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

Read the full story
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.

Read the full story
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

Read the full story
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

Read the full story

Forrest Beach Lifesavers Issue Jellyfish Warning as Stinger Season Peaks

December 18, 2024

Lifesavers at Forrest Beach are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant after netting six box jellyfish outside the stinger net enclosure on Sunday 15 December. The lifesavers also conducted precautionary drags inside the stinger net, with no jellyfish detected.

With hot, calm weather and plenty of bait fish close to shore, conditions were ideal for box jellyfish, which were found in shallow waters. Lifesavers are reminding everyone to take stinger season seriously and follow key safety measures to reduce the risk of stings.

Safety Reminders for Beachgoers
   • Always swim inside the stinger net.
   • Wear a stinger suit for extra protection.
   • Avoid touching the sides of the net.
   • Boaters should exercise caution when launching boats at the ramp.

In the event of a sting, douse the affected area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds, carefully remove any tentacles, and seek medical attention. For severe stings outside patrolling hours, call Triple Zero for an ambulance.

Lifesaver Patrol Hours
While there are no weekday lifeguards during the school holidays, Forrest Beach's dedicated volunteer lifesavers are extending their patrols:
   • Saturdays: 1pm - 6pm.
   • Sundays: 9am - 6pm.
   • Public Holidays: 9am - 6pm.

Box jellyfish stings can be life-threatening, but with the right precautions, everyone can stay safe. For more information on stinger safety, visit lifesaving.com.au.

One of the six jellyfish netted on Sunday by the Forrest Beach Lifesavers.

IN OTHER NEWS

Local MP Makes Bold Bid for Townsville Leadership
Read the full story
Victoria's View | 30 September 2025
Read the full story
Lions Launch Disaster Recovery Fund For Flood-Affected Families
Read the full story
Hinchinbrook Thanks Senior Sergeant Geoff Bormann For His Service
Read the full story
Out of the Floods, Come the Warmbloods
Read the full story