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 NQIB – Country Cups Challenge Qualifier Hinchinbrook Cup Raceday was a huge success earlier this month with organisers saying they were “very happy with the attendance”.
“We got the crowd we were hoping for, and more for a normal November meet,” they said.
Highlights on the day was the Fashions on the Field event which was a stand-out this year!
There were 10 Fashions Categories and over $10,000 worth of prizes.
“The Fashions itself, that were getting around trackside were phenomenal!”
Another highlight would be the amazing sponsorship the event received from the Ingham and Townsville business community.
“Without their generosity, we wouldn’t be able to have Race Day Events, or even, Fashions on the Field Events.”
Fashions on the Field Event
Judges were Marnie Davidson, Chelsea Burger and Jane Caffery.
Ingham Travel Classic Lady of the Track
Runner Up: Donna Smith
Winner: Amy Byrnes
Coffee Presto Contemporary Lady of the Track
Runner Up: Lolia Holder
Winner: Rachel Swarbrick
Snippers Boutique for Hair Millinery
Runner Up: Amy Byrnes
Winner: Hayley Place
Lifelong Supports Man of the Track
Runner Up: Bob Shaw
Winner: Peter Dibella
Northern Aroma Most Stylish Couple
Runner Up: Cheryl Shaw and Bob Shaw
Winner: Angelique Dibella and Peter Dibella
Living the Hinchinbrook Way (Local Category)
Winner: Sonia Milton
Best Dressed Family
Winner: Hayley, Brenton, Parker and Matilda Place
Best Dressed Junior Boy (0-11 years)
Winner: Parker Place
Best Dressed Junior Girl (0-11 years)
Winner: Matilda Place
There were no entrants in the Best Dressed Boy or Girl (12-17 years)
Spotter's Choice
Runner Up: Tahnee Bartolini
Winner: Amanda Truffa
Horse Racing Results
Horse racing was also a big part of the day, there were six local races on the day and all races were well contested with some very close finishers, especially Race 6, The Ingham Cellarbrations Ingham Gold Cup.
It was won by Joe Russo’s locally trained horse Zouhope.
After the races, the crowd were entertained with live music and DJ
Kids were also kept entertained during the day with face painting and balloon twisting.
Race Results
Race 1 COSCA ACCOUNTANT'S - MAIDEN PLATE 3-Y-O & Up. Set Weights 1100m
1st 1 Feargach Trainer. Alex Malliff Jockey. Nathan Day $12
2nd 2 Fivelineditty Trainer. Joe Russo Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $4.40
3rd 6 Miss Mildred Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $3.20
Race 2 INGHAM CONCRETE / WILMAR SUGAR - QTIS BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1200m
1st 2 Fast As Steel Trainer. Alwyn Bailey Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $2.80
2nd 5 Hit Snooze Trainer. Georgie Holt Jockey. Ms G S Semmens $4.40
3rd 3 Collombatti Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $16
Race 3 INGHAM MAZDA - BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP 1000m
1st 1 Jawgo Trainer. Alex Malliff Jockey. P G Romeo $2.20F
2nd 5 Tantrums Trainer. Bill Kenning Jockey. D Smith $6
3rd 2 Bean Warrior Trainer. Rodney Miller Jockey. Ms J S Edwards $13
Race 4 STOKES & COMPANY ACCOUNTANTS - CLASS B HANDICAP 1400m
1st 1 Tymon Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $1.80F
2nd 3 Wong Way Trainer. Mark Dale Jockey. Ms G S Semmens $4
3rd 4 Russian Rose Trainer. Alex Malliff Jockey. N A Day $7
Race 5 NQIB COUNTRY CUPS CHALLENGE QUALIFIER / HINCHINBROOK CUP OPEN HANDICAP 1400m
1st 6 Aolani Trainer. Tom Button Jockey. Ms G S Semmens $2F
2nd 4 Loburn Lass Trainer. Alwyn Bailey Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $2.10
3rd 3 Savvy Sovereign Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $4.40
Race 6 INGHAM CELLABRATIONS INGHAM GOLD CUP - BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1600M
1st 4 Zouhope Trainer. Joe Russo Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $2.60
2nd 1 Going Nuclear Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $2.50F
3rd 2 Tycoon Lad Trainer. Georgie Holt Jockey. A Butler $4.40
Photo credit: Christopher Spencer
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