Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local artist Jules Topaz has officially opened the doors to Cocoast Art Gallery, a new contemporary art space located at Shingley Beach Resort, directly opposite the Coral Sea Marina. The welcoming gallery showcases Topaz’s signature original botanical and tropical-inspired artworks. The curated space features large-scale statement paintings alongside exclusive small works, all deeply rooted in the distinct, vivid palette of North Queensland. Following a successful 25-year artistic career—including high-profile exhibitions in New York and Hong Kong—her work has earned a loyal collector base, with her paintings now held in numerous private collections both across Australia and internationally. “Cocoast brings something different to Airlie Beach,” Jules says. “It’s a space where people can take a moment to be still, connect, and see familiar tropical forms distilled into something a bit more expressive and unexpected.” Beyond the artwork on display, Jules specialises in creating bespoke commissions tailored to the size and colour palettes of private homes, resorts, and commercial spaces. She also collaborates closely with interior designers and architects on corporate and hospitality art projects. The physical gallery at Shingley Beach Resort invites visitors to experience the texture and scale of the pieces in person, while a fully integrated online gallery ensures global accessibility for international buyers. For more information, visit www.cocoastartgallery.com.au or visit the gallery in person at Shingley Beach Resort, Airlie Beach. Local artist Jules Topaz has officially launched Cocoast Art Gallery in Airlie Beach
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Fresh, local seafood will take centre stage at this year's Great Barrier Reef Festival, with one of the Whitsundays' best-known restaurateurs inviting guests to experience the region's produce at its seasonal best. Hosted at 74 Islands Distillery, the multi-course seafood lunch will showcase a menu built around the freshest local catch available. Coming out of retirement, the experience is guided by Kev Collins, co-owner of Fish D'vine, whose connection to local seafood stretches well beyond the kitchen. A lifelong fisherman and passionate chef, Collins has spent decades championing the Whitsundays' seafood industry, working closely with small-scale local fishers and encouraging diners to discover species beyond the region's better-known favourites. For Collins, local seafood is about more than what's on the plate. He has long believed the Whitsundays' waterways are a pantry worth celebrating, with every season bringing different flavours and opportunities to showcase the diversity of the region's catch. That philosophy has helped shape both his restaurant and his reputation as one of the region's leading advocates for sustainable, locally sourced seafood. Throughout the afternoon, Collins will introduce each course, sharing stories from his years on the water and in hospitality while giving guests a deeper understanding of the seafood and the people behind it. Rather than locking dishes weeks ahead of time, the menu is finalised just days before the event, allowing each course to reflect what's in season and at its peak. Collins hopes the lunch encourages people to try something different and see just how much quality seafood is caught in local waters. The event will be held at 74 Islands Distillery, with tickets priced at $149 plus booking fee. What: Bait to Plate with Kevin Collins When: Sunday 2nd August Where: 74 Islands Distillery Photo captions: Photo 1- Bait to Plater’s patiently waiting for a great feed. Photo 2- Kevin Collins.
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A day of laughter, learning and seaside adventure awaits when the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day returns to the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 2nd August from 10am to 2pm, as part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival. Completely free to attend, the much-loved event invites families to enjoy a vibrant program of interactive entertainment while discovering more about the remarkable marine environment that makes the Whitsundays so special. Designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages, the Family Fun Day brings together local organisations, environmental groups and activity providers to create an engaging celebration of the Great Barrier Reef. Through hands-on activities, games and educational experiences, children can learn about reef conservation while having plenty of fun along the way. The day is packed with entertainment, from circus workshops and face painting to crazy races, a donut eating competition and interactive reef-themed activities. Families can also take part in games, challenges and the ever-popular treasure hunt, with fantastic prizes up for grabs. A strong focus on reef education and cultural learning adds another dimension to the event, giving visitors the chance to connect with the incredible natural environment that surrounds the Whitsundays. The Eco Barge Sculpture Tent and a range of eco stalls will be staffed by leading conservation, science and government organisations, offering fascinating insights into environmental initiatives and sustainability. Visitors can also meet Daydream Island's Living Reef team, who will share their knowledge of coral restoration and reef care, while Coral Sea Marina Resort, along with local tour operators including Cruise Whitsundays and Ocean Rafting, will host fun, educational activities that encourage children to explore the wonders of the reef. When it's time to recharge, a variety of food vendors will be serving delicious options throughout the day, while adults can unwind with the Festival Bar, opening from 12pm, and soak up the lively festival atmosphere overlooking the waterfront. Whether it's creating, exploring, competing or simply enjoying time together, the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day offers something for every member of the family. Combining entertainment with meaningful environmental education, it's an opportunity to celebrate one of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders in a way that's both memorable and inspiring. With free entry, a spectacular foreshore setting and a full program of activities, it's the perfect excuse to gather the family, embrace the festival spirit and experience one of the Great Barrier Reef Festival's most popular community events. Event Highlights: Circus workshops Donut eating competition Crazy races Face painting Interactive reef-themed activities Treasure hunt with great prizes Hands-on reef and marine education Eco Barge Sculpture Tent and environmental displays Meet Daydream Island's Living Reef team Educational activities with local reef tourism operators Food vendors throughout the day Festival Bar open from 12pm Free family entertainment for all ages What: Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day When: Sunday 2nd August 2026, 10am–2pm Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach
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Every year, thousands of eyes turn skyward as the first firework lights up the night sky. This year, the Great Barrier Reef Festival's signature display returns on Friday night, with a new way of seeing the sky show. The display will also have a new presenting partner, with Airbnb announced as the naming rights sponsor of this year's Fireworks on the Foreshore, who will handing out free picnic blankets for attendees to enjoy the spectacle on. "Airbnb is proud to partner with the Great Barrier Reef Festival and support the incredible volunteers who make this event possible for all those who attend from near and far," said Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager of Airbnb Australia and New Zealand. From early evening, the foreshore will buzz with people as festivalgoers settle in ahead of the 8pm fireworks. Some will arrive early to grab dinner from the Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street precinct, others will browse the night markets looking for that memorable trinket or enjoy the carnival rides, while live music keeps the atmosphere building as the night goes on. The festival's Immerse installation will add another splash of colour to the foreshore, with illuminated reef-inspired sculptures made from recycled marine debris glowing against the night sky. While most spectators will spread out along the shoreline with picnic rugs and camp chairs, others will choose a different vantage point altogether. Cruise Whitsundays will once again offer its Twilight Cruise aboard Camira, taking passengers out onto Pioneer Bay for a view of the fireworks from the water. The three-hour cruise departs from Port of Airlie, with drinks and shared antipasto platters included before the vessel positions itself offshore for the display. Once the fireworks fade, cruise passengers can return to shore and continue enjoying the festival, with the foreshore entertainment ongoing. No matter where you're viewing the fireworks, from the beach, the Reef Bar or out on the water, the fireworks remain a staple of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, drawing locals and visitors together for a weekend to remember our treasured reef. The Twilight Cruise departs on Friday evening, with check-in from 5.30pm at the Cruise Whitsundays Terminal. Tickets are $140 per person, plus a booking fee, while access to the Airlie Beach Foreshore remains free for spectators wanting to enjoy the fireworks from the shore. Camira Fireworks Cruise Where: Port of Airlie – Cruise Whitsundays Terminal When: 5:30pm-8:45pm AirBNB Fireworks on the Foreshore Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802 When: 5:30pm-10:30pm Photo 1- Airlie Beach Foreshore lined with people. Photo 2- Camira Cruise. Photo 3- Spectators Oogling the Fireworks.
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Bowen Tourism and Business team member Melissa Beuzeville with the “Big Things of Australia” Monopoly game.
Bowen Visitor Information Centre have highlighted the popularity of the ‘Big Things’ edition of Monopoly, which features the region’s very own Big Mango.
During the busy Queensland school holidays, more than thirty copies were sold, leading the total sales so far in 2026 to more than two hundred games.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy said some travellers collect Monopoly games and are pleased to see this item on sale.
“It is also a popular purchase among international visitors who have often visited many of Australia’s Big Things during their trip to Australia,” Leanne said.
Bowen’s Big Mango takes a yellow square within the board game and features prominently on the box, alongside many other big icons including the Big Pineapple and the Big Banana.
Monopoly has been a popular board game across the world or more than 100 years. Originally named “The Landlord’s Game” and first patented in 1904, there is now believed to be as many as 3000 different versions.
Whilst the monopoly game is flying off the shelves, the team is continually expanding the range of products on offer and say that their most popular item is still the 100% natural mango sorbet grown and produced in Bowen.
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is open from 9am until 5pm on weekdays and from 10am until 3pm on weekends.
