On September 6th, Ingham hosted the 2025 Dean Schifilliti Shield, a premier Under-8 rugby league carnival that brought together 31 teams from across Queensland. Organised by the Herbert River Junior Rugby League, the event attracted approximately 3,000 visitors, making it one of the largest gatherings of young rugby talent in the region.

Now in its ninth year, the carnival honours Dean Schifilliti, a former professional rugby league player who began his career in Ingham. Schifilliti's legacy continues to inspire young athletes, with the event emphasising fun, participation and sportsmanship.

Throughout the day, teams engaged in friendly but competitive matches, fostering camaraderie and a strong sense of community. The coveted Shield was claimed by the North Devils from the North Thuringowa Rugby League Club at Bushland Beach, who impressed with their skill and teamwork.

The success of the Dean Schifilliti Shield is a testament to the dedication of Herbert River Junior Rugby League members and volunteers, as well as the support of local businesses and the wider community. Their combined efforts ensure the event remains a highlight of North Queensland’s sporting calendar, offering young athletes an invaluable opportunity to grow their skills, showcase their talent, and develop a lifelong passion for rugby league.

Social Pictures can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/2aqs8kfs

By Victoria Velton

What a month, and wow, what a way to finish up! Both Parkruns were packed, with so many achievements on the last parkrun of the month. Palm Creek really hit it out of the park, recording 8 PBs and welcoming 13 visitors to the looping track. Cardwell had just one visitor, all the way from Melbourne, but he made his presence felt, crossing the finish line first with the Red Earth Running Crew hot on his heels.

It’s fantastic to see the parkrun passion in both our locals and visitors. A huge shout out and thank you to the volunteers who keep parkrun going. Here’s to another month of running our socks off!

Parkrun Results: 30th August 2025

Palm Creek #88 – 35 participants
Fastest time: Nathan - 18:45 (PB)
Final finisher: Donna - 56:53
PBs: Kristina (42:25), Abbey (31:55), Marika (30:57), Amie (30:49), Emerson (27:48), Caden (24:24), Julian (19:29), Nathan (18:45)
First timers: Caden (26:57), Jodie (31:48), Philip (40:47), Mandy (52:03)
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Helen Digger, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Matteo Mancuso, Donna Marbelli, Sandra Prove

Cardwell #350 – 11 participants
Fastest time: Philip – 21:15 (first timer)
Final finisher: Sophie – 52:12
First timers: Philip (21:15)
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Jake Ball, Bruce Ferguson, Jan Ferguson, Joshua Shipard, Robyn Shipard, Sophie Shipard, Lyndel Weare

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Ingham hosted the JDS over the weekend, with strong participation from our local juniors. Competitors also came from Townsville and Charters Towers to take part in the tournament. The orange ball division was especially popular, with many younger players getting involved and some taking out the division. Orange ball is played on a smaller court, giving younger children the chance to test their skills against kids from other towns.

In total, the tournament featured seven divisions: two orange ball divisions, several green ball divisions, and yellow divisions. We would like to thank all of our local juniors who took part—great work to everyone for having a go in such a friendly and encouraging environment.

We also extend our thanks to our major sponsors, Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Cheapa Auto Spares, as well as our court sponsors: Galipo’s, Icon, Tyrepower, Johnny’s Fish & Chips, Mitre Ten, Guido’s, Vella & Russo, SpinFX, Cellebration, Sports Power, Ingham Agencies, and Ingham Motorcycles and Mowers. We also appreciate donations from Devetti Mazda.

Three Herbert River netball teams recently travelled to Townsville to compete in the annual McDonald’s Netball Carnival, returning home with some outstanding results.

The Herbert River Halos secured first place in the Under 12 Division 7 competition, while Herbert River Havoc finished runners-up in the Under 15 Division 7. Synergy also enjoyed success, taking out third place in the Under 15 Division 5.

Adding to the celebrations, Chloe Kopeshke from Synergy was recognised with the prestigious Most Valuable Player award for her team’s division.

Meanwhile, the local netball season is set to conclude with the Grand Final and Presentation Night on Friday, the 5th of September. The evening will begin at 5:15pm and promises to be a true celebration of community spirit. Spectators are encouraged to come along, enjoy a barbecue dinner and refreshments from the bar, and support the teams as they contest the season’s top honours.

Contributed with thanks to Sara Barbagallo.

The volunteers at Coast Guard Cardwell QF23 have once again been reminded of the generosity of their local community, receiving two recent donations that will go a long way in helping keep boaties safe on the water.

On the 20th of August, QF23 shared their appreciation for the Cardwell Op Shop, which has supported the Coast Guard for many years. The flotilla acknowledged not only the financial contribution but also the incredible volunteer effort behind the fundraising.

"Your donation supports us to help boaties who get into trouble on the water. We especially appreciate this help as we know the huge volunteer effort that raised these funds,” a spokesperson said.

Just a few days later, another act of kindness added to the Coast Guard’s gratitude. Local identity Terry Metcalfe, well known for playing his euphonium around town, presented a $610 donation alongside his wife, Sue. The money came from community members and visitors who generously drop coins and notes into Terry’s music case as he performs at the markets, along Victoria Street, and just about everywhere in between.

