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 storyWhen 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 storyVictoria 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 storyA 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 storyVictoria 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 region will be an opportunity for them all to reconnect regularly, something Victoria is looking forward to.
Victoria has been perfecting their journalism skills in the Whitsundays for the past three months working for Hinchinbrook Life’s sister newspaper, Whitsunday Life as a cadet journalist.
Here, Victoria has got to know the community on a personal level and is now looking forward to doing the same in the Hinchinbrook.
"I am greatly anticipating the move to Hinchinbrook, the wet weather and crocodile warnings couldn't keep me away!” said Victoria.
"I look forward to meeting new faces and catching up with old friends.”
Victoria’s passions lie in artistic expression and adventure. A talented and dedicated creative, they spend their spare time sewing, embroidering, and crafting stories. Whether designing intricate patterns or bringing characters to life on paper, Victoria finds joy in expressing themselves through various forms of art.
A love for the water runs deep, whether it’s swimming in the ocean, creeks, or pools, Victoria is always there. Boating, snorkelling, and fishing, Victoria embraces every opportunity to be out on the water with friends.
Last year, Victoria had the incredible chance to live and work in Ireland, connecting with family roots, bottle-feeding calves, holding newborn lambs, and cooking hearty roasts with loved ones. The experience only deepened a love for travel, culture, and new experiences.
Honest, vivid, and exploratory, Victoria is always eager to try something new. Whether embarking on a new creative project, diving into a fresh adventure, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, they embrace life with enthusiasm and curiosity.
If you see Victoria around, don’t hesitate to say hello! They love meeting new people and sharing stories about their passions and experiences.