By Amanda Wright With the dust barely settled on a national election night, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has already rolled up his sleeves. Re-elected with an increased two-party preferred swing of 1.76 per cent at the time of print, Mr Willcox defied the national trend to claim victory in one of Queensland’s most diverse and industrious electorates. His campaign, driven by on-the-ground community engagement and a clear commitment to Dawson’s future, secured 62.18 per cent of the tw
Read the full storyIn an amazing turn-out, over 240 competitors participated in both the ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge and MINI MACH Adventure Challenge over the ANZAC long weekend. Finch Hatton RSL was the new Head Quarters, and the choice to move to that particular location was an excellent one. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. The venue was shared with the RSL’s ANZAC Day celebrations, adding a unique and respectful atmosphere to the event. The MTB stage featured the popular Fi
Read the full storyA spur-of-the-moment decision saw 20-year-old Mac Rogers change the trajectory of his life when he came across an ad for the YouFor2032 Olympic Testing Sessions and decided to give it a try. After tests that included the beep test, sprints, pull-ups, and detailed physical measurements such as height, wingspan, and body composition, the combined data revealed that Mac had the potential to excel in as many as five sports. He was told he could succeed in beach volleyball, pole vault, boxing, cano
Read the full storyProserpine Golf Club celebrated its centenary in style with a three-day golf festival over the weekend. Friday kicked off with a 9-hole competition followed by sunset canapés, with ticket options including golf and gift packs or an evening of gourmet treats. Saturday upped the ante with an 18-hole showdown and a celebration dinner, offering a three-course feast and great company. The festivities wrapped up on Sunday with a 3-Ball Ambrose event, where teams were invited to tee off in a friendl
Read the full storyProserpine will come alive with colour, creativity and community spirit when the Rock Wallaby Festival comes to Proserpine from 8 to 11 May 2025. This event will celebrate local art, music and culture, with an exciting lineup of exhibitions, workshops, entertainment and family-friendly activities. The festivities begin on Thursday, 8 May, with the official Festival and Exhibition Opening Night from 6pm to 8pm. The evening will feature the announcement of the Art Exhibition winners, the launch o
Read the full storyThe family business behind a proposal for an Australian-first, immersive dinosaur experience and mini-golf course on the main street of Airlie Beach, has come forward to address a growing number of community concerns around the look and theme of the project. A representative for ‘Jurassic Falls Pty Ltd’, said contrary to some opinions expressed on local social media sites, this was not about bringing “tacky, fake fibreglass dinosaurs” to town. “Our Australian-themed dinosaurs are hyper-realist
Read the full storySet on a level 1,133m² block at the end of a quiet culde-
sac, this fully renovated beach house combines
relaxed coastal living with stunning ocean views
across Hideaway Bay and the Whitsundays. Elevated
yet easily accessible, the home offers ample space
for large vehicles and boats, with dedicated boat
parking, two undercover carports, four additional car
spaces, and beautifully manicured gardens. Inside,
the light-filled, double-storey layout features an
open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge area that flows
onto a spacious balcony, perfect for entertaining.
The stylish kitchen includes stone benchtops, a
central island, and high-end appliances, while airconditioning
throughout ensures year-round comfort.
The master suite upstairs is a peaceful retreat with
its own balcony, built-in robes, a sleek ensuite, and
breathtaking sea views. Downstairs, three additional
bedrooms with built-ins share a second bathroom
and access to a private alfresco space—ideal for dual
living, guests, or Airbnb. With quality fittings, two
40,000L rainwater tanks, a workshop/storage area,
and a solid, low-maintenance brick build, this home
is move-in ready. Just minutes from Montes and
Cape Gloucester Eco Resorts, this property offers the
ultimate coastal lifestyle.
