Tasman Turtle Picnic Day Shire Success Scores of locals and travellers flocked to TYTO Wetlands as Tasman Turtle returned with craft, food, activities, and family fun. With a rock climbing wall, circus acts, laser tag, pony rides, and a petting zoo, there was something for everyone. Music filled the air, even getting Tasman dancing, and the park buzzed from start to finish. Faces were covered with ice cream and fairy floss, but most importantly big smiles. Deputy Mayor Mary Brown happily remark
Read the full storyTwo respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years. Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic. With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a stea
Read the full storyBy Victoria Velton In the quiet coastal town of Taylor’s Beach, Jayden McNeill is solving more than just colorful puzzles; he’s solved his way to global recognition. A Rubik’s Cube champion with international acclaim, McNeill’s story is one of perseverance, precision, and passion. It all started when a seven-year-old Jayden received a Rubik’s Cube for Christmas. Like many, he shelved it after failing to solve it. But years later, inspired by classmates in high school, he revisited the cube and
Read the full storyA Tool For Real-World Readiness When most people hear “LARPing” (Live Action Role-Playing), images of medieval knights and fantasy creatures might spring to mind. But for a growing community in Townsville, LARPing has evolved far beyond weekend cosplay, it’s becoming a valuable tool for real-world training and personal growth. The newly launched Townsville chapter of Swordcraft, Australia’s largest medieval battle and role-playing game, brings enthusiasts together every fortnight. What began as
Read the full storyA long-running NRL tipping competition in Ingham is celebrating its 25th year. Originally founded in 2000 by local businessmen George Croton and Grant Cartwright, the competition has evolved from a manual system reliant on paper entries and faxes to a modern, app-based format.
The competition, now known as IGC NRL Tipping, has continued to thrive under the stewardship of its current organiser, Geoff Gianotti, who took over four years ago. The transition to the NRL app has made the process more efficient. Despite the shift in format, the competition remains as strong as ever, including 59 participants this year.
Since it is the 25th anniversary, Geoff approached the North Queensland Cowboys, who have provided promotional packs containing merchandise such as footballs, caps, and jerseys. These items will be used as prizes.
One of the highlights of this milestone year is a special competition within the main event, titled ‘Simply the Best.’ This contest brings together 14 previous winners, in a unique challenge to determine the best of the best. The organiser hopes to secure a special prize from the Cowboys for this competition.
Another notable addition of this year's event is a charity raffle for a framed, signed ‘Maroon Commanders’ photograph featuring Queensland Origin legends, valued at $750. The raffle is open exclusively to competition participants, and all proceeds will be donated to a local charity, Meals on Wheels. The donation will be presented during the competition’s presentation night on September 13 at the Ingham RSL, where ticket sales will also take place.
Anyone can enter this competition and Geoff said someone that enters today can still win. This year, three young football enthusiasts have joined, with their grandfather proudly registering them.
The tipping competition, which costs $65 to join, is a non-profit initiative, with all funds going towards food, drinks, prizes, and a courtesy bus to ensure participants can enjoy the event safely. Each week, participants receive an email filled with witty commentary on team performances, adding an element of fun to the experience.
With strong community support and ongoing partnerships, the IGC NRL Tipping competition continues to bring locals together through their shared passion for rugby league, ensuring its legacy well beyond this milestone year.