Each sporting code at the Sportspark is an incorporated body run by a volunteer committee.  

Local sports, from Touch Footy with Monday night competitions and annual carnivals to Football with multiple men’s and women’s teams playing weekly, are all run by volunteers. These volunteers coach, manage, and develop players, dedicating countless hours to their sports. Participation is surging post-COVID and as the population grows.

The sporting fields and courts are on land leased from the council, zoned for recreation, and managed by Whitsunday Sportspark Operations Inc. A volunteer committee oversees maintenance, including insurance, mowing, spraying, and lighting, as well as coordinating events, seasonal activities, carnivals, and special bookings.

The land immediately around Club Whitsunday is freehold and is owned by a public company that owns and operates Club Whitsunday.  

The voting shareholders in this company are the 5 foundation sports of AFL, Football (Soccer), Netball, Rugby Union and Touch Footy and they have one vote each on any major events.

There is a board of Directors elected by the sports whose volunteer role is to oversee the management and running of Club Whitsunday for the benefit of the shareholders and public.

Being such a significant hospitality offering the day-to-day management of the Club is by professional paid staff.  

Club Whitsunday have a high-end General Manager from NSW overseeing all facets of the Club including future growth, an operations Manager running the bars and gaming, an Executive Chef running the kitchen along with a Sous Chef and several Duty Managers to cover the 100 odd hours the facility is open per week.  
Club Whitsunday is a major local employer, with staff across the bar, kitchen, gaming, cleaning, and administration sectors.
It is a professional operation, not run by sportspeople, but by hospitality experts under the oversight of unpaid, volunteer Directors. These Directors must have significant hospitality experience and bear responsibility for the facility, staff, and shareholders.
The Club is seeking new Directors as those who helped establish it step down, looking for individuals with experience in managing or owning hospitality venues. If you're interested, approach senior staff or current Directors, who can connect you with the sports and guide you through the nomination process for the AGM in March.
The PCYC and Bowls Clubs are independent entities with their own land, separate from Club Whitsunday, though they share the Sportspark precinct and collaborate closely.
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Representatives enjoying a beer at the brand-new Club Whitsunday
Three Directors of Club Whitsunday, Justin Butler, Tim Langford and Craig Spence
Photo credit: Rachael Smith and Ruth Puddefoot

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Growing up in Beechworth, Victoria, sport was a central part of life. Whether competing at the state level or cheering on his teams, Josh always had a fierce rivalry with New South Wales. When he moved to Moruya Golf Club on the NSW South Coast as CEO in 2019, he carried his Victorian roots with him, including a love for Queensland in the State of Origin, Melbourne Storm in the NRL, and AFL as his number one sport.
Now, Josh is bringing his expertise to Club Whitsunday, where he’s excited to help launch the new venue. With 18 years of experience in club management, Josh explained how the opportunity to build up Club Whitsunday and make it the prime venue in Airlie Beach was too exciting to pass up.
“I’m excited to lead Club Whitsunday and strengthen its ties with the local community,” Josh said. “It’s an opportunity to provide a much-needed hub for entertainment, food, and community events, and to support local sporting groups from juniors to seniors.”
Josh believes in the power of sport to improve both physical and mental health. He plans to make the club a key player in fostering local talent and community engagement.
“Once the club is open it would be great to meet the locals,”  
“People will see me around the club most days and I would welcome everyone to introduce themselves.
“Who knows I might be able to get some of the secret fishing spots off someone,” he added.

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Tracy O'Shea brings over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, primarily with community clubs. Her most recent role was Club Manager at Benowa Bowls Club on the Gold Coast, before she relocated back to Far North Queensland in December last year.
As part of the team behind Club Whitsunday, Tracy is excited to have contributed to the opening of this new venue. She’s particularly eager to see the membership grow, especially with the support of the various sporting clubs in the local precinct.
“I am very excited to be a part of the daily operations of running the club with both General Manager Joshua and continued working relationship with the Executive Committee, who have worked tirelessly on preparing for the opening,” Tracy explained.
“It’s exciting to be working with our Chef Zibby, who is producing some amazing meals, and looking forward to meeting the new members over the coming years,” she added.
Tracy is looking forward to introducing membership promotions in the coming months, seeing local entertainers perform at the club, and working with the team to help the club grow and support the local community.
Outside of work, Tracy loves looking out from her balcony at the “absolutely magical ocean” that Airlie Beach has to offer, and she can’t wait to go out and explore the islands.

