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 storyThe new owners of Halifax Hotel are loving their new life in the Hinchinbrook Region.
In August 2024 Luke Penning and Joe Mikuletic opened their doors to the Halifax community, and were thrilled when more than 200 people came along to welcome to them.
Between the two of them, Luke has the hospitality experience. He has been in the industry for almost 20 years, starting as a barista, and then worked in nightclubs, RSL, clubs, pubs and hotels.
By comparison, Joe has been selling forklifts for the past 27 years and, deciding to go for a career change has now been working in the hospitality industry for 15 weeks, saying he’s loving it so far.
“We're living the dream,” said Joe.
“When I was 18, drinking at the pub I always wanted to buy a pub and 30 something years later, we have.
“What I like about it is the small town, everybody knows everybody. Everybody looks after each other. Everybody respects each other.
“The community is tight knit and so welcoming as well, once you are here you feel like a local and are treated like a local too.
“The way they have welcomed us has been very humbling.”
Meanwhile, Luke said employing local is very important to them.
“We employ local first,” he explained.
“We have an extra seven positions now and they've all gone to locals.”
Since taking over, Luke and Joe have been busy with renovation works too, giving the place a new paint job and spruiking it up so there is a new light and airy feel that the community say they love.
In the future, the pair hope to add a beer garden extension, outdoor entertainment areas, an external wood fired pizzeria, an outdoor bar, and even a kids playground.