Tasman Turtle Picnic Day Shire Success Scores of locals and travellers flocked to TYTO Wetlands as Tasman Turtle returned with craft, food, activities, and family fun. With a rock climbing wall, circus acts, laser tag, pony rides, and a petting zoo, there was something for everyone. Music filled the air, even getting Tasman dancing, and the park buzzed from start to finish. Faces were covered with ice cream and fairy floss, but most importantly big smiles. Deputy Mayor Mary Brown happily remark
Read the full storyTwo respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years. Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic. With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a stea
Read the full storyBy Victoria Velton In the quiet coastal town of Taylor’s Beach, Jayden McNeill is solving more than just colorful puzzles; he’s solved his way to global recognition. A Rubik’s Cube champion with international acclaim, McNeill’s story is one of perseverance, precision, and passion. It all started when a seven-year-old Jayden received a Rubik’s Cube for Christmas. Like many, he shelved it after failing to solve it. But years later, inspired by classmates in high school, he revisited the cube and
Read the full storyA Tool For Real-World Readiness When most people hear “LARPing” (Live Action Role-Playing), images of medieval knights and fantasy creatures might spring to mind. But for a growing community in Townsville, LARPing has evolved far beyond weekend cosplay, it’s becoming a valuable tool for real-world training and personal growth. The newly launched Townsville chapter of Swordcraft, Australia’s largest medieval battle and role-playing game, brings enthusiasts together every fortnight. What began as
Read the full storyWith a friendly face and caring nature, it’s no wonder that local real estate veteran, Mary Venables, has been guiding people into homes across the region for many years.
Understanding that finding your dream is one of the most important decisions of your life, Mary loves being part of such a meaningful moment and brings both experience and professional expertise to her role.
“Knowing that you've sold something to people that is really meaningful to them is an important thing,” said Mary.
“It's a real buzz, because they are just so happy.”
Mary and her late husband Tom were not always in real estate, in fact they started out in a completely different industry.
Tom was a farmer for many years but following a conversation with former Innisfail Mayor Roy Dickson, he was encouraged to apply for a real estate license and was met with such success, he never looked back.
Meanwhile, Mary chose to stay at home and raise the children while they were young, but as soon as they were at school, she relished the opportunity to join her husband in the real estate game. The couple soon became an impressive team and for many years, were among the leaders in local real estate.
“I get a real kick out of finding the right place for someone,” said Mary.
“People come and they're looking for a particular thing, and it is really good when I can show them a property and they just fall in love with it.”
Mary Venables, Photo credit: Daniel Heggie