Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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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On ANZAC Day 2026, the Bowen Cenotaph (War Memorial) will commemorate 100 years since it was unveiled. The Cenotaph rises from Herbert Street, with its sandstone digger standing sentinel over a memorial, erected by the people of Bowen a century ago to remember those who died in World War One. The memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1926 by Mr Forgan Smith M.L.A. Additional names were added at a later date to remember those killed in World War Two and the Vietnam War. According to ANZAC Square, the plaque lists the names of 53 WWI soliders, 28 WWII soldiers and 4 Vietnam War soldiers. It was built by A.L Petrie & Sons. The memorial has been restored and the original marble plaques have been replaced by black granite plaques. It originally featured a clock tower, however the clocks were damaged in a cyclone in 1958 and have not been replaced. The front inscription states: Erected by the citizens of Bowen, In honour of those who fell in the Great War 1914-1919. Their name liveth for evermore. We shall remember them.
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An elderly couple received a surprise gift at the newly opened Aldi in Cannonvale this week, when an anonymous do-gooder left $100 at the register to pay for their groceries.
“My mum rang me crying saying what a difference it made for them this week,” their daughter Claire reported.
“They would like to say thank you and, if you are reading this, how much it meant to both them and myself.”
The community responded with similar appreciation for the secret donor.
“How very wonderful that humanity is alive & well,” Kerry wrote.
“Thank you beautiful humans in our wonderful community.”
Jenni added: “99% of people are genuine, kind and compassionate. Sharing kindness should be natural, but is hard these days. Well done to that kind person. I hope it comes back to you in kind, ten fold.”
Locals’ gratitude went out to those in our community who do good, spread joy, and bring smiles, without expecting anything in return.
A local couple have expressed immense joy and gratitude after winning Set for Life. The lottery winnings mean the couple will receive $20,000 per month for 20 years. They held a mere single division one ticket in draw 3885 and now will be taking home $4.8 million in monthly payments.
Although the couple nearly missed the call, they were ecstatic when they heard the good news.
“Are you kidding me? I’m going to cry”, the wife said.
The couple plan to use their money to support their family, travel and call it a day for work.
It’s a remarkable win that will undoubtedly transform their lives in meaningful ways.
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Photo source: Facebook
By Christian Kruse
Running a business in the Whitsundays today comes with a major challenge: finding the right people.
At Pacific Centre, much of our work focuses on supporting local businesses that want to access international talent but feel overwhelmed by Australia’s complex migration system.
My background is in hospitality, where I worked as a hotel manager and learned firsthand how important good staff are to the success of any business. During my time in Australia, I also experienced the migration system personally and saw how confusing it can be without the right guidance.
Those experiences shaped the way I approach my role today as Business Manager at Pacific Centre.
Hospitality teaches you how to listen, understand people quickly and solve problems under pressure.
Pacific Centre Director Karolina Ferenc explains the focus of the business:
"It is our privilege to work with some of the biggest and best businesses in the Whitsunday region. To strengthen those relationships even further, we appointed Christian to focus on building closer connections with the local business community."
Regional Australia continues to face labour shortages, and industries such as hospitality, tourism and services often rely on international students, backpackers and overseas professionals to fill critical roles.
However, businesses that want to sponsor workers quickly discover that the process can be complex, highly regulated and time-consuming.
Our role is to help guide them through that system.
Migration is an area where the smallest details can make a significant difference, which is why our team works closely together. My role is often the first point of contact with businesses, while our migration specialist and director Piotr brings extensive legal expertise and experience navigating Australia’s migration framework.
One of the things that makes this work particularly meaningful is the impact it has on both sides.
A business gains the staff it needs to grow, and a worker gains the opportunity to build a life in Australia.
At Pacific Centre, we believe migration works best when it strengthens local communities — and that starts with supporting the businesses that drive those communities forward.
If you want to know more about us, you are more than welcome to go to our website www.visatoaustralia.net.au
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Christian helps people navigate Australia’s complex migration system, supporting people looking for work whilst providing businesses with stronger employment opportunities.
Photo sourced
When you bank with Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, you’re doing more than managing your money – you’re helping build a stronger Whitsundays.
Community Banks offer the best of both worlds: the products, technology and security of a major bank, combined with the personalised service and local investment of a community-owned model.