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With over 10 years of experience in the Whitsundays, Zibby Deca has built a diverse and extensive career in the local food industry. He has collaborated with a wide range of businesses, from assisting with the launch of new restaurants to managing catering departments and preparing food for large community events and music festivals.
Zibby has also worked as a private chef for high-end clients, offering his culinary expertise aboard luxury yachts and in exclusive holiday homes. About a year ago, he joined a well-known local Italian restaurant, where he had the opportunity to work alongside talented chefs, further deepening his understanding of the regional food scene.
These varied experiences, Zibby believes, have equipped him with a broad skillset and a unique insight into both local flavors and the diverse needs of his clientele.
Now, Zibby is excited to be part of the opening of Club Whitsunday:
“I’m thrilled to be part of opening the Club. With plenty of space and affordable pricing, I’m sure it will become a go-to spot for locals.”
He adds, “Every new venue is unique. The unpredictability is what excites me—the moment people walk in, experience the atmosphere, and decide if they like it. It’s rewarding to see something new come to life and watch people enjoy it.”
Zibby hopes the community will embrace the Club with enthusiasm and positivity.
In his downtime, he enjoys watching his children play the piano while relaxing on the couch. As the head of his home’s gardening department, he also spends spare moments trimming hedges and mowing the lawn.
“With full support from management, the sky’s the limit.”
“Watch this space for a feast featuring great steaks, local seafood, and churros.”

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Since 2001, ADFAB Industries, has been a trusted name in the community, crafting high-quality stainless steel, brass, and aluminium products. We’ve been dedicated to delivering precision and excellence in every project, big or small. We’re especially proud of our involvement in the fabrication and installation of the kitchen and bar at Club Whitsunday, It was an exciting project, and we are proud to contribute to such a fantastic addition to the community. We look forward to seeing the park and bar become a vibrant hub for sports, socializing, and relaxation, and are honoured to have played a part in its creation. Congratulations to all involved.
Adam Tester, ADFAB

“It’s great to see the sports park venue now open and ready for use. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to carry out the refrigeration upgrade while the building was being renovated. It’s rewarding to see the venue completed, and we’re glad we could contribute to its development. We look forward to seeing the space benefit the community and are pleased to have played a small part in getting it all set up”.
Amanda Fox, ARS Whitsunday

FISHI happily supports the new community based Club Whitsunday, we hope to provide them with some amazing Australian seafood to support the Queensland fishing fndustry and its families.
Congratulations to all the team at Club Whitsundays!
Bronwyn Calder, Fishi

Congratulations
Club Whitsunday & Whitsunday Sports Park
On the completion of the Club facility
Reward Hospitality is proud to have been involved in the fit-out, installation and supply of kitchen equipment, furniture & tabletop for the Club
Reward would also like to acknowledge the vision commitment and tireless efforts of all those that have taken this project from a dream to reality.
Building a Community Club with its core charter being to return profits to the local sporting communities is a Noble endeavour and deserves every success.
Shona Russell, Reward Hospitality

We are thrilled to celebrate the long-awaited opening of Club Whitsunday. Since the first announcement years ago, we have patiently supported Justin and his incredible vision for this game-changing community club. The dedication and hard work of everyone involved have been inspiring, and we are so excited to see this dream come to life.
Club Whitsunday promises to be a hub for locals, offering a vibrant community atmosphere and exceptional facilities. Congratulations to Justin, the club directors, and everyone who made this possible – we can’t wait to experience it firsthand!
Patrick Morrissey, Whitsunday Food Service

OzKi Plumbing and Gas is proud to have worked alongside the dedicated members of Club Whitsunday over the past 6 months to help bring the Kitchen and Bar to life for the opening of this incredible community facility. We are excited about the opportunities this club offers to the local Whitsunday community and are honoured to have played a role in its completion.

While the journey wasn’t without its challenges, the collaboration of everyone involved is a testament to the strength and pride of our community.

Based in Proserpine, OzKi Plumbing and Gas serves the greater Whitsunday region, specializing in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drainage across construction, renovations, alterations, and maintenance. We take pride in handling even the trickiest of jobs.