If you own a dog or cat in the Whitsundays, it's time to renew their registration. Pet registrations are due by 31st July, and paying by the due date ensures you receive the discounted registration fee.
Registering your pet is more than just a requirement, it helps Council quickly reunite lost pets with their owners if they become lost and supports responsible pet ownership across our community.
Payments can be made online, by phone, by post, or in person at a Council Customer Service Centre. Visit Council's website to learn more about responsible pet ownership.
The car resting in Adelaide. Photo supplied
By Zach Houtenville
Ryan and Nikki Woodall recently completed the seven-day 2026 Autumn Shitbox Rally, putting their well-worn car to the limits while raising money for cancer research.
The rally, which saw around 200 cars make the journey from Port Douglas to Melbourne, certainly put the Whitsunday couple to the test. Their car battled through three blown tyres, two failed batteries and a faulty alternator, while freezing temperatures and pothole-riddled dirt roads made every kilometre a challenge.
“A couple of mornings at zero and sub-zero, especially in the Victorian area,” Ryan said.
"When we were on asphalt, all was good but as soon as we went off the asphalt, there were four-wheel-drive tracks that we were doing in cars that are about 200 or 300 millimetres off the ground."
By the time they reached Melbourne and then further drove it to Adelaide, the pair were simply relieved to have made it and to not have to drive the ‘Where’s Woody’ themed car back home.
“It can pass away in Adelaide,” Ryan said.
While the journey was rough, in the end it was worth it for the 15,879 dollars Ryan and Nikki helped raise for Cancer Council Australia, as part of the 2.5 million the event tallied as a whole.
“So it's a huge community effort, it was amazing,” Ryan said.
“It's our little way of giving back to the Cancer Council.”
The drive had its challenges, but Ryan said it was the people they met along the way who made the rally so memorable. In town after town, locals welcomed the convoy with home-cooked meals, campfires and live music, with entire communities pitching in to help accommodate more than 500 participants and support crews each night.
Schools also lined the route from Queensland to Victoria, with students gathering to wave as the colourful convoy rolled through.
Photo credit: Paul Thompson
On Saturday the club paid tribute to a Life Member who passed away several months earlier by climbing her favourite mountain, Mt Dalrymple. Maureen Thompson was a long standing and very active member of the club, and twelve bushwalkers and four of Maureen’s family assembled at the start of the Western Trail, some to climb to the top and a few to negotiate a shorter part of the track.
Maureen’s ashes were scattered in her beloved spot, witnessed by the eleven hikers who successfully scaled the highest mountain in the Mackay district. Even in her advanced years, Maureen was able to practically sprint up the mountain, and many club members had their first experience of arriving at the top under her guidance.?
The previous weekend, Kevin Smith led an outing in the vicinity of Homevale National Park, climbing the features known to the club as the Spikelets. Three of the seven participants had camped overnight at the old Mt Britton township site, ready for an early start. Thick grass and plentiful ant nests, as well as open ridges and stunning scenery were features of the day, and an inviting cave was discovered on Spikelet One.
Castle Rock (Cathu), McBrides Lookout (Ball Bay) and Sydney Heads (Homevale) are coming up in the next few weeks. Phone 0429 363 929 or visit https://mackaybwcq.org.au to learn about joining.
Contributed by Carole Weekes
Photo source: Mackay Woodturners
Handcrafted timber creations and traditional woodworking skills will take centre stage when the Mackay Woodturners Expo returns this weekend.
Hosted by the Mackay Woodturners club, which has been bringing together local woodworking enthusiasts since 1987, the free event will showcase woodturning, pyrography, scroll-sawing, woodcarving, and intarsia while offering the community a chance to meet members and learn more about the craft.
The expo will be held from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, at Snow Wright Court, Beaconsfield.
Sean Tremgrove, Mackay and District Pipe Band Events Coordinator Deborah Orr and Diane Tremgrove
The Mackay & District Pipe Band celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday with a vibrant Bluewater Fling at Bluewater Quay. Crowds enjoyed an afternoon of bagpipes, Highland dancing, live music and family-friendly entertainment, with the Massed Bands March across the Forgan Bridge proving a standout moment. The celebrations concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the Pioneer River.
Some people collect cards. Others roll dice, paint miniatures or spend Friday nights plotting the perfect strategy to defeat their friends. Whatever your game, DeckaDice has built a place where every hobby has a home, and every player is welcome.
