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
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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
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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
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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 storyThe Hinchinbrook Chamber held the first Coffee Connections session on Tuesday 11 March at JK’s Delicatessen between 7:30am and 9:00am. This event was very well attended by local business owners, with a guest speaker for the morning being Charlotte Johansson, a wellness coach with Rural Financial Counselling Services NQ.
Chamber had planned to reintroduce these casual coffee catchups again in 2025, as a way for local business owners, employees and other agencies to come together in a relaxed environment and share experiences and connections. Unfortunately the February flood event delayed the start of these gatherings for the year, however moving forward, Chamber intends to continue with these events at differing locations around the community.
During the morning, Charlotte took some time to explain her role and the importance of seeking support and mentorship if you are a business owner, especially in light of recent events. There was great discussion and Charlotte was able to answer many questions provide information in relation to how anyone could connect to arrange future individual appointments.
Since the flood event the Rural Financial Services Counselling team have been in the community providing opportunity for free support and arranging individual appointments, with business owners who may wish to engage additional support, during this challenging time of recovery.
The local response has been so significant, Charlotte has arranged for a local “pop up” office and is now scheduling appointments.
Overall, it was very informative and uplifting and Chamber is sincerely grateful to Karen and the JK’s Delicatessen team for hosting the first Coffee Connections for 2025. They also expressed a special thanks to Charlotte Johansson for being the first guest speaker of the year and to all who took the time to join the morning.
Plans are already underway for Chamber's April event, stay tuned on Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce social media pages and website for more details.
Contributed with thanks to Chamber President Mary Brown
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