Noelle at his very first Parkrun. Photo used with permission, sourced: Palm Creek Parkrun

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Palm Creek parkrun #139 – 30 participants
Fastest time: Julian Lee (24:18)
Final finishers: Lynda Amisano and Sandra Coco (1:12:25 and 1:12:26)
PBs: 4 | First timers: 8
Volunteers: Ted Cogger, Simon Niam, V Velton, Christine Knickel, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy

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Cardwell parkrun #400 – 31 participants
Fastest time: Will Ritchie (22:27)
Final finisher: David Clarke (59:47)
PBs: 3 | First timers: 10
Volunteers: Anita Davina, Marcus Ritchie, Glenda Stahel, Terry Curtin, Jake Ball, David Clarke, Kellie Ball, Zoe Ball, Kerry Snell

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Matai Tauli was presented with ‘Player of The Year’ award by Tully Tigers Club President Anthony Emmi - Photo Supplied  

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By Sian Bantock

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The Tully Tigers are building an impressive group of young rugby league talent, with standout players emerging across multiple junior age groups.  

This week, two squads of Tigers juniors are representing the Peninsula region:  Issy, Ally-Rose, Addi, Hayley and Zali are from the under 13’s girls, and Logan and Grayson from the Under 14’s.  

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The Under 13 Girls had a standout season which was capped off when on 8th August they played the Grand Final at Barlow Park in Cairns. Despite an intense game they were ultimately defeated Southern Suburbs. However, this was an incredibly achievement which gained widespread support including a video message from Brisbane Broncos player Romy Tietizel.  

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On Thursday 20th August the club hosted its presentation evening for the U6 - U12’s and awarded Matai Tauli as player of the year in the under 12’s. Matai also represented Peninsula and earned selection as Queensland halfback contributing to their national championship victory.  

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The Tully Tigers are now turning their attention to a huge milestone - the clubs 100 year celebration, to be held on 17th October 2026 at Tully High School. Tickets are available to purchase.

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International Legends of League bowls event saw Legends partnered with Lifelong Supports clients. Photos supplied

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By Victoria Velton

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Rugby league legends swapped the footy field for the greens when the International Legends of League bowls event rolled into Ingham on Friday 17th July, bringing together former players, local supporters, community organisations and sponsors for an afternoon of fun.

Lifelong Supports joined the event as a sponsor, with clients Carla and Craig taking part alongside committee president Helen Shoubridge. Other Lifelong Supports clients, office staff and team members also came along to cheer on the players and enjoy the afternoon.

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The team was paired with former Melbourne Storm player Russell Bawden, who made a memorable impression on the group.

“Russell was an absolute blast to spend the afternoon with and made the day extra special for our clients with his great sense of humour, friendly and inclusive nature, and his legendary dance moves!” Sam Drysdale of Lifelong Supports said.

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The event gave Lifelong Supports clients the opportunity to meet and play alongside some of the names they have followed on the rugby league field.

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“We had a fantastic afternoon at the bowls on Friday, and our clients that participated and came to cheer were so excited to meet and play alongside the rugby league legends,” Drysdale said.

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Lifelong Supports also acknowledged the organisers, sponsors and community groups behind the event, including Craig and the International Legends of League team, Herbert River Crushers and Ingham Bowls Club.

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“A huge thank you to Craig and the entire team ... and everyone else who helped to make the weekend of events such a success!”

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The Lifelong Supports team hopes the legends will return to Ingham in the future.

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Paul Duff with a shark's head. Photo supplied: Cardwell Sportfishing Club

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Oh no Paul! Looks like something else got to that catch before you could reel it in, better luck next time!

Cardwell Sportfishing Club is affiliated with the Australian National Sportfishing Association Queensland (ANSA Qld).

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Do you want to flex your fishing skills in the newspaper? Send your fishing photo along with your name and what you caught to victoria@lifepublishinggroup.com and be featured in Catch of The Week!

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The wind gods made playing conditions difficult once again this week as the second round of the Consistency competition was played.

G. Wright defeated J. Craven 151-89, while N. Mammerella was victorious over T. Rhodes 152-98. N. Evans defeated I. Byrns 154-75.

Social play also took place, with A. Foti and J. Casanovas defeating Michelle, J. Johnson and L. Di Bella 20-9. And D. Bull, M. Moore and S. Ryan recorded a 16-8 win over Mrs Mac, M. Owen and J. Fenoglio.

