At the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo From the moment the gates opened, the air buzzed with the sound of hooves, cheering crowds, and the anticipation of more than 25 rodeo events. Tiny riders on ponies, fearless juniors, seasoned stock professionals, and the ever-popular charity bull ride had the crowd on their feet. With daring competitors and non-stop entertainment, this year’s rodeo once again proved why it is one of the most exciting events on the northern calendar. Cowboys and cowgirls
Read the full story
Ergon Energy Network is urging gardeners to carefully consider what they plant near powerlines and other electrical assets, with fast-growing species like bamboo causing thousands of power outages and posing serious safety risks. Ergon Energy Network Area Manager Rick Madden said planting the wrong trees or plants too close to powerlines can lead to dangerous situations, including fallen powerlines, emergency power outages and electric shocks. “Bamboo is one of the worst offenders because it g
Read the full story
Forrest Beach has always been a place where community and coastline meet, and now it has a new chapter in its real estate story. After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Mary Venables has retired, passing the torch of Venables Real Estate to Richard and Lisa, who have proudly launched Forrest Beach Real Estate. The change marks the end of an era, but also a fresh beginning for the township and its real estate landscape. Mary’s journey in the industry is nothing short of remarkable. Arrivi
Read the full story
Walter W. Mason’s Book Launch in Ingham Ingham welcomed local author Walter W. Mason for the launch of his two highly anticipated books, Little Girl Beautiful and The Blue Bus, and the event was nothing short of a triumph. The community gathered in high spirits, catching up with Mason, sharing stories, and celebrating a lifetime of connection to the region. By the end of the launch, every copy of The Blue Bus had sold out, and Mason was down to his last box of Little Girl Beautiful. Those who mi
Read the full storyVictoria Velton
Not everyone steps into the Maraka Queen contest expecting to leave a mark. For Johanna Buckle, it was a leap into the unknown. “I got asked by the previous year's runner-up if I'd like to do it. I thought, why not do something spontaneous? So I went into it, not knowing a hell of a lot and just gave it a go. I became runner-up for 2024.”
Preparing for the competition quickly became a community affair. Johanna enlisted her mother-in-law’s help to secure sponsors and found support from friends and local businesses. “I found a makeup artist, and a hairdresser, both were fantastic. I had a family friend, Sharon Blanco, who owns Savour the Flavour catering, she popped her hand up and said that she'd sponsor me, too.”
The journey itself was exhilarating as Johanna recalled, “Going into it, not knowing what the outcome was going to be, was very nerve-racking. The previous year's queens were really supportive. They were there at every event with us, and they were giving us tips and tricks here and there, really calming the nerves.”
The announcement of her runner-up position came as a surprise. “It was a big shock to the system as the runner-up gets announced first, then the Queen. So it was a shock. I was very exhausted by the end of it all.”
A Queen's commitment to the contest is significant, spanning early mornings and full days of preparation. “They had us there from 8am to four o'clock in the afternoon. 5am starts with hair and makeup… On the parade day, it's big — lots of prepping floats, making sure cars were washed, making sure outfits were set, hair and makeup done, and you're lined up ready to go for your two big laps around town. And standing on that float… from that perspective up there, you can really see how it brings a community together. It's exciting.”
Johanna’s experience shows that the Maraka Queen contest is more than crowns and sashes. It is a celebration of courage, creativity, and community spirit, bringing people together in a uniquely memorable way.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core 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, Core 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 Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
