Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Whitsunday Anglican School has celebrated a successful year of student sport, recognising the tremendous talent and achievements of its athletes at its 2026 Sports Awards. Among the major honours, the Bill Turner Cup Under-15 Soccer Team and Vicki Wilson Cup Year 7–9 Netball Team were named Sports Teams of the Year after winning their respective Mackay competitions and progressing to represent the Mackay Region at state competitions. Harriet received Sports Official of the Year for her commitment to netball umpiring, including her selection to officiate at Queensland Representative School Sport level, while Maverick and Chelsea were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for their sporting excellence, integrity and contributions to the school. The school also recognised Mr Jim Fredericksen for 20 years of volunteer coaching with its Archery Programme. Mayor Greg Williamson attended the awards, alongside guest speaker Mrs Deanna Turner, who shared insights into the value of sport in education. A former Queensland Firebirds netball player, Australian rugby league player and Queensland Rugby League coach, Mrs Turner is also a current Queensland Representative School Sport coach. Her presentation explored how sport can help build resilience, teamwork and leadership. The school congratulated all award recipients and students who represented Whitsunday Anglican School throughout 2026. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School
Read the full story
It’s the story about 30,000 drowned pigs and how it applies to real estate, best business practices and life in general. In an earlier life I was the editor of the Daily Mercury newspaper, back when it was published and printed six days a week and over 20,000 copies were sold on a Saturday. Different times in the media world. Anyway, this one day we were following a story about flooding in Rockhampton. Some days earlier there had been a lot of rain and some flooding in the Mackay region and, as often happens, the river system’s flood waters then made their way towards Rockhampton. When there is a rain event upstream a lot of water from various rivers and tributaries runs into the low-lying Fitzroy River system and into Rockhampton. It is very predictable and Rocky authorities can often establish that when there is flooding further north in places like Mackay that in a week’s time the Rocky area will be flooded. So up in nearby Mackay we were following the approaching flood and in communication with our sister paper in Rocky who were giving it massive coverage. It wasn’t Mackay so it wasn’t going to be front page in our paper but we were planning on a significant coverage. In the late afternoon one of our reporters came into my office and said: “30,000 pigs have drowned in the Rocky floods. They were washed away from a farm.” I said: “Thirty thousand pigs!? That’s a lot of pigs. Can we check on that?” The reporter came back five minutes later and said: “The story’s right. The farmer told the Rocky journo thirty thousand pigs have drowned from his property upstream from Rocky. Rocky’s running the story.” I asked if we had photos and he said they didn’t but would let me know when they had some, although none arrived that evening. We went pretty big on the drowning, as the Page 3 or Page 5 lead story with the obvious headline of 30,000 pigs drowning in the Rocky floods. Early the next morning the young journalist who had told me about the thirty thousand pigs drowning approached my office and tentatively knocked on the door. In a stammering voice he said: “Ah, look … about that, um, story about the, ah, thirty thousand pigs drowning near Rocky ...” I had an uneasy feeling, bordering on dread. “Uh ha … what about the pig story?” I asked. He said: “It wasn’t thirty thousand pigs. It was 30 sows and pigs.” I’m no mathematician but even I could work out that our story and big headline was out by about 29,970 dead pigs. I knew immediately how the miss-communication would have happened. A young Rocky reporter busily covering the floods. On the phone talking to a distressed farmer or piggery owner who blurts out: “Mate it’s terribly out here. I’ve lost 30 sows and pigs, all drowned.” If someone, speaking quickly, blurts out “thirty-sows-and-pigs” you can understand how someone could hear “thirty thousand pigs”. Also, who says “sows and pigs”? A piggery owner, obviously, but probably no-one else. Certainly not a reporter in the city. Anyway, we ran a correction the next day. The story reminds me that in life, real estate and business, listen to your gut. I had questioned the story. I thought 30,000 pigs was extremely unlikely but accepted it when the young reporter confirmed it. I should have asked more questions. I should have listened to my gut. In real estate, owners sometimes get the facts wrong … how many kilowatts in the solar system, how many litres the bore produces, when the previous owner had renovated the house. You can’t just pass these things on to a buyer as facts if you don’t know them 100 per cent true. You’ve got to be cautious, listen to your gut and check the facts.
