Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
For many people, the word decluttering brings to mind overflowing rubbish bags, hours of sorting and the guilt of parting with sentimental possessions. But creating a more organised home doesn't have to mean throwing everything away. In fact, the most successful decluttering is often about making thoughtful decisions rather than drastic ones. Professional organisers agree that clutter isn't necessarily about owning too much, it's about having more than your space can comfortably support. The goal is to make your home work for you, not to achieve a picture-perfect interior. A good place to start is by tackling one small area at a time. Rather than attempting the entire house in one weekend, focus on a single drawer, cupboard or shelf. Small wins create momentum and make the process feel far less overwhelming. One of the simplest questions to ask yourself is: Do I use this? If an item serves a purpose, brings you joy or is genuinely needed, it deserves its place in your home. If it hasn't been used in years but you're not ready to let it go, consider storing it neatly in a labelled container. Often, after several months, you'll realise you haven't missed it and can make a more confident decision. It's also worth separating sentimental items from everyday clutter. Family photographs, children's artwork and treasured keepsakes tell the story of your life and deserve careful consideration. Instead of keeping every item, choose a few favourites to display or store safely, or photograph special pieces to preserve the memories without taking up valuable space. Organisation is just as important as decluttering. Simple storage solutions such as baskets, drawer dividers and labelled containers make it easier to find what you need and encourage everyone in the household to put things back where they belong. The old saying, "A place for everything, and everything in its place," remains one of the best organising principles. Another helpful habit is adopting the "one in, one out" rule. When you buy something new – whether it's clothing, kitchenware or toys – consider donating or recycling a similar item you no longer use. This helps prevent clutter from quietly building up again. If you're planning to sell your home, thoughtful decluttering can also make a significant difference. Clear benchtops, tidy wardrobes and uncluttered living spaces help buyers focus on the home's features rather than its contents. The aim isn't to strip away personality but to create a welcoming space where others can imagine themselves living. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that decluttering isn't about perfection. It's about creating a home that feels calmer, functions better and reflects the way you live today. By taking small, manageable steps and keeping what truly adds value to your life, you'll enjoy a home that feels lighter, more organised and easier to maintain, without throwing everything away. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/declutter-your-home-motivational-reminder-handwriting-2149454323?trackingId=eca15d87-92d8-4fcb-85d0-195655ee7a9c&listId=searchResults Photo source: Shutterstock
Read the full story
It was a tale of two cities when auction time arrived. And yes, it seemed to be the best of times for one and the worst of times for the other. One was Sydney, the other Mackay. The Sydney story was told loud and clear by high-profile real estate identity and auctioneer Tom Panos. For him, it was the worst of times. Panos has a big presence on social media and is well-known by every real estate agent in Australia as a trainer with strong opinions who has a good understanding of the sector and who tells it how it is. Apart from travelling around Australia and the world speaking at real estate events and training the silly sods who are trying to succeed in this topsy turvy business, Panos is a prolific auctioneer who can do up to 10 auctions on a given Saturday. We know that since the Federal Budget was handed down in May with changes such as a ban on negative gearing on everything other than new builds, a massive increase in capital gains tax and a ban on borrowing to buy real estate through self-managed super funds, that real estate markets throughout the country have suffered. The big impacts have been in Sydney and Melbourne, where prices have dropped significantly, and in Brisbane where sales have stalled and prices are now dropping. Auction clearance rates have dropped to below 50 per cent in most areas and some weekend in Brisbane, for instance, the clearance rate has been around 25 per cent. That means 75 per cent of the auctioned properties have either been withdrawn before the auction or failed to sell. Panos was the auctioneer for six properties in Sydney last weekend and, well, it did not go well. Not only did all six properties fail to sell, not only were there zero bidders on all six properties but not one person registered to bid at any of the six auctions. Panos took his tale of the worst of times to social media and on to the mainstream media. I saw him on Channel 9 and on Sky TV telling the world that he had not one registered bidder on any property and that it was the first time in his career that this had happened. Panos, rightly, blamed the Federal Government’s decision to ban negative gearing and the other changes on the disastrous result. Two days after Panos went through his worst day of auctions, up in little old Mackay Gardian real estate had it’s Monday night in-house July auctions, held at the auction room at our new office in Gordon St. The room was packed. There was a buzz and energy in the room as buyers filed in one after the other. There were five auctions and more than 20 registered bidders, with some of the registered bidders ready to bid on several properties. Our auctioneer, Gordon Macdonald, had a completely different experience to Tom Panos in Sydney. The bids were flowing strong and fast as buyers fought it out on the auction floor. Four of the properties sold under the hammer on the night and the fifth one is under negotiation and expected to sell quick smart. I’m not going to say that it is the best of times in Mackay but our auction night did show a few things. Firstly, that anyone who say auctions don’t work in Mackay needs to have a re-think. Secondly, it showed that Mackay is still going well. Yes, we can’t avoid being dragged into what has happened nationally but we are not experiencing what is happening in the big cities. Negative gearing was never a big thing here, our rental returns are strong and investors are looking for the sort of good yield that Mackay offers. Just quietly, a seller does need an agency with a strategy and a point of difference but with the right approach the results are flowing. Go Mackay!
