Minute With The Mayor: Mayor Ramon Jayo

What a weekend of live music and community activity, with two major events drawing strong local and regional attendance despite the wet weather.

Nothing like dancing in the rain on Friday night with award-winning Australian artist Tones and I performing at the Ingham Showgrounds before a crowd of about 5,000 people.

This was followed on Saturday night by a performance from Diesel at the Shire Hall, attended by nearly 300 patrons.

Despite intermittent rain, community attendance and support remained strong. The weekend reflected our businesses, industry and community’s willingness to come together and support local events, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

The Friday concert came about following a nation-wide initiative led by Tones and I, inviting regional communities to demonstrate why they should host a one-off performance. Hinchinbrook’s response was broad and community driven.

Local businesses and residents participated through shopfront displays, murals, social media campaigns and storytelling that highlighted the district’s natural assets, agricultural history and community character.

As a result of that collective effort, Ingham was selected as the host location.

In the lead-up to the event, Council undertook substantial preparation works at the Ingham Showgrounds to ensure the site was suitable and safe for the large-scale gathering.

Ongoing wet weather presented challenges, particularly in surrounding areas including Miles and Morehead Streets, where ground conditions were affected.

To assist with safe access and movement, Council funded and coordinated a dedicated shuttle bus service for patrons.

Prior to the performance, it was an honour to formally welcome Tones and I to our district and present her with a ceremonial cane knife, symbolising our region’s strong agricultural heritage and the contribution of local farming families.

Local businesses reported increased patronage across hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors over the course of the weekend.

The combined economic impact of the events is estimated at approximately $221,000, reflecting expenditure across event services, food and beverage providers, retailers and accommodation operators.

The successful delivery of both events was the result of coordinated efforts between performers and their teams, Council staff, local businesses, community organisations and volunteers. That’s a real community effort. I am very, very proud of each and every one of you. You have been great ambassadors of our Shire. I would like to genuinely thank all those involved in contributing to a safe and well-attended weekend of events for the district. This could be the start of something special for Hinchinbrook.

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