Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The May long weekend will see the Ingham Squash Courts become a hive of activity as players from across North Queensland compete in the Ingham Squash Club’s Northern Region Silver Junior Squash Tournament to be held over the Saturday and Sunday (2nd & 3rd) of the May weekend. This tournament is the final event in a 4-tournament series and will give players their last opportunity for selection in the Northern Region Redbacks team to compete at the Queensland Junior Squash Championships, which will be held during the June school holiday on the Gold Coast. In conjunction with the tournament, the Ingham Squash Club will celebrate the official opening of the newly air-conditioned courts with the attendance of the Honourable Member for Hinchinbrook, Mr Wayde Chiesa, and the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor, Mr Ramon Jayo. The Ingham Squash Club was successful in obtaining a Queensland Government grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for $90,000 to provide solar panels and air-conditioning of the squash courts and upgrading of light fixtures. The club is very honoured to have Mr Chiesa available to officially view the upgrades provided by that grant and to officially open the centre on behalf of the state government. The Squash Club has also been successful in obtaining from the Hinchinbrook Shire Council a local government Community Support Grant to assist with the running of the Junior Squash Tournament over the weekend, and this event will be officially opened by HSC Mayor, Mr Jayo. The club has received several grants over the past years to help with the running of Junior and Masters squash tournaments at the centre and the club is appreciative to have the Mayor attend the official opening. The official opening will take place at 9:30am, May 2, at the Ingham Squash Courts on McIllwraith Street. Members of the public are invited to attend and to stay and watch the top North Queensland junior squash players compete for selection in the Northern Redbacks Squash team. Contributed with thanks by Maureen Lahtinen, President of the Ingham Squash Club
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Residents across the region are being invited to reset, refocus and recharge at a free two-day workshop with Allan Parker, OAM, coming to Collinsville this May. Hosted by NQ Dry Tropics, the Regional Brain Reset workshop will be held on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May at the Opal Ridge Motel Conference Room. The event is designed to equip attendees with practical tools to better manage pressure, improve communication and maintain mental resilience—both on-farm and in everyday life. Across the two days, participants will learn how to reset their thinking using five simple steps aimed at cutting through noise, handling pressure more effectively and reading people more clearly. The workshop will also introduce three practical skills to help people talk about pressure early, without situations escalating. Attendees can also expect to gain straightforward habits to support long-term mental wellbeing, alongside strategies to stay level-headed when things don’t go to plan and keep conversations on track when it matters most. The workshop forms part of the Landholders Driving Change (LDC2) project, funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. The initiative focuses on supporting landholders and regional communities with practical skills and knowledge that extend beyond the paddock. With places limited, locals are encouraged to secure their spot early and take advantage of this opportunity to build resilience, strengthen communication skills and invest in their mental wellbeing. The Collinsville workshop is one of a series of events aimed at supporting regional Queenslanders, providing tools that can make a real difference both professionally and personally. To find out more, visit www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1564970?utm_content=416225772&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-87151812. What: Regional Brain Reset Workshop When: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May Where: Opal Ridge Motel Conference Room, Collinsville
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May marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage conversations, and take meaningful steps toward creating safer homes and communities for everyone. Domestic and family violence can impact people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. It often goes unseen, and many individuals and families experience it in silence. This month is an opportunity to shine a light on the issue, reduce stigma, and remind our community that help is available. In the Hinchinbrook Shire, we are committed to fostering a community where people feel safe, valued and empowered to seek assistance when they need it. At Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, we work alongside individuals and families who may be experiencing or have been impacted by domestic and family violence. We offer a range of services designed to meet people where they are, recognising that every person’s experience is different. Through a compassionate, person-centred approach, the Centre assists individuals to connect with appropriate services, counselling support, and guidance to safely navigate their circumstances. We offer support for adults, including court assistance for victim-survivors, recognising that both emotional recovery and navigating legal processes can be complex. Our approach is flexible and delivered through centre-based sessions or outreach within the community. Our aim is to create safe, welcoming environments where people can build confidence, develop coping strategies, and begin to heal from their experiences. Domestic and family violence prevention is not only about responding to crisis - it is also about education, early intervention, and building strong, respectful relationships within our community. By working together, we can create environments where people feel safe, heard, and respected. In recognition of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month this May, our Domestic Violence team will be hosting the Ingham Community Legal Service Expo. This initiative aims to raise awareness, provide accessible information, and strengthen community understanding around domestic and family violence. The Expo will offer an opportunity for community members to learn more about the supports available at the Hub, as well as connect with a range of community legal organisations working together to support safety, wellbeing, and justice within the Hinchinbrook region. If you or someone you know may benefit from support, we encourage you to reach out. Taking the first step can feel difficult, but you do not have to do it alone. Please contact Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre on 4776 1822 or email communitysupport@hcsc.org.au for more information. _________________________________________________________________________________ Designer notes: please put this segment below in a box with a red border around it. HEADING: For Those Seeking Support, There Are A Number Of Free And Confidential Services Available 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 Lifeline – 13 11 14 DVConnect Womensline – 1800 811 811 Women’s Legal Service QLD – 1800 957 957 Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277 Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre – 4776 1822 If you are in immediate danger, please call 000. To anyone experiencing domestic or family violence - you are not alone, and you deserve to feel safe, respected and supported. Help is available, and there are people who will walk alongside you when you’re ready.
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Caption: Photo credit: Palm Creek & Cardwell Parkrun Facebook pages
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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.
Photos sourced from Palm Creek and Cardwell Parkrun Facebook pages.
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.
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)
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.
