Friday 28 March
Tea & Trivia
Friday 9.30am
Come along and join in the fun for Council's first Tea and Trivia for 2025 by being part of this ever growing social morning and enjoy Trivia, Bingo, Raffles, Locally baked delights, and tea and coffee
Tyto Conference and Events Centre

Saturday 5 April
Mt Fox Markets
Saturday 11am
Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199 758.
Mt Fox Campgrounds

Sunday 6 April
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets!
Rotary Park, Ingham

Sunday 6 April
Rags to Rhinestones: The Dolly Parton Tribute
Sunday 5pm
Step into the world of Dolly Parton, the iconic queen of country music who has dazzled fans with 26 number-one hits and a career that spans decades.
JL Kelly Theatre

Thursday 10 April
Paluma Adventure Day
Thursday 8am
Join the Outer Limits Adventure and Fitness crew for an exhilarating day of high ropes, bush walking, archery tag, and an included BBQ lunch!
Outer Limits Adventure Centre

The coastal community of Lucinda is set to gain a vibrant new public artwork, and locals of all ages are invited to take part in its creation.

Artist Lavinia Letheby, from Art By Lavinia, is leading a special mural project at the Dungeness Harbour Boat Ramp, transforming the amenities block with a stunning underwater themed mural. The artwork will bring colour and creativity to the popular fishing and boating spot.

To make this project truly community-driven, a free painting workshop will be held on Sunday, 30th March, from 9am to 2pm. The workshop follows a paint-by-numbers format, allowing participants of all ages and abilities to contribute to the mural in a fun and accessible way.

“Everyone of all ages and abilities can come along and help create this vibrant new artwork” Lavinia said.

Be a part of creating the new mural, everyone is encouraged to pick up a brush and paint.

To keep participants fuelled for the day, the Lucinda Progress Association will be providing a free sausage sizzle.

The project is supported by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and local councils to foster arts and culture in regional communities.

Please note that the event is weather dependent and may be postponed to the following weekend if rain is forecasted.

For those keen to take part, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to a community artwork that will be admired for years to come.

Make sure you remember to slip, slap, slop and bring water for rehydration.

Art by Lavinia has painted many murals in the Hinchinbrook Shire Region, you will most definitely have seen her prior work. Lavinia is looking forward to returning to the region and she can’t wait to meet everybody helping in this community project.

What: Mural Workshop
Where: Dungeness Boat Ramp
When: Sunday 30th March 9am – 2pm

DATE MAY CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER EVENTS

Kick back under the stars and enjoy a night of country music at the Townsville Civic Theatre on Thursday, 20 Mar 2025.

Join Australian country music legend Adam Harvey for an unforgettable evening of timeless classics and new hits. With a career spanning over two decades, half a million album sales, multiple gold and platinum records, and nine Golden Guitar Awards, Harvey is one of Australia’s most beloved and enduring artists.

Currently touring nationwide in celebration of his 17th studio album, Let The Song Take You Home, Harvey’s live show will transport you through country music’s golden moments. Expect a mix of classic favorites, new tracks, and all of his greatest hits—a night of storytelling and music.

Adam’s dad came from Whitsundays, and Adam grew up listening to country music with his dad, who had a fantastic selection of vinyl country music.

“My dad was a country music expert. He’d play songs and explain their history—like how a particular track was a hit in 1973 or how it marked the first time Johnny Cash defied the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

“He was like an encyclopedia.”

"As a kid, I fell in love with music, the songs, the way they made me feel, and the thought of writing my own one day.

Adam was gifted a guitar after his auntie found one in her new flat she had just moved into that the previous tenants had left. She brought its over to Adams dads house and said, “I was going to throw this out, but I thought you might want it,” and thats when Adams music career began.

While Adam has won various awards, he said the most special ones are when you get a gold or platinum record. "People have to put fuel in their cars and buy groceries, those are necessities. But they don’t have to buy my music. So, when someone chooses to spend their hard-earned money on it, it really hits home. It makes me think, ‘Wow, they care enough, they believe in my music enough, to actually buy it.’

Adam shared how songs instantly evoke memories, inspiring the theme of his album.

“Every night, I sing a Kenny Rogers song that takes me back to Sunday mornings as a kid—Dad blaring his cassette at 6am, singing off-key while making breakfast none of us wanted to wake up for.

