Mackay Life

Community-Loved Historian Named 2026 Mackay Region Citizen Of The Year

By Hannah McNamara

Meet Pheobe

108 Years On

In Loving Memory Of Sahara

Featured Property

Beach Private “Gated” Unit Complex -Handy to Beach

Beds

Baths

Cars

✔

Pool

Cars

Private “gated” Unit Complex

3 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

Ensuite

Double story

Previously let at $580 per week

Swimming Pool

Garage Parking

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Whitsunday Life

Local Sports Clubs Win Big As New Season Kicks -Off

Local Sports Clubs Win Big As New Season Kicks -Off Local sporting clubs across the Whitsundays received a boost on Tuesday with the delivery of new marquees, providing valuable support for events, competitions and community activities throughout the region. The Whitsunday Sea Eagles AFL Club, Whitsunday Triathlon Club and Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union were thrilled to receive the new additions, which will help create welcoming spaces for athletes, volunteers and supporters alike. Chairman of Club Whitsunday Justin Butler said he is extremely thankful to Amanda Camm MP for the donation of marquees and grants for local sport clubs. “We'd like to thank Amanda for the not only the marquees, but for the Gambling Community Programme that our sports are always involved in and applying for, and winning and driving infrastructure for sport in a growing town,” he said. “It’s a constant battle against the sun up here, it’s getting hotter and it has always been a constant battle. “Between all the different sporting associations that use the Sportspark, we would have 30 marquees, and we need four to five new ones every single year. So, this is a great initiative.” Continued on page 3 GAMES ON! Program Up And Running Continued from cover Going into the 2026, the Whitsunday Sportspark and Club Whitsunday are ready for the busy season to start. “It's all firing up. This is actually the first week where all of our winter codes are back on deck and training,” said Chairman of Club Whitsunday Justin Butler. “It's back to the Sportspark being busy every night of the week, and it's only another month or so, and the weekend games start up. “The Mackay sides will be coming up and our swords will be heading down there and that's a good thing for the town and the economy and the club and everything else.” Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said she encourages local sporting clubs across the Whitsundays to apply for a share of $30 million which is now available under Round 2 of the Queensland Government’s ‘Games On!’ program. Ms Camm said the launch of Round 2 reinforces the State Government’s commitment to delivering a strong legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with real benefits flowing to grassroots sport in regional communities like the Whitsundays. “This is about making sure the Whitsundays sees real and lasting benefits from the Games,” Ms Camm said. “Games On! funding will help local clubs upgrade facilities, improve accessibility, and support greater participation in sport right across our region.” Ms Camm said local clubs were encouraged to come forward with shovel-ready projects. “Our sporting clubs are at the heart of Whitsunday communities,” she said. “This funding is an opportunity to strengthen facilities, support volunteers, and ensure locals of all ages can get involved in sport close to home.” Captions 1 Sports clubs in the Whitsundays are happy with their new marquees. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie 2 Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union happy with their program funding. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

Whitsundays Celebrates Community Achievers On Australia Day

Meet Max

Pet Of The Week Meet Sally

Featured Property

SAPPHIRE – Lot 2 Now Avaliable

Beds

Baths

Cars

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Pool

Cars

Strong momentum continues at SAPPHIRE, with Lot 1
now secured under contract and buyer focus shifting to
the release of Lot 2.
Lot 2 SAPPHIRE offers a standout off-the-plan
opportunity, showcasing an impressive 5-bedroom
(or 4-bedroom plus study) residence of approximately
400m². The home has been carefully designed to
deliver modern coastal luxury within one of the
Whitsundays’ most exclusive and tightly held locations.
With construction already underway, buyers have
a rare opportunity to secure early and personalise
selected finishes in partnership with an interior
designer. Featuring solid concrete construction,
premium materials, and a timeless architectural
approach, SAPPHIRE has been created for enduring
quality, longevity, and elevated lifestyle appeal.
Combined with super-low body corporate fees, strong
market demand, and an anticipated completion in
early 2026, Lot 2 SAPPHIRE presents a compelling
opportunity to secure a refined coastal residence at
a pivotal stage — where considered design, quality
craftsmanship, and exceptional lifestyle come
together in one of the Whitsundays’ most sought-after
addresses.

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Whitsunday Open Homes Times

Editor in Chief, Life Publishing Group

Rachael has been with the company for more than 10 years and is dedicated to supporting and nurturing journalists as they begin—and then grow—within their craft. Each week, she selects an Editor’s Pick to celebrate an outstanding locally written story. “

We are part of the regional print-news revival, and our talented journalists are at the heart of this”

Local Sports Clubs Win Big As New Season Kicks -Off

Drop in witrh Daniel 6 February

Hello everyone, I write today with some sad news. This will be my last edition writing for Whitsunday Life as I venture back to Adelaide to dive into a new role and to be closer to family and friends. The Whitsundays has been my home for almost two years, and I am deeply grateful for the experience. It’s a beautiful part of the world and there’s nowhere better I could have begun my professional career. I would like to begin by thanking my incredible colleagues. Chelsea, Hannah, Jacob, Victoria and Sebastian have been not only outstanding journalists, but genuinely wonderful people to work alongside. A special thank you also to Ruth, who recently moved on but absolutely deserves recognition. It was a privilege to work with her, we challenged and encouraged one another to continually grow and improve. Thank you to the extended staff at Life Publishing Group, Trish, Trisha, Georgia, Lara, Taylor, Tania, Sherie, Jack and Marc. Thank you to Bec and Douth for building the business and finally a big thank you to Rachael for being my mentor and trusting me to develop my skills and produce this paper every week. During my almost two years with the company, I have been up the coast to launch Hinchinbrook Life, embraced the Whitsunday community and told countless stories. Finally thank you to the Whitsunday community and business community for their ongoing support. From community groups and volunteers to small businesses, industry leaders, sports groups and clubs, tourism operators, council and government your stories have shaped the pages of this paper and thank you for your support and generosity. Sharing your stories has been a privilege, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me during my time. For now, it’s goodbye but I leave you in the capable hands of our new Whitsunday journalist Sebastian Conidi. Thank you Whitsundays for the unforgettable experience. Daniel

Eastwoods Hosts Thank-You Dinner For Eco Barge Volunteers

Eco Barge extends its sincere thanks to Eastwoods Dining & Bar for their generous support of local volunteers who assisted with the coastline clean-up following ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji. On Sunday, 25 January, Eastwoods Dining & Bar hosted Eco Barge volunteers and staff for a special thank-you dinner, recognising the considerable effort, time and commitment shown by volunteers in the aftermath of the cyclone. The evening provided a welcome opportunity for those involved to pause, reconnect and acknowledge the difference their work has made to the local environment. Moved by the dedication shown throughout the clean-up effort, Eastwoods offered the Eco Barge community a shared dining experience as a genuine gesture of appreciation. Guests enjoyed a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, good food and thoughtful hospitality, creating a space for conversation and reflection. Throughout the evening, volunteers shared stories from the clean-up, reflected on the challenges faced and celebrated what had been achieved together. The gathering highlighted the strong sense of community that emerges when local businesses and volunteers work side by side to care for the coastline. Eco Barge sincerely thanks Eastwoods Dining & Bar for their generosity and support, and acknowledges every volunteer who contributed their time and energy to helping restore and protect the local coastline.