Palm Creek parkrun #137 – 32 participants

Fastest time: Jayson Catasti (18:59)
Final finisher: Matteo Mancuso (59:00)
PBs: 6 | First timers: 11
Volunteers: Julie Mac Pherson, Kelly Krumin, Maria Bertocchi, Matteo Mancuso, Bridgette Duffy, Debbie Douglas

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Cardwell parkrun #398 – 22 participants

Fastest time: Simon Merritt (18:23)
Final finisher: Judith Clarke (1:03:59)
PBs: 1 | First timers: 10
Volunteers: Anita Davina, Marcus Ritchie, Jan Ferguson, David Clarke, Judith Clarke, Michaela Reece, Tracey Wood

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Photos sourced with permission from the Cardwell Parkrun Facebook page

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Palm Creek parkrun #136 – 30 participants
Fastest time: Robin Rishworth (22:33)
Final finisher: Kelly Krumin (58:01)
PBs: 3 | First timers: 5
Volunteers: Julie Mac Pherson, Robin Rishworth, Erin Cerutti, V Velton, Matteo Mancuso, Kelly Krumin, Bridgette Duffy

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Cardwell parkrun #397 – 22 participants
Fastest time: Scott Perry (20:30)
Final finisher: Matthew Gardiner (57:54)
PBs: 0 | First timers: 0
Volunteers: Kellie Ball, Jake Ball, Jan Ferguson, Terry McDonald, Matthew Gardiner, Rachelle Warlond, Dave Ball, Kerry Snell

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

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Herbert River Jockey Club and Atherton Turf Club have secured funding from the latest round of Racing Queensland's Country Club Asset Funding program. Photo source: Herbert River Jockey Club

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Country racing clubs across the Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast regions are set to benefit from the latest round of Racing Queensland's Country Club Asset Funding (CCAF) program, with the Herbert River Jockey Club and Atherton Turf Club among 33 clubs across the state to receive funding for infrastructure upgrades.

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The Government has announced $3 million will be invested in 41 projects across regional Queensland, with clubs contributing almost $350,000 towards the works. Locally, the Herbert River Jockey Club will receive funding to install new tie-up stalls, while the Atherton Turf Club will upgrade its starting gates, helping improve safety and facilities for race days.

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The funding program supports a range of infrastructure improvements across Queensland, including judges' facility upgrades, new jockey and stewards' facilities, stabling projects and running rail installations.

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Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said the investment demonstrated the State Government's commitment to the long-term future of country racing.

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"The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the State's country racing clubs with a pipeline of vital infrastructure projects," Mr Mander said.

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"Country racing is at the heart of so many regional Queensland communities, and this funding will continue to deliver jobs, infrastructure improvements and community benefits across the State."

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Racing Queensland Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said regional racing remained a significant contributor to Queensland's economy.

"Recent independent data shows our industry generated more than $2.5 billion in value-added contribution to the Queensland economy in FY25, with 52 per cent directly benefiting regional economies," Mr Murray said.

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"The Country Club Asset Funding program helps ensure almost 14,000 full-time racing jobs across the State remain sustainable while supporting clubs to maintain and improve their facilities."

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Dylan Crema on the 1st place podium as he celebrates becoming two-time World Champion at the Adaptive Crossfit Games 2026. Photo Supplied  

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Dylan Crema has successfully defended his championship title in this year’s Adaptive CrossFit Games.  

Held in San Jose, California from 24th-26th July, the event saw over 325 adaptive athletes from 34 nations compete across multiple divisions in a demanding 3-day schedule.

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The games gather the world’s best athletes who compete across the weekend in series of workouts designed to test strength, endurance, mobility, coordination and resilience.  

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Dylan, originally from Tully, was born with Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome (VCFS) which is a genetic disorder caused by a missing segment on chromosome 22q11. Because of this, Dylan has lived with a range of associated health issues including intellectual disability, low music tone and heart complications.  

In 2019, Dylan fell in love with CrossFit when his carer and coach Tracee Tozer encouraged him to take part.  

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Just 6 years later, Dylan debut on the world stage in the 2025 Adaptive CrossFit games, held in Las Vegas, where he won his first World Championship in the Intellectual Division (with Chromosomal condition).

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This year, Dylan carried the added weight of returning as the defending champion.  

“There was definitely more pressure this time knowing I was the defending champion, but I just focused on each event and gave it everything I had. To stand on top again and know that all the hard work had paid off is an amazing feeling,” said Dylan Crema.

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Dylan had a strong support team in place with mum Maria Crema, by his side.  

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“Going back-to-back and winning the World Championship for the second year in a row was, in many ways, even more special than winning for the first time,” Maria said.

