By Amanda Wright The 2025 Federal Budget was never just about dollars and cents—it was about the direction Australia takes in the years ahead. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest budget, delivered on 25 March, makes clear where the Albanese government believes that the future lies: in cost-of-living relief, housing, and a transition to a more sustainable economy. But with an election now set for 3 May, it’s impossible to ignore the political stakes. Is this a responsible economic plan or a budget de
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When disastrous floods swept through the region in February, the town of Ingham found itself in a crisis unlike any it had seen in recent memory with devastating flood waters surpassing the levels they reached in the historic floods of 1967. Amidst the chaos of the floods the local medical practices Hinchinbrook Healthcare and Ingham Family Medical Practice banded together in times of uncertainty and provided a glimmer of light to Ingham residents, demonstrating remarkable resilience and resour
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Victoria grew up in Brisbane and went on to pursue a Cert III in Business Administration while also qualifying as a swimming teacher through AustSwim. Their career path led them to roles as a receptionist and swimming instructor, where they worked hard to fund their Diploma of Arts. Later serving as an editor for a medical journal at Queensland University of Technology, Victoria further sharpened their writing and editorial skills. Victoria's family live in Macknade and moving to the reg
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A striking symbol of resilience and awareness now stands along the highway in Ingham—its vivid blue branches reaching out as a reminder that no one has to struggle in silence. The Blue Tree Project, a national initiative aimed at breaking the stigma around mental health, found a home in the town in July 2023, thanks to a collaborative community effort. Councillor Donna Marbelli first saw a Blue Tree while driving between Townsville and Ingham and knew the town needed one of its own. The search
Read the full storyFor 16 years, Marina Nowak has run her cafe with a focus on fresh, homemade meals and a welcoming atmosphere. Everything is made fresh to order at Majestic Cafe, and the returning customers love it!
Majestic Cafe has a mixed customer base of locals and travellers, and it thrives on word of mouth.
“Someone said to me, ‘Oh, I met someone from Darwin who said they had a fish burger, and we've come in here to try this fish burger!’” said Marina.
“We do everything fresh, we make our own patties, crumbed steaks, everything's made in-house, we use very little packaged product.
“Because we do it fresh, if you want something, you have to wait for it, because we cook it as you order. We don't have that pre-made sort of stuff!”
Over the years, the cafe has built a loyal customer base.
"We've had people with us since the day we opened," Marina shared.
"We’ve catered their weddings, their kids’ christenings, it is a family atmosphere here.”
Marina takes pride in creating a welcoming space where everyone feels at home, and it’s her friendly staff who help to create this vibrant environment.
"There are no bosses here. We all work together, cooking, cleaning, whatever needs doing. Everyone here loves to cook and connect with people,” said Marina.
Marina’s journey at Majestic Cafe began over 40 years ago. She started out as a waitress, but when the business came up for sale, she decided to purchase it and has not looked back since.
While local customers are the backbone of the business, tourism is vital. "We need that mix of locals and travellers to keep the town sustainable," explained Marina, who loves welcoming visitors to the region.
After 40 years, Marina remains passionate.
“It’s always been a passion for me. We don’t portray that we’re chefs or anything like that. We just love to cook and love to see people enjoying what we give them.”
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