Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The photo of the week winner is Elise Dunckis for the theme ‘Off the Beaten Track’. Elise’s photo is of a night under the stars which, was taken in Morgan, South Australia. Next week’s theme is ‘Vintage’. Budding Photographers can enter by joining the Whitsunday’s Amateur Photographers group on Facebook. Contributed by Whitsunday Amateur Photographers
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Residents of the Greater Whitsunday Region are no stranger to the burden of box jellyfish. They have no brain; they pose a deadly threat and have been nearly impossible to detect in the water – at least until now. Growing up in Bowen, Dr Scott Morrissey’s passion for marine life was fostered by the town’s beautiful beaches and the opportunities they provided for underwater exploration. “I spent as much time as I possibly could underwater. I wanted to learn as much as I could about what I was seeing,” Scott said. With a robust education courtesy of Bowen State High School, Scott was able to foster his passion for marine life. Hig “Chemistry is okay but it’s like cooking to me. Physics was too much math. Biology was what I really enjoyed. It’s about building an understanding of how everything works together and why things are happening in the environment. It’s great learning biology because you can go outside and apply what you’ve learnt immediately. It definitely resonated with me.” Scott’s classic North Queensland grievances towards the threat of box jellyfish influenced a unique study path that eventually led him to producing groundbreaking research. “Box jellyfish are a huge pain in the backside, especially in summertime when you want to snorkel. The more I looked into jellyfish, the more I realised we actually know very little about them considering the threat they pose. So thought it would be a pretty cool place to start asking questions.” Following his undergrad studies at James Cook University in Townsville, Scott pursued further studies through a PhD leading to monumental research breakthroughs in the realm of jellyfish. “Jellyfish are basically invisible in the water. We know very little about what causes them to appear, when they’re going to appear and how many of them will be there. I wanted to try and create a new way to be able to detect them.” Scott applied general characteristics of biology to investigate the phenomena further. “When animals move through an environment, they leave behind their DNA in the form of things like skin, snot or blood. It’s like how forensic scientists scan for DNA at a crime scene. Our method is quite similar. We take two litres of water and filter it down, leaving us with a soup of DNA that’s been left behind by all animals in the area. We search through that and look to see if there is any jellyfish DNA and we use that as a means of detection.” This research will aid in risk management and monitoring safety around beaches. “The more we understand about them and what they’re doing – the better equipped we are to assess and manage risk. With normal species there is so much information related to population figures and movement that we don’t have with jellyfish. If we’re able to fill in that gap of knowledge, then we will have a complete understanding so that we can actually forecast likelihood of jellyfish in the area with greater accuracy.” The research is will also have broader application on both national and international levels. “We’ve been working with another group in Western Australia. They also have really nasty Irukandji jellyfish that love to sting tourists. We’ve been able to apply the technology to that species and it’s starting to be picked up internationally. There’s work being done in Thailand. The hope is we can continue the research and start looking at things such as are box jellyfish moving South.” Scott shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to consolidate his work. “I would love to be able to conduct our lab work on site to reduce delays. If we can test the water straight away, then we can get an answer on site in three hours as opposed to the three to four days it would take in a lab. I would love to get the process down to an hour or even 45 minutes. It would be great to even develop some sort of user-friendly tool that anyone could use.” Scott expressed gratitude to the support he’d received for his work. “I need to say thanks to Lions Australia, they fund 99% if this research.” The Bowen and greater Whitsunday community look upon Dr Morrissey with pride and keenly anticipate the amazing work he will no doubt continue to do. Captions Scott AKA Dr Morrissey – hard at work. Photo supplied
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ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on our calendar as a time for us, as a community, to pause, reflect and come together. Across the Whitsundays, services will be held in towns and communities from Bowen to Proserpine, Airlie Beach to Collinsville, and in our smaller rural areas. These gatherings are a chance for all of us to stand side by side and honour those who have served our nation and those who never returned. As Mayor, I have the privilege of representing our community at these services, but ANZAC Day belongs to everyone. It belongs to the families who have carried the legacy of service through generations. It belongs to the veterans who continue to serve our community in different ways. And it belongs to every resident who takes a moment to remember the sacrifices that have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today. Here in the Whitsundays, service and sacrifice are not distant concepts, they are part of our local story. From Gallipoli to the Western Front, from the Pacific to more recent conflicts, generations of Australians have answered the call to serve including men and women from right here in our region. This year, we also recognise the theme “Women in Service” acknowledging the vital role women have played, and continue to play, in defending our nation and supporting our communities. Among them are people like Commander Natasha Burney, who has ties to the Whitsunday community and served in Afghanistan — a reminder that the ANZAC spirit lives on in people from communities just like ours. Their stories remind us that the ANZAC spirit is not something distant, it is part of who we are as a community. ANZAC Day is also about connection. Standing shoulder to shoulder at a dawn service. Watching the march. Sharing a quiet moment with family, friends and neighbours. These traditions matter. They ensure that the service and sacrifice of past and present servicemen and women is never forgotten and that future generations understand the cost of the freedoms we often take for granted. Bring your family. Bring your children. Help pass on the meaning of this day to the next generation. Because remembrance is not just about looking back, it’s about ensuring those stories and values continue into the future. This ANZAC Day, let’s stand together as a community, united in respect and gratitude. Lest we forget.
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Last week, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry represented the region’s business community at a roundtable with the Queensland Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin, alongside the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner, peak state and national industry bodies, and regional Chambers of Commerce. The roundtable provided an important opportunity for knowledge exchange, bringing forward real-world examples and discussing targeted, practical interventions to address both the short- and long-term impacts of the current fuel situation. The Chamber’s focus was clear: ensuring a strong regional perspective was part of the conversation. Being at the table means more than representation, it’s about shaping outcomes. By engaging directly with decision-makers, the Chamber ensures local priorities are heard, understood, and acted upon for the benefit of the entire Whitsundays community. Chamber President Allan Milostic said it was critical the region remains at the forefront of discussions. “These conversations are where real advocacy begins. Being part of these discussions ensures the concerns of our region are not only heard but can be elevated at both state and federal levels where decisions are made,” he said. Data from Business Chamber Queensland highlights the scale of the issue, with 95% of Queensland businesses reporting impacts, and more than 70% experiencing major or severe challenges. Allan said the situation is rapidly escalating for regional communities. “We are hearing from businesses experiencing supply chain challenges more significant than those during COVID lockdowns. Flights into the region are being reduced, impacting both tourism and freight. At the same time, consumer confidence is being reported lower than during COVID, affecting discretionary spending and travel commitments, with a noticeable shift toward online purchasing,” he said. “The high cost of living and high cost of doing business existed before the fuel crisis, they are now being amplified.” Locally, the impacts are being felt across all sectors, with flow-on effects for businesses, workers, and the broader community. The Chamber is encouraging practical, community-led responses: Shop local first to keep the regional economy viable. Take a measured approach to fuel purchasing to avoid unnecessary strain on supply. Maintain critical services such as public and school bus networks. Support young people, trainees, and apprentices to access transport to work. For businesses to seek professional financial advice and be cautious of predatory lending or quick loan offers. The Chamber is also reinforcing key advocacy priorities, including: Fuel security — addressing both pricing and supply, including sovereign capability and international supply chains, to ensure certainty for agriculture, tourism, health, and transport sectors. Access to reliable, real-time information — including clear, centralised public reporting to support informed decision-making at a regional level. Have Your Say To strengthen its advocacy, the Chamber is calling on regional businesses to share their experiences. Businesses are invited to complete a short survey to help inform ongoing advocacy efforts and ensure the real impacts of the fuel crisis are clearly communicated to all levels of government. Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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It is often said that behind every successful man stands a good woman. From the early years of settlement, women were playing a major role in the development of the shire, not only in their traditional roles as wives and mothers but as active and essential members of the farming and business communities.
One such woman was Sarah Hannington Compton.
Born in Lambeth, Surrey, England on the 17th of October, 1870, she was the eldest of Sarah and John lllidge Gray's fifteen children. The family migrated to Australia on the ship “Macquarie” in 1889.
Sarah's sister, Miriam, had married and her husband was working on Havilah Station near Bowen. While visiting them, Sarah met her future husband, John Compton, who also worked there. John and Sarah married in Bowen in 1893. They had six children. Sadly, their first child died at nine years old.
