At the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo From the moment the gates opened, the air buzzed with the sound of hooves, cheering crowds, and the anticipation of more than 25 rodeo events. Tiny riders on ponies, fearless juniors, seasoned stock professionals, and the ever-popular charity bull ride had the crowd on their feet. With daring competitors and non-stop entertainment, this year’s rodeo once again proved why it is one of the most exciting events on the northern calendar. Cowboys and cowgirls
Read the full storyErgon Energy Network is urging gardeners to carefully consider what they plant near powerlines and other electrical assets, with fast-growing species like bamboo causing thousands of power outages and posing serious safety risks. Ergon Energy Network Area Manager Rick Madden said planting the wrong trees or plants too close to powerlines can lead to dangerous situations, including fallen powerlines, emergency power outages and electric shocks. “Bamboo is one of the worst offenders because it g
Read the full storyForrest Beach has always been a place where community and coastline meet, and now it has a new chapter in its real estate story. After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Mary Venables has retired, passing the torch of Venables Real Estate to Richard and Lisa, who have proudly launched Forrest Beach Real Estate. The change marks the end of an era, but also a fresh beginning for the township and its real estate landscape. Mary’s journey in the industry is nothing short of remarkable. Arrivi
Read the full storyWalter W. Mason’s Book Launch in Ingham Ingham welcomed local author Walter W. Mason for the launch of his two highly anticipated books, Little Girl Beautiful and The Blue Bus, and the event was nothing short of a triumph. The community gathered in high spirits, catching up with Mason, sharing stories, and celebrating a lifetime of connection to the region. By the end of the launch, every copy of The Blue Bus had sold out, and Mason was down to his last box of Little Girl Beautiful. Those who mi
Read the full storyLast Tuesday the 2nd of September, the Lions Club of Ingham held the Annual Sportstar of the Year Awards.
The Herbert River Sub-Branch RSL in Ingham hosted the Annual Event, with over 130 people in attendance, including Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo, Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto and guest speaker 3-time Olympian Suzy Batkovic.
This year, judges Cr. Donna Marbelli, Maurie Soars and Stephen Farrell, former CEO of NQ Sports Foundation, were overwhelmed with the quality of the nominees. The Guest Speaker, Suzy Batkovic, one of Australia’s most decorated Basketball Players, gave an inspiring presentation on her sporting journey and to never give up. The guests were treated to the privilege of holding her 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Olympic Medals. She gave the athletes the hope that with persistence and hard work, making it to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics might not just be a dream.
An event like this is not possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Townsville Lime and Gypsum, Hip Pocket Work Wear, Wilmar Sugar and Carey Group.
Lions Club of Ingham Chairperson Sharon Fighera also congratulated all nominees and encouraged the athletes to continue to shine. Not everyone can be a winner tonight, but you already are just for being nominated.
The winners of this year’s Awards will be nominated by the Lions Club of Ingham for the NQ Sports Foundation Sportstar of the Year Awards, which will be held on 25th October 2025.
PDG Des Rooker – Recognition of Service Award – Awarded to a volunteer
Winner: Lenny Chiesa - Forrest Beach Surf Lifesaving Club & Crushers Rugby League
Runner Up: Maureen Lahtinen - Ingham Squash Racquets Assoc.
Team of the Year
Winner: FBSLSC U/19 Beach Relay Team
2nd: GSMC U/13 Boys Futsal Team
3rd: GSMC U/13 Junior Mixed Touch Football Team
Sports Innovation Team of the Year: GSMC Velocity Raptors - Hydrogen Powered Grand Prix
Junior Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Julian Cohen: Winner
Brax Roveda: Runner Up
Ty O’Halloran: Runner Up
Millie Bartolini: Encouragement Award
Joshua Gurnick-Stagnitta: Encouragement Award
Mikinley Blewitt: Encouragement Award
Mia Carr
Aurora Blewitt
Senior Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Liam Fascetti: Winner
Jess Furber: Runner Up
Spencer Riys: Encouragement Award
Evandah Bann
Brandon Hamilton-Kaurila
Masters Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Kelli Carbone: Winner
Para-Athlete Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Carla Pizzi: Winner
Luke Rosadi: Runner Up
Story and Photos contributed with thanks by Sharon Fighera
Find more pics here: https://tinyurl.com/26qqy462