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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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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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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October 14, 2025
Last week, Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli visited Ingham to see the impact of the Stronger Homes Grant, meeting with one of the successful households affected by February’s historic floods. Premier Crisafulli said. “We said when the flood came through this town that we’d be here for the long haul, and for the long haul we are. I’m determined to make sure that this community knows it’s not being forgotten in the recovery from what was really historic floods.” The programme has already been taken up by 44 local residents, with over half of the applications completed. “It’s about building resilience and allowing people to handle the next flood,” the Premier added. “Everything we’re doing is about making sure we can make our communities more resilient. By doing that work, it reduces the impact next time around, which means lower cost, less heartache, and getting people back on their feet.” Mayor of Hinchinbrook, Raymon Jayo, highlighted the practical benefits of the reduced pressure local emergency agencies will face if more homes take on the Stronger Homes Grant: "One home affected can impact 10 to 15 others, so the Stronger Homes programme abates all that.” Yvonne and Neville, recipients of the grant, described their experience. “During the flood, we lost our hot water service, and it was devastating,” Yvonne said. “After the floods had died back, the Stronger Homes Grant was released. We applied, and it was a very simple process. I was overjoyed to hear back so quickly that we’d been granted $10,000. We were able to replace the hot water service and install solar. The whole process went so smoothly and the staff were prompt and very helpful. Before we knew it, we had hot water again. It was brilliant.” Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor added, “This is one of dozens of households in this community alone who have benefited from the Stronger Homes Grant. It’s fantastic to hear the benefits for their home and future resilience. Applications are still open until the end of the year, and we want to get as many households that were impacted with inundation to apply as possible.” The visit highlighted how the Stronger Homes Grant is helping Hinchinbrook residents rebuild safely, reduce future risk, and regain peace of mind after devastating floods.
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October 14, 2025
On Friday 10 October, Selectability Ingham hosted a Big Breakfast for Mental Health at their Harmony Clubhouse, located in the CANEGROWERS building. Open to anyone needing a hot meal to start the day, it was a morning filled with good food, friendly conversation and community spirit. The focus on wellbeing didn’t stop there for the Selectability team. Later that day, they travelled to Lucinda for a picnic in the park, complete with a musical jam session and a barbecue lunch by the sea, the perfect reminder of how spending time outdoors and connecting with others can lift the mind, body and soul. For more information and to get involved, contact Selectability Ingham on 07 4781 2690 or email ingham@selectability.com.au Mental health is something everyone should care for daily, not just during dedicated awareness periods. While Mental Health Week may be wrapping up, your commitment to continuous wellbeing should never be put on hold. It is important every day of the year. Taking small, regular steps can make a significant difference. Start with the basics like ensuring you're getting enough quality sleep, eating nourishing food, and keeping active. Even simple activities like gardening, taking a walk along the beach, or relaxing under the trees are incredibly effective mood boosters that can also provide a vital sense of purpose. In recent times, feelings of separation and loneliness have unfortunately become more common, making it even more crucial to look after ourselves and others. Make time to connect and sustain your social bonds by staying connected with friends, family, or community groups. Invite a friend to sit with you, slow down, and take a much-needed break. Remember that your mind can experience burnout just as easily as your body, so it's essential to care for both by finding time to step back and enjoy the simple moments. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is vital to know that you do not have to face challenges alone. Reach out and talk to someone you trust, contact your GP, or call a support service. Caring for your mental health must always be a priority.
