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Hi Everyone, and Merry Christmas Eve.
I want to start by saying Merry Christmas, I hope everyone is having a lovely time. This is our 5th edition of Hinchinbrook Life and I’m so happy to hear that everybody loves it. This is our last paper of the year, with the first edition next year coming out on the 7th of January, so Happy New Year too.
This week you will see on our front-page Paul Cavallaro’s Christmas lights. Last Monday the team and I travelled to see the lights, a huge thank you to our new Sales Account Manager Sherie Hensler-Adams for driving us out there, without her exceptional driving skills and local knowledge I think we may have got lost!
The lights at Paul’s place are mesmerising, the images we took on the night cannot do the display justice. There are moving lights, bouncing lights and flashing lights, and it definitely made us feel alive with
Drop In With Daniel
Christmas spirit.
By the time you are reading this, I will have returned to my home-city of Adelaide to spend time with my family over Christmas and will hopefully be enjoying warm weather that isn’t wet! I haven’t seen my friends and family for several months now, so it’ll be nice to go back and catch-up.
If you read last week’s edition, you’ll know that when I get back from Adelaide I will be full time up here in Hinchinbrook, and no longer travelling between here and the Whitsundays – the driving has been exhausting so I am looking forward to making this new step, and continuing to serve the community with this paper.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Quote of the Week
‘A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer’ – Samwise Gamgee
Michael Slater your local pest control man has for many years delivered high quality pest control services with personalised solutions to many residential and commercial customers in Ingham and its surrounding areas
CHRISTMAS FOR EVERYONE
Aheart-warming display of community spirit has begun filling digital screens across the Hinchinbrook shire and beyond with locals taking to social media to share a “Christmas for Everyone” thread.
A simple concept, “Christmas for Everyone” asks the community to comment something they may need but cannot afford or something they have but no longer need with the post reading:
“What is one thing you cannot afford but need right now? Let’s see if others have what you’re looking for lying around, and would love to gift it, or have a connection to get
it. Perhaps we can help each other through tough times and make Christmas a little special for everyone.”
Commentors across various pages have shared the post, encouraging a wonderful world of Christmas cheer, kindness and generosity neighbour to neighbour, with people offering up everything from a home cooked meal to a trampoline. Although the concept dose not directly entail any monetary exchanges, some members of the community have gone the extra mile, and have purchased items others had asked for, giving a truly selfless gift to those in need.
A Dazzling Display Of Dynamic Decorations
Throughout the years Paul and his mother have created a wonderfully merry display of Christmas lights and Paul said they make 50 per cent of all the lights themselves, in fact making lights is a hobby they share together.
“We have made a lot of handmade cone trees, handmade archers, some towers and we have also put together our nativity set,” said Paul.
Including the Nativity Set has been a tradition for 21 years, and Paul said his mother hand painted each bulb individually to create the scene.
Paul describes it as a labour of love and said it resulted in over 300 hours of work.
Paul has also made a pergola and a striking ‘mega tree’ on his property.
The Nativity Set is most important to Paul because he started a tradition with the children he teaches at school.
“With my class that I have each year I invite them out and teach them about the real meaning of Christmas, and that is about the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Paul.
“So, I actually set-up in front of my nativity scene, I get my kids with their fami-
lies and all their siblings, sit down and I read them the story of the first Christmas, in front of the lights.
“I’ll continue that tradition as far as I can go each year while I’m teaching.”
This year’s creation has taken over 250 hours to put up and Paul said it takes lots of individual parts to put it together.
“There is probably 300 individual pieces out here this year. I haven’t done the final count yet, but there will be easily over 2 million individual fairy lights,” explained Paul.
“I use 30, 12 outlet Power Pack boards, there is over 150 extension cords, and we go through at least anywhere between 5000 to 6000 zip ties!”
Paul explained that the zip ties are not just for setting the lights up, but for repairs too.
“With the sun, they don’t last forever and sometimes the frames the zip ties deteriorate on the frame. So, they need zip tying,”
he said.
“We go through easily about $300 worth of zip ties each year!”
A lot of zip ties are used in Paul’s creation, but he also estimates that he has approximately two kilometres of lights and wiring on his property for this display.
Paul is a Catholic, he loves going to church, he plays the organ at the Christmas Eve Mass, and he loves everything Christmas embodies.
“For me it’s the bringing together of family, friends, catching up together and remembering that it’s the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Paul.
“It’s that one special time of the year.
“This my 11th Christmas I’m hosting my family we will have a lunch and tea together, and we normally have games and things during the day.
“And we will eat, probably too much and have a food coma in the afternoon, but I am looking forward to it again!”
The light display is a wonderful feature for the community to enjoy and everyone is welcome to come and soak up the Christmas spirit.
Paul is, however, looking for volunteers who would like to help him take down the decorations this year, if you would like to contribute and say thank you for this wonderful tradition please reach out to Paul directly.
Paul Cavallaro and his mother Mary have spent over 250 hours building this sensational Christmas lights display.
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Christmas Message from Nick Dametto
Hinchinbrook, with Christmas just around the corner I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the good things that we all have in our lives. I believe Christmas is a time to come together and celebrate the blessings of family, friendship and neighbours. It’s the season for us all to share in the joy, kindness, and generosity that makes this time of year so special.
As we exchange gifts and enjoy the festivities, I think it’s only right to remember the true spirit of Christmas by extending a helping hand to those who may be doing it tough. A simple act of kindness can make the world of difference to someone who finds this time of year lonely or challenging.
For those who follow the Christian faith, this time of year we must remember to keep Jesus in our hearts, while also being respectful of alternative religions and faiths others choose to follow.
Thank you to those who will be working through the holiday season — those working in the hospitality and service industries, our emergency services, police and of course our health workforce. Your keep the lights on when we need it most, and for
that we are all grateful.
Without a doubt, Christmas is the busiest time of year on our roads, and although it can be frustrating dealing with traffic, I always say it’s better to arrive in one piece than not at all. If travelling over the next couple of weeks, I urge everyone to exercise caution to ensure you and your loved ones make it there and home alive. My New Year’s wish is for a safe and happy holiday season for all.
Like most government departments and small businesses, our office will be shutting for a short break. The Hinchinbrook Electorate Office will be closed from Monday, 23 December 2024 to Friday, 3 January 2025 (inclusive). I think our amazing electorate staff deserve a moment to recharge in preparation for the year ahead.
Personally, I’m ready for a bit of time off but am already anticipating my return in the New Year. I look forward to seeing everyone out and about in Hinchinbrook in 2025. From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook
Ingham Maraka Festival Has Big Plans For 2025
Ingham Maraka Festival held their ‘Wash-Up Meeting’ on Wednesday 17th December, discussing new plans for the 2025 Maraka Festival and how they wish to improve next years’ event.
President Patrick Lynch said the 2024 Ingham Maraka Festival was a success, with no hiccups but addressed that he would like to see the Cocktail Night event have a larger attendance.
Chantelle Previtera, Maraka Festival Administration Officer, said next year the Festival is going to try to promote the event more.
“Due to the low number of Festival Queens last year, it does give a lower attendance,” she said.
“We’re hoping next year that things will be different, and then we will definitely increase those numbers!
“Next year we are going to work on promoting and getting a lot more of the younger ones to take on the Queen Quest.”
Participants in the 2023 and 2024 Ingham Maraka Festival were present at the meeting and spoke about what they liked most about the festival.
Runner-up Queen in 2024 Johanna Buckle said it was a fun experience.
“Mostly I really enjoyed it, I got to make new friends out of it and it was a way to get
the community together,” said Johanna.
Miss Personality 2024 Rachel Hallam enjoyed the festival because it was something different.
“You don’t get to do it often and I’m looking forward to it next year,” she said.
Princess winner of 2023 was at the meeting, to ‘hand over the baton’ to this years’ 2024 winner.
“I really liked all of the community events that were hosted by the Council, I went to senior morning tea, the Tasman Turtles Big Day Out, and I went to a Christmas senior afternoon tea,” she said.
“I liked seeing everybody there in town, and there were lots of people enjoying themselves and I really like being a part of it.”
Princess winner of 2024 Hazel Cary said she liked the festival because she was able to make new friends and get out of her shell a bit more.
“I enjoyed that I was able to have new experiences, get out of my shell a little bit and try new things that I’ve never been able to do, and especially because now that I’ve won, I get the chance to promote Ingham even more. I just had a really good time,” she said.
The Ingham Maraka Festival 2025 dates are still to be decided.
SHOP & WIN SUCCESS
At The Late Night Shopping Event
With unpredictable weather attempting to dampen the festive spirit of the region, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce and Markets at the Mosaic organisers assured the second 2024 Late Night Shopping event would go ahead, rain, hail or shine!
On Thursday 19th December, a wonderful turnout filled Mercer Lane and surrounding precincts, with stalls retailing handmade delights, delicious treats, beautiful plants, fantastic florals, and more for all to enjoy. Shoppers flooded the streets, sup-
porting local artisans with the exceptional vocal talents of Kaitlyn Rapista spreading Christmas cheer well into the evening as well as a violinist performing further along Lannercost Street.
As well as plenty of retail goodies to browse, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of 2024’s spectacular Shop and Win champaign! $17,000 worth of prizes were sourced from local businesses around the Hinchinbrook region with 17 major prizes up for grabs! 14,500 receipt entries were mixed together in a children’s swimming pool with an out-
standing average spend of $150 per customer at various retailors within the Hinchinbrook Shire.
“We are very proud of all the hard work that has been put in behind the scenes for this campaign to happen, and we are beyond thrilled with the participation from the local community,” shared Christina from the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce.
As announced at 6pm on Thursday, Vic, Theresa, Heath, Mark, Julie, Taylor, John, Angie, Sharma, Paula, Sharon, C. Bridston,
Peter, R. Ramarano, Sue, Carley, and Jorja were celebrated as the campaign’s winners with the Chamber set to be in contact with them shortly. Congratulations!
Photo gallery on pages 16-17
Amy Williams, Santa Claus, and Kristen Williams spread plenty of Christmas cheer. Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza
The Maraka Festival Queens 2024. Could you be a festival queen in 2025? Photo supplied
Halifax Progress Association Celebrates
A Fun-Filled Day Of Raffles & Community Spirit
The Halifax Progress Association is thrilled to announce the success of their community raffle event, which brought together locals for six rounds of excitement, prizes, and celebration. The atmosphere was filled with joy as many lucky winners took home fantastic prizes, spreading smiles and cheer throughout the day.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Slipway for the amazing venue and Halifax Meats for their generous delicious hams, which were a highlight of the prizes as well as Halifax Pharmacy, Halifax SPAR and BWS Ingham for your amazing prizes,” said a Halifax Progress Association
spokesperson.
