Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A single-vehicle bus crash has sadly claimed the life of one passenger at Gumlu, north of Bowen overnight. According to initial police investigations, at approximately 4pm on Thursday 14th May, a bus with 29 people on board was travelling south along the Bruce Highway from Cairns to Airlie Beach, when it left the roadway and rolled onto its side. Several other passengers were injured and transported to Townsville, Ayr, and Bowen Hospitals. The bus driver, a 70-year-old Mackay man, was transported to Bowen Hospital with minor injuries. As of Friday morning, three patients are confirmed to be in a life-threatening condition with one assessed on the scene and two airlifted to Townsville University Hospital. Multiple people were injured and transported to Ayr Hospital before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital by Royal Flying Doctor’s Service. There are eight stable patients in Townsville whilst one remains in a stable condition at Ayr. The Bruce Highway has reopened at Gumlu. This tragic accident comes less than two years after a fatal bus crash on the same stretch of the Bruce Highway, which claimed the lives of three women in on June 3rd, 2024. On this occasion, a Greyhound bus with 33 people on board was travelling north along the Bruce Highway, also near Gumlu, when it crossed over to the wrong side of the road and into oncoming traffic. The bus struck a Land Cruiser station wagon travelling in the opposite direction. A 56 year old Townsville woman and two German women aged 21 and 33 passed away as a result of the incident. The 52-year-old bus driver from North Ward was charged with five counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm, but was subsequently found not guilty. Anyone with relevant dash cam vision of incident last night is urged to contact police. Investigations are continuing
Read the full story
So, what’s going on with the property market? The thing about the property market is that it doesn’t stand alone in its own little world untouched by the drama going on around it. And there is a fair bit of drama at the moment. Let’s get all the dramas to form a conga line and point them out one at a time. First there’s inflation, an annoying factor that adds to the cost of living and affects people’s ability to buy real estate. Right behind inflation, and I mean very close, is its brother in arms/partner in crime/long-time bedfellow, interest rates. Interest rates have been particularly pesky lately as the Reserve Bank pushes them up in an attempt to bring inflation down. The idea is to make housing less affordable so you can make housing more affordable. Then there’s a war in the Middle East. War is very good for business if you are a weapons producer and part of the military-industrial complex but it’s not very good for everyone else. It certainly isn’t good for confidence and housing markets are pretty big on the old confidence factor. So, not good. This particular war has the additional benefit of taking place in the Persian Gulf, where a fair portion of the world’s oil is transported from Middle East oil producers to the rest of the world. The war has created a traffic jam in the Strait of Hormuz, which is restricting the supply of oil, meaning that in a world of demand and supply the price of fuel at the petrol bowser has gone up significantly. Which means our old friends inflation and interest rates give us another wave from the conga line and remind us of another impact on the property market. The conga line of dramas was joined this week by the Federal Budget and its changes to negative gearing, up until now a key driver in property investment and the supply of rental properties. Nothing changes for people who had negatively geared properties up until Budget night. My Pommy colleague Andy Collins, the Sales Manager at Gardian real estate, pointed out after the Budget that there was no way the changes would include investors’ existing properties because too many politicians own investment properties and the pollies wouldn’t do anything to hurt themselves. It’s up to you whether you think Andy is a sniping little Pommy whinger or an astute judge of human nature. Or can he be both? What Andy correctly pointed out is that from now on investors will be looking for properties that provide such good rental returns that they are positively geared, removing the need for negative gearing. That’s where Mackay’s strong rental returns come into it. Investors from southern markets have been active in the Mackay market because of those rental returns. When they can get returns like $750 a week on properties they have bought for $650,000, those southern investors realise Mackay offers better opportunities than the high-priced, low-rent options in their own cities. Andy was suggesting that it is possible that the budget changes will spur even more investment activity in Mackay because the removal of negative gearing makes investments in other markets unviable. I will delve further into the status of the Mackay market in upcoming columns but there are a few initial points to make. There is no doubt that, like every other market, the conga line of dramas has had an impact and given buyers pause for thought. But we are still seeing strong buyer activity and properties selling. As always, the buoyancy of our coal market and the jobs and business it provides will continue to be a driver of our economy and a key factor in the property market. Will the budget changes create an additional spur to our market and bring more investors in or is that conga line going to have a bigger impact? Stay tuned over the coming months.
