The February 2025 floods left an undeniable mark on Hinchinbrook Shire, affecting every corner of the community and testing resilience like never before. In response, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is introducing a new category in the 2026 Australia Day Awards — the Flood Hero Recognition — to honour the countless individuals who selflessly stood up to support their neighbours and help rebuild our community. Mayor Ramon Jayo said the overwhelming spirit shown during those difficult days. “These floods impacted us all, and throughout the crisis, ordinary people showed extraordinary kindness and courage,” Mayor Jayo said. “They didn’t seek recognition; they acted out of love and a deep sense of responsibility to their community. “This award is about recognising their quiet heroism and the strength they gave us when we needed it most. “This is the community’s chance to thank those who gave so much without expecting anything in return.” The Flood Hero Recognition category is unique. It’s not about a single winner but about honouring the many hands that held us together. Council invites the community to nominate anyone who inspired them from volunteers to emergency responders to neighbours who simply helped in small but meaningful ways. From celebrating outstanding citizens of all ages, to recognising cultural and sporting achievements, community events, and acts of heroism during the 2025 floods — there’s a category for every kind of contribution. Judges may reassign nominations to ensure they’re recognised in the most fitting category. Nominations have now been extended until 5.00pm on Tuesday 6 January 2026. Visit https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/community-environment/australia-day-celebrations/how-to-nominate/ for more information, visit the Council office at 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham or call 4774 4600. Award recipients will be celebrated at the Australia Day event on 26 January 2026 at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall.
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Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club has taken an exciting step towards greater inclusion, hosting a successful Starfish Nippers Come and Try morning on Sunday, the 14th of December. The event saw children and families enjoy a range of beach and water activities under perfect conditions, giving participants a taste of what the Starfish Nippers program will offer when it officially launches next year. Starfish Nippers is designed for children aged five to 15 with disabilities, providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment to experience the fun and skills of surf lifesaving. The program will commence in Term 1 next year, with monthly sessions planned at Forrest Beach. The initiative focuses on beach and water safety while tailoring activities to suit each child’s individual needs. The aim is to build confidence, water awareness and teamwork, while ensuring participants have an enjoyable and positive experience on the beach. The Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club thanked De Blackford and youth member Nalini Schofield for their efforts in bringing the Starfish Nippers program to the local community, as well as the families who attended the Come and Try session to learn more about the initiative. Further information on how families can become involved in the Starfish Nippers program in 2026 is expected to be released in the coming months.
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By Victoria Velton As we come to the end of the year, our Parkrun numbers tend to dwindle as run-buddies head off on holiday. I hope you’re all joining in local Parkruns wherever your travels take you, as a new course is a new challenge! Cardwell saw visitors from England, Cairns and Ingham thon saturday to bolster their numbers, and congratulations to Sheridan on completing her 25th Parkrun. And amazing to hit 365 events, that's a run for every day of the year! Last Parkrun of the year is the 27th of December, see you all out on the course for one last run in 2025. Parkrun Results: 13th December 2025 Palm Creek #103 – 14 participants First finisher: Julian (18:59) Final finisher: Sandra (54:58) PBs: Julian (18:59) Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso, Simon Niam, Steven Veltmeyer Cardwell #365 – 15 participants First finisher: Trevor (22:45) Final finisher: Kerry (52:10) First timers: Trevor, Valerie of 'Girls That Jeff' Volunteers: Kellie Ball, David Clarke, Judith Clarke, Jan Ferguson, Matthew Gardiner, Kerry Snell, Lyndel Weare
