Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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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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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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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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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The 2026 Australian UFO Festival will return to Cardwell from 6th to 9th August, bringing four days of entertainment, guest speakers, markets, live music and extraterrestrial intrigue to the Cassowary Coast.
The countdown is officially on for the 2026 Australian UFO Festival, with organisers confirming a packed four-day program that is expected to once again draw visitors from across Queensland and beyond to the Cassowary Coast.
Running from 6th to 9th August in Cardwell, the festival has grown into one of the region's most recognisable events, combining mystery, entertainment and community in a way few festivals can match.
The Queensland Government has recognised the festival's significance, supporting the event through Tourism and Events Queensland's Homegrown Fund.
Queensland Environment, Tourism and Science Minister Andrew Powell said the festival plays an important role in showcasing both Cardwell and the wider Cassowary Coast.
"It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Australian UFO Festival, an event that celebrates the energy and diversity of the Cassowary Coast," Mr Powell said.
"The Queensland Government is proud to support the Australian UFO Festival through Tourism and Events Queensland's Homegrown Fund, which backs events developed in our state and helps connect them with the unique destinations they call home.
“Homegrown events play an important role in showcasing new ideas, celebrating culture, and creating memorable experiences for visitors, all while contributing to Queensland's vibrant and diverse events calendar."
The minister also encouraged festival-goers to take advantage of everything the region has to offer during their stay.
"Beyond the Australian UFO Festival, there is so much to see and experience in the Cassowary Coast. I encourage visitors to take the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy the wide range of tourism opportunities that Queensland has to offer."
The official festival program has now landed, featuring a diverse lineup of events including the popular C-Files Forum, Galactic Roll-Off Barefoot Bowls, Films on the Foreshore, Alien Abduction Night, Alliance of Earthlings, the C-Files Tour, Alien Invasion Foreshore Party and Monster Market Day.
Family-friendly entertainment will also feature prominently, including appearances from Superconscious Dave, who will bring interactive activities and children's entertainment to the festival throughout the weekend. For those keen to start planning their visit, the full list of confirmed events can be found in our official Cassowary Coast Life Event Guide on page 12.
In perfect timing, skywatchers across Queensland recently found themselves looking upward after reports of a Chinese rocket launch created a bright plume visible from parts of the state. Social media quickly filled with photos and speculation as residents debated whether the mysterious light was a rocket, a UFO, or something else entirely.
While the answer turned out to be firmly earthbound, the sighting has only added to the excitement surrounding Australia's only dedicated UFO festival.
Whether you're a lifelong believer, a curious sceptic or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend by the waterfront, Cardwell is once again preparing to welcome visitors for what has become one of the Cassowary Coast's most unique and talked-about events. And with another mystery recently spotted in the skies above Queensland, festival organisers might argue there has never been a better time to keep looking up.
Photo Of The Week
Thanks to the Ingham Photography Group
Tuesday 16 June
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Wednesday 17 June
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 18 June
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 19 June
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham
June 2026 Tea and Trivia, 9:00am - 12:00pm, YTO Conference and Events Centre, 73 Mcilwraith St, Ingham
Saturday 20 June
Parkrun, 7:00am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell
Markets at the Mosaic, 8:00am - 12:00pm, Mercer Lane, 78 Lannercost St, Ingham
Sunday 21 June
Lucinda Markets, 7am –11am, Borello Park, Lucinda
Tuesday 23 June
Winter in the Tropics High Tea, 9:30am, QCWA Halifax, Cr Macrossan & Rupp Sts, Halifax
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Wednesday 24 June
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 25 June
Ingham Show Day 1, 5:00pm, Ingham Showgrounds, Ingham
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 26 June
Ingham Show Day 1, 5:00pm, Ingham Showgrounds, Ingham
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham
Saturday 27 June
Parkrun, 7:00am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell
Sunday 28 June
Tuesday 30 June
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Wednesday 1 July
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 2 July
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 3 July
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham
Exhibition Opening Night: Traces of Growth – A student exhibition by Gilroy Santa Maria College, 6:00pm - 8:30pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, Ingham
Ranger Dan Bamblett from Hands On Wildlife will be at the Ingham Show with his slithery friends. Photo sourced: Hands On Wildlife
Excitement is building for the Ingham Show 2026, with not long to go until two huge days of country show fun return to the Ingham Showgrounds on Thursday 25th June and Friday 26th June.