Read the full story
Queensland Telestroke Service is saving lives one video call at a time, recently providing life saving consultation to 37-year-old Mackay mum Angelica Murray. Angelica suffered a stroke whilst out with a friend, and was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital. Within minutes of her arrival she was connected by video to a specialist stroke neurologist who prescribed life-saving medication. “I was in the car with my friend and suddenly I couldn’t concentrate or remember names,” Angelica said. As her condition deteriorated, her friend rushed her to hospital. At the emergency department, staff immediately recognised the signs of a stroke. “I remember all the nurses and doctors working together so quickly,” Angelica said. “They were explaining everything, even the stroke doctor on the screen.” From the advice of the Queensland Telestroke Service (QTS) neurologist, Angelica received the clot busting medication she needed. The speed of the service made a life changing difference. “I started feeling better after a couple of hours,” Angelica said. Mackay Base Hospital is now recording the fastest stroke treatment times in the state. QTS is operating live across ten Queensland sites ( Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Ipswich, Makay, Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Rockhampton, Bowen, Proserpine, and Gladstone hospitals) with more than 850 patients being treated so far. 12 Queensland hospitals are planned to be added to the list. The service aims to make sure that regional patients are receiving specialist stroke care just as efficiently as those in central areas. Local Stroke Nurse Helen Nengasha, who has spent more than a decade caring for stroke patients, said seeing outcomes like Angelica's was exactly why the team has embraced Queensland Telestroke Service. “The introduction of QTS has streamlined care for patients experiencing time-critical strokes,” Helen said. “Now, it doesn’t matter where you live, you can get that expert care straight away. “In one recent case, the team achieved treatment in just 42 minutes, well under the national 60-minute benchmark. That’s the fastest we’ve ever done.”
Read the full story
From toilet training to prostate health, pregnancy to menopause — why pelvic health matters to us all. When you hear the words pelvic floor, what comes to mind? Pregnancy? Childbirth? Perhaps those exercises you were told to do but never quite remembered? For many years, pelvic health has been viewed as a women’s health issue. But here’s something that might surprise you: everyone has a pelvic floor, and everyone can experience pelvic health problems. Whether you’re a child struggling with constipation, a new mum recovering from childbirth, a man experiencing bladder changes after prostate surgery, or someone navigating menopause, pelvic health plays an important role in everyday life. Our pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of our pelvis. These muscles support our pelvic organs, help control our bladder and bowels, contribute to sexual function and work alongside our abdominal muscles during movement. When things aren’t working as they should, the impact can extend well beyond the bathroom. It might be the child who avoids school toilets because passing a bowel motion hurts. The mum who stops running because she leaks urine. The man who avoids social outings because he’s worried about finding a toilet. Or the woman who believes pelvic heaviness is simply another part of getting older. Different people. Different stages of life. But one common thread: pelvic health can influence our confidence, activity levels and quality of life. And importantly, many pelvic health concerns can improve with the right support. Pelvic health physiotherapy is about much more than strengthening muscles. Treatment might involve bladder retraining, bowel management, improving muscle coordination, addressing pain or helping someone return to activities they love. Sometimes the answer is strengthening. Sometimes it’s learning to relax. And sometimes it’s simply understanding what’s happening in your body. This broader understanding of pelvic health is also why our clinic has recently embraced a new name. After five wonderful years as Women’s Health Physio Mackay, we are now proudly Pelvic Health Mackay. Our new name reflects something we’ve always believed: pelvic health is for everyone. While our name has changed, our team, our care and our commitment to helping the Mackay community remain the same. So here’s my question to you. Have you stopped doing something you love because of your bladder, bowel or pelvic health? Perhaps you’ve given up running because of leakage, avoided social outings because of urgency, or accepted discomfort because you thought it was simply part of getting older. You don’t have to wait until symptoms become overwhelming to seek help. Many concerns can improve with appropriate assessment, education and individualised treatment. If something doesn’t feel right, start the conversation. Speak with your GP or a pelvic health physiotherapist and find out what support is available. Because pelvic health isn’t just about muscles, bladders or bowels. It’s about confidence, independence and enjoying life without unnecessary limitations. Pelvic health isn’t just women’s business. It’s everyone’s business. And your health deserves attention. Lauren Neill | APA Titled Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist | Pelvic Health Mackay
Read the full story
Business owners in Proserpine attended a lively networking afternoon on Friday and organisers were thrilled to see such a positive turnout for what they hope will become a monthly event.
