The countdown is officially on, with less than two months to go until Mackay welcomes one of the most magical exhibitions ever to hit regional Australia.

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On December 4th 2026, Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic will make its Australian premiere at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, bringing more than a century of Disney imagination, storytelling and cinematic history to the region.

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For five magical months, the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre will showcase more than a century of imagination, storytelling and cinematic history, inviting visitors to step behind the curtain of one of the world's most beloved entertainment companies.

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Featuring more than 120 extraordinary artefacts, costumes, props and works of art from the Walt Disney Archives, the exhibition will take visitors on an immersive journey through the stories that have captured hearts across generations.

From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Encanto, visitors will encounter the worlds and characters they know and love, while also exploring the remarkable legacies of Pixar, Star Wars and MARVEL.

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Across eight imaginatively themed galleries and 12 interactive installations, Disney fans will have the opportunity to experience more than 100 years of history in a way never before seen in Australia.

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The exhibition has travelled the globe, captivating audiences in cities including London, Paris, Munich, Chicago, Seoul and Madrid.

Now, remarkably, its next destination is Mackay.

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At the official launch event earlier this year, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said he hoped the announcement would encourage people from across the globe to discover exactly what makes the region so special.

“Come and see it for yourself and you will understand why it’s here!”

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With at least 100,000 visitors expected across the five-month season, the exhibition is set to deliver an enormous boost to local tourism, hospitality and businesses, while introducing the Mackay region to audiences from across Australia and potentially around the world.

For Disney fans, it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the magic behind the stories that shaped childhoods and continue to inspire new generations.

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It will all begin with a mouse, a dream and one very magical destination!

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For more information, or to book tickets, visit disney100exhibit.com/mackay

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WHAT: Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic

WHEN: From 4^th December 2026

WHERE: The Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre  

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There is something quietly captivating about watching smoke slowly curl into the air, forming shapes that disappear almost as quickly as they arrive.  

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This fitting image for the theme ‘Aromas in Focus’ from this week’s winning photographer Alissa Tominlinson, embodies those delicate whispers rising from an ornate incense burner.  

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Surrounded by pink roses and tiny white flowers, the scene is so vivid you can smell the fragrance off the canvas.  

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The rich colour of the petals and intricate metalwork give the eye plenty to be mesmerized with, while the drifting smoke adds a little mystery to the scene.

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Congratulations to this Alissa for capturing such a beautiful moment of stillness! The next theme is Glitter and Sparkles, so seek out something shiny.  

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Thank you once again to everyone in the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for sharing another wonderful collection of images.

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New Record For Mill ? Proserpine Sugar Mill Acting General Manager, Kevin Howell predicted a record through put of 1,150,000 tonnes by the end of season, which was due to new cane varieties 1. Also heavy rainfall brought a premature end to last season leaving a standover of 90,000 tonnes.

One Crash Leads To Another. A council gravel truck crashed in Kara Crescent, Airlie Beach. A crane attempting to right the truck went out of control and collided with a fire truck, a stationery MEB truck and then a boat. No-one was injured.

Shute Drowning. An English tourist dived off the jetty doing a forward somersault came up then disappeared and was eventually found on the bottom about 15 minutes later.

Collinsville Road Link. Plans to close the power station could put the Collinsville- Proserpine Road in doubt.

Job Stats For Cannonvale. June Quarter job figures from Cannonvale CES showed that 749 people enrolled of whom 455 obtained jobs.

Keep Your Cool. Anticipating hot weather in the coming months [Tuesday’s temperature was 33 degrees] local firm Smith’s Electrical took delivery of 1.5 tonnes of airconditioners valued at $30000 following another consignment 3 weeks ago worth $12000.

Terraced Garden Creation. Members of Whitsunday Garden Club, Bob and Shirley Hudson have created a delightful terraced garden out of rugged terrain which contained a variety of multi coloured blooms.

Daydream Development. A major development application has been made which would promote Daydream Island to the forefront of local tourism. It includes restaurants, cocktail bar, and executive suites, take 5 years to complete and cost up to $25million.

