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 storyWith the winter boating season approaching, all boaters are reminded to be aware of the latest life jacket regulations to ensure everyone's safety on the water.
If you are operating an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length and you are boating alone, you are required to wear a life jacket at all times. Children under the age of 12 must also wear a life jacket at all times when on these smaller vessels. Additionally, if you are boating at night, wearing a life jacket at all times is mandatory, regardless of whether you are alone or accompanied.
For boats that are larger than 4.8 metres in length, children over one year old but under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket if the boat is open or has an open area.
These updated regulations have been introduced to protect your life and the lives of your passengers. Life jackets are a simple but essential safety measure that can prevent tragedy in the event of an emergency. Make sure your equipment is compliant, your jackets are accessible and well-fitted, and that everyone on board understands the rules. Stay safe on the water this season, and happy boating!
Contributed with thanks by Steve Whipps of the Australian Coast Guard Association