Many people think Mission Beach is a single stretch of sand, but it is actually a collection of connected beachside communities extending along approximately 14 kilometres of coastline.

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The result is plenty of room to spread out, enjoy a quiet walk or find your own patch of paradise. Palm trees lean toward the water, islands dot the horizon and sunrise often steals the show.

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Whether you're seeking activity or relaxation, there is space to enjoy both. Rest under the shade: cassowarycoasttourism.com.au

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Finalists Mermaid Party with their Jazz dance Routine - Photo Supplied

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40 Performers Brave The Stage For Talent Quest Auditions

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Tully State High School recently hosted auditions for this year’s Cassowary Coast Talent Quest, inviting talented and brave individuals aged between 5-18 to give it their all to be a part of this year’s variety show competition.  

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The event brought around 40 competitors from across the region to audition in front of a panel of judges and their peers.

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Violin Teacher Lissy Entwistle, was a part of the judging panel.

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‘It was very enjoyable to see so much talent and skill across the region.” Lissy reflected.  

“It was really impressive to see the confidence of people having a go. It was really hard to pick the finalists.”  

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The room was brimming with talented acts who showcased skill, creativity and ambition. There was a variety of acts; dance, musical performances and theatre that showcased the diverse talent across the area.

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Event Founder and Organiser Eve Rose was filled with pride after the event.  

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“It is obvious the Cassowary Coast is absolutely bursting with young talent and today's auditions showed how courage, persistence and authentic talents can continue to grow in these local kids, when supported by family, community and generous local businesses,” Eve Rose said.

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“I feel so privileged to help give a safe platform for these artists to shine and am extremely excited for the Grand Final, because it is going to be a wholesale, unique and genuine variety show the whole family will enjoy.”

The finalists have a chance to win big with over $3,500 in cash and trophy prizes across 14 categories plus Judges’ Choice and audience-voted People’s Choice awards.  

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The Grand finale will take place on Sunday 2nd August, 2pm at Tully State High’s Multi Purpose Court School. Tickets are available to purchase through trybooking.com. Ticket holders get 2 votes each to cast in the People’s Choice Awards.  

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Finalists

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Junior 5-9yrs

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Thomas- Singing

Artemis- Comedy Routine

Mermaid Party- Group Jazz Dance

Thomas and Benjamin- Duet singing

Artemis- Interpretive Dance

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Tween 10-13yrs

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Laityn- Tap Dance

Karma- Singing

Penny- Musical Theatre

Benji- Aerial Lyra

Hannah and Sophie- self-choreographed dance

Charlie- Singing

Olivia- Tap Dance

Summer- Singing

Grace- self-choreographed Dance

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Senior 14-18yrs

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Ariana- Singing

Santana and Caleb- Fire Twirling performance

Amity- Speed Tap Dance

Matilda- Singing & Guitar 

Isabelle- Aerial Performance

Lochlan- Singing & Guitar

Oscar- Trumpet 

Isabelle and Benji- Lyra Duo performance

Santana- Singing & Guitar 

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Gamelan Gangiang Suda Group - Photo Credit Sian Bantock  

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On Saturday 25th July the Indonesian Mini Festival took over Progress Hall, showcasing authentic Indonesian food prepared by the team, alongside a vibrant program of musical performances; including the delightful tones from the Gamelan Gangiang Suda group.  

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‘’We play Gamelan Sunda which is West Javanese music; it’s just really beautiful,’ said Event Organiser Kym Hall

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The group of 11 musicians performs the fast rhythms of the Sundanese Rampak Gendang drumming, with a full ensemble of bronze percussion instruments that creates a multi-layered sound. At Saturday’s festival, they were joined by students from the Rainforest School.

This was the fourth annual Mini Indonesian Festival and Kym said she was thrilled with how well it resonated with the community in Mission Beach.  

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Kym also credits the wider community support to the success of the event.  

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The festival was made possible through the Regional Arts Development Fund which is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cassowary Coast Regional Council in support of local arts and culture in regional Queensland.  

July's Monthly Meet Up at the Tully Show Grounds with members of the sugar industry from the local Mill, productivity services and SRA. Hayley (Tully Sugar), Erin (SRA), Nancy (SRA), Danielle (SRA), Sonya (Tully Productivity Services), Siona (SRA), Kelly (Tully Sugar).  Photo supplied

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Brewed in the Paddock are seeking new members, following a successful July meet-up at the Tully Showgrounds.

