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 Hinchinbrook Unit PCYC Emergency Services Cadets have resumed studies and over the last couple of weeks have been getting back into the swing of normality.
Emergency Services Cadets Local Cadet Coordinator Mark Regazzoli said that during the floods his cadets went above and beyond.
Mark noted that Keldon Fletcher was instrumental and stepped up during the event.
“Keldon was virtually thrown in at the deep end because there were no available agile wardens available for Lucinda,” said Mark.
“Keldon and his mother stepped up and took on that role and responsibility to go around and make sure everyone was okay, food was delivered, and all the messages got out that needed to.”
Mark is also proud of his other cadets too. His other cadets had just completed their Get Ready training, and they implemented the training in the flooding event.
“Most of them would have been aware of what they had to do and how they had to perform,” said Mark.
“Those that have returned, we have had to talk to them in our debrief to see how they went and what they did and all I can say is I think that I'm more impressed with some of the cadets than some of the adults that went through this!
“The cadets were definitely on the ball, and they had their mindset about what they should be doing and how they should be going about it. Not only during the flood, but in post recovery as well.”
The training is done every year as a precaution with refresher included too, this year it was completed the week before the flooding event.