The difference is simple – profits don’t leave town. Instead, they’re reinvested into local schools, sporting clubs, events, and community initiatives, creating a cycle of support that benefits everyone.
Established in June 2012, the Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine branch was made possible by local shareholders who raised $800,000 to bring a bank to the region. That effort began in 2009, when a passionate group of locals rallied community support through public meetings, newsletters, and grassroots campaigning.
“Our success is based on our profit-with-purpose model, which sees a percentage of profits invested back into the community,” said Chairman Mark Henry. “Our customers and the Whitsundays community are the real winners.”
Over the past eight years, the branch has invested more than $250,000 into local schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and cultural events, and conservation initiatives.
Locals will also recognise the Community Bank’s popular BBQ trailer, which is regularly seen at community and sporting events across the region. Fully equipped with cooking facilities, marquees and a PA system, the trailer is available for community groups to use as part of the bank’s ongoing support.
Led by Branch Manager Amanda Anderson, the Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine team offers a full suite of personal, business and wealth banking services, delivered face-to-face by people who understand local needs. Customers can access everything from home loans and everyday accounts to agribusiness lending, equipment finance and financial advice.
The branch also supports local businesses through dedicated expertise, with Senior Business Relationship Manager Luke Sheppard regularly visiting the region to work directly with business owners.
Sponsorship applications are now open for local not-for-profit organisations, with funding and Community Trailer bookings available. Applications are competitive, so groups are encouraged to apply early.
For more information, visit the branch at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale or contact secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au.
Your town. Your bank.
Located: Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale
Call: (07) 4948 3599
Email: cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pleased to announce that the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference will be held on Thursday 27 August, across Club Whitsunday and PCYC Whitsunday in Airlie Beach.
Following the success of last year’s sold-out event, the Conference will once again bring together business leaders, industry experts, government representatives, and professional service providers for a day of practical insights, fresh ideas, and meaningful conversations about the future of business in the region.
Call for Speakers Now Open
The Chamber’s Conference Committee is currently designing a dynamic and engaging program featuring keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions.
Expressions of Interest are now open for speakers and workshop facilitators who can deliver practical, relevant sessions that help businesses navigate challenges, seize new opportunities, and work smarter.
The Committee is particularly interested in presentations that showcase real-world examples of innovation, including the use of technology and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive business growth.
Whitsundays Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Conference continues to grow as a key platform for the region’s business community.
“The Whitsunday Business Conference has quickly become a flagship event for our region, bringing together businesses to share ideas, build connections, and focus on practical outcomes. We’re excited to build on this momentum in 2026 and continue supporting our business community to grow and thrive.”
Conference Committee Chair and Chamber Vice President Jannah Baker said the locally driven approach remains central to the program’s success.
“We’re proud to design a program that reflects the real needs of local businesses. By opening expressions of interest for speakers, we’re inviting our community to be part of shaping the conversation – ensuring sessions are relevant, practical, and grounded in real-world experience.”
Submitting an Expression of Interest is quick and easy, requiring only a short response to a series of key questions.
Those interested in contributing to the 2026 Conference are encouraged to apply and be part of shaping this important annual event for the Whitsunday business community.
Conference Themes
Do you have a presentation or workshop idea that aligns with one of the themes below?
Other Ways to Get Involved
Not up for presenting? There are still plenty of ways to be part of the conference.
Businesses can provide a special conference offer or contribute a prize or giveaway.
A detailed sponsorship prospectus will be released soon, highlighting additional opportunities to partner and be part of the 2026 Conference.
Express Your Interest Now!
Please complete the Expression of Interest form below by 5:00pm Friday 17 April 2026: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/2026-whitsunday-business-conference-eoi/
Conference Details
What: The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference
When: Thursday 27 August 2026
Where: Club Whitsunday and PCYC Whitsunday, Airlie Beach
Registrations open in May.
Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry
On Friday 27th March, the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network hosted its monthly barbeque in Cannonvale, bringing people together to raise awareness of a vital issue. President Matt Stokes hosted the event, signifying the importance of transparency and communicating with others when we feel down.
The morning featured two guest speakers, Jai and Sophie from Dynamic Chiropractors. They spoke of the difficulties of work-place injuries, highlighting how chronic pain can contribute to isolation and dark thoughts – demonstrating the necessity to communicate with others in times of great need.
