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 storyWith many local schools still impacted by the recent historic flooding event, a visit last week from the Minister of Education, John-Paul Langbroek MP and Minister for Small and Family Business Steven (Steve) Minnikin MP showed support for those affected.
Accompanied by Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto MP, the delegates held a meeting at Ingham State High School to discuss schooling, small business grants, and the recovery of Hinchinbrook Shire.
Langbroek acknowledged that schools have been disrupted, not only due to flooding, but also the long-term impacts to social activities.
“Everyone knows swimming carnivals happen early in the year, but senior staff here reassure me that they're working together to make sure that they aren't going to interrupt the year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minnikin discussed the grants in relation to Small and Family Businesses.
“In terms of at the height of a natural disaster, obviously the priority has to be life and protecting citizens, of course that's number one. But eventually when the skies open up again with the sunshine and the water recedes there will be a point in time when small businesses face their real hour of need,” he said.
“Media will move on to the next event throughout the state, the nation, etc. But the people of Ingham and North Queensland, they still have to live it.
“They still have to get up and particularly from a small business perspective, they have got to try and recover, and that is when in the coming weeks, they will particularly need state government assistance.”
Nick Dametto also addressed residents.
“This is a flood event that has rocked locals that have lived here their whole life,” he said.
“We've got people that have moved to the Herbert district or the Hinchinbrook Shire in the last 18 to 24 months, post COVID, that have never been through a natural disaster like this before. Those people have perhaps been caught off guard and will likely be the ones that need the most support moving forward.
“We also have a number of businesses out there that have been operating for 25-30, years, that are now considering not reopening because of the inability to get insurance here or having insurance companies playing a bit of muck around with policy on what's actually covered and what's not, and that's something that we will need to address moving forward.”
Despite this, the Local State Member remains positive and reassures the community he will help guide the recovery of residents and small businesses owners.