May 8, 2025
Agricultural Voices Strengthen QRIDA Board With Historic Appointments Queensland’s farmers and regional businesses will benefit from strengthened leadership at the state’s rural support agency, with four new appointments to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) Board – each bringing deep roots in agriculture, regional development and the private sector. The Queensland Government’s renewed focus on rural resilience and economic growth is reflected in the announcem
Read the full storyMay 8, 2025
By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
Read the full storyMay 8, 2025
May marks Queensland Small Business Month – a time to recognise the contribution small businesses make to our community, our economy and our way of life. From early morning starts to late-night bookkeeping, small business owners do it all – with passion, purpose and persistence. At Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, we don’t just bank with small businesses, we champion them. We know that behind every small business is a person, or often, a family, working hard to make ends meet, create o
Read the full storyMay 8, 2025
Results For Week Ending Sunday 27 April 2025 Monday 21 April 2025 – 6 Table Howell Green Points (Nation Wide Pairs) North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Ian Cruickshank - Mary Cruickshank 2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 2nd Andrew Canavan - Jan Harris 3rd Margaret Lane - Barbara Tait 3rd Ken Seaniger - Nancy Martin Tuesday Evening 22 April 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Christine Morrison - Glen Cocup 1st Noel Bugeia - Eric Goodc
Read the full storyMay 8, 2025
The Rays Community Cricket Program is launching fresh opportunities for Term 2, following the outstanding success of the Girls Only Rays Blast Programs. This next chapter introduces a fun and inclusive cricket experience, featuring a modified game format tailored to help young players build confidence and develop their skills in a positive environment. Girls aged 8–12 years can continue their cricket journey with a new format that blends learning with gameplay. Each 90-minute session kick
Read the full storyMay 8, 2025
Months of hard training paid off for the Shito-Ryu Karate Club in Bucasia at the Traditional Japanese Karate National Championships, held recently in Adelaide. This was the third year the club attended the national competition and the team was rewarded with an impressive haul of nine gold, one silver, and two bronze medals across both individual and team events. Congratulations to Helle, Tim, Logan, Nathanial and Aksel on their outstanding achievements. The five-member team’s dedication
Read the full storyMay 8, 2025
Proserpine will come alive with colour, creativity and community spirit when the Rock Wallaby Festival comes to Proserpine from 8 to 11 May 2025. This event will celebrate local art, music and culture, with an exciting lineup of exhibitions, workshops, entertainment and family-friendly activities. The festivities begin on Thursday, 8 May, with the official Festival and Exhibition Opening Night from 6pm to 8pm. The evening will feature the announcement of the Art Exhibition winners, the launch o
Read the full storyMay 9, 2025
Friday 9th May ** Crochet & Conversation 9am Join a welcoming morning of crochet, coffee, and conversation with Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. All skill levels welcome—just look for the yarn to find the table. Connection and creativity guaranteed. Bucasia Beachfront Bar and Restaurant MMC Morning Tea & Cent Sale 9.30am Enjoy a delightful morning at the Morning Tea & Cent Sale on Friday 9 May fro
Read the full storyMay 8, 2025
Get ready to dust off your flared jeans and platform shoes, The Yachtski Brothers are cruising into Airlie Beach for a weekend of retro grooves and outrageous fun as part of the Airlie Beach Hotel’s 57th birthday celebrations. Making their Queensland debut, the band is known for their high-energy performances, vintage fashion, and a stage show that’s as much theatre as it is music. Drummer and Manager Tom Coppolas said the group is thrilled to be bringing their unique act north. Tom said The Y
Read the full storyMay 8, 2025
Bowen State High School is set to bring the house down with its production of ‘School of Rock’, a high-energy musical based on the 2003 Paramount film. The story follows wannabe rock star Dewey Finn, who poses as a substitute teacher and secretly transforms his straight-A students into a rock band in time for the Battle of the Bands. Featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Julian Fellowes, ‘School of Rock’ has enjoyed global success and now the Bowen stude
Read the full storyMay 8, 2025
The Airlie Beach Hotel is turning 57, and following last years spectacular birthday, the pub is turning up the volume for this year! To kick off the birthday, ‘The Yachtski Brothers’ will be hitting the stage, they will be bringing a vibe to the party that has never been seen before. Although their vibe is unmatched, The Pub is urging all of you to get up in 70’s and 80’s gear, a vibe many remember. Everyone is encouraged to get dressed up and arrive in style. There will also be Birthday Cake
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