Read the full story
With a background in chartered accounting and large-scale property development, Ian McDonald has brought extensive industry experience to Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division. Before joining the Mackay agency, Ian worked with developers across South-East Queensland, overseeing financing and development delivery for projects spanning Canberra, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Magnetic Island. His experience also included managing financial functions for residential developments, shopping centres, leasing and property management operations across Queensland. Ian later returned to Mackay to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer for one of the region’s largest civil contracting and property development businesses before transitioning into commercial real estate. Now serving as Director and Commercial Agent at Blacks Real Estate after becoming a director in 2024, Ian works alongside the agency’s commercial team to sell and lease retail, industrial and commercial properties throughout the Mackay region. Known for combining strong financial knowledge with practical industry experience, Ian’s background provides clients with insight into both the commercial property market and broader development landscape. CAPTION: Ian McDonald, Director and Commercial Agent at Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate
Read the full story
Kelsey was born in Emerald in Oct 2025 and was going to be drowned just for being too small. An Emerald resident saved her and then a massive thunderstorm blew over their fence and Kelsey ran away. For three weeks she was sighted but never caught. A carer drove to Emerald and spend days in the bush tracking her paw prints and sleeping in his car. Finally he saw what he thought was discarded cardboard on the side of a track and it was Kelsey. Aaron brought her to Mackay and into his care. Kelsey's recovery is truly a miracle and she now ready for her 2nd chance in life. She is a Staffy X, fully vaxed, toilet trained, knows sit and shake, has great recall and happy both indoors and out. She has a personality to melt your heart. For a meet and greet call Aaron on 0400 821 800 or email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com
Read the full story
Members of the Moranbah community gathered at the Moranbah Miners Memorial to honour Andreas "Andrew" Loizou, with the Queensland Mines Rescue Service among the many individuals and organisations who came together to pay their respects following the tragic Peak Downs Mine incident. Photos supplied
The Moranbah community, alongside the wider Bowen Basin, Queensland and Australia's resources sector, has united in support following the death of a mine worker at Peak Downs Mine last Friday, as investigations into the incident continue.
Andreas ‘Andrew’ Loizou tragically lost his life following an incident at the BMA-operated Peak Downs Mine in the early hours of Friday, 24th July. Early reports indicated a light utility vehicle collided with a haul truck shortly before 5am.
Mr Loizou, who was travelling as a passenger in the utility, was declared deceased at the scene, while another man was transported to Moranbah Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Authorities have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which remain ongoing at the time of print.
In a statement released on the morning of the tragedy, Thiess confirmed Mr Loizou's identity with the permission of his family.
“Early this morning, there was an incident at the Peak Downs Mine that resulted in the passing of one of our team members, Andreas ‘Andrew’ Loizou, who is being named with the permission of his family and loved ones,” the company said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Andrew's family, loved ones, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with the tight-knit Bowen Basin mining community and the mining industry more broadly.”
Thiess said its immediate focus remained on supporting those impacted, adding that “Safety and wellbeing remains our highest priority” and confirming an investigation into the incident had begun.
Following the tragedy, operations were paused across BMA's Central Queensland mines, with work suspended for 24 hours while authorities began their investigation and workers reflected on the loss.
As news of the incident spread, an outpouring of support emerged from across the mining industry, local communities and beyond.
BHP Queensland announced it had established a memorial fund through Miners' Promise to support Mr Loizou's family, with donations from BHP/BMA employees and embedded contractors to be matched at a ratio of 2:1 through the company's Matched Giving Program.
“Our hearts remain with Andreas 'Andrew' Loizou's family, friends and loved ones,” BHP Queensland said.
“We continue to extend our deepest condolences and are working closely with Thiess to ensure those closest to Andrew, along with the other individuals involved, are supported during this incredibly difficult time.”
Mining charity Miners' Promise also launched a memorial fund for Mr Loizou's family.
In its tribute, the organisation said Mr Loizou was a loving partner to Amy, a father, grandfather, son, brother, friend and highly respected mining colleague, remembered as “a larrikin with a kind-hearted soul and an infectious smile”.
