This year's ANZAC Day saw hundreds turn out to remember the efforts of Australia and New Zealand's great service men and women. Veterans, schools, clubs and businesses poured into the streets to march in grand parades, and packed in close to attend services held across the Hinchinbrook Shire. Beautiful wreaths were lain and the bugles mournful tones echoed across respectful silences as flags were lowered to half mast. A gunfire breakfast, coffee and traditional ANZAC biscuits kept everyone going
Read the full storyAllan Colquhoun grew up in Sydney, but his life has taken him far beyond the city limits. In his youth, he worked with a station owner named Bob, whose property combined dairy and sheep farming with a focus on Jersey bulls and cows. One vivid memory that’s stayed with him is of Bob chasing down a bull meant for butchering on his stock horse —a beast that, to Allan’s amazement, climbed over the holding fence one hoof at a time to escape. Allan spent most of his working life as a coastal travelle
Read the full storyHinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism held their monthly Coffee Connect last week, being hosted by local business Wild Local. There was a very strong attendance at this event, with Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter and KAP Senate candidate, Robbie Lyon. Rebecca and Dom Zaghini provided a delicious light snacks and gave the audience an overview of their business journey from inception to their current location, the diverse range of products they provide and some insight into t
Read the full storyOver the weekend, the Ingham Kennel Club hosted six rounds of dog shows, featuring judges from across Australia who rotated to ensure fair and balanced competition. Dogs were entered into one of seven group categories, with the Toy Group attracting the largest number of entries. Sunday's shows saw the Italian Greyhound emerge as a standout, making up 20 of the 170 total entries across the weekend. Unique and rarely seen breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli and Briard added excitement to the event, of
Read the full storyCANEGROWERS has launched the 2024 Sugarcane Transport Load Restraint Guide, an essential tool created in partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
This industry-specific guide aims to enhance road transport safety and streamline compliance for sugarcane growers and transport operators.
The new resource addresses a long-standing need for updated and practical advice tailored to the sugarcane industry. It equips operators with the knowledge to ensure safer, more efficient transport practices.
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens praised the initiative, emphasising its role in improving safety and providing clear guidance for growers and contract harvesters navigating transport challenges.
“This guide not only helps growers understand their legal responsibilities but also promotes safe and efficient transport practices,” Mr Menkens said.
“It reflects CANEGROWERS’ dedication to supporting growers in ways that often go unnoticed. As a grower-led organisation we’re committed to tackling both the day-to-day challenges faced by growers as well as the broader, industry-wide issues."
The guide focuses on key aspects of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), as well as load restraint methods and chain of responsibility obligations.
With the NHVR now overseeing the delivery of heavy vehicle regulatory activities in Queensland, the guide serves as a practical and accessible reference for all operators in the transport chain.
"Safety is the number one priority of the NHVR, and we are committed to continually working with industry to improve safety outcomes for all road users,” NHVR’s Northern Region Director Kelli Ready said.
“We support and congratulate CANEGROWERS on this important safety initiative, and we were pleased our dedicated team were able to assist.
“Our work with CANEGROWERS following the April transition of heavy vehicles regulatory services in Queensland is further evidence of our commitment to working collaboratively with industry to improve safety and raise HVNL awareness.”
CANEGROWERS encourages all growers and cane transport operators to adopt the guide to improve safety practices and ensure compliance.
"By embracing the 2024 Sugarcane Transport Load Restraint Guide, we can collectively reduce risks and uphold the high standards that define our industry," Mr Menkens added.
To access the 2024 Sugarcane Transport Load Restraint Guide, visit bit.ly/CaneTransport