Editor's Note

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the 13th issue of Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper – lucky 13!

What a few weeks it’s been! The biggest flood in a generation to hit the region and what a blessing to have a weekly paper back in circulation to help you all stay connected.

A huge thank you to our journalist Daniel Heggie for navigating his first North Queensland weather event while still grasping the reins of a brand-new newspaper.

From assisting with rescue efforts to being the ‘on-the-ground connector’ for all communications - Daniel has done a fantastic job.

A huge thank you also goes to your local Sales Manager, Sherie Hensler-Adams, who was out snapping photos, helping businesses and being a wonderful representative for the newspaper during such a tough time.

Also, thank you to our young distributors Harley and Julian who, along with Sherie, have been braving the weather and the roads to ensure the paper is delivered.

It was a moment of immense pride for the whole newspaper team when we finally went to print with the special Flood Edition a few weeks ago. We were so grateful that the roads opened and we could get the paper through from Townsville and into your hands.

To deliver this paper was incredibly meaningful to all of us, and we were determined to do you proud – the paper we produced is a moment in history which we had the honour of documenting for you.

In fact, information and coverage of the floods will be shared with you for many weeks, months, possibly years to come – I don’t think we’ll run out of stories for a very long time!

Back in 2017 I was caught in the middle of Cyclone Debbie when it hit Airlie Beach. I was seven months pregnant at the time and we had no running water for a week, no power for two weeks.

Despite not living in the Hinchinbrook, I can completely relate to much of what you guys have been through over the last few weeks. I have also spent a lot of time in the region, meeting business owners and community members, and my heart bleeds for you all.

I wish you all the best in your recovery and as your local newspaper, we are here to help in any way we can – whether that be by sharing your stories or supporting your businesses.

Sherie has created a special Flood Relief package where local businesses can receive massively discounted rates to help you spread your message and drive your business forward.

I’d like to finish this note by thanking our current advertisers. At just 10 weeks old this brand-new newspaper was, like all of you, hit with a ‘once in a generation’ flood event. There was a period of time when we didn’t know how we would recover. But thanks to all our loyal advertisers for sticking with us in the toughest of time, we came through.

Without your support we would not be here, thank you.

Readers: Please take the time to read all the advertising in this newspaper – these are all the businesses that make your free weekly paper possible – please go and support them like they are supporting you.

Spend your money at their shop, book their services, eat at their restaurants, recommend them to your friends – it is by doing this that you can help ensure the continuation of this newspaper for years to come.

Rach
Editor-In-Chief
Life Publishing Group

Quote of the Week “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow’” (Mary Anne Radmacher)

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