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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Venables 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.
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