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 story
When 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 story
Victoria 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 story
A 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 storyBeaumont Tiles and Bathroomware in Ingham has been a cornerstone of the local building and renovation and building repair industry, providing expert advice, quality products, and unwavering community support. Owned and operated by Helen and Eric Shoubridge, this family business is more than just a tile and bathroom ware supplier, it is a trusted resource for homeowners and builders alike.
The store serves both residential and commercial customers, providing tiles and flooring, walls, kitchens, and bathrooms and assisting in designing and creating beautiful bathrooms and laundries with fixtures and fittings.
Helen emphasises that tiles are more than just a functional product, they can also be a statement piece in home design.
“Tiles are not just a barrier product, they are pieces of art and it comes down to the skill and design,” she said.
A significant part of their work involves collaborating with homeowners, contractors, and insurance companies to ensure seamless renovations.
People go into Beaumont Tiles with plans, and they can recommend tiles to work within different price ranges, all whilst finding what the customer had envisioned.
Helen and Eric moved to the district in 2004 to become motel owners and operators, and the experience they have gained since living in the region has allowed them to prepare for future disasters.
They have faced significant flooding and cyclone events whilst living in Ingham, and they quickly learnt the importance of quality materials and expert advice. This understanding led them to join Beaumont Tiles, a company known for its extensive range and reliable supply chain.
“We’ve been through these challenges ourselves,” Helen explained.
“Every flood has taught us something valuable, and that knowledge allows us to guide our customers on how to make the best choices for their homes and businesses.”
The recent floods brought unexpected challenges, with the store’s warehouse experiencing flooding for the first time. Despite taking precautions by storing materials on pallets, some stock was damaged. However, due to Beaumont Tiles being Australia-wide with locations throughout the country, they were able to work successfully to fulfil orders.
Helen said that Beaumont Tiles was and continues to be incredibly supportive, assisting in the recovery process and ensuring that supply remains consistent despite logistical difficulties.
Community support remains at the heart of Helen and Eric’s business philosophy.
“One of the reasons we chose to stay in Ingham was the incredible community spirit,” Helen said.
“When we first moved here, people would come by and ask if we needed help after a flood.”
Helen continues to thank everyone for their support in the early years by actively volunteering with Life Long Supports and The Abergowrie Long Pocket QCWA.
While Beaumont Tiles does not handle installations directly, Eric and Helen provide customers with the names of local businesses and assist customers in navigating current building challenges in the area.
As design trends evolve, the store ensures that customers have access to the latest styles and materials.
“We are always removing a certain style and putting in a new one,” said Helen.
“It’s quite exciting to collaborate with people to make their flooring, bathrooms, kitchens and laundries satisfying.”
Helen and Eric’s commitment to the community, combined with their deep industry knowledge has made Beaumont Tiles in Ingham an invaluable resource for homeowners and businesses alike.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
