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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Chamber Chat

February 25, 2025

In the weeks since Chamber last provided an update, so very much has changed in the Hinchinbrook Shire, as a result of the February rain event.

Now as our community slowly commences the process of rebuilding lives, homes, businesses and more broadly our community, we know the journey ahead will be at times difficult and challenging.  

Having acknowledged that, we also know that as a community, we have always come together to support, encourage and work together, when and as required and we know with absolute confidence, that in time we will recover and rebuild.

Many of our local businesses have been significantly impacted as a result of this flooding event and because of this, Chamber commenced the process last week of undertaking an initial survey to gain a better understanding of specific impacts, to enable data to be available more immediately to raise awareness to government agencies and visiting politicians.  

Once the roads were able to open, there has been a strong and immediate response from insurance companies, government support agencies and other organisations offering to provide any assistance to the community, as it commences its recovery.
 
This week’s Chamber meeting provided an excellent opportunity to bring together many of these representatives and connect them to the business owners who were able to attend.  The evening provided a broad oversight of the grants, support and services currently available locally and gave assurance that help is here to assist those who have been impacted.

One of the key messages provided was the need for the business community to complete the Queensland Government survey, which will provide critical information regarding impact and its economic effect.  This survey data will provide evidence to the government, when formulating the level of funding support that may be offered moving forward.  All business are strongly encouraged to complete this survey, if they have not already done so:-
Disaster impact surveys | Business Queensland

For anyone who was unable to attend this meeting or for those who require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact either Administration Assistant Christina Spencer on 0407569550 or President Mary Brown on 0409356252 or email admin@hinchinbrookchamber.com.au.

Contributed with thanks to Chamber President Mary Brown

A good turn out at last week's Chamber meeting where the community came together to share information. Photo credit: Sherie Hensler Adams

IN OTHER NEWS

Local MP Makes Bold Bid for Townsville Leadership
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Victoria's View | 30 September 2025
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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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