Seafest 2025 brought the Cardwell foreshore to life with a vibrant celebration of the sea, community spirit, and local culture. Held over the weekend, the festival attracted visitors from across the region to enjoy a jam-packed program of entertainment, food, andfamily-friendly fun. Highlights included the thrilling mullet toss, live music from talented local artists,and visits from Ariel the mermaid and Captain Jack Sparrow the Pirate. Market stalls showcased everything from handmade crafts to local produce, while kids enjoyed facepainting, fishing and beachside games. With stunning weather, a festive atmosphere, and strong community support, Seafest2025 was a resounding success leaving locals and visitors alikealready looking forward to next year's celebration on the sea.
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The Halifax SES Unit has received a significant boost, with a new canopy and essential equipment funded through the Halifax Emergency Liaison Partnership (H.E.L.P.) and a new rescue vehicle provided by the Queensland Government’s SES Support Grant program.H.E.L.P. is a not-for-profit organisation formed to support emergency services across the Lower Herbert region, including Halifax, Lucinda, Taylors Beach and Macknade. The group raises funds through regular community raffles and events, such as the popular meat tray raffles held at the Lucinda Pub every second month. All proceeds go directly toward purchasing vital equipment for local emergency services, helping them respond effectively to community needs.SES Local Controller Dan Cordner from the Halifax SES said the support from H.E.L.P. had made a real difference to their growing unit. “H.E.L.P. came in to provide the canopy for our new vehicle, as well as two large battery fans, a charging bank and a vacuum cleaner,” he explained. “It’s all very useful equipment for our volunteers, especially as Halifax is still a relatively new branch of the SES. We’re building up our portfolio of gear and trying to get back to where we were many years ago.”Greg Sexton, a member of H.E.L.P. and the SES, added that the local fundraising efforts were a perfect example of how small communities come together in times of need. “Supporting the meat tray raffle at the Lucinda Pub is a big help,” Greg said. “The pub provides the prizes and the space, and we just turn up to sell the tickets. The funds go straight to H.E.L.P., which then supports groups like the SES, among others.”With natural disasters a regular challenge in the region, the new vehicle and equipment will help the Halifax SES continue its vital work in keeping the Lower Herbert community safe.If you’re looking for a practical way to help your community, consider joining the SES. New members are always welcome in the Lower Herbert and Ingham areas. Visit www.ses.qld.gov.au to learn more.
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Last week, Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli visited Ingham to see the impact of the Stronger Homes Grant, meeting with one of the successful households affected by February’s historic floods. Premier Crisafulli said. “We said when the flood came through this town that we’d be here for the long haul, and for the long haul we are. I’m determined to make sure that this community knows it’s not being forgotten in the recovery from what was really historic floods.” The programme has already been taken up by 44 local residents, with over half of the applications completed. “It’s about building resilience and allowing people to handle the next flood,” the Premier added. “Everything we’re doing is about making sure we can make our communities more resilient. By doing that work, it reduces the impact next time around, which means lower cost, less heartache, and getting people back on their feet.” Mayor of Hinchinbrook, Raymon Jayo, highlighted the practical benefits of the reduced pressure local emergency agencies will face if more homes take on the Stronger Homes Grant: "One home affected can impact 10 to 15 others, so the Stronger Homes programme abates all that.” Yvonne and Neville, recipients of the grant, described their experience. “During the flood, we lost our hot water service, and it was devastating,” Yvonne said. “After the floods had died back, the Stronger Homes Grant was released. We applied, and it was a very simple process. I was overjoyed to hear back so quickly that we’d been granted $10,000. We were able to replace the hot water service and install solar. The whole process went so smoothly and the staff were prompt and very helpful. Before we knew it, we had hot water again. It was brilliant.” Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor added, “This is one of dozens of households in this community alone who have benefited from the Stronger Homes Grant. It’s fantastic to hear the benefits for their home and future resilience. Applications are still open until the end of the year, and we want to get as many households that were impacted with inundation to apply as possible.” The visit highlighted how the Stronger Homes Grant is helping Hinchinbrook residents rebuild safely, reduce future risk, and regain peace of mind after devastating floods.
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“We know there are many organisations out there who are more than capable of working in conjunction with the State Government to deliver this vital court-ordered sentencing alternative, and I encourage them to lodge their interest before the 9 October 2025 deadline. For more information or to register interest, visit www.youthjustice.qld.gov.au/circuitbreaker
Read the full storyWith 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.
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