Christine and Peter faced off against Con and Darcy in a spirited match that ended in a rare 6-all draw. Unlike traditional tennis scoring, this match was played until the bell rang, making for a unique and exciting format that kept the players on their toes.

It was a perfect evening for tennis — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and the unmistakable sound of friendly competition. Adding a touch of charm to the night, a group of local kookaburras looked on from the nearby trees, offering their distinctive laughter as a backdrop to the action on court.

All four players displayed great skill and sportsmanship, making for a memorable match that was as enjoyable to watch as it was to play.

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On Saturday 24th of May, the Social Darts Clubs of Ingham hosted a thrilling inter-town clash against long-time rivals of Cardwell. The match featured a mix of game types, bringing variety and excitement to the day. Cardwell came to play, taking the bus down to Ingham's Brothers Club, packing it with talent.

Ingham was ready to defend their winning streak in a competitive but good-spirited fashion. As such, Ingham managed to hold onto the shield with a final score of 18 to 12 with many from Cardwell rearing to go for the next town clash; "Thanks for a great day, we will get them next time at home!" from Wya G. and, "Sooo glad we came, what a great way to spend a Saturday." cheered Linda P.

Top Performances:

Highest Peg – Men: Mick (Cardwell) with 87

Highest Peg – Ladies: Linda (Ingham) with 45

Highest Score – Men: Dave & Henry (Cardwell) with 140

Highest Score – Ladies: Lisa (Ingham) with 125

A big thank you goes out to the Brothers Club for hosting the event and supporting a fantastic day of darts and friendship. Congratulations to Stevo from Ingham, who took home the meat raffle prize!

Well played to all, and we look forward to the next showdown in Cardwell!

Photo credit: Cardwell Social Darts Facebook page.

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The 2025 Taylors Beach Family Annual Fishing Competition was a resounding success, once again bringing together locals and visitors for a weekend of fun and friendly competition. Held under perfectly clear skies, the much-loved event saw families lining the shorelines and jetty, rods in hand, in celebration of the region’s rich fishing culture.

Mayor Ramon Jayo and Councillor Donna Marbelli were both in attendance, reinforcing the Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s strong support for grassroots community events. A cheque for $1,650 was proudly presented as part of the Council’s Community Grants Program, helping ensure the competition’s continued success.

“Done and dusted for another year,” said Cr Marbelli. “It was fantastic to see so many families out and about, enjoying the weekend together. A heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible sponsors — events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without your generosity."

She also extended appreciation to the Taylors Beach QLD – Community volunteers and committee, whose dedication drives the event’s success year after year.

With strong attendance, generous support, and plenty of fishy tales to tell, this year’s competition proved once again why it remains a highlight on the Hinchinbrook calendar.

Photos sourced: Donna Marbelli Hinchinbrook Shire Council Councillor Facebook page.

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It was a picture-perfect day for bowls as the finals of the Ladies Championship Singles took place, and the quality of play matched the beautiful conditions. In a thrilling and closely contested match, Gina Wright emerged victorious, claiming her first open singles championship title with a well-earned 25/18 win over the runner-up Elsa Piotto.

Both players showcased remarkable skill and composure throughout the final. Wright’s triumph marked a significant milestone in her bowling career, demonstrating her determination and focus under pressure. Piotto, a formidable opponent, put up a strong fight, but Wright’s consistency ultimately secured the win. Congratulations to both players on an outstanding match.

Social bowls also provided some engaging contests, with J. Bell, M. Spano, and M. Moore defeating I. Byrnes, J. Johnson, and T. Rhodes 16-10. In another match, A. Foti, K. Rotondo, and J. Casanovas secured a 21-16 victory over D. Tomba, A. Rutherford, and N. Evans.

Ingham Bowls Club continues to foster community involvement with a variety of weekly events. Wednesdays are reserved for Ladies Bowls and Thursdays are Barefoot Bowls, a great way for newcomers to experience the sport in a relaxed setting. Fridays see the Men’s Pairs take to the greens, and Sundays are dedicated to Social Mixed Bowls, welcoming players of all skill levels.

To stay updated on upcoming competitions and events, visit the Ingham Bowls Club Facebook page.

