This photograph shows the Dungeness spit in 1943, when the now Enterprise Channel was the exit of the Herbert River into the delta of the Hinchinbrook Channel. The blue line shows just how much land has been washed away since then.

It is proposed that the missing spit be recreated by a rock wall to prevent sand buildup on the existing sandbar and to ensure that the current flow out of the Enterprise Channel keeps sand from building up in the entrance. It is hoped that this project will enable greater exit and entrance periods when the tides are low, for commercial and pleasure craft, and for the Lucinda Coast Guard to launch and retrieve.

At the present time, state government funding has not yet been allocated for this project, but it is front and centre in the minds of all locals who launch at Dungeness.

Contributed with thanks & Written by Steve Whipps, Commander, Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard

The culmination of Noorla’s Ladies year wrapped up on the 14th of November with a fun and festive game of mixed bowls. Many thanks to the men who come along each week, when they can, to bolster our numbers and give the ladies some strong competition. We also extend our thanks to our sister clubs for their great support throughout the year.

The trophy presentations for 2025:
Winners Fours: Sue Pizzi, Carla Pizzi, Vanda Raiteri and Chris Hewett.
Runners Up Fours: Rosemary Rose, Alicia Wegert, Gail Bison and Nella Mancuso.

Winners Triples: Sue Pizzi, Carla Pizzi and Vanda Raiteri.
Runners Up Triples: Rosemary Rose, Gail Bison and Chris Hewett.

Pairs Winners: Carla Pizzi and Sue Pizzi.
Pairs Runners Up: Rosemary Rose and Chris Hewett.

Singles Winner: Carmen Mugica.
Singles Runner Up: Sue Pizzi.

Consistency Winner: Carmen Mugica.
Consistency Runner Up: Rosemary Rose.

(Thanks to Noorla Bowls Club Ingham North Queensland.)

By Victoria Velton

Palm Creek Parkrun has officially hit the big 100 with silly socks and hats as their outfits of choice, as everyone turned up ready to celebrate another great morning at Palm Creek.

It is a huge milestone for the community as one hundred runs together means one hundred Saturday mornings spent walking, jogging, running and cheering each other on. Almost two full years at Palm Creek since moving from the old TYTO Wetlands course.

A massive shoutout to the volunteers who made the morning happen: Tracey Castles, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Donna Panzenbock and Steven Veltmeyer. Week after week, our volunteers keep things running smoothly and deserve so much credit.

Here is to many more runs, many more after-run zooper doopers, and many more Saturday mornings with the Palm Creek Parkrun family. Hurray for 100 runs!

Parkrun Results: 22nd November 2025
Palm Creek #100 – 29 participants
First finisher: Julian (20:22)
Final finisher: Steven (57:27)
PBs: Paul (24:30), Brendan (25:52), Simon (28:34), Melissa (37:13), Kira (43:04)
First timers: Chloe, Trisha, Nicole, John
Volunteers: Tracey Castles, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Donna Panzenbock, Steven Veltmeyer.

Cardwell #362 – 10 participants
First finisher: Dave (26:15)
Final finisher: Lyndel (50:20)
First timers: Blake, Kym, Charlotte
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson, Lyndel Weare, Ward Weare.

From now until the end of May next year, days on the water will usually begin with a slight breeze from the south-west, and calm seas. As the morning wears on, the land heats up, causing the hot air above it to rise. This results in cooler air being sucked in from the ocean, and as the day moves into afternoon, that north-east wind picks up speed, causing white caps and a nasty swell.

When combined with an outgoing tide, that swell becomes a washing machine, and boats which have stayed too long at the reef face a nasty, and often very wet and bumpy ride home, especially when getting to the end of the sugar jetty.

Plan your fishing trip with attention to the wind and tide, leave the reef early as the wind picks up, and get home safely.

(Contributed with thanks and written by Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard)

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The 2025 Hinchinbrook Cup Race Day delivered a lively and memorable afternoon at the Herbert River Jockey Club in Ingham on Saturday, 15 November, with a program that unfolded into a celebration of country racing culture.

Crowds arrived dressed in their race day best, with shades of pink emerging as the standout choice across the lawns. The meeting featured five local races, although many attendees freely admitted that the social atmosphere held just as much allure. Fashions in the Field once again stole attention, and the introduction of a fresh category, Living the Hinchinbrook Way – 4850, added a distinctly local touch that resonated strongly with regulars and newcomers.

