Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
What Fuels an Artist's Creativity? By Linda Forrester, Vice President and Gallery Coordinator, Creative Connections Whitsunday In the world of art, the spark that drives an artist to create can come from many places. Some find inspiration in the quiet beauty of nature, others in the hustle and bustle of city life. But what really gets an artist's creative juices flowing? It turns out to be a mix of personal experiences, community interaction, and a love for the act of creation itself. Nature is a common source of inspiration for many artists. The stunning views and natural wonders, like those found in here in the Whitsundays, can motivate artists to try to capture the beauty they see. The way the light changes throughout the day or the endless variety of colours in a landscape can push an artist to pick up their brush, pencil, or camera. Being part of an art group or community also fuels creativity. The encouragement and feedback from fellow artists can be incredibly motivating. Sharing work, ideas, and success within a community helps artists feel connected and part of something bigger, fostering a creative environment where everyone can grow. Artists also draw inspiration from their own emotions and life experiences. For some, creating art is a way to work through feelings and thoughts that are hard to express in words. It can be a personal journey that helps artists understand themselves and the world around them better. The desire to make a difference or send a message through art is another powerful motivator. Many artists use their work to highlight important issues, share stories, or inspire change. This sense of purpose can drive an artist to create works that not only look beautiful but also have a deeper meaning. Lastly, the simple love of creating something new is a big part of what drives artists. The process of learning, experimenting, and seeing an idea come to life is rewarding in itself. It's about the joy of making and the satisfaction that comes from the creative process. In short, artists are motivated by a combination of the beauty they see in the world, the support of their peers, the exploration of personal experiences, the desire to impact the world positively, and the pure pleasure of creating. Each artist's journey is unique, but they all share a common thread – the transformative power of art to inspire, connect, and reveal the beauty in our lives and in ourselves.
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There is something eerie about a misty morning, when a seemingly regular landscape can take on a mystical persona. Gladys Young captured this week’s winning photograph, titled Morning Mist, at a farm near Bowen. The cloudy blanket of mist settling across the property creates a quiet and peaceful scene, pinpointing that brief moment before the morning sun lifts the haze and the day begins. Congratulations, Gladys, you certainly made the most of a misty morning! For next week’s Photo of the Week, the theme is “Wings”. Thank you once again to everyone in the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for sharing fantastic images.
Read the full story![On This Day 1986 Sept.11th.[ source Proserpine Guardian]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/601dc4639d384b60c94af395/69e9608de6b7dfebef44b2e7_On%20this%20day.jpg)
Great Day For The Brahmans. A crowd close to 2000 witnessed Brahman’s resounding 36-6 victory over Bowen Pirates and its passage through to the Grand Finals in Townsville, which included Sean Padden’s hat trick of tries. Glenden stole the reserve grade over Collinsville. Dam Project Progress. The construction of a village to house the many workers involved began this week. Obituary Mary Winifred McCarthy. This long time resident of Ann St. died aged 73. Flashed Lights To Warn. Acting magistrate fined two people for flashing their lights to warn oncoming traffic of the presence of a police radar trap. Marijuana At Kelsey. Two people were convicted of growing an illegal plant or having a smoking utensil in their possession. Primary School District Athletics. Team honours went to Cannonvale. Among several new records set were Shane Dibben’s 800 metres, John Hoad’s 1.52m. High jump and Ricky Lingwoodock’s 4.30 metre long jump. Proserpine Whitsunday Sport Fishing Club annual team challenge attracted teams from the Burdekin, Bowen and Mackay. Highest point scoring fish and heaviest fish was a 33kg sailfish landed by Chris Gilmore. 24 Hour Trading. Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce president Mike Storkey explained that extended trading on a six day a week basis was being applied for, but the proposal to gain unrestricted trading hours was the ultimate aim. Classic Wool Parade. Proserpine ladies modelled classic wool designs along with classic hats and stunning accessories in front of about 200 people at the Reef Gateway Hotel on Thursday night. Sand For Airlie. 3000 cubic metres of sand was delivered and spread evenly on what was previously a mud flat to put the beach back into Airlie ‘Beach’. Cannonvale School Extension. Tenders for a new teaching block at Cannonvale School have been called to house tuck shop, amenities, and classroom expansion. Boras Hopes Win. Local tug-a-war team Boras Hopes led by captain coach Ron Borellini pulled successfully against 5 Mackay teams, and then beat Boomerang Hotel a team that out weighed them by 140 kgs, in the final. Sourced by the Proserpine Guardian.
