This year's ANZAC Day saw hundreds turn out to remember the efforts of Australia and New Zealand's great service men and women. Veterans, schools, clubs and businesses poured into the streets to march in grand parades, and packed in close to attend services held across the Hinchinbrook Shire. Beautiful wreaths were lain and the bugles mournful tones echoed across respectful silences as flags were lowered to half mast. A gunfire breakfast, coffee and traditional ANZAC biscuits kept everyone going
Read the full storyAllan Colquhoun grew up in Sydney, but his life has taken him far beyond the city limits. In his youth, he worked with a station owner named Bob, whose property combined dairy and sheep farming with a focus on Jersey bulls and cows. One vivid memory that’s stayed with him is of Bob chasing down a bull meant for butchering on his stock horse —a beast that, to Allan’s amazement, climbed over the holding fence one hoof at a time to escape. Allan spent most of his working life as a coastal travelle
Read the full storyHinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism held their monthly Coffee Connect last week, being hosted by local business Wild Local. There was a very strong attendance at this event, with Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter and KAP Senate candidate, Robbie Lyon. Rebecca and Dom Zaghini provided a delicious light snacks and gave the audience an overview of their business journey from inception to their current location, the diverse range of products they provide and some insight into t
Read the full storyOver the weekend, the Ingham Kennel Club hosted six rounds of dog shows, featuring judges from across Australia who rotated to ensure fair and balanced competition. Dogs were entered into one of seven group categories, with the Toy Group attracting the largest number of entries. Sunday's shows saw the Italian Greyhound emerge as a standout, making up 20 of the 170 total entries across the weekend. Unique and rarely seen breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli and Briard added excitement to the event, of
Read the full storyIt was wonderful to see the many local business managers and owners who turned up at the meet and greet to see the Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb that was held last Wednesday night at Lee’s Hotel. Unfortunately, due to the impending cyclone Alfred looming off the Brisbane coast, her trip was cut short. But the evening proved to be a valuable source of connection, as she heard stories and hardship from the attendees, while exchanging contact details and words of sympathy.
The Hinchinbrook Shire Council organised a wonderful night, where after the formal speeches and introductions, there was chatter and story swapping, while other leading organisations such as Rural Financial Counselling Services and the Department of Small and Family Business were introduced once again.
On the Chamber side of operations, 1-on-1 sessions with QRIDA representatives Sam Spina and Bill Fletcher are booked out at full capacity. More interest is being shown from businesses in the local community, and more sessions are currently being organised as a result.
Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce is also working closely with Officers from Rural Financial Counselling Services (RFCS) to organise 1-on-1 sessions, allowing business owners the chance to have their conversations in a private and discreet setting. RFCS work hand in hand with your already allocated financial advisors and accountants, while also offering the services of a Business Wellness Coach, who will assist where there is overwhelming stress and angst. More details of these sessions will come once preparations have been finalised. If you are interested in attending these sessions, please contact the Chamber to express your interest.
The Hinchinbrook community is now coming up to 6 weeks post flood, and it’s been fantastic to see, from Chamber’s side the determination and resilience radiating from the business community. Striving to not give up, and open those doors no matter what, to once again serve their community. Chamber commend you all! With each passing day, more and more shops are reopening; and with Easter fast approaching, getting the word out that Ingham is “open for business” has never been so important. Chamber has recently taken on a tourism based social media campaign stating these details, as they try to invite tourists back to our town.
Contributed with thanks to Chamber President Mary Brown