TOP NEWS

Yeah Baby! 50 New Babies Welcomed Into The Community

The Tyto Conference Centre was filled with joy, pride, and absolute cuteness overload on Saturday May 17, as Hinchinbrook celebrated its annual Baby Welcome Ceremony. Held in the beautiful wetlands, the event marked a record turnout, with 50 newborns officially welcomed into the community. Mayor of Hinchinbrook, Ramon Jayo, expressed his delight at the overwhelming participation, saying, "It's amazing to see, we normally have in 30-40 but today we have 50 babies to welcome. We are very pleased

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The Remarkable Lives of Harry Berger & Stephanie Hubinger

by Victoria Velton Harry Berger and Stephanie Hubinger’s lives are deeply intertwined with their hometown. From their humble beginnings to their impactful roles in the region, their story is one of dedication, resilience, and community spirit. Harry Berger, originally from Western Australia, arrived in the area in 1959 as part of his military service with the Army’s Survey Corps. His work in surveying and mapping was vital for opening up the region. Harry’s team played a pivotal role in recordi

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The Today Show Shines A Spotlight On Lucinda

Lucinda recently found itself in the national spotlight as the Today Show rolled into town as part of their regional roadshow. Host Tim Davies and his crew brought a vibrant energy to the community, showcasing the unique charm and warmth that Lucinda and the surrounding areas have to offer. For Tim Davies, it was a welcome return to a place he holds dear. "It's my second time here, and it's been so good to come back and experience the lifestyle here," he said. "It's been great being in the regi

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ONE WEEK TO GO! The Canegrowers Herbert River Link2Country Expo

The countdown is on! The highly anticipated Link2Country Expo, presented by CANEGROWERS, is just around the corner, making its debut on May 23rd and 24th at the Ingham Showgrounds. This action-packed, two-day event is set to bring the agricultural sector to life, connecting local communities to hands-on experiences, career opportunities, and much more. With just a week to go, excitement is building as preparations for the event come to a close. The expo will feature trade stalls hosted by indus

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QCAR On The Ground

May 6, 2025

Queensland Cane Action Roundtable (QCAR) has been out in force across the state in recent weeks, building momentum for workforce solutions and innovation in the sugarcane industry.

QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella and Central District Manager Sonia Ball were among the representatives at the 2025 Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) Conference, held at the Royal International Convention Centre last week.

Attending alongside AgEtal and AgForce, the team was promoting the AgTIY – RSDetect testing kit, a tool designed to provide reliable, on-farm results to better inform farming decisions.

The exhibit drew strong interest, with many stopping by to speak with Kylie and Adele from AgEtal, and learn more about the testing process. SRA’s Farzana Darain was among those who dropped in to the QCAR, AgEtal and AgForce stall, as was Peter Larson of Wilmar.

Meanwhile, QCAR has been stepping up its engagement with ALA Workforce Solutions, working collaboratively to address labour shortages across the sugarcane and agricultural sectors.

Herbert River district growers have been invited to attend an information evening on Monday 6 May at the Royal Hotel. RSVPs officially closed on 2 May, however last-minute enquiries can be directed to QCAR Administration Officer Anna Di Bella on 0419 673 000.

The workforce push follows a successful start to a three-event series in Far North Queensland, with a strong turnout for the first meeting at the Crown Hotel, Innisfail, followed by Babinda and Walkamin.

QCAR continues to drive change across Queensland and into the northern tip of New South Wales, supporting sugarcane growers with tools, partnerships and opportunities.

For more information about QCAR’s work or the AgTIY – RSDetect kit, contact Lawrence Di Bella on 0448 084 252.

Sonia Ball and Lawrence Di Bella, QCAR. Photos supplied
SRA’s Farzana Darain at the QCAR, AgEtal and AgForce exhibit
Lawrence Di Bella with Kylie and Adele from AgEtal
From left, QCAR Chairman Christian Lago, Alf D’Urso, Steven Bonso and Deputy Chairman Don Murday
Mick Camilleri, Barry Stubbs, Les Neilsen and Robert Muzic
Retiring QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan, Daniel Messina, Joel Pappalardo, David Cecchi and QCAR Director Gerard Puglisi

IN OTHER NEWS

Hinchinbrook Shire Council brings "Find Your Future In Hinchinbrook" to the Canegrowers Herbert River Link2Country Expo
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A Minute With The Mayor Ramon Jayo
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Hinchinbrook Community Recovery Support Continues
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Card Games & Cent Sales For A Cause
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Birds & Brushstrokes
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