
An evening of elegance and generosity unfolded last Saturday as esteemed guests, local business owners, community organisations and devoted supporters adorned the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre for the 2026 BMA CQ Rescue Charity Gala. Celebrating 30 Years of Lifesaving Legacy, the dazzling black-tie affair brought together the people behind the region’s businesses, organisations and communities for an unforgettable evening of fine dining, live entertainment and auctions. Yet beneath the glamour was a serious cause — raising vital funds to support the lifesaving work of CQ Rescue, whose helicopter services provide a critical lifeline to people across Central Queensland when they need it most. It was an evening where every conversation, bid and contribution helped keep a lifeline in the sky! View the gallery of photos on pages 22-23 The regions finest came together in elegance and generosity for a dazzling night of celebration, raising vital funds to help keep the CQ Rescue lifesaving helicopter in the sky. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Set on a substantial 820m2 tropical block, backing onto an expansive nature reserve, with no rear neighbours, this 4-bedroom high set classic coastal home is perfect for families to enjoy living, working and playing.blinds…everything is ready for you to move in and enjoy.Ideal for first- home buyers, growing families, investors, with a rental appraisal of $650-$670 per week.automatic remote roller door. Large front and back yard surrounded by perimeter of tropical gardens• 9m x 6m shed with (2) roller doors & workshop space. Features:• Substantial 820m2 tropical blockLocated in a quiet, shady street, just minutes from North Wall Beach, Mackay Marina/Harbour, Lamberts Beach, Andergrove Shopping, this property presents a unique opportunity to embrace an affordable coastal lifestyle, with room for children and pets to play; work from home in the multi-purpose space downstairs; grow your own produce in the large open yard; so much more!There’s even a 6m x 9m shed with workshop/office space complete with side access.Freshly painted internally, new vinyl planking flooring, new kitchen & bathroom, new automatic remote roller door to the secure garage under the house, new external screens and • 4 generous bedrooms, 3 with built in robes with new carpet• Airconditioned living area and main bedroom• External covered deck overlooking private back yard• New external awnings, new internal blinds, new flooring, freshly painted internally throughout• Modern, brand-new kitchen• Renovated bathroom• Downstairs large multipurpose room, storage room, laundry, covered entertainment area, secure garage with new • Nature reserve at rear of property, large, shady nativesPriced to sell at only $649,000

Ground has officially been broken on two major developments set to serve Whitsunday residents for generations to come. In Bowen, Murroona Gardens has begun its $14 million expansion, delivering two purpose-built, 12-bedroom dementia care homes and a new central laundry, which will allow more residents to receive specialised support close to their families and community. Meanwhile, construction has officially begun on the $30 million Cannonvale Community Hub at Galbraith Park, bringing together a modern library, council customer service centre, meeting rooms and flexible community spaces all in one. Together, the projects represent a $44 million investment in care, connection and the region’s future.
There is a reason Whitsunday Acres continues to hold such a strong reputation locally. Generous blocks, well-kept streets and a peaceful residential setting make it one of Cannon Valley’s most appealing places to call home, all without the ongoing cost of body corporate fees.Positioned near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, 23 Ripplecreek Way enjoys little to no passing traffic and sits comfortably on a generous 1,105m² block. The home has been positioned on flat, usable ground, leaving plenty of space around it and giving the next owner options for the future.There is room to add a pool on one side, space for a shed on the other, or simply leave things exactly as they are and enjoy a backyard with enough room for kids, pets and weekend cricket.The established front gardens create an inviting first impression, with mature tropical landscaping and a cosy sitting area tucked beneath the palms providing a quiet spot to enjoy a morning coffee or unwind at the end of the day.Inside, the home offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms and the added flexibility of a dedicated study or home office. Living and dining areas sit conveniently at the centre of the home, creating comfortable spaces for everyday family life.The kitchen has its own dedicated space, providing a practical separation from the main living areas while still remaining close to the heart of the home. A large front window brings in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and welcoming place to prepare meals without having everything on display from the lounge room.Air-conditioning throughout keeps the home comfortable as we head back towards the warmer Whitsunday months, while the easy-care layout makes this a property you can settle into without needing to reinvent it from day one.For buyers who have been waiting for an opportunity to secure their place in Whitsunday Acres, this could be it. With space around you, a quiet position and plenty of potential still left to explore, 23 Ripplecreek Way offers the chance to move in, make it your own and be settled before the Christmas season arrives
