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The May long weekend will see the Ingham Squash Courts become a hive of activity as players from across North Queensland compete in the Ingham Squash Club’s Northern Region Silver Junior Squash Tournament to be held over the Saturday and Sunday (2nd & 3rd) of the May weekend. This tournament is the final event in a 4-tournament series and will give players their last opportunity for selection in the Northern Region Redbacks team to compete at the Queensland Junior Squash Championships, which will be held during the June school holiday on the Gold Coast. In conjunction with the tournament, the Ingham Squash Club will celebrate the official opening of the newly air-conditioned courts with the attendance of the Honourable Member for Hinchinbrook, Mr Wayde Chiesa, and the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor, Mr Ramon Jayo. The Ingham Squash Club was successful in obtaining a Queensland Government grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for $90,000 to provide solar panels and air-conditioning of the squash courts and upgrading of light fixtures. The club is very honoured to have Mr Chiesa available to officially view the upgrades provided by that grant and to officially open the centre on behalf of the state government. The Squash Club has also been successful in obtaining from the Hinchinbrook Shire Council a local government Community Support Grant to assist with the running of the Junior Squash Tournament over the weekend, and this event will be officially opened by HSC Mayor, Mr Jayo. The club has received several grants over the past years to help with the running of Junior and Masters squash tournaments at the centre and the club is appreciative to have the Mayor attend the official opening. The official opening will take place at 9:30am, May 2, at the Ingham Squash Courts on McIllwraith Street. Members of the public are invited to attend and to stay and watch the top North Queensland junior squash players compete for selection in the Northern Redbacks Squash team. Contributed with thanks by Maureen Lahtinen, President of the Ingham Squash Club
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Residents across the region are being invited to reset, refocus and recharge at a free two-day workshop with Allan Parker, OAM, coming to Collinsville this May. Hosted by NQ Dry Tropics, the Regional Brain Reset workshop will be held on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May at the Opal Ridge Motel Conference Room. The event is designed to equip attendees with practical tools to better manage pressure, improve communication and maintain mental resilience—both on-farm and in everyday life. Across the two days, participants will learn how to reset their thinking using five simple steps aimed at cutting through noise, handling pressure more effectively and reading people more clearly. The workshop will also introduce three practical skills to help people talk about pressure early, without situations escalating. Attendees can also expect to gain straightforward habits to support long-term mental wellbeing, alongside strategies to stay level-headed when things don’t go to plan and keep conversations on track when it matters most. The workshop forms part of the Landholders Driving Change (LDC2) project, funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. The initiative focuses on supporting landholders and regional communities with practical skills and knowledge that extend beyond the paddock. With places limited, locals are encouraged to secure their spot early and take advantage of this opportunity to build resilience, strengthen communication skills and invest in their mental wellbeing. The Collinsville workshop is one of a series of events aimed at supporting regional Queenslanders, providing tools that can make a real difference both professionally and personally. To find out more, visit www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1564970?utm_content=416225772&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-87151812. What: Regional Brain Reset Workshop When: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May Where: Opal Ridge Motel Conference Room, Collinsville
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May marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage conversations, and take meaningful steps toward creating safer homes and communities for everyone. Domestic and family violence can impact people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. It often goes unseen, and many individuals and families experience it in silence. This month is an opportunity to shine a light on the issue, reduce stigma, and remind our community that help is available. In the Hinchinbrook Shire, we are committed to fostering a community where people feel safe, valued and empowered to seek assistance when they need it. At Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, we work alongside individuals and families who may be experiencing or have been impacted by domestic and family violence. We offer a range of services designed to meet people where they are, recognising that every person’s experience is different. Through a compassionate, person-centred approach, the Centre assists individuals to connect with appropriate services, counselling support, and guidance to safely navigate their circumstances. We offer support for adults, including court assistance for victim-survivors, recognising that both emotional recovery and navigating legal processes can be complex. Our approach is flexible and delivered through centre-based sessions or outreach within the community. Our aim is to create safe, welcoming environments where people can build confidence, develop coping strategies, and begin to heal from their experiences. Domestic and family violence prevention is not only about responding to crisis - it is also about education, early intervention, and building strong, respectful relationships within our community. By working together, we can create environments where people feel safe, heard, and respected. In recognition of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month this May, our Domestic Violence team will be hosting the Ingham Community Legal Service Expo. This initiative aims to raise awareness, provide accessible information, and strengthen community understanding around domestic and family violence. The Expo will offer an opportunity for community members to learn more about the supports available at the Hub, as well as connect with a range of community legal organisations working together to support safety, wellbeing, and justice within the Hinchinbrook region. If you or someone you know may benefit from support, we encourage you to reach out. Taking the first step can feel difficult, but you do not have to do it alone. Please contact Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre on 4776 1822 or email communitysupport@hcsc.org.au for more information. _________________________________________________________________________________ Designer notes: please put this segment below in a box with a red border around it. HEADING: For Those Seeking Support, There Are A Number Of Free And Confidential Services Available 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 Lifeline – 13 11 14 DVConnect Womensline – 1800 811 811 Women’s Legal Service QLD – 1800 957 957 Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277 Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre – 4776 1822 If you are in immediate danger, please call 000. To anyone experiencing domestic or family violence - you are not alone, and you deserve to feel safe, respected and supported. Help is available, and there are people who will walk alongside you when you’re ready.