Polley’s Realty hosted the occasion which was initiated to bring together business owners in the community.
“Sometimes being a business owner and getting out in the community can be hard,” said owner of Polley’s Realty, Nicole Polley.
“We wanted to bring businesses together where everyone can refer and network – the business community is so diverse, and we wanted to get together and know who’s who in the zoo!”
Vicki Leith, Relationship Manager from Westpac in Proserpine, spoke at the event.
“I’ve been working for Westpac for 21 years, so I know this local area, I know many of the clients and I am looking forward to spreading some knowledge,” said Vicki.
During the event, she spoke about hot topics such as how to avoid falling for security scams, predicting the rise and fall of interest rates and other useful tips and insights for business owners.
Over 20 people attended the casual networking afternoon which was held at Healthy Haven Café.
Prior to the event, Nicole and her team personally visited every business in Proserpine to invite everyone along.
“It’s got to be personal,” said Nicole.
“We are really hoping this will become a monthly event and we are open to talking to other businesses who might like to host future events.”
Vicki Leith, Relationship Manager from Wespac Proserpine, Misty Bland, Nicole Polley and Abbey Coquillon. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
Tired of waiting for Tradesman to call you back or turn up? Dissatisfied with previous work or the mess that was left behind? Time to call Superior House Painting Specialists/Superior Concrete Resurfacing.
Jono has lived and worked as a house painter in the Whitsundays for 13 years and knows the problems that homeowners face.
As a licensed Painter, Decorator and Waterproofer (Licence 1118887) he can help provide solutions to eradicate issues and create a long lasting finish that will add value to your property.
Mould, moisture, dampness, water leaks and damage, rust, slippery surfaces
Corrosion, movement and cracking, discolouration, inferior sealers, colour pigments, paints and more.
10 years - Jono has completed Training with Master Builders, achieving a Certificate 3 in Waterproofing. A Certificate 3 in Painting & Decorating with Master Painters. Advanced Training with Dulux in Acratex and Avista.
What is important? 1)Preparation. 2) Use the right paints and applications. 3) Problem solving.
Do the job once, do it right.
25 years - As a qualified Tradesman he has gained extensive experience and understands what works. Most of our customers are looking for quality that is affordable. We can deliver that.
We have partnered with two leading industry businesses, Dulux and Adcrete Industries. The applications are well suited to the Whitsundays environment. Most people know Dulux Acratex/Avista to be No 1. Their undercoats, colour pigments and sealers are the best.
For concrete resurfacing, Adcrete offer a waterproof system that is affordable.
Their primers and paints are flexible, nonslip and durable.
~ Driveways - decorative, stencilled, aggregate, elevated
~ Pool surrounds - tiles, pavers
~ Patios or decks - concrete, wood
~ Paths and walkways - garage or shed concrete floors
~ Block and brick - rendered walls
~ Fences and gate
Special Painting Promotion (April & May only)*
Offer 1 - Driveway Resurfacing
Pay one get one free (similar size) or pay larger size and get the smaller free
One driveway and same size garage floor/shed floor free
40% off full price driveways
Offer 2 - House Painting
Seniors 40% off total price
Full house to sell 40% off total price
Locals mates rates 30% off total price
Call Kathryn today on 0466 648 626.
