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 storyIt’s that time of the year again… school’s out! 3pm Friday 13 December will see the final bell of the 2024 school year ring across the shire, signalling the beginning of the six weeklong summer school holiday period.
With both primary and secondary schools set to recommence on Monday 27 January, there is no better time than now to organise a fantastic, fun filled school holiday schedule for the whole family to enjoy, ensuring this holiday period will be one to remember!
Visit Your Local Parks
School holiday periods provide families with the perfect opportunity to spend time with one another, and divert attention to creating long lasting memories, straying from regular work and schooling routines. A fantastic way to foster meaningful time together is by venturing into the great outdoors and visiting one of the wonderful local parks located across the Hinchinbrook Shire including the gorgeous Hinchinbrook Island National Park, George Point, or Rotary Park. Put together the picnic essentials, as well as the slip, slop, slap sun safety tools and prepare to enjoy a memorable day of family fun and adventure.
Palm Creek parkrun!
Another wonderful way to keep active these school holidays and spend time together as a family (four legged members included) is to lace up and register for the Palm Creek parkrun! Held each Saturday at 7am, the Palm Creek parkrun stands as a free community event where participants of all ages can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate along the 5-kilometre trail. The weekly event operates on the values of inclusivity and provides the community with a positive and welcoming opportunity to be active and achieve their fitness goals. Register for free now at www.parkrun.com.au.
Fun in the Library
A morning of FREE fun, games and awesome activities awaits at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library from 10am on Monday 16 December to officially kick off the school holidays in style!
Paul Klee inspired Multi-Medium Workshop
Young artists aged between 13 to 18 years are invited to join local artist Kristina Fontana for a dynamic 2-to-3-hour workshop on Wednesday 18 December at 9am at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery. Bookings are required via www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au as well as a cost of $15 per child.
Moana 2
A wonderful holiday movie screening of Moana 2 will be held on Thursday 19 December at both 10am and 1:30pm at the JL Kelly Theatre! Children’s tickets are available at $10 each, while adult tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at the theatre.
Sensory Storytime
Babies and toddlers will enjoy play based learning with hands-on sensory play activities with the Hinchinbrook Shire Library’s FREE Sensory Storytime session on Thursday 19 December from 10:30am.
FUNctional Yoga Workshop
The Hinchinbrook Shire Council have designed an amazing program for students to participate in these school holidays including sessions like a FUNctional Yoga Workshop at the Wholebeing Initiative Studio from 9am to 11:30am on Friday 20 December. Bookings are required via www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au as well as a cost of $10 per child.
First 5 Forever Playtime
The littlest members of the family aged between 0 to five years of age will be in for an enriching treat on Thursday 26 December with the library’s FREE Playtime First 5 Forever session which will run from 10:30am to 11am. After enjoying plenty of songs, rhymes and stories aimed at providing key language and literacy skills, parents and carers will have the opportunity to connect with a Queensland Health Clinical Nurse and take home free educational materials.
Mad Science
An educational and enriching FREE Mad Science activity session will have children exploring a world of scientific discoveries including elephant toothpaste and lemon volcanoes, happening on Tuesday 7 January at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library from 10:30am.
Balloon Races
On your marks, get set, GO! The Hinchinbrook Shire Library will host a FREE Balloon Race from 10:30am on Friday 10 January!
Ingham Tennis Open Fun Day
The Ingham Tennis Courts will host a FREE open day on Monday 13 January and Saturday 18 January for children aged between 3 and 17 to enjoy some sporting fun in the sun from 8am! A coach will guide attendees though plenty of fun activities, with the session concluding with a FREE can of soft drink and a sausage on bread!
Earthquake at the Library
Put your engineering skills to the test at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library’s FREE Earthquake at the Library spaghetti tower building workshop on Tuesday 14 January from 10:30am.
Two Day Basketball Clinic
In the interest of being active and upskilling, a two-day Basketball Clinic will be held on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 of January under the guidance of Own the Rock Academy Coach, Travis Fisher at Ingham State School’s Cyclone Shelter. Bookings are required via www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au as well as a cost of $10 per child.
January Mega Movie Weekend
The JL Kelly Theatre will host an awesome Mega Movie Weekend from Friday 17 January to Sunday 19 January! An updated program is available at www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au, and tickets can be purchased at the theatre.
Ready. Aim. Fire!
Put your catapult building skills to the test at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library’s FREE Ready. Aim. Fire! activity session on Monday 20 January at 10:30am.
Let’s Build a Roller Coaster
Another awesome FREE construction activity will be held on Tuesday 21 January at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library at 10:30am.
Wellbeing Workshop
In conclusion of the Council’s school holiday program, children can practise mindfulness at the Wholebeing Initiative Studio’s Wellbeing Workshop on Wednesday 22 January from 9am to 11:30am. Bookings are required via www.hinchinbrooktickets.com.au as well as a cost of $10 per child.
Summer Reading Club Party
To officially conclude the 2024/25 Summer Reading Club, the Hinchinbrook Shire Library will host a FREE party at 10am on Friday 24 January to announce the program’s winners and celebrate the achievements of its participants.
Australia Day Pool Party
On Sunday 26 January, the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre will hold a FREE Australia Day Pool Party from 9am featuring a DJ, entertainment, a FREE sausage sizzle, craft activities, outdoor games, and prizes!
Take the time to enjoy the fantastic activities and facilities available in the wonderful Hinchinbrook Shire, and make sure to have a safe, and happy 2024/2025 summer school holidays!
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