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The May long weekend will see the Ingham Squash Courts become a hive of activity as players from across North Queensland compete in the Ingham Squash Club’s Northern Region Silver Junior Squash Tournament to be held over the Saturday and Sunday (2nd & 3rd) of the May weekend. This tournament is the final event in a 4-tournament series and will give players their last opportunity for selection in the Northern Region Redbacks team to compete at the Queensland Junior Squash Championships, which will be held during the June school holiday on the Gold Coast. In conjunction with the tournament, the Ingham Squash Club will celebrate the official opening of the newly air-conditioned courts with the attendance of the Honourable Member for Hinchinbrook, Mr Wayde Chiesa, and the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor, Mr Ramon Jayo. The Ingham Squash Club was successful in obtaining a Queensland Government grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for $90,000 to provide solar panels and air-conditioning of the squash courts and upgrading of light fixtures. The club is very honoured to have Mr Chiesa available to officially view the upgrades provided by that grant and to officially open the centre on behalf of the state government. The Squash Club has also been successful in obtaining from the Hinchinbrook Shire Council a local government Community Support Grant to assist with the running of the Junior Squash Tournament over the weekend, and this event will be officially opened by HSC Mayor, Mr Jayo. The club has received several grants over the past years to help with the running of Junior and Masters squash tournaments at the centre and the club is appreciative to have the Mayor attend the official opening. The official opening will take place at 9:30am, May 2, at the Ingham Squash Courts on McIllwraith Street. Members of the public are invited to attend and to stay and watch the top North Queensland junior squash players compete for selection in the Northern Redbacks Squash team. Contributed with thanks by Maureen Lahtinen, President of the Ingham Squash Club
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Residents across the region are being invited to reset, refocus and recharge at a free two-day workshop with Allan Parker, OAM, coming to Collinsville this May. Hosted by NQ Dry Tropics, the Regional Brain Reset workshop will be held on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May at the Opal Ridge Motel Conference Room. The event is designed to equip attendees with practical tools to better manage pressure, improve communication and maintain mental resilience—both on-farm and in everyday life. Across the two days, participants will learn how to reset their thinking using five simple steps aimed at cutting through noise, handling pressure more effectively and reading people more clearly. The workshop will also introduce three practical skills to help people talk about pressure early, without situations escalating. Attendees can also expect to gain straightforward habits to support long-term mental wellbeing, alongside strategies to stay level-headed when things don’t go to plan and keep conversations on track when it matters most. The workshop forms part of the Landholders Driving Change (LDC2) project, funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. The initiative focuses on supporting landholders and regional communities with practical skills and knowledge that extend beyond the paddock. With places limited, locals are encouraged to secure their spot early and take advantage of this opportunity to build resilience, strengthen communication skills and invest in their mental wellbeing. The Collinsville workshop is one of a series of events aimed at supporting regional Queenslanders, providing tools that can make a real difference both professionally and personally. To find out more, visit www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1564970?utm_content=416225772&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-87151812. What: Regional Brain Reset Workshop When: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May Where: Opal Ridge Motel Conference Room, Collinsville
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May marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage conversations, and take meaningful steps toward creating safer homes and communities for everyone. Domestic and family violence can impact people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. It often goes unseen, and many individuals and families experience it in silence. This month is an opportunity to shine a light on the issue, reduce stigma, and remind our community that help is available. In the Hinchinbrook Shire, we are committed to fostering a community where people feel safe, valued and empowered to seek assistance when they need it. At Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, we work alongside individuals and families who may be experiencing or have been impacted by domestic and family violence. We offer a range of services designed to meet people where they are, recognising that every person’s experience is different. Through a compassionate, person-centred approach, the Centre assists individuals to connect with appropriate services, counselling support, and guidance to safely navigate their circumstances. We offer support for adults, including court assistance for victim-survivors, recognising that both emotional recovery and navigating legal processes can be complex. Our approach is flexible and delivered through centre-based sessions or outreach within the community. Our aim is to create safe, welcoming environments where people can build confidence, develop coping strategies, and begin to heal from their experiences. Domestic and family violence prevention is not only about responding to crisis - it is also about education, early intervention, and building strong, respectful relationships within our community. By working together, we can create environments where people feel safe, heard, and respected. In recognition of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month this May, our Domestic Violence team will be hosting the Ingham Community Legal Service Expo. This initiative aims to raise awareness, provide accessible information, and strengthen community understanding around domestic and family violence. The Expo will offer an opportunity for community members to learn more about the supports available at the Hub, as well as connect with a range of community legal organisations working together to support safety, wellbeing, and justice within the Hinchinbrook region. If you or someone you know may benefit from support, we encourage you to reach out. Taking the first step can feel difficult, but you do not have to do it alone. Please contact Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre on 4776 1822 or email communitysupport@hcsc.org.au for more information. _________________________________________________________________________________ Designer notes: please put this segment below in a box with a red border around it. HEADING: For Those Seeking Support, There Are A Number Of Free And Confidential Services Available 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 Lifeline – 13 11 14 DVConnect Womensline – 1800 811 811 Women’s Legal Service QLD – 1800 957 957 Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277 Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre – 4776 1822 If you are in immediate danger, please call 000. To anyone experiencing domestic or family violence - you are not alone, and you deserve to feel safe, respected and supported. Help is available, and there are people who will walk alongside you when you’re ready.