Read the full story
With more than three decades of experience and deep roots in the land, Royce Dunn brings unmatched insight to rural property across the Mackay region. Joining Blacks Real Estate in 1991, Royce is a licensed real estate agent and auctioneer, who has spent the past 25 years as Director leading the agency’s rural department. Over that time, he has built a strong reputation for his knowledge across all areas of property sales and marketing, from farmhouses and grazing land to residential subdivisions. Coming from a rural background and operating his own small farm, Royce understands the realities of life on the land, and the expectations that come with it. That lived experience allows him to connect with clients on a practical level, offering advice that is grounded, honest and tailored to the needs of farming families. Known for his straightforward approach and strong work ethic, Royce is committed to delivering results, working closely with clients to navigate the complexities of rural property transactions and achieve the best possible outcome.
Read the full story
From wildlife caring, to country kitchens or supporting people with disability – a world of volunteering opportunities awaits at this year’s Volunteer Expo! This year’s event is set to be one of the biggest on record, with 55 community, support and other organisations have registered. The Volunteer Expo is being held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Sunday, May 17 from 9am until midday. Deputy Mayor Karen May said volunteering is at the heart of sustainable and supportive communities. “There are so many benefits to volunteering – from the people and organisations being supported, to those who so generously donate their time and skills. It increases community and individual wellbeing and drives positive change in the community,” Deputy Mayor May said. “What’s great about events like our Volunteers Expo is it gives people a one-stop shop to see what’s out there – and it could be something you’d never thought of,” she said. “Feedback from previous years shows how valuable this expo is to our community groups, with one organisation signing up more than a dozen volunteers on the day.” Data from Volunteering Queensland shows that for every $1 invested in volunteering, there’s a $4.70 return to the community. More than 110,000 jobs were created in 2024 through spending on volunteering – with the sector worth more than $117-billion to the state economy. Cr May said volunteering gives people to build on their passions while learning new skills and meeting new people. “It also opens up opportunities beyond the organisation a person volunteers with – it can help build new professional relationships and create new connections,” she said. “Data from Volunteering Queensland shows the overwhelming majority of people (64 percent) volunteer because they want to help others and the Volunteers Expo has dozens of options for people to help others. Entry to the Mackay Volunteer Expo is free. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook
Read the full story
Emergency doctors have issued a warning following an increase in snake bite presentations across the Mackay region.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service facilities recorded a 33 per cent rise in cases over summer, with 133 snake bite presentations since July 2025, which is 36 more than the same period the previous year.
Since January, 23 bites have been treated at Mackay Base Hospital, nine at Proserpine, seven in Bowen, three in Clermont, two in Sarina and one each in Collinsville and Moranbah.
On the first day of autumn, 1 March, two snake bite presentations were recorded – one at Proserpine Hospital and one at Mackay Base Hospital.
There was a total of 24 snake bite presentations at Mackay HHS facilities in February, with 20 recorded in both January and December, 24 in November and 23 in October 2025.
Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department Senior Medical Officer Dr Nirindu Weerakoon said all snake bites should be treated as a medical emergency, regardless of whether you think the snake is venomous or not.
People who are bitten can often feel very well with little to no symptoms, Dr Weerakoon said.
“Some potential symptoms that you might get are headaches, bleeding from the bite site, double vision, sometimes difficulty with breathing or stroke-like symptoms,” he said.
“The worst-case scenario is cardiac arrest. Knowing snake bite first aid is critical and can save a life.”
Dr Weerakoon said the most important thing to do in the event of a snake bite was to apply a pressure immobilisation bandage as soon as possible.
“Always call 000 or get someone else to go for help. As long as you are not in danger of being bitten again, remain where you are,” he said.
“Venom travels through your lymphatic system so the more you move the faster it is pumped around your body.”
%5B99%5D.jpg.jpeg)
The 2026 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival is celebrating a massive milestone today, announcing the event’s 13 official local community partners while issuing a final call for the public to vote in this year’s Youth Jersey Design Competition.
Voting for this year’s design competition officially closes at midnight tonight, Friday, 13 March. Following a period of record entries and extraordinary talent, the highly anticipated winning design will be announced this coming Monday, 16 March.
The four finalists are high school students representing the following schools:
The winner’s artwork will feature on this year’s official BMA River 2 Reef Ride cycling jersey, providing a burgeoning high school artist with a $500 cash prize and a massive kickstart to their design portfolio.
