Over 3,000 soldiers have flocked to the Hinchinbrook region to engage in one of Australia’s largest war-fighting exercises, second only to Exercise Talisman Sabre. The major event, titled the North Queensland Warfighter and Exercise Southern Jackaroo, will host soldiers and equipment from Army’s 3rd Brigade, the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. Continued on page 4. **Thousands Of Troops Descend On Hinchinbrook Continued from page 1. Commander 3rd B
Read the full storyThe countdown is on! The highly anticipated Link2Country Expo, presented by CANEGROWERS, is just around the corner, making its debut on May 23rd and 24th at the Ingham Showgrounds. This action-packed, two-day event is set to bring the agricultural sector to life, connecting local communities to hands-on experiences, career opportunities, and much more. With just a week to go, excitement is building as preparations for the event come to a close. The expo will feature trade stalls hosted by indus
Read the full storyby Victoria Velton For nearly four decades, Sue and Douglas Barrie have been the heart and soul of the Seymour Hotel, dedicating themselves to preserving its rich heritage while creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. Sue and Douglas’s journey to owning the Seymour Hotel began with family. Originally from Victoria, the couple eventually settled in Townsville. Sue explains, "We came to Townsville because that's where the kids were, and we looked at what we would do in Townsville
Read the full storyIt is with mixed emotions of excitement, sadness, nervousness, and anticipation that we announce the closing of The Paper Shop. While it’s hard to say goodbye, we are excited to continue serving you at Forrest Beach News, and our paper delivery service will remain unchanged. Our story began on April 7th, 1986, when Brian and Jenny Olivero took over The Paper Shop Newsagency at 84 Cartwright Street. Formerly a chemist, post office, and newsagency and at the time, we lived at the back of the shop
Read the full storyMay 13, 2025
In today’s digital age, children are spending more time indoors than ever before. However, there are countless benefits to getting children outdoors and engaging them in nature-based activities, especially in the Hinchinbrook region, where the environment is brimming with opportunities for exploration. Playing outside in nature is crucial for a child’s physical, mental, and emotional development. Nature-based play promotes physical health by encouraging exercise, which is vital for muscle devel
Read the full storyMay 13, 2025
Queensland’s State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have had a demanding start to 2025, stepping up time and time again in the face of severe weather and community need. From devastating floods in the state’s north to the widespread impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred and record-breaking inundation across Central and South Western Queensland, these dedicated individuals have been on the ground helping wherever they are needed most. The SES has remained a crucial part of the state’s emergency r
Read the full storyMay 13, 2025
Originally named HMS Apollo, she was a Type Modified Leander, of the Light Cruiser Class. The Apollo was built at the Devonport Dockyard, United Kingdom, having first been laid down on August 15, 1933. She was launched on October 9, 1934 and completed for service in January 1936. After joining the RAN on September 28, 1938 she was renamed HMAS Hobart by Mrs SM Bruce, wife of the Australian High Commissioner. During the Battle of the Coral Sea, the HMAS Hobart gunners shot down two Japanese airc
Read the full storyMay 13, 2025
The volunteers at Lucinda Coast Guard are saddened by the recent passing of long-time member Paul Entriken. After a long and distinguished career in the Police Force, Paul earned the right to retire and just go fishing, which he loved doing, but he decided that he had time and experience to do something for the community in which he lived, so he joined the Coast Guard. Known as a quiet, contemplative man, Paul worked his way through the ranks to become the Flotilla’s Training Officer, a job tha
Read the full storyMay 13, 2025
Thomas discovered his love for tennis in late 2020 when he was just nine years old. Before picking up a racket, he tried his hand at football, cricket, and taekwondo, but none of these sports quite matched his energy and enthusiasm. Then came tennis—a game full of non-stop action and high-paced excitement, and it was love at first serve. One of the key reasons Thomas enjoys tennis so much is his coach, Tom, who knows how to make learning both engaging and enjoyable as his sessions are packed wi
Read the full storyMay 13, 2025
This weekend saw 54 total Parkrunners, including this journalist and my little sister. This weekend we attended the Palm Creek parkrun in Ingham and took it very casually. We walked most of the way discussing this and that; school, horse-riding, how cool it was that tadpoles become frogs and sometimes toads, the usual kid topics. But when the final lap hit it was on! We raced down path and all her friends called out to her, cheering her on. Needless to say she beat me across the line but just b
Read the full storyFebruary 18, 2025
One of the state’s most infamous celebrations of Italian culture will grace the Hinchinbrook Shire once again when the Australian Italian Festival returns on the 7th and 8th of June 2025. Over the decades, the festival has attracted waves of support and interest across the nation and beyond, and a particular State Library of Queensland interview conducted in 2013 further cemented the festival’s deserving place in the state’s history. 2013 President of the Australian Italian Festival Commi
Read the full storyMay 6, 2025
Tuesday 6 May 9:00am - 12:00pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd, Ingham. Senior Men's Social Group. Are you a man over 60, or 55 if you identify as ATSI, looking for a place to belong, connect and share good times? Meet other men, enjoy meaningful conversations, and participate in fun activities. Please contact Desley at: 4776 1822 2:30pm - 4:00pm at 100 Mcilwraith St, Ingham. Green Thumbs Club. Join us every Tuesday for a gardening adventure! Engage in small sustainable garden projects and
Read the full storyMay 6, 2025
In an age where identity, expression, and individuality are constantly evolving, art remains one of the most powerful tools for exploring the human experience. The upcoming Androgyny exhibition at TYTO Regional Art Gallery invites viewers into a space where the boundaries of gender, self, and aesthetic are challenged and re-imagined through compelling contemporary works. Opening on May 16, this evocative exhibition brings together a diverse group of artists who each offer their own interpretati
Read the full storyMay 2, 2025
Tuesday 29 April 9:00am - 12:00pm Start location provided on RSVP. Cafe Crawl. Join us on a cafe adventure through our community. Come along as we explore the different cafe's we have available to us within our community and have a chat, sip a coffee and a bite to eat. If interested please RSVP at: 4776 1822. 9:00am - 12:00pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd, Ingham. Senior Men's Social Group. Are you a man over 60, or 55 if you identify as ATSI, looking for a place to belong, connect and s
Read the full storyApril 22, 2025
There’s truly no better time than the present for you and your family to come together to create boat loads of fun and precious memories. Press pause, reconnect, and enjoy some well-deserved fun in your own backyard with the plethora of activities on offer within the Hinchinbrook Shire. Wallaman Falls Are you and your family lovers of the great outdoors and fantastic waterfalls? You’re in luck because a visit to Wallaman Falls will surely brighten your day, and may even make your week especiall
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