Flags Raised In NAIDOC Tribute On 22 July 2025, a flag-raising ceremony marked a meaningful NAIDOC Week in Hinchinbrook. Community members gathered at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall in Ingham, led by Deputy Mayor Mary Brown and Traditional Owners, together, they proudly raised the flags in recognition of the Warrgamay, Nywaigi and Bandjin peoples — Traditional Custodians of the Hinchinbrook region. With around 70 people in attendance, the event offered a moment to reflect on this year’s NAID
Read the full storyA peloton of dedicated cyclists rode through the Hinchinbrook Shire last week as part of the mighty Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride; an initiative established to make a difference in the lives of children affected by cancer. Held annually, the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride raises both valuable awareness and funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute to support comprehensive efforts focused on preventing and treating childhood cancer. The Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride was founded in 1999 by Sel
Read the full storyOn Saturday, the 26th of July, the Junior division of the Ingham Theatre Group debut in their first matinee. After 10 weeks of work-shopping improvisations, theatre sports, performance technique, stage craft, and most importantly fun and friendship, the Juniors stepped up and performed the wondrous adventure that was 'Princesses of a Feather'. Together, the cursed princesses-turned-birds, defeated the evil knight Sir Glimmerpants with the help of Charlie Cowgirl Cat In A Cape, while t
Read the full storyOn Thursday 10 July, the Cardwell RSL became a vital hub of information and support as more than 35 residents and service representatives gathered for the Cardwell Community Rebuild Info Session. Organised by Centacare FNQ, the evening brought together key organisations supporting North Queenslanders affected by the 2025 floods and now in the rebuilding phase. The session was hosted in partnership with Centacare’s Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub, the Queensland Building and Construction Co
Read the full storyIn the weeks since Chamber last provided an update, so very much has changed in the Hinchinbrook Shire, as a result of the February rain event.
Now as our community slowly commences the process of rebuilding lives, homes, businesses and more broadly our community, we know the journey ahead will be at times difficult and challenging.
Having acknowledged that, we also know that as a community, we have always come together to support, encourage and work together, when and as required and we know with absolute confidence, that in time we will recover and rebuild.
Many of our local businesses have been significantly impacted as a result of this flooding event and because of this, Chamber commenced the process last week of undertaking an initial survey to gain a better understanding of specific impacts, to enable data to be available more immediately to raise awareness to government agencies and visiting politicians.
Once the roads were able to open, there has been a strong and immediate response from insurance companies, government support agencies and other organisations offering to provide any assistance to the community, as it commences its recovery.
This week’s Chamber meeting provided an excellent opportunity to bring together many of these representatives and connect them to the business owners who were able to attend. The evening provided a broad oversight of the grants, support and services currently available locally and gave assurance that help is here to assist those who have been impacted.
One of the key messages provided was the need for the business community to complete the Queensland Government survey, which will provide critical information regarding impact and its economic effect. This survey data will provide evidence to the government, when formulating the level of funding support that may be offered moving forward. All business are strongly encouraged to complete this survey, if they have not already done so:-
Disaster impact surveys | Business Queensland
For anyone who was unable to attend this meeting or for those who require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact either Administration Assistant Christina Spencer on 0407569550 or President Mary Brown on 0409356252 or email admin@hinchinbrookchamber.com.au.
Contributed with thanks to Chamber President Mary Brown