Meet Wynnie

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Wynnie found herself in a spot of bother when she and her five kittens were struggling to survive on their own. Thankfully, she was one of the lucky ones. A kind-hearted person took this little family in, making sure they were safe, fed, and cared.

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Wynnie may need a little time to settle into a new environment and learn that she is finally safe, but with patience and love, she will blossom into a devoted companion.

After everything she’s been through, Wynnie is ready for a life where she will never have to worry about going hungry or being let down again. All she asks for is a family who will love her unconditionally for the rest of her life.

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Wynnie is $210, including DESEXING, MICROCHIPPING, up to date VACCINATIONS, and FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated. Enquire today at angelpawsinc.com.au/forms/

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Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

DOB: 01/04/2025

Cat Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Unsure

Kid Friendly: Yes

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A “Big Year” Fits in One Shire

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Think you need months of travel for a serious bird list? Think again. Across wetlands, rainforest, coastline and islands, 380+ bird species have been recorded in the Hinchinbrook region. That’s a “big year” tucked neatly into one shire.

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Early mornings and late afternoons are prime time, with September to December often boosting wetland numbers. Mix a TYTO dawn patrol, coastal terns, channel raptors and a Paluma rainforest search and you’ve got a full-card day.

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Log your sightings on eBird and watch your map fill in — smugness optional but likely. Then celebrate the only proper way: espresso, pastries and a victory snack from town. Birding here isn’t niche. It’s normal. And addictive. Start your list: hinchinbrookway.com.au

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My name is Marley Abeleven. I’m 15 years old, raised right here in the Hinchinbrook Region, and I’m super excited to start sharing some of my writing with you all!  

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If you know me, you probably already know I can usually be found at the beach, sketching something random in my art book, attempting to survive boxing training, or making terrible jokes to get a laugh out of people. I’ve always loved anything creative, especially writing. Ever since I was little, I’ve been filling notebooks with stories, ideas, reviews, and observations about life in our little corner of the world.  

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One of my favourite things about Hinchinbrook is that there’s so much happening here! Amazing places, local events, hidden gems, talented people and plenty of stories worth telling. Sometimes younger people need someone to talk about it from a different perspective… and that’s where I come in!  

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My articles will be a teenage take on local events, attractions, and life around the region and hopefully with a bit of humour mixed in too. Think less “serious reporter” and more “your slightly chaotic local teenager with opinions”. So far, I have had lots of fun reporting on the Markets at the Mosaic and tried my hand at sports reporting, with the help of Victoria Velton, our own Hinchinbrook Life journalist, in last week's paper.

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I’m also counting down the days until I turn 16 so I can finally join the Ingham Theatre Group, because performing arts and drama are definitely my thing.

I can’t wait to share my adventures, opinions, and reviews with you all, and hopefully bring a few younger readers along for the ride too!

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Fun at the Welcome Dinner: Photo credits: Ingham Rod and Reel club Facebook page

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The 2026 Hinchinbrook Catch and Release Tournament happened over the weekend, with anglers gathering beforehand for the event’s opening night and setting the stage for what organisers say shaped up to be a strong year of competition.

Hosted by Ingham Rod and Reel, the evening commenced with the traditional Skipper’s Briefing before competitors, supporters and guests came together for the Welcome Dinner.

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Organisers said the opening night reflected the spirit of the tournament, providing an opportunity for long-time fishing mates to reconnect while also welcoming new anglers and teams to the event.

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“It was a great night at the opening of our 2026 Hinchinbrook Catch and Release Tournament,” organisers said.

“In true tournament spirit as always, it was a great night for all, catching up with angler mates and welcoming new anglers and teams, always great camaraderie.”

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The club also acknowledged the important role sponsors and supporters continue to play in ensuring the event's success, saying their contributions help provide competitors with the best possible experience while fishing the Hinchinbrook Channel.

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Organisers noted there was a particularly strong field of competitors contesting this year's Champion Team title, adding further excitement to the tournament.

