Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
On 10 October 1859 George Elphinstone Dalrymple first sighted what would become the Valley of Lagoons. He applied for a land grant of the area. Arthur and Walter Scott later took up controlling interest in the Valley of Lagoons Station.
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Drongo in the rain photographed at Midgeree Bar Nth Qld, by Kerrie Norrie (With thanks to the Ingham Photography Group)
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By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui No doubt the whole community is eagerly awaiting the refurbishment of the Ingham picture theatre. So what better time to learn about its namesake – James Lawrence ‘Larry’ Kelly, an energetic, hardworking local devoted to the betterment of the Herbert River district and its citizens. Larry was born in Ipswich in 1910 and educated by the Christian Brothers. After working for the Taxation Department, he arrived in Ingham in 1935 to work for the firm E.J. Hardy and G.G. Venables, and in the same year, he married Ella Veronica Hanlon. In 1936 at the age of 26 he was elected as Hinchinbrook Shire Chairman, becoming the youngest shire chairman in Australia at the time. He also was selected as the Shire’s representative on the Townsville Hospital Board and was conducting his own accountancy business. Later he would also act as secretary of the local Fire Brigade Board. In 1943 he retired from both positions and was seconded to the Allied Works Department. In 1946, 1949 and 1952 he again successfully contested the Hinchinbrook Shire Chairman position. He also served as the Shire’s representative and Chairman for TREB until his death in 1952, and delegate to the NQLAA as both vice-president and president until he retired from the latter position in 1951 due to ill health. As an executive member of the Ingham branch of the Labor Party (and President from 1944) he attempted to enter parliament at both the State and Federal levels without success. He had previously been elected as Shire Chairman on a Labour Party ticket but on becoming personally disillusioned he and two fellow council members resigned from the Labour Party. It was as an independent that he was elected as Shire Chairman in 1952 which he considered a personal triumph. He was a gifted speaker and had a great skill in controlling meetings and keeping speakers on topic and within the prescribed time limit. He was popular, conscientious and active though his detractors accused him of dominating the Council. He was also fair-minded, compassionate and sensible. A dedicated Catholic, friend and supporter of the Christian Brothers. In 1937, in defence of the industrious, law-abiding Italian immigrant community, Larry emphatically denied “the wild rumours of an alleged organised secret society of assassin-racketeers, known as the dreaded "Camorra" or "Black Hand".” Instead he identified Ingham’s Mano Nera as a “small fringe of low-class foreign undesirables” who should be deported. Again, his good sense and compassion were visible in his support of Councillors Frederick Hecht and Giuseppe Cantamessa on the outbreak of WW2 when others doubted their loyalty. He reminded those doubters of how much Hecht and Cantamessa had contributed to the district. When Larry and his wife flew south to spend some months in Brisbane on the weekend 8-9 November 1952, he had been ill for some time. Barely three weeks later on 29th November, he died at the age of 42 leaving behind his wife Ella and son James. Larry is buried in the Toowong Cemetery. Seven months later in June 1953, in tribute to Larry, his significant contributions to the Herbert River District, and at the suggestion of Councillor W.O. Garbutt, the new library was opened and dedicated to James Lawrence Kelly by the new chairman E.L. Burke as the J.L. Kelly Memorial Library. Photos sourced and supplied with thanks: Hinchinbrook Shire Council Library Photograph Collection James Lawrence Kelly, Shire Chairman Opening of J.L. Kelly Memorial Public Library, June 1953 The J.L. Kelly Memorial Public Library became a local Council rented office space for a time Cr J.L. Kelly speaking at the opening of the Ingham Aerodrome in 1939
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Hinchinbrook Shire Hall is set to welcome two big names in Australian entertainment this spring, with legendary singer-songwriter Rick Price bringing his Classic Hits Show to Ingham in October, followed by comedian Joe Avati and his Good Old Days tour in November. From much-loved Australian music to family-friendly comedy and a trip down memory lane, both shows offer a chance to enjoy a night of live entertainment right here in the Hinchinbrook. With a career spanning decades, multi-instrumentalist Rick Price is best known for hits including Heaven Knows, Not a Day Goes By and River of Love. His debut album, Heaven Knows, released in 1992, reached No. 3 on the ARIA chart and produced two Top 10 singles. The Classic Hits Show will see Price take audiences through songs from across his illustrious