Mackay residents have been left shaken after two sexual assaults were confirmed at a popular beach and trail area during February, prompting police to urge anyone with information to come forward.

The first incident occurred between 13 and 21 February, when a 27-year-old woman was approached by an unknown man on the Bluewater Trail near Illuka Park. The second took place on 3 February, involving a 53-year-old woman in the Town Beach area.

In both cases, the women were approached from behind and subjected to violence before being sexually assaulted.

Both matters have been reported, and the women are receiving appropriate support.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have been in the Bluewater Trail, Illuka Park, or Town Beach areas around the relevant dates and noticed anything suspicious to contact authorities.

Investigators are particularly interested in CCTV, dashcam, or other footage from nearby streets, car parks, or walking tracks.

Proactive patrols are underway in these areas as investigations continue, however, police encourage members of the public using walking trails and beach areas to remain alert and aware of their surroundings, and to consider exercising with others where possible.

Investigations remain ongoing at the time of publication.

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Hey Mackay!

I’m Suzanna, a new journalist with the Life Publishing team.

Having arrived here just six weeks ago from England, settling in has been a whirlwind but the welcome could not have been warmer. I am blown away by not just the beauty of the region but the sense of community here, and the richness of the stories that have been so readily shared with me.

A local boatie I interviewed on one of my first days told me that the Australian spirit was about ‘showing up, and helping a mate,’ and I see this is alive and well around Mackay.

It was so special for me to attend the launch of the Mayor’s Ball at the Neighbourhood Hub last week and meet such engaged, optimistic members of the community rallying to support the vulnerable; through the ball but also countless other initiatives including Dancing with Heart, which takes place this weekend.

The Mayor’s Ball launch event was inspiring and I was especially moved by Mayor Williamson’s speech. His voice was full of emotion when talking about the work of the ball’s newest fundraising recipient, The Neighbourhood Hub, whose team members go above and beyond in their role, feeding the hungry, providing spaces and support for children and families, and serving the community with a smile.  

Life Publishing are thrilled to be the Mayor’s Ball media partner this year. We will be counting down the days to the event, and encouraging everyone we meet to grab a ticket and get glammed up.

It is an honour to be trusted with the story, as it is with every story we have the privilege of sharing.

Thanks for the warm welcome, Mackay!

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Residents in the McKinlay Shire Council area impacted by recent flooding can now access financial support after the activation of Personal Hardship Assistance by the Australian Government and the Queensland Government.

The assistance, delivered through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), provides immediate financial relief for people affected by flooding, helping cover emergency essentials and early recovery costs.

Eligible residents can access emergency hardship payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families of five or more to help pay for necessities such as food, clothing and medicine.

Additional grants may also be available for some residents, particularly those who are uninsured or on lower incomes. These include assistance to reconnect essential services, replace flood-damaged whitegoods and undertake urgent repairs needed to make homes safe and habitable.

The support has also been activated for other affected regions across Queensland, including Bundaberg, Carpentaria, Doomadgee, Douglas and Western Downs, as flood impacts continue to be assessed.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the government was working closely with the state to provide assistance to impacted communities.

“As the floodwaters recede and we learn more about the impacts, we’ll continue activating the support measures Queensland needs,” Minister McBain said.

“The financial assistance we’re announcing today will give people a start on their recovery journey and hopefully raise their spirits in the face of this adversity.

“This has been a tough start to the year for so many communities in Queensland and I want them to know that the Albanese Government has their back.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said expanding support for affected residents remained a priority.

“This disaster season has been tough for our state, but by swiftly activating support will ensure the recovery process can be smoother for those affected,” Minister Leahy said.

Residents can check eligibility or apply for assistance online at disaster.qld.gov.au or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

CAPTION: Several roads were cut by flood waters across the region, isolating residents in communities like those in McKinlay. Photo source: Facebook

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This spectacular photograph of a Flatback Turtle was recently reported on the Eye on the Reef sightings network by a tour guide at Cape Tribulation, leading a push up and down the coast to share any wildlife sightings from the top to the bottom of the reef.

Since 1980, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has been committed to conserving Flatback turtles through long-term monitoring of their critical nesting site. They only nest in Australian waters feeding on soft corals, sea pens and jellyfish often in the inter-reefal area (the waters between the Reef and the shore).

Who knows what wonders are waiting in our waters here in the Whitsundays?

