The volunteers at Coast Guard Cardwell QF23 have once again been reminded of the generosity of their local community, receiving two recent donations that will go a long way in helping keep boaties safe on the water.

On the 20th of August, QF23 shared their appreciation for the Cardwell Op Shop, which has supported the Coast Guard for many years. The flotilla acknowledged not only the financial contribution but also the incredible volunteer effort behind the fundraising.

"Your donation supports us to help boaties who get into trouble on the water. We especially appreciate this help as we know the huge volunteer effort that raised these funds,” a spokesperson said.

Just a few days later, another act of kindness added to the Coast Guard’s gratitude. Local identity Terry Metcalfe, well known for playing his euphonium around town, presented a $610 donation alongside his wife, Sue. The money came from community members and visitors who generously drop coins and notes into Terry’s music case as he performs at the markets, along Victoria Street, and just about everywhere in between.

Ken English from QF23 was delighted to receive the donation and thanked the Metcalfes for their ongoing support.

“Generous donations like this help us to come to the rescue of Boaties who have found themselves in a fix,” he said.

Terry, whose music has become part of Cardwell’s character, gives the money he raises to local not-for-profit organisations whose hardworking volunteers contribute to the well-being of the community.

Whether it’s the steady fundraising efforts of the Op Shop or the joyful notes of a euphonium drifting through town, these contributions make a real difference. Coast Guard Cardwell QF23 says they are deeply grateful for the support, which helps ensure they can continue their vital role assisting those who run into trouble at sea.

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By Victoria Velton

Ingham came alive over the weekend as the Ingham FC 2025 Junior Carnival brought together hundreds of young players, families, and supporters for a celebration of soccer and community spirit. The annual event, held across the club’s home grounds, saw teams from across the region take part in a full schedule of games, giving juniors the chance to showcase their skills in a fun and competitive environment.

From the under-6s taking their first steps on the field to the older age groups displaying impressive teamwork and talent, the carnival offered something for everyone. Coaches and parents praised the players for their energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship, while crowds enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with colour and excitement.

The club ensured the day was more than just soccer, with food stalls, raffles, and plenty of entertainment adding to the festive feel. Volunteers and organisers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, making the event a great success and highlighting the strong community spirit at the heart of Ingham FC.

As the final whistle blew on a memorable carnival, organisers reflected proudly on another successful year, already looking ahead to 2026 when the event will return bigger and better.

Photo credit Victoria Velton

Find the social Pics here: https://tinyurl.com/2afc7l5y

Hi parkrunners, I am trying out a new style for the results this week, so let me know if you like it by next week's parkrun. I wanted to get as many names in there as Parkrun doesn't 'run' without all of you participating; you all deserve as much credit as I can give in this weekly report.

For Palm Creek, we were packed with 27 runners and walkers. I am so proud of myself and everyone who achieved PBs at both Palm Creek and Cardwell, it must have been the weekend for pushing ourselves to the limit, there were 7 PBs all up. In Cardwell, it was a smaller group, running on a warmer winter morning. Huge congratulations to Jake on completing his 300th parkrun and to the volunteers for making Saturday mornings so enjoyable.

Parkrun Results: 23rd August 2025

Palm Creek #87 – 27 participants
Fastest time: 19:39 (PB) | Final finisher: 57:18
PBs: Julian (19:39), Aaron (25:37), Victoria (35:54), Lynda (50:55), Mandy (52:09)
First timers: Caden (26:57), Jodie (31:48), Philip (40:47), Mandy (52:03)
Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Donna Panzenbock, Joshua Shipard, Robyn Shipard, Sophie Shipard, Steven Veltmeyer

Cardwell #349 – 12 participants
Fastest time: 25:12 | Final finisher: 48:00
PBs: Davina (28:54), Fiona (41:01)
First timers: Fay (47:50)
Volunteers: Dave Ball, Jake Ball, Kellie Ball, Zoe Ball, David Clarke, Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson

On 20th August, the ladies from Noorla, Macknade, and Ingham competed for the prestigious Ingham Trophy. Each club fielded two triples teams, and every team played two games against each of the other clubs.

After a day of competitive and spirited play, the Ingham Ladies emerged as the champions. Congratulations to the team on their impressive performance!

Final Results:
Ingham: 3 rink wins, +53
Macknade: 2 rink wins, +51
Noorla: 1 rink win, +35

The event showcased not only skill and strategy but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship that make ladies’ bowls such a highlight in the Hinchinbrook community.

