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 18, 2025

SADDLE UP!

The Countdown Is On For 2025 Ingham Sugar City Rodeo

Dust off your boots and grab your hat – the countdown is on! In less than three weeks, the Long Pocket Earthmoving Ingham Sugar City Rodeo will burst into action at the Ingham Showgrounds on Saturday, the 6th of September.

From the crack of dawn, gates will swing open at 8:00am, welcoming rodeo-goers to one of North Queensland’s most exciting days on the calendar. Whether you’re a rodeo regular or brand new to the sport, expect heart-pounding action as riders tackle more than 25 events. From junior and novice categories to professional showdowns, plus feature events and the crowd-favourite charity ride, the arena will be buzzing with thrills, spills, and plenty of cowboy grit.

Off the dirt, there’s just as much to enjoy. Stroll through bustling market stalls, tap your boots to live music, and refuel at mouth-watering food stands. With the event’s proud ABCRA affiliation and local stock contractors supplying top-notch animals, you can bet on high-quality competition all day long.

Since bucking out of the gates in 1995, the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo has grown into a must-attend celebration of the north’s rural heritage. Visitors not only get an action-packed day but also the perfect excuse to explore the Hinchinbrook region’s warm hospitality, great food, and stunning scenery.

So, mark your calendars, rally your mates, and get ready for an unforgettable day in the heart of Ingham. The countdown is on, and the rodeo is calling!

WHAT: 2025 Ingham Sugar City Rodeo
WHEN: Saturday, the 6th of September
WHERE: Ingham Showgrounds

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Planting A Greener Future At TYTO Wetlands
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