As the contest for Kennedy intensifies, key candidates have been making their case
Swaine (LNP candidate for Kennedy), Bob Katter (Federal Member for
for Kennedy), and Carole Stanford (Greens candidate for Kennedy).
The 2025 Federal Budget was never just about dollars and cents—it was about the direction Australia takes in the years ahead.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest budget, delivered on 25 March, makes clear where the Albanese government believes that the future lies: in costof-living relief, housing, and a transition to a more sustainable economy. But with an election now set for 3 May, it’s impossible to ignore the political stakes. Is this a responsible economic plan or a budget designed to win votes?
Katter’s Australian Party Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has issued a critical response to the 2025 Federal Budget, saying it has a lack of
proactive infrastructure planning, onerous regulatory overreach, and an obvious lack of investment in agriculture and mining industries.
“The 2025 Budget reveals a government more focused on reactive policies rather than proactively addressing the needs of our nation,” Mr Katter said.
“Our agriculture and mining sector is the backbone of our country’s economic growth and prosperity. But it is clear that the country is nothing more than a quarrying nation. Its income comes from iron ore, coal, bauxite, and silicon – none are processed.
“We are giving our most vital resources to foreign
by Amanda Wright
landlords while shutting down our most lucrative industry: coal.”
Carole Stanford, Greens Candidate for Kennedy had a different viewpoint to Mr Katter, saying,
“The two big parties continue to pour away our money in the form of subsidies to the tune of $14.5 billion in 2023-2024 to largely foreign-owned companies to dig up our fossil fuels, export them, keep the bulk of the profits and worsen the climate crisis they choose to ignore to the detriment of our children.
“It is both bizarre and scandalous.”
Continued on pages 3 and 5…
COMMUNITY GATHER FOR MURAL PAINTING SESSION
read on page 26
Friday 23 May 2025
alongside national leaders, each presenting a different vision for the region’s future. L-R: Annette
Kennedy), Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Sharon Winn (Labor candidate
read on page 6-7
RAISING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Special Double Page Feature
read on page 11
MEET VICTORIA VELTON New Journalist With Hinchinbrook Life read on page 12
Community News 1 - 13
Rural LIfe 14 - 15
Taste of Hinchinbrook 16 - 17
Social Life 18 - 21
TV Guide 22 - 23
Puzzles 24 - 25
Sports & Water 27
Office - 0429 035 046
production@lifepublishinggroup.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Rachael Smith – 0417 267 373 rachael@lifepublishinggroup.com
JOURNALIST
Daniel Heggie – 0481 351 367 daniel@lifepublishinggroup.com
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:
- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;
- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;
- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;
- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;
- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.
Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided.
All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
Hello Hinchinbrook,
Drop In With Daniel
I hope everyone has had a fantastic week!
I come to you with a mix of emotions as I share some bittersweet news. This will be my final week with Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper as I transition back to the Whitsunday office, where I’ll be continuing my work as a journalist for our sister publication.
It has truly been an honour to be part of the team that brought print media back to this region, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together. It fills me with pride to know that the community has embraced what Hinchinbrook Life has brought to the area.
In my time here, I’ve witnessed my first natural disaster, contributed to a newspaper launch that brought the community together, and met so many incredible people from across the Hinchinbrook Shire.
None of this would have been possible without the amazing support of the broader Life Publishing Group team and many members of the local community.
I’d also like to extend a heartfelt
thank you to Mayor Ramon Jayo and the Hinchinbrook Shire Council for championing this paper for the people. It was actually Ramon who approached us with the idea of bringing print media back to the region, and that conversation sparked the creation of Hinchinbrook Life.
A huge thank you also goes to the local businesses and the community—you are the reason this paper is in your hands every week. We couldn’t do it without you.
Though this is my goodbye, Hinchinbrook Life is in great hands. For the past three months, Victoria has been training in the Whitsunday Life office, meeting the community, and preparing for this move up here. Victoria is eager to connect with all of you, and you can learn more about them on page 11.
This isn’t a full goodbye just yet—I’ll still be around until Thursday, so we may cross paths before I head off.
Thank you, Hinchinbrook, for the unforgettable experience. Take care!
Daniel
OVERWHELMED WITH GRATITUDE
During the floods earlier this year, Colleen Wood and her husband Allen found themselves in a terrifying and isolating situation. Living in Trebonne, they were stranded with no power, no food, and minimal phone charge. Allen is confined to a wheelchair and the SES and Ambulance services were unable to reach them due to the floods.
Their kindness helped ensure Colleen and Allen had a working generator to keep their essentials running.
But in the face of adversity, the community around them stepped up in a remarkable way. Colleen, overcome with emotion and relief, shared her experience with Hinchinbrook Life through a heartfelt letter:
“On day two of the floods, a ute pulled up in the flooded driveway and two strangers asked if I was okay. I was filled with emotion and relief and could scarcely hold back my tears when I said to them, ‘My husband is in a wheelchair, and we need help.’”
These strangers, Vince Russo and Brenda Oats, became her lifeline during the crisis.
“Vince and Brenda were angels on earth for us,” Colleen said. “They assisted us with fuel for our generator, filled it, started it, and came back each morning and night to top it up.”
But the help didn’t stop there. Another neighbor, David Scott, a farmer from up the road, checked on them daily and even brought a stable table for the generator. When the generator broke down, Kenny Hemmet from Hemmet Electricals loaned them one of his own.
In yet another gesture of support, Joe and Heather Ludlow, who lived just two houses away, offered Colleen a place to charge her phone when the generator failed.
And there was more. Danny Ward, a neighbor to the left of Colleen and Allen’s home, loaned them a freezer connected to a battery to help preserve their food.
“I was overwhelmed by these people,” Colleen reflected. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their generosity, kindness, and sense of community. I hope they understand the difference they have made to our lives.”
Tax Cuts, Energy Rebates, And Election Shadows
BY AMANDA WRIGHT
Acentrepiece of the budget is further personal income tax cuts, with the rate for incomes between $18,201 and $45,000 dropping from 16 per cent to 15 per cent in 2026, then to 14 per cent in 2027. That means up to $536 in additional tax relief per year, building on earlier reforms. While tax cuts were expected, the timeline—stretching beyond the next election—raises questions about whether the government is laying economic foundations or setting political traps for future governments.
Immediate relief is also a key theme. Energy bill support continues, with a $150 rebate for households and small businesses. Pharmaceutical costs will drop under the PBS, and HELP/HECS debts will shrink by 20 per cent. These are measures designed to help Australians struggling with rising costs, but critics argue they are band-aid solutions that don’t address the structural drivers of inflation.
Ms Stanford agreed with the opposition, saying, “Our young people are starting their work careers with a ridiculous debt burden while at the same time paying exorbitant rents and trying to support themselves.
“Twenty per cent isn’t enough but it is a start.
“The Greens are arguing for genuinely free public schooling - $800 per student to cover uniforms, excursions, school suppliesand extra funding for schools themselves.”
Housing remains a crisis point, and the budget throws billions at the problem. A two-year ban on foreign purchases of established homes is meant to ease competition, while modular and prefabricated housing get a funding boost to accelerate supply. The “Help to Buy” scheme expands, making home ownership more accessible—at least in theory. But with supply chain issues and soaring construction costs, it remains to be seen whether these policies will deliver real change or simply shift the goalposts.
Mr Katter also took issue with the government’s approach to housing, calling for the removal of land restrictions in non-metropolitan areas to encourage growth and alleviate pressure on urban centres.
“Whilst this measure has been noted in repeated budgets, all housing development is still hamstrung by onerous regulatory oversight, making housing unaffordable and out of reach for everyday Australian families.”
As the Liberal National Party candidate for Kennedy, Annette Swaine said she was dis-
appointed at the lack of long-term, transformational plans to stop businesses closing at record rates, to drastically improve telecommunications in the regions and get more people into housing.
“This was obviously a rushed Budget full of short-term sweeteners designed to win an election but which will bake in huge debt and even more spending,” she said.
“It’s hard to find one credible, impartial mainstream commentator who has praised this Budget, and rightly so. Australia, and especially regional Australia, can’t afford what Anthony Albanese is offering in another Labor Government.”
Ms Swaine also said there was little in the Budget to help the residents in Kennedy.
No commitment to build dams, no new funding for flood-proofing roads, nothing for regional GP shortages.
“The tax cuts will average about $5 a week for people, which is an insult considering the cost of everything has gone up so much in the past three years. Another electricity rebate is really just Labor giving us back
our own money to help pay for higher power prices they created with their renewables-only energy policy.”
Ms Stanford added that neither of the two big parties are addressing major structural reform.
“Tax, for example, capital gains tax discounts and negative gearing on properties, effectively taxing the Australian billionaires who have been revealed by Oxfam to be making $67,000 an hour and the one in three big corporations that pay no tax.”
Continued on page 5…
The Olympics Is It A Costly Burden On Regional Queensland?
There’s been a lot of talk recently about the Olympics. The 2032 Games will be a major event for Queensland, but there’s no doubt it will be a costly exercise, one that risks draining the state’s budget while delivering little for our regions. Brisbane is set to reap the lion’s share of the benefits, while the rest of the state is left to fight for a fair slice of the funding.
With less than a decade to prepare, all levels of government are scrambling to ensure we’re “Olympics-ready.” But while the focus is on venues, accommodation, and high-performance sports precincts, regional Queensland is still battling the same old problems; roads that are falling apart or not fit for purpose, a lack of essential services, and the constant feeling of being left behind. I find it hard to justify billions on Olympic infrastructure when the roads we drive on daily, and our hospitals that we rely on, are not adequately resourced.
That’s not to say the games will bring no benefits to the regions. It’s good to see sports like sailing coming to Townsville
and the Whitsundays, and other parts of the state securing some events and funding. But let’s be honest, the vast majority of Olympic spending is being concentrated in Brisbane. If the games are going ahead, whether we like it or not, then regional Queensland must do everything in its power to claim its fair share of the funding pie.