career, performing on both guitar and piano in a one-man live performance. This is a licensed event, with tickets expected to sell fast. One of Australia’s biggest comedy exports Joe Avati will bring his Good Old Days show to Ingham this November. For more than 30 years, Avati has entertained audiences with his sharp and relatable comedy about growing up Italian in Australia. His material has since expanded to explore the differences between cultures and generations, giving audiences plenty of familiar moments to laugh about. Clean and family-friendly, Good Old Days is a chance for three generations of the same family to sit down together and enjoy a night of comedy, with Avati taking audiences on a trip down memory lane. The 90-minute show has no intermission and is suitable for ages 12 and over. This is a licensed event, with only minimal tickets remaining! WHAT: Rick Price – The Classic Hits Show WHEN: Saturday 24th October 2026 5.00pm. Doors open at 4.00pm. WHERE: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, Ingham Tickets: Hinchinbrook Tickets: Rick Price - The Classic Hits Show WHAT: Joe Avati – Good Old Days WHEN: Thursday, 12th November 2026, 8.00pm. Doors open at 7.00pm. WHERE: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, Ingham Tickets: TryBooking: Joe Avati Good Old Days Ingham
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Lifelong Supports celebrating Melbourne Cup Day at the Herbert River RSL, 2025. Photo sourced: Lifelong Supports
Contributed with thanks by Lifelong Supports
Melbourne Cup Day celebrations are coming to The Powerhouse this November, with Lifelong Supports hosting an afternoon of food, fashion and fun!
Our Melbourne Cup event will be held from 11.30am on Tuesday 3rd of November, at The Powerhouse, at 42 McIlwraith Street, Ingham. Attendees can look forward to games, activities, sweeps and prizes, along with a fashion parade and delicious catering by My Nonna’s Table.
Tickets are available for anyone in the community to purchase for $30 per person, which includes entry into the lucky door prize. Tickets can be purchased from Lifelong Supports reception at 5 Palm Terrace, Ingham from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best Melbourne Cup attire and join us at The Powerhouse for what is set to be a fantastic afternoon. With limited tickets available, be sure to secure yours early to avoid missing out.
Beyond the Cup, Lifelong Supports holds a number of regular support groups and activities at The Powerhouse that are open to the community, providing opportunities to connect with others, access support and stay active and informed in a welcoming environment.
This month, our Coffee Morning Support Group for People Living with Dementia will be held on Monday the 19th of October from 9:30am to 11am at The Powerhouse. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by 12 October.
Our Parkinson’s Support Group will be held on Friday, the 16th of October from 9:30am to 11:30am at The Powerhouse, with this month’s group featuring guest speaker Speech Pathologist Fran.
Our Parkinson’s Support Group and Coffee Morning Support Group for People Living with Dementia are held monthly, with the exact date varying from month to month.
At Lifelong Supports we also offer free Tai Chi classes every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am at The Powerhouse. Our Tai Chi classes focus on gentle, flowing movements intended to aid in minimising falls, improving mind and body coordination and decreasing stress, all within a welcoming and supportive environment.
No previous Tai Chi experience is needed, and everyone is welcome to attend. Whether you’re interested in connecting with others through one of our support groups or looking for an opportunity to stay active with Tai Chi, there are plenty of ways to get involved at The Powerhouse – with more activities and groups to support our community in the works!
If you would like to RSVP to one of our support groups or activities or if you are seeking further information, please contact our reception on 07 4776 3755 or email reception@lls.org.au
WHAT: Melbourne Cup Day celebrations
WHEN: 11.30am, Tuesday 3rd November
WHERE: The Powerhouse, 42 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
WHAT: Coffee Morning Support Group for People Living with Dementia
WHEN: 9.30am–11am, Monday 19th October
WHERE: The Powerhouse, 42 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
WHAT: Parkinson’s Support Group, featuring guest speaker Speech Pathologist Fran
WHEN: 9.30am–11.30am, Friday 16th October
WHERE: The Powerhouse, 42 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
WHAT: Free Tai Chi classes
WHEN: 10am every Tuesday and Thursday
WHERE: The Powerhouse, 42 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
A barn swallow, depicted by artist Joanne Bingham. Image credit: Joanne Bingham
The natural world will take centre stage at TYTO Regional Art Gallery this Friday, with the opening of Nature’s Palette, a collaborative exhibition featuring the work of Joanne Bingham, Eleanor Duignan and Dorte Colja.
Opening from 6pm on Friday 9th October, the exhibition brings together three distinct artistic voices, each inspired by wildlife, birds, flora and the environments of the natural world.
Award-winning artist Joanne Bingham is renowned for her depictions of animals, birds and wildlife, while lifelong birdwatcher and nature enthusiast Eleanor Duignan draws on decades of studying and photographing Australian birds and wildlife.
Her detailed bird and botanical artworks reflect her deep appreciation for the natural world.
Together with Dorte Colja, the artists have developed the exhibition over an extended period, working collaboratively to ensure their individual subjects and artistic approaches complement each other.
Nature’s Palette explores the colours, textures and rhythms of nature through detailed wildlife studies, bird portraits, flora and natural landscapes, inviting visitors to experience the natural world through three different creative perspectives.
The free opening night will run from 6pm to 8pm and will include complimentary canapés, with a cash-only bar available throughout the evening.
The exhibition will remain on display at TYTO Regional Art Gallery until Thursday, November 5th. Entry to the opening is free, with bookings essential to assist with catering numbers. Bookings can be made through hinchinbrooktickets.com.au
The four 2025 Princess entrants on either side of the 2024 Princess winner and runner up. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Maraka's Carnivale will open its 2026 celebrations in fabulously feathered Rio style, with the Masquerade Party – Queens Unmasked bringing an evening of glitz, mystique and celebration to the community on Saturday, 24th October.
The evening will also officially introduce the 2026 Queen entrants, giving the community its first chance to meet the women who will feature throughout the festival celebrations.
“We’ve got a really fun night planned to kick-start the Maraka celebrations,” said Masquerade Party Organiser Amber.
“DJ Westhoff will be playing, with prizes up for grabs, nibbles to enjoy, and plenty of colour, feathers and masquerade fun!”
“The night will also be our chance to officially introduce this year’s Queen entrants and bring everyone together for a fun night filled with laughs, dancing and a great atmosphere.
“We’re really hoping to make it a colourful, relaxed and exciting way to kick off Maraka and get everyone into the spirit of the celebrations.”
Tickets for the Masquerade Party are $35, with guests encouraged to be ready for a night of Rio-inspired fun. Scan the QR code to purchase your masquerade tickets, or search on Trybooking ‘Masquerade Party – Queens Unmasked’
The celebrations continue on Sunday, October 25, with the ever-popular Maraka Afternoon Tea at the Herbert River RSL. Doors will open at 1pm ahead of a 2pm start, with tickets also priced at $35 and a full afternoon of entertainment planned.
The event will feature live music, fashion parades courtesy of Ingham Underages and I Love Boutique, and the presentations of this year’s Princess and Queen entrants.
There will also be plenty of chances to take home a prize, with lucky door prizes, the Maraka raffle, a snap raffle and a cent sale all part of the afternoon.
A much-loved part of the festival calendar, the Afternoon Tea provides the perfect opportunity to meet and celebrate this year’s Maraka Queens and Princesses as they continue their journey towards the festival’s grand finale.
Guests are encouraged to dress in garden party or race-day style, catch up with friends and support this year’s entrants.
Tickets for the Afternoon Tea will go on sale on Thursday, 8th October and Friday, 9th October from 9am to 12.30pm, outside NQ Travel & Cruise in Ingham.
With the Rio Carnivale theme bringing colour, feathers and plenty of flair to this year’s celebrations, expect the opening weekend events to be anything but ordinary.
Follow Ingham Maraka Festival on Facebook and Instagram for event updates and further details.
