Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Bowen Meals on Wheels has received another generous boost from one of its longest-standing supporters, with Kennedy Masonic Lodge making a significant donation to help the service continue supporting local residents. The lodge has contributed thousands of dollars to Bowen Meals on Wheels over the years, most recently presenting the organisation's treasurer with another substantial donation. The contribution comes at an important time for the service, with operating costs continuing to rise while demand has nearly doubled over the past 18 months. Despite increasing expenses for essentials such as insurance, groceries and gas, Bowen Meals on Wheels has maintained both the affordability of its meals and the high standard of service it provides. The organisation says it has been fortunate to receive ongoing support from businesses, community groups and local organisations, allowing it to continue operating at a time when many Meals on Wheels services across Australia are struggling with reduced government funding and financial pressures. While financial support has helped keep the service running, volunteers remain in short supply. Bowen Meals on Wheels has made several appeals this year for more delivery volunteers and is still looking for people who can spare around two hours on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings. The organisation is encouraging anyone able to help, either as a driver or delivery assistant, to get in touch. It also hopes friends and family of existing clients might consider volunteering to help support some of Bowen's most vulnerable residents. Photo caption: Chris Sturrie and the Grand Master of Kennedy Lodge, Jamie Collins. Photo supplied: Chris Sturrie.
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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP invited locals for a barbecue at Peter Faust Dam last Sunday to mark the removal of the southern section from Alinta Energy’s Wind Farm proposal, which locals protested due to its proximity to Proserpine. To acknowledge the milestone, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP joined residents at Peter Faust Dam on Sunday for a community barbecue, bringing together those who had spent months campaigning against the proposal in the Kelsey Creek area. "The community's collective voice demonstrated the positive outcome of this project not proceeding at Kelsey Creek," Ms Camm said. "It was an opportunity to thank the community and Wind Farm Action Group for their respectful, consistent and united voice. It was through these efforts that supported my advocacy as the local member.” Wind Farm Action Group member Alysha Lee said the gathering was a chance to celebrate a small win while recognising there was still more work to do. “It was great to get together and go over what we’ve been fighting for the last 10 months, while being able to celebrate the small victory so far,” said Alysha. "We still have the northern area to think about, but we feel like we have their support as we continue trying to help the community, which is great.” Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP at the community barbecue held at Peter Faust Dam on Sunday.
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Coastal leaders from across Queensland converged on the Whitsundays this week, as mayors, councillors and senior council officers gathered to tackle the biggest challenges facing the state's coastal communities. Hosted over two days at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Coastal Leaders Forum focused on key issues coastal towns face. “This event is an opportunity for them to understand what the priorities, concerns and issues are facing their sector,” said Mayor of Gladstone, LGAQ President and president of Australian Local Government Association (AGLA) Matt Burnett. Beyond the individual issues discussed, the forum provided a platform for coastal councils to share experiences, identify common challenges and strengthen their collective voice when advocating to state and federal governments. “I think obviously the other underlying thing with it is that we all advocate for our own regions respectively, but where we can find those points of commonality to really work together,” said Mayor Ry Collins. “It definitely really empowers that advocacy,” Disaster funding emerged as one of the forum's biggest talking points, following the Federal Government's proposed overhaul of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Under the proposed changes, the Commonwealth would move to an equal partnership model with states and territories, reducing its average contribution from historical levels of 64–75 per cent to 50 per cent. “Communities like ours can't be worse off under the proposed arrangements," said Mayor Collins. “We really need the Federal Government to dump the dud deal they've put on the table and recognise the importance of our communities by providing assurance that we can recover from disasters when they occur. “We'll keep pushing away at that.” With councils and communities able to provide feedback on the proposed changes until August 19th, both Mayor Collins and LGAQ President Matt Burnett said the forum was an important opportunity for coastal councils to unite behind a common position. Delegates also turned their attention to several other priorities facing Queensland's coastal communities, including upgrades to the Bruce Highway, tourism infrastructure and recreational boating facilities. The forum gave local leaders a face-to-face opportunity to meet directly with senior Department of Transport and Main Roads officials, including Deputy Director-General Andrew Mahon, to discuss the future of the Bruce Highway, an issue Burdekin Mayor Dalle Cort described as "a conversation we've been having for 30 years." "The Bruce Highway is the next one that's on the agenda and something that I've advocated strongly for," Mayor Collins said. Discussions also highlighted the planned Shute Bay recreational boating facility, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months. The project will deliver around 200 additional trailer parking spaces and four new boat ramps, helping ease congestion at the popular boating precinct. Photo 1- Bruce Highway panel with Mayor of Burdekin, Dalle Cort, Mayor of Gympie Glen Hartwig, Mayor Ry Collins and Deputy Director General Department of Transport & Main Roads, Andrew Mahon. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville. Photo 2- Photo source: Whitsundays regional council.
