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 storyIn celebration of her artistic talents, Joanne Bingham was awarded first prize in the 46th Hinchinbrook Art Awards’ works on paper category for her piece titled “Evening Light” in November.
Jo has been painting and drawing for as long as she can remember, and in pursuing her passion further, she undertook studies at an art college located in the United Kingdom where she specialised in illustration.
In the early years of her artistic career, Jo created paintings of pets which quickly gained plenty of traction, transforming into a fulltime career which she still practices today.
“I love the serenity of creating, and the delight of owners when you present their artwork to them never fades,” shared Jo.
Now an art teacher herself, Jo hosts classes and workshops across North Queensland, creating works on occasion for exhibitions and art award showcases, including her most recent, award-winning piece.
“This was an unusual piece for me, I don’t often create such large works because of the amount of time it takes to create them and the difficulty of finding robust and large boards to draw on,” explained Jo.
In dedicating countless hours and days of work to creating “Evening Light”, Jo illustrated a Queensland paint horse, and focused heavily on capturing the perfect, late afternoon light, producing a magnificent result.
“I love horses, they feature heavily in my work,” Jo added.
“The drawing is very layered, and I worked to develop the interesting and contrasting colours of the horse, and the background – the horse is stunning, isn’t he.”
Jo has been celebrated for her talents on multiple occasions, including at both the Hinchinbrook Bird Art Awards, and the Cairns Art Awards.
“The feeling is indescribable, you never get over it, that happy feeling when someone really likes your work, and validation and recognition are a big part of why we enter these awards,” Jo said.
“I already have pieces on the easel for next year, and I have plans to enter both Hinchinbrook exhibitions and other national award competitions.”
“I still love doing commissioned pieces of animals and that will always be a part of my career, as will teaching classes and workshops.”
Jo with her award-winning piece, “Evening Light” on display in the TYTO Regional Art Gallery.
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