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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The Cardwell RSL Sub Branch has ensured an important piece of wartime history will never be forgotten with the unveiling of a bronze plaque dedicated to the Hudson Bomber crew who crashed in the Hinchinbrook Channel on May 4, 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The project, a year in the making, received strong community backing with thanks extended to the Fletcher family, the Far Northern District RSL, Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood and Councillor Chris Littlemore, who officially attended the ceremony in support. Along with Far Northern District RSL Secretary, Julie Tepaz, travelled from Cairns to attend the commemoration, and unveiled the plaque with Cr Littlemore.
The plaque serves as a reminder of how close the war came to Australia’s shores and of the sacrifices made by four young RAAF servicemen. The Hudson Bomber A16-162, caught in a tropical storm while searching for Japanese ships, crash-landed in the channel before being towed ashore at Cardwell’s main beach. Co-pilot Sgt James East tragically lost his life and was later laid to rest in Tully. Sgt Geoff Fletcher displayed remarkable bravery, rescuing his surviving crewmates from the wreckage in waters teeming with sharks and crocodiles. His legacy extends beyond the war, with his son Ken and grandson Dustin together playing a total of 664 VFL/AFL games for the Essendon Football Club (the Bombers).
The Hudson Bomber plaque now stands as a lasting tribute to courage, sacrifice and service. For more information, visit the Battle of the Coral Sea Memorial Park at 4 Coral Sea Drive, Cardwell.
Lest we forget.
Contributed with thanks by Robert Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub-Branch.
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