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 storyA familiar face made a reappearance over the weekend, when it's 4-metre long reptilian body was spotted cruising the waterways outside the Lucinda Cove Resort.
Owner of the resort, Paul McLennan, said this snap-happy neighbour lives out the front of his home and has visited the resort twice now.
Despite the croc appearing to be of no immediate danger to the public, Paul assured locals he will be keeping an eye on it.
“If he’s doing it frequently we might have to get him moved on,” he explained.
Paul also said the croc has been in the area for quite a while but usually resides 100 metres up the river.
Crocodiles can be found in freshwater and saltwater locations along the coast and inland including, rivers and creeks, swamps, lagoons, waterholes, beaches, oceans and offshore of islands too.
It’s important to stay Crocwise in Croc Country, but especially after floods as they can migrate to locations, they never had access to before.
If you see a crocodile in report it to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation by using the QWildlife app, by accessing the sighting report online or by calling 1300 130 372.
Being Crocwise starts with three simple steps:
• Keep out of the water
• Stay more than 5 metres away from the water’s edge
• Keep a sturdy object between yourself and the water