Entertainment

Cardwell Seafest 2026

Cardwell Seafest 2026

Cardwell Seafest delivered an ocean of entertainment on the weekend for the whole community, with families, visitors and locals enjoying a packed program of activities, markets and performances. Young festival-goers were among those enjoying the classic Punch and Judy show, with plenty of little eyes glued to the colourful performance and its hilarious characters. The hot rod car show also proved a major drawcard, with the polished vehicles turning heads and attracting plenty of attention throughout the day. Car enthusiasts and curious spectators alike took the opportunity to admire the impressive collection and chat with fellow motoring fans. The Seafest markets were another hit, with stalls offering plenty to browse, buy and discover. And amongst them on the foreshore was the kid’s fishing competition and other fish-related activities that added to the active Sunday market atmosphere. From children gathered around the puppet booth, to fishing off the jetty, to crowds stopping to admire the hot rods and families wandering between market stalls, there was plenty happening along the Cardwell foreshore. As the weekend unfolded, Seafest offered plenty to watch, something to browse, activities to do and many familiar faces to catch up with, capturing the easygoing atmosphere that makes Cardwell events such a drawcard. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Bringing Power And Colour To Jumbun

Bringing Power And Colour To Jumbun

By Helen Cook With October signalling the approach of The Wet, children at Jumbun have been adding a splash of colour to a project that could make a big difference when the full force of the season arrives. Jumbun is a small Aboriginal community on Girramay Country, on the Cassowary Coast, home to people from the Girramay, Jirrbal and Gulnay nations, about 40km south-west of Tully. During the school holidays, community members have been painting power poles with colourful cassowaries, flowers, birds and other images inspired by their surroundings. But behind the painting is a bigger story. Heavy rain, storms, cyclones, fallen trees and vegetation can interrupt electricity supplies across the whole of the Wet Tropics. Jumbun is particularly vulnerable because it sits at the end of a powerline running from the Tully substation. “Every single power outage on that powerline, about 40 kms of it, the Jumbun community experiences,” Ergon Energy Senior Community Engagement Advisor Kate Austin said. This wet season, however, Jumbun has something new in its corner – a low-voltage microgrid designed to keep much of the community powered when the main supply is interrupted. At its heart is a large battery “box”. “If there’s a fault on the network upstream, we can isolate the residents here in community and power it from the battery,” Kate said, allowing Tully crews to make repairs while “keeping the power on to the community”. Around 25 homes, together with the health clinic and community hall, are connected to the system, while two houses outside the microgrid configuration have been fitted with rooftop solar. Jumbun is one of two Queensland First Nations communities involved in network-connected microgrid trials, alongside Mossman Gorge, where a high-voltage system has been installed. The trials will help determine whether the technology could benefit other communities at the edge of the grid. The pole painting is part of a wider program helping residents, particularly children, understand the new technology and the importance of conserving energy. And the biggest canvas is still to come. The microgrid box will be wrapped in artwork by local Jumbun artist Tonya Grant, depicting the story of Split Rock and giving the new infrastructure a distinctly local identity. The artwork is expected to be installed within the next month. Jumbun kids (and Chase, the dog) get creative with Ergon Energy’s Kate Austin and Karina Hoppe during a colourful school holiday art and power project. Photo credit: Helen Cook

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PAINTING A PICTURE OF RECOVERY

