By Amanda Wright The unmistakable scent of race fuel, scorched rubber and hot chips hung in the air, as the roar of engines echoed through Palmyra for the 2025 Sugar City Titles, a full-throttle festival of speed and spirit. From pint-sized prodigies to silver-haired speedsters aged 6 to 68, the Mackay and District Kart Club was alive with heart-pounding hairpins, high-speed skids and flag-flying finishes. With Mayor Greg Williamson on the starter’s line and legendary race caller Kev Davies at t
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There were plenty of smiles, hugs, and happy tears at the MECC last Thursday as more than 150 local students graduated from CQUniversity. The 2025 graduation ceremony brought together proud families, friends, and supporters, all eager to cheer on their loved ones as they crossed the stage – marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. This year's graduates came from a wide range of fields, including medical sonography, education, psychology, music, nursing, accounting and
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A 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
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This week's Pet of the Week is two-year-old Arab x Greyhound with a heart as big as his paws. This loveable long-termer was rescued from death row at the Burdekin pound and is now looking for his second chance at happiness. Currently being fostered in Brandy Creek, Timmy is a playful, affectionate companion who adores running, zoomies, and hanging out with his foster brothers. He’s fantastic with kids of all ages, submissive with other dogs, and even good with cats. Timmy would thrive in a hom
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Each May is Queensland Small Business Month so it's time to celebrate all small businesses and the vital contribution they make to our state's economy and to our community. To celebrate Queensland Small Business Month, Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a special event with guest speakers Dominique Lamb, Queensland Small Business Commissioner, The Hon. Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, and Mayor Ry Collins, Whitsunday Regional Council. These inspiring leaders came together
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Proserpine 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
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Tucked away in lush rainforest with sweeping
sea views, this split-level timber retreat offers
peace, privacy, and postcard perfection. Designed
by renowned local architect Chris Beckingham,
the home blends open-plan living with luxurious,
retreat-style nooks and wraparound decking that
invites the outside in.
• Boutique retreat feel with open, airy, split-level
layout
• Designed by Chris Beckingham, known for
timeless tropical homes
• Glistening Whitsunday views from nearly every
living space
• Backs onto protected 22,500-hectare national
park reserve
• Spa, decks, and breezes for relaxed rainforest
living
Town water, solar power, five minutes from town
Full Pre-Purchase Pest & Building Inspection
Report available
May 29, 2025
As Bowen’s Big Mango celebrated its birthday on the weekend, this iconic tourist attraction has been very busy in recent weeks. It is expected to become even busier in the months ahead with so many people from the southern states heading to Bowen for the winter to escape the cooler weather in NSW and Victoria. Bowen’s Big Mango is located on the Bruce Highway 5km south of Bowen, right next to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre. It was erected in May 2002, so it has just turned 23 years old.
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May 28, 2025
Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has today been appointed as the Federal Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities, a portfolio focused on cultivating Australia’s national interests and strengthening the economy. “I am truly honoured to take on this role and welcome the faith placed in me by Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud,” Mr. Willcox said. “Manufacturing is a large contributing factor in our Australian economy, starting right here in Dawson, from south
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May 22, 2025
For many Australians living with disability or in care, life is lived on the edge of ‘just enough’. Enough to get by. Enough to pay for essentials. Enough to survive week to week. But what about joy? What about belonging, adventure, dignity… what about living? A weekend away with family. Tickets to see a favourite band live. A visit to a distant cultural site or ancestral Country. These are the kinds of experiences that bring meaning and connection – but for many locals living with disability,
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May 22, 2025
The City Ladies held another fantastic weekend of bowls over the May Day weekend. Each day had a full green, with Ladies Fours on Saturday and Mixed Fours on Sunday. The Marie Gravino Shield was won by Shirley Sturgeon, Anna Knight, Emma Pash and Dawn Field on Saturday. The shield was donated by Marie’s family in her honour. She was a long-time member of the Ladies Club, and held the position of Junior Vice for several years. On Sunday, the Mixed Team winners were R. Harris, P. Rintoul, R. Rin
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May 22, 2025
Well Done to Mackay Club members Ian and Mary Cruickshank who were members of the Reil Team to take out third place in the restricted team event at the Barrier Reef Congress. Saturday saw the playing of the third GNOT event with members vying for coveted Gold Points. Fourteen teams competed, with team Bugeia the ultimate winners of the day. Weekly Results Monday 12 May 2025 –7 Table Mitchell Green Points **N/S E/W ** 1st Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 2n
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May 22, 2025
After two rain-soaked postponements, the sun finally smiled on the Marian Ladies Bowls Club as they hosted their much-anticipated annual Harvest Triples on Monday, 12 May 2025. With a full green of 16 teams, players were eager to hit the turf and enjoy two spirited games of bowls. Laughter, friendly competition, and fine form were all in abundance throughout the day. Alongside the on-green action, visitors also enjoyed a popular cent sale and browsed a delightful selection of plants and handma
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May 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
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May 23, 2025
Celebrating their 5-year anniversary, Rhythm and the Reef brings a 5-star lineup for the 2025 event – with presale tickets going live 4pm, May 28. Held in Mackay, Queensland, Rhythm and the Reef will play out over the August 22-23 weekend – including an exclusive VIP pre-party at McGuires Hotel on the Friday night, all ages music festival at Meadowlands Amphitheatre (Botanic Gardens) on the Saturday from 1-10pm and more to be announced. Thanks to Naming Rights Partner FMS Group and radio
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May 23, 2025
Friday 23rd May Mackay Outdoor Adventure Expo 8am The Mackay Expo returns in May 2025, promising three action-packed days as the region’s largest event of its kind. Featuring everything from caravans and 4x4s to camping gear, boats, and home improvement products, it’s a must for outdoor adventurers and home enthusiasts alike. With live demos, expert advice, and exclusive deals, it’s the ultimate showcase of lifestyle, leisure, and living. Mackay Showgrounds Crochet & Conversation 9am Jo
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May 22, 2025
Imagine living in a world where reality is constantly shifting – where the past and the present mix with the imagination, and paranoia creeps in. Based on a play by French writer Florian Zeller, The Father was released as a film in 2020, featuring Anthony Hopkins as an elderly father in the advanced stages of dementia. The film was nominated for six academy awards, as well as best actor (Hopkins) and best supporting actress (Olivia Colman). The stage play is now coming to Kucom Theatre i
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The countdown is on to one of Mackay’s most loved community events — and this year’s Family Fun Day is set to be bigger, brighter and more joyful than ever. Hosted by Mackay Hospital Foundation and presented by Gardian, the much-anticipated event will roll into BB Print Stadium on Sunday 1 June from 10am to 2pm, bringing with it a full program of free rides, family entertainment and live performances. Entry is $10 for children aged over two, with adults free — and the one-time ticket pri
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