Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
“In summing up, it’s the constitution, it’s Mabo, it’s justice, it’s law, it’s the vibe. And, no, that’s it, it’s the vibe. I rest my case.” The quote is from the Australian film classic The Castle and is taken from the memorable courtroom scene. “It’s the vibe” is now a commonly quoted line and it could in many ways be used to describe the current behaviour of the Australian real estate market. In summing up, it’s inflation, it’s interest rates, it’s the Iran conflict, it’s the price of fuel, it’s cost of living, it’s the vibe. The vibe is spread and reinforced on the nightly news and there is no doubt it is having an impact. Herron Todd White property valuers recently released their October review and it gave a good snapshot of the state of play for the national property market. The review covered off on some of the big factors at play: “National dwelling values fell 3.7 per cent over the September quarter, sales volumes are more than 17 per cent below last year, and the median property now spends 47 days on the market, roughly double the time it took a year ago. Tellingly, fewer owners than usual are listing at what should be the year's busiest time. This isn't a market flooded by forced sellers. It's one where buyers have stepped back,” the report said. What is clear around the country, and in Mackay, is that there are great opportunities, particularly for first home buyers. The HTW report says: “Conditions remain favourable for first home buyers in several markets. As prices ease, entry points are becoming more accessible, and a pullback in investor activity is reducing competition at the lower end of the market, where first home buyers and investors typically compete most directly. “First home buyers need to carefully assess competing factors. A lower purchase price today may be attractive but is it an indicator of limited capital growth? Properties in fringe locations are more affordable, but are new owners of those properties facing significantly increased living costs as, say, fuel prices remain high?” Fringe locations are more of a consideration than they are in Mackay as we don’t have the travel distances that the larger cities have to manage. But it is clear that there are some fantastic opportunities on the table for buyers in Mackay. It is true that the investors who were driving the market over recent years have definitely pulled back, however we agents have started getting calls from buyers agents who have clients who see value in the Mackay market. The Mackay market is not suffering the same way as other southern markets and I only need to look at my open house numbers at the weekend to show there is still good buyer interest. Two of my open houses had seven groups at the open homes and one of those properties had another three private inspections in the following couple of days. Buyers are looking and engaged and many are ready to snap up an opportunity. It will be interesting to see if those investors do start coming back into the market. For them, it’s all about the rental yield. With prices down a bit the rental yield creates a very good return for investors. As agents it’s our job to get the best price for our clients, the sellers. However, we would all love that buyer to be a local rather than a southern investor. But “the vibe” is having an impact in Mackay as it is elsewhere and it could mean that some locals again miss out on the opportunities in the current market. Nothing to panic about but people who don’t act because of the vibe could end up regretting their delay. How many times did I hear over the past few years?: “We really should have bought a couple of years ago when the market wasn’t so hot.”
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The power of a good hair day is not to be underestimated, and Botanical Hair Collective has made it their business to help people find that feeling, whether they need a big, bold change, a simple refresh or relaxing pamper. What sets Botanical Hair apart is their commitment to using only natural and organic products, which reduces the chemical stress on their clients' hair and bodies, ensuring the hair that walks out of the salon not only looks but feels healthy. Their colour range from Oway is organic and entirely plant-based; even the bleach is ammonia-free, with Kukui butter as its main ingredient. Botanical Hair is a two-woman show, run by Chloe, the owner and senior stylist, and her third-year apprentice, Bonny. Chloe looks after her own clients, as well as overseeing Bonny's training and taking care of the behind-the-scenes work. Passionate about blondes and colours, Chloe is chatty and bubbly, offering a killer cut and even better conversation on the side. Bonny loves all things styling and colour. She offers all services at an emerging stylist price and will be offering heavily discounted prices for her foiling training. Following in her boss's footsteps, she is welcoming, chatty and outgoing. Chloe's dream of building a hair business began when she was a kid, looking up to her hairstylist older sister. She started her apprenticeship in Airlie Beach with an amazing boss who worked with organic hair products, and realised that helping clients make healthy hair choices was a path she wanted to continue to pursue. Chloe moved from Airlie Beach to Mackay and expanded her skills by working in a range of salons using different tools. It was through these experiences that Chloe realised she was ready to have her own salon. Creating a space where clients felt appreciated and relaxed, alongside stylists who felt supported, was the goal Chloe set at start of her career. As the years have passed, the smiles, laughs and confidence are what Chloe enjoys the most, alongside creating iconic looks. “Seeing the brightness that comes from my clients when they get that look they’re after always makes my day, making it easier and easier every day to fall deeper in love with creating gorgeous hair,” Chloe said. “Another thing that is very special to me is watching Bonny grow and fall in love with hairdressing every day, like I did when I was an apprentice.” Chloe's salon sticks to an effective framework: organic, relaxing and grounded. From her products and styles to the way she makes her clients feel confident, her main priority is always the client in the chair. “We strongly believe in quality over quantity, and if they come to us, they won’t be just another number. We like to make connections with our clients.” P1. Botanica Hair Collective creates a welcoming space. Photo Supplied: Botanica hair.
Read the full storyBe honest. When was the last time you caught yourself humming in the kitchen for no reason, or smiled at a stranger without immediately wondering if you’d just done something weird? Happiness has a sneaky reputation as something that arrives once the to-do list is finished, the perfect relationship appears, or the digestive system finally behaves itself. Spoiler: it doesn’t work that way. Happiness is less of a destination and more of a daily practice that starts with whether your body feels safe enough to relax. Your gut, for example, has opinions. A calm, well-hydrated digestive system is far more likely to let you feel content than one that’s staging a protest after lunch. Movement helps too, nothing dramatic, just enough to remind your body it still lives in a body. Breathing deeply (the kind where your shoulders actually drop) signals safety. So does drinking water before you reach for a coffee. These aren’t glamorous, but they’re surprisingly effective at turning down the internal alarm system. Then there are the humans. Non-toxic relationships matter more than most people admit. The ones where you don’t have to perform, explain, or shrink. Add a sense of passion or mission. When you have something that makes you want to get out of bed excited for the day, your internal state improves. Regular breaks from the work and to-do list help as well. Having something to look forward to (a walk, a meal with a friend, even a ridiculous comedy show) gives the nervous system a reason to stay out of permanent emergency mode. Here’s the part most of us miss: we can react or we can respond. Reacting is the sharp, automatic version: tight chest, racing thoughts, the story that this moment is a catastrophe. Responding is calmer. It asks, “What meaning am I giving this?” The same delayed email can mean “they hate me” or “they’re busy.” One version keeps the body in stress. The other lets it calm. Over time, the meaning we assign becomes the internal environment we live in. The more happiness we can cultivate from the inside, the more healing and rejuvenation follows. Happiness really is the greatest virus ever! Contagious in the best way. In a public setting it spreads fast. People want a piece of it, and rightly so. Happiness has healing qualities that nothing else can replicate. The best part? It comes from inside each one of us. Not from perfect circumstances. It’s available to everyone. Like most people, my own health journey took me through some deeply uncomfortable moments. I never knew that upgrading my health would land me in places of genuine happiness, joy and gratitude. I had experienced these feelings in the past but never as intense and long lasting. That experience is what I wish for others: the internal joy that appears when the body finally has the conditions it needs to do its job. The path starts simply. By paying attention to what your particular body is asking for and honouring those requests. Digestive calm, movement, hydration, breath, loving connections, purpose, and regular relief from the grind. That’s where real happiness has room to grow. That’s also where we can help.