With the state government committing to go ahead with the Olympics, I believe it must not come at the cost of nation building infrastructure. We cannot afford to neglect our roads, rail, water, and energy infrastructure priorities, these are the foundations that will truly build Queensland and strengthen our state for generations to come.
It will be a true test for the state LNP government to deliver the projects regional Queensland desperately needs, while simultaneously holding the Brisbane Olympics party that south-east Queensland wants.
Contributed by Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook
One of US fighting for all of US
Books And Stories Available All Year Round In Street Libraries
The Hinchinbrook Shire Library remains closed due to flooding, and the Halifax Library is open under limited opening hours, but Street Libraries are open around the shire.
Lynn Romano created a Street Library Last year at the bus shelter at Toobanna State School, so avid readers or travellers can read books and magazines at any time.
“My son, he loves to read. I have to say, I’m not a big reader myself, but I know reading is something we should do,” said Lynn.
“We do a bit of traveling with the caravan, and we have seen libraries in other places, and I just thought, well, it would be a great thing to have locally so people could access free books.
“When we’ve been in caravan parks, people would often leave books in the camp kitchen, they were passing them on in that way. So that was part of the journey and thinking about what to do here.
“It’s near the school, I know lots of kids don’t really like reading much and don’t
actually have many books. I just thought it might be a good place to have it. It’s easy for people travelling past, easy for kids and for people in the community as well.”
Despite Toobanna school and homes receiving flooding, Lynn said that the library was safe, and the airtight container left the books with zero damage or mould.
“I went back to check it was okay after the flood and I put extra books in. It is quite full with books and magazines now,” said Lynn.
Lynn said that Street Libraries are all about sharing books in a free exchange.
“You don’t have to leave books if you don’t have any, but if you have something that you’ve already read, why not pass it on to somebody else?” said Lynn.
Street Libraries are all about inviting neighbours, travellers, or other community members together in sharing the joy of reading.
There is also a Street Library located on Hawkins Street in Ingham.
The Street Library in Toobanna is located at the bus shelter at Toobanna State School
The Street Library is filled with books and magazines for anyone to enjoy. Photos supplied
Spending For The Future, But At What Cost?
Continued from cover and page 3…
Beyond immediate relief, the budget signals a push towards future industries. Renewable energy and green manufacturing receive heavy investment, positioning Australia as a leader in sustainable production. Increased funding for Medicare will support bulk billing, keeping healthcare accessible.
On paper, these initiatives look like longterm plays for a more self-sufficient economy, but the opposition has painted them as distractions from Australia’s immediate productivity challenges.
“This is a budget for the next five weeks, not the next five years,” Opposition Leader Peter Dutton fired back.
Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, agreed with the criticism, highlighting the shortfalls he sees in the renewables race.
“It’s short-term fixes that do not address the long-term problems the nation faces.”
“$150 wiped from a family’s power bill for the second half of this year” is a shortsighted vote grab,” Mr Katter added.
“And a further $8 billion has been allocated for renewables and low-emission projects.
“However, these measures do not acknowledge that the most cost-effective and reliable power source is still from coal-fired
power generation.
“We need real measures to reduce the cost of electricity, and investment and upgrade rather than the shutdown of our coal-fired power stations.
“To ensure that Australians can have continued access to cheap, reliable power, we cannot afford the extravagance of renewables,” Mr Katter said.
Ms Stanford disagreed, saying, “Allocating more money for improving the quality of water flowing into the Great Barrier Reef is nice, but it is paltry when they do nothing to stop the cause of coral bleaching - increasing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, causing sea temperatures to rise.
“We must attack the root of the bleaching problem by stopping the mining and burning of fossil fuels.”
Mr Dutton’s critique zeroes in on what many see as Labor’s greatest vulnerability—economic management. The underlying cash deficit for 2024–25 is expected to hit $27.6 billion, and while net government debt remains between 21 per cent and 24 per cent of GDP, there is little in the way of broader tax reform or strategies to boost productivity.
The numbers suggest a mixed economic
‘Ingham Disability Support Services’, has become ‘Lifelong Supports’
Our new name represents our dedication to inclusively supporting both our disability and aged care communities
outlook. Real GDP growth is forecast to increase to 2.75 per cent, while unemployment steadies at 4.25 per cent. Infrastructure remains a priority, with $1.8 billion allocated for road and rail over the next four years, as part of a $17 billion decade-long transport program. But with inflation still an issue and global uncertainty weighing heavily, voters will need to decide whether this budget provides genuine stability or temporary relief.
In response to the 2025 Budget, Mr Katter said he was once again left with little faith the country would return to its nation-building potential in any foreseeable future.
“The Budget is a mix of band-aid and tokenistic solutions that will do little to generate the real wealth that our nation needs,” he said.
“It is clearly an anti-development anti-jobs agenda, with no mines and no agricultural consideration, whatsoever.
“This budget is full of metro lollipops and its only outcome is decay.”
Ms Swaine said that a Peter Dutton-led Coalition Government has regional development as one of its core aims.
“We will legislate to make the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility perma-
nent, we will build better transport infrastructure to get cattle and minerals to market and help people move around, we will cut spending, reduce taxes, make it easier to do business and we will deliver a sensible energy mix including nuclear,” she said.
“The only way to change Kennedy’s future is to change the government and change the way we’ve done things for the past 32 years in opposition.”
Just three days after handing down the budget, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese fired the starting gun on an election campaign that will now be fought over its details. This is not just a spending plan—it’s a political blueprint.
The question is whether Australians believe it charts the right course or merely smooths the road to polling day.
*Efforts were made to contact the Labor candidate for Kennedy, however this publication did not receive a response prior to print.
Raising Mental Health Awareness In Ingham
Astriking symbol of resilience and awareness now stands along the highway in Ingham—its vivid blue branches reaching out as a reminder that no one has to struggle in silence. The Blue Tree Project, a national initiative aimed at breaking the stigma around mental health, found a home in the town in July 2023, thanks to a collaborative community effort.
Councillor Donna Marbelli first saw a Blue Tree while driving between Townsville and Ingham and knew the town needed one of its own. The search began for a tree that met the criteria—it had to be dead and visible from the road—before being transformed into a beacon of hope. The project was a team effort, with support from the council, W and T Forden Garden Bails and Tree Lopping, and Canegrowers
10. Cr Marbelli said the tree serves as a powerful symbol of mental health awareness, reinforcing the importance of open conversations.
“Our town’s Blue Tree is a symbol of strength and support,” she said. “It’s a powerful reminder that it’s okay not to be okay and that no one should struggle in silence. Mental health affects us all, and we encourage open conversations in our community. It also reminds everyone that help is always available—you are not alone.”
Cr Marbelli said she was proud to see Ingham take part in the movement and was pleased the tree was in such a prominent location.
“It’s great, and I’m so glad we’ve got one. I’m so glad it’s on the highway so that travellers going through can see that our town cares about mental health.”
Starting Conversations
RU OK?’s Conversation Convoy is coming to the Hinchinbrook region, aimed at raising awareness for suicide prevention and offering an opportunity for the community to come together, learn, and show support. The R U OK convoy will be at the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Afternoon Tea in Rotary Park on April 9th from 12:30pm2:00pm.
The event offers a chance for individuals to learn, engage, and ask questions in a relaxed setting. Families, friends, and colleagues are encouraged to attend, whether to learn how to support others or to seek help themselves.
The R U OK? Convoy is part of a nationwide initiative to equip regional Australians with the knowledge and tools to start vital conversations around mental health. It’s not always easy to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK, but doing so could change a life.
Mental health is important and Provisional Psychologist Aaron Christopher from Optimise Health and Wellness said it’s important for a number of reasons.
“If we have positive mental health, it allows us to view the world in a better way, allows us to be our best selves, and appreciate the world around us,” he said.
“If we fall into poor mental health. Those
LUCINDA JETTY UPGRADE
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Lucinda Jetty and Wharf was constructed in 1979 and is a bulk sugar loading facility providing deep water access to large ships in the raw sugar trade. Construction will be commencing in April 2025 on the replacement of the access ramp to the Lucinda Jetty, with the project expected to be completed by the end of July 2025, weather permitting. This work is part of an estimated $30 million investment by Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) on the Lucinda Jetty and Wharf over the next 5 years. The scope of work will include the removal and replacement of the concrete deck units, refurbishment of the existing piles and headstocks and other ancillary works.
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Construction crews will arrive on-site and begin temporary works on 7 April. Demolition and refurbishment works is scheduled to take place over 6 weeks, from 6 May to 17 June. Ancillary works will follow until 22 July.
•Tree trimming will be required to facilitate crane movement. This work will be undertaken with the guidance of an arborist.
•Trucks will access Bruce Parade for the delivery and removal of the concrete deck units.
PROJECT CONTACT
•The contractor will be utilising the vacant Port land adjacent to the Sugar Terminal for the laydown and office facilities.
•Anticipated working hours: Monday – Saturday, 6:00am to 6:30pm
•Pedestrian access over the overpass will be made available via an alternative path, but during the demolition works it will be closed during work hours for public safety.
•Access to the beach in this area will be restricted for the duration of the works.
If you have any questions in relation to this project or would like further information, please contact QSL’s Manager Asset Services and Business Performance, Monica Accornero, on 0448 369 185 or monica.accornero@qsl.com.au
negatives start to stick a bit more, the world becomes a bit darker, and our options seem a bit more bleak.
So, being able to have those conversations to improve our mental health allows us to be more open to the more positive aspects of the world.
“Having those initial conversations are ridiculously important, because sometimes we just need to be able to talk to someone and just feel heard.”
Aaron and his wife Kara, who is director of Optimise Health and Wellness, recently worked at the Recovery Centre and Aaron said 90% of people there just wanted to share their story and, by talking, people were able to lift that burden.
Aaron said being able to talk to someone is one of the key benefits of improving mental health.
“When we are in our own head, it spirals,
We sincerely thank the community for their cooperation during these necessary works.