South Molle Invades Bowen; on Sunday 80 Islanders steamed up the coast aboard their high speed catamaran ‘Capricornia ‘and landed on Horseshoe Bay Beach to engage locals in outrigger, paddle ski, men’s and women’s tug’o’war,and tyre tube races among numerous other contests.

Tangles Visit. Special guest speaker at the WTA Dinner to be held at the Reef Gateway Hotel will be former test cricketer Max [Tangles] Walker.

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Aquaplanning MV Jane in 1949  

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The MV “Jane” was a 14.4 metre launch; an ex-navy wooden work boat. Local lore heavily maintained that the vessel had originally served as the personal boat of General Douglas MacArthur during his command in the Pacific theatre. Whether completely factual or enhanced for tourism, this legendary pedigree made her a highly appealing attraction for early holidaymakers.  

Skip Moody brought the “Jane” to the Whitsundays in 1946 to support Daydream Island Resort, using her for early day trips, coral-viewing cruises and aquaplaning. She became a key vessel in the post-World War Two Whitsunday tourism boom, operating as a cruise boat until she was wrecked at Stonehaven, Hook Island, during Cyclone Ada.  

Rupe Wilson, owner of a baker’s shop in Proserpine, skippered “Jane”, while Jack Stewart, underground manager of the then-thriving Dittmer Mine, regularly took tourists out aboard her. As Jack did not hold an official marine ticket, Skip was forced to accompanythe trips to ensure the operation remained legal.  

In 1948, the Moodys sold Daydream Island to Barrier Reef Islands Pty Ltd, an Ansett Transport Industries subsidiary, which added “Jane” to its resort fleet. After cyclone damage in January 1950 drove her ashore, Ansett reshaped and redecked her with teak from a World War Two wreck before basing her at Hayman Island.  

Cyclone Ada Claims a Whitsunday Icon  

On January 17, 1970, the MV “Jane” sheltered from Cyclone Ada at Stonehaven, Hook Island, alongside her sister launch, the 11.4 metre “Little J” (MV Jillian), and “Island Gypsy”. Skipper Bill Hutchinson and deckhand Trevor Buschel repeatedly reset her dragging anchor as the wind intensified, but conditions soon became too dangerous. The chain snapped, “Jane” turned broadside, rolled heavily, and a fuel tank broke loose and burst, flooding the vessel with diesel. At 12.30am on January 18, the wheelhouse windows failed and the wheelhouse disintegrated, forcing the crew into the water. They clung first to a mast section and later to a fish-box grating before reaching the northeastern shore of Stonehaven near dawn, delayed by torrents of rainwater pouring off Hook Island. There they found another survivor, the skipper of a wrecked barge also sheltering at Stonehaven.  

The next day, a rescue mission was mounted from Hayman Island using the only undamaged boat, the island’s speedboat. Ray Buschel, father of Trevor, and the boat’s driver headed for Stonehaven and picked up the three survivors all of whom fortunately recovered from their ordeal.  

Her smaller sister boat, “Little J”, capsized in the same bay with the loss of its skipper and deckhand, though that hull was miraculously salvaged and restored decades later.  

But not so for the “Jane”. With her superstructure torn off and hull badly holed, she was abandoned where she lay. She was stripped of her motor and any other useful gear and left to rot. While the wreck sat on the island for many years and was heavily documented by local historians, there are no longer any physical remnants of the MV “Jane” remaining on the beach at Stonehaven.  

A Final Piece Preserved  

The ship’s historic great fore peak knee was later officially retrieved from Stonehaven by John Williams and local historian, Ray Blackwood. John donated the prow to the Proserpine Historical Museum where it is displayed as a tribute to traditional maritime carpentry. Hand-selected, shaped and crafted rather than factory-made, it represents a different, more artistic era of boatbuilding. The prow and historical photographs of the wreck at Stonehaven are now preserved at the museum.  

Story sourced from Museum archives and past patron, Ray Blackwood. Photo sourced from Museum archives.  

