By Victoria Velton

Even with Maraka prep, it was so good to see how many people still took the morning to get their Parkrun on. With many first-timers from out of town boosting numbers for both Parkruns or swapping to try out the other course, like my good friend Maria did.

he had a wonderful run in Cardwell before zipping back over the range to help me out as one of my float walkers for the parade in Ingham. She handed out sweets like a pro and I wanted to thank her again for her support.

Amazing work to all the Parkrun volunteers for making our courses so lively and special.

Parkrun Results: 25th October 2025
Palm Creek #96 – 30 participants
Fastest time: Jayson (20:50)
Final finisher: Bridgette (53:29)
PBs: Lacey (21:02), Helen (27:59), Amie (28:44), Judah (33:48), Victoria (33:52)
First-timers: Justin, Tegan, Martin, Terrie
Volunteers: Lynda Amisano, Tracey Castles, Sandra Coco, Ted Cogger, Bridgette Duffy

Cardwell #358 – 16 participants
Fastest time: Luke (22:00)
Final finisher: David (55:03)
First-timers: Peter of Dynamic Running, Simon, Bill, Jenny, Maria, Susan, Bovy
Volunteers: David Clarke, Judy Cloud, Jan Ferguson, Kerry Snell, Luke Tamblyn

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Photos sourced from Cardwell Parkrun page.

Tom has been making a real impact on local tennis, coaching players of all ages and abilities. On Fridays, he works with groups of kids, carefully assessing their skill levels and using the appropriate ball colour for each group. His coaching runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and now Saturdays, giving young players plenty of opportunities to improve their game.

It is not just children who benefit. Tom also runs sessions for adults, combining tennis instruction with a fun way to stay active and fit. He also coaches in local schools, helping students develop essential hand-eye coordination through tennis.

For both kids and adults, tennis is more than just a sport. It helps build lifelong skills, confidence, and fitness under Tom’s guidance.

Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso

The Ingham Ladies Bowls Club Triples was played recently, and the results are in. The winning team was M. Owen, L. DiBella, and M. Moore, while the runners-up were G. Wright, J. Fenoglio, and I. Byrns.

The Cardwell Sportfishing Club’s Cairns Hardware Cardwell Barra Bonanza has wrapped up another spectacular weekend on the water, with over 300 barra caught amongst the 250 keen anglers.

Congratulations go to Marco, who landed the winning barra measuring an impressive 108 cm. He and his teammate Sam, competing under the team name 007, were thrilled to collect their prizes. Their success proves you don’t need a flashy boat to land a prize-winning barra.

The competition drew a strong field, with many anglers travelling to Cardwell, testing their luck and skill for top honours against the locals. Meanwhile, the Cardwell Coast Guard kept competitors fuelled, selling breakfast at the boat ramp at One Mile on both Friday and Saturday.

Another Barra Bonanza is in the books, celebrating great catches, community spirit, and the thrill of the hunt on the beautiful Cardwell coast.

After years of battling devastating floods, the Herbert River Athletics Club has finally celebrated a season defined by growth instead of recovery.

For the first time in recent memory, the club escaped major flooding — a huge relief after countless seasons spent rescuing gear from rising waters at George Day Oval. Volunteers once worked through Christmas and Easter to move fridges, canteen supplies, and even the tractor to higher ground.

“It felt strange not having to check how high the water was getting this year,” a club representative said. “We could finally focus on the athletics instead of the weather.”

Although the old clubhouse still recorded over 2.4 metres of floodwater, the club’s new grounds remained dry. After quietly relaunching last year with 17 athletes, 2025 saw numbers more than double to 40 thanks to community support and the efforts of Media Officer Renee Poppi.

The club used the stable season to improve its facilities. Funding was secured to replace the sand in the long jump pits with plans for new covers, shade structures, and future field levelling.

A successful Come and Try Day in March kicked off the year, and despite wet weather, sessions continued indoors. From Term 2, training was split into two time slots, giving families more flexibility. The addition of Coach Shannon Reynolds brought structured sprint training for athletes aged 10 and over, adding professional guidance to the program.

Community partnerships also played a big role. Jason Brown and the Ingham State High School agriculture class returned with the GPS line-marking robot, ensuring perfectly marked fields. Volunteers were again the heart of the club, many helping in the canteen despite not having children involved.

