JANAE PEARCE AND TILLY POPPI CROWNED MARAKA ROYALTY

Janae Pearce and Tilly Poppi crowned as Maraka royalty. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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The 2026 Maraka Festival has crowned its new Queen and Princess, with Janae Pearce and Tilly Poppi taking centre stage during a celebration that drew strong community support and renewed interest in the annual traditions.

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Janae Pearce was crowned 2026 Maraka Queen with Brianna Lamari named runner-up, while Tilly Poppi took out the Maraka Princess title, followed by runner-up Lucy Egan. Kadence Torrisi was awarded Maraka Princess Miss Personality.

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For Janae, the win was an emotional moment, bringing her Maraka journey full circle after she was crowned Princess eight years ago.

“Absolutely surreal. I feel like I'm living out all my little Janae's fantasies,” she said.

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“Being princess eight years ago to now, fast forward, being queen, I am completely shocked, grateful, and excited for this opportunity.”

“I've got so many ideas- I want to bring back some very old Maraka traditions while keeping it fun and fresh for the new generation,” she said.

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Her advice to future entrants was to enjoy the experience, regardless of the result.

“It doesn't matter if you win or lose. At the end of the day, we're here together as a community to support one another, and by far you will enjoy every moment,” she said.

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New Maraka Princess Tilly Poppi said the experience had been both nerve-racking and rewarding.

“I feel very proud of myself, and I was very nervous before, and now I feel relieved, and I'm very happy,” she said.

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“The journey to get here was very nerve wracking, but it was very fun, and I loved doing it with all my friends.”

Outgoing 2025 Maraka Queen Ainsley DiMaggio said handing over the crown was bittersweet, but she was excited for the new titleholders.

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“It's amazing. It is a lot of work, but give back to your community as much as possible,” she said.

“I'm so excited to be able to give [the titles] to two beautiful ladies, and they're going to do amazing.”

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Mayor Ramon Jayo said this year's festival had been well supported, with the turnout reflecting the community's enthusiasm for coming together.

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He said he had initially been concerned that competing events, including the Australian Test in Townsville, could affect attendance, but was pleased to see the community embrace the celebrations.

“The festival is about celebrating our community, so it's really good to see the community come out and spend time with each other, have a yarn and celebrate together,” he said.

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The Mayor also welcomed the increased number of Queen and Princess entrants, saying the interest boded well for the future of the festival.

“People are embracing it, and we're starting to get back to the real level of energy for Maraka,” he said.

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The Queen and Princess Quest organisers thanked the entrants, coordinators, judges, committee members and sponsors who helped bring the celebrations together.

Rachel Cauchi Optometrists sponsored the Maraka Queen Quest, while BK Bartolini Concreting and Earthworks sponsored the Princess Quest.

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The new titleholders will represent the festival and the Hinchinbrook community throughout the year.

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