The volunteers at Lucinda Coast Guard are saddened by the recent passing of long-time member Paul Entriken. After a long and distinguished career in the Police Force, Paul earned the right to retire and just go fishing, which he loved doing, but he decided that he had time and experience to do something for the community in which he lived, so he joined the Coast Guard.

Known as a quiet, contemplative man, Paul worked his way through the ranks to become the Flotilla’s Training Officer, a job that he excelled at. With care and attention, he guided both beginners and experienced crew through the many competencies which needed to be passed. Everyone benefited from his dedication to ensuring that the skill levels were attained and ticked off.

Paul will be sadly missed by all the volunteers he ever worked with, and they thank him for his dedication and service.

Written by Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard

Thomas discovered his love for tennis in late 2020 when he was just nine years old. Before picking up a racket, he tried his hand at football, cricket, and taekwondo, but none of these sports quite matched his energy and enthusiasm. Then came tennis—a game full of non-stop action and high-paced excitement, and it was love at first serve.

One of the key reasons Thomas enjoys tennis so much is his coach, Tom, who knows how to make learning both engaging and enjoyable as his sessions are packed with challenges and plenty of laughs. Beyond the court, tennis has given Thomas new friendships with other young players from outside his school.

When he’s not playing tennis, Thomas can usually be found near water, either casting a line himself or watching fishing videos on YouTube. It’s clear that his passions are rooted in excitement and movement, whether it’s reeling in a catch or smashing a forehand.

Thomas’s journey in tennis is just beginning, but with his enthusiasm and love for the game, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to thrive, both on and off the court.

This weekend saw 54 total Parkrunners, including this journalist and my little sister. This weekend we attended the Palm Creek parkrun in Ingham and took it very casually. We walked most of the way discussing this and that; school, horse-riding, how cool it was that tadpoles become frogs and sometimes toads, the usual kid topics. But when the final lap hit it was on!

We raced down path and all her friends called out to her, cheering her on. Needless to say she beat me across the line but just by a few feet, I wasn't going to let her win easily!

Cardwell Parkrunners also deserve a special mention this week as they showed their support for Do It For Dolly Day. There was blue balloons tied about the posts at the finish line and many wore blue in solidarity with the cause. Great job this week everyone!

Park Run Results: 10th May 2025
Cardwell - 20 participants.
Fastest time: 21:28 | Finishers time: 56:43
Palm Creek - 34 participants.
Fastest time: 19:34 | Finishers time: 53:32

Brother and sister, Archer and Mia Carr, claimed victory in their respective age groups during a bustling first day of horse sports at the opening Hitch-n-Ride event of the year in Long Pocket.

Archer (7) led the charge in the junior novice section, winning every event to achieve a perfect score of 42 points. Mia Carr matched this feat in the under-10s, while Lotti Duffy impressed in the 10–13 category, also securing maximum points at the event held on Saturday, 10 May. Layne Biasi topped the 13–15 category, with Krystal Taylor finishing close behind. In the open division, Katie-Anne McAuliffe, visiting from Woodstock, led the field with strong performances across multiple events.

More than $200 was raised through a raffle on the day to support flood victims. Dicky Devitt from Long Pocket won the top prize—a meat tray donated by Bullock Creek Beef, who also contributed all the steaks and sausages sold at the canteen.

The next event is scheduled to take place at Long Pocket on Saturday, 14 June.

Hitch-n-Ride Results – 2025
Junior Novice:
Event
Snakes and Ladders     | 1st Archer Carr      | 2nd Quin Barton                    | 3rd Cooper Pearson
Bounce Pony            | 1st Archer Carr      | 2nd Demi Celloto & Quin Barton (tie)|
Bending                | 1st Archer Carr      | 2nd Rhiannon                       | 3rd Cooper Pearson
Quadrangle             | 1st Archer Carr      | 2nd Rhiannon                       | 3rd Demi Celloto
Tangle                 | 1st Archer Carr      | 2nd Rhiannon                       | 3rd Demi Celloto
Running T              | 1st Archer Carr      | 2nd Rhiannon                       | 3rd Demi Celloto
Points Tally: Archer Carr – 42 points

Under 10:
Category  | 1st Place (1)
Under 10  | 1st Mia Carr
Points Tally: Mia Carr – 42 points

