The Heart of Our Region

The Mackay City Centre has long been recognised as the vibrant heart of the region, offering an inviting blend of local character, coastal charm and community spirit. From its warm, tropical atmosphere to its walkable streets and welcoming public spaces, the City Centre provides an experience that feels both relaxed and full of opportunity. Whether stopping in for a morning coffee, browsing boutique retailers, enjoying a treatment at a local beautician or settling in for dinner at one of the area’s many restaurants, the City Centre continues to offer something for everyone.

Local businesses remain central to what makes the Mackay City Centre such a distinctive destination. These establishments include cafés where staff greet you by name, beauticians who provide personalised care, restaurants that champion regional flavours and real estate agencies that are deeply connected to the community. Each business contributes to the City Centre’s identity and helps create a place that is not only commercially active but also genuinely welcoming.

As the region grows, the City Centre continues to evolve while embracing new ideas, supporting local talent and fostering spaces where people can meet, relax and celebrate. Despite ongoing development, it retains the approachable and down to earth charm that residents and visitors have always valued.

This feature highlights a selection of the many cafés, beauticians, restaurants, real estate professionals and specialty retailers who help keep the Mackay City Centre thriving. Their dedication, creativity and community focus ensure the precinct remains one of the premier destinations in the region.

Whether you are exploring for the first time or returning to familiar favourites, the Mackay City Centre offers a uniquely local experience that reflects the heart of the community.

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Redefining Skin Health In Mackay

Formerly known as Alli’s Beauty, Skin Transformations has proudly served Mackay since 2012. Locally owned and operated, the clinic is celebrated for exceptional service, transformative results, and loyal client relationships.

Founded by Allison Bekker—an Enrolled Nurse and Dermal Therapist with over 19 years of experience—Skin Transformations specialises in advanced Plasma Treatments. Allison is joined by Janeen Kearns, a highly accomplished Dermal Therapist with more than eight years of expertise. Together, they deliver world-class treatments with warmth, integrity, and results-driven precision.
Janeen’s expertise expands the clinic’s scope, offering intraoral facial massage, IPL therapy, skin needling, and chemical peels. Her evidence-based approach ensures safe, effective outcomes tailored to each client’s needs, with profound results in facial sculpting, lymphatic drainage, and muscular release.

More than a beauty clinic, Skin Transformations is a medically aligned space where skin health meets innovation. Allison’s dual expertise bridges cosmetic care with clinical insight, ensuring treatments that are both effective and safe. The clinic is one of the few in Queensland offering Fusion Plasma Pro—a breakthrough for skin tightening, lesion removal, and xanthelasma reduction—as well as Cold Plasma therapy for wound healing, rosacea, diabetic wounds, and more.

June 2026, Skin Transformations will expand into a new premium space at 1/118 Sams Road, styled with clinical elegance and designed for both individual treatments and group bookings.

Book your complimentary consultation today and discover why Skin Transformations is Mackay’s leader in advanced skin health.

Special Offer: Mention this ad to receive $25 off your first treatment

Amazing results can be seen in the before and after shots

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With Roshni By Raj

Mackay’s brunch scene just got a whole lot better with Roshni by Raj stepping boldly into the spotlight, serving up mornings and middays with flair and flavour. Long known for its authentic Indian cuisine, this family-owned favourite has reinvented itself as one of the premier places in the region to dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, blending the spices of India with the classics Australians crave.

Start your day with something traditional, like a Masala dosa, a warming dal, or the Bada Breakfast (‘big’ breakfast in Hindi), a flavour-packed twist on the classic morning feast. For those leaning into familiar brunch favourites, options like smashed avo, bacon and eggs benny, chilli scrambled eggs, or the towering ricotta hotcake ensure there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Lunch continues the celebration of flavour with inventive East-meets-West dishes. The tandoori chicken pizza is an instant standout, butter chicken sliders hit the ultimate comfort-food sweet spot, and the duck bao is a dish you’ll be thinking about long after the last bite. Classics like chicken parmigiana and fresh fish and chips sit comfortably alongside Indian favourites, creating a menu that appeals to every diner.

