Pauline Roods and her Coral Trout. Photo supplied: Ashley Roods

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Pauline Roods caught this beautiful “personal best” Coral Trout at Brambles Reef on the long weekend. What a fantastic way to spend the weekend, nothing better than a fishing trip on blue waters to while away the hours, except of course hooking a stunner of a catch!

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Do you want to flex your fishing skills in the newspaper? Send your fishing photo along with your name and what you caught to victoria@lifepublishinggroup.com to be featured in Catch of The Week!

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Photos sourced: Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club

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Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club welcomed North Barrier Branch clubs for two days of competition and remembrance at its 2026 carnival.

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Competitors took to the sand and water for an action-packed weekend, showcasing their skills across a range of events while families, supporters and the local community gathered to cheer them on.

Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa MP returned to the club for the carnival, reflecting on its special place in his life.

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“Forrest Beach SLSC will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s the club I grew up in, and it was wonderful to return for the 2026 Carnival,” Mr Chiesa said.

“Two action-packed days brought North Barrier Branch clubs together for competition on the sand and in the water, with plenty of time to catch up with old friends.”

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Mr Chiesa also acknowledged the volunteers, competitors, families and supporters who helped make the weekend possible, noting that generations of people giving their time were what made surf lifesaving clubs so special.

The carnival also provided an opportunity to honour the life and legacy of Forrest Beach SLSC Patron and Life Member Kauko Kaurila, whose contribution to the club and surf lifesaving community was remembered during the Colour Party March Past.

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With Mr Kaurila’s family in attendance, club and branch members paused to pay tribute to a man whose life was deeply connected to surf lifesaving.

A wreath was laid into the ocean he loved, recognising his achievements, dedication and lifelong connection to the club, the community and the sea.

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Forrest Beach SLSC said Mr Kaurila’s loss was felt throughout the club and wider community, and his legacy would remain part of the club’s history.

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The carnival also welcomed Life Members and past members to a dedicated tent on Saturday, providing an opportunity to reconnect, share stories and reflect on the club’s history.

Forrest Beach SLSC thanked its volunteers for their work in the lead-up to and throughout the carnival, as well as Hinchinbrook Shire Council, sponsors, visiting branch clubs and the local community for their support.

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The club congratulated all competitors on their performances across the two days and praised the spirit of friendly rivalry and community that continues to bring the branch together.

The weekend celebrated not only the achievements of competitors, but also the volunteers, families and generations of members who help sustain surf lifesaving at Forrest Beach.

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The first round of the Club Triples semi-finals saw J. Johnson, J. Casanovas and M. Owen defeat A. Burns, T. Rhodes and J. Craven, 18–13.

In social play, A. Byrns, D. Bull, M. Moore and L. DiBella defeated Irene, T. Arkink, N. Mammarella and E. Piotto, 17–15.

B. Eddleston, N. Evans and S. Ryan also recorded a win, defeating A. Foti, J. Fenoglio and G. Wright, 25–12.

Contributed with thanks by Sandy Ryan

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Photos sourced: Palm Creek &  Cardwell Parkrun

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Palm Creek parkrun #147 – 23 participants
Fastest time: Lacey Jayasuria – 21:30  
Final finisher: Julie Mac Pherson – 56:05  
PBs: 2 | First timers: 3  
Volunteers: Steven Veltmeyer, Lynda Amisano, Amanda Towner, Matteo Mancuso, Julie Mac Pherson, Bridgette Duffy

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Cardwell parkrun #408 – 31 finishers
Fastest time: Luke Tamblyn – 22:08  
Final finisher: Leila Sadler – 1:08:15  
PBs: 4 | First timers: 11  
Volunteers: Kerry Snell, Judy Cloud, Jan Ferguson, Iiz O’Connor, Sue Patch, Leila Sadler, Marcus Ritchie, Anita Davina

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The old guard and the new, team Gilroy gathered around Will’s jersey. Photo source: Gilroy Santa Maria College

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By Victoria Velton

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On the fields of St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie, hundreds of family members, friends and supporters gathered to honour the memory of Will Murdoch, as his closest mates took to the field for their final Will Murdoch Shield as a school cohort.

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Held at St Teresa’s College this year to bring the carnival closer to Will’s own backyard, the annual rugby league nines brought together students from his own Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham State High School and St Teresa’s College for an evening of football and remembrance.