Among the contenders were several proven performers, including winners from last year's Hinchinbrook Catch and Release Tournament, alongside champions from the Townsville Game Fishing Club’s Barra Bash and the Cardwell Barra Bonanza.

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With experienced anglers and returning champions on the water, organisers say the tournament was set to deliver another competitive year of fishing in the Hinchinbrook region.

See more photos from the night here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/great-camaraderie-mark-hinchinbrook-catch-and-release-tournament-opening

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Tuesday 19 May

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

Wednesday 20 May

Pottery Session with Justin, 10am-2pm, , Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

Alicia Bickett Psychic Medium Event, 7:30pm-10pm, Innisfail Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail

Thursday 21 May

Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

Saturday 23 May

Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach

Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell

Greenbank parkrun, 7am, Spring Mountain Reserve, Tully Connection Road, Greenbank

Tully Markets, 7am-12pm, Butler Street, Tully

Crystal & Wellbeing Market, Saturday and Sunday, El Arish Community Hall, El Arish

Tuesday 26 May

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

Wednesday 27 May

Pottery Session with Irene, 10am-2pm, Mission Arts Pottery Studio, Mission Beach

Thursday 28 May

Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

Saturday 30 May

Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach

Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell

Greenbank parkrun, 7am, Spring Mountain Reserve, Tully Connection Road, Greenbank

Dinner at Nonnas, 7:30pm, Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, Innisfail  

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Tuesday 19 May
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Wednesday 20 May
Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group, 9am-3pm at 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

Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm–3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham

Social Darts, 7pm, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper Street, Ingham

Thursday 21 May
Senior Men's Social Group, 9am–12pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham  

CWA Craft Group, 9am–12pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach

Technology Classes, 10am–1:30pm, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

Playtime At The Library, 10:30am – 12:00pm at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Mahjong, 1:00pm – 3:00pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd

Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Friday 22 May
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Tea and Trivia, 9:30am-11:30am, TYTO Conference and Event Centre, Ingham

Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament, Day 1, 12pm, Taylors Beach

Saturday 23 May
Parkrun, 7am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell

Halifax CWA Hoy & Cent Sale, 1:30pm, CWA Hall, Halifax

Morning Melodies: The Blues Brothers and Aretha, 2pm-4pm, JL Kelly Theatre, Ingham

Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament, Day 2, Taylors Beach

Sunday 24 May
Herbert River Orchid & Allied Plant Society meeting,1:30pm Conroy Hall, Ingham  

Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament, Day 3, 11am, Taylors Beach

Tuesday 26 May
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Wednesday 27 May
Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group, 9:00am - 3:00pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham

Tai Chi, 9:00am - 10:00am, Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Forrest Beach

Friends of Forrest Beach, conversation and games, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Progress Park shelter, Forrest Beach

Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm – 3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd

Social Darts, 7:00pm, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper St, Ingham

Thursday 28 May
Senior Men's Social Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd, Ingham  

CWA Craft Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm St.

Technology Classes, 10:00am – 1:30pm, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

Playtime At The Library, 10:30am – 12:00pm at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Mahjong, 1:00pm – 3:00pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd

Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Friday 29 May
TYTO Regional Art Gallery “Liminal Shift – About Time” by Ingham Art Action Exhibition Opening, 6pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, Ingham

Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Exhibition Opening Night: Liminal Shift – About Time – A Group exhibition by Ingham Art Action, 6:00pm - 8:30pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, Ingham

Saturday 30 May
Parkrun, 7:00am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell  

Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day, 9:00am – 2:00pm, TYTO Parklands, Ingham

Sunday 31 May

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After a wet season that kept everyone on their toes — and a few near misses along the way — Ingham is ready to swap gumboots for dancing shoes.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is inviting the community to let their hair down at the Bounce Back Bash, a live music event at the TYTO Wetlands on Saturday 30 May, following Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day.  

