Mackay Life

Community-Loved Historian Named 2026 Mackay Region Citizen Of The Year

By Hannah McNamara

Meet Pheobe

108 Years On

In Loving Memory Of Sahara

Featured Property

Beach Private “Gated” Unit Complex -Handy to Beach

Beds

Baths

Cars

✔

Pool

Cars

Private “gated” Unit Complex

3 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

Ensuite

Double story

Previously let at $580 per week

Swimming Pool

Garage Parking

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Whitsunday Life

Local Sports Clubs Win Big As New Season Kicks -Off

Local Sports Clubs Win Big As New Season Kicks -Off Local sporting clubs across the Whitsundays received a boost on Tuesday with the delivery of new marquees, providing valuable support for events, competitions and community activities throughout the region. The Whitsunday Sea Eagles AFL Club, Whitsunday Triathlon Club and Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union were thrilled to receive the new additions, which will help create welcoming spaces for athletes, volunteers and supporters alike. Chairman of Club Whitsunday Justin Butler said he is extremely thankful to Amanda Camm MP for the donation of marquees and grants for local sport clubs. “We'd like to thank Amanda for the not only the marquees, but for the Gambling Community Programme that our sports are always involved in and applying for, and winning and driving infrastructure for sport in a growing town,” he said. “It’s a constant battle against the sun up here, it’s getting hotter and it has always been a constant battle. “Between all the different sporting associations that use the Sportspark, we would have 30 marquees, and we need four to five new ones every single year. So, this is a great initiative.” Continued on page 3 GAMES ON! Program Up And Running Continued from cover Going into the 2026, the Whitsunday Sportspark and Club Whitsunday are ready for the busy season to start. “It's all firing up. This is actually the first week where all of our winter codes are back on deck and training,” said Chairman of Club Whitsunday Justin Butler. “It's back to the Sportspark being busy every night of the week, and it's only another month or so, and the weekend games start up. “The Mackay sides will be coming up and our swords will be heading down there and that's a good thing for the town and the economy and the club and everything else.” Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said she encourages local sporting clubs across the Whitsundays to apply for a share of $30 million which is now available under Round 2 of the Queensland Government’s ‘Games On!’ program. Ms Camm said the launch of Round 2 reinforces the State Government’s commitment to delivering a strong legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with real benefits flowing to grassroots sport in regional communities like the Whitsundays. “This is about making sure the Whitsundays sees real and lasting benefits from the Games,” Ms Camm said. “Games On! funding will help local clubs upgrade facilities, improve accessibility, and support greater participation in sport right across our region.” Ms Camm said local clubs were encouraged to come forward with shovel-ready projects. “Our sporting clubs are at the heart of Whitsunday communities,” she said. “This funding is an opportunity to strengthen facilities, support volunteers, and ensure locals of all ages can get involved in sport close to home.” Captions 1 Sports clubs in the Whitsundays are happy with their new marquees. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie 2 Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union happy with their program funding. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

Whitsundays Celebrates Community Achievers On Australia Day

Meet Max

Pet Of The Week Meet Sally

Featured Property

SAPPHIRE – Lot 2 Now Avaliable

Beds

Baths

Cars

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Pool

Cars

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.

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Whitsunday Open Homes Times

Editor in Chief, Life Publishing Group

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”

