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 storyThe Apex Club of Herbert River recently made a generous donation to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre following the flooding event.
The Apex Club of Herbert River built 22 units in 1971 for senior citizens that cannot afford their own accommodation. This generous community organisation still aims to provide support to the elderly people at these units even though it is now managed by the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre.
Although not effected by the flooding, Secretary Darrin Hopffensetz said the Apex Club wanted to show support.
Darrin said they would donate $1,500 to assist with replacements, and also a $3,500 donation to use as they please.
CEO of Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Linda McClelland said she was thrilled with the donation.
“We've been offered a contract from the Government to continue the community recovery efforts when they close up the hubs. So, when they close up the hub, and they all go back to their day jobs.
"They've given us a three-month contract to continue those works for some of the more vulnerable people who didn't get their issues resolved while the hubs were open.
“I'm thinking that $3500 will be able to help some of those individuals that in that period of time didn’t get that help.
"By getting a grant we can not only provide just a product that makes us feel good, but a product that's specific to that person and their needs is amazing."
In addition to the donation to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, Apex Club of Herbert River also donated $100 gift cards to residents at the Units.