Isaac Region Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said, “Our hearts go out to the family, mates & loved ones of Andreas and those whose lives were forever changed today. On behalf of our community- we are just so sorry.”
The ripple effect of support has been felt across mining communities and beyond, and was evident in Moranbah on Friday evening when a memorial service was held at the Moranbah Miners Memorial at 5.15pm. Community members gathered alongside people from across the region to observe a minute's silence in honour of Mr Loizou, his loved ones, and all those affected.
Mackay Life wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to Mr Loizous’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
The Shakespeare Street team at The Neighbourhood Hub and local families donned their favourite pyjamas to celebrate Pyjama Day. Photo source: The Neighbourhood Hub
The Shakespeare Street team at The Neighbourhood Hub swapped their everyday clothes for comfies as they proudly took part in Pyjama Day, helping raise awareness for children living in foster care.
The event continued at playgroup, where families embraced the occasion with a special Pyjama Day playdough activity. The hands-on session gave children the chance to get creative while learning about the importance of supporting others through play and conversation.
The Neighbourhood Hub said it was proud to be part of the national initiative, using the day to spark meaningful discussions and encourage community support for children in foster care.
By dressing up and getting involved, staff and families showed that even small acts of kindness can help shine a light on an important cause.
Young environmental champions celebrated 30 years of National Tree Day, with students from 11 schools helping restore local habitat at Glenfields Park. Photo credit: Hannah Mcnamara
Mackay’s next generation of environmental champions have helped grow a greener future, celebrating 30 years of National Tree Day with a record-breaking community effort.
More than 417 students from 11 schools across the region joined the Schools Tree Day celebrations at Glenfields Park, followed by a community planting day that saw thousands of native plants added to the landscape. In total, 3,708 locally grown tubestock plants were set to be planted, helping restore important waterways and native habitat.
With almost 6000 plants already established over the past two years, Mackay’s ongoing partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal continues to leave a lasting legacy for generations to enjoy.
Australia's largest nature care event, National Tree Day, celebrated its 30th anniversary last Friday, July 24th, at Glenfields Park on Wheeler Drive, Glenella.
The Schools Tree Day event brought together students from across the Mackay region, followed by a community planting day on Sunday, where residents were invited to take part.
Since 1996, volunteers across Australia have contributed more than 10 million hours planting trees, restoring habitat and gaining a deeper understanding of their natural environment.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day were a great way for the community to have a lasting positive impact on the environment.
“Over the last two years, our local school students and community members have planted almost 6000 tubestock plants in the area, expanding the width of riparian vegetation and restoring the health of this important urban waterway,” he said.
“It’s incredibly valuable for the community to be able to clearly see the impact of the previous work and the ongoing commitment to improving the area.”
This year's event marked the 17th year of partnership between Mackay Regional Council, Conservation Volunteers Australia and long-standing corporate partner Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal. More than 417 students from 11 schools across the region took part in the celebrations.
Councillor Anne Baker said the milestone event highlighted the community's ongoing commitment to the environment, with students helping create a lasting legacy through tree planting.
“It’s such a beautiful story of tree planting and the environment.”
She said seeing so many young people involved was one of the highlights of the day.
“There’s over 11 schools from across the region and they’ve come from all parts of the region, which is really a credit to them.”
Across the Schools Tree Day event and the public National Tree Day activities on Sunday, 3,708 native tubestock plants were set to be planted. The seedlings were grown from local Goosepond Creek stock, creating a strong connection to the region's natural environment.
“It’s a real nostalgia,” Cr Baker said, describing the project's connection to the local area and the generations of students returning to see the trees they planted grow.
The event also showcased the enthusiasm of local students, including school leaders and environmental groups eager to contribute to the region's future.
Holy Spirit College Mackay students Lachlan Thompson and Olivia Pearce said planting trees was one of the many ways students give back to the community.
“It’s definitely great to see a lot of people out here planting trees today,” Lachlan said.
Olivia noted that she was, “Looking forward to the future, and coming back to this site and seeing all the trees big and strong and flourishing.”
The students also highlighted their school's environmental initiatives, including recycling container programs and participation in Clean Up Australia Day.
At St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, teacher Hayley Saye, who runs the school's Earthcare Club, said students had enjoyed being part of the event for several years.
“It’s just amazing here. It’s good to come back and see our contribution to the community.”
Students were also encouraged to learn about local species, with some taking part as “tree detectives” identifying native plants throughout the day.
For young environmental advocates like St Francis Xavier student Ava Jacob, the experience was about protecting the planet for future generations.
