversation, and kindness in everyday life helps create a strong foundation for growing families. Connection doesn’t require perfection. It’s about showing up, being present, and enjoying each other’s company, one day at a time.

Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

The results of our grower survey last year made it quite apparent that growers who market with Wilmar
believe that the market information we provide is one of the most important services of our Grower
Marketing team.

One way we keep growers up to date is via shed meetings and information sessions which we recently
held in Proserpine, Ingham and the Burdekin.

It’s always thoroughly enjoyable for the team to get out and about, meeting with growers, learning more
about their businesses and hearing what works for them.

With the current turmoil in global markets, it was a timely update given the uncertainty within the world. It
was also a great opportunity to have our Risk Manager Bevan Patterson up from Brisbane to review the
current Wilmar forecasts on global demand and supply, and try to make some sense of the chaos.

Currently we forecast a small net surplus in sugar for the upcoming season which is highly dependent on
Brazil delivering another record crop of 42 million tonnes of sugar. Harvest is about to get under way in
Brazil and the dry start to the year may result in yields underperforming current forecasts.

As Brazil accounts for nearly three quarters of global seaborne trade, any slip in production could see a
surplus turn into a deficit, and higher prices.

The global market turmoil triggered by the tariff tit for tat has caused the AUD to be extremely volatile as
traders analyse the impact on a trading nation like Australia. It is not often that we see the AUD below 60
cents and it has masked some of the drop in the #11 sugar price fall.

In better news, our 2024 season pools and allocation account continue to outperform, and we will soon
release our quarterly performance and comparative analysis for January to March. Keep an eye on your
inbox for that later this month. The analysis continues to show that growers are significantly better off by
marketing with Wilmar, irrespective of the mechanisms used for GEI sugar pricing.

After a few days out of the office and in the regions catching up with our growers, it is great to see the
sun shining and the fields drying out. We hope the rainy days are behind us, and we will soon see a hive
of activity out on the farms as planting begins.

The Ingham Gold Cup Race Day (18+ event) returns to our local Herbert River Jockey Club
track and events calendar on 12 July 2025 and promises a fun filled, action-packed day of horse racing, fashions on the field, music, food and beverages.

With a less-than-ideal start to the 2025 year, we were adversely affected by the recent
floods, with damage occurring in our Members Club House and one of the Jockey Rooms.
The most significant damage however impacted the Inside and Outside Running Rails on the track. Regardless of all these setbacks, we have embraced the new racing season and have already commenced preparations for the much-anticipated July event where the community can come together and celebrate our resilience and determination to build back stronger than ever!

We’re going to have the usual crowd-attracting entertainment. The excitement of horse
racing, the glamour of Fashions on the Field as well as local music entertainers keeping the party going into the night. Fashions Coordinator Christina Spencer has said “Our Fashions on the Field event was a head-turner at our last Race Meeting in November 2024 and this year promises to be just as spectacular. I have found three highly professional judges with an extensive background in the fashion industry; And sponsorship requests have been sent out to all local businesses in the hopes of compiling an extensive prize pool for the fashions winners.”

One of the Fashions categories introduced at our last event was “Hinchinbrook Way” – local category and we intend to include it again at this next event, highlighting the importance of supporting local business and shopping locally. The criteria for this category is living within the 4850 postcode, however extra prizes will be given if the outfit was purchased locally.

Other categories will be Contemporary Lady, Classic Lady, Best Dressed Male and Millinery, as well as the usual Spotter’s Choice. While our Fashions don’t have a particular theme in the style criteria, you can expect sunflowers, burlap and country vibes under the marquee!

With our updated website, and our current Facebook and Instagram sites, more details will be unveiled in the next few months, so stay tuned. If your business would like to become a sponsor, feel free to get in touch with the committee. There’s some amazing sponsorship packages also available!

MenZland
At MenZ, we’re all about colour and subtle patterns — perfect for standing out at this year’s Race Week. For Fashions on the Field, we’re loving shirts in soft pastels, earthy tones, and fine prints that add just the right amount of flair. Small-scale patterns bring a touch of personality without overpowering your look, keeping things fresh, modern, and race-day appropriate. It’s all about keeping it clean, confident, and comfortable. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it cool, we’ve got the perfect shirt to help you look sharp trackside. Pop in-store and let us help you find your winning look!