Submitting valuable data about wildlife, reef health, and incidents out on the water can better help scientists protect our reef, so visitors and locals alike are encouraged to download the free Eye On The Reef app and share any wildlife you see.

1- A rare flatback turtle spotting drives a rally for more reporting on the reef. Photo: Facebook

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New research from James Cook University (JCU) has found that winter conditions may play a significant role in determining how coral on the Great Barrier Reef responds to heat stress during the following summer.

The study, recently published in the journal Coral Reefs, suggests coral bleaching is influenced not only by extreme summer temperatures but also by ocean conditions months earlier during the cooler season.

JCU researcher Valerie Cornet, who led the study, said most forecasting tools currently focus on summer temperatures when predicting bleaching events.

“Most bleaching prediction tools focus on summer heat and assume that corals start each summer in the same condition,” Ms Cornet said.

“We wanted to see how cooler seasons, particularly winter, influence bleaching in the following summer.”

The research team analysed aerial and in-water bleaching observations along with sea surface temperature data across the central Great Barrier Reef between Townsville and Port Douglas, focusing on the 2016 and 2017 bleaching seasons.

Study supervisor Scott Heron said those years provided a unique opportunity to examine how coral responds to repeated heat stress.

“The scale and severity of these mass bleaching events were unprecedented, affecting vast areas of the reef,” Professor Heron said.

“This gave us a rare opportunity to study how repeated heat stress and recovery periods interacted, including effects before summer conditions set in.”

The research found that prolonged warmer winter temperatures can worsen bleaching in the following summer, while moderate winter warmth may actually help corals cope better with future heat.

“It’s a Goldilocks range –– it’s not too hot, not too cold, it’s just right,” Professor Heron said.

“We think that corals living in these conditions might be better prepared for a stressful summer because they are exposed to a little bit of prior heat.”

Researchers say incorporating winter conditions into reef monitoring systems could improve early warning systems and help guide future reef protection efforts.

Heart Reef View Great Barrier Reef Stock Photo 2512856481 | Shutterstock

CAPTION: 2016 and 2017 were the first consecutive years of severe bleaching on the GBR. Photo credit: Mikael Djavadi

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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth and one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. Stretching for more than 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, it supports thousands of species of fish, corals, molluscs and other marine life. Yet alongside rising ocean temperatures, another invisible threat is increasingly affecting the Reef — ocean acidification.

Ocean acidification occurs when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. The world’s oceans absorb roughly one-third of the CO₂ released by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. When CO₂ dissolves in seawater it forms carbonic acid, which lowers the water’s pH and alters ocean chemistry. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the average acidity of surface ocean waters has roughly increased by 30%.

It is worth noting that even slight shifts in ocean chemistry can have major consequences for marine organisms.

Corals, the foundation of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, are particularly vulnerable. Reef-building corals construct their skeletons from calcium carbonate, a mineral formed using carbonate ions dissolved in seawater. As ocean acidity increases, the availability of these carbonate ions decreases. This makes it more difficult for corals to build and maintain their skeletons, slowing growth and weakening reef structures.

Scientists have already observed declining calcification rates in many reefs. Research suggests that coral calcification across the Great Barrier Reef may have dropped by roughly 15–20% since 1990. Slower growth means reefs recover more slowly from disturbances such as storms, bleaching events or outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish.

Ocean acidification can also cause existing coral skeletons to dissolve more easily. In more acidic conditions, calcium carbonate becomes less stable, which can lead to erosion of reef structures over time. This weakens the physical framework that supports the entire ecosystem.

The impacts extend beyond corals themselves. Many other reef organisms — including shellfish, plankton and coralline algae — rely on calcium carbonate to form shells or skeletons. Increased acidity can reduce their growth, survival and reproductive success.

Despite these challenges, scientists emphasize that the future of the Great Barrier Reef is not yet sealed. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions remains the most important step in slowing ocean acidification. This means moving away from fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy as quickly as possible.

At the same time, local conservation efforts — such as improving water quality, managing fisheries, and protecting vulnerable reef areas — can help strengthen the Reef’s resilience.

The Great Barrier Reef has survived dramatic environmental changes over millions of years. However, the rapid pace of modern climate change and ocean acidification presents an unprecedented challenge. Protecting this remarkable ecosystem will require both global climate action and continued efforts to safeguard the reef locally, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at one of the world’s greatest natural treasures.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Group.