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Year 10 Agricultural students from Mackay North State High School have raised and released 13 barramundis into the Goose ponds, making your next catch a possible close friend of a Mackay Student. Under the supervision of two classes and the help of Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association, the fish have tripled in length in six months, growing from about 100mm to 300mm. The barramundi growth was comparable to rates achieved on commercial fish farms, shared Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association hatchery coordinator Brandon Ford. “We’re releasing fish so these kids and their kids will have fish in the future to go fishing for,” Brandon said. North High and MAFSA’s partnership began when Aquatics, Science and Agriculture teacher Josh Grant reached out to the association about stocking the school’s recirculating aquaculture system. The association helped the school create perfect growing conditions, whilst Mr. Ford sourced fish from a local barra farm. Cleaning filters, checking pumps and monitoring water levels are all part of the students' regular work to keep the fish healthy, according to science teacher Kelly Dunne. “They are the first ones to notice if there is anything amiss,” she said. The students were fascinated by the Barramundi; observing them in class gave them new insights into the fish. For student Julian, feeding time revealed a measure of how much the fish had changed. “They’ve definitely gotten bigger and a lot feistier,” he said, adding that he had been fascinated to learn during the unit that barramundi could change their sex. “They actually don’t turn into a female until they hit a certain size or a certain age,” he said. The change generally happens when barramundi reaches about 85–100cm long. While they can live in freshwater, they need saltwater to breed. The students tagged their barra for release into the Mackay Goose ponds. With the help of Mr. Ford and his daughter Evelyn, they used drops of clove oil in a transfer tank to keep the fish calm. Suntag tags will help track their growth and movements, with Mr. Ford saying the barra could eventually reach saltwater through connected waterways, particularly during floods. MAFSA’s volunteers are supported by the school's efforts. MAFSA raises thousands of barramundis and sooty grunters for local waterways, including Kinchant, Teemburra and Eungella dams. MAFSA’s scheme has had great results, with one barramundi being released at Platypus Beach in Mirani and then being recorded in the Fitzroy River seven years later, by which time it had grown to about 1.2m. Anglers who report a tagged catch to Suntag can receive a certificate showing when and where the fish was tagged, how much it has grown and how far it has travelled. Mackay North State High School Year 10 Agriculture student with one of the 13 barramundis raised at school and released into the Goose ponds. Photo supplied: Mackay North State High School Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association hatchery coordinator Brandon Ford helps Mackay North State High School students prepare their barramundi for tagging and release into the Goose ponds. Photo Supplied: Mackay North State High School.
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What if your business was the answer to someone's Christmas shopping list? From gifts and experiences to everyday services and specialist trades, Gift Local | The Whitsundays is giving local businesses a new way to get in front of shoppers this Christmas and throughout the year.
Led by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gift Local is a year-round online directory showcasing what the region has to offer. It's designed to help locals and visitors find, browse and buy local, with businesses promoted across print, digitaland social media.
And it's not just for shops selling gifts.
Think about what your business could offer as a gift. A sunset sailing trip, restaurant voucher, massage, weekend away, artwork, or jewellery? What about a garden makeover, home improvement, plumbing service, or something practical that someone would love to have taken care of?
If people can buy it, book it, gift it, or benefit from it, there's a place for your business.
Retailers, tourism operators, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, trades, professional services, health and wellbeing providers, creatives and home-based businesses are all welcome. You don't need to be a Chamber member to participate.
The 2026 Christmas launch brings together three promotional opportunities:
Every online listing links directly to your own website, so customers can contact you, make enquiries or purchase directly. There are no sales commissions, just an annual listing payment.
It's an opportunity to reach new customers, promote your products and services, strengthen your online presence, and be part of a regional campaign encouraging people to spend locally.
Basic listings are free for Chamber members, with featured listing options available for businesses wanting greater visibility.
And it doesn't end with Christmas. Gift Local is a year-round guide, with future seasonal promotions planned around Mother's Day, Father's Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day.
Get your business on the Whitsundays shopping list. Register by 5pm Wednesday 18 November to be included in the Christmas launch.
Visit whitsundaysgiftguide.com.au to learn more and book your listing.
The Chamber is partnering with Whitsunday Regional Council on Christmas Lights Our Whitsunday Way, encouraging businesses to add some festive sparkle to their shopfronts.
Enter the competition for your chance to win a $1,500 Mackay and Whitsunday Life print media voucher or a $1,000 Star Mackay and the Whitsundays radio voucher for the highly commended entry.
You can also pin your display on the Christmas Lights Trail Map so locals and visitors can enjoy the festive cheer.
Entries close midnight Sunday 13 December.
Chief Icon Officer Isabella and her assistant Abril. Photo supplied
Tourism Whitsundays took an unconventional approach to destination marketing in 2026, inviting Australians to apply for a unique role: the region’s first Chief Icon Officer, and the results might surprise you.
