Over 3,000 soldiers have flocked to the Hinchinbrook region to engage in one of Australia’s largest war-fighting exercises, second only to Exercise Talisman Sabre. The major event, titled the North Queensland Warfighter and Exercise Southern Jackaroo, will host soldiers and equipment from Army’s 3rd Brigade, the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. Continued on page 4. **Thousands Of Troops Descend On Hinchinbrook Continued from page 1. Commander 3rd B
Read the full storyThe countdown is on! The highly anticipated Link2Country Expo, presented by CANEGROWERS, is just around the corner, making its debut on May 23rd and 24th at the Ingham Showgrounds. This action-packed, two-day event is set to bring the agricultural sector to life, connecting local communities to hands-on experiences, career opportunities, and much more. With just a week to go, excitement is building as preparations for the event come to a close. The expo will feature trade stalls hosted by indus
Read the full storyby Victoria Velton For nearly four decades, Sue and Douglas Barrie have been the heart and soul of the Seymour Hotel, dedicating themselves to preserving its rich heritage while creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. Sue and Douglas’s journey to owning the Seymour Hotel began with family. Originally from Victoria, the couple eventually settled in Townsville. Sue explains, "We came to Townsville because that's where the kids were, and we looked at what we would do in Townsville
Read the full storyIt is with mixed emotions of excitement, sadness, nervousness, and anticipation that we announce the closing of The Paper Shop. While it’s hard to say goodbye, we are excited to continue serving you at Forrest Beach News, and our paper delivery service will remain unchanged. Our story began on April 7th, 1986, when Brian and Jenny Olivero took over The Paper Shop Newsagency at 84 Cartwright Street. Formerly a chemist, post office, and newsagency and at the time, we lived at the back of the shop
Read the full storyOriginally named HMS Apollo, she was a Type Modified Leander, of the Light Cruiser Class. The Apollo was built at the Devonport Dockyard, United Kingdom, having first been laid down on August 15, 1933. She was launched on October 9, 1934 and completed for service in January 1936. After joining the RAN on September 28, 1938 she was renamed HMAS Hobart by Mrs SM Bruce, wife of the Australian High Commissioner.
During the Battle of the Coral Sea, the HMAS Hobart gunners shot down two Japanese aircraft. She came through the battle unscathed, but her Captain received a shrapnel wound to his arm.
On July 23, 1943 while accompanying HMAS Australia to the Admiralty Islands, the Hobart was torpedoed in the After Stearing Section on the port quarter. Thirteen crewmen were killed and seven injured. The Hobart limped to Espiritu Santo for de-ammunitioning and escorted to Cockatoo Dock, Sydney by HMAS Arunta and HMAS Warramunga, arriving on August 26, 1943. After refitting HMAS Hobart left Sydney in April 1945 and joined the cover force for the Tarakan, Brunei, Wewak and Balikpapan landings. She was one part of the Allied Occupation Fleet which sailed into Japanese waters and anchored in Tokyo Bay for the surrender ceremony in September 1945.
In 1962 the HMAS Hobart, the last Australian Cruiser afloat, was sold to the Mitsui Company of Japan for 170,000 pounds ($300,000) and on March 3, 1962 she departed Port Jackson. The final irony is that the HMAS Hobart, Lady of the Sea, damaged by a Japanese torpedo in World War 2, spent her final moments in peacetime Japanese waters before being broken up for scrap metal.
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.