Captions

Healthy reef

Photo supplied

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This week’s newsletter ends on the Ides of March, and with no Julius Caesar in sight, it was all great news!

Starting with Tuesday the 10th, first place went to skipper John Brown, ably assisted by lead Ian Passfield, who is improving with every game, and second David Bradley, who also played well as part of a strong team effort. Second place went to the team led by skipper Tony Whitehorn with Sue Dakin, who, as a rookie, is practicing hard and developing into a classy player for our little club.

Wednesday afternoon’s Social Bowls was arranged by big John Askew after illness sidelined Mervyn Stewart. The biggest winning team of the day was led by Tony Whitehorn with lead Keith Bates and second Rene Thommen, another impressive new bowler who is improving at a rapid rate.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls, organised by Yvonne Spees with husband Bob Spees, saw Team Girl Power claim their sixth straight win, taking them to 18 points. Four teams remain on 14 points, with all games very close—often decided by just a single point. With all 12 teams still in contention, any team could take the title.

The Men’s and Ladies’ Singles competitions are progressing well, with results to be published next week.

No Scroungers were played this weekend due to 14 teams competing in the Mixed Pairs. By Sunday morning, four teams remained: Joan McGrath with Peter Barrett versus Margo Stanley and John Fielding; and Tony Whitehorn and Betty Whitehorn against Bobby Spees and Ladda Purdie.

Sunday afternoon’s final was contested between John Fielding and Margo Stanley and the pair of Bobby Spees and Ladda Purdie. To everyone’s surprise, it was Ladda—who had spent the past two years nursing her husband Bruce Purdie before he sadly succumbed to diabetes—and Bobby, who had been suffering from a severe bout of vertigo and was close to withdrawing, who triumphed. A wonderful win against all odds, and they are this week’s featured photo.

Sunday afternoon also saw 20 bowlers take part in social bowls. Bar manager Fiona Greener threw the dice, awarding five points for each winning team plus one point for every end won. The winning team, with 18 points, was led by skipper Dennis Donadelli, ably assisted by Lyn Graham.

Second place went to the capable team of Andy McDougall with lead Alan Pershouse on 17 points. Third place went to the team of Mark Mawson with second Gail Simms and lead Liz McManus on 15 points, rounding out a fantastic afternoon of action.

Captions

Bob Spees and Ladda Purdie after their win in the Mixed Pairs

Photo supplied

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In the vibrant real estate landscape of the Whitsundays, Melinda Butcher has built a reputation as a trusted and energetic property specialist who combines professional expertise with genuine local insight.

Known for her down-to-earth nature and friendly approach, Melinda brings enthusiasm and determination to every property journey. As a devoted mother of two and long-time local, she understands the lifestyle that makes the Whitsundays such a special place to call home. Having experienced both coastal living and larger acreage properties herself, she offers clients a practical, firsthand perspective on the region’s diverse property opportunities.

Melinda’s career spans more than two decades in leadership and sales roles, where she developed a strong customer-focused philosophy that continues to shape her work in real estate today. Her approach centres on building lasting relationships, ensuring that every client feels supported, informed and confident throughout the process.

“Real estate is more than just a transaction,” Melinda says. “It’s a journey that can be emotional, personal and incredibly rewarding.”

With that philosophy at the heart of her work, Melinda strives to bring trust, transparency and professionalism to every step — whether she’s helping a family find their dream home, guiding a seller through the market, or welcoming newcomers to the Whitsundays community.

Her strong work ethic, local knowledge and commitment to achieving results have quickly made her a valued resource for buyers and sellers across the region.

For Melinda, real estate isn’t just about property — it’s about people, community and helping others find their place in one of Queensland’s most beautiful coastal regions.

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World Storytelling Day, observed on 20 March, celebrates the threads that hold families together: our stories. Stories of what people valued, how they coped in hard times, what made them laugh, who they loved, why they made certain decisions, and the lessons life taught them.

This day is also a reminder to act while we still can.

Dementia is one of the most significant health challenges facing Australia. According to Dementia Australia, around 446,500 Australians are currently living with dementia, and the number is expected to rise. For many families, dementia brings an extra layer of grief because it can take away a person’s ability to recall and share their own life story.

