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
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Two 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
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By 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
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A 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 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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