Let’s take a look at what’s been happening in communities across the Gulf!
CROYDON SHIRE
Croydon Library has received funding from the Digital Starter Grant through State Library Queensland, enabling the purchase of four iPads and four laptops for community use. The new devices will support digital literacy programs, including workshops, one-on-one tech help, and STEM activities for children and young people, helping residents of all ages build confidence with technology.
To complement this, the library has added new portable shelving on wheels, also funded through State Library Queensland. The flexible shelving allows staff to easily reconfigure spaces for programs and community activities, enhancing the library’s role as a welcoming, multi-purpose hub.
In a creative highlight, Golden Guitar-winning singer-songwriter Josh Arnold visited Croydon with support from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). Working with local residents, school students, and community groups, he helped create “Forever Golden”, a song celebrating Croydon. The project captured local stories and pride, giving the community a chance to shine through music and creativity.
Croydon, like others, faced challenges in late 2025, with significant flooding leaving some areas wet and waterlogged. While roads, yards, and properties were affected, the community has rallied together, demonstrating resilience and neighbourly spirit as clean-up efforts continue.
On a practical note, Croydon Shire Council now hosts a battery recycling program at the Library, with WHS representative Terry placing the first battery in the box. Residents can safely recycle a wide range of household and workplace batteries, helping reduce fire risks and keep hazardous waste out of landfill. The service is available during normal library hours, offering a convenient and safe option for the community.
CARPENTARIA SHIRE
Construction of the $80 million Mitchell River Bridge over the Mitchell River on Dunbar Koolatah Road continues to be the major infrastructure project for Carpentaria Shire. This major infrastructure project was developed to address ongoing access issues caused by frequent wet season road closures. The Mitchell River Crossing is one of the most isolated crossings in Queensland. Once completed, the bridge will form the final missing link in a continuous travel circuit around Australia, providing a vital direct link and shortcut between the Cape and Gulf country.
The new bridge will replace the existing low-level poly gabion structure, which has long been vulnerable to flooding. The bridge will span 480 metres with two traffic lanes. Positioned 4.5 metres above current water levels, the elevated design will significantly reduce flood impacts. The structure will be supported by 1.2 metre diameter steel piles driven approximately 25 metres into the riverbed.
The project has also engaged local Indigenous communities in its delivery. Since construction commenced, 12 local Indigenous workers have been employed full-time, gaining valuable skills and experience, including training as plant operators and in road construction and maintenance. These skills are crucial not only to the construction of the Mitchell River Bridge, but also to the delivery of future road projects across the Gulf.
The Mitchell River Bridge project is jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), administered through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).
MAREEBA SHIRE
The countdown is on for the iconic Mareeba & Dimbulah Community Bank Great Wheelbarrow Race 2026. In the late 1800s, miners often travelled the region with their families using a wheelbarrow to carry all their possessions and the race is a tribute to these early pioneers.
Teams follow the 140km Wheelbarrow Way through rich farmlands and wooded Savannah country, starting on Friday, 8 May 2026 in Mareeba and concluding on Sunday, 10 May 2026 in Chillagoe. Teams can look forward to the Friday night where they are treated to the incredible community spirit in Dimbulah and the unbeatable country hospitality in Almaden on Saturday night.
Since the race began in 2007, teams have raised nearly $3 million for charity. Sign up and join us on the road for the 23rd anniversary year. Visit www.greatwheelbarrowrace.com for more information and to register.
Throughout the year, free Munch & Learn sessions will be held once a month in Kuranda and Mareeba which are bite-sized digital workshops for small businesses.
- Monday, 27 April – Podcasting made simple
- Monday, 25 May – Canva basics
- Monday, 22 June – Beyond ChatGPT – the expanding world of AI
For more information, visit Council’s website or call 1300 308 461.
The Workshops are delivered by State Library of Queensland in partnership with Mareeba Shire Council, supported by the Department of Customer Service, Open Data and Small and Family Business.