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 storyWith a lifelong love of the outdoors, David Wilkinson draws inspiration from both natural beauty and his treasured memories of the British countryside to create award-winning paintings, including a recently celebrated piece titled, “Wild Light”.
Venturing on a camping trip through the northwest coast of Scotland, David stumbled upon the picturesque Sandwood Bay and felt himself immediately inspired to capture the exquisite scene.
“The light and colours on show were terrific,” David reminisced.
“Wild Light was a bit of a change in style for me, more spontaneous and adventurous with colours and contrasts – I personally like it very much as there is a lot of feeling in it, but was less sure how it might stand up to public showing.”
With the encouragement of a few of David’s closest friends and family, he made the decision to enter his piece into the 46th Hinchinbrook Art Awards where he was absolutely delighted to be awarded first prize.
“Having been to the TYTO Regional Art Gallery to see the exhibition, I fully understand, and feel what other artists mean when they have won an award and speak of feeling humbled by all the other great works and talent on display, as that is exactly how I feel,” explained David.
“TYTO is a brilliant gallery, and I’m thrilled to have achieved my first career award here.”
David discovered his passion for painting in 2019 after dabbling with oils and acrylics. Embarking on a self-guided artistic journey, David captures both sun-soaked scenes from Australia as well as moody British settings – drawing from his memories of living in the United Kingdom.
Looking ahead, David has been offered the outstanding opportunity to showcase his artwork at the Gallery East in Sydney’s Clovelly in November of 2025, and cannot wait to continue exploring his passion.
“I feel very much on a journey, we will see where painting takes me!”
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