Maraka Festival 2025 Itinerary

Afternoon Tea
Sunday 19th October
Herbert River RSL, Hawkins Street, Ingham
From 2:00pm (doors open at 1 pm), enjoy sweet and savoury treats as this year’s Maraka Queen and Princess entrants are officially presented.

Fun Family Run Swim Run
Saturday 18th October
Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre, 31 McIlwraith Street, Ingham
From 9:00am, a brand-new fitness event encouraging families to get active with a fun and challenging Run Swim Run course. Ages 9+.

Wine And Cheese Night
Saturday 18 October
Station Hotel, Cartwright Street, Ingham
6:00pm – 11:00pm, an elegant evening of wine, cocktails and finger food, hosted by Nick Dametto and former Maraka Queen Maddyn White.

Kids Big Day Out
Saturday 25 October
Ingham Showgrounds, Cooper Street, Ingham
From 9:00am, a family favourite with pet parade, face painting, balloon twisting and the exciting new addition of Laser Tag.

Street Parade And Mardi Gras
Saturday 25 October
Lannercost Street and Rotary Park, Ingham
From 4:00pm, a vibrant parade themed Music Thru The Ages, followed by live music, rides, food stalls, fireworks and the crowning of Maraka royalty.

As the President of the Ingham Maraka Festival, a member of the Lions Club of Ingham, together with the Committee that consists of members of Rotary, Lions and Apex, as well as our dedicated volunteers, Friends of Maraka - We are thrilled to announce that this year's festival will embrace the vibrant theme, Music Thru the Ages!

Set against the backdrop of our beloved Hinchinbrook Shire, the festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of community spirit, history, and creativity. With a packed event schedule for everyone with our Run Swim Run, Wine and Cheese Night, and Maraka Afternoon Tea. We're celebrating our youngsters with a Fence Painting event, Pet Parade and Laser Tag.

Join us for a dazzling Street Parade bursting with colour, energy, and sound! Expect floats that will be bigger, brighter, and louder than ever, along with participants dressed as their favourite musicians and iconic bands from every era. This year’s parade is shaping up to be a true showstopper—so let’s bring the music to life together!

We also invite all interested candidates to participate in our Queen and Princess competition or to apply for a spot in the parade or Mardi Gras. If you’re eager to get involved, please reach out via email at inghammarakafestival@gmail.com for nomination forms and more information.

Since its inception in 1959, the Maraka Festival has been a cherished tradition, celebrating the essence of our community. Let’s make this year’s festival unforgettable, honouring our heritage through the universal language of music!

A family favourite featuring the Pet Parade, Fence Painting, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. New this year, Laser Tag will add even more excitement to the day.

Contributed with thanks by Pat Lynch, President of the Ingham Maraka Festival

At the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo

From the moment the gates opened, the air buzzed with the sound of hooves, cheering crowds, and the anticipation of more than 25 rodeo events. Tiny riders on ponies, fearless juniors, seasoned stock professionals, and the ever-popular charity bull ride had the crowd on their feet. With daring competitors and non-stop entertainment, this year’s rodeo once again proved why it is one of the most exciting events on the northern calendar. Cowboys and cowgirls showcased their skills, teamwork, and fearless spirit in the competitive arena, with local talent going head-to-head against strong contenders from across Queensland.

Cowboys And Cowgirls Take On The Rodeo Arena

The Ingham Sugar City Rodeo bucked into life on Saturday, September 6th 2025, transforming the Ingham Showgrounds into a hub of thrills, skill, and cowboy spirit. Spectators were treated to a full day of action across 25 different rodeo events, ranging from junior bending races and dummy roping to the dramatic open bull rides and the wild saddle bronc events.

The diversity of events ensured there was something for everyone. Young competitors, some as little as under eight years of age, showcased their horsemanship in the barrel and bending races, guiding ponies with precision and determination (and a little help from mums). Novice and junior riders took their place in the steer wrestling and mini bull rides, proving that courage knows no age limit. As the sun climbed higher, the stakes rose with the open-level events, where seasoned professionals faced off against powerful stock provided by local contractors. The atmosphere electrified with each high-flying cowboy, twisting rope, and sharp turns around the barrels, spraying cheering audiences with arena sand.

What stood out most was the balance of competition and camaraderie. Rodeo clowns, arena hands, and stock handlers worked tirelessly to protect riders and animals alike, ensuring the day ran smoothly and safely. Between events and into the evening, the crowd enjoyed live music, hearty food from local vendors, and market stalls celebrating the region’s rodeo culture.

