The Tyto Conference Centre was filled with joy, pride, and absolute cuteness overload on Saturday May 17, as Hinchinbrook celebrated its annual Baby Welcome Ceremony. Held in the beautiful wetlands, the event marked a record turnout, with 50 newborns officially welcomed into the community. Mayor of Hinchinbrook, Ramon Jayo, expressed his delight at the overwhelming participation, saying, "It's amazing to see, we normally have in 30-40 but today we have 50 babies to welcome. We are very pleased
Read the full storyby Victoria Velton Harry Berger and Stephanie Hubinger’s lives are deeply intertwined with their hometown. From their humble beginnings to their impactful roles in the region, their story is one of dedication, resilience, and community spirit. Harry Berger, originally from Western Australia, arrived in the area in 1959 as part of his military service with the Army’s Survey Corps. His work in surveying and mapping was vital for opening up the region. Harry’s team played a pivotal role in recordi
Read the full storyLucinda recently found itself in the national spotlight as the Today Show rolled into town as part of their regional roadshow. Host Tim Davies and his crew brought a vibrant energy to the community, showcasing the unique charm and warmth that Lucinda and the surrounding areas have to offer. For Tim Davies, it was a welcome return to a place he holds dear. "It's my second time here, and it's been so good to come back and experience the lifestyle here," he said. "It's been great being in the regi
Read the full storyThe countdown is on! The highly anticipated Link2Country Expo, presented by CANEGROWERS, is just around the corner, making its debut on May 23rd and 24th at the Ingham Showgrounds. This action-packed, two-day event is set to bring the agricultural sector to life, connecting local communities to hands-on experiences, career opportunities, and much more. With just a week to go, excitement is building as preparations for the event come to a close. The expo will feature trade stalls hosted by indus
Read the full storyResidents and business owners in Paluma and Hidden Valley say they are being left in limbo, months after flooding and landslides devastated Mount Spec Road and cut off vital access to their communities.
Hinchinbrook MP and Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto, has joined their call for urgent answers, pressing the State Government and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to provide a clear timeline for when the road will be fully restored.
Road crews on the ground have taken on a mammoth task under extremely difficult conditions and I thank them for their continued efforts as they work to clear and stabilise Mount Spec Road, but it’s now time for the Minister to provide the residents and small businesses in this area some certainty around when access will be restored,” Mr Dametto said.
Following the destructive February floods, multiple landslides rendered Mount Spec Road—classified as a Heritage Listed route—impassable. While temporary access has since been restored via the western route, locals are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of information about the long-term plan.
“Every day without answers pushes this community closer to the brink of collapse," added Mr Dametto.
"People who live in Paluma and work in Townsville have been forced to either spend hours travelling via Hervey Range Road or pay for accommodation in Townsville just to keep their jobs - this situation is completely untenable.”
Mr Dametto acknowledged the importance of preserving historic infrastructure, such as Crystal Creek Bridge and the heritage culverts, but believes the listing of the entire road is preventing critical upgrades.
“Our office is currently putting together an application to scrab the heritage listing in favour of building a fit for purpose road that may mitigate some these issues into the future,” he said.
While praising the collaboration seen during the recovery of the Olera Creek Bridge on the Bruce Highway, Mr Dametto said the same urgency must now be applied to Mount Spec Road.
“People aren’t asking for miracles, they understand that this is a complex task - all we expect is a clear plan and a genuine timeline for delivery,” he said.
Locals are encouraged to share their concerns with Mr Dametto’s office as the push for clarity and stronger infrastructure continues.