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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Tuesday 19 May
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Wednesday 20 May
Pottery Session with Justin, 10am-2pm, , Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Alicia Bickett Psychic Medium Event, 7:30pm-10pm, Innisfail Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Thursday 21 May
Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Saturday 23 May
Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach
Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell
Greenbank parkrun, 7am, Spring Mountain Reserve, Tully Connection Road, Greenbank
Tully Markets, 7am-12pm, Butler Street, Tully
Crystal & Wellbeing Market, Saturday and Sunday, El Arish Community Hall, El Arish
Tuesday 26 May
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Wednesday 27 May
Pottery Session with Irene, 10am-2pm, Mission Arts Pottery Studio, Mission Beach
Thursday 28 May
Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Saturday 30 May
Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach
Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell
Greenbank parkrun, 7am, Spring Mountain Reserve, Tully Connection Road, Greenbank
Dinner at Nonnas, 7:30pm, Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, Innisfail
Tuesday 19 May
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Wednesday 20 May
Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group, 9am-3pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham
Tai Chi, 9am-10am, Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Forrest Beach
Friends of Forrest Beach, conversation and games, 9am–12pm, Progress Park shelter, Forrest Beach
Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm–3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham
Social Darts, 7pm, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper Street, Ingham
Thursday 21 May
Senior Men's Social Group, 9am–12pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham
CWA Craft Group, 9am–12pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach
Technology Classes, 10am–1:30pm, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Playtime At The Library, 10:30am – 12:00pm at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith St, Ingham
Mahjong, 1:00pm – 3:00pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd
Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Friday 22 May
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham
Tea and Trivia, 9:30am-11:30am, TYTO Conference and Event Centre, Ingham
Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament, Day 1, 12pm, Taylors Beach
Saturday 23 May
Parkrun, 7am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell
Halifax CWA Hoy & Cent Sale, 1:30pm, CWA Hall, Halifax
Morning Melodies: The Blues Brothers and Aretha, 2pm-4pm, JL Kelly Theatre, Ingham
Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament, Day 2, Taylors Beach
Sunday 24 May
Herbert River Orchid & Allied Plant Society meeting,1:30pm Conroy Hall, Ingham
Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament, Day 3, 11am, Taylors Beach
Tuesday 26 May
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Wednesday 27 May
Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group, 9:00am - 3:00pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham
Tai Chi, 9:00am - 10:00am, Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Forrest Beach
Friends of Forrest Beach, conversation and games, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Progress Park shelter, Forrest Beach
Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm – 3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd
Social Darts, 7:00pm, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper St, Ingham
Thursday 28 May
Senior Men's Social Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd, Ingham
CWA Craft Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm St.
Technology Classes, 10:00am – 1:30pm, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
Playtime At The Library, 10:30am – 12:00pm at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith St, Ingham
Mahjong, 1:00pm – 3:00pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd
Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham
Friday 29 May
TYTO Regional Art Gallery “Liminal Shift – About Time” by Ingham Art Action Exhibition Opening, 6pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, Ingham
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham
Exhibition Opening Night: Liminal Shift – About Time – A Group exhibition by Ingham Art Action, 6:00pm - 8:30pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, Ingham
Saturday 30 May
Parkrun, 7:00am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell
Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day, 9:00am – 2:00pm, TYTO Parklands, Ingham
Sunday 31 May
After a wet season that kept everyone on their toes — and a few near misses along the way — Ingham is ready to swap gumboots for dancing shoes.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council is inviting the community to let their hair down at the Bounce Back Bash, a live music event at the TYTO Wetlands on Saturday 30 May, following Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day.
Like many in the community, Ingham has been navigating recovery after months of rain and weather challenges. While we dodged a few bullets this wet season, Council says it’s important to acknowledge the resilience shown across the Shire and to take a moment to reconnect, celebrate and enjoy being together.
Headlining the night is Pete Cullen & the Hurt, an Australian outlaw country and Americana act known for high energy shows and foot stomping live performances. Pete Cullen has headlined major festivals including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival and Gympie Muster, and has had music featured on Triple J, MTV, CMC, RAGE and the television series Upright.
Local favourites Last Chance will warm up the crowd, bringing plenty of home-grown talent to the TYTO stage. The Bounce Back Bash will run from 5:00pm to 11:30pm and is an 18+ event, with a barbecue and bar available on site. Limited seating will be provided, and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, soak up the parkland's atmosphere, or dance the night away.
