Smiling through the storm: 10-year-old Skylah Veltmeyer smiles despite the rising flood water at her home in Macknade. Photo credit: Kimberley and Stephen Veltmeyer
Widespread flooding brought the entire region to a halt over the past week with flood levels comparable to both the iconic 1927 floods and also those of 1967. Hundreds of locals were displaced, homes and businesses damaged, and the entire road networks cut-off.
In the midst of chaos, locals survived for more than a week without power and under water restrictions while the combined forces of all Emergency Services endeavoured to help those in need. Sadly, two people died as a result of the flooding and the community now mourns their loss.
Read more about the lives touched in this special Flood Edition of your local paper.
Continued on page 13
As the rains ease and the floods begin to recede, the severity of this ‘once in a generation event’ is told through the stories of resilience and perseverance.
PREMIER VISITS
OLLERA CREEK Along With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Drop In With Daniel
Monday 3 February
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The woman, Maria Boeyen, was deeply concerned for her parents, flooding had been getting higher and higher each day.
What a crazy week we have had. I am in Forrest Beach and whilst I am safe there were a few homes with bad flooding, I am thinking of everyone in Ingham who had no choice but to leave their homes, I cannot begin to imagine what that must feel like.
This has been a week of firsts to me, my first natural disaster. Back in Adelaide our natural disasters are most likely bushfires, but they have never affected me. Now, my first month in Hinchinbrook and we have been hit by the worst flood in recent memory.
At Forrest Beach flooding is minor, despite a few homes close to the beach, on Fern Street, but after seeing the Queensland Ambulance Service video flying over Ingham it almost doesn’t feel real to me. At the beach we are isolated and unable to get into Ingham and it’s hard to believe what is happening is real.
In other firsts this week, on Monday 3rd February I went door knocking on Wattle Street and although everyone on the street were safe, a couple were deeply concerned for their parents/parents-in-law located on Fern Street.
Monday morning it was chest deep, but her mother with Alzheimer’s and her father refused to leave. I reported back to the Disaster Management Group and it was made priority one. The Queensland Fire Service (QFS) located here in Forrest Beach left immediately, but although in the presence of safety professionals the couple on Fern Street continued to refuse.
A small group of the Disaster Management Group and myself decided taking Maria to her parents place would convince them to leave and on arrival at the home, Maria’s parents accepted help almost immediately. Shortly after a QFS operator was wading through the water holding the family dog. After seeing this Maria was delighted and said, “If he’s giving up his dog, he’s coming.”
While I am safe in Forrest Beach, limited phone reception and lack of power is making life dull, I continue to get in touch with my mum every morning who is deservedly worried. But it’s okay and I guess we just have to wait it out.
Wednesday 5 February
I was woken at 3:30 in the morning today with my fire alarm blaring, it shook me
awake, I couldn’t imagine a worse wake up. I predict the humidity made it believe there was smoke.
In other news I managed to slowly get back into work today, I interviewed some neighbours and checked up on the family on Wattle Street to see how they were doing, and it was nice to feel more connected again.
Thursday 6 February
I think today was the hardest day so far, it hit me at how tedious this is, and I’m sick of it. I’m sick of being isolated, and stuck.
In brighter news, I managed to get into Ingham today, I visited the fire and rescue and Ingham power station. It was nice to get out of Forrest Beach. But I couldn’t have a normal day could I, my car battery decided to die.
Friday 7 February
With a flat battery in the car, I can no longer charge my phone in it but luckily for me the North Queensland community is an amazing one. The Forrest Beach Shops and Takeaway have been amazing during this week, allowing people to turn up and use their generators to charge devices.
I also got in contact with my colleague Sherie and her and her husband came to Forrest Beach for me with a solar panel to charge devices, and a mobile jump starter for the car.
Saturday 8 February
I made the mistake this
morning of checking Ergon Energy’s Facebook page first thing, and I was frustrated to see that some places in Forrest Beach had received power but I was still without. Of course, I was thrilled for the rest of the Forrest Beach community, we had been isolated and without power for almost a week, so it was great everybody could enjoy some peace and quiet without those generators going!
Feeling sorry for myself I sat outside charging my phone with the solar power Sherie had given me, although I was feeling upset and sick of it, excitement was rising as I saw Ergon Energy trucks driving around completing checks. At 12:39 I heard a cheer from my neighbours, and power was back!
Monday 10 February
After a long week, I am starting to feel back to normal, I have a new battery on my car, a full tank of petrol and best of allair con!
I understand that although it may be a while before things get back to normal, we can be proud of ourselves and should acknowledge how lucky we are to live in this region surrounded by the wonderful people. This community is strong and with potential flood warnings continuing tonight, I believe we are resilient enough to make it through another one, but fingers crossed we don’t have to!
Daniel
100 Ergon Staff Turn Community Back On!
The flooding in the Hinchinbrook Shire has left thousands of homes and people without power, as Ergon Energy made the decision to turn off power on Sunday 2nd February.
At Ingham Substation on Thursday water had receding and Ergon energy were completing tasks, to gain an understanding for when power is likely to be turned back on.
Area Manager Herbert for Ergon Energy Katrina Lennon announced that they will turn it on as soon as possible.
“We are getting it on as soon as possible. It will be a staggered approach, because they’re all set off different feeders, so not everyone’s lights are all going to come on at once,” she said.
“We treat our most critical sites so we prioritize that to the critical infrastructure in town, so that we can get those main priorities re-energized sooner rather than later, so that will see a staggered approach happening as soon as this cell is working.”
Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki MP understands what people in Ingham and surrounding areas are dealing with and mirrors Katrina Lennon’s expertise.
“We have over 100 Ergon staff around Ingham ready to help with any connection faults,” he said.
“This community has suffered so much over the last few days, and Ergon and
the state government is throwing everything in support of them, while there may be a slim chance of re-energisation of the substation today, everything is being done and if it is re-energized, it will be one of the quickest ever to come back online.
“The people of Ingham have suffered, and the state government is throwing everything in support of it.
“Already, Ergon, this week, has put on reconnected 20,000 homes across North Queensland, and I pay tribute to their staff that are working around the clock to deliver for Queensland.”
Ingham Substation was re-energised on Thursday 6 February.
Minister for Communities, Amanda Camm MP was also present at the substation and said she is working hard to get power back to the community.
“My department is working very closely with Minister Leahy’s department in the community recovery effort and while we
are still in the midst of this disaster, everybody and all resources of the government are working very hard to reconnect power to this community,” Amanda Camm MP said.
Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook said he thanks the Ergon Energy team and all their efforts to try and get the substation up and running as soon as possible.
“It’s no secret, we’ve been going through hell right here for the last seven days,” he added.
“We’re not out of it yet. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. Connecting supply chains is paramount right now, but also connecting your electrical network around the Hinchinbrook Shire so we can get power back into those homes, those businesses, so we can start to get on our feet, is our priority.”
Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki MP, Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto MP, Networks Manager Northern for Ergon Energy Darrin Hoffensetz, Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald, Area Manager Herbert for Ergon Energy Katrina Lennon, Minister for Communities Amanda Camm MP. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Record Breaking Floods
After heavy rainfall on Saturday
1st and Sunday 2nd February, rivers across the region recorded major flood levels, leaving Ingham and surrounding areas inundated in flood water.
The Herbert River at Gleneagle on Monday 3rd February peaked at 10.23 metres at 8:20am, over two metres above the major flood level (8 metres).
The Herbert River at Trebonne peaked at 15.85 metres at 10:14am, almost four metres above the major flood level (12 metres).
At Ingham Pump Station the Herbert River reached 14.91 meters at 10:40am, two metres above the major flood level (12 metres).
At Halifax the Herbert River water level peaked at 5.66 metres at 10:44pm, major flood level for Herbert River in Halifax is 5 metres.
Community Spirit Shining Through Nick Dametto
No politician wants to face a local disaster in their region. However, Nick Dametto, the Member for Hinchinbrook Shire, has stepped up to support his community by diving into the heart of the crisis.
Nick explained the difficulties the region was encountering and shared his own personal experience of the tragedy:
“Personally, it’s been a very busy couple of days here across the Hinchinbrook Shire.
“We’ve seen everything from the flood waters rising all the way through to them subsiding.
“We have gone from a scenario of trying to save people and get people out of their homes to now, being in a situation where it’s switching over into what we call recovery mode.
“We’re starting to see emergency services getting out there and doing the important work of getting the community back on track.
“We have Ergon workers out there doing everything they can to restore power to the area.
“What I’ve seen is a community working together in the hardest of times.”
Mr Dametto said that his most important job to date is connecting people with the right services to get them the help they need during this devastating time.
“I’ve been on the ground here since Monday afternoon, and we’ve been doing all sorts of things in conjunction with the local disaster management group SES and emergency services to try
and make sure that we’re getting food to people.
“We’re getting fuel to people so they can refuel their generators, everything from organising and helping organise busses and personnel into the town as well as ferrying around.
