What a fantastic way to finish the final day of term, with a strong turnout despite the extreme heat. Thanks to the dedication and quick recovery efforts following recent flood damage, the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre was restored and ready just in time for the big event!

Rice dominated the carnival, claiming the Overall House Championship, as well as the titles for Junior Boys, Senior Girls, and the coveted Spirit Trophy. McAuley also put on a strong performance, taking home victories in the Junior Girls and Senior Boys divisions. O'Meara made a splash by winning the highly anticipated Teacher Relay, although this was their only win on the day. Adding a fun and meaningful touch to the day, the “Sponge a Teacher” novelty event raised over $150 for the Year 12 Graduation Fund.

Age Champions
12 Years – Boys: Nate Ihle | Girls: Claire Reid
13 Years – Boys: Charlie Reid | Girls: Eva Grace Hutchings
14 Years – Boys: Kadin Astorquia | Girls: Lara Biasi
15 Years – Boys: Jett Reid & Brayden Marino (tie) | Girls: Shae Butler
16 Years – Boys: Lucas Masters | Girls: Jess Furber
Opens – Boys: Cooper Barnes | Girls: Louise Kaurila

Record-Breaking Swims
Lucas Masters had an incredible day in the pool, breaking several long-standing records:
100m Freestyle – 1:01.15 (Previous: 1:02.91 by Nicholas Di Bella, 2020)
50m Freestyle – 26.43 (Previous: 28.38 by Nicholas Di Bella, 2020)
50m Butterfly – 30.79 (Previous: 31.40 by T. Southern, 2007)

Special mention also goes to Lucas for his selection in the North Region School Swimming Team! Competing in Brisbane across a three-day event, he achieved outstanding PBs and proudly served as co-captain of the team. Well done to all the swimmers, lifeguards and teachers for truly getting behind the carnival spirit!

Evandah Bann has cemented his place as Australia’s 'Fastest Man On Sand' after clinching the gold medal in the U19 male beach sprint at the 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. For Evandah, this was a victory and a thrilling triumph that capped off a remarkable season and years of training progression. The gold is just the latest milestone in his rapidly growing career. But it’s not just individual glory—Evandah’s spirit shines through in the team challenge, where his dedication helped propel the U19 relay team onto the winner's podium as well.

A Triumphant Team!
Local Surf Life Savers Bring Back National Medals

Evandah Bann has firmly established himself in the Forrest Beach S.L.S.C's history books by bringing home numerous medals back to North Queensland after competing in The 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. Evandah has competed before but this year he truly earned the title 'The Fastest Man On Sand'.

In a nail-biting finish, the crowd cheered as Evandah powered through to claim gold. Edging out his competitors in the U19 male beach sprint with a perfect combination of speed, technique, and raw determination, his victory is not just a reflection of his natural talent but also of the hard work and dedication that have been the hallmarks of his training. This gold medal is a crowning achievement in a season that has already seen Evandah rise through the ranks of Australian beach sprinting.

It is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the occupation that keeps many beach-goers safe, and the countless hours of preparation he has put in. But beyond his individual glory, Evandah’s impact is felt within his team. As a key player in the U19 beach relay team, Evandah was also part of a team that secured a silver medal finish. Having achieved the same position last year, this marks Evandah third national silver in the relay, alongside Jared, who also earned his third, and newcomers Rawiri and Mike, who stepped up onto the national podium for the first time.

Under the guidance of coach Lenny, Evandah and the team’s achievement is a reflection of years of hard work and belief in one another. Lenny, who has long been a fixture at Forrest Beach, has instilled a sense of community and resilience in his athletes, guiding them not just to medals, but to personal excellence.

For Evandah Bann, the gold medal in the beach sprint and the silver in the relay represent not just a victory, but the culmination of a team and community effort that highlights the strength and support behind his rise to the top.

The Herbert River Crushers RLFC have received a practical donation of sporting equipment from the National Australian Bank (NAB) in the form of sleek, new goal post pads. Simon Hitchcock, the NAB Ingham Branch Manager and his team presented the Crushers Club President and committee members with the new pads reflecting the donation as an opportunity to get the local sports clubs back on track after the recent floods.

Flood Recovery In Action

Mr. Hitchcock stated that NAB had, "a focus program with 'NAB Local' that gives us the ability at a local level to see where there are community groups in need. For instance Joe mentioned to me during the middle of the floods that the old goal post pads got washed away, and that they were quite badly deteriorated. So that absolutely gives us the opportunity to support a club that needs help."