Tickets are $10 plus booking fee via www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au, making it an easy way to cap off a free full day of community celebration at Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day that kicks off from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
Council encourages residents to come along, support live music, catch up with friends and enjoy a well-earned night of fun as the community continues its recovery journey. This event is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth–state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.
Year 6A students from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School visited residents at Palms Aged Care to celebrate Mother’s Day together. Photos supplied
Year 6A students from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School recently had the wonderful opportunity to visit residents at Palms Aged Care to celebrate Mother’s Day together, enjoying a morning filled with kindness, connection and community spirit.
In the lead-up to the visit, students thoughtfully prepared handmade Mother’s Day flowers and cards for the ladies, along with special cards and small gifts for the gentlemen. Residents were delighted by the students’ generosity and creativity, and the morning was marked by many shared smiles.
A highlight for students was spending time chatting with residents and listening to stories about families, childhoods and treasured memories. Students also enjoyed discovering unexpected connections with residents’ families and local community members, creating meaningful moments that will be remembered fondly by all involved.
The visit included time with therapy dogs, bringing plenty of joy and excitement. Students also had the privilege of assisting with a special morning tea, wearing gloves and hair nets as they helped serve residents. Afterwards, students sat alongside residents to enjoy morning tea together, continuing conversations and building new friendships.
A special thank you to the school Chaplain, Mrs Kym Giliberto, for organising the visit, and to the staff at Palms Aged Care for their warm welcome and generous support. Year 6A is already looking forward to returning again soon.
Jasmine is a truly beautiful girl with a gentle, sensitive nature. She can be a little shy when meeting new people, but with patience and kindness she slowly comes out of her shell and shows just how loving she really is. Once Jasmine feels safe and comfortable, she loves keeping you company and will happily soak up scratches behind the ears while staying close by your side.
She would thrive in a calm, quiet household where she can settle in at her own pace. Jasmine isn’t suited to a home with dogs, but she could live with another calm, placid cat who is happy to give her space while she adjusts. She also has a big love for her food!
With a little patience at the start, Jasmine blossoms into a sweet, affectionate companion who will bring so much warmth and comfort to the right home.
Inquiry form https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html
Adoption fee is $210. Jasmine is desexed, micro-chipped, up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick/intestinal worm treated.
DOB: 30/06/2022
Sex: Female
Colour: Calico
Kid friendly: Gentle hands
Cat friendly: Yes
Dog friendly: No
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
BIN: BIN0000268254643
Nurse Louisa Anderssen/Anderson in her later years, still caring for young children. Photo source: Hinchinbrook Shire Library Photograph Collection.
By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui
Records of midwives in the 1800s are scant and birthing children was considered women’s business, so you would be forgiven if you didn’t know of local midwife Louisa Anderssen/Anderson (née Buchanan).
According to the available resources, her parents were John William or William John Buchanan and Susan/Susanah O’Neill. John was born in Carlton, Jamaica, on a sugar plantation, while Susan was born in Ireland. John studied medicine but did not complete his studies, however he knew enough to offer valuable assistance to doctors. Allegedly, he migrated to Australia because of ill health, where he took up work clearing ‘Bushfield’, F C Gardener’s holding and possibly worked as a sugar boiler.
Louisa was possibly born in Clermont in 1862. When the family moved to the Herbert area, Louisa and her siblings, Mary, Bella and Florence, attended Mrs Millar’s Lower Herbert Provisional School.
There was a sizable community of Scandinavians in the region and Louisa and Florence both married Scandinavians. Louisa was 17 when she married 37 year old Christian Anderssen (Anderson) on 23 May 1879 in Cardwell. He was a blacksmith employed at the Bemerside Plantation.
Christian then conducted a blacksmithing business at Wickham’s Landing on the Herbert River; before then working for M. Connors in Ingham until 1886, when the family relocated to ‘Homebush’, a property in Cordelia belonging to fellow Scandinavian, William Johnson (formerly Wilhelm Sorensen). It is possible an accident shoeing a horse, which left Christian an invalid, may have precipitated that move.
To support her family, Louisa turned to midwifery, calling herself a lady’s nurse. She delivered Finlay Skinner in 1897, and his son 25 years later. Finlay recalled that she was a self-taught midwife and came to the profession after her husband’s alleged accident. Lady’s nurses assisted expectant mothers in their homes or conducted small lying-in hospitals. They often did not have formal training but assumed the title of Nurse.
Travelling on horseback, responding to assistance at any hour, she was known to have swum a river to attend to an isolated woman in labour. Finlay remembered that her services were in great demand and that she was very highly regarded.