With preparations well underway, the Ingham Show Office is now open and ready to assist visitors with family pass purchases, ride ticket sales, entries and general enquiries.
Showgoers can also take advantage of online ticket sales through TryBooking, making it easier than ever to secure entry before the gates open.
Visitors can look forward to horse and cattle competitions, sugarcane displays, poultry exhibits and the ever-popular tractor pull. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the show rides, while families can browse stalls filled with lollies and showbags. This year's entertainment lineup has also been boosted with the announcement that Hands On Wildlife will bring along some of their slithery friends for an exciting snake show.
Family passes are available for just $40, while ride tickets can be purchased for $25 per sheet. Purchasing tickets early is a great way to avoid the rush on show day and ensure a smooth start to the festivities.
The friendly team in the Show Office is available to assist the public throughout the lead-up to the event. Visitors can find the office by entering from Cooper Street near the tennis courts, walking past the pavilion and turning left at the end of the building. The Show Office is located on the right-hand side.
Whether you're entering competitions, purchasing tickets or simply seeking information, now is the perfect time to visit the Show Office and start planning your Ingham Show experience.
One of the district's biggest social events is set to return next month, with tickets and tables now on sale for the 2026 Ingham Gold Cup Race Day.
The annual event will take place on Saturday, 11th July at the Herbert River Jockey Club and promises a full day of racing, entertainment and socialising for patrons aged 18 years and over.
Gates will open from 11:00am, with racegoers able to enjoy five local horse races throughout the day, along with on-site bookmakers, a fully stocked bar and canteen facilities.
Beyond the action on the track, the Ingham Gold Cup is renowned for its vibrant social atmosphere. Live music and a DJ will keep the entertainment going during and after the races, creating the perfect setting for a day out with friends.
A highlight of the event will once again be the popular Fashions on the Field competition, with categories including Contemporary Lady of the Track, Classic Lady of the Track, Man of the Track, Millinery and the Spotters Choice awards.
Entry tickets are available now for $20 and can be purchased online or at the gate on race day. Those looking to secure a prime position can reserve a table for $150, with seating for up to 10 people. Tables are available online only and are expected to be popular.
With racing, fashions, food, refreshments and live entertainment all on the program, organisers are encouraging racegoers to secure their tickets early and start planning for another memorable Ingham Gold Cup.
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A game of pass the parcel was enjoyed by the children. Photo supplied
St Peter’s recently celebrated Under 8’s Day with a delightful Teddy Bears Picnic, and it was a wonderful morning filled with laughter, creativity and excitement. Students arrived with their favourite teddy bears, ready to take part in a wide range of hands-on activities.
The children enjoyed making delicious treats such as biscuits and fairy bread, while others explored their creative side through painting and threading. There were also plenty of classic games, including pass the parcel and the ever popular “Pin the Ears on the Teddy Bear,” which brought smiles and giggles all around.
Students also had the opportunity to plant their own seedlings to take home, encouraging a love of nature and responsibility. Even wet play activities added to the fun, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
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The morning concluded with a relaxed picnic, where students shared their snacks with friends and their cuddly companions. This was followed by storytime, along with joyful dancing and singing that had everyone joining in.
It was truly a special event that brought our youngest learners together in a fun and engaging way. Everyone had a fantastic time, making it an exciting and memorable morning for all involved.
The Herbert River Museum will be temporarily closed for repairs. Photo source: Museums & Galleries QLD
The Herbert River Museum advises that it will temporarily close from Monday 22nd June 2026 to allow for essential repairs to damage caused by the 2025 flood event.
