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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QCAR On The Ground

May 6, 2025

Queensland Cane Action Roundtable (QCAR) has been out in force across the state in recent weeks, building momentum for workforce solutions and innovation in the sugarcane industry.

QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella and Central District Manager Sonia Ball were among the representatives at the 2025 Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) Conference, held at the Royal International Convention Centre last week.

Attending alongside AgEtal and AgForce, the team was promoting the AgTIY – RSDetect testing kit, a tool designed to provide reliable, on-farm results to better inform farming decisions.

The exhibit drew strong interest, with many stopping by to speak with Kylie and Adele from AgEtal, and learn more about the testing process. SRA’s Farzana Darain was among those who dropped in to the QCAR, AgEtal and AgForce stall, as was Peter Larson of Wilmar.

Meanwhile, QCAR has been stepping up its engagement with ALA Workforce Solutions, working collaboratively to address labour shortages across the sugarcane and agricultural sectors.

Herbert River district growers have been invited to attend an information evening on Monday 6 May at the Royal Hotel. RSVPs officially closed on 2 May, however last-minute enquiries can be directed to QCAR Administration Officer Anna Di Bella on 0419 673 000.

The workforce push follows a successful start to a three-event series in Far North Queensland, with a strong turnout for the first meeting at the Crown Hotel, Innisfail, followed by Babinda and Walkamin.

QCAR continues to drive change across Queensland and into the northern tip of New South Wales, supporting sugarcane growers with tools, partnerships and opportunities.

For more information about QCAR’s work or the AgTIY – RSDetect kit, contact Lawrence Di Bella on 0448 084 252.

Sonia Ball and Lawrence Di Bella, QCAR. Photos supplied
SRA’s Farzana Darain at the QCAR, AgEtal and AgForce exhibit
Lawrence Di Bella with Kylie and Adele from AgEtal
From left, QCAR Chairman Christian Lago, Alf D’Urso, Steven Bonso and Deputy Chairman Don Murday
Mick Camilleri, Barry Stubbs, Les Neilsen and Robert Muzic
Retiring QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan, Daniel Messina, Joel Pappalardo, David Cecchi and QCAR Director Gerard Puglisi

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