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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The final of the Club Fours was played on Wednesday, 8 October. Congratulations to the winning team of Jan Johnson, Trudie Mawson, Kay Rotondo and Marie Owen. The runners-up were Nola Mammarella, Maria Moore, Luisa DiBella and Elsa Piotto.
This past week, a group of enthusiastic kids took part in Thursday afternoon squad tennis. The sessions focus on developing hitting technique and building confidence through fun, fast-paced games that keep everyone moving. Despite a few showers on the day, the group made the most of it—moving into the hall to rally with mini nets before heading back outside once the rain cleared.
The squad is a great way for kids to stay active, improve their coordination, and enjoy the social side of tennis as the year winds down.
It’s not too late to join in and finish the year on a high note. To register your interest for this afternoon, for future sessions, or to find out more, contact Coach Tom Casey on 0413 199 702 or reach out to the club.
(Contributed with thanks by Geoff Caso)
By Victoria Velton
Though I wasn’t there to run this week due to my Maraka Queen duties, you can bet I was still cheering you all on in my heart. I hate having to miss a Parkrun, but I know you all kept up with each other and supported one another.
It was amazing to see Merlin stop in at Palm Creek Parkrun, he’s running all the way from Cape York to Tasmania. What a journey!
Parkrun Results: 18th October 2025
Palm Creek #95 – 18 participants
Fastest time: Merlin (21:51)
Final finisher: Maria (59:32)
First-timers: Merlin, Jordan, Nikki of Red Earth Running, Tiffany
Volunteers: Maria Bertocchi, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso, Donna Panzenbock, Steven Veltmeyer
Cardwell parkrun #357 – 14 participants
Fastest time: Scott of the Bush Turkey Track Club (22:46)
Final finisher: Judith (52:41)
PBs: Karen (32:51), Mark (42:36)
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Louise Broadbent, Judith Clarke, Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson, Scott Perry, Kerry Snell
Queensland families have shown overwhelming support for the Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program, with the first round now closed.
The initiative, which provides vouchers valued at up to $200, was designed to ease cost of living pressures while encouraging more young Queenslanders to get active in sport.
The Government has committed $62.5 million each year for four years to fund the program, ensuring families across the state can access financial support for children aged between five and 17 years to join sporting clubs and activities.
The program has been warmly welcomed, with families already putting the vouchers to use. With a second round of vouchers to open in January 2026, giving more Queensland families the chance to benefit.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander, said the strong take-up demonstrates the importance of sport in Queensland communities.
“The strong demand for the first-round highlights how important sport is to Queensland families,” Minister Mander said.
“It’s fantastic to know that more kids will be getting on the court or the field with the help of their Play On! Sports Voucher.
“This program has specifically targeted kids in every town, city and region of the state, and I’m particularly proud that every child with a disability who applied will receive a voucher to get involved in sport.”
For more details about the program and future application rounds, families can visit www.qld.gov.au/playon.
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Venables Glass and Home Solutions hosted a charity golf day at Ingham Golf Club to raise funds for Palliative Care. It was a bustling time on the green and in the Clubhouse.
Overall winners were: J. DiBella & M. Hoyle
Runners Up were: C. Melton & R. Black
Last Place: N. Venturato & R. Rudderford
Prizes were awarded on each of the 14 holes for either Closest to the Pin or Longest Drive. The recipients were:
Christine Vella x 3
Colleen Mikkelson x 2
Emma Perkins
Shenee Seri
Mick Poggioli
Aurelio Mason
Jayden Swarbrick
Ian Swarbrick
Chris Melton
Cam West
Raffle Prizes went to:
1st: Jodie Smith
2nd: Jordan DiBella
3rd: Colleen Mikkelson
4th: Grant Smith
$100 Board winners were:
Aurelio Mason
Colleen Mikkelson
(Contributed with thanks by Joey Venables & Jane Carne)
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The Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Carnival took place over the 11th and 12th October weekend, bringing together clubs and competitors from across the region. Athletes of all ages battled the waves and sand in a range of surf lifesaving events, including sprints, surf races, board races and relays.
The atmosphere was electric, with families, friends and community members cheering on participants throughout both days. Forrest Beach proved a fun and spectacular setting, with perfect weather, skills and endurance of all competitors were tested out on the beach. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and a special thanks to the volunteers and organisers for making the carnival such a success.
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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