Hinchinbrook Shire Library is gearing up for an action packed Summer Reading Club this holiday season, offering children aged 6 to 12 a fantastic opportunity to dive into books, win prizes, and have fun.

The Summer Reading Club is free to join, encourages young readers to explore the Library's collection and engage in friendly competition.
Every participant who signs up will automatically be entered into a draw, with the chance to win a YETI 769ml Straw Bottle.

Dedicated readers will also compete for the coveted Fitbit Inspire Tracker, awarded to the participant who reads the most books throughout the program.

Plus, every child will receive an encouragement award thanks to sponsorship from Mc Donald’s Ingham and SportsPower Ingham.

The fun does not end with sign up day.

Mark your calendars for Fun in the Library on Monday 16 December 2024 from 10am to 12pm, and the Summer Reading Club Party on Friday 24 January 2025, where winners will be announced and participants will celebrate their achievements.

For further information or to register, please visit Council's website or email library@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.

WHAT: Fun in the Library
WHERE: Ingham Library 73-75 Mcilwraith St
WHEN: Monday 16 December, 10am – 12pm

WHAT: Summer Reading Club Party
WHERE: Ingham Library 73-75 Mcilwraith St
WHEN: Friday 24 January

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Wednesday 4 December
Official Launch of Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper
Wednesday 5pm
Join the team behind your Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper for an evening of celebrations with guest speaker, the Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli, also in attendance!
RSL Club

Wednesday 4 December
Save Mount Fox from Industrialisation Movie Premier
Wednesday 6pm
Residents of the Hinchinbrook region are invited to attend a community event aimed at raising awareness about proposed industrial developments in the Mount Fox area as organised by Rainforest Reserves Australia.
Hinchinbrook Shire Hall

Thursday 5 December
Computer Skills Class
Thursday 10am
Upgrade your computer skills with free classes at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library! Advanced classes run from 10am to 11:30am, and beginner classes from 12pm to 1:30pm every Thursday (excluding school holidays). RSVP essential. For details, email library@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call 4776 4600.
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Thursday 5 December
Playtime at the Library
Thursday 10:30am
Playtime is a fun-filled, 30-minute session which incorporates stories, songs and rhymes aimed at children aged 0 to 5 years old. Join in on the fun at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library on the first, second and fourth Thursday of each month!
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Friday 6 December
Christmas in Hinchinbrook Christmas Seniors Morning Tea
Friday 9am
The time has come for the annual Christmas Seniors Morning Tea, and the community is warmly welcomed to come together for a morning of entertainment, dancing, singing, carols, and more!
Hinchinbrook Shire Hall

Saturday 7 December
Palm Creek parkrun
Saturday 7am
Celebrate one year of Palm Creek parkrun events on Saturday 7 December! Held each Saturday, parkrun stands as a fantastic free community event where locals and visitors can walk, run or volunteer to achieve your goals for 2024 and beyond! Register for free at www.parkrun.com.au and be part of celebrating such a fantastic anniversary!
Palm Creek, Eleanor Street Ingham

Saturday 7 December
Christmas Hoy & Cent Sale – Leukaemia Foundation Ingham Branch
Saturday 12:30pm
The community is invited to come along for an afternoon of Christmas cheer at the Ingham Bowls Club for the Leukaemia Foundation Ingham Branch’s Christmas Hoy & Cent Sale! The afternoon will see plenty of raffles, a monster cent sale, and a bar with tickets at just $5 each, which includes FREE Hoy & Afternoon Tea.
Ingham Bowls Club

Saturday 7 December
Taylors Beach Progress Association Carols
Saturday 5pm
Celebrate the festive season with an evening filled with carols at the 2024 Taylors Beach Christmas Party!
Progress Park Taylors Beach

Saturday 7 December
Cardwell Christmas Carols
Saturday 5pm
An evening overflowing with festivities awaits at the Cardwell Community Hall with plenty of fantastic events set to have the whole family buzzing with Christmas spirit. Children can enjoy creative craft activities and a sausage sizzle from 5pm, with carols and Christmas performances by Cardwell Choir, Snowy, Dennis King and more commencing from 6pm. Santa will then make his grand arrival at 7:30pm were attendees will have the opportunity to take their family photos with the jolly man himself!
Cardwell Community Hall