The occasion marked an emotional milestone, with Will’s classmates reaching Year 12 and playing in the Shield together for the final time before graduating. In a moving display of respect, each school retired the number nine jersey, Will’s playing number, while his senior jersey, bearing the name ‘Murdoch’, was proudly displayed at the top of the field.

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For many gathered, it was a reminder of his enduring presence, with some reflecting through tears that his spirit was watching over the team that evening.

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For his best mates, Connor and TJ, the carnival remains a special way to celebrate a boy whose love of rugby league continues to bring people together.

“Me and Willie were mates all through our primary and junior schooling, he loved his footy. Now we celebrate that,” Connor said.

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“I think it’s good just to come together every year, and around his birthday as well, to celebrate it.”

TJ, who played alongside Will from Year 5, said the occasion meant a great deal to him.

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“It means a lot playing this game for him,” he said.

“It’s all about spirit and just playing for him every time.”

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With Will’s senior cohort preparing to graduate, the carnival is now entering a new chapter. From 2027, the Shield will transition to an annual Under 13s rugby league nines carnival, allowing younger players to carry the tradition forward.

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The changing of the guard was marked during the opening ceremony, with Year 7 and 8 teams from all three schools taking part as curtain-raisers to the Opens fixtures. The ceremony also included a reading of a poem written by local poet Johnny Pearce, celebrating Will’s spirit, cheeky personality and love of the game. His best mate Connor read the poem, which remembered a boy whose heart and determination on the field far outweighed his size.

Will’s mother, Kelly, thanked those who continue to honour her son through the annual event.

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“Days like today remind me that Will has not been forgotten. His name is being spoken. His memory is being honoured, and the friendships he made are still bringing people together,” she said.

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Will Murdoch Shield 2026

Will was remembered as a gifted young sportsman with a passion for rugby league, bull riding and horsemanship. He was also a beloved member of the Herbert River Crushers.

At just 12 years old, Will tragically passed away when the Polaris ATV he was riding rolled in a cane paddock while he was travelling home from his grandparents’ cane farm at Long Pocket.

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Organisers thanked St Teresa’s College for hosting the event, the Townsville Blackhawks for their support and presentation of man-of-the-match awards, and the Murdoch and Sheahan families for allowing the tradition to continue.

On the field, Gilroy Santa Maria College finished runners-up to St Teresa’s, but claimed victory in the final game of the evening, giving its Year 12 players a memorable send-off.

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For Connor, T.J. and the boys who have carried the Shield through their school years, the final whistle may have marked the end of their Shield-playing chapter, but not their connection to Will.

As younger players take to the field in the years ahead, carrying on the Shield in Will’s honour, his love of the game and joyful spirit will live on.

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See more photos here: www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/will-murdoch-shield-2026

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Suzi Reis (left) with fellow organisers and family members at Tully Cemetery, where former Tigers player Jeff Nash's headstone features a footballer wearing his number six jersey. Photo credit: Helen Cook  

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By Helen Cook  

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For 100 years, the Tully Tigers have united generations of players, families and supporters, building a proud rugby league tradition.

This week, the club celebrates its centenary with a dinner dance at Tully State High School and special cemetery tours remembering those who helped shape its history.

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Established in 1926, Tully Rugby League's proud history includes the 1939 Wilson Cup victory and the prestigious 1963 North Queensland Foley Shield triumph, captained by former Australian representative Bob Banks.

Over the decades, Tully has produced outstanding rugby league talent, including local cane farmer Angelo Crema, who represented Queensland and Australia, and Queensland representative Danny Clifford.

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More recently, the club's junior ranks have produced NRL stars Jake Clifford and Queensland State of Origin forward Thomas Flegler.

The club has also developed female talent, including former Tully State High School student and dual NRLW premiership winner Romy Teitzel, while the Tigers' under-13 girls reached the Far North Queensland grand final this year.

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The centenary dinner dance, on Saturday 17th October at Tully State High School's multipurpose centre, will bring together past and present players, supporters and volunteers.

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Former Tully junior and North Queensland Cowboys player Jake Clifford will be a special guest, with Brisbane band Vegas Please providing the entertainment.

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For many, it will be a chance to reconnect with old teammates, share memories of famous victories and celebrate the generations of families who have kept the Tigers roaring.

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But behind the premierships and famous players are countless others whose contributions have been just as important to the club's 100-year story.