BMA River 2 Reef Ride has also revealed the 13 local community organisations that will partner with the festival this year. These groups, alongside their dedicated volunteers, will take on crucial roles to ensure the safe and successful delivery of the event, including managing rest stops, course marshalling, first aid, and running the sausage sizzle at the Golding Kids Colour Ride.
In an exciting initiative for 2026, the festival has introduced a new funding model to maximise the financial return for these vital groups. When registrations officially open next Wednesday, 18 March, riders have the option to select one of the 13 community organisations to support. Every time an organisation is linked to a registration, $5 will be donated to that linked community group.
Furthermore, for every official youth-designed event jersey purchased at the time of registration, an additional $5 will be donated back to that same linked group.
Event Director Nikki Giles said this integrated approach perfectly captures the spirit of the Mackay region.
"By registering to ride and purchasing this year's event jersey, you are doing two amazing things: you are directly funding the local volunteers who do so much for our region, and you are proudly displaying the artistic talent of our local high school students,” said Nikki.
“It is a massive win for our entire community, and we cannot wait to see everyone out on the course wearing these jerseys and riding with pride."
The 13 official community partners for the 2026 festival are:
Kate Sommerville, General Manager of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Hay Point Coal Terminal, praised the community-centric focus of the 2026 event.
"BMA is incredibly proud to support an event that places such a strong emphasis on community wellbeing and local partnerships," said Kate, who will ride in this year’s event.
The public is urged to cast their final votes for the 2026 Youth Jersey Design Competition before midnight tonight.
The 2026 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival will be held on 15 and 16 August. Registrations open on Wednesday, 18 March.
For more information on the festival, or to register for a ride, visit https://www.river2reefride.com.au/
Hundreds of runners and volunteers braved damp conditions to take part in the 2026 Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run on Friday night, in one of Mackay’s most popular lead-ups to the BMA Mackay Marina Run in June.
The event, supported by major sponsor Mackay Airport along with numerous local sponsors and volunteers, raises both funds and awareness for the Mackay Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation, with one hundred per cent of registration fees going directly to the charity.
Leukaemia Foundation Board Director Angela Milligan said the event had a long-standing history in the region.
“This is actually my first year that I’ve been involved in the run, but I do know that my branch has been supporting this run for 17 years now,” she said.
She explained that the fundraiser is vital for families facing blood cancer, especially those from regional areas who must travel for treatment.
“We provide free accommodation for those that have to travel to receive the treatment that they need, which is really important for regional areas,” Ms Milligan said, adding that the event also plays a crucial role in education.
“It raises awareness about blood cancer, which is really quite a hidden disease,” she said.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the Twilight City Fun Run had grown into a major event, attracting participants from across Australia and internationally.
“This run has now become one of Australia’s premier runs,” he said.
“We’ve got representatives from every state in Australia and even one international runner already registered from France…how great is that!”
Mayor Williamson praised the volunteers and organisers who help make the event possible each year.
“This is a fantastic event, not just for Mackay, but for the region,” he said.
“Not only are you doing something for your health by participating in the run, but you’re actually raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation.”
Kate Sommerville, General Manager at Hay Point Coal Terminal, said BMA had proudly supported the event for nearly two decades.
“BMA has been involved with this event for 18 years, so it’s very exciting for us,” she said.
“This is one of the biggest community events that we support in the region.
“Our employees participate, whether they’re running or volunteering in the community.
“It’s such a great race because it really showcases what our region is about.”
With strong participation and continued backing from sponsors and volunteers, the Twilight City Fun Run once again demonstrated the community spirit that underpins the annual lead-in to the BMA Mackay Marina Run in June.
2 pics ) - All funds raised go directly to the Leukaemia Foundation, providing vital support, accommodation, and resources for patients and their families. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Rest of pics) - Hundreds of runners and volunteers braved damp conditions at the 2026 Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run, celebrating community spirit ahead of the BMA Mackay Marina Run. Photo source: Mackay Road Runners
Opinion Piece by Andrew Willcox MP
In the city, a spike in fuel prices is a frustration; a reason to grumble at the dinner table or perhaps cancel a weekend drive. But in the regions, and specifically here in Dawson, fuel isn't a luxury or a lifestyle choice. It is the lifeblood of our economy.
Right now, that lifeblood is under threat, and it’s time we had a serious conversation about what is happening. We are currently facing global volatility, domestic supply rationing, and a federal government that seems content to watch from the sidelines, while our primary producers are pushed to the brink.