*Terms and conditions apply
A driveway upgrade makes all the difference
A garage refresh can transform your space
This courtyard is a delight!
A local activist group’s fight against an approved high-rise development in Airlie Beach took an artistic turn last week as the association organised an art exhibition and auction to raise funds for its court case.
Save our Foreshore Inc. (SOF) hosted the Art Exhibition at 3 Little Birds Espresso last Friday evening to gather financial support in its ongoing legal battle against the approved 47-metre, 12-story planned high rise adjacent to Port of Airlie.
Local artists donated their work for the auction in a show of support, works which included paintings, portrait vouchers, ceramic vases, sculptures, cast iron wall decorations, and a picture framing voucher.
All proceeds will go to upcoming legal costs when SOF takes the case to the Planning and Environment Court this month.
With legal costs having the potential to blow out to $150,000, Suzette Peel from SOF said the association needs all the help it can get.
“We’re on the right track and events like this, financially but also emotionally, give us the support to keep going,” Ms Peel said.
“In a David and Goliath kind of battle like this, events where creativity and community come together are crucial in the fight.”
Save Our Foreshore member Suzette Peel speaking at the organisation’s recent art auction – an effort to fundraise for the groups growing legal costs in the battle against an approved high-rise for Airlie Beach
Many auction items were sold across evening, some selling in excess of $250 dollars and each donated by local artists
While we might complain about the pitfalls of travel today – delayed or cancelled planes, rough potholed roads and constant highway stoppages – spare a thought for our forefathers and the challenges they faced while trying to navigate even the simplest of journeys.
People travelled by horse and sulky and bullock teams with huge loads lumbered up the streets. From the 1880s onwards, coaches ran between Proserpine and Bowen, transporting people and delivering mail.
In 1904, Tom and Joe Faust operated the mail coach between these two towns. About this time, Alexander Gordon Wilson and his son, William, opened stables and began a freight and mail coach service between Proserpine and Bowen, also carrying passengers.
The journey was often dangerous as sometimes aborigines would wait near creek crossings and throw spears at the coach as the driver slowed down. The horses would be whipped to gallop up the creek banks to avoid harm to passengers. Spears that lodged in the woodwork were kept as souvenirs.
In 1903, J I Gray recorded in his journal that he paid 1/- for a parcel to be delivered and £1/5/- for the fare for his wife, Sarah, and son, George.
In 1908, Mrs Eliza Fuller recalled getting up very early and travelling from their farm in Strathdickie into Proserpine to catch the 6am coach then sitting in the open coach until it arrived in Bowen eleven hours later.
In the early days of coaches, Mrs Joe Faust (nee Amy Dray), remembered going to Bowen only if the dentist’s services were required. She recollected seeing the coach-and-four whizzing past on its way to Bowen, past the cemetery, up the old Bowen Road to the crossing (now Pluto Station), along a narrow bush track, through ti-tree scrub and across numerous gullies until it reached Bell’s Hotel at Bell’s Gully (also known as Billy Creek). The next stop was the Homestead Hotel. In 1885, the Deicke family established this hotel at Duck Creek, Mookarra, about ten miles (seventeen kms) south of Bowen near where the present cattle saleyards are at Miowera.
Passenger coaches left Bowen every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Drivers of Thorne’s coach were Jack and Billy Thorne and Fred Watts.
Harold Baumgarten related his mother, Mrs Finlay’s memories of the first stop from Bowen – The Homestead Hotel – which she managed for the Deicke family in 1907. She served morning tea to passengers while her daughter, Ethel, 13, changed the horses and ran the old team into the paddock. The coach then travelled on to the Watts’ Hotel at Billy Creek for a midday meal and another change of horses.
Arriving at Crystalbrook about 3 pm, yet another horse team was replaced. Six horses were needed for each team and fresh horses were required often as they mostly travelled at a gallop. There was no help nor any refreshments at this stop. The driver ran them in himself at the Mail Paddock (Up River). After crossing the river, they finally arrived at their destination at 5pm.
