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 storyWith the winter period fast approaching, it will soon be time to get your boat ready for some fishing trips. Now is the perfect time to check the expiry dates on your Marine Flares.
Please be aware that it is now an offence to carry expired flares in a boat. This is because they are technically an explosive device, and once past their use-by date could suffer a fault leading to an unwanted ignition.
In Queensland, when flares expire they are considered unauthorized explosives, and possessing them is illegal, posing safety risks due to potential instability and malfunction.
Expiry dates are written on the side of each flare.
You can hand in your expired flairs at the Lucinda Coast Guard Depot in Patterson Pde Lucinda on any weekend day or public holiday. They are held under lock and key until disposed of by the Mines Department.
Contributed with thanks to Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard