The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) enjoyed a spooky twist on their Seniors Morning Coffee Club this week, celebrating Halloween on 24th October. The morning also included a special birthday celebration for October, with warm wishes to Joan Oldham — happy birthday, Joan! Attendees enjoyed a morning filled with Halloween-themed decorations, a few festive costumes, and plenty of laughter. Fun activities included a Halloween trivia challenge and several rounds of Bingo, making it a fantastic morning shared with wonderful company. The next Coffee Morning will be held on Thursday, 7th November. Anyone interested in joining in can contact Desley at the HUB for more details on (07) 4776 1822.
Read the full story
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.
Read the full story
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/
Read the full story
Just like the dashing masked vigilante, Zorro is a handsome, well-dressed young feline with a heart full of promise and the opportunity for a bright future. Zorro may initially seem a bit shy, but give him just thirty minutes, and you'll find yourself enchanted by his gentle nature and sweet demeanour. Once he trusts you, he transforms into a dedicated purr machine, letting you know you've won his heart with his melodic symphony of affection. Zorro will do best in an environment where patience and plenty of love are abundant. His progression from a shy feline to an endearing companion makes him a truly rewarding pet to welcome home. Will you be the one to offer Zorro the loving space to settle and thrive? Please fill in an inquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html. Included in adoption fee of $210 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated. DOB: 1/10/2024 Sex: Male Breed: DSH Colour: Tuxedo Kid friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Yes Dog Friendly: Untested Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors
Read the full story
Ingham Maraka Festival held their ‘Wash-Up Meeting’ on Wednesday 17th December, discussing new plans for the 2025 Maraka Festival and how they wish to improve next years’ event.
President Patrick Lynch said the 2024 Ingham Maraka Festival was a success, with no hiccups but addressed that he would like to see the Cocktail Night event have a larger attendance.
Chantelle Previtera, Maraka Festival Administration Officer, said next year the Festival is going to try to promote the event more.
“Due to the low number of Festival Queens last year, it does give a lower attendance,” she said.
“We're hoping next year that things will be different, and then we will definitely increase those numbers!
“Next year we are going to work on promoting and getting a lot more of the younger ones to take on the Queen Quest.”
Participants in the 2023 and 2024 Ingham Maraka Festival were present at the meeting and spoke about what they liked most about the festival.
Runner-up Queen in 2024 Johanna Buckle said it was a fun experience.
“Mostly I really enjoyed it, I got to make new friends out of it and it was a way to get the community together,” said Johanna.
Miss Personality 2024 Rachel Hallam enjoyed the festival because it was something different.
“You don’t get to do it often and I’m looking forward to it next year,” she said.
Princess winner of 2023 was at the meeting, to ‘hand over the baton’ to this years’ 2024 winner.
“I really liked all of the community events that were hosted by the Council, I went to senior morning tea, the Tasman Turtles Big Day Out, and I went to a Christmas senior afternoon tea,” she said.
“I liked seeing everybody there in town, and there were lots of people enjoying themselves and I really like being a part of it.”
Princess winner of 2024 Hazel Cary said she liked the festival because she was able to make new friends and get out of her shell a bit more.
“I enjoyed that I was able to have new experiences, get out of my shell a little bit and try new things that I've never been able to do, and especially because now that I've won, I get the chance to promote Ingham even more. I just had a really good time,” she said.
The Ingham Maraka Festival 2025 dates are still to be decided.
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.