PAINTING A PICTURE OF RECOVERY

By Victoria Velton For some, a paint and sip is simply an afternoon out with a bit of bubbly. A recent Queensland Country Women Association (QCWA) event in Forrest Beach offered something a little deeper: an opportunity to talk about recovery, resilience and the importance of connection following disaster. Queensland Health Mental Health Clinician Jenna from the Disaster Recovery Team has been attending the CWA for around six months and helped organise the event as a way to bring people together. Jenna explained that the Disaster Recovery Team was formed following the region’s natural disasters, providing mental health support at a time when much of the immediate disaster assistance has already disappeared. “But that doesn’t mean people aren’t still struggling, still aren’t in their homes,” Jenna said. Jenna said community connection was a critical part of recovery, while her team also provides one-on-one support for people who may need additional help. “Stress during and immediately after a disaster is important as it helps us do what we need to do, however stress for long periods of time wreaks havoc on our body and mind and may be a sign to reach out for support,” she said. Beverley Hulme was one of those who shared her experience, recalling the floods at Forrest Beach, when she found herself isolated at home without power or communication. “I was really, really alone, and I had no resources because I wasn't prepared. Of course, I had never experienced rain coming down for 10 days,” Beverley said. Her experience changed when someone arrived at her home to conduct a welfare check, followed by women who offered to provide her with meals three times a day. “That’s what saved my mental health,” she said. For Beverley, the experience highlighted the importance of being prepared, but also the strength of a community coming together when people need it most. She also recognised that the emotional recovery does not necessarily end when the floodwaters recede. “You don’t just keep going. With that trauma inside you, you’ve got to get it out and talk about how you felt.” Another attendee shared her own experience of the disaster, explaining that while her husband was occupied helping others as part of the emergency response, she was often left alone at home. Her story highlighted a different side of disaster recovery, that even when someone has people around them, they can still feel isolated, particularly when family members are unaware of what they are experiencing. The discussion also raised concerns about residents in more isolated communities being forgotten during the floods, with attendees questioning whether emergency planning adequately considers those living further from major population centres. Jenna said the concerns raised were important and encouraged residents to continue providing feedback and directing their questions about how to get prepared before the wet season begins. “The HUB in Ingham might be able to answer those questions. Or even the councils as well, who are passionate about this. So that feedback is really important, both positive and constructive,” she said. As the community approaches another wet season, Jenna said preparedness and connection remain important parts of building resilience and supporting people through the longer-term impacts of disaster. As the conversation gave way to creativity, attendees picked up their brushes under the guidance of Tipsy-Doodle, a Townsville-based paint and sip program. The specially designed artwork showed the sun breaking through clouds over a grassy knoll, with a cut tree stump sprouting a new branch and leaves. The image was chosen to symbolise recovery and perseverance, reflecting the resilience of both nature and the community. Beginning with heavy conversation but finishing with bright artwork, the ladies of the Forrest Beach CWA’s Paint n Sip showcased canvases carrying a message that recovery takes time, and coming together is an important part of finding the strength to grow again. Photo credit: Victoria Velton Ladies of the Forrest Beach CWA Michelle and Joe Amanda and Beverley Anne, Vicky and Katrina Karen and Annie Pam and Alana Pauline and Wendy Valda's work Valerie

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This Week On The Herbert In 1859

This Week On The Herbert In 1859

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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UPPER STONE CWA HOLDS A BIG MORNING TEA FOR CANCER RESEARCH

June 22, 2026

The Upper Stone CWA hosted a Biggest Morning Tea in support of Cancer Council’s cancer research. Photos credited: Kerry Torrisi, Nikki Collins, and Amanda Griffiths.

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By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

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Few families can avoid being touched by the scourge of cancer; a reality members of the Upper Stone branch of the CWA can personally attest to.  

When it was suggested that the branch hold a morning tea for the Cancer Council’s annual Biggest Morning Tea, members reacted with enthusiastic support.

The morning tea was held on Saturday 13th of June through the generosity of the Lions Club at their hall in Leo’s Park Trebonne. The tables were set with fine china and decorated with colourful flower arrangements generously assembled and donated by Amanda Griffiths of Mandy’s Beauty in the Bush.  

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Money for cancer research was raised from the 78 tickets sold, the impressive cent sale of donated items, a raffle of exquisite jewellery handcrafted by Joanne Zupp of Marella Jewels by Jo, and from any purchases made of Amanda’s and Joanne’s jewellery and wares.

The MC for the event was Secretary Caitlin Bell who smoothly conducted proceedings. Opportunities to win prizes included a fun trivia quiz, lucky seat and lucky door prizes.

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Guest speaker Amanda Griffiths gave a moving speech recounting her own experience of cancer. However, rather than dwelling on the pain and trauma of her experience she spoke of comfort, hope and reinvention as a bush poet and florist. There were very few dry eyes during her inspirational speech.

The food bench bowed with the generosity of food, sweets and savouries provided by the 17 Upper Stone CWA members. So much food was there, that further money could be raised by selling plates of these home-baked goodies to take home.

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This joyous, well-attended event conducted by the Upper Stone branch of the CWA raised a total of $3260.04 for the Cancer Council. Deep gratitude is extended to all who attended and those who were so generous with their donations.

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This Week On The Herbert In 1883

June 22, 2026

On 30 June 1883 it was reported in the ‘Brisbane Courier’ that their Ingham correspondent advised that a pastoral and agricultural society [Herbert River Pastoral and Agricultural Society] had been formed.

