TOP NEWS

Turtle-y Epic!

Tasman Turtle Picnic Day Shire Success Scores of locals and travellers flocked to TYTO Wetlands as Tasman Turtle returned with craft, food, activities, and family fun. With a rock climbing wall, circus acts, laser tag, pony rides, and a petting zoo, there was something for everyone. Music filled the air, even getting Tasman dancing, and the park buzzed from start to finish. Faces were covered with ice cream and fairy floss, but most importantly big smiles. Deputy Mayor Mary Brown happily remark

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Hinchinbrook Heroes Honoured In King’s Birthday Awards

Two respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years. Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic. With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a stea

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Jayden McNeill The Mindful Solver

By Victoria Velton In the quiet coastal town of Taylor’s Beach, Jayden McNeill is solving more than just colorful puzzles; he’s solved his way to global recognition. A Rubik’s Cube champion with international acclaim, McNeill’s story is one of perseverance, precision, and passion. It all started when a seven-year-old Jayden received a Rubik’s Cube for Christmas. Like many, he shelved it after failing to solve it. But years later, inspired by classmates in high school, he revisited the cube and

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More Than Fantasy

A Tool For Real-World Readiness When most people hear “LARPing” (Live Action Role-Playing), images of medieval knights and fantasy creatures might spring to mind. But for a growing community in Townsville, LARPing has evolved far beyond weekend cosplay, it’s becoming a valuable tool for real-world training and personal growth. The newly launched Townsville chapter of Swordcraft, Australia’s largest medieval battle and role-playing game, brings enthusiasts together every fortnight. What began as

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WE STAND TO REMEMBER Community Gathers To Commemorate ANZAC Day

April 30, 2025

This year's ANZAC Day saw hundreds turn out to remember the efforts of Australia and New Zealand's great service men and women. Veterans, schools, clubs and businesses poured into the streets to march in grand parades, and packed in close to attend services held across the Hinchinbrook Shire. Beautiful wreaths were lain and the bugles mournful tones echoed across respectful silences as flags were lowered to half mast. A gunfire breakfast, coffee and traditional ANZAC biscuits kept everyone going in the spirit of remembrance as the crowds all murmured in unison "Lest We Forget."

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto and Mayor Ramon Jayo attended several of the ANZAC Day events, commencing with the Dawn Ceremony. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

ANZAC Day Commemorated Across The Region

On the 25th of April, 2025, crowds flocked to services held in honour of our ANZACs. Held in recognition of their efforts and in many cases their sacrifices, in the wars that gave Australia the freedoms it has today.

Many of the services featured beautiful speeches from veterans, current soldiers, and local members of the community, along with heartfelt prayers led by Father John. Crowds of spectators flocked to and cheer on the parades, clapping as their friends or schoolmates marched by the official Saluting Officer - Lieutenant Clavin

Soldiers of the Alfa Company 1 RAR where the main catafalque party at all services this year, excluding the service held at Forrest Beach where it was the Australian Air Force Cadets of the 103 Squadron who held the honour.

Nick Dametto MP made the huge effort to attended every service saying; "I think Anzac Day in Hinchinbrook is very special as there's an opportunity for everyone to get involved. The weather played its part today, and the crowds have turned out in droves.

"We started off with the dawn service in Ingham, headed down for breakfast at the RSL, then out to the cemetery for sunrise. After that we attended the beautiful service in Forrest Beach, with the sun coming up over Palm Island, it was perfect.

"Then we all shot into Halifax for the unique service there. Listening to the school children sing as a choir, singing not only Australian, but also the New Zealand national anthem was very heartwarming."

Deputy Mayor Mary Brown was in attendance and remarked; "This morning's dawn service was the biggest I've ever seen. It was phenomenal. The children, the families that turned put and so respectful. It just gives you heart for the generations coming through showing that respect, and knowing what Anzac is and what it means to our community."

After attending the main ceremony of the day, the grand parade and service held in Ingham Mr Dametto held hopes for the future saying: "I look forward to seeing the large crowds once again, it's been beautiful today and I look forward to bigger and better crowds next year, even though these will be hard to beat."

Find all of the photos here:

https://tinyurl.com/2cnkoxks

https://tinyurl.com/25rl7frp

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