By Hannah McNamara Since 2017, Orange Sky has provided free laundry services and a safe space to connect for those experiencing homelessness and hardship in Mackay and Sarina. Over 80 dedicated volunteers run 10 shifts weekly, and demand continues to grow. "We've seen a 10 per cent increase in our services, and Orange Sky services have never been busier," said Co-founder Nic Marchesi OAM. The service not only addresses practical needs but also creates opportunities for community connectio
Read the full storyBy Hannah McNamara_ Inspiring and unstoppable are just two words to describe former St Pat’s student Evelyn O’Brien, who recently received a life-changing scholarship that will see her live out her dream career at just seventeen. As she seizes each opportunity and breaks down common barriers, Evelyn is determined to create change and set an example for regional students in Mackay. “I remember the day I got it - it was just an email that popped up, and I was at home alone… I jumped up and I j
Read the full storyBy Hannah McNamara _ At 34, Dale Potter is one of Mackay’s most talented and dedicated athletes, excelling across multiple sports while exceeding his own limits in the Special Olympics community. What began as a way to make friends, gain confidence, and stay active turned into a new profound passion for Dale, who now leads others to do the same. Mackay Fire Special Olympics is a welcoming space for athletes of all abilities, offering basketball, table tennis, ten-pin bowling, bocce, and power
Read the full storyPioneer Catchment Landcare has been recognised on the national stage, winning the prestigious Group Community Champion Award at the Clean Up Australia Day Awards in Canberra. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Clean Up Australia Day, making the honour even more special. The award celebrates outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, recognising community groups and organisations that champion sustainability. Criteria for the award include the longevity of service, the number of C
Read the full storyThe Queensland Government’s $3.9 million Reef Trails project has far exceeded its original goal, delivering 91 new public moorings for boaters and tourism operators along the Great Barrier Reef—three times its initial target of 30. This initiative ensures the protection of fragile coral ecosystems by providing sustainable mooring options. The latest moorings in the Whitsundays and off the Capricorn Coast are now operational. There is now a network of 362 public moorings and 298 Reef Protection M
Read the full storyThis week Club Whitsunday set the bar high for charity support and their sporting devotion by hosting an NFL Super Bowl party for the children of Camp Quality. This fundraising event displayed their devotion to supporting children living with cancer, while also showing their capacity to cater to those who love watching the Super Bowl. Justin Butler, Whitsunday Club Chairman, and Tracy O’Shae, the Club’s Operations Manager, were on the floor making sure the event went off without a hitch. Supplyi
Read the full storyJohn Collins, known as JC, Queensland’s first appointed Night-Life Economy Commissioner, is out and about on tour making connections to hotspots in regional Queensland. With the Government appointing an expert panel to ‘dial up’ Queensland’s night-life, JC has come to Airlie Beach to see how the locals swing it. As the new commissioner, he is touring regional Queensland to understand local nightlife dynamics and advocate for vibrant nightlife across the state. The primary function of his role
Read the full storyThe Whitsunday Regional Council has decided they want to try and host the 2026 Australian Cruise Association’s (ACA) Conference here in Airlie Beach. The Whitsundays is one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations, which is why cruise ships choose to dock in Airlie Beach year-round. Each year the number of ships that visit ports in the Whitsundays increase, from roughly 70 post the covid-19 pandemic, to a whopping 90 expected this year! There are also two new cruise liners making their
Read the full storyTucked away in a peaceful cul-de-sac, this expansive family home offers everything you need for comfortable living and entertaining. Featuring 6 generously sized bedrooms, including a master suite with a walk-in robe, ensuite, and pool views, this home is designed with family in mind.
The heart of the home is its large, open-plan living area, which encompasses a lounge and family space, all centred around a contemporary kitchen with ample storage, a double sink, dishwasher, and a 6-burner gas cooktop-perfect for feeding a crowd or entertaining guests.
Step outside to your private outdoor oasis, with an undercover entertaining area overlooking the sparkling in-ground pool-ideal for relaxing on warm Whitsunday days. The spacious, fully fenced backyard offers plenty of room for kids to play, and a small garden shed is tucked away for extra storage. There’s also enough room to park your boat, jet ski, or trailer!
Conveniently located within walking distance of shops, schools, cafes, and transport, with Cannonvale Beach just a short drive away, this property is perfectly positioned.
Ready to move in and make your own! For more information, contact Alex Swan on 0432 328 196.
