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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CANEGROWERS Herbert River Link2Country Expo Connects Communities To Agriculture

June 3, 2025

The CANEGROWERS Herbert River Link2Country Expo took place on May 23-24, 2025, at the Ingham Showgrounds in North Queensland. This vibrant two-day event was designed to connect local communities with the agricultural sector through hands-on experiences and career opportunities, drawing attendees from across the region, including school students from Townsville and Charters Towers.

Among the many engaging stalls was the CANEGROWERS Herbert River team, who demonstrated how a Refractometer is used to measure Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS). Visitors also had the chance to journey through the sugar cane industry using immersive Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, offering a unique perspective on the day-to-day workings of cane farming and harvesting.

The Expo featured a variety of interactive activities that appealed to people of all ages. A popular highlight was the children’s tractor pull, which encouraged young participants to showcase their strength and coordination in a fun competition. Another crowd favourite was the excavator challenge, where contestants tested their precision skills by trying to pick up a small rugby league ball using only the excavator bucket. These hands-on experiences were designed not only to entertain but also to educate attendees about the machinery and skills vital to modern agriculture.

Adding to the lively atmosphere were line dancing performances, bringing the community together in a spirited celebration of rural culture and camaraderie. The event was especially well-received by school students, many of whom appreciated the opportunity to explore agricultural careers in an engaging and accessible setting.

Frank Scardamaglia, Manager of CANEGROWERS Herbert River, said, “It was great to see so many people connect with industry professionals within the agriculture sector.

"Nicole Chiesa’s vision in bringing together education and industry skills made the event a real success. It was a clever way to inspire the next generation while showcasing the importance of agriculture in our region.”

The event concluded with Chairman Steven Marbelli offering his congratulations to Nicole Chiesa and Link2Country.

“This well-organised Expo demonstrates the strong synergies between CANEGROWERS and the wider community. It’s a fantastic example of how industry and education can come together to promote agriculture’s future.”

The Link2Country Expo celebrated rural life, innovation, and the vital role agriculture plays in connecting people and communities across North Queensland.

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Lions Launch Disaster Recovery Fund For Flood-Affected Families
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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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