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The Ingham Squash Club wrapped up its Season 2 competition on Thursday night with an exciting grand final showcase that drew support from local players and spectators. In the A Men’s division, the Dolphins emerged victorious after a tightly contested matchup against the Cowboys. The Dolphins secured the title two games to one, displaying consistency and resilience in a spirited final. Team captain, Liam Fascetti, thanked his fellow players, Brendan Wallis and Niko Dillon, for helping him steer the team to victory. Dolphin’s captain, Jordan Di Bella was unable to play due to injury and was reliant on number 2 seed Mario Di Bella to play in the captain’s position. Di Bella won his game against Wallis but was outplayed by Fascetti in his second game. Number three seed, Dillon beat upcoming star, James Smith to take the team to victory. The A Mixed grand final delivered just as much excitement, with the Hawks overcoming the Lorikeets in a competitive clash. The Hawks’ strong all-round performance proved decisive as they claimed this season’s mixed title. Hawks players, Brendan Seri (captain), James Smith and Braydon Rynne won their way to the title by defeating Lorikeets’ Ally Rhodes (captain), Kara Nash, Callan Brown and Sophee Lepinath. Both teams finished on two matches each, but the games won ratio of eight to four solidified the Hawks win. During the presentation, young club member, James Smith was crowned Most Improved Player of the Season. The club congratulated all finalists and participants for a successful season and looks forward to an even bigger competition next year. (Contributed with thanks by Kim Di Bella)
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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
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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By Victoria Velton
Next week is Seafest in Cardwell, and guess what? Park Run is on the official itinerary! This means long-term Cardwell volunteer Terry gets a goodbye with a bang, and everyone else gets to run with all the visitors in town for the festival. In Palm Creek, it was a day for PB's with 5 runners improving their times.
This week in Cardwell, runners enjoyed the morning despite the summer humidity, with a juicy watermelon at the finish line proving the perfect refreshment. Congratulations to Judy who reached her 25th Park Run. With Terry�E��Es farewell just around the corner, everyone is invited to join in, run together, and help send him off in true Cardwell style.
Parkrun Results: 27th September 2025
Palm Creek #92 �E��E 22 participants
Fastest time: Jayson (20:36)
Final finisher: Erin (57:17)
PBs: Eli (27:44), Marika (30:22), Courtney (31:31), Brett (31:53), Victoria (35:28)
First-timers: Evie (28:18), Amie (28:21), Michael (54:18)
Volunteers: Erin Cerutti, Sandra Coco, Ted Cogger, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Macpherson, Matteo Mancuso
Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club is excited to announce the launch of its first Silver Salties program, designed to support fitness, movement, and social connection for locals with a touch of silver in their hair.
The program will kick off with six weeks of Chair Aerobics classes held at the Surf Club. These sessions are designed to improve range of movement, muscle tone, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, all in a friendly and supportive environment.
To get things started, classes will run on the following dates:
Tuesday 23 September, 8�E��E�E���E��E9am and 5�E��E�E���E��E6pm
Tuesday 30 September, 5�E��E�E���E��E6pm
Thursday 2 October, 5�E��E�E���E��E6pm
With a focus on fun, friendship, and wellbeing, Silver Salties is the perfect way to stay active while enjoying the company of others. For more information or to register, email fbslsc1@bigpond.com
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Last week, the Ingham Bridge Club recently welcomed players from across North Queensland for the annual Hinchinbrook Challenge Congress, proudly supported by Hinchinbrook Shire Council�E��E�E���E��Es Community Grants funding program.
Winners
Section A: Steve Vigh & Marlies Maussen (Ingham Club)
Section B: Korma Byrne & Sandy Mollenhagen (Tully Club)
Section C: Alan Giles & Ken Muhling (Ingham Club)
Congratulations to all competitors for making it a memorable weekend of bridge, camaraderie, and friendly rivalry.
Contributed with thanks by Donna Marbelli, Councillor of Hinchinbrook Shire
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Ingham Flames gymnasts Bella and Imogen Giorcelli shone at the recent Junior State Championships for Women's Artistic Gymnastics at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Brisbane.
Imogen competed in level 4 open and placed 18th for All Around, with a 9th placing on beam and Bella competed in level 6 under 13 and placed 21st for All Around.
