The latest art exhibit at TYTO Art Gallery opened on Friday and is open until the end of July. This ‘n’ That by Sue Hollamby brings Sue’s art style to life, she shares a charming collection of heartfelt works that showcase her genuine passion for art and creativity. In the new exhibit expect a lively blend of colour, imagination, and character in this wonderfully eclectic collection. The exhibit’s opening night was an extraordinary success, and attendees said it was wonderful to see art
Read the full storyFirst Deaths to Johnstone Division Records show that the first death in Cardwell was on 7th March 1864, and the first burial in the cemetery was that of a six-month-old female child later in 1864. The first European baby born in Cardwell was George Cardwell Peters, on October 9th 1864, and in 1866 the Province of Cardwell was proclaimed. The telegraph line reached Cardwell in December 1869 after five men lost their lives from Jungle Fever during its construction from Townsville. Cardwell’s first
Read the full storyFans of legendary American country rock are in for a real treat when the Kings of Country Rock Tour hits the Lucinda Hotel on Saturday, 13th September 2025. This two-hour stage spectacular is much more than a tribute show. It captures all the sounds, energy and excitement of two of the biggest bands of the 1970s — the Eagles and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Featuring a cast of internationally respected musicians, the show promises a high-energy, crowd-pleasing experience that will have audienc
Read the full storyFrom the cane fields of Macknade to bookshelves across Australia, Angelina Mastrippolito’s debut memoir Le Seconde: Inheriting the Unspoken has made an inspiring impact. Her hometown launch, held at TYTO Conference Centre in Ingham, was a moving and memorable event, with more than seventy people gathering to celebrate her success. Friends, family, childhood neighbours and past classmates filled the room to show their support, purchase a signed copy, and hear Angie speak about her journey. The w
Read the full storyExcitement is building as the 2025 Hinchinbrook Australia Day Awards approaches, set to take place this Friday, the 24th of January, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall. One of the evening's most anticipated moments will be the announcement of the Shire Citizen Award, an honour recognising outstanding community contribution. This year's nominees exemplify dedication, passion, and service to the region.
The nominees for the 2025 Shire Citizen Award are: Yvonne Bosworth, Tammy Collins, Piera Delroy, Alan Giles, Natalie Hulett, Keith Phillips, Rita Phillips, and Helen Stanton. Each nominee has demonstrated remarkable commitment to improving the lives of those around them.
In addition to the Shire Citizen Award, the 2025 Hinchinbrook Australia Day Awards will feature several other categories, recognising achievements in sports, culture, and community engagement. The full list of categories includes:
• Junior Sports Award
• Senior Sports Award
• Junior Cultural Award
• Senior Cultural Award
• Individual Achievement Award
• Community Event of the Year Award
• Shire Young Citizen Award
Congratulations to all nominees for their exceptional contributions, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements this Friday!
Mirusia Louwerse is a world-renowned soprano and entertainer, celebrated for her 18-year global career spanning operas, musicals, oratorios and concerts. At 21, she became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award, launching her international career as the star soprano with Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra.
“It is an honour to welcome Mirusia, an extraordinary ambassador of Australian talent, to Hinchinbrook for our 2025 Australia Day celebrations. Her remarkable career and inspiring achievements embody the spirit of excellence and resilience we hold dear. We look forward to her joining us for this special occasion,” declared Councillor Marbelli.
The Australia Day Ambassador Program is one of the longest-running and most successful national Australia Day programs, sending high-achieving Australians to over 300 community celebrations nationwide every Australia Day. Ambassadors are past recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards, sportspeople, scientists, businesspeople, actors and community workers who contributed greatly to the community.
Mirusia will be present at the Australia Day award presentations and celebrations. Australia Day is about so much more than the events of the one day – it is about who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be.
Mirusia will return to Ingham to grace our community with her extraordinary talent when she performs at the JL Kelly Theatre on 15 March 2025, promising an unforgettable evening of world-class entertainment.
2025 Hinchinbrook Australia Day Award Nominees
This annual celebration highlights the remarkable individuals and events that make the Hinchinbrook Shire such a vibrant and thriving community. The nominees for the Shire Citizen Award have been recognised for their outstanding contributions in various fields, from volunteer work and community service to arts and sports.
Shire Citizen Award
• Yvonne Bosworth – Recognised for her community leadership as Manager of Canegrowers Mitre 10, mentoring school trainees, volunteering at school events, and organising successful fundraisers for the McGrath Foundation. Yvonne has also made contributions to the Ingham Football Club and Ingham State High P&C.
• Tammy Collins – Honoured for her extensive volunteer fundraising for charities, including significant efforts supporting the Palliative Carers Committee. Her boundless energy and generosity have left a lasting impact.
• Piera Delroy – Celebrated for decades of volunteering, including roles with the Australian-Italian Festival and Ingham Palliative Care. Piera’s dedication to community events and support exemplifies selfless service.
• Alan Giles – Recognised for 20+ years with the Ingham Theatre Group, directing standout productions and coordinating community performances, spreading joy through the arts.
• Natalie Hulett – Acknowledged for her volunteer work with Audrey’s Angels of Hope, Hinchinbrook Blue Light, and PCYC Emergency Cadets, where she introduced Blue Light Care Bears to support hospital patients.
• Keith Phillips – Honoured for his vital role with the Lower Herbert Halifax Lions Club, contributing expertise and resources to community projects like the Seniors Centre and Meals on Wheels.
• Rita Phillips – Celebrated for her dedication to Meals on Wheels and the Anglican Church, including coordinating volunteers, finances, and redevelopment of facilities, alongside her community ministry work.
• Helen Stanton – Recognised for her contributions to the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club and gymnastics, including coaching, event coordination, and securing funding to support local sports programs.
Shire Young Citizen Award
• Coen Luxford – Nominated for his participation as a drummer at all local ANZAC Day parades, rain or shine. He also participates with the Ingham Theatre Group when possible. Coen served as Junior Sports Captain and is now Senior School Captain at Ingham State High School. In 2024, he represented the Hinchinbrook Electorate at the Queensland Youth Parliament, attending Parliament House on several occasions.
Good luck to all nominees for the Shire Citizen Award and all other categories! The celebration doesn’t stop there, as several more awards are up for grabs:
Junior Sports Award
• Liam Fascetti
• Jack Larsen
• Brax Roveda
Senior Sports Award
• Ally Rhodes
Junior Cultural Award
• Coen Luxford
• Kaitlyn Rapista
Senior Cultural Award
• Alan Giles
Individual Achievement Award
• Piera Delroy
• Bridgette Duffy
• Alan Giles
• Natalie Hulett
• Coen Luxford
• Rita Phillips
• Helen Stanton
Community Event of the Year Award
• Dean Schifilliti Shield (Herbert River Junior Rugby League)
• 'Mystery on the Orient Express' – Ingham Theatre Group
• Palm Creek Parkrun
• Rootbound Festival
• Safer Families Event 2024 – Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre