CANEGROWERS has launched the 2024 Sugarcane Transport Load Restraint Guide, an essential tool created in partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). 

This industry-specific guide aims to enhance road transport safety and streamline compliance for sugarcane growers and transport operators.

The new resource addresses a long-standing need for updated and practical advice tailored to the sugarcane industry. It equips operators with the knowledge to ensure safer, more efficient transport practices.

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens praised the initiative, emphasising its role in improving safety and providing clear guidance for growers and contract harvesters navigating transport challenges.
 
“This guide not only helps growers understand their legal responsibilities but also promotes safe and efficient transport practices,” Mr Menkens said. 
 
“It reflects CANEGROWERS’ dedication to supporting growers in ways that often go unnoticed. As a grower-led organisation we’re committed to tackling both the day-to-day challenges faced by growers as well as the broader, industry-wide issues." 
 
The guide focuses on key aspects of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), as well as load restraint methods and chain of responsibility obligations. 
 
With the NHVR now overseeing the delivery of heavy vehicle regulatory activities in Queensland, the guide serves as a practical and accessible reference for all operators in the transport chain.
 
"Safety is the number one priority of the NHVR, and we are committed to continually working with industry to improve safety outcomes for all road users,” NHVR’s Northern Region Director Kelli Ready said.
 
“We support and congratulate CANEGROWERS on this important safety initiative, and we were pleased our dedicated team were able to assist.
 
“Our work with CANEGROWERS following the April transition of heavy vehicles regulatory services in Queensland is further evidence of our commitment to working collaboratively with industry to improve safety and raise HVNL awareness.”
 
CANEGROWERS encourages all growers and cane transport operators to adopt the guide to improve safety practices and ensure compliance.
 
"By embracing the 2024 Sugarcane Transport Load Restraint Guide, we can collectively reduce risks and uphold the high standards that define our industry," Mr Menkens added.
  
To access the 2024 Sugarcane Transport Load Restraint Guide, visit bit.ly/CaneTransport

Nestled in a prime beachside location, this stunning property offers breathtaking ocean views, refreshing cool breezes, and the ultimate lifestyle of relaxation and outdoor living.  Whether you're looking for a holiday home, a permanent residence, or an investment property, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.
 
The property features diverse accommodation options with four one-bedroom units, one two-bedroom unit and one spacious three-bedroom unit.
 
It has a freshly painted exterior and is move-in ready.
 
The property is being sold fully furnished, with all chattels included in the sale making it ideal for immediate occupancy or rental.
 
It has outdoor appeal at its best with a sparkling pool for endless enjoyment and newly replanted tropical gardens, perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
 
Lifestyle benefits include waking up to the sound of the waves and enjoying cool ocean breezes and watching spectacular sunrises.  This property is designed for those who want to embrace a coastal lifestyle.
 
The property has endless opportunities whether you’re seeking a family retreat, looking to capitalise on a lucrative rental market or wanting a permanent residence in paradise. This property ticks all the boxes!
 
Don’t miss out - opportunities like this are rare.  Buy location, a beachside gem with endless possibilities. Own a piece of paradise!
 
The property will be Open For Inspection on Saturday, 1st February, 2025, 1.00 - 2.00 p.m.
 
It will then go to Auction on Friday, 14th February, 2025 at 12 noon at Felix Reitano's Auction Room at 109 Cartwright Street, Ingham. Get ready to "Fall in Love with Forrest Beach!"
 
Offers will be considered prior to the Auction date.
 
Contact us today to arrange a private viewing and take the first step toward your dream lifestyle!
 
For further details on the property, or to arrange another inspection at anytime contact the action team at Felix Reitano Real Estate!   They can be contacted at their office at 109 Cartwright Street, Ingham or on 4776 5007 or Peter on 0407 167 108, or Felix on 0417 641 830.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Reitano

Feeling sluggish after Christmas? Feeling the weight of the holiday season and ready for a change? You are not the first or the last. As we enter 2025 many of us our turning our thoughts to fresh starts and healthier lifestyles. Here are the ten ways you can confidently start the new year:
   1. Get organised and set reasonable and specific goals
Organise yourself, by setting goals that you will stick to, decide what you want to improve and how you are going to achieve this.
   2. Pick a start date
Pick a day that you want to start by, and ensure to stick to it.
   3. Create a Plan
After setting your goal(s), break it down into steps to understand precisely what you need to do to reach your desired outcome.
   4. List the new skills you will need
To advance in your career or stay competitive in your business, you'll likely need to acquire new skills. Identify what you need to learn this year and create a plan to master these skills.
   5. Be sure your goals are measurable
Make sure your goals are measurable—what gets measured gets accomplished. Track your progress and celebrate your achievements along the way.
   6. Talk about your goals

Share your plans with friends, family, and trusted colleagues so they can offer their support.