10 to Under 13:
Event
Snakes and Ladders     | 1st Lotti Duffy  | 2nd Stevie Biasi    | 3rd Alexis Catasti
Bounce Pony            | 1st Lotti Duffy  | 2nd Stevie Biasi    | 3rd Casey Celloto
Bending                | 1st Lotti Duffy  | 2nd Casey & Chloe Celloto (tie) | 3rd Alexis Catasti
Quadrangle             | 1st Lotti Duffy  | 2nd Stevie Biasi    |
Tangle                 | 1st Lotti Duffy  | 2nd Stevie Biasi    | 3rd Alexis Catasti
Running T              | 1st Lotti Duffy  | 2nd Stevie Biasi    | 3rd Chloe Celloto
Points Tally: Lotti Duffy – 42 points

13 to Under 15:
Category
13 to Under 15 | 1st Layne Biasi | 2nd Krystal Taylor
Points Tally: Layne Biasi – 42 points

Open:
Event
Snakes and Ladders     | 1st Katie-Anne McAuliffe | 2nd Hayley Quartero | 3rd Sam Sellick
Bounce Pony            | 1st Katie-Anne McAuliffe | 2nd Sam Sellick      | 3rd Jenna Lino
Bending                | 1st Kim Russo            | 2nd Katie-Anne McAuliffe | 3rd Jenna Lino
Quadrangle             | 1st Sam Sellick          | 2nd Katie-Anne McAuliffe | 3rd Jenna Lino
Tangle                 | 1st Katie-Anne McAuliffe | 2nd Sam Sellick      | 3rd Hayley Quartero
Running T              | 1st Hayley Quartero       | 2nd Katie-Anne McAuliffe | 3rd Jenna Lino
Points Tally: Katie-Anne McAuliffe – 33 points

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A group of talented Ingham Squash juniors recently travelled to Townsville to compete in a Northern region squash tournament. The event was held at the Dalrymple Squash Centre and was part of the selection process for Northern juniors to be selected into the Northern Redbacks team to compete at the Queensland Junior Championships.

Juniors from Mackay to Cairns took part in the two-day event ranging in ages from under 10 to under 19. Our Ingham contingent played extremely well against some of the best players in the North and almost all players received a podium finish.

In division four local lad, Ashton Hoyle and Maraka princess, Hazel Cary finished second and first respectively. Oliver Hoyle finished second in division three against a class field, while Oliver Flynn finished third in division two. Queensland representative player, Liam Fascetti outclassed his competitors winning division one. Senior girl player, Kara Nash, who continues to improve with every tournament, fought her way to third place in the girl’s division. Other players who participated and played well, gaining valuable experience, were Clint Seri and Niko Dillon.

Players trained hard for the weekend’s compulsory tournament in Mackay where the Northern Region Redbacks team was announced.

Calling all golf enthusiasts The Cane Season Ambrose Golf Day is swinging into action on Sunday, 25th May 2025! It promises to be a fantastic day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and community spirit. Don't forget the sausage sizzle!

This 4-player Ambrose format event is perfect for golfers of all skill levels, offering a relaxed and social way to enjoy the game while helping support a great cause. Hosted at the scenic Ingham Golf Club, this tournament is more than just a day on the green—it’s a way to give back. All funds raised will go directly to supporting the Ingham Golf Club, a vital part of our local community.

For just $25 per player, that's $100 per team, you can enjoy a great game, take part in the exciting raffle, and indulge in a mouth-watering BBQ lunch. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just keen for a day out with mates, this event is one you won’t want to miss.

Nomination forms are available on the Ingham Golf Club Facebook page or can be picked up from L & W Repairs. Completed forms should be emailed to inghamgc2021@gmail.com. The $25 green fee per player is to be paid in cash on the day. So grab your best mates, golf buddies and clubs, its time to scramble!

WHAT: Cane Season Ambrose Golf Day (4 Player Ambrose)
WHEN: Sunday, 25th May 2025 – 10:00am for 10:30am tee off
WHERE: Ingham Golf Club
ENTRY: $25 per player / $100 per team (Card only, paid on the day)

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Get those racquet ready as the Ingham Tennis Club is offering FREE Junior Coaching session! These sessions offer fun games and tennis tips delivered by the club's tennis coach and dedicated club volunteers.