“Music is the soundtrack of our lives, and it signifies the special moments, whether it's the song we dance to at our wedding or the song that we said goodbye to, a loved one at their send-off, or the, party that we'll talk about forever.”

Adam shared his enthusiasm for performing in regional areas, emphasising the unique energy of these audiences.

"The regions are better because, in big cities, people are spoiled for choice. They have multiple shows to choose from on any given night. But in regional areas, people make the effort—it’s a big occasion."

He encouraged everyone to attend, promising an unforgettable experience.

"I can guarantee they will have a great night, and if they’re not happy, I’ll give them their money back."

What’s your wildest concert memory?

“I was actually at a Willie Nelson concert, and through a friend of a friend, Becky Cole, who was there, Willie asked me to get up and sing on the show, without knowing.”

“I can thank my good friend Becky Cole for that one.”

What: Adam Harvey
Where:Townsville Civic Theatre
When: Friday 20th March,7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

The Halifax community is gearing up for two exciting events that will bring residents together for fun, food, and local flair this March and April.

Halifax Markets by the River

The much-anticipated Halifax Markets by the River will kick off on April 26th and will continue on the last Saturday of each month. Running from 8am to 12pm, the market promises to be a fantastic opportunity for locals to explore unique stalls, handmade goods, and fresh produce. Whether you’re looking to support local businesses or find something special, the market is sure to have something for everyone.

For those looking to set up their own stalls, 3x3m sites are available for just $10. However, vendors must have a current public liability insurance certificate to secure a spot. To book your site, reach out to Nicci at 0468 996 075 or send a message to the Halifax Progress and Tourism Association. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting new addition to the town’s events calendar!

Lower Herbert United Community Event

The second event is the Lower Herbert United community event, taking place on March 22nd at the Halifax Community Hall starting at 4pm. This free-entry event invites all Lower Herbert groups and businesses to come together for an afternoon of fun and community spirit.

Enjoy a variety of activities, including food stalls, a bar, and plenty of entertainment for the kids. A BMX track will also be available for those looking to showcase their skills or try something new. Local community groups will be present, offering a great chance to connect with others in the region. This event is a perfect way to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Halifax.

Mark your calendars and join in the fun at these upcoming events!

WHAT: Lower Herbert United Community Event
WHERE: Halifax Community Hall
WHEN: Saturday 22nd March

WHAT: Markets By The River
WHERE: River Park (behind the Spar)
WHEN: Saturday 26th April (and last Saturday of every month)

The Seniors Morning Coffee Club is back and ready to welcome all local seniors! Taking place every second Friday, the club meets from 9:30am to 10:30am for a morning of coffee, morning tea, and plenty of fun.

Enjoy games, trivia, and even prizes while sipping your coffee and catching up with friends. The event costs just $3.00 and is held at 71 Townsville Road, Ingham.

If transport is an issue, don’t worry—pick-up is available from your residence, with a bus running to Halifax and around town.

For more details or to arrange transport, call Desley at the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Inc. on 4776 1822.

Come along and enjoy a relaxing start to your Friday!

WHAT: Seniors Morning Coffee Club
WHERE: 71 Townsville Road, Ingham
WHEN: Second Friday of every month

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 22, from 8am to 12pm, as the Uptown Market returns for its first event of 2025. Taking place this Saturday, preparations are well underway to showcase the best of local artisans, growers, and makers from our region.

The market will be held in the vibrant Lannercost Street retail area, at the northern end, offering a variety of stalls filled with handmade goods, fresh produce, and unique items crafted by talented locals. It's the perfect opportunity to support our community and discover something special.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event as it kicks off the 2025 market season—there’s sure to be something for everyone!

WHAT: Uptown Market
WHERE: Lannercost Street retail area
WHEN: Saturday, March 22, from 8am to 12pm

The Ingham Theatre Group is thrilled to announce their brand new 10-week Children’s
Theatre Program for ages 9 to 12, starting on Saturday 26th April 2025. This exciting
initiative is designed to foster creativity, confidence, and teamwork through performance
and stagecraft.

Held at The Meeting Place every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, this program will
provide young performers with hands-on theatre experience, culminating in a final
showcase performance for family and friends. Children will develop essential skills in
drama, improvisation, and stagecraft, while building friendships, fostering teamwork and
having fun in a supportive environment.