The athletes have been preparing for the Championships for the last few months and inspire many children in the Club with their skills and determination.
Contributed with thanks by Helen Stanton
The Herbert River Netball Association has capped off a fantastic 2025 season, celebrating with its grand final and presentation night on Friday, September 5. The evening was a showcase of talent, teamwork, and community spirit, with exciting netball matches and plenty of support from the sidelines.
A Division
Winners: Marlins
Runners Up: Renegades
Player of the Final: Amberlee Hatcher
B Division Winners
Winners: Cyclones
Runners Up: Synergy
Player of the Final: Ella Bertucci
C Division
Winners: Yellow
Runners Up: Blue
Player of the Final: Ruby Myles
The night also celebrated individual excellence and dedication to the sport.
Players of the Year:
A Division: Montana Hanson & Meghan Marbelli
B Division: Maddison Giorcelli
C Division: Ruby Cockburn
Umpire Encouragement Award: Chloe Kopeshke
Club Person of the Year: Leanne Accornero
Champion Team: Cyclones
Just two days later, on the 7th of September, Herbert River teams travelled to Tully for the annual River Cup. Despite the rain, spirits were high and the players gave their all, proudly representing the association.
It has been a year to remember for Herbert River Netball �E��E�E���E��E both on and off the court. Congratulations to all players, coaches, umpires, and supporters who made the 2025 season such a success.
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The Ingham Tennis Association hosted a big weekend of competition with the Col Casswell Shield, a tournament held in honour of Col Casswell, a man who gave so much to tennis in North Queensland.
Among those who returned to Ingham for the event was former local Scott Kittle, who reflected on fond memories of growing up in the town. Standing in front of the honour boards bearing his parents�E��E�E���E��E names, Kittle said, "s great to be back in Ingham for the Col Casswell Shield, whom I knew for over forty years. It was good to see teams from across the regions come together for such an enjoyable day of tennis.
I have so many memories of growing up and playing tennis in Ingham. Saturday afternoon fixtures would be Dad, my two sisters and myself to play, and back then all fourteen courts would be full. The Ingham Open Tournaments would draw over 300 entries, and matches would run until midnight, using every court across the district just to get through the draw.
Seeing all the Honour Boards of the Closed and Open Tournament winners, plus photos with so many familiar names, brought back great memories from those times. Hope to be back on court in Ingham again soon."
The Col Casswell Shield was established in 2023 to reinvigorate interclub tennis in North Queensland. It honours Col Casswell, who played in Proserpine, Mackay, Ayr and Home Hill, and served the Home Hill Tennis Association as secretary, club and regional delegate, and as a Tennis Queensland Board member before sadly passing away at age 60 from brain cancer.
This year�E��E�E���E��Es shield was particularly significant, coming after devastating floods earlier in the year that sent water through the clubhouse and over every court. Despite the damage, Ingham has bounced back with determination and looks forward to upgrading its facilities.
Contributed with thanks by Kate Casswell and Geoff Caso.
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"Wow, the humidity certainly came to visit today after rain earlier in the week. Well done to the 16 participants who walked or ran along the beautiful foreshore. Welcome to the visitors and congratulations to Eva on her 1st parkrun." - Cardwell Parkrun
Palm Creek #91 �E��E 27 participants
Fastest time: Duncan (18:39)
Final finisher: Sandra (1:00:46)
PBs: Zeke (25:22), Marika (30:41), Katrina (37:25), Edith (41:20), Audra (41:28)
First-timers: Brent (26:29), Lydie (41:45)
Volunteers: rin Cerutti, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Donna Panzenbock, Amanda Towner
Photos sourced from the Cardwell Parkrun Facebook page.
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In the Consistency, M. Owens defeated J. Fenoglio in a close game before going on to win the Final game against N.Evans with 152/148.
Marie Owens is new to our club this year and it appears we have gained a very experienced member, the game was very closely fought all the way and congratulations to both ladies for playing great final bowls.