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Caption: Photo credit: Palm Creek & Cardwell Parkrun Facebook pages
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By Victoria Velton
Last Saturday brought a mix of moods across our Parkrun locations, and the weather certainly played its part! Palm Creek was treated to a cool, refreshing crosswind, giving runners a perfect excuse to feel the breeze and enjoy the morning, while over in Cardwell the grey skies and a little rain didn’t stop the determined few who came out to move.
No to be put off by the threat of flood or cyclone, both parkruns were enjoyed with the help of our lovely volunteers. If you're not sure whether the weather will keep one of the Parkruns from happening, follow their Facebook pages! Updates and photos are shared there.
Parkrun Results: 10th January 2026
Palm Creek #105 – 29 participants
Fastest time: Julian (19:03)
Final finisher: Steven (1:03:25)
PBs: Brett (29:48), Hilary (30:48)
First-timers: Brittany, Emelia, Lindsay, Sophie
Volunteers: Maria Bertocchi, Erin Cerutti, Ted Cogger, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Amanda Towner, Steven Veltmeyer
Cardwell #369 – 8 participants
Fastest time: Dave (26:00)
Final finisher: Anita (43:35)
PBs: Billie (42:10), Katrina (42:11)
First-timers: None listed in top 8
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Kellie Ball, Zoe Ball, Terry Curtin, Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson, Kerry Snell
Our Christmas break-up was a fantastic success, with plenty of games and activities for the kids, followed later in the evening by pickleball and tennis for the adults. The junior awards were presented during the event, with Riley Car named Champion Boy (though he was unfortunately absent). Tom and Richard handed out the awards, with Tom leading the junior program and Richard overseeing the Tuesday fixtures.
(Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso of the Ingham Tennis Ascocciation)
The February 2025 floods left an undeniable mark on Hinchinbrook Shire, affecting every corner of the community and testing resilience like never before.
In response, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is introducing a new category in the 2026 Australia Day Awards — the Flood Hero Recognition — to honour the countless individuals who selflessly stood up to support their neighbours and help rebuild our community.
Mayor Ramon Jayo said the overwhelming spirit shown during those difficult days.
“These floods impacted us all, and throughout the crisis, ordinary people showed extraordinary kindness and courage,” Mayor Jayo said.
“They didn’t seek recognition; they acted out of love and a deep sense of responsibility to their community.
“This award is about recognising their quiet heroism and the strength they gave us when we needed it most.
“This is the community’s chance to thank those who gave so much without expecting anything in return.”
The Flood Hero Recognition category is unique. It’s not about a single winner but about honouring the many hands that held us together.
Council invites the community to nominate anyone who inspired them from volunteers to emergency responders to neighbours who simply helped in small but meaningful ways.
From celebrating outstanding citizens of all ages, to recognising cultural and sporting achievements, community events, and acts of heroism during the 2025 floods — there’s a category for every kind of contribution.
Judges may reassign nominations to ensure they’re recognised in the most fitting category.
Nominations have now been extended until 5.00pm on Tuesday 6 January 2026.
Visit https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/community-environment/australia-day-celebrations/how-to-nominate/ for more information, visit the Council office at 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham or call 4774 4600. Award recipients will be celebrated at the Australia Day event on 26 January 2026 at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall.
Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club has taken an exciting step towards greater inclusion, hosting a successful Starfish Nippers Come and Try morning on Sunday, the 14th of December.
The event saw children and families enjoy a range of beach and water activities under perfect conditions, giving participants a taste of what the Starfish Nippers program will offer when it officially launches next year.
Starfish Nippers is designed for children aged five to 15 with disabilities, providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment to experience the fun and skills of surf lifesaving. The program will commence in Term 1 next year, with monthly sessions planned at Forrest Beach.
The initiative focuses on beach and water safety while tailoring activities to suit each child’s individual needs. The aim is to build confidence, water awareness and teamwork, while ensuring participants have an enjoyable and positive experience on the beach.
The Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club thanked De Blackford and youth member Nalini Schofield for their efforts in bringing the Starfish Nippers program to the local community, as well as the families who attended the Come and Try session to learn more about the initiative.
Further information on how families can become involved in the Starfish Nippers program in 2026 is expected to be released in the coming months.
By Victoria Velton
As we come to the end of the year, our Parkrun numbers tend to dwindle as run-buddies head off on holiday. I hope you’re all joining in local Parkruns wherever your travels take you, as a new course is a new challenge!
Cardwell saw visitors from England, Cairns and Ingham thon saturday to bolster their numbers, and congratulations to Sheridan on completing her 25th Parkrun. And amazing to hit 365 events, that's a run for every day of the year!
Last Parkrun of the year is the 27th of December, see you all out on the course for one last run in 2025.
Parkrun Results: 13th December 2025
Palm Creek #103 – 14 participants
First finisher: Julian (18:59)
Final finisher: Sandra (54:58)
PBs: Julian (18:59)
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso, Simon Niam, Steven Veltmeyer
Cardwell #365 – 15 participants
First finisher: Trevor (22:45)
Final finisher: Kerry (52:10)
First timers: Trevor, Valerie of 'Girls That Jeff'
Volunteers: Kellie Ball, David Clarke, Judith Clarke, Jan Ferguson, Matthew Gardiner, Kerry Snell, Lyndel Weare
The Ingham Squash Club wrapped up its Season 2 competition on Thursday night with an exciting grand final showcase that drew support from local players and spectators.
In the A Men’s division, the Dolphins emerged victorious after a tightly contested match-up against the Cowboys. The Dolphins secured the title two games to one, displaying consistency and resilience in a spirited final. Team captain, Liam Fascetti, thanked his fellow players, Brendan Wallis and Niko Dillon, for helping him steer the team to victory. Dolphin’s captain, Jordan Di Bella was unable to play due to injury and was reliant on number 2 seed Mario Di Bella to play in the captain’s position. Di Bella won his game against Wallis but was outplayed by Fascetti in his second game. Number three seed, Dillon beat upcoming star, James Smith to take the team to victory.
The A Mixed grand final delivered just as much excitement, with the Hawks overcoming the Lorikeets in a competitive clash. The Hawks’ strong all-round performance proved decisive as they claimed this season’s mixed title. Hawks players, Brendan Seri (captain), James Smith and Braydon Rynne won their way to the title by defeating Lorikeets’ Ally Rhodes (captain), Kara Nash, Callan Brown and Sophee Lepinath. Both teams finished on two matches each, but the games won ratio of eight to four solidified the Hawks win.
During the presentation, young club member, James Smith was crowned Most Improved Player of the Season. The club congratulated all finalists and participants for a successful season and looks forward to an even bigger competition next year.
(Contributed with thanks by Kim Di Bella)
It has been a lively and memorable week at the Ingham Bowls Club as members wrapped up the final events of 2025 with strong turnouts, good humour and festive cheer.
Barefoot Bowls celebrated its final night of the year with an impressive crowd taking to the green. Players enjoyed a relaxed evening of friendly competition before gathering for a well-earned barbecue and Christmas cake. The club extended its thanks to everyone who supported Barefoot Bowls throughout the season and looks forward to welcoming players back in the new year.
The Men’s Friday Pairs event also attracted excellent participation, with bowlers turning out for both their scheduled games and the much-loved cane-cutter smoko. The club expressed its appreciation to the men for their ongoing commitment and support.
