TOP NEWS

Government Inaction Has Flying Foxes In Fight For Survival

James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction as new and escalating threats push the species closer to the brink. Despite their reputation as noisy and messy neighbours, spectacled flying-foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia’s rainforests, travelling vast distances to pollinate flowers and spread seeds at levels unmatched by any other species. JCU adjunct associate professor Noel Preece sai

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Ingham Pauses To Honour Fallen Police Officers

National Police Remembrance Day Today, the community of Ingham came together to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Queensland Police Service who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The National Police Remembrance Day Service, held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, offered a solemn and poignant moment for reflection, remembrance, and respect. Since 1861, 151 Queensland Police officers have lost their lives while protecting and serving communities across the state.

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HINCHINBROOK Cadets Shine At ESCAPE Week In Brisbane

Each year, a team of Hinchinbrook Emergency Services Cadets travels to Brisbane to attend the prestigious ESCAPE Week, a program that brings together cadets from across Queensland to experience life at multiple emergency services. This year, three Hinchinbrook cadets participated: two senior cadets attending as leaders and one as a program participant, accompanied by Cadet Coordinator Mark Regazzoli. The week kicked off at Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), Bribie Island, where cadets underwent an

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Compassion On Wheels

The Hurley Bus Since launching in December last year, the Hurley Bus has already completed more than 400 bookings, providing free transport for elderly, frail, and palliative community members. The service, run entirely by volunteers through the Ingham Palliative Carers Committee, offers a safe, reliable, and compassionate way for people to stay connected and attend important appointments. The eight-seat bus is wheelchair accessible and travels throughout Ingham, the surrounding districts, Card

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A Clear Vision For Ingham With Rebecca Bornstein

June 10, 2025

Rebecca Bornstein is a highly qualified and dedicated optometrist, committed to providing tailored, evidence-based care to every patient she sees. She holds a Bachelor of Vision Science with Distinction and a Master of Optometry from Deakin University and is endorsed to prescribe ocular therapeutics.

Although initially interested in nutrition, Rebecca was drawn to optometry after exploring a wide range of healthcare professions. saying that optometry ticked every box for her as a career that offered continual learning, a strong clinical focus, and good work-life balance.

Her clinical interests include paediatric eye care, glaucoma management, anterior eye conditions, and dry eye disease. These areas are particularly relevant in the Ingham area, where dry eye is prevalent among the ageing population. Rebecca explained that the regional location has provided the perfect opportunity with its many complicated and challenging patients, for her to apply her skills while continuing to learn.

Rebecca joined the Rachel Cauchi Optometrist's team with enthusiasm, saying "I wanted to be clinically challenged, mentally challenged. I came and met the team, and I just felt like we would be a good fit, and it has been so wonderful."

Her approach to patient care is full of empathy and preparation, particularly when working with children or nervous adults. “I try to relate to them, to be present with them, and if it's kids, to make them laugh and enjoy the process." She always has a strategy and a plan ready before the patients walk in, tailor-made to each one.

Rebecca encourages anyone who has not had an eye test recently to book an appointment, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. “Routine eye checks can detect issues that may not yet be noticeable,” she advises. “It’s an important part of overall health care, even if you aren't experiencing any symptoms," and advises getting checked every two years for those under 65 and every year if over 65.

Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending time in nature with her partner, cooking, and playing guitar. One of her favourite local spots is the Cardwell Jetty, as she never tires of the views.

Rebecca Bornstein and Rachel Cauchi. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Hinchinbrook Thanks Senior Sergeant Geoff Bormann For His Service
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Out of the Floods, Come the Warmbloods
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