Olympic Legend Cathy Freeman Returns Home! By Hannah McNamara Olympic legend Cathy Freeman OAM returned to Mackay last week to announce a state-of-the-art sporting facility named in her honour. “It is quite surreal,” Freeman said, celebrating the milestone as the region prepares to nurture the next generation of champions. The Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre, part of the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s Stage Two expansion, promises to give young athletes from Central and North Queensland a
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Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins have been appointed to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee’s Host Mayors Advisory Group, ensuring the Mackay and Whitsunday regions have a voice in shaping the legacy of the Games across Queensland. The announcement comes as one of Australia’s greatest Olympians, swimmer Ian Thorpe AM OLY, joins the Athletes and Sports Advisory Group, while seven Queensland mayors, including Mayor Williamson, officially
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Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden Event Blossoms With Purpose The Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden Event, hosted by Life Publishing Group at Elementa, was a breathtaking celebration of elegance, community, and generosity. More than 250 guests stepped into a magical garden setting, complete with stunning floral installations, twinkling lights, and the soft glow of a Whitsunday sunset. The evening featured exquisite canapés, flowing champagne, and captivating entertainment by Mo Swagger, culmi
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Big news for the Whitsundays, Mayor Ry Collins has been appointed to the Host Mayors Advisory Group for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The advisory group plays a key role in shaping how the Games will benefit communities across Queensland, ensuring regional areas have a voice in planning and legacy outcomes. With the Whitsundays proudly set to host the Olympic sailing events, Mayor Collins’ appointment ensures the region is well represented as preparations for the world’s bigge
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With storm season now upon us (November to April), residents are urged to stay alert and prepare for cyclones and severe storms, which can bring destructive winds over 200km/h, heavy rain, flooding, lightning, hail, and storm surges. Preparation is key. Secure outdoor furniture, wheelie bins, and loose items that could become dangerous in high winds. If you have a pool, submerge plastic furniture to prevent it flying around. Park vehicles under shelter, unplug electrical appliances, and ensure
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Last Thursday evening Bowen State High School celebrated their 65th Academic Awards Ceremony. Held at McKenna Hall infront of a full audience students from the school were congratualted for thier remarkable achievements. On the night Principal Rob Harris said although a select group of students were recognised for their outstanding achievements, it is imporatnt to also acknowledge the collective contributions of the entire school community. "Each student and staff member has played a vital ro
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October 30, 2025
Hi lovely readers, What an amazing week it’s been! As you may have seen on the front cover, the legendary Cathy Freeman was in town, and I had the honour of meeting her last Thursday as she announced stage 2 of the Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre right here in Mackay. You can read all about it on the next page, and don’t forget to check out the pictures from the ‘Run With Cathy Freeman’ event on page 16. Last Friday, it was inspiring to see so many students from across our regio
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At The Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden, Hosted By Life Publishing Group It was glitz, glam, and pure enchantment last Saturday as guests stepped into The Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden, hosted by Life Publishing Group and Core Life Magazine – an evening brimming with sparkle, soul, and sophistication. Held at the breathtaking Elementa, perched high above the Whitsundays, the event lived up to its promise as “a night like no other.” Beneath a canopy of fairy lights and lanterns,
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October 30, 2025
A revolutionary blood test developed by a Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) gastroenterologist is poised to transform coeliac disease, offering patients a less invasive path to diagnosis. Mackay HHS gastroenterologist and biotech co-founder and director Dr Robert Anderson said the antigen-specific T-cell blood test eliminates the need for patients to undergo a gastrointestinal endoscopy. “Potentially, you no longer have to do that,” Dr Anderson said. “You can just draw blood
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October 30, 2025
It was a week to remember for Mackay’s middle-distance athletes, with members of The Rules of Running squad returning from the Queensland School Sport Track and Field Championships in Townsville with an incredible medal haul. Held from October 13 to 19, the state championships brought together some of the best young talent from across Queensland, with Mackay’s representatives proving they are a force to be reckoned with on the track and in the field. The Mackay-based Rules of Running squad, co
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October 30, 2025
Mackay Men Dominate In Toowoomba Mackay was proudly represented by two men’s teams at the State Softball Championships in Toowoomba last weekend, with both sides delivering outstanding performances on the diamond. The B Men’s team, coached by Steven Baxter and Allen James, competed in the Queensland Cup division and impressed with several close games and strong teamwork. Pitcher Cameron Baxter led from the mound with solid form, supported by Emmett Counsell and Graeme Love behind the plate. Aft
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October 30, 2025
Goosies Sport and Recreation Club recently hosted the 2025 Champion of Club Champion Singles, marking the first time the major bowls event has been held at the venue. The tournament drew 112 players over seven days, featuring 64 fours, 32 pairs, and 16 singles from clubs across Queensland. A highlight of the event was 14-year-old Ben Harrison from Paradise Point, who made history by taking out the men’s singles title. “Everybody was blown away by the club, the staff, and the performance of the
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September 26, 2025
Ian Haug, guitarist for Australian band The Church, is set to bring his unmistakable sound to Mackay audiences this October as part of the much-anticipated Legends on the Lawn concert series. Haug, who joined the band 13 years ago, reflected on his long-standing connection to North Queensland. “I’ve been Mackay many times over the years with my old band Powderfinger… we used to come there all the time and play. I love North Queensland,” he said. While relatively new to The Church, Haug d
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October 30, 2025
Aussie music legend, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rick Price is set to hit the Mackay stage, not only to deliver an unforgettable night of live music, but also to lend his support to local domestic violence charity Broken Ballerina Inc. Price will perform at Souths Leagues Club on Wednesday, November 6 at 7pm as part of his Tamborine Mountain 30th Anniversary Tour, celebrating three decades since the release of his iconic album. A portion of every ticket sold will go direct
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October 30, 2025
Review By Miki Ponting-Boyd I love this time of year… no no, not the “Halloween heists and Christmas crackers” time… I love the “It’s comedy at Kucom!” time!!! What better way to end a (rather stressful) year than with a spectacular night of laughter, heart and clever storytelling. Funny, brilliant, plus it’s three plays for the price of one! Voila… The Season of One Act Plays!!!!!!! I must say, I adore one-act plays. You’ve got to get the timing right and scrap all unnecessary dialogue.
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October 30, 2025
Friday 31st October Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Run For Autism 11am Pop
Read the full storyOctober 29, 2025
The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is once again proving why it’s known as "The Ultimate Music Holiday," not just for its epic lineup, but for its deep roots and support within the Whitsundays community. As the town transforms into one giant stage, the festival is celebrating a year of unprecedented success. This year, the festival has smashed all previous ticket sales and will deliver its biggest lineup yet. This success is directly tied to the festival’s flexible ticketing, opening up more wa
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