By Hannah McNamara Acquiring a police badge isn’t easy, in fact it comes with great grit and resilience…but when the uniform comes off, it’s important to remember those who died wearing it. Last Friday numerous marches and memorials took place across the region, honouring the sacrifices made by officers who laid down their lives in the name of duty, while also celebrating the remarkable mateship within the Queensland Police Service. Current and former officers gathered with family, friends and
Read the full storyA local woman's heartfelt gesture has left the Mackay community in awe, after demonstrating an act of compassion during a time that is challenging for others. Last Tuesday, the woman reached out on a community Facebook page, looking for someone in need to take her leftover food before her work trip. She expressed a preference for sharing with others rather than freezing the food for herself or throwing it away. With many struggling with the rising living costs, her generous offer reflects a
Read the full storyBy Hannah McNamara The LNP recently announced a $20 Million Mackay Bucasia Road / Golf Links Road intersection upgrade, if elected on the 26th of October. Jarrod Bleijie Deputy Leader of the Opposition said, “Traffic congestion is a big issue in the Mackay region… that’s why I’m so excited to announce that if the LNP is elected on the 26th of October, we will be investing $20 million into the Mackay Bucasia Road intersection upgrade.” It comes after countless complaints from locals travelling
Read the full storyEarlier this week, on Monday, October 1, Queensland officially entered 'caretaker mode' ahead of the state election set for October 26. From this point until the election results are determined, the government is subject to several restrictions under caretaker conventions. With the election campaign now officially underway, Queensland Premier Steven Miles kicked off his re-election bid by highlighting his government's introduction of 50c public transport fares. On Tuesday morning, he rode a bus
Read the full storyThe Proserpine Entertainment Centre hosted the elegant and colourful 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball over the weekend. Over 200 people attended the evening, and it was a night of delicious food, generous fundraising and merriment. Mayor Ry Collins selected two charities this year, BMA CQ Rescue and Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN), two charities that do important life-saving work in our region. Over $60,000 was raised for these great charities through ticket sales, raffles, and an aucti
Read the full storyProserpine Café owner Joanne Klose has returned from a sensational trip to Uganda and she cannot wait to tell the Whitsunday community about the trip. Joanne travelled to Uganda with 29 others with Mission Abundance to support two charities in Uganda, Kyampisi Childcare Ministries (KCM) and Bridge Christian Ministries (BCM). Mission Abundance is helping these charities by building a new rehabilitation centre, giving over a thousand people access to free health care, and supplying clean drinki
Read the full storyUnderstanding that nobody should be alone for Christmas, Whitsunday local and retiree Michael Thomas recently posted on Whitsundays Noticeboard inviting fellow locals to an ‘orphans’ Christmas party. He expected a group of people to be interested, but you can imagine his surprise when the post garnered 440 reactions and 151 comments. “It blew way past my imagination!” laughed Michael. “I'm still doing lunch for Christmas but it is going to be limited to 40 people in my backyard. “If I can m
Read the full storyOver 30 people gathered at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Proserpine last Friday for National Police Remembrance Day. The service paid respect and recognised Australian Police Officers nationwide and international police officers. The Remembrance Day paid tribute to officers that died both in service and out of service. Queensland Police Proserpine Station Sergeant Mark Flynn spoke on the matter. “The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the years of service, commitment and integrity of reti
Read the full storyWelcome to Dryander Ridge, a remarkable 2-yearold
family home in the heart of Riordanvale that
combines modern luxury with the serenity of country
living. Nestled on 2.6 acres of low-maintenance land,
this property offers an abundance of space for your
family to grow and thrive, all while being surrounded
by lush tropical gardens and the spectacular
backdrop of a national park.
As you enter through the grand entryway, the
elegance of the home immediately captivates you. The
spacious layout is designed to offer both comfort and
style. With 4 generously sized bedrooms, including a
stunning master suite complete with a contemporary
ensuite, this home is perfectly suited for family living.
The additional 1.5 beautifully appointed bathrooms
ensure every family member has their own space and
convenience.
The heart of the home is the expansive open-plan
living area, which is bright, airy, and thoughtfully
designed for seamless functionality. Perfect for both
everyday living and entertaining, this space is flooded
with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Two sets of double sliding doors open out to an
oversized alfresco area, which blends indoor and
outdoor living
Outside, the lifestyle features continue to impress.
The sparkling in-ground pool is perfect for cooling
off on warm days, while the fire pit area is ideal
for unwinding in the evenings, surrounded by the
tranquility of your own tropical oasis.
The property also includes a brand-new shed,
designed to accommodate large boats, caravans,
or to serve as a spacious workshop. This additional
storage is perfect for those who enjoy hobbies that
require extra space or for anyone needing a place to
store tools and equipment.