Just imagine the discomfort of passengers (particularly the ladies in their mode of dress) and the drivers, riding over a rough dirt track, especially in summer. No air conditioning or deodorant in those days!
It is uncertain just when passenger coach travel ceased and how long after the railway service began, however, mail coaches were still operating in 1918 according to the “Proserpine Guardian” of that year. “Postal Information – From Bowen by coach. Tuesdays 6 pm – mail delivered 9 am. Wednesday – Saturdays 6pm – delivered 7 to 8 pm.”
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum
Retired and former Queensland mine and quarry workers in the Whitsundays Region can access free lung health checks on the Heart 5 Mobile Health Unit, 26-27 April in Bowen.
Executive Director of Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s (RSHQ) Occupational Health division Dean Barr said the world-first mobile health unit the Heart 5 travels Queensland to provide lung health checks for mine and quarry workers who may be at risk of mine dust lung disease.
“If mine dust lung disease is detected early it can reduce the risk of disease progression, helping to maintain quality of life, and get workers access to support,” he explained.
“We’re proud to be in partnership with Heart of Australia who visit mining communities to offer lung health checks which are paid for by RSHQ.
“The free lung health checks for retired and former Queensland mine and quarry workers include chest X-ray and spirometry, and where required, other follow-up investigations such as high-resolution CT scans.”
The program is part of Queensland’s mine safety and health regulations to provide retired and former workers with a free lung check, every five years, for life.
Heart of Australia’s Head of Operations Ewan Wylie said the Queensland-made, 56-tonne, 34-wheel road train Heart 5 was launched in February 2022.
“With support from the Queensland Government and RSHQ, we built Heart 5 specifically to travel into regional and remote Queensland to provide mine and quarry workers with easy access to the best respiratory health services available,” he said.
“Workers can be assured they are in the best of hands – our team includes experienced respiratory specialists, radiologists and technicians who utilise highly sensitive on-board equipment to investigate possible abnormalities.”
Heart 5 is the fifth truck in Heart of Australia’s fleet of mobile services, which have been improving health outcomes for Queensland’s rural and remote communities since 2014.
If you are a retired or former Queensland mine or quarry worker, contact the Mine Dust Health Support Service on 1300 445 715 to discuss your eligibility and how to arrange a free lung health check on Heart 5 in Bowen 26-27 April.
If you still work in the industry, speak to your workplace about mandatory lung health checks as part of your employment.
WHAT: Free lung health checks for miners
WHERE: Bowen
WHEN: 26-27 April
Heart 5’s Ewan Wylie takes retired gold miner, John Walker through a spirometry test
Radiographer, Mark Moxey, explains the CT scan procedure to a client
The Heart 5 Truck
One of the shining jewels of Airlie Beach’s restaurant and cocktail scene has added rooftop functions to its venue’s repertoire of ocean views, delicious food, and daring beverages.
Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant’s upstairs event space has an upgraded new look thanks to a suite of renovations completed last Saturday, including a staff-painted wall-size mural of Elvis to lead the way.
The ocean-view venue is now home to a new-look ‘Paradiso Rooftop Function Space’ for milestone birthdays, weddings, corporate lunches and dinners, and Christmas parties in a chic, spacious interior with its own private bar.
Marketing Manager at Paradiso Kylie Warren said “Your New Party Venue” is open for its regular hours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but was also now available for private events.
“It is a fantastic location that is now even classier thanks to these recent renovations,” Ms Warren said.
“It’s becoming extremely popular now as a function space and coming into the cooler months, that’s only going to keep growing.”
Aside from a fresh coat of paint, the space has been revitalised with the additions of circular mirrors backed with neon lights, thematic portraiture painted by a staff member and local artist, and greenery – all of which combines to create the venue’s lively, stylish atmosphere.
As well, The Function Space - in its elevated perch above Airlie Beach foreshore - catches the Whitsunday breeze directly off the Bay, especially when utilising its openable sliding doors and windows.