Nick Dametto said, "The Ingham Sugar City Rodeo Committee did an incredible job to pull this event together after rain forced the cancellation of last year’s event. We all owe President Josh Lannen, the rodeo committee and the many volunteers a big thank you for all they did to make this year a roaring success."

Since its beginnings in 1995, the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo has grown into one of North Queensland’s most anticipated annual events.

See the full spread of social pics at https://tinyurl.com/2328svgf

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto and NRL Cowboys Team Manager Glenn Hall went head-to-head in a friendly yet daring showdown, all to raise funds for Ingham Palliative Care.

Ingham Palliative Care provides compassionate, end-of-life care and support to patients and families during some of life’s most challenging moments. Funds raised from the Charity Bull Ride will help purchase essential equipment, ensuring this vital service can continue supporting the community with care and dignity.

Glenn Hall, a former North Queensland Cowboys forward with a stellar 14-year career, brought star power to the ride, but it’s the generosity of participants and the community that truly made this event special.

After seeing first-hand and experiencing the compassionate work performed by the Ingham Palliative Care Unit during the passing of my Nonna Rose (Grandmother) last year I felt compelled to do what I could to raise much-needed help support this vital not-for-profit organisation." - Nick Dametto.

This event would not be possible without the dedication of the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo Committee and the local community. Everyone has the chance to contribute and make a tangible difference. They're only halfway to their $10,000 goal, so step up, donate, and be part of the rodeo spirit.

Scan the QR code to donate to the GoFundMe or via: https://tinyurl.com/2arg4ryz.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/2025-charity-bull-ride?attribution_id=sl:cbd6119d-8129-4971-b0ac-eeaac8bb2755&lang=en_US&ts=1755131471

Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!

What a weekend for sports and events it’s been! I was absolutely stoked to cheer on all our local cowboys and riders at the rodeo. Seeing the skill on the arena sands was incredible. I swear some of those horses were almost parallel to the ground as they sped around the barrels. Watching them race and bend makes me want to improve my own riding skills; it looked like so much fun.

My favourite events were the saddle bronc and steer wrestling. Some of those cowboys were thrown even higher than the bulls off those bucking broncos! And watching a skilled rider leap from his horse, tackle a steer, flip it, and truss it up — just amazing. Truly outstanding displays of skill.

Now, as the Maraka Festival draws closer, I’m excited to share that I’ve put my name in the ring for Maraka Queen! Many friends and locals encouraged me, so I thought I’d give it a go; besides, who doesn’t look good in a crown?

If you’d be interested in being a sponsor, please reach out! Shoot me an email. The Hinchinbrook Life team is proud to have me as an entrant, and I want to do this for the town and the festival itself. I hope having your local journo participating and not just on the sidelines gets everybody hyped for Maraka!

Victoria

Fun Fact: A rodeo clown's job is to protect the rider from the bull after he dismounts or is bucked off by distracting the bull and providing alternative targets for the bull to chase.

Since opening its doors in 1935, the Noorla Bowls Club has welcomed generations of locals to enjoy a game of bowls. This year, the Noorla Bowls Club officially turned 90 and has recently received an upgrade of a new retractable shade cover, funded through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Celebrating 90 years is an incredible milestone that highlights the dedication, passion, and commitment of committee members, volunteers, and supporters who have helped keep the club alive and thriving across the decades.

It was a pleasure to visit the Noorla Bowls Club last week to present a congratulatory certificate, catch up with the members and check out the completion of the club’s retractable shade cover that has transformed the
greens.

Back in 2024, the Noorla Bowls Club was successful in securing $42,971 through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, which made this project possible. The timing couldn’t be better, with summer just around the corner, bowlers will now be able to enjoy the game in much cooler conditions. Well done to the committee, members, and contractors on delivering this great upgrade.

From hosting competitive matches and friendly games, to facilitating community functions, fundraising activities, and hiring out the venue for special occasions, the club has always found ways to bring locals together through this sport.

I would like to extend my thanks to the many committees, members, and supporters who have contributed to the club’s success for the past 90 years.

Shifting to another celebration of sport in our region, I’d also like to congratulate the recipients and nominees of the 2025 Sportstar of the Year Awards proudly presented by the Lions Club of Ingham. Each of you has made a significant impact on sport in the Hinchinbrook Shire, whether through athletic excellence, dedication, or community spirit.

A big thank you must go to the judges, organisers, sponsors and guest speaker Suzy Batkovic for facilitating a fantastic awards ceremony on Tuesday, 2 September where the winners were announced.

These celebrations highlight just how important our sporting community is, and how much sporting talent there is across Hinchinbrook.

Contributed with thanks by Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook

I would like to remind residents that it is FREE to take your green waste to Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre and Halifax Resource Recovery Centre.

Not all Councils offer free green waste disposal to their residents.

Our Council decided to offer this service free to residents to discourage illegal dumping in our Shire and on Council land.

It does cost money to process the green waste, but Council decided the benefit to the community of stopping illegal dumping would be worth the cost.

Dumping garden plants, palm fronds, and other waste can do a lot of damage to the environment.

Plants not native to our landscape can spread and become a pest both to the environment and our farms. Lantana and mother-in-law's tongue started in exactly this way.

Palm fronds and coconuts provide habitat for snakes and rats to breed.

Coconuts and other palms will also grow in these dumping areas, as well as being a fire hazard.

When the free dumping of green waste was implemented, we saw a considerable decline in the number of illegal dumping sites being reported in the Shire.

Sadly, now it seems that some people are illegally dumping green waste again.

Please take your grass clippings, tree branches and other green waste to the tip.

You also need to make sure your load is not contaminated with other waste as the green waste needs to be clean so it can be used for mulch.

I would like to remind farmers also that the last day to register your property for flood debris removal is this Tuesday, 9th of September 2025.

Bitumen sealing will be starting on parts of the Mt Fox Road from Thursday, 11th of September. There could be delays of up to half an hour.

Please follow the Council’s Facebook page for more information, or call the customer service centre on 4776 4600 for more information.

There was a real buzz in the air at the recent Lions Club Ingham Sportstar of the Year Awards — and not just because of the trophies on offer.

After a tough year marked by one of the worst floods in half a century, the Hinchinbrook community came together in the best way we know how: by celebrating the resilience, spirit, and dedication of our local athletes.

Sport has always played a big part in our region — whether it’s on the footy field, in the pool, or along the beach.

It builds character, teaches grit, and more than anything, it brings us together. This year’s awards were a powerful reminder of that.

From juniors to masters, para-athletes to team efforts, the night recognised outstanding performances across every level of competition.

I was lucky enough to be in the room, surrounded by proud parents, dedicated coaches, and athletes of all ages.

The energy was hopeful, humble, and full of pride — the kind that only a community like ours truly understands.

A big congratulations to our winners:
Julian Cohen, Junior Sportstar of the Year
Liam Fascetti, Senior Sportstar of the Year
Kelli Carbone, Masters Sportstar of the Year
Carla Pizzi, Para-Athlete Sportstar of the Year
Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s Under-19 Beach Relay Team, Team of the Year
Gilroy Santa Maria College’s Velocity Raptors, Sports Innovation Team of the Year
Lenny Chiesa, Recognition of Service Award

But it’s not just about the winners. To every runner-up, encouragement award recipient and nominee — your passion and hard work don’t go unnoticed. Keep showing up, keep pushing yourself. Your community is behind you every step of the way.

A huge thank you to the families and volunteers whose support often happens away from the spotlight. Your dedication is the backbone of every athlete’s journey.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the Ingham Lions Club. You’ve made this night a true celebration of sport and community spirit, and a reminder of what makes Hinchinbrook so special.

Finally, congratulations to everyone involved in the Ingham Sugar Rodeo and the Dean Schifilliti Shield held here over the weekend. Both events were a fantastic success and another example of how sport continues to unite us all.

Here’s to another great year ahead — on and off the field.

Wetlands? More like wow-lands. TYTO Wetlands isn’t just a soggy patch — it’s nature’s runway, where over 240 bird species strut their stuff like feathered fashionistas.

Named after the elusive Eastern Grass Owl, Tyto longimembris, this lush haven is a symphony of croaks, chirps, and rustling reeds.

Whether you’re a seasoned twitcher or just here for the ‘gram, TYTO’s got the goods: scenic boardwalks, secret bird hides, and sunsets that slap.

It’s not just about the birds! With frogs, butterflies, and even the occasional wallaby join the party. The wetlands are also a cultural hub, with art, events, and stories woven into the landscape.

So, grab your binoculars, lace up your walking shoes, and prepare to be serenaded by nature’s greatest hits. TYTO is where the wild things sing, dance, and occasionally photobomb your selfies.

Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club has been honoured at the Surf Life Saving Queensland Awards of Excellence, receiving the prestigious State Innovation Award for its Flood Emergency Response.

The award carries a special meaning for both the club and the wider Forrest Beach community. It reflects a period when local residents faced devastating loss and hardship, yet responded with remarkable strength, compassion, and resilience. During those difficult days, the club stood shoulder to shoulder with the community, providing assistance wherever it was needed. The accolade is seen not only as recognition of the club’s efforts but also as a tribute to the spirit of Forrest Beach itself.