Mitre
Public Spaces Team Leader Peter Larragan, Councillor Donna Marbelli and Infrastructure Services Officer Breanna Vanoli
Councillor Donna Marbelli and Liaison Police Officer Michelle Jardine painting the Blue Tree. Photos supplied
Conversations
R U OK? Conversation Convoy Visits
Hinchinbrook
and that becomes what we obsess about, we have the conversations inside ourselves,” said Aaron.
“When we are in a negative head space, and it builds on itself like compounds. When you talk to someone else and feel heard, that connection allows you to feel like you’re not alone. Being heard and hearing someone empathise validates your feelings.
“Lifting that burden allows you to be more open and expand those thoughts. So once that burden is gone, you stop thinking about those negatives, you stop ruminating, and you are then more open to other
thoughts and more positive things.
“You’re able to be more appreciative and have that gratuity for the world and that gratefulness is now more apparent.”
Bring along your loved ones or just yourself, enjoy some chat and come together to support the message of hope and help in a safe space.
WHAT: R U OK? Conversation Convoy
WHERE: Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Afternoon Tea
WHEN: Wednesday 19th April 12:30pm – 2pm
By joining Healthy Rewards, you are eligible to earn points for every dollar you spend in our pharmacy on non-prescription purchases. Not only that, you'll get access to health advice, giveaways and prizes. To join Healthy Rewards, please visit your local Alliance Pharmacy and sign up in-store. If you provide an email address you will be sent a $5 Welcome voucher to be spent on your next retail transaction.
Boost Your Mental Well-being With These Small Steps
Maintaining good mental health doesn’t always require major life changes — sometimes, it’s the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference. Whether it’s social connection, gratitude, or exercise, finding what works for you is key. Here are simple ways to improve your mental well-being.
Social Connection
Engaging with others is a vital aspect of mental wellbeing. Whether it’s having a casual chat, checking in with friends and family, or participating in local sports, social interactions can provide a sense of belonging. Reaching out, even in small ways, helps strengthen relationships and build support networks.
Finding Joy in the Everyday Discovering what brings joy can be deeply personal. For some, it’s walking the dog or tidying the house, while others find happiness in reading, playing games, or simply enjoying a well-prepared meal. Recognis-
ing and embracing these little moments can contribute to a more positive mindset.
The Benefits of Journaling
Writing down thoughts and moments of gratitude can be a powerful tool for mental clarity. Journaling helps people reflect on what they have, even the small joys of life, like a delicious breakfast or a peaceful morning. This simple habit can serve as a reminder of positivity, fostering a healthier outlook.
Exercise for Mental Health
Physical activity is closely linked to improved mental health. Whether it’s a short walk, lifting weights at the gym, or swimming a few laps, movement benefits both the body and mind. The key is to find an activity that suits personal ability and lifestyle.
By incorporating these small yet meaningful habits into daily life, individuals can take proactive steps toward improving their mental wellbeing.
certificates
R U OK?’s Conversation Convoy. Photo Sourced: R U OK?’s website
ABC NORTH QUEENSLAND BROADCASTED LIVE FROM COUNCIL OFFICE
ABC North Queensland brought the community together on Thursday 27 March 2025, with a special live broadcast from Council’s Main Office. The program, which ran from 3.00pm to 6.00pm, provided an opportunity for residents to share their experiences and discuss key local issues.
Mayor Ramon Jayo officially opened the show, addressing the significant flooding event that impacted the Shire in February 2025. He spoke about the challenges faced
by residents and businesses during the crisis and the ongoing recovery efforts that had been supported by Council and the broader community.
One of the major concerns raised during the broadcast was the impact of phone and internet communication issues during the flood. Many residents and business owners shared their experiences of being unable to connect with emergency services, loved ones, and customers, highlighting the need for improved telecommunications infra-
PLAYTIME AT LIBRARY
The latest Playtime at the Library session was a resounding success, with 29 eager attendees enjoying a morning of fun and creativity.
Despite an earlier weather disruption, families came together on Thursday 27 March 2025, for an engaging session filled with singing, storytelling, and craft activities.
One delighted parent expressed their excitement about Playtime’s return, sharing how much they and their child enjoyed the experience.
With strong community support and enthusiasm, the event continues to be a cherished gathering for young families.
Don’t miss the next session!
Join us for another exciting Playtime at the Library at 10.30am on Thursday 3 April 2025 located at the TYTO Conference and Events Centre.
See you there!
structure in the region.
Listeners also heard firsthand accounts from local residents, farmers, and business owners, who shared their resilience, challenges, and recovery stories. Their insights shed light on the strength of the community and the collaborative efforts to rebuild after the disaster.
The live broadcast served as a platform for open dialogue, reinforcing the importance of strong communication networks and
community support in times of crisis. ABC North Queensland’s presence in the Shire underscored its commitment to regional storytelling and keeping the community informed on vital issues.
Council thanks ABC North Queensland for shining a spotlight on the region and giving residents a voice, further strengthening the community’s spirit and resilience..
MARCH TEA AND TRIVIA BLOOMS WITH NEW ENERGY AT TYTO CONFERENCE AND EVENTS CENTRE
The first Tea and Trivia event of the year at TYTO Conference and Events Centre was a resounding success, brimming with laughter, friendly competition, and a vibrant atmosphere.
A fresh event design, engaging visual questions, and the addition of bingo made for an exciting experience. New faces joined
regular attendees, sparking lively conversations and strengthening community connections. The mix of seasoned trivia buffs and first time participants created a welcoming environment where everyone could test their knowledge, share a few laughs, and enjoy a morning of light hearted competition.
Guests were treated to a delicious selection
of fresh food, adding to the enjoyment of the day. The event also featured an array of fantastic prizes, making every round even more thrilling as participants eagerly anticipated their chance to win. The combination of trivia and bingo ensured there was something for everyone, keeping energy levels high and engagement strong throughout the morning.
This fantastic start to the year sets the stage for more memorable events to come, promising even more fun, brain teasing questions, and community spirit. If you missed out, do not worry Tea and Trivia will return on Friday 2 May 2025, bringing another opportunity to join in the fun. Please note, the venue is yet to be confirmed.
TONI CHILDS WOWS FANS AT HINCHINBROOK SHIRE HALL
Music lovers in Ingham were treated to an unforgettable evening as Emmy-winning and multi-Grammy-nominated artist Toni Childs graced the stage at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall on Friday 28 March 2025. Originally scheduled for the JL Kelly Theatre, the concert was relocated due to damage sustained earlier in the year. Despite the last minute venue change, the event was a resounding success, drawing a crowd of devoted fans eager to experience Childs' iconic sound.
Toni Childs, known for her soulful voice and compelling storytelling, delivered a mesmerising two hour performance that celebrated her musical journey. The first half of the show took the audience on a nostalgic trip through her greatest hits, including 'Don’t Walk Away,' 'Stop Your Fussin’,' 'I’ve Got to Go Now,' and 'Because You’re Beautiful.' She captivated listeners with personal stories about the creation of her breakthrough album 'Union' and her experiences in the music industry.
The second half of the evening
introduced fans to her latest work from two upcoming albums, It’s All a Beautiful Noise and Citizens of the Planet. The new material showcased Childs' evolving artistry and her continued ability to connect with audiences through thought provoking lyrics and evocative melodies.
Adding to the excitement of the night was the exclusive VIP Meet and Greet Package, which gave lucky attendees a chance to meet Toni in person, enjoy a backstage drink, and receive a digital copy of her greatest hits collection.
Over her illustrious career, Toni Childs has built a global fanbase, sharing the stage with music legends like Bob Dylan, Al Green, and Peter Gabriel. Her performance in Ingham was a testament to her enduring talent and deep connection with her audience. The evening was a true celebration of music and resilience, proving that even unforeseen challenges like a change of venue couldn’t dampen the spirit of a remarkable artist and her dedicated fans. Those in attendance left with their hearts full and their love for Toni Childs stronger than ever.
Minute With The Mayor
Irecently had the honour of officially opening Rabobank’s new premises at Shop 1, Homemakers, 57 Herbert Street Ingham.
The opening of the new premises clearly evidences Rabobank’s loyalty and commitment to our district.
Over the past few years, our district has unfortunately experienced a loss in banking services by the withdrawal of a number of institutions, but I can proudly say that such withdrawals were not occasioned through a lack of business or a lack of profitability that would reflect upon the fabric of our community, but rather was brought about by the fact that our community did not fit the business models of such institutions. Models that in the main proposed to do away with traditional face to face service and generally a decline in human interaction.
It is refreshing to see that there still remain corporations such as Rabobank that continue to value human interaction and provide that human touch for service delivery, as many of our community’s older demographic are accustomed to.
Thank you Rabobank for your dedication to our community and we are very glad to have you as part of our community.
On another note, Australia Post has informed Council that postal delivery arrangements at Taylors Beach are to change as of 1 April 2025.
Mail to existing PO boxes at Taylors Beach will cease to be delivered as of 31 March 2025. Residents will have the option of receiving mail by either street letter box, to be installed by residents on their respec-
Btive property boundaries, or by acquiring a post box at either Halifax or Ingham post offices.
Residents will have a period of five weeks to install letter boxes, noting that such boxes have a minimum specification requirement imposed by Australia Post. Specifications may be obtained by visiting constituents @auspost.com.au. Please note that if you choose the letter box option, parcel deliveries will need to be collected from the Halifax Post Office.
I understand that residents have been provided information on changes proposed individually, but if further assistance is required, please contact Australia Post through the above address at your convenience.
efore the advent of modern highways and air travel, North Queensland’s coastal waters teemed with small ships, serving as vital links between communities and transporting passengers and goods.
Up until 1881, a fleet of small vessels operated between Townsville and Cairns, with Dungeness serving as a vital port of call along the route.
Among the first steamers to service this passage were the Dugong and the Porpoise, pioneering transport along the rugged coastline. In 1881, a significant advancement came with the importation of a paddle steamer from England.
This vessel played a crucial role in ferrying passengers upstream from Dungeness, further enhancing connectivity in the region.