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October 14, 2025
Mayor Ramon JayoIt was great to see more than 170 seniors at the Get Ready Week lunch at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall last Friday.Gathering like these are important not just for sharing a meal, but for sharing knowledge, connecting with others, and reminding ourselves why preparation matters.The reality is, when disaster hits, it’s too late to start thinking about what you should have done.Getting ready is personal — no matter how old you are, where you live, or how many times you’ve been through it before.It’s about having a plan, knowing your contacts, checking your supplies, and making sure your medications are sorted.Hinchinbrook has the oldest demographic in Queensland, and while our seniors are strong and capable, we all need to take responsibility for our own preparedness.Talk to your family, your doctor, your pharmacist, your neighbours — and take the time now to make your home and yourself safe.We also need fresh blood in our SES.If you’ve got kids or grandkids, encourage them to get involved.It’s rewarding, it builds real skills, and it’s a great way to make lifelong friends while helping a community that truly needs it.Lastly, there has been ongoing community concern about a prominent structural eyesore in the town centre.Over the past decade, Council made two attempts to enforce remedial action but was unable to proceed due to legal challenges and the need to prove structural deficiency under previous legislation.To address this, Council advocated for legislative change to allow enforcement based on visual impact and loss of amenity, not just structural integrity. This change has only recently been approved. Various assessments have been carried out over the years, with some minor repairs undertaken. However, these did not improve the building’s appearance or resolve long-term concerns.Council has continued to monitor the site with community safety as the priority. However, following recent flood and rain events, further deterioration has been observed, raising serious structural concerns. As a result, Council has initiated another formal enforcement proceedings to address the issue. Due to the legal and procedural nature of this process, we are unable to provide further details at this stage. However, we are committed to keeping the community informed as key milestones are reached and outcomes are confirmed.
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October 14, 2025
The Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Carnival took place over the 11th and 12th October weekend, bringing together clubs and competitors from across the region. Athletes of all ages battled the waves and sand in a range of surf lifesaving events, including sprints, surf races, board races and relays. The atmosphere was electric, with families, friends and community members cheering on participants throughout both days. Forrest Beach proved a fun and spectacular setting, with perfect weather, skills and endurance of all competitors were tested out on the beach. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and a special thanks to the volunteers and organisers for making the carnival such a success.
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October 14, 2025
It was a nail-biting finish for the 2025 Marbelli Cup, with Ingham State High School’s Open Girls Netball team narrowly defeated by a determined Gilroy Santa Maria College team. Heading into the final quarter trailing by five points, Ingham High fought back to reduce the margin to just one point with only two minutes remaining. Despite their efforts, Gilroy held on to claim a 23-21 victory, taking the series and the Marbelli Cup for 2025. Continued on page 31 Gilroy Takes The Marbelli Cup In A Nail-Biting Finish A special mention goes to Year 12 students Alisha, Amayah and Molly, who played their final game for Ingham High. Alisha was also named Ingham High’s Player of the Series, recognising her exceptional performance. The Senior Boys teams of both schools also took to the court in a spirited pre-game match, with Gilroy taking the win. Their enthusiasm and willingness to give it a go were commendable. The dedication and support from umpires Lauren Kopeshke and Aimee Seri, scorers, staff, students and community members created an incredible atmosphere for the players. Special thanks were given to the Marbelli family and the Castellaro and Gaggiano families for their continued support of the series, helping to foster netball in the district. Congratulations also to Gilroy Santa Maria College, who displayed skill and sportsmanship across the series. Maggie Pappin was awarded Most Valuable Player for GSMC, while Alicia Crisafulli received the honour for Ingham High. Both schools look forward to the rematch in 2026.
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October 13, 2025
As the winter coolness has finally melted away, you can truly feel the heat of summer when you go out for a Saturday morning Parkrun. It's definitely a factor that keeps me running to cross that finish line and cool down under the trees, that, and the Zooper Doopers. Very glad that Palm Creek adopted the Cardwell practice of having them at the end of a sweltering slog through the heat and the midgies, which seem to cloud around the lower return path at Palm Creek - I have gotten one of the little buggers in my eye on more than one occasion. Thank you volunteers, for keeping the runners cool and their blood sugar up after the runs. Nothing hits the spot better than an ice-cold treat in the heat. Parkrun Results: 11th October 2025 Palm Creek #94 – 30 participants Fastest time: Duncan (18:48) Final finisher: Lianne (1:00:53) PBs: Helen (28:02), Melissa (37:42), Judah (37:50), Edith (38:46) First-timers: Michelle, Marguerite, Natalie, Ashley, Lianne of WJR Latrobe Volunteers: Sandra Coco, Helen Digger, Bridgette Duffy, Matteo Mancuso, Lianne Smith Cardwell #356 – 13 participants Fastest time: Luke (23:28) Final finisher: Matthew (42:00) PBs: Fiona (37:48) First-timers: Paul, Richard of WazaConda, Jennifer of Wynfit, Karen Volunteers: Anita Davina, Bruce Ferguson, Jan Ferguson, Matthew Gardiner, Kerry Snell, Rachelle Warlond, Ward Weare
Read the full storyOctober 14, 2025
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.
