Mark 10th Birdlife Art Awards More than 280 people gathered to celebrate Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s 10th Birdlife Art Awards at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery on Friday night, 1 August 2025. This milestone event continues to honour the rich birdlife of the Hinchinbrook region through the eyes of talented artists from across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It features an impressive 106 entries across various mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and m
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Sporting and recreation clubs across North and Far North Queensland impacted by early 2025’s severe flooding can now apply for a share in a $30 million funding package to help repair and rebuild their facilities. The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) — a joint initiative by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) — offers up to $1 million per facility for eligible not-for-profit sport and racing clubs, as well as local cou
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Locally loved artist, Katie Louise, has graced the region once again, painting a beautiful mural on the wall of the infamous Frosty Mango building located 40km South of Ingham along the mighty Bruce Highway. Hailing from Townsville, Katie’s paint brushes have coloured many surfaces across North Queensland where she has artistically captured the unique qualities of several communities including the Atherton Tablelands, Charters Towers, and now Cardwell. Katie’s recent piece within the shi
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Former players, supporters, and families reunited in Ingham over the weekend of 18–19 July 2025 to celebrate the 55-year-long legacy of the Wallaman Rugby League Club, with attendees travelling from across Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and all corners of Queensland. Though no longer active, the Wallaman club holds a proud place in local sporting history. Formed in 1970 under challenging circumstances, the club faced early struggles just getting a team on the field. With determina
Read the full storyCongratulations to local cane farmer and industry leader Steven Marbelli on his recent election as Vice Chair of the Queensland Canegrowers Board. This is a significant milestone not just for Steven, but for the entire Herbert River region, as one of our own steps into a key leadership role within Queensland’s peak sugarcane industry body.
Steven brings to the boardroom a wealth of firsthand experience and deep industry insight. He began farming in 1986 and currently manages over 500 hectares of sugarcane in the Herbert River district. In addition to his own farming enterprise, he has successfully operated a harvester contracting business for more than 30 years—giving him a unique and practical understanding of both the grower and harvesting sides of the industry.
Steven’s leadership journey with Canegrowers began in 2013 when he joined the board of Canegrowers Herbert River. Since then, he has continued to advocate for practical, grower-focused solutions to industry challenges. His strong voice and commitment to representing local growers saw him elected as Chairman of the Canegrowers Herbert River in 2025.
Further cementing his commitment to industry-wide improvement, Steven has also taken on the role as Chair of the Farm Inputs Committee. This committee reports to the Canegrowers Policy Council and is responsible for presenting recommendations on critical issues affecting farm input costs and availability—ensuring growers’ needs are front and centre in key policy discussions.
His election as Vice Chair of the Queensland Canegrowers Board is a reflection of the respect he has earned throughout the wider sugar industry. With his deep-rooted knowledge of farming and harvesting operations, Steven is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully at the state level. His practical approach, combined with years of leadership and advocacy experience, will strengthen efforts to ensure growers are not only heard, but supported through sound policy and effective representation.
As Vice Chair, Steven will play a vital role in shaping strategic decisions and advocating for policies that support a more sustainable and profitable sugar industry. His leadership will be invaluable as the industry navigates increasing demands for market competitiveness.
Steven’s dedication to the Herbert River region and to Queensland’s cane industry is unwavering. We are proud to see his contributions recognised on a broader stage and look forward to the positive impact he will make for growers across the state.
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