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The Cardwell and District Pickleball Club currently uses the tennis courts in Cardwell. After months of heavy rain, the courts had fallen into disrepair and become heavily affected by mould. The club successfully secured a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, along with additional support from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, to resurface the courts. This work was completed in July, leaving the courts looking revitalised and ready for play.

Further support came from the local Bendigo Bank, which provided a grant to supply club members with t-shirts. The shirts were designed and produced by Glen Hussey of Fish Feen.

The club meets on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons from 3:30pm, with sessions open to anyone interested in trying the fast-growing sport of pickleball. Paddles are supplied, and participants are encouraged to bring sneakers, a hat, sunscreen and water.

Pickleball is also gaining traction in Ingham, where the Ingham Tennis Association hosts Monday night sessions. The sport caters to all ages, with both parents and children encouraged to join in the fun.

Contributed with thanks by Sue Metcalfe, Secretary CDPC, and Geoff Caso of the Ingham Tennis Association.

Ingham local Carla Pizzi has made her mark in both state and regional lawn bowls competitions this month, achieving career-first milestones and bringing home a trio of medals. Representing Noorla Bowls Club, Pizzi showcased her determination and skill on two major stages, proving her place among the best in the game.

At the Bowls Queensland State Multi Disability Championships, held from 4–7 August, Pizzi competed in the Open Life Stream category across Singles and Pairs. In an emotional breakthrough, she secured her first-ever medal in Singles, winning bronze. She followed this achievement with a silver medal in the Open Life Stream Pairs, teaming up with Kaye Freeman from Cleveland Bowls Club. For Pizzi, who had never before reached the Singles podium, the bronze marked a special personal victory and a sign of her growing confidence on the green.

Just days later, Pizzi travelled to Townsville to compete in the North Queensland District Ladies Bowls Association Championships from 14–18 August. The event drew 48 competitors from Cairns to Yeppoon, all vying for regional glory. Pizzi dominated her section, advancing to the quarter finals after a tight 21–20 match. She carried her momentum into the semi-final, winning convincingly 21–13, before sealing the title with a 21–17 victory in the final to become the NQDLBA Singles Champion.

Reflecting on her success, Pizzi admitted she was still in disbelief. “I still can’t believe I won the Singles,” she said after the final.

Her victories not only highlight her individual resilience and consistency but also reflect the strength of community bowls in the Hinchinbrook region. Noorla Bowls Club is celebrating her remarkable run, expressing immense pride in her dedication and achievements.

With a bronze, a silver, and now a Singles championship to her name in just one month, Carla Pizzi has truly cemented herself as a rising force in Queensland bowls.

By Victoria Velton

Both parkruns were quite busy this past Saturday morning, with Cardwell stealing the show thanks to a magnificent sunrise. They also welcomed a huge influx of visitors this week, with the ratio of locals to newcomers being 4 to 7. Palm Creek saw runners going out in groups, and it was definitely a weekend for prams and dogs at both courses.

At Palm Creek, there were 2 newcomers and 5 PBs, while at Cardwell, there were 7 newcomers and 1 PB. A visitor from the running club "Girls Run This Town" joined the event amongst the newbies, and newcomers took the top three finishing spots.

Park Run Results: 16th August 2025

Palm Creek #86 – 25 participants
Fastest time: 20:49 | Finishers time: 49:36
Volunteers: Maria Bertocchi, Sandra Coco, Ted Cogger, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso

Cardwell #348 – 11 participants
Fastest time: 28:04 | Finishers time: 44:10
Volunteers: Anita Davina, Jan Ferguson, Matthew Gardiner, Lyndel Weare, Ward Weare

The Club Open Triples were finalised last Wednesday, in a very close game where the lead changed several times. The team of Maria Spano, Judy Fenoglio and Norma Evans narrowly defeated Ky Rotondo, Jan Craven and Sandy Ryan 19-16.

In the Consistency game, Marie Owen defeated Elas Piotto 151-119. With Social play seeing N.Mamarella, A.Foti, J.Casanovas vs. J.Johnson, D.Tomba, G.Wright 21-10. J.Bell, M.Moore, T.Mawson, E.Piotto vs. A.Arkink, I.Byrns, B.Eddleston, L.DiBella 22-8.

Congratulations to the Gilroy Santa Maria College girls at the Opens Girls on their undefeated victory at the Townsville Secondary Schools Cricket Cup.

The team played with determination and strong camaraderie throughout the day, proving unstoppable from the first ball to the final over.