And coffee lovers, take note: the Freddoccino is Roshni’s viral-worthy showstopper. Exclusive to this spot in Mackay, and perhaps all of North Queensland, it’s a frothy, creamy, ice-cold caffeine masterpiece served in a stylish 500ml can-style cup. It’s smooth, indulgent, and irresistibly photogenic.

With a fresh new interior and a newly renovated private function room that can host up to 140 guests, Roshni is ideal for everything from casual catch-ups to special celebrations.

Book your table today at www.roshni.com.au and discover why Roshni is one of Mackay’s must-visit destinations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Mackay city centre!

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At Woodman's Axe Espresso Bar Mackay

What began as a simple idea to create a space that feels like home has evolved into a hub for the Mackay community. With quality coffee, delicious food, and a welcoming environment, Woodman’s Axe Espresso Bar Mackay has attracted customers who have become familiar faces, friends, and an integral part of its daily rhythm.

This atmosphere fosters what owner Jason Ha describes as a “genuine connection.”

The business continually refines its craft through experimentation.

“Whether it’s refining our roasting profiles, creating new menu items, or improving the shop layout, we always aim to give our customers the best experience,” Jason explained.

“We’re also very community-driven; many of our ideas come directly from customer feedback.”

What sets Woodman's Axe apart from its café counterparts is its combination of consistency, authenticity, and genuine care.

Jason said, “We focus on quality at every level – from our beans and ingredients to the training of our staff.

“We’re not just serving coffee; we’re building a place people feel drawn to. Our team puts heart into what they do, and customers feel that warmth.

“We also try to respond quickly to trends and adapt fast, which keeps us fresh and relevant in a growing region.”

Looking to the future and in line with their commitment to continuous improvement, Woodman's Axe is working on a plan to renovate the entire shop in 2026, promising to usher in a new era.

“We’re excited to introduce more catering offerings, expand our menu options, and create a more refined visual identity for the café. We’re also planning more community engagement, such as events, collaborations, and opportunities to bring people together.”

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Fancy a Platter and a Natter?

The Deli Nook has had you covered since 2019. They are not just a café, but also a deli, caterer, and event space. Offering corporate hampers and gifting, this little shop really does cover it all.

With a love for Mackay, where they both grew up, owners Patrice and Simon enjoy providing their community with high-quality goods. Patrice Zarzecki explains,
“We grew up in Mackay and love our community, providing them with great coffee, food and banter, hearing about what's happening for them, and supporting people and businesses around us.”

The business is also BYO-licensed, so you can bring a bottle of your favourite wine and enjoy one of their platter boxes with a friend. Patrice explained that part of what helps the business stand out from the rest is their unique approach:

“We’re creative, a little quirky, and definitely run in our own lane. Our vision has always been to be that little foodie haven — crafting unique platters, bringing in gourmet deli items you might not have had access to in Mackay, and sharing our love of food with the community.”

“Our platter lunchboxes, for example, are something we created that we haven't seen elsewhere, and let's be honest, who doesn't want their own mini platter box for lunch?”

Looking to the future, the Deli Nook team are very excited to have opened their event space next door. Patrice explains,

“It's a blank canvas for meetings, events and occasions. We also run some of our own events in there, such as platter-making classes and cheese-tasting.”

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Celebrating 80 Years of Local Expertise with Hugh Reilly Real Estate

In a market where experience, consistency, and genuine care are everything, Hugh Reilly Real Estate continues to set the benchmark—80 years strong in 2025. But behind the doors of one of Mackay’s longest-standing real estate agency stands one of the region’s most trusted names in Property Management: Wendy Chatto.

If you don’t have Wendy and her team looking after your investment property, it may be time to ask yourself—why not?

With more than 30 years of hands-on property management experience, Wendy has built a reputation for doing more than just managing properties; she protects investments, nurtures long-term tenancies, and delivers peace of mind. Her knowledge, paired with her unwavering commitment to ethical, professional service, is why generations of Mackay landlords turn to her team year after year.

Wendy believes in Hugh Reilly Real Estate so strongly that she invested in the business herself, becoming a partner—a move that speaks volumes. For Wendy, this isn’t just a job. It’s a responsibility to uphold an 80-year legacy of trust, local insight, and results.

Her leadership has shaped a Property Management division known for integrity, transparency, and exceptional communication. Landlords aren’t just another name on a rent roll – they’re valued clients whose investments deserve the highest level of care.

So if you’re considering who should oversee your rental property, maybe the real question is:

Why would you choose anywhere else?

For professional Property Management backed by 80 years of proven performance, contact Hugh Reilly Real Estate and experience the standard Wendy Chatto and her team deliver every day.

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Dr. Suzanne Kippen, Chiropractor From Move It Chiropractic

At the backbone of health and vitality in Mackay lies a chiropractic clinic where the power of the body heals the body.

At Move It Chiropractic, Dr. Suzanne Kippen and her devoted team are revolutionising healthcare, one adjustment at a time.

Raised on a sugar cane farm just outside of Mackay, Dr Kippen’s interest in health and fitness grew from an early age. Inspired by personally witnessing the transformative power of chiropractic treatments herself, she embarked on a path to move to Perth to study Chiropractic.

Now, with over 14 years of experience maximising movement and prioritising health and well-being for her patients in Mackay, Dr. Kippen is the owner of Move It Chiropractic, bringing a new era of compassionate chiropractic care to Mackay.

Whether it’s supporting infants to promote healthy nervous system development, enhancing wellness during pregnancy, caring for women post-childbirth, providing specialised rehabilitation for athletes aiming for peak performance, or helping older adults move more freely and without pain, every client receives a personalised care plan tailored to their needs and goals.

In a world where "surviving" often takes precedence over thriving, Dr. Kippen and the team at Move It Chiropractic are on a mission to change the narrative.

By providing compassionate care, fostering meaningful connections, and empowering and educating individuals to embrace their full potential, they're not just helping people move better, but live better too!

www.moveitchiro.com.au

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Teresa Abela, Remedial Massage Therapist, From Move It Chiropractic

For many years, remedial therapist Teresa Abela has quietly supported clients at Move It Chiropractic as one of the practice’s “best kept secrets” until recently. With more than 20 years of experience and a Diploma in Remedial Therapy, Teresa works in close collaboration with chiropractor Dr Suzanne Kippen and the clinic’s allied health providers to support pain management, mobility, and overall wellbeing.

Alongside her role at the clinic, Teresa operates her own business, Instant Calm, where she is a Medibank Member’s Choice provider, and clients can claim through all major health funds. Working across both settings gives her a unique depth of experience, allowing her to treat a wide variety of conditions while tailoring each session to the individual.

Teresa contributes to a collaborative, integrated model of care at Move It Chiropractic, combining chiropractic alignment with targeted remedial therapy to release muscle tension, improve range of motion, and enhance the body’s overall function. She focuses on restoring comfort, supporting daily movement, and helping clients maintain active, healthy lives.

Her skillset spans a comprehensive range of therapeutic techniques, including Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, and Reflexology, applied in conjunction for the best outcomes.

Client comfort and safety are central to Teresa’s approach. She accommodates clients of all ages, provides flexible hours, and offers online booking to ensure accessibility. With long-standing connections to other allied health professionals, she can also provide referrals when needed.

Highly experienced and quietly dedicated, Teresa continues to play an essential role in supporting the health, mobility, and wellbeing of clients at Move It Chiropractic.

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Christmas Gift Guide

There’s something genuinely special about the moment Australia slides into the festive season. The days get longer, the evenings feel warmer, and suddenly the neighbourhood is dotted with twinkling lights, inflatable Santas, and the unmistakable scent of backyard barbecues. It’s the time of year when we lean into joy, connection, and (let’s be honest) the annual mission of figuring out what on earth to buy everyone for Christmas. Whether you’re hunting for something meaningful, practical, playful or just downright delightful, the fun is often in the search itself.