For any plumbing or gas needs, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Ben McNab, OzKi Plumbing & Gas

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On New Year’s Day, the rescue team was called to action just before dinner time. At 5:25pm, Paul, a skipper on the Marine Rescue team, was happily anticipating a lovely evening meal when a single phone call halted all dinner preparations.
A broken-down vessel with three people aboard requested a tow out by Stonehaven and required assistance to get back to Coral Sea Marina. When Paul and Donna arrived at the VMR1, they found both Rodney and M already preparing the rescue vessel for departure. It took roughly an hour to reach them but communications were clear and concise.
The crew of the VMR1 had a straight shot to the distressed vessel as the seas were wonderfully calm. They knew the position, its colour, and its size, as the anticipating rescuers were dutifully monitoring channel 16 on their boats’ radio.
Greeted by an excited young boy, clamouring all over the boat with waving arms, the VMR1 crew hooked up the faulty vessel. After the paperwork was completed the journey back to the Marina could commence. It was slow going at 10 knots as the vessel was very heavy and its bow was prone to travelling too low in the water. Everyone arrived safely at the Coral Sea Marina by 8:10pm and the three passengers were happily dropped off at the public jetty.
The tow would have cost the owner $1300 but luckily, they were a member of the Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday. So, after a debrief and the post-activation chores completed by the crew, Paul could finally go home and eat his dinner.
However, this was not the first time mealtimes got pushed around due to a rescue. Just after Christmas, on the morning of the 27th of December, Michael called cheerfully, “Hey, are you up for a quick run in VMR2 to rescue a 6m Quintrex, a few km outside of Shute?”
Rolling out of bed and heading straight to the marina, the VMR2 was ready to go to the rescue. Cutting through the water at 25 knots, the VMR2 team reached the distressed vessel which had drifted closer to Round Head than their provided coordinates indicated.
Once the vessel was hooked up for the tow, returning to the marina was slow. The rescued boat was a fair bit larger than the VMR2, and the best speed it could muster was 7 knots. The rescued passengers used an electric motor to get their boat back down the marina passage which meant that everyone was home and having breakfast by 10am.
Even without food our Marine Rescue team always does their best. Thank you Donna, M, Rodney, Micheal, Shane and Paul for your fast and active responses, especially when they cut into your favourite mealtimes.

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VMR1 Crew heading out to the rescue. Photo Sourced: VMR Whitsunday Facebook

Rescued boat at tow behind the VMR1. Photo Sourced: VMR Whitsunday Facebook

Skipper Paul on the lookout. Photo Sourced: VMR Whitsunday Facebook

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The words fall like stones in a silent room, heavy and irreversible. A diagnosis delivered by a doctor doesn’t arrive gently; it crashes in, turning life as you know it upside down.

The reality of cancer sinks in, casting an unsettling shadow over the world you knew just moments before. The fear begins to coil around you: fear of the unknown, of what’s to come, of what this means.

The medical jargon is endless, technical, and impossible to fully absorb, especially when every thought is clouded by worry. There is an instinctive need for something concrete, a step forward, a reassurance. Instead, there are waiting rooms and weeks between appointments, and despite having a loving circle of family and friends, a quiet feeling of loneliness settles in.

In a time when everyone is telling you to stay strong, inside, you feel lost and disconnected—even from yourself. Your oncology team is kind and dedicated, but they, too, are only human in a system stretched thin. You find yourself wishing for a space where you’re not just another case to be managed, but a person facing something unimaginably tough. Somewhere to sit, where words don’t have to be rehearsed or fears brushed aside. Somewhere to simply be.

This is where the Trudy Crowley Foundation steps in: not as another clinic or appointment but as a haven of empathy, warmth, and connection. For people with any cancer diagnosis, and for their loved ones, this foundation provides the comfort of understanding.

Whether it’s a cup of tea in serene silence or a heart-to-heart with someone who has navigated a similar path before, the foundation is there. In a time marked by vulnerability and uncertainty, it stands as a lifeline—restoring dignity, understanding, and the reminder that no one faces cancer alone.

Here, you’re not just a diagnosis; you’re a person, and in these walls, you find the strength to navigate the unknown with dignity and support.

"Ovarian cancer may be a silent killer, but I won’t be silent"

These powerful words by Trudy Crowley embody the spirit of a woman whose courage and resilience ignited a movement of hope, awareness, and support.

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016, Trudy was appalled by the lack of resources available to women facing the same battle. The single brochure handed to her offered information on breast cancer, not ovarian cancer—a glaring oversight that fuelled her determination to make a change.