Our farmers in the Burdekin, the Whitsundays, and Mackay are some of the most resilient people you’ll ever meet. They deal with droughts, floods, and cyclones. But there is one thing they cannot work their way out of: a dry fuel tank.
A harvester doesn’t operate on hope. A tractor preparing a paddock for the next crop doesn’t run on good intentions. They run on diesel. And when fuel wholesalers begin rationing supply, or cuts it off altogether, it creates a terrifying ripple effect. If a farmer in Bowen or Gumlu can’t get a quote for a forward delivery, or if their regular supplier suddenly stops mid-week because the "big four" oil companies are tightening the taps, the work stops.
When the work stops on the farm, the clock starts ticking in the supermarket.
Most people don't see the journey their food takes. It starts with fuel in a tractor to grow the crop. It needs fuel for the truck to get it to the processor and then onto market, and more fuel for the semi-trailer to deliver it to the shelves in town.
If you break any one of those links by making fuel unavailable or unaffordable, you don't just get higher prices; you get empty shelves.
This is a fundamental food security issue for every Australian. Under Labor, we are seeing a return to a 1940s-style rationing mentality that has no place in a modern, "lucky" country like ours.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, has done nothing other than deflect, while regional wholesalers are being told not to send their trucks to the ports because there is nothing for them.
The Albanese Government claims there is "plenty of supply," but the reality on the ground in Dawson tells a different story. We are hearing that the major oil companies are prioritising their own retail outlets and hedging their bets against price shifts, leaving the secondary wholesalers, the ones who actually service our farmers and truckies, left holding an empty hose.
The Minister has the power under the Petroleum and Other Fuels Reporting Act to step in, identify the gaps, and ensure our essential industries are prioritised. Why isn't he using it?
On top of the supply crisis, we are seeing blatant price gouging. As I’ve said before, it takes nearly two weeks for global wholesale price changes to hit our local bowsers. Yet, we have seen prices jump up to 40 cents in an afternoon. That isn't market forces, that is war profiteering, and the ACCC needs to be instructed by the Treasurer to show some teeth and prosecute those doing the wrong thing.
Australians are already living through a Labor-created cost-of-living crisis. Adding a fuel security crisis on top of that is a recipe for disaster.
Our farmers and truckies are vital in keeping our nation running and fed. They are the ones who ensure that when you walk into a shop, there is bread, milk, meat, fruit and veggies on the shelves. They deserve a government that treats fuel security as a national priority, not a political inconvenience.
It’s time to stop the talk, unlock the supply, and ensure that the engines of North Queensland keep turning.
Because when the tractors and trucks stop, Australia stops.
Caption: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP with Carl Walker, Bowen farmer and Chair of Bowen Gumlu Growers. Producers like Mr Walker are now facing significant uncertainty due to the national fuel security crisis. Photos supplied
Police are urgently seeking community assistance as the search for Mr Wayne Pedro Morseu continues, with investigators now treating the disappearance of the 71-year-old Mackay man as a homicide investigation.
Mr Morseu was first reported missing to police on November 10 last year after he had not contacted or been seen by anyone for several weeks. Investigations commenced soon after and detectives later determined the circumstances surrounding his disappearance were suspicious.
Following further enquiries, police believe Mr Morseu died at his Griffin Street home in September 2025.
Speaking during a media conference on Wednesday, Mackay Whitsundays District Detective Inspector Emma Novosel said, “The 71-year-old man was reported missing by his family on the 10th of November last year after not being seen or heard from for some time.”
“Investigations to date have led investigators to believe that Wayne died in his home at Griffin Street sometime after the 27th of August.”
It’s believed that Wayne’s body remained at his home in Griffin Street for an unknown period of time before he was “moved from his home to an unknown location by a person or persons involved in his death.”
Police believe the well-known local had lived in the Griffin Street area for many years, and has “quite a large family.”
“He regularly moved around that area by walking, so he would be identifiable to people who live in that area,” said Detective Inspector Novosel.
Police are now appealing for anyone who may know something to come forward.
“We’re seeking any information from any member of the public, no matter how small.”
Detective Inspector Novosel said the investigation remained complex.
“At this time we can’t say what the motive is or the reason for the death, but we’re keeping an open mind and will examine all angles.”
Earlier in the investigation, specialist police and State Emergency Service volunteers conducted searches of bushland in West Mackay but no items of interest were located.
