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
Read the full storyTwo 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
Read the full storyBy 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
Read the full storyA 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
Read the full storyIt should come as no surprise that Hinchinbrook homes an incredible array of beautiful native wildlife, from shy gliders to bold cassowaries! Whilst many are iconic North Queensland symbols, some are becoming increasingly threatened, and it’s important to note how you can care for each of these gorgeous creatures.
Brushtail Possums
Don’t be surprised if you hear a scurry in your roof at night as it may be a brushtail possum. These adaptable marsupials are common in Hinchinbrook and often set up home in sheds, house eaves, and tree hollows. In urban areas, they navigate fences and powerlines to forage for fruit, however, if you suspect a possum has moved in uninvited, check for fur, droppings, or entry points in your roof. Trapping and relocating should only be done with care and locals are encouraged to contact North Queensland Wildlife Care Inc. on 0414 717 374 for help with injured or orphaned possums.
Agile Wallabies
Often spotted grazing around the TYTO Wetlands or on the edges of town, agile wallabies are a familiar and cherished sight, recognisable by the white stripes on their cheeks and thighs. Unfortunately, these gentle animals are particularly vulnerable to cars, dogs, and illegal hunting and its strongly encouraged to call the wildlife care number connect with a local carer if you find an injured wallaby or orphaned joey.
Southern Cassowaries
The southern cassowary is an elusive but majestic resident of Hinchinbrook’s rainforests. These endangered birds are known for their deep, booming calls and striking appearance, complete with a helmet-like casque atop their heads, however, if you’re lucky enough to spot one, keep your distance as cassowaries can become aggressive if threatened. It’s advised to never feed them, and if you come across an injured bird or orphaned chick, call the Cassowary Recovery Team hotline on 1300 130 372.
Mahogany Gliders
Seldom seen and officially endangered, mahogany gliders are a true treasure of North Queensland. These nocturnal gliders live in the forests between Townsville and Tully, soaring from tree to tree with ease, unless development interrupt their flight path. To help, the region has introduced clever solutions like rope bridges and launching poles along major roads to keep gliders off the ground and out of danger.
So keep your eyes peeled Hinchinbrook, and you may spot one of the region's most treasured wildlife wonders next time you're out and about!