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Caption: Photo credit: Palm Creek & Cardwell Parkrun Facebook pages
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Get ready for an action-packed day of excitement with Outer Limits Adventure Fitness!
If you're aged 8-15, this is your chance to level up your Youth Week with:
Kicking off at 8:15am with a quick event rundown before diving into three awesome 75-minute sessions, with snack breaks in between to refuel and recharge.
It's going to be a warm one, so come prepared! Please bring:
Spots will fill fast - don't miss out on the adventure of Youth Week!
*Stock image from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-and-orange-bicycle-riding-jacket-with-green-off-road-bike-90454/
Ingham Squash Club recently hosted a fantastic weekend of junior squash. Forty-two players from Cairns, Townsville and Ingham took part in the second Northern Region qualifier tournament. Our Ingham juniors, consisting of novice and experienced players performed well, making the club proud. Place holders were:
Division one – Liam Fascetti third place
Division four – Clint Seri winner and Ashton Hoyle third place
Division five – Braydon Rynne winner
Novice A – Flynn Scovazzi winner, Charlie Borello second, Skylah Veltmeyer third
Novice B – Max Quabba winner, Albin Daijo second, Matisse Scovazzi third
Players are now training hard for their next tournament in May. New junior players are welcome to come on Tuesday afternoons from 3:15pm.
Contributed with thanks by Kim DiBella
“Paul the Seagull,” who originates from Teignmouth Promenade parkrun in England, made a special appearance at Palm Creek last weekend as part of his global parkrun journey. Paul has been travelling the world with different participants, passed from one custodian to the next across various locations.
“My husband Brett was lucky enough to become Paul’s custodian while doing a parkrun in Roma. Brett will have the seagull this week for the Palm Creek parkrun before passing him onto the next custodian. It usually goes to the person who has travelled the furthest to participate in the parkrun,” said Mandy Griffiths.
“Paul the Seagull came all the way from Teignmouth Promenade parkrun in the UK to take part in our very wet parkrun here in North Queensland. Next stop for Paul is Aplins Weir parkrun in Townsville. Safe travels, Paul!” a Palm Creek parkrun spokesperson said.
“Not only is Paul the Seagull from Teignmouth Promenade parkrun heading south to Townsville, but he’s being escorted by another Paul, this one from Aplins Weir parkrun,” added visiting runner Paul Millers, who became the seagulls next custodian.
Although I wasn’t able to attend this week’s run as I was out of the region, I can only imagine Paul had a very fun and soggy outing. Best of luck to the two Pauls as they make their way to the next parkrun stop in this one little seagull’s grand adventure.
Parkrun Results: 21st March 2026
Palm Creek #117 – 13 participants
Fastest time: Julian Lee (21:57)
Final finisher: Sandra Coco (55:51)
PBs: Todd Cockburn (30:10), Ruby Cockburn (35:50)
First-timers: Paul Millers (24:38), Amie Brown (28:23), Ciara Dunleavy (32:30)
Volunteers: Bridgette Duffy, Donna Panzenbock, Julie Mac Pherson, Matteo Mancuso, Sandra Coco
Special Guest: Paul the Seagull
Cardwell #379 – 10 participants
Fastest time: Will Ritchie (28:00)
Final finisher: Anita Davina (47:28)
Volunteers: Kellie Ball, Kerry Snell, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Anita Davina
Photos sourced from Palm Creek Parkrun’s Facebook page
Anglers from across Queensland are set to descend on the region for the annual Hinchinbrook Catch and Release Tournament, a major event hosted by the Ingham Rod & Reel Club.
The tournament will run from Friday 15 May to Saturday 16 May, kicking off with team registrations, a welcome dinner and briefing at the Lucinda Hotel.
