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 storyWith 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 storyIngham 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 storyOn 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 storyHinchinbrook Shire Council is delighted to announce the arrival of nesting Green and Flatback Turtles along the pristine shorelines this season. These remarkable marine creatures are laying their clutches of eggs between November and January, with hatchlings expected to emerge from January to April.
Green Turtles typically lay around 50 eggs per clutch, while Flatback Turtles lay closer to 100. Many turtles nest multiple times a season, and their hatchlings begin a courageous journey to the sea, returning decades later to continue the cycle.
During nesting and hatchling season it’s important to reduce our use of artificial light on the shoreline. Hatchlings use the moonlight and starlight to navigate themselves towards the ocean, which means artificial light can confuse them and they may end up in land.
In addition, nesting turtles prefer beaches with no artificial light, the use of the light can deter them from nesting at their desired beach.
Council is calling on the community to assist in identifying nesting locations and turtle tracks. By reporting sightings or evidence of nesting, such as tracks, residents play a vital role in enabling Council to manage and monitor these sites for the duration of the nesting season.
Nesting sites, including those identified near Lucinda Beach, are fragile ecosystems. Council reminds residents and visitors that activities such as driving or misuse of beaches can crush turtle nests, damage vegetation that protects dunes, and exacerbate erosion. Prohibited behaviours may result in penalties under various legislations.
To report nesting sea turtle sites, please contact Council on 4776 4800 or send a photo of a nest and tracks to council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.
Your support helps protect these magnificent creatures and ensures their legacy for future generations.
Understanding nesting patterns is crucial for:
• Contributing to the conservation of turtle populations within the Great Barrier Reef and globally
• Strengthening funding applications for initiatives like the Hinchinbrook Community Feral Pig Management Program, as feral pigs are known predators of turtle eggs
• Enhancing Hinchinbrook's wilderness appeal, drawing visitors to experience its natural beauty.