TOP NEWS

Tradie-Lady Wins Big! Hinchinbrook Local Shines at 2025 QRC and WIMARQ Resources Awards

Hinchinbrook’s Kylee Frankee has been awarded the Exceptional Tradeswoman, Technician, and Operator Award at the 2025 BMA Mitsubishi Alliance Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) Awards. With 16 years of experience as an Electrical and Instrument Technician, Kylee has earned a reputation for her expertise, leadership, and dedication to supporting apprentices and advocating for mental health in the workplace. A passionate mentor, she also champi

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Oh, Baby! New Date Confirmed for the Baby Welcoming Ceremony

If your child was born after March 2024, the Hinchinbrook Shire Council warmly invites your family to attend the 2025 Baby Welcoming Ceremony at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library. At this special event, your little one will be officially welcomed as a member of the Hinchinbrook community by the Mayor. Each family will receive a gift bag, a personalised certificate, and a commemorative sapling to symbolise the setting down of new roots and the special new bud added to your family tree. Parents and

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Ingham Post Office Celebrates 90 Years

This year, Ingham Post Office is celebrating 90 years of service and keeping regional Queensland connected. Built in 1935, the post office has become one of the region’s most prominent community hubs and was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List in 2012. Over the decades, it has connected generations of locals through letters, telegrams, phone calls, and now digital services. The region’s postal history dates back to 1871, when services began with a steamer mail run from Cardwell a

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ANZAC Day Memorial Schedule

Dawn Service - Ingham 4:15am the DAWN PARADE will assemble at Mafeking Tree, opposite the Police Station. At the service conclusion all those attending are invited to the RSL Club for breakfast. RSL Remembrance Ceremony - Ingham 6:00am a ceremony will be conducted at the Ingham War Cemetery by the Herbert River Sub-branch of the Returned Service League of Australia. Commemoration Ceremony - Forrest Beach 7:00am a commemoration ceremony will be conducted at the Forrest Beach Memorial. Parade a

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Challenging End To Crushing Season

December 20, 2024

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables 2024 crushing season in the Herbert region has drawn to a close under the shadow of significant challenges that have left some growers grappling with the harsh economic reality of standover cane. Wilmar announced the cessation of operations at Victoria Mill last week, citing a lack of adequate cane supply amid continuing wet weather and forecasted rainfall.
This year’s season has been fraught with setbacks, starting with early industrial action, wet weather, and factory breakdowns that delayed the start of crushing operations. These compounding problems left the region playing catch-up, only to be further hindered by the arrival of the wet season.
Wilmar reported that the decision to end crushing was made following consultations with grower representatives and harvesting contractors, as it became clear that operations were no longer commercially viable. Farmers now face the grim reality of standover cane, which not only impacts this season’s bottom line but also has ripple effects on next year’s harvest.
Harvesting contractors who were cutting were asked to make every effort to get the last bins on the line by 6pm on the 18th of December.
The company’s spokesperson acknowledged the collective effort, stating, “We thank all growers and harvesting operators for your hard work this season and wish you a safe and relaxing Christmas with family and friends.”
According to grower representatives, the difficulties that have characterised the 2024 season and the ongoing challenges predicted for 2025 must be addressed.

IN OTHER NEWS

Family Fun, Fishing, & Fantastic Prizes At Family Fishing Tournament
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Attention Hinchinbrook Cane Farmers! Registrations Now Open For Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships
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Honouring Our Heroes
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Editor's Note
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Budgeting Home Improvements
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