“We’ve had the premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli. We’ve had a number of ministers. Dave Janetzki, energy minister, Amanda Camm, Minister for Communities, as well as Dan Purdy, our Police Minister, visit.
“Being able to get around and show them exactly the devastation has been important, not only to tell the story of what’s happened here, but to advocate for the federal and state funding that’s necessary to get us back on track.
Nick explained how the community was coping with such a catastrophic event:
“In the community, you’ve got to understand, people have lost everything.
“People have lost everything that they’ve owned.
“Many going without insurance because of the exacerbated price of insurance premiums across the north, insurance has become unattainable for many, and some have gone without, and now will go without because they have not got that backup and support morale.
“People’s patience has been tested through this event, and they have a right to feel worn out and tired from what’s happened.
“But what I have seen, and this was what makes me immensely proud, is the community spirit shining through.
“I’ve spoken at nauseum about emergency services and the ADF staff that have been helping out, but we’ve had community members that have just stood up.
“They don’t wear a badge; they don’t have a job title in this they’ve just fed the community.
“Thank you to everyone across the Hinchinbrook Shire who’s banded together to get through this together, people who have done the best in the most trying of circumstances.
“I’m just completely heartened to continue hearing those stories coming through as flood-affected areas become reconnected with the rest of us across the Hinchinbrook Shire.
“I want to ensure that everyone who has contributed feels recognised and appreciated. We couldn’t have done it without all of you, and I sincerely thank you for everything you’ve done.”
Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto standing next to the Ollera Creek Bridge shortly after its official reopening was announced. Photo sourced: Nick Dametto
Premier David Crisafulli Shows Support In Hour Of Need
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has been on the ground in Ingham and surrounding areas, tirelessly working to support the recovery of communities devastated by severe flooding.
In addition to serving snags to emergency services, David Crisafulli, MP, has been providing critical updates to the community and coordinating the deployment of support teams from the south to assist with recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
While he acknowledges the exceptional work of the SES, firefighters, and other dedicated organisations, David stresses that the path to recovery will be long and challenging.
“I said to Queenslanders, that we will be
here and we will see this job through and to have Canberra rowing in that same direction will make all the difference because it’s going to be a long, hard road,” David stated.
With the river receding but power still out, water systems disconnected, and roads cut off, David spoke of the immense difficulties faced by those in and around Ingham.
He praised the efforts of Ergon Energy for their outstanding work in restoring power to those who had been cut off:
“To the local Ergon staff as well as those across the state, you have done amazing work, truly amazing work. To see those homes connected in Townsville and Palm and Giru in a short period of time was amazing.”
David emphasised that he and his team have been working around the clock to ensure that the state government is doing everything possible to restore power, water, roads, food, housing, and infrastructure to affected communities.
Claiming “When we build back, we build better.”
Disaster assistance payments are being delivered, and David reiterated that his team is working closely with emergency services at every step of the recovery process.
“This is a team effort and we’re here until the job is done.”
David also reminisced about his childhood, reflecting on how the current floods are comparable to the devastating 1967 floods that Ingham experienced.
“Growing up in Ingham we would always talk about the 1967 floods - many locals believe this one could be worse.”
Lastly, regarding the reconnection of communities by road, David spoke about rebuilding the bridge at Ollera Creek, emphasising that it will be stronger and more resilient than ever, further strengthening the Bruce Highway.
He also revealed that they have secured Canberra’s commitment to help fund the project.
David took a moment to thank the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for their vital role in opening a temporary bridge, ensuring that essential services could reach Ingham during this critical time.
A Sigh Of Relief Bridge Erected In Ollera Creek
For more than seven days, the Bruce Highway connecting traffic both north and south in the Hinchinbrook region has been cut off from both essential resources and access to surrounding areas due to the closure of a vital link in the region’s infrastructure—the Ollera Creek bridge on the Bruce Highway.
In a critical response to provide the community with necessary supplies, a temporary bridge was erected.
State member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto, explained how the temporary bridge was a game changer for the region:
“Having the temporary bridge go up was a real changing of the gears when it comes to getting the services and the equipment to get Hinchinbrook Shire back on track.
“Seeing those the first Ergon Energy trucks coming across the bridge was quite uplifting, that extra help was on its way.”
As the floodwaters began to subside, the priority became restoring access from both the north and south. To support this, the temporary bridge was closed on Saturday 8th February for further restoration.
Essential access to assist the Ingham community was provided by Queensland Rail via a small bus on the rail tracks.
Then finally, on Monday 10th February at 8pm, the Ollera Creek Bridge opened for freight, supply, and emergency vehicles heading north to Cairns.
The bridge opened ahead of schedule but the early opening aimed to support freight movement before potential flooding im-
pacts north of Ingham in the following days.
On Tuesday 11th February the Bruce Highway at the Seymour River (between Cardwell and Ingham) was expected to close.
Queensland Police coordinated the movement of freight, supply, and emergency vehicles.
From Tuesday afternoon onwards the bridge was open to general traffic, with traffic control and speed restrictions in place until further notice.
The people of Ingham were thrilled with the announcement as they can now travel south.
A Message From The Mayor Ramon Jayo
Our hearts go out to all the residents who have experienced inundation of their homes and premises due to flooding over the past week. The flooding experienced has been devastating and not only homes have been destroyed, but many businesses have suffered loss of valuable stock, equipment, livestock and machinery occasioned by both water and the power outage. Terrible losses have occurred and there will be a long recovery process, not only the material matters, but the emotional scarring that has occurred due to the traumatic experiences of water inundation and physical evacuation of premises in the middle of the night.
heavy rain in our lower catchment. But we must start to rebuild in the knowledge that together, with the assistance of many including our state and federal governments, we will reestablish our community from this devastation.
These are experiences that no one will ever forget.
But as a community we must now rally and move as quickly as possible to try and return to some normality and it was heartwarming to see residents getting into the clean-up efforts of their properties the moment the water started to recede, with neighbours helping each other to get the job done. The Council is committed to doing its part and has commenced the cleanup processes including normal domestic rubbish collection, flood affected waste collection, and road/street opening and cleaning operations as a matter of urgency.
As I write this column, we are still not out of danger with the renewed rises in the river and the forecast for potentially more
The SES and Queensland Rural Fire Brigade are assisting residents to clear out and clean flood affected homes and residents seeking assistance in that regard are asked to register by phoning 132 500.
Financial hardship assistance packages have now been released by both the state and federal government and I urge our residents to apply for the assistance on offer either online or by visiting the Community Hub that has been established at the TAFE Centre on Townsville Road as soon as possible. I am sure that further assistance measures will be released once the waters clear and the full extent of damage is assessed and becomes apparent.
Continued on page 12.
Mayor Ramon Jayo (second from left) with (L-R) Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto, Premier David Crisafulli and Senator Jenny McAllister.
Photo sourced: Facebook
Ollera Creek Bridge damage after the floods. Photo sourced: Facebook
Hundreds Rescued As Fire Crews Confront Ingham Flood Disaster
Fire and Rescue teams have been flying into Ingham from all over the state to help those affected by the devastating floods.
Senior Fire Fighter from Cairns Nathan Sandford was flown into Ingham from Cairns on Sunday afternoon.
Nathan said they worked from sunset to sunrise.
“Initially, it was welfare checks, and if anyone was unwell or in need of getting evacuated, we evacuated them,” said Mr Sandford.
“Unfortunately, due to a lack of resources on all emergency services parts, we had nowhere to take them. Once we got them to high ground and dry land, they were told to try and speak to family members or make their way to the evacuation centre if they could.
“We took them somewhere safe because they were obviously in the lower areas, anywhere from a meter to maybe two meters of fast-flowing water through their houses or around their houses.
“We used our motorised swift watercraft, which handles the fast-flowing water.”
Nathan said they had two crafts operating and his craft only evacuated between 2050 people.
Calls for assistance were going through
the Fire and Rescue Inspector Jack Emeleus.
“In a normal world, people would ring triple zero, Firecom would assign a job to the nearest truck, and they go and get the job. In this world, there are so many jobs, and we have boat crews, which have to be flexible; they don’t know who to give it to,” explained Inspector Emeleus.
“Firecom pins me a job. We have a chat. I’m aware of where all my teams are at the moment. I look at the team that’s most capable of doing that job because each boat has slightly different capabilities.
“I allocate the job, and then I have a triage list, which I maintain; I keep track of all the jobs, and when they’re completed, the cruise advisor tells Firecom, we mark that off the list and go to the next job.”
will be damage assessments, but they’re all capable of doing rescue as well.
Now jobs emergencies and evacuations have calmed down Inspector Emeleus said they are conducting damage assessments.
“We are doing damage assessments in between jobs, our crews this morning have been out to three different evacs or medical checks,” said Inspector Emeleus.
“We have replacement swift water teams arriving tomorrow, and their main tasking
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“We will have three motorised boats and three full teams in here, and another full team still in Halifax tomorrow, and when they’re not doing emergency tasking, they’ll be out doing damage assessments.
“My team’s done about 350 damage assessments in the last 24 hours, and that information is available now to council and Ergon, who can make some decisions about what to do next.”
Inspector Emeleus said that although his team will be receiving relief, Queensland Fire and Rescue’s next job will be installing a flexible habitat that can accommodate 90 people.
“It is a large tent for 90 people, 30 of whom will be our staff who are managing the incident, and the other 60 beds will be available to SES volunteers to help with the cleanup,” said Inspector Emeleus.
“It’s going to be set up near the Catholic school, the college, that’s our next major task.”
Fire and Rescue staff from all over Queensland were flown in to help people in flood waters. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
IMPORTANT RECOVERY
WASTE SERVICES UPDATE
Council's Waste Services team is working to restore normal services and provide clean up services to residents within the disaster funding arrangements currently in place.
Alternate waste management arrangements are in place.
Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre has been heavily impacted and will not be fully operational for some considerable time. Regrettably, there is no public access.
Kerbside wheelie bin services have recommenced from Monday 10 February. Due to flood impacts, the contractor will start on the usual schedule, with possible minor exceptions if safe access is not available and may move to different areas if they have available resources.
All residents are asked to leave wheelie bins out on the kerbside until they are emptied, whether it is your usual day or not. If your bin is not collected (emptied), please leave it out if it is safe to do so and contact Council for advice.
For those people who have lost their wheelie bin during the flooding event, please advise council on 4776 4600 at your earliest convenience to request replacement bin(s).
Council will endeavour to replace lost bins as quickly as possible. As an interim please approach neighbours or friends to discard of normal household waste in their bins.
KERBSIDE BULK WASTE
This is strictly flood damaged waste from inside and immediately outside your home, busi-
ness, sporting facility or community group facility.
It includes: furniture, white goods, carpets, etc from the flood event which began on 3 february 2025.
Please separate steel from other goods if possible
It does not include green waste, general clean-up waste, building materials, asbestos, car batteries, tyres, gas bottles, chemicals or other hazardous or regulated materials such as paint and vehicle oil cans. These items will not be collected by the collection crews
Please contact your insurance company and meet their requirements for records before your bulk flood waste is collected
PROCESS
Kerbside bulk waste collections have commenced on monday 10 february 2025.
Place items on the footpath adjacent to your property in a manner that does not interfere with street traffic movementcouncil personnel cannot enter your property.
Fridges and freezers must be emptied.
Some items may be collected by different crews at different times to assist in management.
Council will arrange several rounds for those who are not yet ready to complete their kerbside process.
GREEN WASTE
Green waste pick-ups will commence once initial household/kerbside bulk waste has been removed.
Green waste must only be from the immediate vicinity of the property, be directly flood-related and impacting the ability to remain in the house.
PLEASE DO NOT USE TOWN CBD STREET BINS for domestic or commercial waste.
RECOVERY INFORMATION
COMMUNITY RECOVERY ASSISTANCE
Residents of Hinchinbrook Shire impacted by the recent severe weather event can now access financial support through the Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme (PHAS).
The Hinchinbrook Shire Council, in collaboration with the Queensland State Government and Queensland Reconstruction Authority, successfully secured urgent activation of the PHAS on Sunday 2 February 2025. The approval was granted the same day, ensuring timely support for those in need.
Council extends its gratitude to the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers for their swift response and to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister MP, for her support of the Local Disaster Management Group’s (LDMG) application.
Minister McAllister said. “This funding is about helping people now and unlocking funds for councils to clean up and rebuild.”
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
If you are suffering hardship or require emotional support as a result of the North and Far North Tropical Low, help is available. Through the PHAS, eligible residents in the local government area of Hinchinbrook can now apply for Personal Hardship Assistance to assist their recovery to help you get back on your feet.
SUPPORT MEASURES INCLUDE:
Emergency Hardship Assistance Grants – $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, to cover essential needs such as food, clothing, and medication.
Essential Services Hardship Assistance – $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more, for those who have lost essential services at home for more than five consecutive days.
Essential Household Contents Grants – Up to $1,765 for individuals and $5,300 for families to replace essential household items like bedding and appliances.
Structural Assistance Grants – Up to $80,000 for uninsured, income-tested homeowners towards the repair or replacement of a disaster damaged dwelling to return it to a safe and habitable condition.
Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme – Income-tested grants of up to $5,000 per household to help uninsured residents reconnect essential services such as electricity, gas, water, or sewerage.
HOW TO APPLY
Eligible residents can apply for assistance through the Queensland disaster recovery website at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by calling the
Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Alternatively, you can apply in person at the Hinchinbrook Community Recovery Hub, located in the TAFE Queensland Ingham Building at 74 Townsville Road, Ingham.
Additional Hinchinbrook Community Recovery Hub pop-up locations are also available.
Forrest Beach Community Function Centre located at 68 Wattle Street, Forrest Beach and in Mercer Lane located between Westpac Bank and JK’s Deli on Lannercost Street, Ingham.
All locations are open 10.00am – 2.00pm daily.
This financial support, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), aims to provide urgent relief and support communities in their recovery efforts.
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy emphasized the importance of these grants in providing much-needed assistance to affected households, stating, “This funding will cover emergency essentials like food, clothing and medicine.”
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Hinchinbrook Shire Council has been activated for financial support to assist with their disaster response operations and the reconstruction of essential public infrastructure. This assistance is provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and follows the activation of Personal Hardship Assistance. For further information visit www.disasterassist.gov. au or www.qra.qld.gov.au.
ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS
The Department of Primary Industries encourages primary producers to report any damages or losses to your farm through the Disaster Impact Survey. These reports help determine if you will need extra support during recovery.
To access the survey and find out more on the range of assistance available, visit www.business. qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/alerts/north-qld-floods-agribusiness or call 13 25 23.
ASSISTANCE FOR SPORTS CLUBS
The Queensland Government’s Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program (SRDRP) is providing up to $5,000 worth of funding is available to support immediate clean-up efforts for eligible sports clubs across the region. For more information, visit the Queensland Government Website www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/disaster-recovery
LIFELINE
For emotional support call the Lifeline dedicated disaster assistance line on 1800 116 671.
Locals Helping Locals With SpinFX
The community in Hinchinbrook has been in urgent need of support as locals recover from the devastating impacts of the recent floods.
One of the major challenges residents have faced is the widespread power outages. SpinFX Electrical has been at the forefront of efforts to restore power to flood-affected homes, working tirelessly to get people back on their feet.
In addition to this, the company has been collaborating with wholesalers in Townsville to ensure that essential supplies are delivered, helping other electrical companies in the area continue their recovery efforts as well.
Alongside this, the company has also been supplying generators and has been subcontracted by a company in Townsville to get a telecom site up and running on Palm Island.
Owner, Jesse Spina, stated how the weather has been tough for recovery efforts:
“It has been challenging for our staff, because they’ve had their own personal affairs to attend to as well.
“Which in my opinion, comes way before work.”
Jesse explained how the community has been extremely supportive in their efforts to help restore power in the region:
“It’s so heartwarming, especially in such a devastating time for our community.”
On a personal note, Jesse explained how hard the floods have been on the Ingham community:
“It’s heartbreaking,” he shared.
“Up until recently, probably the
last five years I’ve lived on a cane Farm in Macknade, so I’ve never actually been in Ingham during a flood and to see the destruction and what’s happened here is just, it’s, it’s devastating.
“It’s gonna take the community a long time to recover from this.”
Jesse stated that Spin Fix want to help the community as much as they can:
“We are locals, and we’re supporting local, that’s the main thing.
“We want to help as many people as we can.”
The SpinFX team worked around the clock to bring the community power. Photo: supplied
A Message From The Mayor
This was a horrific event, and we must thank the many many people who came to our assistance in response to the threat. The emergency service agencies including Queensland Fire, Police, Fire and Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Water Police, and the State Emergency Services.
They each played a major part in helping our community members in the rising water, protecting our community and saving our residents in a time of need and we will be forever indebted to these brave men and women who went about their work in some quite atrocious conditions.
We must also thank the Council staff who were involved in the response effort, from the administration staff who were involved and remain involved in the disaster coordination centre, to the technical officers whom worked tirelessly in ensuring that Council facilities and operations such as the water treatment plant remained operational during
the highest peak of flooding. Thank you to you all.
We must also thank all those kind residents and community organisations who quickly rallied to help their neighbours, the displaced residents in evacuation, ferrying supplies about, cleaning out our community and sporting facilities and generally watching over our elderly residents in the days following the peak. There were many many people assisting as best they could. I will not mention any names at present for fear of injustice in leaving someone out, but we will acknowledge your effort sometime in the future as you are all applauded.
As we go about the recovery and the rebuilding our lives, please do not feel alone as there is much assistance about to help you as an individual and we will continue to push out information as it becomes available. The disaster recovery centre remains open and if you are in need of assistance or information, simply contact the centre on 4776 4600.
Free Fresh Fruit For Flooded Families
Fruit and vegetable market operators My Fruit Shop decided to give away five tonnes worth of fresh produce to families affected by the flooding. Opposed to letting it rot in their storage, they packed it all onto a tractor and drove it down to St Teresa’s College in Abergowrie for everyone to come and take as much as they needed.
Tim and Matthias Fehrenbacher of My Fruit Shop said “We had a mass of food that we didn’t want to go to waste and thought it be best shared amongst those in need.” They knew that a lot of people were struggling and being flood effected themselves in part, they decided to donate the $30,000 worth of fresh produce.
By spreading the word on their Facebook page and others in the community sharing the posts around, St Teresa’s had a huge turnout. Filling that craving for fresh food after living for a length of time on tinned goods, the community could not give more thanks to the men
behind My Fruit Shop’s kindness.
“You guys are amazing! My kids and I were all so excited to get some fresh fruit and veg - thank you so so much,” Ms Natalie Wiese commented.
“Thank you so much for your generosity and beautiful produce. We have shared your delicious fruit and veggies with a very grateful Abergowrie community,” said St Teresa’s College.
Many of the affected residents in the area said they were extremely appreciative of the generosity and so lucky to be part of such a kind-hearted community.
Locals supporting locals, and those with means giving to those who are struggling, is what My Fruit Shop championed when they brought their produce to relieve their flood-affected community. Tim and Mattias’ donation helped ease the burden on struggling families by providing joy with their fresh food.
Tim and Mattias wrapping up watermelons for families to take home.
The tractor crossing the wide creek with the fresh produce. Photo Sourced My Fruit Shop’s Facebook.
The large turnout at St Teresa’s College in Abergowrie. Photos sourced: Facebook
Marooned In Macknade A Family In Isolation
Outside Ingham, nestled between waterways and surrounded by fields of sugar cane is the tiny village of Macknade. It was here that a small family became trapped as the unsafe, murky waters rose, making their little street of six houses an archipelago and their own home an island.
Local teacher and mother, Kimberley Veltmeyer, and her family prepared for the floods as best they could when they were notified by colleagues of its impending arrival that first Friday, the 31st, after school.
“My husband Steven got the fuel, the wine and the cheese, and I got everything else... We quickly drove to Halifax and filled up our own sandbags and moved everything up higher, sacrificing our buffet, dining tables, piano, everything to put our belong-
ings up even higher.”
She never expected the waters to rise as high as they did, and so Kimberley knew this would be a long isolation. With her daughter, Skylah, of school age and a teacher herself she kept everyone as busy as she could to stop the feeling of isolation and cabin fever from setting in.
They have done the best they can on what locals call ‘Macknade Island’. Bounded by the Herbert River on the south and east, the Seymour River on the west and the Hinchinbrook Channel to the north and with the John Rowe bridge condemned, they waited out the flood.
“We’ve been having art lessons, painting and drawing, building the perfect paper plane. Today we went over equivalent frac-
Community Mourns
The Death Of Two
Locals
The Ingham community is in mourning after two tragic deaths occurred during the ongoing flood disaster, highlighting the devastating impact of the severe weather conditions.
On Sunday, February 2, a 63-year-old woman tragically lost her life when an SES vessel, carrying her and five other passengers, overturned in the floodwaters. A bystander helped the remaining passengers back into the vessel, but, unfortunately, the woman was later found nearby, having passed away.
Just two days later, on Tuesday morning, the community was struck by another tragedy. An 82-year-old woman was discovered deceased in a cane paddock near Bemerside, Ingham, after being reported
missing the previous evening. She had last been seen inside her two-story home around 6pm on Monday.
These heartbreaking incidents underscore the overwhelming severity of the floods currently ravaging the region. The loss has deeply affected the local community, casting a shadow of grief over the area.
Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli, spoke out on the tragedies:
“There has been a loss of a life in floodwaters in Ingham.
“That’s a really tight-knit community, our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
The community’s thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.
tions and long division. We’ve reorganised every cupboard and we watch the dead animals and rubbish float past”
By day seven, they had read almost all their books and played every board game. They stayed positive and hopeful while their two adjacent families evacuated, sharing supplies with the neighbours who remained and checking in on each other by hollering out the windows, becoming firm flood buddies.
“When we call out we need a beer, the neighbours always have a six-pack. If anyone needs fuel, we siphon out the last bit of the mower and we crane our necks to see the blue in the sky. Seeing all the birds flying past, knowing there must be dry land somewhere, and developing keen eyes to see any crocs, snakes and toads.”
“With no power, intermittent internet and phones that only work every two days, and clean water that’s only just come back on, this disaster, this hasn’t broken us. It’s only made stronger.”
They continued to hope that it would be over soon as Ingham began its cleanup and repairs. They were grateful that their own little archipelago of neighbours was there for each other when not even the SES could make it to such rural properties like theirs.
On the 8th day, they received emergency fuel supplies by helicopter. Kimberley says that as they watched the road marker’s water levels rise and fall, they’ll remember this disaster for a long time and were glad that they prepared as much as they did.
Their street before and after
Steven and Skylah playing in the rain
The street outside their house was inundated with flood water
Their neighbour evacuating on their tinnie Steven and Skylah skimming stones into the street
Family Safe And Sound And In High Spirits
On Monday the 3rd of February, Forrest Beach received the worst flooding it had ever seen.
The local emergency group full of volunteers gathered together and went door-knocking to residents to ensure they were safe, had enough food and to see if they were in need of medical supplies.
While door-knocking on Wattle Street, Maria Boeyen and Brett Stapley were safe and sound, but they had major concerns for Maria’s parents, Rita and Peter Boeyen, on Fern Street.
Water had been rising over the weekend, and they refused to leave. On Monday, the water was chest-deep, and they continued to refuse assistance from family.
With this information, the Forrest Beach disaster management group made getting them to safety a number one priority.
Queensland Fire and Rescue and Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club waded through the deep waters, and still with professional assistance, Maria’s mother with Alzheimer’s refused to leave.
With this news, the Forrest Beach disaster management group decided that Maria’s parents might accept help in her presence, so Maria attended the scene and stood at the end of the driveway.
With her presence, they evacuated and were taken to Maria and Brett’s place. Maria said sometimes it’s easier to say yes
Local Hospital Remains Open Throughout Floods
“To the people of Ingham and the Hinchinbrook, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated staff have been working around the clock to care for the community since this rainfall event began.
Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and everyone affected by the tragic loss of life that this tightknit community has experienced.
We also acknowledge those whose homes have been impacted by floodwaters, including members of our own staff.
Through these challenges, the compassion and resilience of the local people have shone through.
There have also been moments of hope; our medical teams have helped bring new life into the world during recent days.
Our local hospital has remained open every step of the way, and our focus remains on supporting the community in the days and weeks ahead.
We are actively working to bring in additional staff to relieve those who have been working so tirelessly.
For anyone in the community who is feeling overwhelmed, please know that 24/7 mental health support is available at these numbers:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
And, as always, our emergency department in Ingham remains open for urgent medical care.
Stay safe, look after each other, and know that your health service stands with you.”
to strangers than to family members.
“It all happened so quickly, with the disaster management group knocking on the door, Mum and Dad were out within an hour, or hour and a half, even getting in the boat too,” said Maria.
“The volunteers are fantastic, and so soon after I’d been contacted, we were together, straight away.”
After the initial flood water had passed, Brett visited Peter and Rita’s property to assess damage and, most importantly, retrieve a generator that had been safe from flood waters.
“It was in the highest part of the block, so it didn’t even get wet. The wheel didn’t even
go under,” said Brett.
“We now have power, it’s limited, but it’s power.”
The family are all safe and in good spirits.
Peter is so happy he joked that despite all the effort people went through hopefully power doesn’t come on too soon.
“We’ve managed to keep the fridge cold for beer,” he added.
“It happened that quickly so some of the stuff that we should have taken with us, we didn’t.
“But we’ve just come back from there now and it’s a bit of a mess, outside and inside, but nothing that bit of hard work and time can’t fix.”
468 Passengers Transported By Rail
In a remarkable display of efficiency, Queensland Rail’s on-track recovery machine—an innovative vehicle designed to travel on rail tracks—successfully transported 468 passengers in just one day. The vehicle completed 68 trips, assisting residents and emergency services while ensuring essential supplies, including generators, fuel, and other necessities, reached Ingham via the Ollera Creek rail bridge.
This effort underscores the crucial role
of Queensland Rail’s infrastructure in connecting communities during times of need. The teams behind this operation were praised for their tireless dedication and commitment, ensuring vital services and supplies were delivered without disruption. Their ongoing efforts were recognized for maintaining a lifeline to the area during critical moments.
Ingham Hospital continues to operate throughout the floods, ensuring everyone has access to necessary healthcare. Photo sourced: Facebook
The team from Queensland Rail, their efforts allowed 468 passengers to safely travel to Ingham during the floods
(Back row) Maria Boeyen and Brett Stapley, (Front row) Rita and Peter Boeyen. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Queensland Fire and Rescue and Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Peter and Rita’s property. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
FLOODING ESTIMATES Herbert Could Face $25-50M In Cane Industry Losses
Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) estimates there could be up to one million fewer tonnes of cane cut across the Herbert this year, resulting in between $25 to $50 million in economic losses.
However, the impacts of recent flooding in the Hinchinbrook Shire have yet to be realised because the waters are still receding.
Early indications indicate significant crop losses and infrastructure damage to farms, drains, the cane rail network, machinery, and plants.
How does the flooding disaster impact cane yields?
It is difficult to estimate the crop losses associated with this severe event, but history tells us that saturated soil and waterlogging can severely impact yields. As soil pores fill with water, roots and soil organisms cannot access oxygen. Together with reduced sunlight, these conditions drop potential cane yields.
Floodwaters have inundated paddocks across the Ingham region, including this farm belonging to QCAR Herbert District Committee Chairman and sugarcane farmer, Matthew Pappin. The Pappins have already suffered financial impacts from having standover cane before dealing with the current flood event. Pictures: Contributed
Research from BSES and CSR showed that for every day the water table was less than 0.5 from the soil surface, cane yields reduced by 0.5 tonnes of cane per hectare.
Over the past three decades, there has been numerous years when flooding significantly impacted the region. They include:
The final crop yields varied significantly based upon the following factors associated with wet weather events:
• Duration of the flooding event.
• If sunny days occur while water is still covering the crop, or the crop is standing in water. In this situation, the water becomes very hot, and the crop becomes extremely stressed and, in some cases, dies.
• Soil type. Generally, clay soils are more prone to waterlogging for long periods of time.
• Position on the landscape. Higher fields are generally less impacted.
• The month the flooding occurs in relation to crop growth.
• The crop height when impacted by flooding. Generally, late harvested cane and drought affected cane is the greatest impacted, due to flooding.
• The follow up rains post the flooding event, either low or high rainfall. The 1991 crop was impacted by flooding and a sudden stop to the wet season in April, with a subsequent drought leading a very low yielding year.
• The amount of sunlight received throughout the wet season. The 2024 harvest was a good example of a year when there was low solar radiation to grow the crop leading to low crop yields.
• Slit loadings on the crop, reducing the crop’s ability to undertake photosynthesis after flooding.
• Impact on a crop caused by the loss of crop or stool. It is not uncommon for crops to fail or stool to be lost, due to adverse weather events.
• The lead into the flooding event. Years when rains begin early generally result in lower tonnes harvested, like in 2009 and 2011. However, in 2019 there was good cane growth and better than expected yields due to favourable weather conditions both before and after the flood event.
Generally best yields occur after a succession of dry years in the Herbert; the graph below indicates this.
• Late conclusion of the 2024 harvest
• Standover crops
• The significant rain events during November and December in 2024, and wet weather harvesting impacting on the following crop. (We also made many ruts in field towards the end of the 2024 crush).
• Receiving more than 2000mm of rainfall throughout the crops’ growing period thus far.
Looking into our crystal ball, we could expect to harvest a crop in the 3M tonne plus range.
If we have follow-up adverse weather events, it is more likely we will see the more disastrous scenario of fewer than 3M tonnes harvested.
A crop more than 4M tonnes is highly unlikely now, unless we have a miracle. Only time will tell what the 2025 crop harvest will yield.
Estimating the cost of the flood
The Herbert region harvests around 4.5M tonnes of sugarcane annually.
Based on historical data, QCAR estimates the Herbert will experience a loss of be-
What will the 2025 crop yield look like?
It is difficult to predict what yield the district may experience this year; however early indications are not positive because of the following:
tween 0.5 to 1M tonnes of cane due to this flooding disaster.
Based on an assumed $50 per tonne of cane, this equates to an economic loss of cane proceeds to the growers of between $25 to $50 million.
This figure does not consider other losses from damages, repairs, and replanting of crops in some areas – all required actions, and at considerable expense, to ensure a business is again operational.
Lower crop yields, debris in the crop at harvest, infrastructure damage (i.e. to the cane rail network), and necessary repairs to damaged machinery (i.e. from equipment submersed in floodwaters) also impact the harvesting and milling sectors as well as the local business community. They too will need help to revive the sugarcane industry ahead of the 2025 crush.
How do we activate Category D status to unlock disaster funding for farmers?
Category D natural disaster assistance is provided by the Australian government in response to severe disaster events.
It is only provided in extraordinary circumstances and is considered after the assessment of a disaster’s impact.
The Queensland Government Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) undertake the assessment and provide their recommendations to the federal government.
QRA works with the Premier and Cabinet to seek endorsement of each Category C/D request form via the appropriate process, e.g. a Cabinet Budget Review Committee.
If approved, the Premier will then formally request endorsement from the Prime Minister through a letter. (Source: https:// www.qra.qld.gov.au/)
The PM advises whether the Category C/D request was fully or partially approved, confirms the cost-sharing ratio between the state and federal governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) system, and any conditions that must be met.
QCAR believes the financial losses incurred both in the short term and long term justify the activation of Category D natural disaster assistance and it is prepared to work closely with the authorities to undertake the necessary assessments to make this happen.
Rail culverts washed out after the 2025 flooding disaster in the Herbert region. Photos supplied
Senator Susan McDonald chats with QCAR member Gino Zatta who is helping to repair the Ollera Creek Bridge, between Ingham and Townsville, which washed away during the flooding disaster
Disaster Loans Activated For NQ Farmers, Small Businesses And
Not-For-Profits
Disaster hit primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits in seven northern Queensland council areas can now apply for concessional loans to assist with their recovery from the sustained rains and flooding endured the past week.
Loans have been activated for the local government areas (LGAs) of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah, provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)
Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 for eligible primary producers and small businesses and up to $100,000 for eligible not-for-profits will help re-establish operations by covering costs relating to:
• Repairing or replacing damaged plant and equipment
• Repairing or replacing buildings
• Resupplying stock or livestock
Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 are available to help operators carry on business operations, including paying salaries or wages, creditors, rent or rates.
Primary producers can also access freight subsidies up to $5,000 for the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water, and building or fencing materials.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the assistance activated today is important to supporting the North Queensland community during this challenging time.
“Farmers, businesses and not-for-profit organisations are central to the North Queensland community, and we know that heavy rainfall and severe flooding has made it difficult for them to stay open.”
“We’re moving quickly to activate financial assistance for impacted communities.
“The Albanese Government will continue working hand in glove with the Queensland Government to support them through this event and into recovery.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said disaster loans provided a way forward for hard-working North Queenslanders in need.
“When disaster events strike, it’s often those who can least afford it who are most affected and unable to recover quickly,” Minister Leahy said.
“We have unlocked support for affected farmers and small businesses to help get them back on their feet.
“These loans follow the activation of Personal Hardship Assistance and council support for large parts of the region.
“Our government will continue working with the Commonwealth to extend further relief measures where required.”
For loan applications visit the QRIDA website, www.qrida.qld.gov.au, or call 1800 623 946.
Primary producers interested in freight subsidies can contact Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23 or via www.daf.qld.gov.au.
AT A GLANCE
• Flood affected primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits in seven NQ LGAs can now apply for concessional loans to support recovery.
• Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 and Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 are available to eligible operators in Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, Yarrabah.
• Loans will help with repairs to equipment, replacement of stock, loss of income, and the continuity of operations.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said that as the flood water subsides, the full scale of the damage will become clear. Photo source: Tony Perrett MP
Factories reopen, clean-up begins
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables reopened its two Herbert mills to employees on Monday (10 February) to begin the clean-up and recovery effort.
General Manager Operations
Mike McLeod said Victoria and Macknade mills got power back on over the weekend, and electrical crews were doing safety checks before each area was made accessible.
He said the focus for the first couple of days would be on cleaning up and assessing damage.
“This was a very significant flood event and we know there’ll be losses and damage to our infrastructure, particularly our cane rail network.
“It’ll take a couple of weeks to get a detailed picture of what we’re dealing with. As we understand the situation, we’ll finalise our work plan to get our factories and rail network back in order.”
Mr McLeod said the flood event would put some pressure on the Herbert maintenance program.
“We’ve lost time like everyone
else, and of course many of our people have been directly impacted by the flood. But we’ve managed flood disasters before and we’ll manage this one.
“We’ve got an excellent team up here and good resources. We’ll work through the process and reorganise our work program to get the factories and rail line ready for the 2025 season.”
Mr McLeod said he was proud of the extent to which Wilmar and its employees supported the Herbert community during the disaster.
“Our people were out and about, lending a hand and giving practical support where they could.
