Seniors Month Kicks Off In Style At Mackay Expo The Mackay Seniors Expo was a resounding success on Tuesday, October 14, attracting around 2,000 community members to The Big Shed at Mackay Showgrounds. Featuring over 80 exhibitors, the event offered seniors, carers, and families access to vital services, programs, and information to enhance quality of life and community connection. As part of Queensland’s state-wide Seniors Month celebrations, the expo provided a vibrant platform for engageme
Read the full storyTrivia And Cent Sale To Support Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group An afternoon of fun, laughter, and community spirit is on the way, with the Member for Mackay’s Trivia & Cent Sale Fundraiser set to take place on Sunday, 26 October 2025, at the 500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds. Hosted by Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP, the event will raise vital funds for the Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group, which provides essential care and assistance to local women and families affected by breast cance
Read the full storyFrom Social Media To Live Performance - Tones & I Lights Up Bowen! On 14 October 2025, Bowen came alive as Australian superstar Tones & I performed live in the coastal town. The concert was the result of a six-month Facebook campaign by local fan Katie English, whose persistence brought one of the country’s biggest stars to the region. Hundreds of locals and visitors turned out to enjoy her infectious energy and chart-topping hits, including Dance Monkey. The event was more th
Read the full storyBowen came together to celebrate a significant milestone for the South Sea Islander community, marking 25 years since the Queensland Government officially recognised their contribution to the region. The South Sea Islander people have long been an integral part of Bowen and the surrounding areas, contributing to the town’s cultural, social, and economic fabric. The celebration was a chance to acknowledge their history, achievements, and enduring connection to the region. For local families the
Read the full storyThe Airlie Beach community is taking action against motor neurone disease (MND) with a massive fundraising festival called The Big Freeze set to take place on 25 October at Club Whitsunday. The family-friendly event will feature a giant ice slide, live entertainment, and a full day of activities. “The Big Freeze is a homegrown Airlie Beach initiative, and we are overwhelmed by how our local community has come together as a force to make it happen,” said organiser Katrina Chaplin. Funds raised
Read the full storyLocals and visitors have been very excited about the launch of the Big Mango coin by the Royal Australian Mint and Australia Post. When the Bowen Visitor Information Centre received their first quota of coins for sale, they sold out in just 43 minutes. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said people were lined up at the centre from 7.30am and the centre did not open until 9am. “It really was like a Boxing Day sale in the city,” she said. The good news is that the Visitor
Read the full storyTucked away in a quiet court within the ever-popular Whitsunday Acres estate, this Moloko-built home combines space, style and functionality on a flat 1,026m² allotment with no rear neighbour – backing onto beautifully landscaped reserve.
October 16, 2025
Local resident Cara Robinson has shared her heartfelt gratitude for two ambulance officers who came to her aid during a frightening late-night medical emergency. “I’d like to do a shout out to the beautiful, kind and caring ambulance ladies that helped me in the middle of the night,” Cara said. “Rosie and Kealie, you two are legends!” Cara explained that she had been suddenly struck by illness and was caught completely off guard. “And for everyone in the community, there is a nasty strain of s
Read the full storyOctober 9, 2025
Meals on Wheels Proserpine is calling for community support, with an urgent need for volunteers to help deliver and cook meals and help those in need. At the organisation’s Annual General Meeting held in late September the ongoing shortage of volunteers was highlighted as a major concern. Meals on Wheels Proserpine is currently seeking kitchen volunteers, delivery drivers, and people interested in helping to organise fundraising initiatives. The service provides nutritious meals and social co
Read the full storyOctober 9, 2025
The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) have imposed a local fire ban for residents in the Whitsunday Local Government Areas. The fire ban was placed from 12:01am on Wednesday 8 October. The current conditions are perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly. Under a local fire ban all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been suspended for the duration of the ban. Power tools may be used during a local fire ban however
Read the full storyOctober 9, 2025
It was a shorter than usual week at Proserpine Golf Club, with the course closed from late Sunday through Tuesday for greens renovations. Despite the interruption, conditions for the remainder of the week were beautifully dry, although blustery breezes made play a little more challenging than usual. Spirits were high, however, with plenty of laughs during the 3-Ball Ambrose held on Rugby League Grand Final Sunday. Thursday, October 2 The October Monthly Medal, sponsored by Loot Pay, saw some t
Read the full storyOctober 9, 2025
On Tuesday, we had two triples games. The winners in a close match were Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, and Margaret Wilson, who defeated Gordon Querro, Deb Rethcless, and Gavin Charles. In the other game, Karen Smith, S. Jones, and Ray Deal defeated Cliff Querro, Gary Smith, and Alby Vigar. The jackpot didn’t go off. Our ladies have commenced a monster raffle to help fund their trip to Tweed Heads at the end of the month for the State Pennant Finals. With over $1400 worth of prizes generously don
Read the full storyOctober 9, 2025
It was probably the biggest weekend of the year for the men, brilliantly arranged by Men’s President Bob McMahon. But before we get to the main event, let’s recap the week’s action. Tuesday Afternoon (30 Sept) saw 18 bowlers play out three very close games. Third place went to Carol Crosbie’s team with 16 points, second place to Tony Whitehorn’s team on 17 points, and the overall winners on 19 points were skipper Betty Whitehorn with strong support from the most improved new bowler, Mel Fennell
Read the full storySeptember 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
Read the full storyOctober 2, 2025
The Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre have excitingly unveiled a new initiative titled, Connecting Community Through Art to foster creativity and wellbeing among participants. Since 1976, the ageing and disability activities centre has provided vital support and engaging programs for the Whitsunday Shire, and Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre’s Chief Executive, Jayne Milne hopes this new community development project will continue enriching the lives of locals. “The artwork created by our pa
Read the full storyOctober 2, 2025
Monique van Tulder’s bestselling book may have started at her kitchen bench in Shute Harbour, but today, it’s putting the Whitsundays on the national stage. “I wrote the first draft at the kitchen bench in Shute Harbour,” said Monique. “And now I’m on TV talking about Grown Up’s Gap Years, travel, and the region that opens my book’s first chapter.” Monique’s tourism roots in the region stretch back to 1988, when she began her career as Marketing Assistant at Whitsunday Rent A Yacht, following
Read the full storyOctober 2, 2025
Amped Up Youth Music Initiative is a community-led program with a clear purpose—empowering young people through music and performance. Operating across the Whitsundays, Amped Up! creates opportunities for youth aged 5 to 21 to build confidence, showcase their abilities, and connect with others in a safe and encouraging space. Driven by a passion for youth wellbeing and suicide prevention, the program is much more than a performance outlet. It represents a movement that values creativity, resil
Read the full storySeptember 26, 2025
For A Celebration Of The World’s Greatest One Hit Wonders! From the award-winning creators of Golden and Lovely Day comes a brand-new music experience that will have audiences singing along from start to finish. Wonder celebrates the greatest one hit wonders of all time, brought to life by three of Australia’s finest performers, country music star Brooke Schubert (The Voice Australia, Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols), theatre icon Marcus Corowa (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,
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