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The Mackay Line Dancers set to living up ABH. Photo supplied: Mackay Line Dancers

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Airlie Beach is set for a taste of Nashville this October, with the Jack Daniel’s Country Jam Festival giving country fans every reason to dust off their boots and grab their hats.

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Taking over the Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, the free festival will feature live country-rock, Dolly Parton and Brooks & Dunn tribute shows, Nashville favourites and line dancing, with country DJ sets also keeping the dance floor moving on Friday and Saturday nights.

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The weekend kicks off a bit earlier than usual, with Australia’s number one country DJ, Dee Jaye Bux, spining the country twang at the sports bar from 8pm till midnight.

Billed Australia’s number one country DJ, he’ll mix today’s biggest country hits with familiar classics to keep the dance floor moving. Having worked alongside some of the biggest stars in the industry, such as Jimmy Barnes, Tim McGraw, Luke Combs, John Farnham and many more, he brings a range of the countries finest to the decks.  

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For those keen to put their boots to work, the Mackay Line Dancers will bring a few extra steps to the dance floor, offering free lessons from 8–9pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

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Formed in 2022, the group welcomes dancers of all abilities, so whether you know your way around a line dance or are trying it for the first time, there’s room to join in.

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“We encourage everyone to get up and dance with us,” said instructor and founder of the group, Deb Wookey.  

“As long as you can count to 4, you can line dance, so don’t be shy.”

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Kicking off the live music from midday on both Saturday and Sunday at 12pm, the Southern Line Country Rock Show will bring a taste of American country rock to the foreshore favourite.

Led by the Chris Staff Band, the show promises plenty of guitar-driven energy to get feet tapping before the musicians return at 2pm for the Australian Brooks & Dunn Tribute Show.

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With rich harmonies and a full live band, the tribute will deliver favourites including Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Neon Moon, Brand New Man and Only in America, giving fans plenty to sing along to and line dancers another reason to hit the floor.

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Between the bands, Joanne Elbers will bring the big hair, cheeky humour and unmistakable songs of Dolly Parton to the stage in a tribute to one of country music’s most beloved stars.

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Following Parton’s passing in August at age 80, the performance holds a deeper meaning for Elbers, who has been portraying Dolly since the mid-1990s.

“In the past my performances have been about doing something I love and enjoy and hopefully bring some joy to my audience,” Elbers said.

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“Now I feel we almost have a mission to represent the music the story and the heart of Dolly as she deserves and to carry on her Legacy that she worked so hard to create.”

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Having taken her Classic Queens of Country show to Tamworth, Roma, North Queensland and beyond, Elbers will perform favourites including Jolene, 9 to 5 and Coat of Many Colours, backed by the musicians behind the Australian Brooks & Dunn and Southern Line shows.

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“As a huge Dolly fan who loves not just her music and her down to earth character but I connect with the cheeky and light hearted manner in which she portrays herself on stage to her audience,” Elbers said.

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“I strive to present my best Dolly impersonation with a touch of Tennessee accent, big boobs, big hair and plenty of Dolly personality.”

The afternoons round out to the sounds of today’s country scene when Brother Hollow takes the stage at 3.15pm on both days for The Nashville Experience.

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Their set draws on the likes of Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton and The Chicks, with a few older favourites woven through the afternoon.

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Joining them is special guest Victoria McGee, whose selection spans generations of country women, from Gretchen Wilson and Shania Twain to Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley. Together, they’ll give fans a chance to hear some of the songs shaping country music today alongside those that helped pave the way.

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What: Jack Daniels Country Jam Festival

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

When: Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October, 12pm-530pm

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What: Dee Jay Bux special event  

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel Sports Bar

When: Friday 16th and Saturday 17th October, 8pm-12am

All Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Fauna Rescue Whitsundays brought wildlife awareness and family entertainment together at its Family Fun Day at Coral Sea Marina on Saturday 3rd October.

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From face painting and crafts to a scavenger hunt, there was plenty to keep the kids busy while families browsed the stalls or kicked back to enjoy the live entertainment.

