TOP NEWS

Strength, Vision And Legacy

Flags Raised In NAIDOC Tribute On 22 July 2025, a flag-raising ceremony marked a meaningful NAIDOC Week in Hinchinbrook. Community members gathered at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall in Ingham, led by Deputy Mayor Mary Brown and Traditional Owners, together, they proudly raised the flags in recognition of the Warrgamay, Nywaigi and Bandjin peoples — Traditional Custodians of the Hinchinbrook region. With around 70 people in attendance, the event offered a moment to reflect on this year’s NAID

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Townsville To Cairns Bike Ride Rolls Through Ingham

A peloton of dedicated cyclists rode through the Hinchinbrook Shire last week as part of the mighty Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride; an initiative established to make a difference in the lives of children affected by cancer. Held annually, the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride raises both valuable awareness and funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute to support comprehensive efforts focused on preventing and treating childhood cancer. The Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride was founded in 1999 by Sel

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Junior Theatre Takes The Stage

On Saturday, the 26th of July, the Junior division of the Ingham Theatre Group debut in their first matinee. After 10 weeks of work-shopping improvisations, theatre sports, performance technique, stage craft, and most importantly fun and friendship, the Juniors stepped up and performed the wondrous adventure that was 'Princesses of a Feather'. Together, the cursed princesses-turned-birds, defeated the evil knight Sir Glimmerpants with the help of Charlie Cowgirl Cat In A Cape, while t

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Cardwell Community Comes Together For Rebuilding Support

On Thursday 10 July, the Cardwell RSL became a vital hub of information and support as more than 35 residents and service representatives gathered for the Cardwell Community Rebuild Info Session. Organised by Centacare FNQ, the evening brought together key organisations supporting North Queenslanders affected by the 2025 floods and now in the rebuilding phase. The session was hosted in partnership with Centacare’s Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub, the Queensland Building and Construction Co

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Parliament Summary Crime, Mount Spec Road, Flood Recovery and More

March 18, 2025

Last week, I was in Brisbane for Parliament, and it was a busy week with plenty of important issues relevant to Hinchinbrook on the agenda.

One key topic I spoke about in the House was the urgent need for Castle Law in Queensland. I’ve held off on speaking about crime in Parliament to give the new government and Youth Justice Minister a chance to act, but things aren’t getting better, especially in North Queensland. We’ve seen some despicable crimes in both Cairns and Townsville recently, and recent law reforms simply don’t go far enough.

In the last month, Townsville recorded an average of nearly nine break-ins every day, and an average of more than three stolen cars per day, many of which were used in reckless joyrides, for committing further crimes, or were simply burnt out. These aren’t just numbers, they represent real families, business owners, and residents waking up to find their homes invaded and their cars gone, or worse.

No one should have to live in fear in their own home. That’s why I’ve been pushing for Castle Law, to give homeowners the legal right to defend themselves, their families, and their property without the risk of being charged for protecting what’s theirs.

I also submitted a Question on Notice to the Youth Justice Minister about the government’s version of bush sentencing, known as the Regional Reset Program. I’ve sought details of what this program will look like and when it will be rolled out.

Another critical topic in Hinchinbrook right now is Mount Spec Road up to Paluma which remains closed due to the damage suffered in the January-February weather event. We need to do more than just get the road re-opened, we need to see investment in betterment works to future-proof Mount Spec Road and mitigate the risk of future long-term closures. I sought assurance from the Transport and Main Roads Minister that this was part of the recovery plan.

I look forward to receiving responses to these questions. In the meantime, if anyone would like more information about any of the above, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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Ingham Lions Back The Bike Ride
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Cardwell Medical Practice Revival Offers Hope
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Forrest Beach SLSC Honoured For Service And Spirit
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Second Act of Vandalism Hits Beloved Canecutter Monument
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