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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Young Artists Help Put Farm Safety In The Spotlight

June 17, 2025

Queensland’s youngest artists are being called on to help spread an important message, as the Crisafulli Government launches its 2026 Farm Safety Calendar Competition.

Designed to raise awareness about potential hazards on farms and in rural communities, the competition is open to all Queensland primary school students from Prep to Year 6. Twelve standout artworks will be chosen to feature in the official 2026 calendar, with each month focusing on a different safety theme—from overhead powerlines and electrical equipment to animal safety and hand hygiene.

More than 40,000 copies of the calendar will be printed and distributed to Queensland primary schools and the wider community.

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the campaign taps into creative young minds to highlight a serious message.

“Raising awareness among primary school students and their communities about common safety hazards on farms and in rural settings is an ongoing campaign,” he said.

Member for Condamine Pat Weir echoed the importance of the initiative.

“As someone who has been injured themselves from a farm accident, I know all too well the importance of the issue to local farming families,” Mr Weir said.

“It’s great that the focus is also about educating our next generation of farmers as well throughout primary schools in Queensland.”

In last year's competition, Kalamia State School's Paige Colls created a wonderful drawing to share the message of water safety which is featured on November of 2025's Farm Safety Calendar which can be seen in classrooms across the state!

The competition has also been welcomed by Queensland educators, who say it aligns perfectly with classroom lessons on agriculture and safety.

“The students enjoy the challenge of illustrating farm safety aspects which are extremely important for each student to remember as they go about their daily lives in rural settings,” said Ms Wendy Thornton, teacher at Gogango State School in Central Queensland.

The competition is open until the 27th of June and each of the 12 winning entrants will receive a $250 gift card, with their schools also awarded $500.

To find out how to enter and access resources, visit WorkSafe.qld.gov.au.

On 2025's calendar Paige Colls' artwork is featured on November's spread (Photo Source: QLD Government)

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