Flags Raised In NAIDOC Tribute On 22 July 2025, a flag-raising ceremony marked a meaningful NAIDOC Week in Hinchinbrook. Community members gathered at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall in Ingham, led by Deputy Mayor Mary Brown and Traditional Owners, together, they proudly raised the flags in recognition of the Warrgamay, Nywaigi and Bandjin peoples — Traditional Custodians of the Hinchinbrook region. With around 70 people in attendance, the event offered a moment to reflect on this year’s NAID
Read the full storyA peloton of dedicated cyclists rode through the Hinchinbrook Shire last week as part of the mighty Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride; an initiative established to make a difference in the lives of children affected by cancer. Held annually, the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride raises both valuable awareness and funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute to support comprehensive efforts focused on preventing and treating childhood cancer. The Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride was founded in 1999 by Sel
Read the full storyOn Saturday, the 26th of July, the Junior division of the Ingham Theatre Group debut in their first matinee. After 10 weeks of work-shopping improvisations, theatre sports, performance technique, stage craft, and most importantly fun and friendship, the Juniors stepped up and performed the wondrous adventure that was 'Princesses of a Feather'. Together, the cursed princesses-turned-birds, defeated the evil knight Sir Glimmerpants with the help of Charlie Cowgirl Cat In A Cape, while t
Read the full storyOn Thursday 10 July, the Cardwell RSL became a vital hub of information and support as more than 35 residents and service representatives gathered for the Cardwell Community Rebuild Info Session. Organised by Centacare FNQ, the evening brought together key organisations supporting North Queenslanders affected by the 2025 floods and now in the rebuilding phase. The session was hosted in partnership with Centacare’s Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub, the Queensland Building and Construction Co
Read the full storyAfter the monumental rain and flooding that swept the Hinchinbrook Region, Herbert River Crushers Rugby League Football Club was severely damaged, but rival Brothers Rugby League Townsville announced a $10,000 donation to the Crushers to aid the rebuild of their facilities.
Despite boasting one of the fiercest on field rivalries of the past decade and a half, Brothers, through it’s rugby league club, Townsville Blackhawks and Brothers Leagues Club has stepped up to support their long-time adversaries during this time of crisis.
Heavy monsoonal rains swept through the region this month, leaving the Crushers’ clubhouse, training grounds, and equipment storage inundated with water. The floodwaters caused extensive damage, leaving the club struggling to rebuild in the wake of the disaster.
Crushers President Matt Chiesa said they lost approximately 80% of their belongings.
“It’s been a rough couple of weeks," he shared.
"Even when we thought the flooding was over the water came back up. We’ve lost a lot of gear, both the seniors and juniors, training gear, playing gear, the lot.”
Matt Chiesa heaped praise on Brothers President Jeff Doyle and his commitment to the Townsville rugby league community.
“Since he came into the role a couple of years ago he has been great to deal with. This financial assistance is nothing short of inspirational and shows that everyone has a lot of mutual respect and care in the rugby league," he said.
Brothers Club President Jeff Doyle said rivalry aside, we are a rugby league community.
“What has happened to the whole Ingham region is heartbreaking, and we felt it was our duty to step up and help in any way we could. This donation is a gesture of goodwill and a recognition of the importance of a strong local rugby league competition, both seniors and juniors,” said Jeff Doyle.
Brothers Leagues Club CEO Justin Wilkins, said they hoped that the financial contribution will go directly toward repairing the damaged facilities, replacing lost equipment, and ensuring that the Crushers can continue to provide opportunities for players, staff, and supporters, especially immediately following the event.
This year marks the 30th year of the Herbert River Crushers and despite the set back, they have no plan to postpone, or delay their season. Matt Chiesa said they have lost a couple of weeks but are looking forward to starting up again soon.
President Matt Chiesa also added an interesting stat from the Crushers past.
“There's a couple of floods that have happened in the past, 09 and 2018, and they have won competitions with the flood event,” he said.
“Not so much this height but there is a good stat with a flood and going forward and winning the comp.”