A highlight of the week was the special Ladies’ Sponsored Christmas Afternoon, which drew 56 players despite the hot and humid conditions. President Elsa acknowledged the hard work of the men in running the club and presented them with a donation in recognition of their efforts. The afternoon concluded with a beautifully prepared high tea, enjoyed by all and adding a touch of festive indulgence to the occasion.
The week’s events reflected the strong camaraderie and community spirit that continue to define the Ingham Bowls Club.
Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club will be extending the gear shed to make a new Clubhouse for our Junior Club members.
Club Vice President and Building Committee Chair, Kris Reid said, "Our Club would like to thank the Gambling Benefit Fund for $100,000 received to create a Clubhouse for our Nipper program, and we are now seeking quotes from builders to help us make our vision a reality".
Forrest Beach Nippers have surged in numbers in recent years and including achieving recognition at a State level, winning the Junior Club of the year in 2024. "There is nothing better than seeing our young club members having fun, making friends and gaining lifesaving skills and we are looking forward to starting next season in our new Junior Clubhouse", Melissa Hall, Junior Activities Chair.
If your business is interested in quoting for these works, contact Forrest Beach Lifesaving on fbslsc1@bigpond.com
By Victoria Velton
The temperatures may be climbing, but that won't stop folks from getting out and moving about. Amazing work by Julian from Palm Creek for his new PB, I don't know how he has all that energy to run full tilt the entire 5ks, but kudos to him!
Now, a big misconception is that Parkrun is all about running full speed like Julian does - yes, I know it's in the name - but many of us enjoy a jog or a walk too. For many, Parkrun is about getting up and getting healthy, finding joy in exercising together as a community, and feeling proud together as we cheer each other on.
Or, if you're not into any of that, simply put on your headphones and enjoy the scenery; we don't judge out here on the track. It's all about enjoying Parkrun your way and we would love to see more out there!
Parkrun Results: 6th December
Palm Creek #102 – 20 participants
First finisher: Julian (19:24)
Final finisher: Bridgette (52:47)
PBs: Julian (19:24), Jason of 'Team Runna'(23:56)
Volunteers: Tracey Castles, Sandra Coco, Ted Cogger, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso.
Cardwell #364 – 21 participants
First finisher: Jason (22:50)
Final finisher: Kerry (47:02)
First timers: Marcela
Terry Curtin, Ben Dean, Matthew Gardiner, Kerry Snell, Lyndel Weare.
Thursday night’s mixed tennis finals delivered a spirited end to the season, bringing players of all ages and abilities together for a close and entertaining contest. The atmosphere courtside stayed lively throughout the night and the margin between the top teams came down to only a handful of games.
Team Room For Improvement: Steve Dahlstrom, Geoff Casanovas, Norm Scott and Macie Casanovas, claimed the victory after a tight battle. With Team Here For Fun: Peter Stocker, Susan Dibartolo, Miles Dahlstrom and Lynda Kelley, finishing as runners-up, with Richard Reeke stepping in for Stocker on the night.
Players wrapped up the competition with pizza, drinks and plenty of laughs. It was a relaxed and enjoyable way to celebrate another successful season of community tennis.
(Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso of the Ingham Tennis Association)
This photograph shows the Dungeness spit in 1943, when the now Enterprise Channel was the exit of the Herbert River into the delta of the Hinchinbrook Channel. The blue line shows just how much land has been washed away since then.
It is proposed that the missing spit be recreated by a rock wall to prevent sand buildup on the existing sandbar and to ensure that the current flow out of the Enterprise Channel keeps sand from building up in the entrance. It is hoped that this project will enable greater exit and entrance periods when the tides are low, for commercial and pleasure craft, and for the Lucinda Coast Guard to launch and retrieve.
At the present time, state government funding has not yet been allocated for this project, but it is front and centre in the minds of all locals who launch at Dungeness.
Contributed with thanks & Written by Steve Whipps, Commander, Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard
The culmination of Noorla’s Ladies year wrapped up on the 14th of November with a fun and festive game of mixed bowls. Many thanks to the men who come along each week, when they can, to bolster our numbers and give the ladies some strong competition. We also extend our thanks to our sister clubs for their great support throughout the year.
The trophy presentations for 2025:
Winners Fours: Sue Pizzi, Carla Pizzi, Vanda Raiteri and Chris Hewett.
