TOP NEWS

Spooky Fun At Seniors Morning Coffee Club

The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) enjoyed a spooky twist on their Seniors Morning Coffee Club this week, celebrating Halloween on 24th October. The morning also included a special birthday celebration for October, with warm wishes to Joan Oldham — happy birthday, Joan! Attendees enjoyed a morning filled with Halloween-themed decorations, a few festive costumes, and plenty of laughter. Fun activities included a Halloween trivia challenge and several rounds of Bingo, making it a fantastic morning shared with wonderful company. The next Coffee Morning will be held on Thursday, 7th November. Anyone interested in joining in can contact Desley at the HUB for more details on (07) 4776 1822.

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Gilroy Santa Maria College Celebrates 75 Years Of Education Excellence

Gilroy Santa Maria College marked a remarkable milestone on Wednesday, 30 October 2025, celebrating 75 years of education, faith, and community with a morning of reflection and festivity. Originally planned for last year but postponed due to severe weather, the long-awaited celebration brought together current and former students, staff, clergy, and community members to honour the College’s proud history and enduring legacy. The morning commenced with a liturgy led by Bishop Tim Harris of the Catholic Diocese of Townsville, setting a reverent tone for the occasion. Parish Priest Father John Kunnathumadappallil and Father Sylvester Emetuche from the Catholic Diocese of Townsville joined the ceremony, sharing in the blessings and prayers of the ceremonial mass. Among the many attendees was Bob Mitting, known affectionately as the “Barefoot Gilroy Boy”, who, along with several long-time past students, travelled from near and far to take part in the celebrations. Guests enjoyed guided tours of the College grounds, revisiting familiar spaces and exploring the many changes that have taken place over the decades. Inside the hall, displays of memorabilia, including vintage uniforms, old textbooks, alongside club and class photos, stirred fond memories and conversation, capturing the spirit of 75 years of growth and connection. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the generations who have shaped Gilroy Santa Maria College into the vibrant learning community it is today, while also looking forward to the College’s future with pride and great optimism.

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Hinchinbrook Festival Of Events Gallops Into Week Three

The Hinchinbrook Festival of Events is entering week 3 of the event calendar, and the organisers are extremely pleased with the attendance and participation at the many events and celebrations delivered to date. The overwhelming and ongoing support from the local and visitor community has exceeded the organisers' expectations. Data recorded to date from each event indicates the majority of the ticketed events have been sell-outs, with the “free to enter” events exceeding previous attendance numbers. As the calendar continues to roll around, the next major event within the “Hinchinbrook Festival of Events” calendar is the NQIB Country Cups Challenge Qualifier - Hinchinbrook Cup Race Day on the 15th November at the Ingham Race Course! This event promises a full day of horse racing, fashion, and socialising that will not disappoint! Being a family-friendly event, a day of exciting trackside entertainment for the whole family is assured. Gates open at 11:00am on Saturday morning, with five local races. Local and southern bookmakers and Sky Racing are onsite for those who want to have a flutter. Live music and a DJ will entertain the crowd, with a bar and canteen open to keep the revellers fed and thirst-quenched. The spectacular “Fashions on the Field” is always a highly contested event and children’s amusements provide entertainment for the younger audience. This year, there is a new fashion category - “Living the Hinchinbrook Way – 4850” - which will add another interesting aspect to the fashions. So get ready to enjoy a day at the races, Hinchinbrook style! Pre-purchase Adult Entry Tickets ($15 each) and Tables ($60 per table – seats 10) online. With kids 0-14 years being free, and teens 14-17 years only available at the gate on race day. For more information, or to purchase Entry Tickets and/or Tables, visit https://hinchinbrookchamber.com.au/hinchinbrook-cup-race-day-family-event/

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Rescue Pet Of The Week: The Masked Zorro!

