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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November 3, 2025

A Field Day That Has It All

The 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day is shaping up to be a celebration of everything that makes North Queensland extraordinary: resilient producers, curious kids, cutting-edge tech, and a whole lot of heart.

The iconic Talangalook herd returns to the spotlight. Known for their tropical toughness, calm temperament, and powerhouse genetics, these Santa Gertrudis cattle are a cornerstone of North Queensland beef production. Their presence is a proud nod to tradition and a bold step toward the future.

Attendees can get ready for feathers, flair, and fast feet—Melville’s Racing Ducks will be there to stir up laughter and friendly competition. These waddling wonders will be a Field Day favourite, drawing cheers from all ages.

Kids will be able to grab their Farmers Passport and embark on a hands-on journey across the Field Day. From machinery displays to livestock exhibits, they’ll collect stamps, complete challenges, and learn about agriculture in a fun, interactive way. It’s education disguised as adventure—and a brilliant way to inspire the next generation.

The 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day Committee are thrilled to welcome Travearth back, showcasing their cutting-edge mapping and geospatial technology tailored for agriculture. From precision farming to land management, Travearth’s live demonstrations will reveal how data-driven insights are transforming the way we grow, graze, and plan.

Whether you're wanting to talk genetics, chase ducks, explore the paddock, or dive into ag-tech, the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day promises something for everyone. Come for the cattle, stay for the quacks, explore with the kids, and leave inspired by the future of farming.

The iconic Talangalook herd returns to the spotlight. Photo credit: Zoe Maree Media Photos,
Rotary NQ Field Day 2025 Gallery

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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