In the first years of married life, they travelled around the Bowen district while John, a proficient carpenter, built homes and stockyards.
In 1895, they took up Block No. 3 on Glen Isla Estate, growing sugar cane in anticipation of Proserpine's Central Sugar Mill which opened in 1897. Until their home was built, they lived in a humpy with a grass roof. It was cool but there were plenty of snakes. Living conditions were poor, so a couple of years later, with their young family, they moved to another farm, Fern Hill, at Mt Julian.
John Compton was one of Proserpine's representatives on the Bowen-Proserpine Tramway Joint Board. He also agitated for Proserpine to become a shire separate from Bowen's Wangaratta Shire. In March of 1910, this dream was realised, and John was elected first Chairman of Proserpine's Shire Council. As Chairman’s wife, Sarah provided strong support to John throughout his time in office. In 1912, she was given the honour of opening the McGregor Bridge at Taylor's Crossing, Glen Isla.
After selling their Mt Julian farm in 1915, they built a home on Auburn, their town cane farm located where Edward Street is now situated. Sarah and family were then very involved in Presbyterian Church activities. Sarah was also an active member of Proserpine Hospital Ladies' Guild.
In 1920, the Comptons were once again on the move, selling their farm and buying another, Yelvertoft, at Mackay corner, Proserpine. Then followed a short residence in Warwick before they returned to Proserpine in 1922, living in a home on their land in the Herbert/Main Street area. In 1923, John once again caught the pioneering bug and cleared land for farming at Lethebrook where he built yet another home. Sarah continued to immerse herself in local activities.
When John Compton died in 1932, Sarah remained on the farm with the help of son, Alex. When he married and left in 1939, she hired a manager until 1949, when she sold the farm to the Pratt family, moving to a new home in Herbert Street. Sarah managed on rental income earned from five houses that had been built on Compton land by O H Gray and sons, circa 1938. She supervised these tenants. As was a common practice for widows in years gone by, she rented part of her home to young married couples; sometimes, taking in young men as boarders; usually bank workers.
Throughout this time, Sarah continued to attend the Presbyterian Church and crafted many items to sell at their functions. She was also active in CWA and Red Cross.
At 94, Sarah had a serious fall and was admitted to hospital. Unfortunately, she suffered memory loss, however she lived on to almost 103 years, becoming Proserpine's first centenarian.
Naming Sarah Compton Lane on former Compton land was fitting acknowledgment of Sarah’s contribution to her community.
Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum.
Despite being in business for just over three months, The Stylist Airlie Beach has been making a name for themselves.
Husband and wife duo Amanda and Dexter Greyvensteyn noticed a gap in the market and Amanda's keen eye, exceptional attention to detail, and love for interior design made it an obvious decision.
"I thought there must be demand for it," exclaimed Amanda.
"So I made a couple of phone calls to a few of real estate agents, and they said, 'Yes, there is definitely a market for property staging in Airlie Beach'."
The Stylist Airlie Beach focuses on making homes look spectacular for sale, and Amanda said she likes to think of it as part of the marketing strategy for selling your house.
"We present your property in the best way that it can be presented," she said.
"So when people walk into the homes they fall in love with the house and can see themselves living there. When more people are attracted to the property it creates more competition within buyers."
Most importantly it makes viewers feel an emotional connection to the home.
"I go by the motto of first impressions matter," said Amanda.
"I think it's very important that when somebody does walk into that house, they fall in love straight away, they want to buy it, and so they put their best offer in and hopefully gets the seller the best price they can achieve."
The Stylist Airlie Beach have various packages ranging from a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment to large four-to-five bedroom homes. Amanda and Dexter provide a complete end-to-end staging service, including furniture selection, delivery, installation and styling. After the sale, all items are professionally removed, leaving no work for the seller.
They prioritise all areas of the home and source everything, artwork, furniture, and outdoor living too.
Amanda acknowledges that some sellers may initially be deterred by the cost but explains that staging does not usually require an upfront payment. In many cases, real estate agencies allow the cost of staging to be paid from the settlement proceeds once the property has sold, offering a stage now, pay later option.
