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 storyWith the Easter school holidays underway, Far North Queensland Police Services are ramping up their efforts on both land and sea to ensure locals and visitors stay safe throughout the busy holiday period.
From now until the 21st of April, drivers and boaters alike can expect to see a higher police presence as part of high-visibility operations across the region.
Cairns Water Police Officer in Charge, Sergeant Andrew Ibell, reminded locals to be prepared before hitting the water.
“It’s important to keep an eye on the weather conditions, and make sure you pack safety equipment including lifejackets and an EPRIB and always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return,” Sergeant Ibell said.
“Alerting family or friends or reporting your trip to the local Volunteer Marine Rescue group or Coast Guard could help save your life in the event of an emergency.”
His warning follows a recent rescue off the coast of Hope Vale, where three men were left stranded overnight on Boulder Reef after the propeller on their tinny fell into the water. The men were eventually located on a sand cay at around 2am by the Rescue 510 helicopter and taken to Cooktown for treatment.
“Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in this incident, but it highlights the importance of having safety equipment when venturing out to the reef,” Sergeant Ibell said.
The Queensland Police Service continues to stress the vast majority of serious crashes are avoidable and by being mindful of the Fatal Five, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death.
For more tips on staying safe this school holiday season, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads.