Tasman Turtle Picnic Day Shire Success Scores of locals and travellers flocked to TYTO Wetlands as Tasman Turtle returned with craft, food, activities, and family fun. With a rock climbing wall, circus acts, laser tag, pony rides, and a petting zoo, there was something for everyone. Music filled the air, even getting Tasman dancing, and the park buzzed from start to finish. Faces were covered with ice cream and fairy floss, but most importantly big smiles. Deputy Mayor Mary Brown happily remark
Read the full storyTwo respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years. Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic. With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a stea
Read the full storyBy Victoria Velton In the quiet coastal town of Taylor’s Beach, Jayden McNeill is solving more than just colorful puzzles; he’s solved his way to global recognition. A Rubik’s Cube champion with international acclaim, McNeill’s story is one of perseverance, precision, and passion. It all started when a seven-year-old Jayden received a Rubik’s Cube for Christmas. Like many, he shelved it after failing to solve it. But years later, inspired by classmates in high school, he revisited the cube and
Read the full storyA Tool For Real-World Readiness When most people hear “LARPing” (Live Action Role-Playing), images of medieval knights and fantasy creatures might spring to mind. But for a growing community in Townsville, LARPing has evolved far beyond weekend cosplay, it’s becoming a valuable tool for real-world training and personal growth. The newly launched Townsville chapter of Swordcraft, Australia’s largest medieval battle and role-playing game, brings enthusiasts together every fortnight. What began as
Read the full storyI had the absolute honour recently to present Rosa (Carmela) and Giuseppe Sapuppo with a certificate in recognition of their 60th wedding anniversary, a milestone that reflects a lifetime of love, commitment, and family.
Carmela and Giuseppe’s journey together began far from Ingham, in their native Sicily. Giuseppe arrived in Australia first, working in the cane fields alongside family, while Carmela followed later to stay with her brother and his young family. Fate brought them together at a mutual friend’s wedding, and during their courtship, Giuseppe built the house that would become their lifelong home.
They’ve never left Ingham and to this day they continue to live in the very house Giuseppe built.
Over the decades, they’ve seen the world around them change dramatically. Giuseppe’s work as a cane cutter shifted with the introduction of mechanical harvesters, while Carmela has marvelled at the rapid rise of technology, with computers and smartphones.
Their greatest joy has been their four children and nine grandchildren. They treasure the memories of traveling the world together, with Carmela’s favourite trip being a return to Italy, and Giuseppe’s a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska.
When asked for advice on a long and happy marriage, Giuseppe said, “Take care of each other,” while Carmela advised, “Don’t fight, and if you do, resolve it quickly.” I think this is great advice and it has clearly served them both well.
To celebrate their 60th anniversary, they’ve kept it simple, opting for a family lunch with their children and nearly all of their grandchildren. This milestone is a testament to the life they’ve built together, dedicated to family and love. It’s a day to share their story and teach their grandchildren the importance of patience, commitment, and enduring love.
It was a privilege to be present on the day of Carmela and Giuseppe’s milestone anniversary. Their story is a beautiful reminder of the values that build strong families and lifelong partnerships.
Contributed with thanks to Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto.