TOP NEWS

Turtle-y Epic!

Tasman Turtle Picnic Day Shire Success Scores of locals and travellers flocked to TYTO Wetlands as Tasman Turtle returned with craft, food, activities, and family fun. With a rock climbing wall, circus acts, laser tag, pony rides, and a petting zoo, there was something for everyone. Music filled the air, even getting Tasman dancing, and the park buzzed from start to finish. Faces were covered with ice cream and fairy floss, but most importantly big smiles. Deputy Mayor Mary Brown happily remark

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Hinchinbrook Heroes Honoured In King’s Birthday Awards

Two respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years. Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic. With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a stea

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Jayden McNeill The Mindful Solver

By Victoria Velton In the quiet coastal town of Taylor’s Beach, Jayden McNeill is solving more than just colorful puzzles; he’s solved his way to global recognition. A Rubik’s Cube champion with international acclaim, McNeill’s story is one of perseverance, precision, and passion. It all started when a seven-year-old Jayden received a Rubik’s Cube for Christmas. Like many, he shelved it after failing to solve it. But years later, inspired by classmates in high school, he revisited the cube and

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More Than Fantasy

A Tool For Real-World Readiness When most people hear “LARPing” (Live Action Role-Playing), images of medieval knights and fantasy creatures might spring to mind. But for a growing community in Townsville, LARPing has evolved far beyond weekend cosplay, it’s becoming a valuable tool for real-world training and personal growth. The newly launched Townsville chapter of Swordcraft, Australia’s largest medieval battle and role-playing game, brings enthusiasts together every fortnight. What began as

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Strong Roots, Stronger Future LNP Candidate for Kennedy, Annette Swaine

April 15, 2025

For more than 32 years – including the two decades I have lived in Kennedy – our proud communities here in Hinchinbrook have been represented by the same voice in Canberra.

But I ask you: has our region been taken seriously when big decisions are made? Has Hinchinbrook benefited from the transformational infrastructure we’ve been trying for years to receive? Has enough been done to give our kids and grandkids a reason to stay here?

Maybe it’s time for a fresh approach, and I’m ready to deliver it.

I’m Annette Swaine, your LNP candidate for Kennedy, and I’m proud to call North Queensland home. I’ve lived, worked and raised my family right here in the Kennedy electorate for the past two decades. I know this region. I’ve walked its streets, fished its waters, and stood side by side with its people through good times and bad.
I grew up in the Torres Strait Islands in the commercial fishing industry, learning early the value of hard work and community. I served as a Queensland Police Sergeant in Innisfail, Mount Isa and Cardwell, specialising in the Child Protection and Investigation Unit. After leaving the police, I ran a small fishing charter and tourism business out of Cardwell.

Everything I’ve done in life has been shaped by service and community.

That’s why I’m putting my hand up – because more can be done to bring about positive change for the people of Kennedy.

Under a Dutton Liberal National Government, we will always fight for farmers, small businesses, and tradies. We will introduce a $12,000 incentive for small and medium businesses to take on new apprentices and trainees in critical skill areas. That means more local jobs and a stronger workforce for the future.

We’ll deliver immediate tax relief and cut fuel taxes. We’ll also reintroduce the $30,000 Instant Asset Write-Off, giving our cane farmers, graziers and other businesses a tax cut when they buy new equipment.

Unlike Labor, we will never tax unrealised capital gains – a policy that would force some small business owners and farmers to sell their assets just to pay the tax. I stand for lower, simpler, and fairer taxes, and responsible budget management.

Under a Dutton Liberal National government, we will establish a dedicated $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund from mining revenue to pump money directly into the regions and ensure the Australian way of life is continued in our communities.

Kennedy needs a representative who not only understands local issues but someone who sits with a party of government and is in the room when decisions are made.

I’m not here just to make up the numbers and I’m not here to discredit the work of our current MP – I’m here to offer the chance to forge a new path. Because after 32 years, we need a different approach, and I have the local knowledge, experience, and determination to be that difference.

LNP Candidate for Kennedy, Annette Swaine. Photo supplied

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