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"Captain Seaweed" was a well-known local boat skipper and character around Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour during the early days of the region's tourism and cruising industry. He started his career working on the early cruise boats out of Shute Harbour such as “Fantasea”. Bill Williams was memorable for ferrying passengers and bringing travelling musicians across the water for local jam sessions and was a significant part of the vibrant early local music and sailing culture. He was also a man who looked out for others. Memories from the late Ken Looke, long time Whitsunday local. “We first met Bill Williams (aka Captain Seaweed) on the beach at Horseshoe Bay which was the name for Airlie Beach in those days. There was only one shop then, no pub (the closest pubs being at Proserpine). Everything that was needed was sold at the shop. If it wasn’t sold there, it was not needed. It was also the post office. Bill was conducting day sailing tours on the good ship “Southern Maid” owned by Andrew Martin of the Percy Islands, and he asked if I would like to go sailing with him the next day. We subsequently set sail from the old (not the original) Cannonvale Jetty, in a good brisk sou’easter, making ten knots towards Hayman Island where we passed through Hook Passage out to Deloraine anchoring there in a reasonable depth of water. When we decided to move, the anchor had fouled. As we tried to free it, the ratchet and pawl failed, spinning the winch handle backwards and breaking the operator’s forearm. While Captain Seaweed worked to tame the huge sail and turn “Southern Maid” into the wind, a second crewman suffered the same fate, but the jolt freed the anchor. Once recovered, we headed for Hayman as quickly as possible. The helicopter crew, alerted by radio, met us to fly the injured men to Proserpine. It was not the usual brochure day sail, but it showed what the Whitsundays can be like when the sou’easterlies are up. From then on, our friendship with the Williams family developed. We helped Bill and Josephine get their house built in Cannonvale and spent many enjoyable musical evenings there with our growing families - Bill playing his one-string tea box bass, Merv Jones on tenor banjo, Banjo Jack on standard banjo (5 string), occasionally on guitar, myself on tenor banjo. The kids played outside getting all sticky with molasses, roasting and eating large brown grasshoppers, as kids used to do! The Williams Family eventually numbered four children - William Jnr, Elizabeth, Joseph and Jason. Captain Seaweed was the first face we saw on the morning of Cyclone Ada. Around 10 am, though it was still dark, he peered through the horizontal rain into our Kombi van, his curly black hair plastered down, and asked, “Is everybody OK?” We had sheltered there after losing our roof and some walls. [Text Wrapping Break] [Text Wrapping Break]Bill had walked from Shute Harbour, where he had spent the night helping secure vessels amid cracking trees and flying branches. Unable to save his beloved ‘Seabird”, hard aground with timber through her hull, he had crawled across the jetty towards where “Mirmar” was going to pieces. His Morris van, its paint gravel-blasted off, had ended up in Bob Porter’s Jetty Kiosk window. It was a dirty night. Once he knew we were safe, Billy continued home — another hour’s walk on a good day. Captain Seaweed was taken from us too soon, a catastrophic iatrogenic event. His passing was a great loss to the community.” Story sourced from memories of Ken Looke. Photo sourced from “Remembering Cyclone Ada”
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Samuel L. Jackson and Sarah Darkin. Photo supplied: Sarah Darkin
Whitsunday local Sarah Darkin is no stranger to the camera. Having worked alongside huge personalities in film, she is now auditioning to take centre stage herself, as she sets her sights on the Big Brother Australia house.
As a little person, Sarah has spent much of her life encountering assumptions about what she can and cannot do. Rather than allowing those expectations to define her, Sarah has learned to adapt, back herself and approach life with humour that she hopes to bring into the big brother house next year.
“I think I’ll surprise people,” she said.
“People will wonder, ‘How is she going to reach that? How is she going to do that?’ But I’m just like anybody else.
