TOP NEWS

Barrels, Bulls, And Big Action

At the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo From the moment the gates opened, the air buzzed with the sound of hooves, cheering crowds, and the anticipation of more than 25 rodeo events. Tiny riders on ponies, fearless juniors, seasoned stock professionals, and the ever-popular charity bull ride had the crowd on their feet. With daring competitors and non-stop entertainment, this year’s rodeo once again proved why it is one of the most exciting events on the northern calendar. Cowboys and cowgirls

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Bamboo And Powerlines Don’t Mix

Ergon Energy Network is urging gardeners to carefully consider what they plant near powerlines and other electrical assets, with fast-growing species like bamboo causing thousands of power outages and posing serious safety risks. Ergon Energy Network Area Manager Rick Madden said planting the wrong trees or plants too close to powerlines can lead to dangerous situations, including fallen powerlines, emergency power outages and electric shocks. “Bamboo is one of the worst offenders because it g

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Honouring Mary Venables As Forrest Beach Realty Passes To New Owners

Forrest Beach has always been a place where community and coastline meet, and now it has a new chapter in its real estate story. After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Mary Venables has retired, passing the torch of Venables Real Estate to Richard and Lisa, who have proudly launched Forrest Beach Real Estate. The change marks the end of an era, but also a fresh beginning for the township and its real estate landscape. Mary’s journey in the industry is nothing short of remarkable. Arrivi

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A Celebration of Storytelling

Walter W. Mason’s Book Launch in Ingham Ingham welcomed local author Walter W. Mason for the launch of his two highly anticipated books, Little Girl Beautiful and The Blue Bus, and the event was nothing short of a triumph. The community gathered in high spirits, catching up with Mason, sharing stories, and celebrating a lifetime of connection to the region. By the end of the launch, every copy of The Blue Bus had sold out, and Mason was down to his last box of Little Girl Beautiful. Those who mi

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2025 Australian-Italian Festival Cancelled Flood Aftermath Forces Heartbreaking Decision

April 15, 2025

 With heavy hearts, the Australian-Italian Festival Committee issued an official statement on Wednesday the 9th of April outlining 2025’s event will not go ahead as planned.

The Committee made the decision last week following lengthy discussions in consideration of 2025’s destructive floods and the devastating impact the weather event had across the Hinchinbrook Shire earlier this year.

“The Committee considered the extent of devastation and impact to the Ingham community following the February flooding and realised that there was no other option but to cancel the Festival for this 2025,” published the Australian-Italian Festival Committee.

In November of 2024, the community were overjoyed to read the Australian-Italian Festival would celebrate its 30th anniversary this June, especially following plenty of rumours the beloved celebration would not continue into the new year, however, following its cancellation, the future of the event remains uncertain.

Mr Pino Giandomenico, long term President of the Australian-Italian Festival Committee, was saddened to confirm 2025’s cancelation, and was particularly at a loss to call off the 30th anniversary celebrations.

“It was very sad to have to make this decision as the committee was looking forward to presenting our 30th Festival but the impact of the flooding on our sponsors, committee members and volunteers and the community in general left us no choice but to cancel," wrote Mr Giandomenico.

Plenty of hugs, messages of encouragement and words of support were sent Mr Giandomenico’s way from the Hinchinbrook Shire and beyond, with many extending their thanks to the Committee for dedicating so much time and effort into hosting such an iconic event.

“Let’s hope that the community stays strong and gets plenty of support to help rebuild so that the memories of the great contributions that the Italians have brought to this country by having these festivals are never forgotten by generations past, present and future - in bocco al lupo (good luck),” shared Domenico Taraborrelli.

The Australian-Italian Festival Committee were saddened to confirm the event would not go ahead for 2025 (Photo Source: Australian-Italian Festival)

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