   7. Make course corrections if necessary
If you realize you're moving in the wrong direction, don't be afraid to make adjustments. Goals aren't set in stone, and it's perfectly fine to revise them as needed.

   8. Ask for Help
If you are struggling to stick to your goals, there is no shame in asking others for help or support.
   9. Avoid repeating past failure
If you're not getting the results you're aiming for, repeating the same actions won't change the outcome. Try taking a different approach instead.
   10. Schedule time for yourself
Set aside dedicated time on your calendar to disconnect and focus without distractions. Be sure to also maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life.

1. Location
Ensure the property is conveniently located near work, schools, and essential amenities. Research the neighbourhood’s safety, atmosphere, and additionally, research future development plans to understand how the area might change over time, as this can impact both your quality of life and the property's value.

2. Condition and Layout
Inspect the property's structural integrity, plumbing, and electrical systems. Check for adequate space to meet your current and future needs and consider how features like outdoor areas can also significantly enhance the property's appeal.

3. Costs and Budget
Look beyond the purchase price to include property taxes, insurance, utilities, and potential renovations.

4. Neighbourhood and Amenities
Visit the area to evaluate its noise levels, community vibe, and nearby amenities such as parks, schools, and shops. A vibrant and welcoming community can enhance your day-to-day life and increase the property's long-term value.

5. Resale Value
Even if you plan to live in the property for years, it's wise to consider its resale potential. Look for features that are consistently in demand, such as a good location, ample parking, and modern upgrades. Properties in up-and-coming neighbourhoods or those with flexible spaces—like a home office or a potential rental unit—often offer better long-term value.

Introducing the one and only Tones and I – or as her friends call her, Toni! This beautiful tabby with striking markings and captivating green eyes is ready to find her forever home. Despite facing challenges in her young life, including being a young mum, Toni is a resilient little fighter who’s determined to find the love and security she deserves.

Toni is a social and affectionate cat who loves food, attention, and playtime. She’s especially fond of feather wands and will happily engage in a playful chase. Whether it’s getting scratches at the base of her tail, full-body pats, leg rubs, or being picked up and coddled, Toni is always up for some love. Plus, she’s quite the chatterbox and enjoys carrying on a conversation with her humans!

Currently living in a foster home with other cats, Toni has a bit of “sassy little sister” energy and may prefer to be the solo queen of her domain. However, with a slow introduction, she might be open to sharing her space with a confident, friendly feline companion.

If you’re looking for a loving, chatty companion who’s ready to bring joy and affection into your home, Toni could be the perfect fit. Could you offer this determined little lady the forever home she craves?

Adoption Details:
   • Adoption Fee: $195
   • Included in the Fee: Desexed, Microchipped, Up-to-date Vaccinations, Flea/Tick/Intestinal Worm Treatment
   • DOB: 01/04/2023
   • Breed: Domestic Shorthair (DSH)
   • Sex: Female
   • Kid-Friendly: Yes
   • Cat-Friendly: Yes (with slow introduction)
   • Dog-Friendly: Untested
   • BIN: BIN0000268254643

If you’re interested in meeting Toni and offering her the loving forever home she deserves, please submit an adoption enquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

Schools, businesses, organisations and community groups across the Hinchinbrook region will soon begin gearing up for Clean Up Australia Day, with many calling for locals to get involved in the fantastic initiative. Scheduled for Sunday the 2nd of March, 2025 will mark the 35th anniversary of the vital environmental event, which has been making a positive impact on Australia’s environment, one piece of litter at a time.

