Mark 10th Birdlife Art Awards More than 280 people gathered to celebrate Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s 10th Birdlife Art Awards at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery on Friday night, 1 August 2025. This milestone event continues to honour the rich birdlife of the Hinchinbrook region through the eyes of talented artists from across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It features an impressive 106 entries across various mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and m
Read the full storySporting and recreation clubs across North and Far North Queensland impacted by early 2025’s severe flooding can now apply for a share in a $30 million funding package to help repair and rebuild their facilities. The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) — a joint initiative by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) — offers up to $1 million per facility for eligible not-for-profit sport and racing clubs, as well as local cou
Read the full storyLocally loved artist, Katie Louise, has graced the region once again, painting a beautiful mural on the wall of the infamous Frosty Mango building located 40km South of Ingham along the mighty Bruce Highway. Hailing from Townsville, Katie’s paint brushes have coloured many surfaces across North Queensland where she has artistically captured the unique qualities of several communities including the Atherton Tablelands, Charters Towers, and now Cardwell. Katie’s recent piece within the shi
Read the full storyFormer players, supporters, and families reunited in Ingham over the weekend of 18–19 July 2025 to celebrate the 55-year-long legacy of the Wallaman Rugby League Club, with attendees travelling from across Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and all corners of Queensland. Though no longer active, the Wallaman club holds a proud place in local sporting history. Formed in 1970 under challenging circumstances, the club faced early struggles just getting a team on the field. With determina
Read the full storyForrest Beach is open again!
On Thursday 6th March, the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) stinger net was returned to the water, opening the beach to swimmers.
Member of the Forrest Beach SLSC and stinger net supervisor, Bill Johnson said the beach had been cleaned up since the flood. Bill acknowledged that the conditions were good, and quickly seized the opportunity to reinstall the net.
Bill advises to swim in the early morning or late afternoon for the best tide and water temperature.
Swimmers are advised to stay within the safety of the stinger net and between the red and yellow flags at all times. For added protection, wearing a lycra stinger suit is recommended.
“This weekend will see big tides at 6-7 o’clock in the morning, so this weekend will be absolutely beautiful for swimming,” said Bill.
The lifesavers patrol the beach, Saturdays - 1.00-5:00pm and Sundays & Public Holidays - 9:00am-5:00pm.
The stinger net has been out for at least a month, and now is a great time to get back in the water.