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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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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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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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 storyMacknade Mill has completed its largest capital program in a decade, with a new high-grade fugal station already delivering positive results halfway through the 2025 sugar production season.
The $10.76 million project saw the installation of seven Silver Seibull 1250E fugals during the maintenance season, along with new supporting structures, civil works, services, and switch rooms.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Senior Project Engineer Joseph Bonassi said the project was about more than just new equipment.
“Local drainage and access systems were also improved as a portion of the scope of the project, with the aim of improving upon safety culture and factory performance,” he said.
The fugal station marks the final stage of sugar manufacturing, where centrifuges separate and wash molasses from sugar crystals. Macknade Manager Mechanical Engineering Wes Seri said the benefits were already clear.
“From the start of the season there has been a step-change improvement in sugar quality compliance,” he said.
“The old fugal station was traditionally a factory bottleneck when CCS levels were high. With the new fugals performing so well, our Operations team is excited for the next few weeks, when CCS is expected to peak.”
Mr Bonassi said the project highlighted the expertise and teamwork across the business.
“The successful delivery of the project reflects the exceptional technical expertise, commitment and collaboration of our people,” he said.
Capital Work Coordinator Joshua Beccaris praised the resilience of the team in overcoming unexpected hurdles.
“Severe flooding cost us two full weeks of work and presented unexpected hurdles but, thanks to the resilience, adaptability, and commitment of our team, we regrouped quickly, adjusted timelines, and kept the project moving forward without compromising quality,” he said.
“Even with the setbacks, the upgrade was completed efficiently and to a high standard – a true testament to the strength of our people and the value of having skilled talent in-house."
Mr Seri added that planning and teamwork were crucial to the successful delivery.
“The quality of work was outstanding, reflecting the care and pride our people put into every detail. This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and skill of our people,” he said.
The project involved contributions from the Herbert Centre of Excellence, along with site electrical, engineering, and technical teams. Employees Blaise Fontana, Dale Cantoni, Brendan Holland, Lexi Sexton, Ryan Carr, and Joshua Beccaris were among those who worked on the upgrade.
The new fugal station is now expected to improve both throughput and sugar quality for the remainder of the season and into the future.
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