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 storyMick’s Bread Kitchen has been feeding the Hinchinbrook community with amazing pastries, coffee, and pies for over 30 years, but how do they make their delicious pies?
Co-owner, Simone Stanta, has some top tips.
1. Pastry—It is important to perfect your pastry for the perfect pie. At Mick’s Bread Kitchen, they use high-quality flour to ensure a strong base. They also use a different pastry on top. For the top of the pie, they use puff pastry with lots of layers to ensure a crispy top.
2. Ingredients—Mick’s Bread Kitchen uses top-quality ingredients. Their beef is lean, and their gravy and stock are well-seasoned. It’s important to keep the filling thick and flavourful so the pie stays together.
3. Filling—Be creative with your filling. Simone said the basics of a good pie are the pastry and good-quality ingredients, but inside the pie, it's up to one's preference. It could be chilli, mushrooms, bacon, cheese, or anything you enjoy.
Did You Know?
Mick’s Bread Kitchen’s Chilli Pie contains home-grown Carolina Reaper chillies. The pies are not for the faint-hearted. Do you dare to try one?