To make this Christmas even more special, choosing to shop local brings joy not only to the receiver but to the whole community. Every small shop is powered by real people: families, creatives, and hardworking teams who pour their energy into offering something unique. When you choose to buy from local gift shops, artisans, and makers, you’re not just picking up a pressie, you’re helping keep the community in high spirits too!

Across the next two editions, we’re excited to roll out our Christmas Gift Guide, featuring a curated collection of brilliant local businesses. If you are looking for something for the kids, why not head to 'Let the Children Play', a gorgeous store filled with imaginative, play-based gifts that kids actually use (and don’t abandon after 48 hours). Need something for the mother in law? We’ll also be spotlighting Blossoms Flower Boutique, known for its stunning arrangements, festive floral centrepieces, and botanical gifts that add a touch of style to any Christmas table or pressie pile. Alongside these gems, you’ll find artisan treats, handcrafted decor, stocking fillers, boutique finds and so much more.

As you flip through our pages, we encourage you to visit the businesses featured, say hello, and soak up the customer service that only small, local shops deliver. Many of them offer limited-edition pieces, custom options, and beautifully wrapped gifts ready to slide straight under the tree—no last-minute wrapping scramble required. Plus, choosing local reduces your carbon footprint and helps keep our community vibrant, creative, and full of personality.

So grab an iced coffee (or a cold choccy milk), settle in, and let our Christmas Gift Guide help you find thoughtful, charming and distinctly local gifts for everyone on your list. Here’s to a joyful festive season filled with connection, celebration, and plenty of homegrown cheer.

Did you know?
According to Charitable Reuse Australia, reuse (i.e. buying second-hand/local items) saved about 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions in Australia in a recent year. This is equivalent to removing roughly 585,000 passenger vehicles from the road.

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By Cr Heath Paton

As the wheels of progress turn in the Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton and Eungella are gearing up for an exciting new chapter. The mountain bike project that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike is moving into its next stage, with council inviting the community to hear the latest updates.

Council will be providing a community update on the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Project in Finch Hatton and Eungella on Monday, December 1 from 4pm to 5pm at the Eungella Hub and 6pm to 7pm at the Finch Hatton Cattle Creek Admin Building.

These sessions will include an update on the stage two feasibility study, a project update and an economic development update. Online registration is required. Please go online to council’s Connecting Mackay website to register: https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/finch-hatton-mtb.

If you cannot attend the session, the presentation will be made available on Connecting Mackay after the session.

Council recently sought community feedback on proposed changes to its planning scheme that could reshape Finch Hatton and Eungella – two townships at the heart of the Pioneer Valley’s ambitious mountain bike project. The Major Amendment 3 to the Mackay Region Planning Scheme seeks to enable commercial and non-residential development in specific precincts of Finch Hatton and Eungella.

Two new precincts would be established in Finch Hatton – a town centre precinct (TS1) and a trailhead precinct (TS2) – plus a town-centre precinct in Eungella (TS3).

A key driver behind the amendment is the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail network. These changes will better support tourism and trail-related activities while still protecting residents, the environment and infrastructure.

Community planning for the two towns began with a Local Area Planning project, which examined their character, heritage, environmental constraints and infrastructure. The goal has been clear – to transition Finch Hatton and Eungella into thriving “trail towns” that complement the MTB network with amenities like accommodation, eateries and connectivity – without losing their small-town charm.

These townships will also serve as service hubs, offering shuttle services, tourist offerings and rider infrastructure. The Finch Hatton Trailhead, located in the town centre, features ample amenities: parking, bike racks, a water station, a wash station, rest areas, picnic spots and even historical features such as the old Kungurri turntable.

As the Pioneer Valley prepares to redefine adventure tourism in Central Queensland, the Finch Hatton MTB project stands as a bold example of how nature, sport and community can ride together into a prosperous future.

