
If you’re looking for a great night out filled with music, laughter and a fantastic dinner, Ingham Theatre Group’s 2026 Theatre Restaurant production, Cruise Club, could be just the ticket. Performing at the Ingham Bowls Club on August 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th and 29th, tickets to the shows of been selling quickly, with the August 22nd and 29th performances already completely sold out. Only limited seats remain for the other dates, so theatre-goers are encouraged to book soon to avoid missing the boat. For $70, guests will enjoy a delicious dinner and a full evening of live entertainment featuring plenty of music, comedy and colourful characters. It is the perfect excuse to gather a group of friends, organise a work night out or simply enjoy something fun and different close to home. Director Steven Veltmeyer said the cast and crew were delighted by the community’s response. “We’ve put together a show that is all about giving people a really enjoyable night out,” Steven said. “There’s lots of music, plenty of laughs, some wonderfully outrageous characters and our audience will feel like they are completely at sea.” Cruise Club takes audiences aboard a luxury cruise ship where the passengers and crew are anything but ordinary. What begins as a relaxing voyage soon becomes a lively adventure filled with unexpected events, suspicious behaviour and plenty of comic confusion. As the story unfolds around them, audience members can watch for clues and test their detective skills as they try to solve the mystery by the end of the show. Tickets are available from Barnes Sewing Centre. With dinner, music, mystery and plenty of laughs included, Cruise Club promises to be a fantastic night out, but you’ll need to get in quickly and grab your boarding pass before the ship gets full.
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Fans of Elton John are in for a memorable evening this August when ROCKETMAN – FLYING SOLO arrives at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, celebrating the music of one of the world's most iconic performers. Starring acclaimed tribute artist Greg Andrew, the 75-minute production takes audiences on a musical journey inspired by Elton John's own solo world tours. Blending timeless hits, the performance offers a unique "up close and personal" experience that pays tribute to the legendary partnership of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Through The Elton John Experience, Greg has performed in more than 30 countries and entertained over half a million fans worldwide. Widely regarded as one of the world's leading Elton John tribute artists, he made history in 2017 as the first—and still the only—Elton John tribute performer invited to appear at TRIBFEST UK, the world's largest tribute festival. From chart-topping classics to songs that have introduced Elton John's music to younger generations, ROCKETMAN – FLYING SOLO is designed to appeal to audiences of all ages. Whether you've followed Elton's career from the beginning or discovered his music recently, the show promises an evening filled with nostalgia, storytelling and exceptional piano performances. Doors open at 4pm ahead of the 5pm performance, with the licensed event giving patrons the opportunity to settle in before the music begins. Pre-purchase tickets through Hinchinbrook Tickets or purchase them at the door on the day, unless sold out prior. WHAT: ROCKETMAN – FLYING SOLO: The Elton John Experience WHEN: Saturday August 8th, 5pm (doors open 4pm) WHERE: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall Caption: Greg Andrews performing as Elton John. Image supplied: Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism
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The Ingham Probus Club brought together more than 100 members and guests to embrace the festive spirit with a uniquely Australian twist during its annual Christmas in July celebrations. Held with an Aussie-theme, the event featured a light-hearted rendition of Colin Buchanan's Australian version of Jingle Bells, with four club members, including one dressed as a kangaroo, carrying a Holden car prop complete with an esky through the crowd as guests enthusiastically sang along. The festivities also included dozens of hampers, prizes and gifts, along with joke tellers and plenty of live entertainment, creating a memorable afternoon for all in attendance. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch while being entertained by the Cassidy Band. The event attracted 108 attendees, including members from Probus clubs in Innisfail and Townsville. Joining the Townsville group was a visiting Probus couple from Sydney, highlighting the friendships and connections that extend well beyond the local district. Organisers described the celebration as a tremendous success, and a fun-filled Christmas in July gathering which continues to be a highlight on the club's social calendar.
