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.Looking ahead, we have some free Powerlink coaching days planned for January, so be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page for all the details.(Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso of the Ingham Tennis Association)
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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.
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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.
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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
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Are you looking for a way to get active, have fun, and meet new people? The Ingham Tennis Association is the place to be for social tennis fixtures that promise friendly competition and a chance to get fitter while enjoying a laugh.
Here’s a look at the weekly tennis schedule:
• Monday Night Pickleball: Join in for social games starting at 6:30pm. No need to sign up in advance - just turn up and enjoy some friendly play. For more information, call Gordon on 0409 092 058.
• Tuesday Night Singles and Doubles: Starting at 6:30pm, this session features both singles and doubles matches in a 3-person team format. Play a variety of games and enjoy a fun night of tennis. For details, contact Steve on 0488 763 270.
• Thursday Night Doubles: If doubles tennis is your thing, head down to the courts at 6:30pm. This session features a 4-person team format, making it perfect for those looking for a social, fast-paced game. Call Richard at 0428 152 125 for more information.
• Wednesday Morning Ladies' Doubles: A relaxed and friendly doubles session for ladies, starting at 8:30am. If you’re interested, call Belinda on 0417 782 227 to join in the fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, these social fixtures are a great way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy the wonderful sport of tennis.
Pickleball is a new sport and great for all ages - just turn up on a Monday night and have some fun!
The NQIB – Country Cups Challenge Qualifier Hinchinbrook Cup Raceday was a huge success earlier this month with organisers saying they were “very happy with the attendance”.
“We got the crowd we were hoping for, and more for a normal November meet,” they said.
Highlights on the day was the Fashions on the Field event which was a stand-out this year!
There were 10 Fashions Categories and over $10,000 worth of prizes.
“The Fashions itself, that were getting around trackside were phenomenal!”
Another highlight would be the amazing sponsorship the event received from the Ingham and Townsville business community.
“Without their generosity, we wouldn’t be able to have Race Day Events, or even, Fashions on the Field Events.”
Fashions on the Field Event
Judges were Marnie Davidson, Chelsea Burger and Jane Caffery.
Ingham Travel Classic Lady of the Track
Runner Up: Donna Smith
Winner: Amy Byrnes
Coffee Presto Contemporary Lady of the Track
Runner Up: Lolia Holder
Winner: Rachel Swarbrick
Snippers Boutique for Hair Millinery
Runner Up: Amy Byrnes
Winner: Hayley Place
Lifelong Supports Man of the Track
Runner Up: Bob Shaw
Winner: Peter Dibella
Northern Aroma Most Stylish Couple
Runner Up: Cheryl Shaw and Bob Shaw
Winner: Angelique Dibella and Peter Dibella
Living the Hinchinbrook Way (Local Category)
Winner: Sonia Milton
Best Dressed Family
Winner: Hayley, Brenton, Parker and Matilda Place
Best Dressed Junior Boy (0-11 years)
Winner: Parker Place
Best Dressed Junior Girl (0-11 years)
Winner: Matilda Place
There were no entrants in the Best Dressed Boy or Girl (12-17 years)
Spotter's Choice
Runner Up: Tahnee Bartolini
Winner: Amanda Truffa
Horse Racing Results
Horse racing was also a big part of the day, there were six local races on the day and all races were well contested with some very close finishers, especially Race 6, The Ingham Cellarbrations Ingham Gold Cup.
It was won by Joe Russo’s locally trained horse Zouhope.
After the races, the crowd were entertained with live music and DJ
Kids were also kept entertained during the day with face painting and balloon twisting.
Race Results
Race 1 COSCA ACCOUNTANT'S - MAIDEN PLATE 3-Y-O & Up. Set Weights 1100m
1st 1 Feargach Trainer. Alex Malliff Jockey. Nathan Day $12
2nd 2 Fivelineditty Trainer. Joe Russo Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $4.40
3rd 6 Miss Mildred Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $3.20
Race 2 INGHAM CONCRETE / WILMAR SUGAR - QTIS BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1200m
1st 2 Fast As Steel Trainer. Alwyn Bailey Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $2.80
2nd 5 Hit Snooze Trainer. Georgie Holt Jockey. Ms G S Semmens $4.40
3rd 3 Collombatti Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $16
Race 3 INGHAM MAZDA - BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP 1000m
1st 1 Jawgo Trainer. Alex Malliff Jockey. P G Romeo $2.20F
2nd 5 Tantrums Trainer. Bill Kenning Jockey. D Smith $6
3rd 2 Bean Warrior Trainer. Rodney Miller Jockey. Ms J S Edwards $13
Race 4 STOKES & COMPANY ACCOUNTANTS - CLASS B HANDICAP 1400m
1st 1 Tymon Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $1.80F
2nd 3 Wong Way Trainer. Mark Dale Jockey. Ms G S Semmens $4
3rd 4 Russian Rose Trainer. Alex Malliff Jockey. N A Day $7
Race 5 NQIB COUNTRY CUPS CHALLENGE QUALIFIER / HINCHINBROOK CUP OPEN HANDICAP 1400m
1st 6 Aolani Trainer. Tom Button Jockey. Ms G S Semmens $2F
2nd 4 Loburn Lass Trainer. Alwyn Bailey Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $2.10
3rd 3 Savvy Sovereign Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $4.40
Race 6 INGHAM CELLABRATIONS INGHAM GOLD CUP - BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1600M
1st 4 Zouhope Trainer. Joe Russo Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $2.60
2nd 1 Going Nuclear Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $2.50F
3rd 2 Tycoon Lad Trainer. Georgie Holt Jockey. A Butler $4.40
Photo credit: Christopher Spencer
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