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
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Allan 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
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Hinchinbrook 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
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Over 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 storyLocal farmers and industry representatives are continuing their fight for increased disaster relief funding as they struggle with the severe impacts of recent weather events.
At a recent meeting, concerns were raised about the urgent need to move from Category C to Category D assistance, which would provide greater financial support to those affected.
One major issue is the definition of a 'farmer' under the scheme. An example is if a business derives 51% of its gross income from its harvesting business and 49% from the farming business, it is deemed not eligible for farm business assistance. This has left some primary producers without financial aid, despite suffering significant damage to their farm. Many farming businesses undertake multiple activities to service debt and to make ends meet.
Representatives have been actively lobbying government officials at both state and federal levels to escalate the disaster classification. However, the process requires a recommendation from the state government before it can be approved by the Prime Minister. So far, despite four weeks passing since the disaster, no Category D funding has been granted, leaving affected farmers in a precarious situation.
QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella said all farmers should apply for the current grant and they will continue to try and achieve Category D funding.
“This is some of the worst impact we have seen, especially on infrastructure, washouts, roads, and lands,” he added.
AgForce North Regional Director Michael Penna noted that during Cyclone Jasper north of Ingham received Category D funding within a week, but here in the Herbert District this disaster has been listed as Category C for four weeks.
AgForce North East Regional Manager Katie Malouf said if the grant does get upgraded to a Category D it will require additional paperwork, but a new grant will not be needed.
“They can start up their application now and then they can upgrade,” she said.
“They only get paid for what they spend. They've got to spend the money, then you give the receipts. It gets quantified that that is a receipt that you've spent on damage, and then you get the money back.”
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