“We donated two ute-loads of 15L bottles of water to residents at the Ingham Evacuation Centre, and ran a sausage sizzle for people staying there.
“We also set up a portable crib room at an employee’s front yard at Forrest Beach, and it became a bit of a community hub. It was somewhere locals could charge their phones, have a coffee, enjoy a bit of air-conditioning and have a chat. It was really appreciated.”
A Wilmar electrical team does safety checks at the fugal switchroom at Victoria Mill. Pictured from left are Codey Masters, Adam Collins, Adam Fighera and Chris Battoraro
Wilmar employees clean up the fitters workshop at Victoria Mill. Pictured, from left, are Max Pelleri, Graeme Jeffrey, Casey Costabeber and Harry Moschella
Wilmar donated two ute-loads of 15L bottles of water to residents at the Ingham Evacuation Centre when the town lost water supply.
Chris Winship (left), Matthew Chiesa from Chiesa & Sons Butchery, Scott Costabeber and Casey Costabeber ready for Wilmar’s sausage sizzle at the Ingham Evacuation Centre.
Doug Ladner Bridge at the peak height of the floods New Bridge near the hospital. Photo credit: Melissa Groundwater
Lovell Street guys delivering fuel and generators.
Photo credit: Melissa Groundwater
The Hospital, Mcillwraith Street, Ingham State Primary School and the swimming pool street.
Photo credit: Melissa Groundwater
Clay Street. Photo credit: Melissa Groundwater
at St Mary Mackillop Early Learning Centre at Hopkins Street. Photo credit: Melissa Groundwater
Doug Ladner Bridge. Photo credit: Mingon Family
“Only good for ducks” weather on Clay Street. Photo credit: Melissa Groundwater
New Doug Ladner Bridge on 2nd February. Photo credit: Mingon Family
Palm Creek, which crosses town. Photo credit: Mingon Family
Looking down Herbert Street from United Service station and the town clock
Gino Parise Reserve near Palm Creek which flows behind Ingham State Primary School. Photo credit: Mingon Family
From JL Kelly Theatre looking down Bruce highway on 2nd February. Photo credit: Mingon Family Palm Creek, which flows through town with an ice box stuck on the bridge
“Going through this ordeal in Ingham has put into perspec- tive how we live our lives. We may have lost a lot, but noth- ing compared to a lot of people. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. Last week the most I had to stress about was missing my mum, my family, slow internet, too hot, what’s for tea again tonight. Now we have homes under water, peo- ple without food, no electricity and loss of life. I would not change my mind about moving to Ingham. The the amount of support we have been shown from total strangers has re- newed my faith in people. Neighbours that don’t really know us have been a great support. What a great town, we are proud to now be Ingham locals” (Jenny Carmody 6/2/2025)
since 1976
‘Ingham Disability Support Services’, has become ‘Lifelong Supports’
Our new name represents our dedication to inclusively supporting both our disability and aged care communities
Travis Cauchi standing next to a sign and measuring how high the flood waters rose. Image sourced: Facebook
Images of household items ruined in the floods, taken Sunday morning 9th February down towards the end of Roati/Cooper Street areas. Image sourced: Facebook
A large billboard almost completely obscured by rising flood waters. Photo credit: Toni Jansen
INGHAM DISTRICT UNITING CHURCH
71-73 Herbert Street, Ingham
We welcome you to our fellowship morning tea every 2nd Thursday of the month from 9.30am. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a free morning of sharing, reflection, reminiscing and getting to know your neighbours in Ingham.
“The highest honour in the church is not government but service.” (Quote by John Calvin)
Nutrien Harcourts kindly offered free phone charging to those that needed it. Image sourced: Facebook
60 trucks returning to Cairns area. Image sourced: Facebook
The hard-working team at Ingham Woolworths: emergency stock was flown in on Chinook helicopters with the assistance of the Australian military to keep supplies of essential items on shelves. Image sourced: Facebook
Groups of community members gather together to help each with the clean-up. “A big shout out to our awesome cleaning crew who did an amazing job today” said Christine Ihle from Cardwell. Image sourced: Facebook
The boat ramp opposite Beachcombers in Cardwell collapsed due to erosion from the unprecedented floodwaters. Image sourced: Facebook
Images of Ingham CBD at 8am on Friday 3rd February. Photo credit: Kieran Volpe
The John Row Bridge, north of Ingham. Photo credit: Susan Sorbello
Sitting on the bar during the 1967 floods. Photo credit: Mick Porta
Ingham - 1967 Flood - Hinchinbrook Shire Hall - Lannercost Street
1927 outside the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Offices. This flood event saw many lives lost and the river peaked at 15.40m
1967 outside the Hinchinbrook Hotel. The river peaked at 15.20m
barmaid serving beers in waist-deep waters during the floods of 1967
Tinnies travelling the main street during the 1967 floods.
Photo credit: Mick Porta
Ingham - 1967 Flood - Palm Creek - Herbert Street
Ingham - 1967 Flood - Miles Street
Ingham - 1967 Flood - Ingham State School and Swimming Pool
Ingham - 1967 Flood - Corner of Lynch and Cartwright Street (near the Ingham Train Station)
Long Pocket Bridge - 1967 Flood
Ingham - 1967 Flood - Gilroy Santa Maria College,
A Flood Of Delays For Hinchinbrook Newcomer
When Jenni Hopping packed up her life to move to Forrest Beach in December, she expected a few hiccups—what she didn’t expect was a flood of them.
With her new job at Ingham Manufactures Mitre 10 and plans to settle into her new home at Forrest Beach, everything was falling into place. But now, thanks to major flooding that has split the Bruce Highway in half and thrown the region into chaos, Jenni’s fresh start has hit a standstill.
Prior to this, she lived on Magnetic Island and in Hervey Bay.
Jenni has a shipping container in the Gold Coast, and it was meant to be up here in Forrest Beach already, but now Jenni expects the delays to be even longer.
With major flooding breaking the Bruce Highway in half, flooded roads and other priorities Jenni expects her plot of land in Forrest Beach to be a low priority.
She needs concreting done and telegraph piles erected, but she has accepted that it may be quite some time before her property receives the work it needs.
“Emergency services will be doing emergency-related jobs; they won’t be putting power on my block,” laughed Jenni. Among other concerns, Jenni cannot work
and does not know when she has to work.
“The lack of power and lack of service is the most frustrating because you just don’t know what is happening out there.”
Jenni works at Mitre 10 on a casual contract, and due to limited reception, she is unsure if she has to work or when she can work. She received a text from her employer informing her that the store had reopened, but she got no other information.
“I don’t know whether any water got into the shop or not, there was very little information in that department, but it sounded like they were okay and opened today. (Wednesday 5th Feb).”
“I’m just playing the waiting game. What can you do?”
SECOND HALF YEARLY RATE NOTICES UPDATE
Due to extenuating circumstances Council wishes to advise that the due date for payment of the Second Half Yearly Rate Notices has been extended to Wednesday 30 April 2025
This extension applies to both email and postal Rate Notices.
Electronic Rate Notices have been emailed to property owners with postal Rate Notices still to be issued. Council will advise when postal Rate Notices have been issued.
Council encourages rate payers who may have difficulty making payment to discuss a payment plan as soon as possible.
Ratepayers also have access to assistance under Council’s Financial Hardship Policy.
Contact Council’s Revenue Team on 4776 4600 or email revenue@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.
The family of the late Thelma and Graham Jillett
Would like to extend our sincere thank you to Father Jomi and Sister Nina Barra for their support at this difficult time.
Thank you also goes to the staff and carers of Blue Haven aged care, all who attended Thelma & Grahams funerals, sent mass and sympathy cards, flowers and phone calls.
To Silvia Brown and Delese Funerals for their professional care. Please accept this as our personal thank you.
Joe, Julie, Geoff, Allison, Neil & Brian Rupp Michael Jillett and Gretchen Smith Allan and Karl Jillett
Public Notices
INGHAM EVACUATION CENTRE CLOSED
The Ingham Evacuation Centre has now closed. With the closure of the Evacuation Centre, all 161 individuals have been relocated to safe and secure housing with the assistance of the Department of Housing.
SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE - REDUCED CONNECTIVITY
Council understands people in some areas have reduced connectivity and that social media images are not showing for them.
Please be assured that all the information you need will be in the text of the majority our critical disaster posts. The images are mostly only there to catch attention. Some posts contain flyers or fact sheets from other agencies and may not be appropriate for Council to convert to text only.
Council will endeavour to get those facts sheets into other formats where possible.
RESTRICTED ACCESS TO INGHAM SHOWGROUNDS
The Ingham Showgrounds currently under restricted access to assist in the management of flood response and recovery operations.
Access is only for emergency services and to use the food only skip bins
Council will provide an update when the Ingham Showgrounds are available for general access.
WASHOUT ASSISTANCE
For assistance with washouts please call SES directly on 132 500 to log your needs.
Each location (home or business) must be logged individually.