Since starting last October The Stylist Airlie Beach has received great reviews with Amanda noting that numerous clients comment "I'm so glad I've done this" and "I don't want to sell my house anymore." Reviews that are a testament to the hard work, love and care that Amanda and Dexter have for their business.
Amanda and Greyvensteyn style your homes ready for sale. Photo supplied
Skipper David Sautret says a lifetime on the water has taught him that sailing is as much about character as it is about skill.
David, from near Bordeaux in southwest France, has been sailing for 26 years and is responsible for every aspect of the Yacht Club Punta del Este vessel and crew.
“It’s complicated, I am responsible for everything,” he said.
"From the boat being on-course, off-course, boat safety, crew safety. So everything that's that's happening on-board is under my responsibility. It has to be monitored by myself."
David has been sailing for over two decades and says it's the freedom and challenge that holds his interest.
“It’s the only thing I keep on doing through the years,” he said.
“I love the freedom it gives you, to be in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the ocean, confronting yourself to nature and the elements.”
His path to the Clipper Race began unexpectedly in 2023 while training in the UK. He recalls being astonished by the number of boats, the training and the organisation.
David said he was so impressed he applied for the race but he just missed the cut off, so he considered his application was an early application for the next bi-annual race.
Reflecting on the race so far, David described it as “good and bad, but at least it’s an adventure”.
Despite challenges he said recent strong results had lifted the team.
We scored a lot of points in the in the last two races. We are coming back in the overall ranking. So I'm pretty happy about that."
David Sautret is Skipper onboard the Yacht Club Punta del Este. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Though hailing from Cork in Ireland, the Clipper Race is the most amount of travelling first-mate Lorraine O’Hanlan has done in her life. Discovering an interest in sailing in her early 20s, Lorraine is clearly very passionate about getting out onto the water, having participated in last the race as well as the current one. The prior race was her first time ocean sailing.
“I love ocean racing; I like the big long distances”.
Despite the brief experience, Lorraine clearly possesses insightful knowledge into how races are one and lost.
“You can fall behind, but because they’re such long races you can fight and come back up. If you fall behind it’s usually because you haven’t had a good 24 hours, maybe your speeds haven’t been great, maybe your sail plan hasn’t been as good for the conditions you have compared to other boats. In another 24 hours with a better sailing plan, superior speeds and current, you can start knocking miles off.”
As the first mate, she has the role of assisting the skipper and crew, “you’re almost like the second in command.”
Above all, Lorraine most enjoys the direction and sense of purpose that sailing gives.
“It’s almost like a simple world. You have one objective which is to make the boat go as fast as it can. Regardless of the weather it’s always this amazing environment, it really puts everything in perspective.”
With the team achieving their first podium position in the race, Lorraine hopes to find similar success with the subsequent legs of the race.
Perth-born sailor Colin Thomson has wrapped up his Clipper Round the World Yacht Race campaign after completing the first four legs of the global event.
Now based in London, Colin said he first noticed the Clipper race advertised in the UK years ago before finally signing up.
While he originally planned to sail the entire circumnavigation, he's changed his mind and his adventure will end here in the Whitsundays.
Remarkably, Colin began the race with no sailing background.
"I came in with no sailing experience,” he said, explaining he joined to learn through Clipper’s intensive training program. “I thought this was a good way to learn how to sail, to do all the training and to get up to this level.”
Training in the UK proved challenging. “We went out in a storm in the English Channel… I think eight people were puking,” he said.
Primarily a watch leader, Colin worked primarily on the foredeck, describing it as “quite hectic,” before finishing his campaign and heading on a holiday around Australia, before going back to the UK.
Originally from Melbourne, crew member Voula Skinner has lived in Hobart for 20 years. In a male dominated area, she hoped to bring more female representation to the Clipper Races. The lack of sailing experience required to join, and dedicated training program were a major draw.
“I love the training; they do a really good job of making it an even playing field. It is just supreme.”
Voula developed a passion for sailing in her late 30s and hasn’t looked back since. She cites the close friendships she’s developed as one of the best parts of her sailing experience.
“I loved the hard bits as much as the easy bits.”
Voula enjoys the obstacles of the sea, finding joy in the challenge of the great stretch between South Africa and Fremantle.