“Your support added so much value to our event, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
“A special mention goes to the Lucinda Cove Resort for their lovely and thoughtful donation. Your contribution truly reflects the strength of community spirit and collaboration in our region.
“We also want to give a huge shoutout to Michelle from The Halipad for providing the amazing music that kept everyone entertained and in high spirits. Your talent added a lively and festive vibe to the entire day!
“It was heartwarming to see everyone come together and have the best time at this successful event. From the buzzing excitement of the raffles to the friendly faces that make Halifax such a wonderful place, today was a true celebration of community connection. Special mention must go to
"Santa" for coming to visit!
“Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and volunteered to make this event unforgettable. Together, we continue to build a vibrant and supportive Halifax community.”
Lucinda Cove Resort presents the Halifax Progress Association with a $700 donation
ROTARY CONTINUES TO GIVE TO HINCHINBROOK COMMUNITY AND THE WORLD
The Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook, which formed from the amalgamation of the Ingham and Herbert River clubs, continues to give back to the Hinchinbrook Community.
Rotary's primary motto is "Service Above Self" and its secondary motto is "One profits most who serves best".
The purpose of Rotary International is to improve lives and communities around the world through humanitarian service, promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and encouraging high ethical standards.
INGHAM TYRE CENTRE
Rotary members are expected to be active in promoting the dignity of all people and respect for human rights.
Rotary is a non-political and non-religious organisation that values diversity and is open to all people. The organisation's guiding principles include:
Developing friendships as an opportunity for service
The Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial?
The local Rotary club has been involved with community projects that include a large Battery Drive that has helped benefit a local support organisation and support for charities such as Meals on Wheels and young local people who have taken further steps in academic, arts and sports fields.
Members can be seen assisting at events such as Maraka, ANZAC Day, Hinchinbrook Art Awards and Christmas Carols.
A couple of the big money raising charities that funds are raised for include the Rotary Foundation (that in-turn supports less fortunate people around the world) and also Polio Plus.
Every $1 that Rotary donates towards Polio Plus the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donates $2.
Sir Clem Renouf, Rotary International President 1978 – 1979 was actually born in Ingham. He helped propel Rotary toward its top goal of eradicating polio worldwide.
For further information about the Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook and how you can give back to our community and world speak to Peter Reitano in person or phone him on 0407 167 108.
Contributed with thanks to Peter Reitano
President Madeleine D’Urso with Rotary Community Leader Robin Strang.
Members and family at HSC Christmas Carols.
Photos supplied
2024 – 2025 some of the board at the Handover Dinner.
RURAL HEALTH WORKER INCENTIVES CUT
DAMETTO CONCERNED ABOUT GOVERNMENT
OPINION PIECE
Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook
MP Nick Dametto has questioned the LNP Government’s decision to axe the Workforce Attraction Incentive Scheme (WAIS), calling it a short-sighted and untimely move that could exacerbate the healthcare crisis in rural and regional Queensland.
The scheme, implemented by the former Labor government, offered up to $70,000 to attract Queensland Health workers to critical roles in regional and remote areas. It will now be scrapped effective January 1, 2025.
Mr Dametto said the decision couldn’t come at a worse time as the state’s health system struggles under the weight of significant GP and clinician shortages.
“This is poor form from the LNP Government and instils little faith in rural and remote parts of Queensland where residents are struggling to access essential medical care, including Hinchinbrook,” Mr Dametto said.
“The GP shortage across Hinchinbrook and rural Queensland is having a severe flow-on effect on the public health system and local hospitals.
“We need to be pulling out all the stops to attract and retain health workers in rural
and regional Queensland, whether that be more GPs who are in critical demand, or more Queensland Health medical professionals. They all play a collective role in delivering the universal healthcare our communities need.”
The Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls MP claimed that if the scheme continued until December 2026 as intended, it risked an over expenditure of $165 million. Queensland Health staff have been advised that the Government will seek to ‘realign its workforce strategy to programs offering better value for money’.
“Axing this scheme without offering a viable alternative is a huge concern for places like Hinchinbrook where we have the oldest demographic in Queensland per capita,” Mr Dametto said.
“Our aging community needs consistent and reliable healthcare services and currently there are huge gaps in our workforce that are completely unacceptable.
“I have written to the Hon. Tim Nicholls calling on him to reconsider the decision to axe the scheme, or alternatively, to urgently announce and implement the LNP’s alternative plan to ensure that medical professionals continue to be lured to work in the regions.
“I also sought a commitment from the
DECISION
Minister to participate in a multi-govenment discussion aimed at addressing the GP shortage. This was an issue I have raised on behalf of the Mayor of the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Mr Ramon Jayo.
“Mayor Jayo recently wrote to myself, and the Federal Member for Kennedy the Hon. Bob Katter, seeking our commitment to address the dire shortage of GPs in Ingham. I wholeheartedly support Mayor Jayo’s request, and I am hopeful that we can bring all levels of government together to resolve this acute GP shortage.
“Although GPs fall into the federal sphere,
all levels of government can work together to address the dire shortage of GPs in our rural areas. We saw a classic example of this in Cardwell last year when one of the local medical centres was saved from closure by combining management, resources and workforce contributions from all three levels of government.
“We need all hands are on deck to deal with the current healthcare crisis in Queensland. People in regional and remote areas deserve to have the same access to medical care as their city counterparts.” Contributed with thanks to Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto.
Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto with representatives from Cardwell Family Practice. Photo supplied
New Equipment Keeps Meals On Wheels Moving
Meals On Wheels Ingham has over 80 clients in the Hinchinbrook region and it is the community’s generous donations that enable this vital local service to operate all year round.
With the community’s help Meals on Wheels has been able to instal solar panels, and buy two brand-new ovens for their brand-new building.
Meals On Wheels Ingham moved into their current building on the 18th April of this year and this impressive modern building was kindly funded by the Lower Herbert Halifax Lions Club.
President of Meals On Wheels Ingham Rita Phillips is extremely thankful for the support.
Meals On Wheels Ingham deliver hot meals to clients on a weekly basis, on Mondays they go to Forrest Beach and the Lower Herbert area with meals. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday they service Ingham.
None of this would be possible without volunteers which Rita said are vital.
“We are indebted to the volunteers because without them, we wouldn’t be moving,” said Rita.
“The volunteers come into the
to help our staff there and they also deliver the meals.
“There are business houses that help us out in that too, NQIB and the Hinchinbrook Shire Council send their members once a month or sometimes twice a month, to come and deliver for us.”
Meals On Wheels Ingham run mainly on volunteers and Rita said without them their clients would really struggle.
“There are people who don’t have family here and we are the only way they get their meal,” said Rita.
Rita also added that they are always on the lookout for more volunteers so if you have some time to contribute they would love to hear from you.
New laws are now in place to make Queensland safer. The new laws mean the rights of victims now take priority over the rights of young criminals in sentencing, young offenders can now receive adult sentences for serious crimes, and detention for young offenders is no longer a last resort.
The government will keep young people on track with new early intervention and rehabilitation programs.
To find out how these new laws will help restore safety, search Making Queensland Safer.
kitchen
Ingham Leukemia Foundation’s Christmas Hoy
The Ingham Branch of the Leukemia Foundation held their Christmas Hoy at the Ingham Bowls Club on the 7th December and it was a huge success, with 125 people attending, money was raised to help families in the Townsville Hospital Freemasons Units.
The Christmas Hoy is the Ingham Branch of the Leukemia Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and with the money
raised the team usually buy hampers for patients battling Leukemia, but President Janice Leach said they did something different this year.
“For each family in the units, we have purchased a $50 gift voucher so they can purchase something of their choice,” she said.
“It is nice to be able to give to somebody and make a Christmas for everyone.”
Money for the gift vouchers was raised
during the Christmas Hoy raffles. There are 18 unis at the Townsville Hospital that the Ingham Leukemia Foundation support, and they do more than just Christmas gifts once a year. Recently, they assisted in getting a house cleaned for woman’s home that had been in the hospital for six months, so she arrived home to a clean house. They have also supplied units with televisions, or other home comforts
that patients may need.
Janice added that they like to ensure all money raised is spent locally.
“We like to keep our money in our local district, because the business houses here are really wonderful,” said Janice.
“We are extremely grateful to our local businesses for their very generous donations towards our cause.”
Ingham Branch of the Leukemia Foundation Christmas Hoy, Photo supplied
Minute With The Mayor Raymon Jayo
The greatest concern I have that may follow a disaster event is the inability to communicate with our community. As you are aware, this situation may arise following a cyclone when transmission towers and associated infrastructure are damaged.
2024 Christmas in Hinchinbrook - Carols in the
Unfortunately as a society, we are becoming more and more reliant on social mediums and digital platforms to receive our news and to communicate with each other. Digital communication is almost totally reliant on towers for transmission.
The Hinchinbrook community embraced the spirit of the season at the 2024.
Originally planned as an outdoor event, a forecast of inclement weather prompted last minute venue change to the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, ensuring the celebration could ahead without a hitch.
To address these concerns, the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has adopted a communications plan which essentially sets out the various types of communication methods that can and will be deployed before, during and after an event so as to maintain communi cations and delivery of information to the public as necessary.
The event drew approximately 340 attendees, all eager to kick off the festive season together.
The hall came alive with the sounds of Carols by Candlelight, voices of all ages united in song, creating a heartwarming atmosphere.
The glow of candles lit up the hall, adding a magical touch to the evening’s celebration.
Families and friends enjoyed a vibrant mix of entertainment, from live music to festive activities, while food and beverages added a flavourful note to the night.
Obviously, the primary source of com munication at present as indicated earlier is phone and internet service due to the speed at which information can be deliv ered. However, other means available and which are utilised include radio broadcast services and television. Fortunately, the television and radio broadcast services are facilitated from transmitters located well away from our district which lengthens the odds of being damaged when our dis trict experiences a disaster.
In situations when primary sources are down, The HLDMG will converse with Wardens utilising Channel 9 (Mt Mercer), Channel 16 (Wallaman) and Channel 5 (Ingham). Rural Fire Service personnel can utilise Local Area Warden channels from their Rural Fire Service Queensland vehicles. The Halifax LDMG subgroup op erates under normal CB radio (Channel
Councillor Column Councillor
Mark Spina
With my contribution to the Councillor Column falling on Christmas Eve, I feel it’s appropriate to begin by wishing you all the very best Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year, to you and your families.
So if you have a CB radio in your vehicle or know a neighbour or friend that has one in a car or tractor, you may be able to utilise this medium to receive information or to send information to and from the Hinchinbrook LDMG.
Other forms of supplementary communi cation that may be used, depending on cir cumstances include: door knocking, loud hailer fitted to vehicle, roadside messaging boards and pamphlet distribution.
Santa Claus and the Grinch made a surprise appearance, offering photo opportunities for kids and families dressed in their best Christmas outfits.
With festive energy and good cheer, Carols in the Hall proved be a highlight of the season for Hinchinbrook residents.
This treasured tradition has once again shown the power community spirit, setting the tone for a joyful Christmas and bright year ahead.
Another option and a very important component of our supplementary means of communication is the humble CB radio. As you may or may not be aware, we are very fortunate in Hinchinbrook to have the services of many dedicated people who volunteer as our Local Area Wardens. The function of a Local Area Warden is to assist the HLDMG with situational awareness of circumstances in their par ticular areas and to assist members of the community with information both to and from the HLDMG, particularly when oth er primary sources of information are not working.
Well, hasn’t another year come quickly? By the time this column is printed, we would have seen another crushing season come to a close. Again, another challenging year for all in the industry, while we can’t control the weather, we remain positive that industry stakeholders can solve some ongoing issues that seem to continuously hamper the crushing season.
The New Year will come quickly, and there are many things under my Corporate, Development and Regulatory Services Advisory Portfolio that I look forward to assisting in progressing, advocating and lobbying for. One of these is the Dungeness Sea Wall and Dredging, acknowledg-
Hopefully we do not find ourselves in that situation, but it is important for you to know how to get information when needed. Further information on commu nication strategies can be found on Coun cil’s disaster management pages at https:// www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/commu nity-environment/disaster-and-emergency-information.
As Christmas is almost here, I would like to take the opportunity to wish our commu nity the best for the festive season. I hope you get the time to relax and enjoy Christ mas with family and friends. I would like to also thank everyone who donated to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. The response was phenomenal, and I have no doubt that your donations will make someone very happy on Christmas Day. Merry Christ mas and Happy New Year everyone.
onday 20 July 1953, the usu ally calm atmosphere of the Station Hotel bar was shaken when patrons rubbed their eyes in dis belief when they witnessed an extraor dinary guest casually entre the establish ment—a baby elephant named Jo Dee from Wirth’s Circus.
Accompanied by her trainer, Jo Dee confidently strolled through the doors, her drink, gave a playful wave, and departed as gracefully as she arrived.
HINCHINBROOK.QLD.GOV.AU
ing the years of hard work that have been put in by previous Councillors and staff. Seeing this major improvement come to fruition will no doubt not only help drive tourism in our Shire, but will also give the Coast Guard access when needed to deploy and attend to emergencies. Such things cannot happen without funding assistance from the State and Federal Governments and to strike a fair balance to not just maintain and repair critical infrastructure, but to deliver on new projects to increase liveability in our Shire.
Having such a great newspaper that is Hinchinbrook Life, this very paper that you are reading for free, has been a very welcoming platform for the community to engage with on all things happening within our Shire. To Mayor Ramon Jayo, fellow Councillors, staff and the team at Hinchinbrook Life, thank you for having the initiative and drive to get this paper on the stands in the community.
FALL IN LOVE WITH FORREST BEACH
A SEWING SENSATION AT BARNES SEWING CENTRE
Before opening the vibrant community sewing hub, Barnes Sewing Centre, owner Sue Beatts was a nurse and midwife at the local hospital, but she has always had a passion for sewing.
When she retired, Sue began helping out the previous owner and her dear friend Elma at Barnes Sewing Centre, so taking over the store was a natural transition.
For Sue, sewing is a hobby as well as a profession and that’s what makes her friendly store such a relaxing environment.
“I like it, it’s creative and is something I could do by myself,” said Sue.
“It’s not something you have to have other people with you to do and I find it relaxing.
“You can set yourself up at home, in your own little area of the house, and it’s all yours.”
Sue’s favourite things to make are patchwork items and she loves making bags, purses, and quilts.
To make quilts easier to produce, Sue decided to invest in a new piece of equipment, the long-arm quilting machine, it took her some time to master it because of the complexity of the technology, but now she loves using the machine.
At Barnes Sewing Centre, they offer a variety of services from machine repairs to material supplies, work wear logos, a range of fabrics, and quilt making.
Sue expressed that the store does very well, and she even gets visitors from Cairns and Townsville.
Sue also said stores like hers are becoming rare, many are closing down, and she is proud to offer a unique and charming space for sewers from across the region to enjoy the love of fabric and sewing together.
Come and explore her haven of sewing bliss, it’s always a wonderful experience chatting with Sue who has expert advice on almost any question you may have about sewing.
Beat the Heat With SpinFX Electrical
Local business SpinFX Electrical has all your electrical and air conditioning needs and in the last six months owner Jesse Spina says they have added solar panel installation and maintenance to the business.
““We got into solar as a lot of our clients were enquiring about it and have had numerous reports of their power bills going up”,” he explained.
“And what better place to do it other than North Queensland? We have the best sun in the world, and there’s an abundance of it,” said Jesse.
“Solar wasn’t really affordable a few years ago but prices have since dropped and with government incentives, it is much easier to afford it and we also provide finance options to help cash flow”
SpinFX also install solar batteries, that store energy generated by solar panels that can be used later, this in turn reduces electricity bills and can be used for a period of time if power goes out.
Solar is new to SpinFX, starting only six months ago, and before that, the company focused primarily on electrical and air conditioning.
SpinFX are experts in installing air conditioning units and adept at maintenance, electrical renovations and repairs.
Jesse said that they sell what they think is the best air-con, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, to help beat the humidity and heat here in North Queensland.
SpinFX cover a large area including Hinchinbrook Shire, Etheridge Shire, Croydon Shire, and the Shire of Carpentaria.
Jesse is a local guy, and he loves the Hinchinbrook Region, and when he first set up his business, it was important to him that all customers are completely satisfied with their work.
“We strive to make sure all of our customers are happy,” shared Jesse.
“We won’t leave a site unless the customer’s happy and I have based my business around that since it started.”
Jesse Spina owner of SpinFX. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Sue Beatts from Barnes Sewing Centre. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Mayor’s Christmas Appeal 2024 - Thank You
Hinchinbrook residents have once again thrown their support behind the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal in the spirit of Christmas.
Mayor Ramon Jayo said,
“The Hinchinbrook community has shown their overwhelming support for community members that need a little extra help at this time of year. The donations to this year’s Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, by way of gifts and financial contributions, have been heart-warming.”
“Contributions made by community members gives spirit to those less fortunate at a time of year that can be very difficult on families.”
The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre is currently busy distributing all donations to those in the community who require help this year. I sincerely thank all those members of the community for their gen-
erosity and support of the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.
On behalf of all Councillors, I would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year.
Community Spirit Shines Bright: 120 Families Receive Christmas Hampers
This holiday season, the true spirit of giving has touched the lives of 120 local families, thanks to generous donations from the community, small businesses, and other not-for-profits. The Christmas hampers, brimming with food, festive treats, and gifts, were packed and distributed by HCSC, bringing joy and relief to families in need.
The initiative, supported by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, aimed to ensure no family goes without this Christmas. Contributions poured in from small businesses and community members, who gave generously to support their neighbours.
“It’s heart-warming to see the community come together like this,” said Natalie, HCSC Emergency Relief Coordinator. “These hampers don’t just provide practical support—they remind families that they’re not alone and that people care.” HCSC would not be able to complete this massive task without our team of dedicated volunteers who gave their time to organise the hampers.
Families receiving the hampers expressed
gratitude for the thoughtful gesture, with many highlighting the impact of the assistance during tough economic times. The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre strives to ensure no family goes without. The annual Christmas Appeal serves as a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of Christmas.
Contributed with thanks to The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre
‘Ingham Disability Support Services’, has become ‘Lifelong Supports’
Our new name represents our dedication to inclusively supporting both our disability and aged care communities
Challenging End To Crushing Season
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables 2024 crushing season in the Herbert region has drawn to a close under the shadow of significant challenges that have
left some growers grappling with the harsh economic reality of standover cane. Wilmar announced the cessation of operations at Victoria Mill last week, citing a lack of adequate cane
supply amid continuing wet weather and forecasted rainfall.
This year’s season has been fraught with setbacks, starting with early industrial action, wet weather, and factory breakdowns that delayed the start of crushing operations. These compounding problems left the region playing catch-up, only to be further hindered by the arrival of the wet season.
Wilmar reported that the decision to end crushing was made following consultations with grower representatives and harvesting contractors, as it became clear that operations were no longer commercially viable. Farmers now face the grim reality of standover cane, which not only impacts this season’s bottom line but also has ripple effects on next year’s harvest.
Harvesting contractors who were cutting were asked to make every effort to get the last bins on the line by 6pm on the 18th of December.
Comments:
Wet weather had a significant impact on harvesting in some parts of the district, causing cane supply to fall below daily thresholds.
Total weekly throughput was restricted to 85,830 tonnes This brought the season-to-date total to 3.82M tonnes, which represents 95 per cent of the total forecast crop.
The average weekly CCS was 10.47, which is below the season-to-date average of 12.36 units
More rain is forecast for the coming week. Harvesting groups are asked to contact the operations centre if there are any issues with cane supply.
With school holidays under way, parents and carers are asked to remind children about the dangers of playing around cane rail lines.
The company’s spokesperson acknowledged the collective effort, stating, “We thank all growers and harvesting operators for your hard work this season and wish you a safe and relaxing Christmas with family and friends.”
According to grower representatives, the difficulties that have characterised the 2024 season and the ongoing challenges predicted for 2025 must be addressed.
Please continue to use your train brain and always take care around our cane rail network. Our cane trains operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Chris Winship Cane Supply Manager Herbert Region
Fish Surveys Show New Fishways Have Opened Up 100km+ Of Waterways
Fishways are helping fish species, including barramundi and mangrove jack, to breed up in local waterways.
Six fishways built in the Ingham region, and in other places between Tully and Crystal Creek, have removed barriers for juvenile fish. Together, they’ve opened up more than 100 kilometres of creek and river systems – and recent surveys at these sites have shown they are fish highways.
More than 1000 fish were recorded moving through one of the fishways – at Insulator Creek north of Townsville - in one day. And in more recent surveys, over 4500 fish were caught and released during monitoring work at four rock ramp fishways.
“Sixteen native species, including juvenile barramundi, empire gudgeon, rainbow fish, tarpon and long-finned eels, were recorded,’’ Terrain NRM’s Deb Bass said.
“Of the 80+ species of native fish we have in the Wet Tropics region, up to half need to move between salt and freshwater habitats to complete their lifecycles. Barriers like weirs, pipes, culvert crossings and weed chokes can stop these species from
thriving.
“In recent surveys at our fishways, eight of the 16 native species recorded are species that need that movement - from their beginnings in saltwater to safer freshwater nursery grounds as juveniles and then back downstream to the saltwater to breed as adults. So we can see the fishways are providing access for these species, from barramundi and mangrove jack to shrimps.”
Terrain NRM has been working with OzFish Unlimited, Catchment Solutions and Australasian Fish Passage Services on the ‘Fish Homes and Highways’ project, which is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust. Fishways are a relatively new solution in the region – a series of underwater stairs for fish, with deep pools between each one for resting.
Catchment Solutions fishery ecologist Matt Moore said rocks were placed strategically, sometimes in S-bend and sometimes a straight line, to achieve the right gradient to create a slower flow while also being able to withstand floods.
“To pull in our monitoring traps and see
all the fish – a lot goes into the design of these structures, so we love seeing a result like this,’’ he said.
A ‘nursery slot’ is a new feature, trialled in one of the fishways, to help super small juveniles move upstream.
“It needs 20mm or less of water going through it to create the right conditions for weaker-swimming juvenile fish,” Matt said. “We recently recorded the smallest snakehead gudgeon ever documented in Australian fishway studies travelling through the slot. It was 16mm long.”
Oz Fish Unlimited’s Geoff Collins, an aquatic ecologist and Adjunct Research Fellow at James Cook University’s TropWATER, said the new fishways had been monitored for five days to assess the diversity and size of fish moving through. Results showed they would make an impact on the health of fish species and the waterways themselves.
“We are opening up habitat that many juvenile fish haven’t been able to access, particularly in low-flow situations, for decades in some cases,’’ he said.
“These structures are enabling migration for tens of thousands of fish. And the more habitat we can give fish access to, the more productive our fish stocks will be. Freshwater wetlands, creeks and rivers are important nursery grounds with abundant food resources that will help our native fish to grow fast, and to travel back downstream and breed in the tropical wet season.”
The ‘Fish Homes and Highways’ project began with extensive survey work in the Herbert and Murray River catchments between Crystal Creek near Paluma and Tully, where more than 3,500 potential fish barriers were identified, leading to onground inspections of over 300 sites. The fishways were built at barriers like causeways and, in other places, bed-level crossings were built to replace causeways, or creek crossings were completely removed.
“We’ve also removed aquatic weeds and there has been revegetation in an area where fish passage works were completed,’’ Terrain NRM’s Deb Bass said.
Fish Homes and Highways, Lannercost. Photo supplied
Fish Homes and Highways, Gedges Crossing
Donna Armbrust of Donna’s Plants4U
Kaitlyn Rapista performed throughout the event
Clair Ryder of On Country Craft Distillery
Taneisha Girgenti, with sisters Brooke and Erin Venables enjoying some retail therapy
Destiny Morganson and Taneale Engler shopped the night away
Mother and daughter duo Michelle and Renee Crisafulli
Wendy Vandendolder, Olivia and Zara Drew and Corina Vandendolder Local artist, Barry Turnbull
Local artist, Debra Illingsworth
Imogen Batty with her colourful creations
Khloe and Kristin Moule with Tracy and Steve Hart
Baby Peyton with mum Taylor Morton, and Taylah Jardine with pup, Oakey
Kennie, Stef, Gemma and Christiano Rapista watching their daughter’s performance Emma Panzenbock, Nerina Dametto, Thea, and Pauline Deluca, Donna Panzenbock and Bridgette Duffy
Kadee Roveda, Tennille, Sophia and James Capstick, Zoe Dragwidge, Iain Dickson and Scout
Levi and Daly Williams enjoying a night of school holiday fun
Market stallholders, Lauie Poloni and Ted Cooper Sisters Amanda and Sarah Way
Amethyst, River, Zoe and Ilaria enjoying the festivities Santo and Vera Spampinato with their grandson, Ashton Spencer 22. Christine and Ian Royals browsed the fresh produce on offer
Peyton Catalana, and Adam and Sienna Mannino
Shannon Abraham and Callan Cantoni enjoying Mercer Lane
Ayden Mombelli and Jayde Bosworth browsed Markets at the Mosaic
Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza
The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre held their final meeting of the year last Thursday 19th December with over 30 people attending a special Christmas lunch.
The group were entertained by local performers Ukes - Amundo, and two birthdays were also celebrated that day. Anne Lino celebrated her 90th birthday and Maria Brescacin celebrated her 98th birthday. A huge milestone for both ladies.
The lunch was held at Royal Hotel, and everybody had a great time celebrating their last catch-up before Christmas and the New Year.
Gabriel Lambert and Ann Meyers
Sharon Beccirari and Carol Sanderson
Zeny Luczka, Marilyn Pobetto, and Rosemary Vardenga
Maria Spampinato and Barbara Catalano
Gordon Carlsen, Liwayway Jessup, and Maria Flett
Pam Ilford, Louise Schifilliti, Marjorie Gatti, and Joyce Libera Evelyn Bayranta
Carol Ellems and Anne Lino
Ukes – Amundo: Brian Newman, Allan Giles, and Vera Di Bella
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Desley Di Bella and Anne Lino
Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Christmas Lunch
Marilyn Povetto, Maria Brescacin, and Desley Di Bella
Greg Elford, Bevan Frisby, and Dan William
Joan Oldham and Mavis Auesell
Fragility And Elegance Through Amanda Griffiths’ Lens
Aphotograph perfectly capturing a moment of quiet beauty and unexpected wonder, Amanda Griffiths’ “Whispers In The Wind” photography piece was awarded first prize in the 46th Hinchinbrook Art Awards.
Amanda taught herself the art of photography after perusing her love for observation and followed a journey of trial and error, constantly experimenting with her camera to capture the beauty around her.
“I’ve always felt an affinity for the natural world, noticing the textures, patterns and the small details that others might overlook,” shared Amanda.
“It brings me so much joy to be able to freeze those fleeting moments and share them with others.”
In owning a florist, Mandy’s Beauty In The Bush, Amanda often finds herself dipping her toe outside of the square when it comes to exploring her creative endeavours and finds enjoyment in focusing on the smallest details of her projects.
Amanda’s piece, “Whispers In The Wind” pictures a blooming Desert Rose seed pod
and illustrates a meaningful message of both resilience and growth through her lens and technique.
“One afternoon, I was sitting on my front patio enjoying a cup of tea when I noticed something delicate floating in the air – it was almost like a whisper – light, fleeting and graceful,” explained Amanda.
“At first, I was struck by its fragility and elegance but as I looked at it more closely, I realised there was something powerful about it too.”
Understanding a Desert Rose’s ability to flourish under harsh conditions, Amanda hopes her piece communicates strength and the courage to endure despite the challenges life may present.
“The piece feels deeply personal to me, not just as an artist, but as a person navigating life’s ups and downs,” added Amanda.
“I hope it conveys a message of hope and faith – reminding us that even in moments of stillness, there is strength, growth, and the potential for something new to emerge.”
David Wilkinson’s Artistic Take On Outdoor Scenes
With a lifelong love of the outdoors, David Wilkinson draws inspiration from both natural beauty and his treasured memories of the British countryside to create award-winning paintings, including a recently celebrated piece titled, “Wild Light”.
Venturing on a camping trip through the northwest coast of Scotland, David stumbled upon the picturesque Sandwood Bay and felt himself immediately inspired to capture the exquisite scene.
“The light and colours on show were terrific,” David reminisced.
“Wild Light was a bit of a change in style for me, more spontaneous and adventurous with colours and contrasts – I personally like it very much as there is a lot of feeling in it, but was less sure how it might stand up to public showing.”
“TYTO is a brilliant gallery, and I’m thrilled to have achieved my first career award here.”
With the encouragement of a few of David’s closest friends and family, he made the decision to enter his piece into the 46th Hinchinbrook Art Awards where he was absolutely delighted to be awarded first prize.
“Having been to the TYTO Regional Art Gallery to see the exhibition, I fully understand, and feel what other artists mean when they have won an award and speak of feeling humbled by all the other great works and talent on display, as that is exactly how I feel,” explained David.
David discovered his passion for painting in 2019 after dabbling with oils and acrylics. Embarking on a self-guided artistic journey, David captures both sun-soaked scenes from Australia as well as moody British settings – drawing from his memories of living in the United Kingdom. Looking ahead, David has been offered the outstanding opportunity to showcase his artwork at the Gallery East in Sydney’s Clovelly in November of 2025, and cannot wait to continue exploring his passion.
“I feel very much on a journey, we will see where painting takes me!”
Amanda Griffiths, with her daughter Daisy, and Judge, Cr Donna Marbelli pictured with Amanda’s awardwinning piece, “Whispers In The Wind”.
David Wilkinson and his wife pictured with his award-winning painting, “Wild Light”.
Mark Bishop Wins Local Artist Award with Stunning Metal Sculpture
Mark Bishop, a talented artist with a love for a unique and intricate artform, was awarded the Local Artist Award at the 46th Hinchinbrook Art Awards for his piece titled “Youth and Beauty”.
A boilermaker and welder by trade, Mark began to explore metal art as a hobby following on from his retirement, and began to discover his hidden, artistic talents.
“I always wanted to try something different using metal but never had the time until I moved from Tasmania to Forrest Beach,” explained Mark.
With the encouragement of his friends, Mark decided to open a market stall to sell the art he had crafted from recycled cutlery, where he was then presented with the opportunity to install some pieces at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery.