Fishing will take place over two days, with teams departing from the Dungeness Boat Ramp from 5.30am each morning. Competition hours are scheduled for Friday from 7am to 5pm and Saturday from 7am to 4.30pm, before concluding with a presentation evening back at the Lucinda Hotel.
The popular event attracts competitors from across the state, and occasionally interstate, with strong support from local sponsors and the wider fishing community.
Importantly, funds raised from the tournament go towards the club’s juvenile barramundi restocking program, helping to support the sustainability of local fisheries.
Further details and sponsor highlights will be shared in the lead-up to the event via the Ingham Rod & Reel Club’s social media pages.
What: Annual Hinchinbrook Catch and Release Tournament
When: Friday 15 May to Saturday 16 May
Where: Dungeness Boat Ramp
The Annual Hinchinbrook Catch and Release Tournament is a major event for the Ingham Rod & Reel Club. Photo source: Ingham Rod & Reel Club
This week brought another humid morning out on both courses, with hardly a breeze to help keep runners cool. Even so, the conditions didn’t stop a number of new faces from turning up, and several participants achieved personal bests along the way. One visitor to Palm Creek mentioned they had our course on their list of parkruns to complete and were pleased to tick it off. I hadn’t really considered that some people might keep a “parkrun bucket list” or checklist of courses to visit, but it does sound like a great way to plan a road trip, by stopping at different parkruns along the way and ticking them off as you go.
Next week is Cardwell’s 8th birthday, and they’re encouraging everyone to wear a silly, funny, or crazy hat and join them for a walk or run, followed by a small celebration at the Seabreeze Café. I’ll be directing Palm Creek next week so I won’t be able to make it, but hopefully many of our local runners can head over to Cardwell to support their volunteers and join in the birthday spirit.
Parkrun Results: 7th March 2026
Palm Creek #115 – 23 participants
Fastest time: Scout Murray (24:03)
Final finisher: Steven Veltmeyer (1:00:49)
PBs: Christopher Gunston (30:38), Matthew Turner (31:34), Carolyn Gunston (44:54)
First-timers: Mila Ellis (32:13), Sofia Palombi (32:14)
Volunteers: Ted Cogger, Julie Mac Pherson, Amanda Towner, Matteo Mancuso, Steven Veltmeyer, Bridgette Duffy, V Velton
Cardwell #377 – 23 participants
Fastest time: Jake Ball (20:49)
Final finisher: Matthew Gardiner (54:21)
PBs: Jake Ball (20:49), Jenny Irwin (33:29), Graeme Lake (49:48)
First-timers: Mark Fifield (22:49), Samantha Fifield (25:31), Jemma Atkins (26:22), Ellen Atkins (27:37)
Volunteers: Judith Clarke, Luke Tamblyn, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Graeme Lake, Dave Ball, Kerry Snell
Photo sourced: Palm Creek and Cardwell Parkrun’s Facebook pages.
At the Ingham Ladies Bowls Club our 1st Round of the Rinks Championships was played in very windy conditions making bowling a little tricky.
I. Byrns, K. Rotondo, J. Craven, S. Ryan 23 vs 12 J. Johnson, A. Foti, D. Tomba, T. Rhodes.
G.Wright, L. DiBella, E. Piotto, L. Melvin 23 vs 16 D. Bull, B. Eddleston, M. Moore, A. Rutherford.
Social Play saw N. Mammerella, T. Mawson, N. Evans, J. Fenoglio 16 vs 22 A. Burns, J. Casanovas, M. Owen.
Contributed with thanks by Ryan, and John & Elsa Piotto.
The future of fishing at Koombooloomba Dam is looking bright following a successful barramundi fingerling release led by local volunteers and fisheries officers.
In late January, Queensland Boating and Fishing Patrol in Ingham joined the Koombooloomba Barramundi Restocking Program to assist with the latest stocking effort, helping release thousands of young barramundi into the dam.
Around 10 boats took part in last year’s release, with 10,320 fingerlings stocked across several locations. This followed an earlier release of 3,000 fingerlings, marking the first time barramundi had been stocked in the dam in six years after the program was revived by passionate local anglers.
The restocking program has been made possible through permit funding secured by the Koombooloomba Barramundi Restocking Program, whose volunteers have worked tirelessly to rebuild the dam’s barramundi fishery for future generations.
Koombooloomba Dam remains one of the few locations where barramundi can still be targeted during the annual closed season from 1 November to 31 January, provided fishers hold a stocked impoundment permit.
Fisheries Queensland is encouraging locals and visitors alike to take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy one of North Queensland’s standout freshwater fishing destinations.