Tuesday 6 October
Cafe Crawl, 9:00am–12:00pm, RSVP the HUB, different cafe each week, Hinchinbrook
QCWA Forrest Beach Branch’s Connect & Chat, 9am-12pm, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Free Tai Chi classes, 10:00am, (Tuesday Session), The Powerhouse, 42 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Creative Corner, 2:00pm–3:00pm, The HUB, 52 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Wednesday 7 October
Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group, 9am-3pm, Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham
Tai Chi, 9am-10am, Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Forrest Beach
Friends of Forrest Beach, Conversation and Games, 9am-12pm, Progress Park Shelter, Forrest Beach
Brothers Bingo, 9:30am, Brothers Sports & Community Club, Cooper Street, Ingham
Ingham Probus Meeting and Bring & Buy, 10am, Herbert River RSL, Ingham
Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm-3:30pm, The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham
Justice of Peace (JP) Services, 2:00pm–4:00pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Social Darts, 7pm, Brothers Sports & Community Club, Cooper Street, Ingham
Thursday 8 October
Active Explorers – Walk, Talk & Mingle, 9:00am–11:00am, RSVP HUB, Ingham
Senior Men's Social Group, 9am-12pm, HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham
CWA Craft Group, 9am-12pm, Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach
QCWA Forrest Beach Meeting, 9am, QCWA Hall, Palm Street, Forrest Beach
Technology Classes, 10am-1:30pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73-75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Free Tai Chi classes, 10:00am, (Thursday Session), The Powerhouse, 42 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Playtime At The Library, 10:30am-12pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73-75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Mahjong, 1pm-3pm, The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham
Teen Training, 3:30pm–4:30pm, Tweak Fitness Ingham, 84 Cartwright Street, Ingham
Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Friday 9 October
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am-11:30am, Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
The House of Floating Flowers (Ukibana no ie), 10:00am–2:00pm, Japanese House, 5 Lynch Street, Ingham
Green Thumb Club, from 2:00pm, 100 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Live Music with Andy G, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Herbert River Sub Branch RSL, Ingham
Saturday 10 October
Parkrun, 7am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell
Conroy Hall Markets, 7:30am-11:30am, Conroy Hall, Ingham
The House of Floating Flowers (Ukibana no ie), 10:00am–2:00pm, Japanese House, 5 Lynch Street, Ingham
Prayer & Bible Study - Under the Cross, 10:00am, Rotary Park, Ingham
Forrest Beach HOY, 12:30pm, Forrest Beach Community Function Centre, Forrest Beach
Sunday 11 October
The House of Floating Flowers (Ukibana no ie), 10:00am–2:00pm, Japanese House, 5 Lynch Street, Ingham
Lees Hotel Sunday Sessions, 1pm, Lees Hotel, 58 Lannercost Street, Ingham
Ingham Basketball Association Inc. Social Sundays, 3pm-5pm, Ingham State High School Auditorium, Ingham
Monday 12 October
Empowering Women Generations XYZ, 9:30am–11:30am, Contact the HUB, Ingham
QCWA Forrest Beach Branch’s Healthy Living Workshop, 9am-11:30am, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach
Ingham Basketball Association Inc. Monday Comp Night, 4:30pm-7pm, Ingham State High School Auditorium, Ingham
Tuesday 13 October
Cafe Crawl, 9:00am–12:00pm, RSVP the HUB, different cafe each week, Hinchinbrook
QCWA Forrest Beach Branch’s Connect & Chat, 9am-12pm, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach
Free Tai Chi classes, 10:00am, (Tuesday Session), The Powerhouse, 42 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Creative Corner, 2:00pm–3:00pm, The HUB, 52 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Early summer in Hinchinbrook signals the arrival of ruby-red lychees! Farms south of Ingham are sprinkled with glowing clusters ready to be plucked, chilled, frozen or eaten straight from the bag. The season is brief — blink and you might miss it — which is why locals guard their stash fiercely and markets empty fast.
Lychees are short-lived perfection: sweet, fragrant, juicy, and instantly transportive. Their arrival is a tropical countdown, marking both the height of summer and the magic of local produce. Eating them becomes a small celebration of seasonality and taste, whether shared with family, tossed into cocktails or enjoyed as a mid-morning snack.