The legacy of these early steamers remains a fascinating chapter in the Hinchinbrook region’s rich maritime history.
Councillor Column
Mark Spina
Hello residents of
The past few weeks have been challenging, but our community continues to show strength and resilience. Additional assistance from Federal and State Government Disaster Grant Funding has now increased to Category D for primary producers, notfor-profits, and small businesses. With no insurance covering crop damage, the increase to $75,000 for eligible primary producers to repair farmland or replace lost stock is a welcome relief. Thank you to all involved in advocating to the State and Federal Government to secure Category D funding.
While Disaster Grants have helped individuals, many now turn to insurers for support in areas not covered. If you are making a claim for personal contents or residential building insurance, I hope you are receiving positive outcomes. We pay significantly higher premiums than our southern friends, so we expect fair support. If premium costs rise beyond reason, we will call on state and federal representatives to hold insurers accountable.
Business insurance presents its own chal-
lenges, including building, equipment, and stock loss claims. As Chair of the Economic Recovery Sub Group and a local Real Estate Agent, I see firsthand the struggles businesses face. We must support them in getting back on their feet.
Recently, I met an insurance advocate working with a local insurance broking company at a Chamber of Commerce recovery meeting. Their service has helped business owners navigate claims for positive outcomes, even without flood cover. The company specialises in claims preparation and advocacy, liaising with insurers to manage claims and ensure well-supported submissions. Many businesses have cover for the fees under their insurance, allowing them to access expert advice at no cost.
For further information regarding the Insurance Advocates, contact the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce at admin@ hinchinbrookchamber.com.au.
Take care, be kind, and stay safe.
INGHAM TYRE CENTRE
Hinchinbrook,
Ramon Jayo
TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY HUB
Following the closure of the Community Recovery Hub at the TAFE Building on Townsville Rd, transitional arrangements have been made for officers to assist the community from the new office, which will be located at 73-81 Lannercost Street, commencing Tuesday, April 1st.
As the recovery process continues to progress forward, any local residents still seeking assistance have the opportunity to visit the Community Information and Referral Centre that will have staff available to respond to any enquires and assist with finalising provision of additional information relating to grant applications, that have now closed.
Throughout the time this weather and flooding event has impacted the Hinchinbrook Shire, Chamber has been working tirelessly to provide information, support and facilitate individual appointments for local business owners. Chamber will also have a presence at the Community Information and Referral Hub and will work alongside the Recovery Officers to contin-
ue to provide this support to the business and broader community.
As planning progresses, the community will have the opportunity visit the Centre and request referrals or schedule appointments with representatives from various agencies who have previously had a presence at the Community Recovery Hub. Private consulting rooms and office space will also be available for confidential and discreet appointments.
Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism will continue to play an integral role in the recovery process, recognising this journey will be more of a marathon, than a sprint. For those business owners still wanting to make individual appointments with QRIDA representative Sam Spina, Chamber is now taking bookings for appointments between 1.304.30pm, at this Centre.
Meet Victoria
Hinchinbrook Life’s New Journo
Victoria grew up in Brisbane and went on to pursue a Cert III in Business Administration while also qualifying as a swimming teacher through AustSwim. Their career path led them to roles as a receptionist and swimming instructor, where they worked hard to fund their Diploma of Arts.
Later serving as an editor for a medical journal at Queensland University of Technology, Victoria further sharpened their writing and editorial skills.
Victoria's family live in Macknade and moving to the region will be an opportunity for them all to reconnect regularly, something Victoria is looking forward to.
Victoria’s passions lie in artistic expression and adventure. A talented and dedicated creative, they spend their spare time sewing, embroidering, and crafting stories. Whether designing intricate patterns or bringing characters to life on paper, Victoria finds joy in expressing themselves through various forms of art.
A love for the water runs deep, whether it’s swimming in the ocean, creeks, or pools, Victoria is always there. Boating, snorkelling, and fishing, Victoria embraces every opportunity to be out on the water with friends.
For further information, please contact the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, industry & Tourism via email at admin@ hinchinbrookchamber.com.au or phone 0407569550. INGHAM DISTRICT UNITING CHURCH 12 Anderssen Street, Halifax
We welcome you to our fellowship service every Sunday morning at 8.00am. Bring your friends and family to an informal time of worship followed by morning tea and a chance to get to know your neighbours.
Victoria has been perfecting her journalism skills in the Whitsundays for the past three months working for Hinchinbrook Life’s sister newspaper, Whitsunday Life as a cadet journalist.
Here, Victoria has got to know the community on a personal level and is now looking forward to doing the same in the Hinchinbrook.
"I am greatly anticipating the move to Hinchinbrook, the wet weather and crocodile warnings couldn't keep me away!” said Victoria.
"I look forward to meeting new faces and catching up with old friends.”
Last year, Victoria had the incredible chance to live and work in Ireland, connecting with family roots, bottle-feeding calves, holding newborn lambs, and cooking hearty roasts with loved ones. The experience only deepened a love for travel, culture, and new experiences.
Honest, vivid, and exploratory, Victoria is always eager to try something new. Whether embarking on a new creative project, diving into a fresh adventure, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, they embrace life with enthusiasm and curiosity.
If you see Victoria around, don’t hesitate to say hello! They love meeting new people and sharing stories about their passions and experiences.
Victoria is looking forward to their arrival in the Hinchinbrook region.
The Heroes Of Hinchinbrook
When disastrous floods swept through the region in February, the town of Ingham found itself in a crisis unlike any it had seen in recent memory with devastating flood waters surpassing the levels they reached in the historic floods of 1967.
Amidst the chaos of the floods the local medical practices Hinchinbrook Healthcare and Ingham Family Medical Practice banded together in times of uncertainty and provided a glimmer of light to Ingham residents, demonstrating remarkable resilience and resourcefulness.
Hinchinbrook Healthcare was among the first to respond, despite losing power for almost a week, they refused to wait for outside help and sprang into action. Under the leadership of Dr Stewart Jackson, the team acted swiftly, after obtaining a generator with the help of the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network and leveraging their miraculously intact internet connection, they were able to resume consultations within days. The clinic provided invaluable urgent medical care for flood related injuries, chronic conditions, even going above and beyond to arrange private retrievals for patients requiring vital cancer or dialysis treatments.
Hinchinbrook Healthcare however, was not alone in rising above the flood waters to meet the challenge. Nearby, Ingham Family Medical Practice contended with similar battles. Despite their facility being spared the floodwaters, prolonged power outages handicapped essential medical infrastructure, putting vaccine
supplies in jeopardy and crippling computer systems. The practice however, remained unfazed and persevered, continuing to deliver basic services amid the sweltering summer heat due to the lack of air-conditioning.
Throughout the crisis the steadfast and unwavering dedication of both Hinchinbrook Health and Ingham Family Medical Practice, along with the instrumental support North Queensland Primary Health Network provided indispensable reassurance to the residents of Ingham enduring personal hardships. The presence and resolute persistence of the Heroes of Hinchinbrook became a symbol of hope and stability in an otherwise tempestuous period.
Their deeds laid the foundation for the emergence of community resilience as neighbour supported neighbour, exemplifying the intrinsic strength which resides within collective community action. As the floodwaters cleared and recovery began, residents of Ingham expressed their profound appreciation for the efforts of the medical teams, acknowledging their sacrifices made to deliver critical care in tumultuous times.
Today, as the community recovers, the actions and experience of these two medical practices underscores the key role primary healthcare providers play in disasters. Their adaptability, ability to collaborate and continue delivering care whilst staring down immense challenges serves as proof of their commitment, underpinning the utmost value of local healthcare during emergency situations and disasters.
The dedicated team at Hinchinbrook Healthcare
The passionate medical staff at Ingham Family Medical Practice. Photos supplied
New Travel Agency Opening Today In Ingham
Abrand-new travel agency, NQ Travel and Cruise, is set to open its doors in Ingham today, offering expert travel planning and personalised service to the community.
Owned and operated by Kathleen Lynch, a seasoned travel professional with over 15 years of experience, NQ Travel and Cruise is a full-service agency dedicated to creating custom itineraries tailored to every traveller’s needs. Whether it’s a relaxing cruise, a dream holiday, or a meticulously planned adventure, Kathleen brings her extensive knowledge and passion for travel to ensure every trip is seamless and memorable.
“I am thrilled to bring NQ Travel and Cruise to Ingham,” said Kathleen Lynch.
“My goal is to provide exceptional, personalised travel experiences, helping clients turn their travel dreams into reality.”
The agency is located at 73-81 Lannercost Street, Ingham, and will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with an appointment-only service from 1:00 pm, securing clients a dedicated, one-on-one service. As a solo operator, Kathleen encourages clients to schedule an appointment to ensure a personalised and uninterrupted consultation.
In addition to offering tailored travel services, Kathleen plans to host exclusive client events twice a year, providing an
opportunity for travellers to connect, gain insights on upcoming travel trends, and explore new destinations. She is also committed to delivering highly detailed and curated travel experiences, ensuring every aspect of a client’s journey is meticulously planned for maximum enjoyment and ease.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact NQ Travel and Cruise.
Ph. 4440 3310
Kathleen Lynch is excited about the opening of NQ Travel and Cruise. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
March 2025 Sugar Prices Waiting On Brazil Harvest
Simon Hood - Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
Tcurveballs to sugarcane growers.
After a relatively dry period following the February onslaught, the recent rain events may well cause a further downgrade in crop expectations.
Thanks for choosing Wilmar
The southern Wilmar crushing regions would appear to be a beneficiary of rain, however, the Burdekin and Herbert regions are looking for some sunshine to get the crop growing again.
Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
Firstly, thank you to all who have entrusted us with your GEI marketing nomination for
With crop estimates released in early April, it is important for growers to cross-check that their GEI-nominated cane tonnes are aligned with their mill crush estimate.
For many, this decision was made a long time ago when the 2021.
The sugar market continues to find export support on price dips and scale-up trade selling on market rallies. This sideways trading pattern may well continue until the harvesters roll into the Brazilian crop in April.
The AUD continues to be bounced around by a gyrating USD reacting to the latest policy changes in the US. The risk of an escalated global trade war through reciprocal tariff hikes bodes poorly for the AUD. In addition, the recent Australian employment data suggests that the jobs market may be weakening, which could open the door for further rate cuts from the RBA. This should also keep the AUD under pressure.
At that time, target prices where trading sub $400/t and the thought of $800/t for sugar was a dream. At the time of writing, we have seen a high of more to come.
In general, analysts are pulling back their forecast for Brazil as dry weather persists, and a delayed harvest will increase anxiety in the market as export stock levels are always low at this time of the year.
The Indian harvest is nearing completion, with Wilmar estimates of 26.3M tonnes of sugar looking to be very close to final pro-
In more positive news, we will be hosting information sessions ahead of the start of the 2025 crush to update growers on the sugar market and how marketing with Wilmar can benefit them.
The reasons for the dramatic rise over the last years are well documented in the persistent deficit of supply against demand and the consequent
Those attending will also get the opportunity to meet our new consultant, who will be taking over from Angus McKerrow in Plane Creek after his seven years of ser-
vice to the region.
Our current average hedge rate for Target price growers in the ’24 season is just under $600 with approximately 40 per cent of committed tonnes priced. This provides a significant underwriting of next year’s production and a big buffer for growers if prices were to collapse unexpectedly.
If you’re interested in attending an infor-
mation
complete the registration form or contact your local consultant.
Nevertheless, it is hard to avoid sellers regret when the market moves up so dramatically. We have lots of conversations with growers who feel like they have lost money by selling too early. In simple terms there is a loss, as in an opportunity loss.
With perfect knowledge we would all be unhedged and waiting for someone to ring the bell, notifying the top of the market was here! However, we operate in the space of imperfect knowledge.
Cane growers need to think in risk management terms and not trading terms whereby margin management is the ultimate goal. It is not about picking the high of the market ; it is about taking control of your income and making decisions that are right for your business. All of us have a different appetite for risk and therefor there is not a one size fits all when it comes to pricing sugar.
For us in Wilmar Marketing, our goal is to give you the best information we can to help you make the best decision on pricing given your circumstances. We provide simple yet flexible pricing tools and payment terms to assist with cash flow.
For those of you who entrust us to price your GEI Sugar through the Production Risk Pool we dedicate significant resources aiming to maximise returns. Our Production Risk Pool has outperformed QSL’s Harvest Pool for five years running (see graph)
If you would like more information, please contact our Grower Marketing consultants, Meghan Wilson on 0437 669 118 or Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978.
GRAPHIC AND CAPTION NEXT PAGE
session near you, please
Grower Marketing Consultant Angus McKerrow and Risk Manager Bevan Patterson presenting to growers at an information session in Plane Creek. Photo supplied
Farmers Demand Long-Term Disaster Plan
Queensland’s peak agriculture body— the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and its members Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), and Canegrowers—are calling on the Queensland and Australian Governments to take a long-term approach to support the agriculture sector.
With two significant weather events already hitting Queensland this year and a possible third on its way, climate resilience, preparedness and response are front and centre with Queensland’s farmers who are once again facing devastating losses, including damage to crops, infrastructure, and essential farm resources.
As the sector works to recover, industry leaders are urging the government to review and enhance long-term disaster recovery measures to ensure farm businesses can rebuild quickly and build resilience against future events.
QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said urgent changes to disaster recovery support frameworks are needed to enable farms to build their capacity to prepare for natural disasters and also to return to full operation after an event with minimal disruption.
“Queensland is Australia’s most disaster-prone state and extreme weather events are unfortunately no stranger to our farmers and regional communities. Farmers have done an incredible job in proactively building their resilience and manag-
ing risk, but they need targeted, long-term support to recover quickly and prepare for future events. We need to ensure preparedness and response frameworks reflect the realities of modern farming and the weather risks that challenge the agriculture sector,” Ms Sheppard said.
“The cost of recovery is rising, and disaster funding needs to keep pace. We have seen some really positive announcements and reforms from the Queensland and Federal government which have been sincerely welcomed by industry, however further measures are needed so that we can be more effective in the way in which we support Queensland farmers to recover and prepare for future weather events.”
Canegrowers CEO Dan Galligan said the State and Federal governments’ announcement earlier this month to increase disaster recovery funding for primary producers to $75,000 was a step in the right direction.
“We are grateful for both the Federal and Queensland governments’ recognition of the scale of the challenge faced by farmers when it comes to recovery efforts following a natural disaster,” Mr Galligan said.
“This increase reflects the increasing costs of recovery for growers who have been hit hard by recent flooding and will take years to bounce back. This month’s weather events have particularly impacted sugarcane growers at Rocky Point who have had their cane paddocks inundated and who
are now playing the waiting game while they wait for flood waters to recede.
“We also welcome recent updates to disaster funding regulations, which formalise new rules allowing growers to use recovery grants for replanting lost crops – a long-standing gap in Queensland’s disaster recovery framework.
“Both of these are crucial steps forward, however there is still a need for a longer-term approach to disaster and recovery funding, with further on-the-ground resources needed.
“For the sugarcane industry, this includes updating the definition of a primary producer to reflect modern farm structures, including those with off-farm income, indexing grants to match rising recovery costs, improving workforce support to help businesses retain staff during recovery periods and establishing a dedicated pool of rural recovery officers embedded within industry groups to expedite recovery efforts.”
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) CEO Rachel Chambers has called for urgent improvements in disaster response and recovery for the horticulture sector following recent extreme weather events.
“Horticulture faces a variety of challenges in disasters—damage impacts can differ widely due to factors such as farm infra-
structure, crop types, and workforce structures. The impact on operations can also depend on the size and scale of the business, and in many cases, assessing crop impact particularly in the case of tree crops, can take months or even years,” Ms Chambers said.
“Given that availability of food has once again shown to be at risk in these events, QFVG is calling on behalf of the entire horticultural supply chain for a more resilient transport network along with urging policymakers to ensure that support for growers is timely and fit for purpose.”
Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray stressed the need for improved risk management strategies for farmers.
“We need to introduce preparedness grant funding for all natural disasters, similar to existing drought assistance, and remove the 9 per cent stamp duty on crop and parametric insurance to encourage independent risk management,” Mr Murray said.
OUR STEEL RANGE IS THE LARGEST AVAILABLE IN OUR LOCAL AREA
For The Love Of Cooking & Community!
Majestic Cafe has a mixed customer base of locals and travellers, and it thrives on word of mouth.
“Someone said to me, ‘Oh, I met someone from Darwin who said they had a fish burger, and we’ve come in here to try this fish burger!’” said Marina.
“We do everything fresh, we make our own patties, crumbed steaks, everything’s made in-house, we use very little packaged product.
“Because we do it fresh, if you want something, you have to wait for it, because we cook it as you order. We don’t have that
pre-made sort of stuff!”
Over the years, the cafe has built a loyal customer base.
“We’ve had people with us since the day we opened,” Marina shared.
“We’ve catered their weddings, their kids’
christenings, it is a family atmosphere here.”
Marina takes pride in creating a welcoming space where everyone feels at home, and it’s her friendly staff who help to create this vibrant environment.
“There are no bosses here. We all work together, cooking, cleaning, whatever needs doing. Everyone here loves to cook and connect with people,” said Marina.
Marina’s journey at Majestic Cafe began over 40 years ago. She started out as a waitress, but when the business came up
for sale, she decided to purchase it and has not looked back since.
While local customers are the backbone of the business, tourism is vital. “We need that mix of locals and travellers to keep the town sustainable,” explained Marina, who loves welcoming visitors to the region.
After 40 years, Marina remains passionate.
“It’s always been a passion for me. We don’t portray that we’re chefs or anything like that. We just love to cook and love to see people enjoying what we give them.”
The staff at Majestic Cafe provide fresh meals with a smile. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Serving The Community
Forrest Beach Takeaway isn’t just a place to grab a bite—it’s a cornerstone of the community, where homemade meals and fresh local seafood are served with a side of connection. For nearly a decade, Lisa and Richard Scobie have poured their hearts into the business, building more than just a menu; they’ve built a place where locals and visitors feel at home.
Neither Lisa nor Richard had experience in the food industry before taking over the takeaway, but returning to the Forrest Beach community was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. The transition to business ownership wasn’t easy, and Lisa admits the learning curve was steep.
“It was really hard. I didn’t expect it to be as hard as it was, but there is so much that we had to learn and that we’re still learning now,” she said. “The changes economically that have happened in the last 10 years to business in Australia are absolutely mind-boggling.”
One of the most important decisions they made was to stay committed to locally sourced seafood—particularly Spanish mackerel—despite rising costs and strict government-imposed quota restrictions.
“Imported products are a lot cheaper than our local product, but we’ve had to make the decision that we don’t want to sell any imported fish. We only have Spanish
mackerel, and if we have something different, it is locally caught.”
Beyond seafood, the takeaway has expanded its offerings, balancing classic Aussie takeaway fare with authentic Asian dishes. From Monday to Thursday, they serve up hearty homemade meals, with their talented cook bringing a taste of Balinese cuisine to the menu.
“We have an extremely talented cook, and she does a lot of her authentic Balinese cooking, which is very popular.”
The shop also prides itself on making its own pasta sauces, crumbed chicken, pizzas, lasagna, cakes, sweets, and biscuits, all available fresh in-store. Friday nights are dedicated to pizza.
More than just a place to eat, Forrest Beach Takeaway has also become a training ground for local youth.
“It’s not about making fish and chips. It’s about learning how to work in a work
environment,” Lisa said. “We’ve been incredibly successful in making sure our juniors have gone on to do exactly what they want, whether it’s studying, full-time employment, or apprenticeships.”
Lisa and Richard have built more than a business—they’ve found a sense of belonging in Forrest Beach, a community they cherish.