Located in the city heart at 75 Victoria Street, DeckaDice is Mackay's dedicated tabletop gaming store, bringing together an impressive range of Trading Card Games (TCGs), Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs), board gamesand premium gaming accessories under one roof. From the latest releases to classic favourites, it's a one-stop haven for everyone from first-time players to lifelong enthusiasts.
Owned and operated by Stuart and Tylah Joy, the business is driven by a passion for creating an inclusive, community-focused space where people can connect through the games they love. It's as much about the conversations across the table as it is the cards, dice and game pieces on top of it.
Whether you're learning your first game, searching for the latest expansion or looking to join a regular tournament, the welcoming team at DeckaDice believe there's always room for another chair.
DeckaDice stocks an extensive range of products both in store and online, including blind boxes, board games, card game accessories, Tabletop RPG games like Dungeons & Dragons and Daggerheart, dice sets, miniatures and figurines, Trading Card Games including Digimon, Gundam, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Riftbound.
Weekly tournaments, regular game nights, product launches and monthly events keep the tables busy, giving players plenty of opportunities to sharpen their skills, discover new games and meet fellow enthusiasts along the way.
While the products may draw people through the door, it's the welcoming community that keeps them coming back. Because sometimes, the best move isn't what's in your hand – it’s simply pulling up a chair!
Explore the full range of games, events and accessories at deckadice.com.au
Photo source: Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME)
The countdown is on for the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) 2026, with preparations underway at Mackay Showgrounds ahead of the event’s opening on 21 July 2026.
Recognised as Australia’s largest regional mining event, QME will bring together businesses and industry professionals from across the mining and engineering sectors.
Todesco, Relationship Manager – Mining Events at Prime Creative Media, said QME continues to reflect the strength and momentum of Queensland’s mining sector.
“What we’re seeing with QME 2026 is a clear signal of the industry’s appetite for collaboration, innovation and connection and the significance of coming together to share those insights,” Todesco said.
QME 2026 is set to showcase more than 350 exhibiting companies, bringing together a diverse line-up of global brands, leading suppliers and specialist providers supporting the resources sector.
Visitors will see confirmed exhibitors including Milwaukee Tool, Hitachi Construction Machinery/LandCROS, Fulton Hogan, Epiroc, Hastings Deering, Brooks/XCMG, Liebherr and Flexco Australia, alongside a wide range of METS providers and specialist mining suppliers.
Returning as a key feature of the event, the QME Mining Pavilion will connect attendees with major mining operators and contractors including Glencore, Macmahon, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, Mackellar Group, Stanmore Resources and Whitehaven Coal. The Pavilion offers insight into projects, procurement pathways and the industry priorities shaping the sector.
Also taking centre stage in 2026 is the Leadership Series, delivering practical, industry-led discussions covering safety, productivity, workforce capability, leadership and operational performance.
“The Leadership Series is designed to deliver practical, real-world insight that operators can take back into their businesses,” Todesco said.
“It reflects the challenges and priorities we’re hearing directly from industry, particularly around productivity, safety and workforce development.”
Beyond the exhibition floor, QME 2026 will continue to provide valuable opportunities for industry connection and networking. The QME Opening Party, held at the conclusion of day one, will return as an opportunity for exhibitors, visitors and stakeholders to connect in a relaxed setting.
Recognised as Queensland’s largest mining event, QME attracted more than 5,000 visitors over three days in 2024 and continues to provide a platform for showcasing innovation, capability and investment across the state’s resources sector.
The event is supported by a strong network of sponsors, including Hitachi LandCROS, Pirtek, the Queensland Government, ORIX Fleet, Sixt and Maroomba Airlines, helping bring the exhibition to life in 2026.
Key association partners include the Bowen Basin Mining Club (BBMC), Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Austmine, Minerals Council of Australia, Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) and the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling, alongside industry partners such as Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy and Exploration Ltd (AEMEE), Young Mining Professionals, (Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies) CRC Time, Mackay Airport and the Resources Centre of Excellence.
QME 2026’s official charity partner, BMA CQ Rescue, will also feature at the event, highlighting the vital role it plays in delivering emergency aeromedical services across Central and North Queensland.
“We’re honoured to be the official charity partner of QME 2026 and excited for the opportunity to highlight the vital role BMA CQ Rescue plays across Central and North Queensland,” BMA CQ Rescue General Manager, Lisa Martin, said.
