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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Kind Donation Keeps The Hurley Bus Going

March 4, 2025

The Ingham Palliative Care Group received a substantial donation this week thanks to the broader community and one kind local man who selflessly decided to pay it forward.

During the flooding event Halifax local Jason Valastro travelled into Ingham via helicopter every day for work at a local retail store.

This enormous commitment to work did not go unnoticed by the local community with many personally donating money to Jason to help with any additional costs he incurred during this time.

Jason appreciated the kind donations but, instead of putting it in his back pocket, this kind man decided to pass the money forward, donating instead to another worthwhile charity.

Jason has donated the funds, $515.05, to Ingham Palliative Care.

“I believe it's a good cause,” explained Jason.

Juliene Collins accepted the money on behalf of her daughter Tammy. Along with others, the pair actively fundraise for Ingham Palliative Care and ensure every dollar is put towards helping those suffering in the community.

“Thank you, Jason, for your kind donation. It's greatly appreciated and it will be put to very good use to our local Ingham Palliative Care,” she said.

"Just recently, palliative care have bought a bus, the Hurley Bus and my daughter, Tammy, and myself and our little crew have pledged to Palliative Care that we will keep fundraising to keep the Hurley Bus running."

The Hurley Bus has been running since December, and is used to transport frail and palliative pateinets to and from medical appointments. But the bus is not only to be used for medical appointments, it can be used for absolutely anything.

Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook said the gesture was a fantastic contribution and that Ingham Palliative Care do a great job in our region.

Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook, Jan Mombelli, Juliene Collins, Laurelie Sheppard, Laura Casale, and Jason Valastro. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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