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 following on from a highly successful evening of late-night shopping on Thursday 28 November, the Hinchinbrook Shire Council is excited to welcome even more festive cheer with another event scheduled for Thursday 19 December!
It should come as no surprise that the spirit of Christmas is well and truly alive across the region, with November’s Late Night Shopping event hosting hundreds of shoppers across Lannercost, Herbert, and Cartwright Streets as well as Hinchinbrook Central and Mercer Lane.
With comparisons drawn to the infamous Australian Italian Festival, the community warmly welcomed the introduction of four new shopping precincts into the mix, with the talents of both the Ingham Theatre Group, and the band, Obsession, filling the air.
“When locals compare an event to the days when the Australian Italian Festival was held in the main street, that’s quite a good accolade,” shared Julie Mac Pherson, Hinchinbrook Shire Council Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator.
“We activated four shopping precincts rather than just Lannercost Street which we have done historically for many years, as we saw this as an opportunity to promote the other shopping precincts in Ingham and drive traffic to other retailers,” she explained.
With a world of both retailers and market stalls on offer for the community to browse and enjoy, a range of discounts, and deals were also promoted to follow suit with the Black Friday sale season.
Plenty of retail goodies, stall holders and neighbouring restaurants also offered discounted dinners and treats to keep shoppers fuelled and energised for the spectacular community event.
“We’re hoping for another great turnout, and if we can support the local traders as well as we did for the first event, that would be sensational,” shared Julie.
With Lannercost Street, Raintree Markets, Conroy Hall Markets, Uptown Markets, and Mercer Lane confirmed as well as plenty of lychees promised for customers to enjoy, additional stallholders and precinct locations are yet to be announced in anticipation of next Thursday’s event.
“We sold out of lychees within an hour last time, so we’ll make sure there’s an adequate supply of lychees for the next event,” Julie added.
Santa and the Grinch will also be in attendance of the evening ready to pose for your family photos with the community invited to join the festivities from 5pm onwards on Thursday 19 December!
What: Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s Late-Night Shopping
When: Thursday 19 December from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Lannercost Street, Raintree Markets, Conroy Hall Markets, Uptown Markets, and Mercer Lane (more to be confirmed)
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