By Hannah McNamara The LNP State Government's Hospital Rescue Plan pledges 128 new beds, improved maternity and paediatric services, a rooftop helipad, and a multi-storey car park for Mackay’s hospital expansion – but a confirmed completion date remains elusive. Despite claims of past cost blowouts and design flaws under the former state government, BESIX Watpac will continue construction, while cultural site investigations are ongoing. As Mackay’s population surges, officials promise reduced wa
Read the full storyWhen Kathryn George, OAM, first walked into Mackay North State High School in 1979, she faced a musical mountain with nothing more than three broken xylophones and a piano badly in need of a tune. Fast-forward nearly five decades, and Kathryn now stands at the helm of a $200,000 music department, leading one of Australia’s most celebrated school marching bands. Her determination to transform scarcity into success earned her an Order of Australia Medal in 2019, recognising her dedication t
Read the full storyThe local community was rocked by the news that much-loved business owner, Tim Perkins, had suffered a severe injury after falling 10 metres from a palm tree on the 3rd December. Tim, who co-owns Whitpro Pty Ltd with his wife Norina, was performing a task he had completed thousands of times before, as an arborist— climbing and cleaning numerous palms on a local property, when the catastrophic accident occurred. Five months on and Tim is sharing his story to help create change for other spinal
Read the full storyA significant fire broke out at a Hostel in Bowen early Wednesday morning, and sadly now a fatality has been confirmed. At approximately 3:30am a large-scale response was initiated by emergency services after police were alerted to a building fully engulfed in flames on Gordon Street, following reports from concerned locals. Fire crews from the local station were swiftly deployed, with three teams arriving on scene around 3:40am. The fire, located near the intersection of Brisbane Street
Read the full storyProserpine has a rich military history dating back to the Boer War and since then generations of men and women from this community have answered the call. Some made the supreme sacrifice and are remembered on our cenotaph. Others suffered the horrors of being a prisoner of war, either dying in captivity or returning home as shadows of their former selves. It would have been heart-wrenching for families to watch their sons head off to war, but imagine what it must have been like for those who sa
Read the full storyResidents across the Whitsunday region are invited to honour the sacrifices of our servicemen and women at a series of ANZAC Day services taking place on Friday, 25 April 2025. From dawn services to community marches, come together to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to those that lost their lives. Please note service times and road closures in your area, and allow extra time for travel and parking. Airlie Beach Main Service: 9:00am - meet at Broadwater Avenue carpark at 8am for march to Ai
Read the full storyA home that truly delivers! Set on one of the area's most sought-after streets, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect balance of comfort, privacy, and investment potential. With no rear neighbour and a generous 865m² block, the home provides a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently located close to all amenities.
Property Features
Additional media room for flexible living
Two oversized bathrooms, plus a poolside toilet
High-pitched ceilings creating a bright, airy atmosphere
Two separate patio areas ideal for outdoor entertaining
Sparkling concrete pool for year-round enjoyment
Side access suitable for a boat or trailer
No rear neighbour, offering enhanced privacy
Quiet, tree-lined street in a quality neighbourhood
Ducted air-conditioning throughout
Investment Opportunity:
Currently tenanted until September at $950 per week, with an updated appraisal of $1,000 per week. This is a high-performing investment with immediate return potential.
Whether you’re searching for a spacious family home or a secure investment, this property presents an exceptional opportunity in a prime location.
Contact us today for further details or to request a contract.
May 1, 2025
OPINION PIECE Australians are paying on average 32 per cent more for electricity than they were three years ago. Every day, I listen to people in Dawson who tell me one of the biggest pains they feel is the price they now pay to keep the lights on and cool. When people turn on the aircon during a sweltering summer day, they know one flick of a switch is costing more than it should. Pensioners and those on lower incomes tell me they have to choose which appliances to do without. Electricity pai
Read the full storyMay 1, 2025
The Northern Beaches community is being invited to have their say on the future of their region. With key topics like infrastructure, outdoor spaces, transport, and community events already sparking vibrant discussions, locals are making their voices heard. Now, residents have the exciting opportunity to take it a step further and join focus groups to help shape the future of the Northern Beaches. The Your Place, Your Plan – Northern Beaches Mackay Community Plan, is a partnership betwee
Read the full storyMay 1, 2025
At the peak of her life-threatening battle with a chronic auto immune disease, Andergrove woman Lisa Hodges lost the ability to walk and talk. After becoming seriously ill in November 2023, she spent almost three months in hospital in intensive care and the infectious diseases ward battling autoimmune hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. Lisa then developed cryptococcal meningitis while on immunosuppressant drugs, a dangerous fungal infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord.