At this stage, a reopening date has not been confirmed. It is anticipated that the museum will remain closed for approximately two to three months while works are undertaken.
The museum will provide updates on the progress of repairs and advise the community when a reopening date has been determined.
The Herbert River Museum thanks the community for its understanding and support during this period.
Arial views of communities made though crafts by the St Peters P-2 students. Examples see buttons used to show crops in gardens, and matchsticks to indicate a bridge over a blue cellophane waterway.
St Peter’s students in Years P–2 have been exploring what makes a community through an engaging hands-on learning project. Over recent weeks, classes have focused on understanding different types of communities, including rural areas such as Halifax, while identifying key features like schools, houses, parks, shops, libraries, churches, roads and water supplies.
Using recyclables, craft materials and their imagination, students researched and designed their own bird’s-eye-view models of rural communities. The activity encouraged creativity while helping students recognise how important landmarks and spaces are organised within a community.
The project also supports early geography skills, as students learn to interpret maps, globes, and images. By locating where they live within Australia and connecting it to a broader global context, students are developing a deeper understanding of place and scale.
The project highlights how hands-on learning can bring geography to life in meaningful and memorable ways.
This Week On The Herbert In 1893
The Ripple Creek Provisional School opened on 19 June 1893. It closed in 1994 after 100 years of operation.
Sugar isn’t just part of the scenery here, it’s the spine of the region. Macknade Mill, established in 1873, is Queensland’s oldest continuously operating raw sugar mill, while Victoria Mill, opened in 1883, remains one of the state’s largest producers. Together, they shaped settlement patterns, transport routes and generations of livelihoods.
Cane trains still thread through paddocks and town edges, especially atmospheric at golden hour when sunsets paint glorious backdrops over the endless fields. It’s industrial history in motion and irresistible for photographers. Always shoot from public roads, stay rail-safe and never cross active lines.
Pair a self-guided heritage drive with deli stops and a Lucinda sunset and you’ve tasted Hinchinbrook’s backbone without stepping inside a factory. Sweet, scenic and still very much at work. Plot a loop: hinchinbrookway.com.au
Photo credit: Peter Reitano
Herbert River Crushers Ladies Day was a huge success, with many fabulously dressed ladies turning out for the occasion. Drinks, live music by Michael Kauppila and plenty of good cheer kept spirits high throughout the afternoon, making it an event not to be missed.
The Debutants and their partners at the Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball 2026. Photos supplied: Rachel Bonassi
Contributed with thanks by Rachel Bonassi
For over 90 years, the Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball has been a very important fixture on our district’s social calendar.
After 3 months of dance practice with Doug and Violet Adams, the ball is a night where we can celebrate the presentation of our young people into our community and the world.
Our rapt attention demonstrates how special they are to us and how proud we are of them.
Our Debutantes and their Partners are a wonderful mixture of nerves and poise. This mix of uncertainty and confidence marks not just tonight, but also this moment in their lives.
They have learnt so much and still have so much to learn as they look towards the future with anticipation and delight.
The highlight of the night was seeing the smiles on our sixteen Debutantes faces as they were presented before us.
2026 Debutantes and their Partners
Ellie Lahtinen & Connor Matsen
Kaitlyn Rapista & Rory Day
Denae Condon & TJ Duncan
Annabell Sorbello & Gabriel Lake
Carly Roati & Kaleb Holmes
Mylie Sorbello & Ben Poggio
Emylee Dametto & Jonah Rossington
Karlie Johnson & Liam Swarbrick
Ceira Fichera & Bradyen Marino
Addison Dilena & Connor Henderson
Peyton Catalano & Lucas Masters
Chloe Bradd & Maximo Lenzo
Sienna Mammino & Aiden Mammino
Georgia Minato & Noah Kopeshke
Tahliah Devietto & Daniel Winstone
Ella Perkins & Jonty Fratus
Accompanying Party
Matrons of Honour – Amanda Dillon & Julie MacPherson
Maids of Honour – Indiana Copley partnered Mitchell Jayo & Eve Exelby partnered by Hayden Girgenti.