He added that, "We're also looking to support the soccer team next door as they've lost a lot of kitchen equipment. We're going to assist like we have here, so our local clubs can get back on their feet sooner."

Matthew Chiesa the Crushers RLFC club president, was grateful for the donations saying that "With everything having been underwater, it was a tough gig straight off the bat to get a disaster like the floods, one of the biggest ones we've had. But to see the community coming together since then has been good. Everyone's doing a little bit and everyone's come on board so, every little bit is appreciated."

The sentiment was echoed by Joe Pennisi, Crushers RLFC club committee member & grounds keeper, as he set the new pads on the goal posts saying, "We thank NAB for their support. We lost our pads because we thought it was pretty safe for them be at the show grounds for training. But then the flood happened and they got washed away, they got absolutely destroyed in the slop of the flood water."

He added that everybody in the club couldn't wait to use the new pads and show their appreciation, "These new ones are fantastic and we'll use them for game day to thank them for their support. It's just fantastic that they can show such support to the community, and it means everything to get the players back on the field."

Noorla Bowls Club has announced a new date for its Ladies Goodwill Game after the initial event was postponed due to wet weather. The match is now set to take place on Wednesday, April 9, with the same format and invitations extended to sister clubs in Ingham.

As per the original plan, men from Ingham’s clubs are also welcome to participate, ensuring a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Organisers are hopeful that the weather will cooperate this time, allowing bowlers to enjoy the much-anticipated event.

Players interested in joining are asked to submit their names to Rosemary, Carmen, or at the clubhouse by Monday, April 7. Noorla Bowls Club looks forward to seeing a great turnout for what promises to be an enjoyable day on the greens.

For more information, contact the club.

Ingham Ladies Bowls Club is gearing up for its Goodwill Afternoon, set to take place on Wednesday, April 2nd, with weather permitting. The event welcomes all affiliated men and women for an afternoon of social bowls, fun, and laughter.

Participants are asked to have their names and playing positions submitted to Sandy Ryan by 4pm on Sunday, March 30th. Cards will be called at 12:45pm for a 1pm start. The cost for the afternoon is $12, and players are expected to wear their club uniform.

Adding to the excitement, there will be a raffle and ‘funny money’ games.

With a great mix of camaraderie and competition, the club looks forward to welcoming everyone onto the green for an enjoyable afternoon.

Following the recent flooding, the Ingham Dirt Bike Club has been working tirelessly to repair its track and grounds, ensuring they’re ready for riders once again. Despite the challenging conditions, the dedicated team of volunteers has been hard at work restoring the track, with the club planning to reopen it for riding very soon.

The effort put in by the club’s volunteers, business owners, and machine operators has been nothing short of impressive. The Serra Family, Jaycat Earthmoving, Scott Gofton, Cameron Hall, Kevin Marano, and Rojo Civil have all played crucial roles in the track’s repair, with their hard work and expertise making a significant impact.

The club said it is incredibly fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated group of individuals who are committed to the success and sustainability of the Ingham Dirt Bike Club. The volunteers and supporters not only help with the physical work but also ensure the club continues to grow and improve year after year.

A special thank you goes out to the club's sponsors, whose ongoing support is vital to the club’s progress. Their contributions help the club continue to enhance its facilities and offer more opportunities for local riders.

With the track soon to reopen, the Ingham Dirt Bike Club is excited to welcome riders back and looks forward to another successful season.

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS – CONGRATULATIONS HINCHINBROOK!

It was a day to remember at last year’s Ingham High School Swimming Carnival, held in March 2024, where Hinchinbrook House showed off their dominance in the pool, securing the title of Interhouse Champions. The Devils put on a stellar performance, winning both the Girls’ and Boys’ events with impressive margins and taking home the Aggregate Shield by a staggering 600-point lead.

The final house standings saw Hinchinbrook at the top with an outstanding 1381 points, followed by Orpheus (790 points), Palm (783 points), and Fantome (629 points). The result was a clear indication of Hinchinbrook's strength and teamwork, with all participants giving their best effort throughout the day.

The success of the carnival was not only a testament to the students’ competitive spirit but also to the incredible support of the wider school community. A big thank you goes to Sport Coordinator Mr. Michael Hoyle, the Sport House Captains, and the wonderful canteen volunteers who made the event run smoothly. Their hard work and dedication helped ensure a fun and successful day for all involved.

