On 20 July 1900 an official statement was released for publication in newspapers that the Stone River tramway was practically completed. It was built by the Hinchinbrook Divisional Board with day labour at a cost of £28,000 borrowed from the government.

By Leonie Leotta

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‘Capture of a beautiful Blue Wren, taken in WA’

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(With thanks to the Ingham Photography Group)

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Premier David Crisafulli with his family and the Hinchinbrook Life team, celebrating at the Herbert River RSL a few weeks after the Hinchinbrook Life newspaper launch in 2024. Photo credit: Christina Spencer

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BY Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

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When 116 years of continuous publication came to an end with the closure of the local newspaper the Herbert River Express in 2020, the community lost not only a newspaper, but an enduring link to its past.

The district's newspaper story began with the Ingham Planter in 1894, produced by the Ingham Printing Press. The printing plant was brought to Ingham from Ravenswood by M.P. Fitzgerald and housed in a shop in the main street, near the present-day Lee's Hotel. Among those associated with the paper was Harald J. Hoffensetz.

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Some years later, Halifax's The Northern Age provided short-lived competition. Around the same time, one of the district's first planters, Onslow Waller, became owner and editor of the Ingham Planter. It was during this period that Alfred C. Cockrell, whose father was a cordial manufacturer in East Ingham, began work as an office boy. Following Waller's death, Walter's wife appointed Cockrell as managing foreman.

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In 1900, less than a year later, the Ingham Planter and The Northern Age amalgamated to form the Northern Planter, with Captain Alfred Henry as editor. Henry was an entrepreneur who also bred horses for the British Army in India. When ownership of the paper later changed hands, Hoffensetz resigned to establish his own newspaper.

The first edition of the Herbert River Express, founded by brothers-in-law Cockrell and Hoffensetz, was published in February 1904. Initially a 12-page weekly publication, served the entire Herbert River Valley while also carrying international news.

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The Northern Planter continued in opposition until 1906, when it was absorbed into the Herbert River Express. Hoffensetz managed the general printing business while Cockrell became editor. In 1915, Cockrell acquired full ownership of the newspaper, with Hoffensetz continuing to operate the printing and stationery business. During the war years, shortages of machinery parts and newsprint forced the paper to adapt, at one stage printing on brown paper and displaying copies in the shopfront window for passers-by to read.

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In 1968, the Cockrell family repurchased the printing business from the Hoffensetz family, operating it alongside the Herbert River Express as United Press until the newspaper was sold to North Queensland Newspaper Company Limited, a branch of News Limited, in 1986, ending 82 years of family ownership.

One of the paper's most respected editors was Robert L. Shepherd, who took the role in 1954 and remained editor for 35 years. Following News Limited's purchase, he stayed on as Managing Editor, overseeing the transition from traditional hot-metal printing to high-speed web offset presses and computer technology, which transformed both production and the newspaper's appearance. Tragically, Bob died in March 1989, just three years after the sale, aged only 60.

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In its later years, the Herbert River Express maintained its focus on local news while transitioning from local printing to tabloid production in Townsville, reducing publication to a weekly edition with an online presence. Its final edition was published in 2020, bringing 116 years of continuous publication to an end, the last edition of the Herbert River Express was filed away as an historical artefact.

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However, that was to be but an interruption in the story of the ‘local newspaper’. In 2022 the Wet Tropic Times launched and ran for 3 years, operating from a shopfront in Lannercost Street. In the final print edition of that paper in June 2025, the editor wrote words Bob Shepherd would likely have endorsed: "In an age dominated by fast news and global headlines, the humble local newspaper remains a powerful platform for everyday people to be heard. It's where stories of resilience, celebration, concern, and change take root—told not by distant commentators, but by the people living them."

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In November 2024, Hinchinbrook Life was launched at the initiative of Hinchinbrook Shire Council, with the support of local business owners and regional officials. The newspaper is published by the Life Publishing Group, which operates multiple thriving regional newspapers across Queensland.

