Wilmar Workers' Pay Dispute Comes To An End In a decisive turn of events, the long-standing and contentious pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and its employees has finally reached a resolution, paving the way for significant wage increases and bonuses. Growers can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the resolution ensures that the threat of disruptive industrial action will no longer jeopardise their crucial crops. A majority of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees has voted in favour of a new ent
Read the full storyBy Amanda Wright Last Friday, Mackay’s beloved Touch of Teal soirée took on a picturesque form as a Long Lunch by the Sea, bringing the community together in honour of a cause close to many hearts. The event, which sold out in just two weeks, raised vital funds for the Trudy Crowley Foundation, ensuring the continuation of its vital work supporting local cancer patients and their families. The foundation, named after Mackay local Trudy Crowley, who sadly lost her courageous battle with ovarian c
Read the full storyThe Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce celebrated the highly anticipated Best in Business Awards on Thursday, 29th August, with a dazzling evening of recognition and celebration at the Mackay Masonic Hall. After nearly 15 years without a dedicated awards night for local Chamber businesses, over 150 attendees gathered for a sold-out event, proving that the appetite for recognising business excellence is alive and well in Mackay. The event kicked off with red carpet arrivals captured at The Dispens
Read the full storyAt the 2024 Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards, Fergus Builders took home an impressive eight awards, emerging as the only builder in Queensland to receive this many accolades at a Master Builders awards evening. Fergus Builders' success at the awards was recognised due to their remarkable work on the Whitsunday Anglican School STEAM Centre, which earned them the prestigious McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year Award. Director and Construction Manager of F
Read the full storyMayor Ry Collins is hosting his first Mayor’s Charity Ball on September 21, with a new and exciting addition to the evening set to dazzle the audience with a special ‘After Dark’ party experience. For the first time ever, guests can decide whether they want to indulge in the decadent Gala Dinner which includes a gourmet three course meal, or would prefer to delight in the ‘After Dark Experience’, where the party atmosphere encourages everybody to dance the night away. Continued on page 6. Ma
Read the full storyThe names of the two new Labor candidates were revealed today by Premier for Queensland Steven Miles who came to Mackay to make the formal announcement. Dr Bauke Hovinga, an emergency Doctor at Mackay Base Hospital, has been named as the candidate for the seat of the Whitsundays. He will go up against current Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP who was voted into the seat in 2020 following her success in winning the seat against Labor candidate Angie Kelly in a close margin of less that 100
Read the full storyThe tragic death toll in our region has sadly risen again this week following a road accident on Sunday evening that claimed the life of a 22-year-old woman. On Sunday 15 September at 5pm a 61-year-old Bowen man was travelling in a silver Rodeo North on the Bruce Highway, and in the initial police investigation, it appears to have veered onto the wrong side of the road. The silver Rodeo collided head on with a black BMW, driven by a 22-year-old female who tragically lost her life as a result t
Read the full storyDaisy, a 4-year-old beautiful American Bulldog/Mastiff Cross is looking for her fur-ever home. The gentle Daisy is vaccinated and pup-to-date with her Heartworm injections. She is not desexed, however, her current owners would be willing to have her desexed if required. Daisy is a fantastic companion due to her loving nature and is great with children, people in general and other dogs. If you think you could give Daisy the loving home she very much deserves, please contact Brooke: 0490 530 151
Read the full storyDiscover your own slice of paradise on a prestigious
street, where this private oasis spans 1.75 hectares
(approximately 5 acres), featuring about 1 acre of
beautifully landscaped gardens.
Upon arrival, you’re greeted by a lush, tropical
driveway leading to an oversized double garage with
ample space for parking a boat or caravan. The home
and gardens have been meticulously maintained,
offering both beauty and functionality.
The gardens boast an impressive collection of
fruit trees, including oranges, mandarins, lychees,
avocados, limes, and more, offering a bounty of fresh
produce year-round.
The distinguished double-story home, built on a
suspended slab, features four spacious bedrooms—
two on each level—and two bathrooms. There’s also a
versatile studio that can serve as an office or an extra
bedroom.
Two expansive balconies extend the living space
outdoors. The front 12x6m balcony is perfect for
dining and entertaining, while the rear balcony offers
a peaceful retreat with views of the gardens, where
you can relax and enjoy the sight of butterflies and
birds attracted by the tropical plants.
Beyond the home, the property includes a 10x8m
shed with a workshop and storeroom, as well as
a 6x6m mower shed with additional storage for
larger equipment. Raised vegetable gardens and an
established herb garden add to the property’s charm.
The property is fully usable, offering extensive flat
parking areas and modern amenities such as a bore
and a 6kW solar system.
