Championship Pairs saw three games played in very windy and trying conditions, with all players agreeing the wind won the day.

D. Tomba and G. Wright defeated J. Casanovas and L. Melvin 22-11.

N. Mammerella and M. Owen defeated K. Rottondo and S. Ryan 19-18.

M. Spano and M. Moore defeated J. Craven and N. Evans 25-9.

In social play, Michelle, J. Johnson and E. Piotto defeated R. Horton, B. Eddleston and A. Rutherford 20-4.

I. Byrns, A. Burns, A. Foti and T. Rhodes defeated J. Bell, L. DiBella and J. Fenoglio 22-12.

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June is shaping up as a big month of live entertainment at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, with music lovers set to enjoy a mix of rock classics, nostalgia and acoustic favourites across a packed program of upcoming performances.

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Kicking things off on Sunday, 7^th June is Rock & Roll Retrospective, starring internationally acclaimed performer Thomas Armstrong-Robley. The high-energy production takes audiences on a musical journey through some of the biggest hits of the last century, featuring songs made famous by legendary acts including The Beatles, Queen, Elton John and Tina Turner. Combining live music, humour and storytelling, the show promises a rock-and-roll atmosphere designed to have audiences singing along from start to finish. Doors open at 4:00pm for the 5:00pm performance. The event is licensed and tickets are available now!

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The hall’s Morning Melodies series continues on Thursday, 11^th June with The Beggars Sing The Seekers, celebrating the story and songs of iconic Australian group The Seekers. Audiences can expect beloved hits including I’ll Never Find Another You, The Carnival Is Over and Georgy Girl, all performed live.

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Looking ahead to Wednesday, 22 July, acclaimed Australian performer Darren Coggan brings James Taylor The Songbook: Fire and Rain to the stage. Doors open at 9:30am for the 10:30am show, with audiences set to enjoy a heartfelt tribute to the music of James Taylor delivered through Coggan’s renowned storytelling and musicianship.

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Book your seats now through the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall ticketing platform: www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au

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Come and check out Fran Nason’s stall who is the creator of ‘Fran’s Glass Creation’s’. Here you can find uniquely beautiful hand-made sculptures mostly made of carved wood and coloured glass! Photo credit: Marley Abeleven

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By Marley Abeleven

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As a teenager, I feel qualified to say that getting out of bed before 10am on a Saturday usually requires a miracle, or something really worthwhile going to.  I’m happy to report that the Mosaic Markets in Ingham are definitely worth it.  

Held every third Saturday on Lannercost Street, the markets are full of creativity, local talent, live entertainment, handmade goodies, and enough interesting stalls to keep you wandering around way longer than you planned to.

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The name “Mosaic Markets” actually makes so much sense when you think about it. A mosaic is made up of lots of different pieces coming together to create one big picture and that’s exactly what happens at our local market. Different people, businesses, artists, creators, and personalities all come together to create a fun community atmosphere that feels welcoming for everyone.

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One of my favourite things about this market is that you never really know what you’ll find. One minute you’re looking at handmade candles, the next you’re chatting with stall holders who all seem to have really cool stories about their products, how they started, and what inspired them to create their pieces in the first place.

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The atmosphere is really relaxed and social. People are laughing, catching up with friends, supporting locals, listening to music, and actually spending time together instead of sitting at home scrolling TikTok for three hours straight.

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So, in a few week's time, if you’re looking for a fun way to start the weekend, grab your friends, head down to the Markets at the Mosaics, and see what all the hype is about.

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Local businesses gathered to hear advice and ask questions. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Local business owners gathered at The Powerhouse in Ingham for the Building Momentum in Challenging Environments Industry Breakfast, coming together to hear practical advice and share experiences as part of Queensland Small Business Month.

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The event focused on strategies to help businesses navigate difficult conditions and build resilience, with attendees hearing from guest speaker Fiona Jago, who shared first-hand insights drawn from recovery experiences following major events, including rebuilding efforts after the 2019–20 bushfires.

Her presentation explored resilience, preparedness and the support available to small businesses facing challenges, providing attendees with practical information and ideas to take back into their own workplaces and industries.

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Following the presentation, a panel discussion provided further opportunity for questions and discussion, with the session facilitated by Chamber President Mary Brown. Joining the panel alongside Fiona Jago were Jane Carne and Gerard Millican.

The panel allowed local business owners to ask questions and gain advice from a range of perspectives, while also creating opportunities for discussion around the challenges currently facing businesses and communities.

