TOP NEWS

Major Military Exercise Takes Place In Region

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

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ONE WEEK TO GO! The Canegrowers Herbert River Link2Country Expo

The 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

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Meet Sue and Douglas Barrie

by 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

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A Fond Farewell From The Paper Shop

It 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

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Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball Continues A Timeless Tradition

December 10, 2024

A celebrated tradition across the region, the annual Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball will make its return in 2025 on the evening of Saturday 31 May at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall in the presence of the Bishop of Townsville, Bishop Timothy Harris.

The Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball stands as the only remaining debutante ball in the Hinchinbrook area and exists as a wonderful celebration of young ladies in Year 11 of any denomination or school to make their official debut.

With a rich history in the region, the ball provides both debutants and their families with the opportunity to uphold generations of tradition through learning classic dances and celebrating community spirit.

As organised by Gilroy Santa Maria College, all interested students are encouraged to pre-register by emailing c58.cathdeb@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au to stay informed on all updates and upcoming news.

2025 debutants are kindly asked to provide their name, parent’s or guardian’s name, mobile number and email address when pre-registering and to join the Facebook page titled 2025 Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball.

An information evening will be held on Sunday 9 February 2025 at Mercy Hall on Abbott Street, Ingham with dance rehearsals set to be held each Monday night in preparation for the May event.

The Gilroy Santa Maria College hopes to host another wonderful debutante ball in 2025, to continue celebrating and upholding the traditions of the Hinchinbrook community.

What: Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball
When: Saturday 31 May, 6pm
Where: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall
More Information: Contact Gilroy Santa Maria College on 4776 2888

Previous Ingham Catholic Debutante Balls were a great success. Photos supplied

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