For Trudy, silence was never an option. She became a fierce advocate, dedicating her time to spreading knowledge, raising funds, and connecting with organisations such as Ovarian Cancer Australia and the Cancer Council. Her tireless efforts reached as far as Parliament, where she pushed for greater awareness and better resources. Before her passing in 2018, Trudy’s relentless dedication inspired the creation of the foundation that now bears her name—a guiding force for those navigating all cancers.

The establishment of the Trudy Crowley Foundation is itself a story of resilience and determination. It began during a chance meeting between Trudy and Jacquie Camilleri at the Mater Hospital on Trudy’s first day of chemotherapy. The two formed an instant bond, and their friendship would lay the groundwork for something extraordinary.

In late 2017, as her health declined, Trudy confided in Jacquie that she needed to step back from her advocacy work to focus on her family. Jacquie, inspired by her father’s words to “step up,” knew she couldn’t let Trudy’s mission falter. With Trudy’s blessing, the foundation was born.

Today, the Trudy Crowley Foundation continues Trudy’s legacy of advocacy, education, and support.

The foundation’s mission has only grown stronger, with its existing support programs continuing to offer unwavering care. Two dedicated ovarian cancer and palliative care nurses, Chris Giannengelo, and Rosie Stannard, provide personalised, compassionate support both within and beyond the hospital. The Foundation’s counsellor, Rebecca Snell, is also on hand to help individuals and loved ones navigate the often-overwhelming emotional landscape of cancer.

With each new development, the foundation’s vision grows, yet its purpose remains steady: to support, honour, and uplift the Mackay community in its fight against cancer.

"Every dollar we raise, every hand we hold, it’s all for Trudy’s dream—that no one in our community ever faces cancer alone."

Last Year’s Touch of Teal Soirée also poignantly illuminated the need for additional palliative care options in Mackay—a need Trudy herself had fervently advocated for during her life. The foundation is now more committed than ever to creating a private palliative sanctuary—a place of peace, compassion, and dignity for those in their last stages of life. This sanctuary would work alongside the current palliative services, easing the strain on the healthcare system while providing patients with a tranquil, supportive environment.

"Our goal is to give families a place where their loved ones can pass with the comfort they deserve," Jacquie shared.

The Trudy Crowley Foundation is a tribute to Trudy’s vision: a space where no one is just a diagnosis but a person deserving of dignity, compassion, and understanding.

This commitment is embodied by the Foundation’s three remarkable ambassadors—Bridgeen, Teharnee, and Earl—whose stories of resilience and hope are shared in the following pages.

Their journeys not only reflect the Foundation’s mission but also serve as powerful reminders of the strength found in community and the courage to face life’s toughest battles.

"Every dollar we raise, every hand we hold, it’s all for Trudy’s dream—that no one in our community ever faces cancer alone."

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Trudy Crowley: The fearless advocate whose legacy of love, compassion, and determination continues to inspire and support countless lives

Trudy Crowley Foundation ovarian cancer and palliative care nurses Chris Giannengelo (left) and Rosie Stannard. Photos supplied

Trudy Crowley Foundation ambassadors, Bridgeen Doherty, Earl Neilsen and Teharnee Peel show that there are bright moments and laughter to be celebrated during and after cancer

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A welcome boost to the region's medical workforce saw 31 intern doctors begin their healthcare careers with Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) last week. Among them are three proud Mackay locals excited to return home and serve their community. In 2025, a total of 38 interns will join the team, with opportunities to rotate through rural facilities in Proserpine and Bowen. These interns will be the second cohort to train under the new intern training framework, gaining valuable experience in both hospital and general practice settings.

Jodie Elliott, Zachary Hunt and Imma Ashraf. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

31 Interns Choose Mackay For Career Growth And Community Impact

Zachary Hunt, a James Cook University graduate from Mackay, chose to stay in the region after experiencing a variety of opportunities at Mackay Hospital.  

“I found that I got lots of different opportunities while in the Mackay Hospital to do different types of procedural skills as well as learning and I found all the supervisors really helpful, so I decided to stay,” he said.

He’s considering further specialisation in Rural Generalism to expand his medical expertise and continue serving his community.

Imma Ashraf, also from Mackay and a James Cook University graduate, has deep roots in the area, with most of her family being doctors. Reflecting on her final years of study in Mackay, she said, "It’s been great…There’s a lot of hands-on teaching and support, which I really enjoy."

She appreciates the guidance and the chance to contribute more than she might have elsewhere.

Jodie Elliott, originally from Sarina, studied at the University of Queensland and is a former physiotherapist.

