No, It's Rally Racers! By Victoria Velton Chris and Tracey Castles have taken to the skies on a 26-day, 10,500-kilometre journey as part of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Outback Air Race 2025. Flying under the banner of Team 15 – Rookies, the pair are navigating their fire engine red A32 Vixxen through some of Australia’s most remote regions in a rally that is less about speed and more about navigation, timing, and precision. Their mission is twofold: to embrace the adventure
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The renowned Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island (Munamudanamy) is receiving a significant upgrade, with works currently underway to enhance visitor experience while preserving the island’s unique natural and cultural values. Led by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the project is being delivered in close collaboration with Bandjin and Girramay Traditional Owners. The aim is to improve infrastructure along the 32-kilometre trail without compromising the remote and pristine characte
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All around the Shire, and Australia, Vietnam Veterans' Day was commemorated in remembrance of the Battle of Long Tan and other Australian operations in the Vietnam War. “Vietnam Veterans Day holds profound importance in Australia's national consciousness. It is not merely a day etched into the calendar, but a moment of collective reflection, a time to pay tribute to those who served to acknowledge the complexity of their experiences and to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.” “The sto
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The Lions Club of Ingham is once again proud to present the annual Ingham Sportstar Awards, celebrating the outstanding sporting achievements and contributions of local athletes, teams, and volunteers. Nominations are now open, and the Club is calling on the community to help shine a spotlight on Hinchinbrook’s sporting heroes. The awards recognise achievements from 1st September 2024 through to the nomination closing date, and all nominees must be Hinchinbrook residents or represent a local sp
Read the full storyThe Cardwell RSL Sub Branch has ensured an important piece of wartime history will never be forgotten with the unveiling of a bronze plaque dedicated to the Hudson Bomber crew who crashed in the Hinchinbrook Channel on May 4, 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The project, a year in the making, received strong community backing with thanks extended to the Fletcher family, the Far Northern District RSL, Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood and Councillor Chris Littlemore, who officially attended the ceremony in support. Along with Far Northern District RSL Secretary, Julie Tepaz, travelled from Cairns to attend the commemoration, and unveiled the plaque with Cr Littlemore.
The plaque serves as a reminder of how close the war came to Australia’s shores and of the sacrifices made by four young RAAF servicemen. The Hudson Bomber A16-162, caught in a tropical storm while searching for Japanese ships, crash-landed in the channel before being towed ashore at Cardwell’s main beach. Co-pilot Sgt James East tragically lost his life and was later laid to rest in Tully. Sgt Geoff Fletcher displayed remarkable bravery, rescuing his surviving crewmates from the wreckage in waters teeming with sharks and crocodiles. His legacy extends beyond the war, with his son Ken and grandson Dustin together playing a total of 664 VFL/AFL games for the Essendon Football Club (the Bombers).
The Hudson Bomber plaque now stands as a lasting tribute to courage, sacrifice and service. For more information, visit the Battle of the Coral Sea Memorial Park at 4 Coral Sea Drive, Cardwell.
Lest we forget.
Contributed with thanks by Robert Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub-Branch.
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