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Beyond the presentations, the breakfast provided a chance for attendees to connect with other local business owners, strengthen networks and continue conversations in a supportive environment.

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Everyone gets involved at the tournament, it’s a great weekend for all. Photo supplied

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In 2020, I was fortunate to be elected to serve the residents of Hinchinbrook. As part of that role, Councillors are appointed to represent different areas across the district, and I was proud to be given responsibility for Taylors Beach, a role I continue to hold today.

Attending Taylors Beach Association meetings on behalf of Council has given me the opportunity to connect with locals and be involved in many of the wonderful events and activities that make this beach community so special.

I’ll admit I do have a favourite: the Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament.  

This much‑loved event is a highlight on the local calendar and one that truly brings people together.

From 22 to 24 May 2026, families from across the shire and surrounding region will once again gather at Taylors Beach, rods in hand, ready to enjoy a weekend of fishing, laughter, and quality time together.

While there’s certainly some friendly competition involved, the real focus is on family, connection, and creating lasting memories. Hinchinbrook is well known for its excellent fishing and the many competitions held along our local beaches, but what sets this event apart is its strong family spirit.

It’s a reminder of the simple things being outdoors, sharing experiences, and enjoying everything our shire has to offer. If you’re looking for something to do, I encourage you to mark it in your calendar.

It’s a great way to experience the community at its best and maybe even catch a fish.

WHAT: Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament
WHEN: 22 - 24 May 2026
WHERE: Taylors Beach.

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Photo’s credited to Palm Creek & Cardwell Parkrun volunteers.

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Palm Creek #124 – 44 participants
Fastest time: Julian Lee (18:49)
Final finisher: Amanda Towner (59:48)
PBs: 13 achieved
First-timers: 4 welcomed
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Donna Panzenbock, V Velton, Matteo Mancuso, Amanda Towner
Celebrations: Belated Maria 100 parkruns!

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Cardwell #385 – 22 participants
Fastest time: John Gillett (21:28)
Final finisher: Ward Weare (53:07)
PBs: 4 achieved
First-timers: 2 welcomed
Volunteers: Kerry Snell, John Gillett, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Ward Weare, Lyndel Weare
Celebrations: Lyndel 100 volunteering at parkruns!

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A junior group having some fun with coach Tom. Photo supplied

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A junior tennis group enjoyed plenty of fun with Tom during a Thursday afternoon squad lesson, showing great enthusiasm and energy on the court.

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Meanwhile, another successful weekend of Sugarbowl tennis has wrapped up. This year, the Ladies Allsorts finally broke the “tutu curse” to finish in third place. The Men’s Allstars were not as lucky, with newbie Con and club legend Henry proudly wearing the tutus after the team finished fifth.

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Thanks to everyone who made it a great weekend, and organisers are already looking forward to doing it all again next year.

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Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso.

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Cutting of the cake. Photo supplied

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Great afternoon at Macknade Bowls Club, the ladies all received a rose and a beautiful Mother's Day cake was enjoyed by all.  

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Lucky winners were Steve Allott, Dave Mcgrath, David Scott and Lui Marbelli. Losers were Audrey Scott, Kim Scott, Sue Pizzi and Michael May.

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Contributed with thanks by Steven Veltmeyer

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B Grade winner, Nola Mammarella

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Ingham Ladies Bowls championship games were played on Thursday 7 May, in perfect weather, with some excellent matches on display.

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In the Championship Singles Final, Nola Mammarella was in fine form, defeating Diana Toomba 25/9. Congratulations Nola.

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Championship Singles results:

N. Evans 26 defeated G. Wright 14

J. Craven 26 defeated M. Owen 17

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Championship Pairs:

L. DiBella and E. Piotto 29 defeated J. Fenoglio and A. Rutherford 14

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Social play:

I. Byrns, R. Horton, K. Rotondo and J. Casanovas 21 defeated J. Johnson, A. Foti, B. Eddleston and L. Melvin 14.

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Contributed with thanks by Sandy, and John & Elsa Piotto.

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A free online event aimed at helping people better understand trauma and its impact on everyday life is set to take place next month.

Running from 5 to 10 May, Healing Days will bring together a panel of internationally recognised experts to explore how trauma can shape thoughts, behaviours and emotional responses, often in ways people may not immediately recognise.

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Organisers say trauma does not always stem from a single, obvious event, but can instead show up in more subtle ways, including ongoing stress, relationship challenges, emotional fatigue and patterns that are difficult to break.