Let’s Chat – Council Connect

Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region.  The next session will be at the Northern Beaches Community Hall from 5.30pm on December 3.

Details on upcoming sessions can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.

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No business wants to look back and wonder whether a different decision may have led to a stronger outcome, yet it often surfaces the moment a competitor seems to be gaining momentum. What if we’d done it differently? What if we’d challenged the ‘that’s how it’s always been done’ playbook? What if we’d taken the risk? What if we made it ours? These moments often point to a deeper issue: whether a brand is using its unique voice or simply following familiar patterns because they feel safe. At redhotblue, we thrive in this space of questioning and love finding the balance between imagination and strategy, to help brands shine.

Quick solutions are tempting, but ‘easy’ and ‘effective’ rarely go hand in hand. Templated designs may offer convenience, but they come at the cost of distinction, the very thing a brand relies on to be remembered. When the same layout is used by a hairdresser, an electrician, and a café, it fails to convey any meaningful information. In a saturated market, this sameness makes it harder for customers to recognise, recall, or connect with a specific brand.

Trends create a similar challenge. They may seem exciting, but building your brand on a trend is risky. A brand that relies too heavily on a trending aesthetic can quickly appear outdated when the trend shifts. However, this doesn’t mean trends should be avoided entirely. They can be extremely useful in marketing, particularly for short-term campaigns or seasonal promotions. The key difference is that your brand story needs to remain consistent to build trust and familiarity, while your marketing can be flexible and adaptable to ensure maximum engagement.

Chasing trends comes with risk, but so does reaching for the lowest-hanging fruit. Playing it safe rarely stands out or moves a business forward. A professional graphic designer can craft a visual identity that’s unmistakably yours, one that works across media and customer touchpoints. Not settling for something generic or derivative can minimise regret later and increase the chances of standing out.

Defining a brand’s own path often requires businesses to take a more deliberate, strategic approach. Being bold doesn’t mean being louder or more dramatic; it means being confident in the values, visual cues, and messaging that set that business apart. At redhotblue, bold is in our DNA. We don’t play it safe or recycle what’s been done before; instead, we ensure each brand is authentic, memorable, and aligned with its story, values, and audience. So, decision-makers are never left wondering, “What if?”

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Up until my summer holidays a couple of years ago I didn’t know that cockatoos had quite a sweet tooth.

I knew they were friendly, smart and noisy and I was aware that feeding them was a no-no but until my trip to Hamilton Island that summer I wasn’t fully aware of their sweet tooth.

During that Hammo visit I also found out what happens when you leave the sliding doors open overnight to the balcony in the flash unit you have rented.

We had been on Hammo for four or five days in one of those beautiful two-level units with a huge balcony over-looking the Coral Sea.

The kids were 16 and 20 and had largely been doing their own thing so my wife and I were able to enjoy a few dinners and drinks with friends.

When it came to our last night we probably indulged a little more than we should have, in light of our morning departure the next day, and we ended up having late-night drinks on our balcony before crashing for the evening.

There is a strong suggestion among family members that I was the last one up and the last to leave the balcony and go to bed that night.

That was certainly the consensus the next morning when everyone awoke to the balcony doors wide open and the enormous downstairs living area looking like it had been ransacked by marauding primates.

Any food that had been left on benchtops had been attacked and sampled but it was those long, thin, straw-shaped packets of sugar provided for guests that attracted the most attention from our uninvited guests.

There were a few extra things I became aware of after emerging from the upstairs master bedroom: cockatoos are incredibly dexterous with their beaks, somehow they know that those cylindrical little paper packets contain sugar, a unit gets very hot and humid when the sliding doors are left open overnight and sugar granules create a horrible, sticky mess on  ceramic floor tiles in a humid environment.

I looked around for the kids but they had miraculously disappeared so I spent the next few hours on my hands and knees scrubbing the caked-on sugar granules off the beautiful white ceramic tiles. Those cockatoos had managed to spread the sugar over most of the tiles and it was hard work and pretty much the last thing I felt like doing in my final ours at Hammo.