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The Whitsundays' thriving arts community was celebrated last Friday night as the 2026 Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition officially opened, showcasing the work of 66 artists and recognising the year's standout creatives. In its third year, the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition showcased 85 finalist works from 66 artists through painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media. “The Great Barrier Reef Festival isn't just about the fireworks, it's not just about the rides,” said Mayor Ry Collins in a speech opening up the event. “The music, the entertainment, it's actually about creativity, culture, and the incredible natural environment that inspires us every day here in the Whitsundays.” "Creating art takes talent, dedication, and a willingness to put a piece of yourself on display, to put your heart into something, and that really is worth celebrating." Responding to this year's theme, Beyond Beauty, artists looked beneath the surface, exploring personal stories, environmental issues and the hidden beauty of the Great Barrier Reef through a range of creative interpretations. Selecting the finalist was this year's curated panel of acclaimed artist and educator Glenda Vickers, Whitsundays Regional Councillor Jan Clifford OAM and Visual Arts Teacher at St Catherine's Catholic College Caz Hanks. Once the finalist had been selected, artist, educator and researcher based out of Mackay, Glenda Hobdell assessed the finalist to decide who would be taking home the final prizes. The Award Winners Michelle Brayshaw claimed the exhibition's highest honour, taking out the Whitsunday Regional Council Best in Show Award for her piece Beauty is Skin Deep. The $3,000 prize will see the artwork added to the Whitsunday Regional Council Art Collection. Other major winners included Lyn Laver-Ahmat, whose Retreating Tide 2 received the 2D Award, Stacey Nicholas for her Reef Ballet in the 3D category, and Andrea Fabian, whose photograph The Homemaker won the Photography Award. Local and emerging artists were given a spotlight throughout the evening, with Lola Hornstra collecting the inaugural Next Generation Artist Award for Everything Has Changed, consisting of artists aged between 16 and 18, while Trudy Hastings won the Local Artist Award with her piece Tidal Form #1. Katherine Murray's Where Beauty Deepens was awarded the Reef Theme Award for best interpreting this year's Beyond Beauty theme, and the TARTS Textile Artists were recognised with the Community Creativity Award for their collaborative work Tarts Tree. Beyond the award winners, the exhibition also features three collaborative community works by Eco Barge Clean Seas, the TARTS Textile Artists and the Whitsunday Conservation Council, each exploring environmental themes connected to the Great Barrier Reef.
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Image source: My Hospital Foundation
My Hospital Foundation and IBIS Mackay present Jayden Enterprises Dinner on the Runway 2026, with the much-loved fundraising event preparing for another spectacular take-off on Friday, September 11, from 6pm to 11pm.
One of Mackay's most anticipated social events, the evening promises another unforgettable experience where fine dining meets fundraising beneath the stars.
Returning for its sixth consecutive year, the signature event will transform Mackay Airport into a spectacular open-air dining venue, bringing together businesses, community leaders and supporters for a night that celebrates generosity while helping improve healthcare outcomes across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Issac regions.
Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, August 10 at 9am, with organisers encouraging guests to book early as demand is expected to be high, much like in previous years.
Hosted in support of My Hospital Foundation, Dinner on the Runway has become one of Mackay's most unique fundraising experiences, offering guests the rare opportunity to enjoy a three-course dinner just metres from the runway as aircraft arrive and depart throughout the evening.
Against the backdrop of jet engines, runway lights and a star-filled sky, guests can expect an evening packed with entertainment, lively spirit and opportunities to give back. Live and silent auctions, raffles and lucky envelopes will once again feature, with proceeds helping fund vital hospital equipment, patient support programs and projects that directly benefit local patients and their families.
The event continues to attract strong support from the business community, providing an ideal setting to reward staff, thank valued clients and connect with fellow supporters while backing a cause that touches thousands of lives each year.
Organisers are also inviting businesses to come on board as sponsors, with packages available from $2,500. Sponsorship not only secures a place at one of Mackay's most sought-after events, but also demonstrates a commitment to strengthening healthcare services for the region.
My Hospital Foundation is also seeking prize donations for both the live and silent auctions, with contributions from local businesses helping raise vital funds to support healthcare across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Issac regions.
Whether attending as a corporate group, entertaining clients or simply enjoying an extraordinary evening with friends, Dinner on the Runway offers an experience unlike any other on the local events calendar.
With its combination of exceptional food, live entertainment, aviation atmosphere and community generosity, it's easy to see why the event has become a highlight each year.
Seats are expected to be in high demand, and those keen to experience the unique event are encouraged to secure tickets early once available.
Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities or donating prizes to support the fundraising efforts are encouraged to contact My Hospital Foundation on (07) 4885 5915 or email mhf@health.qld.gov.au.
Guests can look forward to a premium evening featuring a three-course meal, beer, wine and basic spirits, live entertainment and plenty of surprises, all while helping make a lasting difference to healthcare across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Issacregions.
By Cr Ash-Lee Johnson
In July, the Mackay Festival of Arts brings a little extra colour and energy to our region. While it's easy to think of it as a month of entertainment, the festival has grown into something much bigger. It celebrates our community and shines a light on what makes this region a great place to live.
Now in its 39th year, the festival features more than 30 events across the region. Popular favourites such as the Wisely Wine and Food Day, Daly Bay Illuminate and the Jazz Brunch encourage locals to get out and enjoy their city, while also attracting visitors to the region.
Festivals like this are a nice extra for our community, but they also give something back. They create moments for families and friends to spend time together and provide local artists, performers and community groups with the chance to share their talents. They also help build a sense of pride in our region and remind us that Mackay offers much more than its strong industrial and agricultural roots.
The benefits are felt well beyond the festival itself. Visitors who travel to the region book accommodation, dine at local cafés and restaurants, and spend money with local retailers. That extra activity supports small businesses and helps keep money circulating through the regional economy. During the cooler winter months, events like these provide a welcome boost for tourism and hospitality operators.
The Wisely Wine and Food Day is a great example. It showcases some of our local producers, highlights the quality of our hospitality industry and gives visitors another reason to experience this wonderful place. Many leave with a new appreciation and often return to explore more later.
At its heart, the Mackay Festival of Arts is about bringing people together. It fills our parks, streets and venues with life, supports local businesses and celebrates the creative spirit of our community.
Whether you're a local enjoying what's on offer or a visitor discovering our region for the first time, the festival is a win for our region. It brings people together, supports local businesses and showcases what we have.
Let’s Chat – Council Connect
Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region. The next session will be held at Mirani Community Hall on August 4 at 5pm. Further details can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.
WordPress, oh what a problem child you can be! When people ask me about website platforms, I tend to be slightly harsher on WordPress then I mean to be. It’s an incredible platform that offers a ton of flexibility. Also, if you’re skilled w/ something like Elementor, you can create really beautiful sites. There are more than a few websites on my inspo board that are made using WP.