“I wanted that really big ocean crossing, it was cold, it was ferocious”.
Although returning to Hobart for now, Voula hopes to continue at a later leg of the race.
Sailor from 1707, Chris Heath is continuing his journey around the globe after a hard-fought leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, finishing third after more than 4,000 nautical miles at sea.
Chris who describes 1770 as his personal home port, said the Clipper Round the World race appealed to him because of its raw challenge.
“You can’t tame the ocean, you can only beat it, and each time you beat it, it’s only a short victory,” he said. “The next time it’s always hitting you with something else later on.”
After signing up in March 2024, Chris joined the race from Portsmouth and has faced everything from brutal weather to equipment failures and injuries.
“We’ve had just about everything thrown at us you can,” he said.
“It was a fair bit of a psychological thing to keep going every day but now I think we've got to the point where we can actually enjoy the racing and enjoy the conditions."
Now preparing for the next leg to the Philippines and China, he said, “The more we go, the more enthusiastic I’m getting to keep going.”
Chris Heath is looking forward to the remainder of the race. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Following the heavy rainfall and flooding caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji earlier this week, health authorities are urging North Queensland communities to remain alert to the risk of melioidosis, a rare but potentially deadly tropical disease found in soil and water.
Melioidosis is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which lives naturally in deep soil and muddy water across northern Australia. Cases are most commonly reported during the wet season, particularly after periods of heavy rain or flooding, when the bacteria can rise to the surface and spread more easily.
While melioidosis is rare in healthy adults and children, it can cause severe illness if it enters the body through cuts or sores, is inhaled in contaminated dust or water droplets, or is consumed in untreated water. Symptoms can appear anywhere from one day to three weeks after exposure and may include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, skin ulcers or non-healing sores. In serious cases, the infection can spread through the bloodstream, leading to sepsis and, if untreated, death.
People most at risk include those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, or weakened immune systems, as well as people who drink alcohol heavily.
The seriousness of the disease was spotlighted a couple of years ago after a local mother lost her leg after contracting melioidosis in 2024. In her case, a small cut sustained during everyday activity became the entry point for the bacteria, leading to a life-threatening illness that required intensive medical care.
Health experts say early treatment is critical. Melioidosis is treated with strong antibiotics for at least three months, and severe cases often require hospitalisation and intensive care. Prompt medical attention can be lifesaving.
There is no vaccine for melioidosis, but prevention plays a crucial role, particularly during the wet season. Residents are encouraged to:
Melioidosis does not usually spread from person to person or from animals, but exposure can lead to illness days, months, or even years later.
Health authorities are reminding the community that while most people exposed to the bacteria do not become sick, melioidosis can be life-threatening for those who do. Awareness, early recognition of symptoms and preventative measures are key, particularly as wet weather conditions continue.
Anyone feeling unwell after potential exposure to muddy water or soil is urged to seek medical advice promptly. For health advice, residents can contact their local doctor, health centre or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) at any time. In an emergency, call 000.
Water and mud can pose serious health risks, including exposure to rare tropical diseases like Melioidosis. Photo credit: Jenya Smyk
Residents of the Whitsunday Shire are being reminded to act quickly and responsibly if they encounter sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife, with expert help available through dedicated wildlife rescue services.
Native animals can become injured or unwell for many reasons, including vehicle strikes, disease, attacks by other animals, or becoming trapped in fencing or netting. Sadly, these incidents often leave young animals orphaned and vulnerable, requiring urgent and specialised care.
If you come across a sick, injured or orphaned wild animal (excluding marine animal strandings), the first step is to call Fauna Rescue Whitsundays on 4947 3389 or 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) immediately. The 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) service operates from 7am to 7pm, 365 days a year, providing specialist advice on the safest way to respond and ensuring the animal has the best possible chance of survival. After hours, assistance is still available through the RSPCA Hotline, which can help connect callers with their nearest wildlife rescue organisation.
Even when an animal appears to have only minor injuries, experts warn that serious internal trauma may still be present. This also applies if a dog or cat has interacted with wildlife, as even small scratches or contact with saliva can transmit harmful bacteria that require professional treatment.
For marine animal strandings, including sick, injured or deceased turtles, dolphins, dugongs or whales, the public should call 1300 130 372.