Bossi Boots
Fashion is simply fabulous! Whether you love of colour, black and white, matchy-matchy, quirky, vintage, it's your time to shine! Stockings - no stockings, gloves - no gloves, it's what you like. Personally, stockings and gloves are quite classy even if it's hot and humid! What shoe suits your outfit? A block heel is guaranteed to help you stay stable all day but what style works with your outfit - strappy, closed in, peep toe, court shoe? Do you choose your headpiece first or your outfit? Whatever your fashion question, you're welcome to ask for advice at Bossi Boots to help you get races ready!

i love boutique
Whether you're rocking designer threads or your favourite op-shop score, with i love boutique we can help you find that confidence to really stand out! For Race Day style in Ingham, NQ fashion is all about bold colours, fun prints, and showing off your personal flair. This year, ladies are mixing it up with everything from classic dresses to jumpsuits, bright accessories, fascinators, and a bit of sparkle. Lightweight fabrics are a must in the heat, and comfort is key—because you want to enjoy the day, with the best part being loving how amazing you look in your outfit!

Lisa Maree
Our best tip for looking your absolute best this Race Day is simple: wear what truly suits you! Confidence is your most stunning accessory. With Lisa Maree, you can try on every colour, pattern, and cut until we find that perfect match. Whether you prefer a flowing dress or something more structured, a chic skirt or a casual classic, we've got you covered. Let yourself feel radiant and free to twirl in your gorgeous outfit, perfectly paired with sensible yet stylish Race Day heels. Add a bold touch like a statement piece bag, or colour-matched fascinators and own your moment!

Happy Easter Hinchinbrook, I cannot believe that it is that time of year once again. I hope everyone has the time and opportunity to be able to catch up with family and friends if possible and the weather finally improves.

The February 2025 floods triggered the activation of Council’s Disaster Recovery Subgroups. As Chair of the Hinchinbrook Recovery Group Infrastructure Subgroup, I want to highlight its role: coordinating the recovery of housing, buildings, and essential infrastructure like power, water, transport, and communications across the region.

Once a disaster event is declared, funding programs such as Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement (DRFA) are announced, which is administered by Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA). DRFA programs allow organisations to assess the damage that may have occurred during an event, make submissions, coordinate and manage the restoration and repairs and finalise claims through the project acquittal process.

Residents may have already noticed some repair work carried out, such as clearing of debris, pothole patching, cleaning of table drains and minor grading along some roads. These activities are being undertaken as emergency works, a priority of this program is to temporarily repair an essential public asset to enable safe operation.

Subsequent Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA) require submissions to be made to QRA for approval of funding. Once a submission has been assessed and approved, the procurement process for the restoration works will begin.

Once again it is great to be able to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and read through what has been and what will be happening throughout our Shire. Thank you for the opportunity once again.

Happy Easter, Hinchinbrook. As the Easter long weekend approaches, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Hinchinbrook a safe and enjoyable time with their friends and families.

Easter means different things to different people, but at its core, it’s a time to pause, reflect, and spend time with those who matter most. For those of the Christian faith it’s a time to reflect on the death and resurrection of Christ. The Easter message is one of hope, faith and new beginnings.

It’s been a rough start to the New Year with wet weather and flooding remaining front of mind for many of us. Here’s hoping the long weekend brings some well-deserved sunshine. Traditionally, this time of year sees many families heading to our local beaches, shooting off for a bit of camping, or taking a short holiday.

Personally, I’m looking forward to getting out on the water and heading over to Hinchinbrook Island to check out Mulligans and Zoe Bay Falls. With the recent rain, both will be a spectacular sight to see. Wallaman Falls Road is currently open with caution and would make for a great drive and a day trip, as would the Cardwell Spa Pools and the many swimming spots around Crystal Creek.

Also, as a friendly reminder, we have been warned that police will be out on our roads and on the water in higher numbers than usual, so it would be a good idea to check your speed, keep an eye on your alcohol consumption, and if boating, check your safety gear like flares, EPIRB and lifejackets.

