No, It's Rally Racers! By Victoria Velton Chris and Tracey Castles have taken to the skies on a 26-day, 10,500-kilometre journey as part of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Outback Air Race 2025. Flying under the banner of Team 15 – Rookies, the pair are navigating their fire engine red A32 Vixxen through some of Australia’s most remote regions in a rally that is less about speed and more about navigation, timing, and precision. Their mission is twofold: to embrace the adventure
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The renowned Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island (Munamudanamy) is receiving a significant upgrade, with works currently underway to enhance visitor experience while preserving the island’s unique natural and cultural values. Led by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the project is being delivered in close collaboration with Bandjin and Girramay Traditional Owners. The aim is to improve infrastructure along the 32-kilometre trail without compromising the remote and pristine characte
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All around the Shire, and Australia, Vietnam Veterans' Day was commemorated in remembrance of the Battle of Long Tan and other Australian operations in the Vietnam War. “Vietnam Veterans Day holds profound importance in Australia's national consciousness. It is not merely a day etched into the calendar, but a moment of collective reflection, a time to pay tribute to those who served to acknowledge the complexity of their experiences and to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.” “The sto
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The Lions Club of Ingham is once again proud to present the annual Ingham Sportstar Awards, celebrating the outstanding sporting achievements and contributions of local athletes, teams, and volunteers. Nominations are now open, and the Club is calling on the community to help shine a spotlight on Hinchinbrook’s sporting heroes. The awards recognise achievements from 1st September 2024 through to the nomination closing date, and all nominees must be Hinchinbrook residents or represent a local sp
Read the full storyHinchinbrook Shire Council has adopted its 2025–2026 Budget, shaped by the realities of recovery and the need to build stronger foundations for the future.
The $55.1 million Budget, handed down at Lannercost Street in Ingham, prioritises rebuilding critical infrastructure, renewing core services, and investing in the capacity to deliver for the Hinchinbrook community, both now and in years to come.
Mayor Ramon Jayo said Council is very aware that residents and businesses are doing it tough right now, and that’s been front of mind throughout the process.
“The reality is — costs are rising, infrastructure is ageing, and the pressure on councils is increasing. But we’re stepping up,” Mayor Jayo said.
“We’ve worked hard to keep rates affordable while still delivering what’s needed — from roads and drainage to parks, waste services, and disaster response.”
The overall increase in Council’s rates, charges and utility revenue will be 4.79%. On average, it’s about a $4.10 rise per week across general rates and utility charges combined. For around 79% of residential ratepayers, the general rates part of that works out to about $1.32 extra a week.
To ease cost-of-living pressure, Council is offering:
· $323,000 in rates discounts for not-for-profit organisations
· Continuation of the 20% pensioner rebate (up to $200), alongside the State Government concession
· A 10% rates cap for residential and farming properties
The Budget also includes a $7.4 million Capital Works Program featuring 50 projects, including $1.5 million in joint funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments.
Council is also renewing its fleet and plant, including equipment for open space maintenance, road and drainage works, and essential machinery and vehicles that enable more reliable service delivery across the region.
“The February flood event was a stark reminder that we must build resilience,, not just recover, but be better prepared for what comes next,” Mayor Jayo said.
“Much of our infrastructure is aged and in urgent need of attention. This Budget is honest about those realities — and focused on practical, long-term solutions.”
Visit hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/our-council/corporate-publications-and-reports for more information.
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