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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Local Fishermen Rescued After Boat Breakdown

March 18, 2025

Three local fishermen found themselves stranded at Rib Reef after their boat's batteries failed, leaving them unable to start their engine. Despite Rib Reef being a notorious black spot for phone and marine radio reception, they managed to send a text message to a friend onshore, who rang Lucinda Coast Guard.

Upon receiving the distress call, a crew was quickly assembled, and the large rescue vessel "Snow Stafford" was launched. By 10:45 am, the crew was on the water, making use of just enough tidal coverage over the sandbar at Dungeness to reach the open ocean.

The rescue team travelled 60 kilometres out to the reef, where they located the stranded vessel. An initial attempt to restart the boat using a portable jump starter pack was unsuccessful. As a result, a tow line was attached, and the return journey commenced.

Fortunately, the weather was favourable, with relatively calm seas making for a smooth journey back. The fishermen and their boat were safely returned to the boat ramp at Dungeness without further incident.

This year to date the Lucinda Coast Guard has been called out six times, successfully rescuing 11 people in total.

Stay safe on the water.

Contributed with thanks to Steve Whipps Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard

Lucinda Coast Guard completing a resuce. Photo supplied

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Did You Know 17 June
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