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Shepherds' sentiment continues today. As Hinchinbrook Life Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith says, "Since we expanded to publishing weekly newspapers six years ago our central goal has been to give regional communities back their free voice in print. We believe in the power of positive news and the connection a newspaper brings to the communities we serve. It’s an honour to continue such an incredible tradition, we are privileged to play our part in preserving history as it happens.”

Group photograph of all the young chefs. Photo credit: Upper Stone CWA branch members

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By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

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A school holiday activity with a tasty difference was hosted at the Upper Stone CWA Hall: Kids Pizza and Pasta Cooking Lessons. The lessons were conducted by caterer and CWA member Sharon Blanco and facilitated by a Commonwealth Government Volunteers Grant that enabled the purchase of suitable kitchen equipment to conduct cooking classes.

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Outfitted in aprons, gloves, hairnets and chef hats the 38 children attending first tackled making pizza dough from scratch. Once the dough was risen and rolled, each child topped their own little pizza with a rich tomato base pre-prepared by Sharon and toppings of their choice. Of course, the best part was eating their pizzas straight from the oven!

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Next came creating fresh pasta. Once Sharon and some of the older children made the dough, every child had several turns at passing balls of the dough through manual pasta machines till the pasta came out the right texture and thickness. Once cooked and topped with a delicious bolognese sugo pre-made by Sharon each child enjoyed a bowl for lunch.  

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There were no hungry tummies by the end of the morning’s cooking class!

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In between the stages of the cooking class the children were invited to decorate their aprons and to complete an activity sheet. Small prizes were awarded to the winners in each activity. Children took home from the class not only experience in making pizza and spaghetti but their decorated apron and recipe sheets.

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The Upper Stone CWA is enormously grateful to Sharon for her outstanding effort in conducting this class. Many thanks too to the CWA members, mothers and grandmothers who stayed on to help. The response from the children was a resounding YES when asked if they would come to another cooking class if it was held.

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Good travel planning shouldn’t feel like homework. The Hinchinbrook Way website is designed to move you quickly from “maybe” to “let’s go,” with destinations, walks, stays and maps all in one place. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure builder, minus the stress.

Mix rainforest mornings with coastal afternoons. Pair island days with deli nights. Save favourites, share links and leave room for weather, tides and appetite to make final decisions. That flexibility is the secret sauce.

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Instead of locking you into rigid itineraries, good planning here frees you up on the ground. Less scrolling on the road, more time actually doing the things you bookmarked. The result? Fewer compromises, better timing and trips that feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Start here: hinchinbrookway.com.au

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Shanti Cafe has food that is a delight to the tongue, and the eyes. ‘One of the best chai lattes, I’ve ever had’ said Victoria. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Shanti Café in Mission Beach has built a reputation for serving fresh, flavour-packed meals made entirely in-house.

Every dish is created from scratch, with the team preparing everything from fresh juices, smoothies and shakes to their cabinet cakes and seasonal menu items. Rather than sticking to the same offerings year-round, much of the menu changes regularly to make the most of fresh ingredients as they become available, ensuring there's always something new to discover.

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While the menu evolves with the seasons, several favourites have earned permanent status. The café's Eggs Benedict continues to be one of its most popular breakfast choices, while the Loaded and Mega-Loaded Croissants have developed a loyal following. For those looking for something with a little more kick, the café's range of scrambled egg dishes, including the popular Chilli Scramble, remains a standout.

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Presentation is just as important as flavour, with every plate arriving as colourful as the tropical surroundings that inspired it. Whether it's breakfast, brunch or lunch, meals are designed to be both satisfying and beautifully presented.

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Coffee lovers are equally well looked after, with the team proudly standing behind what they jokingly describe as "the best barista in Australia". Pair your coffee with one of the house-made cakes in the display cabinet and it's easy to see why many customers find themselves returning time and again.

