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
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Allan 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
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Hinchinbrook 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
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Over 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 storyForrest Beach Takeaway isn’t just a place to grab a bite—it’s a cornerstone of the community, where homemade meals and fresh local seafood are served with a side of connection. For nearly a decade, Lisa and Richard Scobie have poured their hearts into the business, building more than just a menu; they’ve built a place where locals and visitors feel at home.
Neither Lisa nor Richard had experience in the food industry before taking over the takeaway, but returning to the Forrest Beach community was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. The transition to business ownership wasn’t easy, and Lisa admits the learning curve was steep.
"It was really hard. I didn't expect it to be as hard as it was, but there is so much that we had to learn and that we're still learning now,” she said. “The changes economically that have happened in the last 10 years to business in Australia are absolutely mind-boggling."
One of the most important decisions they made was to stay committed to locally sourced seafood—particularly Spanish mackerel—despite rising costs and strict government-imposed quota restrictions.
"Imported products are a lot cheaper than our local product, but we've had to make the decision that we don't want to sell any imported fish. We only have Spanish mackerel, and if we have something different, it is locally caught."
Beyond seafood, the takeaway has expanded its offerings, balancing classic Aussie takeaway fare with authentic Asian dishes. From Monday to Thursday, they serve up hearty homemade meals, with their talented cook bringing a taste of Balinese cuisine to the menu.
"We have an extremely talented cook, and she does a lot of her authentic Balinese cooking, which is very popular."
The shop also prides itself on making its own pasta sauces, crumbed chicken, pizzas, lasagna, cakes, sweets, and biscuits, all available fresh in-store. Friday nights are dedicated to pizza.
More than just a place to eat, Forrest Beach Takeaway has also become a training ground for local youth.
"It's not about making fish and chips. It's about learning how to work in a work environment,” Lisa said. “We’ve been incredibly successful in making sure our juniors have gone on to do exactly what they want, whether it's studying, full-time employment, or apprenticeships."
Lisa and Richard have built more than a business—they’ve found a sense of belonging in Forrest Beach, a community they cherish.
"We're lucky, and we are very happy to be at the beach. You share the good moments and the tough ones with people. You feel all the losses in the community, but you get to celebrate the wins as well."
Lisa and Richard look forward to many more years of serving great food, mentoring young locals, and being part of the fabric of Forrest Beach.
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