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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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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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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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
Read the full storyAlthough the Easter long weekend has been and gone for another year, local authorities hope water safety remains at the forefront of Queenslander’s plans no matter the holiday.
Annually, the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) ramp up water safety education and enforcement tactics each and every school holiday period, yet between the 1st of January and the 30th of March, over 140 people were caught operating watercraft without a valid licence, and 21 were found on the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In response, the QPS, MSQ and SLSQ teamed up to crack down on risky behaviour across our waterways and beaches with QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Joe Jaramazovic stating officers increased patrols over Easter to ensure everyone could enjoy the water safely.
“With increased traffic on the waterways, it is critical that everyone remains vigilant in their approach to safety by keeping to speed limits, never operating their watercraft while under the influence and ensuring everyone on board has the correct safety gear,” he explained.
“We are seeing a high number of people on the water operating jet skis without appropriate licences and in these situations, both the operator and the owner of these watercrafts can face significant fines.”
MSQ General Manager Kell Dillon echoed the call for vigilance, highlighting Queensland’s new lifejacket rules that took effect on the 1st of December of 2024.
“While our team will be concentrating on education rather than enforcement of the new rules until 1 July of this year, we want skippers to understand and comply with them now,” Kell urged.
Under the new regulations, every child under 12 must wear a lifejacket in the open area of a moving boat, and lifejackets are compulsory at night, when boating solo, or when crossing coastal bars in an open vessel.
On the beach front, SLSQ Lifesaving Services Manager Natalie Edwards reminded families that patrolled beaches remain the safest spots to swim.
“Please follow the advice of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards if you are visiting a patrolled beach,” Natalie said.
“If you are taking the risk to swim in an un-patrolled location, know your limits, do not enter the surf if you are not a confident swimmer and have a plan to call for help if you need it.”
Safe boating and swimming habits are everyone’s responsibility, so keep your licence current, wear your lifejacket, and respect the rules to ensure our waterways stay fun and accident free all year round.
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