Over 3,000 soldiers have flocked to the Hinchinbrook region to engage in one of Australia’s largest war-fighting exercises, second only to Exercise Talisman Sabre. The major event, titled the North Queensland Warfighter and Exercise Southern Jackaroo, will host soldiers and equipment from Army’s 3rd Brigade, the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. Continued on page 4. **Thousands Of Troops Descend On Hinchinbrook Continued from page 1. Commander 3rd B
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The countdown is on! The highly anticipated Link2Country Expo, presented by CANEGROWERS, is just around the corner, making its debut on May 23rd and 24th at the Ingham Showgrounds. This action-packed, two-day event is set to bring the agricultural sector to life, connecting local communities to hands-on experiences, career opportunities, and much more. With just a week to go, excitement is building as preparations for the event come to a close. The expo will feature trade stalls hosted by indus
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by Victoria Velton For nearly four decades, Sue and Douglas Barrie have been the heart and soul of the Seymour Hotel, dedicating themselves to preserving its rich heritage while creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. Sue and Douglas’s journey to owning the Seymour Hotel began with family. Originally from Victoria, the couple eventually settled in Townsville. Sue explains, "We came to Townsville because that's where the kids were, and we looked at what we would do in Townsville
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It is with mixed emotions of excitement, sadness, nervousness, and anticipation that we announce the closing of The Paper Shop. While it’s hard to say goodbye, we are excited to continue serving you at Forrest Beach News, and our paper delivery service will remain unchanged. Our story began on April 7th, 1986, when Brian and Jenny Olivero took over The Paper Shop Newsagency at 84 Cartwright Street. Formerly a chemist, post office, and newsagency and at the time, we lived at the back of the shop
Read the full storyQueensland’s State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have had a demanding start to 2025, stepping up time and time again in the face of severe weather and community need. From devastating floods in the state’s north to the widespread impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred and record-breaking inundation across Central and South Western Queensland, these dedicated individuals have been on the ground helping wherever they are needed most.
The SES has remained a crucial part of the state’s emergency response efforts, not only during disasters but in countless other roles that support and protect Queenslanders. SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong acknowledged the dedication shown by volunteers during what has already been a challenging year.
“We have had a very busy and challenging start to the year and our volunteers all around the state have all pitched in to assist the communities in need,” said Chief Officer Armstrong.
“They’ve also been involved in search and rescues, training programs, agency requests and so much more - no matter the job, our volunteers are always so willing to give their time and expertise to help.”
The events of early 2025 have been a stark reminder of the value of the SES. In late January and early February, parts of North Queensland received more than 1.2 metres of rain in a short period, prompting widespread flooding. Over 500 SES volunteers were deployed during this time, responding to nearly 3,000 calls for assistance. They carried out rescues, offered logistical support, and helped communities begin to recover.
Now, as the weather begins to ease, there’s a moment to pause and recognise the extraordinary work these volunteers continue to do. Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), set for the 21st of May, will offer Queenslanders the chance to say thank you. Falling during National Volunteer Week, which runs from the 19th to the 25th of May, WOW Day is a national initiative that celebrates SES volunteers and the crucial role they play in times of crisis.
Getting involved is simple. You can add a splash of orange to your outfit, attend a local event or celebration, or post a photo of yourself in orange to social media using the hashtags #thankyouSES and #WOWDAY. It’s a small but powerful way to show appreciation.
“This is a chance for you to thank the people who go above and beyond for their community,” said Chief Officer Armstrong.
“They go out of their way to help, so it’s important we acknowledge that dedication and show our appreciation for all their hard work.”
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