But, of course, you can’t leave a place in that state so you do what you have to do.

It’s a bit like when a house is sold and the sellers clean up and leave it for the next owners. It’s not necessarily what you feel like doing but it’s the right thing.

It is a wonderful experience for the buyers when they open the door to their new home and the place is spotless. The walls are clean, the floors are mopped, the cupboards and draws have been wiped out, the oven has been cleaned properly and all the dust and grime that had been hidden behind furniture and other belongings has been vacuumed up and removed.

The alternative, when the place has not been cleaned properly, is a real disappointment for the buyers and can create a real let-down at what should be an exciting, momentous occasion.

We always remind sellers to clean the place and most people don’t need the reminder because, as a matter of courtesy, they want to do the right thing by the people they are handing the place over to.

And, in my experience, 99 per cent of the time sellers do the right thing and buyers get to enjoy the experience of moving into the home they fell in love with.

Leaving the place clean is good karma … but don’t expect the kids to help you.

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As 2026 draws near, the team at Century 21 Coast to Coalfields would like to extend our warmest wishes to all our clients, friends, and community members.

This year has been an incredible journey, and we want to take a moment to say thank you — to our amazing sellers, buyers, landlords, tenants, and everyone who has supported us throughout the year. Your trust and partnership have been the foundation of our success.

We’re proud of what we achieved together in 2025 — it’s been a great year of growth and teamwork. As we look ahead, we’re excited for an even bigger and better year to come, filled with new opportunities, new faces, and more success stories to share.

As a Christmas gift from us, we are offering 4 weeks of free property management! If you’re interested, please contact our team for more information.

From all of us here at Century 21 Coast to Coalfields, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year!

Here’s to an exciting 2026!

– The Century 21 Coast to Coalfields Team

hello.mackay@century21.com.au
07 4837 1788

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Turning the final corner with only a few kilometres to go, Whitsunday’s local Liv Compton fixed her eyes on the finish line and on a victory. When she crossed first among women in the brutal Coast to Kosci ultramarathon in New South Wales, she didn’t just finish, she reached a personal milestone.

Ultra running is far from ordinary. With relentless training, iron will determination, and unwavering support from her team, Liv carved her own path in the world of endurance sport, and not only that, she sprinted all the way to the top.

For Liv, who has been running since she was 13 and progressed from trail runs to ultramarathons, it has never been just about crossing the finish line. It’s about pushing through when it feels like she can’t.

The sound of cheers echoes across the verdant peaks of Charlotte's Pass, New South Wales, the wind howls, and a crowd waits in anticipation. Whitsundays local Liv Compton turns the last corner of Coast to Kosci effortlessly; it’s a sight she’s seen twice before: the finish line. After 28 hours of gruelling terrain and 240km, she has made it. As the distance closes rapidly between herself and the finish line, she breaks through the ribbon; she is the first woman in the race to cross.

This win was not one of luck, but one that has followed countless hours and years of training, since she first started running at the age of 13. For Liv, the advice she gives to those looking to improve their running is simple: “Keep running every single day, multiple times a day,” advice she follows herself, with her averaging 160km on some weeks.

“Marathons and ultramarathons are two completely different sports,” Liv explained.

Ultras require far more planning, especially when it comes to nutrition. Liv, unlike many other contestants, did not receive coaching. “I live alone with my two children and work full-time, so I just make time for it. I usually run in the mornings and the afternoons,” Liv explained.

“My [nutrition] plan often goes out the window.”

“This time around, I was mainly having fluids, like smoothies, gels and liquid carbs.”

After around 105km, Liv’s plan began to falter. She consumed too much too soon, and the resulting nausea allowed her to be passed by several runners. However, after this had passed, Liv felt “amazing” and pushed through to the finish. One thing she knows is that this feeling is temporary, “I know that from experience, right? I know it's going to pass, that’s what keeps me motivated.”