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Brewed in the Paddock is a monthly meet up for women working in the agricultural sector, whether that be in cane, bananas, cattle or horticulture. The group is dedicated to creating an environment where women can come together to share ideas, network and pick up some helpful tips along the way.  

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The club was created less than a year ago by four founding members; Wendy Finlayson, Kimberly Teelow, Carmen Camilleri & Jenny Crema, all of whom have a background in agriculture.

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“It’s obviously something that’s been missing,” said founding member and Club Secretary Wendy Finlayson. 

“At our first meet up we had over 60 people attend.

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“We learn so much off each other, a lot of us aren’t in the same industry but there’s a common thread that links us all.”

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Women across the local area from Tully, Mission Beach and Innisfail are all welcome to attend. Meet ups are generally held in Tully but they vary so a variety of business can be supported. Check out the Tully Women in Agricutulre Inc Facebook page for more details.  

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Australia's only dedicated UFO festival is set to return to Cardwell from Thursday 6^th August to Sunday 9^th August, bringing four days of guest speakers, entertainment, markets, tours and family-friendly activities to the Cassowary Coast.

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Whether you're a firm believer, a curious sceptic or simply looking for a unique weekend out, the Australian UFO Festival promises something for everyone. The event celebrates the unexplained while showcasing the region through live entertainment, cultural experiences, food, art and local attractions. The festival's flagship attraction is the C-Files Forum, where researchers, authors and experiencers from across Australia will discuss UFOs, unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries and emerging theories through presentations, panel discussions and audience question sessions.

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What’s On:

Thursday 6th August
Opening Night & Stories in the Stars
On Thursday evening the festival officially opens with the premiere of Stories in the Stars, celebrating Indigenous astronomy, culture and storytelling, before the weekend's celebrations begin.

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Friday 7th August
C-Files Forum – Day One
Held throughout the day, hear from researchers, investigators and authors exploring UFO sightings, witness accounts and some of Australia's best-known unexplained mysteries.

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Saturday 8th August
Monster Market Day
Along the Cardwell Foreshore browse market stalls, enjoy family entertainment, food vendors, live performances and plenty of extraterrestrial-themed fun. Costumes are encouraged for visitors of all ages.

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Alien Invasion Party
On Saturday evening along the Cardwell Foreshore, the festival's biggest social event features live music, entertainment and plenty of aliens, astronauts and other out-of-this-world costumes.

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Sunday 9th August
C-Files Forum – Final Day
When: Throughout the day
Where: Cardwell
The final forum sessions examine ancient mysteries and future possibilities before wrapping up with an open-mic session where attendees can share their own stories and experiences.

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C-Files Tours
When: Selected sessions during the weekend
Where: Departing from Cardwell
Visitors can also join guided tours to locations associated with local UFO sightings, mysterious lights, Yowie reports and other unexplained stories from the region.

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With visitors travelling from across Australia and overseas, the Australian UFO Festival has become one of Cardwell's most distinctive annual events, blending mystery, entertainment and tourism into a weekend unlike any other. Whether you come for the research, the costumes or simply the atmosphere, this year's festival is sure to be out of this world.

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Little pupper Pixel was super keen to know all about what’s happening on the Cassowary Coast. She especially loved the Surf Life Saving page last week and wished she could also get her tiny paws out on the beach for a paddle. Oh, to feel the sun and sea breeze on her fur!

Adult/Open and People's Choice winner Trish Andrews. Photo credit: Maria Girgenti

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Waste to Art returned to this year's Innisfail Show, proving that everyday waste can be transformed into something truly inspiring.

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The exhibition celebrated local creativity while encouraging reuse and recycling, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council thanking everyone who entered, visited and supported the event.

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Congratulations went to Mourilyan State School, which took out the Primary School category with Magical Mini Beasts, while Kimberley Collins claimed the High School award for Shells Up for Waste Management. A special congratulations also went to Trish Andrews, who received both the Adult/Open award and the coveted People's Choice award.

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Council later congratulated all participants for showcasing the creative potential of recycled materials and helping inspire a more sustainable future.

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For anglers chasing something extraordinary, heli-fishing in the Herbert River Gorge rewrites the rulebook. A helicopter flight drops you into remote river pools rarely reached on foot, opening up a full day of fishing in jungle-lined country.