Ken English from QF23 was delighted to receive the donation and thanked the Metcalfes for their ongoing support.

“Generous donations like this help us to come to the rescue of Boaties who have found themselves in a fix,” he said.

Terry, whose music has become part of Cardwell’s character, gives the money he raises to local not-for-profit organisations whose hardworking volunteers contribute to the well-being of the community.

Whether it’s the steady fundraising efforts of the Op Shop or the joyful notes of a euphonium drifting through town, these contributions make a real difference. Coast Guard Cardwell QF23 says they are deeply grateful for the support, which helps ensure they can continue their vital role assisting those who run into trouble at sea.

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By Victoria Velton

Ingham came alive over the weekend as the Ingham FC 2025 Junior Carnival brought together hundreds of young players, families, and supporters for a celebration of soccer and community spirit. The annual event, held across the club’s home grounds, saw teams from across the region take part in a full schedule of games, giving juniors the chance to showcase their skills in a fun and competitive environment.

From the under-6s taking their first steps on the field to the older age groups displaying impressive teamwork and talent, the carnival offered something for everyone. Coaches and parents praised the players for their energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship, while crowds enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with colour and excitement.

The club ensured the day was more than just soccer, with food stalls, raffles, and plenty of entertainment adding to the festive feel. Volunteers and organisers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, making the event a great success and highlighting the strong community spirit at the heart of Ingham FC.

As the final whistle blew on a memorable carnival, organisers reflected proudly on another successful year, already looking ahead to 2026 when the event will return bigger and better.

Photo credit Victoria Velton

Find the social Pics here: https://tinyurl.com/2afc7l5y

Hi parkrunners, I am trying out a new style for the results this week, so let me know if you like it by next week's parkrun. I wanted to get as many names in there as Parkrun doesn't 'run' without all of you participating; you all deserve as much credit as I can give in this weekly report.

For Palm Creek, we were packed with 27 runners and walkers. I am so proud of myself and everyone who achieved PBs at both Palm Creek and Cardwell, it must have been the weekend for pushing ourselves to the limit, there were 7 PBs all up. In Cardwell, it was a smaller group, running on a warmer winter morning. Huge congratulations to Jake on completing his 300th parkrun and to the volunteers for making Saturday mornings so enjoyable.

Parkrun Results: 23rd August 2025

Palm Creek #87 – 27 participants
Fastest time: 19:39 (PB) | Final finisher: 57:18
PBs: Julian (19:39), Aaron (25:37), Victoria (35:54), Lynda (50:55), Mandy (52:09)
First timers: Caden (26:57), Jodie (31:48), Philip (40:47), Mandy (52:03)
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Donna Panzenbock, Joshua Shipard, Robyn Shipard, Sophie Shipard, Steven Veltmeyer

Cardwell #349 – 12 participants
Fastest time: 25:12 | Final finisher: 48:00
PBs: Davina (28:54), Fiona (41:01)
First timers: Fay (47:50)
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Jake Ball, Kellie Ball, Zoe Ball, David Clarke, Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson

On 20th August, the ladies from Noorla, Macknade, and Ingham competed for the prestigious Ingham Trophy. Each club fielded two triples teams, and every team played two games against each of the other clubs.

After a day of competitive and spirited play, the Ingham Ladies emerged as the champions. Congratulations to the team on their impressive performance!

Final Results:
Ingham: 3 rink wins, +53
Macknade: 2 rink wins, +51
Noorla: 1 rink win, +35

The event showcased not only skill and strategy but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship that make ladies’ bowls such a highlight in the Hinchinbrook community.

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The Cardwell and District Pickleball Club currently uses the tennis courts in Cardwell. After months of heavy rain, the courts had fallen into disrepair and become heavily affected by mould. The club successfully secured a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, along with additional support from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, to resurface the courts. This work was completed in July, leaving the courts looking revitalised and ready for play.

Further support came from the local Bendigo Bank, which provided a grant to supply club members with t-shirts. The shirts were designed and produced by Glen Hussey of Fish Feen.

The club meets on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons from 3:30pm, with sessions open to anyone interested in trying the fast-growing sport of pickleball. Paddles are supplied, and participants are encouraged to bring sneakers, a hat, sunscreen and water.

Pickleball is also gaining traction in Ingham, where the Ingham Tennis Association hosts Monday night sessions. The sport caters to all ages, with both parents and children encouraged to join in the fun.

Contributed with thanks by Sue Metcalfe, Secretary CDPC, and Geoff Caso of the Ingham Tennis Association.

Ingham local Carla Pizzi has made her mark in both state and regional lawn bowls competitions this month, achieving career-first milestones and bringing home a trio of medals. Representing Noorla Bowls Club, Pizzi showcased her determination and skill on two major stages, proving her place among the best in the game.

