After three decades of tireless advocacy, a breakthrough has finally arrived for Dungeness. With State Government approval now secured, a long-dreamed marine access project is one step closer to reality. Promising nearly all-tidal access, restored infrastructure, and a major boost for Hinchinbrook’s tourism and marine industries. Local leaders are calling it a "game-changer" but the fight isn’t over just yet. What exactly does this mean for the region, how soon could shovels hit the ground
Read the full storyFor locals in Ingham, Mick’s Bread Kitchen is the go-to spot for more than just a quick snack. Situated at the northern end of town, this beloved bakery has been serving the community since 1990. Owners Mick and Simone have built a warm, welcoming place where quality, tradition, and innovation come together in every delicious bite. The real star of Mick’s Bread Kitchen? The pies! Handcrafted from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, these gourmet pies offer a burst of flavour in every bit
Read the full storyby Victoria Velton Luke Rosadi is no stranger to speed, but this year, he’s trading the drag strip for the burnout pad in his biggest motorsport leap yet. Known across the North Queensland car scene for his high-powered Maloo ute, Legless, the Ingham local is now stepping into a brand-new chapter with his first ever burnout competition. After sustaining a spinal injury in a motocross accident in 2010, Luke became a paraplegic but he was determined not to let his new reality slow him down.
Read the full storySeven residents took a proud step forward in their Australian journey at a Citizenship Ceremony held yesterday, Wednesday 30 April 2025, in the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Chambers. Mayor Ramon Jayo officially welcomed Mr Daijo John, Mrs Alice Mathew along with their two children Elina and Albin, Mr James Kellett, Mr Thomas Kellett and Mrs Florence Fotheringham as Australia’s newest citizens. Family, friends and Councillors gathered for the occasion, celebrating the commitment each individual h
Read the full storyIn 1981 Bill Phillips envisaged a dream of a living memorial to the men and women connected with the Battle of the Coral Sea.
“Cardwell needed something to attract tourists, and being on the beach front, I looked at the idea of the ‘South Pacific image’ with rows of coconut palms in a special park. Other towns had an identifying landmark and I saw the park as one of Cardwell’s future attractions.”
As owner of the Banfield Caravan Park and former Cardwell Shire Councillor, Bill approached the Cardwell Shire Council to set aside 16 acres (6 hectares) of crown land for a memorial park.
When Cardwell was originally settled in 1864 the land was gazetted as a botanical garden. By 1983 local residents became involved with the development and by 1985 scrubby bushland was removed and the whole area beautified, with plantings of trees of remembrance being organised.
The Governor of Queensland, the Late Sir James Ramsay dedicated the site as a living memorial to the Battle of the Coral Sea on April 29, 1984. In 1992 Australia celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea with various commemoration services, but Cardwell is the only place where an annual service is held early in May each year.
The beach front park is the largest war memorial in Australia and is unique because of its closeness to the site of the battle but the ships sunk during it lie on the sea bed about 500 miles east of Cardwell. It is not just a showpiece memorial as all visitors can stroll through the trees, admire the wall of plaques or enjoy a snack at one of the tables or shelters. Each tree is dedicated to a person or group of people who took part in the battle both on and off shore.
This park serves as a living shrine to demonstrate to our Allies and the many domestic and international tourists that Australians hold in high regard those gallant men and women who fought so courageously to protect our shores against foreign intruders.
Contributed with thanks by Robert Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch. From the Cardwell 1993 booklet 'Coral Sea Battle Memorial: 1942 the experiences and memories of World War II, through the eyes of the local residents.