She shared, "Graduating after 10 years of study felt incredible…I finally get to work full-time and put roots down in a place we want to be long-term."

Mackay was always her top choice, with family and a friendly, supportive environment making it the perfect fit.

Rotations will have an opportunity to gain clinical experience in areas such as emergency, cardiology, orthopaedics, anaesthetics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, intensive care, mental health, general medical and general surgical.

Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon congratulated the new doctors on starting their journey in medicine.

“It’s exciting to welcome first-year doctors to our team and support them as they begin their career with the Mackay HHS,” Ms Gannon said.

“They’re not only bolstering our workforce and making a real difference to our patients, but they’re building the foundations of medical careers that will serve our community and Queensland for decades to come.

“Regardless of where their careers take them, they will develop strong foundations for the years ahead from the guidance of our experienced, dedicated and highly skilled team of Mackay HHS medical professionals.”

Acting Executive Director Medical Services Dr Colin Feekery said the interns will benefit from Mackay HHS’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere, its supportive medical culture and their broad exposure to a wide range of clinical cases.

“The interns will gain invaluable clinical experience, which will enable them to develop advanced skills as a foundation for their future medical careers,” Dr Feekery said.

“Their diverse placements and experience in the Mackay HHS will also help them make an informed choice when it comes to which speciality they wish to pursue in the future.

“Our hope is that by providing excellent training experiences, many of our 2025 interns will also choose to build their future careers in the Mackay region.”

31 intern doctors have joined the Mackay Hospital and Health Service so far in 2025, gaining valuable clinical experience in various medical fields. Photo supplied: MHHS

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Recent tragedies have reminded us all of how fragile and unpredictable life can be.

The devastating wildfires that began on January 7, 2025, in Los Angeles have claimed at least 25 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and schools. The Pacific Palisades fire, the most destructive in LA's history, rapidly spread due to strong winds and dry conditions, leaving entire neighbourhoods reduced to ash. The toll has been immense, with lives lost, wildlife displaced, and a community left to rebuild from the embers of what once was. For those watching from afar, it’s a stark reminder of nature’s power and how quickly disaster can strike.

While we can’t always prevent the unexpected, there are ways to be prepared for life’s challenges. Here in Mackay, cyclone season is a reality we face each year, and it’s a sobering reminder of how quickly circumstances can change. If you haven’t already, take a moment to check your cyclone kit. Make sure it has the essentials: water, food, medications, and important documents. Double-check your family’s emergency plan and talk about it together.

Preparing isn’t just about being practical; it’s about protecting the people we love.

Closer to home, the sudden passing of 37-year-old Casandra Townsend, a devoted mother of two from Beaconsfield, has left her family and friends heartbroken. In another unimaginable moment, Andrew Mallett, a Bowen Basin miner and father, went missing while spearfishing off Victoria’s coast, leaving loved ones in limbo, desperate for answers and comfort. You can read more about these tragedies on pages 6 and 12.

Hearing these stories, my heart aches for the families enduring such profound loss. They remind me of how precious our time is and how important it is to hold our loved ones close. It’s easy to take the ordinary moments for granted — the chatter at the dinner table, a quick hug before work, or even a text from a friend. But in times like these, it’s clear those are the moments that matter most.

Life is precious, and while we can’t promise tomorrow, we can make the most of today. Hug your family a little tighter, call that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with, and remind the people in your life how much they mean to you.

Amanda

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In a heart-warming act of kindness, a young woman has left a lasting impression on a local family after helping their anxious teenage daughter change a flat tyre on Eversleigh Road.

The daughter, a P-plater with high anxiety, found herself stranded by the side of the road, upset and unsure of what to do. With her parents out of state, she was about to call RACQ when a stranger in a red Mazda CX-5 pulled over and offered assistance.

The kind woman, who is believed to be of Islander descent and in her mid to late 20s, didn’t hesitate to help. Despite the daughter’s distress, the stranger calmly changed the tyre, offering much-needed support during a stressful situation.  

"I know how she felt," she shared.  

"I was in so many sticky situations as a P-plater and wished someone helped me back then. I hope your daughter is ok."

The grateful parents, overwhelmed by the woman’s kindness, wanted to find a way to thank her.  

"We would love to give her a gift when we are back," they said.  

In response, the good samaritan humbly declined any reward, saying, "Paying it forward is enough for me."  

She added, "Also, you saying I’m still in my 20s is enough of a gift for me."

The parents expressed their deep gratitude and said, “I'm glad there are kind people still around, and in the future, we will be teaching our daughter to change a tyre!”

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Mackay Regional Council contractors will begin work on the fourth stage of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA), which will include upgrades to the Sydney and River Streets intersection and Bluewater Trail.
Vassallo Constructions Pty Ltd have been awarded the contract to improve the pedestrian and cycle connectivity between the City Centre and Riverside precincts.
The works will include new and wider footpaths, new park furniture, improved lighting and landscaping. There will also be reduced intersection wait times for cyclists and pedestrians at the signals.
Works will begin mid-January and are expected to be completed by the end of June, weather permitting.
The contractor will commence work in the park area and the footpath in front of the Telstra building.
Six car parks adjacent to the park area and six in the centre car parking area opposite Wood Street will be out of action during the works.
Pedestrian and cyclist detours will be in place and there will be reduced speed limits near the work area.
Previous projects making up the PDA include the Queens Park Revitalisation and the Riverside Revitalisation project (comprising the recently completed Pioneer River pontoon and River Wharves).
The Sydney and River streets intersection active transport crossing is proudly supported by the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council.

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The Federal Government’s $7.2 billion commitment to upgrading the Bruce Highway is already facing delays, with conflicting statements from senior government officials raising concerns about the timeline for delivering the critical funding.

While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured the public during a press conference in Gympie that funding for the project would begin this year, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher told ABC’s 7.30 Report that the funding would fall outside the current forward estimates, potentially delaying the upgrades until after 2028.

Finance Minister Gallagher stated on 7.30 Report: “The costs for that will be reflected in the next budget update… but the funding will come outside of those forward estimate years because it’s a long-term project.”

In contrast, the Prime Minister had earlier told 4BC Radio: “The funding will be available from this year… we want this to be done as soon as possible.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox criticised the conflicting information, calling for transparency.

“The Prime Minister and the Finance Minister cannot both be correct, and the Dawson community deserves to be told the truth. It is time for the Prime Minister to come clean and release the full timing schedule for the promised Bruce Highway upgrade funds,” Mr Willcox said.

Highlighting the toll of inaction, Mr Willcox added: “Some 43 lives have been lost on the Bruce Highway over the past year, and it feels like the Prime Minister was more focused on buying votes instead of getting to work and fixing the highway.”

He also expressed frustration over the lack of priority given to dangerous sections of the highway within his electorate.

“I am very concerned that one of the worst sections of highway in my electorate was not deemed a priority by the Albanese Government, and I will continue to fight for our fair share of funding to get this road fixed,” Mr Willcox said.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry echoed the concerns, labelling the announcement as an election stunt.

“Just a week ago, the Prime Minister assured us the funding for the Bruce Highway was ready to go. Now, his own Finance Minister says the funds won’t flow until 2028. Both statements can’t be true, and the people of Queensland deserve to know which one is,” Ms Landry said.

Ms Landry also criticised the government for prioritising politics over action, pointing to the tragic loss of 43 lives on the Bruce Highway last year.

“Our Bruce Highway is not a political pawn to win an election. Lives have been lost, families devastated, and last year, when tragedies struck, Labor was silent,” she said.

Calling for urgency, she added: “Queenslanders deserve better. They deserve a government that delivers on promises and takes immediate action to improve safety on our roads.”

In response, the Coalition has committed to matching the $7.2 billion funding pledge and restoring the 80:20 funding model with the State Government if it is re-elected in 2025.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox stands by a pothole-ridden section of the Bruce Highway, highlighting the urgent need for promised upgrades to improve safety and save lives. Photo supplied

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The Mackay community is in mourning following the tragic death of Cassandra Townsend, a 37-year-old mother of two, whose body was discovered in her Beaconsfield home on the 8th of January.

Police were called to her Lorne Court property around 3.20pm, where her body was found.
Authorities declared the site a crime scene, and investigations into the cause of her death are ongoing as they await autopsy results.

A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed, “Investigations into the death are continuing, and investigators are awaiting the results of a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.”

The spokesperson said there were no visible injuries and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Cassandra, affectionately known as Cassie, was described as “bubbly,” positive, and devoted to her two children. Her sudden passing has left her family, friends, and the wider Mackay community devastated.

Tributes have since flooded in, remembering her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to those around her.

“I can’t believe she’s gone,” one loved one shared, capturing the shock and grief felt by many.