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The day also gave families a chance to get to know the volunteers behind Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, who care for sick, injured and orphaned native animals and help them return to the wild.

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Founded in 2001, the group runs a 24-hour wildlife emergency hotline, connecting people who find an animal in need with volunteers ready to help.

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www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/family-fun-for-fauna-rescue

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There’s something uniquely Australian about Christmas in the Whitsundays. Long summer days, time spent with family and friends, and the simple joy of being surrounded by nature's most beautiful playground. Here in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the festive season offers a chance to slow down, reconnect and celebrate what matters most.

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At InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, we are looking forward to welcoming guests from near and far for a festive season filled with memorable experiences, exceptional dining and genuine island hospitality.

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While Hayman has long been recognised as one of Australia's most iconic luxury destinations, we are equally proud to be part of the wider Whitsundays community. Many of our team members call this region home, and there is a shared passion across the island for showcasing the very best of our backyard during one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year.

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This festive season, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences designed to bring people together. From family-friendly activities and festive dining events to moments of relaxation by the pool and adventures on the reef, there is something for every generation to enjoy. Whether it is a long-awaited family reunion, a romantic summer escape, or simply a well-earned break before the year comes to a close, Hayman provides a setting where special moments naturally unfold.

We are also delighted to introduce our Whitsundays Locals Special, created exclusively for residents of our region who have always wanted to experience Hayman firsthand or return for a well-deserved island getaway. It's our way of saying thank you to the community that supports us year-round and inviting locals to enjoy the luxury, service and natural beauty that make our island so special.

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As tourism continues to play a vital role in our regional economy, every guest who visits Hayman helps support local jobs, suppliers, tourism operators and small businesses across the Whitsundays. We remain committed to working closely with local partners and showcasing the incredible experiences that make our region one of Australia's premier holiday destinations.

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As we head into the festive season, we would like to extend my sincere thanks to our local community, industry partners and dedicated colleagues whose passion and commitment help create unforgettable experiences for our guests every day.

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If you've been dreaming of a tropical escape this summer, there has never been a better time to book. Whether you're planning Christmas, New Year, a family holiday or a spontaneous weekend away, we invite you to experience the magic of Hayman for yourself.

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To book the Whitsundays Locals Special or learn more about our festive season programme, visit haymanisland.intercontinental.com or contact our reservations team on 07 4940 1234 or email hayman.reservations@ihg.com.

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We look forward to welcoming you to Hayman and sharing an unforgettable festive season in paradise.

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Whitsundays Escape team at last year’s tourism awards gala. Photo supplied

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The floating accommodation that gives you the freedom to explore the Whitsundays in style have once again put Whitsunday Escape among Queensland’s tourism finalists, with the charter operator recognised in the 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards.

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Its self-skippered bareboat holidays have earned it a place in the Unique Accommodation category. Each modern, fully equipped vessel becomes the guest's home and transport, allowing them to explore the islands at their own pace.  

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Having taken Gold in the same category last year, Whitsunday Escape will be hoping for another win when the awards are announced in November.

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“Being a finalist at the state level is a true honour and a reflection of the exceptional work that happens every day on our docks, in our office and across our fleet” said Jaclyn Watson, Managing Director.

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The success is backed by a world-class experience awarding tourists with the beautiful sights of the Whitsundays. Whether an experienced sailor or boating enthusiast, Whitsunday Escape delivers an unforgettable blend of nature, independence, and luxury, making every journey unique and every sunset one to remember.  

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“Our guests get to experience the Whitsundays the way we do, on their own terms, whilst having all the support," Ms Watson said.  

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"That combination of freedom and care is what makes the experience world class."

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Not everything belongs in your wheelie bin. Batteries, household chemicals, gas bottles and other hazardous items can cause fires in collection trucks and waste facilities. Disposing of these items correctly helps protect waste collection crews and keeps our community safe. Visit Council's website to find out how and where to safely dispose of hazardous household items.