Ms Warren said those looking to book the fresh and trendy Rooftop venue can enquire through gm@paradisowhitsundays.com.au
Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant’s Rooftop has more than a fresh lick of paint – the place has been revamped as a trendy event space
With the full complement of Paradiso’s already stellar service, The Rooftop Function Space has been drawing in plenty of party people already
A staff member even painted an enormous Elvis Mural to point the way upstairs at the venue
With a fully stocked bar, those booking The Rooftop get the five-star treatment they’re used to from the restaurant’s staff & kitchen
The Proserpine community continued its support of a local church’s building fund last month by generously donating $1500 during a recent fundraising effort.
Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting’s Trivia Night on Friday, March 24, hosted by Proserpine Community Centre was a major success for the local institution.
The local congregation began fundraising to rebuild its St James Church on the corner of Herbert and Main Streets in Proserpine after the previous building was demolished after 2017’s Cyclone Debbie irrevocably damaged its roof.
The lively crowd were kept on their toes at the Uniting Church Building Fund Trivia night on Friday according Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church spokesperson Jane Betteridge.
“Questions like ’How many hearts does an octopus have?’ meant there was a great deal of laughter and fun had by all,” Ms Betteridge said.
“Thanks to the generosity of the bighearted businesses and talented people in town who donated many wonderful raffle prizes, and food.”
Ms Betteridge said The Proserpine Community Centre were exceptional hosts and that the Church could not thank them enough.
She said more Uniting Church fundraising projects are on the horizon including ‘Quiche n Treats’ on the last Friday of the month from March to July, starting March 31 at 3:30pm on the Church grounds.
Sausage Sizzles will also return on the last Saturday of the month, starting in April, at Porters Mitre 10 in Proserpine.
The sponsorship campaign "Brick by Brick" will also steam ahead in the coming weeks, allowing donators to sponsor bricks in the new Church and be a part of the new building forever.
David Fraser, Denise and Laurie Corrigan, Jo Fraser, Horace and Anne Lowbridge, and Jane Welbourne at the recent Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting’s Trivia Night
Enthusiastic readers, writers and book lovers have attended a series of author talks hosted by Richard Evans over the past few weeks and his entertaining sessions have proved a popular addition to our local cultural offering.
Cannonvale, Collinsville, Bowen and Proserpine State Libraries have all participated in the events which have seen a variety of community members enjoy stimulating stories about politics, plot lines and other insights into the world of publishing.
Richard Evans has written eight books in the political thriller genre, with much of the storyline inspired by his real-life experience as a Federal Member in the early 90s.
During his time in politics, Richard experienced issues such as sabotage, in-fighting and suspicious agenda.
He was also outspoken about issues such as Indigenous affairs, the Carbon Tax, euthanasia, and breast cancer.
His photo was famously printed on the front page of the New York Times for publicly proclaiming that he would get rid of all the cats in Australia following exponential growth in feral cat numbers.
During his talk at Cannonvale State Library, the audience was asked to participate in the event by sharing what they hoped to gain from the experience.
This allowed Richard to tailor his talk to suit the needs of the audience.
Richard and his wife Julia run a local publishing firm and are bringing their passion for the written word into a new project to reinvigorate the Whitsunday Writers Festival in 2024.
Last held in 2017, it is hoped that, with these two highly motivated individuals at the helm, the festival will become a popular mainstay on the annual events calendar and a hotbed of inspiration for writers, readers and thinkers both locally and across Australia.
Author Richard Evans with some attendees
Over one hundred people attended a lively evening event at Cannonvale Marine on Saturday to congratulate owners Leanne and Darrell Hinschen on successfully operating the business for 30 of its 50 years.
On the night a 370 Outback Explorer with a 20-horsepower Honda engine, valued at around $13,000, was up for grabs.
The lucky winner was Bill Falconer who had been a customer for the past 20 years and had recently stepped into retirement.
“He was quite chuffed with his win,” said Leanne.