The 10-day position offered the successful applicant an opportunity to experience The Whitsundays across its islands, mainland and Great Barrier Reef, documenting the journey and sharing it with audiences through social media. The activation was a part of Tourism Whitsundays’ larger brand campaign, which focused on continuing to grow the Naturally Iconic brand platform.
The approach delivered significant reach, with 75 applications received through Instagram and TikTok, more than 75 million impressions and 219,080 views of the dedicated application page. The campaign also secured national media coverage, including news.com.au and Sunrise on Channel 7.
Beyond generating awareness, the campaign was designed to broaden perceptions of the destination, highlighting the diversity of experiences available across the region and supporting exposure for local tourism operators. From accommodation and dining to island adventures and reef experiences, the itinerary showcased the breadth of the Whitsundays’ tourism offering.
Selected for her passion for travel, videography and storytelling, Isabella Esparza took on the role in July. During her trip, she sailed through Ngaro Sea Country, experienced tropical island stays, spent a night on the outer Great Barrier Reef with Reefsleep, flew over Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach, met rescued turtles at Eco Barge Clean Seas and explored mainland destinations including Bowen, Dingo Beach and Cape Gloucester.
While the region’s natural attractions provided an extraordinary backdrop, Isabella’s experience also highlighted the importance of the people and knowledge behind the destination. Speaking at the 2026 Whitsundays Tourism Awards, she reflected on how local guides and their passion for the region gave her a deeper understanding of the places she visited, particularly when learning about the Ngaro people and their connection to the islands.
“You’re not just taking people to beautiful places; you’re creating the foundation for people to experience something meaningful,” Isabella said.
Her reflections reinforce the important role tourism operators play in shaping the visitor experience. The Whitsundays’ appeal extends beyond its remarkable natural assets to the people, stories and experiences that give the region its distinctive character.
As Isabella shares her daily itineraries across Tourism Whitsundays’ social media channels and website, audiences can follow her journey towards answering the question at the heart of the campaign: what makes the Whitsundays so iconic? Discover Isabella’s answer in the hero video on the Tourism Whitsundays website.
Photo supplied: Libby Edge
More than 750 students have stepped out of the classroom and into the world of marine conservation at Eco Barge Clean Seas, learning how they can help care for the Great Barrier Reef.
Launched in May, the school excursion program gives primary and secondary students a chance to see marine science at work right here in the Whitsundays.
Support from the Queensland Government’s Engaging Science Grants Program 2026 helped expand the organisation’s established Eco HQ tours into the Future Reef Protectors – Eco HQ Schools Experience Program.
Based at Eco HQ in Jubilee Pocket, home of the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, the visits bring classroom lessons to life through hands-on activities linked to the school curriculum.
Students discover what happens when marine debris enters the ocean, explore recycling and learn about the work involved in rescuing and rehabilitating turtles. They also look at coastal ecosystems and the science behind protecting the marine environment.
Along the way, they’re encouraged to think about the challenges facing the Reef and find practical ways to make a difference in their own lives.
Eco Barge Clean Seas founder and CEO Libby Edge said the response from schools had been incredibly encouraging.
“Giving young people the opportunity to see conservation in action and get involved in hands-on learning is such an important part of creating long-term change,” Libby said.
“We want students to leave Eco HQ understanding that they have a role to play in protecting our oceans and the Great Barrier Reef, and that even small actions in their everyday lives can have a positive impact.”
For students curious about where that interest could take them, the program also introduces careers in marine science, turtle care, conservation, environmental management and ecotourism.
Eco Barge hopes to welcome more young people from across the Whitsundays and surrounding regional communities, building on the success of the first school visits with further curriculum-aligned STEM experiences.
The excursion is also eligible for the Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program, helping eligible schools give students the chance to learn about and connect with the Reef.
Families dressed up in the Halloween Spirit. Photo Credit: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort’s annual Camp and sCare has delivered another sell-out weekend of community fun, raising $14,564.35 for Meals on Wheels Proserpine.
The resort’s 22nd annual Camp and sCare is one of the region’s longest-running charitable events, bringing local and visiting families together for a packed program of creative costumes and community fundraising, with all event profits donated to Meals on Wheels Proserpine.
This year’s theme was Halloween spirit, transforming campsites and cabins with spooky decorations.