The fleeting nature of the fruit makes each bite precious. In Hinchinbrook, lychees are not just fruit; they are a summer ritual. Tropics to go: hinchinbrookway.com.au
Tuesday 6 October
Cardwell RSL BINGO, 9am, 36-38 Roma Street, Cardwell
BINGO at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 9am, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Trivia Night at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 7pm, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Wednesday 7 October
Cassowary Coast Multisport Club Run Speed Sessions, 6am, Bottom Oval, Mission Beach School, Mission Beach
Cardwell RSL Cardwell Craft Group, 9am-11:30am, 36-38 Roma Street, Cardwell
Pottery Session with Justin, 10am-2pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Thursday 8 October
Mums Club Collective Coffee Catch Up, 9:30am, Castaways Beach Bar & Grill, Mission Beach
Oiled Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Innisfail Community & Services Club Trivia Night, 6pm, 18 Fitzgerald Esplanade, Innisfail
BINGO at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 6:30pm, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Trivia Night at Innisfail RSL, 7pm, 18 – 28 Fitzgerald Esplanade, Innisfail
Friday 9 October
BINGO at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 9am, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
RAM Recreational Centre’s Monthly Indoor Movie Night, 7pm, 4 Stitt Street, Innisfail
Saturday 10 October
Innisfail Riverfest, 3pm-9pm, Fitzgerald Esplanard, Innisfail
Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach
Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell
Cardwell RSL Cardwell Seaside Quilters, 9am-11am, 36-38 Roma Street, Cardwell
Mission Arts Movies Showing the Mastermind, 7pm-9pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Sunday 11 October
Cassowary Coast Multisport Club Long Run Group, 6am-7am, Casuarina Park, South Mission Beach
Cassowary Coast Multisport Club Sunday Cycling Group, 6am-8am, Mission Beach Police Station, Webb Road, Wongaling Beach
Kurrimine Beach Progress Association Markets, 7am-12pm, Kurrimine Beach Progress Hall, Kurrimine Beach
HIT 4 @ TIT Pink Ladies & Balls with Skirts 4-Person Social Ambrose, 8:30am, El Arish Country Club, El Arish
RAM Recreational Centre Indoor Monthly Markets, 9am-1pm, RAM Recreational Centre, 4 Stitt Street, Innisfail
Cardwell RSL Sunday BBQ Lunch, 12pm, 36-38 Roma Street, Cardwell
The Turtle and the Lamb Trail Run, TBC, Upper Davies Creek Camping Area, Mareeba
Monday 12 October
Lions Club of Tully Meet Up, 6:30pm, Mount Tyson Hotel, 23 Butler Street, Tully
Tuesday 13 October
BINGO at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 9am, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Trivia Night at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 7pm, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Cassowary Coast Business Women’s Network Inc. A.I. What We Need to Know, TBC, Mt Tyson Hotel, Tully
Dunk Island has attracted famous admirers over the years, including author and adventurer Edmund James Banfield, whose writings helped make the island famous.
Just four kilometres offshore from Mission Beach, the island combines rainforest-covered hills, secluded beaches and spectacular views back toward the mainland.
It feels remote, yet it's sitting just offshore from one of Queensland's most accessible tropical coastlines. Think history: cassowarycoasttourism.com.au
From the cane fields to the banana farms, local farmers are being encouraged to put themselves forward for a chance at finding love on national television.
Eureka Productions, the team behind Seven's Farmer Wants A Wife, has specifically called on farmers from the Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast regions to apply for the show's 2027 season.
It is not the first time a local farmer has stepped into the spotlight, with Innisfail tropical fruit farmer Sam Reitano appearing on Farmer Wants A Wife in 2020.
“We love showcasing Queensland on the series and the diversity of its landscapes, communities and agricultural industries, so it would be fantastic to see more North Queensland farmers represented in our casting pool.” a Eureka Productions spokesperson said.
“Cane growers and producers from across the region are absolutely encouraged to apply,” the spokesperson said.
“Personality is also a big part of casting, and we love meeting farmers who are passionate about what they do and where they live, have connection to their family and/or community, and can give us a real sense of their life on the land.
“They don’t need to be the loudest in the room, just willing and open to sharing their thoughts with us.”
The 2027 casting search is now open, with locals welcomed to nominate someone they think could be a star.
Cassady Connection enjoying the festival after their set Photo credit: Victoria Velton
By Victoria Velton
Though the day began with grey skies and pouring rain, the weather cleared in the afternoon as crowds began arriving in earnest for the annual Rock and Croc Festival at Halifax's River Park.
The Queensland Fire Department proved a major attraction, putting on a demonstration as crews demolished a Ford, removing all four doors and the boot before cutting away the roof.
The department’s stall was equally popular, with its stickers and branded wooden spoons proving a hit with the younger crowd.
There was hardly a child in attendance without a wooden spoon in hand, while the make-your-own shakers and tambourines provided hours of entertainment as children smashed bottle caps flat and threaded them into instruments.
Ice cream and baby animals were also crowd favourites, with some children even taking the opportunity to climb onto the backs of the two ponies.
Cassady Connections warmed up the crowd through the mist and rain before Ukes-amundo kept the entertainment going as the skies began to clear. Shellsy then turned up the volume, bringing out the electric guitars and rock music before Sax Attack took to the stage.