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Airlie Beach Veterniary Surgery with their stars, Murphy and Mo. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville

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Friday 2^nd October

The Plarn Project: Crafting For A Cause
2.00pm - 4.00pm
Learn how to turn plastic bags into plarn, or plastic yarn, and crochet it into lightweight mats for people in need. No experience is required, with all skill levels welcome. Help reduce waste while creating something practical for the community through this meaningful project supporting responsible consumption and production.
Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria St, Mackay

Mackay Prostate Cancer Awareness Night  

5.30pm - 9.30pm Join ManUp! Australia for an informative evening raising awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of early detection, featuring guest speakers Jill and Leah Costello, Mackay Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Louise Jackson, members of the Prostate Cancer Support Group Mackay, a physiotherapist and other health specialists. Light supper will be served.  

Masonic Lodge, 57 Wood Street, Mackay

Satu - Year Of The Rabbit
7.30pm
Enjoy a screening of the 2024 Laos/UK film Satu - Year of the Rabbit, rated PG, following an orphan child labourer who journeys through Laos in search of his long-lost mother alongside his new photojournalist friend. The 1hr 33min film is directed by Joshua Trigg and features Lao and English with subtitles. Wine and nibbles will be served after the film.
CQU Cook Theatre, CQU Ooralea Campus Building 1, 351-371 Boundary Road, Ooralea

Saturday 3^rd October

Exhibition Floor Talk
10.30am - 11.30am
Join exhibition curator Dylan Mooney in conversation with artists Brian Robinson and Darren Blackman as they discuss their exhibitions Kulba A Kaib and Post Truth, exploring cultural knowledge, ancestral stories, contemporary visual culture, cultural practice, text-based sculpture and more. The event will be Auslan interpreted and amplified for patrons with hearing difficulties.
Artspace Mackay, 61 Gordon St, Mackay

Sunday 4^th October

Writing Sunday
11.00am - 1.00pm
A free, volunteer-led writing program for writers of all levels, offering a chance to work on your writing while connecting with fellow local writers. Sessions use the Pomodoro Technique, with focused 25-minute writing blocks and short breaks to help boost productivity and keep your writing goals on track.
Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria St, Mackay

Mini Cent Sale
11.00am.

Held in conjunction with the Sarina Country Music Family Afternoon, the mini cent sale will feature more than 50 prizes and vouchers to be won. Draw will be held from 2.30pm
Admission is $5 per person, with tickets available at the door from 11.00am.
Sarina Sporting and Services Club, Brewers Road, Sarina

Sarina Country Music Family Afternoon
1.00pm
Enjoy an afternoon of country music with the Sarina Country Music Club, with new artists always welcome and a band available to back anyone who wishes to perform. Admission is $5 per person, with a free courtesy bus available from the club.  

Sarina Sporting and Services Club, Brewers Road, Sarina

Tuesday 6^th October

Qdn Mackay Peer Support Group
First Tuesday of every month
Queenslanders with Disability Network hosts a free monthly peer support group for people with disability, offering a welcoming space to share experiences, exchange information, build connections and discuss topics that matter. No RSVP or QDN membership is required, with taxi vouchers available for transport assistance and light refreshments provided.
Jubilee Community Centre, 1/258 Alfred St, Mackay

Wednesday 7^th October

COLOUR CALM
10.00am - 11.30am
Take a mindful pause with a casual drop-in colouring session designed to provide some creative downtime, an opportunity to meet new people and a chance to relax and recharge.
Walkerston Library, 8 Creek St, Walkerston

Thursday 8^th October

NORTHERN BEACHES MUM & BUB WALK AND TALK
10.00am - 12.30pm
Mums and their bubs or young children are invited to enjoy a relaxed morning of gentle walking, mindfulness, conversation and connection along Bucasia Esplanade. Prams, babies, toddlers and all walking paces are welcome, with the free gathering also including coffee, conversation and time to connect with other local mums as part of Queensland Mental Health Week 2026.
Bucasia Esplanade, Bucasia

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Catherine Clark Dowden’s Brushstrokes of the Bush exhibition will bring 42 rural-inspired artworks to Mackay’s Jubilee Community Centre this month from 12th - 29th October 2026.