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Shanti Café is also a popular gathering place for celebrations and catch-ups. Groups are warmly welcomed, with catering available for morning teas, lunches and special occasions. The team takes pride in accommodating a wide range of dietary requirements, offering gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options without compromising on flavour or quality.

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At its heart, Shanti Café is about bringing people together over fresh food, exceptional coffee and genuine hospitality, making it a must-visit in Mission Beach.

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Tuesday 7 July
Hinchinbrook Island Clean Up 2026 Day 1, 8:00am – 2:00pm, Meeting at Public Boat Ramp, Dungeness Road, Lucinda

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

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Wednesday 8 July
Hinchinbrook Island Clean Up 2026 Day 2, 8:00am – 2:00pm, Meeting at Public Boat Ramp, Dungeness Road, Lucinda

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 9 July
Hinchinbrook Island Clean Up 2026 Day 3, 8:00am – 2:00pm, Meeting at Public Boat Ramp, Dungeness Road, Lucinda

QCWA Forrest Beach Meeting, 9:00am, QCWA Hall Palm Street, Forrest Beach  

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 10 July
Hinchinbrook Island Clean Up 2026 Day 4, 8:00am – 2:00pm, Meeting at Public Boat Ramp, Dungeness Road, Lucinda

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

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Saturday 11 July
Parkrun, 7:00am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell  

Conroy Hall Markets, 7:30am-11:30am, Conroy Hall, Ingham

Forrest Beach HOY, 12:30, Forrest Beach Community Function Centre, Forrest Beach

Hinchinbrook Island Clean Up 2026 Day 5, 8:00am – 2:00pm, Meeting at Public Boat Ramp, Dungeness Road, Lucinda

Ingham Gold Cup (18+ event), 11:00am - 9:00pm, Herbert River Jockey Club, 69 Marina Parade, Ingham

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Sunday 12 July
Hinchinbrook Island Clean Up 2026 Day 6, 8:00am – 2:00pm, Meeting at Public Boat Ramp, Dungeness Road, Lucinda

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

Get Rhythm presents Johnny Cash and June Carter Story, 3:00pm - 5:30pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, 25 Lannercost St, Ingham

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Monday 13 July
Hinchinbrook Island Clean Up 2026 Day 7, 8:00am – 2:00pm, Meeting at Public Boat Ramp, Dungeness Road, Lucinda

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Tuesday 14 July
Hinchinbrook Island Clean Up 2026 Day 8, 8:00am – 2:00pm, Meeting at Public Boat Ramp, Dungeness Road, Lucinda

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

Get Rhythm presents Johnny Cash and June Carter Story, 3:00pm - 5:30pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, 25 Lannercost St, Ingham

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Wednesday 15 July
Hinchinbrook Island Clean Up 2026 Day 9, 8:00am – 2:00pm, Meeting at Public Boat Ramp, Dungeness Road, Lucinda

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 Games Day, 10:00am Herbert River RSL Club, 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 16 July
Hinchinbrook Island Clean Up 2026 Day 10, 8:00am – 2:00pm, Meeting at Public Boat Ramp, Dungeness Road, Lucinda

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

Saturday 18 July
Parkrun, 7:00am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell

Markets at the Mosaic, 8:00am - 12:00pm, Mercer Lane, 78 Lannercost St, Ingham

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Sunday 19 July
Lucinda Markets, 7am –11am, Borello Park, Lucinda

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Monday 20 July
Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc. General Monthly Meeting, 1:30pm-3pm, Old Suncorp Building, Ingham

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Tuesday 21 July
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

2026 State of the Region Roadshow - Hinchinbrook Insights Session, From 5:00pm, The Powerhouse, 40 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

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Wednesday 22 July
Ingham Probus Working Bee for Christmas in 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

Morning Melodies: James Taylor Tribute Fire & Rain by Darren Coggan, 10:30am, Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, 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 23 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 24 July
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham

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On 12 July 1896 John Lely, Honorary Secretary of the Halifax Planters’ Club wrote to the ‘Queenslander’ newspaper with suggestions on how to help eradicate the cane grub infestation. In Halifax the farmers had a self-imposed a levy of 7shillings per acre for beetle destruction measures.

