Councillor Column Deputy Mayor Cr Mary Brown 9th December

I’m sure I am not alone in our community in being astounded at how quickly we have reached the end of another year... and what a year it has been!

It is fair to say that 2025 has been the year that Hinchinbrook took centre stage in the local, state, and national arenas for several reasons.

The scale of the February floods and the substantial impact on people, infrastructure, and livelihoods certainly challenged and tested our community.

However, as we head toward another wet season, I believe it is important to reflect on how remarkably this community continues to rebound and pay tribute to all the incredibly hard-working individuals and organisations who have contributed in any way to that recovery journey.

Having been intimately involved in the recovery process, I am aware of the incredibly high level of support and assistance that has been made available to this community, across the spectrum from all levels of government, not-for-profit organisations, right through to individuals who have done what they could to support our community in a meaningful way.

The support shown this year is an encouraging reminder that when our community is experiencing challenging times, we are not alone, and having these robust processes in place to access assistance is integral to helping our community “get back on their feet” as quickly as possible.

Now the harvest is complete, and the first storms of the season have commenced, I would like to acknowledge all those involved in successfully completing another season. Despite the enormity of the challenges faced to repair critical infrastructure and navigate unknown flood damage within the paddocks, the workforce has risen to the challenge and successfully delivered a larger-than-expected crop outcome in a timely manner.

Through all this, volunteer sporting and event committees have stepped up to deliver outstanding recreational events, and the community has come out to support them.

To each and every person who has contributed, supported, and strengthened our community this year, I say a huge THANK YOU! You have made a difference, and you are valued. Merry Christmas to all, and may you have a safe and happy Christmas with family and loved ones!