The Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s 2024/25 Senior Awards Night was a meaningful occasion, marked by community pride, reflection, and well-deserved recognition. Against the backdrop of recent floods and the challenges faced across the region, the event paid tribute to the dedication and resilience of local volunteer lifesavers who played key roles in response and recovery efforts. Their actions once again highlighted the vital role the club plays in the safety and wellbeing of the Forrest Beach community.

Recognition was extended to the club's leaders, with President Scott Gibson acknowledged for his leadership throughout the season, having stepped into the role following in the footsteps of former President Lyle Cantoni. Both were commended for their ongoing commitment, and the Executive team was also thanked for their work both on patrol and behind the scenes.

The following members received special awards:
Vigilance and Service Award – Michael Biasi
Clubperson of the Year – Melissa Hall
Dedication to the Club Award – Kris and Therese Reid
Most Patrol Hours – Michael Biasi and Therese Reid
Jason Callow Club Spirit Award – Nemiah Marmara
Open Club Champions – Evandah Bann and Mariam Hall
U17 Club Champion – Jared Dau

Junior members were also recognised, with awards presented across all age groups. The club celebrated the achievements of its U14s, who completed their Surf Rescue Certificates, as well as athletes selected for the NBB team.

Nipper Awards:
Senior Nipper Club Champions – Jett Reid & Shaniyah Lewin-Pearson
Junior Nipper Club Champions – Slade Higgs & Thea Higgs
Encouragement Awards – Chloe Chiesa & Antwione Schapfer
Junior Clubperson of the Year – Jett Reid

The night was a celebration of service, growth and the collective spirit that defines the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Much gratitude to the Nippers' families, age managers, coaches, water safety crew and Junior Activities Committee, your dedication and heart make it all possible, congratulations to all the recipients.

The Ingham Tennis Association is inviting local juniors to pick up a racquet and give tennis a go at a Free Junior Tennis Day on Tuesday, the 17th of June.

Open to children aged 5 to 17 years, the afternoon aims to introduce young players to the game in a fun and welcoming environment. Racquets will be available for those who don’t have their own, and experienced coach Tom Casey will be on hand to guide participants through a series of exciting games and activities designed to spark a love of tennis.

Tuesday will host two sessions, one for children aged 5 to 9 years of age from 3:30pm to 4:30pm and the second from 4:30pm to 5:30pm for children aged 10 t0 17 years.

The Association also encourages adults interested in learning or returning to tennis to get involved. Coaching is available for players of all ages and abilities, and Tom’s programs can be tailored to suit individual needs and goals.

A recent snapshot from the courts captured junior player Macie enjoying a game of doubles with Christine. After finishing a coaching session with Tom, Macie jumped at the chance to fill in for a doubles match—and was soon celebrating winning points with high-fives and smiles all round.

For more information about junior or adult coaching, contact Tom Casey on 0413 199 702.

The Kingdom Cup 2025 delivered another explosive night of boxing action, thrilling the crowd in Ingham with a powerful mix of emerging talent, fierce matchups, and unforgettable moments.

Local pride was on full display when 19-year-old Josh “Super” Shannon stepped into the ring and delivered a second-round knockout victory in front of his hometown crowd. The promising middleweight prospect, trained by Dean, made a spectacular professional debut and now boasting a perfect 1–0 record.  Continued inside.

Kingdom Cup 2025 Packs A Punch

One of the most anticipated bouts of the night saw Caden Russo go glove-to-glove with Aaron Stahl in a heated contest to claim the unofficial title of North Queensland’s best welterweight. Both fighters brought intensity and heart to the ring, keeping the crowd on edge until the final bell.

In the junior division, the fight of the night honours went to Kingdom Gym’s own Spencer Riys, who faced off against Riley McAlister from Dragons Gym. Spencer's sharp technique and grit earned him not only the bout, but also the title of Junior Fighter of the Night. Meanwhile, in the senior ranks, Perri Baker took home the crown for Senior Fighter of the Night with an outstanding performance.

Ringside glamour was also on show, with 2025’s stunning Kingdom Cup card girls, Bonnie-Jaye Molloy and Lily Torrisi, adding a touch of class to the evening. Sponsored by The Big Crab, both women lit up the arena, with Bonnie-Jaye being a former Australian amateur female champion herself.

The Station Hotel set the stage for the official weigh-in the night before, thanks to the continued support of Gavin Bacchiella. It was a well-attended event, giving fans a chance to meet the fighters up close.

One of the night’s standout moments came with the auction of a signed boxing glove, presented by none other than former three-time world champion Michael Katsidis. The glove, signed by Katsidis and other Australian boxing legends, was won by Chris Windship of Wilmar Sugars, an absolute prized keepsake for any boxing fan.

With local heroes rising, legends lending their legacy, and a community turning out in full force, Kingdom Cup 2025 proved once again why it remains a cornerstone of regional Australian boxing.

