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 storyFor 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.