The festival also featured plenty of activities for children, including a temporary tattoo booth with rock and croc-themed designs created specifically for the event, along with hula hoops and play areas beneath the giant jellyfish decorations hanging from the old paperbark trees.
The Halifax Progress Association’s barbecue proved another major success, selling out of all its food items, while the bar remained a popular staple throughout the afternoon.
By around 4.30pm, the tables were beginning to fill as campers and crowd settled in to watch the music from their camping spots, while others got up and danced, some even hula-hooping along to the music in front of the bands.
By the end of the evening, the rain was a distant memory as music, dancing and laughter filled Halifax for another memorable Rock and Croc Festival.
Tuesday 29th September
BINGO at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 9am, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Trivia Night at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 7pm, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Wednesday 30th September
Cassowary Coast Multisport Club Run Speed Sessions, 6am, Bottom Oval, Mission Beach School, Mission Beach
Cardwell RSL Cardwell Craft Group, 9am-11:30am, 36-38 Roma Street, Cardwell
Thursday 1st October
Tilapia Tournament, all day, Warrina Lakes, Innisfail
Diggers Day at Innisfail RSL, 3pm-7pm, 18 – 28 Fitzgerald Esplanade, Innisfail
Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Innisfail Community & Services Club Trivia Night, 6pm, 18 Fitzgerald Esplanade, Innisfail
80’s & 90’s Drag Trivia, 6pm-9pm, Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, Innisfail
BINGO at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 6:30pm, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Trivia Night at Innisfail RSL, 7pm, 18 – 28 Fitzgerald Esplanade, Innisfail
Friday 2nd October
Cardwell Seafest Carnival, all day, Cardwell
Tilapia Tournament, all day, Warrina Lakes, Innisfail
BINGO at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 9am, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Saturday 3rd October
Cardwell Seafest Carnival, all day, Cardwell
Tilapia Tournament, all day, Warrina Lakes, Innisfail
Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach
Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell
Cardwell RSL Cardwell Seaside Quilters, 9am-11am, 36-38 Roma Street, Cardwell
HOTROD Classic Car N’ Bike Show N’ Shine, 9am-1pm, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell
Cardwell Coast Guard Tropical Plant Expo, 9am-1pm, Cardwell Coast Guard Building, 1 Victoria Street, Cardwell
Cardwell RSL BINGO, 2pm, 36-38 Roma Street, Cardwell
Craft in the Park, 3pm, Forrest Beach Park, Palm Street, Forrest Beach
Mission Beach Film Club’s Screening of Beat the Lotto, 6:30pm-8:30pm, C4 Theatrette, Porters Promenade, Mission Beach
Sunday 4th October
Cardwell Seafest Carnival, all day, Cardwell
Cassowary Coast Multisport Club Long Run Group, 6am-7am, Casuarina Park, South Mission Beach
Cassowary Coast Multisport Club Sunday Cycling Group, 6am-8am, Mission Beach Police Station, Webb Road, Wongaling Beach
Mission Beach Markets, 7am-12pm, Ulysses Park, Mission Beach
Coffee & Cars Monthly Meet Up, 9am, Flying Fish Point Beach Café, Innisfail
Cardwell RSL Sunday BBQ Lunch, 12pm, 36-38 Roma Street, Cardwell
Mission Arts’ AGM, 3pm-4:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Monday 5 October
Cassowary Coast Yarners & Threads, 10am-12pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Tuesday 6 October
Cardwell RSL BINGO, 9am, 36-38 Roma Street, Cardwell
BINGO at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 9am, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Trivia Night at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 7pm, Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Seafest 2025 saw many pirates parading about the foreshore. Photo source: Hinchinbrook Life
Point the car towards Cardwell, because Seafest is taking over the seaside town from Friday 2nd October to Sunday 4th October, and there is a lot happening.
This is not an event you need to attend for just one attraction. It is a whole weekend of reasons to get out of the house, get together with family and friends and enjoy what our community has put together.
Friday night will get things moving with a dress-up party and live music at the Marine Hotel, while Cardwell Country Club hosts barefoot bowls and live music.
Then Saturday turns up the volume with the NQIB Rockabilly Car ’n’ Bike Show, bringing classic cars, bikes, live music, food and entertainment to Cardwell from 9am.
Later, the action heads to the Cardwell Jetty with Andy G live on stage, kids’ activities, games, a limbo competition, treasure hunt and chalk art, before The Cassidy Connection takes to the stage and the Cardwell Rocks fireworks light up the sky at 8.30pm.