“We look forward to being part of QME 2026 and connecting with attendees and exhibitors on the day, while sharing more about the work we carry out across Central and North Queensland.”
More than just an exhibition, QME 2026 continues to bring together the broader mining community, providing a central meeting point for Queensland’s resources sector.
“QME plays a vital role in connecting the entire mining industry in Queensland,” Todesco said.
“From major operators through to emerging METS providers, it’s a platform where genuine relationships are formed and strengthened across the industry.”
QME is free to attend, and with thousands already pre-registered, anticipation is building for another major showcase of Queensland’s mining and engineering capabilities. Be part of the action at QME 2026!
The Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) 2026 returns to the Mackay Showgrounds from Tuesday, July 21 to Thursday, July 23, running daily from 9am to 5pm.
A key event on the resources industry calendar, QME brings together businesses, innovators and industry professionals to showcase the latest technology, services and solutions supporting Queensland’s mining and engineering sectors.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition and connect with featured businesses, including:
Makinex Renewables – Focused on Hybrid Power Systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems and deployable solar arrays, Makinex Renewables is helping customers lower fuel costs, reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency while maintaining reliable power.
Deftec – Specialising in industrial control and automation, Deftec designs, builds and supports PLC and SCADA systems that monitor and operate industrial plants.
Greyman OPS – Providing professional humane pest destruction and removal services, Greyman OPS delivers effective pest management solutions through rigorous planning and professional execution.
Whether you’re in the industry or simply interested in discovering the latest innovations, QME 2026 is a great opportunity to explore, connect and see what’s shaping the future of mining and engineering!
Photo source: Saina Neighbourhood Centre
Decorations went up early last Wednesday morning to beat the rain ahead of the highly anticipated NRL State of Origin decider between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues.
Local volunteer Owen, a proud Queenslander, has been decorating Sarina's iconic landmark cane toad, "Buffy", for State of Origin clashes for many years.
Deputy Mayor Karen May joined Owen to help dress Buffy in the heart of Sarina, saying, “Thank you Owen for your commitment to decorating Buffy in readiness for the State of Origin games over many years.”
New South Wales claimed the State of Origin series 2–1 with its victory in the decider on Wednesday, July 8. While the Blues took home the shield, plenty of good-natured rivalry is expected to continue across the region until the next series rolls around!
17th BSHS NAIDOC Celebrations, 8:45am, Bowen State High School, Bowen
17th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine
17th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
17th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Andrew Wishart, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
18th Morning Markets, 8am-12pm, Bowen Uniting Church, Bowen
18th Reckless Australian Crawl Tribute & Aussie Hits Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
18th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Andrew Wishart, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
19th Proserpine Community Winter Market, 8am-12pm, Proserpine Showgrounds, Proserpine
19th Reckless Australian Crawl Tribute & Aussie Hits Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
19th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
23rd Fire & Rain: The James Taylor Songbook, 1pm-2:30pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine
23rd Social Craft Night for Mums & Mums to Be, 6pm-8pm, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Cannonvale
23rd The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
23rd FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach
24th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine
24th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
24th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
25th Creative Connections Whitsundays Volunteer Day at the Community Gallery, 10am-12pm, Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery, 192 Main Street, Proserpine
25th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, 11am, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Airlie Beach
25th Tonight’s the Night Rod Stewart Tribute, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
25th Whitsunday Mayor’s Charity Ball, 5pm-12am, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine
25th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
26th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, 5am, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Airlie Beach
26th Tonight’s the Night Rod Stewart Tribute, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
26th Family Trivia Night, 4pm-6pm, 26 Main Street, Proserpine
26th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
28th Sailability Whitsundays.
30th Your Song, 7:30pm-9pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine
30th Great Barrier Reef Festival Opening Night of Art Exhibition by Creative Connections Whitsunday, 6pm, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
30th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach
31st Mike Tyler Stand-up Comedy Night, 7pm, Coral Sea Resort
31st Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine
31st 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
31st Ed Sheeran Out Loud, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
Whitsunday author, educator and Motherhood & Matrescence founder Amanda Jackson is helping reshape conversations around motherhood while advocating for greater maternal wellbeing and support. Photo source: Motherhood & Matrescence
By Chelsea Ravizza
Author, educator, coach, founder of Motherhood and Matrescence, and Whitsunday Regional Council 2026 Citizen of the Year nominee Amanda Jackson has become a leading voice in reshaping the conversation around motherhood, dedicating her career to supporting women through the profound emotional, psychological and identity shifts that come with becoming a mother.
While humbled by the recognition, Ms Jackson said her Citizen of the Year nomination represented more than a personal achievement; it reflected growing recognition of the importance of maternal wellbeing and bringing conversations around motherhood into the public spotlight.
"Much of the work I do sits in spaces that are traditionally invisible: motherhood, matrescence, maternal wellbeing, [and] to have that work recognised at a community level helps to illuminate the necessity of this work, especially in rural areas. And on a personal level, it was really special that my kids got to see their mum nominated for something which is all about building community capacity,” said Ms Jackson.
Published in April 2025, Ms Jackson's book Motherhood & Matrescence explores the often-overlooked realities of motherhood, challenging unrealistic societal expectations that can leave women feeling invisible, inadequate or disconnected from their sense of self.
"I started Motherhood & Matrescence because the statistics around maternal mental health are deeply concerning — it's now recognised by the World Health Organization as a global priority. But it was also personal," Ms Jackson said.
"Becoming a mum was much harder than I anticipated. Perhaps it was naive, but I genuinely thought I'd have a baby, and they'd fit into my life — not completely rearrange it. I didn't expect all the gendered social expectations and 'shoulds,' and I certainly didn't expect to undergo an enormous transformation myself."
Drawing on both personal experience and research, Ms Jackson presents motherhood not as something to simply survive, but as a transformative life stage. She encourages women to embrace matrescence; the physical, emotional and psychological transition into motherhood, as an opportunity for growth, self-discovery and renewal.
"It wasn't that I saw a gap — I set out writing my book because I just didn't want other mothers to feel alone. I wanted to capture the threads that so many of us feel but don't openly articulate," she said.
"There is a gap, though. Support for mothers beyond that magical six-week mark is limited, and many programs are baby-focused. But what about the mum? She is going through an extraordinary physical, spiritual, social and psychological change too. And not just mums of bubs — mums of all ages and stages deserve support and to understand how becoming a mother changes them."
Through practical insights and compassionate guidance, Motherhood & Matrescence examines the pressures that contribute to maternal guilt and burnout while encouraging mothers to reconnect with themselves, strengthen the bond with their children and approach motherhood with greater confidence and self-understanding.
Central to Ms Jackson's advocacy is challenging the expectation that mothers should disappear into self-sacrifice, arguing that their health, identity and wellbeing matter just as much as anyone else's.
“Here's the thing, though — reminding mothers that they matter isn't just about self-care so they can keep on caring for everyone else,” she said.
“That framing still makes her worth conditional on what she gives. Her health matters. Her enjoyment matters. Her hopes, dreams, talents and hobbies matter — full stop, not because they make her a better mother."
Ms Jackson explains that while many mothers share similar experiences, those living in regional communities, like the Whitsunday Shire, often face additional barriers, including limited access to childcare, family supports, and mental health services.
“One of the most common struggles is that quiet, constant feeling of not being enough — as a mother, as a partner, and in the workplace. The impact of gendered social expectations is huge — they shape a woman's self-esteem and how confident and competent she feels as a mother,” she explained.
“Mothers are stretched thin juggling invisible loads. We love our children deeply — but these loads and expectations can leave us feeling depleted in what is meant to be the most wonderful time of our lives.”
Although she believes there is still a long way to go to improve maternal care, Ms Jackson said she has witnessed encouraging progress with the growing global recognition of matrescence helping to bring what was once an overlooked topic into the mainstream.
Through her Masterclass for Mums, she has watched women embrace their own transformation, often realising that the struggles they believed were personal failings were, in fact, shared systemic issues.
"This sparks change and reacquaints you with your own agency. It's one mother telling another, I hear you, and it's not just you. That's powerful — and it seeds change,” Ms Jackson said.
"Do we need to talk about it more? Absolutely. Change is slow — but it's happening."
Ms Jackson said hearing mothers realise they are not alone continues to reinforce why her work matters.
"What reminds me how important this work is, is how many mums tell me they thought it was just them. It never is. These aren't personal failings — they're structural problems. And adding language around this is often the first moment a mother exhales, and begins to see things differently."
Ms Jackson hopes more local mothers will seek out opportunities that nurture their wellbeing, believing strong communities play a vital role in supporting women. She said her deep connection to the Whitsundays continues to inspire her advocacy.