Why Join The Ingham Children’s Theatre Group?
• Develop confidence, communication, and teamwork skills
• Learn the fundamentals of theatre in a fun, interactive setting
• The thrill of performing on stage and standing in the spotlight
• Be part of the thriving Ingham Theatre Group community

With only 15 spots available, this is a unique opportunity for young aspiring performers
to explore the magic of theatre at an affordable cost of just $20 per student for the 10-
week course.

The program is facilitated by Miss Kimberley, an experienced theatre instructor and
active member of Ingham Theatre Group.

Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity for your child. To register your child, email
secretary@inghamtheatregroup.org.au for an application form.

Spots are strictly limited – register now to avoid disappointment!

Contributed with thanks to Steven Veltmeyer

Saturday 22 March
Ingham Up Town Markets
Saturday 8am
Enjoy a morning browsing the talents of the Hinchinbrook community at the Ingham Up Town Markets from 8am to midday!
Lannercost Street

Saturday 22 March
Baby Welcoming Ceremony
Saturday 9am
Each new baby that has arrived in the community over the past twelve months will receive a Welcoming Certificate, Sapling and a Gift Bag. Parents can plant their sapling to commemorate their new baby and watch as they both grow, providing for the future prosperity of the Hinchinbrook Shire. Enjoy a fun filled morning of yummy food, sensory play, arts and crafts for the whole family.
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Friday 28 March
Tea & Trivia
Friday 9.30am
Come along and join in the fun for Council's first Tea and Trivia for 2025 by being part of this ever growing social morning and enjoy Trivia, Bingo, Raffles, Locally baked delights, and tea and coffee
Tyto Conference and Events Centre

Saturday 5 April
Mt Fox Markets
Saturday 11am
Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199 758.
Mt Fox Campgrounds

Sunday 6 April
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets!
Rotary Park, Ingham

Sunday 6 April
Rags to Rhinestones: The Dolly Parton Tribute
Sunday 5pm
Step into the world of Dolly Parton, the iconic queen of country music who has dazzled fans with 26 number-one hits and a career that spans decades.
JL Kelly Theatre

Thursday 10 April
Paluma Adventure Day
Thursday 8am
Join the Outer Limits Adventure and Fitness crew for an exhilarating day of high ropes, bush walking, archery tag, and an included BBQ lunch!
Outer Limits Adventure Centre

Saturday 12 April
Ingham Conroy Hall Markets
Saturday 7:30am
Come one, come all to one of Hinchinbrook’s longest running market events, Conroy Hall Markets! Browse a selection of stalls retailing plants, antiques, clothes, handmade delights, and more!
Conroy Hall

Hinchinbrook is in for a treat as Emmy Award winner and three-time Grammy-nominated artist Toni Childs performs at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall. This special two-hour show will feature a blend of storytelling and music, celebrating her storied career with iconic hits from albums like Union, House of Hope, and Keep the Faith. Toni, known for her powerful voice and inspiring independence, has captivated audiences worldwide, performing alongside legends such as Bob Dylan, Al Green, and Peter Gabriel.

Her internationally acclaimed songs, including “Don’t Walk Away,” “Zimbabwe,” and “Where’s the Ocean,” resonate deeply with listeners of all backgrounds. With decades of groundbreaking music, Toni has built a devoted fan base across 50 countries. This concert promises to be an intimate reflection on her musical journey.

Toni Childs Performs At Hinchinbrook Shire Hall

Hinchinbrook is set to be treated to an unforgettable musical experience as Emmy Award winner and three-time Grammy-nominated recording artist Toni Childs takes the stage for a special two-hour performance at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall. This unique event will celebrate Toni’s illustrious career through a blend of storytelling and song, as she performs iconic hits and fan favourites from albums such as Union, House of Hope, The Woman’s Boat, and Keep the Faith.

Toni Childs has earned the admiration of fans from over 50 countries worldwide, and her impressive career spans decades of groundbreaking music and performances. She has graced the stage alongside legends like Bob Dylan, opening for him at the renowned Radio City Music Hall, and sharing duets with musical greats like Al Green, Peter Gabriel, and Zucchero.

Known for her powerful voice and inspiring independent spirit, Toni is also celebrated for her storytelling prowess. Her music resonates with listeners from all walks of life, featuring internationally acclaimed hits such as Don’t Walk Away, Stop Your Fussin’, Walk and Talk Like Angels, Zimbabwe, Where’s the Ocean, Many Rivers to Cross, I’ve Got to Go Now, and Because You’re Beautiful.