A special mention also goes to the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre for hosting the event and to all the community volunteers whose contributions were integral to the carnival’s success.

The Ingham Squash Centre is back in action, with fixtures resuming for the first seasonal games of 2025. Fortunately, the courts remained undamaged during the recent devastating floods, allowing the Ingham Squash Racquets Association to welcome players back for an exciting start to the season.

A strong contingent of 24 A-Grade men and women took to the courts last Tuesday night for the third week of fixtures, while 36 eager competitors have signed up for the Thursday night A and B-Grade mixed competition.

Junior squash numbers are also on the rise, with Come and Try sessions continuing over the next few weeks on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 3 pm. Coaches Maureen Lahtinen and Rae Domin, both highly experienced, have been thrilled to see returning junior players and new faces keen to give the sport a go.

The club recently secured the Queensland Government’s Active Girls Grant, ensuring free registration for girls of any school age. This initiative aligns with the club’s strong junior development program, which has produced many representative players over the years.

A special congratulations goes to Queensland representatives Liam Fascetti and Ally Rhodes, who were named Senior and Junior Sportspersons of the Year at the recent Australia Day awards—an outstanding achievement for both athletes.

Squash is an exciting and inclusive sport for all ages and skill levels, and new players are always welcome. To get involved, visit the Ingham Squash Racquets Association Facebook page to register your interest.

Contributed with thanks to Ingham Squash Centre

The first round of the Championship Singles was played on a damp, heavy green, but that didn’t stop competitors from delivering some outstanding matches.

The game of the day was a nail-biting contest between Elsa Piotto and Janice Casanovas, with the match extending to 28 ends before Piotto edged out Casanovas in a narrow 25-23 victory.

N. Evans also put on an impressive performance, securing a 25-17 win over M. Spano, while J. Fenoglio defeated J. Craven 25-18. G. Wright showcased her skill as the Pennant lead, delivering a dominant 25-6 victory over last year’s champion, S. Ryan.

In social play, B. Eddleston and M. Owen claimed a close 18-17 win against D. Toomba and T. Rhodes. Meanwhile, I. Byrnes and T. Mawson played to a 17-all draw with A. Arkink and L. Melvon.

There will be no bowls played at the green this Wednesday as members will be joining sister clubs at Noorla. The paddle pop draw will take place at 12:45 p.m., with games commencing at 1 p.m.

Contributed with thanks to Ingham Ladies Bowls Club

Herbert River Crushers RLFC A Grade triumphed over Tully in their trial match on Saturday, securing a 26-10 victory. The game, held at the Showgrounds in Ingham, saw the Crushers put on a solid performance as they prepared for the upcoming season.

In what was an exciting pre-season contest, the Crushers showcased their strength and skill, with key players stepping up throughout the match. Despite Tully’s best efforts, the Crushers maintained control, running out comfortable winners by 16 points.

A tightly contested Championship Fours match headlined Wednesday morning’s bowls action, with the team of M. Spano, J. Casanovas, J. Fenoglio, and N. Evans claiming an 18-17 victory over G. Wright, A. Rutherford, L. Melvin, and E. Piotto. The match remained close throughout, with Evans’ team securing the win on the final end.

In social play, D. Tomba, K. Rotondo, A. Rutherford, and E. Piotto delivered a commanding 30-7 win over N. Mammerella, J. Bell, M. Spano, and J. Fenoglio. Meanwhile, I. Byrnes, T. Mawson, J. Casanovas, and S. Ryan posted a solid 19-13 win over B. Eddleston, G. Wright, M. Moore, and J. Craven.

Next Wednesday’s play will see the start of the Championship Singles, with matches beginning at 8:30 a.m. The draw features M. Spano against N. Evans, J. Casanovas facing E. Piotto, J. Fenoglio taking on J. Craven, and S. Ryan up against G. Wright. Markers for the event will be N. Mammerella, T. Mawson, B. Eddleston, and A. Rutherford.

Contributed with thanks to Ingham Ladies Bowls Club

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The Ingham Bowls Club is once again bringing the community together with its much-anticipated Card Luncheon, set to take place on Monday, 10th March. The event promises a day of fun, friendship, and fantastic prizes, all for just $15 per person.

Starting at approximately 9am, with a flexible arrival time, attendees are encouraged to gather a group of friends and form a table. Guests can bring their own cards or board games, making it a social and engaging event tailored to all interests.

