By Amanda Wright The 2025 Federal Budget was never just about dollars and cents—it was about the direction Australia takes in the years ahead. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest budget, delivered on 25 March, makes clear where the Albanese government believes that the future lies: in cost-of-living relief, housing, and a transition to a more sustainable economy. But with an election now set for 3 May, it’s impossible to ignore the political stakes. Is this a responsible economic plan or a budget de
Read the full storyWhen disastrous floods swept through the region in February, the town of Ingham found itself in a crisis unlike any it had seen in recent memory with devastating flood waters surpassing the levels they reached in the historic floods of 1967. Amidst the chaos of the floods the local medical practices Hinchinbrook Healthcare and Ingham Family Medical Practice banded together in times of uncertainty and provided a glimmer of light to Ingham residents, demonstrating remarkable resilience and resour
Read the full storyVictoria grew up in Brisbane and went on to pursue a Cert III in Business Administration while also qualifying as a swimming teacher through AustSwim. Their career path led them to roles as a receptionist and swimming instructor, where they worked hard to fund their Diploma of Arts. Later serving as an editor for a medical journal at Queensland University of Technology, Victoria further sharpened their writing and editorial skills. Victoria's family live in Macknade and moving to the reg
Read the full storyA striking symbol of resilience and awareness now stands along the highway in Ingham—its vivid blue branches reaching out as a reminder that no one has to struggle in silence. The Blue Tree Project, a national initiative aimed at breaking the stigma around mental health, found a home in the town in July 2023, thanks to a collaborative community effort. Councillor Donna Marbelli first saw a Blue Tree while driving between Townsville and Ingham and knew the town needed one of its own. The search
Read the full storyApril 1, 2025
Queensland’s peak agriculture body— the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and its members Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), and Canegrowers—are calling on the Queensland and Australian Governments to take a long-term approach to support the agriculture sector. With two significant weather events already hitting Queensland this year and a possible third on its way, climate resilience, preparedness and response are front and centre with Queensland’s farmers who are
Read the full storyApril 1, 2025
Flood-affected soybean growers in Queensland growing regions say the best way concerned Aussies can help growers get back on their feet is at the supermarket checkout. For North Queensland soybean grower, Christian Lago, it has been a season of constant weather challenges and lots of uncertainty. “Our soybean season in the Burdekin region has been a challenge from the start”, said Mr Lago. “Before Christmas, we were struggling to get soybeans in the ground thanks to wet weather and a delayed
Read the full storyApril 1, 2025
The Hinchinbrook Shire Library remains closed due to flooding, and the Halifax Library is open under limited opening hours, but Street Libraries are open around the shire. Lynn Romano created a Street Library Last year at the bus shelter at Toobanna State School, so avid readers or travellers can read books and magazines at any time. “My son, he loves to read. I have to say, I'm not a big reader myself, but I know reading is something we should do,” said Lynn. “We do a bit of traveling with t
Read the full storyApril 1, 2025
Noorla Bowls Club has announced a new date for its Ladies Goodwill Game after the initial event was postponed due to wet weather. The match is now set to take place on Wednesday, April 9, with the same format and invitations extended to sister clubs in Ingham. As per the original plan, men from Ingham’s clubs are also welcome to participate, ensuring a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Organisers are hopeful that the weather will cooperate this time, allowing bowlers to enjoy the muc
Read the full storyApril 1, 2025
Ingham Ladies Bowls Club is gearing up for its Goodwill Afternoon, set to take place on Wednesday, April 2nd, with weather permitting. The event welcomes all affiliated men and women for an afternoon of social bowls, fun, and laughter. Participants are asked to have their names and playing positions submitted to Sandy Ryan by 4pm on Sunday, March 30th. Cards will be called at 12:45pm for a 1pm start. The cost for the afternoon is $12, and players are expected to wear their club uniform. Adding
Read the full storyMarch 18, 2025
Following the recent flooding, the Ingham Dirt Bike Club has been working tirelessly to repair its track and grounds, ensuring they’re ready for riders once again. Despite the challenging conditions, the dedicated team of volunteers has been hard at work restoring the track, with the club planning to reopen it for riding very soon. The effort put in by the club’s volunteers, business owners, and machine operators has been nothing short of impressive. The Serra Family, Jaycat Earthmoving, Scott
Read the full storyFebruary 18, 2025
One of the state’s most infamous celebrations of Italian culture will grace the Hinchinbrook Shire once again when the Australian Italian Festival returns on the 7th and 8th of June 2025. Over the decades, the festival has attracted waves of support and interest across the nation and beyond, and a particular State Library of Queensland interview conducted in 2013 further cemented the festival’s deserving place in the state’s history. 2013 President of the Australian Italian Festival Commi
Read the full storyApril 1, 2025
The Senior Men's Social Group invites men over 60, or 55 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, to join a vibrant and welcoming community where connections are made, laughter flows, and new friendships blossom! Whether you’re looking to break free from social isolation or simply seeking a supportive, fun-filled space to meet new mates, this group is the perfect place for you. Each week offers a fresh opportunity to engage in everything from lively yarns and deep, meaningful chats, to ex
Read the full storyApril 1, 2025
Saturday 5 April Mt Fox Markets Saturday 11am Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199 758. Mt Fox Campgrounds Sunday 6 April Ingham Raintree Community Markets Sunday 7am A morning of Sunday market fun awaits at Ingham’s Rotary Park with the Ingham Raintree Community Markets! Rotary Park, Ingham Sunday 6 April Rags to Rhinestones: The Dolly Parton Tribute Sunday
Read the full storyApril 1, 2025
The event was well attended and the sun was shining, making it a wonderful afternoon filled with colour, and smiles. “To have the kids be a part of something that's going to be here for such a long time is great,” said Lavinia. “They can come down, see it and go - 'I painted that part!' - It gives them ownership of something that's going to be here for such a long time and they can be proud of it. “It's such a great way to brighten everyone's day. We had a lot of rain around, so it's nice to
Read the full storyMarch 24, 2025
Friday 28 March Tea & Trivia Friday 9.30am Come along and join in the fun for Council's first Tea and Trivia for 2025 by being part of this ever growing social morning and enjoy Trivia, Bingo, Raffles, Locally baked delights, and tea and coffee Tyto Conference and Events Centre Saturday 5 April Mt Fox Markets Saturday 11am Spend your Saturday browsing through the talents of local stallholders at the Mt Fox Markets! If you’re looking to become a stall holder yourself, contact Brandie on 0477 199
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