Those people are being remembered through special evening tours of Tully Cemetery on Thursday 15th and Saturday 24th October, organised by Suzi Reis and a group of local families.

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Suzi, who was involved in the Tully 100 and Tully Sugar centenary cemetery tours, said the stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who helped shape the club.

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"Some of them are people you've heard of but never knew their story," she said.

Her own mother helped establish the Tigers' canteen around 1970, raising money to support the club.

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"If you're a footy fanatic like my family are, it's a way of life. It's what we do every weekend," she said.

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Among those remembered is Henry Alfred Taylor, who suffered a devastating injury while playing for Tully against Babinda in 1946. His relative Don Taylor will share the story of the 18-year-old, who died seven days after the match.

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Another is Geoffrey Arthur Nash, who came from Cairns to play football in Tully and made the town his home.

His daughter-in-law Janelle Nash and granddaughter Lydia are helping preserve his story, including his lifelong friendship with fellow footballer Norm Reeves, whose ashes were returned to Tully and buried nearby.

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Deidre Holmes, president of the Mission Beach Historical Society, is also involved.

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"I think it's really important that everybody looks back at the past and the people that made the community and built our little town here," she said.

Other stories include the contributions of the Jones and Pease families, Kane Banu and passionate football supporter Olivo Ciuccolo.

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Together, the dinner dance and cemetery tours offer two ways to celebrate a century of Tigers history – honouring the achievements on the field and the people and families who made them possible.

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The cemetery tours begin at 5.30pm on Thursday 15th and Saturday 24th October. Meet at the new cemetery, wear your Tigers shirt, bring a torch and make a gold coin donation to the Tully Hospital Foundation.

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Katrina O'Brien and her Giant Trevally. Photo supplied: Cardwell Sportfishing Club

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Katrina O’Brien’s Giant Trevally has taken out this week’s Catch of the Week! Known for their dexterous and powerful builds, and hard-fighting nature, Giant Trevally are a highly sought-after catch for local anglers wanting to test their strength. Katrina’s catch is a stunning silver example of this formidable tropical species.

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Do you want to flex your fishing skills in the newspaper? Send your fishing photo along with your name and what you caught to victoria@lifepublishinggroup.com to be featured in Catch of The Week!

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Consistency Singles Winner, M Owen. Photo supplied

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Perfect bowling weather provided the ideal conditions for the final of the Consistency Competition, with M. Owen defeating N. Mammarella 150–80 to take the honours.

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In social bowls, I. Byrn, A. Burns, D. Tomba and J. Cassanovas played out a 17-all draw against Irene, D. Bull, N. Evans and G. Wright.

In the other social game, B. Eddleston, A. Foti and S. Ryan defeated J. Johnson, J. Fenoglio and L. Dibella 15–11.

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Contributed with thanks by Sandy Ryan & Elsa Piotto

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Photos sourced: Cardwell Parkrun

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Palm Creek parkrun #146 – 22 participants
Fastest time: Julian Lee – 18:55
Final finisher: Steven Veltmeyer – 1:00:16
PBs: 1 | First timers: 5
Volunteers: Julie Mac Pherson, Christine Knickel, Amanda Towner, Matteo Mancuso, Steven Veltmeyer, Bridgette Duffy

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Cardwell parkrun #407 – 25 finishers
Fastest time: Toby Gordon – 21:19
Final finisher: Desiree Lake – 53:12
PBs: 0 | First timers: 9
Volunteers: Anita Davina, Terry McDonald, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Desiree Lake, Dave Ball, Kerry Snell

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Photo credit: Palm Creek & Cardwell Parkruns

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This past weekend saw the organisation of Parkrun celebrate its 22^nd anniversary. To celebrate the runners of Palm Creek donned their most wonderous tutus to share the celebration. Another huge milestone was celebrated at Cardwell Parkrun with congratulations going to Jason on 450 Parkruns.

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Palm Creek parkrun #145 – 30 participants

Fastest time: Carter Hague (18:47)
Final finishers: Lynda Amisano (1:20:26), Nowell Tento (1:20:29) and Bridgette Duffy (1:20:34)
PBs: 1 | First timers: 5
Volunteers: Steven Veltmeyer, Simon Niam, Judah Niam, Matteo Mancuso, Bridgette Duffy

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Cardwell parkrun #406 – 24 participants

Fastest time: Jake Ball (21:48)
Final finisher: Maryanne Hare (52:24)
PBs: 4 | First timers: 7
Volunteers: Kellie Ball, Jake Ball, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Maryanne Hare, Kerry Snell

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Leon Wuttrich and his Large Mouth Nannygai. Photo supplied: Cardwell Sportfishing Club

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Leon Wuttrich’s Large Mouth Nannygai has taken out this week’s Catch of the Week! Known for their distinctive red colouring, large mouths and powerful build, Large Mouth Nannygai are a prized catch for reef fishers and are highly regarded for their quality on the table. Leon’s catch is a great example of this impressive local species.

