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 storyA beautiful depiction of one of the ocean’s most beloved creatures, Marian Cerqui’s mixed media piece titled “Turtle” was awarded first prize at the 46th Hinchinbrook Art Awards held in November.
Marian’s passion for the mixed media artform has led her to experiment and work within all areas of textile art from sewing to crafting.
“I have been a sewer from a young age, and have accomplished various types of craft,” shared Marian.
“I am basically self-taught in all areas of being a textile artist and I like to put together different elements to create an unusual look.”
Created in May, Marian’s award-winning piece was developed under the guidance of fellow textile artist, Sophie Standing.
“It takes a lot of time to blend colours in fabric and thread as you are sewing with thread as paint and it has taken me hours and hours of sewing to create this piece,” Marian added.
“Attention to detail is what I thrive on, and I wanted the turtle to be memorable in a way that the viewer could see the sun shining through the water and into its back.”
Although Marian currently practices the artform as a hobby in her spare time, she believes you never truly know what is just around the corner following on from her recent achievement.
Travelling from Townsville alongside her daughter and friend to attend the evening held at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery, Marian felt both surprised and honoured to receive first place in the mixed media category and celebrated her win with a glass of wine and plenty of smiles.
“I love to create 3D pieces using paint, fabric, and thread in my artwork and this type of artwork is the road ahead for me,” explained Marian.
“I have several ideas waiting to get started, and I will be entering again next year.”
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