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“The first win was an incredible and unexpected achievement, but coming back the following year with the pressure of defending his title and managing to do it was an amazing feeling.”

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Dylan’s preparation was reinforced by a wide support network.  

“His sister Maddie was his coach throughout the competition, and the support from family, friends, and the wider community from afar played a huge role in helping him push through and perform at his best.” Said Maria Crema  

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Now a two-time champion, Dylan will return home to prepare for his next challenge.  

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“I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes next,” Dylan said.

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Image source: NRL Imagery

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By Sian Bantock

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Local star Romy Teitzel recently celebrated a milestone 50th NRLW game with the Brisbane Broncos in Wagga Wagga, in which the team won 34-4 against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

Born in Townsville but raised in Tully, Romy credits her success on the field to her deep rural roots and her junior club The Tully Tigers, who run entirely on volunteers.  

“I feel super proud, and a little bit lost to words” Romy said.  

“It’s unbelievable I’ve been able to reach 50 games.”  

At 27, Romy has become not only a strong female leader in sport but an inspiration to all young children from rural towns, standing as a shining example of how to use your background to your advantage.  

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Romy Teitzel: From Tully Tigers to Brisbane Broncos  

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Brisbane Broncos star Romy Teitzel, 27, has just celebrated her 50th NRLW game in a fast-paced thrilling clash with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Sunday 2nd August.  

Born in Townsville but raised in Tully, Romy credits her success to the support of her local community; particularly her junior club; the Tully Tigers.  

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“The biggest thing is: growing up in a small community you don’t realise how many people play a part in [your journey], from the volunteers to coaches to even your best mates. They help you become this great athletes”

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Growing up Romy threw herself into every sporting club she could, but even though rugby seemed to be in her DNA, she never imagined playing professionally. Her whole family were big supporters of the local Rugby league club including her father Craig Teitzel who played for the North Queensland Cowboys.  

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Coming from a smaller town means sporting success takes another layer of commitment; being away from family, travelling further distances for competitions or carnivals and investing enough time into practice to make it all worthwhile.  

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“It feels a bit of a hassle, or a sacrifice, to travel but it builds resilience and builds better athletes. You appreciate things a bit better.”

After her training with the Tully Tigers, Romy relocated to Townsville for university and joined the Western Lions.  

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“It wasn’t a professional sport for females, but I was happy playing sport socially. I was down in uni at James cook and I just I did it for fun. Ever since that comp and team, I haven’t looked back.” Romy said.  

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“I didn’t think this would happen. It’s not often you see athletes or big names come out of small communities. It seemed out of reach; it wasn’t on my radar.”

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Romy went on to sign with the Brisbane Broncos in 2020, but like many others, her dreams were put on pause when COVID hit.  She went on to spend two seasons with the Newcastle Knights before returning home to the Brisbane Broncos in 2023 at age 24.

Round 5 of the NRLW premiership was the perfect field for marking Romy Teitzel’s 50th game.  

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“It’s unbelievable I’ve been able to reach 50 games. I played rugby league for fun. I’m very lucky that that’s how I feel taking the field each week

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“I’m very proud of the young girl from Tully that has played 50 games in the NRLW. Looking back there’s going to be a lot of young girls that hopefully can get some inspiration from this”

Ahead of her milestone game Romy made sure to send a special message of support to her Junior team The Tully Tigers.  

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“The under 13 Tully tigers made the grand finale - which is special. If I can play a little part in [inspiring] what they love doing then I've done my part.”

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With 50 games now under her belt Romy is a prime example of allowing yourself to dream big- as wherever you come from, you can achieve anything.  

Romy will continue to represent the Brisbane Broncos into the 2027 calendar and looks forward to playing more games at this elite level.  

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Jen Abbs and her Coral Trout. Photo supplied: Cardwell Sportfishing Club

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Jen Abbs landed this impressive Coral Trout to earn this week's Catch of the Week honours. Congratulations Jen, on a fantastic catch!

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

By Peter Reitano

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The Herbert River Crushers travelled to Townsville on Saturday to take on Western Lions in the top two grades.

The Crushers opened the scoring in the A-Grade clash when hooker Lachlan Erba crossed in the ninth minute. Halfback and captain Dylan Gaggiano converted to give Herbert River an early 6–0 lead. Western Lions responded with four converted tries to take a commanding 24–6 advantage into the halftime break.

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The Lions extended their lead to 30–6 before five-eighth Benn Campagnolo crossed for a try, with Gaggiano adding the extras. A frenetic final 15 minutes then unfolded, with Western Lions pushing their lead out to 30 points before the Crushers mounted a spirited comeback. Second tries to Erba and Campagnolo, along with a try to winger Junior Dau, all converted by Gaggiano, reduced the margin to just six points with two minutes remaining. Unfortunately, the Crushers were unable to bridge the gap, eventually going down 36–30.

