It’s an exciting time for our local squash community, with fixtures now well underway and strong participation across the board. Tuesday night’s A Grade competition has hit the ground running, showing impressive numbers and competitive spirit. Thursday nights are equally energetic, with both A and B Grade teams fielding solid turnouts and delivering some thrilling matchups that are setting the tone for a great season ahead.

A particularly encouraging sign is the steady growth in our junior ranks. Each week sees more young players joining in, building skill and confidence while enjoying the camaraderie that sport brings. Junior training sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are buzzing with enthusiasm, a clear sign that the future of our club is bright.

We’re also excited to introduce our monthly Social Hit Night, held on the first Wednesday of each month, starting 4 March from 7:00pm. Open to all ages and abilities, it’s the perfect opportunity to come along, make new friends and enjoy a fun night of sport in air-conditioned comfort. Racquets are supplied, so everyone is welcome to join in whether you’re a seasoned player or just keen to give it a go.

March is shaping up to be a particularly busy month for our players. The Ingham Junior Open will be held on 14–15 March, providing a fantastic opportunity for our young athletes to test their skills in competition. Meanwhile, the NQ school trials will take place in Townsville on 9 March, with several of our talented juniors preparing to represent the region.

It’s heartening to witness the community’s ongoing support for local sport, from players and coaches to families and volunteers. Participation is thriving, teamwork is strong, and the passion for the game continues to grow.

With dedication like this, our club is shaping up for one of its most successful seasons yet both on and off the field.

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04.02.26
A. BURNS, N. MAMMERELLA, M. MOORE, RHODES Vs. I. BYRNE, T. MAWSON, M. SPANO, M. OWEN  27 /12

A. FOTI, J. CASANOVAS, J. CRAVEN Vs. J. JOHNSON, B. EDDLESTON, E. PIOTTO 27 / 8

K. ROTONDO, L. DIBELLA, J. FENOGLIO Vs. J. BELL, D. TOMBA, A. RUTHERFORD 22 / 22

11.02.26
D. TOMBA, M. MOORE, J. CASANOVAS, L. DI BELLA Vs. J. JOHNSON, T. MAWSON, T. RHODES, J. FENOGLIO 18 / 15  

N. MAMMERELLA, G. WRIGHT, N. EVANS, S. RYAN Vs. B. EDDLESTON, A. FOTI, K. ROTONDO, E. PIOTTO 19 / 11

Cut Throat
M. SPANO 104.   I. BYRNE 74.    A. BURNS 64.

(Contributed with thanks by Sandy Ryan.)

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By Victoria Velton

Both Cardwell and Palm Creek had rain aplenty on Saturday morning. With Cardwell enjoying the cool change from the hot and muggy, and Palm Creek practically swimming from one lap to the next around the course.

There wasn’t a dry sock or shoe in sight as overflow was tackled with plenty of splashing. Some even sported umbrellas as they walked, and it was a classic tropical north Queensland Saturday morning as Singing in the Rain.

Parkrun Results: 14th February 2026

Palm Creek #112 – 17 participants
Fastest time: Joe Jackson (20:22)
Final finisher: Sophie Shipard (52:48)
PBs: Bernard Di Bartolo (38:44)
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso, Joshua Shipard, Robyn Shipard, Sophie Shipard, Amanda Towner, Steven Veltmeyer

Cardwell #374 – 13 participants
Fastest time: Jake Ball (22:28)
Final finisher: Anita Davina (42:13)
PBs: Kay Rowe (41:01)
Volunteers: Kellie Ball, Terry Curtin, Jan Ferguson, Graeme Lake, Kerry Snell, Luke Tamblyn

The Cardwell Sportfishing Club has officially launched its first competition month for 2026, inviting members to dust off their gear and get lines in the water.

For February, the nominated species are Nannygai in the reef category and Barramundi for river fishing, giving anglers plenty of opportunity to test their skills across different environments. Fishing opens on Sunday, 1 February and runs through to midnight on Saturday, 28 February.