What began 35 years ago as a simple idea from Ian Kiernan who wanted to clean up his own backyard – has since grown into the country’s largest community-based environmental event. Held annually on the first Sunday in March, Clean Up Australia Day has seen over 22 million Australians volunteer their time to help reduce waste and conserve natural spaces across the nation.

In Hinchinbrook, Clean Up Australia Day provides a unique opportunity for the community to come together and make a real difference. Whether you’re a local school, business, or community group, your participation is vital to ensuring the region remains clean and beautiful for future generations with registration forms available online at www.cleanup.org.au!

What: Clean Up Australia Day 2025
When: Sunday 2 March
Where: Australia Wide
More Information: visit www.cleanup.org.au

Christos Rallis has only been Head Chef at Lees Hotel for six months but he brings with him a huge 27 years of experience, a skill-set that is proving invaluable to this iconic local eatery.

Originally drawn to becoming a chef because he wanted to complete a trade, Christos discovered a passion for food and making people happy by serving them delicious meals.

He completed his chef qualifications in Townsville and has since travelled Australia with his trade, even venturing to the United Kingdom for a period of time.

During his time travelling Christos worked at a Michelin star restaurant, a top boutique hotel, Hilton Hotel, and as a sous chef in a privately owned castle. Each experience helped fine-tune his skills and appetite for knowledge.

Now living in Hinchinbrook region so he can be close to his daughter who resides in Townsville, Christos is thrilled to lead the team at Lees.

Since Christos started six months ago, Lees Hotel has introduced Lees Rewards reward program, where customers can collect points for money off and be in the draw to win prizes.

Lees Hotel also has other promotions, in January Kids Eat Free and Thursday nights is $10 off steaks if you are a member.

Steaks are by far the most popular thing on the menu at Lees Hotel.

As steaks are flying out the kitchen, Christos said he always focuses on quality no matter how busy he gets.

“My whole thing is quality. If it's not right, I won't serve it. That's just how I am,” he said.

Top Tip:

Kids eat free all of January so bring the family down to Lees Hotel and enjoy a night out!

Mayor Ramon Jayo
My resolve this year is to advocate strongly with the new Premiers office in progressing all the necessary permissions and approvals to finally enable the delivery of previously stalled projects designed at delivering diversity of industry and activity to our district. 
 

Cr Mary Brown
I’ll admit, I’m not traditionally big on resolutions, as life often has a way of shifting focus. Instead, I use this time of year to reflect on the past and set intentions for the year ahead.

Here are my intentions and focuses for 2025.
 
   • Tertiary Education
   • Business Growth and Tourism
   • Housing Development
   • Childcare Services
 
 
Cr Donna Marbelli

As we welcome the new year, I’m committing to goals from the heart. 
Ensuring quality time and meaningful moments with my loved ones remain a priority.
Bringing people together to celebrate community.
Making time for fitness and mindfulness to stay strong and grounded.
Learning new skills to better serve our community.
Let’s make 2025 a year with purpose, love, and connection. Making every minute count.
 
Cr Andrew Carr
Short and simple for me.
I would like to be a better listener, try to reconnect with old friends and never let the moment go as life is too short.
 
Cr Pat Lynch
A Greener Future: Reflections and Resolutions for 2025
 
As we usher in a new year, it is a time for reflection and renewal. As one of 6 councillors together with Mayor Ramon, I have been deeply committed to improving our community's waste recycling, water management, and sewage systems as my portfolio on Council. I also across all the other areas of Council business. These efforts are vital for creating a sustainable environment and ensuring the health and well-being of our residents.
 
 

Cr Mark Spina
 
As we welcome a new year, I’m looking forward to building on the momentum we’ve achieved and pursuing meaningful outcomes for our community. 
My New Year’s resolutions include:
 
   • Advancing Key Infrastructure Projects
   • Championing Coastal Resilience
   • Improving Community Access to Recreational Spaces
   • Striving for Balance
 
 

Cr Kate Milton
 
At the start of every year, I remind myself to be kind and respectful to all people regardless of who they are.
I have to remind myself because with our ever-changing busy lives we sometimes get caught up in our own little world and forget about others.
To remember to be kind because you don’t know what is happening in other people’s lives and sometimes just a smile or a kind word can make all the difference.
To remember to be respectful because everyone deserves to be treated respectfully regardless of their behaviour, sometimes being respectful to others can also encourage them to do the same.

The Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) recently issued an important reminder to beachgoers about marine stinger safety and proper beach conduct.

In mid-December, the club's lifesavers safely netted six box jellyfish that were located outside the stinger net. The Forrest Beach SLSC clarified that there have been no reports of irukandji or bluebottles at the beach, nor have any been found inside the stinger net.

While a few small button jellyfish, which can sometimes be mistaken for other types, were discovered inside the net, these creatures are harmless. Lifesavers continue to urge swimmers to exercise caution and avoid touching any jellyfish. For any concerns, beachgoers are encouraged to approach a lifesaver for assistance.

On Sunday, the 15th of December, a beachgoer swimming outside the stinger net and beyond the patrol hours (9am to 6pm) was stung under the arm. Thankfully, the situation was not more severe, but it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of swimming within the designated stinger net and wearing a protective stinger suit for added safety.

Additionally, a recent incident involving fishing near the stinger net raised concerns when one of the volunteers was injured by a lure while checking the net and required medical attention. The SLSC reminds everyone that fishing is only permitted 100 meters away from the net and strongly discourages fishing in knee-deep water, especially during the January / February holiday period. Tampering with the stinger net or attempting to fish from it is strictly prohibited and could result in prosecution.

For the safety of all, the Forrest Beach SLSC emphasises that beachgoers should swim inside the net and adhere to lifesaver instructions. The club appreciates the cooperation of the community in helping to maintain a safe and enjoyable beach environment.

With countless cars making the drive out to see the infamous Christmas lights at Paul Cavallaro’s house, this lively and extravagant display has become a Hinchinbrook family tradition during the merry season, dating back 21 years.

Paul and his mother Mary began creating a lights display for Paul’s nephew and discovered that they enjoyed it so much they continued expanding their collection and, as the years went by, their reputation grew.

‍

A Dazzling Display Of Dynamic Decorations

Throughout the years Paul and his mother have created a wonderfully merry display of Christmas lights and Paul said they make 50 per cent of all the lights themselves, in fact making lights is a hobby they share together.

“We have made a lot of handmade cone trees, handmade archers, some towers and we have also put together our nativity set,” said Paul.

Including the Nativity Set has been a tradition for 21 years, and Paul said his mother hand painted each bulb individually to create the scene.

Paul describes it as a labour of love and said it resulted in over 300 hours of work.

Paul has also made a pergola and a striking ‘mega tree’ on his property.

The Nativity Set is most important to Paul because he started a tradition with the children he teaches at school.

“With my class that I have each year I invite them out and teach them about the real meaning of Christmas, and that is about the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Paul.

“So, I actually set-up in front of my nativity scene, I get my kids with their families and all their siblings, sit down and I read them the story of the first Christmas, in front of the lights.

“I'll continue that tradition as far as I can go each year while I'm teaching.”

This year’s creation has taken over 250 hours to put up and Paul said it takes lots of individual parts to put it together.

“There is probably 300 individual pieces out here this year. I haven't done the final count yet, but there will be easily over 2 million individual fairy lights,” explained Paul.

“I use 30, 12 outlet Power Pack boards, there is over 150 extension cords, and we go through at least anywhere between 5000 to 6000 zip ties!”

Paul explained that the zip ties are not just for setting the lights up, but for repairs too.

“With the sun, they don't last forever and sometimes the frames the zip ties deteriorate on the frame. So, they need zip tying,” he said.

“We go through easily about $300 worth of zip ties each year!”

A lot of zip ties are used in Paul’s creation, but he also estimates that he has approximately two kilometres of lights and wiring on his property for this display.

Paul is a Catholic, he loves going to church, he plays the organ at the Christmas Eve Mass, and he loves everything Christmas embodies.

“For me it’s the bringing together of family, friends, catching up together and remembering that it's the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Paul.

“It’s that one special time of the year.

“This my 11th Christmas I'm hosting my family we will have a lunch and tea together, and we normally have games and things during the day.

“And we will eat, probably too much and have a food coma in the afternoon, but I am looking forward to it again!”

The light display is a wonderful feature for the community to enjoy and everyone is welcome to come and soak up the Christmas spirit.

