For Rhythm And The Reef 2025 Mackay shook, sang, and danced like never before as Rhythm and The Reef 2025 smashed records, drawing over 7,200 fans across two unforgettable days. The festival kicked off with an exclusive Friday pre-party at McGuire’s Hotel before erupting into full swing at Meadowlands Amphitheatre on Saturday, 23 August. Award-winning Amy Shark headlined, backed by a powerhouse mix of Australian favourites and rising local stars, delivering a performance that had music lovers o
Read the full storyMackay residents are being urged to roll up their sleeves and help save lives, with Lifeblood and Mayor Greg Williamson highlighting the importance of blood and plasma donations. Lifeblood spokeswoman Gwendolyne Camaret said the impact of a single donation could be profound. “One donation can save up to three lives. Our recipients include cancer patients, people undergoing surgery, car accident victims and more,” she said. Camaret said while Mackay’s donor centre had been kept busy, the
Read the full story30km Sewer Main & Infrastructure Set To Fast Track Growth More than 6,250 new homes will be unlocked following a funding announcement of $53.5 million which is set to deliver three critical projects in the Burdekin electorate which encompasses Bowen and Collinsville. This project has been fast-tracked under the State Government’s landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund. The Residential Activation Fund will deliver a $33 million boost towards the $35 million Build Bowen South – Utilities
Read the full storyPolice are appealing for public assistance to help locate a 42-year-old man missing from Bowen since 19 August. Brett Breeze was last seen leaving a health facility at Gregory Street around 4.30pm on Tuesday and has not been seen since. Brett is described as Caucasian, approximately 180cm tall, with a solid build, auburn hair and blue eyes. Brett was last seen wearing a blue long sleeve fishing shirt, black shorts and sneakers with a dark coloured backpack. Police and family hold concerns fo
Read the full storyThe Bowen Visitor Information Centre has been officially recognised as the best in its category, taking out “Visitor Information Centre of the Year” at the Queensland Information Centre’s Association (QICA) Awards. Three team members of Bowen Tourism and Business attended the annual QICA conference in Moreton Bay last week. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, paid tribute to the entire team of staff, volunteers and committee. She also thanked Whitsunday Regional Council f
Read the full storyBowen State School marked a major milestone on Saturday, celebrating its 160th birthday with a day full of pride, nostalgia, and community spirit. The event attracted a large crowd of past and present students, families, and staff, all gathering to honour the school’s rich history. Among the special guests was Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, a proud past student of the school. He was invited to lead the roll call, reading out the names of past students by decade from the 1930s to the
Read the full storyIf you’ve ever dreamed of living in a private resort, but
still want to duck out to Whitsunday Plaza or Airlie
Beach for coffee – welcome to the unicorn of acreage
properties. Tightly held for 20 years and now finally
offered to the market, this 3.18-hectare (7.8-acre)
estate is the ultimate blend of luxury, lifestyle and
location.
Let’s start with the fun stuff. A resort-style pool with a
rock waterfall and twisting waterslide brings serious
wow factor, while a nearby firepit sets the mood for
starlit evenings and toasted marshmallows. The fully
fenced tennis court is ready for competitive family
matches, and the surrounding bushland privacy
provides space for peaceful wandering or future
infrastructure. For those needing serious storage, the
6.3m x 18m boat shed with 4.2m clearance (including
front carport) is an absolute standout – complete with
a fully lined and air-conditioned workshop at the rear.
The executive-designed home is made for
entertaining, with a sleek stainless-steel galley
kitchen, sunroom/air-conditioned office, spacious
open-plan living, and a large laundry/utility room
to keep life humming. Downstairs, the master suite
offers comfort and privacy with a generous ensuite,
while upstairs becomes a child’s dream zone – loftstyle
sleeping quarters & more, a games retreat,
and a massive shaded deck that feels like a private
treehouse.
