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
Read the full storyA 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
Read the full storyOn 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
Read the full storyOn 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
Read the full storyMost of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables 500 Herbert employees are now back at work, after two weeks of disruption from the major flood event.
General Manager Operations Mike McLeod visited Wilmar’s Victoria and Macknade mills last week to check on employees and get a firsthand briefing on the flood damage. He also met with workers at Wilmar’s Herbert Centralised Workshop in Lannercost Street.
Mr McLeod’s visit took place a day after the bulk of Wilmar’s Herbert workforce was finally able to return to work, following two weeks of localised flooding and road closures.
“It was really good to be able to get up to Ingham, visit all of our sites and check on our people,” Mr McLeod said.
“Last Monday (17 February) was the first day that all of our employees were able to get to work. Prior to that, only a small portion of the workforce was able to travel to their work sites.”
Mr McLeod said crews had now finished the bulk of the clean-up and were working on planned maintenance activities. Major contractors were also back at the sites progressing capital projects.
He said that, in the background, the business was continuing to assess damage and develop repair plans.
“Due to the significant amount of time lost from the flood, we’re re-evaluating our maintenance plan to ensure we complete critical work ahead of the start of crushing in June.”
“Our absolute priority is on getting the maintenance program back on track and being ready for the 2025 season.”
Mr McLeod paid tribute to the Herbert team’s ability to bounce back and get on with the flood recovery work, even though some had been directly impacted by the disaster.
He also thanked the many teams across Wilmar’s broader business for supporting the Herbert flood recovery efforts.