"It's where I grew up, where I returned to raise my kids, and where my passion for advocacy began. But just like mothering, this work can't be done alone, [and] no mother in the Whitsundays should ever feel she has to figure this out alone,” she said.
“My hope is that we can put the Whitsundays on the map as a leader in maternal wellbeing, and that we can bring education about the transition to motherhood — and fatherhood — into our community, into conversations around the kitchen table and into workplace training. Because when families thrive, communities thrive.”
Who dares wins, who cares who wins.
Said it a thousand times, never meant it.
Put your life on the line, just another job, where’s Bob?
Black Hawks, fly in them at night, light’s out,
Rehearsals done, you never baulk, on skids again.
Go, go,go, is the call… Shit, everything is a fireball.
Fifteen Mates gone, never again to be on line.
It’s our country, we all know death, can come,
When you don’t think it’s your time.
We will miss you, from us you have left.
Friends, the times we climbed.
The Exercises, the Operations, these are what I’ll remember.
The Professional courage of all, dangerous, arduous, living on the edge.
We remember, just another job, where’s Bob?
Gone, fifteen gone, family and friends left behind.
Inspired by fifteen souls.
SASR Veteran….
Thirty-years ago, 12th June 1996.
This week's winning photograph by Adeline Lahou captures the towering beauty of Cathu State Forest from a unique perspective, looking skyward through the trees lining one of its bush tracks.
The striking composition draws the eye upwards, perfectly capturing this week's theme, "Above and Below," while showcasing the natural beauty hidden within the Clarke Range. The image highlights the colossal and beautiful nature of Cathu State Forest, andillustrates why it’s a favourite destination for adventurous explorers.
Sublime Adeline, simply sublime! Next week's theme is, "Trick Photography." Get tricky and shock us with your imaginative optical illusions and creative camera tricks.
Plans For Resident Engineer. Divisions of responsibility between the Shire Council and its new appointee Don Bullock and his private secretary have been drawn up. He would also have assistance from various consulting engineers.
Salvation Army Appeal. The local Red Shield Appeal is likely to realise at least $4,500 thanks to doorknocking carried out by Lions, Rotarians, Mill staff and High School Students.
Liberal Candidate Endorsed. Shire Councillor Bob Rowley will contest the seat of Whitsunday as Liberal candidate, making the election a three way contest with other candidates Peter Jardine, Labour and Geoff Muntz, national party.
Historical Display at Cultural Hall. The Historical Society will be asked by Council to set up a display of Cultural History and Artefacts to create interest in the town’s heritage.
Record Crop. Results of the first three weeks of harvesting indicate a predicted all time record crop this year of well over one million tonnes.
Family Day At Dam. People from both Proserpine and Bowen Shire will have a chance to attend a special family day at the Proserpine Dam to witness progress being made at the site.
Don’t Say “Muddy Bay”. Residents and press have been asked by Council to call the location of the proposed Airlie Marina “Boathaven Bay” and avoid using the traditional name of “Muddy Bay”.
Ansett Computerised. Ansett Terminals at Proserpine and Hamilton have joined the airline’s national computer system.
Lions Annual Donations. During the past year Proserpine Lions have donated $24,424 to various local courses including Blue Nurses, the Pensioners Dinner, Hospital, Meals on Wheels, Kindergarten. Lions had worked 5,999 man hours during the year.
Stan Camm Steps Down. After 11 years dedicated to the welfare of those with a handicap since the first days of P.A.T.C.H Stan has stepped down as President of the Proserpine Handicapped Persons Committee. He received heartfelt thanks from all those he had helped.
Council Decides against participating in a natural disaster fund.
High School News.
Jump Rope For Heart. Year eight students raised $1600 for The National Heart Foundation by their sponsored skipping activity.
Crown of Thorns Starfish. The Great Barrier Reef Authority with help from Australian Navy divers are endeavouring to control their growth. At present some reef patches have been cleared with the injection of over 1000 starfish.
Cannonvale School Choir. The concert at the Reef Gateway Hotel raised $1200 which will go towards purchase of band instruments . The choir of 40 children with Karina Shim on piano and Bruce Skilton on drums was conducted by Elspeth Scotford.
1986 Fun Race Weekend. Terry Kelly, president of Airlie Rotary, outlined plans for another successful occasion, involving many local businesses and community clubs.
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