October 4, 2024
Detectives from the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a 33-year-old man following the death of a 64-year-old man in East Mackay yesterday, October 3. Emergency services were called to a Rae Street address around 3.40pm, following reports a 64-year-old East Mackay man was unresponsive. The man was later declared deceased at the scene. A 33-year-old Mackay man was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with one count of murder. He is due to appear before Macka
Read the full storyOctober 3, 2024
Hi Everyone, By the time you are reading this I will be on my honeymoon in Melbourne! As many of you will know, I got married in August, but with family visiting from all over the country and the world, we decided to spend time with them after the wedding, electing to have our honeymoon now instead. We have two nights in the city, followed by three nights at Hepburn Springs where we will enjoy six and a half hours of spa treatments! Indulgent? Absolutely! A big thank you to my mum for looki
Read the full storyOctober 3, 2024
Plans for the new $68 million Bowen Jetty have been revealed. The project will see a new jetty construction that will revitalise the asset and the precinct for the community. The project will see the construction of a modern jetty that has been designed in line with extensive community consultation, and that will feature a host of public amenities while honouring the rich, 150-year-old history of the structure. Anne Baker, Labor candidate for Burdekin expressed excitement about the announceme
Read the full storyOctober 3, 2024
The Whitsunday Dirt Riders are gearing up to host one of the most thrilling events of the year—the JR's Motorcycle and Suspension Specialists Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships! This high-octane event is happening this weekend, October 5th and 6th, at Drays Park, Gunyarra, just off the road to Whitsunday Coast Airport. Over 100 riders, including competitors from as far south as Victoria, will be battling it out across five championship classes, with additional junior and veteran suppo
Read the full storyOctober 3, 2024
The Whitsunday Game Fish Club's Billfish and Tuna Rally, held last Sunday, saw junior anglers taking centre stage and proving their prowess on the water, much to the surprise of their seasoned competitors. In perfect conditions, ten teams took to the seas, but it was the young guns who outshined the veterans. Junior angler Jasmin Smith, fishing aboard her dad’s boat Lay Low, made headlines by tagging and releasing a Sailfish on an 8kg line, earning her the top-scoring Billfish of the day. Not t
Read the full storyOctober 3, 2024
On Sunday, 22nd September, the Port Denison Gun Club held its monthly shoot, attracting twenty-six competitors. Shooters from Mackay/Sarina, the Burdekin, Townsville, Charters Towers, and even as far as Cressy, Tasmania, joined local members for a day filled with competitive spirit. Event 1: 25T DB Sweepstakes AA: B Gall, M Zabala, T Coco & A Zarb 25/25 A: J Cerqui & K Zarb 25/25, J Campbell & G Maltby 24/25 B: D Stitt 24/25, J Kinninmonth 23/25, M Simpson 21/25 C: B Bonanno & A Furini 24/25
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2024
More than 300 participants revved up their themed cars for a week-long adventure to raise an astounding $1.5 million for children in need. The 32nd Variety Victoria Bash officially hit the gas on August 16, shifting into high gear for an unforgettable adventure, kicking off in Swan Hill, Victoria, the convoy then travelled through New South Wales, following a pit stop at the sunshine state of Mackay before concluding their joy ride in Airlie Beach last Saturday on August 24th. Along the way,
Read the full storyOctober 3, 2024
Friday 4 October The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Oompah Loompah *special event* (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Rene Le Feuvre (from 8pm) Saturday 5 October The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Oompah Loompah(2pm– 5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mad Mariachi (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm – 6pm) Sunday 6 October The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mad Mariachi (2pm – 5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel:
Read the full storyOctober 3, 2024
The Whitsundays Arts Festival is thrilled to reveal the final addition to this year's Whitsundays Songwriter Festival. Airlie Beach will be graced with the presence of Mark Sholtez, the first Australian artist to be signed to Verve Records in New York. Joining him is 7 time ARIA award winner Wendy Matthews, Queensland Music Award winner Jude York and America’s Got Talent and The Voice Australia’s sensation Johnny Manuel who were announced last month. Mark will take part in the Whitsundays Son
Read the full storyOctober 3, 2024
October 5 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am 5 Adopt-A-Dog-Day, Pets Domain Bowen, from 10am 5 Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm 10 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm 10-13 Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Grand Opening 10-15 The Songwriters Festival 11 Junior Cricket Come & Try Afternoon, Proserpine Junior Cricket Grounds from 4pm 11 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Super Mario Bros & Sister Act, Airlie Beach Fores
Read the full storyOctober 3, 2024
Young anglers get ready for Kids Fishing Day at Lake Proserpine, which is back for its second year. Promised to be a perfect opportunity for kids to learn fishing tips and tricks, participants can enjoy exciting workshops and try their hand at the Barra Cash Dash. Last year 250 youngsters turned up to the day, and they expect numbers to be even higher this year with 42 pre-bookings already made by families in the community. The day starts at 9am, and the organisers have 20 fishing rod sets to g
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