Of Louisa’s and Christian’s seven children, all but one predeceased her and four died under heartbreaking circumstances. One toddler of snake bite and another from convulsions after eating soap. Kenneth Christian (5) and Emelia Mary (10) and two other unrelated children, Charlotte Carr (7) and Evaline Faithfull (10), drowned in the Herbert River during a school lunch break. At the time of their latter children’s deaths, Louisa was caring for a critically ill child, and Christian had had a stroke and was in hospital.
Emelia and Kenneth were buried at ‘Homebush’. Their graves are now under cane. After her husband’s death, Louisa continued to live at ‘Homebush’. She outlived her husband by 40 years, passing away on 14 November 1948 at the age of 84, at the Eventide Home in Charters Towers and is buried in the Halifax cemetery.
Hers could be described as a tragic life. But her indomitable spirit, life-giving profession and dedication to her family enabled her to rise above and stoically endure those losses.
The QCWA Abergowrie & Long Pocket Community BBQ drew a small but high-spirited crowd, as the evening was filled with games and dancing among friends. Photo credit: QCWA Abergowrie & Long Pocket
Wet weather may have kept numbers smaller than expected, but it did little to dampen the community spirit at the recent QCWA Abergowrie & Long Pocket Community Barbecue, with those who attended enjoying an evening filled with loal connection.
The gathering brought together people of all ages, from some of the community’s eldest residents through to its youngest members, creating a warm atmosphere centred around conversation, dancing and family fun. Music from Jonny helped keep the entertainment flowing throughout the evening, while support from Beaumont Tiles, Galipo's Midtown Meats and Mick's Bread Kitchen contributed to making the event possible.
Organisers said the evening was a reminder that community events are not always about the size of the crowd, but the connections created by those who attend.
“We may have been small in number, but we still enjoyed the warm family feel of our Community BBQ last night,” Ladies from the QCWA shared.
“We were joined by some of our wonderful community elders as well as some of the very youngest.
“We raffled off one hell of a meat tray. We ate well, laughed, danced, and the youngins played all night long.”
The group also thanked musician Jonny for providing entertainment throughout the evening, as well as Beaumont Tiles, Galipo's Midtown Meats and Mick's Bread Kitchen for supporting the event.
Most importantly, appreciation was extended to everyone who attended despite the wet conditions.
Community events like these continue to highlight that even when the weather refuses to cooperate, bringing people together remains what matters most.
Jon Davis to perform at NQ Field Day 2026! Photo supplied.
Hailing from ‘Crocodile Dundee’ Territory, Jon Davis has been in show business since he was a teenager but until relatively recently, focused more on live performances than recording and releasing his original music. It was only after a chance meeting with The Kenny Rogers Band that his career took on a new direction; when Jon was invited to Nashville to live with, and record his compositions with the actual hit-makers behind every one of Kenny Rogers' immortal classics for the last 40 years.
Since then, Jon has regularly featured finalist before taking out ‘the big one’ in 2023 at the ASA Australian Song of the Year Awards as the recipient of the Rudy Brandsma Award for Songwriting Excellence.
Jon has toured extensively throughout Australia and internationally and it was during the COVID pandemic Jon found himself ‘locked down’ in Townsville where he discovered the sights, sounds and smells of Northern Queensland. While his heart will always be in the Northern Territory, it became clear that Jon had to make the move ‘east’ in order to expose his songwriting to a broader, national audience.
“I’ll always be a Territory boy, but the country music circuit is so strong and the lifestyle so vibrant in Queensland, that it was a no-brainer…” Jon said.
To that end, Jon invested in a bespoke recording studio just outside of Townsville, where he is currently working on a few studio albums, a live EP and a few children’s songs, in readiness for the 2027 Australian Song of the Year Awards and of course, the Golden Guitars.
Jon’s history of performing at ANZAC Day and similar services as well as senior citizen retreats and disabled care facilities is well-documented. Jon now regularly delivers as many live shows as possible at country music festivals and public events as well as rodeos, pubs, clubs and bars across northern Queensland and beyond.
And now, he is lined up to give an amazing show at the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day. Jon will be performing live on Saturday 30th at the event from 12:00pm – 4:00pm. This is your chance to see an Aussie music master!
Photo credit: Zoe Maree Media 2023
North Queensland’s innovative agricultural industry will take centre stage when the Rotary NQ Field Day returns to Townsville, bringing together producers, businesses, families and visitors from across the region.
