TOP NEWS

For the Community, By The Community State Emergency Services

The State Emergency Service (SES) played a crucial role in the flood recovery across Hinchinbrook, leading rescue and evacuation efforts in Ingham, Halifax, and Lucinda. Working with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), they helped residents in submerged homes, managed storm damage, and supported vulnerable individuals with food and medical aid. SES used aerial resources, including Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, to assess damage. Area Controller John Forde praised the swift reco

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Recovery Group Kick Starts

Following the devastating flooding that hit the Hinchinbrook Shire, the Hinchinbrook Shire Council are now in the recovery stage of a natural disaster. Deputy Mayor Mary Brown is chair of the recovery group and she said that there are four subgroups - Human and Social, Economic Development, Infrastructure and Environment. “We've been working in the background for quite some time and that's how we established the community recovery here locally,” explained Deputy Mayor Mary Brown. “We have a p

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Australian Italian Festival Returns For 30th Anniversary

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

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Australia Day Pool Party 2025 – A Splashing Success!

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—cre

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Australia Day Pool Party 2025 – A Splashing Success!

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!"

IN OTHER NEWS

Drop in with Daniel
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Cardwell Lions Club Delivers Vital Donations to Community
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Halifax Progress Association Plays Vital Role in Flood Response
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Ministers Visit Region To Reassure Pathway Of Recovery
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On The Road To Recovery
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