Sunday 8 December
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
Complete your Christmas shopping in style with the Inghan Raintree Community Markets held at Rotary Park from 7am to 12pm on Sunday 8 December!
Rotary Park

Saturday 8 December
End of Season Golf Ambrose
Sunday 10am
A fantastic day for friends to come together to enjoy a fun round of golf!
Ingham Golf Club

Wednesday 11 December
Lucinda Christmas Carols
Wednesday 4:30pm
Come along for an afternoon and evening overflowing with festivities at the 2024 Lucinda Christmas Carols! Twilight Markets will commence from 4:30pm with FREE face painting and ballon twisting available as well as food and drinks for purchase. Carols will begin at 6:30pm as well as entertainment from local performers.
Borello Park Lucinda

Thursday 12 December
Computer Skills Class
Thursday 10am
Upgrade your computer skills with free classes at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library! Advanced classes run from 10am to 11:30am, and beginner classes from 12pm to 1:30pm every Thursday (excluding school holidays). RSVP essential. For details, email library@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call 4776 4600.
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Thursday 12 December
Playtime at the Library
Thursday 10:30am
Playtime is a fun-filled, 30-minute session which incorporates stories, songs and rhymes aimed at children aged 0 to 5 years old. Join in on the fun at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library on the first, second and fourth Thursday of each month!
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Saturday 14 December
Palm Creek parkrun
Saturday 7am
Held each Saturday, parkrun stands as a fantastic free community event where locals and visitors can walk, run or volunteer to achieve your goals for 2024 and beyond! Register for free at www.parkrun.com.au.
Palm Creek, Eleanor Street Ingham

Saturday 14 December
Conroy Hall Markets
Saturday 7:30am
The community is invited to enjoy a variety of stalls at the Conroy Markets organised by the Anglican Ministry Unit of Hinchinbrook. Breakfast, and morning tea will also be on offer for attendees.
Conroy Hall

Saturday 14 December
St Peter’s Halifax P&F Christmas Raffles Event
Saturday 11am
Join the festivities with hams, seafood, meat trays and more up for grabs at St Peter’s Halifax P&F Christmas Raffles Event! Children can enjoy a chat and photos with Santa and his trusty Elf as well as a FREE jumping castle, playground, and time in the pool!
Halifax Hotel

Sunday 15 December
Halifax Ham Raffles
Sunday 11am
The Halifax Progress and Tourism Association’s 2024 Halifax Ham Raffles will be held at the Slipway Dungeness on 15 December from 11am!
Slipway Dungeness

Sunday 15 December
Trebonne Christmas in the Park
Sunday 5pm
A magical afternoon and evening of Christmas festivities will ignite Trebonne Park from 5pm to 8pm!
Trebonne Park

Tuesday 17 December
Creative Art Adventure: Monoprinting and Acrylics Workshop
Tuesday 1pm
Join a fun filled 2-hour workshop designed especially for primary school children aged 8 to 12 years old facilitated by local artist, Kristina Fontana.
TYTO Regional Art Gallery

Wednesday 18 December
Paul Klee Inspired Multi-Medium Workshop
Wednesday 9am
Calling all young artists aged between 13 to 18! Join a dynamic 2 – 3-hour workshop and dive into the playful and imaginative word of Paul Klee.
TYTO Regional Art Gallery

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Saturday 7 December
Lucinda Hotel: Tim Griffin

Saturday 14 December
Lucinda Hotel: Jeremy Romeo

Saturday 21 December
Lucinda Hotel: Tim Griffin

Thursday 26 December
Lucinda Hotel: Slippery Gypsy

Friday 27 December
Lucinda Hotel: Paul White

Saturday 28 December
Lucinda Hotel: Craig Phelps

Sunday 29 December
Lucinda Hotel: Craig Phelps

Monday 30 December
Lucinda Hotel: Lukey

Tuesday 31 December
Lucinda Hotel: Lukey & Snake followed by DJ Wayne Newton

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Hinchinbrook will soon be blooming with plenty of Christmas cheer this festive season, offering a host of exciting events for the entire community to enjoy!