Throughout her career, Toni Childs has consistently broken new ground, creating music that touches hearts across generations. She has performed around the world, earning a dedicated and growing fan base wherever she goes. Now, she’s set to share her musical journey live in Hinchinbrook, offering an intimate evening of reflection, connection, and celebration.

Looking to the future, Toni will soon release two highly anticipated albums: It’s All A Beautiful Noise and Citizens of the Planet, both of which promise to showcase her signature style and visionary approach to music.

For those looking for an even more special experience, Toni is offering an exclusive VIP Meet & Greet Package. This incredible opportunity includes a front-row concert ticket, a digital copy of Toni Childs’ Greatest Hits two-CD set, and a drink backstage with Toni before the show. The VIP package is available for a limited time at a special ticket price of $175.

Don’t miss your chance to relive your favourite musical memories with Toni Childs in this unforgettable live performance. Experience the magic of her greatest hits, and see firsthand why she remains one of the most celebrated artists of our time.

Tickets are limited, so be sure to secure your spot for this extraordinary night of music!

WHAT: Toni Childs In Concert
WHERE: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall
When: Friday 28th March

Cardwell and Cassowary Coast residents can now enter in the Cassowary Coast Talent Quest 2025.

Aspiring performers have the chance to showcase their talents and win cash prizes.

With a welcoming audience and encouraging judges, this is a fantastic opportunity for soloists, duos, and groups to take the stage.

It is open to juniors (ages 5-12) and seniors (ages 13-18), cash prizes include $500 for first place, $300 for second, and $200 for third, plus four Judges Favourite Choice Awards totalled at $100, and one People’s Choice Award with a $100 prize too.

Performers of all kinds are encouraged to apply, including singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and more!

The first auditions take place on April 5, with the finale on April 12 both at El Arish RSL Memorial Hall.

Applications close March 15 at 5 p.m. Apply now at www.cassowarycoasttalentquest.com.au.

Entry is $5 per act, but free for flood-affected areas.

‍

Saturday 15 March
International Soprano Sensation Mirusia in Celebration
Saturday 5pm
International Soprano Sensation MIRUSIA in 40th Birthday Celebration Concert by Andre Rieu's Star Soprano!
Hinchinbrook Shire Hall

Sunday 16 March
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets!
Rotary Park, Ingham

Monday 17 March
Morning Melodies: Billy & Barry in Concert
Monday 10.30am
Two of the greatest piano men of all time, Billy Joel and Barry Manilow come together in a unique and spectacular celebration of their beloved music & lyrics. Starring internationally acclaimed vocalist Thomas Armstrong-Robley direct from performances in over 40 countries, Barry & Billy: In Concert boasts a set-list of chart-topping hits from both icons.
Hinchinbrook Shire Hall

Saturday 22 March
Ingham Up Town Markets
Saturday 8am
Enjoy a morning browsing the talents of the Hinchinbrook community at the Ingham Up Town Markets from 8am to midday!
Lannercost Street

Saturday 22 March
Baby Welcoming Ceremony
Saturday 9am
Each new baby that has arrived in the community over the past twelve months will receive a Welcoming Certificate, Sapling and a Gift Bag. Parents can plant their sapling to commemorate their new baby and watch as they both grow, providing for the future prosperity of the Hinchinbrook Shire. Enjoy a fun filled morning of yummy food, sensory play, arts and crafts for the whole family.
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Friday 28 March
Tea & Trivia
Friday 9.30am
Come along and join in the fun for Council's first Tea and Trivia for 2025 by being part of this ever growing social morning and enjoy Trivia, Bingo, Raffles, Locally baked delights, and tea and coffee
Tyto Conference and Events Centre

Described as the most authentic Johnny Cash show around, Aussie husband and wife duo, Mark & Joanne Caligiuri, embody the legend that was Cash and his singer wife, June Carter. But before he was Cash, Mark was King.

Originally Mark was performing as Elvis Presley, and singing his popular songs around the country, but at one particular show his world and destiny would change forever. It was at one of these performances that they first came to lay eyes on each other as Joanne explains.

“I love music from Elvis, Chuck Berry, Cash, Dolly Parton… I love all that era. But that’s how I met him (Mark),” Joanne laughs.

