TOP NEWS

Ingham's Own Local Legend!

Carina Chesson Receives Queensland Day Award We all know it’s the people who make Queensland truly legendary. And when disaster strikes, it’s often the quiet heroes who rise to the challenge without fanfare or fuss. Carina Chesson is one of those heroes. Recognised as one of this year’s Queensland Day's five Local Legends, Carina showed what it means to step up for your community when it needs you most. From heart to hand, her actions during the devastating February floods in Ingham proved that

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Meet Vixen!

Bull Arab X Vivacious Vixen is a bundle of joy just waiting to bring some serious sparkle to the right home. This gorgeous girl has been in care for over 500 days and is bursting with love, loyalty and playful spirit. With a big, beaming smile and a tail that never stops wagging, Vixen thrives on long daily runs, a spacious yard and plenty of attention from her people. While she loves to stretch her legs and let loose on outdoor adventures, Vixen also treasures the quiet moments like cooling o

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Sophie Johnson Named Finalist

For Prestigious Queensland Training Award Seventeen-year-old Sophie Johnson is making waves in the healthcare sector, earning recognition as a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Training Awards. A student at Gilroy Santa Maria College, Sophie is one of only three contenders shortlisted in the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year category for the North Queensland region - an impressive feat given that more than 750 applications were received statewide. Sophie is the first school-based tr

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Showcase Rural Fashion At The Ingham Show!

I Love Boutique: Heading to the Ingham Show? Let I Love Boutique style you in comfort and class! Discover easy-to-wear pieces like cosy knits, stylish jeans, and elevated tees that feel as good as they look. Their outfits are simple yet dressy. Perfect for a day at the show and easy to adapt to the changing weather. Dress them up or down with just a few tweaks! Whether you're relaxing or showing up in style, you'll find something that fits your vibe. Shop local, look amazing, and feel confi

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Local Training Course Prepares New Recruits For Sugarcane Harvest

May 20, 2025

Recently CANEGROWERS Herbert River conducted a four-day Haul Out Training Course aimed at equipping local jobseekers—along with a few participants who travelled from interstate—with the practical skills required for the upcoming sugarcane harvest. Hosted at Reinaudo’s farm in Ingham, the course trained 11 enthusiastic participants eager to kick-start their careers in the sugarcane industry.

Led by Mackay CANEGROWERS experienced head trainer Ronald Gurnnett, with support from CANEGROWERS Herbert River assistant trainers Steven Marbelli and Terry Motti, the training covered key competencies. These included workplace health and safety, pre-start machinery checks and inspections, haul-out vehicle operation, driving alongside harvesters, and the simulated filling of bins at the nearby siding.

CANEGROWERS Herbert River Chairman, Steven Marbelli, highlighted the course’s practical focus. “The emphasis was on giving participants as much hands-on experience as possible, so they could develop confidence behind the wheel of a haul-out vehicle,” he said.

Frank Scardamaglia, Manager of CANEGROWERS Herbert River, stressed the value of the initiative. “Courses like this are vital for the future of our local industry,” he said. “Attracting new workers is essential, and it’s encouraging to see that most of the participants have already secured employment within the district as a result of this program.”

Mr Scardamaglia also extended thanks to the Reinaudo family for generously providing the venue and machinery. “Their property was ideal for running the course—it had everything we needed.”

This initiative is part of a wider push across Queensland to tackle labour shortages in agriculture. The success of the Herbert River program demonstrates the impact of locally driven training in developing a skilled and job-ready workforce. CANEGROWERS Herbert River remains committed to supporting regional employment and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the sugarcane sector.

For information about future training opportunities, contact CANEGROWERS Herbert River on (07) 4776 5350 or email hroffice@canegrowers.com.au.

All attendees at the Haul-Out training. Photos supplied.
The students learning in the classroom. Photos supplied.
Day 2 saw tractors and machinery. Photos supplied.

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