The silly season will commence with the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, where residents are warmly encouraged to give back by donating toys, non-perishable items, or monetary contributions to support local families in need before Friday 6 December.

Shopping locally not only supports businesses but could also make you a winner with the Shop and Win in Hinchinbrook campaign, open until Saturday, 14 December where shoppers can enter the draw for exciting prizes simply by supporting participating businesses.

In the interest of completing your Christmas shopping early through a fabulously festive retail experience, Late Night Shopping will be held on Thursday, 28 November from 5pm to 9pm.

Music lovers can enjoy the charm of Forrest Beach Carols on Friday, 29 November, followed by the beloved Carols in the Park on Sunday, 1 December from 5pm to 9pm.

Seniors can join in the festivities with the Seniors Christmas Morning Tea on Friday, 6 December at 9am, and the celebrations continue with the Taylors Beach Christmas Party on Saturday, 7 December.

On Wednesday, 11 December, Lucinda Christmas Carols will stage magnificent music and joy, with the season wrapping up with Trebonne Christmas in the Park on Sunday, 15 December.

With such a vibrant lineup filled with music, food, and good company, Hinchinbrook promises to make this Christmas unforgettable! To view a full list of the upcoming community events, flick over to our Event Guide.

For more information, visit the Hinchinbrook Shire Council website or call 4776 4600.

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The Hinchinbrook Shire Library warmly invites parents and caregivers to join Playtime, a vibrant, enriching and educational session designed especially for children aged 0 to 5 years old. Held each and every first, second and fourth Thursday of the month at 10:30am at the TYTO Conference and Events Centre, this thirty-minute program combines stories, songs, and rhymes for a morning filled with fun and learning.

Playtime is more than just entertainment – it provides parents and carers with the perfect opportunity to foster language and literacy development among young children during their critical early years. As part of the First 5 Forever initiative, a State Government and State Library of Queensland program, these sessions empower parents and caregivers with the tools and support needed to help their little ones build essential communication and literacy skills.

Each session offers interactive activities to engage children while strengthening the bond between parent and child. From singing familiar rhymes to exploring captivating stories, Playtime creates an environment where learning feels like play.

Parents and caregivers will also have access to valuable resources and advice with a Queensland Health Clinical Nurse readily available at the conclusion of each session to answer questions, address concerns, and provide guidance on children’s health and development. Baby scales and educational materials are also provided to ensure every family feels supported.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned caregiver, Playtime offers a welcoming space for families to connect, learn, grow together, and spend time with the littlest members of the family.

Mark your calendars and pop down to the Hinchinbrook Shire Library for a joyful morning of stories, songs, and play. All details and additional information can be found on the Hinchinbrook Shire Library’s website.

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What: Playtime at the Library.
When: 1st, 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 10.30am.
Where: Hinchinbrook Shire Library.

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Thursday 28 November
Computer Skills Class
Thursday 10am
Upgrade your computer skills with free classes at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library! Advanced classes run from 10am to 11:30am, and beginner classes from 12pm to 1:30pm every Thursday (excluding school holidays). RSVP essential. For details, email library@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call 4776 4600.
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Thursday 28 November
Playtime at the Library
Thursday 10:30am
Playtime is a fun-filled, 30-minute session which incorporates stories, songs and rhymes aimed at children aged 0 to 5 years old. Join in on the fun at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library on the first, second and fourth Thursday of each month!
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Thursday 28 November
Christmas in Hinchinbrook Late Night Shopping
Thursday 5pm
Celebrate Hinchinbrook this festive season by shopping and supporting local businesses! With a focus on inclusivity, this year’s event will run from 5pm to 9pm, across the following precincts: Lannercost, Herbert Street, Cartwright Street, and Hinchinbrook Central. Each area will come alive with shoppers as well as Santa Claus himself who will be ready for plenty of family photos in the Foyer of Council’s Main Office for a gold coin donation to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.
Lannercost Street and Herbert Street

