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!

Read the full story
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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Minute With The Mayor Ramon Jayo 7 October

October 13, 2025

SUPPORTING ISOLATED COMMUNITIES DURING DISASTER EVENTS

In times of natural disaster, isolation can significantly impact the wellbeing of residents in rural and remote areas. The Queensland Government, in partnership with local councils such as Hinchinbrook Shire Council, plays a vital role in ensuring that isolated individuals and communities have reasonable access to essential goods during extended periods of isolation.

Isolated properties may include primary producers, small towns, or outstations that are cut off from retail and supply facilities due to flooding or other disaster impacts. In some cases, persons stranded on roads may also require support.

In these situations, resupply operations are coordinated by the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) through the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG). These operations provide a critical lifeline for those unable to access food, medical supplies, and other necessities.

All residents have an obligation to be self-sufficient and to prepare themselves and their families for potential periods of isolation arising from a disaster event. This includes having at least 7�E��E�E���E��E10 days of supplies on hand, including non-perishable foods, fuel, water, medical needs, and pet essentials. Planning ahead is the most effective way to manage isolation during disasters.

Preparing, implementing and publicising the way residents may seek approval of a supply order including the manner in which the list of essentials is submitted for approval

  • Ensuring only eligible items are approved for resupply
  • Coordinating collection and transport of essential approved goods and medications where applicable
  • Engaging transport providers under procurement policies
  • All resupply operations must comply with the Queensland Resupply Manual. Failure to meet criteria may result in costs not being reimbursed and the residents receiving the service becoming responsible for delivery costs.

    What is the Resupply Process?
    Resupply is not a free service. Residents must purchase approved goods through available retail outlets using online methods (e.g. click and collect). The LDMG is then responsible for collecting and delivering the approved supplies.

    This service is intended to assist after a prolonged period of isolation (typically seven days or more), and only when all other practical options have been exhausted.

    In line with the guidelines, resupply to individuals is not permitted where access to retail facilities exists within their community. The guidelines clearly state that in isolated communities where local shops are operational (e.g. Halifax, Lucinda, or Forrest Beach), those retail facilities must be resupplied, not individuals. Residents can then access supplies through those outlets.

    Only where there is no access to local shops will individuals be directly resupplied. The resupply process generally involves the following steps:

    • Isolated residents identify their essential needs and contact the LDCC.
    • LDCC logs and verifies requests, ensuring items meet eligibility criteria.
    • Residents place and pay for their orders with local retailers or suppliers. (Note: This is expected to be a click-and-collect style arrangement, not a telephone order system.)
    • Orders are consolidated and prepared for safe transport, including appropriate packaging and labelling.
    • LDCC arranges delivery using suitable transport options (e.g. air, boat, or land).
    • Residents may be required to collect supplies from designated pick-up points.
    • LDCC and Local Area Wardens maintain contact and confirm successful deliveries.

    What can be ordered?
    Only essential items are eligible for disaster resupply, including:

    • Non-perishable shelf-stable foodstuffs
    • Baby and infant supplies
    • Medication and essential medical equipment
    • Cleaning and hygiene products
    • Pet food
    • Fuel (where safe to transport)

    Excluded items include alcohol, tobacco, frozen or perishable goods, and non-essential or luxury items. Requests outside the essential list may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on logistics, safety, and equity. Visit Council website https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/community-environment/disaster-and-emergency-information/how-to-be-prepared/resupply-to-isolated-properties/ as well as methodology of submission for approval and ordering.

  • Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard: https://disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au
  • Hinchinbrook Disaster Information Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/hinchinbrookdisasterinformation
  • Follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services
  • We encourage all community members to take personal responsibility for their own preparedness. While support systems are in place for extended isolation, your first and best defence is always to prepare early and thoroughly.

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