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 storyThe Queensland Government is inspiring young minds with science programs to promote agricultural science as a rewarding, long-term career choice.
Thousands of students will explore the role of ‘insects in agriculture’ as they take part in a national school plant science competition.
Registrations are now open for the Department of Primary Industries’ 29th annual Hermitage Research Facility Schools Plant Science Competition.
This year, students will focus on the world of insects, gaining insights into biology, ecology and the environment while contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
Interest is soaring so far this year with almost 3,000 students from 93 schools across the country already registered to take part.
Students can enter all three award categories: Plant Science Project Awards, Art in AgRiculTure Awards, or the Guardians of Earth Global BioQuest.
Registrations for school students to enter this year’s competition are open until 30 May 2025, with entries closing on Friday 27 June 2025. All entrants will be in the running for a selection of fantastic awards and prizes.
Winners will be announced on 21 August 2025 at the Hermitage Research Facility's annual Awards Day and Agricultural Science Expo in Warwick.
Client Services Officer, Kerrie Rubie said this year's competition will give students the opportunity to learn all about insects and the role they play in Australian agriculture and global food security.
“It is incredibly important that our younger generation are educated about the different types of insects, animals, and fungi, as well as the weeds and diseases that pose a threat to our environment and agricultural industries,” she said.
Students can get their creativity flowing in the Art in AgRiculTure Awards competition and get outdoors into nature with Guardians of Earth April Global BioQuest.
“Exciting competitions like this one are critical for sparking passion for our industry. I encourage students to get involved and have some fun while also learning about the importance of insects and their impact on agriculture and food security,” Ms Rubie said.
For more information and to enter, visit Hermitage Schools Plant Science Competition online or call 13 25 23.
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