Flags Raised In NAIDOC Tribute On 22 July 2025, a flag-raising ceremony marked a meaningful NAIDOC Week in Hinchinbrook. Community members gathered at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall in Ingham, led by Deputy Mayor Mary Brown and Traditional Owners, together, they proudly raised the flags in recognition of the Warrgamay, Nywaigi and Bandjin peoples — Traditional Custodians of the Hinchinbrook region. With around 70 people in attendance, the event offered a moment to reflect on this year’s NAID
Read the full storyA peloton of dedicated cyclists rode through the Hinchinbrook Shire last week as part of the mighty Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride; an initiative established to make a difference in the lives of children affected by cancer. Held annually, the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride raises both valuable awareness and funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute to support comprehensive efforts focused on preventing and treating childhood cancer. The Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride was founded in 1999 by Sel
Read the full storyOn Saturday, the 26th of July, the Junior division of the Ingham Theatre Group debut in their first matinee. After 10 weeks of work-shopping improvisations, theatre sports, performance technique, stage craft, and most importantly fun and friendship, the Juniors stepped up and performed the wondrous adventure that was 'Princesses of a Feather'. Together, the cursed princesses-turned-birds, defeated the evil knight Sir Glimmerpants with the help of Charlie Cowgirl Cat In A Cape, while t
Read the full storyOn Thursday 10 July, the Cardwell RSL became a vital hub of information and support as more than 35 residents and service representatives gathered for the Cardwell Community Rebuild Info Session. Organised by Centacare FNQ, the evening brought together key organisations supporting North Queenslanders affected by the 2025 floods and now in the rebuilding phase. The session was hosted in partnership with Centacare’s Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub, the Queensland Building and Construction Co
Read the full storyIan Hobbs has always loved food and has been a chef for 35 years. He is now Head Chef at Lucinda Hotel, where he brings all his experience to a pub setting.
A passion for quality food has taken Ian across Australia, cooking in various states, before settling in Lucinda.
As head chef, he has mastered the delicate balance between quality, speed, and consistency, ensuring that patrons receive top-notch meals. His menu reflects this and it features traditional pub favourites like Lamb Shank and Pork Belly, while also offering specials influenced by international staff, such as Peruvian-style dishes.
Being Head Chef leaves Ian with additional responsibilities as well.
At Lucinda Hotel, they are far from Townsville, so they only receive 1-2 deliveries a week, and it’s Ian’s responsibility to maintain stock, and he says this is quite challenging in a busy pub, especially with recent weather events.
Ian loves being a chef, and he says running a pub kitchen is like a dream.
“Make sure your food is good, make sure you service is fast and make sure it's fresh and good quality,” he said.
Despite the challenges of managing a busy kitchen, Ian takes pride in maintaining fresh, high-quality ingredients and keeping operations smooth with a diverse, international team.
Looking ahead, Ian is happy to be at Lucinda Hotel and is eager for the busy Easter period to arrive.