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Tickets Running Out For 2026 C-Files Forum With the Australian UFO Festival fast approaching, organisers are reminding visitors there are only days left to secure online tickets for the highly anticipated 2026 C-Files Forum. Online ticket sales close at 5pm on Wednesday 5th August, ahead of a packed weekend of presentations, discussion and exploration into some of Australia's most intriguing mysteries. Across three days, the forum will bring together 14 respected researchers, investigators and experiencers to examine topics including the 60th anniversary of the Tully Saucer Nest, UFOs and UAPs, physical evidence, extraordinary firsthand encounters, ancient mysteries and the ongoing search for disclosure. After online sales close, in-person tickets will only be available at the door if the event has not sold out. Organisers are encouraging anyone planning to attend to book early and avoid disappointment. WHAT: C-Files Forum WHEN: Friday 7th August - Sunday 9th August 2026 WHERE: Throughout Cardwell Galactic Roll-Off Kicks Off Festival Fun Festival celebrations begin on Friday evening with the Galactic Roll-Off at the Cardwell Country Club, offering a relaxed and family-friendly start to the weekend. From 6pm, locals and visitors alike are invited to enjoy barefoot bowls, live music, a barbecue and raffles while meeting fellow festival-goers in a fun social atmosphere. No bowling experience is needed, making the event an ideal opportunity for first-timers to have a go while soaking up the unique atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Australian UFO Festival. A Booze Bus will also be operating throughout the evening, helping everyone get home safely after an enjoyable night on the greens. WHAT: Galactic Roll-Off WHEN: Friday 7th August, from 6pm WHERE: Cardwell Country Club Foreshore Set For An Alien Invasion The festival's biggest public celebration will take over the Cardwell Foreshore on Saturday evening, with organisers promising an unforgettable night of live entertainment, costumes and community spirit. Festivities begin from 5pm with Homemade Space Machine opening the entertainment before Zachariah takes to the stage from 7pm. Food vendors and the licensed bar will be operating throughout the evening, while festival-goers are encouraged to embrace the fun by dressing as their favourite alien for the popular costume competition. Children's judging begins at 7pm, followed by adults at 8.30pm. To help everyone enjoy the evening safely, a free courtesy bus will run throughout the event, servicing areas north to Five Mile and south to the old Kennedy Store. With free entry, organisers are inviting residents and visitors alike to bring their family, friends and best extraterrestrial costumes for one of Cardwell's most anticipated nights of the year. WHAT: Alien Invasion Foreshore Party WHEN: Saturday 8th, August, from 5pm WHERE: Cardwell Foreshore
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Foundation brothers and inaugural year students. Photograph taken outside Ilford Studio, Ingham 1934. Photo source: Muriel Regnaud, Abergowrie College. The Dream and the Journey 1933-2008, p.11 (Original in St Patrick’s Parish photograph collection).
By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui
Long ago, a familiar sound would echo across the playing fields of St Theresa’s College Abergowrie, as handball after handball would leave the players’ hands and thwack against the concrete wall of the looming double handball courts. Not anymore.
Somewhere in the passage of time, the courts were demolished and no clear photographs seem to have survived.
The landscape of the school is now very different to when the first Christian Brothers and boarders arrived in 1934.
The Irish-born Blessed Edmund Rice was the founder of both the Christian and the Presentation Brothers. The Christian Brothers came to Sydney on invitation in 1848, left and then when again invited, established themselves in Melbourne in 1868. Responding to invitations from numerous bishops, their educational outreach spread across Australia, arriving in the Herbert River district at the invitation of the first bishop of Townsville, Bishop Terence McGuire.
The Australasian Provincial of the Christian Brothers accepted the invitation to establish an agricultural college, sending to the district three founding Brothers who took up residence on 26th February 1934.
2026 was a momentous year for St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie, for it returned, in a sense, to the fold with the conduct of the school being handed over to Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) with its particular educational philosophy. While football will continue to be a popular extracurricular activity organised handball competitions have been relegated to the past.
It is said that Edmund Rice’s Christian Brothers encouraged handball because they believed that it was the perfect preparatory training for football, requiring the highest level of hand-eye coordination, ambidexterity, flexibility and spatial awareness.
Therefore, handball, as much as football, was very competitively contested across the Catholic schools and champions were awarded with medals. Even when there were Christian Brothers Old Boys Association gatherings, a competition of handball would be on the programme.
Accordingly, not only St Teresa’s College but most Christian Brothers’ schools in Australia boasted a handball court. The court at Abergowrie was an impressive double court.
Traditional Irish handball is distinct from Olympic Handball and shares more with the handball (Pelota Mano) that was played by the Spanish Basques on the Fronton (court) at Trebonne.
It is a pity that the handball courts at St Teresa’s College were demolished because today, as yesterday, handball is a popular recreational activity, even if it is no longer classed as a school sport or those who excel are rewarded with medals or trophies.

