This year's ANZAC Day saw hundreds turn out to remember the efforts of Australia and New Zealand's great service men and women. Veterans, schools, clubs and businesses poured into the streets to march in grand parades, and packed in close to attend services held across the Hinchinbrook Shire. Beautiful wreaths were lain and the bugles mournful tones echoed across respectful silences as flags were lowered to half mast. A gunfire breakfast, coffee and traditional ANZAC biscuits kept everyone going
Read the full storyAllan Colquhoun grew up in Sydney, but his life has taken him far beyond the city limits. In his youth, he worked with a station owner named Bob, whose property combined dairy and sheep farming with a focus on Jersey bulls and cows. One vivid memory that’s stayed with him is of Bob chasing down a bull meant for butchering on his stock horse —a beast that, to Allan’s amazement, climbed over the holding fence one hoof at a time to escape. Allan spent most of his working life as a coastal travelle
Read the full storyHinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism held their monthly Coffee Connect last week, being hosted by local business Wild Local. There was a very strong attendance at this event, with Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter and KAP Senate candidate, Robbie Lyon. Rebecca and Dom Zaghini provided a delicious light snacks and gave the audience an overview of their business journey from inception to their current location, the diverse range of products they provide and some insight into t
Read the full storyOver the weekend, the Ingham Kennel Club hosted six rounds of dog shows, featuring judges from across Australia who rotated to ensure fair and balanced competition. Dogs were entered into one of seven group categories, with the Toy Group attracting the largest number of entries. Sunday's shows saw the Italian Greyhound emerge as a standout, making up 20 of the 170 total entries across the weekend. Unique and rarely seen breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli and Briard added excitement to the event, of
Read the full storyDuring the floods earlier this year, Colleen Wood and her husband Allen found themselves in a terrifying and isolating situation. Living in Trebonne, they were stranded with no power, no food, and minimal phone charge. Allen is confined to a wheelchair and the SES and Ambulance services were unable to reach them due to the floods.
But in the face of adversity, the community around them stepped up in a remarkable way. Colleen, overcome with emotion and relief, shared her experience with Hinchinbrook Life through a heartfelt letter:
“On day two of the floods, a ute pulled up in the flooded driveway and two strangers asked if I was okay. I was filled with emotion and relief and could scarcely hold back my tears when I said to them, ‘My husband is in a wheelchair, and we need help.’”
These strangers, Vince Russo and Brenda Oats, became her lifeline during the crisis. “Vince and Brenda were angels on earth for us,” Colleen said. “They assisted us with fuel for our generator, filled it, started it, and came back each morning and night to top it up.” Their kindness helped ensure Colleen and Allen had a working generator to keep their essentials running.
But the help didn’t stop there. Another neighbor, David Scott, a farmer from up the road, checked on them daily and even brought a stable table for the generator. When the generator broke down, Kenny Hemmet from Hemmet Electricals loaned them one of his own.
In yet another gesture of support, Joe and Heather Ludlow, who lived just two houses away, offered Colleen a place to charge her phone when the generator failed.
And there was more. Danny Ward, a neighbor to the left of Colleen and Allen’s home, loaned them a freezer connected to a battery to help preserve their food.
“I was overwhelmed by these people,” Colleen reflected. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their generosity, kindness, and sense of community. I hope they understand the difference they have made to our lives.”