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(Contributed with thanks by Sandy Ryan)

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‍GSMC interschool athletics age champions. Photo supplied

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In a dominant display across both track and field, last Friday the Gilroy Santa Maria College Girls were crowned the 2026 Herbert River Inter-School Athletics Champions.

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Led by Herbert River Age Champions Phoebe Hansen-Polzin (12 years), Maddie Currington (13 years), Lara Biasi (15 years) and Ciera Fichera (Opens), the GSMC Girls took home the Junior Girls, Senior Girls and Overall Girls aggregate Shields.

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Showing great team spirit, the GSMC girls excelled across the relays winning 5 out of 6 relays, to confirm their position as the best young female athletes from across the Herbert River District.

Congratulations to GSMC’s three “George Day Gift” qualifiers, Phoebe Hansen-Polzin, Lara Biasi and Ciera Fichera, with Phoebe Hansen-Polzin claiming 2nd place in a photo finish for 1st.

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In the boys' events, the College’s young men showed great grit and determination across the day, with some exceptional field event results, but the track belonged to St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie.

The sporting opportunities at GSMC didn’t slow down in Semester 2, with the GSMC Girls Futsal team qualifying for the North Queensland finals, and the Year 7-9 Boys and Open Girls Cricket travelling to the Northern Region Schools Cricket Challenge this week.

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To round out Term 3 the GSMC Under 14 and Under 16 Girls Rugby League teams will travel to Good Counsel College, Innisfail, and in a brand new initiative in early Term 4, the GSMC Open Boys Cricket team will be hosting an annual Queensland Mental Health Week T20 match against Good Counsel College, Innisfail.

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(Contributed with thanks by Gilroy Santa Maria College)

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Participants gather to socialise following Cardwell parkrun on 16 June 2018, with the post-event catch-up becoming a much-loved part of the weekly community tradition. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

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On a routine Saturday morning before most of the Cassowary Coast has finished breakfast, dozens of locals and visitors gather on the Cardwell Foreshore, not just to walk or run five kilometres, but to reconnect with friends, improve their health and strengthen a community that's been doing just that since 2018.

What has become one of Cardwell's most cherished weekly traditions began eight years ago with a simple idea after local resident Janet Arnold experienced her first parkrun while visiting family in the big smoke.

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"I first became aware of parkrun when I visited my daughter and new grandson in Brisbane, and we pushed the pram around the Sandgate parkrun," Janet said.

"My immediate thought was, Cardwell's Foreshore is the perfect location for a parkrun!”

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Determined to make it happen, Janet teamed up with local resident Jodi Jansen to map out a suitable course, measuring the five-kilometre route by bike and with distance wheels before making a submission to parkrun Australia for consideration. Originally, the pair hoped to include the iconic Cardwell Jetty in the course, however safety concerns quickly ruled out the proposal.

"The original idea was to include the jetty, but the narrow width and lack of fencing was not a smart concept in crocodile-infested waters," she laughed.

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After securing funding through the 2018 Commonwealth Games Legacy Program, sourcing a donated defibrillator and recruiting volunteers, Cardwell was almost ready to host its inaugural event on 10th March. However, then came the rain!

"So, Cardwell parkrun became the first postponed inaugural event in Australia," Janet said.

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Fortunately, a week later, the skies cleared and, on 17^th March 2018, Cardwell parkrun officially began, sparking a weekly morning tradition that has since brought together hundreds of locals and visitors through friendship, fitness and community connection. Today, eight years on, the event continues under the leadership of co-event directors Kerry Snell and Anita Davina, who say the welcoming atmosphere has become just as important as the exercise.

"We consider our parkrun a boutique parkrun for everyone to enjoy," they said.

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"More often than not, at 7am, the clouds part for our event, even though its raining elsewhere! Visitors and regular participants say it's a wonderful course with beautiful views, wide paths and a very friendly, positive and encouraging atmosphere."

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Beyond fitness, the pair say the weekly event has become a place where friendships flourish and confidence grow.

"There’s a social aspect to parkrun where participants who would normally walk or run on their own have found a like-minded community that has resulted in friendship and a feeling of inclusiveness," they said.

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"We've seen people recovering from injury or illness use parkrun to motivate themselves to improve their overall mental health and fitness."

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Weekly, the event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, with walkers, runners, families, children, grandparents and even dogs on leads all joining the Saturday morning tradition. One local family now has three generations taking part each week, both as volunteers and participants.

Volunteers remain the heart of Cardwell parkrun, with around seven people needed every week to set up the course, keep time, scan barcodes, hand out finish tokens, process results and safely deliver the event.