Whatever you decide to do, take care, travel safe, and have a wonderful Easter weekend

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The Hinchinbrook Way invites you on a journey guided by local storytellers, weaving rich tales that celebrate culture, heritage, and adventure.

This unique pathway draws from over 60,000 years of living history, where Indigenous and immigrant voices come together. Their stories, steeped in tradition, are lovingly passed from generation to generation, shaping the vibrant spirit of our region.

Even the logo tells a story. It reflects the Rainbow Serpent, follows the winding Herbert River, traces the flow of Wallaman Falls, echoes the lines of cultivated fields, and playfully nods to Italian heritage with strands of colourful spaghetti.

More than just a journey, The Hinchinbrook Way is a celebration of lifestyle—relaxed, authentic, and set against the backdrop of some of the most stunning landscapes in North Queensland.

Ingham State High School students were recently invited to participate in the 2025 edition of the Illuminate program. The program developed by the Townsville City Galleries and Visual Art Teacher, Rose Rush, was aimed at enriching arts practice for Senior Art students in the Townsville Region.

This was the fifth year in which Ingham High students have attended the program and once again it proved to be a very rewarding opportunity to build skills and knowledge from key artists, Tamika Grant-Iramu and Lisa Ashcroft. Each student created two resolved artworks from the Whimsical Sculpture and the Organic Patterns & Forms workshops and especially enjoyed working amongst their like-minded creative peers.

A highlight for the attending students was also being able to experience Behind the Lines - The Year in Political Cartoons 2024 exhibition, which is currently exhibiting at Pinnacles Gallery.

While it might seem like a big job, refreshing your walls can be achieved in 4 basic steps and it’s an easy way to refresh or completely change the look and feel of a room. Pick a room for each weekend, put on your favourite music and get painting!

Before any paint tin gets opened, investing in the right tools for the job will not only stand you in good stead for your current paint job but any future projects. Here is a list of equipment you will need before getting started: Bucket & sponge, Sugar Soap, All Purpose Filler, Masking tape, Paintbrush, Cloth, Drop sheet, Sandpaper & block, Stirrer, Roller & tray, Extension pole, Interior (available in Matt, Low Sheen, Semi-gloss, Gloss), and all can be found at 100 Herbert Steet's Mitre10!

1. Prep - Prepping your walls properly will make the painting process a much easier one with a great result. Cover or remove furniture and lay down a drop sheet. To prepare the walls: wash down with Sugar Soap, fill any cracks with All Purpose Filler (allowing 30 minutes for dry time), sand back and dust off. Spot prime any patches with Multi Prep. You will then need to mask the trims for cutting in. This means putting masking tape along the edge of the wall, skirting boards or cornices so that the neighbouring wall, floor or ceiling does not get any unwanted paint on it.

2. Cut In - Cutting in means painting the corners or around fiddly bits like vents and light fittings with a paintbrush. Basically, spots that you wouldn’t be able to reach with a paint roller. Before dipping in your paintbrush to paint, mix the paint with a stirrer in a circular lifting motion.

3. Paint - Now it’s time for the fun part, load the roller with an even amount of paint. Start at the left edge of the wall and roll in an overlapping ‘W’ shape from top to bottom, this ensures even distribution of the paint.

4. Lay Off - Once you have applied 3-4 rollers full of paint, and before the paint has dried, it is time to lay off. This means rolling the roller (when it is ready for more paint, not loaded with paint) with no pressure in a straight line (vertically) starting at the top to ensure even coverage. Continue this process until you have completed the entire wall or section of wall.

There you have it! It's as simple as those four steps and the more you paint, the faster and more efficient you'll become. If you have questions about any part of the process or need advice for your next project come and chat in store at 100 Herbert Steet, Ingahm, Mitre10.

For more than 32 years – including the two decades I have lived in Kennedy – our proud communities here in Hinchinbrook have been represented by the same voice in Canberra.

But I ask you: has our region been taken seriously when big decisions are made? Has Hinchinbrook benefited from the transformational infrastructure we’ve been trying for years to receive? Has enough been done to give our kids and grandkids a reason to stay here?