Ghost train rides, Halloween biscuit decorating, face painting, night spotting and an outdoor movie were among the activities on the schedule.
Saturday began with Monster Pancakes by the Pool, followed by trick-or-treat bag making, Halloween masks, Whitsunday Wildlife encounters and a swim with Hannah the Mermaid.
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort CEO Phil Casey said the event’s enduring appeal came from the enthusiasm of guests and the opportunity to support a local cause.
“Every year, our guests put so much effort into Camp and sCare, from their costumes and cabin and campsite decorations, to joining in the activities and supporting the fundraising,” Mr Casey said.
On Monday, the resort team gave the cheque for $14,564.35 to Christine O’Sullivan, President of Meals on Wheels Proserpine, this year’s sole charity beneficiary.
The funds were raised through the donation of 100 per cent of the proceeds from all Friday night campsite bookings, along with gold coin donations from activities throughout the weekend.
“This wonderful support will help Meals on Wheels Proserpine immensely, particularly with the continuing rise in food purchasing costs and the general upkeep of our premises and delivery vehicle,” Ms O’Sullivan said.
15 new faces in the Whitsundays community out in Hansen park with there families. Photo supplied: Mayor Ry Collins
Fifteen of Bowen’s newest residents received an official welcome at Hansen Park on Sunday morning, with proud parents bringing their babies along for a local tradition that began over 20 years ago.
Hosted by the Bowen Lions ladies, the annual Baby Welcoming Ceremony gives families a chance to mark their child’s arrival with the wider community.
Each family received a certificate before parents caught up over cake and spoke about their first year of parenthood, as well as what they hoped for as their children grew up in the Whitsundays.
The ceremony first began after Bowen Hospital’s maternity ward closed. For the Lions ladies, it was a way to make sure babies born elsewhere still received a welcome in the town their families call home.
“We feel that welcoming the babies into the community is important as most of them are not born in their hometown anymore,” Bowen Lions’ Bev Dyne said of the tradition back in 2023.
Mayor of the Whitsundays Ry Collins joined families at the park and thanked the Bowen Lions ladies for keeping this tradition alive.
“A big thank you to the Bowen Lions ladies for continuing to make this special event happen year after year,” Mayor Collins said.
As for one of the morning’s more traditional mayoral duties, Collins was happy to hand it over.
“And, in the interests of sensible delegation, I left all baby-kissing duties to the Mayoress,” he wrote.
Clementine and Lily pitching Panora to the Mayor Photo Credit: Bowen State High School
Young innovators from Bowen State High School are making their way to Brisbane this week to represent their app Panora on the national stage for the 2026 Future Anything Impact finals.
Their community-centred app has become one of the top 30 projects out of 1700 applicants across Australia.
Clementine and Lily were inspired to develop Panora after identifying a gap in their community’s ability to voice concerns and drive change. They wanted to create an accessible platform that would connect community ideas with the people who have the power to make a difference.
“It just came to us if we had an idea for our own community, we wouldn’t really know where to put that forward, and how we would get it to the people that we know can do something about it, and we were just like, this is something that we could really change,” Clementine said.
Panora aims to shift the power dynamic by giving the community a greater ability to catalyse the change they want to see.
Bowen State School Principal Robert Harris championed the girls' app idea, sharing that existing council platforms are rigid and hard to create change.
“This is about someone putting an idea forward to then generate interest, rather than waiting for someone like the council to put their survey out to get feedback,” Robert said.
“An app like this, it's streamlining those ideas, and you know where the ideas are coming from, and you know who you're representing, and that the people in your community actually want this.” Robert shared
Having grown up in Bowen, the girls understand the needs and challenges facing rural communities.
“I feel like, especially within the rural communities, that we don't have as much say as, like, the bigger cities,” Lily shared.
Clementine and Lilly went a step further and tailored the app to fit young people, encouraging their peers to get involved in community issues and petitions.
“Teenagers and young people are used to expressing their ideas on social media, but when you express your ideas on social media, they just sit in a comment section of a post. They don't go to anyone; they don't become real-world change,” Lily explained.
The school recently received a Community Support Program funding sponsorship through Whitsunday Regional Council. The Gold Sponsorship will support the students throughout the 2026/2027 financial year.