“It feels like taking care of the earth, and making sure all the animals get to live – which is really good.”
Neil McGaffin. Photo supplied
After years helping shape the Whitsundays' growth through planning and regional strategy, Neil McGaffin has turned his attention to commercial real estate, joining Taylor's Property Specialists as a consultant agent.
After almost three months with Taylor's Property Specialists, Neil is still new to the real estate industry, but far from new to property.
As a qualified town planner, he spent years in local and state government, with 10 being served right here in the Whitsunday’s, as the council's Director of Regional Strategy and Planning.
Rather than returning to local government after leaving the council, Neil decided to take his knowledge in a different direction. He said he had always enjoyed talking with people about property, development opportunities and investment, making commercial real estate a natural next step to stay in the region he thinks is the best.
"I enjoy talking to people about property developments and opportunities that they might be able to invest in the local area," Neil said.
"I've lived in many different areas across Australia and this is certainly one of the best."
For Neil, selling property is also about showcasing the lifestyle that comes with it, with the region's natural beauty, relaxed way of life and welcoming community often proving just as appealing as the properties themselves.
"The attraction is the area, the lifestyle, the environment, and the housing is what people are searching for to accommodate their budget, so that they can start as part of the community and enjoy what everyone else here knows is pretty spectacular," he said.
For many young footballers, training means a short drive across town.
For Lilliana Knight, it meant spending years travelling more than 1,200 kilometres every week while balancing school, training and competition.
The latest instalment of Whitsunday Regional Council's Home Grown: Future Olympians video series showcases one of the region's brightest young football talents and the determination required to pursue elite sport from regional Queensland.
Lilliana first discovered her love of football playing socially at primary school before joining the Proserpine Taipans. She later progressed through Airlie Beach Football Club before earning selection in the Football Queensland Whitsunday Coast Academy, where her family made the journey from Conway to Mackay several times each week for training and competition.
As her talent continued to develop, so too did the opportunities and the sacrifices required to pursue them.
Representing Queensland, captaining teams at national championships, competing in senior women's competitions while still in her early teens and travelling across Queensland became part of everyday life.
At just 15 years of age, Lilliana made one of the biggest decisions of her young career, moving away from her family to Brisbane to pursue greater football opportunities.
She earned selection in the National Premier League Women's Under 23 squad with North Lakes United FC, joined the Murrumba State Secondary College Football Academy and continues to compete at one of Queensland's highest levels while completing her senior schooling.
Now in Year 11, Lilliana continues to chase her Olympic dream. This year she helped the Metropolitan North School Sport team win the Queensland 16–18 Years State Championship in Townsville, while her North Lakes United FC Under 23 side has remainedundefeated through the opening 14 rounds of the season.
She also continues to mentor younger players as an assistant coach, giving back to the sport that has helped shape her journey.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said Lilliana's journey demonstrated the determination and resilience of regional athletes.
"Lilliana's story is one of extraordinary commitment. Behind every representative jersey and every milestone are countless hours on the road, family sacrifices and the courage to leave home at just 15 years of age to pursue her dream. She is an outstanding role model for young athletes across the Whitsundays."
Mayor Collins said stories like Lilliana's reinforced why Council continued to advocate for the Whitsundays to become the home of Olympic and Paralympic sailing and secure a lasting sporting legacy for the region.
"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are about much more than two weeks of competition. They're about inspiring the next generation and creating opportunities that allow young athletes to achieve their dreams closer to home.
Lilliana has shown what regional talent can achieve, and that's exactly why we're continuing to fight for legacy infrastructure that will benefit young people across the Whitsundays for decades to come."
Campaign media partner, Whitsunday Life Editor Rachael Smith, said the series was about telling the stories behind the success of local athletes.
"Too often we only hear about athletes once they've reached the top. This series reminds us that every sporting success begins with years of dedication, sacrifice and community support.
“Lilliana's story is incredibly inspiring and we're proud to help share the journeys of these talented young Whitsunday athletes as they chase their Olympic dreams."
Lilliana's story is the second profile in Council's Home Grown: Future Olympians campaign, which celebrates young local athletes while showcasing the Whitsundays as a region capable of producing future Olympians and Paralympians.
The series recognises not only the athletes, but also the families, coaches, volunteers and communities whose support helps turn big dreams into reality.
Because Olympic and Paralympic dreams don't start on the podium.
They start right here in the Whitsundays.
Libraries Are More Than Books. They're Where We Meet.
By Richard Evans, President of Whitsundays Writers Festival
Ask a child what a library is for, and they'll likely say books. Ask an adult, and you might get the same answer. Both are right. Neither goes far enough.
