As 2025 drew to a close, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism took a moment to reflect on a year full of achievements, events, and community collaboration. From supporting local businesses and promoting tourism initiatives to hosting networking events and community programs, the Chamber has been busy helping the region thrive.
2025 started like most, with Chamber using the first month of the year to undertake planning and strategy development for the year ahead. The weather event that commenced on February 1st changed many of those plans, with Chamber stepping up immediately during and following the flooding, to support the community initially as a source of communication, local business information and liaison with support agencies, including GIVIT. Chamber then undertook an initial three month contract to host the Community Recovery Officer on behalf of HSC, including the establishment of the Hinchinbrook Community and Information Referral Centre.
The CRO was multifaceted and included local engagement, liaison with multiple government agencies and other assistance providers, including liaison with Insurance Council of Australia on behalf of the community. This short-term contract established the foundations for continued community recovery assistance, which was later hosted directly by council and was integral in supporting the business and broader community through the very challenging immediate post flood period.
As the community continued the recovery journey, Chamber turned its attention to delivering other projects. After successfully receiving funding approval from Tourism Events Qld, Chamber supported the establishment of the inaugural “Hinchinbrook Festival of Events”, including managing the comprehensive marketing strategy, to promote the Hinchinbrook Shire regionally and to encourage locals and visitors to celebrate the communities’ resilience and resumption of cherished local events and welcome some new ones.
Over 10000 people participated in the six weeks of local events and activities, with two new events showcased for the first time in 2025. Chamber executive and event organisers were thrilled with this result.
The return of the Chamber initiated “Shop and Win campaign” again in 2025, delivered strong results for local retailers. With a record number of entry forms and receipts received, the campaign generated significant local engagement and saw more than $15,000 worth of prizes awarded, made possible through the generous support of Chamber and its sponsors. Feedback from local retailers, indicates community support to business through this campaign, has been exceptional and they have expressed their appreciation to Chamber for the campaign and the community for choosing to “support local”.
Shop & Win Major Sponsors:
Windlab Limited | Hinchinbrook Shire Council | Felix Reitano Real Estate and Furniture | Ingham Tyre Centre - Tyrepower Ingham
Minor Sponsors:
Mitre 10 Ingham Manufactures | SNG Machinery Sales | Barnes Sewing Centre | Herbert River Sub Branch RSL - Ingham | Sadleirs TerryWhite Chemmart Ingham | Homemakers Ingham | Harmony Designer Nails | Ingham Agencies | Ingham Wholelife Pharmacy & Healthfoods
Sponsors:
TLA Creations | Cover Me Sweet | MENZ | Boots & Blooms- by Neen | Skylah&Me Home Fragrance | I Love Boutique | Mandy's Beauty In The Bush
Shop & Win 2025 Winners
#1 Cassandra Lenzo - Winning ticket from Harmony Designer Nails
#2 Chris Clemment - Winning ticket from Ingham Manufacturers Mitre 10
#3 Vic Hislop - Winning ticket from Terry White Chemmart Ingham
#4 Dianne Gallon - Winning ticket from Herbert River RSL Club
#5 Vanda Raiteri - Winning ticket from Herbert River RSL Club
#6 Jo Evans - Winning ticket from Lisa Maree
#7 Melissa Groundwater - Winning ticket from Connecting the Dots Through Play
#8 Sandra Benedetto - Winning ticket from Connecting the Dots Through Play
#9 Sheree Marano - Winning ticket from Herbert River RSL Club
#10 Lenore Vincenzi - Winning ticket from Herbert River District Canegrowers Mitre 10
#11 Karen Franzman - Winning ticket from Terry White Chemmart Ingham
#12 Leanne Barnes - Winning ticket from Herbert River District Canegrowers Mitre 10
#13 Darleen Myran - Winning ticket from Terry White Chemmart Ingham
#14 Bree Johnson - Winning ticket from NQ Makers Collective
#15 Leigh Josey - Winning ticket from Terry White Chemmart Ingham
#16 Marion Roveglia - Winning ticket from Herbert River RSL Club
#17 Rhonda Sorbello - Winning ticket from Terry White Chemmart Ingham
#18 Grace Di Bella - Winning ticket from Herbert River RSL Club
#19 Clint O'Brien - Winning ticket from Sportspower Ingham
#20 Elizabeth Davis - Winning ticket from Terry White Chemmart Ingham
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