“Financial support from the community and parents is what makes this happen. And again, that's a huge thing for a state school, where we're not getting all the money compared to private schools that can do these things,” Robert said.
The students shared that it wouldn't have been possible without teachers like Miss Falmer and Miss Morgan, who provided support whenever they needed it. Combining the intellect of the girls and the support from the Bowen community, the app will be hitting the charts in no time.
Tim accepting the 2026 Outstanding Community Impact Alumnus award Photos supplied: Tim Oberg
Tim Oberg’s years of bringing people together through running have earned him recognition from his alma mater, with QUT naming him its 2026 Outstanding Community Impact Alumnus.
Oberg graduated from Queensland University of Technology in 2000.
26 years later, he’s been honoured with an award that recognises graduates whose leadership and service have made a lasting difference in their communities, whether locally, nationally or overseas.
“To be recognised by the university where my professional journey began more than 25 years ago is incredibly special,” Tim said.
“And to receive this honour in such an esteemed company, alongside fellow alumni doing extraordinary things, made it even more memorable.”
Tim joins a distinguished list of QUT honourees, including 2025 winners Louise Allen for her humanitarian advocacy and Dr Bianca Beetson for her work in First Nations art and culture, as well as fellow 2026 recipient and Beyond DV founder Carolyn Robinson who was honoured for supporting women and children recovering from domestic and family violence.
Tim’s award recognises his work to give people more opportunities to get active and connect with others.
Tim established parkrun Australia in 2011, giving people a free community walk or run together each week, with volunteers now running events in communities across the country.
He has also helped primary school students get moving before class through RAD Run Club, a free program that encourages kids to build an active habit by earning house points and badges each time they walk or run.
Now, his work with the Healthier Kids Project goes beyond physical activity, with the project also focusing on healthy eating, emotional wellbeing and sleep.
All four of Oberg’s children were there to see him receive the award, and his youngest, one-year-old Frankie, joined him on stage.
“I'm not sure she understood the occasion, but it's a moment I'll treasure forever,” Tim said.
He shared the recognition with those he had worked alongside and dedicated the award to his wife, Nicci, thanking her for continuous belief in him when he doubted himself, while also acknowledging the sacrifices they had made along the way.
“So while my name might be engraved on this award, it belongs to both of us,” Tim said.
The Collinsville Men’s Shed team rejoicing with Dale Last MP and Mayor Ry Collins. Photo supplied: Mayor Ry Collins
Collinsville Men’s Shed has opened a new $400,000 facility, giving members room to fire up the tools without drowning out a conversation and making it easier for more locals to join in.
Since opening 10 years ago, the Collinsville Men’s Shed has become an important part of how the town supports men’s mental health.
This much-needed upgrade saw about $320,000 go towards the new purpose-built workshop, with a further $80,000 spent on improvements including a new kitchen, better pathways and security, and equipment such as a mobile sawmill, routers and welders.
“It caught us totally off guard,” said Collinsville Men’s Shed Treasurer Robert Northway.
“We weren’t aware that we were being offered the grant.”
In the old shed, even a simple chat could be cut short by someone switching on a machine.
“It just wasn’t workable because you couldn’t turn a machine on and hear people talking in the other area,” Northway said.
With a separate workshop now in place, the club plans to set up a recreation room where members can play pool or darts and hold mental health sessions away from the noise of the machinery.
Other upgrades have helped make the club more inclusive, with ramps and accessible toilets improving access, as well as new women’s toilets making the shed more welcoming for women who want to get involved.
The club hopes the changes will encourage more women to join its Thursday and Saturday sessions, where members can show them how to use the tools.
“We want to make an inclusive men’s shed,” Robert said.
Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins joined locals for the official opening, celebrating how the upgrades would help the shed build on its role in the community.
“Men’s Sheds provide connection, friendship, practical skills and social wellbeing, while also supporting other community groups, schools and projects,” said Mayor Collins.
“Dale first raised the opportunity with me less than 12 months ago, so it’s great to see what can be achieved through partnership.
“Thanks to the Queensland Government for the funding, our Council team for making it happen, and Ellis and the Collinsville Men’s Shed team for their work and advocacy.”