The Queensland Government appreciates the community's compassion for native animals, noting that by taking these actions, residents will be directly contributing wildlife conservation efforts accross the state.
The Whitsundays homes plenty of adorable animals like wallabies. Photo source: Visit Whitsundays
Green Sea Turtles are often spotted in the region. Photo source: Visit Whitsundays
Banjo is a happy-go-lucky Bull Terrier x Staffy with a love for life and a playful personality that’s hard to resist. This affectionate young dog enjoys games with balls and soft toys and is looking for an active home where he can enjoy plenty of walks, playtime, and quality bonding with his new family.
Banjo is a small–medium, male dog who gets along well with other dogs and is great with children aged seven and up. While his compatibility with cats and livestock has not yet been tested, he walks well on a lead with a little reinforcement and is full of energy and enthusiasm.
To ensure Banjo thrives, adopters will need a secure, high-fenced yard and a household ready for an active, playful companion. He will come vaccinated, desexed, and microchipped, with his desexing scheduled for the week beginning 12 January. His heartworm status is to be tested.
Banjo’s adoption fee is $400. He is ready to find a loving home where he can be a joyful, loyal companion and a true member of the family.
For more information or to arrange a meet and greet with Banjo, interested adopters are encouraged to get in touch with the rescue team. Sharing Banjo’s story is also appreciated to help him find the forever home he deserves.
Mackay rang in 2026 in spectacular style at the 2025 New Year’s Eve River Party at Bluewater Quay, where families and locals turned out in force to farewell the year together.
The riverfront came alive with bustling food stalls, live music setting the soundtrack for the night, and a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the spirit of the community. As evening fell, the celebrations built to a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the sky and marking a memorable start to the year ahead.
As you hold our very first publication of 2026 in hand, Life Publishing Group extends our warmest New Year wishes to our community. A fresh year brings fresh perspective, with new stories to tell, milestones to celebrate, and moments that remind us why local voices matter.
Thank you for welcoming Life into your homes, your conversations, and your everyday lives. Here’s to bold beginnings, shared success, and a year driven by connection, community, and possibility.
Happy New Year!
Hi lovely readers!
I hope you had a wonderful rest over the Christmas break.
We’re officially back in the office, and I’m so ready to smash out another great year with you all!
I honestly didn’t get up to much over the holidays, but I’m grateful for the chance to rest and recharge, ready to start fresh for the new year. Adam and I spent quite a bit of time with our Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mocha, and for Christmas, we hosted our very first festive dinner.
The dining table was filled with all the people I love most, including my parents, my mother-in-law, my sister, and my niece.
And of course, we had ham for the following four days! Ham sandwiches, ham toasties, ham and salad, ham with tomato sauce… and so on, lol!
For New Year’s, I ventured along with Adam to the 2025 NYE Riverside Party to snap some shots of beautiful families soaking up the festive spirit. Live music, food stalls, and hundreds of happy locals filled the Bluewater Quay.
As the night went on, I met up with some friends and leaders from my church, and as the timer ticked down to 12am, we gathered to share what we’re grateful for heading into 2026.
If you haven’t taken a moment to think about something that happened in 2025 that you’re grateful for, I encourage you to do the same.
While New Year’s resolutions are great, it's also important to acknowledge just how far you've already come!
Scripture of the week: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34
A simple act of kindness has delivered a big boost of cheer to animals in care at RSPCA Mackay, thanks to the generosity of a young local who chose compassion over personal reward.
Nate recently received a voucher from his workplace, but rather than spending it on himself, he walked into RSPCA Mackay with bags filled with toys, dog and cat food, and essential supplies for animals awaiting their forever homes.
RSPCA Mackay shared its appreciation, saying, “Thank you very much Nate! He received a voucher from his work and instead of spending it on himself he brought in bags of toys, dog and cat food. We hope to have him as a volunteer in the new year.”
For the local shelter, the donation arrived at a time when every item makes a meaningful difference. With many animals relying entirely on community support, contributions like Nate’s help ensure they receive comfort, enrichment and proper nutrition while in care.
