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 storyA young local boxing champion who narrowly missed out on gold in the Australian Title Final came hold with silver and is vying for gold in the next bout.
Spencer Riys is a 15-year-old boxer who fought hard for the title in his recent fight which led to a controversial result.
Spencer’s coach Dean Poppi said it was an amazing fight, and despite the result Spencer should be proud of his efforts.
“I thought Spencer got it and so did a lot of other people. It was a very controversial decision,” said Dean.
“They gave the other guy the decision but a lot of people thought that Spencer won the fight.”
“Spencer put an eight count on his opponent in the third round. An eight count is when the referee stops the fight counts and gives the other guy eight seconds to recover. It’s not a knockout, but it is to recover from being stunned.
“Spencer did really well in the first round, I thought he was pretty dominant. The second round was very close. The other guy came back, but then I told Spencer he had let the second round get too close. So, I said, you have got to take charge of the third round. And he did.”
Spencer has been boxing for less than two years and to be fighting in the Australian Title Final is a huge achievement.
Dean expects that following the result of this year, Spencer will be eyeing up the Gold in next year’s Australian Title.
Dean also said Spencer’s effort and dedication is fantastic.
“The kid backed himself, he went out, got his sponsors, and he did what he did, and worked for it,” said Dean.
“I'd like to give a thanks to him and his parents for putting it all together and the community, for really getting behind us.”
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