And Sunday is certainly not a day for sleeping in!
The Euramo Boar & Barra Bash Kids Fishing Competition kicks things off on the jetty, followed by pie eating, prawn peeling, Puppies on Parade, Chuck a Mullet, kids’ fancy dress, the Op Shop Kids Lolly Toss and a monster raffle.
That is a lot of weekend packed into one seaside town. So, Cassowary Coast, this is your nudge.
Fill the car. Bring the kids. Bring your mates. Bring your appetite and your competitive spirit. Get to Cardwell, Seafest is on this weekend!
Brittany Gardner had some company while catching up on Cassowary Coast LIFE this week, with young Murphy – one of The Pocket’s female goats – keen to get in on the action.
The Pocket at El Arish is home to a collection of friendly animals, with visitors welcome to join feeding time every weekend at 8.30am, plus special school holiday sessions on Thursdays at 10.30am and Fridays at 9.30am.
And judging by Murphy’s interest in the paper, even the kids like to keep up with the local news!
Etty Bay is one of the few places in Australia where visitors regularly encounter the endangered Southern Cassowary in the wild. These towering birds can stand nearly two metres tall and play a vital role in maintaining rainforest health by spreading seeds across vast distances.
Unlike a zoo encounter, sightings here happen on the bird's terms. One moment you're admiring the beach, the next a cassowary strolls out of the rainforest and across the sand like it owns the place.
Because, in many ways, it does. Visit with dinosaurs: cassowarycoasttourism.com.au
Tuesday 29 September
Paluma Adventure Day Outer Limits Adventure Fitness, 7am, Outer Limits Adventure Centre, Crystal Creek
Cafe Crawl, 9:00am–12:00pm, RSVP the HUB, different cafe each week, Hinchinbrook
QCWA Forrest Beach Branch’s Connect & Chat, 9am-12pm, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Storytellers Gallery Exhibition, 10:00am–4:00pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Creative Corner, 2:00pm–3:00pm, The HUB, 52 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Wednesday 30 September
Tai Chi, 9am-10am, Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Forrest Beach
Friends of Forrest Beach, Conversation and Games, 9am-12pm, Progress Park Shelter, Forrest Beach
Brothers Bingo, 9:30am, Brothers Sports & Community Club, Cooper Street, Ingham
Library Bingo, 10:30am–12:00pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Storytellers Gallery Exhibition, 10:00am–4:00pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm-3:30pm, The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham
Justice of Peace (JP) Services, 2:00pm–4:00pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Social Darts, 7pm, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper Street, Ingham
Ingham Probus 50th Anniversary Celebration, time TBC, Slipway Restaurant, Lucinda
Thursday 1 October
Active Explorers – Walk, Talk & Mingle, 9:00am–11:00am, RSVP HUB, Ingham
Senior Men's Social Group, 9am-12pm, HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham
CWA Craft Group, 9am-12pm, Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach
Technology Classes, 10am-1:30pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73-75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Playtime At The Library, 10:30am-12pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73-75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Storytellers Gallery Exhibition, 10:00am–4:00pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Mahjong, 1pm-3pm, The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham
Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Friday 2 October
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am-11:30am, Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Storytellers Gallery Exhibition, 10:00am–4:00pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Mystery Movie Morning, 10:30am–12:00pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
The House of Floating Flowers (Ukibana no ie), 10:00am–2:00pm, Japanese House, 5 Lynch Street, Ingham
Green Thumb Club, from 2:00pm, 100 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Artisan x Ingham Art Action Networking Drinks, 5:00pm–7:00pm, Ingham Art Action, 12 Berwick Street, Ingham
Live Music with Nev Milne, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Herbert River Sub Branch RSL, Ingham
Saturday 3 October
Parkrun, 7am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell
Making Matters: Ingham, 9:00am–4:00pm, Ingham Art Action, 12 Berwick Street, Ingham
Show Jumping Championships – Day 1, 8:00am – 4:00pm, Ingham Showgrounds, Showground Cnr Cooper Street, Miles Street, Ingham
Artist Talk – The House of Floating Flowers (Ukibana no ie), 11:00am–12:00pm, Japanese House, 5 Lynch Street, Ingham
The House of Floating Flowers (Ukibana no ie), 10:00am–2:00pm, Japanese House, 5 Lynch Street, Ingham