Several athletes also achieved regional success, with Molly-Rose Gaggiano, Joshua Stagnitta-Gurnick, and Tilly Poppi qualifying to represent North Queensland at the Queensland School Sport Track and Field Championships in Townsville.

As the club looks ahead, optimism is high. “After everything this community has been through, to see the club thriving again is something really special,” a spokesperson said. “It feels like we’re finally back on track — in every sense.”

Herbert River Athletic Club - ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Awarded to: JOSHUA GURNICK-STAGNITTA
Josh broke the 13 yrs Long Jump and 13 yrs 100m record. Both records were from 1993 and the previous record holder was Graham Pether.

Herbert River Athletic Club – New Record Holders 2025
Ellyse Chiesa – 7 Years Girls High Jump – 90cm
Liam Ambrose – 7 Years Boys High Jump – 70cm
Joshua Gurnick-Stagnitta – 13 Years Boys 100m & Long Jump
Shannon Reynolds – Open Long Jump – 4.47m

MASKELL & BURNETT - CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR
Awarded to: RINA ZATTA

DOT HODGETT ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD
Awarded to: KURT ACCORNERO & SULLIVAN BLANCH

DEBORAH STRID - COURAGE & DEDICATION AWARD
Awarded to: TILLY POPPI

RON REID MEMORIAL SHIELD - QUIET ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Awarded to: LILY CHITTENDEN

GILLIAN MARANO ENCOURAGEMENT TROPHY
Awarded to: EVIE SPINA

The final of the Club Fours was played on Wednesday, 8 October. Congratulations to the winning team of Jan Johnson, Trudie Mawson, Kay Rotondo and Marie Owen. The runners-up were Nola Mammarella, Maria Moore, Luisa DiBella and Elsa Piotto.

This past week, a group of enthusiastic kids took part in Thursday afternoon squad tennis. The sessions focus on developing hitting technique and building confidence through fun, fast-paced games that keep everyone moving. Despite a few showers on the day, the group made the most of it—moving into the hall to rally with mini nets before heading back outside once the rain cleared.

The squad is a great way for kids to stay active, improve their coordination, and enjoy the social side of tennis as the year winds down.

It’s not too late to join in and finish the year on a high note. To register your interest for this afternoon, for future sessions, or to find out more, contact Coach Tom Casey on 0413 199 702 or reach out to the club.

(Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso)

By Victoria Velton

Though I wasn’t there to run this week due to my Maraka Queen duties, you can bet I was still cheering you all on in my heart. I hate having to miss a Parkrun, but I know you all kept up with each other and supported one another.

It was amazing to see Merlin stop in at Palm Creek Parkrun, he’s running all the way from Cape York to Tasmania. What a journey!

Parkrun Results: 18th October 2025
Palm Creek #95 – 18 participants
Fastest time: Merlin (21:51)
Final finisher: Maria (59:32)
First-timers: Merlin, Jordan, Nikki of Red Earth Running, Tiffany
Volunteers: Maria Bertocchi, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso, Donna Panzenbock, Steven Veltmeyer

Cardwell parkrun #357 – 14 participants
Fastest time: Scott of the Bush Turkey Track Club (22:46)
Final finisher: Judith (52:41)
PBs: Karen (32:51), Mark (42:36)
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Louise Broadbent, Judith Clarke, Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson, Scott Perry, Kerry Snell

Vouchers Ease Cost Of Living For Queensland Families

Queensland families have shown overwhelming support for the Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program, with the first round now closed.

The initiative, which provides vouchers valued at up to $200, was designed to ease cost of living pressures while encouraging more young Queenslanders to get active in sport.

The Government has committed $62.5 million each year for four years to fund the program, ensuring families across the state can access financial support for children aged between five and 17 years to join sporting clubs and activities.

The program has been warmly welcomed, with families already putting the vouchers to use. With a second round of vouchers to open in January 2026, giving more Queensland families the chance to benefit.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander, said the strong take-up demonstrates the importance of sport in Queensland communities.

“The strong demand for the first-round highlights how important sport is to Queensland families,” Minister Mander said.

“It’s fantastic to know that more kids will be getting on the court or the field with the help of their Play On! Sports Voucher.

“This program has specifically targeted kids in every town, city and region of the state, and I’m particularly proud that every child with a disability who applied will receive a voucher to get involved in sport.”

For more details about the program and future application rounds, families can visit www.qld.gov.au/playon.

Hosted by Venables Glass and Home Solutions

Venables Glass and Home Solutions hosted a charity golf day at Ingham Golf Club to raise funds for Palliative Care. It was a bustling time on the green and in the Clubhouse.

