Just over 18 months ago, Mayor Ramon Jayo made a phone call that changed the future of print media in the Hinchinbrook region. His request was simple: “We don’t have a newspaper here anymore; I’ve seen what you’re doing with Burdekin Life Newspaper and I’m calling to see if you’d do the same in our region.” At the time, representatives from Life Publishing Group were on the Sunshine Coast for the Queensland Country Press Awards and, unbeknownst to them, they were about to win Best Free Newspaper in QLD for the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper. But, despite being thrilled to win on the night, the real prize has always been bigger than awards. The mission of this young, vibrant, independent publishing group is clear: give the community a free voice in print. Every printed newspaper is free to pick up, every online article free to read. No paywalls—just local news, written for and about local people. Life Publishing papers stand apart for their uplifting, positive storytelling, avoiding shock tactics while reporting fairly, respectfully and with kindness. “At the heart of our newspapers is good news,” said Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith. “We believe that community news should be uplifting; it is there to connect the community, document local history as it happens, and become a source of local pride.” Since launching on Tuesday 26th November 2024, Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper has been dedicated to these core foundations and has, over the last year, ingratiated itself within the community. The path, however, has not always been straightforward. Just 10 weeks after the newspaper launched, the biggest floods in a generation hit the region and the lives of people, businesses, and even the newspaper came to a grinding halt. Hinchinbrook Life’s on-the-ground journalist, Daniel Heggie, was marooned in Forrest Beach, and there was a period where it was almost impossible to get news out. In addition, many local businesses—who are at the heart of bringing the newspaper to the community by booking advertising—were on the point of closure. “It was very scary at the time,” shared Rachael. “We did the only thing we could think of doing to help, and that was to run a special Flood Edition of the newspaper, documenting the disaster as it unfolded. For many residents who did not have power, that first flood edition could have been some of the first footage they had seen of the event.” Over the following weeks, as normality began to return, the newspaper stood strong as a place for people to connect and share stories. “The next few months were a real turning point for us,” explained Rachael. “We were becoming a central part of the community, it felt like a big communal hug was enveloping everyone and we were a part of that.” Another huge milestone for Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper was the official launch event held at the Herbert River Sub-Branch RSL Club. “It was an absolute honour to have the Premier of Queensland and Hinchinbrook local, David Crisafulli, open the event – we invited him on a whim and were beyond ecstatic when he accepted. “Having David endorse the paper was really special, and we are thrilled to receive his ongoing support to this day.” “As we celebrate the completion of our first year, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone in the community – to all the readers for enthusiastically picking up the paper every week, to all our loyal advertisers for choosing to support the paper, and to the Councils and local Chambers for their alliance. “Lastly, I would like to thank our on-the-ground team – Sherie Hensler-Adams for her passion for the community and for working closely with local businesses to deliver advertising with care and kindness. "Also, to our dynamic journalist Victoria Velton, who is everywhere and anywhere taking photos and writing stories. Victoria is diligent and kind, two characteristics I greatly admire. "Thanks also to our broader office team who work behind the scenes every week, and to Trish Jandt and Daniel Heggie, who were a central part of the initial launch team. "We have had a wonderful first year and look forward to many more years to come!"
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A modern pontoon project is now underway at Dungeness, thanks to a $454,000 investment from the Crisafulli Government in partnership with Council, providing safer and more efficient access for marine operations at the gateway to the Hinchinbrook Channel. The new pontoon on Denney Street is designed to support commercial operators and boost economic benefits for the community and will make marine access easier and more efficient for businesses that rely on it. Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was proud to be supporting regional Queensland communities. “This upgrade is being funded through the Crisafulli Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme in partnership with Hinchinbrook Shire Council,” Minister Mickelberg said. "It’s a great example of how we’re backing the Hinchinbrook community with practical infrastructure that makes a real difference. In just our first year, we’ve focused on delivering projects that matter, and we will continue to do so as we advocate around the decision-making table." Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said the pontoon reinforces Dungeness as a key departure point for Hinchinbrook Island, the reef, and the region’s world-class fishing grounds. “This pontoon project is just the start of our plans for this beautiful area many locals call home,” Mayor Jayo said. “This project complements our advocacy efforts to secure real investment in infrastructure upgrades. “These include the Dungeness Marine Access and Lucinda Sewage projects. “Together, these initiatives represent a commitment to a thriving future where visitors and locals can enjoy world-class experiences in a pristine environment.” The 13-metre new pontoon will help strengthen Dungeness as a destination, boost tourism, and deliver economic benefits for the whole region. Fabrication of the gangway and pontoon is currently in progress, with delivery of the piles and pontoon scheduled later this month. Arborist, piling works and earthworks will follow. Installation of the abutment and gangway will complete the upgrade, with all works expected to finish before the Christmas break, weather permitting. The structure measures 13m in length and 3m in width. It weighs 12,889kg and has a flotation area of approximately 37 sq m.
