Flags Raised In NAIDOC Tribute On 22 July 2025, a flag-raising ceremony marked a meaningful NAIDOC Week in Hinchinbrook. Community members gathered at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall in Ingham, led by Deputy Mayor Mary Brown and Traditional Owners, together, they proudly raised the flags in recognition of the Warrgamay, Nywaigi and Bandjin peoples — Traditional Custodians of the Hinchinbrook region. With around 70 people in attendance, the event offered a moment to reflect on this year’s NAID
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A peloton of dedicated cyclists rode through the Hinchinbrook Shire last week as part of the mighty Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride; an initiative established to make a difference in the lives of children affected by cancer. Held annually, the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride raises both valuable awareness and funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute to support comprehensive efforts focused on preventing and treating childhood cancer. The Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride was founded in 1999 by Sel
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On Saturday, the 26th of July, the Junior division of the Ingham Theatre Group debut in their first matinee. After 10 weeks of work-shopping improvisations, theatre sports, performance technique, stage craft, and most importantly fun and friendship, the Juniors stepped up and performed the wondrous adventure that was 'Princesses of a Feather'. Together, the cursed princesses-turned-birds, defeated the evil knight Sir Glimmerpants with the help of Charlie Cowgirl Cat In A Cape, while t
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On Thursday 10 July, the Cardwell RSL became a vital hub of information and support as more than 35 residents and service representatives gathered for the Cardwell Community Rebuild Info Session. Organised by Centacare FNQ, the evening brought together key organisations supporting North Queenslanders affected by the 2025 floods and now in the rebuilding phase. The session was hosted in partnership with Centacare’s Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub, the Queensland Building and Construction Co
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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