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Like many in the community, Ingham has been navigating recovery after months of rain and weather challenges. While we dodged a few bullets this wet season, Council says it’s important to acknowledge the resilience shown across the Shire and to take a moment to reconnect, celebrate and enjoy being together.

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Headlining the night is Pete Cullen & the Hurt, an Australian outlaw country and Americana act known for high energy shows and foot stomping live performances. Pete Cullen has headlined major festivals including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival and Gympie Muster, and has had music featured on Triple J, MTV, CMC, RAGE and the television series Upright.

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Local favourites Last Chance will warm up the crowd, bringing plenty of home-grown talent to the TYTO stage. The Bounce Back Bash will run from 5:00pm to 11:30pm and is an 18+ event, with a barbecue and bar available on site. Limited seating will be provided, and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, soak up the parkland's atmosphere, or dance the night away.

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Tickets are $10 plus booking fee via www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au, making it an easy way to cap off a free full day of community celebration at Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day that kicks off from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

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Council encourages residents to come along, support live music, catch up with friends and enjoy a well-earned night of fun as the community continues its recovery journey. This event is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth–state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

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Year 6A students from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School visited residents at Palms Aged Care to celebrate Mother’s Day together. Photos supplied

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Year 6A students from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School recently had the wonderful opportunity to visit residents at Palms Aged Care to celebrate Mother’s Day together, enjoying a morning filled with kindness, connection and community spirit.

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In the lead-up to the visit, students thoughtfully prepared handmade Mother’s Day flowers and cards for the ladies, along with special cards and small gifts for the gentlemen. Residents were delighted by the students’ generosity and creativity, and the morning was marked by many shared smiles.

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A highlight for students was spending time chatting with residents and listening to stories about families, childhoods and treasured memories. Students also enjoyed discovering unexpected connections with residents’ families and local community members, creating meaningful moments that will be remembered fondly by all involved.

The visit included time with therapy dogs, bringing plenty of joy and excitement. Students also had the privilege of assisting with a special morning tea, wearing gloves and hair nets as they helped serve residents. Afterwards, students sat alongside residents to enjoy morning tea together, continuing conversations and building new friendships.

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A special thank you to the school Chaplain, Mrs Kym Giliberto, for organising the visit, and to the staff at Palms Aged Care for their warm welcome and generous support. Year 6A is already looking forward to returning again soon.

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Jasmine is a truly beautiful girl with a gentle, sensitive nature. She can be a little shy when meeting new people, but with patience and kindness she slowly comes out of her shell and shows just how loving she really is. Once Jasmine feels safe and comfortable, she loves keeping you company and will happily soak up scratches behind the ears while staying close by your side.  

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She would thrive in a calm, quiet household where she can settle in at her own pace. Jasmine isn’t suited to a home with dogs, but she could live with another calm, placid cat who is happy to give her space while she adjusts. She also has a big love for her food!  

With a little patience at the start, Jasmine blossoms into a sweet, affectionate companion who will bring so much warmth and comfort to the right home.

Inquiry form https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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Adoption fee is $210. Jasmine is desexed, micro-chipped, up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick/intestinal worm treated.

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DOB: 30/06/2022

Sex: Female

Colour: Calico

Kid friendly: Gentle hands

Cat friendly: Yes

Dog friendly: No

Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

BIN: BIN0000268254643

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Nurse Louisa Anderssen/Anderson in her later years, still caring for young children. Photo source: Hinchinbrook Shire Library Photograph Collection.

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By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

Records of midwives in the 1800s are scant and birthing children was considered women’s business, so you would be forgiven if you didn’t know of local midwife Louisa Anderssen/Anderson (née Buchanan).  

According to the available resources, her parents were John William or William John Buchanan and Susan/Susanah O’Neill. John was born in Carlton, Jamaica, on a sugar plantation, while Susan was born in Ireland. John studied medicine but did not complete his studies, however he knew enough to offer valuable assistance to doctors. Allegedly, he migrated to Australia because of ill health, where he took up work clearing ‘Bushfield’, F C Gardener’s holding and possibly worked as a sugar boiler.  