By Saxon Crabb

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(With thanks to the Ingham Photography Group)

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Keith and Maxine proudly show the finished 6000-piece puzzle. Ready to be sent off to Ingham for custom framing Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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When Cardwell couple Keith and Maxine finally slotted the last piece into their enormous 6000-piece jigsaw, it marked the end of a four-month journey that had tested far more than their patience.

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The puzzle, believed to be the largest completed in Queensland, will soon hang in the foyer of Ingham Hospital as a thank you to the staff who cared for Keith after a neck injury brought the project, and life, to an abrupt halt.

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The massive seascape depicting a fiery sea battle of two large wooden ships upon a raging and stormy sea, wasn't even the puzzle Keith wanted to tackle.

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“That was the only one available. We wouldn't have touched it, because it's too hard. You've got so much blue. The sky and the clouds have all got to line up. We'd go a whole day and get four pieces put in.”

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Unlike most jigsaws, finishing this one was only half the challenge as because of its size, the completed puzzle had to be glued, mounted onto plywood and lacquered, a process Keith says very few people could manage.

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“There's no more that we know of that's ever been done. Nobody does them because they can't turn them over.

“We've got all the apparatus here to turn them over and spray the lacquer on them. It's got to be turned over for the glue to go on, then lifted up so the plywood can go underneath. We got all that worked out.”

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Partway through the project, however, Keith's determination came at a cost. When, after working for hours on the elevated puzzle table strained his neck.

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“I was up there on my haunches and my neck got sore, but I kept going. Later that night I had hell on earth, so I went by ambulance to Ingham Hospital and then Townsville.

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“In the meantime, Maxine and her daughter took over and they did the bulk of it. When I got back, we finished off the bottom and the top.

“It's been a terrible one. It's been a cause-and-effect kind of puzzle. It put me in hospital, but now we're giving it to them,” he laughed.

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Originally, the completed puzzle was destined for the Cardwell Library, but that changed after Keith experienced the care provided by Ingham Hospital.

“Ingham Hospital was so, so good to me looking after me that I decided to give it to them.

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“We'll have an opening ceremony for the nurses, the doctors, the cleaners and the cooks. I can't speak too highly of Ingham Hospital, so I decided to give it to them.”

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For Keith, tackling the giant puzzle was never about the picture itself, but for the pair, proving it could be done.

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“There's never been one done, let alone put on a base. Getting it turned upside down for the glue was touch and go.

“The plywood has got to be cut exactly to size and once that touches, if it's not right, that's it. You can throw the whole thing away. It's got to go down dead straight.”

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While the early weeks tested everyone's patience, the finish came together much more quickly.

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“After a day on it we'd get two pieces done, then six. As you get near the end you get about 20 in a day. The last 200 pieces went real fast, but all this up there was slow, slow, slow.”

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The enormous seascape is a departure from the puzzles Keith and Maxine usually complete.

Instead, they prefer colourful landscapes and animals, many of which now decorate businesses throughout Cardwell.

“We found everybody likes dogs and cats and tigers, and lots of colours.

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“The hairdresser wanted a chalet, so we took her one. We took one to the vet with dogs and cats, another one to the chemist and another one to Ob La Di.”

The couple source their puzzles from Cairns, Innisfail, Ingham, Townsville and now Cardwell, avoiding second-hand puzzles after too many frustrating experiences with missing pieces.

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“We only pick the very best, what we like and what people are going to like.

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“The second-hand ones have bits missing, and when you spend about a week on one and find there's a piece missing...,” Keith said with a sigh.

“So we don't get them from there anymore. They're all brand new now.”

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Soon, after receiving its custom frame, the 6000-piece masterpiece will leave Keith and Maxine's home for good.

After four months of painstaking work, countless hours of sorting and placing, and an unexpected trip to hospital, the puzzle's final home will be where Keith believes it belongs.