Friday 29 November
Forrest Beach Progress Association Carols by Candlelight
Friday 6pm
Embrace the spirit of Christmas this festive season with the Forrest Beach Progress Associations’ Carols by Candlelight event set for Friday 29 November! Bring along your friends and family to enjoy an evening of music and cheer from 6pm to 8pm at Progress Park on Palm Street!
Progress Park

Saturday 30 November
Palm Creek parkrun
Saturday 7am
Held each Saturday, parkrun stands as a fantastic free community event where locals and visitors can walk, run or volunteer to achieve your goals for 2024 and beyond! Register for free at www.parkrun.com.au.
Palm Creek, Eleanor Street Ingham

Saturday 30 November
QCWA Upper Stone Christmas Party
Saturday 6pm
An evening of festive fun awaits at the QCWQ Upper Stone Christmas Party for the whole family to enjoy! Music, food, drinks, dancing, major cash draws and raffles, and Santa... what more could you ask for?! Please note this is a cash only event – no eftpos.
Upper Stone Hall

Sunday 1 December
Christmas in Hinchinbrook Carols in the Park
Sunday 5pm
December has arrived, and so has Christmas cheer! Join the community at Rotary Park to celebrate the festive season with an evening filled with carols, food, beverages, and of course, Santa Claus himself!
Rotary Park

Wednesday 4 December
Save Mount Fox from Industrialisation Movie Premier
Wednesday 6pm
Residents of the Hinchinbrook region are invited to attend a community event aimed at raising awareness about proposed industrial developments in the Mount Fox area as organised by Rainforest Reserves Australia.
Hinchinbrook Shire Hall

Thursday 5 December
Computer Skills Class
Thursday 10am
Upgrade your computer skills with free classes at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library! Advanced classes run from 10am to 11:30am, and beginner classes from 12pm to 1:30pm every Thursday (excluding school holidays). RSVP essential. For details, email library@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call 4776 4600.
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Thursday 5 December
Playtime at the Library
Thursday 10:30am
Playtime is a fun-filled, 30-minute session which incorporates stories, songs and rhymes aimed at children aged 0 to 5 years old. Join in on the fun at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library on the first, second and fourth Thursday of each month!
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Friday 6 December
Christmas in Hinchinbrook Christmas Seniors Morning Tea
Friday 9am
The time has come for the annual Christmas Seniors Morning Tea, and the community is warmly welcomed to come together for a morning of entertainment, dancing, singing, carols, and more!
Hinchinbrook Shire Hall

Saturday 7 December
Palm Creek parkrun
Saturday 7am
Celebrate one year of Palm Creek parkrun events on Saturday 7 December! Held each Saturday, parkrun stands as a fantastic free community event where locals and visitors can walk, run or volunteer to achieve your goals for 2024 and beyond! Register for free at www.parkrun.com.au and be part of celebrating such a fantastic anniversary!
Palm Creek, Eleanor Street Ingham

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One of the world’s most beloved performers, Arj Barker, will have you questioning the fundamental components of life itself with his upcoming performance at the JL Kelly Theatre on Friday 9 May next year!

An ARIA Award Winning American comedian and actor, Arj’s performance intends to answer some of life’s biggest questions which will have audiences laughing and learning well into the night. The Mind Field has garnered much attention and five-star reviews from various publications and critics, with Broadway Baby calling Arj’s performance, “excellent stand-up by an exceptional comedian.”

Arj has been deemed Australia’s funniest adopted Californian, and having spent over a decade living in Melbourne, he has come to understand the complexities of Australian culture, an understanding he comedically intertwines into his performances.