Horticulture Code Review Could Have Flow-On Effects for Mackay Growers

A Federal Government review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct could have important implications for growers across the Mackay region, as one of Queensland’s key horticultural and food-producing hubs. The Government has announced an independent review of the Code, to be led by Mr Chris Leptos AO. The review will assess whether the existing rules governing trade between growers and traders of wholesale, unprocessed fruit, vegetables, nuts and herbs remain fit for purpose in a changing industry. While the Burdekin is widely recognised for its intensive horticultural production, Mackay and the surrounding Pioneer Valley also play a critical role in Queensland’s horticulture supply chain. Local growers produce a range of crops including vegetables, tropical fruits and small-scale specialty produce, much of which is sold through central wholesale markets regulated under the Code. Nationally, horticulture is Australia’s third-largest agricultural industry, with production value forecast to reach a record $18.9 billion this financial year. Exports are also expected to hit a new high of $4.4 billion, highlighting the sector’s growing importance to the national economy. The Horticulture Code of Conduct governs commercial relationships between growers and traders, particularly those supplying central wholesale markets. Around 10,000 growers supply produce through these markets, which are serviced by more than 400 wholesalers. Each year, approximately 4 million tonnes of horticultural produce—valued at more than $8 billion—is traded nationally. The review will examine whether the Code remains effective, given significant changes to the horticulture sector since it was last reviewed in 2015. This includes shifts in market power, supply chain structures and competition dynamics that may directly affect regional producers, including those in Mackay. Mr Leptos will consult widely with stakeholders across the horticulture supply chain over the coming months. Growers, traders, industry groups and government agencies are being encouraged to review the consultation paper and provide feedback on how the Code operates in practice and where improvements could be made. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the review aimed to ensure the Code continued to protect all parties. “The horticulture sector has changed since the Code was last reviewed in 2015, and we want to understand if the Code is still fit-for-purpose,” she said. Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh said fair competition was essential for industry sustainability. “The Horticulture Code exists to stop unfair dealing and keep the playing field level,” he said. A final report is expected to be delivered to the Federal Government by the end of April. Submissions can be made through the Department of Agriculture’s ‘Have Your Say’ website. CAPTION: Mackay’s home to a thriving horticulture industry. Photo supplied

How Sleep Impacts Your Health And Mood

Sleep is often the first thing sacrificed in our busy lives, yet its influence on both health and mood is profound. Far from just a nightly pause, sleep is a vital reset for the body and mind, and a natural process that affects everything from memory to immunity. Experts say a lack of quality sleep doesn’t just lead to grogginess; it can quietly undermine physical and mental wellbeing. During sleep, the body repairs cells, strengthens the immune system, and balances hormones that regulate appetite and stress. Skimping on rest can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, while also intensifying feelings of irritability, anxiety, and depression. Beyond physical health, sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive function. Studies reveal that people who consistently get adequate rest are better at problem-solving, decision-making, and retaining information. Conversely, even one night of poor sleep can leave the brain foggy, emotions heightened, and focus compromised. Simple habits can dramatically improve sleep quality: maintaining a consistent bedtime, limiting screen exposure before bed, and creating a calm, dark environment all set the stage for restorative rest. Experts also highlight the importance of listening to your body, and recognising when you’re tired and allowing yourself to recharge. Ultimately, sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a cornerstone of wellbeing. Prioritising it can transform your energy, resilience, and mood, making every day not just manageable but enjoyable. After all, a rested body is a thriving body, and a rested mind is a happier one!

Expert Care In The Heart Of Mackay At My Chiropractor

My Chiropractor continues to build on its long-standing presence in the local community, offering personalised, gentle chiropractic care supported by modern technology and decades of combined clinical experience. Under the ownership of Principal Chiropractor Marti Harris and his wife Colleen Harris, the locally owned practice has expanded its services and invested in advanced spinal decompression technology, positioning the clinic among a select group nationwide. The practice operates two of only 17 Spine MT Core decompression machines in Australia, giving local patients access to highly specialised treatment options for disc issues and nerve compression without travelling to major metropolitan centres. With more than 25 year’s experience each and a decade working together, Dr Marti and Dr Rod Le Coz place a strong emphasis on tailored treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all model. “We’re not a cookie-cutter clinic… every person has a tailored program designed to achieve their health goals,” Dr Marti said. Dr Marti said patients are drawn to the clinic’s blend of experience and innovation. “The reason people come here is for a combination of knowledge, experience and the integration of modern technology,” he said. Services include spinal adjustments, spinal decompression, dry needling, shockwave therapy, tailored rehabilitation and nutritional supplementation, supporting patients with disc injuries, nerve-related pain, arthritis, sporting injuries and those seeking alternatives to surgery or long-term medication. “We just want to help people get better so they can function at work, pick up their kids and live their lives without suffering with pain,” Colleen said. Centrally located and known for its friendly, welcoming team, My Chiropractor continues to build strong community relationships, helping patients move better, feel better and live better every day.