Read the full storyOctober 14, 2025
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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October 13, 2025
Tuesday 14 October Cafe Crawl 9:00am – 11:00am, cafe location provided on RSVP. Join us on a cafe adventure through our community. Come along as we explore the different cafe's we have available to us within our community and have a chat, sip a coffee and a bite to eat. If interested please RSVP with Mei at: 07 4776 1822. Green Thumbs Club 2:30pm at Community Garden, 100 McIlwraith Street, Ingham. Join the Green Thumbs for an afternoon of planting, chatting and getting dirty in the soil. Whether you’re putting seedlings in the ground or just soaking up the fresh air, it’s all about community spirit and good vibes. No experience needed – just bring a smile and maybe a pair of garden gloves. Call the HSCS (07) 4776 1822 for more info! Wednesday 15 October Hinchinbrook Stitchers, Social Sewing Group 9:00am - 3:00pm at Victoria Mill Social Club Hall, Ingham. Quilting, crocette, knitting and sewing, all crafts are enjoyed at at this club! Bring whatever you need and your own lunch and refreshments for a lovely day of being creative. Contact Jackie for further detials on: 04 2771 7605. Cyber Safety Talk 10:00am to 10:45am at Halifax Sub-Branch Library, 15 Macrossan Street, Halifax. Learn how to stay safe online in this important session presented by Commonwealth Bank. The talk will cover protecting personal information, recognising scams, and tips for browsing the internet securely. Thursday 16 October CWA Craft Group 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Forrest Beach CWA Hall, 6 Palm St. Everyone is welcome to do your own craft or join an organised craft activity. For just $2.00 enjoy the company of other crafters, all levels of experience and craft types welcome! Our gold coin donation library is also open with books aplenty, CDs, DVDs, and puzzles too! Senior Men's Social Group 9:00am – 12:00pm at HCSC The Centre, 71 Townsville Rd, Ingham. Are you a man over 60, or 55 if you identify as ATSI, looking for a place to belong, connect and share good times? Meet other men, enjoy meaningful conversations, and participate in fun activities. Please contact Desley at: 4776 1822. Playtime At The Library 10:30am – 12:00pm at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, 73–75 McIlwraith St, Ingham. A fun-filled learning session, which incorporates stories, songs and rhymes aimed at children 0–5 years of age. Each session caregivers will have the opportunity to ask questions or discuss concerns with a Queensland Health Clinical Nurse. Mummy’s Matter 1:00pm to 2:00pm at The Hub, 100 McIlwraith Street, Ingham. A welcoming and judgement-free group for mums who may be feeling isolated, vulnerable, or at risk of postnatal depression. Expectant mothers are also encouraged to join. Sessions focus on connection, support and creating a sense of belonging, with children under school age welcome to attend alongside their mums. For more info, contact Shannen at the HCSC on 07 4776 1822. Friday 17 October Beers By The Beach 5pm at the Forrest Beach SLSC, 6 Palm st, Forrest Beach. Offering a relaxed coastal atmosphere, the SLSC is a place where locals and visitors alike can unwind with a cold drink in hand while soaking up ocean views. Nibbles and occasional raffles add to the fun, with prizes like fresh prawns up for grabs. Bring the kids, there’s a park next door, or pop in before your evening beachside stroll. It’s a laid-back evening for everyone to enjoy. Saturday 18 October SHOP & WIN in Hinchinbrook 2025 Run by the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, this initiative encourages residents and visitors to shop locally during the holiday season. Participants go into prize draws by simply making a purchase at any participating Hinchinbrook business and keeping the receipt, dropping entry tickets into a collection box on site. Park Run 7:00am in Palm Creek, Ingham & The Cardwell foreshore. A FREE weekly 5k exercising event for participants of all fitness levels, an opportunity for all the local community, regardless of age or gender, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the outdoors and get physically active. Encouraging people to run, jog, walk and volunteer together! Markets at the Mosaic 8:00am - 12:00pm in Mercer Lane, Ingham. Enjoy a fantastic morning at Markets at the Mosaic and browse a wonderful showcase of handmade and