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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Local NDIS and Aged Care Provider Championing Community Wellbeing Through Evidence-Based Holistic Care

April 22, 2025

Optimise Health and Wellness is a proudly locally owned and operated NDIS and Aged Care provider dedicated to building authentic relationships and strengthening community capacity. With a growing team of over 50 passionate professionals, we deliver high-quality, person-centred care that empowers individuals to reach their goals.

Our multidisciplinary team—including Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Exercise Physiologists, Therapy Assistants, Case Managers, Support Workers, and dedicated admin staff—works collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Research consistently shows that multidisciplinary teams lead to better outcomes, higher satisfaction, and more efficient service delivery. Our integrated model ensures communication, coordination, and effective care planning across disciplines.

We are committed to using the latest evidence and research to inform our practice. Continuous quality improvement is embedded in all areas—from service delivery to staff training and strategy—ensuring our services evolve with changing needs and deliver meaningful results.

Recent structural enhancements have strengthened quality and deepened the connection between participants and leadership, improving satisfaction, communication, and staff support.

We believe true impact comes from working closely with participants and their families. By understanding each person’s goals and values, we tailor services to ensure outcomes are both clinically sound and personally meaningful. Our team proudly supports each individual’s journey and celebrates every milestone.

Cultural safety is at the heart of our values. We are committed to delivering respectful, inclusive services—particularly for First Nations communities—while honouring cultural identity and connection.

Our Consumer Advisory Group ensures participant voices guide governance, service development, and quality improvement, keeping us aligned with what matters most.

As a local employer, we invest in the future through school-based traineeships and career development, building a skilled, consistent workforce and fostering a supportive culture.

Grounded in our core values—client-centred care, innovation, ethical practice, diversity, safety, fiscal accountability, and teamwork—Optimise Health and Wellness is more than a service provider. We are a team committed to improving health outcomes, growing community capacity, and building a more connected, inclusive future for all.

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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