Leaders of the club emphasised that lifesaving extends well beyond the red and yellow flags on the beach. It is about being present in times of crisis, offering help and support to anyone in need, no matter the circumstances. The award is a reminder of the club’s vital role both on and off the sand.

Adding to the celebrations, Forrest Beach SLSC was also presented with a Commendation for Club of the Year. To be recognised alongside the state’s top surf life saving clubs highlights the dedication of the club’s members, volunteers, and supporters, whose passion drives its success.

Congratulations were also extended to all Forrest Beach nominees across multiple categories, marking an evening that truly celebrated the achievements and spirit of the lifesaving community.

Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has launched a major cost-of-living support initiative on Palm Island, the Palm Island Essentials Support Scheme, to help local residents balance their household budgets.

Funded under CEQ’s Good Pasin’ (Give-back) program, the scheme will deliver up to $500,000 worth of subsidies on a wide range of everyday products on Palm Island, helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for families and individuals.

The initiative will see prices on key grocery items match or better major supermarket online prices, ensuring Palm Island customers can access affordable essentials close to home.

Price reductions under the scheme will apply to staple grocery items such as eggs, fresh milk, beef mince, flour, rice, women’s hygiene products, baby food, chicken, bread and pasta.

CEQ Chairperson Joann Schmider said the relief measure reflects CEQ’s values and its commitment to community wellbeing.

“We are especially mindful of Palm Island's uniqueness and the financial pressure on families to access the everyday items they need at affordable prices."

Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Alf Lacey warmly welcomed the support.

“Palm Island Council is extremely grateful to the CEQ Board of Management for their unwavering support and commitment towards our community,” Mayor Lacey said.

“We highly value our partnership with CEQ, and this initiative shows what can be achieved when we work together to deliver a community-led solution to the cost-of-living crisis."

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson welcomed CEQ’s initiative to ease the cost-of-living crunch for Palm Island.

“Their Good Pasin’ program already supported more than 400 applications in the last financial year for local sporting clubs, community events, and cultural festivals." Minister Simpson said.

Ms Schmider said the Board is proud to have made this significant decision for the community of Palm Island.

“We’ve listened to the needs of the Palm Island community, and we’re acting to help ease household pressures,” she said.

CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula and in Doomadgee and on Palm Island through its 31 stores.

CEQ manages the Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) stores, as well as other stores, including Col Jones and Community Home and Hardware, and Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Waibene.

For more information on CEQ, visit www.ceqld.org.au

Big smiles, fresh flowers, and good vibes are always in season at Petals & Beanz, Tully’s much-loved florist and coffee shop. Located at 41 Butler Street, this vibrant little hub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, colourful displays, and a unique blend of blooms, brews, and boutique treasures.

While the team hints at exciting changes happening behind the scenes, loyal customers can rest assured the doors remain open every day, serving coffee with a smile and filling the space with laughter. Something new and wonderful is on the way, promising to make Petals & Beanz even bigger, brighter, and more delicious than ever.

In the meantime, visitors can enjoy seasonal treats like the return of “Miss Pineapple” — a fresh pineapple juice that is as refreshing as it is delicious. Pineapple also features in their toasted ham and cheese with fresh pineapple, while the tropical-inspired colada is another customer favourite. Add in a superb cup of coffee, and it’s easy to see why this café has become a go-to spot for locals and travellers alike.

Beyond the food and flowers, Petals & Beanz also stocks an array of charming homewares, beautifully arranged throughout the store. Whether you’re popping in for a bouquet, browsing gifts, or simply enjoying the floral atmosphere, this is not your traditional coffee shop.

Something exciting is blooming behind the scenes at Petals & Beanz, and until the big reveal, customers can continue to enjoy the simple pleasures that make it so special.

Ob La Di in Cardwell has once again lifted the bar for boutique shopping, unveiling a stunning new collection of coastal-themed homewares that capture the beauty of seaside living. With fresh arrivals including elegant prints, stylish cushions, placemats, and coasters, the store is brimming with inspiration for anyone looking to bring a touch of coastal charm into their home.

Known as much more than just a boutique, Ob La Di offers a treasure trove of fashion, gifts, homewares, furniture, and furnishings. Visitors often describe the experience as a “glorious shopping adventure”, with the store’s wide variety covering everything from relaxed beachwear to polished work attire and even outfits for weddings or special occasions. The cosy boutique space allows for a browsing experience that's like a treasure hunt, with delights around every shelf corner. With helpful and attentive service to make the atmosphere all the more enjoyable.

For those looking to update their wardrobe, more colour has also arrived in soft cotton styles, perfectly suited to North Queensland’s laid-back lifestyle. Whether it’s a stylish outfit or a statement piece for your living room, Ob La Di is the kind of boutique that keeps shoppers coming back.

Next time you’re in Cardwell, do yourself a favour and step inside this fabulous emporium. From fashion to a fresh splash of coastal style, Ob La Di is a destination you won’t want to miss.

Ergon Energy Network is urging gardeners to carefully consider what they plant near powerlines and other electrical assets, with fast-growing species like bamboo causing thousands of power outages and posing serious safety risks.

Ergon Energy Network Area Manager Rick Madden said planting the wrong trees or plants too close to powerlines can lead to dangerous situations, including fallen powerlines, emergency power outages and electric shocks.

“Bamboo is one of the worst offenders because it grows incredibly quickly and can easily reach and touch powerlines.

“What many people don’t realise is that bamboo can actually conduct electricity. We’ve had reports of people receiving electric shocks after bamboo they were touching came into contact with live powerlines.

“In the past year alone, we’ve recorded almost 6,000 customer outages because of bamboo touching powerlines. It’s not just an inconvenience - it’s a real safety hazard,” Mr Madden said.

Ergon is asking residents, gardeners, and anyone planting in public spaces to think twice before planting bamboo or other fast-growing trees near electrical assets.

“We want people to enjoy their gardens, but it’s important to choose the right plants for the right places, especially near powerlines,” Mr Madden said.

“There are plenty of safe options that won’t put your family or your neighbours at risk.”

Ergon Energy Network is encouraging everyone to stay safe this spring by making careful choices when it comes to planting and garden maintenance. Residents are reminded to avoid planting bamboo and other fast-growing species near powerlines, as these can quickly become a safety risk. It is also important to regularly check existing plants for growth near electrical assets and trim where necessary.

To help with safe planting, Ergon Energy Network recommends using the Plant Smart guide, which provides advice on suitable trees and shrubs that can be planted safely around powerlines. For more information, visit www.ergon.com.au/plantsmart

       BAMBOO-RELATED POWER OUTAGES IN REGIONAL QLD (Ergon Energy Network territory)


Ergon service area: Herbert Affected locations: Townsville, Lucinda, Macknade Affected customers: 3,222

Contributed with thanks by Energy Queensland

At Ingham State High School, we have a strong focus on three key pillars - Expert Teachers, Supported Learners, and High Standards.

Expert teachers – we are fully staffed to ensure we have specialist teachers, teaching the subjects they are trained to teach.

Supported Learners – Ingham State High School is the best mix of a large and small school – large enough to have the resources and variety in what we can offer our students, but small enough that we know our learners. We know where they are at and what they need to do to improve. We know our kids!

High Standards – we nurture positive wellbeing through a structured student support model and maintain high standards for staff and students.

Ingham State High School Principal, Mr Rod Flood states, “It is our staff that makes the difference. We have many long-term staff that have a deep commitment to our school and an unwavering belief in the potential of our students. The connection that our students have to their teachers lasts beyond the school fence.”

Our next Year 6 Transition Day on Monday, 20th of October, will include a Principal’s Tour of the School. This is an ideal time for future parents of all year levels to meet key leaders of the school and tour our facilities. Alternatively, you can contact us at any time for a chat about any aspect of our school.

We are currently conducting Enrolment Interviews for 2026, and welcome all families to make contact with us to book an interview.

Come join us at Ingham State High – where friendships, opportunities, and bright futures begin!

Nestled in the heart of Halifax, St Peter’s Catholic School is more than a primary school—it’s a vibrant, inclusive community where every child is appreciated and encouraged to flourish. Under the motto Together we grow, the school partners with families to nurture learners academically, socially, emotionally, culturally, physically, and spiritually.

The school’s mission, inspired by the teachings of the Gospel and the examples of Catherine McAuley and Francis of Assisi, is grounded in welcome, respect, justice, and the joy of learning. Here, students experience education in a holistic way, growing not just in knowledge, but in character and spirit too.

At St Peter’s, the learning environment is tailored to support each child’s unique strengths. The school embraces the Australian Curriculum and employs high-quality, evidence-based teaching practices aimed at helping students become confident, creative individuals and lifelong learners ready to engage with their community.

This commitment creates a nurturing, dynamic environment where students learn to care for themselves, others, and their surroundings in meaningful ways. For families considering enrolment, the school offers a clear and welcoming enrolment process, including interviews to ensure the right fit for each child.

If you’re seeking a warm, faith-driven educational community where your child can grow academically and personally, St Peter’s Catholic School, Halifax, is a place worth discovering.