I understand this personally. My dad lives with dementia, and there is a particular kind of sadness that comes with it. It is the feeling of, “We missed it.” We missed the opportunity to sit down, ask the right questions, and capture his life story while his memory was still there.

Memory loss is often gradual. Over time, whole chapters can become difficult to access, and families are left with unanswered questions.

Many people plan to write things down “one day”. The problem is that “one day” might be too late.

Writing a life story is one of the most practical ways to preserve what matters. It captures the voice and personality of the person, their version of events, and the context that brings family photos to life. For children and grandchildren, it can become a source of comfort and connection for decades.

Writing your life story can begin with a few simple conversations and a handful of questions: Where did you grow up? What was school like? What work did you do? Who were your closest people? What tested you? What are you proud of? What do you hope your family understands about your life?

One memory often leads to another. As people talk, stories return. Details emerge and the shape of a life becomes clear.

World Storytelling Day is a reminder, and it is also an invitation. If there is someone in your life whose story you value, begin now.

Contributed with thanks to Natalie Stockdale – Airlie Beach Author

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This weeks poem was submitted by Amelia Rutley. If you’re interested submit your poem to sebastian@lifepublishinggroup.com

She surrendered

To the slowness, to the simple

To the shuffling of priorities and the shifting of goalposts

To being at the bottom of the list with her partner.

And maybe the dog.

To scooters ridden down hallways

To catch ups at playgrounds and fragments of conversations

To sticky banana good morning kisses and soggy breadcrumbs underfoot

To crayon boxes beside dinner plates

To Disney soundtracks on repeat

To late nights, early mornings and 2am stumbles down hallways.

She surrendered.

Because to fight it would mean to be drowned by it.

And so she was swept up in the tides of change, of mess, of chaos, of love and of life.

And the sands shifted below her and the waves ebbed and flowed and crashed and calmed

around her.

Until one day she found she could stand again

In waters that felt new, but familiar at the same time.

She breathed in her surroundings - soaking in the sunlight, drinking in the details, stretching

into her space

And she lived.

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Bowen musician Natalie June has released her new single ‘Ticket to Paradise’, now available on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music.

Natalie got her start performing shows in and around town.

“I didn’t have a lot of confidence to pursue music at first. It was just something I did quietly at home,” she said.

“Then, in the last couple of years, I started going to open mics at the Yacht Club and got more comfortable performing in front of people.”

Since then, Natalie has had opportunities to support local and touring festivals.

“Those opportunities were what really inspired me to start recording music.”

Natalie recorded all the instruments herself, using a laptop and interface. With the new release – inspired by the likes of Lana Del Ray and Nora Jones – a music video was filmed in Greys Bay with some of it also captured at Rose Bay, showing off the natural beauty of the region.

The song focuses on inner happiness and belonging. Head to YouTube to see the ‘Ticket to Paradise’ video and get a glimpse of Bowen’s great foreshores.

Captions

Photo source: Facebook

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Welcome back to the creative corner. I just want to start by saying how much I appreciate the poetry submissions. In the first few weeks it seemed like it wasn’t going to work but now my inbox is flooded and I couldn’t be more excited to share people’s poetry across the region. Keep sending it in!!

I’ve decided recently that I want to read more Australian books and watch more Australian cinema. As a country that imports a lot of media and culture from overseas (mainly the US and UK), we risk losing our own sense of self by refusing to engage with our own stories. Consuming Australian-made media, and promoting its creation, allows us to better understand Australian identity and politics. It can open discussions and help people reflect on what it means to live in this country.

I recently watched ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ (1994), an absolute classic. Some of my favourite Australian films would have to be ‘Wake in Fright’ (1971), ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ (1975) and ‘Muriel’s Wedding’ (1994).

I’m currently reading ‘Cloudstreet’ by Tim Winton which I borrowed from the library and it’s absolutely incredible. His work easily rivals that of the greats on an international stage. More Australian authors I’d like to check out are Patrick White, Christos Tsolkias, Helen Garner, Richard Flanagan and Peter Carey.

Consider what your favourite piece of Australian media is.

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Thirty-five years ago, on March 19, 1991, the Proserpine Dam was opened by Premier Wayne Goss. Three months later, the public was treated to a gala day to celebrate its completion. For years, the district had endured severe flooding and this dam promised and delivered relief from these regular and often devastating occurrences.

