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!
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On 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.
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TYTO 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.
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Five talented students from Gilroy Santa Maria College in Ingham are trading the tropics for Germany as they compete in the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) World Final in Chemnitz. Known as the Gilroy Velocity Raptors, this Year 7–9 team earned global recognition after dominating the North Queensland Finals with a record-breaking 387 laps.
In their first year—and as the youngest team competing—they’ve turned a lunchtime STEM club into a world-class contender. Backed by strategy, resilience, and community pride, the Raptors are ready to showcase their hydrogen-powered innovation and prove that regional students can lead the charge in sustainable technology.
Five bright young minds from Gilroy Santa Maria College in Ingham are preparing to swap the tropics for the autobahn as they gear up for the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) World Final in Chemnitz, Germany this week.
The Gilroy Velocity Raptors, a team of Year 7 to 9 students, secured their place on the world stage after a commanding win at the H2GP North Queensland Finals. Their hydrogen-powered remote-controlled vehicle completed 387 laps in four hours, claiming the top award for endurance, energy efficiency, and design.
Remarkably, this is the Raptors’ first year in the competition, and they are the youngest team to qualify for the World Final. While many schools integrate H2GP into their science curriculum and compete annually, the Raptors began as a lunchtime STEM club—transforming a passion project into a world championship bid. Their success is even more impressive given the resources and experience of many rival teams.
To celebrate, the College brought the school community together for a special send-off event. The occasion showcased the winning vehicle, speeches from the team and teachers, and a tribute to the innovation and resilience that has driven the students’ success.
Team manager Owen, 14, said the team’s success was built on strategy and teamwork.
“We’ve spent months refining our strategy and testing every detail of the car. To now take that work to an international stage is incredible, we’re ready to show what regional students can do.”
Nate, 13, added, “We’ve faced breakdowns, battery issues, and hours of preparation during lunch breaks and before and after school, but every challenge has made us stronger. Competing in Germany is a dream come true.”
Principal Melissa Carr said, “This send-off is a celebration of grit, intelligence, and community spirit. These students are not just representing Gilroy, they’re representing the future of sustainable innovation.”
The H2GP World Final will bring together teams from across the globe, for the Gilroy Velocity Raptors, it’s not only a chance to compete at the highest level but also to inspire other regional students to dream big and embrace innovation.
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