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The event will be delivered across five online sessions, focusing on the connection between the mind, body and nervous system. Participants will hear from leading voices in the field, including Dr Gabor Maté, Dr Bessel van der Kolk, Tim Fletcher, Marisa Peer and Dr Frank Anderson.

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According to organisers, the sessions aim to help participants better understand why they may feel stuck in certain cycles, and why traditional approaches such as willpower or insight alone are not always enough to create lasting change.

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Instead, the program focuses on how trauma can be stored in the body and nervous system, influencing how individuals respond to stress, relationships and even positive experiences.

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Topics explored throughout the event include emotional regulation, anxiety, behavioural patterns and the long-term effects of unresolved trauma.

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Organisers say the goal is to provide practical insight into how people can begin working with their internal responses, rather than against them.

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The Healing Days event is free to attend, with registrations now open online via https://ab.mentorshow.com/healing-days-traumas-sydney.

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Club members gathered to farewell Trudy. Photo supplied

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Wednesday marked a heartfelt moment for the Ingham Ladies Bowls Club as members gathered to farewell one of their own, Trudy Mawson.

It was a poignant occasion, with Trudy recognised as a valued and much-loved member of the club. Her presence on and off the green will be missed, with fellow bowlers sharing their appreciation and well wishes for her future.

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“Trudy, believe it when it is said you held a special place in our hearts,” members said.

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Following the farewell, social bowls were played in the afternoon, with strong competition across the green.

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G. Wright, M. Moore, S. Ryan and E. Piotto defeated M. Spano, L. DiBella, L. Melvin and M. Owen 25–19.

J. Bell, B. Eddleston, D. Tomba and A. Rutherford recorded an 18–10 win over R. Horton, A. Foti, T. Mawson and T. Rhodes.

A. Burns, J. Johnson and N. Evans secured a 27–9 victory against I. Byrns, N. Mammerella and J. Casanovas.

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Independent advocacy is essential in a world where systems are often complex and inaccessible, particularly for people with disabilities. Rights in Action exists to ensure individuals are heard, respected, supported, and empowered to assert their rights.

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Through individual, self, systemic and citizen advocacy, Rights in Action stands beside people as they navigate decisions that affect their lives- Propelling opportunity and empowerment. This is not about speaking for someone, but about strengthening their voice and ensuring their views are taken seriously.

The North Queensland Community Skill Building Program extends this impact through long‑term empowerment. As a federally funded initiative, the program builds awareness and provides accessible information so people with disabilities can develop self‑advocacy skills. This includes toolkits, webinars, online resources, and workshops such as the upcoming NDIS Appeals workshop. Understanding rights and knowing how to respond when challenged is essential to independence and inclusion.

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Together, independent advocacy and community skill building create meaningful change by shifting power away from systems and towards individuals.

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Rights in Action shows that advocacy is not just a service- it is a pathway to dignity, confidence, and real choice. In Hinchinbrook there will be a workshop held in Ingham that explores the new NDIS Appeals Toolkit - a simple, practical guide to understanding the NDIS appeals process.

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WHAT: Free NDIS Appeals Workshop
WHEN: Thursday, May 28. 11:00am-1:00pm
WHERE: Online, or at the Community Room 14 Macrossan Ave, Ingham

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Guest speaker Fion Jago. Photo supplied

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Local business owners are invited to start their day with purpose at the upcoming Building Momentum in Challenging Environments Industry Breakfast at The Powerhouse in Ingham.

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Held as part of Queensland Small Business Month, the breakfast will focus on practical strategies to help businesses navigate difficult conditions and build resilience. Attendees will hear from guest speaker Fiona Jago of Resilient Ready, who brings first-hand experience in recovery following major events, including rebuilding after the 2019–20 bushfires. She will share insights into resilience, preparedness, and the support available to small businesses.

Following the presentation, a panel discussion will be facilitated by Chamber President Mary Brown, featuring Fiona Jago, Hinchinbrook Shire Council Community Recovery and Resilience Officer Jane Carne, and Gerard Millican from the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small Business.

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The morning offers an opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, share experiences, and gain valuable insights while enjoying breakfast. The event is free, reserve a spot on www.eventbrite.com  

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WHAT: Building Momentum in Challenging Environments – Industry Breakfast
WHEN: Friday 15 May, 6:45am–8:30am
WHERE: The Powerhouse, Ingham

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Tuesday 5 May
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Wednesday 6 May
Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group, 9:00am - 3:00pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham

Tai Chi, 9:00am - 10:00am, Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Forrest Beach

Friends of Forrest Beach, conversation and games, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Progress Park shelter, Forrest Beach

Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm – 3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd

Social Darts, 7:00pm, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper St, Ingham

Thursday 7 May
Senior Men's Social Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd, Ingham  

Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

CWA Craft Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm St.