Throughout the morning, participants will enjoy continuous morning tea, ensuring everyone stays refreshed while enjoying their games. Adding to the excitement are lucky door prizes and a mini multi-draw raffle, offering plenty of chances to take home something special.

Lunch will be a delicious serving of chicken, spaghetti, and salad, followed by a delightful ice cream and fruit dessert, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to book a table or put their name down by contacting Maria Spano on 0419 896 869.

The Ingham Bowls Club’s Card Luncheon is a fantastic opportunity for locals to come together, enjoy some friendly competition, and support the club in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

What: Ingham Ladies Bowls Card Luncheon
When: Monday March 10th, 9am onwards
Where:Ingham Bowls Club

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Lucinda Coast Guards have reported that all of the red marker buoys at the exit from the Enterprise Channel at Dungeness have been washed away, leaving only the yellow outer buoy still in position. As a result, there is currently no marked channel through the sandbar, significantly increasing the risk for boaters attempting to navigate this area.

Boaters are urged to exercise extreme caution when entering or leaving Dungeness, especially in regard to the height of the tide. Due to the absence of the red marker buoys, it is now more difficult to assess the depth of the water over the sandbar. A general rule of thumb for determining the water depth is to halve the tide height, which gives a rough estimate of how much water is covering the sandbar. This means that, for example, if the tide height is 4 feet, there will be approximately 2 feet of water on the sandbar, making navigation potentially hazardous.

Without the red marker buoys, which have traditionally helped to delineate a safe route, boaters are strongly advised to take additional precautions and ensure they have sufficient water under their keel. In these circumstances, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the conditions before entering the channel. This responsibility now falls entirely on the boat user, who must take necessary measures to avoid grounding or other accidents that could result from navigating in shallow water.

Ports and harbors have confirmed that the red buoys will not be replaced until a navigable channel through the sandbar has been re-established. In the meantime, all boat users are expected to take proactive steps to confirm water depth and plan their routes accordingly. It is advisable to seek local knowledge, check tide tables, and, when possible, consult with other boaters who may have recent experience of the conditions in the area.

As always, safety on the water is of the utmost importance. Boaters are encouraged to stay vigilant, avoid taking unnecessary risks, and ensure they have adequate knowledge of local conditions before heading out onto the water. Let’s all work together to stay safe and prevent accidents during this challenging time.

The Herbert River Cricket Club has been left without any playing or training equipment after devastating floods swept through their Club House.

The loss has been a major blow to the club, impacting both senior and junior players as they prepare for the upcoming season.

However, the cricketing community is stepping up to help. Queensland Cricket is leading a donation drive to collect second-hand cricket gear in good condition and deliver it to Herbert River Cricket Club.

If you, or someone you know, has spare bats, pads, gloves, helmets, balls, or any other cricket equipment that is no longer in use, now is the perfect time to pass it on to those in need.

Donations can be dropped off at your local cricket club by March 1, ensuring that the equipment reaches Ingham as soon as possible. Whether you are inside or outside of the Ingham area, Every contribution, big or small, will help the club rebuild and get back on the field.

The Herbert River Cricket Club has been a cornerstone of the local sporting community, and this is an opportunity for fellow cricketers to show their support.

The greens were buzzing with excitement as 18 enthusiastic players gathered for Noorla Bowls Club's first Ladies Day of 2025. Following recent flood disruptions, the event was a fantastic way to bring the community together and kick off the new year’s competition.

The day’s top honors went to Keith Wegert’s team, securing victory with the highest margin of 8 over 18 ends. Terry George’s team followed closely in second place, finishing with a 7-point margin, while Joe Mugica’s team put in a strong performance, earning a respectable margin of 2.

A fantastic time was had by all, with plenty of skill and camaraderie on display. The club extended special thanks to their providore Chris, for providing an excellent "smoko" that kept players energized throughout the day.

The event also brought cause for celebration, with Sue Pizzi earning a well-deserved selection in the North Queensland Team set to compete on the Sunshine Coast. This is a tremendous personal achievement for Sue and a proud moment for the small but talented club.

Looking ahead, the clubs Jackpot Pairs competition resumes this Sunday. All affiliated club members are invited to participate. Players should submit their names to Joe Mugica (0447 768 621) by Saturday, 5 PM. Games will commence at 8:30 AM, with a call time of 8:15 AM.

Noorla Bowls Club took to Facebook to thank all their members for participating:

"A huge thank you to all who participated, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the green for more great competition!"