Historic Revitalisation for Port Hinchinbrook Announced FRONT COVER The State Government has kickstarted a long-awaited revitalisation of Port Hinchinbrook. The plan includes works to reinstate all-tide and Coast Guard access and resolve long-running legal issues. A Provisional Priority Development Area will be established to transform the precinct into a thriving tourism, economic, and residential hub. This initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to delivering a fresh start for Queensland and regional communities. Port Hinchinbrook will become the first-ever Provisional Priority Development Area, unlocking its full potential. The Queensland-first declaration marks a historic step and addresses long-standing issues that were neglected during the previous decade. Read on page 6 P.3 Premier Announces Port Hinchinbrook Revitilisation Plan Economic Development Queensland will lead the initiative in partnership with Cassowary Coast Regional Council, industry, the community, and other key stakeholders. Prior to the formalisation of the Provisional Priority Development Area, Economic Development Queensland will secure all final approvals for infrastructure works, including the dredging at Port Hinchinbrook. The declaration enables the State Government to begin transforming the Port and surrounding areas by: Reinstating all-tide access for boats to the Port’s marina and public waterways by removing dredging spoil. Restoring clear access for the local Coast Guard to improve safety for boaties. Resolving long-standing legal issues that have impeded the Port’s redevelopment and economic future. The Government will also acquire selected land parcels within the 140-hectare Provisional Priority Development Area – with no impact on private residential properties – to address economic and environmental issues. The conformed deed over the property will be extinguished. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback before the formalisation of the Provisional Priority Development Area in January 2026. Enabling works will follow, with dredging scheduled to commence in the second half of 2026. Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was delivering a fresh start for Port Hinchinbrook. "We've only been in office for a short period of time, but I think most people realise that you've got a government that understands that Queensland is a little bigger than Brisbane, and that's what this is about." “Port Hinchinbrook has been neglected for far too long and today marks the beginning of a new chapter for this proud North Queensland community,” Premier Crisafulli said. “This historic declaration is the first step towards unlocking the Port’s economic and tourism potential and finally fixing the issues that have held this community back for a decade. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the people of Port Hinchinbrook deserved a fast-tracked solution to a complex issue – one that had remained unresolved for far too long. "Local tourism stalled and the community was repeatedly left without answers." He said they were, "restoring Port Hinchinbrook to its rightful place as a thriving tourism and lifestyle hub for North Queensland.” Mayor of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Teresa Millwood, said the project means more to the people of the area as "It's about bringing Port Hinchinbrook back to its former life. The dredging is only one part of it, but it'll mean the world to not only Port Hinchinbrook, but the whole township of Cardwell and the whole of the Cassowary Coast. You heard them talking about the jewel in the crown. This is the southern gateway. So it's going to be unbelievable."
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By Victoria Velton On Friday, 7 November, community members came together for a morning of hands-on environmental action. Volunteers planted native tree saplings that, once grown, will help shade out invasive parra grass and restore valuable habitat for the wetlands’ feathered and furry locals. Participants gathered beside two ute-loads of native trees. Some drilled holes into the clay-like soil, others prepared the saplings, and everyone planted as many trees as they could in the heat, each contributing to a greener future. The event highlighted the importance of community collaboration in tackling invasive species and supporting local biodiversity. It was a day not only about planting trees but also about nurturing long-term environmental stewardship in the region. The planting site adjoined another successfully revegetated area that had been established in a previous project, continuing the creation of a vital wildlife corridor through the TYTO Wetlands.
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Gilroy Santa Maria College marked a remarkable milestone on Wednesday, 30 October 2025, celebrating 75 years of education, faith, and community with a morning of reflection and festivity. Originally planned for last year but postponed due to severe weather, the long-awaited celebration brought together current and former students, staff, clergy, and community members to honour the College’s proud history and enduring legacy. The morning commenced with a liturgy led by Bishop Tim Harris of the Catholic Diocese of Townsville, setting a reverent tone for the occasion. Parish Priest Father John Kunnathumadappallil and Father Sylvester Emetuche from the Catholic Diocese of Townsville joined the ceremony, sharing in the blessings and prayers of the ceremonial mass. Among the many attendees was Bob Mitting, known affectionately as the “Barefoot Gilroy Boy”, who, along with several long-time past students, travelled from near and far to take part in the celebrations. Guests enjoyed guided tours of the College grounds, revisiting familiar spaces and exploring the many changes that have taken place over the decades. Inside the hall, displays of memorabilia, including vintage uniforms, old textbooks, alongside club and class photos, stirred fond memories and conversation, capturing the spirit of 75 years of growth and connection. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the generations who have shaped Gilroy Santa Maria College into the vibrant learning community it is today, while also looking forward to the College’s future with pride and great optimism.
