The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) enjoyed a spooky twist on their Seniors Morning Coffee Club this week, celebrating Halloween on 24th October. The morning also included a special birthday celebration for October, with warm wishes to Joan Oldham — happy birthday, Joan! Attendees enjoyed a morning filled with Halloween-themed decorations, a few festive costumes, and plenty of laughter. Fun activities included a Halloween trivia challenge and several rounds of Bingo, making it a fantastic morning shared with wonderful company. The next Coffee Morning will be held on Thursday, 7th November. Anyone interested in joining in can contact Desley at the HUB for more details on (07) 4776 1822.
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Gilroy Santa Maria College marked a remarkable milestone on Wednesday, 30 October 2025, celebrating 75 years of education, faith, and community with a morning of reflection and festivity. Originally planned for last year but postponed due to severe weather, the long-awaited celebration brought together current and former students, staff, clergy, and community members to honour the College’s proud history and enduring legacy. The morning commenced with a liturgy led by Bishop Tim Harris of the Catholic Diocese of Townsville, setting a reverent tone for the occasion. Parish Priest Father John Kunnathumadappallil and Father Sylvester Emetuche from the Catholic Diocese of Townsville joined the ceremony, sharing in the blessings and prayers of the ceremonial mass. Among the many attendees was Bob Mitting, known affectionately as the “Barefoot Gilroy Boy”, who, along with several long-time past students, travelled from near and far to take part in the celebrations. Guests enjoyed guided tours of the College grounds, revisiting familiar spaces and exploring the many changes that have taken place over the decades. Inside the hall, displays of memorabilia, including vintage uniforms, old textbooks, alongside club and class photos, stirred fond memories and conversation, capturing the spirit of 75 years of growth and connection. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the generations who have shaped Gilroy Santa Maria College into the vibrant learning community it is today, while also looking forward to the College’s future with pride and great optimism.
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The Hinchinbrook Festival of Events is entering week 3 of the event calendar, and the organisers are extremely pleased with the attendance and participation at the many events and celebrations delivered to date. The overwhelming and ongoing support from the local and visitor community has exceeded the organisers' expectations. Data recorded to date from each event indicates the majority of the ticketed events have been sell-outs, with the “free to enter” events exceeding previous attendance numbers. As the calendar continues to roll around, the next major event within the “Hinchinbrook Festival of Events” calendar is the NQIB Country Cups Challenge Qualifier - Hinchinbrook Cup Race Day on the 15th November at the Ingham Race Course! This event promises a full day of horse racing, fashion, and socialising that will not disappoint! Being a family-friendly event, a day of exciting trackside entertainment for the whole family is assured. Gates open at 11:00am on Saturday morning, with five local races. Local and southern bookmakers and Sky Racing are onsite for those who want to have a flutter. Live music and a DJ will entertain the crowd, with a bar and canteen open to keep the revellers fed and thirst-quenched. The spectacular “Fashions on the Field” is always a highly contested event and children’s amusements provide entertainment for the younger audience. This year, there is a new fashion category - “Living the Hinchinbrook Way – 4850” - which will add another interesting aspect to the fashions. So get ready to enjoy a day at the races, Hinchinbrook style! Pre-purchase Adult Entry Tickets ($15 each) and Tables ($60 per table – seats 10) online. With kids 0-14 years being free, and teens 14-17 years only available at the gate on race day. For more information, or to purchase Entry Tickets and/or Tables, visit https://hinchinbrookchamber.com.au/hinchinbrook-cup-race-day-family-event/
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Just like the dashing masked vigilante, Zorro is a handsome, well-dressed young feline with a heart full of promise and the opportunity for a bright future. Zorro may initially seem a bit shy, but give him just thirty minutes, and you'll find yourself enchanted by his gentle nature and sweet demeanour. Once he trusts you, he transforms into a dedicated purr machine, letting you know you've won his heart with his melodic symphony of affection. Zorro will do best in an environment where patience and plenty of love are abundant. His progression from a shy feline to an endearing companion makes him a truly rewarding pet to welcome home. Will you be the one to offer Zorro the loving space to settle and thrive? Please fill in an inquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html. Included in adoption fee of $210 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated. DOB: 1/10/2024 Sex: Male Breed: DSH Colour: Tuxedo Kid friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Yes Dog Friendly: Untested Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors
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Ingham Maraka Festival 2025 – “Music Thru The Ages”
As the 2025 Ingham Maraka Festival draws to a close, organisers have extended their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this year’s celebration a resounding success. The festival brought together the vibrant spirit of the Hinchinbrook community, showcasing the very best of local creativity, talent, and tradition.
Maraka was proud to kick off the Hinchinbrook Festival of Events, with festivities that included the Run Swim Run, Wilmar Sugar Wine and Cheese Night, Careys Group and Ingham Ray White Afternoon Tea, Harvey Norman Ingham Spot the Window competition, Kids Day Out supported by Tropical Vets, McDonald’s Ingham, SpinFX Electrical NQ, and Hinchinbrook Life, and the spectacular Ergon and BK Bartolini Concreting & Earthworks Parade. The grand finale, featuring the NQIB Mardi Gras Stage, Ingham Agencies and Townsville Lime & Gypsum Fireworks, and the QCAR Mardi Gras Bar, was a testament to the incredible creativity and community spirit of the region.
A special thank you goes to the dedicated Maraka committee members, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the festival to life. Appreciation was also extended to all Queen and Princess entrants, volunteers, emcees, judges, local businesses, photographers, stallholders, performers, and the wider community for their support and enthusiasm.
Warm congratulations were offered to the winners of the 2025 Maraka Queen Quest, proudly sponsored by Rachael Cauchi Optometrists. This year’s Maraka Queen title was awarded to Ainslee DiMaggio, with Trista Kopeshke named as Runner-up. In the 2025 Maraka Princess Quest, sponsored by Windlab, Ashley Swarbrick was crowned Maraka Princess, with Vanessa Wilson receiving Runner-up honours.
Organisers also acknowledged the 2024 Quest winners: Maraka Queen Montana, Runner-up Johanna, and past Maraka Princesses Hazel and Millie for their ongoing support and contributions throughout the year.
A special thanks was shared with Nick Dametto, outgoing Local Member, for his outstanding support and years of service as Emcee, as well as Maddyn White, past Maraka Queen, for her continued involvement. The Maraka family also warmly welcomed Carley Whittington, who has recently returned to Ingham.
Further thanks were extended to Tourism and Events Queensland, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Tourism & Industry, and all who contributed grants, photography, and event coordination, including Ann and Anthony Vardanegh, Sherie Hensler-Adams from Hinchinbrook Life, and Chris and Christine Spencer from the Festival of Events.
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Windlab Pty Ltd
Wilmar Sugar
Triple M
Platinum Sponsors
NQIB
QCAR – Qld Cane Agricultural and Renewables
Rachel Cauchi Optometrists
SpinFX Electrical NQ
Gold Sponsors
BK Bartolini Concreting & Earthworks
Ergon Energy
Carey Group
Ray White Ingham
Silver Sponsors
Guido’s Panel & Paint
Ingham Agencies
Townsville Lime & Gypsum
Tropical Vet Services
Major In-Kind Sponsors
McDonald’s Ingham
Harvey Norman Ingham
Hinchinbrook Life
House of Harvey
Thank you all for making the Ingham Maraka Festival a cherished tradition and a highlight of the Hinchinbrook calendar. The community looks forward to celebrating together again in the future.
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