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 storyLast Tuesday 26 November the Lions Club of Ingham brought back their Sportstar of the Year Awards, an event welcomed back by the whole community after a four year hiatus.
Herbert River Sub Branch RSL – Ingham hosted the long awaited event. Over 130 people were in attendance including Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo and guest speaker Maurie Soars.
Maurie congratulated all nominees and winners, stating that they were all winners just for being nominated. Maurie also talked about the importance in volunteers, especially in rural communities, and encouraged everyone to get involved in local clubs.
Lions Club of Ingham Chairperson Sharon Fighera also congratulated all nominees on the night and said she hopes the Sportstar of the Year Awards will now be a permanent fixture in the local annual events calendar.
“Here is to hoping that they continue for many years to come, and continue to acknowledge the sporting talent and volunteers we have in our small town,” expressed Sharon.
List of all nominees and winners:
*NEW AWARD*
Recognition of Service Award – Rina Zatta & Brenda Oats – Herbert River Athletic Club
Team of the Year Nominees
Gilroy Santa Maria College Open Boys Cricket Team
Ingham Football Club Mens Division 1
Forrest Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Male Beach Sprint Team – WINNER
Junior Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Kyan Biasi
Rori Biasi
Kyla Guandalini
Lacey Jayasuria
Brax Roveda
Mariah Long
Adam Mammino – Runner Up
Jack Larsen – WINNER
Mikinley Blewitt
Billie Lahtinen
Lara Biasi
Molly-Rose Gaggiano
Levi Murray – Encouragement Award
Senior Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Kyrah Mancinelli
Millie-J Lino-Gofton
Jess Furber
Spencer Riys – Encouragement Award
Liam Fascetti – Runner Up
Jared Dau
Meshack David
Ally Rhodes
Evandah Bann – WINNER
Darius Lewin-Pearson
Masters Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Carmen Mugica
Joyce Buffa - WINNER
Maurie Soars Guest Speaker and Judge
Lions Club of Ingham Chairperson Sharon Fighera
Lions Club of Ingham President Colin Dallavanzi, Rina Zatta and Brenda Oats
Team of the Year Nominees with Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo
Guest speaker Maurie Soars and Masters Sportstar of the Year Joyce Buffa
Junior Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Maurie Soars and Junior Sportstar of the Year Jack Larsen
Junior Sportstar of the Year Winner Jack Larsen, Maurie Soars, Runner-up Adam Mammino, and Encouragement award Levi Murray
Councillor Donna Marbelli and Senior Encouragement award Spencer Riys
Councillor Donna Marbelli and Runner-up Liam Fascetti
Guest speaker Maurie Soars, Lions Club of Ingham Chairperson Sharon Fighera, and Councillor Donna Marbelli
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Senior Sportstar of the Year Evandah Bann. Photo credit: Paula Henderson
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