A special mention goes to Summer, who scored 32 runs off just nine balls — an impressive performance made even more memorable as it came on her birthday.

It was a standout display of teamwork and talent, and a proud moment for the players and their supporters alike.

Photos sourced: Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham Facebook page.

Two promising juniors from the Ingham Tennis Association recently travelled to Bowen to take part in the Bowen Barty Cup, a popular junior competition that attracts strong talent from across the region. Representing Ingham with pride were Miles and Halle, who both showed great determination and skill on the Bowen courts.

Halle’s efforts were especially rewarded, as she came away with a well-earned victory in the doubles division, showcasing not only her ability but also her teamwork and composure under pressure. While Miles did not secure a title this time, his performances were full of energy and promise.

The trip was a valuable experience for both players, giving them the opportunity to test themselves against tough opposition and continue developing their game.

By Victoria Velton

At Palm Creek, it was a bright and fresh morning for our 20 parkrunners, with a gentle breeze making the course all the more enjoyable. Welcoming three newcomers to the Palm Creek track, two from Team Veteran, four PBs were recorded, including the Fastest timer.

Down on the foreshore, 22 parkrunners took to the scenic path under cool, clear skies. Joined by a great mix of locals and visitors, no doubt in town for the UFO festival, with six newcomers stepping onto the course for the first time. Four PBs were also achieved with the encouragement and energy from everyone, creating a morning that reminded us why we love parkrun: fresh air, great company and a shared sense of achievement.

Park Run Results: 8th August 2025

Palm Creek #85 – 20 participants
Fastest time: 20:08 | Finishers time: 1:00:40
Volunteers: Lynda Amisano, Sandra Coco, Bridgette Duffy, Julie Mac Pherson, Matteo Mancuso, Simon Niam

Cardwell #347 – 22 participants
Fastest time: 23:42 | Finishers time: 56:45
Volunteers: David Clarke, Bruce Ferguson, Jan Ferguson, John Gillett, Kerry Snell, Ward Weare

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Photos sourced from Cardwell Parkrun Facebook page.

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The newly formed Burdekin River Women's Rugby League team showed on Saturday, 2nd August, in Charters Towers just why they could be a force in this year's RLTD women's premiership race.

When both the Herbert River and Burdekin Rugby Leagues had trouble fielding teams in the RLTD ladies competition, it was decided to try a combined team known as Burdekin River with their own sponsors and colours. It has been a success with the team running fourth and very near the top sides, Centrals and Western Lions.

On the 2nd, playing without two star players, Townsville representative Martina Monday and last year's Queensland Country player Toni Daisy, the team had a big win over Charters Towers in the western city by 42 to 18.

The team last Saturday was well led by the halves in Inghams' Paige Horvat and the Burdekins' Abby King. Paige at five eight is a class footballer, and when she decides to go, she is poetry in motion. Paige scored two tries herself, and with Abby was the perfect linchpin for the outside backs. Abby is very quick with a good step, whilst also being a top defender.

Both Paige and Abby crossed for two tries each, but the player who stood out on the score sheet was Tania Krutzfeldt, who crossed for three tries, and they were not gimmes. Tania, a Blackhawk U19 player this season, showed good hands with anticipation to cross.

Every good team has good bookends up front, and this one is not an exception, with Rebekah Pace and Sarah Castles doing the hard work. Another to stand out was Joeleen O'Niell in the centres, with lock Tanley Rowe. The combined team showed they can defend as well as attack.

They led 26 to 6 at the break when the Lady Miners started a comeback second half, scoring 12 points. The visitors then regathered their thoughts and finished the game off by scoring 12 points of their own to record a good, decisive win.

Try scorers for Burdekin River: Tania Krutzfeldt (3), Abby King (2), Paige Horvat (2), Julea Farry (1), Tanley Rowe (1).
Goals: Rebecca Pace (3)

The Burdekin River played the Bowen Seagulls in Ayr on Saturday, 9th August and won with a final score of 80 - 8.

Wednesday 6th saw perfect conditions for our Carnival day. 50 players from Ingham, Macknade, Noorla and 6 southern visitors compete in an event sponsored by Keita Construction.

Mrs Rita Phillips was there to present the prizes to the winners: Diane Tomba, Steve Finn, Nigel Craven, who had 2 wins, score plus 26, defeating J.Johnson, J.Leach, L.Molochino, J.Fenoglio 15/3 and C.Ford, C.Hewitt, R.Peterson, T.Rhodes 16/2.

