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 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!
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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
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