“I’m not any different, I’m just Sarah.”
Sarah’s confidence has seen her through a varied career. She currently works at Barefoot Medical Centre, where she regularly meets people from all walks of life and has learned to handle difficult situations calmly – something sure to help should she make it into the Big Brother House.
Her main tactic in tough scenarios? “Kill them with kindness”.
Sarah has also worked in the film industry, appearing in Taika Waititi’s New Zealand production of Time Bandits and spending time on Star Wars sets with major figures including George Lucas, Natalie Portman and Samuel L. Jackson.
If selected, Sarah hopes to bring plenty of humour, a willingness to tackle every challenge and perhaps a little mischief, admitting her fellow housemates may need to keep a close eye on the chocolate supply.
“I just want to get in there and show everyone that I’m just like everybody else,” she said.
Big Stadium Rock Show. All photos supplied: Airlie Beach Hotel.
Airlie Beach is turning up the volume this weekend as the Big Stadium Rock Show brings two free afternoons of classic 80s and 90s anthems to the Airlie Beach Hotel.
Taking over the stage on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, the production celebrates the days when rock was loud, hair was big and live shows were packed with commanding vocals, screaming guitar solos and plenty of theatrics.
Powerhouse vocalists Shaleena Bain, Tara Graham and Adam Spizzo will lead audiences through some of the era’s most recognisable hits, made famous by rock giants including Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Metallica, AC/DC, KISS, Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake.
Backed by a killer live rock band, the trio can transform even an intimate venue into a stadium, recreating the larger-than-life performances that made these artists rock legends.
Since debuting in 2021, the Big Stadium Rock Show has become one of Wild Goat Entertainment producer Melanie Evans’ most successful productions. It returns to Airlie Beach under the direction of Maureen Bowra and Tommy Hynes, bringing the spirit of the world’s biggest rock stages to the heart of the Whitsundays.
Audiences are invited to sing along, pump their fists and put their best air-guitar skills to the test. Those feeling particularly nostalgic can even dust off the spandex attire, maybe even style your hair all big. Although there will be no judgement for anyone who prefers to sit back and enjoy the show instead.
The show will run from 2pm to 5.30pm on both afternoons. Entry is free, with table bookings available through the Airlie Beach Hotel website.
What: Big Stadium Rock Show
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel
When: Saturday 19th September and Sunday 20th September, from 2pm-5.30pm
11th White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, 9am-5pm, Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays
11th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine
11th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
12th White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, 9am-5pm, Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays
12th Bowen Orchid and Foliage Society Spring Show, 10am, Bowen Showgrounds, Bowen
12th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
12th Soul Cutz, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
12th 2026 Whitsunday Airport Shute Harbour Runway Dinner, TBA, Main Terminal, Shute Harbour Road, Whitsundays
13th Proserpine Community Spring Market, 8am-12pm, Proserpine Showgrounds, Proserpine
13th Soul Cutz, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
13th Whitsundays Writers Festival, 11am-4:30pm, Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale
17th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach
18th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine
18th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
19th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
19th Big Stadium Rock Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
20th Big Stadium Rock Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
22nd The Librarian, 11am-12pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine
Teeny Tiny Stevies (ABC Kids). Photo credit: Brian Carr.
From toilet training to teaching children they are the boss of their own bodies, Teeny Tiny Stevies have a knack for turning some of childhood’s trickiest lessons into songs the whole family can enjoy.
Now, the ARIA Award-winning children’s group is bringing its colourful catalogue to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Friday 25th September, promising a proper live gig that the kids and parents can get around.
“It is a proper live gig with a four-piece band, there are no backing tracks or characters dressed up in costumes,” said Sibylla Stephen, co-founder and vocalist of the Teeny Tiny Stevies.
“There’s lots of fun and engagement for the kids, but there are also jokes aimed straight at mum and dad, so we hope it’s a really enjoyable experience for the whole family.”
Sibylla and her sister Beth have performed together in their grownup band, The Little Stevies, since they were 18. About a decade ago, they launched Teeny Tiny Stevies as a way to help their own children learn through music.
