By Amanda Wright In a historic swing, the Liberal National Party (LNP) has won the seat of Mackay, a long-held Labor stronghold, with former police officer Nigel Dalton capturing the seat through a grassroots campaign focused on tackling youth crime and supporting community safety. Dalton expressed gratitude, saying, “The community chose change, and I’m here to deliver it.” Amanda Camm retained her seat in Whitsunday, celebrating the strengthened LNP presence in the region, which she believes w
Read the full storyFitzgerald State School has captured a major accolade on the national stage, receiving an award for storytelling excellence and creativity in the performing arts at the 2024 National Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival. Their performance, Salt meets Sand, stood out for its thoughtful portrayal of unity, culture, and respect, winning acclaim among 180 participating schools from across Australia. The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival, Australia’s largest performing arts event for schools, embraces the et
Read the full storyFor more than two decades, Reef Catchments has played a significant role in protecting and restoring natural resources in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region. From the mountains to the sea, they have worked to support resilient regional environments, build strong community partnerships, and lead initiatives in conservation, land management and ecosystem restoration. As an independent not-for-profit Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation, Reef Catchments are involved in the integrated man
Read the full storyJackie Froyland clearly remembers the hardest part of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 44. She dreaded telling her four children, aged 15, 13, 7 and 5 and her partner, but telling her mum was absolutely “heartbreaking”. “I went for a mammogram for no other reason than my mum’s neighbour had breast cancer picked up from a routine screening. So I decided I had better go for one at BreastScreen as well,” she said. “I booked in and had it done and a week or so later they phoned and said
Read the full storyWhile results of last week’s State Election have not yet been officially declared, Amanda Camm has claimed 69.6 per cent of the votes and has been successful in her bid to secure a second term as Member for Whitsunday. Meanwhile, Dale Last has commanded 65.7 per cent of the votes counted so far and has also secured another tenure as Member for Burdekin, the area that encompasses Bowen and Collinsville. Both LNP candidates are, for the first time, representing their region while not in oppositi
Read the full storySince announcing their formation just two short weeks ago, the Whitsundays’ inaugural team of ‘Dancing CEOs’ have been extraordinarily busy in their quest to end domestic violence within our communities and raise over $41,000 for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ). Kate Purdie, Candice Crossley, Alice Harriott, Julie Telford and their ‘Team Whitsundays’ mentor, Katelyn Collins, have added another name to their support squad, with the announcement of Whitsunday Regional Council’s ‘Mayoress
Read the full storyFor The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors, Tourism Whitsundays and Whitsunday Regional Council extend a warm invitation to all previous and current cruise ship volunteers and industry supporters. Join us for a special event on Thursday, 7 November from 2:30-5:30 pm at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. The afternoon will be dedicated to honouring and celebrating the exceptional service of our volunteer group. The e
Read the full storyMeet Pascal, the zaniest feline teenager around! He's got swag and isn't afraid to show it. This self-assured adolescent kitty is still learning the ropes of being a social butterfly, so be prepared for some playful mischief. While still having some growing up to do, Pascal vacillates between caution and hyperactivity. If you have a feisty feline friend with comparable energy for him to play with, that'd be purrfect and would greatly enhance his socialisation. While Pascal is a great companion,
Read the full story3 Jessies Way is not simply a home; it’s the epitome of
the Whitsunday lifestyle. Positioned in one of the most
exclusive estates in the Whitsundays, this stunning
executive residence is now available. This remarkable
property will satisfy you on many levels!
Imagine enjoying 180-degree unobstructed views of
the breathtaking Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands
from all three levels. The master bedroom suite
occupies the majority of the top floor, featuring an
office, an extensive sundeck, and a covered alfresco
area for intimate evenings.
The main living zone boasts a modern contemporary
design that seamlessly integrates with the
magnificent views and includes a stunning wet edge
pool, accessible directly from the outdoor living area.
This spacious living area is complemented by a stylish
gourmet kitchen, perfect for entertaining, along with a
media room, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms.
The lower level presents an additional self-contained
area offering two spacious bedrooms and one main
bathroom, along with a generous living area. Each
level is fully self-contained, featuring its own kitchen
or kitchenette, bathrooms, and bedrooms, with both
external and internal access options.
Located within an exclusive estate that offers the
added security of a gated entrance, this property also
provides ample space for your belongings with four
lock-up garages, including an extra-height entry for a
boat or caravan.
Don’t let this extraordinary opportunity slip away.
Schedule an inspection today to fully appreciate the
elegance and style of this exceptional residence.
This impressive property will be sold by Expression
of Interest on Friday, 22nd November 2024, by 5 PM,
if not sold prior! Contact Rob Taylor or Alex Swan to
discuss further.
