By Victoria Velton On Friday, 7 November, community members came together for a morning of hands-on environmental action. Volunteers planted native tree saplings that, once grown, will help shade out invasive parra grass and restore valuable habitat for the wetlands’ feathered and furry locals. Participants gathered beside two ute-loads of native trees. Some drilled holes into the clay-like soil, others prepared the saplings, and everyone planted as many trees as they could in the heat, each contributing to a greener future. The event highlighted the importance of community collaboration in tackling invasive species and supporting local biodiversity. It was a day not only about planting trees but also about nurturing long-term environmental stewardship in the region. The planting site adjoined another successfully revegetated area that had been established in a previous project, continuing the creation of a vital wildlife corridor through the TYTO Wetlands.
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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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Recently, Airlie Beach hosted the CANEGROWERS Policy Council, bringing together grower-elected representatives and district managers from all 12 CANEGROWERS districts. Representing the Herbert were Chair Steven Marbelli, Deputy Chair Leah Russo, and Manager Frank Scardamaglia, who joined colleagues to discuss the key challenges, opportunities, and policy settings shaping the future of Australia’s sugar cane industry.
Across two days, the Policy Council examined a wide range of issues affecting growers at both the farm and industry levels. Workforce shortages remain a major concern, with members continuing to explore solutions to attract and retain skilled labour. The harvesting sector also featured prominently, with discussions around improving operational efficiency, supporting contractor sustainability, and managing increasing pressures on harvest logistics.
Workplace Health and Safety was another strong focus, as districts shared experiences and considered ways to strengthen WH&S culture across all farming operations. This linked closely with environmental and sustainability discussions, including updates on the greenhouse gas calculator, ongoing progress with Smartcane BMP, and discussing future expectations from government, markets, and the community.
Other key agenda items included sugar marketing and trade dynamics, mental health support for growers and workers, regional transport challenges, and exciting developments in plant breeding—particularly the emerging use of artificial intelligence to enhance varietal development.
A standout highlight was the national rollout of the industry’s education strategy, which continues to gain strong momentum. Many CANEGROWERS districts are engaging students through competitions, classroom resources, and farm visits. The cane growing competition alone has seen an estimated 43 primary and secondary schools participate, helping build greater awareness of the industry among young Australians.
Throughout the meeting, grower leaders worked collaboratively to analyse these issues and develop practical pathways to influence policy where needed. This blend of grassroots insight and strategic planning ensures the Policy Council remains a vital voice for growers.
Reflecting on the meeting, Deputy Chair Leah Russo said:
“These gatherings are incredibly valuable. They allow growers from all districts to come together, share insights, and develop united solutions. The strength of our industry comes from collaboration and having a real voice in shaping policy for the future.”
The discussions in Airlie Beach reaffirmed a shared commitment to supporting a resilient, innovative, and profitable sugar industry that continues to deliver strong economic, environmental, and social outcomes for regions like Hinchinbrook.
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