Overall winners were: J. DiBella & M. Hoyle
Runners Up were: C. Melton & R. Black
Last Place: N. Venturato & R. Rudderford

Prizes were awarded on each of the 14 holes for either Closest to the Pin or Longest Drive. The recipients were:
Christine Vella x 3
Colleen Mikkelson x 2
Emma Perkins
Shenee Seri
Mick Poggioli
Aurelio Mason
Jayden Swarbrick
Ian Swarbrick
Chris Melton
Cam West

Raffle Prizes went to:
1st: Jodie Smith
2nd: Jordan DiBella
3rd: Colleen Mikkelson
4th: Grant Smith

$100 Board winners were:
Aurelio Mason
Colleen Mikkelson

(Contributed with thanks by Joey Venables & Jane Carne)

The Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Carnival took place over the 11th and 12th October weekend, bringing together clubs and competitors from across the region. Athletes of all ages battled the waves and sand in a range of surf lifesaving events, including sprints, surf races, board races and relays.

The atmosphere was electric, with families, friends and community members cheering on participants throughout both days. Forrest Beach proved a fun and spectacular setting, with perfect weather, skills and endurance of all competitors were tested out on the beach. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and a special thanks to the volunteers and organisers for making the carnival such a success.

Heading into the final quarter trailing by five points, Ingham High fought back to reduce the margin to just one point with only two minutes remaining. Despite their efforts, Gilroy held on to claim a 23-21 victory, taking the series and the Marbelli Cup for 2025.

Gilroy Takes The Marbelli Cup In A Nail-Biting Finish

A special mention goes to Year 12 students Alisha, Amayah and Molly, who played their final game for Ingham High. Alisha was also named Ingham High’s Player of the Series, recognising her exceptional performance.

The Senior Boys teams of both schools also took to the court in a spirited pre-game match, with Gilroy taking the win. Their enthusiasm and willingness to give it a go were commendable.

The dedication and support from umpires Lauren Kopeshke and Aimee Seri, scorers, staff, students and community members created an incredible atmosphere for the players.

Special thanks were given to the Marbelli family and the Castellaro and Gaggiano families for their continued support of the series, helping to foster netball in the district.

Congratulations also to Gilroy Santa Maria College, who displayed skill and sportsmanship across the series. Maggie Pappin was awarded Most Valuable Player for GSMC, while Alicia Crisafulli received the honour for Ingham High. Both schools look forward to the rematch in 2026.

As the winter coolness has finally melted away, you can truly feel the heat of summer when you go out for a Saturday morning Parkrun. It's definitely a factor that keeps me running to cross that finish line and cool down under the trees, that, and the Zooper Doopers. Very glad that Palm Creek adopted the Cardwell practice of having them at the end of a sweltering slog through the heat and the midgies, which seem to cloud around the lower return path at Palm Creek - I have gotten one of the little buggers in my eye on more than one occasion.

Thank you volunteers, for keeping the runners cool and their blood sugar up after the runs. Nothing hits the spot better than an ice-cold treat in the heat.

Parkrun Results: 11th October 2025
Palm Creek #94 – 30 participants
Fastest time: Duncan (18:48)
Final finisher: Lianne (1:00:53)
PBs: Helen (28:02), Melissa (37:42), Judah (37:50), Edith (38:46)
First-timers: Michelle, Marguerite, Natalie, Ashley, Lianne of WJR Latrobe
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Helen Digger, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso, Lianne Smith

Cardwell #356 – 13 participants
Fastest time: Luke (23:28)
Final finisher: Matthew (42:00)
PBs: Fiona (37:48)
First-timers: Paul, Richard of WazaConda, Jennifer of Wynfit, Karen
Volunteers: Anita Davina, Bruce Ferguson, Jan Ferguson, Matthew Gardiner, Kerry Snell, Rachelle Warlond, Ward Weare

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The Hinchinbrook Sportfishing Festival showcases the skills of our region's anglers, displaying their expertise as they reel in the diverse collection of fish found in this region. Congratulations to all the participants.