Over his time living in Australia, Arj has become a household name, appearing on television shows including the original, Hey Hey It’s Saturday program, and performing in venues across the country. 2024 has presented itself as a big year for the talented comedian, from launching his brand new live stand-up show, The Mind Field, to landing his first lead role in a feature film, The Nut Farm.

After selling out shows across 2023, Arj landed himself a spot on the star studded 2024 Brisbane Comedy Festival lineup earlier this year where he performed Power Hour – a compilation of his most beloved jokes over the past thirty years.

Arj will ignite the JL Kelly Theatre into uncontrollable laughter on Friday 9 May, 2025, with audiences advised to strap in to enjoy many humorous perspectives on many of life’s most questionable phenomenon’s like, “why do farts smell?”. A 15+ performance, The Mind Field will explore many profound concepts with a comedic tone and tickets to the once in a lifetime performance will be available from 10am on Thursday 28 November on the JL Kelly Theatre website.

You’ll laugh, and you’ll learn, but you’ll never look at anything the same once you enter… The Mind Field.

What: Arj Barker – The Mind Field.
When: Friday 9 May, 2025, 7pm.
Where: JL Kelly Theatre.
More Information: Event Ticketing & Booking Platform | TryBookinghttps://www.proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au/events/event/169/arj-barker-the-mind-field.

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Arj Barker’s The Mind Field performance will ignite JL Kelly Theatre this May.

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The Hinchinbrook Shire Library are gearing up for another enriching school holidays filled with enjoyment and education following the launch of their annual Summer Reading Program on Monday 9 December.

Students aged between six to twelve years are encouraged to sign up for the free program to discover the enchanting world of the written word, with an awesome, Fitbit Inspire Tracker awarded to the student with the highest reading logbook! With each student’s entry, they’re also placed into a fantastic raffle set to be drawn at the program’s conclusion for one lucky reader’s opportunity to win a Yeti 769ml Straw Bottle.

“The program is a great way to encourage children to read over the holidays, and have fun while doing it,” explained Kelannei of the Hinchinbrook Shire Library.

It should come as no surprise that fostering a love of reading at a young age produces a world of benefits in the areas relating to language growth, imagination, creativity, and academic advancement. What better time to introduce or build upon such a wonderful habit than during these summer school holidays?

Over the course of the school holidays, students are to record and track each book read in their logbook available at www.library.hinchinbrook.qld.gov, allowing the program to stand as a positive, and measurable tool regarding your child’s literacy engagement.

On Friday 24 January, the program’s participants are invited to attend a celebratory Summer Reading Party where each of the winners will be announced, and each student will be presented with an Encouragement Award for their commitment and dedication.

For more information on how your child can be part of such a fantastic and enriching program, visit www.library.hinchinbrook.qld.gov or email library@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.

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With so many magical festive events set to be held over the next month, our calendars are most likely reaching breaking point in the best way possible, and there’s another wonderfully fabulous event that also deserves a spot on your schedule.

The QCWA Upper Stone Christmas Party will have the community busting a move to the musical talents of DJ Wayne Newton and smiling for Santa this Saturday 30 November from 6pm at the Upper Stone Hall. Attendees are invited to enjoy an evening overflowing with both modern beats and old time, sing-along classics as well as plenty of delicious eats with the barbeque hot and ready to go!

The evening will host a range of opportunities to win big with both a Major Cash Draw, and a Monster Raffle including over thirty fantastic prizes up for grabs as well as an awesome Lucky Door Prize.

The 2024 QCWA Upper Stone Christmas Party hopes to be nothing short of nostalgic, with Wayne under instruction to throw it back to the golden era to recreate the magic of past Upper Stone Hall dances where locals would waltz well into the night to Pride or Erin and other popular tunes.

An annual celebration, all funds raised from the cash only community event will be put towards advancing, improving and revamping the beloved hall to continue hosting fabulous celebrations, and creating wonderful memories will into the future.

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What: QCWA Upper Stone Christmas Party.
When: Saturday 30 November, 6pm.
Where: Upper Stone Hall.
More Information: Visit the Upper Stone QCWA Branch Facebook page.

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