As the sun drops, Macknade and Victoria sugar mills shift from industrial to iconic. Conveyor belts glow, stacks silhouette and drifting steam catches warm light like it’s auditioning for a film role. It’s one of Hinchinbrook’s most unexpected golden-hour moments.
Photographers love dusk here. Long lenses compress layers of machinery into abstract sculpture, while passing cane trains add movement and mood. These mills aren’t relics, they’re working landmarks, still central to the region’s economy and identity.
Always photograph from public roads, stay rail-wise and never cross active lines. Once the light fades, do as locals do: pack the camera away, find a pub or café, and toast the people who keep the sweet stuff moving from paddock to port. Industry, history and atmosphere all perfectly timed.
Sweeten it: hinchinbrookway.com.au

Dr. Bianka Vidonya Balanzategui brings Herbert River’s history to life through her work. Photo supplied
An Interview with Historian & Historical Consultant, Adjunct Lecturer JCU Townsville, Dr. Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui
By Victoria Velton
The Herbert River valley has a rich, deeply entwined Indigenous, Asian and European history, knit together by large-scale farming, migration and hard manual labour.
Dr. Bianka Vidonya Balanzategui brings this history to life through her work, sharing stories of boys and girls who went to school barefoot, and of indentured labourers and farmers who, tanned and tough as leather, worked in the searing sun to establish the vast canefields we see today.
Leaning into her deep connection to the 4850 region and the distinct character of the valley, Dr. Vidonja Balanzategui has spent years uncovering the stories hidden within the district’s past, developing historical accounts, and even sometimes filling in the gaps, researching the figures who shaped the Herbert River into the community it is today.
We spoke to Dr Vidonja Balanzategui about her process and passion for local history.
You have documented so much of the Herbert River district’s history. What is it about this region’s heritage that keeps inspiring you?
I’ve lived here for more than 40 years. I met my husband, came to teach here, married and never left.
What inspires me is the way the Herbert River brings together global sugar industry history and migration. It’s a perfect field for my research interests.
I constantly encounter fascinating stories. There are stories from the past, but there are stories being made today, which will be the stories of the past one day.
Is there a particular piece of local history you’ve uncovered that still fascinates you?
What fascinates me most are the unexpected connections. You might be researching one person and suddenly discover links between families, places and events that you never expected.
The humblest person can have the most fascinating story.
The 4850 area has such a rich multicultural history, how do you approach capturing those stories respectfully?
When I interview people for projects it is important to be upfront about what their stories will be used for and to make sure they are comfortable. Some people are happy to talk and be very frank, while others have had experiences they won’t share, and that’stheir right. You respect that.
It is also important to be non-judgemental and respectful of cultural sensitivities.
Oral history is an important part of preserving a community’s past. How do you balance personal memories with official records?
People’s memories are valuable but imperfect.
You respect what people remember while also checking records to verify against the broader historical context. Oral history gives you the colour and personal detail that official records cannot.
"It’s not my history, it's yours. I am the mouthpiece." Dr. Vidonja Balanzategui
You recently helped condense a century of agricultural history into a feature for the Canegrowers 100-year celebrations. How did you decide what moments to include?
I’m fortunate that I have researched sugar industry history deeply, so I knew the stories and milestones that were important.
I understand the industry not only academically, but personally. My father was a Displaced Person and cane cutter; my father-in-law was a sugar farmer and heavily involved with Canegrowers, and I married a cane farmer.
You’ve worked on academic publications, but you also write for local audiences. How does your approach change depending on who you are writing for?
You always have to think about your audience.
With academic writing you are under scrutiny from your peers for the rigour of your research. When writing for the community you need to make it accessible without “dumbing it down”.
People love seeing names they recognise because it makes them feel connected to the history.
Have you ever published something and then had a local reader provide a missing piece of the puzzle?
Absolutely. History as a story is always evolving.
People add information or provide a photograph or memories that change what we know.
I’ve been corrected and I have a responsibility to consider that new information and verify it. Our understanding grows with new information coming forward.
The story of Caterina Cordelia is an example. There have also been times where research has helped give recognition to people who were overlooked. Ensuring their stories are acknowledged can be incredibly meaningful.
Where should amateur historians start if they want to explore their family history or the history of their property?
Start with your local history collection at the library.
Local history groups and family history groups are full of knowledge, and resources. There are people in this district who have spent years collecting and preserving stories. I recommend resources like TROVE, and state and national archives which provide access to old newspapers, photographs and records.
In a world where everything moves so quickly, why is it important for communities to document and celebrate their local heritage?
I record history for posterity. Buildings disappear, memories fade, and people pass away. If we don’t the record stories of past people, places and artefacts, they vanish out of memory.
Keeping those stories alive pays tribute to the people who came before us, respecting and valuing their experiences.
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Photo credit: Christina Spencer
This past weekend’s Market at the Mosaic saw our lovely regular stallholders joined by a few new faces. From bath salts and sugar scrubs to flavoured honeys, plants and even adorable babywear, visitors spent their morning browsing a colourful spread stretching throughout Mercer Lane.