“We’re lucky, and we are very happy to be at the beach. You share the good moments and the tough ones with people. You feel all the losses in the community, but you get to celebrate the wins as well.”
Lisa and Richard look forward to many more years of serving great food, mentoring young locals, and being part of the fabric of Forrest Beach.
Forrest Beach Takeaway have delicious weekday food specials. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Tasman Turtle Picnic Day
Excitement buzzes in the air of Hinchinbrook as the beloved Tasman Turtle Picnic Day makes its long awaited return on June 14, in the gorgeous TYTO Parklands. This cherished event promises a grand day filled with entertainment, creativity and copious amounts of fun, making it the number one choice for an outing for friends, families and visitors alike.
The event offers a fantastic line-up of activities designed to delight and inspire picnic-goers of all ages. The attendees can enjoy new activities and test their strength on the rock climbing wall or clown around in workshops by CircUp Arts. Here they can learn juggling, tumbling, Acro balance or plate spinning.
Fan favourite activities are also making a comeback this year with adrenaline games such as laser tag returning to get the blood pumping. If you are looking for a more relaxing activity, however, make sure you check out the petting zoo and face painting.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore their creativity, learn new skills or simply relax with their fellow community members in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
A highlight of the day is the significance it places on environmental awareness and sustainability practices.
Guests will enjoy hands-on eco friendly fun aimed at promoting these values and leaving people feeling inspired and informed. Attendees can also enjoy delicious foods and treats from local vendors, whether its gourmet delights or sweets you are after, there is something for all tastes.
This day is a celebration of Hinchinbrook’s spirit, culture and commitment to environmental stewardship so bring your family and friends to join in on the excitement!
WHAT: Tasman Turtle Picnic Day
WHERE: TYTO
WHEN: Saturday 14th June
Connect At The Senior Men’s Social Group
The Senior Men’s Social Group invites men over 60, or 55 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, to join a vibrant and welcoming community where connections are made, laughter flows, and new friendships blossom! Whether you’re looking to break free from social isolation or simply seeking a supportive, funfilled space to meet new mates, this group is the perfect place for you.
two weeks are ever the same!
WHAT: Men’s Social Group
WHERE: Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre
WHEN: Every Tuesday from 9am - 12pm
Each week offers a fresh opportunity to engage in everything from lively yarns and deep, meaningful chats, to exciting activities that will keep you entertained and active. We meet every Tuesday morning from 9am to 12pm, with different locations and activities based on the group’s choice, ensuring no
Saturday 26th of April Sausage
Tasman Turtle welcomes you to the Picnic Day!
PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
NEW DATE - FREE FLOOD DAMAGED CHEMICAL DROP OFF
On Wednesday 20 November 2024, Hinchinbrook Shire Council issued a Notice of Intention to Sell pursuant to section 140 of the Regulation to sell the land described below by way of auction.
You are hereby notified that Hinchinbrook Shire Council intends to proceed with the auction for the sale of land described in below under sections 141 to 143 of the Regulations unless all overdue rates, interest and other amounts are paid immediately.
Date: Tuesday 15 April 2025
Time: 10.00am
Where: 316 Sturt Street Townsville City 4810 AUCTION NOTICE 13 ANN STREET INGHAM
Keep up to date with opportunities available through Council by visiting the Current Procurement and Tender Opportunities page on Council’s website. Current opportunities include:
Council invites tenders from suitably qualified suppliers for the reconstruction and seal of Pappins Road, Helens Hill.
Project works are required to be completed by Friday 13 June 2025.
Tender closes 2.00pm Wednesday 2 April 2025 CURRENT PROCUREMENT AND TENDER OPPORTUNITIES
DUE DATE EXTENDED FOR SECOND HALF YEARLY RATE NOTICES
All Rate Notices have been distributed to property owners. If you haven’t received your Rate Notice/s, please contact Council on 4776 4600 or revenue@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au to obtain a copy and update your details if required.
Council have extended the payment due date for all Rate Notices to Wednesday 30 April 2025
Cleanaway personnel will be attending Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre to identify and accept chemicals that have been affected by the recent flood event as a free one off service to Hinchinbrook residents.
This includes chemicals:
• Contaminated by flood water;
• That are unidentifiable due to labels being washed off; and
• That have floated onto your property due to flood water.
Date: Thursday 3 April 2025 (weather permitting)
Time: 8.00am to 4.00pm
Where: Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre
Residents dropping off chemicals will be directed over the weighbridge.
Please follow all directions from Council Officers and Cleanaway personnel.
Delays may be expected, and Council appreciates your patience on the day.
Assistance for this service is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
EVENTGUIDE
Brought to you by
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
SUNDAY 6 APRIL
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
SATURDAY 12 APRIL
Ingham Conroy Hall Markets
Saturday 7:30am
Come one, come all to one of Hinchinbrook’s longest running market events, Conroy Hall Markets! Browse a selection of stalls retailing plants, antiques, clothes, handmade delights, and more!
Conroy Hall
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
2025 Normanton Barra Classic
Saturday 6am
The infamous Normanton Barra Classic Catch and Release competition will run across both the 19th and the 20th of April, with over $25,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs! Email normantonbarraclassic@mail.com for more information!
Normanton
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
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 26 APRIL
Ingham Up Town Markets
Saturday 8am
Enjoy a morning browsing the talents of the Hinchinbrook community at the Ingham Up Town Markets from 8am to midday!
Lannercost Street
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!
Hinchinbrook Shire Hall
SATURDAY 10 MAY
Ingham Conroy Hall Markets
Saturday 7:30am
Come one, come all to one of Hinchinbrook’s longest running market events, Conroy Hall Markets! Browse a selection of stalls retailing plants, antiques, clothes, handmade delights, and more!
Conroy Hall
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
Sunday 8am
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
SUNDAY 18 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
WEDNESDAY 21 MAY
Morning Melodies: Spirit of the ANZACS
Wednesday 10:30am
The Spirit of the ANZACS starring Tenor Roy Best, International Soprano Alison Jones, Chris Mekenna, and Virtuoso Pianist William Schmidt will grace the JL Kelly Theatre this May! JL Kelly Theatre
ALIA National Simultaneous Storytime
Wednesday 12pm
Join the Hinchinbrook Shire Library for a reading of “The Truck Cat” as written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell. Bookings are essentials and can be made at www.library.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au. Hinchinbrook Shire Library
FRIDAY 23 MAY
Link2Country Expo
Friday 9am
The 2025 Link2Country Expo provides attendees with the opportunity to explore a range of topics including sugarcane, earthworks, equine care and training, cattle, and agricultural careers.
Ingham Showgrounds
Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament
Friday TBA
Save the date for the 2025 Taylors Beach Family Fishing Tournament running from Friday 23 May until Sunday 25 May. Taylors Beach
SATURDAY 24 MAY
Ingham Up Town Markets
Saturday 8am
Enjoy a morning browsing the talents of the Hinchinbrook community at the Ingham Up Town Markets from 8am to midday! Lannercost Street
WEEKLY TV GUIDE
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 The Weekly. 11.30 Space 22. 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. 1.55 Grand Designs Australia. 2.55 Back Roads. 3.20 Grand Designs. 4.10 Long Lost Family. 4.55 A Bite To Eat. 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. 6.25 Hard Quiz.
7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Foreign Correspondent. 8.30 Creative Types. 9.00 Finding The Archibald. 10.05 The ABC Of... 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. 11.05 Four Corners. 11.55 Media Watch. 12.10 Q+A. 1.15 Grand Designs. 2.00 Long Lost Family. 2.50 Rage. 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Australia. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.35 Media Watch. 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. 2.55 Back Roads. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Hard Quiz. 8.30 The Weekly. 9.00 Melbourne Comedy Festival Allstars Supershow. 11.05 News. 11.20 The Business. 11.35 Aunty Donna’s Coffee Cafe. 12.00 Aunty Donna’s Coffee Cafe. 12.30 Grand Designs. 1.15 Long Lost Family. 2.05 Rage. 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Australia. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Miniseries: Best Interests. 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. 2.55 Back Roads. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. 6.25 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Restoration Australia. 9.00 Grand Designs Australia. 10.00 Grand Designs Revisited. 10.50 News. 11.05 The Business. 11.20 Darby And Joan. 12.05 Grand Designs. 12.55 Long Lost Family. 1.40 Rage. 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Australia. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Poh’s Kitchen. 10.30 The Pacific. 11.00 ANZAC Battlefields. 12.00 News. 1.00 Unforgotten. 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. 3.00 Back Roads. 3.30 Grand Designs Revisited. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 News. 7.35 Gardening Australia. 8.35 Under The Vines. (PG) 9.20 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG) 9.50 Hard Quiz. (PG) 10.20 Melbourne Comedy Festival Allstars Supershow. 12.20 Father Brown. 1.05 Rage New Music. 5.00 Rage.
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 News. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (M) 1.30 Darby And Joan. (PG) 2.15 Under The Vines. (PG) 3.00 Dinosaurs Of The Frozen Continent. 3.50 A Life In Ten Pictures. (PG) 4.45 Creative Types. (PG) 5.15 Landline. 5.40 Aust Story. 6.15 Father Brown. (PG) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Death In Paradise. (M) 8.30 Vera. (M) The body of a young girl is found.
6.00 Rage. 6.55 Rage Closer. 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.30 Monty Don’s French Gardens. 3.30 Grand Designs Revisited. 4.30 Restoration Australia. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 News. 7.30 Darby And Joan. 8.15 Unforgotten. (M) 9.05 Boat Story. (MA15+) 10.05 MOVIE: Ali’s Wedding. (2017) 11.55 You Can’t Ask That. 12.25 Rage. 3.00 Ask The Doctor. 3.30 Outback Ringer. 4.00 Late Programs.