Debate over the importance of a dam on the Proserpine River had a long history dating back to 1939 when the Chamber of Commerce first approached council to gain urgent consideration to provide a town water supply. Cost estimates proved too big a project for Council. It wasn’t until October 1946 that approval was given for a loan to allow the long-awaited water supply to become a reality. In 1947, damage from heavy rains which caused infrastructure and food shortages, was further proof of the need for a dam on the river.

But progress was slow. Despite numerous floods that underscored the community's vulnerability, the decision to construct the dam remained contentious. Decades of advocacy for town water supply continued, even after a fire in 1949 destroyed Main Street. It took another thirty-four years before the Shire Council was able to draw the government’s attention to the urgency of this matter. The pivotal moment came in 1983 when National Party member Mr. Geoff Muntz championed the cause and successfully initiated the dam's construction, marking a decisive step toward securing the region's future water supply and flood protection.

Approval for the dam was received in January 1985 followed by establishment of the dam village in 1986. Thiess Contractors Pty Ltd led the main embankment, spillway, and tower bridge construction, with local businesses handling walkways, shelter sheds, and barbecues. Additional project contributors included Kalanda Constructions, Transfield Corporation (Qld) Pty Ltd, VSL Prestressing (Aust) Pty Ltd, and the Water Resources Board.

The dam's construction was not without challenges. On December 13, 1988, floods destroyed infrastructure and trapped three Queensland Water Resources workers. On  December 24, 1989, John Coutts was fatally struck by a reversing front-end loader. He was wearing ear plugs and apparently did not hear the huge machine approaching.

Almost five years after construction began, the $50 million dam was completed by Christmas 1990. It was expected to take several years to fill but Cyclone Joy moved in on Christmas Eve and three months later Lake Proserpine was 98% full, providing a magnificent site. It had already proved its value by saving Proserpine from potentially disastrous flooding during the wet season of 1990 – 1991 when the area received two years of annual rainfall in two months.

It would be another twenty years before the first overflow which occurred in late December 2010; a source of great relief after it had fallen to its lowest level of 10.7% in 2007. There were further overflows in March 2012 and then March 2013 and now, in March 2026, water is once again spilling over the dam wall.

The Peter Faust Dam was so named in recognition of Mr Peter Faust who, as Chairman of the Shire for over fifteen years, was instrumental in securing government support for its construction. Furthermore, about 15000 acres of land had been resumed from the Faust family’s Proserpine Station for the lake which would be formed by the dam.

Today, residents and visitors enjoy the many benefits of this dam which provides mitigation from flooding; an invaluable irrigation source for farmers; a reliable water supply for residents from Midge Point to Bowen and out to the islands; and a popular recreational facility.

Peter Faust Dam continues to be “a dam good story” …

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Society. Information sourced from the PHMS publication, “A Dam Good Story”

Captions

1. Dam site pre-construction
2. The dam today (photo sourced)

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This week’s theme was In My Town, and the winner is Alissa Tomlinson with this gorgeous photo taken at serene Hydeaway Bay.

This week is free choice, with members invited to submit on any topic that inspires them.

Photos supplied by Whitsunday Amateur Photography group on Facebook.

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On Sunday 15^th March, the Whitsunday Lions Club hosted the Youth of the Year Zone Final at Whitsunday Sailing Club. It was tough competition between Isaih Howell (Bowen State High School), Kodie Mackie (Collinsville State High School), Sophie Morgan (St Catherine’s Catholic College) and Tiarne Watson (Proserpine State High School). Despite great performance on everyone’s part, Kodie Mackie took away the public speaking prize and Tiarne Watson won overall. Congratulations to all who participated and everyone who helped organised. The next round will be the District Final which will be hosted by Townsville Mt Stuart Lions Club on Saturday 28^th March.

Captions

1. Thanks to the wonderful support from the lions clubs across Bowen, Collinsville, Whitsunday and Proserpine
2. Zone 9 Chair Gloria Demartini and Allan Gravelle (vote of thanks)
3. Judges Sian Walker (Chair), Mark Henry, Marg Tawse, Jeremy Callaghan
4. Isaiah Howell and Mayor Ry Collins
5. Sophie Morgan with Mayor
6. Kodie Mackie and Mayor
7. Overall winner Tiarne Watson with Mayor
8. Congratulations to all participants for their great efforts

Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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