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Free Community Screening Just A Farmer Comes To Ingham

June 22, 2026

The community is invited to a free screening of the award-winning Australian film Just A Farmer, a cinematic journey that authentically portrays the challenges and triumphs of a resilient farmer in rural Australia.

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Set against the captivating backdrop of rural Victoria, the film brings to the screen the often-overlooked experiences of farming communities, exploring the realities faced by farmers, their families and those who support them.

Through themes of heartbreak, strength and hope, Just A Farmer celebrates the resilience of farmers’ wives, the power of community connection and the importance of conversations around mental health in rural areas.

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The event is open to everyone, not just farmers, providing an opportunity for the whole community to come together and begin important conversations around mental health.

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The evening will include a screening of Just A Farmer, followed by a discussion with writer, producer and lead actor Leila McDougall, along with a Q&A panel featuring local health professionals. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with local support services.

Families are welcome, with a separate supervised children’s movie and activities available in the Pavilion with Blue Light representatives, allowing parents and carers to enjoy the film.

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Food and coffee vans will be available from 5:00pm, with seating provided for the movie screening. Guests are encouraged to bring a water bottle, warm clothing and their friends, family and neighbours to enjoy this important community event together.

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This event is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth and state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

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MOVIE: Just A Farmer  
WHEN: Saturday, 4th July 2026, 5:00pm  
WHERE: Ingham Showgrounds Covered Arena, Miles St & Cooper St, Ingham
TICKETS: Free tickets, with bookings essential, www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au

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Pet Of The Week Meet Goose!

June 22, 2026

Goose is a big, fluffy boy with a thick, luxurious coat that’s impossible to resist patting. At just 10 months old, he’s recently outgrown the kitten stage and is enjoying life as a young cat with plenty of personality.

This handsome lad loves attention and will happily roll onto his back for a tummy rub. With his soft coat and charming nature, Goose is affectionate who enjoys being around his people, while still politely letting you know when he’s had enough cuddles.

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Included in his $210 adoption fee, Goose is desexed, microchipped, up to date with vaccinations, and has been treated for fleas, ticks and intestinal worms. Meet Goose at Angelpaws.com.au

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Sex: Male

Breed: Domestic Medium Hair

Colour: Tuxedo

DOB: 20/08/2025

Cat Friendly: Unsure

Dog Friendly: Unsure

Kid Friendly: Yes

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Paws, Prizes & Pure Personality

June 15, 2026

A lively scene unfolded at the Kurrimine Beach Progress Association monthly market over the weekend, where 14 four-legged competitors stole the spotlight in a crowd-pleasing Doggy Idol Show.  

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From costumes and clever tricks to wagging tails and plenty of personality, the canine contestants kept the crowd entertained from start to finish.  

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Visitors enjoyed the playful chaos of the dog show alongside a vibrant market filled with handmade goods, fresh produce, gifts and food stalls.  

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Hillbilly Goats Bring High-Energy Performance To Halifax

June 15, 2026

Halifax Progress Association at the Hali-pad the night of the Hillbilly Goats performance. Photo supplied

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The Hillbilly Goats brought their unique blend of hillbilly, folk and roots music to Halifax on Wednesday 10th June, delivering an energetic night of live entertainment for music fans.

The performance came about after venue owner Michelle Richards crossed paths with the band’s frontman Bryce Wearne through years of involvement in the festival scene.

“I’ve been part of the festival scene with Bryce, the main guy of the Hillbilly Goats, for over 20 years,” Michelle said.

“I was very blessed to be part of the last festival with him, the Airlie Beach Music Festival, and he let me know he was going on tour around this time, so I invited him to perform.”

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Hillbilly Goats folk music band.

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Known for their lively stage presence, the Hillbilly Goats had the crowd tapping their feet with their distinctive take on traditional hillbilly-inspired music.

The band features Bryce Wearne the who’s described as the heart and soul, and the backbeat of the band; on lead vocals, bringing a powerful multi-instrumental performance with drums played by his feet, harmonica, and strings including banjo, guitarand resonator.

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Joining him are Fiona Passmore, Bryce’s ‘partner in crime’ on double bass, violin and vocals, and the amazing Nicola Grace on fiddle.

“It’s exactly like the name represents,” Michelle said.

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“It’s some good old toe-tapping, good old jig dancing, hillbilly music.”

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The night also featured support from the Halifax Progress Association, who assisted with event operations, along with food, drinks and raffles for attendees.

Following the performance, Michelle reflected on the success of the evening.

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“What a night we had here, with The Hillbilly Goats rocking up the stage!” she said.

