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 storyHello Hinchinbrook,
I hope everyone has had a fantastic week!
I come to you with a mix of emotions as I share some bittersweet news. This will be my final week with Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper as I transition back to the Whitsunday office, where I’ll be continuing my work as a journalist for our sister publication.
It has truly been an honour to be part of the team that brought print media back to this region, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together. It fills me with pride to know that the community has embraced what Hinchinbrook Life has brought to the area.
In my time here, I’ve witnessed my first natural disaster, contributed to a newspaper launch that brought the community together, and met so many incredible people from across the Hinchinbrook Shire.
None of this would have been possible without the amazing support of the broader Life Publishing Group team and many members of the local community.
I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mayor Ramon Jayo and the Hinchinbrook Shire Council for championing this paper for the people. It was actually Ramon who approached us with the idea of bringing print media back to the region, and that conversation sparked the creation of Hinchinbrook Life.
A huge thank you also goes to the local businesses and the community—you are the reason this paper is in your hands every week. We couldn’t do it without you.
Though this is my goodbye, Hinchinbrook Life is in great hands. For the past three months, Victoria has been training in the Whitsunday Life office, meeting the community, and preparing for this move up here. Victoria is eager to connect with all of you, and you can learn more about them on page 11.
This isn’t a full goodbye just yet—I’ll still be around until Thursday, so we may cross paths before I head off.
Thank you, Hinchinbrook, for the unforgettable experience.
Take care!
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