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 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 have the sunshine and a beautiful day, get everyone out the house and come and do something a little bit different.”
Art by Lavinia has done a number of different murals in the region, including Taylors Beach, Lucinda, Halifax and Ingham.
Lavinia has painted murals for 10 years and said she likes bringing places to life through her art, but above all she loves community projects.
“I love involving the community. I studied community development, and I really like working with everybody involved, so we can get a project that everyone can be proud of.”