Competition presentations will be held at the club’s monthly BBQ on Sunday, 1 March, starting at 3pm at the clubhouse, with members encouraged to come along, catch up and celebrate the month’s efforts.

Participants are reminded to submit brag mat photos by 9am on Sunday, 1 March to fishing@cardwellsportfishingclub.com.au, with the club also welcoming photos of anglers proudly holding their catch.

With the season now underway, club officials are encouraging members to get involved, enjoy the competition and make the most of another year of great fishing!

Palm Creek Park Run
#111 – 16 participants
Fastest Time: Julian Lee (19:08)
Final Finisher: Kira Turner (55:22)
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso, Donna Pazenbock, Edith Turner, Kira Turner

Cardwell Park Run
#373 – 14 participants
Fastest Time: Luke Tamblyn (22:12)
Final Finisher: Anita Davina (52:37)
PB: Grame Lake (52:31)
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Kellie Ball, Terry Curtin, Anita Davina, Luke Tamblyn

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Photo source: Facebook

Noorla Bowls Club has enjoyed a lively start to the year, with strong participation across multiple events and competitions bringing members and local clubs together.

Twenty members took part in the club’s ladies’ first official day back, marking a successful return to the greens. The event was won by Jan Leech and Thomas Garate, while Rosemary extended a warm welcome to all participants and officially welcomed Jan and Colleen as dual members of the club.

The club continues to encourage community involvement, inviting anyone interested in a fun and social afternoon of lawn bowls to join Wednesday social bowls. Open to all genders, participants are asked to register by phoning 4776 2149 before 1pm, after which teams will be allocated. All affiliated club members are also welcome to attend.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Morning Jackpot Pairs competition is currently underway. Members wishing to take part are encouraged to find a partner and contact Joe Mugica or message the club on 4776 2149 before 12pm on Saturday for a chance to compete for the jackpot.

Looking ahead, Noorla Bowls Club will contest its first men’s interclub competition for 2026, taking on Ingham at Ingham on 14 February, with a 1.30pm start. Members available for selection are asked to nominate their availability on the club noticeboard or contact Albert on 0417 032 581 as soon as possible.

On Saturday, the club hosted a full green of rinks to commemorate the Juven and Johnny Accornero Memorial Day, creating an enjoyable afternoon of bowls and camaraderie among participating local clubs.

The winning team, led by Thomas Garate, included Jan Johnson, Gina Wright and Michael May. Tony Serra’s team, featuring Kev Lawlor, Gary Ketterer and Richard Crossman, finished second, followed by Michael Blake’s team with Brierly and David Guazzo in third place. Joe Mugica’s team, comprising Jim Dickerson, Keryn Haupt and David Scott, secured fourth place. The Sportsman’s Prize was awarded to Elsa Piotto’s team.

Gary thanked all attendees and volunteers who helped make the day a success and paid a heartfelt tribute to his parents, who were long-standing members of the club. The prizes were presented by Gary’s children and grandchildren, adding a special family touch to the commemorative event.

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Gail and Rosemary dressed to impress in Aussie clothes! Photo source: Facebook

Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club is celebrating a proud achievement after several of its junior members were named in the North Barrier Branch (NBB) State Team late last year.

The talented group is now preparing to represent the region at the Surf Life Saving Queensland Youth State Championships, which will be held from 19 to 22 February at Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.

Selected in the State Team were Shaniyah (Under 15), Antwoine (Under 15), Stephen (Under 15), and Jahmarley (Under 14), alongside coach Lenny Chiesa, whose leadership has played a key role in the athletes’ development.

The championships will see young surf lifesavers from across Queensland compete in a range of events, testing their skills, fitness and teamwork at the highest youth level.

Forrest Beach SLSC congratulated the athletes on their selection and wished them the very best as they prepare to take on the state’s top junior competitors.

The club said it was incredibly proud to see its juniors recognised for their hard work, dedication and commitment to surf lifesaving.

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Shaniyah, Antwoine, Stephen, and Jahmarley will head to theQueensland Youth State Championships later this month. Photo source:Facebook

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The Government is delivering cost-of-living relief Queenslanders can rely on, with Round 2 of the Play On! Sports Vouchers program opened on January 29th.