“I entered the Hinchinbrook Bird Life Awards in 2022 and won the Local Artist Award with a black cockatoo made from recycled sheet metal,” Mark added. Mark was honourably welcomed as a judge at 2023’s Hinchinbrook Art Awards, with his passion for the artform leading him to craft a piece to enter the Hinchinbrook Bird Life Awards, held earlier this year. Successfully winning the Sculpture Form Award led Mark to enter a fantastic peacock sculpture titled “Youth and Beauty” in November’s Hinchinbrook Art Awards exhibition.
“This piece took over 200 hours to craft, and every individual feather goes through five steps to complete,” shared Mark.
“Winning that award was totally unexpected as the quality of the entrant’s work is always of a high standard, and since winning a few awards and having my artwork at TYTO I have been asked to do various commission pieces which I really enjoyed!”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at TYTO and all the people involved in these awards for all the work that goes on behind the scenes and would encourage other people to try their hand with various art works.”
PROTECTING HINCHINBROOK’S LITTLE TERNS
Often found nesting along the north-east Queensland coastline, little terns are small seabirds which frequent Hinchinbrook beaches during the summer months each year.
Birdlife Australia’s Simon Kennedy hosts regular free workshops to educate attendees on the nature of little terns, and how the community can care for the bird if they come across a nesting area.
“The nesting population of little terns in eastern Australia is about 1,200 from the whole east coast from Tasmania to the Daintree, and one of the important areas is the Hinchinbrook coast,” Simon explained.
Workshop attendees are guided through a little tern monitoring process to support the work of Birdlife Australia and are educated on how to watch the birds within their area from when they’re hatched, to fully grown. As well as accessing the information available on Birdlife Australia’s website, birdlife.org,au, Simon also encourages the community to reach out to the Hinchinbrook Shire Council for advice on how to care for the little terns in the area if they’re unsure.
Although the area previously hosted harsh conditions, the little terns hatched at Lucinda Spit earlier this year have now reached flying age, a milestone achievement Birdlife Australia has certainly celebrated.
“Last year, and the year before, the little terns which nested at Lucinda Spit lost all of their eggs to storm tides, but this year, a couple of young ones have made it to flying age, - they’ve made it, and that’s great, that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Over the past three years, Simon has ran successful workshops from Innisfail to Townsville, with up to 15 attendees each session, and following on from his recent workshop on Friday the 13th December at Forrest Beach’s Mungalla Station, Simon invites those interested to reach out to him via simon.kennedy@birdlife.org.au for more information.
“15 people isn’t many, but the workshops are worthwhile even through the turnout isn’t very big,” added Simon.
“If some of those people are out and keep an eye on the local little terns in their area and report sightings, then that’s great for us.”
Hinchinbrook’s rarest little tern. Photo supplied
Mark Bishop with his award-winning “Youth and Beauty” sculpture, and judges Jeanette Jones and Cr Donna Marbelli
EVENTGUIDE
Brought to you by
THURSDAY 26
DECEMBER
Computer Skills Class
Thursday 10am
Upgrade your computer skills with free classes at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library!
Advanced classes run from 10am to 11:30am, and beginner classes from 12pm to 1:30pm every Thursday (excluding school holidays). RSVP essential. For details, email library@ hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call 4776 4600. Hinchinbrook Shire Library
SATURDAY 28
DECEMBER
Palm Creek parkrun
Saturday 7am
Held each Saturday, parkrun stands as a fantastic free community event where locals and visitors can walk, run or volunteer to achieve your goals for 2024 and beyond! Register for free at www.parkrun.com.au. Palm Creek, Eleanor Street Ingham
SATURDAY 4 JANUARY
Mt Fox Markets
Saturday 11am
Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199 758.
Mt Fox Campgrounds
SUNDAY 5 JANUARY
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets! Rotary Park, Ingham
TUESDAY 7 JANUARY
Mad Science School Holiday Activity
Tuesday 10:30am
Children can enjoy a range of awesome scientific activities from volcanos to balloon explosions as part of the Hinchinbrook Shire Library’s FREE School Holiday Program. Hinchinbrook Shire Library
FRIDAY 10 JANUARY
Balloon Races School Holiday Activity
Friday 10:30am
On your marks. Get set. GO! As part of the Hinchinbrook Shire Library’s FREE School Holiday Program, children can enjoy an awesome balloon race on Friday 10 January from 10:30am!
Hinchinbrook Shire Library
MONDAY 13 JANUARY
Ingham Tennis Open Fun Day
Monday 8am
The Ingham Tennis Courts will host an awesome, FREE open day for children aged between 3 to 17 years!
Ingham Tennis Courts
TUESDAY 14 JANUARY
Earthquake at the Library School
Holiday Activity
Tuesday 10:30am
Build a spaghetti tower and put your skills to the test at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library’s FREE Earthquake at the Library school holiday activity.
Hinchinbrook Shire Library
THURSDAY 16 JANUARY
Basketball Clinic
Thursday 10am
Children aged between 8 to 17 years are invited to come along and learn some skills and drills with State Level Coach and ‘Own the Rock Academy’ Coach Travis Fisher. Mini tournament games will be held to put your new skills to the test and prizes are up for grabs!
Own the Rock
THURSDAY 16 JANUARY
Sensory Storytime
Thursday 10:30am
Babies and toddlers will enjoy play based learning with hands-on sensory play activities designed to encourage development of fine and gross motor skills.
Hinchinbrook Shire Library
FRIDAY 17 JANUARY
January Mega Movie Weekend
Friday Various Times
Indulge in freshly popped popcorn and refreshing slushies as you immerse yourself in the magic of the silver screen at the JL Kelly Theatre’s monthly weekend of movies!
Running from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 of January, attendees can access the full program at www.hinchinbrooktickets.com. au.
JL Kelly Theatre
SATURDAY 18 JANUARY
Ingham Tennis Open Fun Day Saturday 8am
The Ingham Tennis Courts will host an awesome, FREE open day for children aged between 3 to 17 years!
Ingham Tennis Courts
SUNDAY 19 JANUARY
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets! Rotary Park, Ingham
MONDAY 20 JANUARY
Ready. Aim. Fire! School Holiday Activity
Monday 10:30am
Build an awesome catapult as part of the Hinchinbrook Shire Library’s FREE School Holiday Program!
Hinchinbrook Shire Library
TUESDAY 21 JANUARY
Let’s Build a Roller Coaster School Holiday Activity
Tuesday 10:30am
Build a wild and wonderful roller coaster as part of the Hinchinbrook Shire Library’s FREE School Holiday Program!
Hinchinbrook Shire Library
WEDNESDAY 22
JANUARY
Wellbeing Workshop
Wednesday 9am
Hosted by Wholebeing Initiative join in for a restorative experience that blends mindfulness, art therapy, and breathwork. This workshop offers tools to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and nurture creativity in a safe, supportive space. Perfect for anyone looking to unwind, explore inner peace, and cultivate resilience through calming and expressive practices.
Wholebeing Initiative Studio
FRIDAY 24 JANUARY
Summer Reading Club Party Friday 10am
Celebrate the end of the Hinchinbrook Shire
Library’s School Holidays Summer Reading Club with a wonderful party!
Hinchinbrook Shire Library
SUNDAY 26 JANUARY
Australia Day Pool Party
Sunday 9am
Continuing the school holiday fun, the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre will hold an Australia Day Pool Party!
Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre
SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY
Mt Fox Markets
Saturday 11am
Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199 758.
Mt Fox Campgrounds
Fall in Love with Forrest Beach
Saturday 1pm
Auction Open Days of properties to go on Auction with Felix Reitano Real Estate on Valentine’s Day.
Forrest Beach Properties
SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets! Rotary Park, Ingham
SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY
Jonny Cash and June Carter
Tribute Show Matinee
Saturday 5pm
Step back in time and enjoy the songs you know and live with Get Rhythm The Jonny Cash and June Carter Show!
JL Kelly Theatre
WEDNESDAY 12
FEBRUARY
Morning Melodies with ELVIS
Wednesday 10:30am
Prepare to be taken on a journey through the iconic hits of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, celebrating the King’s incredible legacy for an unforgettable Morning Melodies as BrisVegas’ own Tristan James, a UETA Top 20 finalist, brings the timeless sounds of Elvis
Presley to the JL Kelly Theatre!
JL Kelly Theatre
FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Fall in Love with Forrest Beach
Friday 12pm Auction of Forrest Beach properties by Felix Reitano Real Estate on Valentine’s Day. Felix Reitano’s Auction Room
SATURDAY 1 MARCH
Mt Fox Markets
Saturday 11am
Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199 758.
Mt Fox Campgrounds
SUNDAY 2 MARCH
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets! Rotary Park, Ingham
WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH
Morning Melodies: Billy and Barry in Concert
Wednesday 10:30am
Thomas Armstrong-Robley starring in: Two of the greatest piano men of all time, Billy Joel and Barry Manilow come together in a unique and spectacular celebration of their beloved music & lyrics.
JL Kelly Theatre
SATURDAY 15 MARCH
International Soprano Sensation Mirusia in Celebration
Saturday 5pm
International Soprano Sensation MIRUSIA in 40th Birthday Celebration Concert by Andre Rieu's Star Soprano!
JL Kelly Theatre
SUNDAY 16 MARCH
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets! Rotary Park, Ingham
SATURDAY 22 MARCH
Baby Welcoming Ceremony
Saturday 9am
Each new baby that has arrived in the community over the past twelve months will receive a Welcoming Certificate, Sapling and a Gift Bag. Parents can plant their sapling to commemorate their new baby and watch as they both grow, providing for the future prosperity of the Hinchinbrook Shire. Enjoy a fun filled morning of yummy food, sensory play, arts and crafts for the whole family.
Hinchinbrook Shire Library
TUESDAY 25 MARCH
An Evening of One Act Plays
Tuesday 7:30pm
The Ingham Theatre Group is excited to present an Evening of One Act Plays at the JL Kelly Theatre in March 2024.
JL Kelly Theatre
WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH
An Evening of One Act Plays
Wednesday 7:30pm
The Ingham Theatre Group is excited to present an Evening of One Act Plays at the JL Kelly Theatre in March 2024.
JL Kelly Theatre
SATURDAY 5 APRIL
Mt Fox Markets
Saturday 11am
Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199 758.