Senator for Queensland, Nita Green, described the Pasifika Celebration as a fantastic celebration of culture and a great opportunity to connect with the community. Photo source: Facebook
The Cassowary Coast Pasifika Celebration was held at Warrina Lakes in Innisfail on Saturday 20th June, bringing together Pacific Island communities and visitors for a full day of cultural performances, traditional food, market stalls and community activities.

Following a highly successful debut in 2025, which attracted close to 2,000 attendees, this year’s event once again showcased the cultural richness of the region and was warmly received by the community.
The community-led celebration was supported by the Queensland Government’s Celebrating Multicultural Queensland Events program and continued its focus on recognising and sharing the cultures, traditions and contributions of Pacific Island communities across the Cassowary Coast, including participants in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The event also honoured the region’s South Sea Islander community, acknowledging their long-standing cultural and historical contribution to the district.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood said the celebration played an important role in recognising the region’s diversity and shared history.

“The Pasifika celebration is a wonderful opportunity to honour the contributions of Pacific Island communities who have chosen to call the Cassowary Coast home, as well as those who support our industries through temporary work visas,” she said.
“It is also a chance to reflect on the strong heritage of South Sea Islanders who have shaped our region’s history and culture.”

The Silver Ball Comittee Photo credit: The Silver Ball
After a seven-year hiatus, the Silver Ball returned over the weekend, welcoming 240 guests and raising more than $20,000 for brain cancer research at its sold-out event.
Held at the Shire Hall in Innisfail, the masquerade-themed evening saw guests arrive in elegant masks, creating a fun, mysterious and sophisticated atmosphere for the night's festivities.
Organiser Rachel Accatino said she was overwhelmed by the level of community support, particularly amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“There was such amazing support from the community. I’m speechless. It was such an incredible evening – thank you to everyone who came along and made it so special,” she said.
Rachel lost her own father to brain cancer in 2017. The event was originally established in his honour, but he sadly passed away shortly before the inaugural ball.
The Silver Ball continued in 2018 and 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to a halt in 2020.
“People kept asking us to bring it back,” Rachel said.
“One guy said he’d been waiting seven years for it to return!”
Rachel said the event holds a special place in the hearts of many local families affected by brain cancer.
She recalled one family who recently lost their father to the disease just one month after his diagnosis. The family purchased two tables for the event in support of the cause.
Raffles were held in the lead-up to the evening, while guests also bid on auction items and silent auction prizes throughout the night.
Although final figures are still being calculated, organisers have already confirmed the event raised at least $20,000.
Funds will be donated directly to the Mark Hughes Foundation, which supports research aimed at finding a cure for brain cancer.
“There is treatment, but there is no cure,” Rachel said.
Following this year’s successful return, organisers hope to establish the Silver Ball as a biennial event.
Rachel extended her gratitude to everyone who attended, the local businesses that donated prizes, Roscoe’s Catering and local band Beerbody for helping make the evening such a success.

Sir Phillip is an adorable 8-week-old male Tabby kitten searching for his forever kingdom.
This tiny gentleman is full of kitten curiosity, playful energy and sweet cuddles. Whether he’s busy exploring, chasing toys or curling up for a nap, Sir Phillip is guaranteed to steal hearts wherever he goes.
Adoption fee for Sir Phillip is $200. This includes his first and second vaccinations, vet check, microchipping, up to date parasite preventatives and desexing (desexing to be carried out when the kitten is 6 months old).
Interested in meeting Sir Phillip? Please get in touch to arrange a meet and greet. Call: 0428 807 461 or come out to the Cassowary Coast Paws & Claws Refuge during open hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am - 12 noon and 3pm - 5pm, also Saturday 10am – 1pm.
Sex: Male
Colour: Tabby and White
Age: 8 Weeks
Sir Phillip is an indoor cat