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Read the pair’s first interview with Hinchinbrook Life about their puzzling history: www.hinchinbrooklife.com/article/cardwell-local-spreads-passion-for-arts-and-creativity9

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Some celebrations deserve an ocean view. At Plenty in Mission Beach, every gathering unfolds against a backdrop of swaying palms, gentle sea breezes and sweeping views across the Coral Sea - a picture that's every bit as memorable as the occasion itself.

Over the past year, Plenty has become a popular destination for weddings, milestone birthdays, baby showers, family gatherings and corporate functions.  

Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the team works closely with guests to create tailored menus and memorable experiences that make every event feel personal.

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As a family-friendly venue, Plenty welcomes every generation, filling long tables with family and friends for sunset dinners overlooking the ocean, where children's laughter carries out across the beach.

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The menu reflects the same attention to detail. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Plenty offers a modern, inspired menu that blends fresh local ingredients with bold flavours and creative twists. Diners will discover dishes not commonly found in the region, including the chef's deliciously fresh pho.

Breakfast lovers can also take advantage of Plenty's all-you-can-eat plated breakfast, available Wednesday to Friday; a perfect excuse to start the day by the beach.

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Plenty has also become a hub for community events, recently hosting the Amazons Australia, an all-women's adventure race.  

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Whether you're planning a wedding, celebrating a milestone or simply looking for a memorable meal by the sea, Plenty offers the perfect setting. With a stunning beachfront location and a menu full of fresh flavours, it's easy to see why so many celebrations begin, and end, at Plenty.

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Tuesday 7^th July

Amazons Australia Race Day Two, 5:30am, various locations, Mission Beach

Winter School Holidays Small Worlds Workshop (5+), 10am-11am, Mission Beach Library, Wongaling Beach

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

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

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

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Wednesday 8^th July

Amazons Australia Race Day Three, 6am, various locations, Mission Beach

Innisfail NAIDOC March, 9:30am, Dave Dunbar Park, Innisfail

Innisfail NAIDOC Fun Day, 9:30am, Warrina Lakes, Innisfail

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

Amazons Australia Dinner and Awards Presentation, 6pm, Plenty Restaurant, Mission Beach

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Thursday 9^th July

Winter School Holidays Build a Bug House Workshop (5+), 10am-11am, Cardwell Library, Cardwell

Winter School Holidays DIY Library Bags & Bookmarks (5+), 10:30am-11:30am, Tully Library, Tully

Oiled Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

Innisfail Annual Show, 1pm-11pm, Pease Park, Innisfail

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

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Friday 10^th July

Innisfail Annual Show, 1pm-11pm, Pease Park, Innisfail

RAM Recreational Centre’s Monthly Indoor Movie Night, 7pm, 4 Stitt Street, Innisfail

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Saturday 11^th July

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

Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell

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Sunday 12^th July

Cardwell Jetty NAIDOC Market Day, 8am-12pm, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell

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Monday 13^th July

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

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Tuesday 14^th July

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

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

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Wednesday 15^th July

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

Super Southern School’s Community NAIDOC Celebration, 10am-2pm, Jumbun Community Oval, Murry Upper

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Thursday 16^th July

QCWA Flying Fish Point Craft Day & Basket Making Workshop, 9am, Girl Guides Hall, CNR Elizabeth and George Streets, Flying Fish Point, Innisfail

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

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Friday 17^th July

Local Inspirations Exhibition Opening Night, 6pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

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Saturday 18^th July

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

Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell

Innisfail Markets, 8am-1pm, Anzac Memorial Park, Innisfail

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Sunday 19^th July

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

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Monday 20^th July

Cassowary Coast Yarners, 10am-12pm, C4 Community for Coastal & Cassowary Conservation, Mission Beach

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

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Tuesday 21^st July

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

Cassowary Coast Business Women’s Network Inc. Presents Presentations by Justin Brennan and Anita Laksa, 6:30pm-9pm, Crown Hotel Innisfail, Innisfail

