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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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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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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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
Read the full storySmall businesses across North Queensland affected by earlier severe weather events are being offered another vital helping hand, with an additional $15 million in disaster recovery grants now available through a joint initiative by the Australian and Queensland Governments.
The Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant will provide up to $15,000 in funding for eligible businesses in the Hinchinbrook Shire that experienced significant disruption between the 29th of January and the 28th of February 2025 due to the North Queensland tropical low and associated flooding.
The program, activated under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), is designed to help businesses cover essential operating costs such as wages, rent, stock and salaries - supporting them to bounce back and continue serving their communities.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the grant responds to the real needs of local operators following the damaging floods.
“Small businesses are the heart of North Queensland and provide the services communities love and rely on, which is why we’ve activated additional financial assistance to help them get back on their feet,” Minister McBain said.
“We’ve listened to local operators about the impact of this year’s floods, and this grant is about providing practical support to help them to rebuild with confidence.”
Queensland Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the funding targets businesses that either ceased operations or suffered a 60 per cent or more loss in revenue for at least two consecutive weeks as a direct result of the disaster.
“Small businesses are the backbone of regional communities - when disaster strikes, they face not only physical damage but also massive financial uncertainty,” Minister Minnikin said.
“This grant recognises the real and ongoing challenges these businesses face and helps them cover essential costs like wages, rent and stock so they can focus on reopening, retaining staff, and rebuilding stronger than before.”
To be eligible, businesses must operate within one of the eight declared disaster-affected Local Government Areas: Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, and Yarrabah.
Applications will be assessed competitively, with businesses needing to demonstrate how the disaster affected their operations, their plans to continue trading, and how the grant will contribute to business and community recovery. The program will remain open until all funds are allocated.
Businesses can apply online through the Business Queensland website at www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-services/financial/grants/recovery-tropical-low. For help with the application, contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or email disastergrants@desbt.qld.gov.au.
For more information, visit www.disasterassist.gov.au, www.qra.qld.gov.au, or www.business.qld.gov.au.
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