Essential service business, including food, fuel and medical, will be prioritised, however crews will do their best to get to everyone as soon as they can.
Thank you for the combined efforts of SES, Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire Department for doing the washouts.
Jenni Hopping on Forrest Beach after the flooding. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
WEEKLY TV GUIDE
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Nigella Bites. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.30 Eat The Invaders. 9.00 Hippo Watch With Steve Backshall. 9.45 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. 10.45 News. 11.00 The Business. 11.15 Four Corners. 12.00 Media Watch. 12.20 Parliament. 1.20 Grand Designs. 2.10 Rage. 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Australia. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Nigella Bites. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.10 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Hard Quiz. 8.30 Optics. 9.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) 9.45 Planet America. 10.20 Spicks And Specks. 10.50 News. 11.05 The Business. 11.20 Aftertaste. 12.20 Grand Designs. 1.10 Parliament. 2.10 Rage. 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Australia. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 The Newsreader. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Nigella Bites. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.25 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Back Roads. 8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure. 9.20 Grand Designs. 10.10 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. 11.10 Miriam Margolyes Almost Australian. 12.10 Grand Designs. 12.55 Parliament. 1.55 Long Lost Family. 2.45 Rage. 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Australia. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. 10.30 Take 5. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. 3.00 Nigella Bites. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. 8.30 Silent Witness. (M) 10.15 Optics. (M) 10.45 Hard Quiz. (PG) 11.15 ABC Late News. 11.30 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG) 12.15 Grand Designs. 1.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 News. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. 1.30 Optics. (M) 2.00 Mozart: Rise Of A Genius. (M) 3.00 Hippo Watch With Steve Backshall. (PG) 4.00 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. 5.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 5.55 Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads. (PG) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Death In Paradise. (M) 8.30 Vera. (M) 10.00 The Newsreader. (M) 10.55 Unforgotten. (M) 11.40 Rage. (MA15+) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. 2.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. 3.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure. 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. 5.05 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. 6.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.00 News. 7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. 8.30 The Newsreader. 9.25 Love Me. 10.20 MOVIE: Love And Other Catastrophes. (1996) 11.35 You Can’t Ask That. 12.05 Rage. 3.05 Australia Remastered. 4.00 Gardening Australia. 5.00 Insiders.
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Vera. 11.30 McCartney 3, 2, 1. 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? 3.00 Nigella Bites. 3.25 Grand Designs. 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 Mozart: Rise Of A Genius. (PG) 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. 11.10 Planet America. 11.40 Home Delivery. 12.10 Grand Designs. 1.00 Long Lost Family. 1.50 Rage. 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Australia. 5.30 7.30.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Such Was Life. 2.10 History Of Britain. 3.00 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Britain’s Secret Islands. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. 9.45 The Artist’s View: Van Halen. 10.15 SBS News. 10.45 Beyond Signs. 11.45 Fargo. 1.30 Barkley Manor. 2.00 Inside The Modelling Agency. 3.50 Bamay. 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. 5.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Such Was Life. 2.10 History Of Britain. 3.00 Railway Journeys UK. 3.35 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Britain’s Secret Islands. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.35 Lord Lucan. 8.30 Wonders Of The Sun With Dara Ó Briain. 9.25 Miniseries: Playing Nice. 10.20 SBS News. 10.50 Pagan Peak. 11.50 Rogue Heroes. 12.55 Agent Hamilton. 2.40 Barkley Manor. 3.10 Inside The Modelling Agency. 4.05 Peer To Peer. 4.35 Bamay. 5.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Such Was Life. 2.05 History Of Britain. 3.00 Railway Journeys UK. 3.35 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Britain’s Secret Islands. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.30 Finding Your Roots. 8.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. 9.30 The Darkness. 10.20 SBS News. 10.50 Golden Boy. 11.45 The Allegation. 1.00 The Allegation. 2.20 Barkley Manor. 2.50 Living With The Boss. 3.40 Peer To Peer. 4.10 Bamay. 4.50 China Bitesize. 5.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Britain’s Secret Islands. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.35 Costa Concordia: Why She Sank. 8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. 9.25 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead. 10.20 SBS News. 10.50 Bonn. 11.45 Sisi. 2.45 Barkley Manor. 3.15 Living With The Boss. 4.05 Peer To Peer. 4.35 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Surf Life Saving. Super Surf Teams League 2024. Highlights. 3.55 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. 4.25 Black Panthers Of WW2. 5.20 Churchill And The Movie Mogul. 6.30 News. 7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Woodland Restoration. 8.25 Scotland The New Wild. 9.25 Great Australian Walks. 10.25 Beautiful Lakes Of Northern Italy. 11.15 Home Jacking. 12.40 The Man Who Died. 2.25 Love Your Garden. 3.20 Living With The Boss. 4.10 Peer To Peer. 4.40 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.55 Para-Badminton. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Surf Life Saving. Next Gen Series. 4.00 Sailing. SailGP Sydney. Highlights. 5.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. 5.35 Churchill’s Forgotten War. 6.30 News. 7.30 Mysteries Of Sink Holes. 9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs. 10.20 Great British Landmark Fixers. 11.15 The Art Of Dissent. 1.10 Photos That Changed The World. 2.45 Love Your Garden. 3.40 Living With The Boss. 4.30 Peer To Peer. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. 3.00 Railway Journeys UK. 3.35 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up 4.10 Lighthouses: Building The Impossible. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 News. 7.35 Madrid With Michael Portillo. 8.25 Wilderness With Simon Reeve. 9.35 Inside Sydney Airport. 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 Wisting. 12.45 A French Case. 2.45 Barkley Manor. 3.15 Living With The Boss. 4.05 Peer To Peer. 4.35 Bamay. 5.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 TBA. 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 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie. 9.20 The Hunting Party. (M) The team tracks a serial killer. 10.20 The Irrational. (M) 12.20 Friday Night Lights. (M) 2.30 Home 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 TBA. 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 The 1% Club UK. (PG) 8.30 Ludwig. (M) Lucy goes undercover. 9.45 Breathtaking. (M) 10.45 The Suspects: True Australian Thrillers. (M) 11.45 Autopsy USA. (M) 12.45 Damnation. (MA15+) 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: Be My Valentine. (2013) 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)
8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason. (2004) (M) Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant. 10.45 To Be Advised. 12.15 Damnation. (MA15+) 1.15 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. (PG) 12.00 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day 1. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990) (M) Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo. A businessman hires a sex worker. 11.05 GetOn Extra. 11.35 To Be Advised. 1.20 Travel Oz. (PG) 2.00 Home 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. Apollo Stakes Day and Black Caviar Lightning Raceday. 5.00 News. 5.30 Creek To Coast. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Supremacy. (2004) (M) 9.45 MOVIE: Taken 2. (2012) (M) 11.45 Border Patrol. (PG) 12.15 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG) 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG) 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 It’s Academic. 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 11.00 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day 3. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) 9.00 An Evening With Dua Lipa. A concert special. 10.30 Live At The Chapel: Amy Shark. 11.30 Autopsy USA. (M) 12.30 Friday Night Lights. (M) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Shopping. 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 Explore TV. 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 Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (M) 9.00 Madam. (MA15+) 10.20 9News Late. 10.50 My Feet Are Killing Me. (M) 11.40 The Equalizer. (M) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Our State On A Plate. (PG) 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 A Current Affair. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. 1.30 My Way. 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 Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (M) 9.00 Big Miracles. (M) 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Casualty 24/7. (MA15+) 11.30 The Equalizer. (M) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG) 1.05 Explore TV. 1.30 TV Shop. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 A Current Affair. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 Drew Barrymore. 7.00 Neighbours. 7.30
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. 1.30 Mr Mayor. 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 Current Affair. 7.30 RBT. (M) 8.30 Emergency. (M) 9.30 A+E After Dark. (M) 10.30
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Love At First Like. (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 A Current Affair. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals. (PG) 8.40 MOVIE: Valentine’s Day. (2010) (M) Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway. 11.10 MOVIE: The Sun Is Also A Star. (2019) (M) 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 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 Farm To Fork. 8.00 Bold. 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. 9.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 My Way. 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 Your Next Cruise. 2.00 Innovation Nation. 2.15 MOVIE: Overboard. (1987) 4.30 Explore TV. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Men’s All Stars. Round 1. Indigenous All Stars v Maori All Stars. 9.00 NRL: Indigenous All Stars V Maori All Stars Post-Match. 9.30 MOVIE: Air. (2023) 11.40 My Life As A Rolling Stone. 1.00 Tipping Point. 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. 8.00 I Fish. 8.30 Everyday Gourmet. 9.00 My Market Kitchen. 9.30 Drew Barrymore. 10.00 The Weekly KickOff. 10.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 12.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 12.30 Exploring Off The Grid. 1.30 Frugal Foodie. 2.00 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 What’s Up
6.00 Hello SA. 6.30 ACA. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 For The Love Of Pets. 11.00 TBA. 12.00 Fishing Aust. 12.30 Innovation Nation. 12.40 Bondi Vet. 1.40 MOVIE: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. (1988) 4.00 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. 5.00 News. 5.30 My Way. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married At First
Ambulance UK. 1.00 Shopping. 5.00 Hour Of Power.