August 29, 2025
I’ve always said Mackay punches well above its weight when it comes to things to do, and last weekend really proved the point. The RIN Awards kicked things off on Friday night, hosted by none other than Ed Kavalee. It also happened to be my husband’s birthday, so I figured, why not blend work with celebration? We’re big Ed fans from Have You Been Paying Attention?, so that was my cheeky sales pitch for working on his big day. From there it was straight into Rhythm and the Reef on Saturday
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2025
A local mum has shared heartfelt appreciation for the emergency department (ED) team, highlighting the compassion and professionalism of staff during a recent visit. “We were there Monday afternoon, sent via GP (tried to avoid) and they were so busy but the triage nurses were amazing, calm and thorough,” she said. The mum, who attended with her three children, described the challenges of the waiting area. “It took me an hour to even get through triage, but I could see how thorough the c
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2025
Election day for the Mackay Regional Council by-election is this Saturday 30 August but unlike recent council elections in Mackay, there is no in-person voting at polling booths on Saturday. “All Mackay voters have been sent ballot materials in the post,” Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said. “Please follow the instruction on your postal ballot envelope and on the ballot paper carefully to ensure your vote counts. This includes signing the declaration envelope and making sure the envel
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2025
Mackay roared with the thrill of international cricket over the weekend, as the BKT Tyres ODI series between Australia and South Africa delivered both heartbreak and historic triumphs at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. Our coastal city proved it could host world-class sport, with fans witnessing performances that will be talked about amongst cricket fanatics for generations to come. The series opened on Friday night, August 22, with a tense contest, as South Africa silenced the home crowd,
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2025
Mackay SLSC “Guardians of Harbour Beach since 1950” are kicking off the start of their season with a Sign On Day, Sunday the 31st of August from 9am – 11am at the surf club located at Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach. The Surf Club is holding “come and try” days for the whole of September. With surf education, fitness and beach skill activities, as well as a whole lot of fun being held from 8.45am each Sunday. The Nipper’s family will provide stinger suits, boards and all other equipment
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2025
District Champ Of Champ Triples The District Champ of Champ Triples were played across two days at the Marian Bowls Club, beginning Wednesday, 13th August, with the final contested on Thursday, 14th August 2025. The final saw Airlie Beach face off against North Mackay in a thrilling clash full of surprises, skill, and steady nerves. Heading into the last end it was anyone’s game, but Airlie Beach held firm to secure victory by just one point. Congratulations to all who took part in this
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2025
The past 12 months have been nothing short of remarkable for Whitsundays-based actor Jean-Pierre Yerma (JP) who has added a string of major credits to his growing career. After years of honing his craft at NIDA and Sydney’s Actors Pulse, JP has seen his hard work pay off with back-to-back roles that highlight his versatility on screen. “It’s been incredible,” he said. “The roles coming my way recently have been doctors, fathers and witnesses—there’s definitely a theme, but each one has been rew
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2025
Friday 29 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Graham Rix (from 8pm) KC's: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm) Saturday 30 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Luke Combs (Tribute Show) (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: DJ Schae KC's: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Sunday 31 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Luke Combs(Tribute Show) (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Grand
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2025
August 31 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am September 2 Social Seniors - Coffee and Chat, Proserpine Library, from 9am 2 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 5 Don River Dash 300 Day 1, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm 3 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 6 Don River Dash 300 Day 2, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm **7 Father’s Day ** 7 Don River Dash 300 Day 3, Various Alon
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2025
For Rhythm And The Reef 2025 Mackay shook, sang, and danced like never before as Rhythm and The Reef 2025 smashed records, drawing over 7,200 fans across two unforgettable days. The festival kicked off with an exclusive Friday pre-party at McGuire’s Hotel before erupting into full swing at Meadowlands Amphitheatre on Saturday, 23 August. Award-winning Amy Shark headlined, backed by a powerhouse mix of Australian favourites and rising local stars, delivering a performance that had music lovers o
Read the full storyAugust 29, 2025
The St Patrick's College Cultural Showcase is being held on Thursday 4 September at the Bluewater Quay, in conjunction with the Riverside Markets. Join us as we celebrate the incredible talents of our students, showcasing captivating performances from a variety of college ensembles. Whether you’re a fan of rhythmic beats or melodious harmonies, the lineup has something for everyone. Including performances from the College Band, Drum Corp, Choir, Percussion Group, Stage Band and the lively
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