Queensland families can apply for a $200 voucher for each eligible child aged between 5 and 17 to help cover the cost of membership, registration or participation fees with registered sporting clubs.

It’s just one of the ways the Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and helping more Queensland kids get active and involved in sport.

Each eligible child can receive one voucher per financial year, with a portion of vouchers reserved for children living with a disability and those living in regional and rural areas.

The Government committed $62.5 million each year for four years to help alleviate the rising cost of living across the State.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander encouraged Queensland families to take advantage of the program.

“Queensland is the home of Australian sport, and the start of a new school year is a great time for children to get active or try a new sport,” Minister Mander said.

“We know cost of living is a real concern for Queensland families, and we don’t want that to be a barrier to children being active.

“I encourage eligible parents, carers and guardians to apply as soon as possible for Round 2 and to kick off the school year being active and healthy.”

Children who received a voucher in Round 1 are not eligible to receive another voucher in Round 2.

More information about Play On! is available at: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/playon

Activity providers can register here: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/playon/providers/register

What Play On! Sports Vouchers can be used for:
Include: Activity provider membership and/or participation costs such as access to coaching, facility use and events, or weekly game fees.

Exclude: Individual items such as uniforms, jerseys, boots, equipment, etc.

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The Ingham ladies enjoyed their 2026 Opening Day, playing in reasonably pleasant conditions.
In the matches, A. Burns, N. Mammerella, and M. Owen defeated J. Johnson, M. Moore, and J. Craven 27 to 10. A. Foti, K. Rotondo, and S. Ryan recorded an 18 to 11 win over B. Eddleston, M. Spano, and T. Rhodes. D. Toomba, A. Rutherford, and E. Piotto also had a strong performance, beating I. Byrnes, T. Mawson, and L. Melvin 20 to 16.

On Sunday, players hope to take to the greens for the re-scheduled Australia Day afternoon matches. Club Rink Championship nominations are now open!

(Contributed with thanks by Sandy of the Ingham Bowls Club)

By Victoria Velton

Both parkrun courses expirienced wonderful mornings last weekeknd. Cardwell had a lovely sunrise and the course was flowing with volunteer walkers, visitors and cute dogs. Palm Creek had such a lovely cool breeze that I wished I could have run the course that morning, but alas I was directing instead.

A special shout-out goes to Julian, a regular top-runner at Palm Creek, who not only shaved off seconds for a new PB but was also seen chasing down Tones & I. You’ll catch up to her one day, Julian!

Parkrun Results: 31st January 2026
Palm Creek #110 – 35 participants
Fastest time: Julian Lee (18:58)
Final finisher: Simon Niam (53:16)
PBs: Julian Lee (18:58), Eli Towner (27:37), Sean Krumin (31:24)
First-timers: Jesse Jayasuria, Matisse Scovazzi, Julie Pope, Sarah Jane Daly, Alex Meehan
Volunteers: Bridgette Duffy, Simon Niam, Donna Panzenbock, Amanda Towner, V Velton

Cardwell #372 – 21 participants
Fastest time: Dave Ball (25:33)
Final finisher: Joshua Shipard (56:55)
First-timers: Greg Huppatz, Lucas Ritchie Gan
Volunteers: Dave Ball, David Clarke, Terry Curtin, Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson, Joshua Shipard, Robyn Shipard

As 2026 begins, it’s the perfect time for locals over 50 to focus on health, fitness, and staying active. Donna’s Total Body Fitness is offering one-hour exercise classes designed to improve strength, mobility, and overall wellbeing, all in a friendly, supportive environment.

Over 50's classes start soon:
Ingham on 28th January (bookings essential due to limited spots)
Forrest Beach on 2nd February.
Halifax on 5th January

Both Halifax and Forrest Beach sessions have plenty of room, welcoming anyone looking to get moving while enjoying fun and friendship.

