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 storyI recently had the privilege of attending school leader induction ceremonies at Ingham State School, Our lady of Lourdes and Gilroy Santa Maria College. Following the events of the past few weeks, it was wonderful to see all the smiling and happy students as they were preparing to be inducted as the 2025 School Leaders for their respective schools.
Congratulations to you all on your achievements and I wish you all the best for the year ahead as you enter your final year of primary and secondary schooling. I believe the schools are in good hands.
Late last week we received a briefing from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife concerning the present state of parks in the Hinchinbrook Shire. Unfortunately, roads into the parks have been significantly damaged and substantial earthwork and bridge infrastructure repairs are required. Access to the Jourama Falls day area has been achieved but the access track to the falls remains closed. Council is endeavouring to remediate Wallaman Falls Road as quickly as possible, but vegetation and slippage is problematic at present. The road into Broadwater will require bridge repairs, and at this stage it is not expected that this road will re-open in the near future.
Council has been in discussion with the Insurance Council of Australia and has been informed that home restoration and repair work for homes damaged in the recent flood events is well underway throughout the district. Demolition waste will be shredded to pulp as much as possible to ensure that the remaining life of the Warrens Hill waste facility is not compromised significantly by space wastage. The Insurance Council has informed that for the present, most work is able to be performed whilst residents remain in situ, thus alleviating the need for temporary accommodation requirements. This situation will be monitored as work progresses.
For any residents that may have a need for assistance, please remember that the Recovery Hubs are still in operation at Ingham and Halifax and that much information on the services to assist can be obtained at such locations.