Koombooloomba Dam is one of the few spots you can still target barramundi during the closure. Photo source: Fisheries Queensland
Members of Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club have returned home with medals and personal bests after an outstanding performance at the State Youth Championships, capping off a huge few days of competition for the club and the wider North Barrier Branch.
Competing in their final State Youth Championships, the club’s Under-15 athletes delivered impressive results on the sand. Antwoine secured a bronze medal in the Under-15 Male Beach Sprint, while teammate Lane from Sarina claimed gold in the same event. Stephen narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in a fiercely contested Beach Flags final and recording a personal best in the process.
The Under-15 success continued in the Beach Relay, with Antwoine and Stephen teaming up with Lane and Cooper (Sarina) to claim gold, dominating the field in a standout performance.
Strong results were also recorded in the Under-14 division, with Jahmarley showing determination and speed to reach the semi-finals of the beach sprint, adding to the club’s strong showing across age groups.
Off the sand, the North Barrier Branch March Past team once again impressed, securing silver under the guidance of Coach Lenny. Achieving such a high-quality performance with minimal training was a credit to both the coach and the dedication of the athletes, who represented multiple clubs across the branch.
Forrest Beach SLSC congratulated all competitors on a successful championships campaign, praising the spirit of teamwork and the way branch clubs came together to showcase the strength and talent of the north.
“It’s always fantastic to see our athletes supporting each other and representing our region with pride,” the club said.
The results highlight a bright future for the young lifesavers as they continue to develop their skills and represent their communities at the highest levels of competition.
Photos curtesy of Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Last weekend brought some very warm conditions for parkrunners, especially at Palm Creek, where the lack of breeze made it feel even hotter. I definitely felt the heat. Remember that exercising in high temperatures increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even fainting. It’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after running to replace fluids lost through sweat. Pace yourself while running in the heat to keep your body functioning safely while you enjoy the run.
A special shout-out to John, who kicked off his Bucks Day celebrations with a run at Cardwell parkrun. The Cardwell course treated everyone to some spectacular double rainbows and shaded stretches beneath the trees along the shoreline with lush scenery, even if a little steamy!
Parkrun Results: 28th February 2026
Palm Creek #114 – 29 participants
Fastest time: Ron New (21:25)
Final finisher: Sandra Coco (1:01:51)
First-timers: Ron New, Christopher Gunston, Elise Gunston, Danielle Scovazzi, Carolyn Gunston
Volunteers: Julie Mac Pherson, Erin Cerutti, Amanda Towner, Matteo Mancuso, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Steven Veltmeyer
Cardwell #376 – 19 participants
Fastest time: John Gillett (22:32)
Final finisher: Graeme Lake (51:21)
PBs: Layla Morris (25:16), Graeme Lake (51:21)
First-timers: Jesse Callaway
Volunteers: Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson, Graeme Lake, Terry Curtin, Kerry Snell
Photos sourced from Cardwell and Palm Creek Parkrun’s Facebook pages.
Tennis has restarted for the year and is in full swing, with four the club juniors doing squad training with our coach Tom Casey on Saturday. They’re learning how to serve and hit the ball, at this level, the group is a red ball group. Children are placed into groups depending on their ability to make tennis a positive experience.
Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso.
Children in the pictured are Harry, Chad, Felix and Otis (not in order)
When most of us couldn't get out of bed because of partying to hard with Tones and I, these heroes still rallied to the course for the few who still had energy to burn. A big thank you goes out to all the incredible volunteers who make parkrun possible each and every week.
From timekeeping and barcode scanning to marshalling and cheering participants along the course, your dedication keeps both Palm Creek and Cardwell running smoothly. Parkrun simply wouldn’t happen without you, and the community truly appreciates the time and energy you give each Saturday morning.
Parkrun Results: 21st February 2026
Palm Creek #113 – 19 participants
Fastest time: Julian Lee (19:10)
Final finisher: Kelly Krumin (48:42)
PBs: Carter Hague (19:35), Emerson Hague (28:12), Sophie Parker (30:36), Bernard Di Bartolo (38:17)
First-timers: Rowan Lee, Mal Williams
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Kelly Krumin, Matteo Mancuso, Donna Panzenbock
Cardwell #375 – 17 participants
Fastest time: Jake Ball (21:46)
Final finisher: Graeme Lake (51:46)
PBs: Kay Rowe (40:29), Graeme Lake (51:46)
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Kellie Ball, Terry Curtin, Jan Ferguson, Graeme Lake
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.
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.)
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!
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