Far more than a traditional field day, the event has grown into a showcase of the people, industries and ideas that help shape life across North Queensland. Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Townsville and surrounding districts, the event celebrates everything that grows, feeds and sustains regional communities while also supporting important local causes through Rotary fundraising efforts.
Visitors can expect a mix of agricultural displays, industry exhibitors and emerging technology, alongside practical demonstrations and family-friendly attractions designed to appeal to both those working on the land and the wider community. Exhibits will feature farming machinery and equipment, robotics, drone technology, educational opportunities and products that showcase regional industries and lifestyles.
The event reflects the changing face of agriculture, where traditional practices continue to sit alongside technological advancement and innovation. From new approaches to farming and land management through to future technologies, the field day aims to create opportunities for people to share knowledge, strengthen industry connections and celebrate the communities that continue to shape the region.
Get your prepaid tickets online and go in the draw to win great prizes!
Before birds and boardwalks, TYTO was a tired floodplain. In 1997, the TYTO Wetlands Restoration Project began. A long-term collaboration between community, council and partners to rehabilitate the area into the thriving nature space it is today.
Now, locals and visitors enjoy kilometres of walking paths, multiple bird hides, an 11-metre observation tower, and one of North Queensland’s most accessible wildlife hotspots, all within town limits. More than 230 bird species have been recorded, proving that when ecosystems get breathing room, they bounce back hard.
Dawn and dusk bring the soundtrack: frogs, birds, wind through reeds. You bring the wonder. TYTO is living proof that restoration isn’t just about fixing land: it’s about giving people a place to fall in love with nature again. Walk it: hinchinbrookway.com.au
Crushers Vs. Brothers in Townsville. Photo credit: Peter Reitano
The Herbert River Crushers travelled to Townsville on Sunday to take on the long-time powerhouse rival club Brothers. Particularly, the A Grade & Reserve Grade teams have met in Grand Finals in hard-fought tussles, with the Crushers triumphing on numerous occasions.
The A Grade game started with the Crushers having the glut of possession in the first half before Crushers winger Junior Dau scored wide out in the seventh minute. At the 25-minute mark, lock Matty Spina carried a couple of defenders over & with five-eighth & captain Dylan Gaggiano's conversion, the Crushers were up 10-nil.
Brothers scored a converted try with 8 minutes to go in the first half. Gaggiano kicked a penalty goal just before halftime to give the Crushers the lead 12 - 6 at halftime.
Nine minutes into the second half Brothers scored an unconverted try followed by a converted try with 20 minutes to go and thus lead 16 - 10. With just over 12 minutes to go Dau made a break downfield passed out to halfback Lachlan Erba who then chipped the ball back in field where several Crushers players were in support with Gaggiano reaching the ball first in a scramble with defenders to touchdown and with his conversion the Crushers were up 18 - 16.
Soon after, a loose ball was pounced on in the Brothers ingoal by Lock Matty Spina and with Gaggiano's conversion, the Crushers were up 24 - 16. Brothers scored an unconverted try wide out with just under 5 minutes to go to leave the margin for the Crushers at a 4-point lead with time ticking down.
With a minute to go, Erba put up a bomb that was spilled forward by the Brothers fullback and picked up by one of their players in an offside position. With Gaggiano's conversion as the full-time hooter sounded, the Crushers had outlasted Brothers 26 - 20.
Coach Todd Cockburn said, "It was a win built on effort and attitude. We had a really good first half and finish. After the last 2 years, having games stolen from us right at the end, this one was really special. The team only had fifteen players available, who all stood out.”
Matty Spina was named Player's Player. The Crushers started the scoring in the Reserve Grade game after retrieving a loose ball and camping in the Brothers half before winger Sam Akiba stepped through to score, busting his shoulder in the process.
They then crossed again with a try to winger James Babar and with five-eighth Tremayne Priestley's conversion the Crushers were up 10 - 0. The Brothers scored just before halftime and then just after halftime to level the scores at 10 all after both teams had been reduced to 11 a side after an altercation after a tackle on a Crushers player. Priestley and frontrunner Matt Chiesa then scored tries, both of which were converted by Priestley. The Crushers were up 22 - 10.
Brothers came back & scored 2 more converted tries to level the scores at 22 all with 7 minutes to go. Brothers hit the lead for the first time with just under 3 minutes to go with a converted try and held on to win 28 - 22.
"It was a gutsy effort with a number of players not available and losing three players soon after the start of the game,” Coach Matty Chiesa said, “We didn't capitalise on their errors. In the end, we ran out of steam with only one player left on the bench. It was disappointing having another such loss as happened in last year's finals. We are looking to build momentum to compete with the top teams.”
