The latest art exhibit at TYTO Art Gallery opened on Friday and is open until the end of July. This ‘n’ That by Sue Hollamby brings Sue’s art style to life, she shares a charming collection of heartfelt works that showcase her genuine passion for art and creativity. In the new exhibit expect a lively blend of colour, imagination, and character in this wonderfully eclectic collection. The exhibit’s opening night was an extraordinary success, and attendees said it was wonderful to see art
Read the full storyFirst Deaths to Johnstone Division Records show that the first death in Cardwell was on 7th March 1864, and the first burial in the cemetery was that of a six-month-old female child later in 1864. The first European baby born in Cardwell was George Cardwell Peters, on October 9th 1864, and in 1866 the Province of Cardwell was proclaimed. The telegraph line reached Cardwell in December 1869 after five men lost their lives from Jungle Fever during its construction from Townsville. Cardwell’s first
Read the full storyFans of legendary American country rock are in for a real treat when the Kings of Country Rock Tour hits the Lucinda Hotel on Saturday, 13th September 2025. This two-hour stage spectacular is much more than a tribute show. It captures all the sounds, energy and excitement of two of the biggest bands of the 1970s — the Eagles and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Featuring a cast of internationally respected musicians, the show promises a high-energy, crowd-pleasing experience that will have audienc
Read the full storyFrom the cane fields of Macknade to bookshelves across Australia, Angelina Mastrippolito’s debut memoir Le Seconde: Inheriting the Unspoken has made an inspiring impact. Her hometown launch, held at TYTO Conference Centre in Ingham, was a moving and memorable event, with more than seventy people gathering to celebrate her success. Friends, family, childhood neighbours and past classmates filled the room to show their support, purchase a signed copy, and hear Angie speak about her journey. The w
Read the full storyBananas: they're not just a-peeling snacks but the tropical treasures that keep the Hinchinbrook region ripe with history, culture, and economic impact.
The Hinchinbrook region in North Queensland is a significant contributor to Australia's banana industry, offering several intriguing facts:
1. Historical Roots: In the 1880s, the Tully River area, just north of Cardwell in the Hinchinbrook region, became a hub for Chinese banana farms. Chinese immigrants introduced banana cultivation to North Queensland in the 1870s, establishing a foundation for the region's future agricultural success.
2. Economic Impact: Queensland accounts for 94% of Australia's banana production, with the majority concentrated in North Queensland. The Hinchinbrook region, including areas like Tully, Innisfail, and Kennedy, plays a pivotal role in this output. The industry significantly contributes to the local economy, providing employment and supporting related sectors.
3. Cavendish Dominance: The Cavendish variety dominates Australia's banana production, accounting for 97% of the market. This variety is favoured for its resilience and suitability to the region's tropical climate. Other varieties, such as Lady Finger, Red Dacca, Goldfinger, Sucrier, Ducasse, and Plantains, make up a smaller portion of the market.
4. Environmental Challenges: The region's tropical climate, while ideal for banana cultivation, also presents challenges. Cyclones and diseases like the bunchy top virus have historically threatened crops. However, proactive measures and research have helped mitigate these risks, ensuring the industry's sustainability.
5. Community and Culture: Banana farming has shaped the cultural landscape of the Hinchinbrook region. The industry's growth led to the establishment of communities and infrastructure, fostering a unique blend of cultures and traditions. Events celebrating bananas and their significance are common, highlighting the fruit's role in the region's identity.
From their rich history to their vibrant presence in the Hinchinbrook community today, bananas truly stand as a symbol of growth, resilience, and the tropical charm of North Queensland.