With countless cars making the drive out to see the infamous Christmas lights at Paul Cavallaro’s house, this lively and extravagant display has become a Hinchinbrook family tradition during the merry season, dating back 21 years. Paul and his mother Mary began creating a lights display for Paul’s nephew and discovered that they enjoyed it so much they continued expanding their collection and, as the years went by, their reputation grew. Continued on page 3 Paul Cavallaro and his mother Mar
Read the full story
With unpredictable weather attempting to dampen the festive spirit of the region, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce and Markets at the Mosaic organisers assured the second 2024 Late Night Shopping event would go ahead, rain, hail or shine! On Thursday 19th December, a wonderful turnout filled Mercer Lane and surrounding precincts, with stalls retailing handmade delights, delicious treats, beautiful plants, fantastic florals, and more for all to enjoy. Shoppers flooded the streets, supporting
Read the full story
Ingham will soon be treated to another wonderful celebration of Italian culture with the return of the Australian Italian Festival scheduled for Saturday 7 June, and Sunday 8 June 2025! An annual celebration of all things food and culture, the Australian Italian Festival continues to make headlines across the state, with the atmosphere beautifully complimented by Ingham’s gorgeous TYTO wetlands and parklands. Since its establishment in 1995, the festival has grown exponentially with the suppor
Read the full story
On Monday 9 December the Hinchinbrook Emergency Service Cadets had their graduation, acknowledging the hard work they have dedicated to the service. 18 Cadets received their end of year graduation certificates marking the completion of the 2024 Program, while one Senior Cadet who is now over 18, graduated the whole program, having been a cadet for the past four years. On the night all Cadets graduated the year and some received special awards. Keldon Fletcher was awarded the Don Prichard mem
Read the full storyOn the 26 November the Hinchinbrook Shire Council gathered in the council chambers for the November General Meeting.
During the meeting, Hinchinbrook Shire Council adopted the 2023-2024 Annual Report, showcasing a year of achievements, community resilience, and forward thinking strategies to support growth and prosperity in the region.
Highlights of the year included the successful delivery of vital infrastructure projects, vibrant community initiatives, and plans to address key challenges such as housing demand and workforce development.
The report reflects Council’s dedication to enhancing liveability and economic opportunities while preserving the Shire’s natural beauty.
Key achievements included:
• Infrastructure upgrades - projects such as the Orient Road Water Main Extension, Herbert Street revitalisation, and Forrest Beach drainage improvements have strengthened the region’s resilience and liveability
• Population growth – Council welcomed 49 new babies at the Underwater Wonderland Baby Welcoming Ceremony, the highest in the event’s history, reflecting an upward population trend
• Sustainability initiatives - rooftop solar installations and a new waste cell at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre are advancing Council’s sustainability goals
• Economic development - the Local Housing Strategy and Development Incentive Schemes are paving the way for new housing projects to meet community needs.
Mayor Ramon Jayo expressed pride in the Shire’s progress, stating, “This year has been one of collaboration and innovation, as we strive to make Hinchinbrook a destination of choice for residents and visitors. With events, increased housing developments, and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping a stronger future for our community.”
Council acknowledged the hurdles faced during the year, including skilled workforce shortages and rising operational costs. Innovative solutions, such as the development of a Regional University Hub and targeted training programs, aim to bridge these gaps while fostering local talent.
The report highlights the success of marquee events like Tasman Turtle’s Big Day Out, Mega Movie Weekends and Queensland Seniors Week, which brought residents together in celebration and strengthened the Shire’s vibrant community identity.
As Hinchinbrook continues to grow, Council is committed to transparency, accountability, and working together with stakeholders to meet future needs.
To view the 2023-2024 Annual Report, please visit Council’s website, Corporate Publications and Reports page.
Hinchinbrook Shire Councillors and Mayor at the November General Meeting. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
