The Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, once a key part of Queensland’s energy future, has officially been scrapped by the newly-elected LNP Government. After releasing a detailed report into the project’s feasibility, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie confirmed it was neither financially viable nor environmentally sustainable, citing an overwhelming $36 billion cost. For many local residents, the decision brought a sense of relief after years of uncertainty, with concerns about tr
Read the full storyA snorkelling trip turned into a high-stakes rescue when a woman in her 50s was bitten by a shark approximately 200 kilometres off the Mackay coast. On October 30, around 4:30pm, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) received an urgent call reporting the woman had sustained severe lacerations to her lower leg, requiring immediate first aid and a coordinated rescue effort. The first responders on board acted swiftly, applying a compression bandage to control the bleeding, which proved essential
Read the full storyIt has been a year since nurse Ailsa Millewski passed away peacefully in the Mater palliative care unit where she once worked, but the legacy of her care has not faded. Ailsa joined Mater Private Hospital Mackay in 2010, working in the maternity team and coordinating the hospital’s Health Hearing Program. She made a positive impact on her patients and colleagues from the very beginning. “People said that when Ailsa smiled, it wasn’t just a smile. She smiled with her whole face,” her husband Ga
Read the full storyLast month on October 25th, the Mackay Hospital and Health Service acknowledged the outstanding contributions of their healthcare staff at the Let’s Celebrate Mackay HHS People Awards. The gala event was held at the Ocean International and recognised the individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in their roles, embodying the core organisational values of collaboration, trust, respect and teamwork. The Mackay HHS team extends their congratulations to th
Read the full storyThe Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors celebrated the 20th anniversary of being active in the region this Thursday with a special event held in their honour at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Coordinator Lyn Blanche said the group was extremely proud of this milestone especially since it is a volunteer group.
Read the full storyTourism Whitsundays new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Booth is now in the region and started his new position on Monday. Tim has 18 years of experience in destination marketing organisations, progressing through the ranks and most recently was the CEO of Mudgee Region Tourism before becoming the CEO of Tourism Whitsundays. Under Tim’s leadership the Mudgee Region increased visitation, visitor spend and won multiple State and National Tourism Awards. Tim said he is thrilled to be working a
Read the full storyThe B Kinder Foundation is taking meaningful action to foster a kinder world by hosting a Stand and Walk for Kindness on World Kindness Day. Local children will come together to participate in this inspiring event, spreading a message of compassion and encouraging others in the community to join in and make a difference. The B Kinder foundation offers a positive solution to the mental health issues that youth are facing. Former Whitsunday resident Danny Mayson-Kinder founded B Kinder to honour t
Read the full storyThe Passport to Airlie showcase which officially kicks of Airlie Beach Festival of Music this Friday, has brought together an electrifying lineup of Australia’s top emerging talent. Here’s a look at the standout finalists, each bringing their own style and energy to the stage: Tom Neilson, the former front-man of Standby Empire and Queensland Music Award winner, has completely reinvented himself - stepping away from an electronic sound into a sound more based in folk-pop tales of love. Join hi
Read the full storyYour second chance to secure the ultimate
Whitsundays lifestyle is here! This luxurious Marina
Shores penthouse is back on the market because the
owners’ dream home has presented itself—and now
this gem has to go to secure it!
Seize the opportunity to own one of Airlie Beach’s
most enviable features—a breathtaking rooftop
terrace, perfect for unforgettable gatherings and
soaking up spectacular ocean views. This penthouse
offers the best of Whitsundays living with unmatched
style and space. Don’t miss out this time!
Imagine entertaining friends and family under
the stars, surrounded by sweeping views of the
Coral Sea. This expansive rooftop space is perfect
for hosting or simply enjoying the beauty of the
Whitsundays from a perspective few can claim. With
ample room for lounging, dining, and relaxing, it’s a
space made for memories.
Inside, the fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom
penthouse offers every modern comfort, enhanced
by the iconic boardwalk and marina-front dining right
at your doorstep. Additional features include three
secure parking spaces with storage, and access to the
on-site pool.
Plus, approval for short-term letting, this penthouse
makes a smart investment that combines luxury
living with excellent rental potential.
Key Features:
• Spectacular rooftop terrace with Coral Sea views –
an entertainer’s dream!