Louisa was possibly born in Clermont in 1862. When the family moved to the Herbert area, Louisa and her siblings, Mary, Bella and Florence, attended Mrs Millar’s Lower Herbert Provisional School. 

There was a sizable community of Scandinavians in the region and Louisa and Florence both married Scandinavians. Louisa was 17 when she married 37 year old Christian Anderssen (Anderson) on 23 May 1879 in Cardwell. He was a blacksmith employed at the Bemerside Plantation.  

Christian then conducted a blacksmithing business at Wickham’s Landing on the Herbert River; before then working for M. Connors in Ingham until 1886, when the family relocated to ‘Homebush’, a property in Cordelia belonging to fellow Scandinavian, William Johnson (formerly Wilhelm Sorensen). It is possible an accident shoeing a horse, which left Christian an invalid, may have precipitated that move.

To support her family, Louisa turned to midwifery, calling herself a lady’s nurse. She delivered Finlay Skinner in 1897, and his son 25 years later. Finlay recalled that she was a self-taught midwife and came to the profession after her husband’s alleged accident. Lady’s nurses assisted expectant mothers in their homes or conducted small lying-in hospitals. They often did not have formal training but assumed the title of Nurse.

Travelling on horseback, responding to assistance at any hour, she was known to have swum a river to attend to an isolated woman in labour. Finlay remembered that her services were in great demand and that she was very highly regarded.

Of Louisa’s and Christian’s seven children, all but one predeceased her and four died under heartbreaking circumstances. One toddler of snake bite and another from convulsions after eating soap. Kenneth Christian (5) and Emelia Mary (10) and two other unrelated children, Charlotte Carr (7) and Evaline Faithfull (10), drowned in the Herbert River during a school lunch break. At the time of their latter children’s deaths, Louisa was caring for a critically ill child, and Christian had had a stroke and was in hospital.  

Emelia and Kenneth were buried at ‘Homebush’. Their graves are now under cane. After her husband’s death, Louisa continued to live at ‘Homebush’. She outlived her husband by 40 years, passing away on 14 November 1948 at the age of 84, at the Eventide Home in Charters Towers and is buried in the Halifax cemetery.  

Hers could be described as a tragic life. But her indomitable spirit, life-giving profession and dedication to her family enabled her to rise above and stoically endure those losses.

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The QCWA Abergowrie & Long Pocket Community BBQ drew a small but high-spirited crowd, as the evening was filled with games and dancing among friends. Photo credit: QCWA Abergowrie & Long Pocket

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Wet weather may have kept numbers smaller than expected, but it did little to dampen the community spirit at the recent QCWA Abergowrie & Long Pocket Community Barbecue, with those who attended enjoying an evening filled with loal connection.

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The gathering brought together people of all ages, from some of the community’s eldest residents through to its youngest members, creating a warm atmosphere centred around conversation, dancing and family fun. Music from Jonny helped keep the entertainment flowing throughout the evening, while support from Beaumont Tiles, Galipo's Midtown Meats and Mick's Bread Kitchen contributed to making the event possible.

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Organisers said the evening was a reminder that community events are not always about the size of the crowd, but the connections created by those who attend.

“We may have been small in number, but we still enjoyed the warm family feel of our Community BBQ last night,” Ladies from the QCWA shared.

“We were joined by some of our wonderful community elders as well as some of the very youngest.

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“We raffled off one hell of a meat tray. We ate well, laughed, danced, and the youngins played all night long.”

The group also thanked musician Jonny for providing entertainment throughout the evening, as well as Beaumont Tiles, Galipo's Midtown Meats and Mick's Bread Kitchen for supporting the event.

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Most importantly, appreciation was extended to everyone who attended despite the wet conditions.