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
By Victoria Velton
Even with Maraka prep, it was so good to see how many people still took the morning to get their Parkrun on. With many first-timers from out of town boosting numbers for both Parkruns or swapping to try out the other course, like my good friend Maria did.
he had a wonderful run in Cardwell before zipping back over the range to help me out as one of my float walkers for the parade in Ingham. She handed out sweets like a pro and I wanted to thank her again for her support.
Amazing work to all the Parkrun volunteers for making our courses so lively and special.
Parkrun Results: 25th October 2025
Palm Creek #96 – 30 participants
Fastest time: Jayson (20:50)
Final finisher: Bridgette (53:29)
PBs: Lacey (21:02), Helen (27:59), Amie (28:44), Judah (33:48), Victoria (33:52)
First-timers: Justin, Tegan, Martin, Terrie
Volunteers: Lynda Amisano, Tracey Castles, Sandra Coco, Ted Cogger, Bridgette Duffy
Cardwell #358 – 16 participants
Fastest time: Luke (22:00)
Final finisher: David (55:03)
First-timers: Peter of Dynamic Running, Simon, Bill, Jenny, Maria, Susan, Bovy
Volunteers: David Clarke, Judy Cloud, Jan Ferguson, Kerry Snell, Luke Tamblyn
Photos sourced from Cardwell Parkrun page.
Tom has been making a real impact on local tennis, coaching players of all ages and abilities. On Fridays, he works with groups of kids, carefully assessing their skill levels and using the appropriate ball colour for each group. His coaching runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and now Saturdays, giving young players plenty of opportunities to improve their game.
It is not just children who benefit. Tom also runs sessions for adults, combining tennis instruction with a fun way to stay active and fit. He also coaches in local schools, helping students develop essential hand-eye coordination through tennis.
For both kids and adults, tennis is more than just a sport. It helps build lifelong skills, confidence, and fitness under Tom’s guidance.
Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso
The Ingham Ladies Bowls Club Triples was played recently, and the results are in. The winning team was M. Owen, L. DiBella, and M. Moore, while the runners-up were G. Wright, J. Fenoglio, and I. Byrns.
The Cardwell Sportfishing Club’s Cairns Hardware Cardwell Barra Bonanza has wrapped up another spectacular weekend on the water, with over 300 barra caught amongst the 250 keen anglers.
Congratulations go to Marco, who landed the winning barra measuring an impressive 108 cm. He and his teammate Sam, competing under the team name 007, were thrilled to collect their prizes. Their success proves you don’t need a flashy boat to land a prize-winning barra.
The competition drew a strong field, with many anglers travelling to Cardwell, testing their luck and skill for top honours against the locals. Meanwhile, the Cardwell Coast Guard kept competitors fuelled, selling breakfast at the boat ramp at One Mile on both Friday and Saturday.
Another Barra Bonanza is in the books, celebrating great catches, community spirit, and the thrill of the hunt on the beautiful Cardwell coast.
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After years of battling devastating floods, the Herbert River Athletics Club has finally celebrated a season defined by growth instead of recovery.
For the first time in recent memory, the club escaped major flooding — a huge relief after countless seasons spent rescuing gear from rising waters at George Day Oval. Volunteers once worked through Christmas and Easter to move fridges, canteen supplies, and even the tractor to higher ground.
“It felt strange not having to check how high the water was getting this year,” a club representative said. “We could finally focus on the athletics instead of the weather.”
Although the old clubhouse still recorded over 2.4 metres of floodwater, the club’s new grounds remained dry. After quietly relaunching last year with 17 athletes, 2025 saw numbers more than double to 40 thanks to community support and the efforts of Media Officer Renee Poppi.
The club used the stable season to improve its facilities. Funding was secured to replace the sand in the long jump pits with plans for new covers, shade structures, and future field levelling.
A successful Come and Try Day in March kicked off the year, and despite wet weather, sessions continued indoors. From Term 2, training was split into two time slots, giving families more flexibility. The addition of Coach Shannon Reynolds brought structured sprint training for athletes aged 10 and over, adding professional guidance to the program.
Community partnerships also played a big role. Jason Brown and the Ingham State High School agriculture class returned with the GPS line-marking robot, ensuring perfectly marked fields. Volunteers were again the heart of the club, many helping in the canteen despite not having children involved.
Several athletes also achieved regional success, with Molly-Rose Gaggiano, Joshua Stagnitta-Gurnick, and Tilly Poppi qualifying to represent North Queensland at the Queensland School Sport Track and Field Championships in Townsville.
As the club looks ahead, optimism is high. “After everything this community has been through, to see the club thriving again is something really special,” a spokesperson said. “It feels like we’re finally back on track — in every sense.”
Herbert River Athletic Club - ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Awarded to: JOSHUA GURNICK-STAGNITTA
Josh broke the 13 yrs Long Jump and 13 yrs 100m record. Both records were from 1993 and the previous record holder was Graham Pether.
Herbert River Athletic Club – New Record Holders 2025
Ellyse Chiesa – 7 Years Girls High Jump – 90cm
Liam Ambrose – 7 Years Boys High Jump – 70cm
Joshua Gurnick-Stagnitta – 13 Years Boys 100m & Long Jump
Shannon Reynolds – Open Long Jump – 4.47m
MASKELL & BURNETT - CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR
Awarded to: RINA ZATTA
DOT HODGETT ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD
Awarded to: KURT ACCORNERO & SULLIVAN BLANCH
DEBORAH STRID - COURAGE & DEDICATION AWARD
Awarded to: TILLY POPPI
RON REID MEMORIAL SHIELD - QUIET ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Awarded to: LILY CHITTENDEN
GILLIAN MARANO ENCOURAGEMENT TROPHY
Awarded to: EVIE SPINA
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