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Artist Catherine Clark Dowden is celebrating the magic of childhood on the land with Brushstrokes of the Bush – a collection created over two years, inspired by the freedom, curiosity, mischief and joy of growing up in the country.

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Catherine says she feels incredibly privileged to have grown up on a farm in the north of England, surrounded by animals, open spaces, vibrant landscapes and the simple adventures of rural childhood.

Those early experiences earned a special place in her heart and continue to shape the artist she is today.

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Catherine’s original vision was to create 26 paintings, each inspired by a childhood memory of growing up on the land. But then, she put out a call for photographs on the theme and received an unexpected response.

More than 860 treasured images were shared by families from near and far.

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What began as 26 paintings ultimately became 42, each celebrating muddy boots and dusty roads, animals and adventures, family traditions, hard work, mischief, freedom and the simple pleasures of rural life.

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Alongside each painting is a story sharing the personal memory behind the image.

“My hope for Brushstrokes of the Bush has always been to create more than an exhibition,” said Catherine.

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“I wanted to create an opportunity for conversation and connection – to encourage grandparents to share memories with grandchildren, parents to tell stories from their own childhoods, and children to discover a little more about the lives their families lived before them.”

“Because memories have a wonderful way of travelling through generations.”

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“A photograph can remind us of a moment, but a story can bring it back to life.”

Through the paintings, Catherine hopes to evoke nostalgia, happiness and reflection.

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“I hope that when you view the artworks, you don’t just see paintings”

“I hope you see childhood.”

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“I hope you remember.”

“And most of all, I hope you find a little piece of your own story within these Brushstrokes of the Bush.”

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Catherine extended her gratitude and thanks to her family, friends and supporters, as well as RADF Mackay for its grant support.

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Brushstrokes of the Bush will be exhibited at the Jubilee Community Centre in Mackay from the 12th - 29th October 2026, with the official opening featuring special guest Graeme Connors. The exhibition will then travel to the Coalface Art Gallery in Moranbah from 10th February to 19th March 2027.

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What: Brushstrokes of the Bush Exhibition & Official Opening
When: Monday 12th October from 6.30pm - Thursday 29th October 2026
Where: Jubilee Community Centre, the old library next to Artspace

Photo source: Shutterstock

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Just 40 minutes north of Mackay, Cape Hillsborough is the kind of place where there’s so much to explore it feels like there might never be enough time to take it all in. 

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Its centerpiece is Casuarina Beach. 

The long sweep of sand framed by rugged coastal cliffs is enough to make the trip for on its own, but the landscape is only half the attraction. 

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To see Cape Hillsborough at its most unforgettable, the journey begins in the early hours of the day. 

The sunrise here is among Queensland’s most spectacular, helped by an open outlook across the Coral Sea. 

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Facing east, the bay offers a clear horizon, allowing the first traces of colour to spread uninterrupted across the sky before the sun emerges over the water.  

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On either side, the volcanic headlands of Cape Hillsborough and Andrews Point rise in silhouette, while Wedge Island and scattered offshore rocks break up the horizon. 

The tide can make the display even more impressive. At low or mid-tide, a thin sheet of water often remains across the sand, turning the beach into a broad mirror that reflects the pinks, oranges and golds overhead. 

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The clouds can play their own part as well. Hanging low over the eastern horizon, they briefly hold back the direct sunlight, flexing the sky's colour potential before the first rays finally break through. 

For many visitors, however, the main attraction is the locals.  

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Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies emerge from the surrounding bushland early in the morning and make their way onto Casuarina Beach, foraging along the tide line and wandering across the sand. 

It is a scene that feels unmistakably Australian and one that has become the signature image of Cape Hillsborough. 

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Sunrise times change throughout the year, so check ahead, arrive at least 30 minutes early and remember to keep your distance from these remarkable wild animals.  

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When the sun has finished its ascent, it’s time to begin your exploration.  

