TOP NEWS

Spooky Fun At Seniors Morning Coffee Club

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 Celebrates 75 Years Of Education Excellence

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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Hinchinbrook Festival Of Events Gallops Into Week Three

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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Rescue Pet Of The Week: The Masked Zorro!

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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October 28, 2025

A Celebration Of Everything That Grows, Feeds, And Sustains Us

Combined Rotary Clubs of Townsville, Ingham and Ayr are doing it again!

BUSINESSES from across Queensland are already making plans to be part of the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day on 29-30 May 2026.

With a change of venue to the Townsville Show Grounds and more suitable dates than the previous event, the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day is gearing up to be a cracker event.

With a few new faces on the 2026 Committee, combined with some seasoned committee members, these volunteers are working with exhibitors and stakeholders to ensure that the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day will be a successful event showcasing the best of North Queensland. One on the calendar not to miss.

All proceeds from this event are farmed back into the communities of Townsville, Ingham and Ayr.

We are happy to announce that Ian Gough from Gough Plastics and Justin Minuti from TRACPOWER have shown their support to the community, once again, by partnering with Rotary for this event.

The Battle Family from Nortrans have thrown their support behind the event as well, coming on board as a major sponsor.

From the latest in farming technology to time-honoured traditions, the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day will be about sharing knowledge, strengthening connections, and honouring the hardworking hands that shape our fields and our future.

There will be a broader range of exhibitors, including but not limited to technology, lifestyle interests, machinery for the farm and the everyday household.

Other exhibitors at the event will include government agencies, health services, financial services, community support organisations, job training and secondary and tertiary education providers from across North Queensland.

Interested exhibitors can secure their site on the website nqfieldday.com.au

Online ticket purchases will once again be available, and there will be regular prize draws for those who have pre-purchased tickets. Mark it on your calendar; book your exhibitor's site and/or pre-purchase your tickets and follow our updates on Facebook.

“Let’s Dig In, Gear Up and Grow Together.”

IN OTHER NEWS

Spreading Christmas Cheer One Bon Bon At A Time
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Editor's Note 4 November
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Hinchinbrook Gathers To Honour Remembrance Day
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George Murray’s 30 Years of Service
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Gawara Baya: A Wind Song For Hinchinbrook
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