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 storyThis year, for the first time ever, two recipients were awarded the Shire Citizens Award at the Hinchinbrook Shire’s Australia Day Awards presentation. Rita and Keith Phillips were both worthy winners for their significant contributions to the community.
Along with Rita and Keith, Coen Luxford won the Young Shire Citizen Award, for his amazing contributions.
Keith Phillips has been recognised for his vital contributions to the Lower Herbert community, including his leadership in building the Lower Herbert Seniors Centre, a 21-unit apartment complex in Halifax. Alongside his wife, Rita, Keith donated land, funds, and countless hours to establish the new Meals on Wheels centre on Eleanor Street.
Rita Phillips was acknowledged for her voluntary work with Meals on Wheels and the Anglican Church. She played a key role in redeveloping the Meals on Wheels facility, coordinating volunteers, managing finances, and ensuring its sustainability. As Warden and Lay Minister for the Hinchinbrook Anglican Diocese, Rita oversees church operations and organises the monthly Conroy Hall Markets.
Together, Keith and Rita were both worthy winners of the award and their dedication and generosity have profoundly impacted their community.
Despite their enormous dedication to the community, they stress that they do not do these things for awards.
“The community has been very good to us since we’ve been here, and we just like to give something back to the community,” said Keith Phillips.
“Just to be nominated is a great thing, I think it’s great to get recognition by people in the community that think you’ve done things for them, and to receive the award is just as special.”
Rita said she was overwhelmed with the win.
“We don't do things to be out front, I like to be behind the scenes, and we're just fortunate that we can help people,” said Rita Phillips.
“There's a lot of vulnerable people here that need help either through Meals on Wheels or even our Lions Club and winning the award is just a bit overwhelming.”
Shire Young Citizen Award was presented to Coen Luxford for drumming at all local ANZAC Day parades, his involvement with the Ingham Theatre Group, and serving as Junior Sports Captain and now Senior School Captain at Ingham State High School. In 2024, Coen represented the Hinchinbrook Electorate as a State Junior Member in the Queensland Youth Parliament, attending Parliament House numerous times to represent the region.
Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Awards Ambassador Mirusia Louwerse was present on the night, and she presented awards, gave a speech and sang the national anthem.
At the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Australia Day Awards, many other awards were given out too:
Junior Sports Award
Liam Fascetti
Senior Sports Award
Ally Rhodes
Junior Cultural Award
Kaitlyn Rapista
Senior Cultural Award
Alan Giles
Individual Achievement Award
Helen Stanton
Community Event of the Year Award
Dean Schifilliti Shield held by Herbert River Junior Rugby League
Beryl Prior Memorial – Service to the Community Award
Evlyn Bailey
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