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 cost of living is front and centre for Australian women. Principally still the primary shopper for family provisions. However increasing costs are not accurately reflected by the published inflation figures. Manufacturers of food items are contributing to hidden inflation our shoppers are faced with every day and week.
To protect profit margins and sales volume, manufacturers down size those prepacked bottled and canned goods. Its marketing mantra to hold a price rather than increase it, reducing contents by size weight and volume. Of course all our shoppers are extremely aware that a Sao biscuit is now a small wafer, Deodorant sticks once 75g are now 50g samples. Potato chips are contained in ever reducing fly weights in the same large bag size and so on.
Personally I would like to see manufacturers simply hold product size and quality, and increase the price. If you must supply for the real budget stressed, have half packs. And yes that means shelf space in the Supermarkets. But the current down sizing is simply disguising inflation. Your not fooling Australian shoppers. Only letting atrocious Governments of all persuasion off the hook. Food manufacturers are running an unintended protection racket, for bad Government by disguising just how bad inflation really is, where it hurts most and really unavoidable.
Bob Ford