However, the main thing I find when people have WP sites is that they don’t keep their plugins, PHP or WordPress version updated. I get it, different plugins get updated at different times + aren’t always compatible w/ each other (or the newest version of WordPress!) so it can be a bit of a headache. But when you don’t keep them updated, you leave yourself open to stuff going wrong.
Take the newest wave of vulnerabilities reported by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC – www.cyber.gov.au) on July 9, a bunch of WordPress plugins were targeted in a way that gave hackers a huge amount of control over your site. Most of these vulnerabilities targeted outdated plugins that hadn’t been updated for a while, which is scary considering almost every site I look at on WP has outdated plugins 😅
So outdated plugins are scary + leave you vulnerable but updating them takes time + some technical expertise. If you don’t want to deal w/ any of that, the two website builders we deal w/ the most at Rebel are Squarespace + Webflow. Both are managed platforms that take care of any + all updates for you. They’re a little bit more expensive than WordPress at base, but considering you’re usually paying for hosting + plugins as well, the cost does end up a lot closer than first glance.
Whether it’s building a new site, migrating your existing site to one of these easier platforms, or if you’re curious about what options are out there, shoot me an email at taren@rebelnation.com.au + we can have a chat 😊
Mackay Regional Council endorsed a new Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2026–2031 that will guide the organisation’s sustainability efforts over the next five years. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
Mackay Regional Council has endorsed two major policies aimed at ensuring the region benefits from the transition to renewable energy while protecting its natural environment for future generations.
At last week's ordinary meeting, councillors adopted a new Renewable Energy: Community Benefit System Policy alongside the Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2026–2031, setting the direction for how council will manage renewable energy developments and environmental sustainability over the next five years.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the renewable energy policy would help ensure large-scale projects, such as wind farms, solar farms and battery energy storage systems, leaving a lasting legacy for local communities.
Under new Queensland Government reforms, major renewable energy developers must complete a Social Impact Assessment and negotiate a Community Benefit Agreement before lodging a development application.
Mayor Williamson said while the State Government now held approval powers for major renewable energy projects, council remained committed to ensuring communities directly benefited from developments in their area.
"Council's focus is ensuring these projects leave a positive legacy through meaningful community investment, while also identifying and managing the social impacts that can come with large-scale development," he said.
Potential community benefits could include upgrades to parks and sporting facilities or ongoing funding for local organisations such as sporting clubs, P&Cs and men's sheds.
The policy also aims to address potential impacts on housing, infrastructure, local services, emergency management and community wellbeing, while providing a transparent framework for negotiating and reporting community benefits.
Council also endorsed its new Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2026–2031, which replaces the previous sustainability framework and outlines a practical roadmap focused on environmental protection, climate resilience, resource efficiency and community wellbeing.
Mayor Williamson said Mackay's unique natural environment made protecting the region a priority.
"Our region is one of the most environmentally diverse in Queensland, with 320 kilometres of coastline, more than 70 tropical islands, significant rainforest areas and habitats that support hundreds of native species," he said.
The strategy is built around five key priorities, including strengthening environmental leadership, protecting natural and coastal environments, improving climate resilience, reducing emissions and supporting sustainable communities.
Planned initiatives include expanding urban tree canopy, developing a Natural Environment Plan, improving waste and resource recovery, reducing council greenhouse gas emissions and continuing investment in energy-efficient infrastructure.
Mayor Williamson said council had already made significant progress, with its solar installations generating more than 3.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year and reducing carbon emissions by about 2,600 tonnes annually.
He said community feedback had played an important role in shaping the strategy, which would guide council's environmental actions through to 2031, with annual monitoring and public reporting on its progress.
Members of the Mackay Soroptimist group, Tanya Williams, Maria Surian, Judith Grieve, Jenny Rackemann, Thelma Dunning, Margaret Cooper and Simone Bedford, planted 50 trees to celebrate 50 years of Soroptimist involvement in Mackay, supporting their ongoing commitment to community and the environment. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Celebrating 50 years of Soroptimist involvement in Mackay has given the local group a reason to reflect on its history while planting seeds for the future.