Read the full storyMay 1, 2025
Dan Stampa, Past President and current Vice President of the North Mackay Masters Swim Club, the Sinkers, has been recognised for his commitment to the club and Masters swimming in general. Dan has been appointed to the role of Director of Program Development for MSQ (Masters Swimming Queensland). MSQ President Susanne Milenkevich confirmed that the formal appointment will be finalised at the next Board meeting in May. She thanked Dan for his commitment and said she looked forward to seei
Read the full storyMay 1, 2025
The annual doubles challenge proved to be just that at the Tuesday morning table tennis. Doug Dungavell and George Camilleri tied with 186 points in group 1, and Ken Best and Virginia Clayton did the same in group 2 with 183 points. The unusual challenge is a round robin, but with partners swapping after every game which is the first to 30. In last season’s fixtures Mars Pioneers (Delma Knight, Geoff Cowan and Kevin Abbott) won division 1, while division 2 went to Pluto Players (Darryl
Read the full storyMay 1, 2025
Last Friday, the North Mackay Ladies welcomed players from across the Mackay District to join them for the Annual Goosepond Triples event. North Mackay Ladies President Hilary Jones-Rowan formally welcomed all attendees to a day designed for participation, camaraderie, and above all, enjoyment. Play commenced with the first of three scheduled 16-end games, with the opening match concluding at 11:30am. Participants then returned to the club for a delicious lunch, thoughtfully prepared by
Read the full storyApril 3, 2025
Airlie Beach Festival of Music is bringing a lineup so packed, it should have a baggage limit. Legends like The Screaming Jets, Jessica Mauboy, and Diesel are heading to the Whitsundays from 7th – 9th November. But this festival isn’t just about setlists; it’s an adventure in one of the world’s most stunning locations. The perfect anthem? ‘Run to Paradise’. With the main stage at Whitsunday Sailing Club overlooking the Coral Sea, acts like Choirboys, The Black Sorrows, Bachelor Girl, and Jayne
Read the full storyMay 1, 2025
Internationally renowned comedian Jimeoin was set to perform his latest show, Pandemonium, at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) on 2 May. However, due to an ongoing medical condition, his performance has been postponed to 10 September 2025. Fresh off a sold-out season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Jimeoin's Pandemonium promises an evening full of cheeky humour, razor-sharp wit, and comedic gold. Known for his observational comedy and infectious charm, Jimeoin's new t
Read the full storyMay 1, 2025
Friday 2nd May Crochet & Conversation 9am Join a welcoming morning of crochet, coffee, and conversation with Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. All skill levels welcome—just look for the yarn to find the table. Connection and creativity guaranteed. Bucasia Beachfront Bar and Restaurant Board Games Night 5pm Board game lovers are invited to a fun-filled night of tabletop play. Choose from an e
Read the full storyMay 1, 2025
Given Airlie Beach is the only place in Australia to regularly feature live music 7 nights a week, the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival is thrilled to be back. The 4th annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival takes place June 5th - 10th, 2025 with its flagship Emerging Songwriter Workshop and Concert & Conversation events on Saturday, June 7th at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. The Whitsundays Songwriter Festival’s purpose is to develop songwriters in the Whitsundays by connecting them with world-cl
Read the full storyMay 1, 2025
May 3 How Do You Library? Community Expo, Cannonvale Library, 8:45am-11:45am 4 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am **5 Labour Day ** 6 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 8 Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival 8th – 11th | Exhibition Opening Night 6:30pm 9 Mamma Mia, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 10 Art in the Park, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 9:00am - varied class start times. Bookings required for class participation, $2
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