homemade products, entertainment, and delicious treats! You'll find something for everyone, there's jewlery, softcrafts, beautiful artwork and so much more! Maraka Festival - Fun Family Aquathon At Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre, 31 Mcilwraith St, Ingham. A brand-new Maraka event designed for all-round fitness and fun. Open to ages 9 and over, this Run Swim Run is set to challenge and excite participants while encouraging families to get active together. Maraka Festival - Wine And Cheese Night 6:00pm – 11:00pm at Station Hotel, Cartwright Street, Ingham. This relaxed evening will feature wine, beer, finger food and of course a few cocktails to keep the tradition alive. Hosted by Nick Dametto and former Maraka Queen Maddyn White. A chance to mingle, enjoy fine flavours and celebrate Maraka in style. Sunday 19 October Lucinda Markets 7:00am – 11:30am at Borello Park, Lucinda Foreshore. These charming markets take place in the scenic Borello Park, right on the beautiful Lucinda foreshore. Enjoy a relaxed morning browsing a variety of stalls featuring plants, crafts, preloved items, local artisans, and more. Be sure to arrive early as the homemade cakes and biscuits are always popular and tend to sell out fast! Site fee is $8 for a 3x3m space. To book a stall, contact Linda Hunt on 0436 047 358. Ingham Raintree Community Markets 8:00am – 12:00pm at Rotary Park, Ingham. Held under the shade of Ingham’s iconic raintrees in Rotary Park, enjoy crafts, bric-a-brac, tropical plants, and local made treats! All stallholder fees are proudly donated to Palliative Care Ingham, supporting a vital local cause. For more infoor to book a site, please contact Linda on 0436 047 358. Venable 2-Ball Ambrose Tournament 10:00am, Sunday 19th October at Ingham Golf Club, 67 Marina Parade, Ingham. Golfers and community members are invited to enjoy a morning of friendly competition, raffles, and prizes at this charity event hosted by Venables Glass & Home Solutions. All funds raised will support Ingham Palliative Care, with food and drinks available for purchase. Nominate early via Inghamgc2021@gmail.com Katherine Outback Experience 12:00pm – 7:00pm at Multi-Purpose Arena, Cooper Street, Ingham. Experience a family-friendly show featuring horses, working dogs, and live country music in a uniquely Australian performance. Maraka Festival - Afternoon Tea From 2:00pm at Herbert River RSL, Hawkins Street, Ingham. A relaxing Sunday afternoon at a new venue, complete with sweet and savoury treats. This year’s Maraka Queen and Maraka Princess entrants will be presented, adding a special touch to this elegant gathering. Tom Curtain’s Here’s To You Tour – Ingham 3:30pm to 6:00pm at Ingham Showground, 17 Cooper Street, Ingham. Celebrate the release of his sixth album with multiple Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain. There's hands-on activities for kids, followed by 2 hours of live music from Tom Curtain, Chris Matthews, and Melanie Gray. Tickets at: https://tinyurl.com/2c2s6ktm
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October 13, 2025
Seafest 2025 brought the Cardwell foreshore to life with a vibrant celebration of the sea, community spirit, and local culture. Held over the weekend, the festival attracted visitors from across the region to enjoy a jam-packed program of entertainment, food, andfamily-friendly fun. Highlights included the thrilling mullet toss, live music from talented local artists,and visits from Ariel the mermaid and Captain Jack Sparrow the Pirate. Market stalls showcased everything from handmade crafts to local produce, while kids enjoyed facepainting, fishing and beachside games. With stunning weather, a festive atmosphere, and strong community support, Seafest2025 was a resounding success leaving locals and visitors alikealready looking forward to next year's celebration on the sea.
Read the full storyOctober 13, 2025
Ticket Sales Now Open! The Ingham Maraka Festival is just around the corner, and this year�E��E�E���E��Es events, commencing on Saturday October 18th and 19th, promise to be unforgettable! Kick off the festivities with the Maraka Wine & Cheese Night supported by Wilmar Sugar at the Station Hotel on Saturday, October 18th, starting at 6:30pm. For just $35 per person, attendees can indulge in a delightful evening filled with wine, cheese, and live music from DJ Wayne Newton. This social night is a fantastic op
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