RSPCA Mackay said it is always in need of practical items to support daily operations and animal wellbeing, including treats, toys, treat pouches, wet food, bones, collars and leads, medicated shampoos, and other donated goods.
“We are always in need of treats, toys, treat pouches, wet food, bones, collars and leads, medicated shampoos and anything you can donate is very much appreciated,” the organisation said.
Acts like Nate’s serve as a reminder that kindness doesn’t have to be grand to be powerful, and that small choices can have a lasting impact on the lives of animals, and the community, right here in Mackay.
Nate brightened the lives of RSPCA Mackay animals by donating toys, food, and supplies instead of spending his workplace voucher on himself. Photo source: RSPCA Mackay
The Mackay region’s favourite mosquito warrior is reminding residents to make sure their properties are ready for summer.
From clearing the gutters of leaves, tipping out containers of stagnant water and wearing protective clothing, Damo has taken steps to protect his family from dengue fever.
Mayor Greg Williamson said now is the time to make sure your home and yard is in order.
“We’re yet to get the heavy summer rainfall, so the current spell of dry weather is the ideal time to check around your property to ensure your yard isn’t a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Dengue mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) breed in stagnant water around the home,” he said.
“To help prevent a dengue outbreak, it is important to tip out any water in pot plant bases and containers, store items that can hold water in a dry spot or undercover, throw out any rubbish lying around and clean out your gutters.
“Dengue mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to breed in, so it’s important to keep the area around your house clean and free of items where water can accumulate, especially in the wet season.
“The symptoms of dengue fever include headaches, fevers, aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and, in some rare cases, can result in death.
“If you experience any of these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately.”
Mayor Williamson said it’s also important to wear long clothing and insect repellent when outside and ensure door and window screens don’t have any holes in them.
Queensland Health data shows there was an outbreak in Townsville last year, with 11 cases reported in the first quarter of 2025.
Mackay’s mosquito warrior is urging residents to use the current dry weather to remove stagnant water and prepare their homes now to help prevent dengue fever this summer. Photo supplied
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, is proud to announce that 44 outstanding young athletes from across the Dawson electorate have been successful recipients of the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions program.
The successful applicants come from communities right across the electorate, including Wulguru, Balnagowan, Mount Pleasant, Riordanvale, Idalia, Glenella, Slade Point, Rural View, South Mackay, Seaforth, Ayr, Breadalbane, Cannonvale, Annandale, Shoal Point, Andergrove, North Mackay, Erakala, Hampden, Bowen, Sugarloaf, Midge Point, and surrounding areas.
“These 44 young athletes are a credit to themselves, their families, their coaches, and the local clubs that support them,” Mr Willcox said.
“Dawson has a strong and proud sporting culture, and it is terrific to see so many young people earning the opportunity to represent our region at state, national, and international level.”
The Local Sporting Champions grants assist recipients with the significant costs associated with elite competition, including travel, accommodation, uniforms, and essential sporting equipment. Each successful applicant may receive up to $750 to support their participation.
Athletes from the Dawson electorate will go on to represent their communities across a broad range of sports, including rugby union, rugby league, basketball, touch football, softball, netball, hockey, football, athletics, cross country, swimming, rowing, volleyball, gymnastics, BMX, motocross, pony club, skate hockey, and Australian football. Competitions range from Queensland state championships through to national championships and international events.
“Regional athletes often face additional financial pressures simply due to distance and travel requirements,” Mr Willcox said.
“The Local Sporting Champions program helps ensure that young people from regional communities like Dawson are not disadvantaged and can compete on an equal footing with their metropolitan counterparts.”
Applications Now Open
Mr Willcox is encouraging families across the Dawson electorate to apply for the next round of Local Sporting Champions funding.
The program provides financial assistance to athletes, coaches, and officials aged 12 to 18 who are participating in state, national, or international championships. Grants of up to $750 are available to help cover competition-related expenses.
The current round is now open and will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, January 31, 2026.
Further information on eligibility requirements and how to apply is available through the Australian Sports Commission at: https://www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions
“Every young athlete deserves the chance to pursue their sporting ambitions,” Mr Willcox said.
“I strongly encourage eligible families across Dawson to apply and take advantage of this valuable support.”
Andrew Willcox MP with junior sailors. Image supplied
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