Olivia let her dog enjoy a meal with a view. Photo Credit: Olivia Turner
Last week, Olivia Turner took her dog out for his final outing, a walk on the beach. A sad moment shared between the two was accompanied by the kindness of Whitsunday locals, making a difficult day a little bit easier.
“I wanted to say a massive thank you to the two kind strangers I met at Cannonvale Beach today, who made my big boy's last outing extremely memorable,” Olivia said.
“I will never forget your amazing kindness and the wonderful photos that you took of me and my beautiful boy.
“And the amazingly kind woman that noticed me struggling to get him back into the car after his last outing, thank you so much for taking the time to come over and try and help us and offering a hug to a stranger in need.
“A truly wonderful reminder of the kindness of those out there.”
These small moments on the beach served as a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference, particularly during life’s difficult moments.
Photo supplied by Stockwell
More than 250 Mackay locals recently visited Solana Northern Beaches - Mackay for its Livewell Centre Community Open Day, offering a firsthand look at the lifestyle, homes and community that are attracting growing interest across the region.
As Mackay's first over-50s land lease lifestyle community, Solana is providing local downsizers with a housing option that has never before been available in the Mackay market. The strong turnout highlighted increasing demand from over-50s looking for a home that combines independence, security and low-maintenance living, without compromising on quality or lifestyle.
Throughout the day, visitors toured display homes, explored the brand new community facilities at the Livewell Centre and learned more about how the land lease model works. For many, it was their first opportunity to experience the community in person and see why so many people are choosing to call Solana home.
Today, more than 60 homes have settled and another 40 under contract, with residents already enjoying the lifestyle and connections that are at the heart of the community. Visitors were able to speak directly with homeowners, gaining insights into day-to-day life at Solana and hearing firsthand about their experience of making the move.
While the thoughtfully designed homes and modern facilities generated plenty of interest, it was the sense of community that made the biggest impression. Guests were welcomed into a friendly and vibrant environment where conversations flowed easily between residents, visitors, and the Solana team.
Designed exclusively for over-50s, Solana Northern Beaches - Mackay offers a lifestyle centred on freedom, connection and convenience. Homeowners can spend less time worrying about maintenance and more time focusing on the things they enjoy most, whether that's travelling, spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies or simply making the most of every day.
Many visitors commented on the welcoming atmosphere and the established feel of the community. For those considering their next move, seeing residents already living and thriving within the neighbourhood helped bring the lifestyle to life.
The community also reflects Stockwell's long-term commitment to the Northern Beaches region. As the owner of local shopping centres Northern Beaches Central and Showroom Precinct and Bucasia Central and a longstanding investor in the area, Stockwell has played an active role in the growth of this part of Mackay for many years. Solana Northern Beaches - Mackay represents another significant investment in creating places where people can live, connect and thrive close to the services and amenities they use every day.
For those who attended the open day, it was easy to see why interest in the community continues to grow. For those yet to visit, Solana Northern Beaches - Mackay offers the opportunity to discover a new way of living, one that combines a quality home, like-minded neighbours and the freedom to enjoy more of what matters most.
To find out more or book a private tour, contact the Solana Northern Beaches - Mackay sales team
Photo supplied by LLTAGS and Dog Rescue
At just two years old, Maggie is a clever, playful and affectionate Rottweiler-Kelpie cross with all the makings of a wonderful family companion.
Smart as a tack, she loves to play at every opportunity, enjoys the company of children of all ages and gets along well with other dogs.
Maggie walks nicely on the lead and has excellent recall when out for a run. Whether it’s a trip to the dog park or beach, a game of fetch or simply playing with her toys, she’s sure to bring plenty of fun and entertainment to her new home.
Loyal, loving and affectionate, Maggie is in perfect health, desexed and up to date with all her vaccinations.
Could Maggie be the missing piece in your family? To arrange a meet and greet, contact her carer Angel on 0459 565 911or email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com.
Last year’s first Sensory Sensitive Carols was well received by families, with organisers hoping to welcome even more people along for this year’s event. Photos supplied by Mackay Christian Family Church
As Christmas draws near, Mackay Christian Family Church will host its second annual Sensory Sensitive Carols on the 5th of December, with a quieter setting for families and individuals with sensory needs.
