School’s out across the Mackay region, and for the Class of 2025, the final bell has never sounded louder. Year 12 students have wrapped up exams, celebrations and long-held traditions as they get ready to step boldly into their next chapter. Last week, Whitsunday Anglican School farewelled its seniors with the annual Walk of Honour — a moment echoed in spirit across the region as students gathered to applaud their graduates. Now, the Class of 2025 prepares to scatter into apprenticeships, uni
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A devastating early morning crash on 15 November has claimed the life of 18-year-old Lachlan McPhee, leaving the Mackay community in shock and sorrow. Police advised the collision occurred shortly after 1am, when a Mitsubishi Lancer travelling south on the Bruce Highway struck a semi-trailer turning onto Sams Road. Lachlan sustained critical injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. Another 18-year-old man from Blacks Beach, also in the Lancer, was taken to Mackay Base Hospital with lif
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By Ruth Puddefoot Turning the final corner with only a few kilometres to go, Whitsunday’s local Liv Compton fixed her eyes on the finish line and on a victory. When she crossed first among women in the brutal Coast to Kosci ultramarathon in New South Wales, she didn’t just finish, she reached a personal milestone. Ultra running is far from ordinary. With relentless training, iron will determination, and unwavering support from her team, Liv carved her own path in the world of endurance sport, a
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By Daniel Heggie Residents of the Whitsundays may have spotted a newer, cleaner, sleeker looking ambulance rolling through town during the last few weeks, as the Whitsunday Ambulance Station gains a brand new Ambulance. Acting Officer in Charge of the station Erin Maree Saltmarsh said that the fellow officers have been loving it, and despite it being at the station for four weeks, this week was the first time she had time to properly take a look at it, due to constantly being used on jobs.
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A local woman has sparked an incredible wave of community generosity after launching a fundraiser to support a young girl from Charters Towers living with Rett syndrome. When Airlie Beach local Abby Duffin shared a simple Facebook post seeking raffle prizes for a fundraiser, she never expected the overwhelming response that followed. “I’m shocked myself with how much it took off,” Abby said. “I just wanted to do something to help Haven and her family. I grew up with them, they are basically f
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Search Continues For Missing Bowen Man Brett Breeze Almost 12 weeks on from his disappearance, the search continues for 42-year-old Brett Breeze, with his family and friends greatly concerned for his welfare, spreading their love far and wide across the East Queensland coastline. Brett was last seen leaving the Bowen Hospital on Tuesday, the 19th of August, wearing a blue fishing shirt, black shoes and black shorts with a khaki backpack. Shortly after he was last seen, his belongings including
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November 27, 2025
Hi lovely readers! I’m back from my little holiday, and I had such a wonderful time. Adam and I rolled out of bed last Friday around 4am, grabbed our camera gear, and hit the road up to Cape Hillsborough. The fog settled over the canefields and mountains, and we just knew it was going to be an awesome day! Of course, we made a little pit stop at the Farleigh servo to grab some breaky before hitting the road again. Once we arrived, I eagerly hopped out of the car, set up my camera, and raced
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November 27, 2025
In moments of heartbreak, kindness has a way of shining its brightest — and for one local family, the compassion shown by first responders and medical staff has become a source of comfort during an incredibly painful time. In a heartfelt message shared with the community, a daughter has expressed her deep appreciation for everyone who helped her father on Sunday. “On behalf of my Mum, my siblings, and myself, we would like to express our greatest gratitude to the Queensland Ambulance, Care Fli
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November 27, 2025
Last Sunday, the Mackay region came together to celebrate International Men’s Day, recognising the contribution of men in families, workplaces, and the wider community. The event, hosted by Walkerston Rotary at the Mackay Surf Club, offered a thoughtful and informative session focused on men’s health, wellbeing, and the importance of speaking up. The gathering featured a range of expert speakers who shared valuable insights on physical and mental health. Nigel Thomas from the Heart Suppor
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November 27, 2025
RUNNING Congratulations to all participants in the fourth event of the Shawn’s Splash n Dash Off-Season Social Biathlon Series for 2025/2026. A big thank you goes to Jim Ford for once again coordinating the series, and to Adam Knezevic for keeping everyone cool with those all-important Zooper Doopers. Despite the very warm conditions, participants showed great awareness and paced themselves sensibly. Next Sunday marks the halfway point of the series, followed by a full break throughout D
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November 27, 2025
Held In Singapore, August 2026 Sunset Bay Outriggers have recently returned from the Aocra National Sprint Titles held on the Gold Coast, competing against Australia's best outrigger crews with age divisions ranging from U12 to over 80yrs of age, in V12, 500m, 1000m and 1500m events over 3 days. With this being a first time attendance for many of the Sunset paddlers to a National event, the nerves were on high alert but once the butterflies were gone the crews went to another level of comp
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November 27, 2025
BRIDGE Mackay Contract Bridge Results Sunday was the first week of the Novice Pairs Championships (<100 MP’s) with the same partner for both weeks. This is a Red point event. It is amazing to see so many players who only finished lessons earlier this year participate in the event. Well done to all, for your determination and love for the game. Bridge is such a wonderful game and it really gets you in. International Men’s Day was celebrated at the club last week as well. Weekly Results
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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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November 27, 2025
Friday 28th November 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 Mega Mackay Twighlight
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November 27, 2025
Friday 28 November Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Darcy David (from 8pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Noah Davies (5.30pm - 8.30pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Shaun Diver (from 8pm) Saturday 29 November Airlie Beach Hotel: Royale With Cheese Tribute (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Noah Davies (5.30pm - 8.30pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Session (2-6pm) Sorrento: Si
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November 27, 2025
Country Jam Festival Hits Airlie Beach Airlie Beach is set for a country music takeover from December 5–7 as the Jack Daniel’s Country Jam Festival returns to the Airlie Beach Hotel. Free entry and three days of live entertainment make it one of the biggest country weekends of the year. The festival kicks off Friday night with a high-voltage performance from Ally Friendship, fresh from her stint on The Voice, where she chose team Richard Marx. Her performance on The Voice gained a standing ovat
Read the full storyNovember 20, 2025
With our final season at Kucom (Summer Shorts) just finished on 15 November, we’re not quite ready to rest on our laurels, so we’re going to end the year in style with a final, festive Club Night on Friday 28th November – a combined Christmas party and 2026 season launch. The coming year will introduce our audiences to some exciting new directors and local playwrights with a mix of new works and old favourites. Hint: there will be three full-length plays plus a season of one-act plays. T
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