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An undermanned Reserve Grade side was unable to match a full-strength Western Lions outfit, with the home side claiming a 50–6 victory. The Crushers' sole try was scored by winger Ryan Wyles, with fullback Hezekiah Nona adding the conversion.

The Crushers' final home game of the season will be played on Saturday, August 15, against Norths Devils, before they wrap up the regular season against Souths the following weekend.

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The Under 19s can secure a top-four finish and a place in the finals with a win over Norths. Supporters are encouraged to get to the grounds early to cheer on the young Crushers as they chase a finals berth.

The day will also feature the club's annual Sponsors Day, with each sponsor invited to have two representatives attend the official function.

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Winning team: J Johnson, D Tomba & M Owen

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Runners Up: N Mammarella, I Byrns & A Burns

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Ingham FC Junior Wolves player blocking the ball from an enclosing, opposing team, during the 2025 Junior Football Carnival. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa is reminding the community that the next round of Play On! Sport Vouchers opened on Monday 27th July, helping to make sure that cost isn't what keeps local kids on the sidelines.

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Mr Chiesa said the Play On! Sport Vouchers program will help more kids enjoy the benefits of community sport.

"We've already seen 1,288 local children benefit from the program, and that's a fantastic outcome for Hinchinbrook families,” Mr Chiesa said.

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"For many parents, the cost of registration can make it harder or unaffordable to get their kids involved in sport. These vouchers help ease the pressure.

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"This is also about strengthening the local clubs and volunteers that are essential to communities. Whether it's football on a Saturday morning, netball after school or swimming at the local pool, community sport is a big part of growing up in Hinchinbrook.”

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Ingham FC President Andy Towner said the vouchers were making a real difference for local families.

“The Play On! Sports vouchers have been valuable in many ways. Ingham Football Club has seen approximately 150 vouchers used to help families access representative and social soccer in 2026,” Mr Towner said.

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“The increased participation of children and families in our Junior Soccer space has enabled the club to nominate many teams in the Northern Coles Miniroos and Northern Community Juniors competitions in Townsville and surrounds.  

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“The vouchers have helped our club to grow in numbers, something that every small-town club strives to do. These sporting opportunities help and allow our children to grow and develop physical skills, teamwork, communication and sportsmanship.

“The vouchers ease the cost pressures for parents while allowing our children to participate, learn to be part of a team, stay active and in some cases, try a new sport.”

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The program has helped 1,288 local children participate in community sport through 21 activity providers across the Hinchinbrook. The vouchers are valued up to $200 and help to reduce membership, fees and participation costs for children aged between 5 and 17.

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Acting Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Andrew Powell said the program has been embraced by Queensland families.

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“It’s exactly why we’ve locked in funding for the program, with $62.5 million for the next four years,” Minister Powell said.

“It’s great to see strong uptake of the vouchers from the Cape to the Cassowary Coast, as well as more girls and children with disability using their vouchers to participate in sport.”  

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For more information: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/playon

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A stream of cyclists dressed in bright pink rolled into Ingham on Thursday as part of the 26th annual Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride, stopping in the Hinchinbrook Shire on the first day of their 374-kilometre journey to raise funds for childhood cancer research.  

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Covering the distance from Townsville to Cairns over three days, the ride unites cyclists, volunteers and local clubs in a shared mission to improve outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer. Since its beginning, the ride has raised more than $8 million for the Children's Cancer Institute, with this year's event aiming to add a further $300,000 to that total.

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Read more here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/article/pink-socks-pink-knickers-and-a-powerful-cause

Gene Shepherd with his Giant Trevally. Photo supplied: Cardwell Sportfishing Club

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The Cardwell Sportfishing Club has plenty to celebrate, with members not only recording an impressive variety of fish species but also climbing to the top of the Australian National Sportfishing Association Queensland (ANSA Qld) club rankings.

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The club has been encouraging members to catch and record as many different species as possible, and the friendly competition is already delivering outstanding results.

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A club spokesperson said the enthusiasm shown by members had seen the club achieve an incredible milestone early in the season.

"In less than one month we have just over half of the total species that we caught for the entire 2025-26 year," the spokesperson said.

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The club has been encouraging members to catch and record as many different species as possible, and the friendly competition is clearly paying off. Great catch Gene!

