TOP NEWS

Barrels, Bulls, And Big Action

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

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Bamboo And Powerlines Don’t Mix

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

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Honouring Mary Venables As Forrest Beach Realty Passes To New Owners

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

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A Celebration of Storytelling

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

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Ingham Maraka Festival Has Big Plans For 2025

December 20, 2024

Ingham Maraka Festival held their ‘Wash-Up Meeting’ on Wednesday 17th  December, discussing new plans for the 2025 Maraka Festival and how they wish to improve next years’ event.

President Patrick Lynch said the 2024 Ingham Maraka Festival was a success, with no hiccups but addressed that he would like to see the Cocktail Night event have a larger attendance.

Chantelle Previtera, Maraka Festival Administration Officer, said next year the Festival is going to try to promote the event more.

“Due to the low number of Festival Queens last year, it does give a lower attendance,” she said.

“We're hoping next year that things will be different, and then we will definitely increase those numbers!

“Next year we are going to work on promoting and getting a lot more of the younger ones to take on the Queen Quest.”

Participants in the 2023 and 2024 Ingham Maraka Festival were present at the meeting and spoke about what they liked most about the festival.

Runner-up Queen in 2024 Johanna Buckle said it was a fun experience.

“Mostly I really enjoyed it, I got to make new friends out of it and it was a way to get the community together,” said Johanna.

Miss Personality 2024 Rachel Hallam enjoyed the festival because it was something different.

“You don’t get to do it often and I’m looking forward to it next year,” she said.

Princess winner of 2023 was at the meeting, to ‘hand over the baton’ to this years’ 2024 winner.

“I really liked all of the community events that were hosted by the Council, I went to senior morning tea, the Tasman Turtles Big Day Out, and I went to a Christmas senior afternoon tea,” she said.

“I liked seeing everybody there in town, and there were lots of people enjoying themselves and I really like being a part of it.”

Princess winner of 2024 Hazel Cary said she liked the festival because she was able to make new friends and get out of her shell a bit more.

“I enjoyed that I was able to have new experiences, get out of my shell a little bit and try new things that I've never been able to do, and especially because now that I've won, I get the chance to promote Ingham even more. I just had a really good time,” she said.

The Ingham Maraka Festival 2025 dates are still to be decided.

The Maraka Festival Queens 2024. Could you be a festival queen in 2025? Photo supplied

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