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 storyMark Bishop, a talented artist with a love for a unique and intricate artform, was awarded the Local Artist Award at the 46th Hinchinbrook Art Awards for his piece titled “Youth and Beauty”.
A boilermaker and welder by trade, Mark began to explore metal art as a hobby following on from his retirement, and began to discover his hidden, artistic talents.
“I always wanted to try something different using metal but never had the time until I moved from Tasmania to Forrest Beach,” explained Mark.
With the encouragement of his friends, Mark decided to open a market stall to sell the art he had crafted from recycled cutlery, where he was then presented with the opportunity to install some pieces at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery.
“I entered the Hinchinbrook Bird Life Awards in 2022 and won the Local Artist Award with a black cockatoo made from recycled sheet metal,” Mark added.
Mark was honourably welcomed as a judge at 2023’s Hinchinbrook Art Awards, with his passion for the artform leading him to craft a piece to enter the Hinchinbrook Bird Life Awards, held earlier this year. Successfully winning the Sculpture Form Award led Mark to enter a fantastic peacock sculpture titled “Youth and Beauty” in November’s Hinchinbrook Art Awards exhibition.
“This piece took over 200 hours to craft, and every individual feather goes through five steps to complete,” shared Mark.
“Winning that award was totally unexpected as the quality of the entrant’s work is always of a high standard, and since winning a few awards and having my artwork at TYTO I have been asked to do various commission pieces which I really enjoyed!”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at TYTO and all the people involved in these awards for all the work that goes on behind the scenes and would encourage other people to try their hand with various art works.”
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