Mt Fox Campgrounds
SUNDAY 6 APRIL
Ingham Raintree Community
Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets!
Rotary Park, Ingham
Rags to Rhinestones: The Dolly Parton Tribute
Sunday 5pm
Step into the world of Dolly Parton, the iconic queen of country music who has dazzled fans with 26 number-one hits and a career that spans decades.
JL Kelly Theatre
THURSDAY 10 APRIL
Paluma Adventure Day
Thursday 8am
Join the Outer Limits Adventure and Fitness crew for an exhilarating day of high ropes, bush walking, archery tag, and an included BBQ lunch!
Outer Limits Adventure Centre
WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL
Morning Melodies: Great Ladies of Jazz
Wednesday 10:30am
The JL Kelly Theatre will host a wonderful Morning Melodies session on Wednesday 16 April staging Great Ladies of Jazz by International Artist Simone Waddell. JL Kelly Theatre
SATURDAY 19 APRIL
Cardwell Jetty Easter Saturday
Markets
Saturday 8am
A wonderful Easter themed Cardwell Jetty Markets awaits overflowing with plenty of food, treats, live entertainment, and of course wonderful market stalls! If you would like to become a stall holder reach out to cardwelljettymarkets@gmail.com.
Cardwell Foreshore
Markets at the Mosaic
Saturday 8am
Enjoy a fantastic morning at Markets at the Mosaic and browse a wonderful showcase of handmade and homemade products, entertainment, and delicious treats!
Mercer Lane
Taylors Beach Progress
Association Easter Auction
Saturday TBA
Save the date for the Taylors Beach Progress Association’s wonderful Easter Auction!
Location TBA
SUNDAY 20 APRIL
Ingham Raintree Community
Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets! Rotary Park, Ingham
SATURDAY 3 MAY
Mt Fox Markets
Saturday 11am
Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199 758.
Mt Fox Campgrounds
SUNDAY 4 MAY
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets! Rotary Park, Ingham
FRIDAY 9 MAY
Arj Barker in The Mind Field
Friday 7pm
International comedian Arj Barker will take audiences on a comedic journey through life’s biggest questions to have you laughing and learning all night long!
JL Kelly Theatre
SATURDAY 10 MAY
Ingham Sugar City Rodeo
Saturday 8am
The annual Ingham Sugar City Rodeo will be back for another action-packed year on Saturday 10 May!
Ingham Show Grounds
SUNDAY 11 MAY
Cardwell Jetty Mother’s Day Markets
A wonderful Mother's Day themed Cardwell Jetty Markets awaits overflowing with plenty of food, treats, live entertainment, and of course wonderful market stalls! If you would like to become a stall holder reach out to cardwelljettymarkets@gmail.com.
Cardwell Foreshore
SATURDAY 17 MAY
Markets at the Mosaic
Saturday 8am
Enjoy a fantastic morning at Markets at the Mosaic and browse a wonderful showcase of handmade and homemade products, entertainment, and delicious treats!
Mercer Lane
1 Angelic messenger (7)
5 Fidgety (8)
9 Something that hinders progress (8)
13 First course in an Italian meal (9)
14 Estonian sea (6)
16 Show (8)
17 Corrupt (7)
18 Cauliflower relative (8)
19 Cricket players (8)
20 Bird with a large wingspan (9)
25 Beachcomber’s find (8)
26 Looked lecherously (6)
27 Despot (8)
28 Vast (7)
30 Calms with drugs (7)
33 Letter-writer (13)
37 Female server (8)
41 Fierce animals (5)
42 Generosity (11)
43 Bottom (5)
44 Covertly (8)
47 Of or relating to statistics (13)
50 Flattened spoon (7)
53 Precious ornamental headband (7)
56 Post-secondary (8)
57 Depth charge targets (1-5)
59 Kind of participle (8)
60 Onlooker (9)
65 Crushing defeat (8)
66 Sleeveless dress (8)
67 Mollusc (7)
68 Cocktail of rum and lime juice (8)
69 Alcove (6)
72 Consequently (9)
73 Historian and general (8)
74 Asian cooking staple (3,5)
75 Angry outbursts (7)
DOWN
1 Alhambra’s city (7)
2 Trough for washing the body (7)
3 Stamp (7)
4 Basutoland, now (7)
5 Equilateral parallelogram (7)
6 Beverage (3)
7 Gobble (3)
8 Offering (9)
9 Unspecified time in the future (coll) (3,2,5,4)
10 Spun in a chair, say (9)
11 Correction (9)
12 A fodder crop (7)
14 Flourish (7)
15 Passage through locks (7)
21 Wild animal’s den (4)
22 Drawer (6)
23 Cease to work (6)
24 Nimble (4)
29 Gin-based cocktail (7)
31 Horn of a deer (6)
32 Catcher’s fingerwaggling (6)
34 Fertile spot (5)
35 Breakwater (7)
36 Architectural projection (5)
38 Old counting frame (6)
39 Reddish-brown (6)
40 Small, sturdy equines (8,6)
45 Red wine (6)
46 Banner (6)
48 Remain (4)
49 Unbind (4)
51 Ballet position with one leg raised (9)
52 Putting others need above their own (9)
53 Plots (9)
54 Prevailing weather (7)
55 Absorb, immerse (7)
58 Swaggering show of courage (7)
60 Respire (7)
61 Questionable (7)
62 Dabbler (7)
63 Muscle adjacent to the clavicle (7)
64 Keep under (7)
70 Coquettish (3)
71 Body of water (3)
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
codeword
Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest?
wordfill
3 LETTERS
word search
SOLUTION
9-letter
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.
19 words: Good 29 words: Very good 39 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: No. 257
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Headliners. 1.50 Bluey. 2.00 Brush With Fame. 2.30 Shaun The Sheep. 3.00 A Bite To Eat. 3.30 Long Lost Family. 4.15 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. 5.05 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 A Bite To Eat. 6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 7.00 National News. 7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. 8.05 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021) 9.50 Believing In Australia. 10.40 Believing In Australia. 11.30 Ithaka: A Fight To Free Julian Assange. 12.30 Keep On Dancing. 1.35 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. 2.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021) 2.05 MOVIE: A Christmas Carol. (1938) 3.15 HM The King’s Christmas Message. 3.25 A (Very) Musical Christmas. 4.55 Antiques Roadshow. 5.55 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas. 7.00 National News. 7.30 HM The King’s Christmas Message. 7.40 The Royal Variety Performance. 9.40 Would I Lie To You? At Christmas. 10.10 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 10.50 Summer Love. 11.55 Long Lost Family. 12.40 Rage. 3.30 Christmas Cabaret. 4.30 Gardening Aust. 5.30 A Bite To Eat.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Tracy:
A Force Of Nature. 12.00 News. 1.00 The Royal Variety Performance. 3.00
A Bite To Eat. 3.25 Long Lost Family. 4.10 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00
A Bite To Eat. 6.25 Hard Quiz Kids. 7.00 National News. 7.30 Call The Midwife: 2023 Christmas Special. 9.00 Fake Or Fortune? 10.00 Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line. 11.45 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. 12.35 Long Lost Family. 1.20 Rage. 3.40 Ho Ho Ho! Telling Christmas Tales. 4.35 Gardening Australia. 5.30 A Bite To Eat.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.25 The Art Of... 10.55 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas. 12.00 News. 1.00 The Newsreader. 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? 3.00 A Bite To Eat. 3.25 Long Lost Family. 4.15 Grand Designs. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 A Bite To Eat. 6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 7.00 News. 7.30 MOVIE: The Fabelmans. (2022) 9.55 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. 10.35 Mad As Hell Does Hard Quiz. 11.10 MOVIE: The King’s Speech. (2010) 1.05 Would I Lie To You? At Christmas. 1.35 Rage In Memoriam. 5.00 Rage.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.45 All Creatures Great And Small. 1.30 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. 2.15 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. 2.50 Last Night Of The Proms. 4.30 Solar System. 5.30 Landline. 6.00 Take 5. 6.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. 7.00 News. 7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. 8.20 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. 9.10 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. 10.35 Shetland. 11.35 Rage Best Of The Vault Guest Programmers 2024. 5.00 Rage Best Of The Vault Guest Programmers 2024.