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Do you want to flex your fishing skills in the newspaper? Send your fishing photo along with your name and what you caught to victoria@lifepublishinggroup.com to be featured in Catch of The Week!

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Photo sourced: Ingham Bowls Club

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Congratulations to Noorla on taking out the 2026 Irene Paris Trophy, with bowlers from Noorla, Macknade and Ingham coming together for the annual competition.

The event also provided an opportunity to recognise the continued support of the Aranas family, who have sponsored the Irene Paris Trophy for many years.

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Noorla thanked all of its players who contested the event, as well as Ingham for its hospitality and everyone who took part for their sportsmanship. This year also saw some of Noorla’s ladies step onto the green to fill positions during the competition, with the club thanking them for helping make the event possible.

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The Aranas family will also be formally recognised by the club on Sponsors Day in appreciation of their ongoing support.

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Meanwhile, Ingham Bowls Club Ladies Triples were played this week, with N. Mammerella, G. Wright and L. DiBella defeating B. Eddleston, A. Foti and J. Fenoglio 27–9.

J. Johnson, J. Casanovas and M. Owen defeated I. Byrns, M. Moore and S. Ryan 18–14.

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In the Social game, E. Piotto and A. Burns defeated T. Rhodes and D. Toomba 17–15.

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Age is no barrier: Dina Campagnolo (80), Louis Campagnolo (86), Louie Darighello (78) and Rita Pezzutto (80) enjoy regular pickleball games in Tully

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It’s recently been described as Australia’s fastest-growing sport – and Tully discovered the appeal of pickleball around five years ago.

What began with a small group of local tennis players looking for something to do when wet weather stopped play, has grown into the Tully Mission Beach Pickleball Club, with more than 50 members – including enthusiastic players well into their 80s.

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Current Club President Jenny Flegler said the group approached Cassowary Coast Regional Council about trying the new sport in the Igloo.  

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“They learned to play through no coaching, just by word of mouth and over the internet,” Jenny said.  

Edith Thomas became the club’s first president and, although now retired from playing, remains an active supporter.

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In 2025, the club moved to its new home at the Tully Showgrounds, a move involving considerably more than simply taking the nets and paddles down the road. Members raised money, applied for grants and worked with Council to develop the new playing space, including its dedicated court surface and industrial fans.

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“We’ve had to raise a lot of money ourselves and apply for grants,” Jenny said. “Council contributed, but we have a lot of people to thank, who put in a lot of work.”  

With the new home up and running, the invitation is open to everyone to give the game a go. The indoor courts mean year-round play while the smaller court and doubles format make pickleball accessible across the generations.

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“Four pickleball courts would fit into one tennis court if you turn them sideways,” Jenny said. “There’s not a lot of running in pickleball. So, at any age, you can play.”  

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While some members compete in Cairns and Townsville and travel to the outdoor club in Cardwell, social fun, friendship and fitness are at the heart of the club. Beginners are eased into the game, learning where to stand and move safely before joining regular play.  

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Saturday morning’s Come and Try session is a chance to borrow a paddle, hit a few balls and simply “see what it’s like”. For anyone wondering whether they’re too old, too inexperienced or not fit enough, Jenny’s message is simple: “It’s a very sociable sport, come and have a go.”

PICKLEBALL 101

The kitchen: It’s not where you make the tea. The “kitchen” is the area immediately beside the net, officially known as the non-volley zone. You can’t stand in it, or on the line, to hit a volley. If the ball bounces first, you can step in to play it.

The dink: A soft, controlled shot played just over the net into your opponent’s kitchen. The aim is to keep it low, making it difficult to attack. A well-placed dink can win the point.

