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 storyAs I write this Councillor Column, it is the 15th of February 2025. The sun has finally come out, giving us a break in this disastrous February 2025 flood event with the recovery efforts in full swing. The devastation that Mother Nature has dealt has affected every individual, and the loss of life of two of our own residents is particularly heartbreaking. Our businesses, non-for-profit organisations and agricultural sectors have been ravaged in our Shire and it is saddening to see. However, as we have witnessed in previous times of natural disasters, we will regroup, rebuild better and move forward as a community.
Your elected councillors have been delegated to form the Hinchinbrook Local Recovery Group, with Deputy Mayor Mary Brown as the chair of the of the Master Recovery Group and Cr Pat Lynch as the deputy chair. Under the Master Recovery Group, there will be four subgroups that will report to the Master Recovery Group. These are the Human-Social Recovery Sub Group chaired by Cr Donna Marbelli; the Environmental Recovery Sub Group chaired by Cr Kate Milton; the Infrastructure Recovery Sub Group chaired by Cr Andrew Carr; and the Economic Recovery Sub Group chaired by me, Cr Mark Spina.
Based on previous recovery plans, we will focus on a locally led approach involving individuals, families, community groups, businesses and agricultural sectors along side all levels of government to identify and match our recovery efforts to the needs of the community. To achieve this, Hinchinbrook Shire Council will facilitate a locally led approach that prioritises the impacted community to manage and actively participate in their own recovery while considering the values, culture, and needs of all those affected by the disaster. It is important to recognise that the greater community may identify different recovery pathways and that we must remain flexible to meet the changing recovery needs of those affected by this disaster.
Please keep up to date with Disaster Recovery Grants that are available by visiting www.qld.gov.au/ community/disasters-emergencies and above all take care of yourselves and your neighbours during this difficult time, be kind and try to remain positive.