These breakfasts are part of a crucial ongoing initiative which seeks to bring community awareness and ensures that no one has to suffer alone.
What: Next WSPN BBQ
Where: ShirtFront Solutions, Macarthur Drive, Cannonvale
When: Friday 24th April, 6:30am
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1 – All are welcomed to attend the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network monthly barbeques on the last Friday of every month.
2 – The event focused on the importance of transparency and communicating with others when we feel down.
3- Guest speakers, Jai and Sophie from Dynamic Chiropractors spoke highlighted how chronic pain can contribute to isolation. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
Whitsunday Prosocial Support Services have been supporting tourism within our region by providing care and support for Airlie Beach holidayers with additional needs.
“Our commitment to providing accessible tourism in the Whitsundays continues to flourish as our latest guest from interstate joined us for their holidays.” They shared.
“You may have seen our recent collaboration with Whitsunday Tourism where our amazing participants and team showed off to Australia and the world how easy it is to have a holiday in Airlie Beach with the right support team in place.
“We are excited to say we have facilitated many independent travellers and families visiting the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach and Great Barrier Reef as well as providing quality daily living and respite supports at hotels across the region.”
The latest visitors, siblings Master and Miss, enjoyed two wonderful days at the lagoon with their WPSS Support team, Mile, Zak, Millie and Carly.
“This was a return visit for the family and their third time being supported by our team during their holidays. We were thrilled to have the family join us again.” Whitsunday Prosocial shared.
Through this ongoing work, the team at Whitsunday Prosocial Support Services are not only supporting individual visitors but also strengthening Airlie Beach’s reputation as a welcoming and accessible destination for all.
1,2 - Recent interstate visitors Airlie Beach, Master and his family, were supported by Whitsunday Prosocial Support with informed, professional care. Photo source: Facebook
The Bowen community have shown their gratitude to the local men’s shed for their incredible generosity and craftmanship. They recently donated a portable puzzle board and puzzle drawer to selectability – the local mental health service provider.
The donation is already making a huge difference, allowing participants to transport puzzles without destroying them. With the portable puzzle drawer, the puzzles can be moved to different events and activities within the hub, maintain progress and preventing puzzle pieces from getting lost.
It is wonderful to see community support for those in need – donations like these may seem small, but ultimately, they can make a world of difference to someone.
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Photo source: Facebook
A family in Bowen have been left saddened by the removal of flowers from a loved one’s grave in Bowen cemetery and are calling out for any information as to the culprit. The grave of Gregory Ronald Edward Roisster, who passed away at just 3 years old in 1964, featured artificial blue flowers in a vase to honour his memory. The flowers and vase were taken and replaced with yellow ones. This is reportedly the second time the flowers have been tampered with.
On March 28, older sibling Donna Rossiter took to Facebook to condemn the person who had committed the act.
“If you could please leave his grave alone and let this little boy rest in peace our family will be pleased.”
Community members took to the comments to show their support. Many criticised the act for its indecency and cruelty, whilst others put forward theories as to how the flowers could have been mistakenly or purposefully switched.
If you know anything – don’t hesitate to get in contact with the relevant authorities.
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The blue flowers and vase were taken and replaced with yellow flowers.
Photo source: Facebook
St Patrick’s College Reef Guardian volunteers took part in a Clean Up Australia event at North Wall Beach this week, helping remove rubbish and protect the coastline. Students and staff dedicated their time to making a positive impact on the local environment.
A representative from St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay said, “Thank you to the students and staff who gave their time to make a difference.”
Photo source: St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay
FEDERAL Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has welcomed the Government’s decision to halve the fuel excise for three months; a move he describes as a hard-won victory for the Australian people and a direct result of the Coalition’s relentless pursuit of a "fair go" for motorists.
The announcement, which will see 26 cents per litre wiped from the price of petrol and diesel, follows intense pressure from the Liberal and National parties. Mr Willcox said this outcome proves what can be achieved when a strong Opposition holds a detached Government to account.
"We have heard you loud and clear.
“My office has been flooded with emails, my Facebook page has been filled with your comments, and I have seen the stress on the faces of families at the bowser across Dawson," Mr Willcox said.
Mr Willcox said that for too long, the Labor Government ignored the reality of the bruising bowser, telling families to buy sixty-thousand-dollar electric cars while they were struggling to afford the drive to work.
“Today, the Coalition has turned the tide; trading the Prime Minister's lectures for actual action at the pump,” he said.
Mr Willcox noted that while the excise cut provides much-needed breathing space, the battle is not over. He emphasised that the current crisis is a dual challenge of both price and supply, and the Coalition remains focused on long-term energy security for the regions.
The Member for Dawson also issued a stern warning to fuel retailers and oil companies regarding the implementation of the tax cut.
"We remember what happened during the COVID-era excise reduction; the relief was not always fully passed on to the consumer. We cannot allow that to happen again. The task now is to ensure this 26-cent saving is felt immediately at the pumps.
“Labor must ensure the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is watching these companies like a hawk. There is no excuse for these savings to be pocketed by big corporations instead of reaching the pockets of our farmers, our small businesses, and our families."
The three-month excise reduction is expected to provide significant relief to the transport and agricultural sectors in North Queensland, where the tyranny of distance makes fuel a non-negotiable cost of living.
"This is a win for common sense,” Mr Willcox said.
“We have forced a shift from ideology back to reality, and the Coalition will continue to fight to ensure that every cent of this tax cut reaches the people who actually keep this country moving."
Contributed with thanks to the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox welcomes the 26-cent fuel excise cut, a direct result of strong Coalition pressure. Photo supplied
Mackay is mourning the loss of a young life after tragedy struck Glenella on the evening of 24th March. Eighteen-year-old Bucasia woman Mia Ryan passed away following a serious traffic crash at the intersection of Glenella Richmond Road and Holts Road, leaving family, friends, and her local dance community heartbroken.
Mia, the driver of a Nissan Micra, was initially transported to Mackay Base Hospital in critical condition but sadly passed away the following day. The driver of the other vehicle, a 53-year-old Andergrove woman in a Nissan Navara, was treated for minor injuries. Police and the Forensic Crash Unit are investigating the circumstances and have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or has footage to come forward.
Mia was a cherished member of the Centre Stage Dance Company. The studio shared heartfelt memories of her, saying, “Mia will always be a much-loved member of our Centre Stage family. She was always happy and always ready for fun but was also so caring and admired by so many of the dancers that she worked with as an assistant teacher on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
Having graduated from Centre Stage in 2025 after 15 years of dancing, Mia had been keen to return to the studio on some Thursdays this year.
“Mia will be missed more than words can express by her Senior team, the dancers she assisted and by her teachers. Mia loved the studio and we loved her,” the dance school commented.
Mackay Life extends our deepest condolences to all affected by the loss of this beautiful young soul.
Photo source: Centre Stage Dance Company
Donations raised at Life Publishing Group’s sold-out Enchanted Garden fundraiser in October 2025 are currently being distributed, with a total of $56,000 shared among seven charities doing vital work across North Queensland.
This week, a cheque for $8,000 was presented to Jacquie Camilleri, founding director at the Trudy Crowley Foundation.
The Trudy Crowley Foundation is a Mackay-based charity providing vital support to individuals and families affected by cancer, with a strong focus on ovarian cancer awareness.
Established in 2018 in memory of local woman Trudy Crowley, the organisation is dedicated to ensuring no one faces cancer alone. Through its community centre, the foundation offers free services including access to specialist cancer nurses, counselling, support groups, and practical resources such as a wig library.
By delivering holistic care and raising awareness, the foundation continues to play a significant role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the Mackay and Whitsundays community.
Jacquie explained that the foundation is currently planning a new facility, and that this donation would go toward that effort.
“We are trying to save desperately for our palliative care unit, and we have quite a lot of money in the bank,” she explained.
“We're trying to buy some land, so then we can go to the governments, federal and state, and try and get grants from them to actually help build the building. We have now just got our project board in place.”
The palliative care unit will be built with care, run on the foundation’s principal that no patient suffering with cancer, or person in their life, should feel alone.
“Trudy's dream has now become our vision, and our vision is going to become a reality,” Jacquie said.
“It'll be an eight bedroom facility with one room designated for children.
