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 story
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
Read the full story
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
Read the full story
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 storyDescribed as the most authentic Johnny Cash show around, Aussie husband and wife duo, Mark & Joanne Caligiuri, embody the legend that was Cash and his singer wife, June Carter. But before he was Cash, Mark was King.
Originally Mark was performing as Elvis Presley, and singing his popular songs around the country, but at one particular show his world and destiny would change forever. It was at one of these performances that they first came to lay eyes on each other as Joanne explains.
“I love music from Elvis, Chuck Berry, Cash, Dolly Parton… I love all that era. But that’s how I met him (Mark),” Joanne laughs.
“I grew up being a Johnny Cash fan, and while Mark knew of him he wasn’t that familiar with Cash’s music. Then as we started dating, in 2006 the movie ‘Walk The Line’ came out, which starred Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. I was like, ‘Oh my God, Johnny Cash, do you know Cash? And he said, ‘Kind of.’ I said, ‘Mate, this movie’s coming out you must go see it, I guarantee it’s going to be great’ and so we went and saw it together,” she smiles.
“I was singing along to the songs and even though Mark didn’t know them by the time the film had finished he turned to me and said, ‘I love Johnny Cash’. I gave him my Cash CDs to listen to and he really got into it and afterwards.”
“I was watching the film and just listening to the songs and I thought this is great,” Mark adds.
From there a seed was planted before Joanne said, ‘Why don’t we perform our own Cash show’ and that’s how it all came about,” she says.
Their Johnny Cash & June Carter Get Rhythm show, has garnered some high praise with it being labelled the most authentic Cash/Carter show being the highest. There’s no doubt about it, in speaking with this real life husband & wife performer duo, their energy and commitment is unparalleled.
“We do our best to stay true to who Cash and Carter were. Obviously we have the edge in that we’re married, so that connection is real. We have great communication with each other on stage and with the band. We involve the audience so they also become part of the show,” Joanne enthuses.
“Most people get that you're taking on a character. With Johnny Cash, it’s all about the voice and conviction. We often evoke strong reactions from our audience because you're tapping into people’s memories and for some, those memories can be quite deep,” Mark adds.
“We’re very proud of what we do and what we created. We've worked extremely hard to give the most authentic Johnny Cash show in Australia,” he concludes.
This two part show includes Cash’s biggest hits such as ‘Folsom Prison Blues,’ ‘Ring Of Fire,’ and 'Walk The Line’ and is expected to sell out.
WHAT: Get Rhythm, The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show
WHERE: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall
WHEN: Sunday 25th May
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
