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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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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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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The Gentle Soul with a Heart of Gold Beautiful Marla has already proven herself to be one incredible mum — and now it’s her turn to be loved and cared for the way she’s always deserved. After raising her gorgeous litter with patience and devotion, Marla is ready to start her next chapter — one filled with calm days, soft beds, and the comfort of a family who’ll treasure her. She’s a Staffy mix with the sweetest nature — affectionate, loyal, and always ready for a cuddle. Marla loves human comp
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It was a busy weekend for BMA CQ Rescue, with seven calls for help received in just 48 hours. Saturday alone saw five missions, keeping crews in the air from before sunrise until well after dark. The first call came just before 2am from Hamilton Island, where a man in his 20s required urgent care for a suspected snake bite. By 8:51am, the crew was airborne again, this time to Bowen to treat a patient with testicular torsion, who was flown to Mackay for further treatment. A man in his 40s exper
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The inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards brought a new sense of excitement and pride to the region last Friday night as the Proserpine Entertainment Centre welcomed guests from every corner of the community. More than two hundred people filled the venue, coming together to recognise the achievements, innovation and resilience that define the Whitsundays business landscape. The evening opened with a warm, lively atmosphere supported by live music and the energetic hosting of radio personality Me
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December 3, 2025
New Experiences and the Biggest Tourism Developments Pop the Veuve: Hayman Island Launches Luxe Island Picnic Experience Recently launched and only available only until March 2026, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef and Veuve Clicquot have unveiled Le Picnic, a luxe Champagne-led experience on the sands of Langford Island. Curated picnics, bespoke inclusions and accommodation packages set the tone for a sun-soaked spring and summer season. Note: bookings close end of November '25. Sail
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December 3, 2025
Some places in life etch themselves into memory. The Whitsundays leaves an imprint that lasts a lifetime, and a considerable part of the reason is thanks to the diverse wildlife that inhabits out whitsunday islands. On one of my strolls, I realised the true colourful chorus of birds we have. While we may be known for our cockatoos and kookaburras, there are so many weird and wonderful birds that inhabit the Whitsundays. Birds You’ve Probably Seen, but Never Named Some of my favourite birds to
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December 3, 2025
The Great Barrier Reef’s Unlikely Eco-Engineers Despite their name, sea cucumbers are not fruits, vegetables or any sort of plant. They’re animals—ancient, slow-moving, wonderfully strange animals that have been cleaning and recycling the ocean floor for millions of years. Sea cucumbers belong to the class Holothuroidea and are close relatives of sea stars and sea urchins. More than 1,700 species are found worldwide, living on the seafloor from shallow coral reefs to the inky darkness of the de
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December 3, 2025
Port Denison Gun Club finished the year on a high note with its November/Christmas Shoot over the weekend of Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November. Shooters from across the region, including Burdekin, Charters Towers, Dysart, Karumba, Mackay/Sarina, Normanton, Silkwood and Townsville, joined local competitors for a weekend of spirited competition. The weather provided a challenge, with strong winds on Saturday giving way to hotter, but breezier conditions on Sunday, much to the relief of participa
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December 3, 2025
The Bowen Under-14 junior cricket team travelled to Home Hill on 30 November 2025 for a competitive match that showcased strong team performances. Electing to field first, Bowen’s bowlers made an immediate impact. Coen Edgerton and Mitchell Hearn started strongly, keeping the run rate under control, before Coen broke through to dismiss one of the opening batsmen. The team continued to apply pressure with tight bowling and sharp fielding, highlighted by a spectacular diving catch from Matt Brazi
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December 3, 2025
As the year winds down, social bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club will conclude for 2025, with the last day of play scheduled for Sunday, December 14. The club plans to reopen on Sunday, January 24, 2026, with an Australia Day-themed event. Members are encouraged to get creative with their outfits to celebrate both the start of the year and Australia Day. On Wednesday, seven players enjoyed an afternoon of bowls. Trevor Parsons and Philip Brown recorded a convincing win over Barry Zillmann and Sand
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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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December 3, 2025
Friday 5 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Ally Friendship - Rock & Country Show (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dave Johan (from 8pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) Saturday 6 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Shania Twain Tribute Show (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Tailgate Party - Best of Modern Country (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: Live Music (1pm - 5pm) Sunday 7 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Luke Combs Tribute (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Pau
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December 3, 2025
December 4 Bunnings Family Night, Bunnings Carpark, 4pm - 7pm 5 Chez’s House Of Dance & Whitsunday Allstars Annual Showcase 2025, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 12pm 5 74 Islands Christmas Cocktail Club, Elmenta Whitsundays, from 5pm 6 Journey to JOY by NewLife Whitsundays, 26 Paluma Rd, from 5pm 7 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 7 Proserpine Community Christmas Markets, Proserpine State School Cyclone Shelter on Sherry Street, from 8:30am 7 Whitsunday Surf Saving
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December 3, 2025
Airlie Beach is getting ready to ring in the New Year with one of its biggest celebrations yet, as the Airlie Beach Hotel prepares to host a massive New Year’s Eve countdown headlined by Big City Beat’s electrifying Bruno Mars Tribute titled Australian Bruno Mars Show The internationally toured Melbourne group, known for their high-energy stagecraft and dynamic ensemble, will debut in Airlie Beach with a full-scale New Years Eve production built around the Bruno Mars party set that has taken th
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The City Centre might be a long way from the North Pole, but this year it will be brimming with just as much Christmas magic. From carols to markets, dazzling projections to a moonlight movie, the City Heart Christmas celebrations on Friday, December 5 promise an unforgettable night for all ages. From 4pm to 9pm, Wood Street Park and surrounding areas will be transformed into a hub of free family fun. Highlights include a Moonlight Family Movie, roaming Christmas carollers, facepainting and g
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