A library is a room full of doors. Every spine on every shelf opens onto somewhere else; a different century, a different mind, a different way of seeing the world. Take a child into that room, let them run a finger along the covers, let them choose something simply because the title caught their eye, and you've done something no worksheet or screen can replicate. You've handed them the first key to their own imagination. That moment, small, unremarkable, repeated in libraries every day, is one of the most important things we do for the next generation.
But that's only half the story.
Walk into any of our four Whitsunday Regional Council libraries on an ordinary weekday and you'll see it isn't only children turning pages. There are retirees doing the crossword together. Job seekers using the computers. New parents at storytime, swapping tips as much as picking up picture books. Someone quietly working through a form with a staff member who knows exactly which shelf, which website, or which government department to point them toward. The library has become one of the last places in town where you can simply be, without needing to buy something to justify staying.
That's the part we too often overlook. Libraries aren't just repositories of information. They're meeting places. Among the few genuinely public ones left. And the staff, who can help you track down that one specific book you half-remember or the exact piece of information you need, are as much a part of that community fabric as the shelves themselves.
This is why the Whitsundays Writers Festival is proud to bring our libraries into the heart of this year's program. As part of Stories by the Sea, on Saturday 13 September from 3pm to 4.30pm, Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries will join local authors, a community book swap, artists displaying their work, and a sausage sizzle for an afternoon that is, in miniature, exactly what a library should be: stories, conversation, and community, side by side.
There will be no lecture on the importance of reading. There doesn't need to be. Just bring the kids, browse the swap table, meet a local author, grab a sausage in bread, and let the afternoon make the case for itself.
Libraries have always done two jobs at once. Holding our stories and bringing us together to share them. On 13th September, we're simply making that second job a little more visible.
Visit your local library branch during, Library and Information Week (27th July–2nd August), and you may discover more than you expect.
For details on Stories by the Sea and the full Whitsundays Writers Festival program visit www.whitsundayswriters.com
Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition
When: Exhibition Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
Discover 85 artworks by 66 artists exploring the theme Beyond Beauty. Now in its third year, this popular exhibition has become a Festival highlight, celebrating the region's creative talent.
Community Gallery
Where: 192 Main Street, Proserpine
When: Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm | Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Featuring a rotating collection of local artwork, the gallery is refreshed monthly, ensuring every visit offers something new to discover.
Community Creative Space
Where: Bendigo Community Bank branch, Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale
When: Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (closed 1pm–2pm for lunch)
The Whitsundays Writers Festival’s Heart Awards Poetry Prize has closed its 2026 entry period with over 70 submissions from poets across Australia, a result that reflects the competition’s rapidly growing standing on the national literary calendar.
Entries arrived from every state and territory, spanning a remarkable breadth of styles and subject matter. From tightly crafted lyric poems to narrative ballads, comic verse, and formally experimental work.
Poets wrote on themes ranging from family and memory to landscape, migration, ageing, and the natural world, with several entrants drawing directly on the Whitsundays for inspiration.
“What’s struck us most this year is the sheer range,” said Richard Evans, Festival Program Director. “We’ve had entries that would sit comfortably in any major national anthology alongside deeply personal, place-rooted work that could only have been written by someone who knows the Whitsundays. That diversity, arriving from right across the country, tells us something important: poets around Australia are now watching what happens here.”
The judging process now underway has been designed to ensure every entry, regardless of style or form, is assessed fairly on its own merits. Rather than pitting a gentle bush ballad against an experimental free-verse piece, judges are applying a consistent, criteria-based framework across all 74 entries: purpose and coherence, technical craft, originality of voice, and emotional or intellectual impact. Each poem is scored independently against these standards before any comparison between entries takes place, a deliberate step to guard against the kind of style bias that can creep into literary judging.
“We wanted a process that was rigorous enough to stand up to scrutiny, but flexible enough to honour what each poet was actually trying to do,” Richard said. “A poem that sets out to tell a story shouldn’t be marked down for not being a tight lyric, and vice versa. Fairness means judging each work by its own ambitions.”
The competition will now proceed through two further stages before a winner is announced. A longlist will be released in coming weeks, followed by a shortlist as judging moves into its final round, with the eventual winners announced at the Whitsundays Writers Festival.
Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community
Whitsundays Writers Festival Richard Evans Festival Director and President hello@whitsundayswriters.com
Tickets are selling fast for the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September! Secure your spot now at whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers
Creative Connections Whitsunday Glenda Brown President info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com
Creative Connections Whitsundays supports and celebrates the region's arts community by creating opportunities for artists to connect, exhibit, learn, and thrive through partnerships, cultural events, and creative programs.