Robyn Guest from Mt Isa with Jacki Dwyer from Tully Information Centre. Photo credit: Sherie Hensler-Adams
This weeks’ Reader of the Week goes to Robyn Guest who is visiting the region from Mt Isa. Robyn caught up with our Sales Manager Sherie Hensler-Adams and Jacki Dwyer from Tully Information Centre when she was visiting the region last week.
Robyn explained that she loved reading Life Publishing Group papers. She is often travelling to the different townships up and down the coast and she picks up a Life paper wherever she goes. The Event Guide is her favourite section, where she can check out what’s going on in the region.
Do you love reading your local paper? If so, tell us about it! Send a picture of you holding the latest edition with a note about yourself and the reason you like reading the paper to sherie@lifepublishinggroup.com.
Or give Sherie a call on 0498 589 226. She’d love to pay you a visit!

Tuesday 23rd June
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Wednesday 24th June
Pottery Session with Irene, 10am-2pm, Mission Arts Pottery Studio, Mission Beach
Science in the Pub, 5:30pm, King Reef Resort, Kurrimine Beach
Thursday 25th June
Oiled & Other Mediums Painting Group, 9am, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Saturday 27th June
Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach
Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell
Ladies Day (Innisfail Leprechauns VS Tully Tigers), 4pm-7pm, Callendar Park, Innisfail
Sunday 28th June
Cardwell Sportfishing Club Monthly Sausage Sizzle & Presentation Day, 3pm-5:30pm, St Albans Street, Cardwell
Monday 29th June
Author Talk with Frances Dall’Alba, 11am, Cardwell Library, Cardwell
Children’s Art Workshop (Foundational Skills), 3:30pm-5pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Tuesday 30th June
Art from the Heart Acrylic Painting Group, 10am-12:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Winter School Holidays Trashion Workshop (6+), 10:30am-11:30am, Innisfail Library, Innisfail
Winter School Holidays Photography Workshop with Susan Kelly (10+), 11am-12pm, Mission Beach Library, Wongaling Beach
Pottery Session with Michelle, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Wednesday 1st July
Community Open Day Training Session with Former NRL Players, 9:30am-12pm, Callendar Park, Innisfail
Winter School Holidays Clay Pinch Pots Workshop (5+), 10am-11am, Cardwell Library, Cardwell
Pottery Session with Justin, 10am-2pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Tully Ambulance Station Centenary Celebration, 10am-2pm, Tully Ambulance Station, 17 Bryant Street, Tully
Thursday 2nd July
Winter School Holidays Dreamcatchers Workshop (5+), 10:30am-11:30am, Tully Library, Tully
Pottery Session with Trudy, 5pm-8:30pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach
Saturday 4th July
Paradise Run Mission Beach, 6:45am, Seaview Street, Mission Beach
Cardwell parkrun, 7am, Cardwell Foreshore, Cardwell
Mission Beach Film Club’s Screening of Beats, 6:30pm-9pm, C4 Theatrette, Porters Promenade, Mission Beach
4th of July Keg Party with DJ Cutloose, 8pm, 52 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach
Sunday 5th July
Mission Beach Markets, 7am-12pm, Ulysses Park, Mission Beach
Coffee & Cars Monthly Meet Up, 9am, Flying Fish Point Beach Café, Innisfail
Emma Krause’s Spanx and the City, 3:30pm-4:30pm, Con Theatre, Innisfail
Monday 6th July
Amazons Australia Race Day One, 5:30am, various locations, Mission Beach
Children’s Art Workshop (Foundational Skills), 3:30pm-5pm, Mission Beach Community Arts Centre, Mission Beach

With 38 years of cooking experience under her belt, Mrs B is no stranger to the food scene. For the owner of Mrs B’s Cafe, the philosophy behind her business is encapsulated in a long-held belief that good food must be served at a good price.
“With my cafe, my food, I give a fair feed for a fair price, and that's what I've always said.” said Mrs B.
“We're here for longevity, not just as a fad. And that's the only way you can do it.”
Judging by the delighted customers chatting merrily around their tables, it is a formula that works. The menu offers a generous mix of classic favourites, from eggs benedict and hearty big breakfasts to classic burgers and an inviting display cabinet. Among the most popular treats are the cakes and fresh peach blossoms, which are sourced from a local baker.
“We partner with a local lady so that we actually get fresh cheesecake, peach blossoms, which really walk out the door,” Mrs B says.
The pink treats are a distinct North Queensland delicacy, often causing a bit of confusion for visitors from down South.
“A lot of people from the South just don't know what a peach blossom is,” she laughs.
“You’ll have to come into the café to find out!”

