Mark 10th Birdlife Art Awards More than 280 people gathered to celebrate Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s 10th Birdlife Art Awards at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery on Friday night, 1 August 2025. This milestone event continues to honour the rich birdlife of the Hinchinbrook region through the eyes of talented artists from across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It features an impressive 106 entries across various mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and m
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Sporting and recreation clubs across North and Far North Queensland impacted by early 2025’s severe flooding can now apply for a share in a $30 million funding package to help repair and rebuild their facilities. The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) — a joint initiative by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) — offers up to $1 million per facility for eligible not-for-profit sport and racing clubs, as well as local cou
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Locally loved artist, Katie Louise, has graced the region once again, painting a beautiful mural on the wall of the infamous Frosty Mango building located 40km South of Ingham along the mighty Bruce Highway. Hailing from Townsville, Katie’s paint brushes have coloured many surfaces across North Queensland where she has artistically captured the unique qualities of several communities including the Atherton Tablelands, Charters Towers, and now Cardwell. Katie’s recent piece within the shi
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Former players, supporters, and families reunited in Ingham over the weekend of 18–19 July 2025 to celebrate the 55-year-long legacy of the Wallaman Rugby League Club, with attendees travelling from across Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and all corners of Queensland. Though no longer active, the Wallaman club holds a proud place in local sporting history. Formed in 1970 under challenging circumstances, the club faced early struggles just getting a team on the field. With determina
Read the full storyFelix Reitano of Felix Reitano Furniture & Real Estate recently became a life member of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).
He was recognised for a lifetime of dedication to the real estate profession and REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the real estate peak body considers this distinction for REIQ members who have shown long outstanding and meritorious service.
“Felix certainly fits the bill for the honour of Life Member, holding REIQ membership since 1992, more than three decades, and in that time proudly and exceptionally serving his community and giving back to his real estate colleagues,” Ms Mercorella said.
“He has been a great supporter of the REIQ and our advocacy efforts over the years and it’s wonderful to acknowledge his contribution and firm commitment to the REIQ family.
“Felix Reitano Furniture & Real Estate is a family business that’s not only highly respected, but after celebrating 100 years of operation, it’s woven into the fabric of the community and is an Ingham institution – dare I say, it’s become part of the furniture!
“Felix is undoubtedly a ‘people person’ who thrives off human interaction, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he knew just about everyone in his district, giving him great influence.”
Accepting the Life Member certificate in person at the REIQ Office HQ, alongside his wife Judy, Felix said he was honoured to receive the award and dedicated it to his family.
“I’m 77 years young and my son, Felix Peter, is the fourth generation in our family business, but we both always keep in mind that we are carrying the baton on behalf of those that came before us,” he said.
“I dedicate this award to my grandfather and my father who were faced with much greater challenges, yet still accomplished so much and established a business with exceptional standards and service.
“We respect and honour that tradition by living by those standards, and the REIQ has been a great support in our endeavours because its high standards match ours.
“Real estate is far more technical now than the old days when you shook hands and away you went, but with rights come responsibility and I take that responsibility seriously.”
Felix Reitano has spent nearly all of his 77 years in Ingham, leading the family business for over 45 years. As the third generation to take the helm, Felix has upheld a proud legacy of service in the Hinchinbrook district, with the business celebrating 100 years of operation in 2023.
He is a family man and active community leader, Felix was named the Hinchinbrook Shire’s Citizen of the Year in 2024, further cementing his legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to the real estate profession and his local community.
Antonia Mercorella (REIQ CEO), Felix & Judy Reitano & Peter Brewer (REIQ Chairman). Photo supplied
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