Flower girls – Alexia Previtera & Ayla Valastro
Page boy – Patrick Pearce
Official Party
Bishop Timothy Harris, Wayde Cheisa MP, Principal of Gilroy Johanna Smith & her husband Adam Smith, and Parish Priest Father John & Father Jomi.
Stock image from Pexels
Excitement is building as the Ingham Show approaches, with organisers encouraging residents to start planning their visit and take advantage of pre-purchased tickets and passes ahead of one of the district's biggest annual events.
From Monday 8th June, the Ingham Show Office began selling Family Passes, two-day Pensioner Passes and pre-sale ride tickets, allowing visitors to organise their show experience before arriving at the gates. Tickets will also be available online through TryBooking in the lead-up to the event.
For exhibitors, entry forms can be found in the back of show schedules and are also available via the Ingham Show website. Completed entries, including colouring competition submissions, can be lodged with the Show Office before the relevant closing dates and judging periods.
Side Show Alley will once again be a major attraction, featuring thrilling rides, carnival games, showbags, fairy floss and the ever-popular Dagwood Dogs. The pavilion will showcase the creativity and talent of the community through displays of cooking, craft, horticulture, photography, art, fruit and vegetables.
Visitors can also enjoy the impressive cane display, highlighting one of the region's most important industries, while children will love the hands-on petting farm and interactive wildlife reptile show.
The Centre Ring will feature a mix of skill and spectacle, including equestrian events, cattle judging and parading, along with the crowd-favourite Sausage Dog Fancy Dress and Derby. Meanwhile, the NQ Tractor Pull will bring plenty of horsepower and excitement as competitors put their machines to the test.
The show will conclude each evening with a spectacular fireworks display, providing a fitting finale to a day of family fun, community spirit and country tradition.
Trebonne Hotel has served many locals and visitors over the years. Photo credit: Bingley Hall
Contributed with thanks by Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui
On the night of Friday 29th May 2026 the Trebonne Hotel served its last customers.
It is with deep regret that the licensee Gavin Bacchiella has put the hotel up for sale. Gavin was the licensee from 2005 to 2026 and has held the license of Trebonne Hotel the longest in its history. Others who held the license for over a decade were Adelina Rotondo (1946-1954), Guiseppe Sartoresi (1955-1965) and Beverly Kay Somers (1980-1990).
The sadness felt by the Trebonne and district residents in attendance on the last night was palatable, as generations of the same families shared so many memories. Hotels are more than sellers of alcohol. Alongside schools and churches, hotels were amongst the first buildings in any new settlement.
The Trebonne State School which opened its doors on 7th November 1906 preceded the Trebonne Hotel, which opened on 15th September 1926, its first publican named George Fraser. A church didn’t come until the Canossian Daughters of Charity opened a school on 5th February 1951. They acquired the Trebonne Hall where dances were held and it became a school on weekdays and church on the weekend.
The first hotel building, a wooden two-story, burned down at midnight on 22nd March 1931 from a kitchen fire. It was still owned by Fraser but now the publican was Abramo Ganza. While a new hotel was being built Ganza conducted a temporary bar in the adjoining premises. A new, more substantial building with a brick lower storey was built. The new hotel opened on 31st January 1932 only to lose its roof eight years later in the cyclone of February 1940.
Though the licensees were invariably men it was their wives like Celia Ganza or Josephine Sartoresi who did the hard work cooking, cleaning, serving food and drinks, and often being the face of the hotel. Over the years Trebonne Hotel has provided accommodation for a countless assortment of people including footballers, musicians and workmen, in rooms in the upper storey. It has hosted wakes, weddings, school barbecues, fundraisers, farmer’s meetings and at one time in the 1990s conducted as a restaurant.
