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
Read the full storySporting 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
Read the full storyLocally 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
Read the full storyFormer 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 Though no longer active, the Wallaman club holds a proud place in local sporting history.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 storyIt is with great excitement and privilege that I pen my first contribution to the new community newspaper – Hinchinbrook Life. There are many people who have contributed to bringing this weekly newsprint to life and I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those involved in any way. A special thanks must go to every foundation member, whose financial commitment has enabled the vision of a community newspaper being returned to the Hinchinbrook Shire, to be realized.
As we approach the end of an exceptionally busy and challenging year within the Hinchinbrook district, it is a good time to reflect on what has been achieved in the area that is my portfolio –being Economic Development (including Tourism and Skills Development).
This year has seen a very strong focus by Council, in developing local training and skilling opportunities for residents. The major project being the development of a skills and training hub within the Shire.
Council brings together on a monthly basis, representatives from local secondary schools, tertiary training providers, apprenticeship and workforce agencies, industry representatives and employers, through the Hinchinbrook Employment and Skills Development Reference Group. This group has identified many further education opportunities that could be pursued locally and has now submitted a funding application to establish a Regional University Hub, co-located with TAFE at their Ingham Campus. If this application is successful, many new and exciting study options will open to residents in 2025.
The school holidays and Christmas period is a time of year where visitors from around the region take the opportunity to explore neighboring communities and we welcome home family and friends to celebrate the festive season with loved ones. It is a wonderful time of year to renew friendships, welcome new residents and celebrate our community – Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas in Hinchinbrook.