Beyond the daytime trade, the cafe extends its hours later in the week to capture the popular twilight crowd, transforming into a bustling hub for end-of-week takeaways and relaxed family dinners.
“I stay open Thursday and Friday night to cater for fish and chips, so we've started to put meal deals on our menu in the afternoons,” Mrs B says.
These evening sessions have fast become a local ritual, offering perfectly battered or grilled fish alongside classic hot chips, making it the ideal effortless option for busy families heading into the weekend.
True to her regional focus, she sources her fresh produce directly from the community, purchasing meat from the local butchers, fresh local fish, milk from the local milk provider, and groceries from the IGA. This dedication to the region extends beyond the plate, turning the dining space into a hub for community talent.
“We support local artists and local product,” Mrs B says, “At the moment, we're showcasing sugar cane syrup and we've also got a local lady that makes jewellery that we sell.”
“We're about being local, supportive, and promoting local products.”
Ultimately, Mrs B’s Cafe is designed as a welcoming environment where patrons are encouraged to slow down, catch up, and stay as long as they like.
“We want people to be able to come in, sit down, and stay for as long as they like,” shared Mrs B says.
“That's what we encourage. We don't want you to have a coffee and make you go, so if you like your table, you've got it.”
Coupled with incredibly reasonable coffee prices, the cafe remains a steadfast, welcoming staple of Tully hospitality.

A new government initiative is providing a $100 discount to holidaymakers booking local experiences such as exploring the rugged Thorsborne Trail. Photo credit: Emma Schmidt, QLD Government
A new Regional Rewards initiative, created by the government in partnership with RACQ, is providing a $100 discount to travellers who spend $200 or more on local experiences.
With 10,000 discounted bookings available across Queensland, the campaign is expected to generate more than $2 million in direct economic benefit for regional tourism businesses.
Bookings will be made via ExperienceOz.com.au/QLD100 until 31st July (or until sold out), with travel valid until 4th October 2026, driving visitation throughout the peak winter period.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the initiative will support tourism operators and strengthen regional economies.
“Queensland is the Home of the Holiday, and Regional Rewards is putting real money into our regions, driving bookings, supporting jobs and backing local businesses,” he said.

“With 10,000 incentives on offer, we’re giving Queenslanders every reason to holiday at home and deliver real economic benefits where it matters most.
RACQ MD & CEO David Carter said boosting tourism in regional centres helps drive a better future for all Queenslanders.
“Tourism is crucial for our regional economy, and we wanted to play our part to ensure these communities, and our members who live in them, are supported,” Mr Carter said.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Natassia Wheeler welcomed the initiative, which comes at a time when many tourism businesses continue to face challenging operating conditions.
“This is the type of initiative industry has been calling for,” Ms Wheeler said.
“QTIC has been advocating for measures that encourage more visitors to book tours, attractions and experiences, and we're pleased to see those concerns reflected in this campaign.
“Queensland has an extraordinary range of tourism experiences on offer, and initiatives like this help convert intention into bookings, supporting local businesses, jobs and communities right across the State.”

The studio is a welcoming and comfortable space designed to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Photo supplied
There is a fresh energy buzzing through Mission Beach, coming straight from The Hub Shopping Centre. If you have been searching for a way to revitalise your fitness routine whilst finding mental clarity, look no further than Mind & Body: Reformed.
This welcoming boutique studio is dedicated to Reformer Pilates, offering a dynamic, low-impact workout that promises to transform how you feel from the inside out.
For the uninitiated, Reformer Pilates utilises specialised resistance-based equipment to help build deep core strength, improve balance, and support better posture. It is a brilliant full-body conditioning method that tones muscles without putting unnecessary stress on your joints.
What truly sets Mind & Body: Reformed apart, however, is its inclusive, tranquil atmosphere. The team has meticulously crafted a calm space where locals of all fitness levels feel completely supported.
Whether you are a seasoned athlete looking to cross-train or a complete beginner taking your first steps towards wellness, the sessions are tailored to ensure you walk out feeling strong, energised, and wonderfully clear-headed.
Operating from Monday to Thursday on Porter Promenade, Mission Beach, this local gem provides the perfect environment to focus on intentional movement and self-care. Supporting local businesses keeps our coastal community thriving, and this studio is a perfect addition to the local laid-back landscape. Why not pop in, meet the team, and experience the benefits of a reformed mind and body for yourself?
Book a class and see session timetables at www.mindbodyreformed.com.au