Paul is, however, looking for volunteers who would like to help him take down the decorations this year, if you would like to contribute and say thank you for this wonderful tradition please reach out to Paul directly.

‍

Hi Everyone, and Merry Christmas Eve.

I want to start by saying Merry Christmas, I hope everyone is having a lovely time. This is our 5th edition of Hinchinbrook Life and I’m so happy to hear that everybody loves it. This is our last paper of the year, with the first edition next year coming out on the 7th of January, so Happy New Year too.

This week you will see on our front-page Paul Cavallaro’s Christmas lights. Last Monday the team and I travelled to see the lights, a huge thank you to our new Sales Account Manager Sherie Hensler-Adams for driving us out there, without her exceptional driving skills and local knowledge I think we may have got lost!

The lights at Paul’s place are mesmerising, the images we took on the night cannot do the display justice. There are moving lights, bouncing lights and flashing lights, and it definitely made us feel alive with Christmas spirit.

By the time you are reading this, I will have returned to my home-city of Adelaide to spend time with my family over Christmas and will hopefully be enjoying warm weather that isn’t wet! I haven’t seen my friends and family for several months now, so it’ll be nice to go back and catch-up.

If you read last week’s edition, you’ll know that when I get back from Adelaide I will be full time up here in Hinchinbrook, and no longer travelling between here and the Whitsundays – the driving has been exhausting so I am looking forward to making this new step, and continuing to serve the community with this paper.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Quote of the Week
‘A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer’ – Samwise Gamgee

A heart-warming display of community spirit has begun filling digital screens across the Hinchinbrook shire and beyond with locals taking to social media to share a “Christmas for Everyone” thread.

A simple concept, “Christmas for Everyone” asks the community to comment something they may need but cannot afford or something they have but no longer need with the post reading:

“What is one thing you cannot afford but need right now? Let’s see if others have what you’re looking for lying around, and would love to gift it, or have a connection to get it. Perhaps we can help each other through tough times and make Christmas a little special for everyone.”

Commentors across various pages have shared the post, encouraging a wonderful world of Christmas cheer, kindness and generosity neighbour to neighbour, with people offering up everything from a home cooked meal to a trampoline.

Although the concept dose not directly entail any monetary exchanges, some members of the community have gone the extra mile, and have purchased items others had asked for, giving a truly selfless gift to those in need.

Opinion Piece
Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has questioned the LNP Government's decision to axe the Workforce Attraction Incentive Scheme (WAIS), calling it a short-sighted and untimely move that could exacerbate the healthcare crisis in rural and regional Queensland.
The scheme, implemented by the former Labor government, offered up to $70,000 to attract Queensland Health workers to critical roles in regional and remote areas. It will now be scrapped effective January 1, 2025.
Mr Dametto said the decision couldn’t come at a worse time as the state’s health system struggles under the weight of significant GP and clinician shortages.
“This is poor form from the LNP Government and instils little faith in rural and remote parts of Queensland where residents are struggling to access essential medical care, including Hinchinbrook,” Mr Dametto said.
“The GP shortage across Hinchinbrook and rural Queensland is having a severe flow-on effect on the public health system and local hospitals.
“We need to be pulling out all the stops to attract and retain health workers in rural and regional Queensland, whether that be more GPs who are in critical demand, or more Queensland Health medical professionals. They all play a collective role in delivering the universal healthcare our communities need.”
The Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls MP claimed that if the scheme continued until December 2026 as intended, it risked an over expenditure of $165 million. Queensland Health staff have been advised that the Government will seek to ‘realign its workforce strategy to programs offering better value for money’.
“Axing this scheme without offering a viable alternative is a huge concern for places like Hinchinbrook where we have the oldest demographic in Queensland per capita,” Mr Dametto said.
“Our aging community needs consistent and reliable healthcare services and currently there are huge gaps in our workforce that are completely unacceptable.
“I have written to the Hon. Tim Nicholls calling on him to reconsider the decision to axe the scheme, or alternatively, to urgently announce and implement the LNP’s alternative plan to ensure that medical professionals continue to be lured to work in the regions.
“I also sought a commitment from the Minister to participate in a multi-govenment discussion aimed at addressing the GP shortage. This was an issue I have raised on behalf of the Mayor of the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Mr Ramon Jayo.
“Mayor Jayo recently wrote to myself, and the Federal Member for Kennedy the Hon. Bob Katter, seeking our commitment to address the dire shortage of GPs in Ingham. I wholeheartedly support Mayor Jayo’s request, and I am hopeful that we can bring all levels of government together to resolve this acute GP shortage.
“Although GPs fall into the federal sphere, all levels of government can work together to address the dire shortage of GPs in our rural areas. We saw a classic example of this in Cardwell last year when one of the local medical centres was saved from closure by combining management, resources and workforce contributions from all three levels of government.
“We need all hands are on deck to deal with the current healthcare crisis in Queensland. People in regional and remote areas deserve to have the same access to medical care as their city counterparts.”
‍