“I grew up being a Johnny Cash fan, and while Mark knew of him he wasn’t that familiar with Cash’s music. Then as we started dating, in 2006 the movie ‘Walk The Line’ came out, which starred Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. I was like, ‘Oh my God, Johnny Cash, do you know Cash? And he said, ‘Kind of.’ I said, ‘Mate, this movie’s coming out you must go see it, I guarantee it’s going to be great’ and so we went and saw it together,” she smiles.

“I was singing along to the songs and even though Mark didn’t know them by the time the film had finished he turned to me and said, ‘I love Johnny Cash’. I gave him my Cash CDs to listen to and he really got into it and afterwards.”

“I was watching the film and just listening to the songs and I thought this is great,” Mark adds.

From there a seed was planted before Joanne said, ‘Why don’t we perform our own Cash show’ and that’s how it all came about,” she says.

Their Johnny Cash & June Carter Get Rhythm show, has garnered some high praise with it being labelled the most authentic Cash/Carter show being the highest. There’s no doubt about it, in speaking with this real life husband & wife performer duo, their energy and commitment is unparalleled.

“We do our best to stay true to who Cash and Carter were. Obviously we have the edge in that we’re married, so that connection is real. We have great communication with each other on stage and with the band. We involve the audience so they also become part of the show,” Joanne enthuses.

“Most people get that you're taking on a character. With Johnny Cash, it’s all about the voice and conviction. We often evoke strong reactions from our audience because you're tapping into people’s memories and for some, those memories can be quite deep,” Mark adds.

“We’re very proud of what we do and what we created. We've worked extremely hard to give the most authentic Johnny Cash show in Australia,” he concludes.

This two part show includes Cash’s biggest hits such as ‘Folsom Prison Blues,’ ‘Ring Of Fire,’ and 'Walk The Line’ and is expected to sell out.

WHAT: Get Rhythm, The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show
WHERE: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall
WHEN: Sunday 25th May

‍

Saturday 1 March
Mt Fox Markets
Saturday 11am
Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199 758.
Mt Fox Campgrounds

Sunday 2 March
Clean Up Australia Day
Sunday All Day
Clean Up Australia Day has been helping keep Australia beautiful for over 35 years! Members of the Hinchinbrook community can either check with local groups and organisations or create their own clean-up crew to keep our streets, parklands, beaches, and surrounding areas pristine. For more information, visit www.cleanup.org.au.
Hinchinbrook Area

Sunday 2 March
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets!
Rotary Park, Ingham

Wednesday 5 March
Morning Melodies: Billy and Barry in Concert
Wednesday 10:30am
Thomas Armstrong-Robley starring in: Two of the greatest piano men of all time, Billy Joel and Barry Manilow come together in a unique and spectacular celebration of their beloved music & lyrics.
JL Kelly Theatre

Saturday 8 March
Ingham Conroy Hall Markets
Saturday 7:30am
Come one, come all to one of Hinchinbrook’s longest running market events, Conroy Hall Markets! Browse a selection of stalls retailing plants, antiques, clothes, handmade delights, and more!
Conroy Hall

Saturday 15 March
International Soprano Sensation Mirusia in Celebration
Saturday 5pm
International Soprano Sensation MIRUSIA in 40th Birthday Celebration Concert by Andre Rieu's Star Soprano!
JL Kelly Theatre

Sunday 16 March
Ingham Raintree Community Markets
Sunday 7am
A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets!
Rotary Park, Ingham

Saturday 22 March
Ingham Up Town Markets
Saturday 8am
Enjoy a morning browsing the talents of the Hinchinbrook community at the Ingham Up Town Markets from 8am to midday!
Lannercost Street

Saturday 22 March
Baby Welcoming Ceremony
Saturday 9am
Each new baby that has arrived in the community over the past twelve months will receive a Welcoming Certificate, Sapling and a Gift Bag. Parents can plant their sapling to commemorate their new baby and watch as they both grow, providing for the future prosperity of the Hinchinbrook Shire. Enjoy a fun filled morning of yummy food, sensory play, arts and crafts for the whole family.
Hinchinbrook Shire Library

Tuesday 25 March
‘In Good Audience’
Tuesday 6:30pm
The Ingham Theatre Group is excited to present ‘In Good Audience’ at the JL Kelly Theatre in March 2024.
JL Kelly Theatre

Wednesday 26 March
‘In Good Audience’
Wednesday 6:30pm
The Ingham Theatre Group is excited to present ‘In Good Audience’ at the JL Kelly Theatre in March 2024.
JL Kelly Theatre

‍

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 Committee, Mr Pino Giandomenico, also known as Giuseppe Antonio Giandomenico, was enjoying an extended holiday in Abruzzi in Italy when he spoke on the importance and significance of the festival with the Queensland State Library.  