Maybe it’s time for a fresh approach, and I’m ready to deliver it.

I’m Annette Swaine, your LNP candidate for Kennedy, and I’m proud to call North Queensland home. I’ve lived, worked and raised my family right here in the Kennedy electorate for the past two decades. I know this region. I’ve walked its streets, fished its waters, and stood side by side with its people through good times and bad.
I grew up in the Torres Strait Islands in the commercial fishing industry, learning early the value of hard work and community. I served as a Queensland Police Sergeant in Innisfail, Mount Isa and Cardwell, specialising in the Child Protection and Investigation Unit. After leaving the police, I ran a small fishing charter and tourism business out of Cardwell.

Everything I’ve done in life has been shaped by service and community.

That’s why I’m putting my hand up – because more can be done to bring about positive change for the people of Kennedy.

Under a Dutton Liberal National Government, we will always fight for farmers, small businesses, and tradies. We will introduce a $12,000 incentive for small and medium businesses to take on new apprentices and trainees in critical skill areas. That means more local jobs and a stronger workforce for the future.

We’ll deliver immediate tax relief and cut fuel taxes. We’ll also reintroduce the $30,000 Instant Asset Write-Off, giving our cane farmers, graziers and other businesses a tax cut when they buy new equipment.

Unlike Labor, we will never tax unrealised capital gains – a policy that would force some small business owners and farmers to sell their assets just to pay the tax. I stand for lower, simpler, and fairer taxes, and responsible budget management.

Under a Dutton Liberal National government, we will establish a dedicated $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund from mining revenue to pump money directly into the regions and ensure the Australian way of life is continued in our communities.

Kennedy needs a representative who not only understands local issues but someone who sits with a party of government and is in the room when decisions are made.

I’m not here just to make up the numbers and I’m not here to discredit the work of our current MP – I’m here to offer the chance to forge a new path. Because after 32 years, we need a different approach, and I have the local knowledge, experience, and determination to be that difference.

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Last week, the R U OK? Conversation Convoy made its way through Hinchinbrook Shire on its way up the coast. The convoy gave people an opportunity to talk in a comfortable setting outside of their usual circle, opening up new ways to connect, and provided someone to listen and to understand what they’ve been through. Parked in Ingham's central Rotary Park, they had a great turn out - with many townspeople seizing the opportunity to stop by, grab a free hot drink, a snag, and have a chat or a game of chess with one of the members of the Convoy team out under the bright yellow umbrellas or in the comfort of the caravan.

Checking In, Not Just Passing Through

Deputy Mayor Mary Brown attended the Convoy and was blown away by its presentation, saying, "I think it's fantastic, with a very relaxed and welcoming environment, and that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? There’s no judgement."

Ms. Brown also stated that, "Everything in town looks clean and lovely now, you wouldn’t know we had a flood. But emotionally, there’s still a lot of instability around."

Lachlan Searle, the Community Director for the Conversation Convoy, said that the journey is truly "all about meeting people in their hometowns, in their communities, and encouraging them to look out for friends and family and have a conversation if they see signs that someone might be struggling."

He recognised their trials and hoped the convoy would help ease worries, saying,  "There's a lot of pressure at the moment with the cost of living, as the floods up here in North Queensland have made a very difficult start to the year. So we're here to remind people that you can look out for your friends, your family, your colleagues, and you can ask them, 'Are You Ok?' on any day of the year."

Specifically, he noted that "The Conversation Convoy is deliberately stopping at places like Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Lucinda, so we can check in and see communities who have been hit really hard by those February floods. Those who are still waiting on things to settle down, waiting for insurance companies to get back to them. Making sure communities understand that they can check in with each other by simply sitting down, finding the time to ask, Are you ok?"

Billy Cheeseman, a member of the R U OK? Conversation Convoy wrapped it all up nicely, saying, "We come into towns to remind people that all it takes is a conversation to change your life. We make it simple by following just a few small steps to encourage both action and check-ins." Which is so important, keep checking in with each other and remember with enough community support, we can help everyone feel OK.