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.
Read the full storyOffering a plethora of occupational therapy services to make a difference in the lives of little ones across the northern end of the state, the experienced team at Naturally Kids Allied Health prides themselves on truly understanding and celebrating each child for who they are.
Naturally Kids Allied Health’s friendly clinic sits at 6/141 Ingham Road in West End, and the passionate team of dedicated Occupational Therapists, Allied Health Assistants, and Practice Manager. Tanya Bird support communities with a list of core services and additional programs.
One of the clinic’s core services is individual paediatric occupational therapy which can be delivered to children at home, school, daycare, or even in the park to ensure the child feels comfortable and gains the most out of each and every session.
“We take a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, play-based approach - we believe children develop best when they feel seen, valued, and empowered – play isn’t just something we use – it’s at the centre of what we do,” said Tanya.
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“We’re a group of professionals who aren’t afraid to be playful - whether it’s jumping into a game of Monopoly Deal or getting involved in a messy sensory activity - because we know that’s how we connect and make therapy enjoyable.”
The clinic’s nature-based group therapy program, Joey’s Mob, and the Sense Rugby program for children aged 4 through to 12 who find supports challenging have also been loved by families for several years.
More recently, Naturally Kids have excitingly unveiled a Dungeons & Dragons group program to foster a fun, creative, role-playing experience to boost social interactions, encourage wild imaginations, build teamwork skills, and communication techniques!
“These new offerings give children more opportunities to grow their social-emotional skills and creativity within a safe and supportive group setting,” explained Tanya.
“Families tell us they value our flexibility, creativity, and genuine care. We go beyond traditional therapy by building confidence, connection, and joy - through one-on-one sessions, nature-based groups, and community programs like Sense Rugby and Dungeons & Dragons.”
To inquire about upcoming schedules fill out an enquiry form online at naturallykids.com.au/contact-us. To contact the team call 07 4440 5256 or by email hello@naturallykids.com.au.
"Naturally Kids and their wonderful staff have been a game changer for my teen. He goes from strength to strength with the support of amazing OT's. They were extremely helpful in accurately assessing his needs in his functional assessment as well. Thank you so much, guys."
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