• Large 3-bedroom floor plan (258m²)
• Three secure car parks with storage cage
• Fully furnished and move-in ready
• On-site management for holiday letting
Don’t let this gem slip by again—make the most of
this unique opportunity to own a piece of
November 7, 2024
Cancer brings with it a profound sense of uncertainty, a reality that can feel overwhelming at times. Each stage of this journey, from the jarring moment of diagnosis to the draining side effects of chemotherapy, presents its own unique challenges. Now, as I await my PET scan results just one day before my next round of chemotherapy, I find myself in a particularly daunting moment, grappling with the weight of what those results may bring. By the time this paper goes to print, I’ll know the outc
Read the full storyNovember 7, 2024
The waterfall and slide at the Bluewater Lagoon has been temporarily closed due to a water pump failure. A new pump has been ordered and will be installed as soon as it arrives. Mackay Regional Council aims to have the slide back in action by Saturday, December 14, just in time for the summer break. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your understanding while they complete these essential repairs. The rest of the lagoon will be unaffected by the repairs and will c
Read the full storyNovember 7, 2024
Take a moment to think about the people around you, the quiet achievers, the volunteers who go the extra mile, the sportspeople pushing their limits, and the local legends making a real difference. Now is your chance to shine a light on their extraordinary efforts, and this year, a powerful new category has been added shining a light on inclusion. Now is the time to nominate residents for the 2025 Australia Day Awards. Mayor Greg Williamson said there was a new award category this year – the Bre
Read the full storyNovember 7, 2024
A magnificent century by boom Mackay representative cricketer Jack Law was a feature of Under 17s action in the Mackay Junior Cricket Association last weekend. The Brothers’ young gun peeled off a superb 106 not out off only fifty four balls to mastermind a dominant victory over the Proserpine Pitbulls in a one day fixture at Abbott Park. Sixteen-year-old Law – already an established first grade cricketer with the Brothers club – demonstrated his power hitting by thumping nine sixes and nine b
Read the full storyNovember 7, 2024
Twin centuries by Pioneer Valley hotshots Darren Dyer and Cody Filewood proved the highlight of one day action in Mackay Cricket Association’s Poole Cup first grade competition last weekend. In a limited 40 overs masterclass, the dashing Dyer smashed a superb 156 and Filewood an unbeaten 102 in the Valley’s comprehensive win over Norths Devils at Mirani State High School oval. Dyer destroyed the Devils’ attack – blasting an incredible twelve sixes and sixteen boundaries from the 76 balls he fa
Read the full storyNovember 7, 2024
The Mackay Cycling Club's Track Cycling Carnival on November 2 delivered an action-packed day of racing, with competitors from across Queensland descending on the track for a night of adrenaline-pumping performances. Riders from Cairns to Rockhampton took to the velodrome, with events ranging from junior 1-lap sprints to the endurance-testing 30-lap points race and the ever-dramatic keirin. The marquee event of the night, the Wright Family Shield wheelrace, saw Rockhampton’s Lewis Marshall exec
Read the full storyNovember 7, 2024
The Passport to Airlie showcase which officially kicks of Airlie Beach Festival of Music this Friday, has brought together an electrifying lineup of Australia’s top emerging talent. Here’s a look at the standout finalists, each bringing their own style and energy to the stage: Tom Neilson, the former front-man of Standby Empire and Queensland Music Award winner, has completely reinvented himself - stepping away from an electronic sound into a sound more based in folk-pop tales of love. Join hi
Read the full storyNovember 7, 2024
On Friday 15 November Proserpine Museum will be holding an Art Exhibition of established and emerging artists. Organiser of the emerging artists art exhibition, Dawn Pearce has been an art teacher 30 years and says this art exhibition is all about helping aspiring artists and getting them on the wall. “I want people to come out and enjoy themselves, have a little night out, and have a little think about what's out there. Giving the people a lift and an opportunity to exhibit their work, that'
Read the full storyNovember 7, 2024
It’s go-time! Your ultimate weekend escape is just a ticket away - so if you’re still dreaming of that spontaneous adventure, let the Airlie Beach Festival of Music make it a reality. Picture this: sandy toes and sunsets, non-stop music and a crowd of fans all living for the moment. Ready to join? It’s as simple as asking your neighbour to feed the dog, rounding up your mates and dates and getting ready to party in paradise. Whether you’re in for a day, or planning a long weekend, pack your
Read the full storyNovember 7, 2024
The Passport to Airlie showcase which officially kicks of Airlie Beach Festival of Music this Friday, has brought together an electrifying lineup of Australia’s top emerging talent. Here’s a look at the standout finalists, each bringing their own style and energy to the stage: Tom Neilson, the former front-man of Standby Empire and Queensland Music Award winner, has completely reinvented himself - stepping away from an electronic sound into a sound more based in folk-pop tales of love. Join hi
Read the full storyNovember 7, 2024
Colonial Palms Motor Inn will transform into a live music paradise for the entire Airlie Beach Festival of Music weekend when it combines its tropical resort style atmosphere with sensational performances from a host of talented musicians. The stunning deck area provides a beautiful setting for music, and many people will have already attended regular Jazz sessions which happen once a month on a Sunday. But this weekend is the venue’s debut at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music. With chilled o
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