Another heartbroken friend said that “Cassie had a heart of gold and loved her two babies with all of her being.

“Privileged to have crossed paths with her. May her light and positive energy shine on.”

“Cassie radiated pure joy, and every interaction with her brought a smile to your face. She will be dearly missed.”

Another shared, “She was always so bubbly with a great outlook.”

“You always will be remembered as a happy and loving person who always brings joy to others.”

As the community comes to grips with this heartbreaking loss, Cassie’s memory will live on through the love and light she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Cassie described herself as a “lover of life” and was known for her overwhelming love for her children.

At the time of publishing, there were no further updates on the cause of her death.

Mackay Life extends our deepest condolences to her family and close friends.

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37-year-old Cassie Townsend, a mother-of-two, was found deceased at her Beaconfield home. Photo source: Facebook

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An inferno on a conveyor system at a grain silo in Mackay Harbour on Monday, the 13th of January, left locals in shock and sparked an urgent response from emergency services. The blaze, which began around 6.15pm at GrainCorp on George Bell Drive, unleashed thick plumes of black smoke that could be seen throughout the Mackay Port industrial area.

Workers in the vicinity were the first to spot the smoke and flames leaping from the silo, which reportedly contained chickpeas. Workers at nearby businesses were concerned that the fire was within the proximity to fuel lines which could pose a significant risk, however the fire service confirmed that there was not a significant risk.

Emergency crews from Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) were quickly on site, working in tandem with local police to control the blaze. The fire was brought under control by around 9pm and completely out by 11pm. A significant challenge for firefighters was scaling around 60 metres of stairway to get to the fire, lugging hoses and equipment up the vertical ascent to reach the blaze.

Authorities immediately evacuated the nearby beach, set up an exclusion zone and implemented traffic diversions under the provisions of the Public Safety Preservation Act to ensure public safety. Workers and nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.

Police urged members of the public to avoid the area while emergency services worked to manage the incident.

The PSPA was lifted and roads re-opened around 10:30pm.

Queensland Ambulance confirmed there were no injuries, and no patients were reported from the fire. A GrainCorp spokesperson confirmed that no one was injured and thanked emergency services for their rapid response.

North Queensland Bulk Ports said it responded to the incident and is working with GrainCorp. A spokesperson confirmed that port operations returned to normal once the PSPA was lifted. Grain is the third-largest commodity to be exported from the Port of Mackay.

The fire's cause was reported as unknown, with officials continuing to monitor developments.

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Photo credit: Ian Nelson
Photo credit: Allison Bradshaw

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Wildcat Mackay, the award-winning boat tour that brought the beauty of Mackay’s offshore islands to life, has announced its closure after more than three years of operation. The decision, made with careful consideration, comes following a decline in demand for the day-tours over the past 18 months.

Since its debut in December 2021, Wildcat Mackay has offered locals and visitors an extraordinary opportunity to explore the pristine islands of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Its state-of-the-art catamaran provided guests with unforgettable experiences, from snorkelling at coral reefs to discovering untouched beaches and encountering vibrant marine life.

In just three years, Wildcat Mackay earned a special place in the hearts of the community, reflected in its many achievements. Most notably, the tour received the prestigious Gold award in the ‘Best of Queensland’ category last year at the 2024 Mackay Tourism Awards.

In a statement, Wildcat thanked the Mackay community, loyal guests, and dedicated staff who were instrumental in its success.

“Unfortunately, we have made the very difficult decision to cease operating our Wildcat Tour in Mackay.

“After operating in the region for more than three years, this decision was not made lightly; however, due to a significant decline in interest in the Day Tour over the past 18 months, we had to reassess the tour's ongoing viability and future.

“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Mackay community for their support throughout Wildcat's journey.

“A special thank you to our wonderful guests who travelled with us, our dedicated staff for their hard work and passion, and Mackay Isaac Tourism for their support.”

Wildcat’s innovative tours showcased some of Mackay’s most breathtaking destinations, including Brampton, St Bees, and Scawfell islands, that brought a fresh perspective to the region’s natural wonders.

While its closure is undoubtedly a loss for the local tourism landscape, Wildcat Mackay’s legacy is one of adventure, discovery, and an experience that those aboard will never forget.

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Wildcat Mackay, the award-winning boat tour that showcased the stunning islands of the Great Barrier Reef, bids farewell after three years of creating cherished memories. Photo source: Wildcat Mackay

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