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 storyI recently had the honour of officially opening Rabobank’s new premises at Shop 1, Homemakers, 57 Herbert Street Ingham.
The opening of the new premises clearly evidences Rabobank’s loyalty and commitment to our district.
Over the past few years, our district has unfortunately experienced a loss in banking services by the withdrawal of a number of institutions, but I can proudly say that such withdrawals were not occasioned through a lack of business or a lack of profitability that would reflect upon the fabric of our community, but rather was brought about by the fact that our community did not fit the business models of such institutions. Models that in the main proposed to do away with traditional face to face service and generally a decline in human interaction.
It is refreshing to see that there still remain corporations such as Rabobank that continue to value human interaction and provide that human touch for service delivery, as many of our community’s older demographic are accustomed to.
Thank you Rabobank for your dedication to our community and we are very glad to have you as part of our community.
On another note, Australia Post has informed Council that postal delivery arrangements at Taylors Beach are to change as of 1 April 2025.
Mail to existing PO boxes at Taylors Beach will cease to be delivered as of 31 March 2025. Residents will have the option of receiving mail by either street letter box, to be installed by residents on their respective property boundaries, or by acquiring a post box at either Halifax or Ingham post offices.
Residents will have a period of five weeks to install letter boxes, noting that such boxes have a minimum specification requirement imposed by Australia Post. Specifications may be obtained by visiting constituents @auspost.com.au. Please note that if you choose the letter box option, parcel deliveries will need to be collected from the Halifax Post Office.
I understand that residents have been provided information on changes proposed individually, but if further assistance is required, please contact Australia Post through the above address at your convenience.