COME AND HAVE A GO

Where: Pavilion 1 (Stan Mackay Building), Tully Showgrounds, Butler Street, Tully

When

• Monday: 5.30 - 7.30pm

• Tuesday: 8.30 - 10.30am – social session

• Wednesday: 5.30 - 7.30pm

• Saturday: 8 - 10am – Intro to Pickleball: Come and Try

• Saturday: 3 - 5pm

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Email: tullymissionbeachpickleball@gmail.com

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Dylan Crema proudly wears his world championship medal and holds his Council honour, with trainer Tracee Tozer, parents Maria and Peter, and Mayor Teresa Millwood

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Tully’s Dylan Crema has added a hometown honour to his growing medal collection, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council recognising the two-time Adaptive CrossFit world champion for his remarkable international success.

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Mayor Teresa Millwood presented Dylan with a special Council award this week, following his successful defence of his world title in San Jose, California, in July.

It was the latest milestone in an extraordinary rise for the Tully athlete, who has competed at three consecutive world championships, finishing sixth at his first in Dallas, Texas, before winning in Las Vegas and successfully defending his title in San Jose.

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This year’s event brought together more than 325 adaptive athletes from 34 nations, competing across multiple divisions over a demanding three-day program.

Born with Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome (VCFS), Dylan discovered CrossFit after taking up exercise during COVID. His support worker and CrossFit trainer Tracee Tozer helped turn that early interest into consistent training and, ultimately, world titles.

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“I did some research and realised that there was an adaptive comp,” Tracee said.

“Dylan was open to having a go, and then he put in the hard yards, and we could see that he was really good at it.”

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Adaptive CrossFit enables athletes with disabilities to compete in classifications appropriate to their abilities, tackling workouts incorporating strength, endurance, gymnastics and weightlifting.

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Dylan has reached the top of his sport without the resources of a major training centre. Much of the hard work happens in Tracee’s backyard gym in Tully, with Dylan competing independently rather than representing a CrossFit gym.

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Dylan’s mum Maria said the sport had also transformed her naturally shy son’s confidence and introduced him to a new community of friends.

“I don’t think that would have happened if he hadn’t found CrossFit,” she said.

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Mayor Millwood praised Dylan’s hard work, dedication and determination, telling him his community was proud of his achievements.

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For Dylan, the formula behind becoming a two-time world champion remains refreshingly simple. His advice to others? “Have fun, get fit and feel good.” And to Tracee, Matt, Andy, his family and everyone who has helped him along the way: “Just a big thank you.”

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Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving competitors at the Arcadian Surf Carnival Photo source: Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving

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Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club has welcomed competitors and supporters home for its own carnival after a strong showing at the recent Arcadian Surf Carnival. The club recorded a number of podium finishes across the water and beach events, with Michael, Mariam, Evie and Reuben among the individual winners, while Forrest Beach teams also claimed multiple relay victories.

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The club is now looking ahead to its home carnival at Forrest Beach on 10th and 11th October, with nominations open through LiveHeats until midday on 2nd October.

The new 2026/27 patrol season has also commenced, with patrols returning to the beach and operating from September through May.

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Results from the Arcadian Surf Carnival

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1st Place

Michael: Masters Male Sprint

Michael: Masters Male Flags

Mariam: Open Female Sprint

Mariam: Open Female Flags

Evie: U11 Female Sprint

Reuben: U8 Male Wade

Reuben: U8 Male Deep Water Wade

Open Mixed Beach Relay

Open Mixed Wade Relay

U9 Mixed Beach Relay

U9 Mixed Wade Relay

U8–U10 Wade Relay: Team A

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2nd Place

Evie: U11 Female Flags

Thea: U10 Female Sprint

Reuben: U8 Male Flags

Open Mixed Board Relay

U10 Mixed Beach Relay

U10 Mixed Wade Relay

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3rd Place

Stephen: Open Male Sprint

Stephen: Open Male Flags

Stephen: U17 Male Sprint

Stephen: U17 Male Flags

Kurtis: U11 Male Flags

Thea: U10 Female Flags

Harrison: U10 Male Sprint

Thomas: U9 Male Flags

U10 Mixed Board Relay

U9 Mixed Board Relay

U8–U10 Wade Relay: Team B

Forrest Beach To Rainbow Bay 2026/27 Patrol Season

Patrols run from September through to May.  

Patrol Hours: Saturday: 1:30pm – 5:00pm & Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Beach Safety Reminders: Always swim between the red and yellow flags, listen to our trained lifesavers, and stay informed about conditions.

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The stinger net will be installed from early November

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