Ingham's Kingdom Boxing Gym's dynamic trio made sure they left their mark on the 2025 Sunstate League Golden Gloves held in Townsville last weekend, taking home many gold medals in their divisions.

Kelcee Robino picked up a gold medal in the senior female 60kg division and stepped up to also claim a gold medal in the female 65kg division.

Spencer Riys earned a gold medal in the junior 60kg division and went on to fight it out for a bronze medal in the junior 63.5kg division.

Grant Martin dominated for a gold medal in the junior 71kg division.

On behalf of myself and the Kingdom Boxing family, we would like to say a big well done to all the boxers, trainers, parents, and officials who selflessly give up their time to make events like this possible. You can’t put a price on what these individuals do for the positive development of our young athletes. Well done to all!

Contributed with thanks by Sophie, Secretary of the Kingdom Boxing Gym

This past weekend saw 9 parkrunners, including myself, claim personal bests! I’m so proud of everyone who showed up and gave it their all, especially last weekend’s fastest runner, who achieved a PB with an amazingly even time of 21:21 across the line. There was even a family doing a great Australian circle road trip on their way back home to Brisbane, thanks for stopping by and running with us, Woosha’s Warriors club!

Cardwell saw 3 new faces and 2 PBs as the Dynamic Running and Red Earth Running clubs took out most of the top spots this past weekend. Amazing effort to all the volunteers this week and congratulations to Judy for completing 200 parkruns!

Park Run Results: 31st May 2025
Cardwell - 18 participants.
Fastest time: 23:20 | Finishers time: 52:38
Palm Creek - 34 participants.
Fastest time: 21:21 | Finishers time: 59:22

Eleven talented juniors recently represented the Northern Region at the Queensland Schools Squash Championship held at Arcia Ridge in Brisbane. Games went over four days with both singles and doubles matches being played.

The NQ team featured a mixture of experienced and new players, with all Ingham players, current members of the Ingham Squash Club. Senior students, Kara Nash and Liam Fascetti had the privilege of being captains this year exemplifying leadership and sportsmanship qualities throughout the championship.

Ingham players fielded well on the podium finishes with Liam Fascetti and Jack Butcher finishing second in the Elite doubles competition. Liam, Jack, and Oliver Flynn combined their efforts to win runners-up in the Open boys division, while Kara received the Open girls Spirit of Squash award which recognises players who demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship and dedication to the game, both on and off the court.

The coveted award of Open Boys State Champion was won by Liam Fascetti who never dropped a match for the championship. Liam was awarded with a selection for the Queensland team who will take on NSW and New Zealand later this year in the Trans-Tasman Challenge Shield.

Contributed with thanks by Kim Di Bella.

This June, the Crushers Rugby League Club invites
fans, former players and supporters to join a landmark
celebration marking 30 years of sporting excellence
and community spirit. On Saturday, 14 June 2025, the
historic Shire Hall in Ingham will come alive with a
night dedicated to honouring the club’s proud legacy.
Doors open at 5:30pm, with formalities starting
promptly at 6:00pm. Attendees can look forward to
an evening filled with heartfelt stories, laughter and
a chance to reconnect with teammates and long-time
friends. Catering will be provided by the acclaimed
Piera & Marian, and the night’s entertainment promises
to dazzle, featuring a DJ and captivating magic
performances by Phil Cass.
A highlight of the evening will be the appearance of
the 1995 U21s Premiership Team — special guests
who brought home the club’s first premiership trophy
three decades ago. Their presence adds a deeper
meaning to the festivities, celebrating not just the
club’s history but the individuals who helped shape it.
Tickets are priced at $100 per person and are available
for purchase online. Those wishing to enjoy the evening
with friends can reserve a table of ten to secure a
spot together or opt for individual tickets and join the
camaraderie on the night.
This milestone event is more than just a party, it’s a
celebration of resilience, pride and the community
spirit that has defined the Crushers for 30 unforgettable
years.

‍

WHAT: 30-year celebrations of the Crushers | WHEN: Saturday 14th June 2025, 5:30pm | WHERE: Historic Shire Hall Ingham

‍

by Victoria Velton

On May 17th both Hinchinbrook Parkruns had something to celebrate. Cardwell welcomed visitors from Cairns, Townsville, Ingham, and Manchester on a beautiful, cooler dry morning and Parkrunner David achieved his 150th parkrun milestone, congratulations David! Many visitors from the Red Earth Running and Easier Said Than Run clubs, including 11 new runners on the course, made Cardwell feel very lively.

Palm Creek was also full of excitement that weekend as 10 parkrunners, including myself, claimed personal bests! I’m so proud of everyone who showed up and gave it their all, especially last weekend’s fastest runner, who achieved a PB with a perfectly exact time of 19 minutes across the line.

