Engage. Creative Communication Solutions

15/04/2026

Doug is a client, his story is an inspiration to everyone wanting to create a business. From cleaning floors at 10 to owning a paddock to plate butchers operation, he shares his thoughts and beliefs about the industry. One I particularly liked was "you can't whinge about there being no staff if you don't have apprentices in the business."



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Hw62VR6TG/

ABG Podcast #58: The butcher who bought a meatworks

Doug Cross is shaping the future of meat retailing on the Tablelands, and he’s now expanding his impact even further with the purchase of the old Innisfail Meat Works.

In our latest episode, we dive into what this bold move means for local producers, regional job opportunities, and the long‑term sustainability of Northern Queensland’s supply chain.

Listen here 👉 www.australianbutchersguild.com.au/podcast/

15/04/2026

It's been a while since I posted here as my little business has suddenly become very busy.

I just realised I still had my Christmas banner flying so have changed it today to something I truly believe in.

Holding and their leasee to account for what has been done to our local swimming pool. We have two weeks left until the consultation period closes on an already endorsed Cairns Aquatic Strategy that proposes to decommission the Babinda Aquatic Centre.

Not on our watch!
Check out Babinda Taskforce Facebook for all the details on our campaign

09/02/2026

In a sink or swim appeal, a splash of energy by Babinda residents hoping to save their town’s pool has reportedly “impressed” the Mayor of Cairns 📍Here's how 👉 https://bit.ly/4apF9zz

03/02/2026

Communities are experts in their own future and the hardest conversations are usually the most useful ones! A lesson to decision makers (me included because I do this stuff for a living), if you don't listen properly, people will tell you anyway - just a whole lot louder!
I'm speaking at this evening's community meeting, where we will gather information from the Babinda and surrounds community on Council's plan to decommission our community built 50 year old pool.
To say I'm nervous is an understatement but sometimes it is necessary to step outside your comfort zone.

27/01/2026

Today is Global Community Engagement Day. As a Community Engagement professional, I know that strong communities don’t just happen. They’re built through connection.

Everyone benefits from genuine community engagement!

Engagement helps build trust and stronger relationships with local residents, volunteers, and even online communities.

It also leads to better outcomes. Leaders make more informed decisions, issues are addressed more effectively, and solutions reflect real community needs, not just assumptions. When people feel heard, they’re more satisfied, more supportive, and more open to working together.

At its best, community engagement is a win–win. Projects shaped with community input are stronger, more sustainable, and create benefits that last well beyond the final deliverable. There’s something deeply rewarding about knowing the work you’re doing contributes to a better future for the place you call home.

18/12/2025

What an incredible year we have had! 2025 has been full of exciting projects, some overwhelm, new directions and loads of joy. I am going to take a break over Christmas and I will be back on deck on 5th January 2026. I look forward to working with you again next year. In the meantime, be happy, be safe, and love like your life depends on it (because it does)!

10/12/2025

📣 BABINDA — YOU’RE INVITED!

⚡ Regional Connectivity with NBN Co, Telstra and Optus
📅 Monday December 15th, 5.30pm
📍 Right HERE in Babinda

👉 ALL residents of Babinda and Surrounds are warmly invited to join us for an in-depth discussion and Q&A on our region’s internet and phone connectivity issues. This is your chance to hear directly from NBN Co, Telstra and Optus about the challenges, progress, and next steps for our community.

📝 Please note:
The original date published in the December Babinda News (Wednesday, 10 December) has been updated to Monday, 15 December to ensure the attendance of all three providers. Thanks for your understanding!

10/12/2025

Good afternoon Babinda and Surrounds

📍 If you would like to HAVE YOUR SAY on Cairns Regional Council's proposal to close Babinda Pool, you can now do that here 👉 https://shorturl.at/c9BVu

📍 In the new year Babinda Taskforce will be working with the community to make a formal submission by the due date of 30 April 2026. If you are interested in being involved, please register with us here 👉 https://wkf.ms/3KHr9Iv

✨ Thank you and best of luck to us all! ✨

24/11/2025

was last Friday 21 November. A big thanks goes out to these local businesses / groups / schools for supporting our "Painting the town green" campaign. Together we raised a whopping $1,751.00 for Aussie Helpers


Gilvear Planning
Community Bank Babinda
Canegrowers Cairns Region
Babinda Springs
Babinda Meats
Babinda Taskforce
SPAR Babinda
Babinda P-12 State School