By Victoria Velton

Running can truly bring people together in the most supportive environment, and I think our region’s Parkrun courses are something special because of it. Families running together, siblings having fun trying to overtake each other, good mates keeping pace side by side, tots and dogs straining against the bounds of prams and leashes respectfully, and volunteers making it all fun and safe for everyone.

You see every kind of combination of community spirit and support out on the courses here, and you all deserve the PBs and good health you maintain by dragging yourselves out of bed every Saturday morning and joining in our Parkruns, well done everybody!

Parkrun Results: 1st November 2025
Palm Creek #97 – 19 participants
Fastest time: Duncan (19:05)
Final finisher: Victoria (53:14)
PBs: Terrie (47:27)
Volunteers: Tracey Castles, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Matteo Mancuso, Donna Panzenbock, Victoria Velton.

Cardwell #359 – 22 participants
Fastest time: Jordan (19:51)
Final finisher: Matthew (50:27)
PBs: Brett (36:32), Bovy (47:32)
First-timers: Jordan, Khyam, Rowena, Judson, Allen, Peyton, Rachel, Cindy, Bruce
Volunteers: Judith Clarke, Jan Ferguson, Matthew Gardiner, Luke Tamblyn, Rachelle Warlond, Lyndel Weare, Ward Weare.

Stinger Season Has Begun

At Forrest Beach, our lifesavers have just netted a juvenile box jellyfish, and as a precaution, the beach is closed for swimming until further notice.

Please note that stinger season officially began yesterday, November 1, and the stinger net enclosure is scheduled to be reinstalled next week for the start of the stinger season.

For your safety, do not enter the water until lifesavers declare it safe. Please follow the directions of our lifesaving team.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep everyone safe this stinger season.

There was action aplenty at the Ingham Squash Courts on Friday, 24th of October, as players took to the courts on the final day of the Ingham Closed Championships 2025. This year saw an increase in the number of nominations for the tournament, which was held over the week, culminating in the finals on Friday night.

Our junior player numbers have increased this year, with many of our new junior players playing in their first tournament. There were many close games, especially with the juniors requiring a count-back to determine final positions. At the end of the tournament, the club hosted a BBQ function with the presentation of trophies and awards taking place after the A Men's final.

Two special annual awards were also presented at the end of the tournament:
Best Club Person - Rae Domin and Chris Erba
Representative Player of the Year - Liam Fascetti

Contributed with thanks by Kim Di Bella, Secretary of Ingham Squash Racquets Association

Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club has continued its strong tradition of success, delivering an impressive performance at the North Australian Surf Life Saving Championships held in Mackay over the weekend.

The event brought together the best competitors from clubs across North Queensland, the North Barrier and Wide Bay Capricorn branches, as well as several clubs from further south.

Forrest Beach athletes excelled on the sand, securing a string of podium finishes, including gold in both the Open and Under-17 Beach Relays, silver in the Under-15 Beach Relay, and bronze in the Under-14 Beach Relay.

There were also several standout individual performances. Leshawn Bann claimed double gold in the Under-17 Beach Flags — edging out the current state champion — as well as gold in the Under-17 Beach Sprint. He was also part of the Under-17 gold medal relay team. His outstanding results have earned him selection in the Queensland Country Team, which will compete at the Interbranch Championships on the Gold Coast next month.

Teammate Antwione Schlapfer also enjoyed success, taking home double bronze in the Under-15 Beach Flags and Beach Sprint events, and securing a reserve position in the Queensland Country Team.

It was truly a Forrest Beach affair in the Open Sprint. Evandah Bann, the current National Under-19 Beach Sprint Champion, claimed victory, followed closely by Forrest Beach athletes in 2nd Leshawn Bann, 3rd Mike Waia, 4th Benon Hall and 5th Darius Lewin Pearson.

Forrest Beach finished seventh overall in the senior division and 13th overall out of 21 clubs represented, an excellent result against high-quality competition.

Congratulations to all athletes, coaches, officials and supporters for their efforts and sportsmanship throughout the event.

Contributed with thanks by Melissa Chiesa of the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club

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.