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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Planned Burns On Orpheus Island

July 24, 2025

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will be conducting a planned burn in Orpheus Island National Park (NP) as part of ongoing fire management operations. The planned burn will be carried out using aerial ignition and will not impact day use or camping in the National Park.

Due to the complexity of the operation, the burn will take place on a suitable day between Wednesday 23rd July and Thursday 7th August, subject to weather and operational conditions. As a result of the planned burn, smoke may be seen in nearby areas of Forrest Beach, Lucinda and the Bruce Highway.

If visiting Orpheus Island NP, observe all signs, barriers, and directions from QPWS Rangers and other staff and never enter closed areas. Avoid driving through smoke where possible and be aware of firefighters working in the area.

Planned burns are vital in promoting ecological health, biodiversity, and the conservation of species and habitats. They also aim to mitigate the risk and intensity of bushfires and their potential impacts on communities, infrastructure, parks, and forests.

Planned burns are highly weather-dependent, generally requiring milder conditions and minimal wind.

These same weather conditions can also allow smoke to accumulate and linger until weather conditions change and winds assist in dispersing the smoke.

If smoke affects you; stay indoors and close windows and doors, and keep respiratory medication close by.

Public safety is the highest consideration in all QPWS fire management activities. To find out more, visit the Qld Government's Parks and forests 'Fire Management' webpage.

Live air quality data, and information on smoke and dust health actions, can be found on the Queensland Government’s website: www.qld.gov.au/environment/management/monitoring/air

You can stay updated with local QPWS fire activities by visiting: parks.desi.qld.gov.au/park-alerts

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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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