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Wednesday 22^nd July

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

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Thursday 23^rd July

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

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Friday 24^th July

Tully Show, running across both Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July, Tully Showgrounds

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Saturday 25^th July

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

Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell

Cassowary Coast Talent Quest Auditions, 10am, Multipurpose Court at Tully High, Tully

Simo’s Boxing Club Amateur Fight Night, 5pm, Innisfail Shire Hall, Innisfail

Old Boys Day (Innisfail Leprechauns VS Southern Suburbs), TBA, Callendar Park, Innisfail

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Sunday 26^th July

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

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Tuesday 28^th July

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

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

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Wednesday 29^th July

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

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Left to Right: Cynthia Williamson, Madeleine Beekman, Gita Yelds, Sarah Johnson, Kerry Green and Ingrid Mullings. Photo credit Sian Bantock

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Tucked away just off Porter Promenade Street in Mission Beach is the C4 Theatrette where Cinema Paradiso host a monthly niche film club.  

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The society began in 2013 when a group of film lovers united following a kind donation from a travelling film festival which sparked interest in the club and gave better access to films.

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That September, the club debuted their first ever screening, a movie called ‘Mental’ with Toni Colette and Anthony La Pagalia. In the December the group showcased their name sake ‘Cinema Paradiso; a classic 1988 Italian film.  

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The society prides itself on not showing the latest blockbusters, instead choosing thought provoking films, encouraging conversation and healthy debate amongst its members.  

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“I think this is necessary when you look at the patrons that come, they like to see something unusual and we’ll go out after the film and have a discussion, which is sometimes very lively,” said founding member Gitta Yelds.  

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“Everybody has Netflix and SBS on demand, you can see everything in your home, but this gathering is a chance to get together.”  

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Over the last 13 years the society has showcased more than 175 films from 40 countries across 5 continents.  

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The Film Club is a not-for-profit organisation and is run by a group of dedicated volunteers. They offer a variety of memberships which is crucial to the continuation of the cinema; Annually it’s $40 for an individual and $80 for a family and just $10 for a one off.  

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The most recent screening was last Saturday where 30 people watched ‘The Beats’. Set in Scotland in 1994, it’s a coming of age story where two best friends attend an illegal rave in an attempt to shake up their lives.  

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If you want to get involved, head down to Cinema Paradiso on the 1st Saturday of each month at 7pm.  

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The Wet Tropics rainforest isn't just old. It is considered one of the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest systems on Earth.

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Some plant families found here have ancestors dating back tens of millions of years, making parts of the Cassowary Coast a living window into ancient Australia.

Walking beneath these giant trees isn't simply a bushwalk. It's a journey through an ecosystem that predates humans by an astonishing margin. Flourish alongside it: cassowarycoasttourism.com.au

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Gallery visitor Ingrid Mullings, enjoying Hazel Piedots 'adrift'. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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The Mission Beach Community Arts Centre is currently hosting Threads, a vibrant fibre and textile art exhibition celebrating creativity, craftsmanship and community spirit.

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The gallery and shop continue to showcase local and regional artists, offering exhibitions, workshops, pottery studio access, community theatre productions and movie nights, with the centre open daily from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Threads brings together a diverse group of talented fibre and textile artists from across the Cassowary Coast and beyond, highlighting a wide range of techniques and artistic expression. The exhibition features intricate and high-quality works including embroidery, printing, weaving, silk painting, knitting, crochet, basketry, felting and more.

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On display daily until 14^th July, the exhibition has been praised for its detail, variety and imagination, with visitors describing the works as “really interesting and delightfully whimsical pieces of art”.

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Hats off have been given to the talented fibre and textile artists whose work continues to impress audiences with its creativity and technical skill. The exhibition not only celebrates artistic excellence but also highlights the value of community arts in bringing people together through shared creativity and expression.

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Threads remains a testament to the strength of local and regional artists, showcasing the passion and dedication behind each handcrafted piece.

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