Igguldens in Tully cater to all including; menswear, womenswear, kidswear, babywear, footwear, workwear and sportswear. Photo supplied
For decades, Igguldens has built a reputation on reliability, exceptional customer service, and an unmatched understanding of what the local community needs. Whether you are searching for durable, high-quality gear to handle a hard day’s work on the land, outfitting the kids for the new school term, or looking for a stylish, contemporary outfit for a weekend out, their curated collection has something for everyone.
What truly sets Igguldens apart is the warm, genuine hospitality that greets you the moment you walk in. In an era dominated by impersonal online shopping, the team at Igguldens brings back the joy of traditional service. Their knowledgeable staff are always on hand with a friendly smile, ready to help you find the perfect fit. It is the kind of local care that makes shopping feel like catching up with old friends.
Next time you are updating your wardrobe or need gear you can rely on, make sure to pop into Igguldens on Butler Street in Tully and experience the unbeatable combination of quality clothing and country-style service that has kept locals looking their best for years.
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Katie Louise Bigg with her recently unveiled large scale mural at Cardwell’s Rockingham Aged Care Centre. Photo supplied
Katie Louise Bigg has once again left her artistic mark on the region, unveiling a stunning series of large-scale realism murals at Cardwell’s Rockingham Aged Care Centre.
Inspired by the region's natural beauty, residents and staff worked closely to develop the theme of the artwork, which complements the facility's residential wings while celebrating the diverse landscapes of North Queensland. Spanning from rainforest to reef, the murals feature an array of iconic local flora and fauna, including cassowaries, flying foxes and wompoo fruit-doves, alongside recognisable landmarks such as the Cardwell Spa Pools and Murray Falls.
Ms Bigg said she was overjoyed when she was commissioned to create the artwork, describing the opportunity to paint within an aged care facility as rewarding in many ways.
“It was so meaningful and special to paint at the Rockingham Aged Care Centre,” she said.
“The residents would walk by each day giving me encouragement, sit and watch me paint, or chat with me about their life experiences for hours. They really loved watching the works come to life, and I loved the whole experience. It was awesome to see them uplifted by the murals in their environment.”
Beyond creating the artwork itself, Ms Bigg said one of the most memorable parts of the project was the relationships she formed with residents along the way.
She particularly recalled a friendship that developed with one gentleman who visited her each day while she worked.

“We spoke for hours about different moments in his life,” Ms Bigg said.
“He said his late wife was an artist and he showed me some of her work. He gave me lots of encouragement, and we shared plenty of laughs. He was also very impressed with the murals and loved watching them come together.”
Having brought colour to communities across the region for years, Ms Bigg has become known for her highly realistic murals and their emotional resonance; a painting style she says has always come naturally to her.
“I tend to lean towards highly saturated and high contract colours as with each piece I try to replicate the liveliness of the reference image I’m painting as best as I can,” she explained.
“When people see my murals, my intention is for them to experience love and wonder at looking at creativity, and what art can do. I want them to feel happy and inspired.”
With plans to continue exhibiting her talents across North Queensland, Ms Bigg cannot wait to commission her next piece to once again, share her love for art and storytelling with more regional communities.
“Projects I’m most passionate about are people and places that uplift the community, make people happy, and make wall spaces and environments look better,” she said.
“To reflect what people are proud about and love into a giant artwork, that makes me happy!”

Did You Know?
The Heaviest Insect In Australia Was Only Recently Discovered Nearby
In 2025, scientists announced the discovery of Acrophylla alta, a giant stick insect from the Wet Tropics of North Queensland. Measuring up to 40 centimetres long and weighing around 44 grams, it may be Australia's heaviest insect. Researchers believe it remained undiscovered because it lives high in remote rainforest canopies.
It's a reminder that even today, North Queensland's rainforests are still revealing secrets. Universities and wildlife documentaries often find themselves beneath the ancient trees learning, discovering, and documenting many reclusive and widely unknown species.
Curious? Take a walk on the wild side: cassowarycoasttourism.com.au