“I had a three-year-old and a new baby, and I was trying to teach my child how to use the toilet,” Sibylla said.
“You never really think about how to do that until you’re teaching another human being, so I instinctively started looking for songs and books that could help.”
Their songs have also found a place beyond the stage, with schools, childcare centres and educators using them to introduce young children to important topics in a positive and approachable way.
One of their best-known tracks, Boss of My Own Body, helps children understand body autonomy and personal safety, while their unlikely breakout hit, I Only Go to the Toilet on the Toilet, continues to make toilet training a little easier for families.
Set to go on tour, Sibylla still feels the most rewarding part is seeing those songs create small moments of connection between parents and their children.
“We’re able to provide these little experiences and then watch them happen in front of us, it’s so cool,” Sibylla said.
11th September
ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm
Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Phoenix Revival, 8pm-10pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ night, 8pm onwards
12th September
ABH: Soulcutz, 2pm-5:30pm
ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm
Sorrento’s: Andrew Baldino, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Phoenix Revival, 8pm-10pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: Luke Miller Band, 8pm onwards
13th September
ABH: Soulcutz, 2pm-5:30pm,
ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30-9:30pm
Sorrentos: Ash Smith, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann, 8pm-10pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: Nite Johnson, 1pm-5pm
14th August
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann , 8pm-10pm
15th September
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Grace Franklin, 8pm-10pm
16th September
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm [Text Wrapping Break]KC’s Bar & Grill: Grace Franklin, 8pm-10pm
17th September
ABH: Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill:, 8pm-10pm
Tickets for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards are now on sale. Join us on Friday 9th October at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre for a night celebrating the businesses and individuals that contribute to the strength and success of our region.
Support local business and secure your tickets through the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry website.
Cait Fleming, Richard Evans and Julia Evans. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
The 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival has officially sold out its main program, with book lovers preparing to gather for a full day of stories and ideas on Sunday 13th September.
Those who missed out on a ticket can still join the festival fun however, with its free community finale, Stories by the Sea, open to everyone from 3pm to 4.30pm.
Held at the Whitsunday Marine Club in Cannonvale, the relaxed waterfront celebration will bring together readers, writers, families and community members for an afternoon of books, live entertainment and creativity.
“Stories by the Sea is our way of making sure the whole community gets to be part of the festival, not just the people who bought a ticket,” Festival President and Director Richard Evans said.
“It’s free, it’s relaxed, and it only happens once a year. If you’ve never been, this is the year to come and see what it’s about.”
More than 20 regional authors and book stalls will feature throughout the afternoon, giving visitors the opportunity to meet writers, discuss their work and purchase signed copies.
Author readings and informal interviews will run alongside live music, children’s storytime and activities presented by Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries.
Visitors can also take part in the Community Book Swap by bringing two books in good condition to exchange for something new. Those looking for a surprise read can try Blind Date with a Book, choosing a wrapped title without knowing what awaits inside.
Local creativity will also be on show through the Creative Connections Whitsunday Plein Air Art Challenge, with artists producing original Whitsundays-inspired pieces as the crowd watches.
Visitors can vote in the People’s Choice Award until 4pm, while a silent auction will offer the chance to take home one of the completed works. All proceeds from the artwork sales will go directly to the artists.
Other activities will include raffles, prize giveaways and a pen pal activity, while a gold-coin sausage sizzle, coffee van, cake cart and cash bar will keep visitors refreshed.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic rug, find a spot by the water and enjoy the final hours of this year’s festival.
While the main program is sold out, festival organisers are maintaining a waitlist and will contact prospective attendees if any full-day tickets become available.
What: Whitsundays Writers Festival’s Stories by the Sea
When: 3pm-4:30pm Sunday 13th September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale
Mayor Collins helping open up the colour run event with the Queensland Child Protection team. Photo supplied: Mayor Ry Collins.
Club Whitsunday was awash with colour as families came together to celebrate both Father’s Day and the 40th anniversary of Queensland Child Protection Week.
The free Colour Fun Run gave dads and their families a lively start to the special day, with participants invited to run, walk, skip or dance their way through the course while reinforcing the important message that protecting children is everybody’s responsibility.