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The Hinchinbrook Festival of Events is entering week 3 of the event calendar, and the organisers are extremely pleased with the attendance and participation at the many events and celebrations delivered to date. The overwhelming and ongoing support from the local and visitor community has exceeded the organisers' expectations. Data recorded to date from each event indicates the majority of the ticketed events have been sell-outs, with the “free to enter” events exceeding previous attendance numbers. As the calendar continues to roll around, the next major event within the “Hinchinbrook Festival of Events” calendar is the NQIB Country Cups Challenge Qualifier - Hinchinbrook Cup Race Day on the 15th November at the Ingham Race Course! This event promises a full day of horse racing, fashion, and socialising that will not disappoint! Being a family-friendly event, a day of exciting trackside entertainment for the whole family is assured. Gates open at 11:00am on Saturday morning, with five local races. Local and southern bookmakers and Sky Racing are onsite for those who want to have a flutter. Live music and a DJ will entertain the crowd, with a bar and canteen open to keep the revellers fed and thirst-quenched. The spectacular “Fashions on the Field” is always a highly contested event and children’s amusements provide entertainment for the younger audience. This year, there is a new fashion category - “Living the Hinchinbrook Way – 4850” - which will add another interesting aspect to the fashions. So get ready to enjoy a day at the races, Hinchinbrook style! Pre-purchase Adult Entry Tickets ($15 each) and Tables ($60 per table – seats 10) online. With kids 0-14 years being free, and teens 14-17 years only available at the gate on race day. For more information, or to purchase Entry Tickets and/or Tables, visit https://hinchinbrookchamber.com.au/hinchinbrook-cup-race-day-family-event/
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The Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Wednesday 20 November, with Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto in attendance on the night.
At the AGM the executive committee were re-elected and are as followed:
President: Mary Brown
Vice-President: Peter Reitano
Treasurer: Siobhan Pelleri
Secretary: Debbie Camp
The new Committee Members are: Sam Torrisi, Ted Cogger and Christina Spencer.
Mary Brown issued a President’s Report during the AGM and touched on several key initiatives Chamber have been involved with over the year.
In November/December of 2023 the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Mayor other sponsors launched the new ‘Shop & Win’ initiative.
The Chamber was pleased to report that, in 2024 the project met with great success with many businesses feeling more support as visitors and locals were encouraged to shop locally.
In May 2024 Chamber managed to deliver an Agricultural Machinery Operator training course. Eleven candidates participated in the course and eleven of them subsequently gained employment.
In other Chamber news, building on the success of the 2023 Markets at the Mosaic, Chamber continued to grow these markets in the last calendar year.
‘Shop The Hinchinbrook Way’ is another initiative managed by Chamber and operated in partnership with Hinchinbrook Shire Council and other major sponsors.
With a marketing campaign to encourage and promote locals and visitors to support local businesses, Chamber were pleased to report that sponsorship grew to a value $13,000 ahead of the event this year.
Chamber also continued their ‘Whole of Shire’ radio promotion discussing Retail & Food, Accommodation, Marine & Beaches, and Nature.
Chamber’s social media profile also increased this year, mainly thanks to Christina Spencer and all of her work in Administration and Social Media Management.
From now on the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce has said they will be hosting more informal occasions, with formalities talked about first, followed by informal chit-chat/networking.
If you would like to join the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce reach out to the team. You can call 4776 0090 or go to hinchinbrookchamber.com.au.
The 2024-2025 Executive Committee: Vice President Peter Reitano, Secretary Debbie Camp, Treasurer Siobhan Pelleri, and President Mary Brown.
(BACK ROW) State Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto, Ted Cogger, Vice President Peter Reitano, President Mary Brown, and Sam Torrisi. (FRONT ROW) – Secretary Debbie Camp, Christina Spencer, and Treasurer Siobhan Pelleri.
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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