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 storyIn the wake of the Federal Government’s Category D disaster declaration, QCAR remains on the ground, ensuring flood-affected growers receive the support they desperately need.
Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella has been meeting with industry and financial leaders, including senior NAB staff, to outline the long-term challenges rural businesses now face. While the $75,000 grants have provided a crucial lifeline, red tape is still preventing many from accessing essential funding.
QCAR is actively campaigning for changes to eligibility criteria, pushing for support to extend beyond primary income requirements so that growers supplementing their earnings—like Ingham’s Luke Roveda—aren’t unfairly excluded. Additionally, the fight continues to ensure replanting assistance includes ratoon crops, which make up the bulk of the region’s sugarcane.
Beyond financial aid, QCAR is advocating for urgent repairs to damaged creek banks and drainage systems, assistance for the harvesting and local business sectors, and the restoration of the rail network ahead of crushing season. Mental health remains a top priority, with QCAR calling for increased services to help struggling farmers.
“We’ve secured a win with the Category D funding, but there’s more to be done,” QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan said.
“We won’t stop fighting to make sure our growers and their communities get the help they deserve.”
For assistance, contact Lawrence Di Bella and the Herbert River team at 0448 084 252 or email ldibella@qcar.com.au.