Park Run Results: 17th May 2025
Cardwell - 24 participants.
Fastest time: 20:50 | Finishers time: 58:45
Palm Creek - 31 participants.
Fastest time: 19:00 | Finishers time: 55:23

Park Run Results: 24th May 2025
Cardwell - 17 participants.
Fastest time: 22:04 | Finishers time: 53:56
Palm Creek - 34 participants.
Fastest time: 20:56 | Finishers time: 1:02:18

Photos sourced from Cardwell and Palm Creek Parkrun Facebook pages.

‍

The Ingham Pups have emerged victorious at the Saints Eagles Souths 2025 soccer carnival, defeating Brothers 4-3 in a thrilling grand final in Townsville. Goals from Patrick Pearce, Archer Carr, and a brace from Huxley Beatts secured the title for Herbert River. Ecstatic for the win, Herbert River's Sammy Pearce said, “We’re not Ingham Pups any more - we’re the Wolves now!”

Ingham Pups Claim Victory Against Brothers In Riveting 4-3 Win

The path to victory was powerfully fought with the under-7s side of the Ingham Wolves, advancing to the final after winning three consecutive matches. They kicked off their campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over Northern Beaches, where Carr scored four and Beatts scored a hat-trick (3 goals). In the following match, Ingham dominated Saints Blue 7-0, with Patrick Pearce striking twice, Carr adding two more, and Beatts completing another hat-trick.

The final group match against Saints Red proved to be a gripping encounter with both sides knowing that a win would send them to the final. Sammy Pearce drew first blood, opening the scoring from the halfway line, but Saints Red responded with two quick goals to take a 2-1 lead. Carr fired back to level the game, and Beatts’ double secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory, earning Ingham a spot in the grand final.

Manager Melissa Carr expressed her pride in the team’s growth, saying, “Last year at our home carnival, the boys narrowly missed out in the grand final. Obviously, it’s all about fun and development at this age, but they really wanted the win today - and they deserved it. I can’t wait to see this team grow together this year.”

In the grand final match, Patrick Pearce put Ingham ahead, but the Brothers quickly equalised. Carr restored the lead, and a pair of goals from Beatts extended the advantage to 4-1. However, Brothers responded fiercely, and Thomas Martin's solid defending proved crucial for Herbert River.

One of the game’s highlights came when Ingham’s Cristiano Rapista had a shot blocked on the line by Brothers’ number 8, who then danced past two players before launching a long-range effort from inside his own half, scoring a stunning goal to make it 4-2. Brothers added a third to close the gap to 4-3, but Ingham’s relentless pressing helped them hold on to secure victory.

The Ingham Pups displayed their scoring prowess throughout the carnival, netting 22 goals in four matches. Huxley Beatts and Archer Carr led the charge with nine goals each. More than 70 young players represented Ingham at the carnival, with Herbert River fielding teams from under-6s to under-12s. Additional photos can be found on the Ingham Wolves FC Facebook page. Fans can support the Pups and Wolves at the next soccer carnival, scheduled for June 1 at Warriors FC in Townsville.

In a thrilling showcase of innovation, determination and teamwork, a group of talented students from Gilroy Santa Maria College have raced their way into the global spotlight.

The Gilroy Velocity Raptors, the youngest team on the track, claimed top honours at the Horizon H2GP North Queensland Finals, securing a coveted place at the H2GP World Championships in Chemnitz, Germany, in August of 2025.

Their performance at the NQ Finals was nothing short of outstanding where they competed in a grueling four-hour endurance race with their self-built, hydrogen-powered 1/10 scale car. The Raptors clocked an incredible 397 laps, nearly 100 more than their nearest rivals, however the accolades didn’t stop there! The team also took home the Most Energy Efficient Award and the prestigious Engineering Innovation Award, cementing their place as a force to be reckoned with in this emerging field of sustainable energy.

Months of meticulous planning and hands-on engineering went into preparing for the race as the students designed, built and modified their car from the ground up, learning about hydrogen fuel cells, energy efficiency, and real-world problem solving along the way.

On race day, their hard work paid off as the Raptors not only managed their fuel cells efficiently but also maximised performance through savvy driving tactics and smart engineering decisions.

The Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) program is more than just a racing competition, it’s a chance for students to gain hands-on experience in future-focused industries. For the Velocity Raptors, it’s also proof that regional students have the skills, innovation, and ambition to compete on the world stage.

Now, with the international finals just months away, the team is preparing to represent their school, region and Australia in Chemnitz, where they’ll face off against teams from the USA, Taiwan, Finland, the Czech Republic and more.

To get to Germany and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the Velocity Raptors are calling on the community for support! To get behind the team, sponsor their journey, or help in any way, contact Gilroy Santa Maria College on (07) 4776 2888 or email nchapman@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au.

‍

Christine and Peter faced off against Con and Darcy in a spirited match that ended in a rare 6-all draw. Unlike traditional tennis scoring, this match was played until the bell rang, making for a unique and exciting format that kept the players on their toes.

It was a perfect evening for tennis — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and the unmistakable sound of friendly competition. Adding a touch of charm to the night, a group of local kookaburras looked on from the nearby trees, offering their distinctive laughter as a backdrop to the action on court.

All four players displayed great skill and sportsmanship, making for a memorable match that was as enjoyable to watch as it was to play.

‍

On Saturday 24th of May, the Social Darts Clubs of Ingham hosted a thrilling inter-town clash against long-time rivals of Cardwell. The match featured a mix of game types, bringing variety and excitement to the day. Cardwell came to play, taking the bus down to Ingham's Brothers Club, packing it with talent.

Ingham was ready to defend their winning streak in a competitive but good-spirited fashion. As such, Ingham managed to hold onto the shield with a final score of 18 to 12 with many from Cardwell rearing to go for the next town clash; "Thanks for a great day, we will get them next time at home!" from Wya G. and, "Sooo glad we came, what a great way to spend a Saturday." cheered Linda P.

Top Performances:

Highest Peg – Men: Mick (Cardwell) with 87

Highest Peg – Ladies: Linda (Ingham) with 45

Highest Score – Men: Dave & Henry (Cardwell) with 140

Highest Score – Ladies: Lisa (Ingham) with 125

A big thank you goes out to the Brothers Club for hosting the event and supporting a fantastic day of darts and friendship. Congratulations to Stevo from Ingham, who took home the meat raffle prize!

Well played to all, and we look forward to the next showdown in Cardwell!

Photo credit: Cardwell Social Darts Facebook page.

‍

The 2025 Taylors Beach Family Annual Fishing Competition was a resounding success, once again bringing together locals and visitors for a weekend of fun and friendly competition. Held under perfectly clear skies, the much-loved event saw families lining the shorelines and jetty, rods in hand, in celebration of the region’s rich fishing culture.

Mayor Ramon Jayo and Councillor Donna Marbelli were both in attendance, reinforcing the Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s strong support for grassroots community events. A cheque for $1,650 was proudly presented as part of the Council’s Community Grants Program, helping ensure the competition’s continued success.

“Done and dusted for another year,” said Cr Marbelli. “It was fantastic to see so many families out and about, enjoying the weekend together. A heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible sponsors — events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without your generosity."

She also extended appreciation to the Taylors Beach QLD – Community volunteers and committee, whose dedication drives the event’s success year after year.

With strong attendance, generous support, and plenty of fishy tales to tell, this year’s competition proved once again why it remains a highlight on the Hinchinbrook calendar.

Photos sourced: Donna Marbelli Hinchinbrook Shire Council Councillor Facebook page.

‍

It was a picture-perfect day for bowls as the finals of the Ladies Championship Singles took place, and the quality of play matched the beautiful conditions. In a thrilling and closely contested match, Gina Wright emerged victorious, claiming her first open singles championship title with a well-earned 25/18 win over the runner-up Elsa Piotto.

Both players showcased remarkable skill and composure throughout the final. Wright’s triumph marked a significant milestone in her bowling career, demonstrating her determination and focus under pressure. Piotto, a formidable opponent, put up a strong fight, but Wright’s consistency ultimately secured the win. Congratulations to both players on an outstanding match.

Social bowls also provided some engaging contests, with J. Bell, M. Spano, and M. Moore defeating I. Byrnes, J. Johnson, and T. Rhodes 16-10. In another match, A. Foti, K. Rotondo, and J. Casanovas secured a 21-16 victory over D. Tomba, A. Rutherford, and N. Evans.

Ingham Bowls Club continues to foster community involvement with a variety of weekly events. Wednesdays are reserved for Ladies Bowls and Thursdays are Barefoot Bowls, a great way for newcomers to experience the sport in a relaxed setting. Fridays see the Men’s Pairs take to the greens, and Sundays are dedicated to Social Mixed Bowls, welcoming players of all skill levels.

To stay updated on upcoming competitions and events, visit the Ingham Bowls Club Facebook page.

The volunteers at Lucinda Coast Guard are saddened by the recent passing of long-time member Paul Entriken. After a long and distinguished career in the Police Force, Paul earned the right to retire and just go fishing, which he loved doing, but he decided that he had time and experience to do something for the community in which he lived, so he joined the Coast Guard.

Known as a quiet, contemplative man, Paul worked his way through the ranks to become the Flotilla’s Training Officer, a job that he excelled at. With care and attention, he guided both beginners and experienced crew through the many competencies which needed to be passed. Everyone benefited from his dedication to ensuring that the skill levels were attained and ticked off.

Paul will be sadly missed by all the volunteers he ever worked with, and they thank him for his dedication and service.

Written by Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard