TOP NEWS

Meet the 2025 Maraka Queen & Princess Entrants

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!

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Meet the 2025 Maraka Queen & Princess Entrants

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!

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Tropical Plant Expo Blooms In Cardwell

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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Creatures And Crawlies On The Walls At Tyto

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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Meet the 2025 Maraka Queen & Princess Entrants

October 14, 2025

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!

Introducing 2025 Maraka Queen Entrant No 1 – TRISTA KOPESHKE20-year-old university student and dedicated Allied Health Assistant, Trista proudly represents the Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook at this year’s vibrant Maraka Festival. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook, Sadleirs Terry White Chemmart Ingham, Cake Co. by Erin, Bricks and Pennys, and Optimise Health and Wellness.
Introducing 2025 Maraka Queen Entrant No 2 – AINSLEY DIMAGGIOAinsley, 21, is graduating as a Registered Nurse this year and proudly represents the Lower Herbert/Halifax Lions at the Maraka Festival. Sponsored by Lower Herbert Lions, NK Beauty, TDC Auto Electrical, Oasis Café, and MJB Fencing.
Introducing 2025 Maraka Queen Entrant No 3 – VICTORIA VELTONVictoria is 26 years old and is a journalist, photographer and writer. Sponsored by Ingham Lions, Hinchinbrook Life, Ingham Agencies, Hinchinbrook Chamber of Industry and Tourism, Sola the Salon and Rupp Plumbing and Hardware
Introducing 2025 Maraka Queen Entrant No 4 – SAMANTHA SYMONDSSamantha, 18, is an electrical apprentice, bar attendant, and auxiliary firefighter.  She proudly represents the Apex Club of Herbert River at the Maraka Festival.  Sponsored by Herbert River Apex, Hinchinbrook Hotel, Galipo’s Meats, and Harmony Designer Nails.
Introducing 2025 Maraka Princess Entrant No 1 – VANESSA WILSON  Vanessa is the daughter of Wayne Wilson and Thiradaphon Kamnoedklang.Her hobbies and interests include gymnastics, dancing and running, as well as tennis, swimming, netball, soccer and athletics. Her most important goal in life is to go to the Olympics and represent Australia. The Maraka Princess Quest is proudly sponsored by Windlab
Introducing 2025 Maraka Princess Entrant No 2 – ANUM ANZIL  Anum is the daughter of Farasha Abdullah. She enjoys reading “Dork Diaries” and other funny books. She also loves Roller skating, dancing, making bracelets, watching TV, playing with her friends, and loves to travel. Her most important goal in life is to achieve a professional degree and to be a good citizen.   The Maraka Princess Quest is proudly sponsored by Windlab.
Introducing 2025 Maraka Princess Entrant No 3 – ASHLEY SWARBRICKAshley is the daughter of Damon and Rebecca Swarbrick. She enjoys playing soccer, touch football, and also dances with Bella Dance Studio. She loves spending time with her family and friends and being outdoors camping and fishing. Her most important goal in life is to get good grades in school so she can follow her passion for caring for animals and become a vet. She aims to do her best in everything she does and is driven to follow her dreams and reach for the stars. The Maraka Princess Quest is proudly sponsored by Windlab.
Introducing 2025 Maraka Princess Entrant No 4 – KADEE ROVEDA  Kadee is the daughter of Luke and Renee Roveda. She enjoys dancing, swimming, soccer, cricket, spending time at the beach and fishing. She also loves animals, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. Her goals in life are to go to university to study to become a doctor or vet, as her mission is to always help people. She would also love to travel to another country and would love to see snow.

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