Monday 5th May (Labor Day Holiday)
9:30am – 10:30am for ages 5–9
10:30am – 11:30am for ages 10–17

Tuesday 17th June
3:30pm – 4:30pm for ages 5–9
4:30pm – 5:30pm for ages 10–17

To register your interest, please contact Coach Tom Casey on: 0413 199 702.

This program is proudly sponsored by Powerlink Queensland and the sessions will be held at the Ingham Tennis Courts, located next to the Showgrounds.

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Perfect weather set the stage for a thrilling day of semi-final action in the Championship Singles, with four fiercely contested rounds played across A and B Grades. Spectators were treated to a display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship as players battled it out on the greens.

In the A Grade, G. Wright edged out J. Fenoglio in a tight contest, finishing 25–19, while E. Piotto claimed a strong 25–15 win over N. Evans. B Grade saw equally gripping games, with T. Rhodes dominating 26–14 against N. Mammerella and Jan Johnson narrowly securing victory over D. Tomba, 25–21.

The finals of the Championship Fours were played in good conditions, with M. Spano, J. Casanovas, J. Fenoglio, and N. Evans delivering a commanding 36–10 win over J. Johnson, D. Tomba, A. Foti, and T. Rhodes.

Social play also delivered plenty of highlights. M. Moore and B. Eddleston triumphed 20–16 over N. Mammerella and J. Fenoglio. Meanwhile, J. Bell, D. Tomba, and T. Mawson outplayed J. Johnson, I. Byrnes, and A. Foti with a solid 20–11 win. In a spirited fours match, M. Spano, L. DiBella, J. Craven, and L. Melvin took a commanding 22–17 win over the team of G. Wright, T. Rhodes, S. Ryan, and E. Piotto.

Additional social results saw N. Mammerella, M. Moore, and T. Mawson edge out I. Byrnes, B. Eddleston, and A. Rutherford 21–16, while L. DiBella and L. Melvin narrowly defeated S. Ryan and E. Piotto 19–18.

Contributed with thanks to Sandy Ryan

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On Saturday the 19th of April, the 69th Palm Creek Park Run was held.
There was a total of 40 parkrunners and 7 volunteers.

This event is free to participate in, all you need is your Park Run barcode to scan if you would like to log your time. Anyone can join in, walk, jog, run, sprint as long as you give it a go, even the dog is welcome!

Come along next week on 26th at 7am to one of Hinchinbrook's two local Park Run's - At the Cardwell Foreshore for the Cardwell Park Run or at Palm Creek Park for the Ingham Park Run.

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Elisha is inspired by professional players Alex de Minaur and Novak Djokovic, and has had the chance to see them play live at the Australian Open. Next month, she will be trailing to be a ball girl for the 2026 Australian Open — an exciting opportunity!

At her local Ingham club, Elisha appreciates the great coaching, the multiple sessions available each week, and the chance to be grouped with players of a similar ability. She hopes to start competing in tournaments later this year.

A big fan of professional tennis, Elisha has attended the Australian Open twice. One of her favourite memories is watching Djokovic play Nick Kyrgios in a pre-tournament match.

Outside of tennis, Elisha also participates in the Herbert River Athletics Club and enjoys wakeboarding as a hobby, but tennis remains her favourite sport.

A group of talented Ingham Squash juniors recently travelled to Townsville to compete in a Northern region squash tournament. The event was held at the Dalrymple Squash Centre and was part of the selection process for Northern juniors to be selected into the Northern Redbacks team to compete at the Queensland Junior Championships.

Juniors from Mackay to Cairns took part in the two-day event ranging in ages from under 10 to under 19. Our Ingham contingent played extremely well against some of the best players in the North and almost all players received a podium finish. In division four local lad, Ashton Hoyle and Maraka princess, Hazel Cary finished second and first respectively. Oliver Hoyle finished second in division three against a class field, while Oliver Flynn finished third in division two. Queensland representative player, Liam Fascetti outclassed his competitors winning division one. Senior girl player, Kara Nash, who continues to improve with every tournament, fought her way to third place in the girl’s division. Other players who participated and played well, gaining valuable experience, were Clint Seri and Niko Dillon.

Players are now training hard for next weekend’s compulsory tournament in Mackay where the Northern Region Redbacks team will be announced. Good luck!