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Ian Ferrier’s Lasting Mark on the Architecture Of Ingham

June 15, 2026

St Patrick's Church. Source: Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

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By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

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You may have noticed that St Peter’s Church, Halifax has undergone a refurbishment. What do St Peter’s, St Patrick’s Church and Lee’s Hotel, all have in common?  

It all has to do with a man named Alexander Ian Ferrier.  

Our story starts with the Day Dawn Hotel, in 1954.

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The proprietor of The Day Dawn Hotel, John Herbert Holman, had presented preliminary plans for improvement of the hotel to the Hinchinbrook Shire Council. But Council rejected the plans because they did not comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act. Holman was told that he would need to build an entirely new building on the site.  

Consequently, Rupert Lee (Snr) bought the Day Dawn Hotel in 1958. Finding it so far gone, and realizing that restoration was impossible, the building (originating from 1883) was demolished, though local folklore has long had it that it burnt down.  

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Ian Ferrier. Source: Digital archive of Queensland architecture

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Lee then engaged Alexander Ian Ferrier, a young emerging architect, to design a modern hotel. Ferrier graduated in 1952 from McGill University, Montreal Canada. He immigrated to Australia in 1953 and founded his own practice in 1957 in Brisbane.

The avant-garde design for what was going to be the new Day Dawn Hotel were drawn up with work beginning in 1958. By the time it opened in 1960, it had a new name - Lee's Hotel.

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Ferrier’s design philosophy was described as “very much about honest expression of structure and response to climate.” He became renowned for his designs which incorporated innovative adaptions to the tropical climate like completely openable walls of doors to allow cross ventilation. Countless schools, commercial buildings and homes across Queensland and northern Australia bear his inimitable imprint.

Afterward, cathedrals, churches and chapels became Ferrier’s speciality.  

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Lees Hotel. Source: Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

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His notable local achievements are St. Peter’s Church in Halifax and St. Patrick’s Church in Ingham.  

Others of his religious architectural designs include the Cairns and Darwin Cathedrals, the former now Heritage-listed.  

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Others recognisable for his style are the Holy Spirit Church in Cranbrook, St Patrick’s College Chapel, Townsville and the Mount Saint Bernard College Chapel, Herberton.  

A notable feature of Ferrier’s architecture was that it was complimented by commissioned sculpture, stained glass and mosaics. He also designed much of the church furniture including pews, altars, stations of the cross and holy water fonts. St Patrick’s Church building is in the shape of a cross.

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St. Peter's Church. Source: St Peter's Catholic School website

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The cross above the altar was hand-carved in Oberammergau and the Stations of the Cross hand-carved in Italy.

Next time you have the occasion to find yourself inside either St Peter’s or St Patrick’s Churches, see if you can recognize any innovative adaptions to the tropical climate in their architecture.

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Cassowary Coast Event Guide

June 15, 2026

Tuesday 16th June

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

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Wednesday 17th June

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

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Thursday 18th June

The Great Moscow Circus, all day, Goondi Bend Sports Reserve, Innisfail

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

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Friday 19th June

The Great Moscow Circus, all day, Goondi Bend Sports Reserve, Innisfail

Threads Exhibition Opening Night, 6pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

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Saturday 20th June

The Great Moscow Circus, all day, Goondi Bend Sports Reserve, Innisfail

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

2026 Pasifika Celebration, 10am-4pm, Warrina Lakes, 33 Emily Street, Innisfail

Thieves, Paws & Plants Class with Bindi Terewaamu, 10:30am-11:30am, Mission Beach Library, Wongaling Beach

FREE Kokadema Workshop, 10:30am-12:30pm & 12:30pm-2:30pm, Warrina Lakes, 33 Emily Street, Innisfail

Silver Ball Masquerade, 6pm-12pm, Innisfail Shire Hall, Innisfail

Back to the 80s with The Replacements, 8pm, 52 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach

Innisfail Turf Club Fashion on the Field Tradies & Ladies Day, TBA, 2 Palmerston Drive, Innisfail

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Sunday 21st June

The Great Moscow Circus, all day, Goondi Bend Sports Reserve, Innisfail

Mission Beach Markets, 7am-12pm, Ulysses Park, Mission Beach

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Monday 22nd June

Children’s Art Workshop (Foundational Skills), 3:30pm-5pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

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Tuesday 23rd June

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

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Wednesday 24th June

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

Science in the Pub, 5:30pm, King Reef Resort, Kurrimine Beach

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Thursday 25th June

Oiled & Other Mediums Painting Group, 9am, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