“And we were really happy with the whole events, thanks everyone for coming along!”
Owners of Cannonvale Marine, Leanne and Darrell Hinschen
Winner of the $13,000 tinny, local Bill Falconer with Darrel Hinschen
Police report that an unknown person has illegally gained entrance to a portable construction site office in Paget between 5:00pm on March 27 and 6:00am on March 28.
Secure doors were damaged to allow access and Milwaukee brand batteries and chargers have been stolen along with a radio.
Police report that Milwaukee brand commercial tools are being targeted by thieves at multiple business locations and construction sites around the Mackay city area and the Pioneer Valley in recent weeks.
Police urge builders and business owners to ensure sufficient security is in place at their locations.
Information on the matter can be and should be reported to police as soon as possible – quote Report number: QP2300519975.
A new concept in nursing has arrived in Mackay and it promises to help residents receive the healthcare they need in the comfort of their own homes, enabling them to also avoid lengthy waiting times along the way.
Data has revealed that Mackay Hospitals are clogged with too many patients waiting for appointments.
Earlier this month, Queensland Health said the waiting-list-for-the-waiting-list at Mackay Hospitals increased by 16 per cent in the past 12 months for the December quarter.
Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli said that “better resourcing, improving triaging, real time data monitoring and giving power back to local doctors and nurses to run our hospitals” could provide a solution.
“Behind these 9332 patients waiting for their specialist appointment are stories of Mackay patients desperate for a better quality of life,” Mr Crisafulli said.
A real-time solution is now on its way and, while it cannot replace the need for specialist appointments, it is hoped that it will take some of the pressure off by providing services such as complex bowel care, urinary catheters, wound management, and subcutaneous injections.
Nurse Next Door Home Care Services is operated by local residents Sarah Ryan and George Blackie who wanted to find a solution to support the local community by providing care and nursing services in people’s homes.
“While working in the disability sector, I’d often hear stories from clients about how hard it was to get the proper care they needed and going to hospital was the last thing they wanted to do because of how limited the resources were,” said Sarah.
“We wanted to find a way to help the vulnerable people in our community access healthcare from the comfort and safety of their own homes, on their own terms.” added George.
Almost 20 per cent of the Mackay population is either over the age of 65 or living with a disability.
Nurse Next Door aims to help people continue living independently at home, with the care they need, and to continue to participate in the community safely, with an added personal touch of compassion from locally employed caregivers and nurses.
“We are focused on getting Mackay’s residents that require some level of care back to doing the things they love, and we want each and every one of our residents to live their best lives,” explained Sarah.
The couple hope their services will help to address the growing demand on the healthcare system for Queensland’s ageing and special needs population.
A “thirsty workforce” is responsible for donating $50,000 to RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter thanks to a partnership between Bravus Mining and Anything Environmental.
Since 2018, workers at the Carmichael Mine have been putting their empty bottles into dedicated recycling bins which are collected by Anything Environmental
These are then cashed in for 10 cents a bottle and, thanks to the generosity of Bravus, the money goes straight to RACQ CQ Rescue to assist with emergency airlift operations.
Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe said the success of the program was due to its simplicity, and a hungry and thirsty workforce.
“Mackay-based group Anything Environmental developed the program and they do the heavy lifting for us. They put the bins in place, collect the recyclable materials, and tally up the donation – all of which goes to RACQ CQ Rescue,” he explains.
“Our people are enthusiastic about doing what they can to reduce, reuse, and recycle on site, and Change for Choppers makes it as simple as putting the right thing in the right bin.”
Mick encourages other businesses to get behind the initiative, which can turn your costly waste into dollars that help provide the region with a vital service.
RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said the community was indebted to their corporate partners.
“RACQ CQ Rescue is a vital part of emergency support for all residents, visitors and workers in this region and it’s reassuring to know corporate organisations like Bravus appreciate the value of supporting our helicopter and that with their support we can continue to provide our vital, lifesaving service to anyone in a time of crisis,” he said.