At the Bowls Queensland State Multi Disability Championships, held from 4–7 August, Pizzi competed in the Open Life Stream category across Singles and Pairs. In an emotional breakthrough, she secured her first-ever medal in Singles, winning bronze. She followed this achievement with a silver medal in the Open Life Stream Pairs, teaming up with Kaye Freeman from Cleveland Bowls Club. For Pizzi, who had never before reached the Singles podium, the bronze marked a special personal victory and a sign of her growing confidence on the green.

Just days later, Pizzi travelled to Townsville to compete in the North Queensland District Ladies Bowls Association Championships from 14–18 August. The event drew 48 competitors from Cairns to Yeppoon, all vying for regional glory. Pizzi dominated her section, advancing to the quarter finals after a tight 21–20 match. She carried her momentum into the semi-final, winning convincingly 21–13, before sealing the title with a 21–17 victory in the final to become the NQDLBA Singles Champion.

Reflecting on her success, Pizzi admitted she was still in disbelief. “I still can’t believe I won the Singles,” she said after the final.

Her victories not only highlight her individual resilience and consistency but also reflect the strength of community bowls in the Hinchinbrook region. Noorla Bowls Club is celebrating her remarkable run, expressing immense pride in her dedication and achievements.

With a bronze, a silver, and now a Singles championship to her name in just one month, Carla Pizzi has truly cemented herself as a rising force in Queensland bowls.

By Victoria Velton

Both parkruns were quite busy this past Saturday morning, with Cardwell stealing the show thanks to a magnificent sunrise. They also welcomed a huge influx of visitors this week, with the ratio of locals to newcomers being 4 to 7. Palm Creek saw runners going out in groups, and it was definitely a weekend for prams and dogs at both courses.

At Palm Creek, there were 2 newcomers and 5 PBs, while at Cardwell, there were 7 newcomers and 1 PB. A visitor from the running club "Girls Run This Town" joined the event amongst the newbies, and newcomers took the top three finishing spots.

Park Run Results: 16th August 2025

Palm Creek #86 – 25 participants
Fastest time: 20:49 | Finishers time: 49:36
Volunteers: Maria Bertocchi, Sandra Coco, Ted Cogger, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso

Cardwell #348 – 11 participants
Fastest time: 28:04 | Finishers time: 44:10
Volunteers: Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson, Matthew Gardiner, Lyndel Weare, Ward Weare

The Club Open Triples were finalised last Wednesday, in a very close game where the lead changed several times. The team of Maria Spano, Judy Fenoglio and Norma Evans narrowly defeated Ky Rotondo, Jan Craven and Sandy Ryan 19-16.

In the Consistency game, Marie Owen defeated Elas Piotto 151-119. With Social play seeing N.Mamarella, A.Foti, J.Casanovas vs. J.Johnson, D.Tomba, G.Wright 21-10. J.Bell, M.Moore, T.Mawson, E.Piotto vs. A.Arkink, I.Byrns, B.Eddleston, L.DiBella 22-8.

Congratulations to the Gilroy Santa Maria College girls at the Opens Girls on their undefeated victory at the Townsville Secondary Schools Cricket Cup.

The team played with determination and strong camaraderie throughout the day, proving unstoppable from the first ball to the final over.

A special mention goes to Summer, who scored 32 runs off just nine balls — an impressive performance made even more memorable as it came on her birthday.

It was a standout display of teamwork and talent, and a proud moment for the players and their supporters alike.

Photos sourced: Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham Facebook page.

Two promising juniors from the Ingham Tennis Association recently travelled to Bowen to take part in the Bowen Barty Cup, a popular junior competition that attracts strong talent from across the region. Representing Ingham with pride were Miles and Halle, who both showed great determination and skill on the Bowen courts.

Halle’s efforts were especially rewarded, as she came away with a well-earned victory in the doubles division, showcasing not only her ability but also her teamwork and composure under pressure. While Miles did not secure a title this time, his performances were full of energy and promise.

The trip was a valuable experience for both players, giving them the opportunity to test themselves against tough opposition and continue developing their game.

By Victoria Velton

At Palm Creek, it was a bright and fresh morning for our 20 parkrunners, with a gentle breeze making the course all the more enjoyable. Welcoming three newcomers to the Palm Creek track, two from Team Veteran, four PBs were recorded, including the Fastest timer.

Down on the foreshore, 22 parkrunners took to the scenic path under cool, clear skies. Joined by a great mix of locals and visitors, no doubt in town for the UFO festival, with six newcomers stepping onto the course for the first time. Four PBs were also achieved with the encouragement and energy from everyone, creating a morning that reminded us why we love parkrun: fresh air, great company and a shared sense of achievement.

Park Run Results: 8th August 2025

Palm Creek #85 – 20 participants
Fastest time: 20:08 | Finishers time: 1:00:40
Volunteers: Lynda Amisano, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Matteo Mancuso, Simon Niam

Cardwell #347 – 22 participants
Fastest time: 23:42 | Finishers time: 56:45
Volunteers: David Clarke, Bruce Ferguson, Jan Ferguson, John Gillett, Kerry Snell, Ward Weare

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Photos sourced from Cardwell Parkrun Facebook page.

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