Get in touch! If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event information, or share your creative story, please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com
If Gibbs' eyes don't stop you in your tracks, then we don't know what will. This striking 12 month old Arab cross has the most beautiful, soulful eyes we have ever seen and behind them is one of the gentlest, friendliest souls in our care.
Gibbs has been with us for a while now and we need someone to choose him today.
He is still very much finding his feet and blossoming into the dog he is meant to be. A real home, a consistent routine, and someone in his corner is all this boy needs to truly shine. He has so much potential and so much love to give to the right family.
He is not asking for much. Just someone to say yes to him.
Could that be you?
To adopt Gibbs send a DM to the Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Facebook page with your name and phone number.
About Gibbs
Breed: Arab cross
Age: 12 months
Desexed, vaccinated and all vet work up to date
Contributed with thanks by Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Dale Last MP and Former president for the Bowen Seagulls, Darren Piggott.
Dale Last MP is reminding Bowen residents and the wider Burdekin electorate that the Play On! initiative is set to help more than 2,200 children across the region be a part of local sport through the Sports Vouchers program.
Accessible across the Whitsundays, the initiative aims to reduce the cost of junior sports for families, and will see 2,256 vouchers redeemed through 50 registered activity providers across the Burdekin during the previous round.
With the latest round of Play On! Sports Vouchers opening this week, the funding arrives as winter sporting competitions are underway and families continue to juggle the cost of participation.
“Despite soccer, rugby league and netball holding the highest number of voucher participants across the state, with Burdekin’s 50 listed sport clubs, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved in a summer or winter sport,” Mr Last said.
“Basically, if a child is aged between 5 and 17, and is named on a Medicare card then they are eligible.”
The program has also been given long-term certainty, with the Queensland Government committing $62.5 million a year over the next four years to continue supporting grassroots sports participation in regional communities.
“By providing this real cost of living relief, the Crisafulli Government is getting more kids playing sports and a continuation of the success the Burdekin has already seen on the national and international sporting stages,” Mr Last said.
“This is a real cost of living relief that is getting kids active, supporting local clubs, and backing families in our community.”
Proserpine Mill processed 75,870 tonnes of cane for the week ending July 18th, with throughput above budget and bringing the season total to 347,316 tonnes.
Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 14.24 units.The highest CCS sample for the week was 16.35 units, from a rake of Q208 plant cane in the Lethebrook productivity district.
Last week saw a welcome rise in bin weights with a weekly average of 9.52 tonnes, with Thursday recording an average of 9.72 tonnes of cane per bin for the day’s loading.
Motorists are reminded to look out for cane trains and only cross cane rail lines at designated crossings.
Get ready to build it, float it, and race it the Recyclable Regatta on 2nd August at the Airlie Beach Foreshore! Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival
The Great Barrier Reef Festival will wrap up in spectacular style when the much-loved Recyclable Regatta returns to the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 2nd August, bringing a splash of creativity, friendly competition and plenty of laughs to the water.
Following a morning of free entertainment and reef-inspired activities at the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day, festival-goers can head to the shoreline to cheer on teams as they paddle homemade rafts around the course using nothing but recyclable materials and determination.
One of the festival's most popular traditions, the regatta challenges schools, community groups, tourism operators, businesses and groups of friends to design and build seaworthy rafts from recycled items before racing them around the foreshore in front of cheering crowds.
From quirky raft designs and pirate costumes to dramatic sink-or-swim moments, the event is known as much for its humour as its ingenuity, with creativity often proving just as important as speed.
This year, festival organisers are encouraging even more local businesses to join the action, turning the regatta into the ultimate team-building challenge where bragging rights are on the line alongside prizes.
The competition features divisions for children, teenagers, adults and local businesses, making it an event the whole community can enjoy, whether on the water or watching from the beach.
The regatta follows the popular Family Fun Day, which offers interactive reef-themed activities, educational displays, games, circus workshops, face painting and live entertainment, ensuring there's plenty happening across the foreshore before the racing begins.
With colourful costumes, imaginative creations and plenty of community spirit, the Recyclable Regatta promises a fun-filled finale that perfectly captures the festival's celebration of the Great Barrier Reef, sustainability and the vibrant Whitsundays community.
Living in the Whitsundays, we all know natural disasters are a matter of when not if.
Whether it's a cyclone, flooding, bushfires or severe weather, we've proven time and again what our community is made of. We roll up our sleeves, look after our neighbours and get on with the job of rebuilding. That's the Whitsunday way.
Last week I joined five other Queensland mayors in Melbourne to deliver one simple message on behalf of our communities: don't weaken the disaster funding arrangements regional Queensland relies on.
Between us, we travelled more than 16,000 kilometres because this matters.
The Whitsundays is one of Australia's premier tourism destinations. Tourism keeps local businesses open, puts food on family tables and supports thousands of local jobs. It's also why recovering quickly after a disaster is so important.
Repairing roads, parks and public facilities is only part of the job. Just as important is restoring confidence. We need people to know the Whitsundays is open, safe and ready to welcome them back.
If confidence disappears, visitors stay away. If visitors stay away, businesses hurt and local jobs are put at risk.
The current disaster recovery arrangements have helped communities like ours bounce back after events such as Cyclone Debbie and, more recently, Cyclone Kirrily. They allow councils to restore essential infrastructure quickly and help communities get back on their feet sooner.
That quick recovery is becoming even more important as we look ahead to our role as the Home of Olympic and Paralympic Sailing for Brisbane 2032. The world will be watching our region over the coming years, and we need to know that when the next disaster comes, and it inevitably will, we have a recovery system that gets us back on our feet quickly.
This isn't about politics. It's about standing up for regional Queensland and making sure communities like ours aren't left worse off because of where we live.
I'll always back the Whitsundays and continue working alongside councils across Queensland to protect the funding that helps our communities recover, supports local businesses and keeps people in local jobs.
Because when disaster strikes, getting back on our feet quickly isn't just important, it's essential. That's what our community deserves, and that's what I'll keep fighting for.
Running a business means there is always something competing for your attention – customers to serve, teams to support, problems to solve and decisions to make.
So why take a day away from the business?
Because the right conversations, ideas and connections can help you work on your business, not just in it.
The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference has been designed for business owners and leaders who want practical insights they can take back to the workplace – from improving cash flow and building stronger teams, to using technology smarter and creating opportunities for growth.
Rather than theory or presentations that sit on a shelf, the program focuses on real challenges businesses are facing right now.
For businesses navigating workforce pressures, Creating Teams That Speak Up, Contribute & Innovate session with Michele Tocci will explore how leaders can create workplaces where people feel confident to contribute, share ideas and perform at their best. Attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen trust, engagement, and retention.
For owners who feel like they’re working harder than ever but not seeing the return, Busy but broke? Profitable on paper but short on cash? With Gus Walsgott from the Small Business Financial Counselling Service North Queensland will unpack the financial traps that can catch out even successful businesses. The session will explore cash flow warning signs, profitability, and simple strategies to build stronger financial foundations.
Looking to improve your visibility and attract more customers? Your Brand in Action, featuring Tolita Dukes (8 Seconds) and Melissa Ardern (The Creek Whitsundays), will share practical insights into marketing, AI, visibility and what is currently working for regional businesses.
The day will finish with the Conference Long Lunch, proudly supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine – an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with other business owners, discover new suppliers, and explore resources that can support your business.
Featuring business exhibitor showcases, activations and networking opportunities, the Long Lunch is designed to create valuable conversations beyond the conference sessions.
If you’re looking for practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and connections that can help your business move forward, the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference is a day worth making time for.
Full program and tickets online: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference/
Allan Milostic, Gus Walsgott, Adrian Bram and Clay Bauman. Photo Credit: Zach Houtenville.
Whitsundays businesses came together at Club Whitsunday last Thursday morning to hear practical tips on managing workplace issues and reducing risk.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the final Business Breakfast of the year, the event brought local professionals together to network and hear from workplace investigator Jason King, Director of Regional Queensland Investigations.
Drawing on decades of investigative experience, Jason is a former Australian Federal Police Federal Agent and Victoria Police officer.
Throughout his career, he has investigated workplace misconduct, fraud, bullying and harassment complaints, corporate risk, cyber-related matters and other sensitive organisational inquiries across both the public and private sectors.
Jason outlined the stages these matters typically progress through, covering escalation, early warning signs, common mistakes, procedural fairness and evidence, when issues should be handled internally or referred externally, and the steps organisations should take in the first 24 hours.
Using real Queensland case studies, he showed how seemingly minor workplace issues can quickly escalate when handled poorly, highlighting the value of acting early, documenting concerns properly and making decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Jason said businesses are better off dealing with concerns early, encouraging workplaces where staff feel comfortable speaking up before small issues become bigger ones.
Dianna with her daughter. Photos supplied: Queensland Police.
Nearly three decades after Bowen woman Dianne Angwin was murdered in her home, detectives have renewed their search for information, doubling the reward to $500,000 as a cold case review and new forensic testing breathe new life into the investigation.