6.00 Rage. 7.00 Wknd Breaky. 10.00 Secret Science. 10.30 Blak Ball. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife: 2023 Christmas Special. 2.00 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2023. 3.40 MOVIE: A Christmas Carol. (1938) 5.00 Fake Or Fortune? 6.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.00 News. 7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) 8.40 Love Me. (MA15+) 9.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) 11.05 Take 5. 11.40 You Can’t Ask That. 12.45 New Leash On Life. 1.15 Rage Vault. 3.10 Australia Remastered. 4.05 Gardening Aust. 5.05 The Great Acceleration.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Tradfest: The Dublin Castle Sessions. 2.30 Language Of Light. 3.00 Plat Du Tour. 3.05 Plat Du Tour. 3.10 French Atlantic. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 The Supervet. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 Christmas Carols From London Coliseum. 8.30 Christmas In The Cotswolds. 9.25 ABBA In Concert. 10.25 The Big Fat Quiz Of Telly. 12.05 Babylon Berlin. 1.00 Babylon Berlin. 2.05 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. 5.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. 2.05 Tradfest: The Dublin Castle Sessions. 2.35 Such Was Life. 2.45 Plat Du Tour. 2.55 The Cook Up. 3.25 Lapland: The Ultimate Winter Wonderland. 4.15 Copenhagen: Europe’s Greatest Christmas Market. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 No Hamburg, No Beatles. 8.30 Rock Legends: ABBA. 9.30 The Night Manager. 10.35 Paul Newman: Always On The Move. 11.35 Maxima. 12.35 Pagan Peak. 1.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Tradfest: The Dublin Castle Sessions. 2.30 Language Of Light. 3.00 French Atlantic. 3.30 The Cook Up. 4.00 The Lakes With Simon Reeve. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 The Emerald Isles With Ardal O’Hanlon. 9.30 Daddy Issues. 10.30 Billy Joel: Live At Yankee Stadium. 12.05 DNA. 1.00 Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. 1.55 Miniseries: The Night Logan Woke Up. 4.10 Make Me A Dealer. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Tradfest: The Dublin Castle Sessions. 2.30 Language Of Light. 3.00 French Atlantic. 3.30 The Cook Up. 4.00 The Lakes With Simon Reeve. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.30 Every Family Has A Secret. 8.35 Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will. 10.00 MOVIE: Amazing Grace. (2018) 11.35 De Gaulle. 12.30 Kin. 2.30 Miniseries: Too Close. 3.25 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. 4.25 Peer To Peer. 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. 5.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Fading Sands. 2.35 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 4.25 The Maestro & The European Pop Orchestra. 5.35 Weeks Of War. 6.30 News. 7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. 8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. 9.20 Great Australian Walks. 10.20 Great Australian Railway Journeys. 11.30 The Pact. 1.30 The Pact. 2.00 The Pact. 2.25 Love Your Garden. 3.20 Make Me A Dealer. 4.10 Bamay. 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Plat Du Tour. 3.10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 4.05 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 5.05 Toby Price Dakar 2025 Preview. 5.35 Weeks Of War. 6.30 News. 7.30 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. 8.25 Mystery Of The Puzzling Pyramids Egypt. 9.15 Jonathan Ross’ Myths And Legends. 10.10 Putin And The West. 11.20 Uri Geller’s Secret Treasures. 12.40 Rise Of The Nazis: Dictators At War. 1.50 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 2.45 Love Your Garden. 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. 4.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 MOVIE: Love In Winterland. (2020) 2.00 Catch Phrase. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cyclone Tracy 50 Years On: A 7NEWS Special. 7.30 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Groundhog Day. (1993) (PG) Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott. 11.40 ABBA Vs Queen. (PG) 12.40 Satisfaction. (MA15+) 2.30 Shopping. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 4.30 My Greek Odyssey. (PG) 5.30 NBC Today.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Carols In The Domain. 9.30 Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant. 10.30 Mayor’s Christmas Carols. 11.30 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. 2.00 Christmas With The Salvos. 2.30 MOVIE: A Christmas Number One. (2021) 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Love Actually. (2003) (M) 10.15 MOVIE: Last Christmas. (2019) (PG) 12.30 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. (MA15+) 2.30 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Test
Cricket: The Lunch Break. 12.10
Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Afternoon session. 2.10 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 2.30 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Late afternoon session. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 11. Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars. 8.10
Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 12. Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat. 11.30 Why Ships Crash. 12.45 Criminal Confessions. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 12.10 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Afternoon session. 2.10 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 2.30 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Late afternoon session. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 13. Adelaide Strikers v Hobart Hurricanes. 9.30 BBL Post-Game. 10.00 The Home Straight. 11.30 The Roast Of John Cleese. 1.05 Taken. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30
Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 3. Morning session. 11.30 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 12.10 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 3. Afternoon session. 2.10 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 2.30 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 3. Late afternoon session. 5.00 Border Security. 5.30 Creek To Coast. 6.00 News. 7.00 Border Security: Int. 7.30 MOVIE: Back To The Future. (1985) 10.00 MOVIE: The Blues Brothers. (1980) 12.45 Taken. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 It’s Academic. 5.00 My Greek Odyssey.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.10 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 2.30 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 4. Late afternoon session. 5.00 Border Security. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 15. Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers. 9.30 BBL Post-Game. 10.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 11.00 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. 12.15 The Real Manhunter. 1.15 Travel Oz. 2.00 Shopping. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas At The Chalet. (2023) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Christmas With Delta. 8.00 Carols By Candlelight. (PG) 11.00 MOVIE: Candy Cane Christmas. (2020) (G) 1.00 Drive Safer. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Our State On A Plate. (PG) 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PG) 4.30 ACA. 5.00 Christmas At Warwick Castle.
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols. 10.00 WIN Symphony Orchestra Special. 11.00 Christmas With Delta. 1.00 Carols By Candlelight. 4.00 MOVIE: Blizzard. (2003) 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. (1989) 9.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Vacation. (1983) 11.30 The King’s Christmas Message. 11.40 MOVIE: The Jazz Singer. (1980) 1.35 TV Shop. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 A Current Affair. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. 11.30 Sailing. Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. 1.00 Cross Court. 1.30 Find My Beach House Australia. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Great Getaways. (PG) 8.30 Cyclone Tracy: 50 Years On. (PG) 10.45 Captivated. (M) 11.40 Resident Alien. 12.30 Tipping Point. 1.20 Innovation Nation. 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 A Current Affair. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. 11.30 Find My Beach House Australia. 12.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 1. Group stage. Kazakhstan v Spain. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Volcano. (1997) (M) Tommy Lee Jones, Anne Heche, Gaby Hoffmann. 10.35 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009) (MA15+) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG) 1.05 Helloworld. 1.30 TV Shop. 4.00 Skippy. 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop. 5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG)
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30
6.00 The Talk. 7.00 Jamie: Together At Christmas. 8.00 Jamie’s One-Pan Christmas. 10.00 Dog House. 11.00 Dog House. 1.00 Christmas With AWW. 2.00 Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas To All. 3.45 The King’s Christmas Message. 3.55 The Graham Norton Show. 5.00 News. 6.00 MOVIE: School Of Rock. (2003) (PG)
6.00 Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork. 8.00 Key Ingredient.
6.00 The Talk. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. 7.30 Farm To Fork. 8.00 Key Ingredient. 8.30 Bold. 9.00 Drew Barrymore. 10.00 Judge Judy. 10.30 Jamie Oliver: Together. 11.30
12.00
To
Family Feud. 1.00 Jamie
Together. 2.00 Wheel Of
2.30 Lingo. 3.30 Judge Judy. 4.00 Family
4.30 Bold. 5.00 News. 6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 Dog House Australia: All Shapes And Sizes. (PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Good Will Hunting. (1997) (M) 10.05 MOVIE: Dreamgirls. (2006) (M) 12.40 Stephen
6.00 A Current Affair. 6.30 Weekend Today. 9.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 2. Group stage. 5.00 News. 5.30 Country House Hunters Australia. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 2. Group stage. Greece v Spain. From RAC Arena, Perth. Australia v Argentina. From Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney. 1.00 GolfBarons. (PG) 1.30 Fishing Australia. 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop. 5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG) 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 I Fish. 8.30 Everyday Gourmet. 9.00 My Market Kitchen. 9.30 Drew Barrymore. 11.00 Wheel Of Fortune Australia. 12.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 12.30 Australia By Design: Innovations. 1.00 10 Minute Kitchen. 1.30 The Yes Experiment. 2.00 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 GCBC. 3.30 My Market Kitchen. 4.00 All 4 Adventure. 5.00 News. 6.00 MOVIE: The Adventures Of Tintin. (2011) 8.05 MOVIE: Transformers: The Last Knight. (2017) 11.10 Ambulance Australia. 12.15 Ambulance UK. 1.30 Shopping. 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6.00 Hello SA. 6.30 Weekend Today. 9.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 3. Group stage. 5.00 News. 5.30 RBT. (PG) 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Tennis. Brisbane International. Night 1. Qualifying and first round. From Pat Rafter Arena, Brisbane. 10.00 MOVIE: Raiders Of The Lost Ark. (1981) (M) Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies. 12.30 Maritime Masters: Expedition Antarctica. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PG) 4.30 GolfBarons. (PG) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Food Trail: South Africa. 9.00 My Market Kitchen. 9.30 Australia By Design: Architecture. 10.00 Drew Barrymore. 11.00 Luxury Escapes. 11.30 Buy To Build. 12.00 Pooches At Play. 12.30 Cook With Luke. 1.00 Everyday Gourmet. 1.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 14. Tasmania JackJumpers v Brisbane Bullets. 3.30 GCBC. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 My Market Kitchen. 5.00 News. 6.00 Dog House Aust. 7.00 2024’s Biggest Stories. 8.00 MOVIE: Sahara. (2005) 10.30 MOVIE: Smile. (2022) 1.00 Shopping. 4.30 CBS Morning. 6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Death In Paradise. 2.25 Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf
3.00 A
4.15
3.30
5.05 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 A
To
6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 7.00
7.30
With
8.30 MOVIE: Gravity. (2013) 10.00 A Life In Ten Pictures. 10.55 Tom Gleeson’s Secrets Of The Australian Museum. 11.55 Grand Designs. 12.45 Long Lost Family. 1.30 Rage. 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Australia. 5.30 A Bite To Eat.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Celebrity Mastermind. 3.00 Tradfest: The Dublin Castle Sessions. 3.30 The Cook Up. 4.00 The Lakes With Simon Reeve. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 The Deadly Bermuda Triangle. 8.25 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. 9.20 Inside Sydney Airport. 10.20 The Carnival. 11.30 Clean Sweep. 12.30 Wisting. 1.25 Wisting. 2.15 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 4.05 Make Me A Dealer. 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. 5.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.10 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 5. Afternoon session. 2.10 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 2.30 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 5. Late afternoon session. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 16. Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades. 9.30 BBL Post-Game. 10.00 Murder In A Small Town. 11.00 What The Killer Did Next. 12.00 Satisfaction. 1.00 Travel Oz. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. 9.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 4. Group stage. 4.30 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Tennis. Brisbane International. Night 2. First round. From Pat Rafter Arena, Brisbane. 10.00 MOVIE: Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom. (1984) (M) 12.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+)
7.35pm Mystery Lane. (R)
8.20 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir. (R)
8.45 Be Cool, ScoobyDoo! (R)
9.05 Teen Titans Go! (PG, R)
9.20 Doctor Who. (PG, R)
10.10 Horrible Histories. (R)
10.40 Mythbusters
“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
7.35pm Movie: Scoob! (2020) (PG, R)
9.10 Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death. (R)
9.40 Wallace And Gromit: A Grand Day Out. (R)
10.00 Horrible Histories. (R)
10.30 Mythbusters
“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
10.55 Operation Ouch! (R)
7.35pm Movie: Pokémon Detective Pikachu. (2019) (PG, R)
9.20 Secrets Of The Zoo. (PG)
10.00 Doctor Who. (PG, R)
10.50 Mythbusters
“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
11.15 Horrible Histories. (PG, R)
11.45 Good Game Spawn Point. (R)
12.20am Rage. (PG, R)
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? (R)
8.25 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. (PG)
8.50 Robot Wars. (R)
9.50 Doctor Who. (PG, R)
10.40 Mythbusters
“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
11.05 Operation Ouch! (R)
7.30pm Wallace And Gromit: The Wrong Trousers. (R)
9.40 Poirot. (PG, R) 11.40 London Kills. (M, R) 12.35 My Favorite Martian. (R) 1.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R)
6.00pm Antiques Roadshow. (R) 7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 1. Group stage. China v Brazil. 1.00 See No Evil. (MA15+, R) 2.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)
6.30 JAG. (PG, R)
7.30 NCIS. (M, R)
December 24 – 30
9.25 FBI: Most Wanted. (M, R) 11.15 Evil. (MA15+) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)
6.30 Friends. (PG, R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)
9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R)
10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG, R)
11.00 Impractical Jokers. (M, R)
11.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)
6.30 JAG. (PG, R)
7.30 NCIS. (M, R)
9.25 FBI: Most Wanted. (M, R) 11.15 Evil. (MA15+) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)
6.30 Friends. (PG, R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)
9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R)
10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG, R)
11.00 Impractical Jokers. (M, R)
12.00 Entertainment Tonight. (R)
12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)
6.30 JAG. (PG, R)
7.30 NCIS. (M, R)
9.25 FBI: Most Wanted. (M, R) 11.15 Evil. (M) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)
6.30 Friends. (PG, R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)
9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R) 10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG, R) 11.00 Impractical Jokers. (M, R) 11.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6.10pm Travel Man: Jon Hamm In Hong Kong. (PG, R)
7.05 Jeopardy! (R)
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. (PG) 9.20 Hoarders. (M)
10.55 Two Weeks To Live. (M, R) 11.55 Letterkenny. (M, R)
6.10pm Travel Man: Rebel Wilson In Florence. (PG, R) 7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 Movie: The Running Man. (1987) (MA15+, R) 10.20 Movie: Constantine. (2005) (MA15+, R)
12.30 Letterkenny. (M, R)
6.10pm Travel Man: 96 Hours In Jordan. (PG, R)
7.05 Jeopardy! (R)
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 Holy Marvels With Dennis Quaid. (PG)
10.05 Cars That Built The World. (PG, R)
10.55 Question Team. (M, R)
12.35 Dark Side Of The 2000s. (M, R)
5.30pm All 4 Adventure. (PG, R)
6.30 JAG. (PG, R)
7.30 NCIS. (M, R)
10.20 FBI: Most Wanted. (M, R) 11.15 Evil. (MA15+) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)
6.30 Ghosts. (PG, R)
8.00 The Cheap Seats. (M, R)
9.00 The Big Bang Theory. (M, R) 10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG, R) 11.00 Impractical Jokers. (M, R)
11.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6.10pm Smoke And Steel: Secrets Of The Modern World. (R)
7.05 Jeopardy! (R)
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R)
