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 storyOver 70 people attended the Forrest Beach Progress Association’s first Hoy of the year on Saturday, 11th of January. Many prizes were given out, but most importantly, it was a great day out, and fun was had by all.
Every game of Hoy resulted in a prize, every fifth game winner won a meat tray.
There were also two raffles and a cent sale, and the money raised helped the Forrest Beach Progress Association treat the community.
Forrest Beach Progress Association President Wayne Squires said the Forrest Beach Progress Association is about getting the community together, and they have more things on the horizon.
“We're all about giving back to the community,” said Wayne.
“There's a lot of hours put in, and there are lots of ideas that are coming in, beautifying the main streets, for example.
“Another project we're going to negotiate with council is fully fencing the playground near the toilets on the beach.”
The Hoy was highly competitive and was catered by the QWCA Forrest Beach.
The first Hoy of the year was well received. Many players exclaimed that the match was highly intense, and all were eager to beat their fellow competitors.