Battle of the Coral Sea 81st anniversary commemoration service in Cardwell

Story And Photos By Maria Girgenti

LAST Sunday, hundreds gathered at the Coral Sea Memorial Park in the seaside town of Cardwell for a moving 81st anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration Service to pay tribute to the eight ships and over 600 lives lost in the battle, which occurred 800kms offshore.

The parade assembled at White Street, Cardwell and marched a short distance to the Coral Sea Battle Memorial Park, led by the RAN, Drummer and Pipes and followed by members of five NQ National Servicemen branches, veterans, military personnel as well as members of schools, community and motorcycle groups.

As the parade went down Coral Sea Drive, RAN Commanding Officer Alfonso Santos from HMAS Cairns took the official salute.

MC Chaplain Lynette Emery RAN welcomed special guests, which included Member for Kennedy Bob Katter MP, Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto MP and Cassowary Coast Regional Council representatives.

After the Acknowledgement to Country, Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan, Member for

Kennedy Bob Katter and Commander Alfonso Santos, HMAS Cairns, officially addressed the crowd.

Students from Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham, said the prayers of Remembrance, Defence and for Peace, and The Lord's Prayer, followed by a Bible reading.

As Piper Judith Tannock played the Lament, special guests, National Servicemen, former Navy, Army and Air Force personnel and National Servicemen, schools, individuals and community groups laid wreaths.

After the official wreath laying, the reading of the Ode of Remembrance, and before Lloyd Mais from HMAS Cairns played the 'Last Post', followed by one minute's silence and the playing of the 'Reveille'.

The service ended with the Benediction, then singing of the United States of America and Australian National Anthems.

In 1942, US Navy ships, HMAS Australia and HMAS Hobart, anchored off Cardwell and formed a task force before tackling the enemy in the Coral Sea.

The Battle of the Coral Sea was an epic air and naval battle fought between the Japanese Imperial Navy and the US and Australian Naval Forces at a critical stage of the Second World War, from May 4 - 8, 1942.

It marked the first defeat of Japanese forces in the war and was the first joint military action between Australian and United States forces.

The losses to the USA were significant, with the losses of USS Lexington, USS Sims and USS Neosho.

From May 4 - 8, 1942, intense fighting took place, destroying more than 70 aircraft and ships but halted the Japanese advance towards New Guinea.

The first Coral Sea Battle service by a local Scout troupe took place in Cardwell in 1984, and the annual service has taken place in the town for 38 years.

Thank You Rini Dallavanzi, Ingham Sugar City Rodeo, National Road Safety Week, and Events

Thank You Rini Dallavanzi

Council is proud to announce that one of our amazing volunteers, Rini Dallavanzi, was nominated for the Queensland Volunteering Awards 2023.

As the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre’s longest serving volunteer, Rini has made an exemplary contribution to our local community over the last 30 years.

Rini continues to be a dedicated, passionate and consistent Ambassador for Council, proving at 90 years old, that age is no barrier. We would like to thank Rini for all her years of dedication.

Drawing YOU In Exhibition

Opening Night

Join us for the exhibition opening of Drawing YOU InCarl Lumholtz in the Herbert by Artist Valerie Keenan.

Date: Friday 5 May 2023

Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm

Where: TYTO Regional Art Gallery

73-75 McIlwraith Street Ingham

This is a free event, cash bar and canapes are provided.

Bookings are essential for catering purposes.

Book online for this event at www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au.

Ingham Sugar City Rodeo

Catch all the action of the 2023 Ingham Sugar City Rodeo on Saturday 6 May 2023 at the Ingham Showgrounds.

Full rodeo program, licensed bar, delicious local food and free camping onsite.

Gates open at 8.00am and Rodeo starts from 9.00am.

Pre purchase your tickets today by visiting www.trybooking.com/CGRUD.

National Road Safety Week National Road Safety Week (NRSW) runs from Sunday 14 May to Sunday 21 May 2023.

8TH HINCHINBROOK BIRDLIFE ART AWARDS

Call For Entries

NRSW is an annual initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, partnering road safety organisations and Government.

The week highlights the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it. Get involved by displaying a yellow ribbon or sticker on your vehicle to show your support for safer roads. You can also 'pledge to drive so others survive' on the Road Safety Week website, www.roadsafetyweek.com.au. Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III Buckingham Palace is pleased to announce that the Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023. People across the country and the Commonwealth are invited to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King.

In honour, Council will be holding a Tree Planting Ceremony at the Ingham Memorial Gardens alongside the tree planted in honour of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II who sadly passed in 2022.

Calendar Webpage

This service will reflect the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.

The community is invited to attend the ceremony as follows:

Date: Saturday 6 May 2023

Time: 10.00am

Where: Ingham Memorial Gardens

For further information, please contact the Office of the Mayor and CEO.

Queensland’s Containers for Change Program

From Wednesday 1 November 2023, glass wine and spirit bottles will be eligible for a 10 cent refund under Queensland’s Containers for Change program.

Please note, glass wine and pure spirit bottles will not be accepted at refund points before Wednesday 1 November 2023.

Glass bottles can still be placed in the kerbside recycling bin.

For further information please visit Containers for Change website www.containersforchange.com. au/qld.

Events Calendar Webpage

Calling all community groups, sporting clubs and local event organisers.

Did you know that Council has an online events calendar that can help you promote your next event or meet up. Submitting an event is quick and easy and can all be done online.

For more information visit Council's website, Events Calendar page, click the 'submit event' button and complete the online form. Remember to include marketing material such as event posters.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Expressions of InterestSeniors Lifestyle Directory Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for listings into the 2023 Seniors Lifestyle Directory. New and existing businesses in the Hinchinbrook Shire are encouraged to submit and or update their details by visiting Council’s website, Community Services and Facilities page. For more information, please contact Council.

Come

Date: Friday 26 May 2023

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Where: TYTO Conference and Events Centre 73-75 McIlwraith Street Ingham QLD 4850