Tasman Turtle Picnic Day Shire Success Scores of locals and travellers flocked to TYTO Wetlands as Tasman Turtle returned with craft, food, activities, and family fun. With a rock climbing wall, circus acts, laser tag, pony rides, and a petting zoo, there was something for everyone. Music filled the air, even getting Tasman dancing, and the park buzzed from start to finish. Faces were covered with ice cream and fairy floss, but most importantly big smiles. Deputy Mayor Mary Brown happily remark
Read the full storyTwo respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years. Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic. With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a stea
Read the full storyBy Victoria Velton In the quiet coastal town of Taylor’s Beach, Jayden McNeill is solving more than just colorful puzzles; he’s solved his way to global recognition. A Rubik’s Cube champion with international acclaim, McNeill’s story is one of perseverance, precision, and passion. It all started when a seven-year-old Jayden received a Rubik’s Cube for Christmas. Like many, he shelved it after failing to solve it. But years later, inspired by classmates in high school, he revisited the cube and
Read the full storyA Tool For Real-World Readiness When most people hear “LARPing” (Live Action Role-Playing), images of medieval knights and fantasy creatures might spring to mind. But for a growing community in Townsville, LARPing has evolved far beyond weekend cosplay, it’s becoming a valuable tool for real-world training and personal growth. The newly launched Townsville chapter of Swordcraft, Australia’s largest medieval battle and role-playing game, brings enthusiasts together every fortnight. What began as
Read the full storyHello Hinchinbrook!
As someone who’s passionate about sports, I have to admit — Rugby League isn’t my number one sport - I am more of a Rugby Union kind of guy, but please do not hold that against me! While I may not share the same deep connection to 'League' as many Queenslanders, I still make sure to watch the State of Origin every year and, of course, support the Maroons.
This weekend, I’ll be heading to Townsville to watch the Cowboys play. I know they’ve been having a tough season, but I’m hopeful that the home crowd can give them the boost they need to secure their first win.
Although rugby league isn’t my primary interest, I do follow other sports, particularly football (or soccer, as some call it). My team, Newcastle United, just won a trophy after 70 years, and I can’t tell you how exciting it was to wake up at 2am to watch the match. It was definitely worth it!
On the local sports front, I received an update from Councillor Mark Spina this week about two local boys who competed in the ABCRA National Finals in Tamworth earlier this year. You can read all about their achievements on the back cover and on page 27. It’s always great to see our community’s talent shining on a bigger stage.
With the sports season now underway, I’m excited to expand the sports section in the paper. It’s going to be fantastic to include local sports results, photos, and stories of our community members doing what they love.
And here's the best part—if you're part of a local sporting club, we’d love to hear from you! Just send us a 250-word report by 9am Monday morning, and we’ll publish it for free in that week’s edition.
I look forward to hearing from you!