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 storyDuring the floods earlier this year, Colleen Wood and her husband Allen found themselves in a terrifying and isolating situation. Living in Trebonne, they were stranded with no power, no food, and minimal phone charge. Allen is confined to a wheelchair and the SES and Ambulance services were unable to reach them due to the floods.
But in the face of adversity, the community around them stepped up in a remarkable way. Colleen, overcome with emotion and relief, shared her experience with Hinchinbrook Life through a heartfelt letter:
“On day two of the floods, a ute pulled up in the flooded driveway and two strangers asked if I was okay. I was filled with emotion and relief and could scarcely hold back my tears when I said to them, ‘My husband is in a wheelchair, and we need help.’”
These strangers, Vince Russo and Brenda Oats, became her lifeline during the crisis. “Vince and Brenda were angels on earth for us,” Colleen said. “They assisted us with fuel for our generator, filled it, started it, and came back each morning and night to top it up.” Their kindness helped ensure Colleen and Allen had a working generator to keep their essentials running.
But the help didn’t stop there. Another neighbor, David Scott, a farmer from up the road, checked on them daily and even brought a stable table for the generator. When the generator broke down, Kenny Hemmet from Hemmet Electricals loaned them one of his own.
In yet another gesture of support, Joe and Heather Ludlow, who lived just two houses away, offered Colleen a place to charge her phone when the generator failed.
And there was more. Danny Ward, a neighbor to the left of Colleen and Allen’s home, loaned them a freezer connected to a battery to help preserve their food.
“I was overwhelmed by these people,” Colleen reflected. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their generosity, kindness, and sense of community. I hope they understand the difference they have made to our lives.”
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