TOP NEWS

Feathers And Fine Art

Mark 10th Birdlife Art Awards More than 280 people gathered to celebrate Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s 10th Birdlife Art Awards at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery on Friday night, 1 August 2025. This milestone event continues to honour the rich birdlife of the Hinchinbrook region through the eyes of talented artists from across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It features an impressive 106 entries across various mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and m

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Flood-Affected North Queensland Sporting Clubs Eligible for $30 Million Recovery Funding

Sporting and recreation clubs across North and Far North Queensland impacted by early 2025’s severe flooding can now apply for a share in a $30 million funding package to help repair and rebuild their facilities. The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) — a joint initiative by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) — offers up to $1 million per facility for eligible not-for-profit sport and racing clubs, as well as local cou

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Bullocky Tom’s Legacy Lives On In New Mural

Locally loved artist, Katie Louise, has graced the region once again, painting a beautiful mural on the wall of the infamous Frosty Mango building located 40km South of Ingham along the mighty Bruce Highway. Hailing from Townsville, Katie’s paint brushes have coloured many surfaces across North Queensland where she has artistically captured the unique qualities of several communities including the Atherton Tablelands, Charters Towers, and now Cardwell. Katie’s recent piece within the shi

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Wallaman Reunion Brings A Club Back Together

Former players, supporters, and families reunited in Ingham over the weekend of 18–19 July 2025 to celebrate the 55-year-long legacy of the Wallaman Rugby League Club, with attendees travelling from across Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and all corners of Queensland. Though no longer active, the Wallaman club holds a proud place in local sporting history. Formed in 1970 under challenging circumstances, the club faced early struggles just getting a team on the field. With determina

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Make Way For The Turtles! Nesting Season Begins On Hinchinbrook Beaches

December 10, 2024

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is delighted to announce the arrival of nesting Green and Flatback Turtles along the pristine shorelines this season. These remarkable marine creatures are laying their clutches of eggs between November and January, with hatchlings expected to emerge from January to April.

Green Turtles typically lay around 50 eggs per clutch, while Flatback Turtles lay closer to 100. Many turtles nest multiple times a season, and their hatchlings begin a courageous journey to the sea, returning decades later to continue the cycle.

During nesting and hatchling season it’s important to reduce our use of artificial light on the shoreline. Hatchlings use the moonlight and starlight to navigate themselves towards the ocean, which means artificial light can confuse them and they may end up in land.

In addition, nesting turtles prefer beaches with no artificial light, the use of the light can deter them from nesting at their desired beach.

Council is calling on the community to assist in identifying nesting locations and turtle tracks. By reporting sightings or evidence of nesting, such as tracks, residents play a vital role in enabling Council to manage and monitor these sites for the duration of the nesting season.

Nesting sites, including those identified near Lucinda Beach, are fragile ecosystems. Council reminds residents and visitors that activities such as driving or misuse of beaches can crush turtle nests, damage vegetation that protects dunes, and exacerbate erosion. Prohibited behaviours may result in penalties under various legislations.

To report nesting sea turtle sites, please contact Council on 4776 4800 or send a photo of a nest and tracks to council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.

Your support helps protect these magnificent creatures and ensures their legacy for future generations.

Understanding nesting patterns is crucial for:

• Contributing to the conservation of turtle populations within the Great Barrier Reef and globally

• Strengthening funding applications for initiatives like the Hinchinbrook Community Feral Pig Management Program, as feral pigs are known predators of turtle eggs

• Enhancing Hinchinbrook's wilderness appeal, drawing visitors to experience its natural beauty.

Green and Flatback Turtles are laying their clutches of eggs between November and January. Photo supplied

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