The celebrations continued beyond the run, with bubble blowing, a foam cannon, face painting, live music, games, children’s crafts and a free sausage sizzle making it a memorable Father’s Day morning for the whole family.
Local groups and community leaders joined in the fun, with the Whitsunday Lions Club, Mayor Ry Collins and members of Amanda Camm MP’s team all there to support the message that keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility, while also assisting in on the fun.
This week the Bushwalkers explored the beautiful Cape Hillsborough. Photos supplied
A small number of club members assembled at Cape Hillsborough last Sunday to follow Ken Fihelly up Cascade Creek, which flows into Beachcomber Cove on the east side of the National Park. As with most of the walks conducted in the area by the club, it is off the main tracks mostly, but many members of the general public would probably be familiar with the popular swimming hole in the lower reaches which is readily accessible. The hole is usually dry at this time of the year, as it was at the weekend.
The group encountered lots of rocks, some boulders and very steep and uneven terrain, with a few small waterholes. Spectacular views enjoyed from the Lookout on the Smalley’s Beach to Cape Hillsborough track and a visit to the cave in the south cliffs on the way down were highlights of the outing.
This weekend coming, members will have a choice of a challenging undertaking to Doolamai Falls, or a track walk to Araluan Falls, both in the vicinity of Finch Hatton Gorge, and also on the following two Sundays there will be similar choices catering to different levels of interest and ability. Contact Wendy on 0429 363 929 to learn more about becoming involved in the club activities.
Contributed by Carole Weekes
Photo source: Shutterstock
Renting doesn’t mean you have to live with a space that feels completely not you.
While you may not be able to knock down walls or repaint the kitchen, there are plenty of simple ways to give a rental home more personality, comfort and style — without putting your bond at risk.
Start with soft furnishings
One of the easiest ways to transform a room is with things you can take with you.
Think cushions, throws, bedding, rugs and curtains. Changing colours and textures can completely alter the feel of a bedroom or living room, while a large rug can help define a space and make it feel more finished.
And when your lease is up? Pack it all into the car and take it with you.
Create a gallery wall — without the holes
You don’t necessarily need a hammer and nails to display your favourite photographs and artwork.
Removable adhesive hooks and picture-hanging strips can be useful for lightweight items, provided they are suitable for the surface and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, lean framed prints against a wall, style them on shelves or create a gallery arrangement on a bookshelf.
Just remember to check your tenancy agreement and make sure any changes comply with your rental conditions.
Make lighting work for you
If your rental has harsh overhead lighting, you don’t have to rely on it.
Table lamps, floor lamps and decorative lighting can add warmth and create different moods throughout a room. A small lamp beside the sofa or on a bedside table can make a space feel instantly more inviting.
Bring in some greenery
Plants are an easy way to inject colour and life into a rental — and you don’t need a garden to enjoy them.
Use pots and plant stands to create little green corners, or opt for low-maintenance varieties if you’re not blessed with a green thumb. Even a beautiful vase of fresh flowers can brighten a room.
Give your furniture a rethink
Before buying anything new, try moving what you already own.
Repositioning the sofa, changing the direction of your bed or moving a desk closer to natural light can make a surprisingly big difference to how a room functions.
Style the little things
A coffee table book, favourite artwork, decorative bowl, colourful vase or collection of treasured photographs can make a rental feel personal.
The secret is to focus on things you love that can come with you.
Because your rental might not have been designed specifically for you — but with a little creativity, it can still feel like home.
Last year, the Mackay Malayalee Association celebrated Onam with cultural performances, games, and a community feast in Walkerston. Photo credit: Paul Fernandez
The Mackay Malayalee Association is inviting locals to come together and experience the culture of Kerala at its 2026 Onam celebration.
Taking place on Saturday 5th September, the celebration will bring together the local community for a full day of cultural performances, music, dance, Onam games, tug-of-war, competitions, traditional Onam Sadhya and plenty more.
This year’s celebration will also welcome two special guests, making it an extra special occasion for the Mackay Malayalee community.