Runners Up Fours: Rosemary Rose, Alicia Wegert, Gail Bison and Nella Mancuso.
Winners Triples: Sue Pizzi, Carla Pizzi and Vanda Raiteri.
Runners Up Triples: Rosemary Rose, Gail Bison and Chris Hewett.
Pairs Winners: Carla Pizzi and Sue Pizzi.
Pairs Runners Up: Rosemary Rose and Chris Hewett.
Singles Winner: Carmen Mugica.
Singles Runner Up: Sue Pizzi.
Consistency Winner: Carmen Mugica.
Consistency Runner Up: Rosemary Rose.
(Thanks to Noorla Bowls Club Ingham North Queensland.)
By Victoria Velton
Palm Creek Parkrun has officially hit the big 100 with silly socks and hats as their outfits of choice, as everyone turned up ready to celebrate another great morning at Palm Creek.
It is a huge milestone for the community as one hundred runs together means one hundred Saturday mornings spent walking, jogging, running and cheering each other on. Almost two full years at Palm Creek since moving from the old TYTO Wetlands course.
A massive shoutout to the volunteers who made the morning happen: Tracey Castles, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Donna Panzenbock and Steven Veltmeyer. Week after week, our volunteers keep things running smoothly and deserve so much credit.
Here is to many more runs, many more after-run zooper doopers, and many more Saturday mornings with the Palm Creek Parkrun family. Hurray for 100 runs!
Parkrun Results: 22nd November 2025
Palm Creek #100 – 29 participants
First finisher: Julian (20:22)
Final finisher: Steven (57:27)
PBs: Paul (24:30), Brendan (25:52), Simon (28:34), Melissa (37:13), Kira (43:04)
First timers: Chloe, Trisha, Nicole, John
Volunteers: Tracey Castles, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Donna Panzenbock, Steven Veltmeyer.
Cardwell #362 – 10 participants
First finisher: Dave (26:15)
Final finisher: Lyndel (50:20)
First timers: Blake, Kym, Charlotte
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson, Lyndel Weare, Ward Weare.
From now until the end of May next year, days on the water will usually begin with a slight breeze from the south-west, and calm seas. As the morning wears on, the land heats up, causing the hot air above it to rise. This results in cooler air being sucked in from the ocean, and as the day moves into afternoon, that north-east wind picks up speed, causing white caps and a nasty swell.
When combined with an outgoing tide, that swell becomes a washing machine, and boats which have stayed too long at the reef face a nasty, and often very wet and bumpy ride home, especially when getting to the end of the sugar jetty.
Plan your fishing trip with attention to the wind and tide, leave the reef early as the wind picks up, and get home safely.
(Contributed with thanks and written by Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard)
The 2025 Hinchinbrook Cup Race Day delivered a lively and memorable afternoon at the Herbert River Jockey Club in Ingham on Saturday, 15 November, with a program that unfolded into a celebration of country racing culture.
Crowds arrived dressed in their race day best, with shades of pink emerging as the standout choice across the lawns. The meeting featured five local races, although many attendees freely admitted that the social atmosphere held just as much allure. Fashions in the Field once again stole attention, and the introduction of a fresh category, Living the Hinchinbrook Way – 4850, added a distinctly local touch that resonated strongly with regulars and newcomers.
Families found plenty to enjoy as well. Children’s amusements kept younger racegoers entertained, and once the last horse crossed the finish line, the tempo changed but the enthusiasm did not. Live music and a DJ carried the celebration well into the evening, while the familiar hum of local and visiting bookmakers, the bar, and the canteen rounded out the day. It was a race day that blended tradition with local personality, and the community embraced every moment.
Fashions in the Field Results: N/A
Hinchinbrook Cup Race Day 2025
Race Results – 15 November 2025
Race 1: MITRE 10 HANDY INGHAM Maiden Plate 1100m
Race 2: MARIAN & PIERA CATERING QTIS RATINGS BAND 0 - 50 Handicap 1200m
Race 3: INGHAM CELLARBRATIONS BENCHMARK 55 Handicap 1000m
Race 4: STOKES & COMPANY ACCOUNTANTS BENCHMARK 50 Handicap 1600m
Race 5: NQIB COUNTRY CUPS CHALLENGE QUALIFIER/HINCHINBROOK CUP OPEN Handicap 1400m
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