Victoria's View | 28 October 2025

Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!

What a journey the Maraka festival has been. I would like to thank my sponsors who supported me, and my friends and family who stood by me. Ingham Agencies and Hinchinbrook Chamber of Industry and Tourism for their financial support and advice, Hinchinbrook Life for their encouragement, Rupp Plumbing and Hardware for their manpower and dedication, Sola the Salon for their love and amazing hair skills, and finally Ingham Lions Club for their persistance in asking me to participate and being my origional sponsors, I enjoyed every Maraka event (especially the parade) and it would not have been possible without you, thank you all!

Special mention and much love to Tennille, Brian, Julie, Kimberley, Steven, Maria, and Chance. All of you stepped up to help me when I was in the tightest spots and were always prepared with a word of kindness to calm my nerves. I couldn't ask for better 'Yes Men'. You all were there for me, lending a hand, a glue gun, a can of hairspray and a gentle comb, or a last-minute ute - your joy on this journey with me was everything. Thank you all so much.

Though I come away crown-less, I think I gained so much more than I could have hoped for. I may not have the roots here that the other beautiful entrants have, but Maraka has definitely helped plant the seed. Thank you, Hinchinbrook, for welcoming me to this community in such a way that let me step out of my comfort zone and do something I never would have thought myself doing.

With the Hinchinbrook Life newspapers' 1st birthday just around the corner, I hope everyone will continue to support myself and Sherie, your local on-the-ground Team Hinchinbrook, and all the others behind the scenes. With my first big festival under my belt, I can't wait to see what the region has to offer in our second year together. I'm ready to try my best to capture every moment and preserve this journey in print with you all.

Victoria

Fun Fact: On a work trip to Tully a few months ago to drop off our CORE and Tripping Magazines, I visited a boutique called Mamma Mia and I loved their style immediately. So later on, I went back and got my Maraka outfits and a few accessories from them. They were so helpful with finding sizes and fashion-fitting my ideas, thank you ladies!