At the time, Pino had been the President of the Committee for 15 wonderful years and was also part of the Steering Committee that introduced the festival in 1995.

“We started planning around 1990, and the first festival was a major festival that went for nearly a month – a full week of festivities – it was a month covering all the other little things around the place – and that’s the year we had Tina Arena,” reminisced Pino.  

Although the inaugural festival faced many challenges, the Committee and 1995 President, Alf Bowfinger, worked closely with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council as the chairman of the Hinchinbrook Cardwell Development Area to find a way for the festival to live on. The festival transformed into a celebration of Ingham’s mixed Australian and Italian population, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“It’s not an Italian festival that’s only Italian,” Pino explained.

“It’s a festival to show the way in which the Italians have blended in with the Australian culture, and the Australians have blended in with the Italian culture, and vice versa, with other nationalities too.”

In June, the festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary and over the past three decades, the key celebratory components of the event have remained the same.

“If you know the Italian culture, it’s all about wine, food and music,” added Pino.

“We’ve tried to bring in the Italian cuisine, as you know, “Mama’s Cucina” is one of the highlights of the festival – it’s got all of the pasta and the gnocchi and the different types of meat, all made the Italian way – the way Mama used to cook back in the old days.”

Pino explained that the majority of volunteers who cook for the festival are of Italian descent, adding that crafting only the sauce and arancini balls can take weeks of preparation.

“The arancini is a very laborious food to make; they spend weekends after weekends making thousands of those ‘cinis – it’s a lovely, lovely food to eat,” Pino shared.

“Ciao! Benvenuti! Siamo tutto bene! Siamo mangiamo! Mangiamo, cantiamo!” [Hi! Welcome! We are all good! Let’s eat! Let’s eat, let’s sing!]

‍

What: Australian Italian Festival
When: 7th and 8th of June
Where: TYTO Parklands, Ingham
More Information: visit www.australianitalianfestival.com.au, email admin@australianitalianfestival.com.au or call (07) 4776 5288

‍

The Australia Day Pool Party at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre on Sunday 26 January 2025, was a fantastic community celebration, bringing together families and friends for a day filled with fun, laughter, and Aussie spirit!
 
A True Blue Aussie Celebration
The festivities kicked off at 9.30am with a lamington style cake-cutting, setting the tone for a day of enjoyment. By 10am, DJ Wayne Newton was spinning all the Aussie classics, keeping the energy high and the good vibes flowing until 3pm—creating the ultimate summer soundtrack for a poolside party.
 
Fun for Everyone
With around 200 people in attendance, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The pool was a hub of excitement, packed with inflatable toys, while kids delighted in face painting, arts and crafts, board games, and temporary Australian flag tattoos. The kids' disco and games at 1pm were a standout highlight, drawing plenty of laughter, dancing, and smiles.
 
Good Vibes & Great Food
No Aussie celebration is complete without a classic sausage sizzle! Thanks to the support of the Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Hinchinbrook Aquatics, every guest enjoyed a free sausage on bread and a refreshing cold drink, just what was needed after hours of swimming and dancing.
 
Safety First
With lifeguards on duty throughout the event, families could relax knowing that everyone was safe while having a great time in the water.
 
A Heartfelt Thank You
Ryan and Sarah Sheahan expressed their gratitude, saying:

"A huge thank you to the Hinchinbrook Shire Council for their generous funding and support in making our Australia Day pool party such a success! The contribution helped us create a fantastic event for the community, filled with fun, laughter and celebration. We truly appreciate the council’s support. We also would like to give a big shoutout to DJ Wayne for the fantastic music, our amazing lifeguards, and our amazing friends and volunteers that turned out to cook the BBQ and join in the fun. Finally, to the wonderful community members who turned up in droves to celebrate—thank you! You made the event so special, and we’re already looking forward to the next one!"