Hope Vale Foundation

09/10/2026

It’s not too late to join in 🙌

06/10/2026

Community at the heart of prawn project

Hope Vale Foundation is exploring how farming giant freshwater prawns—also known as cherabin—could support local food production and create employment opportunities.

The proposed model would combine prawn farming with Indigenous and non-Indigenous food crops, using nutrients from the ponds to help plants grow and recycling water through the system.

Sam Gordon of Blue Agrifood Advisory recently met with our directors and staff to share progress on the commercial feasibility study.

Community priorities are guiding the planning, with nutritious food, practical skills and pathways into employment at its heart.

Read the full story on our website https://hopevalefoundation.com.au/community-at-the-heart-of-prawn-project/

28/09/2026

🚴‍♀️ 282 km. 3 days. Pack 13. Pack Hero. What an achievement!

A huge congratulations to Hope Vale Foundation’s Lu Zhao, who completed an incredible 282 km over three days — and was recognised as Pack 13’s Pack Hero! 👏

Lu is incredibly grateful to everyone who supported her along the way and to all those who generously donated. For Lu, one of the most meaningful parts of the experience was seeing so many people give their time, energy and support towards one shared goal.

Day 3 even brought an unexpected challenge — a crash, a few bruises and another rider going over the top of her! 😅 Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, and out of the experience came some wonderful new friendships.

Tired legs, a full heart, 282 km behind her — Lu did it! ❤️

Congratulations, Lu. Hope Vale Foundation is very proud of you and this wonderful achievement. 🌺

22/09/2026

Hope Vale Foundation Ltd apologises for the postponement of its Annual General Meeting originally set down for Tuesday 29 September 2026.

Stay tuned, the new date with be advertised shortly.

Attending the AGM gives members an opportunity to hear about Hope Vale Foundation’s achievements, future plans, and priorities. It also allows members to ask questions and have a say in the Foundation’s future.

18/09/2026

🚴‍♀️ Go Lu! 💙
Hope Vale Foundation’s very own Lu Zhao is in Cairns tonight, preparing to set off tomorrow morning on an incredible challenge!

Lu is doing her part to make a real difference to the lives of people in our community, helping raise awareness and funds to ensure everyone in our region has access to the best possible cardiac care.

Please join Lu on the journey — cheer her on, spread the word, or make a donation. Every little bit of support helps. ❤️

The riders will arrive in Cooktown on Monday, rolling into Endeavour Park, where riders, supporters and volunteers will come together for a group photo to mark the achievement of completing the challenge.

From there, it’s off to the Cooktown RSL for a very well-earned lunch, where pack leaders will announce their ‘Pack Hero’ riders, recognising those who have shown exceptional spirit and determination along the way.

Of course, whatever happens, Lu is already Hope Vale Foundation’s hero! 🌟

Well done, Lu. We’re cheering you on and wishing you a fantastic ride! 🚴‍♀️👏

I’m supporting the Australian Retirement Trust Cardiac Challenge for one simple reason: making a real difference to the lives of people in our community.

16/09/2026

Housing Property Inspections: 6-8 October 🏠

Staff from the Department of Housing will be in Community from 6-8 October to conduct maintenance and safety inspections at your property.

The intention of the inspections is to:
🔌 Perform legislated mandatory safety checks (e.g. smoke alarms and electrical safety switches)
📝 Record the condition of the properties to inform future upgrade programs
🛠️ Raise maintenance work orders where needed to ensure that the dwellings can be considered safe and functional

The duration of the inspections is typically 15–45 minutes per property.

The department will provide notification to tenants via mail to inform you of their intention to inspect your property. It is important that you are home during the inspection time, so please check your mail to confirm when your house is being inspected. Place any pets in a secure location to allow the inspection to be completed safely.

If you will not be home at the scheduled time, please call 4036 5555 before the 6th of October to schedule a different time.

For more information and the inspection schedule, visit: https://tinyurl.com/46vhyymc

16/09/2026

Save the date for these fun 'resilience' activities being held at the Community Hall.

Tuesday 22 September 3-4pm
Tuesday 29 Sept 3-4pm

15/09/2026

15/09/2026

School holiday fun is coming to Cooktown! ☀️🌦️

Join us for four mornings of activities for children and young people aged 5–17 years.

📅 First week of the school holidays
⏰ Daily from 9:00am–12:30pm
🍎 Morning tea provided
📍 See the poster for daily activities and locations

This is a drop-in event designed to keep local kids active, connected with their friends and involved in the community.

Please note: This is not a fully supervised event. Parents and carers must remain present with younger children and any child who may require supervision.

Can't wait to see you there 🙂

13/09/2026

It's beach clean-up time!

Along with our partners, the Gamaay Traditional Owners, QPWS, and Tangaroa Blue, we look forward to getting our local volunteers over on to North Shore for another fantastic day!
Details to follow, keep an eye out.