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Vera. 11.30 Creative Types. 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Back Roads. 3.25 Grand Designs Revisited. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Aust Story. 8.30 Four Corners. 9.15 Media Watch. (PG) 9.35 Q+A. 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. 11.10 The Weekly. (PG) 11.35 Home Delivery. 12.05 Grand Designs Revisited. 12.55 Long Lost Family. 1.40 Rage. 3.30 Sherwood. 4.30 Gardening Australia. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. 3.05 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.35 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS News. 10.30 Guillaume’s Paris. 11.00 Snow. 11.55 Illegals. 1.50 Hugh’s Wild West. 2.55 Hugh’s Wild West. 3.55 Inside The Modelling Agency. 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. 5.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. 2.30 Insight. 3.30 The Cook Up. 4.00 Highway To The Sky. 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.40 Eurostar: Minding The Gap. 9.40 Rogue Heroes. 10.45 SBS News. 11.15 Blackwater. 12.20 My Brilliant Friend. 3.50 Bamay. 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 Alone Australia. 3.00 Where Are You Really From? 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.30 Finding Your Roots. 8.30 Sydney’s Super Tunnel. 9.30 Virdee. 10.35 SBS News. 11.05 Breaking Point. 11.55 Blinded. 12.45 Blinded. 1.40 Hugh’s Wild West. 3.45 Inside The Modelling Agency. 4.40 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 The Queen’s Guard: A Year In Service. 2.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.35 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.35 The Hunt For Cleopatra’s Missing Tomb. 8.25 Bettany Hughes’ Lost Worlds: Nabataeans. 9.25 Scotland’s Scenic Railways. 10.20 SBS News. 10.50 A Body That Works. 11.50 Romulus. 1.40 Hugh’s Wild West. 3.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU World Championships. Highlights. 4.30 Heroines. 5.00 Going Places. 5.30 WWII War Machine. 6.30 News. 7.30 The Wonders Of Europe. 8.30 Blenheim: The People Behind The Palace. 9.25 Searching For Italy. 10.15 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 10.45 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. 11.15 Paris Paris. 11.45 Paris Paris. 1.15 Paris Paris. 1.45 Bamay. 1.59 Going Places. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.55 Trampolining. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Figure Skating. ISU World Championships. Highlights. 4.00 Sailing. SailGP. Round 4. Highlights. 5.00 Heroines. 5.30 WWII War Machine. 6.30 News. 7.30 Ancient Empires. 9.25 Maya: The Fall Of An Empire. 10.30 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. 11.25 Rebel With A Cause. 12.25 Empires Of New York. 2.55 Britain’s Great Outdoors. 3.25 Fergal Keane: Living With PTSD. 4.25 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. 2.05 The Queen’s Guard: A Year In Service. 3.00 Where Are You Really From? 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.35 Milan With Michael Portillo. 8.25 Pompeii: The New Dig. 9.35 24 Hours In Emergency. 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 Syndrome E. 12.00 Infiniti. 2.00 Hugh’s Wild West. 3.05 Inside The Modelling Agency. 4.00 Bamay. 4.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 TBA. 2.00 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. 2.30 Border Security: Int. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The Americas. (PG) 8.30 The Hunting Party. (M) 9.30 The Irrational. (M) 10.30 The Agenda Setters. 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: House Of Chains. (2022) (MA15+) 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: The Good Sister. (2014) 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) 8.30 The Front Bar. (M) 9.30 Unfiltered. (M) 10.00 Lawrence Mooney: Embracing Your Limitations. (MA15+) 11.30 Autopsy USA. (M) 12.30 Covert Affairs. (M) 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG) 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: The Sisterhood. (2019) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Fatal Following. (2021) (M) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.30 MOVIE: Pitch Perfect. (2012) (M) Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson. A freshman joins an all-girl a cappella group. 10.50 The Americas. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Trapped Daughter. (2021) (MA15+) 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 11.30 Horse Racing. The Star Championships Day and Caulfield Race Day. 5.00 News. 5.30 Creek To Coast. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Central Intelligence. (2016) (M) 9.45 MOVIE: Battle Los Angeles. (2011) (M) 12.10 Idris Elba Meets Paul McCartney. (PG) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG) 2.00 TBA. 4.00 It’s Academic. 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 Beach Cops. (PG) 3.00 Border Security. (PG) 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) 8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. Presented by Liam Bartlett. 9.40 Waco Untold: The British Stories. (MA15+) 12.00 The Bay. (M) 1.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG) 2.00 To Be Advised. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. 1.30 Getaway. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Cuurrent Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides. (PG) 8.40 MOVIE: The Dish. (2000) (M) 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 The Equalizer. (M) 12.00 Next Stop. (PG) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Building Ideas. (PG) 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 ACA. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: The Wrong Cheerleader Coach. (2017) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Cuurrent Affair. 7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (PG) 8.30 The Grand Tour. (MA15+) 9.50 Freddy And The Eighth. (M) 10.50 9News Late. 11.20 The Equalizer. (MA15+) 12.10 Tipping Point. 1.05 Hello SA. 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 ACA. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Death She Wrote. (2021) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 5. Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks. 8.55 Thursday Night Knock Off. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 Outback Opal Hunters. (PG) 11.10 The First 48. (M) 12.05 Next Stop. 12.35 Tipping Point. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Murder At The Country Club. (2023) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 5. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters. 8.55 Golden Point. 9.45 MOVIE: The Foreigner. (2017) (MA15+) 11.45 The First 48. (M) 12.40 Tipping Point. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop. 4.00 Skippy. 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop. 5.30 Postcards. (PG) 6.00 Drew Barrymore. 7.00 Frugal Foodie. 7.30 GCBC. 8.00 Bold. 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. 9.00 Lingo. 10.00 Entertainment Tonight. 10.20 Australian Survivor. 11.30 Judge Judy. 12.00 GCBC. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 News. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30
10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 The Project. 11.55 Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Shopping.
6.00 Getaway. 6.30 ACA. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 My Way. 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 Innovation Nation. 1.40 MOVIE: Uptown Girls. (2003) 3.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 Space Invaders. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE: Black Adam. (2022) (M) 10.50 MOVIE: Shazam! (2019) 1.10 Let’s Eat With George. 1.35 Garden Gurus. 2.00 The Incredible Journey. 2.30 TV Shop. 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop. 5.30 Helping Hands. 6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 My Market Kitchen. 9.30 Key Ingredient. 10.00 The Weekly Kick-Off. 10.30 Australian Survivor. 12.00 Intrepid Adventures. 12.30 Australia By Design: Architecture. 1.00 10 Minute Kitchen. 1.30 Frugal Foodie. 2.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 2.30 Taste Of Aus: BBQ. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 Farm To Fork. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 GCBC. 5.00 News. 6.30 Dog House Australia. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. 10.30 Elsbeth. 11.30 FBI. 12.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. 2.00 Adelaide Motor Festival. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 5. Manly Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married At First
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 TBA. 2.40 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. (PG) 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. 4.00 News. 5.00 TBA. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) 9.10 9-1-1: Lone Star. (M) 10.10 Suits L.A. (M) 11.10 The Agenda Setters. 12.10 Treadstone. (MA15+) 1.20 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
7.50 Little Lunch. (R)
8.05 Operation Ouch! (R)
8.40 Deadly 60.
9.10 Shark With Steve Backshall.
10.00 Merlin. (PG, R)
10.45 Mythbusters
“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
11.10 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. (PG, R)
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)
8.10 Operation Ouch! (PG, R)
8.45 Abbott Elementary. (PG)
9.25 Doctor Who. (PG, R)
11.00 Merlin. (PG, R)
11.40 Mythbusters
“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)
8.05 Operation Ouch! (PG, R)
8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. (PG)
9.25 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. (R)
10.05 Merlin. (PG, R)
10.50 Mythbusters
“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
8.00 Be Cool, ScoobyDoo! (R)
8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
8.55 Robot Wars. (R)
9.55 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. (R)
11.15 Jake And The Fatman. (PG, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R) 6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)
7.00 Friends. (PG, R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)
10.00 Becker. (PG, R)
10.30 Frasier. (PG, R)
11.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R)
12.00 The King Of Queens. (PG, R)
12.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
April 1
6.10pm Mysteries From Above: Lost At Sea. (PG, R)
7.05 Jeopardy! (R)
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 James May: Our Man In... Japan.
10.25 The Great Amazon Heist. (M, R)
11.25 Taskmaster. (M, R)
1.15 Conversations With Friends. (M, R)
5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)
6.30 JAG. (PG, R)
7.30 NCIS. (M, R)
10.30 The Weekly Kick-Off.
11.00 Fire Country. (M, R)
11.55 Jake And The Fatman. (PG, R)
12.50 Home Shopping. (R)
5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)
6.30 JAG. (PG, R)
7.30 NCIS. (M, R)
9.25 Blue Bloods. (M)
10.20 Fire Country. (PG, R)
11.15 Jake And The Fatman. (PG, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)
6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)
7.00 Friends. (PG, R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)
10.00 Becker. (PG, R)
10.30 Frasier. (PG, R)
11.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R)
12.00 The King Of Queens. (PG, R)
12.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)
6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)
7.00 Friends. (PG, R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)
9.30 Becker. (PG, R)
10.00 Frasier. (PG, R)
11.00 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R)
11.30 The King Of Queens. (PG, R)
12.00 Entertainment Tonight. (R)
6.05pm Are You Autistic? (PG)
7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 Movie: Goodfellas. (1990) (MA15+, R) Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci. 11.15 Movie: The Handmaid’s Tale. (1990) (MA15+, R) 1.10 Letterkenny. (M, R)
5.50pm History’s Crazy Rich Ancients. (PG, R)
6.15 Over The Black Dot. (R)
6.45 Travel Man. (R)
7.15 Jeopardy! (R)
7.45 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R)
8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries.
10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. (M, R)
5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)
6.30 Bargain Hunt.
7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG, R)
8.30 Escape To The Country.
11.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)
12.30 DVine Living. (PG, R)
1.00 Our Town. (R)
2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
6.00pm Dog Patrol. (PG)
6.30 Bondi Vet. (PG, R)
7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG, R)
8.30 Escape To The Country.
10.30 I Escaped To The Country. (PG, R)
11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG, R)
12.30 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R) 1.30 Fresh Escapes. (R)
5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)
6.30 Escape To The Country. (R)
7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. (PG, R)
8.30 Vera. (M, R)
10.30 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railway Journeys. (PG, R)
11.30 Slow Train Through Africa With Griff Rhys Jones. (PG, R)
10.45 Movie: Convoy. (1978) (M, R) 1.00 Movie: Yield To The Night. (1956) (M, R)
3.55pm Movie: The Cruel Sea. (1953) (PG, R)
6.30 M*A*S*H. (PG, R) 8.30 Movie: The Fugitive. (1993) (M, R) Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward.
11.10 The Closer. (M, R)
12.10 Are You Being Served? (PG, R)
1.10 Dad’s Army. (R)
1.35 Movie: The Cruel Sea. (1953) (PG, R)
5.30pm Yorkshire Auction House. (R)
6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.30 Death In Paradise. (M, R) 8.40 Mrs Sidhu Investigates. (M) 10.40 Grantchester. (M, R) 11.50 Footy Classified. (M) 1.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R) 1.30 Movie: No Time For Tears. (1957) (PG, R)
5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)
6.30 JAG. (PG, R)
7.30 NCIS. (M, R)
10.20 Fire Country. (PG, R)
11.15 Jake And The Fatman. (PG, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)
6.30 Friends. (PG, R)
7.30 Movie: Bounce. (2000) (M, R)
9.30 Becker. (PG, R)
10.00 Frasier. (PG, R)
11.00 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R) 11.30 The King Of Queens. (PG, R) 12.00 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Football Tonight. 6.25 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 25. Adelaide United v Sydney FC. 9.00 NCIS. (M, R) 11.45 Blue Bloods. (M, R) 12.40 Fire Country. (M, R)
6.00pm Friends. (PG, R) 6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.30 Frasier. (PG, R) 11.30 Ridiculousness. (PG, R)
12.30 South Park. (MA15+, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 1.30 South Park. (M, R)
6.05pm If You Are The One.
7.05 Jeopardy! (R)
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 Secrets Of Polygamy: The New Prophet Pt 1. 10.10 Secrets Of Playboy: Standards Of Beauty. (MA15+)
11.00 Pose. (M)
1.35 The Nine Lives Of. (MA15+, R)
6.05pm Our Law. (PG, R)
6.40 Engineering Tomorrow. (PG) 7.35 Impossible Engineering. (R) 8.30 Special Forces: Most Daring Missions: Operation Nimrod. 10.30 Eternal You: Artificial Intelligence. 12.10 Brady Vs Belichick: The Verdict. 1.05 PEN15. (MA15+, R)
5.30pm Diagnosis Murder. (PG, R)
6.30 JAG. (PG, R)
7.30 NCIS. (M, R)
10.20 SEAL Team. (M, R)
11.15 Blue Bloods. (M, R) 12.10 Fire Country. (PG, R) 2.00 48 Hours. (M, R)
6.00pm Friends. (PG, R)
6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.00 Frasier. (PG, R) 11.00 Ridiculousness. (PG, R)
12.00 South Park. (MA15+, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
1.30 South Park. (MA15+, R)
5.30pm JAG. (PG, R) 6.30 JAG. (PG, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 10.20 Fire Country. (M, R) 11.15 Jake And The Fatman. (PG, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R) 6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R) 7.00 Friends. (PG, R) 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.00 Becker. (PG, R) 10.30 Frasier. (PG, R) 11.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R) 12.00 The King Of Queens. (PG, R) 12.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
5.55pm Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour Of Flanders. Men’s race. 12.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour Of Flanders. Women’s race.
6.10pm Mysteries From Above. 7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 9.25 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. (MA15+)
10.30 The Weekly Football Wrap. 11.00 Alone Australia. (M, R)
Law enactments (8)
Dealt out (9)
Ugly buildings (8)
23 Cast out (6)
24 Dreadful (8)
27 Edible bivalve molluscs (7)
30 More oxidised (7)
33 Out (6)
34 Sell (4)
35 Smells (8)
39 Accord (6)
40 Close friendship (11)
43 Secret (6)
44 Herb (8)
47 Conspiracy (4)
48 Extraterrestrials (6)
51 Cheat (7)
54 Craftiness (7)
56 Lighting (8)
57 Complimentary (6)
58 Musically short, clipped and separate (8)
61 Plinths (9)
65 Irrationality (8)
67 Deceiver (8)
68 Assailant (7)
69 Snail dish (8)
70 Looked at (6)
71 Hot springs (7)
72 Took revenge (7)
73 From Europe (8)
3 Nordic country (7)
4 Less bitter (7)
5 Cares for, – on (5)
6 Pasta type (9)
7 Bought off (6)
8 Deleted (6)
10 Nature reserves (5)
11 Magic (7)
12 Dispute (5)
14 Facial hair styles (7)
19 Object of worship (4)
20 Female sheep (pl) (4)
22 Odder (8)
25 Precipitation (4)
26 Tub (4)
28 Steep (5)
29 Partition (5)
31 Pang (6)
32 Hearsay (6)
36 Rose spikes (6)
37 Cardboard box (6)
38 Surgeons’ instruments (8)
41 Insects (5)
42 Operate car (5)
45 Shortly (4)
46 Come together (4)
49 Season (4)
50 Plaything (4)
52 Involved (9)
53 Handsome (7)
55 Dappled (7)
57 Tool, appliance (6)
59 Good-natured (7)
60 Dwelling (5)
62 Dim (5)
74 Bizarre (6) Down 2 Stunning (7)
61 Model of excellence (7)
63 Waitstaff (7)
64 Move gratingly over (6)
66 Doled out (5)
sudoku
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?
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be
Can you find all the words listed? The
Bright Colours & Big Smiles At Community Mural
The event was well attended and the sun was shining, making it a wonderful afternoon filled with colour, and smiles.
“To have the kids be a part of something that’s going to be here for such a long time is great,” said Lavinia.
“They can come down, see it and go - ‘I painted that part!’ - It gives them ownership of something that’s going to be here for such a long time and they can be proud of it.
“It’s such a great way to brighten everyone’s day. We had a lot of rain around, so it’s nice to have the sunshine and a beautiful day,
get everyone out the house and come and do something a little bit different.”
Art by Lavinia has done a number of different murals in the region, including Taylors Beach, Lucinda, Halifax and Ingham.
Lavinia has painted murals for 10 years and said she likes bringing places to life
through her art, but above all she loves community projects.
“I love involving the community. I studied community development, and I really like working with everybody involved, so we can get a project that everyone can be proud of.”
Noorla Ladies Goodwill Game Rescheduled
BOWLS
Noorla Bowls Club has announced a new date for its Ladies Goodwill Game after the initial event was postponed due to wet weather. The match is now set to take place on Wednesday, April 9, with the same format and invitations extended to sister clubs in Ingham.
As per the original plan, men from Ingham’s clubs are also welcome to participate, ensuring a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Organisers are
hopeful that the weather will cooperate this time, allowing bowlers to enjoy the much-anticipated event.
Players interested in joining are asked to submit their names to Rosemary, Carmen, or at the clubhouse by Monday, April 7.
Noorla Bowls Club looks forward to seeing a great turnout for what promises to be an enjoyable day on the greens.
For more information, contact the club.
Ingham Ladies Bowls Club Get Set For Goodwill Afternoon Of Fun And Friendship
Ingham Ladies Bowls Club is gearing up for its Goodwill Afternoon, set to take place on Wednesday, April 2nd, with weather permitting. The event welcomes all affiliated men and women for an afternoon of social bowls, fun, and laughter.
Participants are asked to have their names and playing positions submitted to Sandy Ryan by 4pm on Sunday, March 30th.
Replacing Out-of-date Flares
With the winter period fast approaching, it will soon be time to get your boat ready for some fishing trips. Now is the perfect time to check the expiry dates on your Marine Flares.
Please be aware that it is now an offence to carry expired flares in a boat. This is because they are technically an explosive device, and once past their useby date could suffer a fault leading to an unwanted ignition.
In Queensland, when flares expire they are considered unauthorized explosives, and possessing them is illegal, posing safety risks due to potential instability and malfunction.
Expiry dates are written on the side of each flare.
You can hand in your expired flairs at the Lucinda Coast Guard Depot in Patterson Pde Lucinda on any
Ahead of the boating
weekend day or public holiday. They are held under lock and key until disposed of by the Mines Department.
Contributed with thanks to Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard
Cards will be called at 12:45pm for a 1pm start. The cost for the afternoon is $12, and players are expected to wear their club uniform.
Adding to the excitement, there will be a raffle and ‘funny money’ games.
With a great mix of camaraderie and competition, the club looks forward to welcoming everyone onto the green for an enjoyable afternoon. BOWLS
Tide Times brought
season, make sure you check the expiry dates on your flares. Photo supplied
Community Unites To Paint Dungeness Mural
OEVERY FRIDAY AFTERNOON
EVERY FRIDAY AFTERNOON
EVERY FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Visit our online bottle shop at https://liquorlegends.com.au/?outlet=4309
Visit our online bottle shop at https://liquorlegends.com.au/?outlet=4309
Visit our online bottle shop at https://liquorlegends.com.au/?outlet=4309
Minimum spend $50. Delivery throughout the Hinchinbrook region.
Minimum spend $50. Delivery throughout the Hinchinbrook region.
Minimum spend $50. Delivery throughout the Hinchinbrook region.
Order before 12pm Friday. Click & Collect also available.
Order before 12pm Friday.
Order before 12pm Friday.
Click & Collect also available.
Click & Collect also available.
ver 150 people attended the Dungeness Community Mural Painting Day on Sunday 30th March, hosted by Art by Lavinia.
The mural was painted on the amenities block at the Dungeness Harbour Boat Ramp and being a fishing location Lavinia said the theme was a river theme.
sausage
The Community Mural at Dungeness was well attended: Photo credit: Daniel Heggie