Mackay’s Cricket Scorecard Challenge Starts Now Mackay is ready to bat above and beyond this August, as the Great Barrier Reef Arena steps up to host men’s international cricket for the very first time. This landmark event, featuring top-tier teams like Australia and South Africa, promises to ignite the city’s passion for the sport while showcasing the region’s vibrant spirit. To celebrate, the Discover Mackay Cricket Scorecard Challenge invites locals and visitors alike to explore the stunning
Read the full storyMackay Welcomes Launch Of Universal Aftercare Program A new chapter in suicide prevention has officially begun in Mackay, with the launch of the Universal Aftercare program – a much-needed support service for locals aged 15 and over who have experienced a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis. Launched last Friday at the Mackay Base Hospital courtyard, the initiative represents a powerful collaboration between Wellways Australia, Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS), and Northern Queensl
Read the full storyLocal business leaders came together this week to celebrate the launch of the Whitsunday Business Awards 2025. Sponsors and business champions joined the Whitsunday Regional Council, Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Bowen Chamber of Commerce to officially kick off this year’s awards season. The event will shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements, innovation, and resilience of businesses and business leaders right across the Whitsundays. Nominations are now open, with t
Read the full storyRed Cat Adventures has secured continued funding from the Australian Government's Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, allowing the Whitsundays-based eco-tourism operator to expand its reef conservation efforts through to May 2026. Since joining the program in late 2022, Red Cat Adventures has taken an active role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef by training its staff in reef health monitoring, predator control, and data collection. This important work is integrated into the visitor experien
Read the full storyAn afternoon of kayaking near Whitsunday Island took a serious and unexpected turn on Monday 4 August, when a woman began suffering from severe chest pain, prompting an urgent call to BMA CQ Rescue. The rescue helicopter was tasked just before 2.30pm and launched immediately to the woman’s last known location. The mission required precise coordination as time was critical and the woman’s location was remote. Upon arrival, the rescue crew faced an additional challenge. The area was surrounded b
Read the full storyVolunteers of the St. Paul’s Op Shop are calling for people of the community to stop donating unsellable mattresses and furniture at the church’s furniture shed. The Op Shop, run exclusively by volunteers, uses the profits from the store to fund the St Paul's Anglican Church. However volunteer at the store, Chris Hinschen, believes that rising costs at the dump has led people to leave mattresses at the Op Shop’s furniture shed as a donation, but they do not accept mattresses. The furniture she
Read the full storyTucked away in the peaceful hills of Shute Harbour,
this architect-designed 3-bedroom home is anything
but ordinary. Offering a unique blend of style, comfort,
and potential, it’s the perfect escape from the
everyday – just a short drive back into Airlie Beach.
Set on a quiet crescent and elevated to capture
stunning blue ocean views from every room, including
each of the three bedrooms, this home is designed to
make the most of its spectacular surroundings. Lightfilled
interiors flow effortlessly to a generous timber
deck, where you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views over
Shute Harbour and the rolling hills beyond.
Whether you’re after a lock-up-and-leave holiday
retreat, a low-maintenance downsizer, or a funky
family home, this property has you covered. It’s all on
one level, with a fully fenced yard offering room for
the kids, dogs, or even a future pool.
Features Include:
• 3 spacious bedrooms – each with their own view of
the sparkling blue ocean
• Open plan living with floor-to-ceiling glass doors to
deck
• Architect-designed with custom lighting, built-in
shelving & clever storage
• Fully fenced yard with room to add a pool
• Separate lockable home office/studio
• Carport, outdoor shower & lush private gardens
• Plans for a second storey available – add a master
suite and elevate the already breathtaking views
August 14, 2025
The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference opens with Mayor Ry Collins officially launching the event and announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council – an initiative of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner that brings people together to enhance the operating environment to help small and family businesses thrive. A key morning feature is the Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact panel, bringing together regional leaders to discuss how col
Read the full storyAugust 14, 2025
At the Conference, learn how to grow your business through powerful storytelling, exceptional customer service, and effective local marketing. Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life, will share how personal storytelling and authentic branding build trust and deepen community connections in regional areas. Rick Brown brings decades of experience in building a $20 million business and delivering outstanding customer service, will reveal twelve key rules that create loyalty,
Read the full storyAugust 14, 2025
TAFE Whitsunday is a big part of this year’s Business Conference, serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats, prepared and served by their awesome hospitality and cookery students. Attendees will enjoy the food in Palmers, their student-run training restaurant, where students get real hands-on experience. This is a great way to see local talent in action and shows how TAFE is helping students get job-ready in hospitality and tourism, two of the Whitsundays’ biggest ind
Read the full storyAugust 14, 2025
Di Jackson’s journey is a testament to the power of sport in rebuilding identity, fostering community, and providing hope beyond her diagnosis of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. Through her determination, she continues to inspire others to embrace new challenges and find strength through sport. Di’s drive to stay active led her to the 2024 DoD Warrior Games in Florida, an adaptive sports competition for current and former military personnel. The experience not only reignited her competitive spir
Read the full storyAugust 14, 2025
The Bowen Polocrosse Club hit the highway in full force recently, travelling to Gordonvale for the Pyramid Polocrosse Carnival in what felt like a regional convoy of floats, utes, horses, and determination. With gear packed, horses loaded, and a solid playlist (or two) on rotation, players from Bowen, Sarina, Proserpine, and Townsville made the journey north to represent the Bowen Polocrosse Club with pride. Bowen 1, made up of Bryce Watson, Adam Burns, and Teneale Griggs, had a strong start to
Read the full storyAugust 14, 2025
The Proserpine Showground was alive with activity as caravans from across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland gathered for this year’s Wintersun Annual Carnival. A full field of 137 players competed — including 47 ladies and 90 men — with Proserpine veterans well represented by 15 ladies and 18 men. Thanks go to everyone who contributed their time and donations, helping make the event a huge success. Congratulations to the 36-hole champions: Ladies champion Sharon Ischenko from Yeppoon sc
Read the full storyJune 12, 2025
Friday 6th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Saturday 7th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Meatloaf Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: (Live Music & DJ Session 1pm – 6pm) Sunday 8th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Meatloaf Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Matt Angell (6.30 – 9.30pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (4pm - 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: Chill A
Read the full storyAugust 14, 2025
Music lovers in the Whitsundays are in for a nostalgic treat when the acclaimed international production The Simon & Garfunkel Story arrives at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Thursday, the 28th of August. Described by none other than Art Garfunkel himself as “A Great Show”, this spectacular concert experience traces the legacy of one of music’s most beloved duos, from their humble beginnings as ‘Tom & Jerry’ in the 1950s to their iconic reunion concert in Central Park in 1981. Having w
Read the full storyAugust 14, 2025
August 16-23 Hamilton Island Race Week 16 Coral Sea Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival (day one) 17 Coral Sea Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival (day two) 17 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 19 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 20 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 24 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 26 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 26 Tech Help, Cann
Read the full storyAugust 14, 2025
Friday 15 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Jason Bull (from 8pm) KC's: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Saturday 16 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Eagles (Tribute Show) (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night(from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Schae KC's: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm) Sunday 17 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Eagles (Tribute Show) (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Grand View Hot
Read the full storyAugust 14, 2025
Prepare for an unforgettable two days when the spectacular two-hour live performance, Hurricane: The Australian Luke Combs Tribute Show comes to town at the Airlie Beach Hotel. Promising to be more than just a concert this tribute is a deep dive into the catalogue of one of country music's biggest stars. This show pays homage to a man who, in a remarkably short time, has become a global country music icon. Born and raised in North Carolina, Luke Combs left college to pursue his passion, movin
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