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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A major community-driven effort is now delivering long-awaited upgrades to the interpretive signage along the Cardwell Foreshore, with the first six new signs completed and all remaining signs expected to be installed before the end of the year.
The project began after Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) was unable to allocate capital funding to replace the ageing foreshore signs, many of which had deteriorated under harsh UV exposure. Despite the budget constraints, the CCRC Open Spaces team redirected funds within its current operational budget to complete the first six signs.
To ensure the full replacement of all 24 signs, Wildlife Queensland Cassowary Coast–Hinchinbrook sought additional support and successfully secured a CCRC Infrastructure Grant of $7,500. This effort was strengthened by contributions from numerous community groups and individuals. Wildcard Art provided in-kind support by preparing consultancy reports and assisting with graphic design, while Wildlife Queensland Cassowary Coast–Hinchinbrook supplied an additional $5,000 to progress the project. A small funding shortfall remains, but organisers are confident the remaining costs will be met.
All new sign graphics are being produced by ARMSIGN using high-quality UV-protected materials. Although the existing placement along the foreshore exposes the signs to ongoing sun exposure, relocating them to more sheltered positions would have required engineering assessments at 24 different sites, adding significant cost and time. Given the circumstances, organisers opted to proceed with the best available materials to ensure a long-lasting result.
The original foreshore signage, installed in 2009–2010, was an extensive community initiative involving local research, writing, design, and contributed artwork. The current project continues that legacy, bringing together volunteers, organisations, and council staff to restore an important community asset.
CCRC is now exploring options to schedule future maintenance and renewal funding to ensure the signage can continue to be updated as needed.
With all 24 signs now in production and installation planned by year’s end, the Cardwell Foreshore is set to receive a refreshed and informative display that reflects the dedication of the local community.
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