“That's a hard thing to talk about, but it's a reality of life; we would love to get what they used to call a cold cot. They're now called cuddle cots, for the little ones that pass, so the parents can spend time with them... We're going to have a chapel, and we'd like to build a doctor's house so we can actually have the doctor on site.”
These big plans are on track to become a reality; thanks in part to those who donated to support this impactful organisation, on track to change end-of-life care in our region.
After heavy analysis, Net World Sports has named Mackay’s Marina Run the third best half-marathon in Australia for elite runners.
The outfit analysed 75 of the country’s most prominent races based on how technical, environmental, and logistical features align with different runner experience levels, with Mackay Marina Run cinching bronze behind second place winner, Tasmania’s Point to Pinnacle and number one The McGrath Launceston Running Festival, also in Tasmania.
“It successfully delivers a balance of performance and atmosphere, combining competitive pacing opportunities with strong crowd energy that helps runners push through the later stages of the race.” Net World Sports reports.
“The event scores below average for course difficulty (17.8/100). The total elevation gain is 155 metres; there are 15 sharp turns and 15 straight sections that exceed 400 metres.
“Race day conditions are also moderate. There are mild average temperatures (19.6°C) and good air quality (AQI 25), meaning runners can push their pace without overheating- even though humidity sits high at 73%.
“Participant feedback is very positive, driven by a sentiment polarity of 0.9, a scenery score of 10/10, a crowd support score of 9/10, and an expert suitability rating of 8/10. Together, these contribute to a Sentiment and Review Score of 92.2/100.”
Contributed with thanks to Net World Sports
1- Popular Mackay half-marathon ranked 3rd in Australia. Photo supplied.
Mackay local author Khloe Ann explores the balance of darkness and light beyond the human eye, weaving fantasy with spirituality, culture, and authentic Aussie roots in her debut novel, Proskynima.
The fiction tale intertwines the mystery of Greek mythology with a foundation of Christian values, as characters navigate physical life while confronting deeper spiritual elements of light and darkness. At the centre of the story is Athena, a young woman faced with choices that test both faith and identity.
Khloe Ann is a quiet achiever, humble in her ways yet wonderfully creative, and that sincerity carries through the pages of her debut novel.
Remarkably, the journey into writing only began recently.
“I only started writing last year,” she said.
What followed surprised even her.
“Before I knew it, there was 70,000 words on a manuscript, and I was like, wow, where’d that come from?”
Khloe explained that the characters seemed to develop naturally as the story unfolded. Drawing inspiration from her faith, she said the story reflects the balance between good and evil that many people experience in their own lives.
“There was no inspiration really other than just my own Christian walk,” she said.
To build the world within the novel, Khloe undertook extensive research, particularly into the rich history of Greek mythology.
“I did a lot of research and I fell in love with the town and the city I wrote about,” she said.
After just one year of stepping into the writing world, Khloe has already attracted interest within the industry, with publishers expressing enthusiasm about her work and future manuscripts.
A former healthcare worker at Mackay Hospital, she now balances writing with family and community life, embracing the unexpected path storytelling has opened. An active member of Australian writing groups, including the Queensland Women’s Writing and Queensland Writing Centre, her short stories and charitable entries, such as The Last Plastic Fork, have gained international attention.
Despite the growing momentum, Khloe remains humble and grounded.
“I’m so thankful for the support of the readers, and my family and friends.”
She hopes the story will resonate with a wide range of readers, particularly those interested in faith-based themes blended with imaginative storytelling.
And for readers who enjoy the first edition, she is already working on a sequel.
“I’m hoping to have a manuscript by the end of the year,” she said. “It will become a series… so stay tuned!”
Her advice to other aspiring writers is simply to, “Just start writing – put the words on page first – then edit.”
“I’m not aiming to be big. I’m not aiming to be great. I just want to write, and I want to connect with people – that’s why I started this journey.”
She hopes to connect with audiences at her meet-and-greet / book signing event in Airlie Beach on April 11, from 10am to 2pm, at the Beach Book Boutique. Fans and new readers alike are invited to meet Khloe, ask questions, and pick up a signed copy of Proskynima.
For more information or to purchase a copy, visit www.khloeann.com.au or follow @writtenbykhloeann. The Last Plastic Fork is also available at www.habitatpress.com.
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