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 storyWhile the off-season in the sugar industry is often seen as a time for rest, Herbert River Canegrowers is turning it into a period of growth, innovation, and community support. As a pivotal organisation for local cane farmers, Herbert River Canegrowers is dedicated to preparing its members for the upcoming harvest while equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
This year, Herbert River Canegrowers is offering a range of workshops and training courses designed to address both the immediate challenges facing the sugar industry and the broader, long-term trends reshaping the sector. These programs aim to enhance the knowledge and capabilities of local growers, ensuring they stay competitive and sustainable.
One of the key challenges facing the local sugar industry is a shortage of semi-skilled workers, particularly in farming and transport operations. The problem has been exacerbated by an aging workforce, with experienced workers retiring and less young people entering the industry.
"The workforce gap is widening every year," said Canegrowers Herbert River manager Frank Scardamaglia. "It’s becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and retain skilled labour, particularly in critical areas like harvesting. Without the right people in place, operations can face significant delays."
In response, Herbert River Canegrowers is offering practical solutions, providing training for current workers while creating pathways for new entrants to the workforce. An Escort Pilot Course is fully booked out in February, which will be held at the Canegrowers conference room in Ingham. A Haulout Course will be run in May by an experienced Canegrower’s trainer. A Transport & Workplace Health & Safety Roadshow is also planned for May, offering essential updates on transport safety legislation to ensure that both growers and contractors operate safely and efficiently.
Canegrowers Herbert River is committed to fostering inclusivity and leadership. The Women In Sugar Herbert (WISH) group, a branch of Canegrowers Herbert River, will embark on a trip to Brisbane and Rocky Point this year. This initiative is designed to empower women in the sugar industry by fostering connections, sharing experiences, and strengthening both personal and professional networks.
Nurturing future leaders is another priority for Herbert River Canegrowers. The Young Growers Development Group will travel to Cairns mid-year, bringing together emerging industry leaders to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in sugarcane farming.
This initiative will offer young growers the opportunity to learn from industry experts, network with peers from across Queensland, and gain insights into advanced farming technologies and sustainable practices.
Herbert River Canegrowers remains committed to supporting its members and the sugar industry with programs designed to build resilience, promote innovation, and foster leadership within the industry. For more details on upcoming workshops and events, visit our website or follow us on Facebook. Alternatively, drop by our office or contact our team on (07) 4776 5350 or via email at hroffice@canegrowers.com.au.
Contributed with thanks to Canegrowers Herbert River manager Frank Scardamaglia
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