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 storyThe Gill family, who had long lived on Goold Island, were forced to relocate after a cyclone in 1918 blew their house over; they then moved the house to the Haven on Hinchinbrook Island. Macushla Point on Hinchinbrook Island was named after the boat owned by Emily Lyon from Herbert River, and in 1929 the Cardwell Shire Council offices moved to Tully. During the 1930s the Lyons family constructed two cottages and laid concrete foundations for tents at Macushla Point. In 1932, most of Hinchinbrook Island was declared a National Park, further cementing the area’s environmental significance, and the Girramay people have long been recognised as the Traditional Owners of the Cardwell area. In 1933, the population within the Cardwell Shire Council area surged by 1,200 per cent to 4,416 due to the growth of the sugar industry and the establishment of a mill in Tully.
The early 1930s also saw the construction of four small cabins with thatched roofs at the Haven on the western side of Hinchinbrook Island, and in 1937 work began on constructing the Kirrama Range road to provide access to the timbers in the Kirrama Range area. This road opened in 1941; however, it was later closed following Cyclone Larry. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Frank Lewis ran cattle and operated a small casual resort at the Haven on Hinchinbrook Island. In 1944, experiments in gas warfare using Australian Army personnel were carried out on the Brook Islands.