The Under 19's team had hit the front 10 - 6 before Brothers came over the top too strong to win 48 - 20. For the Crushers winger, Leonard Moses-Tabui scored a double & kicked one conversion, while fullback Evandah Bann, centre Antonio Eselli also scored tries and Hezekiah Nona also kicked one conversion.
The Crushers next play Souths in Townsville on Saturday.
Contributed with thanks by Peter Reitano.
Dear Editor,
I wanted to send a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful Hinchinbrook community following my performance of my show, “Unforgettable - Songs From The American Songbook,” at the Shire Hall on 22 April,2026.
The audience was absolutely lovely, warm, engaged, and so supportive throughout the show. It was such a joy to return and perform there again after my, “Great Ladies of Jazz,” show in 2025.
A special thank you must go to Ally Roveda, who took care of the entire event so beautifully and helped create such a welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved.
My pianist Will Ellerton and I also thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the region. We stayed at Tropixx Motel and had dinner at the Hinchinbrook Hotel, and we were so touched by the kindness and hospitality we experienced throughout our visit.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was celebrating local favourite Margaret’s 97th birthday at the show. She was absolutely incredible and brought such spirit and joy to the event.
The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the whole experience reminded me why I love coming to Hinchinbrook to perform.
Thank you again to everyone who attended and supported live music in the community. I look forward to returning again.
Kind regards, Simone Waddell.
Add a touch of elegance to any setting with a Bloom by Zara candle, available now at Cantatore Pharmacy, Ingham. Photos supplied
Bloom by Zara offers 12 beautifully crafted scents, perfect for any gift occasion or simply to make your home smell amazing. You will now find these gorgeous locally made soy candles on the shelves at Cantatore Pharmacy.
By choosing Bloom by Zara candles, customers are also supporting a talented local maker and helping celebrate small business creativity within the community.
Set the mood with a Bloom by Zara candle, create a relaxing evening atmosphere at home, or wrap one up as a thoughtful present for loved ones.
Tuesday 12 May
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Wednesday 13 May
Pottery Session with Irene, 10am-2pm, Mission Arts Pottery Studio, Mission Beach
Thursday 14 May
Oiled Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Friday 15 May
Cassowary Coast Local Business Awards, time TBA, Innisfail Shire Hall, Innisfail
Saturday 16 May
Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach
Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell
Greenbank parkrun, 7am, Spring Mountain Reserve, Tully Connection Road, Greenbank
Far North Queensland Collectors Expo, 9am, RAM Recreational Centre, Innisfail
Sunday 17 May
Mission Beach Markets, 7am-12pm, Ulysses Park, Mission Beach
Far North Queensland Collectors Expo, 9am, RAM Recreational Centre, Innisfail
Italian Long Lunch, 11am, BIG4 Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park, Kurrimine Beach
Monday 18 May
Cassowary Coast Yarners, 10am-12pm, C4 Community for Coastal & Cassowary Conservation, Mission Beach
Tuesday 19 May
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Wednesday 20 May
Pottery Session with Justin, 10am-2pm, , Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Alicia Bickett Psychic Medium Event, 7:30pm-10pm, Innisfail Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail
Thursday 21 May
Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Saturday 23 May
Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach
Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell
Greenbank parkrun, 7am, Spring Mountain Reserve, Tully Connection Road, Greenbank
Tully Markets, 7am-12pm, Butler Street, Tully
Crystal & Wellbeing Market, Saturday and Sunday, time TBA, El Arish Community Hall, El Arish
Tuesday 26 May
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Wednesday 27 May
Pottery Session with Irene, 10am-2pm, Mission Arts Pottery Studio, Mission Beach
Thursday 28 May
Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Saturday 30 May
Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach
Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell
Greenbank parkrun, 7am, Spring Mountain Reserve, Tully Connection Road, Greenbank
Dinner at Nonnas, 7:30pm, Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, Innisfail
Tuesday 2 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
Wednesday 3 June
Pottery Session with Justin, 10am-2pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Last year’s show was a Spinx-ful success, stay tuned for tasty twist! Photo supplied
The Ingham Theatre Group would like to announce that rehearsals have begun for this year’s Theatre Restaurant! The actors have been cast, the set has been designed, and the songs are currently being tuned.
The theatre Group is buzzing with excitement to bring audiences a feast of entertainment and good food at the ever hospitable Ingham Bowls club.
Tickets will be available soon and the show will be performed across the last three weeks of August. Keep your calendars open!
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