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Trips typically allow around six hours on the water, hopping between pools targeting jungle perch, sooty grunter and barramundi when conditions allow. Quality tackle and a picnic are usually included, and flights only run in suitable dry-season weather, with river height and visibility guiding decisions.

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Even if the fish play shy, the aerial views alone justify the sunscreen. Deep gorges, winding river systems and untouched forest unfold beneath you. It’s not everyday fishing — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience Hinchinbrook from above and below.

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Lock it in: hinchinbrookway.com.au

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Evie and Lataya's Shark boat received First prize. Photo source: Rollingstone State School

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The Rollingstone State School P&C has successfully revived a much-loved community tradition, with a strong turnout for this year's Dry Boat Race.

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The event, which first began around 20 years ago, was originally established by former local Police Sergeant Brad "Goughy" Gough. Although it had not been held for several years, the P&C brought the popular event back to life, much to the delight of the community.

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Adding to the occasion, Brad returned as the guest judge for the Best Boat competition, helping celebrate the creativity and enthusiasm on display.

Rollingstone State School P&C President Bec Truscott said it was fantastic to see so many families supporting the event's return.

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A number of local businesses helped make the day possible, including Allison Gough from Ray White Real Estate, Bullock's Butcher, Frosty Mango and BCF Deeragun.

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The Best Boat competition winners were:
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First prize: Evie and Lataya's Shark boat, receiving a $50 Frosty Mango voucher.
Second prize: Dakota's Silver Boat DMM, receiving $30 cash from the P&C.
Third prize: The Little Red Boat, receiving a camping chair and hat from BCF Deeragun.

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The successful return of the Dry Boat Race has paved the way for the event to once again become a yearly fixture in the Rollingstone.

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See all photos here: www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/dry-boat-race-returns-to-rollingstone

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Tuesday 28 July
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Ingham Probus Christmas In July, 10:30am Theme: Australian Style

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Wednesday 29 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

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Thursday 30 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

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Friday 31 July  
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham

July 2026 Tea and Trivia, 9:00am - 12:00pm, TYTO Conference and Events Centre, Ingham

11th Hinchinbrook Birdlife Art Awards, 6:00pm, at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery, 73 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

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Saturday 1 August
Parkrun, 7:00am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell

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Sunday 2 August
Ingham Raintree Community Market, 7:00am-12:00pm, Rotary Park, Ingham

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Monday 3 August

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Tuesday 4 August
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

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Wednesday 5 August
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

Ingham Probus Meeting and Bring & Buy, 10:00am, Herbert River RSl, Ingham

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

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

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Thursday 6 August
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

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Why Aren’t My Vegetables Fruiting?‍

By Joe Bond

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Nestled in the back streets of Forrest Beach, Joe (Joanne) and her partner Dan (Daniel) tend a 2.5-acre oasis - a haven of more than 75 different fruit trees and seasonal vegetables nurtured over 20 years. Together, they cultivate high-quality, affordable produce for the local community.

Here’s Joe’s monthly update of practical tips and ideas for your garden and home.

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Between the two of us, Dan and I have built up a pretty solid knowledge of growing food and caring for the land.

Several people approached Dan at the markets asking for advice, saying, "Our pumpkins, cucumbers and zucchini aren't growing. They produce flowers, but nothing else happens."

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His suggested advice was "Hand-pollinate them."

So, what is hand pollination?

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Pumpkins, cucumbers and zucchini produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. For fruit to develop, pollen must be transferred from the male flower (the anther) to the female flower (the stigma). Nature usually relies on bees and other pollinators to do this, but if they aren't around, you can lend a helping hand by gently transferring the pollen using the male flower itself or a small paintbrush.

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Cross-pollination is a little different. It happens when pollen is transferred from the anther of a flower on one plant to the stigma of a flower on another plant of the same species. This mixes the genetic material of both parent plants, producing seeds with greater genetic diversity. Over time, this helps create stronger, healthier plants that are better able to adapt to changing conditions.

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One of the best ways to improve pollination naturally is by keeping bees. I know beekeeping isn't for everyone, but bees do an incredible job of pollinating your crops while bringing plenty of other benefits to the garden.

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If you'd like to see what we're growing or pick up some fresh local produce, visit Joe and Dan's fruit stall at 63 Forrest Drive, Forrest Beach.

Joe's Garden Tip: If your vine crops are producing plenty of flowers but no fruit, try hand-pollinating early in the morning when the flowers are fully open. It's quick, easy and can dramatically improve your harvest!