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"Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this event," Kerry and Anita said.

"Without them, we simply wouldn't exist."

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Regular visitors also return year after year, making Cardwell parkrun part of their seasonal travels, before many head to Seabreeze Café together for coffee and breakfast after crossing the finish line.

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Kerry and Anita warmly invite the community to pop down to participate on cheer on their neighbours this Saturday from 7am sharp at the Cardwell Foreshore.  

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“We present a welcoming atmosphere to all comers, including dogs on leashes, so they can start their day in the best way possible! We cheer everyone along, whether it be a fast runner or slow walker, all are welcome!”

Palm Creek parkrun #138 – 29 participants
Fastest time: Carter Hague (18:33)
Final finisher: Donna Marbelli (55:12)
PBs: 4 | First-timers: 8
Volunteers: Bridgette Duffy, Sandra Coco, Donna Panzenbock, Erin Cerutti, Donna Marbelli

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Cardwell parkrun #399 – 33 participants
Fastest time: John Gillett (20:25)
Final finisher: Robyn Shipard (1:01:59)
PBs: 4 | First-timers: 9
Volunteers: Kerry Snell, Glenda Stahel, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Joshua Shipard, Robyn Shipard, Sophie Shipard, Will Ritchie

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Photos sourced with permission from the Cardwell & Palm Creek Facebook pages

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The A-Grade Game. Photo credit: Donna Macarone

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By Peter Reitano

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The Herbert River Crushers played their final home game of the season on the night of Saturday 15th August against Norths Thuringowa Devils.

The A-Grade team had their biggest win of the season, running out as winners with a staggering 56 – 14. With 4 tries to centre Jay Shipley-Barnes, and individual tries to second rower, William Trethaway, hooker Lachlan Erba, five eight Benn Campognolo, frontrower Cayde Miller and halfback and captain Dylan Gaggiano, while Gaggiano also kicked 7 goals.

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The Reserve Grade game was a lot closer with Norths just winning 20 – 16 in a tight tussle on the field. For the Crushers, tries were scored by fullback Jordan Westhoff, winger Jayden Smallwood and centre Jerramaine Nean, while halfback Bailey Skipper kicked 2 goals.

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In the Under 19’s game, the Crushers were first to score with a try to Rawire Bartlem in the 3rd minute, before Norths scored 2 converted tries to lead 12 – 4. In the 25th minute frontrower  Shaun Devietti barged over, and with halfback Hezekiah Nona’s conversion, the Crushers were down 12 – 10 with just 8 minutes to go in the 1st half.

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Unfortunately, the Norths scored twice more before halftime to lead 22 – 10 at the break.  Norths then scored 2 more tries to lead 32 – 10. The Crushers came back towards the end of the game with a try to winger Vandah Bann. Even with Bartlem’s 2nd try another conversion to Nona, with about 10 minutes to go in the match, the gap could not be bridged and the Norths held on to win 32 – 20.

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This weekend the Crushers will have their final games of the season in Townsville with the Under 19’s playing Centrals on Saturday at 3:00pm. Followed by the Reserves and A-Grade playing Souths at 2:00pm & 3:00pm respectively on Sunday.

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See more photos here: www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/crushers-win-big-in-a-grade-of-final-home-game-of-the-season

Paul Duff with a Red Throat Emperor Photo supplied: Cardwell Sportfishing Club

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Paul Duff reeled in this Red Throat Emperor that clearly shows the red throat of its name, to earn this week's Catch of the Week honours. Congratulations Paul, on a fantastic catch!

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Cardwell Sportfishing Club is affiliated with the Australian National Sportfishing Association Queensland (ANSA Qld).

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Do you want to flex your fishing skills in the newspaper? Send your fishing photo along with your name and what you caught to victoria@lifepublishinggroup.com and be featured in Catch of The Week!

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The first round of the Consistency Singles was played in ideal conditions, with a very fast green producing some competitive matches.

M. Owen defeated J. Johnson 157-124, while J. Casanovas recorded a 151-100 victory over M. Spano.

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D. Toomba also progressed with a 150-115 win against S. Ryan.

R. Horton advanced after J. Fenoglio was forced to retire due to injury, resulting in a forfeit.

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In the social game, Mrs Mac, M. Moore and J. Craven went down narrowly to D. Bull, A. Foti and E. Piotto, 16-15.