Community events like these continue to highlight that even when the weather refuses to cooperate, bringing people together remains what matters most.

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Jon Davis to perform at NQ Field Day 2026! Photo supplied.

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Hailing from ‘Crocodile Dundee’ Territory, Jon Davis has been in show business since he was a teenager but until relatively recently, focused more on live performances than recording and releasing his original music. It was only after a chance meeting with The Kenny Rogers Band that his career took on a new direction; when Jon was invited to Nashville to live with, and record his compositions with the actual hit-makers behind every one of Kenny Rogers' immortal classics for the last 40 years.  

Since then, Jon has regularly featured finalist before taking out ‘the big one’ in 2023 at the ASA Australian Song of the Year Awards as the recipient of the Rudy Brandsma Award for Songwriting Excellence.

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Jon has toured extensively throughout Australia and internationally and it was during the COVID pandemic Jon found himself ‘locked down’ in Townsville where he discovered the sights, sounds and smells of Northern Queensland. While his heart will always be in the Northern Territory, it became clear that Jon had to make the move ‘east’ in order to expose his songwriting to a broader, national audience.

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“I’ll always be a Territory boy, but the country music circuit is so strong and the lifestyle so vibrant in Queensland, that it was a no-brainer…” Jon said.

To that end, Jon invested in a bespoke recording studio just outside of Townsville, where he is currently working on a few studio albums, a live EP and a few children’s songs, in readiness for the 2027 Australian Song of the Year Awards and of course, the Golden Guitars.

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Jon’s history of performing at ANZAC Day and similar services as well as senior citizen retreats and disabled care facilities is well-documented. Jon now regularly delivers as many live shows as possible at country music festivals and public events as well as rodeos, pubs, clubs and bars across northern Queensland and beyond.

And now, he is lined up to give an amazing show at the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day. Jon will be performing live on Saturday 30^th at the event from 12:00pm – 4:00pm. This is your chance to see an Aussie music master!

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WHAT: 2026 ROTARY NQ FIELD DAY
WHEN: Friday 29^th – Saturday 30^th MAY, 9:00am – 5:00pm
WHERE: Townsville Show Grounds, 72–104 Ingham Road, West End, Townsville
TICKETS: nqfieldday.com.au/tickets $5 for over 15yrs. Children FREE

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Photo credit: Zoe Maree Media 2023

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North Queensland’s innovative agricultural industry will take centre stage when the Rotary NQ Field Day returns to Townsville, bringing together producers, businesses, families and visitors from across the region.

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Far more than a traditional field day, the event has grown into a showcase of the people, industries and ideas that help shape life across North Queensland. Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Townsville and surrounding districts, the event celebrates everything that grows, feeds and sustains regional communities while also supporting important local causes through Rotary fundraising efforts.  

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Visitors can expect a mix of agricultural displays, industry exhibitors and emerging technology, alongside practical demonstrations and family-friendly attractions designed to appeal to both those working on the land and the wider community. Exhibits will feature farming machinery and equipment, robotics, drone technology, educational opportunities and products that showcase regional industries and lifestyles.

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The event reflects the changing face of agriculture, where traditional practices continue to sit alongside technological advancement and innovation. From new approaches to farming and land management through to future technologies, the field day aims to create opportunities for people to share knowledge, strengthen industry connections and celebrate the communities that continue to shape the region.

Get your prepaid tickets online and go in the draw to win great prizes!

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WHAT: 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day
WHEN: Friday, 29^th May to Saturday, 30^th May 2026, 9:00am to 5:00pm
WHERE: Townsville Showgrounds
TICKETS: nqfieldday.com.au/tickets

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Before birds and boardwalks, TYTO was a tired floodplain. In 1997, the TYTO Wetlands Restoration Project began. A long-term collaboration between community, council and partners to rehabilitate the area into the thriving nature space it is today.

