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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August 25, 2025

Pickleball Rules The Courts

The Cardwell and District Pickleball Club currently uses the tennis courts in Cardwell. After months of heavy rain, the courts had fallen into disrepair and become heavily affected by mould. The club successfully secured a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, along with additional support from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, to resurface the courts. This work was completed in July, leaving the courts looking revitalised and ready for play.

Further support came from the local Bendigo Bank, which provided a grant to supply club members with t-shirts. The shirts were designed and produced by Glen Hussey of Fish Feen.

The club meets on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons from 3:30pm, with sessions open to anyone interested in trying the fast-growing sport of pickleball. Paddles are supplied, and participants are encouraged to bring sneakers, a hat, sunscreen and water.

Pickleball is also gaining traction in Ingham, where the Ingham Tennis Association hosts Monday night sessions. The sport caters to all ages, with both parents and children encouraged to join in the fun.

Contributed with thanks by Sue Metcalfe, Secretary CDPC, and Geoff Caso of the Ingham Tennis Association.

Cardwell and District Pickleball Club squad showing off their shirts.
Cardwell and District Pickleball Club on the courts.
Pickleball players on the Ingham courts.
Ingham pickleball in action.

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