Cardwell Sportfishing Club is affiliated with the Australian National Sportfishing Association Queensland (ANSA Qld) - www.ansaqld.com.au

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Wendy Duff 1st place winner, Red Throat Emperor - Fish of the month. Photo supplied

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For The Period June 29 To July 26, 2026

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Meritorious Catches

Estuary: Callan Ihle - Fingermark 670  
Reef: Jen Abbs Coral - Trout 510  
Pelagic: Greg Abbs - Mackerel 1170  

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Trophy Fish

Senior Male: Gene Shepherd - Trevally (93cm) 163 Pts  
Senior Female: Jodie Morgan - Trevally (64cm) 134 pts  

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Champion Female Angler

Champion: Jodie Morgan - 580 Points  
Runner-Up: Wendy Duff - 559 Points  

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Champion Male Angler  

Champion: Gene Shepherd - 601 Points  
Runner-Up: Greg Abbs - 585 Points  

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Champion Angler YTD

Junior: Nate Ihle - 442 Pts  
Senior Male: John Andrejic - 3037 Pts | Stan Skeates - 2855 Pts  
Senior Female: Wendy Duff - 2046 Pts | Deb Clancy - 1701 Pts

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Target Species for July 2026:

River – Whiting, for a $100 voucher from Tully Tackle World  
Junior winner: No entries in the June river comp so the jackpot will be $200.  

Reef – Red Throat Emperor, $200 voucher from Tully Tackle World  
Third – Paul Duff - 41 cm  
Second - Gene Shepherd - 44 cm  
Winner – Wendy Duff - 46 cm  
Junior winner: No entries in the June reef comp so the jackpot $350.

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Species for August 2026:

Reef: Coral Trout $100 Senior Jackpot to $350 for Juniors  
River: Fingermark $200 Senior Jackpot to $250 for Juniors  

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ANSA Species challenge for this year is now up and running!

Cardwell are off to a great start, and the leader board is changing daily with Hinchinbrook, Cairns and Sunshine Coast all vying for first place – early days.  

Current Standings:
Cardwell 45  
Sunshine Coast 45  
Hinchinbrook 43  

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Club 6 Species Challenge Leader Board

Mackerel - Sean How Kee: Feb 26 - 1130 (Spanish) | Greg Abbs: July 26 - 1170 (Spanish)  
Emperor - Sean How Kee: Feb 26
Coral Trout - Sean How Kee: Feb 26 – 640
Threadfin Salmon - Nate Ihle: Feb 26 | Callan Ihle: March 26
Mangrove Jack - John Andrejic: Feb 26 – 410 | John Andrejic: March 26 – 450
Grunter - Nate Ihle: Feb 26 |Callan Ihle: March 26 |Rod Stewart: March 26  

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Next Month: Fishing Monday, 27th July to Saturday, 29th August with Presentations on Sunday, August 30^th, 2026. Remember, take photos of all capture and send them to fishing@cardwellsportfishingclub.com.au and take your brag mat and photos when you go outside our area, and send them in.

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(Contributed with thanks by the Cardwell Sportfishing Club)

Juniors on the court: Photo supplied by: Geoff Caso

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A group of Ingham Junior Tennis participants paused for a photo during their Friday afternoon session. Children from as young as three years old enjoyed learning new skills and developing their hand-eye coordination through a range of tennis activities.

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

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Palm Creek parkrun #135 – 30 participants
Fastest time: Julian Lee (18:51)
Final finisher: Matteo Mancuso (56:40)
PBs: 5 | First timers: 2
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Julie Mac Pherson, Kelly Krumin, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso

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Cardwell parkrun #396 – 32 participants
Fastest time: Damien Messmer (16:04)
Final finisher: Desiree Lake (56:47)
PBs: 2 | First timers: 14
Volunteers: Kellie Ball, Terry McDonald, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Desiree Lake, Dave Ball, Jake Ball, Kerry Snell

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By Peter Reitano

The Herbert River Crushers experienced a tough weekend away, losing to Burdekin in the A-Grade on Saturday, while the Under 19s went down to Brothers in Townsville on Sunday.

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In the A-Grade match, the Crushers were without captain Dylan Gaggiano and hooker Kurtis Solari. The game was evenly contested in the first half before Burdekin pulled away in the second half to claim a 36–16 victory. For the Crushers, tries were scored by centre Kyle Stewart, five-eighth Benn Campagnolo and winger Junior Dau, while Lachlan Erba kicked two goals.

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In the Under 19s, Brothers proved too strong for the Crushers, winning 40–6. The Crushers' sole try was scored by five-eighth and captain Mitchell Maher, with the conversion added by halfback Hezekiah Nona.

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The Crushers' A-Grade and Reserve Grade teams are set to take on Western Lions at Western Lions Park in Heatley on Saturday from 3pm.

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