

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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Tucked away in a quiet court surrounded by other quality
homes, this solid rendered block residence offers genuine
dual living and the space every family dreams of.
The upper level is designed for relaxed family living,
featuring four generous bedrooms, two bathrooms, and
a dedicated media room perfect for movie nights or
kids’ hangouts. At the heart of the home, the spacious
kitchen impresses with stone benchtops, a 900mm oven,
and a walk-in butler’s pantry – ideal for family cooking,
entertaining, and day-to-day ease. The open-plan living
area flows seamlessly to the main deck, where you can
unwind and enjoy peaceful valley and sea views – a perfect
setting for morning coffee or weekend gatherings.
Downstairs, independent access opens to a fully selfcontained
suite with a supersized bedroom, ensuite,
kitchenette, and its own private deck. It’s an ideal setup for
extended family, guests, or growing teens wanting a bit of
independence!
With a double lock-up garage and a large carport
extension, there’s plenty of room for boats, caravans,
trailers, and multiple vehicles – everything a busy family
needs.
Built with strength and practicality in mind, this home
delivers space, comfort, and flexibility for all stages of
family life. It’s the perfect blend of lifestyle and liveability,
all in a peaceful, family-friendly location.

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November 6, 2025
Now in its 21st year, one of the Whitsundays’ most beloved charitable events, Camp and sCare, once again brought families together for a frightfully fun weekend — all in support of a vital local cause. Held at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, the sell-out event raised an impressive $14,036.69 for Whitsunday Suicide Prevention, with 100% of proceeds from Friday night campsite bookings and activity donations going directly toward local mental health awareness and support initiatives. Guests emb
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November 6, 2025
Meet Max, a big, beautiful boy with a gentle heart who’s waiting for a second chance at happiness. This large mixed-breed dog is currently in the care of Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc. (BCPRI) and is searching for a dedicated foster carer to help him rebuild trust and find his forever home. Despite his impressive size, Max is known for his soft, loving nature. He’s well-behaved, good around other dogs, and eager to please — especially when treats are involved! Max thrives on companionship
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November 6, 2025
Hi everyone, I hope you’re all enjoying our new Great Barrier Reef–inspired rebrand, which so many of our team helped bring to life! I don’t know about you, but this heat has me wanting to stay indoors. While we’re keeping cool, things are heating up underwater as coral spawning season begins. Enjoy reading about the wonders of coral in this edition. We’ve also included a great octopus story from the fantastic Whitsunday Conservation Council. Happy reading, Ruth
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November 6, 2025
U11 Boys – Written by Luke Valmadre The Pitbulls hosted Magpies Black on Saturday. Captain Logan won the toss and batted first, with N. Garroway smashing a rapid 21 to help post 66. Despite tight bowling from J. Gibbs, J. Smith, and strong fielding including four runouts, the Magpies chased down the total with 118. Player of the Match went to Nick Garroway for his batting and bowling. U11 Girls – Written by Danni Green The Pitties in Pink faced the Sarina Spartans. Batting first, M. Neal and G.
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November 6, 2025
A brief shower early in the morning had players wondering whether the 4BBB Team of Two event would go ahead, but common sense prevailed and all sixteen teams took to the course. Conditions soon cleared, and the competition produced excellent scoring, with just ten points separating first and last place. Leading the way were Tessa Aitken and Mark Richards, who claimed victory with a superb 47 points. Runners-up were Jim Sherrington and Vic Feldman on 45 points, edging out Gary and Elspeth Scotf
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November 6, 2025
It’s been a week of sizzling golf at Proserpine Golf Club, with hot temperatures and plenty of run on the fairways helping players post some impressive scores. The dry conditions were welcomed by many, though golfers know it won’t last long before the next round of rain slows things down again. Tuesday, October 28 – Single Stableford & Vets 4BBB Gary Scotford dominated Tuesday’s Single Stableford with 45 points, ahead of Tommy Gallagher on 41. Elspeth Scotford led the ladies with 38 on countbac
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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 6, 2025
November 7 Airlie Beach Festival of Music (day one), Whitsunday Sailing Club, 3pm 7 Rango followed by Drop Dead Fred, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 8 Airlie Beach Festival of Music (day two), Whitsunday Sailing Club, 4pm 9 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 9 Airlie Beach Festival of Music (day three), Whitsunday Sailing Club, 1pm 10 Airlie Beach Festival of Music After Party, Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill, 1pm **11 Remembrance Day **
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November 6, 2025
Australian music legend Andrew De Silva is bringing two powerhouse tribute shows to Airlie Beach this weekend, celebrating the music of Prince and George Michael with all the style, soul, and groove of the originals. Dedication to Prince has been one of Andrew’s signature performances since 2016, coincidentally debuting just three weeks before the music icon’s passing. For Andrew, Prince’s influence runs deep. “Prince has always been in my DNA when it comes to music,” he said. “The way he mix
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October 30, 2025
You're Invited! Seniors across the Northern Beaches are invited to enjoy a morning of music, friendship, and celebration at the Seniors Music & Morning Tea event on Friday, 7 November, from 10am to 12pm at the Northern Beaches Community Hall, 24 Wallace Street, Bucasia. Guests will be treated to the soothing sounds of harpist Kathleen Campbell, alongside a relaxed morning tea, providing a chance to connect with new and familiar faces. The event marks the joyful finale to Seniors Month, a time
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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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