October 31, 2024
On election night, as results poured in and history was being made, some Queenslanders were glued to their screens, caught between the thrill of politics and the comfort of home. I was trackside in Townsville at the velodrome, with one eye on my husband competing and the other trying to wrangle a very active toddler, all while refreshing my phone screen to watch the vote tally tick along. Geoff from the Chamber of Commerce let it slip at the B2B coffee event on Tuesday that he was riveted to th
Read the full storyOctober 31, 2024
A leisurely outing to Bucasia turned into an unforgettable experience for a local couple last week when they found themselves stranded by a flat battery after enjoying the shoreline at Shoal Point. After picking up some items they had ordered online, the pair planned a quiet moment by the sea before returning home. However, their plans were disrupted when their car refused to start. The husband, suspecting a dead battery, began seeking help from passing drivers. Although several people stoppe
Read the full storyOctober 31, 2024
Fatal Collision With A Cow Ends The Life Of A 27-Year-Old Father-To-Be Jofarn Tapim, a 27-year-old father-to-be from Sarina, sadly lost his life on the morning of October 27 following a collision between his motorcycle and a cow in Glenella. Police responded to reports shortly before 2am of a motorcycle collision with a cow on Sugarshed Road near Glenella Connection Road in Glenella. He was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital in critical condition but sadly passed away shortly after. Pre
Read the full storyOctober 31, 2024
October has been an exciting month for North Mackay Sinkers, packed with training sessions and upcoming events as members prepare for the annual Balnagowan Swim on Sunday, November 3rd. The Balnagowan Open Water Swim offers 1.25k, 2.5k, and 5k swim options, welcoming everyone from beginner swimmers to experienced distance competitors. Registrations are open online until noon on Saturday, November 2nd, with same-day registration available (although pre-registration helps with event planning). Th
Read the full storyOctober 31, 2024
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures October 22, 2024: Division 1: Corgi (Will VanDeKaa, Robbie Richards, Lily Boland) d Aqua (Duncan Treloar, Geoff Denman, Ian McKay) 9-2. Will d Duncan 7, -12, -13, 11, 7. Andro (Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards, Graham Drury) d Azalea (Mark Sleeman, Barry Patterson, Allan Robins) 7-4. Allan d Mark -9, 7, 9, -7, 8. Alfa (Goncalo Serra, Tony Bowman, Vince Boeske) d Barry (Trent Day, Anne Sheridan, Lee Brake) 8-3. Vince d Anne 5, -9, 6, -6, 9. Division 2: C
Read the full storyOctober 31, 2024
Emerging Proserpine Pitbulls prospect Ben Valmadre has continued his purple form patch in the Mackay Junior Cricket Association. The talented sixteen-year-old batsman chalked up back to back half centuries when he peeled off an unbeaten 67 last Saturday in the Pitbulls’ one day victory over Mackay Magpies Black in an Under 17s junior fixture at the Magpies Sports Ground. It followed his classy knock of 53 in Proserpine Cricket Club’s first round win over Magpies White. Valmadre is the Junior
Read the full storyOctober 24, 2024
Last Sunday marked the sixth Young Whitsundays Got Talent event and there was over 300 people in attendance cheering on the youth of the Whitsundays as they hit the stage. Organiser and coordinator Paula Hovey said the talent was amazing, the turnout was great, and the overall event was fabulous. Equal first was Category 5 (band) and Dom & Kaydee (duo). Second was Relaxolotyl (band) from Townsville in which every band member was under 11 years old. Third was Samara Risteski who was 12 years
Read the full storyOctober 31, 2024
Friday 1st November Crochet, Coffee and Conversation 9am Drop in for a morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with a friendly group of Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. BYO crochet tools or you’re welcome to borrow from the communal box Bucasia Esplanade, Beachfront Bar and Restaurant. Australia A and India A Men’s Cricket 10am, 31st October – 3rd November Get ready for an exciting four-day match between the Australia A and India A Men's t
Read the full storyOctober 31, 2024
Last weekend, Queens Park was transformed into a vibrant global party for Global Grooves 2024, an event that promised a feast for the senses. Held on Saturday, October 26, this free family event showcased cultural dances, global music, traditional attire, and mouthwatering food from around the world. Twelve cultural dance groups and bands entertained the crowds, creating an electric atmosphere filled with rhythm and celebration. Attendees also had the chance to participate in two exciting worksh
Read the full storyOctober 31, 2024
In a country where festivals are folding like deck chairs in a cyclone, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music continues to thrive, celebrating its 12th anniversary in the coming days. With a line-up that’s bigger, bolder and louder than ever, this year’s event promises to be the ultimate mash-up of rock royalty, local legends and rising stars. With over 50 acts across the five-day program, the festival proudly welcomes an incredible line-up featuring classic British rock legends ‘Sweet’, the iconi
Read the full storyOctober 31, 2024
Shaun Diver, a musician with almost 20 years experience, is performing at KC’s during the Airlie Beach Festival of Music and the energy he brings to Airlie Beach is unmatched. Shaun has been performing casually for almost two decades but within the last five years, he has transitioned into a full-time musician. His notoriety was catapulted into the next stratosphere when he won the Battle of the Bands in Springfield Lakes as a solo act. Shaun recalls that winning the four-month competition ma
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