Whether you have a connection to Kerala or are simply curious to experience something new, everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy the festivities and celebrate the traditions that bring people together.
Celebrate Onam with the Mackay Malayalee Association and experience the warmth and joy of Kerala right here in our region.
Saturday 5th September
G’day Little Queenslanders
From 9am
Families can enjoy a morning of free children’s entertainment at Queens Park, East Mackay, on Saturday 5th September, ahead of Father’s Day. The event will feature a live interactive experience with Bluey and Bingo, information stalls highlighting government resources, food and beverage trucks, and spaces for families to relax together. The first 200 little Queenslanders to arrive will also receive a free kids’ bucket hat. Families with children aged 0–2 can register to receive a personalised certificate in person at the event. Head along for a fun, free morning the whole family can enjoy.
Queens Park
Harbour Moon Market
From 3pm
Enjoy an afternoon by the water at Harbour Moon Market from 3pm to 7pm at Mackay Harbour Surf Life Saving Club. With more than 30 local market stalls, food vendors, live music, a coffee van and a bar and restaurant, there’s plenty to explore while taking in the harbour sunset. Entry is $2, with children under 16 free. Bring the family or meet up with friends, browse and support local stalls, grab some dinner and enjoy a relaxed evening by the water!
Mackay Harbour Surf Life Saving Club
Moonlight Cinema Under the Stars
From 6.30pm
Gather the family for a movie night under the stars at Bluewater Quay on Saturday, September 5th. From 6.30pm, enjoy a screening of the family favourite The Croods — a great way to spend time together just before Father’s Day. Bring along your blankets and snacks, or arrive from 5.30pm to reserve your spot and grab takeaway dinner from Red Dog Riverfront or the food vans. Sit back, relax and enjoy an evening of outdoor entertainment with the family.
Bluewater Quay
Sunday 6th September
A Day For Dad’s – Free Community Event
From 12pm
Make Father’s Day a day of community and connection at Rustic Waters on Sunday 6th September, from 12pm to 4pm. The free community event will feature a BBQ and smoked meats, sports, games and good company, offering a welcoming space for those who may find Father’s Day difficult due to grief, family separation, loneliness or other challenging circumstances. Everyone who may genuinely benefit from the day is encouraged to come along, enjoy a meal and spend time with others. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this special afternoon.
Rustic Waters, 147 Fordyce Rd, Mount Jukes
Photos supplied by Mackay Regional Council
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens came alive with imagination last Thursday as young children gathered for the annual Children’s Book Week Picnic in the Gardens. Hosted by Mackay Regional Council Libraries, the celebration featured Story Time under the trees, Baby Bounce on the lawn, face painting, puppets, crafts and plenty of Book Week fun!
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
The Mackay Chamber of Commerce B2B Brews brought local businesspeople together over coffee at 9th Lane Grind on Wood Street, with Chamber Photography Partner COFFEE + HOPS showcasing how professional photography can help businesses strengthen their brand, showcase their products and events, and connect with customers.
The regions finest came together in elegance and generosity for a dazzling night of celebration, raising vital funds to help keep the CQ Rescue lifesaving helicopter in the sky. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
An evening of elegance and generosity unfolded last Saturday as esteemed guests, local business owners, community organisations and devoted supporters adorned the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre for the 2026 BMA CQ Rescue Charity Gala. Celebrating 30 Years of Lifesaving Legacy, the dazzling black-tie affair brought together the people behind the region’s businesses, organisations and communities for an unforgettable evening of fine dining, live entertainment and auctions.
Yet beneath the glamour was a serious cause — raising vital funds to support the lifesaving work of CQ Rescue, whose helicopter services provide a critical lifeline to people across Central Queensland when they need it most. It was an evening where every conversation, bid and contribution helped keep a lifeline in the sky!
Last Saturday evening, on the 29th August , the 2026 BMA CQ Rescue Charity Gala dazzled at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, bringing the community together in style to celebrate 30 Years of Lifesaving Legacy. Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner, live entertainment from Professor Judith Brown and the Bluewater Big Band, live and silent auctions, and the chance to support the vital work of CQ Rescue, making for a memorable evening of celebration, generosity and community spirit.
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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