Storytellers Gallery Exhibition, 10:00am–4:00pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Sunday 4 October
Ingham Raintree Community Market, 7am-12pm, Rotary Park, Ingham
Lucinda Markets, 7am-11am, Borello Park, Lucinda
Show Jumping Championships – Day 2, 8:00am – 4:00pm Ingham Showgrounds,
Showground Cnr Cooper Street, Miles Street, Ingham
The House of Floating Flowers (Ukibana no ie), 10:00am–2:00pm, Japanese House, 5 Lynch Street, Ingham
Lees Hotel Sunday Sessions, 1pm, Lees Hotel, 58 Lannercost Street, Ingham
Herbert River Orchid & Allied Plant Society Meeting, 1:30pm, Conroy Hall, Ingham
Ingham Basketball Association Inc. Social Sundays, 3pm-5pm, Ingham State High School Auditorium, Ingham
Monday 5 October
Show Jumping Championships – Final Day, 8:00 – 4:00pm, Ingham Showgrounds, Showground Cnr Cooper Street, Miles Street, Ingham
Empowering Women Generations XYZ, 9:30am–11:30am, Contact the HUB, Ingham
QCWA Forrest Beach Branch’s Healthy Living Workshop, 9am-11:30am, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach
Ingham Basketball Association Inc. Monday Comp Night, 4:30pm-7pm, Ingham State High School Auditorium, Ingham
Tuesday 6 October
Cafe Crawl, 9:00am–12:00pm, RSVP the HUB, different cafe each week, Hinchinbrook
QCWA Forrest Beach Branch’s Connect & Chat, 9am-12pm, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Creative Corner, 2:00pm–3:00pm, The HUB, 52 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
The House of Floating Flowers exhibition, PUNQ 2026. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
By Victoria Velton
Ingham’s Japanese House has been transformed by a recent artist’s residency, with Mari Hirata’s The House of Floating Flowers (Ukibana no ie) exhibition now open to visitors.
The Lutruwita/Tasmania-based multidisciplinary artist spent time living and working within the Japanese House, using the experience to develop a site-responsive installation. The work is shaped directly by the building, its history, the surrounding landscape and the experiences Hirata encountered during her residency.
Hirata arrived with questions and rough ideas for the exhibition, but deliberately left room for the work to evolve.
“The whole experience of the residency essentially made the exhibition,” Hirata said.
“I did originally come into the project with a list of questions and some rough ideas, however I also wanted to keep it open ended to allow room for the ideas and works to change and develop as necessary.”
Living within the Japanese House allowed Hirata to understand its physical spaces in a way that influenced the scale, mediums and presentation of the finished works.
“Spending time with [hosts] Jan and Hugh, listening to their stories and experiences, as well as meeting some of their friends and driving through the surrounding landscapes acted as catalysts for the ideas for the exhibition,” she said.
The Japanese was brought from Japan to Brisbane in 1887 and relocated to Ingham in 1962- a long journey that prompted Hirata to imagine what the building itself might have witnessed throughout its history.
“The theme of water is one that runs through the whole exhibition,” she said.
“It began with imagining what the house saw and experienced over the long and distant voyages, and existing in various locations, equally surrounded by water.
"It wasn't long until that idea branched out in different directions to express different stories, symbols, and metaphors, as well as questions and possibilities of how to express this as an exhibition format - through multiple forms, ranging from sight, light, and sound.
“The beautiful tropical garden of the Japanese House, as well as the surrounding sugar cane fields were something that caught my attention from the very beginning of the residency,” she said.
Hirata imagined the building itself as a vessel for generations of experiences.
“As tempting as it was, I tried not to focus on any particular stories or figures, as I felt there were too many - and also this was a very ‘human’ point of view,” she said.
“Instead, I tried to imagine how a house might process a collection of experiences and memories over a very long period of time, through several generations.”
One unexpected discovery during the residency helped bring together these ideas as the silvery white ‘spears’ of the flowering sugarcane became visible across the surrounding fields.
Viewing these expansive silvery-pink fields from above provided the catalyst for Sweet (Spear) Dreams, one of the exhibition’s large-scale immersive installations.
Open on weekends until October 11th, The House of Floating Flowers brings together architecture, nature, light, sound and memory, inviting visitors to experience the Japanese House through a new lens while considering the stories and experiences that have accumulated within its walls.
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