8.30 A League Of Their Own: Mexican Road Trip. (M)
9.25 A Stripper’s Life For Me.
10.20 Homeland. (M, R) 1.15 King Of The Road. (MA15+, R)
6.00pm Pawn Stars. (PG, R)
6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)
7.00 Storage Wars. (PG)
7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. (M, R) 8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. (PG, R)
9.30 Air Crash
Investigations: The Accident Files. (PG, R) 10.30 Deep Water Salvage. (PG, R)
6.00pm Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 15. Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
8.30 Movie: Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan. (2019) (MA15+, R)
6.00pm Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 16. Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades.
7.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)
7.30 Outback Farm. (PG, R)
8.30 Mega Mechanics. (PG, R)
9.30 When Big Things Go Wrong. (PG)
10.30 Frozen Gold. (PG, R) 11.30 Ax Men. (M)
5.00pm Tennis. United Cup. Day 2. Group stage.
7.00 As Time Goes By. (R)
7.30 Movie: The Bodyguard. (1992) (M, R) Kevin Costner. 10.05 Casualty 24/7. (M, R)
11.05 See No Evil. (M, R) 12.00 Movie: To The Devil A Daughter. (1976) (MA15+, R) 2.00 Movie: The Young Ones. (1961) (G, R)
6.00pm M*A*S*H. (PG, R)
6.30 M*A*S*H. (PG, R)
7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 3. Group stage. 1.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+, R) 2.00 Movie: Rasputin: The Mad Monk. (1966) (M, R)
6.00pm Football Tonight. 6.25 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 10. Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory. 9.00 NCIS. (M, R) 11.45 Bull. (M, R)
6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)
6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
5.55pm The Mega-Brands That Built The World.
6.45 The Mega-Brands That Built The World: Suite Dreams – Birth Of The Modern Hotel. (PG)
7.35 Impossible Engineering: Battersea Power Station. (R)
8.30 Icons Unearthed: Harry Potter: Growing Up. (M)
10.20 Hudson & Rex. (M)
12.00 The X-Files. (M, R)
5.30pm Diagnosis Murder. (PG, R)
6.30 JAG. (PG, R)
7.30 NCIS. (M, R)
10.20 Bull. (M, R) 1.05 Diagnosis Murder. (M, R)
6.00pm Friends. (PG, R)
6.30 Friends. (PG, R)
7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 11.00 South Park. (MA15+) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
5.50pm The Engineering That Built The World. (PG, R)
6.40 Abandoned Engineering: Lost Bridges. (PG, R)
8.30 Plastic People: Crisis Of Microplastics.
10.00 WWE Legends: Kane. (M)
11.35 Hoarders. (M, R)
1.15 The X-Files. (M, R)
4.30pm Tennis. United Cup. Day 4. Group stage. 7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 4. Group stage. 1.00 World’s Greatest Journeys. (R) 2.00 See No Evil. (M, R)
9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R) 10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG, R) 11.00 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. (PG, R)
11.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R)
6.10pm Smoke And Steel: Secrets Of The Modern World: A Leisure Time Game Changer. (R)
7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 The UnBelievable With Dan Aykroyd: Unusual Rituals. (MA15+)
10.10 The Gentle Art Of Swedish Death Cleaning. (M, R)
We Wish All Of Our Valued Readers, Advertisers & Supporters A Wonderful Festive Season & A Fantastic New Year!
Thank You For Reading Your Local Paper & A Special Thank You To All Our Advertisers For Continuing To Bring The Community A Free Voice In Print
INVITING ALL SPORTING GROUPS, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Would you like to see your sports team in the paper? WHAT’S THE CATCH?
Simply submit a 250 word report (or bullet points/highlights) We need a photo too (image quality needs to be nice and clear) All reports need to be received by 9am Monday
If you are a first time contributor please let us know the week before
Public Notices
A career with Council offers challenging and rewarding work as we strive to shape a positive future for the Hinchinbrook community.
Council is excited to offer the following opportunities:
• Pest and Rehabilitation Officer
Applications close Monday 6 January 2025;
• Library Officer
Applications close Wednesday 8 January 2025;
• Community and Development Services Assistant
Applications close Wednesday 8 January 2025; and
• Economic Development Officer
Applications close Wednesday 15 January 2025.
Further information is contained in the Job Application Package which can be obtained via Council’s website, Careers at Council page.
Council invites Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified Respondents for interested parties to enter into a long term Lease Agreement for the operation of Forrest Beach Tourist Park, for a period of up to 30 years as described in more detail in Part 4 – Scope.
Council is seeking innovative and experienced operators to provide high quality service, management, development and maintenance of the Forrest Beach Tourist Park.
Following receipt of the submissions, an assessment process will take place with a view to establishing a shortlist for further information and written Tenders.
Expressions of Interest closes 2.00pm Friday 17 January 2025
Further information is available by downloading the Tender documents via Council’s website, Current Procurement and Tenders page.
Locals Rescued Off Pelorus Island After Engine Trouble
The Ingham Coast Guard sprang into action earlier this month to assist two locals stranded near Pelorus Island after their boat encountered engine trouble.
The incident occurred in the early morning when the pair called for help.
Ingham Coast Guard’s volunteer crew promptly launched their rescue vessel, “JJ,” and headed eastward to locate the stranded boat.
Fortunately, conditions were favourable at the time of the rescue, allowing for a smooth operation. The vessel was found inshore of Pelorus Island, where a tow line was secured. The return journey was uneventful, though Coast Guard officials noted that a delay of just two hours would have resulted in significantly rougher seas due to the strengthening Nor’easter winds.
2024 has seen the Ingham Coast Guard called out 31 times, rescuing a total of
COAST GAURD
91 people.
With the holiday season upon us, the Coast Guard reminds all boaters to prioritise safety and ensure their vessels are well-prepared before heading out on the water.
For emergencies, remember to contact your local Coast Guard for assistance.
Contributed with thanks to Steve Whipps, Commander, QF14 Ingham Coast Guard.
Sun Shines On Annual Russo & Vella Machinery Golf Ambrose
After a week of wet weather, the sun finally emerged to brighten the annual Russo & Vella Machinery Golf Ambrose held at the Ingham Golf Club earlier this month.
Seventeen teams took to the course, showcasing a mix of skill levels that resulted in both impressive plays and a few light-hearted mishaps. The event brought together golf enthusiasts and supporters for a day of friendly competition and community spirit.
Organisers extended their gratitude to all participants, helpers, and the Ingham Golf Club for ensuring the event’s success. Congratulations were also offered to the prize winners, who celebrated their achievements under clear skies.
The day was a shining example of community connection and camaraderie, with players already looking forward to next year’s tournament.
GOLF
Coach Tom Continues To Serve Up Success
TENNIS
Thomas Casey, known by his students as Tom, has been a celebrated tennis coach for just over eight years, training children aged three to 17 years with the skills and techniques required to enjoy and excel in the sport.
With a world of experience behind him, Tom first picked up a racquet when he was 10, and hasn’t left the court since, pursuing various academic qualifications to educate fellow tennis lovers on the sport’s ins and outs.
“I love coaching, it’s the most rewarding aspect of tennis for me,” shared Tom.
“Tennis is your own sport where you can focus on your own development, and I have one student who has travelled to a lot of tournaments who has shown a lot of improvement.”
Having already completed a Junior Development Coaching Qualification, Tom is currently pursuing education studies to become a certified teacher with the intention of coaching more students in the coming months.
“I will be coaching in Ingham in 2025, and adding an extra day of Thursdays, in addition to Saturday, and I currently coach 20 students a week, and hope to double that next year,” Tom added.
Tom invites students to have a swing at the sport and reach out to him on 0413 199 702 to learn more about upcoming new year free trial offers and join a fantastic and supportive tennis community at the Ingham Tennis Association.
Providing our customers
Tom Casey with a few of his students at the Ingham Tennis Association.
