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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Ingham's New Wave Of Small Businesses

July 24, 2025

Hinchinbrook, it is very easy to shop locally when we are so spoilt for choice. It is heartening to see new small business establishing in Ingham and the town buzzing after a challenging first half of the year for many.

It was a pleasure to visit some of these new businesses recently to congratulate them and check out the exciting services they’re offering. Hinchinbrook is brimming with creativity, determination, and community spirit and our small businesses are a proud reflection of that.

Congratulations to Kaitlin Gileppa for officially opening Piccolo Poompi, on 5 July 2025 located at Lannercost Street. I’m sure parents, especially mums, will be thrilled to have a beautiful new children’s and gift store in town.

Also joining the Hinchinbrook business community is Adam’s Barbershop, now open on Herbert Street. It’s fantastic to see new residents choosing Ingham not just as a place to live, but as a place to invest in. We warmly welcome Adam and his family.

Adding even more variety to the local business scene is Neuro Calm, located on Palm Terrace and established by Madison. Neuro Calm is a gentle and non-invasive brain training service that improves clarity, focus, balance and resilience. It’s inspiring to see entrepreneurs bringing innovative business ideas to life right here in Ingham.

Another congratulations to Bec Weston, owner of Beauty on Lannercost, who has recently relocated from Maddie’s Hair Bar and opened her own shopfront. Bec has created a warm, stylish, and relaxing space where clients can enjoy being pampered.

It was also a pleasure meeting Jackie and the team from Connecting the Dots through Culture. Jackie and Cecelia bring extensive personal and professional cultural knowledge to support educators. They have also launched a new Play Shop that offers a variety of books, puzzles, finger puppets, snap cards and play-based resources for cultural learning.

While visiting some new businesses, I was able to catch up with Shirley from NQ Makers’ Collective and I was blown away with the local talent in our district. This unique shop offers locals an outlet to be creative by selling homewares, jewellery, local honey, candles, personalised gifts and so much more.

It’s always exciting meeting new business owners and hearing the stories behind their ventures. If you are a new business owner in the Hinchinbrook electorate and would like to arrange a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact the Hinchinbrook Electorate Office on (07) 4765 4700.

Bec Weston and Nick Dametto MP at Beauty on Lannercost
Nick Dametto and Adam at Adam's Barbershop
Nick Dametto, Madison and Kaitlin at Piccolo Poompi
Shirley and Nick Dametto MP at NQ Makers Collective
Nick Dametto and Jackie at Connecting the Dots through Culture

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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