(L-R) Bravus Mining and Resources COO Mick Crowe with RACQ CQ Rescue aircrewmen Grant Bollington and Ben McCauley. Photo supplied
A group of dog owners who regularly gather at Boathaven Beach to run their dogs off-leash and swim in the safe confines of the stinger net are imploring Council to provide dedicated dog-friendly times following a warning from rangers to put their pets on a lead.
Norma Strang and Paula Medley are part of a group of around 20 individuals who meet casually most mornings at the New Beach in Airlie.
“I moved here about 14 months ago and every friend I’ve made is from the beach,” said Paula.
“It’s a big community of friends and I love swimming here – I need to get in the water, and clear my head before starting the day.”
Norma added that she sees no need for the Council to change the rules.
“What’s the problem?” she said.
“The people are great, this is our morning mental health, our dogs are fine, we pick up after them and they are no trouble.
“We just want a few hours for us here with the dogs early morning - we are ratepayers too and our dogs need exercise off the lead”
Director of Community Services for Whitsunday Regional Council, Julie Wright said that Boathaven Beach has always been an on-leash dog walking area.
“It has never been an off-leash beach, it is an on-leash beach,” said Julie.
“It appears the signage from the western end of the beach has been removed by an unknown in recent months, but this sign will be replaced in the coming days.
“The on-leash signage is still in place at the eastern end of Boathaven Beach and dogs are not permitted to swim inside the stinger enclosure.”
Julie recommends that the group meet at the eastern end of Cannonvale beach which is an off-leash area from 5am-8pm daily except from 8am-9am and 2.30pm-3.30pm on school days.
Norma has been investigating the legal rights of dog owners and asserts that the beach is in international waters and is therefore not within the Council’s jurisdiction.
In response to that, Council said that Local Law considers it a ‘public place’ when referring to animals under effective control, so the argument of international waters is invalid.
She also added that Council had received “several complaints in the past six weeks from residents complaining that their families have been harassed by dogs off the lead at Boathaven Beach”.
“As a result, Local Laws teams will increase patrols to enforce the on-leash status,” she said.
There are no current plans for Council to change the restrictions, but the group believe that allocated off-leash times would allow all ratepayers to live freely and they remain hopeful that restrictions could change.
Local dog owners enjoying an off-leash swim with their friendly pooches at New Beach in Airlie. Photo credit: Rachael Smith.
Hi Readers
This paper marks the first full edition since our dedicated Editor took her maternity leave break. Firstly, I want to wish Amanda and Hamish all the best as you embark on such an exciting chapter. I know you will cherish this time with your family and welcome baby Wright with plenty of love.
This week, I’ve taken on a few of Amanda’s responsibilities, the most interesting one being pagination. I wasn’t unfamiliar with the process before now, but it took me actually doing it myself to truly appreciate the work our editors put in every week. Pagination is the mapping out of the paper – planning what article, ad, photo goes on what page; how much space to allow for it; what should go next to it. It’s a never-ending juggle of puzzle pieces and there’s an element of challenge, fun and satisfaction to fitting all the pieces together – although perhaps my editors will warn that the shine wears off with repetition. We will see.
If you flick to the event guide on page 18, you’ll see there’s no shortage of things to do this weekend. Being a fan of sport, I’m excited to see the Cutters, Meteors and Meteorettes getting plenty of home games. I went to my first basketball game ever last week and the energy inside the Crater was electric. I urge you all to check it out tonight if you can. Read my recollections of last week’s games on Page 21 before you do.
Being a beer fan, I’m also looking forward to celebrating Red Dog Brewery’s first birthday tomorrow. One year ago tomorrow, a relatively fresh journalist in a relatively new town, I dropped in at the corner of Victoria and Chain Streets, had a yarn to Woodsy and enjoyed my first schooner of Red Dog’s Red Ale. That year has flown by, and I’ve enjoyed plenty since. You can read Red Dog’s story on page 19.
Whatever you’re getting up to, I hope you have a good weekend and enjoy the read.
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.