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Dogs, wildlife and aggressive people are among the leading causes of incidents involving Ergon crews and contractors across Queensland. After 289 reported incidents state-wide in the last 12 months, Ergon’s metering contracts manager Sarah Bradford is appealing to customers to do their bit to keep workers safe. “One of the biggest hazards we are facing in the field has nothing to do with electricity at all – it’s actually our customers. “The type of abuse and threatening behaviour being reported really does pose an additional risk to our crews that we don’t need, whether it’s meter readers, maintenance workers or in an emergency response situation." Network contact centre staff have also been copping abuse and threats over the phone in a year when they supported Queenslanders through Cyclone Alfred and major flood events. “Our 24/7 Faults Team is taking calls about life-threatening emergencies at all hours, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect and courtesy they give to customers,” Sarah said. Aggressive animals are a constant threat to crews on the frontline of customer service. In the last year there have been 148 dog-related incidents and 60 incidents related to wildlife. “While you may not see your pet as a threat, experience tells us that any dog can pose a risk, regardless of size or temperament." “We’re asking customers to ensure their pets and livestock are locked up and completely separated from worksites to provide a safe environment for our crews and meter readers. “If we cannot confirm safe access to your meter or other equipment, we will not risk entering your premises to do any work. “We are sincerely grateful to the majority of people who are doing the right thing to keep everyone safe, and we hope we can get through to the minority who aren’t,” Sarah said. For more information on safe entry, visit Safe entry to your property | Ergon Energy.
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Hinchinbrook Shire Council is calling for more than $22 million in investment to upgrade Lucinda’s sewage network and deliver reliable marine access at Forrest Beach, securing growth and connectivity for the region’s coastal communities. The call comes ahead of the Hinchinbrook state by-election, with voters heading to the polls later this month. Mayor Ramon Jayo said investment is essential to make Lucinda and Forrest Beach among the best places to live, thrive, and relax as a gateway to some of Queensland’s most iconic fishing destinations. “Imagine working out west and coming home to paradise on your days off, where the ocean meets the cane fields. Infrastructure makes this lifestyle possible,” Mayor Jayo said. “These projects in Lucinda and Forrest Beach will strengthen Hinchinbrook’s position as one of North Queensland’s most desirable lifestyle regions — a place where opportunity meets natural beauty.” Lucinda is a gateway to world-class fishing and a community ready to grow. Council is calling for $18 million to upgrade sewage capacity through a new trunk network and treatment plant. They're also seeking $4 million to relocate the Cassady Creek boat ramp and $750,000 for a business case and environmental approvals for new ramp and jetty facilities. These prjects will unlock housing potential, boost tourism, and attract new residents who want to live where the coast meets the cane fields. Mayor Jayo said the call for investment isn’t just about convenience. "This is about unlocking opportunity for tourism, emergency response, and community growth," Mayor Jayo said. The Hinchinbrook state by-election will be held on Saturday, 29 November 2025. Visit https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/election-events/hinchinbrook-by-election on the Electoral Commission Queensland website.
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For more than six years, SpinFX has been lighting up North Queensland. Founded by Jesse Spina in 2019, the business has grown from humble beginnings into a trusted provider of electrical, air-conditioning, and solar solutions, servicing both urban and remote communities.
From the outset, Jesse’s vision was clear: to provide reliable, high-quality service with a focus on customer satisfaction. What began as hydro cleaning soon expanded to lighting and power point installations, then air-conditioning, and most recently, solar systems. “It’s about being there for our clients, whether they’re in Ingham or a more isolated area like Georgetown or Croydon,” Jesse says.
This commitment to service is reflected in SpinFX's reputation for dependability, quality workmanship, and products customers can trust. The business has evolved in parallel with its growth as SpinFX now boasts a showroom at 1/102 Herbert Street, allowing clients to explore lighting, fans, and solar solutions firsthand.
With his team of eight, Jesse has fostered a workplace culture built on camaraderie and shared purpose. Apprentices are welcomed, ensuring the team grows alongside the business. Hayden, the newly appointed manager, allows Jesse to balance fieldwork with operational oversight, keeping the business agile and client-focused.
As SpinFX looks to the future, Jesse’s focus remains on expanding the services they can provide. This includes off-grid solar and refrigeration licensing and providing exceptional electrical solutions across North Queensland. Their growth is impressive, but their mission remains simple as “Customer satisfaction is our number one priority,” Jesse says. With that ethos at the core, SpinFX is energising the North Queensland region.
Jesse:
From humble beginnings as a subcontractor, Jesse quickly realised his vision to build a business defined by community commitment.
“My parents ran their own businesses, so I grew up understanding what it meant to treat clients and staff with respect,” Jesse reflects. Starting with hydro cleaning, Jesse gradually expanded his offerings with each step deliberate, guided by a combination of skill, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
A hallmark of Jesse’s approach is his dedication to remote and regional clients. Communities like Georgetown and Croydon often face limited access to tradespeople, but Jesse ensures SpinFX is a reliable presence, going above and beyond to deliver quality service and dependable products. “I’ve invested in being out there. I want to be there for the people who need us,” he explains.
His team's culture is equally important as Jesse has cultivated a workplace that is supportive, and often playful, with staff — and even his dogs, Luna and Luigi — playing a role in creating a positive environment. Apprentices like Dallas and Liam are nurtured from the outset, ensuring the next generation of skilled tradespeople benefits from Jesse’s guidance and high standards.
The new showroom is a tangible expression of Jesse’s growth and ambition. Yet, for Jesse, the work extends beyond bricks and mortar. He continually invests in training, product knowledge, and real-world testing, particularly in solar solutions, to ensure his clients receive only the best.
“I’m very happy with where my business is now. I’ve come so far in what feels like a short amount of time,” he says. North Queensland has gained a genuine expert committed to making life easier, more efficient, and genuinely brighter for every client SpinFX serves.
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