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On 31 July 1895 the Hinchinbrook Divisional board announced that a contract had been let for the construction of an 844 feet (269.4 meters) jetty at Lucinda Point and that work had begun.

Lucinda at sunset, by Leonie Leotta

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(With thanks to the Ingham Photography Group)

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Bachelors' Quarters, Stone Hut 1865. Photo source: Hinchinbrook Shire Council Library photograph collection

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By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

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Did you know that the north ‘Queenslander’ house style is said to have originated here in the Herbert River district?  

Alan Frost who has written on what came to be called the ‘Queenslander’ observes that “It was on the banks of the Herbert River that settlers first set their houses high.” He claims that they did this because “their medical knowledge told them that they might avoid malaria by sleeping off the ground” – and so the trend started in the district to build houses on seven-to-eight-foot stumps.

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Henry Stone’s Bachelors’ Hut (1865) was one of the first examples of these structures. By 1875 it was observed by a visitor to the Valley that houses “on high piles [were] a peculiarity …everywhere noticeable.”  Planter Charles Leon Burguez’s house (1880) on the Gairloch Plantation is an example.

The ‘Queenslander was an adaption to climate and location. It was raised on high stumps or piles and encased in verandas which provided a covered walkway around the entire structure. Interiors were accessed from the verandas via French doors and adjustable sash windows provided additional ventilation. These openings syphoned breezes through the house assisted by ‘whirlybird ventilation’ vents.  Kitchens were detached in order to keep the heat and fire danger away from the main structure.  

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These buildings were also built on the highest ground out of the threat of high flood levels and away from large trees where pools of stagnant water would provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Bats inhabited the ceilings eating the mosquitoes, while breezes blew the mosquitoes away from the house.  

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Furthermore, as Tony Raggatt advocating for the ‘Queenslander’ in his opinion piece after the 2019 Townsville floods wrote, “Not only are they [the ‘Queenslander’] cooler for the ventilation they provide under the home and are raised above the jaws of the armies of termites that patrol the garden, they are designed to allow floodwaters to flow underneath them.” If the houses are not built under there is little to be lost from water damage.

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Today, even on the Herbert, the ‘Queenslander’ house design has been all but abandoned.  The style of housing that has come to be favoured because of taste or economics is low-set brick or concrete boxes lined with non-durable materials such as gyprock. Rarely are they surrounded by verandas. Because they are not ergonomically sited, they are stifling in summer, freezing in winter, walls exposed to blazing afternoon sun, ill-placed to catch passing breezes and only bearable to live in with air-conditioners full-bore.  

Perhaps it is time this quintessential north Queensland architectural style originating in the Herbert River Valley is re-evaluated and appreciated anew.

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2026’s Tully & District Show featured huge Ferris Wheel! Photo Credit: Siân Bantock

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Country fun and carnival thrills filled the Tully Showgrounds as the much-loved Tully & District Show returned for another unforgettable two-day celebration.

Families flocked through the gates to experience everything from award-winning agricultural displays and friendly farm animals to thrilling rides, live entertainment and spectacular fireworks, with something to delight visitors of all ages.

A crowd favourite, and a true symbol of the Tully Show, was the display of the region's finest bananas and sugarcane, alongside impressive fruit, orchid and botanical exhibits competing for top honours. Outside, towering agricultural machinery, a popular petting zoo and a snake handling display kept crowds entertained throughout the day.

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Tully & District Show Delivers Country Charm

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By Siân Bantock

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The 2026 Tully & District Show created countless heartwarming moments, including a chance reunion between former local George Sing, who now lives in Canada, and his old school friend Karen McLeod.

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"It's like nothing has changed, it's exactly how I remember it when was a kid," George said.

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"I love coming back, it takes me back to my childhood and I like catching up with people I haven't seen for years," Karen said.

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As darkness fell, the showgrounds transformed into a sea of lights as the Ferris wheel and carnival rides whirred into action before a dazzling fireworks display capped off the evening.

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Adding to the vibrant atmosphere were community groups, emergency services and volunteers, whose support helped make the event another success.

"Today was an awesome day for all our families. Thank you for all your support," the Tully & District Show Society shared.

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For more than 90 years, the Tully & District Show has celebrated the region's rural heritage, and this year's event once again proved why it remains one of the Cassowary Coast's most treasured traditions.

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See more photos here: www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/tully-district-show-delivers-country-charm

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