February 13, 2025
Cane toads can be found everywhere across Queensland and persistent action needs to be taken to remove them. The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge came back again this year for their annual Great Cane Toad Bust event. With over 50,000 toads removed last year, they hoped to match that number and surpass it this season with state-wide help.Being prolific breeders, Cane Toads are notorious pests producing up to 30,000 eggs at a time, and can live up to 10 years. They are toxic at all stages of their lif
Read the full storyFebruary 13, 2025
Cent sales are always billed as ‘mega’ but Sarina Arts and Craft Centre’s latest next month will be exactly that. Centre manager Jenny Costello and a core group of helpers are putting together an amazing collection of prizes for the sale, at the Sarina Sporting and Services Club on Sunday, March 9. “We’ve had a marvellous response from businesses, organisations and people within the Sarina and wider Mackay area as we’ve been collecting for the sale,” Jenny said. “We have lots of high-quality
Read the full storyFebruary 13, 2025
Small grants have delivered big things for the Mackay and Isaac region, with 22 organisations sharing in more than $150,000 thanks to BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Benefitting My Community Program (BMCP). The grants of up to $10,000 delivered projects and programs for community organisations, ranging from school gardening projects to road safety educational programs. BMA Asset President Adam Lancey said there was more to come, with applications now open for round two of the BMCP. “A
Read the full storyFebruary 13, 2025
President Hilary Jones-Rowan graciously welcomed all bowlers present, along with Life Members Margaret Armitage and June Cousen, and invited guests from the region’s clubs. The day began with a game of bowls featuring the usual 'closest to the spider' competition, with all attempts being close. Laughter filled the air across all the rinks. Following the game, attendees retired to the clubrooms for a delicious afternoon tea, complete with sandwiches and cake. This was followed by a very lucrat
Read the full storyFebruary 13, 2025
Mackay Road Runners extends a big thank you to volunteers who helped with setup, spoke to prospective and existing members, and packed up at the MECC Sports Expo last weekend. It was a lovely and very successful event filled with chatting, talking, laughing… and more talking! Special thanks to Julie Whibley (Secretary), Janelle Tilse (Publicity Officer), Club Captain Jim Ford, Assetkeeper Andrew Short, Merchandiser Jo Hughes, and Vice-President Len Howarth for their time and support throughout
Read the full storyFebruary 13, 2025
Mother Nature has caused disruption in the latter half of the junior cricket season, dashing the hopes of some young players hoping to make it to the big dance as they race towards the finals. The minor premiers have been decided across all grades, with Proserpine leading the way in three of the four divisions, U12, U15 and U17s. In the U13 division, Souths claimed the top spot, while Magpies White took the honours in the U17 competition. The semi-finals are set for this Saturday, 15th Februar
Read the full storyJanuary 30, 2025
Over the last few weeks, Mackay's city heart has undergone a major transformation, with the Mky City Heart Collective leading efforts to revitalise the region. This initiative celebrates the city’s rich history, particularly its once-thriving Chinatown, by blending art, culture, and community to breathe new life into downtown Mackay. Inspired by the once-thriving Chinatown district between Wellington and Macalister streets from the 1880s to the 1930s, the project highlights this important hub f
Read the full storyFebruary 13, 2025
Airlie Beach Festival of Music has done it again - nominated for Festival of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards! Last year, they turned Airlie into a full-throttle music mecca, pulling in over 10,000 partygoers and pumping almost $5 million into the local economy. From the chaos of Passport to Airlie, to costumes, cocktails and a killer lineup, the team proved once again why this festival is Queensland’s ultimate live music showdown. Now it’s time to bring the trophy home! Public voting
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Bustamento and Nicky Bomba are bringing their tropical Carribean classics back to Airlie Beach Hotel for two great, booty-swaying free shows. The show on Saturday will kick off the weekend with tropical vibes featuring Bustamento’s ARIA nominated first album: Intrepid Adventures to the Lost Riddim islands! Then on Sunday, Nicky Bomba and Bustamento will be bringing Bob Marley and The Wailers back to the beach with their ONE LOVE tribute filled with reggae classics. This team up of Nicky Bomba, t
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Friday 14 February The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sex & Chocolate Valentines Special (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dallas Steele (4pm–8pm) Saturday 15 February The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sex & Chocolate (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (4pm-8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm) Sunday 16 February The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sex & Chocolate (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (7pm–10pm) Grand Vie
Read the full storyFebruary 13, 2025
February 14 Seniors Computer Program, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-2:30pm Bookings Required 14 Pram Pushers, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-10:30am 14 Drop-in Baby Clinic & Baby Play, Cooinda Family Centre, 10am-12pm 14 Watercolour Art Workshop for Adults, Cannonvale Library, 10am-11:30am, Bookings Required 14 Alcoholics Anonymous, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 6pm-7:30pm 15 Park Run, Meeting Area D, Coral Sea Marina, starting at 7am 15 Airlie Beach Market, Airlie Beach, starting at
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