Voice Of Victory. 4.30 Fishing Australia. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 Mass. 6.30 Key Of David. 7.00 Joseph Prince. 7.30 GCBC. 8.00 The Yes Experiment. 8.30 Drew Barrymore. 9.00
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 TBA. 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 Australian Idol. (PG) 9.10 St. Denis Medical. (PG) Ron and Bruce butt heads over a candy bar. 9.40 St. Denis Medical. (M) 10.10 First Dates UK. (M) 11.15 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PG) 12.15 Friday Night Lights. (M) 2.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)
8.05 Operation Ouch! (R)
8.40 Deadly Predators. (PG, R)
9.10 Secrets Of The Zoo. (PG, R)
9.55 Merlin. (PG, R)
10.40 Mythbusters
“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)
8.05 Operation Ouch! (R)
8.40 Doctor Who. (PG, R)
10.25 Merlin. (PG, R)
11.10 Mythbusters
“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
11.35 Officially Amazing. (PG, R)
12.05am Good Game Spawn Point. (R)
7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)
7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)
8.05 Operation Ouch! (R)
8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. (PG)
9.25 Chopped Junior. (PG, R)
10.15 Merlin. (PG, R)
11.00 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)
6.00pm Cricket. One Day International Series. Sri Lanka v Australia. Game 1. Second Innings. 10.00 Highway Patrol. (PG, R) 10.30 World’s Scariest Police Chases. (M)
11.30 Kings Of Pain. (M) 12.30 Storage Wars. (PG, R)
1.00 American Pickers. (PG, R) 2.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)
5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R)
6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)
7.30 Pawn Stars Do America.
8.30 Movie: Bad Boys. (1995) (MA15+, R) Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Téa Leoni.
5.30pm Our Yorkshire Farm. (PG, R) 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 7.30 New Tricks. (M, R) 8.40 Shakespeare And Hathaway. (M, R) 9.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. (PG, R) 11.40 Only Fools And Horses. (PG, R) 12.20 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.30 To The Manor Born. (R)
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (M, R)
10.30 The Closer. (M, R)
11.30 The Real Murders Of Orange County. (MA15+)
12.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 1.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R)
5.30pm Our Yorkshire Farm. (R)
6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. (PG, R)
8.40 Poirot. (M, R)
10.40 Dalgliesh. (M, R) 11.40 Keeping Up Appearances. (PG, R)
1.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R)
1.30 Movie: We Joined The Navy. (1962) (G, R)
6.00pm Cricket. One Day International Series. Sri Lanka v Australia. Game 2. Second Innings. 10.00 Movie: True Lies. (1994) (R) Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis. 1.00 Storage Wars. (R) 1.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)
6.00pm Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 1. NSW Waratahs v Highlanders. 8.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 8.45 Movie: Man On A Ledge. (2012) (M, R)
10.45 The Closer. (M, R) 11.45 See No Evil. (M, R) 12.45 Explore. (PG) 1.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R) 10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG, R) 11.00 Frasier. (PG, R) 12.00 Becker. (PG, R) 12.30 The King Of Queens. (PG, R)
5.50pm Alone: The Skills Challenge. (PG, R) 6.15 The Machines That Built America: Plane Pioneers. (PG, R) 7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 The Great Wall With Ash Dykes. (PG) 10.30 Black Comedy In America: The Fresh Prince. (M) 12.20 Devilsdorp. (M, R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (M, R) 9.30 Frasier. (PG, R)
10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG, R) 11.00 Becker. (PG, R) 11.30 The King Of Queens. (PG, R)
12.00 Impractical Jokers. (M, R)
5.50pm The Fast History Of. (PG, R)
6.15 The Machines That Built America. (PG, R)
7.05 Jeopardy! (R)
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R)
8.30 Movie: The Last Samurai. (2003) (MA15+, R) Tom Cruise. 11.15 Movie: The Kid Detective. (2020) (MA15+, R) 1.00 Letterkenny. (M, R)
5.50pm The Fast History Of. (PG, R) 6.15 The Machines That Built America. (PG, R) 7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2024. (M, R) 9.15 The Flight Attendant Murders. (M) 10.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (M, R)
11.30 The King Of Queens. (PG, R) 12.00 Impractical Jokers. (M, R)
6.10pm The Machines That Built America: Telephone Wars. (PG, R)
7.00 Jeopardy! (R)
7.30 If You Are The One. 9.35 Love & Sex In Italy. (M, R)
10.35 Pose. (M)
6.30 Rugby League. NRL. Men’s All Stars. Round 1. Indigenous All Stars v Maori All Stars. 7.00 To The Manor Born. (R)
7.30 Movie: Bridget Jones’s Baby. (2016) (M, R)
9.55 Movie: I Don’t Know How She Does It. (2011) (PG, R)
6.00pm Football Tonight.
6.25 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 19. Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets. 9.00 NCIS. (M, R) 11.45 Bull. (M, R)
6.00pm Frasier. (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. (MA15+, R)
4.30pm Movie: Support Your Local Gunfighter. (1971) (PG, R)
6.30 M*A*S*H. (PG, R) 8.30 Movie: Rambo: First Blood Part II. (1985) (M, R) Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Charles Napier. 10.30 The Closer. (M, R) 11.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+, R)
12.30 Movie: Nurse On Wheels. (1963) (G, R)
5.30pm Our Yorkshire Farm. (PG, R)
6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.30 Death In Paradise. (M, R)
8.40 The Good Karma Hospital. (M, R) 9.40 The Madame Blanc Mysteries. (M, R)
8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (M, R) 9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R)
10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG, R) 11.00 Frasier. (PG, R)
12.00 Becker. (PG, R)
12.30 The King Of Queens. (PG, R)
5.50pm The Fast History Of. (PG, R)
6.15 The Machines That Built America. (PG, R)
7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 Forged In Fire. (PG) 10.15 The Weekly Football Wrap.
10.45 Four Years Later. (M, R) 11.45 The Rope. (MA15+, R)
Fearful (6) 4 Recipe (7) 7 Engraving (10)
Witty exchange (6)
Tapers (7)
Christmas song (5)
Ready (4)
Reviewer (6) 18 End of suffering (10) 19 Main attraction (4)
20 Judges’ hammers (6) 21 Prejudice (4)
22 Wins (5)
24 Omission represented by three periods (8)
27 Sturdy fabric (6)
28 Sufferer (6)
31 Soft drinks (5)
34 Hug (6)
35 Brawl (5)
37 Moody and foreboding (7)
38 Open shoes (7)
41 Shade (4)
42 Monarch (4)
43 Horizon (7)
44 Arsenal (7)
45 Cutting edge of a knife (5)
47 Zealous; alight (6)
48 Kitchen herb (5)
50 Misery (6)
52 Distance unit used in astronomy (6)
53 Artistic (8)
55 Building clay (5)
58 Smooth surface (4)
59 Inconvenience (6)
61 Car (4)
63 Exaggerated imitation (10)
64 Bellowed (6)
66 Encourage in crime (4)
67 Pale brown (5)
68 Staggers (7)
69 Wound up (6)
70 Without thought (10)
71 By the shore (7)
72 Edam or gruyère (6)
Down
2 Parade or display conspicuously (6)
3 Dictator (8)
4 Mushrooms (5)
5 Light, crunchy dessert (8)
6 Undertake (6)
7 Unit of measurement (6)
8 Dressed (7)
9 Type of fish (10)
10 Hand explosives (8)
16 Robber (5)
17 Gambling house (6)
23 Written by an editor (9)
25 Unrelenting (9)
26 Inactive (9)
29 Object (5)
30 Natural satellites (5)
31 Bold (5)
32 Copy (9)
33 Assertion (9)
36 Bee product (9)
39 Weaken (5)
40 Between quarter and grand finals (5)
41 More correct (5)
46 Not coherent (10)
49 Swampy (6)
51 Recording format (5)
52 Announce (8)
54 Uplifts (8)
56 Due date (8)
57 Attestor (7)
59 Unorthodoxy (6)
60 Resting (6)
62 Large cats (6)
65 Artist’s stand (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 included and each letter may only
11 LETTERS STEREOTYPED UTILISATION
SOLUTION
Can you find all the words listed?
Once In A Generation
Over the past two weeks the Hinchinbrook region has experienced a ‘once in a generation’ flooding event. It is one that many locals are comparing to the 1967 floods where the river rose to 15.20m and the 1927 floods which where the river rose to 15.40.
Deputy Mayor Mary Brown said “this will be the flooding event that future generations talk about. When we were kids the 1967 floods were the biggest in recent memory, the 2025 floods will now become this for the next generation”.