Liv then began to catch the leading woman, running neck and neck with her for most of the race, Liv taking her time and happy to chase; however, at the same checkpoint after 150km, the pair spoke:

“She told me she was struggling, but like I said, I know her, so I didn't really believe that.”

With only 60 invited contenders, simply finishing this prestigious event is an achievement. Winning your category is an honour few ever experience. Liv will never forget those final minutes:

“I was running on pure adrenaline the last I don't know how many kilometres, I've done it before, so I knew I was getting close, and it was just pure happiness."

“I can't describe it, it was just one of the best moments of my life, crossing that line,” Liv recalled.

It was Liv’s first time winning Coast to Kosci, beating her previous time by an extraordinary 4 hours. She said the biggest change from her last race was how she tackled the climbs. Rather than running the whole hill, she ran only the final 50 metres, giving her enough momentum to hold a seven-minute-per-kilometre pace.

The race for Liv, however, wasn’t about winning; she just wanted to be happy with her “own race,” and what made it special was the “team effort.”

“I had an amazing crew with me that helped me get to this point. I think that winning the race made the effort for them worth it as well.”

Doubting yourself is a regular part of any race, but Liv says the main lesson she learnt from the race is that she must “start believing in [herself], and [her] own capabilities:
“I'm 42, we can do anything, age is just a number, just stop that self-doubt and just go for it.”

Liv crossing the line in first place at Coast to kosci. photo sourced.

Liv Compton hugging her boyfriend Nathan Phipps. Photo sourced.

Hi everyone,

More than 200 people from across our community came together last Friday for a truly special occasion – the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards, held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

The dress code, Hi-Vis to High-Glam, set an inspiring tone for the night and I was delighted to see such an eclectic mix on arrival: a stunning 1920s tassel dress, some very sharp shorts proudly worn by the younger attendees, and even one guest who channelled Marilyn Monroe with sass and style. This combination felt so authentically “Whitsundays” – a region filled with tradies, self-starters, school leavers, beachside corporates, fun-loving hospos and everyone in between.

The inclusive dress code perfectly matched the spirit of the event itself. For a first-year awards night, it already felt vibrant, welcoming and truly representative of who we are as a region.

Inside, the cabaret-style setting, live music and delicious snack boxes created a warm and celebratory atmosphere. Radio personality Meecham Philpott emceed the evening with humour, energy and just the right amount of genuine enthusiasm.

Twelve of our team of twenty attended, after spending the day in training and choosing to unwind together at the awards that evening. Having so many of our team present made what happened next even more special – hearing our name announced as the winner of the Regional Game Changer Award.

We all leapt onto the stage to collect the award and, in my excitement to gather everyone into place, I managed to drop the solid glass object on the floor! It hit the stage with a thud, which was followed by a dramatic gasp from the audience. Thankfully it didn’t break, and I quickly scooped it up, dusted it off and tucked it safely back into its velvet box. Worried I might be remembered as “the girl who dropped the award,” I apologised into the microphone before offering a brief but heartfelt speech. Fortunately, the crowd was wonderfully kind – and forgiving.

Receiving this award means the world to our team. As many of you know, our central office is based here in the Whitsundays, with half our team working locally and the rest stationed across the regions our other newspapers serve. Five years ago, we launched our first paper, Mackay and Whitsunday Life. Since then, two communities have invited us to open newspapers in their regions, leading to Burdekin Life and Hinchinbrook Life.

We believe passionately in giving regional communities a free voice in print. Our mission is to share quality local stories, celebrate positive news, connect communities and document history as it unfolds. I genuinely feel our papers have been gamechangers for the towns we serve, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of this revival of community journalism.

To all the businesses who won or were nominated – congratulations. It was wonderful to celebrate alongside you. Business is tough, but together we make it shine.

You can read the full Whitsunday Business Award feature from page 17.

Rach

Quote of the week: "If your dreams don't scare you, they are too small" (Richard Branson)

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