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
Read the full storyNational 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.
Read the full storyEach 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
Read the full storyThe 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 storyThe Hinchinbrook Chamber held the first Coffee Connections session on Tuesday 11 March at JK’s Delicatessen between 7:30am and 9:00am. This event was very well attended by local business owners, with a guest speaker for the morning being Charlotte Johansson, a wellness coach with Rural Financial Counselling Services NQ.
Chamber had planned to reintroduce these casual coffee catchups again in 2025, as a way for local business owners, employees and other agencies to come together in a relaxed environment and share experiences and connections. Unfortunately the February flood event delayed the start of these gatherings for the year, however moving forward, Chamber intends to continue with these events at differing locations around the community.
During the morning, Charlotte took some time to explain her role and the importance of seeking support and mentorship if you are a business owner, especially in light of recent events. There was great discussion and Charlotte was able to answer many questions provide information in relation to how anyone could connect to arrange future individual appointments.
Since the flood event the Rural Financial Services Counselling team have been in the community providing opportunity for free support and arranging individual appointments, with business owners who may wish to engage additional support, during this challenging time of recovery.
The local response has been so significant, Charlotte has arranged for a local “pop up” office and is now scheduling appointments.
Overall, it was very informative and uplifting and Chamber is sincerely grateful to Karen and the JK’s Delicatessen team for hosting the first Coffee Connections for 2025. They also expressed a special thanks to Charlotte Johansson for being the first guest speaker of the year and to all who took the time to join the morning.
Plans are already underway for Chamber's April event, stay tuned on Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce social media pages and website for more details.
Contributed with thanks to Chamber President Mary Brown