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 storyOften found nesting along the north-east Queensland coastline, little terns are small seabirds which frequent Hinchinbrook beaches during the summer months each year. Birdlife Australia’s Simon Kennedy hosts regular free workshops to educate attendees on the nature of little terns, and how the community can care for the bird if they come across a nesting area.
“The nesting population of little terns in eastern Australia is about 1,200 from the whole east coast from Tasmania to the Daintree, and one of the important areas is the Hinchinbrook coast,” Simon explained.
Workshop attendees are guided through a little tern monitoring process to support the work of Birdlife Australia and are educated on how to watch the birds within their area from when they’re hatched, to fully grown. As well as accessing the information available on Birdlife Australia’s website, birdlife.org,au, Simon also encourages the community to reach out to the Hinchinbrook Shire Council for advice on how to care for the little terns in the area if they’re unsure.
Although the area previously hosted harsh conditions, the little terns hatched at Lucinda Spit earlier this year have now reached flying age, a milestone achievement Birdlife Australia has certainly celebrated.
“Last year, and the year before, the little terns which nested at Lucinda Spit lost all of their eggs to storm tides, but this year, a couple of young ones have made it to flying age, - they’ve made it, and that’s great, that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Over the past three years, Simon has ran successful workshops from Innisfail to Townsville, with up to 15 attendees each session, and following on from his recent workshop on Friday the 13th December at Forrest Beach’s Mungalla Station, Simon invites those interested to reach out to him via simon.kennedy@birdlife.org.au for more information.
“15 people isn’t many, but the workshops are worthwhile even through the turnout isn’t very big,” added Simon.
“If some of those people are out and keep an eye on the local little terns in their area and report sightings, then that’s great for us.”