Contributed with thanks to Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto.

‍

With unpredictable weather attempting to dampen the festive spirit of the region, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce and Markets at the Mosaic organisers assured the second 2024 Late Night Shopping event would go ahead, rain, hail or shine!

On Thursday 19th December, a wonderful turnout filled Mercer Lane and surrounding precincts, with stalls retailing handmade delights, delicious treats, beautiful plants, fantastic florals, and more for all to enjoy. Shoppers flooded the streets, supporting local artisans with the exceptional vocal talents of Kaitlyn Rapista spreading Christmas cheer well into the evening as well as a violinist performing further along Lannercost Street.

As well as plenty of retail goodies to browse, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of 2024’s spectacular Shop and Win champaign! $17,000 worth of prizes were sourced from local businesses around the Hinchinbrook region with 17 major prizes up for grabs! 14,500 receipt entries were mixed together in a children’s swimming pool with an outstanding average spend of $150 per customer at various retailors within the Hinchinbrook Shire.

“We are very proud of all the hard work that has been put in behind the scenes for this campaign to happen, and we are beyond thrilled with the participation from the local community,” shared Christina from the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce.

As announced at 6pm on Thursday, Vic, Theresa, Heath, Mark, Julie, Taylor, John, Angie, Sharma, Paula, Sharon, C. Bridston, Peter, R. Ramarano, Sue, Carley, and Jorja were celebrated as the campaign’s winners with the Chamber set to be in contact with them shortly. Congratulations!

‍

See more pics at: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/shop-win-success-at-the-late-night-shopping-event

Ingham Maraka Festival held their ‘Wash-Up Meeting’ on Wednesday 17th  December, discussing new plans for the 2025 Maraka Festival and how they wish to improve next years’ event.

President Patrick Lynch said the 2024 Ingham Maraka Festival was a success, with no hiccups but addressed that he would like to see the Cocktail Night event have a larger attendance.

Chantelle Previtera, Maraka Festival Administration Officer, said next year the Festival is going to try to promote the event more.

“Due to the low number of Festival Queens last year, it does give a lower attendance,” she said.

“We're hoping next year that things will be different, and then we will definitely increase those numbers!

“Next year we are going to work on promoting and getting a lot more of the younger ones to take on the Queen Quest.”

Participants in the 2023 and 2024 Ingham Maraka Festival were present at the meeting and spoke about what they liked most about the festival.

Runner-up Queen in 2024 Johanna Buckle said it was a fun experience.

“Mostly I really enjoyed it, I got to make new friends out of it and it was a way to get the community together,” said Johanna.

Miss Personality 2024 Rachel Hallam enjoyed the festival because it was something different.

“You don’t get to do it often and I’m looking forward to it next year,” she said.

Princess winner of 2023 was at the meeting, to ‘hand over the baton’ to this years’ 2024 winner.

“I really liked all of the community events that were hosted by the Council, I went to senior morning tea, the Tasman Turtles Big Day Out, and I went to a Christmas senior afternoon tea,” she said.

“I liked seeing everybody there in town, and there were lots of people enjoying themselves and I really like being a part of it.”

Princess winner of 2024 Hazel Cary said she liked the festival because she was able to make new friends and get out of her shell a bit more.

“I enjoyed that I was able to have new experiences, get out of my shell a little bit and try new things that I've never been able to do, and especially because now that I've won, I get the chance to promote Ingham even more. I just had a really good time,” she said.

The Ingham Maraka Festival 2025 dates are still to be decided.