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.
Read the full story
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.
Read the full story
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.
Read the full story
“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 storyVenables Glass and Home Solutions celebrates its second year in business, an impressive milestone for a locally owned company that has quickly earned a reputation for reliability, craftsmanship, and genuine community spirit.
Founded by experienced glazier Joey Venables, the business combines over three decades of trade expertise with a passion for serving the Ingham district. After working in larger centres like Geelong & Melbourne, Joey returned home during the pandemic and established Venables Glass and Home Solutions with a clear goal: to provide top-quality products and services while keeping business local.
Now entering its third year, the company continues to grow steadily. What began as a small team of two has expanded to Joey, two tradesmen and the office manager Hannah, with two new staff joining in the coming weeks. This growth reflects a growing demand for their services across the Hinchinbrook region, stretching north to Tully and south to Townsville.
Venables Glass and Home Solutions provides a comprehensive range of glazing, aluminium, and carpentry services. The team handles everything from minor home maintenance and repairs to large-scale window and door installations. With a full-time carpenter now on board, the business can assist residents with essential maintenance work, particularly those still addressing damage from past flooding events.
As North Queensland approaches storm season, the company’s expertise in preventative measures is more valuable than ever. Venables Glass and Home Solutions offers storm-damage repairs, window protection installations, and Invisi-Gard cyclone-rated security screens that meet government resilience program standards. These high-quality solutions not only enhance safety but can also be subsidised through available funding programs.
All work is custom-measured and fitted by the team, ensuring each job meets exact specifications. Many materials are manufactured in-house, while other specialised components are sourced from Townsville suppliers. This mix allows the business to support local industry while maintaining control over quality and turnaround times.
The company also provides free measuring and quoting services, reinforcing its commitment to transparent and accessible customer care. Their clients include homeowners, builders, and local tradespeople who rely on Venables Glass and Home Solutions for reliable products and service.
Beyond their trade work, the team takes pride in contributing to the local economy and supporting community events. Joey says one of the most rewarding parts of running the business is working in the town he grew up in, surrounded by family and familiar faces.
As Venables Glass and Home Solutions enters its third year, the future looks bright. With a growing team, strong community ties, and a commitment to quality, the business continues to set a solid example of local success built on integrity and genuine connection.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