Technology Classes, 10:00am – 1:30pm, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

Playtime At The Library, 10:30am – 12:00pm at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Mahjong, 1:00pm – 3:00pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd

Friday 8 May
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am–11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

Saturday 9 May
Parkrun, 7am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell

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

Canegrowers Herbert River Centenary Gala Dinner, 5:30pm - 10:30pm, 17 Chamberlain St, Ingham

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

Tuesday 12 May
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Wednesday 13 May
Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group, 9am-3pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham

Tai Chi, 9am-10am, Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Forrest Beach

Friends of Forrest Beach, conversation and games, 9am–12pm, Progress Park shelter, Forrest Beach

Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm–3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham

Social Darts, 7pm, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper Street, Ingham

Thursday 14 May
QCWA Forrest Beach Meeting, 9:00am, QCWA Hall Palm Street, Forrest Beach  

Senior Men's Social Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd, Ingham  

Morning Melodies: The Great Piano Showman featuring Glenn Amer, 10am, Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, Ingham

CWA Craft Group, 9am–12pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach

Technology Classes, 10am-1:30pm, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

Playtime At The Library, 10:30am–12pm at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Mahjong, 1pm–3pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham

Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Friday 15 May
Ingham Rod & Reel Club’s Annual Hinchinbrook Catch & Release Tournament, 7am-5pm, Dungeness Boat Ramp, Lucinda

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

Saturday 16 May
Ingham Rod & Reel Club’s Annual Hinchinbrook Catch & Release Tournament, 7am-4:30pm, Dungeness Boat Ramp, Lucinda

Parkrun, 7am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell

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

Augmented Reality Workshop, 9:00am - 11:30am, Hinchinbrook Shire Library, Ingham

Community BBQ, 5:30pm - 11:30pm, CWA HALL, 2346 Abergowrie Road, Long Pocket

Sunday 17 May
Lucinda Markets, 7am –11am, Borello Park, Lucinda

Monday 18 May
Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc. General Monthly Meeting, 1:30pm-3pm, Old Suncorp Building, Ingham

Tuesday 19 May
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Wednesday 20 May
Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group, 9am-3pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham

Tai Chi, 9am-10am, Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Forrest Beach

Friends of Forrest Beach, conversation and games, 9am–12pm, Progress Park shelter, Forrest Beach

Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm–3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham

Social Darts, 7pm, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper Street, Ingham

Thursday 21 May
Senior Men's Social Group, 9am–12pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Road, Ingham  

CWA Craft Group, 9am–12pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm Street, Forrest Beach

Technology Classes, 10am–1:30pm, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

Playtime At The Library, 10:30am – 12:00pm at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Mahjong, 1:00pm – 3:00pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd

Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Friday 22 May
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Tea and Trivia, 9:30am-11:30am, TYTO Conference and Event Centre, Ingham

Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament, Day 1, 12pm, Taylors Beach

Saturday 23 May
Parkrun, 7am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell

Halifax CWA Hoy & Cent Sale, 1:30pm, CWA Hall, Halifax

Morning Melodies: The Blues Brothers and Aretha, 2pm-4pm, JL Kelly Theatre, Ingham

Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament, Day 2, Taylors Beach

Sunday 24 May
Herbert River Orchid & Allied Plant Society meeting,1:30pm Conroy Hall, Ingham  

Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament, Day 3, 11am, Taylors Beach

Tuesday 26 May
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Wednesday 27 May
Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group, 9:00am - 3:00pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham

Tai Chi, 9:00am - 10:00am, Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Forrest Beach

Friends of Forrest Beach, conversation and games, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Progress Park shelter, Forrest Beach

Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm – 3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd

Social Darts, 7:00pm, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper St, Ingham

Thursday 28 May
Senior Men's Social Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd, Ingham  

CWA Craft Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm St.