Runners up: Irene Byrns, Jim McLeish, Joey Di Bella, Luisa Di Bella 2 wins, plus 10 defeating G.Wright, A.Foti, D.Scott, Sue Gough 13/8 and K.Scott, R.Sutherland, A.Cole, J.Craven 10/5.

3rd Place Carol Seymour, Alf Di Bella, Lui Marbelli, Maria Moore 2 wins plus 4. Defeated G.Bison, A.Johnson, M.Marbelli, E.Piotto 11/8 and J.Johnson, J.Leach, L.Molochino, J.Fenoglio 8/7

Club Consistency games played Monday/Tuesday  J.Fenoglio 153, A.Rutherford 117,  E.Piotto 152 v T.Rhodes 88, M.Owen  150 v S.Ryan 82J. Craven 154 v B.Eddleston 136, N.Evan 152 v T.Mawson 128

Contributed with thanks by Sandy Ryan & John and Elsa Piotto.

Former players, supporters, and families reunited in Ingham over the weekend of 18–19 July 2025 to celebrate the 55-year-long legacy of the Wallaman Rugby League Club, with attendees travelling from across Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and all corners of Queensland.

Though no longer active, the Wallaman club holds a proud place in local sporting history. Formed in 1970 under challenging circumstances, the club faced early struggles just getting a team on the field. With determination and a strong community spirit, it grew into a formidable side.

The founding of the club was driven by the vision of John Hilliard, who enlisted local supermarket manager George Scrase as president and well-respected councillor and grazier Gerry Allingham as patron, while John himself took on the role of secretary-treasurer. Those first seasons delivered only a handful of wins, but thanks to a few key southern recruits and growing local support, Wallaman soon built a reputation as a side to watch.

Much of the club’s strength came from its supporters and volunteers. Stalwarts such as Joe and Mus, Eddie Joyce, Vic Liborio, Eddie and Colleen Danieli, Frank and Donna Morris, and Lloyd and Rhonda Greentree, alongside backing from local publicans, were instrumental in keeping the club afloat.

The reunion kicked off on Friday night with a lively meet-and-greet at the Station Hotel, setting the tone for a weekend filled with nostalgia and reconnection. On Saturday night, attendees gathered at the Ingham RSL, where MC Jim Busuttin shared club history and acknowledged the presence of two daughters of founding president George Scrase, as well as three original members of the first Wallaman team.

One of the evening’s highlights was the auctioning of a signed and framed 2006 Brisbane Broncos jersey, generously donated by Bill Micola. The winning bid came from Brian Winkle, with all proceeds going towards the RSL’s upcoming fundraiser for the National Prostate Cancer Foundation.

The event was a celebration not only of the club’s history, but of the community that supported it. A fitting tribute to a team that brought so many together.

Many thanks to Kathy & Peter Burdell for organising the event, taking photos and contributing to this article. See the full photo gallery online.

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Find the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/2b5gr7x5

At The 25th Annual Invitation Fours Carnival

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The Ingham Bowls Club played host to its milestone 25th Annual Invitation Fours Carnival over the weekend of 27–28 July, welcoming teams from across North Queensland. Rain threatened to delay proceedings on Saturday morning, but with a later start time, the skies eventually cleared, the green dried out, and play got underway as planned. From that point on, it was smooth sailing across two days of high-quality, spirited competition on the green.

Teams travelled from far and wide, including Cairns, Innisfail, Tully, Townsville, Hughenden, Proserpine and Ingham. Congratulations to the winning team from Jubilee, who took out top honours after a consistent and strategic showing across the weekend.

The club extended its sincere thanks to all participating teams for their support, and to the many hardworking volunteers who made the event possible, from prepping the greens to keeping the refreshments flowing. Special thanks also go to the generous sponsors who contributed to the weekend's success. The Ingham Bowls Club looks forward to seeing everyone back in 2026 for another fantastic weekend of bowls.

Results – 25th Annual Invitation Fours Carnival
1st Prize: M Porta, G Cuttres, D Johnson, G Hocking (Jubilee)
2nd Prize: W Johnson, G Delaney, A Clinnick, B Maggs (South Townsville)
3rd Prize: T Garate, T Serra, J Mugica, R Jackson (Noorla)
4th Prize: S Finn, G Nixon, B Dickie, R Petersen (Macknade/Ingham)
5th Prize: M Simms, T McAlary, S Spina, W Vella (Cairns)
Sportsman’s Prize: J Harvey, G Hamilton, J Taylor, I Connell (Guru)