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

Mental Health Week

On Friday 10 October, Selectability Ingham hosted a Big Breakfast for Mental Health at their Harmony Clubhouse, located in the CANEGROWERS building. Open to anyone needing a hot meal to start the day, it was a morning filled with good food, friendly conversation and community spirit.

The focus on wellbeing didn’t stop there for the Selectability team. Later that day, they travelled to Lucinda for a picnic in the park, complete with a musical jam session and a barbecue lunch by the sea, the perfect reminder of how spending time outdoors and connecting with others can lift the mind, body and soul.

For more information and to get involved, contact Selectability Ingham on 07 4781 2690 or email ingham@selectability.com.au

Mental health is something everyone should care for daily, not just during dedicated awareness periods. While Mental Health Week may be wrapping up, your commitment to continuous wellbeing should never be put on hold. It is important every day of the year.

Taking small, regular steps can make a significant difference. Start with the basics like ensuring you're getting enough quality sleep, eating nourishing food, and keeping active. Even simple activities like gardening, taking a walk along the beach, or relaxing under the trees are incredibly effective mood boosters that can also provide a vital sense of purpose.

In recent times, feelings of separation and loneliness have unfortunately become more common, making it even more crucial to look after ourselves and others. Make time to connect and sustain your social bonds by staying connected with friends, family, or community groups. Invite a friend to sit with you, slow down, and take a much-needed break. Remember that your mind can experience burnout just as easily as your body, so it's essential to care for both by finding time to step back and enjoy the simple moments.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is vital to know that you do not have to face challenges alone. Reach out and talk to someone you trust, contact your GP, or call a support service. Caring for your mental health must always be a priority.

Mental Health Day Scrabble mat. Photo credit: Vicotria Velton

Big Breakfast for Mental Health at the Harmony Clubhouse at CANEGROWERS in Ingham. Photo credit: Vicotria Velton
Music session in the park at Lucinda. Photo credit: Vicotria Velton
Archie on the BBQ. Photo credit: Vicotria Velton
Playtime with the puppies at Lucinda. Photo credit: Vicotria Velton

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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