Are they not the most gorgeously beautiful and courageous ladies you have seen? Taking that step out into the Maraka spotlight are our wonderful Queens and Princesses, each putting themselves out there for the chance to claim the crown. You’ll get to meet them at the Wine and Cheese Night, the Afternoon Tea, Kids Big Day Out, and Aquathon, all before Hinchinbrook comes together for the ultimate display of regional pride at the Maraka Festival Mardi Gras Parade and Crowning. Mark your calendars as October runs Maraka royal green, floats and fireworks are just the tip of the festival iceberg!
Read the full storyAre they not the most gorgeously beautiful and courageous ladies you have seen? Taking that step out into the Maraka spotlight are our wonderful Queens and Princesses, each putting themselves out there for the chance to claim the crown. You’ll get to meet them at the Wine and Cheese Night, the Afternoon Tea, Kids Big Day Out, and Aquathon, all before Hinchinbrook comes together for the ultimate display of regional pride at the Maraka Festival Mardi Gras Parade and Crowning. Mark your calendars as October runs Maraka royal green, floats and fireworks are just the tip of the festival iceberg!
Read the full storyOn Saturday 11 October, the Cardwell Coastguard hosted its annual Tropical Plant Expo, drawing plant lovers from near and far. The event featured an impressive range of plants for both display and sale, with many local sellers showcasing exceptional specimens. Visitors enjoyed browsing the stalls, chatting with growers, and picking up new additions for their gardens. Alongside the plants were home-grown fruit and vegetables, a delightful selection of prize-winning homemade jams, and beautiful artworks by Mandy. No Coastguard event would be complete without the classic BBQ, complemented by coffee and cake. It was a wonderful day enjoyed by all who attended.
Read the full storyTYTO Regional Art Gallery is currently home to two thought-provoking exhibitions, each exploring the world around and beyond, through entirely different lenses. In the main gallery, Flies and Weevils and Cockroaches by Lorraine Lamothe invites visitors to see beauty where they might least expect it. At 75, Lorraine found herself yearning to reconnect with her creativity after a quiet spell. “I thought, well, that’s it, I’ve got to put myself out there again and see what can happen,” she said. When Tyto confirmed her exhibition, she recalls thinking, “You’re not done yet, girl. You’re not done yet.” That moment reignited her passion for creating work that not only excites but also makes people think. Her collection of sculptural insects and woven displays celebrates the misunderstood creatures most people prefer to avoid. “I chose insects that are really disliked,” Lorraine explained. “People need to understand that they’re not all bad. They break down decaying plant material and help the environment. Let’s not be prejudiced about these insects, let’s find joy in them.” Across the way, in the Niche Gallery, artist Ashleigh Jane takes visitors into the realm of myth and legend with Mythical Beasts. Her intricate illustrations breathe new life into creatures drawn from global folklore, from Egyptian hybrids to celestial goddesses. “I’ve always been fascinated by mythology and folklore,” she said. “I wanted to delve a little deeper and rediscover stories that lurk in the darkness, the ones people might not know.” Ashleigh’s exhibition features works from her upcoming second book. Each piece is both a visual story and a modern reimagining of ancient tales. “My favourite story is about Doddle, a rain goddess who milks her heavenly cows to make it rain,” she shared. “But my favourite drawing is the Ikenty, a bird with a cat’s head found in Egyptian hieroglyphs. No one really knows what it was for, but I loved bringing it to life.” Together, these two exhibitions celebrate the power of curiosity, whether it’s found in the smallest of creatures or the myths that have shaped cultures for centuries. Both artists remind us that inspiration can be rediscovered at any stage of life, and that beauty often hides in the unexpected.
Read the full storyThis year Queensland Mental Health Week starts from 4-12 October and is the perfect time to come together and raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing.
One in five Australians aged 16-85 (22%) are estimated to have experienced a mental disorder in the last 12 months, while more than two in five (43%) have experienced one in their lifetime.
The theme of the year -connect for mental health - invites us all to reflect on the importance of connections with ourselves, others, our community, and nature, and how it can positively impact mental health.
With a strong focus on tailored support, the team are committed to fostering community connections by providing accessible support through a wide range of services, programs, and initiatives.
Julie Ross, selectability Ingham regional coordinator, said programs like the Clubhouse offer a safe and welcoming environment for individuals to build new skills, share experiences, and work towards improved mental wellbeing.
Whether its getting involved in self-reflection activities, engaging with others through cooking classes, or connecting with the community and nature through the community garden or out of town trips, said Julie.