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

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Saturday 27th June

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

Ladies Day (Innisfail Leprechauns VS Tully Tigers), 4pm-7pm, Callendar Park, Innisfail

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Sunday 28th June

Cardwell Sportfishing Club Monthly Sausage Sizzle & Presentation Day, 3pm-5:30pm, St Albans Street, Cardwell

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Monday 29th June

Author Talk with Frances Dall’Alba, 11am, Cardwell Library, Cardwell

Children’s Art Workshop (Foundational Skills), 3:30pm-5pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

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Tuesday 30th June

Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

Winter School Holidays Trashion Workshop (6+), 10:30am-11:30am, Innisfail Library, Innisfail

Winter School Holidays Photography Workshop with Susan Kelly (10+), 11am-12pm, Mission Beach Library, Wongaling Beach

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

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A Wag-Tastic Doggy Idol Show

June 15, 2026

Photos supplied

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The Kurrimine Beach Progress Association monthly market transformed into a lively canine showcase over the weekend, with 14 four-legged stars taking to the stage to display their talents, charm and good looks.

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The Doggy Idol Show proved a huge hit and, despite a gloomy start to the day, the sunshine soon broke through, casting a bright winter glow over the morning festivities.

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“From tiny fluff balls to big lovable goofballs, we saw fancy outfits, impressive tricks, wagging tails, and enough personality to fill the entire market,” shared a spokesperson from the Kurrimine Beach Progress Association.

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The event delivered a delightful mix of treats and tricks, prizes and plenty of laughs, as the fun-loving furry contestants took centre stage.

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“To all the dogs who participated: thank you for your enthusiasm, your questionable listening skills, and your commitment to creating absolute chaos whenever a treat appeared,”

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The market offered plenty for human visitors as well, with local stallholders showcasing handmade treasures, fresh produce, unique gifts and delicious food.

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“But it wasn't just about the dogs. Visitors enjoyed plenty of goodies for humans too, with local stalls showcasing handmade treasures, fresh produce, gifts, and delicious food.”

See all photos here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/a-wag-tastic-doggy-idol-show

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A Colourful Thank You From Tully’s Youngest Learners

June 17, 2026

Tully State School students have shown their appreciation to Cassowary Coast Regional Councillors with handmade thank you cards following this year’s Under 8s Day celebrations, a colourful reminder of the power of community, play and connection. Photo supplied

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Tully State School students have expressed their gratitude to Cassowary Coast Regional Councillors, presenting them with handmade thank you cards following this year's Under 8s Day celebrations.

Councillor Trudy Tschui recently shared her appreciation for the thoughtful gesture.

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“Thank you to the students of Tully State School for the creative ‘Thank You Cards’ that were presented to Councillors who recently attended the Under 8’s day,” she said.

The cards were presented following a successful Under 8s Day celebration at Tully State School, where students, families, community organisations and local leaders came together to mark 70 years of the statewide event.

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Held on 19th May, the afternoon was filled with activities designed to encourage learning through play, creativity and community connection. Students had the opportunity to take part in a range of interactive experiences provided by local organisations and community groups.

Tully State School thanked Every Family by VPG Cassowary Coast, Tully Support Centre, Pretty Things Dance Studio, the Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service for helping make the day memorable for students.

The school also welcomed Mayor Teresa Millwood and Councillors Trudy Tschui, Jeff Baines, Renee McLeod and Ellen Jessop as special guests.

Tully C&K Kindergarten students joined in the festivities, giving future prep students a chance to experience life at "big school" while celebrating the importance of play in early childhood development.

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"Seeing our students laughing, playing, creating, and connecting was a wonderful reminder of the importance of play, community, and childhood joy," the school shared following the event.

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Tully Support Centre also reflected on the day, describing it as "an absolute privilege" to be part of the celebration and to engage with students as they explored and learned through play.

The colourful thank you cards served as a heartfelt reminder of the impact community support and local involvement can have on young learners, with councillors clearly touched by the students' creativity.

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Did You Know? You Can Breakfast Beside a Volcano

June 15, 2026

Did You Know?

You Can Breakfast Beside a Volcano

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The rich soils of the Cassowary Coast owe much to the region’s volcanic history. Around South Johnstone and Mena Creek, fertile farmland produces everything from bananas and sugar cane to tropical fruits enjoyed across Australia.

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Drive these quiet country roads and you’ll find sweeping rural views, roadside produce stalls and landscapes shaped by ancient geological forces. It is a reminder that some of the region’s best attractions are not built by people at all.