Champion Anglers
Champion Male - Chris Bache (Cairns)
Champion Female - Helen Johnson (Hinchinbrook)
Champion Junior Male - Jackson Hodge (Hinchinbrook)
Champion Junior Female - Rosie McArdle (Cardwell)

Mystery Length Winners
Rosie McArdle (Cod)
Kylie Jackson (Coral trout)
Shaun Manthey (Emperor/Snapper)
Shane Murphy (Mackerel)
Sandra Cooper (Bream)
Jackson Hodge (Trevally)
Chase Bartolini (Junior - All species)

Landbased & Sportfishing (bait) Winners
Best Landbased capture - Jackson Hodge
Longest Javelin - Stephen Dametto
Longest Barramundi - John Andrejic
Secret Length Javelin - John Andrejic

Fly Fishing & Lure Fishing Winners
Fly fishing highest points scorer - Helen Johnson
Longest lure caught Barramundi - Adam Royle
Longest lure caught Mangrove Jack - Melissa Royle
Lure caught Mangrove Jack (secret length) - Scott Hinds

And last but by no means least congrats to the Hinchinbrook Sportfishing Festival�E��E�E���E��Es Champion Club (most points) and the recipient of this years �E��E�E���E��EMost Unwanted Award�E��E�E���E��E (least amount of points).
Champion club - Cairns
Most Unwanted Award - Redcliffe

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North Queensland Frosty Mango EQ Leader winner for 2025 is Tegan Coulter

Class 19 Grand Prix Championship E&I Firmi Engineering Works Official 105cm
1st Danielle Camp riding FREAKY FELIXi
2nd Natasha Dunworth riding ALL SPICE
3rd Charlotte Lee riding HAZARDOUS

Class 5 AM7 Feed Masters Fox Hunter 75cm
Open only to Horses that have never placed 1st in a showjumping round
1st Karen Sullivan riding RIVER DOWNS VIVIENNE
2nd Jenna Arnett riding ESTHER
3rd Ainslie Tonks riding CHAMPAGNE TILLY

Class 18 Grand Prix Championship Fert Trans Open 85cm
1st Jada Marsden riding HISASHOWMAN
2nd Misha O�E��E�E���E��EMalley riding TIGER KING
3rd Dallas Bailey riding WILARK QATAR

Class 17 Grand Prix Championship Liddles Air Service Open 75cm
1st Karen Sullivan riding RIVER DOWNS VIVIENNE
2nd Scarlet Whatley Eiding BOLD KINGSTON (BAMBI)
3rd Natasha Dunsworth riding AYE MARIO

Class 16 Grand Prix Championship Wilmar Junior 16 & under 75 cm
1st Madisen McKenzie riding NEGASI
2nd Mia Formilan riding SONG AND DANCE
3rd Jada Marsden riding HISASHOWMAN

Class 15 Grand Prix Championship McDonald�E��E�E���E��Es Ingham Open 60 cm
1st Mia Carr riding WYNARA VICTORY
2nd Natasha Dunworth ridng AYE MARIO
3rd Micaela Cairns riding DUAL �E��E�E���E��EN�E��E�E���E��E PISTOL PEP

Class 12 AM7 Official 130cm
1st Germaine Rogato riding BLUE NICKEL

Class 11 AM7 Official 120cm
1st Kalani Broderick riding FILLY ROCKS
2nd Germaine Rogato riding BLUE NICKEL

Class 10 AM7 Feedmasters Official 110cm
1st Kalani Broderick riding FILLY ROCKS
2nd Danielle Camp riding KANTAGA
3rd Danielle Camp riding FREAKY FELIX

Class 9 AM7 Glenara Park Stud and Finch Farm Official 105cm
1st Dallas Bailey riding TULARA BALLORA
2nd Danielle Camp riding KANTAGA
3rd Dallas Bailey riding WILARK KENTUCKY

Class 8 AM7 Garrards Open 95cm
1st Jada Marsden riding HISASHOWMAN
2nd Natasha Dunworth riding ALL SPICE
3rd Natasha Dunworth riding DRAGON WARRIOR

CLASS  5 FEEDMASTER Fox Hunter for horses who have never won a 1st Place.
1st Karen Sullivan riding River Downs
2nd Jenna Arnett riding Esther
3rd Ainslie Tonks riding Champagne

Class 2 AM7 Open McDonalds 60cm
1st Dakota Tonks riding Juliet
2nd Archer Carr riding Dynamite n Gold
3rd Mia Carr riding Wynara Victory

Class 1 Junior 12 & under 60 cm
1st Archer Carr riding  DYNAMITE N GOLD
2nd Mia Carr riding WYNARA VICTORY
3rd Dakota Tonks riding JULIET

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