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Now, locals and visitors enjoy kilometres of walking paths, multiple bird hides, an 11-metre observation tower, and one of North Queensland’s most accessible wildlife hotspots, all within town limits. More than 230 bird species have been recorded, proving that when ecosystems get breathing room, they bounce back hard.

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Dawn and dusk bring the soundtrack: frogs, birds, wind through reeds. You bring the wonder. TYTO is living proof that restoration isn’t just about fixing land: it’s about giving people a place to fall in love with nature again. Walk it: hinchinbrookway.com.au

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Crushers Vs. Brothers in Townsville. Photo credit: Peter Reitano

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The Herbert River Crushers travelled to Townsville on Sunday to take on the long-time powerhouse rival club Brothers. Particularly, the A Grade & Reserve Grade teams have met in Grand Finals in hard-fought tussles, with the Crushers triumphing on numerous occasions.  

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The A Grade game started with the Crushers having the glut of possession in the first half before Crushers winger Junior Dau scored wide out in the seventh minute. At the 25-minute mark, lock Matty Spina carried a couple of defenders over & with five-eighth & captain Dylan Gaggiano's conversion, the Crushers were up 10-nil.  

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Brothers scored a converted try with 8 minutes to go in the first half. Gaggiano kicked a penalty goal just before halftime to give the Crushers the lead 12 - 6 at halftime.

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Nine minutes into the second half Brothers scored an unconverted try followed by a converted try with 20 minutes to go and thus lead 16 - 10. With just over 12 minutes to go Dau made a break downfield passed out to halfback Lachlan Erba who then chipped the ball back in field where several Crushers players were in support with Gaggiano reaching the ball first in a scramble with defenders to touchdown and with his conversion the Crushers were up 18 - 16.  

Soon after, a loose ball was pounced on in the Brothers ingoal by Lock Matty Spina and with Gaggiano's conversion, the Crushers were up 24 - 16. Brothers scored an unconverted try wide out with just under 5 minutes to go to leave the margin for the Crushers at a 4-point lead with time ticking down.  

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With a minute to go, Erba put up a bomb that was spilled forward by the Brothers fullback and picked up by one of their players in an offside position. With Gaggiano's conversion as the full-time hooter sounded, the Crushers had outlasted Brothers 26 - 20.  

Coach Todd Cockburn said, "It was a win built on effort and attitude. We had a really good first half and finish. After the last 2 years, having games stolen from us right at the end, this one was really special. The team only had fifteen players available, who all stood out.”    

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Matty Spina was named Player's Player. The Crushers started the scoring in the Reserve Grade game after retrieving a loose ball and camping in the Brothers half before winger Sam Akiba stepped through to score, busting his shoulder in the process.  

They then crossed again with a try to winger James Babar and with five-eighth Tremayne Priestley's conversion the Crushers were up 10 - 0. The Brothers scored just before halftime and then just after halftime to level the scores at 10 all after both teams had been reduced to 11 a side after an altercation after a tackle on a Crushers player. Priestley and frontrunner Matt Chiesa then scored tries, both of which were converted by Priestley. The Crushers were up 22 - 10.  

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Brothers came back & scored 2 more converted tries to level the scores at 22 all with 7 minutes to go. Brothers hit the lead for the first time with just under 3 minutes to go with a converted try and held on to win 28 - 22.  

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"It was a gutsy effort with a number of players not available and losing three players soon after the start of the game,” Coach Matty Chiesa said, “We didn't capitalise on their errors.  In the end, we ran out of steam with only one player left on the bench. It was disappointing having another such loss as happened in last year's finals. We are looking to build momentum to compete with the top teams.”    

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The Under 19's team had hit the front 10 - 6 before Brothers came over the top too strong to win 48 - 20. For the Crushers winger, Leonard Moses-Tabui scored a double & kicked one conversion, while fullback Evandah Bann, centre Antonio Eselli also scored tries and Hezekiah Nona also kicked one conversion.

The Crushers next play Souths in Townsville on Saturday.

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Contributed with thanks by Peter Reitano.

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