Mr Morseu is described as First Nations, with a slim build, grey hair and brown eyes.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Reference: QP2502035864
Nigel Dalton Champions Mackay’s Riverfront Renewal
Efforts are underway to revitalise Mackay’s beloved Bluewater Quay, with local leaders and community organisations working together to create a welcoming space for families, residents, and visitors along the Pioneer River.
Mackay Regional Council, alongside Member for Mackay Mr Nigel Dalton, has taken a compassionate approach to support those sleeping rough, ensuring access to local housing and support services. Mr Dalton further noted that the focus is on assistance, rather than displacement, helping people navigate financial, health, or substance-related challenges.
Mr Dalton highlighted the collaborative work that’s already unfolded in the revitalisation.
“We’ve been working with housing, we’ve been working with health, we’ve been working with council, and we’ve been working with community organisations around here to make sure that we can help everybody who needed help,” he said.
“This was not a matter of going into an area and arresting people, or getting rid of them. They all had complex needs and we came down here with a compassionate heart to make sure that everybody who wanted some help could get it.”
The improvements are part of a broader plan to activate the waterfront and create a vibrant community hub. Mr Dalton praised the council staff, saying, “I want to congratulate Mackay Regional Council because they have done a huge amount of work… what they’re doing is amazingly good for all of our community.”
The revitalisation of Mackay’s Bluewater Quay is underway, with Mr Nigel Dalton and local leaders working together over the past few months to create a welcoming waterfront space that supports those in need while bringing the community together. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
The River Reimagined
Mackay’s Voices Reimagined In Public Art
A new public art project is inviting locals and visitors to share their stories, memories, and reflections of the Pioneer River – contributions that will be transformed into an eye-catching installation hanging in one of the river side pavilions on the Blue Water trail, adjacent to the Pioneer Promenade parkland.
Titled The River Reimagined, the project will feature handwritten “Story Strips” suspended from the roof of a river side pavilion, creating a canopy of voices contributed by the Mackay Community. Each strip will carry a short reflection submitted through an online survey or at in-person writing sessions, capturing the spirit, history and personal connections that define our region.
In a vibrant collaboration with Mackay’s Yarn Bombers, the installation will also be adorned with textile elements, adding colour, texture and warmth to the final display.
“This is about more than art – it’s about storytelling, identity, and place,” said project artist Bonnie McCarthy.
“We want to reflect the heart of Mackay through the voices of those who live here and those who pass through.”
The installation will be unveiled as part of the upcoming River of Life Festival in 2026, celebrating the cultural and environmental significance of the Pioneer River. Community members are encouraged to participate by submitting a short story and optional image via the online form or QR code.
An indicative image of what the complete Installation will look like. Image supplied
Mackay shoppers were reminded of the kindness of strangers recently when a local mother shared a heart-warming story about her daughters.
While doing the groceries, her daughters ran into a small hiccup at Target as the card on their phone wouldn’t work.
But, in a touching act of generosity, a stranger stepped in.
The mother wrote on social media: “To the absolute beautiful human that paid for my daughters shopping in Target this morning, thank you, I hope you see this! … Some gorgeous earth angel stepped in and tapped her card and disappeared.”
Her daughters were equally thrilled by the experience.
“Mum, a lady helped us,” they exclaimed, their excitement evident when they reunited with their mother.
The gesture, while small in action, made a lasting impression.
“Please, if you read this, know you made not only their day but mine too,” the mother said, expressing gratitude for the stranger’s thoughtfulness.
She added, “I would also like to pay you back! Thank you so much.”
The incident has sparked smiles across Mackay, serving as a simple but powerful reminder of the everyday acts of kindness that strengthen community connections.
If you have a good deed story of your own that you’d like to share, please email hannah@lifepublishinggroup.com
Hundreds of inspiring women came together at the MECC to celebrate the Resource Industry Network International Women’s Day Business Lunch, with nearly 600 people filling the room for one of the region’s most uplifting events of the year.
Leaders, professionals and community members gathered to share stories, celebrate achievements and champion the strength and influence of women across the region. A powerful keynote address and engaging panel discussion sparked thoughtful conversations around leadership, resilience and opportunity.
The atmosphere was vibrant and empowering, with many describing the event as both motivating and memorable.
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Resource Industry Network International Women’s Day Business Lunch 2026!