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Slow down, wind the windows down and enjoy a breakfast picnic surrounded by one of Queensland’s most productive farming regions. Brunch it out: cassowarycoasttourism.com.au

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Local Students Compete In Readers Cup

June 15, 2026

Students took a love of reading to Cairns. Photos supplied

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A team of keen readers from Mission Beach State School travelled to Cairns on Thursday to compete in the Far North Queensland Readers Cup, showcasing their literary knowledge and teamwork skills.

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The Readers Cup competition challenged students to read four selected books before coming together as a team to answer a series of quiz questions based on the texts. The event encourages a love of reading while fostering collaboration, critical thinking and communication skills.

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Representing their school with enthusiasm and dedication, the Mission Beach team embraced the challenge and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

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School staff praised the students for their commitment to the competition and the effort they invested in preparing for the event.

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Stock Up Your Freezer And Support Silkwood State School

June 15, 2026

With winter around the corner, it’s the perfect time to stock up on hearty family pies that can be pulled straight from the freezer, heated up and served whenever you need an easy meal.

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Silkwood State School P&C is running a pie fundraiser, giving families the chance to fill their freezers while helping support students and the local school community.

There are nine pie options available, including savoury and sweet varieties, meat and vegetarian choices, with beef, chicken and lamb options all available.

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Each pie is locally made by Tully Pies and weighs 800 grams.

Orders can be placed online at: silkwoodstateschoolpc2026.square.site or you can contact Simone on 0450 262 594. Orders can be taken now until Thursday, 25th of June! They will be delivered on Thursday, 14th of July.

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Funds raised will go towards supporting Silkwood State School and its students, initiatives like this also helps keep local producers and community groups thriving across the region.

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Home Stay Hosts Wanted

June 15, 2026

Would you like to host a Japanese student?

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Local families are invited to take part in the cultural experience of a lifetime, right here in the region, by hosting Japanese students.

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Banora International Group is urgently seeking local families interested in becoming part of its upcoming Japanese student exchange program.

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Homestays are popular among Japanese students as they provide an authentic way to experience Australian life, while giving host families the opportunity to build international friendships and gain a deeper understanding of another culture.

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Two students are allocated to each homestay, with host families required to provide two to three meals per day.

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Comprehensive training and ongoing support are provided, and host families receive generous remuneration for their participation.

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Hosts are still needed for an upcoming 12-night stay from 26 July to 7 August 2026. In return for providing a welcoming ‘home away from home’, host families will receive $1,515 in remuneration.

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For more information, email info@banoragroup.com or call 0414 229 250.

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A Tropical Treasure Worth Exploring This Weekend

June 15, 2026

The Mission Beach Markets bring together local producers, artists, makers and food vendors in a stunning beachfront setting, making them one of the Cassowary Coast's favourite Sunday morning outings. Photo source: Mission Beach Tourism

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Few things capture the relaxed charm of Mission Beach quite like a morning stroll through the local markets.

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Set beneath the shade of towering trees at Ulysses Day Park and just steps from the beach, the Mission Beach Markets have become a much-loved community institution, bringing together locals, visitors and stallholders in one of the region's most picturesque locations.

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Operated by Rotary Mission Beach, the markets are held on the first and third Sunday of every month throughout the year.

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They will be held on Sunday, 21st June, offering the perfect excuse to get out of the house, support local businesses and enjoy everything the Cassowary Coast community has to offer.

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With up to 100 stalls spread throughout the beachfront parkland, visitors can browse fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade jewellery, locally crafted gifts, plants, books, clothing, artwork and second-hand treasures, while enjoying freshly prepared food, coffee and tropical treats.

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Part of what makes the markets so special is the atmosphere. Locals catch up with friends over breakfast, travellers passing through the region showcase their products, and visitors from around the world experience a slice of authentic community life in Mission Beach.

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The markets have also become an important platform for small businesses, artists, makers and community groups, helping support local enterprise while creating a vibrant social hub for residents and tourists alike.

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In a region blessed with natural beauty, the Mission Beach Markets are one of those simple experiences that remind people what community is all about; local people supporting local businesses in a stunning tropical setting. Whether you're hunting for a unique gift, stocking up on fresh produce, or simply looking for a pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning, the Mission Beach Markets are well worth a visit.

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What: Mission Beach Markets

When: Sunday 21st June, 7am-12pm

Where: Ulysses Park, Mission Beach

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