Dianne Angwin moved to Bowen from Victoria in 1995. Following the breakdown of her marriage, she moved in with her friend Edith “Edie” Lay.
Just over 2 years later, around 12.30am on December 2nd, Edie reported being woken by an unknown man standing over her bed with one hand covering her mouth and a knife in the other.
Dianne appeared at the bedroom doorway before running from the intruder, who chased after her. Moments later, she was fatally stabbed in the neck. A neighbour rushed Dianne to Bowen Base Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
What followed was an investigation that saw police obtaining over 100 witness statements. A closer look at the home left police with no signs of forced entry or disturbance, with no property reported stolen.
The reward for information leading evidence for who might be responsible has increased from $250,000 to $500,000. Detectives from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team have begun new forensic testing on evidence collected from the scene and will re-interview witnesses and persons of interest in Bowen, Cairns and Victoria.
“Dianne’s housemate, Edie, died in 2022. As part of our review, police have identified witnesses who Edie confided in, confirming she knew the identity of the man and had not told police at the time of the offence as she was scared for her own safety,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who has information regarding a relationship Dianne was involved in with a local married man, who had been seen at her unit.
“Information suggests that around the time of Dianne’s murder, she was actively encouraging him to leave his wife so that they could overtly continue the relationship.
“There are people out there with information. Relationships and loyalties change, and I would encourage anyone with information, big or small, to contact police.
Bowen residents with information relevant to Dianne’s Murder are encouraged to attend mobile police facilities and talk with investigators. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
The Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. The group campaigned against wind farm projects proposed close to Proserpine, some of which are still ongoing. Photo supplied
By Ruandi Van der Merwe
Alinta Energy has officially pulled plans to build wind turbines across the southern zone of its proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm project, marking a major turning point for the local community after nine months of intense advocacy.
Following six months of LIDAR wind monitoring in the southern area of the proposed project, Alinta Energy have concluded that the wind resource in this area is not strong enough to support turbines, ultimately causing the cancellation of the plans.
"The southern part of the Mount Challenger wind farm does not have sufficient amount of wind in order to progress with the project development in the southern part of the project around Kelsey Creek," Alinta Energy General Manager Development Andres Maasing stated.
“And what that would mean is as a result of those assessments and studies we will be focusing all of our efforts for the wind farm on the northern part.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP has welcomed confirmation from Alinta Energy that proposed wind turbines will be removed from the southern portion of the Mt Challenger Wind Farm project, having advocated for the Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Groupover the previous months.
Ms Camm described the decision as a significant win for Kelsey Creek residents and the wider Whitsunday community.
“This outcome belongs to the residents, landowners and neighbours who came together, raised their concerns and refused to let their voices be ignored,” Ms Camm said.
“While assessments are continuing for the northern area of the Mt Challenger project, today’s announcement demonstrates the importance of genuine community engagement.
“I will continue to stand with our community and advocate for renewable energy projects to be placed in appropriate locations - with proper consideration for local residents, productive agricultural land and our environment.”
Ms Camm is inviting members of the community to celebrate the removal of the southern section of the proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm with a community BBQ on Sunday, 2nd August at the Peter Faust Dam BBQ area.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox also praised the dedication of local residents standing together to protect the region’s natural landscape.
“This outcome is a testament to the incredible strength and unity of our local community,” Mr Willcox said.
“When everyday people stand up, attend meetings, and demand better for their area, energy proponents and governments are forced to listen.”
While welcoming the removal of turbines from the proposed location, Mr Willcox noted that Alinta Energy is continuing feasibility assessments on the northern portion of the site.
“While we celebrate this victory today, we cannot afford to be complacent,” He stated.
Alysha Lee, a local farmer whose property sits adjacent to the scrapped southern site, has been leading the community action group opposing the wind farm. She described the news as a massive milestone for families who felt blindsided when the project was first unveiled last year.
"This is a very significant deal for our community today," Ms Lee said.
"Our family was two weeks away from moving back into our renovated farmhouse when we got this letter in the mail telling us about this elusive Mt Challenger wind farm.
“We haven't enjoyed a single day in our newly renovated house without the threat of a wind farm encroaching on our home."
The community campaign gathered more than 6,000 petition signatures and secured backing from local, state, and federal representatives.
"The community has had to fight incredibly hard over the past nine months to make sure our voice was heard," Ms Lee added.
"To have local advice tell us to strap in for two to three years, and to achieve this in nine months, is huge. It's a moment to take a breath and breathe."
Alinta Energy will continue with its ongoing assessments for the northern area of the Mt Challenger proposal, and has stated it will listen closely to the Whitsunday community throughout the feasibility stage of the project.
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.