Technology Classes, 10:00am – 1:30pm, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

Playtime At The Library, 10:30am – 12:00pm at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Mahjong, 1:00pm – 3:00pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd

Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Friday 29 May
TYTO Regional Art Gallery “Liminal Shift – About Time” by Ingham Art Action Exhibition Opening, 6pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, Ingham

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

Exhibition Opening Night: Liminal Shift – About Time – A Group exhibition by Ingham Art Action, 6:00pm - 8:30pm, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, Ingham

Saturday 30 May
Parkrun, 7:00am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell  

Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day, 9:00am – 2:00pm, TYTO Parklands, Ingham

Sunday 31 May

Tuesday 2 June
Weekly Community Bingo (Tuesday Session), 10:30am, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Wednesday 3 June
Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group, 9:00am - 3:00pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham

Tai Chi, 9:00am - 10:00am, Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Forrest Beach

Friends of Forrest Beach, conversation and games, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Progress Park shelter, Forrest Beach

Canasta & Cards, 1:30pm – 3:30pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd

Social Darts, 7:00pm, Brothers Sports and Community Club, Cooper St, Ingham

Thursday 4 June
Senior Men's Social Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd, Ingham  

CWA Craft Group, 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm St.

Technology Classes, 10:00am – 1:30pm, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

Playtime At The Library, 10:30am – 12:00pm at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Mahjong, 1:00pm – 3:00pm at The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd

Weekly Community Bingo (Thursday Session), 6:45pm, RSL Herbert River Sub Branch, Ingham

Friday 5 June
Seniors Morning Coffee Club, 9:30am – 11:30am at the Noorla Bowls Club, 32 McIlwraith St, Ingham

Saturday 6 June
Parkrun, 7:00am, Palm Creek, Ingham & Cardwell Jetty Foreshore, Cardwell

Country Boy Fight Series 1. Details TBA

Sunday 7 June
Ingham Raintree Community Market, 7:00am-12:00pm, Rotary Park, Ingham

Rock & Roll Retrospective Night Show, 5pm, Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, Ingham

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Kingdom Boxing Youth Development Gym is set for a major upgrade, with new funding to deliver safer equipment and expand opportunities for young people across the Hinchinbrook Shire. Photo source: Kingdom Boxing Youth Development Gym

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Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre’s Kingdom Boxing Youth Development Gym will soon welcome a major upgrade, following a significant funding boost through the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Approximately $34,800 has been awarded to the youth-focused facilities as part of the latest funding round, joining nearly 800 community organisations statewide to share in a $19.5 million investment aimed at strengthening grassroots initiatives and supporting local communities.

Kingdom Boxing Youth Development Gym exists as far more than just a sporting facility and provides a pathway for young people to build resilience, develop life skills and create brighter futures. Over the years, participants have progressed to state and national titles, professional careers and meaningful employment, highlighting the lasting impact of the program within the community.

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Kingdom Boxing Youth Development Gym will use the funding to upgrade essential equipment and resources, including safer, more modern training gear to support growing participation and ensure a high standard of safety and engagement for young people.

Dean Poppi, Boxing Traner at Kingdom Boxing Youth Development Gym said the funding could not have come at a better time, with the upgraded equipment set to strengthen the facility’s mission of supporting young people across the Hinchinbrook Shire in a safe, inclusive and engaging environment.

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“Our community’s facing increasing challenges around youth activity, disengagement, and disadvantage,” said Mr Poppi.

“The funding will make a significant difference as improved equipment will enhance training quality, boost confidence, and increase participation.”

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In terms of broader community impact, Mr Poppi said the investment would help drive stronger youth engagement and promote healthier, more active lifestyles. It would also strengthen community connection by creating a positive, supportive space where young people can develop a genuine sense of belonging and purpose.

Like many regional organisations, Mr Poppi said Kingdom Boxing Youth Development Gym has been navigating growing demand with limited resources, pointing to rising costs, financial pressures across the Hinchinbrook Shire and ageing equipment as key challenges impacting its ability to sustain and expand services.

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“Funding like this is incredibly important for regional groups and it’ll allows Kingdom Boxing to continue to maintain safe facilities and respond to the real and growing needs of our community,” he said.

“Without this support, many young people would lose access to vital programs that provide both physical and social benefits.”

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Behind the scenes, support from the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre has played a key role in securing funding opportunities for local organisations, and through a dedicated Grants Officer, funded by Hinchinbrook Shire Council, community groups like Kingdom Boxing Youth Development Gym are able to access funding that may otherwise be out of reach.

“Receiving this funding is incredibly meaningful. It’s a recognition of the work being done in the community and the positive impact we’re having on young people’s lives,” added Mr Poppi.

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“Personally, it’s rewarding to know that the effort put into supporting youth is being acknowledged and backed.  It also brings a sense of reassurance that we can continue to provide opportunities, guidance, and a safe space for young people to grow and succeed.”

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