Families found plenty to enjoy as well. Children’s amusements kept younger racegoers entertained, and once the last horse crossed the finish line, the tempo changed but the enthusiasm did not. Live music and a DJ carried the celebration well into the evening, while the familiar hum of local and visiting bookmakers, the bar, and the canteen rounded out the day. It was a race day that blended tradition with local personality, and the community embraced every moment.

Fashions in the Field Results: N/A

Hinchinbrook Cup Race Day 2025

Race Results – 15 November 2025
Race 1: MITRE 10 HANDY INGHAM Maiden Plate 1100m

1. Our Missile, T: Lachie Manzelmann, J: Adam Sewell
2. Wired For Fun, T: Liliana McCormack, J: Ivo Fry
3. Lady De Vega, T: Lachie Manzelmann, J: Lacey Morrison

Race 2: MARIAN & PIERA CATERING QTIS RATINGS BAND 0 - 50 Handicap 1200m

1. Bean Warrior, T: Rodney Miller, Amanda Thomson
2. Shere Khan, T: Scott Cooper, Nathan Thomas
3. Look At Rosa, T: Bonnie Thomson, Jason Babarovich

Race 3: INGHAM CELLARBRATIONS BENCHMARK 55 Handicap 1000m

1. Hand Grenade, T: Joanna Hassett, Aidan Holt
2. Airborne Hotdog, T: Scott Cooper, Nathan Thomas
3. Russian Summer, T: Steven Royes, Lacey Morrison

Race 4: STOKES & COMPANY ACCOUNTANTS BENCHMARK 50 Handicap 1600m

1. Brand New, T: Trevor & Peter Rowe, J: Lacey Morrison
2. Keep On Running, T: Terry McGovern, J: Frank Edwards
3. The General Talks, T: Bonnie Thomson, J: Amanda Thomson

Race 5: NQIB COUNTRY CUPS CHALLENGE QUALIFIER/HINCHINBROOK CUP OPEN Handicap 1400m

1. Impardoo, T: Bodine Bailey, J: Lacey Morrison
2. The Driller, T: Lachie Manzelmann, J: Adam Sewell
3. Devil Kick, T: Alex Malliff, J: Chris Meehan

By Victoria Velton

Palm Creek's 100th Parkrun is next week, folks. If you haven't run the course before, this would be the week to do so. Let's all get behind fitness in the region and celebrate 100 runs together!

Silly socks and hats will be the uniform of celebration this coming weekend. So dust off your pink polka-dot knee-highs and your rainbow propella caps, and let's get running together for many more parkruns at Palm Creek.

Parkrun Results: 15th November 2025
Palm Creek #99 – 26 participants
First finisher: Jayson (20:39)
Final finisher: Donna (42:32)
PBs: Zeke (24:38), Ryder (25:46)
First timers: Joel, Brendan, Wayne, Tilly, Kay
Volunteers: Maria Bertocchi, Tracey Castles, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Donna Marbelli, Steven Veltmeyer.

Cardwell #361 – 18 participants
First finisher: Luke (24:31)
Final finisher: Fiona (52:34)
PBs: Bovy (43:13)
First timers: Lainie
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Kellie Ball, Fiona Cowell, Jan Ferguson, Kerry Snell, Luke Tamblyn.

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Photos sourced from Palm Creek and Cardwell Parkrun Facebook pages.

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The Hinchinbrook Sportfishing Club was established in 1971 and has since promoted recreational fishing in the local community.

The club has members of all ages, is family friendly, and caters for all forms of recreational fishing, including bait, lure, & fly.

The club promotes sustainable fishing with catch & release friendly competitions and a fish tagging program that supports active participation in citizen science.

We organise regular social activities and outings along with club and interclub fishing competitions.

Meetings are held every month at our Ingham showgrounds clubhouse and visitors are always welcome to come along and say G’day.

For more info, email us at hinchinbrooksfc@yahoo.com or message us through our Facebook page @hinchinbrooksfc

By Victoria Velton

It is really starting to heat up out on the Parkrun courses. I made sure to put on sunscreen and drink plenty of water beforehand, but I think I sweated it all off before my second lap of the Palm Creek course. I was very grateful for that Zooper Dooper after the run, and I’m sure many others were too.

Both Parkruns were a little lower on participants this past weekend, but from the photos online, it’s clear that everyone who joined in had a cracking good time. Remember to follow the Palm Creek and Cardwell Parkrun pages on Facebook, where all the photos our lovely volunteers take are uploaded.

With just two weeks to go until Palm Creek’s 100th run, the volunteer team have something a little special planned. If you haven’t tried Palm Creek before, the 100th run could be the perfect one to join in!

Parkrun Results: 8th November 2025
Palm Creek #98 – 27 participants
First finisher: Jayson (20:08)
Final finisher: Erin (53:19)
PBs: Helen (27:57), Melissa (37:19), Michael (48:28)
First timers: Ben, Khyam, Stacey, Shauna, Tenielle
Volunteers: Erin Cerutti, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso, Donna Panzenbock.

Cardwell #360 – 9 participants
First finisher: Louise (30:46)
Final finisher: Judith (47:34)
PBs: Bruce (45:22)
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Kellie Ball, David Clarke, Judith Clarke, Bruce Ferguson, Jan Ferguson, Lyndel Weare.

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Every now and then, Lucinda Coast Guard gets handed some mysterious floating objects, which at first glance are hard to identify. Lately two identical objects were handed in, within a few weeks of each other, and this prompted some official enquiries to help identify them.

After showing the objects to Department of Fisheries personnel, they were formally identified as location beacons which are attached to long-line fishing runs by foreign fishing vessels, catching Tuna, and are also attached to FAD’s (Fish Attracting Devices) where pelagic species such as Tuna and Mahi Mahi congregate.

These devices send a location signal to the fishing boats so that they can return to the spot after setting other lines far and wide. So, mystery solved. Coast Guard volunteers are awaiting the next mystery object to be found in our waters.

(Contributed with thanks by Steve Whipps, Commander, Coast Guard Lucinda)

Ingham Ladies celebrated Elsa’s President’s Day with fun and frivolity. It was an enjoyable day, with everyone wearing decorative socks and playing a lively game of bowls, with many prizes supplied by Elsa. The celebration concluded with a beautiful afternoon tea and prize giving.

We are very fortunate in this club to have such a wonderful President. Thank you, Elsa, for everything you do.

The winners of the day were:
1st place: J. Fenoglio, K. Rotondo, G. Wright, I. Byrnes, defeating E. Piotto, L. Di Bella, M. Spano, A. Burns
2nd place: N. Mammerella, P. Miguel, S. Ryan, M. Owen, defeating J. Johnson, A. Foti, T. Rhodes, N. Evans
3rd place: D. Tomba, M. Moore, J. Craven, defeating B. Eddleston, T. Mawson, A. Rutherford

Other honours included:
Touchers: J. Johnson, M. Moore, T. Rhodes, A. Rutherford
Closest to the corner: M. Owen

(Contributed with thanks by Sandy Ryan & Elsa Piotto)

With Ingham Tackle Shop & Ingham Cycle Centre

For hobbyists and enthusiasts alike, Ingham Tackle Shop & Ingham Cycle Centre, 81 Cartwright Street, is the ultimate destination for fishing and home brewing. Whether you’re casting lines or crafting your own beer, the store has all the gear you need to get started and keep your passions thriving.

Fishing fans will find a wide selection of rods, lures, and tackle from trusted brands like Ugly Stick, Bomber, and Halco. From weekend anglers to seasoned pros, the variety ensures every fishing trip is well-equipped. Whether you’re after top-quality lures, reliable rods, or everything in between, this store has you covered.

For home brewers, the options are just as impressive. Wood chips, starters, flavour profiles, jugs, and much more are available, helping you craft your perfect brew from start to finish. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned brewer, the store has everything you need to experiment, learn, and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

It’s the perfect place to stock up for Christmas gifts or simply treat yourself to something new. From rods and lures to home brew kits, Ingham Tackle Shop & Ingham Cycle Centre makes it easy to get your favourite hobby sorted.

Drop in and explore the store’s full range, you’ll leave ready to catch, brew, and enjoy, all from the heart of Ingham, QLD.

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