Nearly 600 people gathered at the MECC for the International Women’s Day Business Lunch, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for the region’s annual celebration. The event featured a standout keynote speaker and an engaging panel discussion, with powerful stories and insights shared throughout the afternoon. Attendees embraced the opportunity to connect, celebrate achievements and reflect on the importance of empowering women across the community. The energy in the room was widely praised, with many describing the day as both uplifting and memorable. Celebrations continued afterwards at The Dispensary Mackay, rounding out a successful and inspiring International Women’s Day event.
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Families across the Mackay region now have the opportunity to secure a place for their children in one of the area’s three Catholic secondary colleges, with enrolments for the 2027 school year officially open.
Catholic Secondary Education in Mackay continues to offer families a rich choice of faith-based learning environments, supported by three well-established colleges: Holy Spirit College, Mount Pleasant; St Patrick’s College, Mackay; and Catherine McAuley College, Mackay. Each college maintains a strong commitment to delivering high-quality teaching and learning, supported by values grounded in the Catholic
tradition.
Together, the colleges form a dynamic network focused on nurturing the academic, spiritual, and personal growth of every student entrusted to their care. Their shared mission emphasises excellence, compassion, inclusivity, and service values increasingly sought by families looking for holistic and future-focused education.
As the Mackay region grows, demand for Catholic secondary schooling remains strong. The opening of 2027 enrolments provides families with the chance to explore the unique offerings of each college and secure a place early.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the colleges’ websites or contact each college for further information about tours, interviews, and transition pathways.
Catherine McAuley College, 239 Nebo Road West Mackay Enrol online via the college website https://cmcmrok.catholic.edu.au/ Open Evening 4.00pm to 6.30pm Thursday 12 March for more information call 4994 9200
St Patrick’s College 2 Gregory Street Mackay Open Night Tuesday 17 March at the Mercy Campus in Penn Street, Mackay from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. For more information, please visit the college website www.stpats.qld.edu.au or call 4994 8700.
Holy Spirit College 35 – 39 Baxter Drive Mount Pleasant Enrol online via www.hsc.qld.edu.au/enrolments Information Evening Tuesday 28 April, 5.30pm to 7.30pm. For further information email enrolments@hsc.qld.edu.au or call 4994 8600
Under glorious summer skies, more than 500 spectators gathered at Denison Park to witness the very best of grassroots rugby league at the Bowen Summer 10’s. With 20 teams, 110 bags of ice and plenty of hot chips fuelling the day, the event delivered not only quality football but a powerful reminder of what community sport is all about.
Teams travelled from across North Queensland to take part, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead. The men’s title was claimed by the Wests Tigers, while the women’s honours went to the Souths Rugby League Club Bulls. Their success was well earned, but the true victory belonged to every player who took the field and every volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
The event, hosted by Bowen Seagulls Rugby League, showcased the strength and spirit of the local sporting community. From early morning set up to the final whistle, organisers, referees, canteen volunteers and supporters combined to create a welcoming atmosphere for families and visitors alike.
Importantly, the day extended beyond sport. An outstanding $4,300 was raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, reinforcing the generosity that defines this region. In towns like Bowen and across the Whitsundays, community events such as these strengthen local ties and highlight the positive role sport plays in bringing people together.
The Bowen Summer 10’s was more than a tournament. It was a celebration of teamwork, volunteerism and local pride. As the new footy season approaches, the energy and unity on display at Denison Park offer every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.
Captions
Photo source: Facebook
In every small town, certain places become part of the community’s heartbeat, where stories are shared, laughter drifts onto the footpath and people leave feeling a little more confident than when they arrived. On our main street, that place is Shear Pleasure.
For 21 years, the salon has been proudly owned and operated by Jodi Lorraway. Her dedication, warmth and vision have shaped Shear Pleasure into the welcoming hub it is today. Two decades in business is no small achievement in a regional town, and that longevity reflects the trust, loyalty and genuine relationships built within the community.
More than a hairdressing salon, Shear Pleasure represents connection, creativity and community spirit. Inside, clients are greeted with warm smiles, lush tropical indoor plants and the hum of friendly conversation. Even four-legged visitors are welcome, with Esmay the dachshund a much-loved part of the salon’s charm.
The strength of Shear Pleasure lies in its team. Senior stylists and an enthusiastic apprentice work alongside Jodi to create a space where professionalism and fun go hand in hand. Clients are invited to relax and enjoy the experience, a reminder that hairdressing is about wellbeing as well as style.
