Welcome To The First Paper Of 2026 Mackay rang in 2026 in spectacular style at the 2025 New Year’s Eve River Party at Bluewater Quay, where families and locals turned out in force to farewell the year together. The riverfront came alive with bustling food stalls, live music setting the soundtrack for the night, and a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the spirit of the community. As evening fell, the celebrations built to a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the sky and marking a memorable start to the year ahead. As you hold our very first publication of 2026 in hand, Life Publishing Group extends our warmest New Year wishes to our community. A fresh year brings fresh perspective, with new stories to tell, milestones to celebrate, and moments that remind us why local voices matter. Thank you for welcoming Life into your homes, your conversations, and your everyday lives. Here’s to bold beginnings, shared success, and a year driven by connection, community, and possibility. Happy New Year!
Private “gated” Unit Complex
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Ensuite
Double story
Previously let at $580 per week
Swimming Pool
Garage Parking
A small souvenir teddy bear bought in a docklands gift shop in England is set to arrive in Airlie Beach this week after travelling more than 20,000 nautical miles as part of a Clipper Round the World Yacht Race delivery destined for two local children. The bear will be given to Airlie Beach siblings Harper, 12, and Jack, 9, who both take part in junior sailing and have grown up around boats and regattas. Their connection to the global race began in Portsmouth, the historic UK port where the Clipper yachts depart on their circumnavigation of the world. While attending the race’s departure festival, grandmother Pauline Porter noticed the Great Ormond Street Hospital team yacht displaying teddy bears on its stand. Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the United Kingdom’s leading children’s hospitals. Crew members explained the bears were being carried aboard to bring comfort and joy to sick children following the race. After mentioning that her grandchildren live in Airlie Beach one of the Clipper Race stopover ports Pauline asked whether a teddy bear could be taken all the way to Australia for them. With the crew’s agreement, she purchased a Spinnaker Tower souvenir bear and handed it to the skipper, where it was officially placed on board the yacht. Airlie Beach marks the halfway point of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, with yachts having completed approximately 20,000 nautical miles by the time they arrive. The bear is expected to reach Airlie Beach later this week, with supporters and visitors anticipated at Coral Sea Marina between January 13 and 15. The fleet is scheduled to depart again on January 19. The Great Ormond Street Hospital team is currently performing strongly, sitting first in the general rankings and well positioned to win the current leg. For Harper and Jack, the bear’s arrival is especially meaningful. Harper has ambitions of becoming both a sailor and a marine biologist and dreams of one day taking part in the Clipper Race herself. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is open to everyday people from all walks of life, with no prior ocean sailing experience required before undertaking its intensive training program. Participants can choose to complete one leg or the entire race, making it one of the most inclusive and challenging sailing events in the world.
Strong momentum continues at SAPPHIRE, with Lot 1
now secured under contract and buyer focus shifting to
the release of Lot 2.
Lot 2 SAPPHIRE offers a standout off-the-plan
opportunity, showcasing an impressive 5-bedroom
(or 4-bedroom plus study) residence of approximately
400m². The home has been carefully designed to
deliver modern coastal luxury within one of the
Whitsundays’ most exclusive and tightly held locations.
With construction already underway, buyers have
a rare opportunity to secure early and personalise
selected finishes in partnership with an interior
designer. Featuring solid concrete construction,
premium materials, and a timeless architectural
approach, SAPPHIRE has been created for enduring
quality, longevity, and elevated lifestyle appeal.
Combined with super-low body corporate fees, strong
market demand, and an anticipated completion in
early 2026, Lot 2 SAPPHIRE presents a compelling
opportunity to secure a refined coastal residence at
a pivotal stage — where considered design, quality
craftsmanship, and exceptional lifestyle come
together in one of the Whitsundays’ most sought-after
addresses.
Rachael has been with the company for more than 10 years and is dedicated to supporting and nurturing journalists as they begin—and then grow—within their craft. Each week, she selects an Editor’s Pick to celebrate an outstanding locally written story. “
We are part of the regional print-news revival, and our talented journalists are at the heart of this”
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