TOP NEWS

Strength, Vision And Legacy

Flags Raised In NAIDOC Tribute On 22 July 2025, a flag-raising ceremony marked a meaningful NAIDOC Week in Hinchinbrook. Community members gathered at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall in Ingham, led by Deputy Mayor Mary Brown and Traditional Owners, together, they proudly raised the flags in recognition of the Warrgamay, Nywaigi and Bandjin peoples — Traditional Custodians of the Hinchinbrook region. With around 70 people in attendance, the event offered a moment to reflect on this year’s NAID

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Townsville To Cairns Bike Ride Rolls Through Ingham

A peloton of dedicated cyclists rode through the Hinchinbrook Shire last week as part of the mighty Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride; an initiative established to make a difference in the lives of children affected by cancer. Held annually, the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride raises both valuable awareness and funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute to support comprehensive efforts focused on preventing and treating childhood cancer. The Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride was founded in 1999 by Sel

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Junior Theatre Takes The Stage

On Saturday, the 26th of July, the Junior division of the Ingham Theatre Group debut in their first matinee. After 10 weeks of work-shopping improvisations, theatre sports, performance technique, stage craft, and most importantly fun and friendship, the Juniors stepped up and performed the wondrous adventure that was 'Princesses of a Feather'. Together, the cursed princesses-turned-birds, defeated the evil knight Sir Glimmerpants with the help of Charlie Cowgirl Cat In A Cape, while t

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Cardwell Community Comes Together For Rebuilding Support

On Thursday 10 July, the Cardwell RSL became a vital hub of information and support as more than 35 residents and service representatives gathered for the Cardwell Community Rebuild Info Session. Organised by Centacare FNQ, the evening brought together key organisations supporting North Queenslanders affected by the 2025 floods and now in the rebuilding phase. The session was hosted in partnership with Centacare’s Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub, the Queensland Building and Construction Co

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The Russo Brother’s Enduring Racing Legacy and Gold Cup Victory

December 3, 2024

The Russo brothers have been active members of the horse racing community for well over thirty years and show no sign of slowing their successful roll anytime soon.

Charlie, Angelo and Joe reflect on their trail of success with pride, and even following on from a lengthy twenty-year hiatus, the Russo’s are more than eager to jump back in the saddle, with big plans already in motion for 2025.

The Russo’s entered the industry in the 1990’s and made quite a name for themselves with their star stallion, Mr Rogers winning many races across the state, as well as a record place in the Sydney limelight.

In the beginning of the Russo’s horse racing career, Charlie trained each of the horses, with the trio all having a hand in the preparation process. However, more recently, Joe has picked up the reins and trains the horses himself down at the local club.

In the past couple of years, the Russo name has returned to the spotlight, particularly following last month’s Gold Cup celebratory win at the Herbert River Jockey Club on Saturday 19 November.

“He’s not a bad horse and Zouhope has won about four or five races for us, and this year he won the cup!” explained Joe.

“His win wasn’t a surprise; we were pretty confident – he’s a good horse.”

Although Saturday saw the Russo’s first Gold Cup victory, the brothers have celebrated many prestigious wins over their career, including several feature races such as 1998’s Cleveland Bay Handicap whilst also championing a Cluden training premiership, and Townsville Amateur Cup.

With 2025 on the horizon, the brothers hope to add an additional ten horses to the stable, bringing the total to fourteen stallions under the Russo name.

“We won just about everything all those years back from Townsville, to Brisbane, to Sydney – we do really enjoy our racing – we love it really,” added Joe.

The Russo’s with their winning horse Zouhope and jockey Lacey Morrison on the Ingham track (Photo Credit Christopher Spencer).
Jockey, Lacey Morrison raced Zouhope over the finish line on 16 November (Photo Credit Christopher Spencer).
Joe, Charlie and Angelo Russo were confident Zouhope would take home a win (Photo Credit Christopher Spencer).
Jockey, Lacey Morrison and Zouhope being led by Charlie Russo (Photo Credit Christopher Spencer).

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