Mark 10th Birdlife Art Awards More than 280 people gathered to celebrate Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s 10th Birdlife Art Awards at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery on Friday night, 1 August 2025. This milestone event continues to honour the rich birdlife of the Hinchinbrook region through the eyes of talented artists from across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It features an impressive 106 entries across various mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and m
Read the full storySporting and recreation clubs across North and Far North Queensland impacted by early 2025’s severe flooding can now apply for a share in a $30 million funding package to help repair and rebuild their facilities. The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) — a joint initiative by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) — offers up to $1 million per facility for eligible not-for-profit sport and racing clubs, as well as local cou
Read the full storyLocally loved artist, Katie Louise, has graced the region once again, painting a beautiful mural on the wall of the infamous Frosty Mango building located 40km South of Ingham along the mighty Bruce Highway. Hailing from Townsville, Katie’s paint brushes have coloured many surfaces across North Queensland where she has artistically captured the unique qualities of several communities including the Atherton Tablelands, Charters Towers, and now Cardwell. Katie’s recent piece within the shi
Read the full storyFormer players, supporters, and families reunited in Ingham over the weekend of 18–19 July 2025 to celebrate the 55-year-long legacy of the Wallaman Rugby League Club, with attendees travelling from across Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and all corners of Queensland. Though no longer active, the Wallaman club holds a proud place in local sporting history. Formed in 1970 under challenging circumstances, the club faced early struggles just getting a team on the field. With determina
Read the full storyTiles are more than just a practical flooring or wall covering, they are an artistic element that can elevate the aesthetics of your home. Whether you are designing a kitchen splashback, a bathroom feature wall, or a stylish outdoor patio, selecting the right tile can make all the difference. With endless designs, materials, and finishes available, it’s important to consider both function and style to create a space that reflects your personality and enhances your living environment.
The first step in selecting tiles is identifying the style you want to achieve. Are you drawn to modern minimalism, rustic charm, or vibrant Mediterranean patterns? Each tile type carries a unique character that can transform a space. The material of the tile plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and functionality. Ceramic tiles are a popular and versatile choice, offering durability and a wide range of colours and designs. They work well in kitchens and bathrooms due to their water resistance and ease of maintenance. Porcelain tiles are more robust and denser than ceramic, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces. They come in matte, polished, and textured finishes to suit different design needs. Natural stone tiles, such as marble, granite, slate, and travertine, offer a luxurious and organic look. While they require more maintenance, their unique textures and variations add a timeless elegance to any space. Glass tiles are often used for mosaics and feature walls, creating a luminous effect by reflecting light and making spaces appear larger and more vibrant.
Colour and pattern play a significant role in setting the mood of a space. Lighter tiles, such as whites and pastels, create a sense of openness and airiness, making small rooms feel more spacious. Bold colours, intricate patterns, or geometric designs can add character and make a statement. Wood-look or stone-look tiles provide the warmth of natural materials with the benefits of durability and easy maintenance. The size and layout of tiles also impact the overall effect. Large-format tiles give a modern and seamless look, reducing grout lines and creating a sense of continuity. Subway tiles, when laid in different patterns, add a dynamic and stylish effect to walls, while mosaic tiles offer intricate details and are perfect for splashbacks or feature walls.
Tiles have the power to redefine a space, whether through colour, texture, or pattern. A well-chosen tile design can enhance visual appeal by serving as a focal point, drawing attention to a particular area such as a kitchen splashback or an entryway floor. High-quality tiles add sophistication and durability, increasing the value of a home and making it more attractive to potential buyers. Their water-resistant and easy-to-clean surfaces improve functionality, especially in high-moisture zones like bathrooms and kitchens. The right choice of tiles can also create a distinct mood and atmosphere, with dark, moody tones evoking a sense of luxury, while bright, patterned tiles inject energy and creativity into a space.
There is a large array of tiles available and with investing time in selecting the right tile for your home can lead to a stunning and long-lasting transformation. Whether your goal is a sleek modern look or a cozy rustic feel, the right tiles will bring your vision to life.