If the walls could talk, they’d have seen it all. They’d have seen publicans bribed or fined for selling liquor in prohibited hours or selling illicit spirits. They’d have witnessed brawls, a stabbing, dud cheques handed over the counter and windows smashed by disgruntled customers.
Sir Arthur Fadden (a former Prime Minister) bought two farms near Trebonne known as Sugarlands, and it is recorded that when he drove up to see the farms in his Rolls Royce, he called into the Trebonne Hotel for a chat with the locals.
The hotel even saw a change of name for a short time, when it was renamed Threeways Hotel by Clifford Stallan, the licensee (1999-2004). It was called Threeways because the hotel sits on the corner of Abergowrie Road; which leads to Ingham in one direction, Abergowrie in the other, and off to Stone River Road.
The liveliest days for Trebonne Hotel were the manual cane cutting days when cane cutters would gather at the hotel to socialize and drink, play cards and bocce. An outside dance area and a bocce court area were built alongside the hotel. Not only dances, but school fetes were held at the hotel especially after Guiseppe Sartoresi had a Fronton built on land adjoining the hotel in 1959.
This was a court for the many Basque cane cutters in the district at the time to play many memorable competitive games of Pelota Mano – a handball game. It was not unknown for up to 200 people to gather to watch a Pelota Mano game, especially if there were dancing and a barbecue organised. The Hotel did a roaring trade on those occasions.
Now the handball court stands silent, the hotel doors are closed, the kitchen stove cold, the beer taps turned off. The roaring days are over and we recall them with the fondest of memories.
“It's the end of an era, and it's a great loss to our small little community, but we'll send it off with us. Yeah, we're sending it off tonight. There're a lot of people turning in here to show you how great this place was.” - Local family group sharing stories in the beer garden.
“It's a little bit devastating, honestly. This was the local for so many years and it's got a lot of history.” - Local enjoying the last night’s performance.
“It's sad. A lot of beers and good times had you over the years. It's good to see a few people come out tonight and wish it off well. But yeah, it's sad to see another local watering hole close up.” - musician Michael Copeland, performing on the final night.
“Everyone needs somewhere to go that's close to home, within walking distance, after they finish work, and I think it's a bit sad, and it's a family pub.” - A local worker reminiscing on growing up with the Hotel.
“Everyone’s kids come here, and they're growing up together. So the next generation won't get this wholesome feeling of ending the week and coming to see all the people that you probably hardly ever see. Life gets so busy, and then you can come here (to Trebonne Hotel), have your moment, catch up, and it's been that place for people.” - a local mother whose family will miss the community of the Hotel.
“I live across the road, my farm's across the road, and so I'll be very sad to see it go. My father used to drink here, and we’ve come to celebrate, with a touch of sadness.” - Local farmer sending of the Hotel with a few rounds.
“It's a loss of the friendships that you build with all the customers. The community that it's supported and the people that would come here.” - A bartender serving the last drinks of the night.
Caden Russo “The Raging Bull” with the Queensland Super Welterweight Championship belt, alongside coach and promoter Dean Poppi. Photo credit: TGW & Smithy's Promotions
Ingham's boxing talent was on full display at the latest Country Boy Series event, with local fighters producing impressive performances in front of a hometown crowd.
The main amateur bout of the night saw fast-rising Ingham prospect Grant Martin claim victory over talented Mareeba boxer Tosh Pilcher. Martin secured the judges' decision to take home the inaugural Country Boy Belt.
One of the biggest moments of the evening belonged to "The Raging Bull" Caden Russo, who captured the Queensland Super Welterweight Championship with a strong performance against Hunter Ioane. Fighting in front of local supporters, Russo produced a memorable finish to secure the state title.
Super Middleweight Josh Shannon also recorded an impressive victory, contributing to a successful night for the Ingham contingent.
The results capped off a memorable evening for local boxing, with Ingham fighters proudly representing their hometown on the big stage.
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