Halliday bay, just down the road, is a great local spot to park-up at.  

This compact beach is tucked into a sheltered corner of the coastline, bordered by calm water and a narrow beachfront reserve, with dolphins regularly passing close to shore. 

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At low tide, the sand stretches almost 200 metres towards the sea, revealing plenty of shoreline to wander and traverse along the rocks. 

But the bay’s best-kept secret waits at its southern end. 

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Hidden at the end of the beach, the narrow McBrides Point Lookout track climbs to the top of the headland in just five minutes. It is short but slightly steep, with plenty of rocks and exposed roots, so pull on comfy shoes. 

When you hit the summit, it’s a view that could capture you for hours. 

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Climb atop the giant granite boulders and take in sweeping views across Ball Bay and Halliday Bay. It is a small and easy climb with a reward far bigger than the distance suggests. 

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Jayden Enterprises played a key role behind the scenes at Gather & Graze, helping bring the event to life while supporting My Hospital Foundation’s fundraising efforts for local hospital services and patient wellbeing. Photo supplied

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When My Hospital Foundation found itself needing to create a brand-new event in just six weeks, it quickly became clear that Gather & Graze would only be possible with the support of the community.

One of the first organisations to step forward was Jayden Enterprises, who came on board as Naming Rights Sponsor and became much more than a financial supporter along the way.

From helping with setup and pack down to lending hands wherever they were needed, the Jayden Enterprises team played an important behind-the-scenes role in bringing the inaugural event to life. Their positivity, willingness to jump in and commitment to the cause helped keep spirits high throughout the planning process and on event day itself.

"We were humbled and proud to have Jayden Enterprises be part of this great event," said Dirk Neugubauer, Director of Jayden Enterprises.

"Gayle and I take pride in running a business that supports our community and gives back to those who need it most.

"After five years as a Highflyer Sponsor of Dinner on the Runway, when we were asked to be the Naming Rights Sponsor of this fantastic evening, our answer was an immediate yes.

"For us, this isn't just about sponsorship or putting our logo on a banner. It's about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our community and supporting an organisation that touches the lives of almost everyone in our region.

"The success of the event, particularly in the short timeframe available to My Hospital Foundation, is a testament to the dedication of its staff and volunteers."

The event ultimately raised more than $40,000 for local hospital services and patient wellbeing initiatives, a result made possible by the collective efforts of sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees.

My Hospital Foundation Managing Executive Officer Ashleen O'Neill said the success of the event was a reflection of the generosity of the Mackay community.

"The support we received was simply incredible. Every sponsor, volunteer, donor and guest played a part in making Gather & Graze such a success, and we are immensely grateful to everyone who believed in the event from the very beginning," said Ashleen.

While the funds raised will make a meaningful difference for local patients and families, the event's legacy will be the spirit of collaboration that made it all possible.

Gather & Graze may have started as a solution to an unexpected challenge, but thanks to the businesses, volunteers and community members who rallied behind it, it became something much bigger: a celebration of what can happen when a community comes together to give back.

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The winter sports season may be over, but the racing is just getting started at Whitsunday Sportspark.

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Dashie racing is coming to Oktoberfest, with qualifying heats on Saturday 10 October and the grand final on Saturday 17 October. The winning dachshund will take home $1,000. Dachshund owners are encouraged to register their little racers, and everyone is welcome to come down and cheer them on.

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There will be a race for the humans, too. Keg rolling is planned for one of the Oktoberfest Sundays, giving the public a chance to get involved in the action. The date and entry details will be announced soon.

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Club Whitsunday and Whitsunday Sportspark are working together to keep the precinct active as the winter sporting calendar winds down. Oktoberfest is a chance to bring people back to the Sportspark for something a little different, whether they’re racing, cheering or simply enjoying the day.

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Know a dashie with a competitive streak? Dob in a dashie and let’s get racing!

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WHAT: Dob In A Dashie, Dachshund Racing

WHERE: Club Whitsundays

WHEN: Saturday 17^th October  

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