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(Contributed with thanks by Sandy Ryan)

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Ingham State High School congratulated House Captains, Noah and Amelia, along with Junior Secondary House Captain Chloe, for their outstanding leadership throughout the carnival. Photo source: Ingham State High School

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Ingham State High School’s Hinchinbrook Devils have been crowned the school’s 2026 Interhouse Athletics Champions following a day of spirited competition.

The Devils claimed a clean sweep of the trophies on offer, with House Captains Noah and Amelia, alongside Junior Secondary House Captain Chloe, praised for their leadership throughout the carnival.

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The school congratulated its Age Champions for their individual achievements, while also recognising every student who took to the track and field to represent their respective House.

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From running races and field events to the enthusiastic support from the sidelines, students contributed valuable points throughout the day while demonstrating determination and sportsmanship.

Ingham State High School Sport Coordinator Michael Hoyle, staff, officials, volunteers and supporters were also thanked for helping deliver the successful carnival, alongside the Herbert River Athletics Club for its support.

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The school said the efforts of students, staff and the wider school community helped create an unforgettable day of competition and House spirit.

With the Interhouse Athletics Carnival now wrapped up, students will have little time to rest before turning their attention to the next stage of competition.

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The Interschool Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 14th August, with Ingham State High School students set to once again represent their school as they take on athletes from across the district.

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The Under 10’s played their first carnival, pictured are teams from Tully and Herbert River. Photo Supplied  

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By Sian Bantock  

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Tully State High School Courts came alive on Sunday 9th August as it proudly hosted the 2026 River Cup; a fast-paced intense regional carnival that saw three netball communities go head-to-head.  

Teams representing Tully River, Herbert River and, Johnston River competed across multiple games over a few hours showcasing the emerging talent across the Far North.  

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Now in its 3rd year, the River Cup has become more than just a competition - it’s a celebration of regional netball that puts prospective players centre-stage to showcase what they can do.

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Tully Netball Association proudly hosted this year’s River Cup at the Tully State High Courts. They ran a rotating draw of four-quarter matches across the Under 10, 12, 14 and 16 divisions. Each team played twice, with the overall points tallied thus determining the winning association; this year Innisfail kept hold of the River Cup as two time winners.  

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Junior Coordinator Jane Nolan credits the Far North Queensland club to mentoring prospective talent.  

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“This is where the dream begins for the regional players” Jane said.  

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The Tully Netball club has a strong record of producing standout athletes including Sasha Flegler who grew up playing on the very courts where Sunday’s Carnival took place.  Sasha is now entering her third year playing for the Queensland Firebirds, one of the states premier netball team competing in Suncorp Super Netball.  

Katie-Ann Flegler, president of Tully Netball Association said the day perfectly captured everything special about community sport.

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“We welcomed Innisfail and Herbert river to Tully in the sunshine with some competitive netball - it was a great celebration of the game in the smaller regions,” Katie-Ann said.  

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Winners:

2024: Tully  

2025: Innisfail  

2026: Innisfail

All the winners from the 2025 Sportstar Awards. Photo credit: Sharon Fighera

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Do you know an athlete or Volunteer that needs recognition for their contribution to Sport in Ingham? With only 1 week to go, get your nominations in now. Nominations close on Tuesday 18th August, and no late nominations will be accepted.  

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Categories include:

Junior, Senior, and Masters Sportstar of the Year

Para Athlete of the Year  

Team of the Year  

Volunteer of the Year  

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Nomination forms available by QR Code or by the link: https://dub.sh/2026Sportstar  

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Come on Ingham let’s get behind our local sporting heroes. Nominees must reside in Ingham or represent an Ingham Club. We are looking for achievements from 1st September 2025 to 1st September 2026.  

An awards evening will be held at the Ingham RSL on Tuesday 25th August at 6:30pm. Tickets are available by contacting Sharon on 04 0290 2887 or by emailing sportstaringham@gmail.com

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This event would not be possible without the generous support from Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Hip Pocket Work Wear Ingham, Elders Ingham, Ingham Family Medical, Townsville Lime and Gypsum, Carey Group, L & W Repairs, Ingham Real Estate and Hinchinbrook Life. We thank those businesses for ensuring the 43rd Annual Sportstar of the Year Awards be held.  

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(Contributed with thanks by Sharon Fighera)

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Jen Abbs and her Spanish Mackerel. Photo supplied: Cardwell Sportfishing Club

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Jen Abbs landed this long Spanish Mackerel to earn this week's Catch of the Week honours. Congratulations Jen, on a fantastic catch!

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Cardwell Sportfishing Club is affiliated with the Australian National Sportfishing Association Queensland (ANSA Qld).

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