The group recently marked the milestone by planting 50 trees, an initiative connected to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15, which focuses on life on land, biodiversity and ecosystems.
The project also reflects the group's long-standing commitment to making a difference locally, with support from Mackay Regional Council helping bring the initiative to life.
“It's not only celebrating a birthday. It's actually celebrating the ecosystem and the diversity that here in Soroptimists we do to help our community,” members said.
Seven members took part in the planting day, highlighting the spirit of friendship and community that continues to underpin the organisation.
The group has plenty more planned, including its annual high tea on August 2nd, with profits this year supporting the Trudy Crowley Foundation, a cause the group has partnered with since its early days.
A trivia night is also planned for October at Northern Beaches, as the group looks to broaden its reach across the river.
Women's health remains another key focus, with a two-year endometriosis project launched in May in collaboration with Strong Her Together.
The initiative aims to raise awareness under the message, “Endo Matters – Listen to Women's Pain.”
The group is also inviting the wider community to take part in a sewing and repurposing event on August 22nd, from 10am to 2pm, creating reusable “Bags for Change” from unwanted materials.
New member Simone Bedford said joining had been an opportunity to make friends, learn about the community and contribute.
“I enjoy the company, and meeting people here, and helping where I can, it's just lovely,” she said.
“We're a welcoming group,” members said, expressing high hopes that more women will join.
For more information, visit Soroptimist International Mackay
More than 7,000 people have been scanned and 14 knives seized across the Mackay-Whitsunday Police District since Jack's Law was strengthened one year ago. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
One year after the Queensland Government strengthened Jack's Law and made it permanent, new figures suggest police have scanned more than 7,000 people and seized 14 weapons across the Mackay-Whitsunday Police District.
According to the Queensland Government, Queensland Police Service officers have scanned 7,032 people in the district since the strengthened laws came into effect on July 18th 2025. Across Queensland, police have scanned 173,831 people, seized 1,311 weapons and charged 2,652 people with 5,199 offences over the same period.
Speaking in Mackay's CBD on Monday 27th July, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the legislation was helping improve community safety by preventing dangerous weapons from being used.
“Those 14 knives are knives which are not going to be used in a serious offence against any person on the street, in a shop, or in a robbery,” he said.
“I congratulate the police in making sure that those knives are off the street.”
Mr Dalton said the relatively low number of weapons detected reflected strong community compliance with the laws.
“It's really refreshing to see that 7,000 wandings have occurred, so there's not a very high percentage of positive finds on people who are being wanded. That's something to be celebrated.”
He said educating young people about the risks of carrying knives remained just as important as police enforcement.
“You never take a knife out of the house unless it's for a lawful purpose,” he said.
“If somebody carries a knife, it may be that you don't have any intention of using it. But then something happens, and that knife could be used by you or by somebody else against you.”
Mr Dalton said the laws were preventing potential acts of violence before they occurred.
“Every dangerous weapon taken off our streets is a potential tragedy prevented,” he said.
“The fact that police in the Mackay Whitsunday District have already scanned more than 7,000 people and removed 14 weapons shows these laws are working and helping keep our community safer.”
Mr Dalton said the Queensland Government remained committed to supporting frontline police
“Jack's Law gives our police the ability to detect concealed weapons before they can be used, allowing officers to intervene early and keep Queenslanders safe,” Mr Dalton said.
“Our police put themselves on the frontline every day to protect our community, and this Government will continue to ensure they have the powers and tools they need to do that job effectively.”
The Mackay MP and former police officer encourages anyone who suspects a person carrying a knife in a public space immediately contacts the police.
“If you suspect somebody is carrying a knife in a public place, ring 000 because you never know how badly that situation could change,” said Mr Dalton.
Looking ahead, he said he hoped police would continue using the wanding powers while working towards eliminating knives from public places.
“I would like to see zero knives being found.”
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.
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