Galactic Gathering At The UFO Festival Cardwell was transformed into an intergalactic hotspot from 8 to 10 August 2025 as the Australian UFO Festival returned for its fourth year, attracting visitors from across the country. After a year’s absence in 2024, anticipation had been building for months, and the festival did not disappoint, offering three days packed with cosmic conversation, community fun, and unforgettable experiences. The action began on Friday with free community events
Read the full storyTec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Max has his boots firmly planted in two very different worlds: the rugged, hands‑on life of a central Queensland cattle station, and the bustling day‑to‑day routine of boarding school in Townsville. “I live on a station north of Clermont called Mazeppa,” Max explained. “When I’m not here at school, I live there with my family.” Home for Max is anything but quiet. Mazeppa Station is a working property that runs both cattle and crops, keeping everyone on th
Read the full storyWhether you’re settling into a new home, revamping your garden, or simply refreshing your living space, the way we shape our surroundings has a powerful impact on how we feel. A well-loved home doesn’t have to be perfect – it just needs to reflect your personality, support your lifestyle, and offer a sense of comfort. In recent years, we’ve seen a growing trend towards practical and sustainable design choices in both homes and gardens. People are making the most of indoor-outdoor flow, bringing
Read the full storyBy Victoria Velton At Palm Creek, it was a bright and fresh morning for our 20 parkrunners, with a gentle breeze making the course all the more enjoyable. Welcoming three newcomers to the Palm Creek track, two from Team Veteran, four PBs were recorded, including the Fastest timer. Down on the foreshore, 22 parkrunners took to the scenic path under cool, clear skies. Joined by a great mix of locals and visitors, no doubt in town for the UFO festival, with six newcomers stepping onto the course f
Read the full storyWhile bananas might steal the tropical spotlight, it’s the property market in Regional Queensland—ripe with growth and opportunity—that quietly became 2024’s true success story.
In 2024, Regional Queensland's property market showed notable growth, with property values increasing by 12.1% over the year. This trend was particularly evident in key regional hubs. According to The Australian Financial Review, Rockhampton led the way with a 9.2% quarterly growth in values, followed by Townsville (8.34%), Gladstone (6.74%), and Mackay (6.19%).
In the Hinchinbrook Shire, the market kept pace with this regional upswing. Data from Real Estate Investar showed that Ingham, the administrative heart of the region, recorded a 14.45% increase in its median house listing price over the past year, reaching $285,000. Over the last two years, this figure rose by 16.32%, highlighting sustained growth in the area.
The demand for property in Regional Queensland was fuelled by several factors. The Australian reported that interstate migration from pricier markets played a key role, as did the appeal of a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. Moreover, the expansion of business operations into regional areas contributed to the surge.
However, not all parts of Queensland experienced the same momentum. For example, The Courier Mail noted a 20.7% drop in building approvals on the Gold Coast, reflecting challenges in the construction sector despite a broader statewide recovery. This decline is a concerning trend, especially given the ongoing housing shortage in the area.
Overall, 2024 marked a significant year for Regional Queensland's property market, with the Hinchinbrook region capitalising on the momentum. Strong demand, limited supply, and economic shifts played key roles in shaping the market's positive trajectory.