Personal training clients will also be contacted soon to restart individual sessions for 2026. Donna is excited to see familiar faces and welcome new participants as everyone works towards fresh fitness goals.

To secure your spot or find out more, call 0408 180 542 or visit Donna’s Total Body Fitness Facebook page and DM to book into a class today for your healthier, more active year starts here.

Are you looking for a sport that your child can play all year round? A sport that offers kids fantastic physical, mental, and social benefits, improving fitness, coordination, strategic thinking, and confidence while providing stress relief and sportsmanship, all in a fun, year-round indoor air-conditioned environment?

Then SQUASH is the sport for you!

Ingham Squash club is proud of its strong tradition of representative players stemming from local primary and secondary schools. Last year, the North Queensland School Team was represented by eleven club juniors with one junior member going on to represent Queensland. At club level, our juniors have also represented the Northern Region Redbacks team in 2025 as well as the Queensland Sharks team.

So, if you want a sport that ticks all the boxes: Fit body, sharp mind, great friendships and fun times - Try Squash!

By Victoria Velton

Last Saturday was a really nice start to the weekend for everyone who joined us at Parkrun. It wasn’t too hot, and there was a great, upbeat spirit on the course. It’s wonderful to see people keeping up with their New Year’s health goals and striving to set new personal bests with a minute here, a few seconds there. Ultimately, it all adds up to a healthier lifestyle.

Keep that positive mindset going, and thank you to all our volunteers!

Parkrun Results: 24th January 2026
Palm Creek #109 – 26 participants
Fastest time: Jayson Catasti (20:27)
Final finisher: Matteo Mancuso (55:15)
First-timers: Nicholas Ocarroll, Orlando Turner, Rohana Rogan-Darvill
Volunteers: Maria Bertocchi, Ted Cogger, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Matteo Mancuso, Amanda Towner, V Velton

Cardwell #371 – 20 participants
Fastest time: Thomas Ablett (19:34)
Final finisher: Matthew Gardiner (58:47)
PBs: Desiree Lake (45:02), Graeme Lake (54:36)
First-timers: Thomas Ablett, Gayle Walkom, Liz Nash, Lauren Hall, Jordan Brewer
Volunteers: Kellie Ball, David Clarke, Jan Ferguson, Matthew Gardiner, Kerry Snell, Luke Tamblyn

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Photos sourced from Palm Creek and Cardwell Facebook pages.

photos: please use the ones where they're holding frames 1st.

Good news for swimmers at Forrest Beach, the stinger net is back in the water. After the recent wild weather, the net had been removed for safety, but it has now been restored, giving beachgoers an added layer of protection while enjoying a dip.

While the stinger net provides extra safety, the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club reminds everyone to remain cautious and follow simple safety tips when in the water.

Stay Safe Tips For Beachgoers:

• Always swim inside the stinger net enclosure.
• Wear long protective clothing or a lycra stinger suit for extra safety in the water. It also helps protect against the sun.
• Avoid hanging off or swimming near the floating pontoon.
• If you are unsure about conditions or have any questions, speak to the friendly lifesavers on duty.

Lifesaver Patrol Times:
Saturday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

With these precautions, everyone can enjoy a safe and fun weekend at Forrest Beach. Grab your stinger suit, head to the sand, and enjoy the sun and surf. If you spot any dangers in the water, be sure to alert one of the friendly lifesavers.

Squash is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding sports you can play, offering a perfect blend of fitness, fun and community. Played in a safe, friendly environment, squash welcomes all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. Games are fast-paced and engaging, making exercise feel less like a chore and more like a social activity you look forward to.

One of the great advantages of squash is that it’s played indoors, in air-conditioned comfort, so weather is never a barrier. This makes it an ideal year-round sport in North Queensland conditions. With coaching provided, new players can quickly build confidence, improve technique and enjoy the game from the very start.

Ingham Squash has a proud history, having produced many Queensland and North Queensland representatives over the years. This strong tradition reflects the quality of coaching, commitment and community spirit within the club. Whether you’re chasing fitness, friendships or future success, squash delivers on all fronts.