In the Club Championship Fours, J.Petersen, M.Moore, L.Dibella, E.Piotto vs T.Ackink. B.Eddleston, j.casanovas, S.Ryan with a score of 19/13.
In Social bowls, M.Moore, K.Rotondo, J.Fenoglio vs B.Eddleston, L.DiBella, E.Piotto with a score of 21/12. Followed by a win from team Irene, M.Spano, J.Casanovas vs Irene, A.Foti, J.Craven scoring 23/8.
Contributed with thanks by Sandy and Elsa of the Ingham Bowls Club
On Saturday, 20 September, the Noorla Bowling Club proudly marked its 90th anniversary with a celebration that brought members, friends, and families together. The day began with a meet and greet before guests took to the green for 21 ends of lawn bowls, followed by time to reconnect ahead of dinner.
The evening�E��E�E���E��Es atmosphere was lifted by live entertainment from Tony Fracchia, whose music encouraged dancing and plenty of laughter. Special guest Mayor of Hinchinbrook, Ramon Jayo, delivered a heartfelt speech, while Club President Gary reflected on the club�E��E�E���E��Es proud history and the dedication of its members over the decades.
Contributed with thanks by the Noorla Bowls Club
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By Victoria Velton
At the last parkrun, I was invited to learn how to become an official Parkrun Director. Sadly, this meant I could not run like I love to, but I now know how to set up, course inspect, and pack down a Parkrun. It was fun cheering you all on at the lap-turnaround. Happy 90th Palm Creek, what a huge turnout for both Parkruns, great job everyone.
I would also like to put out a call for more volunteers. Parkrun has different types of volunteer positions that suit all types of Saturday morning-ers. If you want to be active, you can tail or park-walk: calling out encouragement to participants. Or if you prefer to be more stationary, there's timekeeping and scanning barcodes as the runners cross the finish line. Parkrun doesn't happen without our wonderful volunteers, so give it a go!
Parkrun Results: 13th September 2025
Palm Creek #90 – 32 articipants
Fastest time: Duncan (18:35) PB
Final finisher: Steven (1:02:15)
PBs: Marika (30:54), Melissa (37:51), Kristina (42:01)
First-timers: Heath (28:32), Henie of AussieWalk (39:14), Charlotte (42:15), Blake (56:48), Melanie (1:01:58)
Volunteers: Blake Badenoch, Helen Digger, Bridgette Duffy, Kym Hazelton, Julie Mac Pherson, Matteo Mancuso, Steven Veltmeyer, Victoria Velton
Cardwell #352 – 17 participants
Fastest time: Nicolas (19:23) First Timer.
Final finisher: Judith (47:46)
PBs: Fiona (40:29)
First timers: Jacques (26:49), Emma (29:22), Matthew of Blyth RC (20:42)
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Zoe Ball, Judith Clarke, Terry Curtin, Jan Ferguson, Kerry Snell
Photos sourced from the Cardwell Parkrun Facebook page.
Scott had an impressive weekend, finishing second in the Kalynda Chase JDS Division 3. Some of our junior players also travelled to compete in the tournament. Scott won four games, earning his place in the final, where he was narrowly beaten by a junior from Kalynda Chase. Well done to all our juniors for their effort and sportsmanship!
These school holidays, we’re offering free tennis coaching! Sessions will be held on Tuesday, 23 September and Tuesday, 30 September from 8:30am to 11:30am for ages 5–13. Racquets will be available if you don’t have your own.
Come along, get active, and try tennis with our fully qualified coach. Fun skills development and games are guaranteed! To register your interest, call Coach Tom Casey on 0413 199 702. Sessions take place at the Ingham Tennis Courts, next to the Showgrounds.
WHAT: Free tennis coaching
WHEN: 23 September & 30 September, 8:30 am – 11:30 am
WHERE: Ingham Tennis Courts
Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso of the Ingham Tennis Association
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