TOP NEWS

Turtle-y Epic!

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

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Hinchinbrook Heroes Honoured In King’s Birthday Awards

Two 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

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Jayden McNeill The Mindful Solver

By 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

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More Than Fantasy

A 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

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Know Your Risks This Cyclone Season

December 3, 2024

Disaster season is here and last Thursday 28 November the Herbert River Sub Group gathered to discuss the upcoming season and re-access the plan in case of emergency.

Sergeant and Officer in Charge of Halifax Police Station Giovanni Tantalo is coordinator of the meeting.

Sergeant Tantalo said this sub-group was created from the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), following the 2012 disaster season.

“The idea is to get together and have a bit of a brainstorm, and if any of the wardens or any of the members can think of a problem we have had previously that might need to be addressed we can bring those issues up with the LDMG,” explained Sergeant Tantalo.

“This meeting brings together our area wardens in each of our little townships that become islands in major floods, the emergency services, any other additional personnel who may need to know information for major events, such as our food providers, fuel business owners, that type of thing.

“The best advice I can give is to look at the Council’s notice board on the web, they also have hand-out flyers. Read those and follow those steps.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said it’s important to be prepared in disaster season.

“It is important that people understand what the risks to them are because then they can start thinking about how they will plan and prepare themselves to deal with that risk,” said Mayor Ramon Jayo.

“For instance, our most common risk here is flooding. What happens when there are floods? People are going to get isolated.

“At the council, we’ve got information which is relevant and tells us what our risks are and how best to prepare for it.

“We’re in cyclone alley, our big three disasters are cyclones, floods and storm surges.”

Sergeant and Officer in Charge of Halifax Police Station Giovanni Tantalo and Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

IN OTHER NEWS

Vinnies Re-Opened!
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Halifax Hotel’s Closure Marks A Pause, Not An End
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Councillor Column councillor Kate Milton 17 June
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Did You Know 17 June
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Minute With The Mayor 17 June
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