Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Ashley Swarbrick, the 2025 Maraka Princess. Photo Credit: Peta Hill Photography
Time is running out for women and girls to put their names forward for the 2026 Maraka Queen and Princess Quests, with nominations closing this Friday 25th September.
The Ingham Maraka Festival is calling on women to take the leap and become part of one of Ingham’s biggest community celebrations.
2025 Maraka Queen Ainsley Dimaggio and runner-up Trista Kopeshke have encouraged women to get involved, sharing how the Quest gave them the opportunity to meet people, engage with local businesses and events, and become more involved in their community.
If you are interested in entering the 2026 Maraka Queen Quest, contact Ainsley on 04 5565 6364 or Trista on 04 3474 4764 as soon as possible.
The Princess Quest is another chance to become part of the Maraka celebrations.
From the Maraka Afternoon Tea and Kids Big Day Out to other community activities, Princess entrants experience Maraka from the inside.
Whether they have always dreamed of becoming a princess or simply want to try something new, the Princess Quest offers younger entrants the chance to create memories and be part of the Maraka tradition.
In 2025, Ashley Swarbrick was crowned Maraka Princess. Looking, Ashley said the journey helped her build confidence.
“I decided to be a part of the 2025 Maraka Princess Quest because I wanted to be part of an important community event and to become more confident and improve my public speaking skills and meet new people,” Ashley said.
“My favourite part of the Maraka Festival was having the opportunity to be involved and participating in all the different Maraka events such as the Afternoon Tea, Pet Parade and the Street Parade,” she said.
“The whole journey was amazing and I enjoyed every minute. Spending time with all the other entrants and forming new friendships was something that I will treasure for a lifetime.”
Now, as she looks back on her year representing the community as Maraka Princess, Ashley is encouraging other girls to put themselves forward for the 2026 Princess Quest.
“Being part of the Maraka Princess journey is an amazing experience,” she said.
“I have had an amazing year representing my community as the 2025 Maraka Princess and I would definitely encourage all young girls in Years 5 and 6 to consider being part of the 2026 Maraka Princess Quest.
“This is your opportunity to be part of this great community event. So get your entry in.”
For Princess Quest information and nominations, contact Bec and Trish on 04 1877 8783.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes. Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