Just like the dashing masked vigilante, Zorro is a handsome, well-dressed young feline with a heart full of promise and the opportunity for a bright future. Zorro may initially seem a bit shy, but give him just thirty minutes, and you'll find yourself enchanted by his gentle nature and sweet demeanour. Once he trusts you, he transforms into a dedicated purr machine, letting you know you've won his heart with his melodic symphony of affection. Zorro will do best in an environment where patience and plenty of love are abundant. His progression from a shy feline to an endearing companion makes him a truly rewarding pet to welcome home. Will you be the one to offer Zorro the loving space to settle and thrive? Please fill in an inquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html. Included in adoption fee of $210 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated. DOB: 1/10/2024 Sex: Male Breed: DSH Colour: Tuxedo Kid friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Yes Dog Friendly: Untested Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

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October 14, 2025

Meet the 2025 Maraka Queen & Princess Entrants

Are they not the most gorgeously beautiful and courageous ladies you have seen? Taking that step out into the Maraka spotlight are our wonderful Queens and Princesses, each putting themselves out there for the chance to claim the crown. You’ll get to meet them at the Wine and Cheese Night, the Afternoon Tea, Kids Big Day Out, and Aquathon, all before Hinchinbrook comes together for the ultimate display of regional pride at the Maraka Festival Mardi Gras Parade and Crowning. Mark your calendars as October runs Maraka royal green, floats and fireworks are just the tip of the festival iceberg!

Introducing 2025 Maraka Queen Entrant No 1 – TRISTA KOPESHKE20-year-old university student and dedicated Allied Health Assistant, Trista proudly represents the Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook at this year’s vibrant Maraka Festival. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook, Sadleirs Terry White Chemmart Ingham, Cake Co. by Erin, Bricks and Pennys, and Optimise Health and Wellness.
Introducing 2025 Maraka Queen Entrant No 2 – AINSLEY DIMAGGIOAinsley, 21, is graduating as a Registered Nurse this year and proudly represents the Lower Herbert/Halifax Lions at the Maraka Festival. Sponsored by Lower Herbert Lions, NK Beauty, TDC Auto Electrical, Oasis Café, and MJB Fencing.
Introducing 2025 Maraka Queen Entrant No 3 – VICTORIA VELTONVictoria is 26 years old and is a journalist, photographer and writer. Sponsored by Ingham Lions, Hinchinbrook Life, Ingham Agencies, Hinchinbrook Chamber of Industry and Tourism, Sola the Salon and Rupp Plumbing and Hardware
Introducing 2025 Maraka Queen Entrant No 4 – SAMANTHA SYMONDSSamantha, 18, is an electrical apprentice, bar attendant, and auxiliary firefighter.  She proudly represents the Apex Club of Herbert River at the Maraka Festival.  Sponsored by Herbert River Apex, Hinchinbrook Hotel, Galipo’s Meats, and Harmony Designer Nails.
Introducing 2025 Maraka Princess Entrant No 1 – VANESSA WILSON  Vanessa is the daughter of Wayne Wilson and Thiradaphon Kamnoedklang.Her hobbies and interests include gymnastics, dancing and running, as well as tennis, swimming, netball, soccer and athletics. Her most important goal in life is to go to the Olympics and represent Australia. The Maraka Princess Quest is proudly sponsored by Windlab
Introducing 2025 Maraka Princess Entrant No 2 – ANUM ANZIL  Anum is the daughter of Farasha Abdullah. She enjoys reading “Dork Diaries” and other funny books. She also loves Roller skating, dancing, making bracelets, watching TV, playing with her friends, and loves to travel. Her most important goal in life is to achieve a professional degree and to be a good citizen.   The Maraka Princess Quest is proudly sponsored by Windlab.
Introducing 2025 Maraka Princess Entrant No 3 – ASHLEY SWARBRICKAshley is the daughter of Damon and Rebecca Swarbrick. She enjoys playing soccer, touch football, and also dances with Bella Dance Studio. She loves spending time with her family and friends and being outdoors camping and fishing. Her most important goal in life is to get good grades in school so she can follow her passion for caring for animals and become a vet. She aims to do her best in everything she does and is driven to follow her dreams and reach for the stars. The Maraka Princess Quest is proudly sponsored by Windlab.
Introducing 2025 Maraka Princess Entrant No 4 – KADEE ROVEDA  Kadee is the daughter of Luke and Renee Roveda. She enjoys dancing, swimming, soccer, cricket, spending time at the beach and fishing. She also loves animals, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. Her goals in life are to go to university to study to become a doctor or vet, as her mission is to always help people. She would also love to travel to another country and would love to see snow.

IN OTHER NEWS

Spreading Christmas Cheer One Bon Bon At A Time
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Editor's Note 4 November
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Hinchinbrook Gathers To Honour Remembrance Day
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George Murray’s 30 Years of Service
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Gawara Baya: A Wind Song For Hinchinbrook
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