At the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo From the moment the gates opened, the air buzzed with the sound of hooves, cheering crowds, and the anticipation of more than 25 rodeo events. Tiny riders on ponies, fearless juniors, seasoned stock professionals, and the ever-popular charity bull ride had the crowd on their feet. With daring competitors and non-stop entertainment, this year’s rodeo once again proved why it is one of the most exciting events on the northern calendar. Cowboys and cowgirls
Read the full storyErgon Energy Network is urging gardeners to carefully consider what they plant near powerlines and other electrical assets, with fast-growing species like bamboo causing thousands of power outages and posing serious safety risks. Ergon Energy Network Area Manager Rick Madden said planting the wrong trees or plants too close to powerlines can lead to dangerous situations, including fallen powerlines, emergency power outages and electric shocks. “Bamboo is one of the worst offenders because it g
Read the full storyForrest Beach has always been a place where community and coastline meet, and now it has a new chapter in its real estate story. After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Mary Venables has retired, passing the torch of Venables Real Estate to Richard and Lisa, who have proudly launched Forrest Beach Real Estate. The change marks the end of an era, but also a fresh beginning for the township and its real estate landscape. Mary’s journey in the industry is nothing short of remarkable. Arrivi
Read the full storyWalter W. Mason’s Book Launch in Ingham Ingham welcomed local author Walter W. Mason for the launch of his two highly anticipated books, Little Girl Beautiful and The Blue Bus, and the event was nothing short of a triumph. The community gathered in high spirits, catching up with Mason, sharing stories, and celebrating a lifetime of connection to the region. By the end of the launch, every copy of The Blue Bus had sold out, and Mason was down to his last box of Little Girl Beautiful. Those who mi
Read the full storyLast Tuesday 26 November the Lions Club of Ingham brought back their Sportstar of the Year Awards, an event welcomed back by the whole community after a four year hiatus.
Herbert River Sub Branch RSL – Ingham hosted the long awaited event. Over 130 people were in attendance including Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo and guest speaker Maurie Soars.
Maurie congratulated all nominees and winners, stating that they were all winners just for being nominated. Maurie also talked about the importance in volunteers, especially in rural communities, and encouraged everyone to get involved in local clubs.
Lions Club of Ingham Chairperson Sharon Fighera also congratulated all nominees on the night and said she hopes the Sportstar of the Year Awards will now be a permanent fixture in the local annual events calendar.
“Here is to hoping that they continue for many years to come, and continue to acknowledge the sporting talent and volunteers we have in our small town,” expressed Sharon.
List of all nominees and winners:
*NEW AWARD*
Recognition of Service Award – Rina Zatta & Brenda Oats – Herbert River Athletic Club
Team of the Year Nominees
Gilroy Santa Maria College Open Boys Cricket Team
Ingham Football Club Mens Division 1
Forrest Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Male Beach Sprint Team – WINNER
Junior Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Kyan Biasi
Rori Biasi
Kyla Guandalini
Lacey Jayasuria
Brax Roveda
Mariah Long
Adam Mammino – Runner Up
Jack Larsen – WINNER
Mikinley Blewitt
Billie Lahtinen
Lara Biasi
Molly-Rose Gaggiano
Levi Murray – Encouragement Award
Senior Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Kyrah Mancinelli
Millie-J Lino-Gofton
Jess Furber
Spencer Riys – Encouragement Award
Liam Fascetti – Runner Up
Jared Dau
Meshack David
Ally Rhodes
Evandah Bann – WINNER
Darius Lewin-Pearson
Masters Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Carmen Mugica
Joyce Buffa - WINNER
Maurie Soars Guest Speaker and Judge
Lions Club of Ingham Chairperson Sharon Fighera
Lions Club of Ingham President Colin Dallavanzi, Rina Zatta and Brenda Oats
Team of the Year Nominees with Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo
Guest speaker Maurie Soars and Masters Sportstar of the Year Joyce Buffa
Junior Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Maurie Soars and Junior Sportstar of the Year Jack Larsen
Junior Sportstar of the Year Winner Jack Larsen, Maurie Soars, Runner-up Adam Mammino, and Encouragement award Levi Murray
Councillor Donna Marbelli and Senior Encouragement award Spencer Riys
Councillor Donna Marbelli and Runner-up Liam Fascetti
Guest speaker Maurie Soars, Lions Club of Ingham Chairperson Sharon Fighera, and Councillor Donna Marbelli
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Senior Sportstar of the Year Evandah Bann. Photo credit: Paula Henderson