By stocking exclusively Australian owned and made haircare products and actively supporting local initiatives across Proserpine and the Whitsundays, Shear Pleasure continues to give back. After 21 years, it remains a cornerstone of the community, built on pride, friendship and helping people look and feel their best.
On Sunday, 1st March, the Whitsundays community came together for Clean Up Australia Day, despite challenging weather conditions. Heavy rains hit the region, but volunteers remained committed to clearing the area’s foreshores and beaches.
At Coral Sea Marina, 23 volunteers collected 130 kilograms of litter over two hours. The debris ranged from small plastic waste to larger items like car parts and carpet pieces, many of which had been discarded in the mangroves.
On the other side of Airlie Beach, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. partnered with the Whitsunday Sailing Club to host another clean-up event. Thirty volunteers removed approximately 180 kilograms of waste from the Whitsunday Sailing Club area, Boathaven Beach, the Airlie Beach foreshore, and as far as Mandalay. The volunteers worked in both land and water areas, demonstrating their commitment to cleaning the region’s coastline despite the weather.
“We’re grateful to the volunteers, especially the kids, who joined us despite the rain. Their engagement shows how important protecting our environment is to future generations,” said Joscelyn O’Keefe of Coral Sea Marina.
After the clean-up, the Whitsunday Sailing Club hosted a sausage sizzle to thank the volunteers, fostering a sense of community and appreciation. Pamela Rusin, Events Coordinator for the Whitsunday Sailing Club, expressed her gratitude: “Because of you, Airlie Beach stays cleaner, protecting our oceans and preserving the coastline’s natural beauty.”
The event concluded with a special moment at Boathaven Beach. “Tina,” a green sea turtle rehabilitated at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, was released back into the wild after recovering from barnacle and algae growth. Volunteers cheered as she returned to the ocean, marking a positive outcome from their environmental efforts.
In total, more than 310 kilograms of litter was removed from the Whitsundays region. Despite the harsh weather, the community’s collective action demonstrated the importance of preserving the environment.
The success of this clean-up proves that local efforts play a crucial role in protecting the region’s globally significant marine ecosystem, rain, hail, or shine.
Captions
Photos 1-3, Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
Photos 4-7, Photos supplied
Congratulations to Mary Murphy (her friends call her Maz), for being the first to publicly submit a poem to the paper. A reminder that my inbox is always open for great poetry that I know the region can offer. Don’t hesitate to email sebastian@lifepublishinggroup.com. Maz’s poem is entitled ‘The Consequences’. Enjoy,
The Consequences
You never had it easy
But you’ve got one more thing of mine
Your hardship is your beauty
It’s all your pride that makes you blind
Like the heart of a man
A woman has stolen away
Wondering why everything is lost
With all she has to say
& then when you let me down
When it shouldn’t all have been
Taken all for granted
Never to be seen
There is a truth
That is passed around
& that something you’ve got of mine
Will come to stable ground
There is always something that has been lost
The consequences will take us
At any cost
Are we’re back with the creative corner. This week I finished the memoir ‘Just Kids’ by Patti Smith, a musician mainly known for her hit ‘Because the Night’. The book focuses on her move to New York as an aspiring artist in the late 60’s and chronicles her complicated yet deep relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
What really inspired me about the book, was how many creative things Patti Smith did. Although she’s mainly known for her music, Smith wrote poetry, screenplays and plays – created art and even acted in avant-garde theatre. In a modern world that is incredibly fast-paced and busy – it can be easy to get boxed into one creative identity. Are you a musician? A painter? A writer?
What Patti Smith shows is that creativity transcends an identity or label. It is not a vocation or job title – it is a state of being. We can create many different types of things and they all inform each other. Creativity is not one path you choose or just a way of making money, it is a muscle that must be exercised and it can be exercised in many different ways.
This week I would encourage you to reflect on your creativity. If you’re known by one creative label, how about trying another? If you’re mainly a musician – why not try writing a screenplay? If you’re mainly an artist – why not try some poetry? You may find ways of expression you weren’t previously aware of.
This week’s winner is Alissa Tomlinson who submitted this photo titled ‘Engagement at Hydeaway Bay’, for the theme ‘New Beginnings.’
Next week’s theme will be “Fun”. Send your submissions to Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Group on Facebook.
These photographs are contributed by the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Group
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