Additional features include automated irrigation, an
electric fence for livestock, a caravan dump point, and
air conditioning throughout the home for year-round
comfort.
September 12, 2024
Police have charged a 29-year-old Bowen man following a fatal hit-and-run traffic crash that happened in Bowen in July. Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Bootooloo Road and Wheelers Lane on Thursday, July 25, after a cyclist was located on the roadway by a passing motorist at 4.42am. The male cyclist, a 69-year-old Bowen man, was declared deceased at the scene. The cyclist was struck by a vehicle, which had failed to remain at the scene. Following extensive investigations, the d
Read the full storySeptember 12, 2024
Hi Everyone, Last weekend I had the most fabulous time at the Whitsundays Writers Festival, and it was truly an event I’ll remember forever. From my mum using the f-word when performing her poem ‘Don’t Let The Old Lady In” at the Poetry Karaoke evening, to having a lively conversation with New York Times Best Selling Author, Sally Hepworth – the whole weekend was magical! I met too many inspiring people to count, formed connections from all over the country and locally I heard there could eve
Read the full storySeptember 12, 2024
In April this year Michelle Wardrope fell over on her driveway, resulting in her needing six stitches for the gash on her knee. At the time, she had no idea this small fall was the start of an event that would nearly see her lose her life. After the fall she travelled to hospital for stitches, however, she returned to hospital shortly after waking in her sleep with immense pain in her leg. Michelle’s health quickly deteriorated and was told she had contracted a soil-borne bacterial infection
Read the full storySeptember 12, 2024
Last weekend over 230 bikes and 89 cars hit the long dirt track around the Don River to compete in the 2024 Don River Dash. Congratulations to Kent Battle for winning the car category, and to Liam Walsh for winning the overall event three years in a row, solidifying his title as ‘King of the River’. Co-event organiser and Burdekin Offroaders president Michael Martson said the weekend went to plan and he is looking forward to next year. “All the competitors were happy and next year is going to
Read the full storySeptember 12, 2024
The Whitsunday Game Fish Club is excited to host its Billfish and Tuna Rally on Sunday, 29 September, offering anglers the chance to compete using any of the GFAA’s line classes for Club points. This event is a great opportunity for teams preparing for the Annual Light Tackle Tournament (10–13 October) to hone their skills and identify prime areas where gamefish are feeding on bait schools. The Rally Registration and Briefing will take place on Thursday, 26 September, at 6 p.m. at the Clubhouse
Read the full storySeptember 12, 2024
The 2024 Paul Bowman Junior Rugby League Challenge is this weekend. Proserpine will come alive with approximately 4500 players, coaches, helpers and their families over the weekend of 14 and 15 September 2024. 80 teams from all around Queensland will make their way to Proserpine for a lively rugby-filled weekend. Along with the games, one of the most spectacular sites will be the Sam Faust Memorial Relay, scheduled at midday on Sunday. Possibly the largest relay in Queensland, with 800 kids
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 storySeptember 12, 2024
The Whitsundays Songwriters Festival has just released an exciting name for its upcoming event announcing this week that Wendy Matthews will inspire festival goers this year. Due to take place from 10-15 October, the Whitsundays Songwriters Festival is now in its third year and is quickly becoming a highlight on the annual event calendar. Offering a professional Songwriter Residential Retreat (10-15 October), a one-day workshop for emerging songwriters on Saturday 12 October, and an evening pe
Read the full storySeptember 12, 2024
Prepare to be transported on a satirical hip-hop journey with The Versace Boys, who will be electrifying Airlie Beach with their performance at KC’s Bar and Grill this weekend. Anticipate trumpets, stylish designer outfits, and witty, yet clever songs that are sure to entertain. Musical duo Will Henderson and Alex Johnson met in Berlin in 2019 at a Sticky Fingers concert. Their chance meeting led to a creative partnership, but COVID-19 cut their European journey short, prompting them to continue
Read the full storySeptember 12, 2024
Geed Up are back in Airlie Beach, and ready to give a fantastic performance at the Airlie Beach Hotel. The Pub is becoming one of Geed UP's regular stomping grounds – and they’re becoming one of the region’s all-time favourite shows. While the band have played larger venues in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, they maintain that the Airlie Beach Hotel remains a place that inspires them and their music the most. Geed Up is a vibrant ensemble of six diverse talents, each bringing their own flair t
Read the full storySeptember 12, 2024
American-born Australian-favourite Arj Barker is touring Australia to perform ‘The Mind Field’. In ‘The Mind Field’ Arj will have audiences laughing in their seat whilst also walking away thinking about life differently. We spoke to Arj ahead of his performance and he said the show was born from the idea that “everything is a giant mind field.” “There are some people that think consciousness is the source of everything, as opposed to matter. It's a big argument and in established science,
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