Tasman Turtle Picnic Day Shire Success Scores of locals and travellers flocked to TYTO Wetlands as Tasman Turtle returned with craft, food, activities, and family fun. With a rock climbing wall, circus acts, laser tag, pony rides, and a petting zoo, there was something for everyone. Music filled the air, even getting Tasman dancing, and the park buzzed from start to finish. Faces were covered with ice cream and fairy floss, but most importantly big smiles. Deputy Mayor Mary Brown happily remark
Read the full storyTwo respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years. Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic. With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a stea
Read the full storyBy Victoria Velton In the quiet coastal town of Taylor’s Beach, Jayden McNeill is solving more than just colorful puzzles; he’s solved his way to global recognition. A Rubik’s Cube champion with international acclaim, McNeill’s story is one of perseverance, precision, and passion. It all started when a seven-year-old Jayden received a Rubik’s Cube for Christmas. Like many, he shelved it after failing to solve it. But years later, inspired by classmates in high school, he revisited the cube and
Read the full storyA Tool For Real-World Readiness When most people hear “LARPing” (Live Action Role-Playing), images of medieval knights and fantasy creatures might spring to mind. But for a growing community in Townsville, LARPing has evolved far beyond weekend cosplay, it’s becoming a valuable tool for real-world training and personal growth. The newly launched Townsville chapter of Swordcraft, Australia’s largest medieval battle and role-playing game, brings enthusiasts together every fortnight. What began as
Read the full storyOver the weekend, the Ingham Kennel Club hosted six rounds of dog shows, featuring judges from across Australia who rotated to ensure fair and balanced competition. Dogs were entered into one of seven group categories, with the Toy Group attracting the largest number of entries.
Sunday's shows saw the Italian Greyhound emerge as a standout, making up 20 of the 170 total entries across the weekend. Unique and rarely seen breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli and Briard added excitement to the event, offering a rare look for spectators unfamiliar with these distinctive dogs.
Judging was conducted in depth by Stacey Sewell (W.A.), Tim Thomas (Q.L.D.), Peter Martin (S.A.), and Monica McCaffery (S.A.), each aiming to assess dogs fairly against established breed standards.
Competitors were judged across categories based on sex, age, and neuter status, progressing through dog and bitch challenges, group competitions, and culminating in the crowning of titles such as 'Best in Breed', 'Best in Group', and ultimately 'Best in Show.'
The weekend also highlighted the next generation of dog handlers. Junior handlers, like young Wyatt, can begin competing from as young as seven years old, often showing dogs owned by others who are unable to enter the ring themselves. Events like the Ingham Dog Show and other rural competitions, play a crucial role in encouraging new exhibitors and fostering a love for responsible dog ownership.
Above all, the show offered an important reminder of the value of responsible breeding and the role of purebred dogs in preserving breed standards, to ensure the health, welfare, and future of every breed showcased.