The evening will include acoustic music, softer lighting, a quiet sensory room and open spaces, with beanbags available alongside traditional seating.
The event is aimed at families with children who have additional needs, but is also open to adults who find larger Christmas events overwhelming.
Augmentative communication tools and social stories will be available, while the sensory room will provide a space for anyone needing a break from the event.
The evening will include the Christmas story and a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Entry is by gold coin donation, with a free sausage sizzle planned towards the end.
Long-time church member Amber, who came up with the idea for the event, said last year's first carols received positive feedback from families across the region.
“The thing that surprised me the most, just being there was just how relaxed the parents were, and the children were just so happy,” Amber said.
She said some children enjoyed the evening so much they didn't want to leave when it finished.
“It's not only just open to families with children with special needs, but if there are adults who have sensory needs, who find the big, loud concerts and carols a bit overwhelming and they just want to come and chill out and listen to some carols, they are very welcome to come as well,” she said.
“It's open to the whole community.”
Amber said the idea came from wanting to give families a place where they could enjoy Christmas together without feeling judged or uncomfortable.
“We just really want to create a space that's safe, accessible, and inclusive for all families.”
WHAT: Sensory Sensitive Christmas Carols
WHEN: 5th December
WHERE: Mackay Christian Family Church
ENTRY: Free - gold coin donations are appreciated
The Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) has made its newest appointments, with David Caracciolo, founder of Mackay Reef Fish Supplies, amongst the eight board directors for 2026.
The QSIA also announced its latest President, Bradley Perkins, a third-generation inshore fisher from the Hinchinbrook region.
The appointment of the President and eight directors was made at the QSIA annual general meeting in Bundaberg.
Mr Perkins replaces fellow North Queenslander Allan Bobbermen, who has stepped away after 10 years on the QSIA Board and five years as President.
He said retiring President Allan Bobbermen had led the organisation with passion and dedication.
“Allan has been a steadfast advocate for Queensland’s commercial fishers, representing the industry before State and Commonwealth Governments during a period of significant regulatory change. His leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to the people and families who make their living from the sea, and a determination that their knowledge and experience be heard in the decisions that affect them.
“Allan has given his time, energy and experience to this industry without hesitation. He has led QSIA through some of the most challenging years our sector has faced, and he has always done so with integrity, good humour and an unwavering belief in the value of a sustainable, viable seafood industry for Queensland.
“I am honoured to take on the role and, on behalf of the Board and our members, I thank Allan for his service and the strong foundation he leaves behind.”
The newly appointed directors are:
Photos supplied by Mackay Christian College
Enrolments Available From Kindergarten Through To Year 12
Every student has unique gifts and talents, and Mackay Christian College is committed to helping young people discover their potential through an education grounded in faith, learning and opportunity.
Located across two spacious campuses, Mackay Christian College is a multi-denominational, co-educational private school offering a continuous learning journey from Kindergarten through to Year 12.
With a vision to present excellent, Christ-centred learning opportunities, the college provides a diverse range of learning experiences spanning academics, trade studies, instrumental music, sport, personal development and service.
At the heart of the school’s ethos is a desire to nurture each student's individual, God-given abilities while encouraging them to become responsible and successful members of the wider community.
Students can begin their learning journey in Kindergarten before progressing through Prep to Year 12, with high-quality Australian Curriculum learning underpinned by a foundational Christian worldview.
The college also offers Outside School Hours Care (OSHCare) for its students from Kindergarten to Year 6, catering to the busy lives of families, parents and carers.
Combining educational opportunity with a strong Christian foundation, Mackay Christian College aims to support students as they grow, learn and develop throughout every stage of their schooling.
The outstanding achievements and contributions of Whitsunday Anglican School students were celebrated in last week’s Cultural and Academic Awards Assembly.
Students were congratulated for their academic excellence, cultural involvement, and dedication, recognising the myriad ways they contribute to the school community.
To mark the occasion, musical performances were put on from the school’s very own Street Band. Helina performed Mozart’s Sonata and Lucas performed an excerpt from Beethoven’s Piano Sonata.
Congratulations to all of the award recipients on their achievements and contributions.
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