Voting is now open for the Small Tourism Town Award and will close 24^th May Photo source: Facebook

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Airlie Beach has once again been recognised as one of Queensland’s leading visitor destinations, earning a place as a finalist in the 2026 Queensland Top Small Tourism Town Awards.

Announced by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the awards celebrate the towns, communities and tourism ambassadors helping shape Queensland’s reputation as one of Australia’s most desirable travel destinations.

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Airlie Beach is one of four finalists in the Top Small Tourism Town category, which recognises towns with populations between 1,500 and 5,000 residents. The Whitsundays destination joins fellow finalists Esk, Port Douglas and Cloncurry.

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QTIC Chief Executive Officer Natassia Wheeler said the awards highlight the communities delivering memorable visitor experiences and showcasing local pride.

“Every finalist should be incredibly proud of what they represent,” Ms Wheeler said.

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The awards, presented by Airbnb, also announced Stanthorpe, the inland town famous for its wineries, gourmet food, and stunning natural scenery, as the overall winner of the 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town Award.  

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‘Small’ and ‘Tiny’ town winners are soon to be determined, with public voting now open. Results will be announced next month.

Locals, businesses and visitors are encouraged to support Airlie Beach by casting their vote before voting closes on 24th May 2026.

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Voting details are available via the Queensland Tourism Industry Council website.

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Photo source: Mackay AG Trade Expo

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Families and industry representatives turned out in strong numbers for the 2026 Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Saturday 18th April.

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Running from 8.30am to 3pm, the event showcased the region’s agricultural sector while providing a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Children enjoyed a range of entertainment throughout the day, including a mini Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, ice cream van and petting zoo.

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The expo brought together exhibitors, growers and community members, highlighting the importance of agriculture to the region while offering plenty of activities that ensured visitors of all ages had something to enjoy.

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With more than three decades in the real estate industry, Greg Lewis has become a cornerstone of Blacks Real Estate and the wider Mackay property market.

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Joining the agency in 1990, Greg steadily built his career, becoming a licensed real estate agent in 1998 before stepping into a leadership role as partner and licensed auctioneer in 2000. His long-standing tenure has seen him work across a broad spectrum of clients, including private sellers, companies, mortgagees, receivers and government departments.

Greg’s expertise spans a diverse range of property transactions, with a particular focus on developmental sites, en-globe land opportunities, and both residential and commercial land sales. His depth of knowledge and hands-on experience have positioned him as a trusted figure in complex and large-scale property dealings.

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As Director of Blacks Real Estate, Greg continues to play a key role in shaping the agency’s strong presence in the Mackay region, backed by decades of industry insight and a commitment to delivering results for his clients.

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Friday 8^th May

Friday Colouring and Conversations

10am

Residents are warmly invited to join Friday Colouring and Conversations, a relaxed and welcoming gathering where creativity and connection come together. Held from 10am to 12pm at 37 Brisbane Street, Mackay, the small group meets regularly to enjoy colouring, conversation and community. All materials are provided, making it easy for anyone to take part. Simply bring along a water bottle and settle in for a friendly morning of art and social connection. New faces are always welcome to join the group.

37 Brisbane Street  

Saturday 9^th May

Free Baloon Crafting Workshop  

3pm

Families are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day with a free balloon crafting workshop at the Jubilee Community Centre on Friday, 8 May from 3pm to 5pm. The creative session offers children and families the chance to make colourful balloon gifts for the special mums in their lives. It is a fun and thoughtful way to prepare a handmade surprise while enjoying time together in a relaxed community setting. Bookings are essential via Admin@FreedClass.com

Jubilee Community Centre  

Highway Country Music Family Night  

7pm

Enjoy a relaxed evening of live entertainment at the Highway Country Music Family Night on Saturday, 9 May at Bakers Creek Community Hall. Starting from 7pm, the event welcomes locals and visitors alike to enjoy great country music in a friendly community setting. Walk-up performers are encouraged, with a backing band available if needed. Entry is $5 and includes a free supper. For more information, contact Betty on 0434 911 712.

Bakers Creek Community Hall

Sunday 10^th May

Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group

10am

Community members affected by breast cancer are warmly invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group at the Meeting Room at the Botanic Gardens. The gathering runs from 10am to 12pm and offers a welcoming, confidential space for patients and survivors at any stage of their journey to connect, share experiences and support one another. Morning tea is provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring a small plate to share and, if they wish, wear something pink. The event is free to attend.

Meeting Room at Botanical Gardens, Mackay

Illawong Beach Clean Up  

3pm

Community members are invited to help care for the coastline at a beach clean-up at Illawong Beach on 10 May. Volunteers will work together to remove litter while enjoying the outdoors and connecting with others who care about ocean health. Participants are encouraged to bring a hat, water bottle, enclosed shoes and sun-safe clothing. For more information contact Leah at lscoble@cva.org.au or 0436 335 037. The project is supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

Illawong Beach  

Monday 11^th May

Understanding Neurodiversity – Free Workshop  

9am

Attend a free Understanding Neurodiversity workshop with Mel from Empower 4 Success on Monday, 11 May from 9am to 11am at 43 Shakespeare Street, East Mackay. This practical session will explore how different brains think, learn and experience the world, while sharing evidence-based strategies to support wellbeing, inclusion and emotional safety at home, school and in the community. Participants will gain practical tools to better support neurodivergent individuals and build stronger connections. Places are limited and bookings are essential.

43 Shakespeare Street

Carer Drop-In Day  

9.30am

Carers are warmly invited to attend the Carer’s Drop-In Day at Gordon White Library, 54 Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant, from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Monday, 11 May. The relaxed morning offers a welcoming space to enjoy a cuppa, chat with others and take part in simple creative activities such as colouring or rock painting. There is no formal program, and carers are free to come and go at their own pace while accessing friendly support and information if needed. All carers are welcome.

Gordan White Library, Mount Pleasant  

Tuesday 12^th May

Yarning Circle With Aunty Lyn  

11am

Take part in a free Yarning Circle with Aunty Lyn on Tuesday, 12 May, from 11am to 1pm at 4 George Street, South Mackay. The relaxed gathering offers an opportunity to learn about Mackay’s local history, bush tucker and cultural traditions while sharing stories and connecting with others in a welcoming space. The session is proudly supported by the Macmahon Foundation, with registrations encouraged for those wishing to attend.

4 George St, Mackay

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Experience an inspiring evening of storytelling, reflection and celebration as Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival proudly presents The DBI Literary Dinner 2026.

The special event will be held on Friday 17th July at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, with doors opening at 6.00pm and festivities continuing through until midnight. Guests are encouraged to secure their tickets early for what promises to be a memorable evening of powerful storytelling and elegant celebration.

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This year’s DBI Literary Dinner will feature special guest speaker Jelena Dokic, the Australian broadcaster and former international powerhouse of the tennis court, who will take centre stage to share her remarkable journey.

Jelena has emerged as a beacon of hope for many, courageously sharing her story through the pages of her two bestselling books, Unbreakable and Fearless, as well as through her multi-award-winning documentary. Through these powerful narratives, she reveals the raw realities of her childhood while reflecting on the transformative journey of reclaiming her voice and breaking free from the weight of the past.

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Her story speaks to the immense power of sharing lived experiences and the resilience that can be found when individuals confront adversity and rise beyond it. Jelena’s journey continues to resonate with audiences across the world, inspiring admiration for her courage, honesty and determination.

Guests attending the evening will enjoy welcome drinks followed by a three-course dining experience set within the elegant surrounds of the MECC. The evening will also include Jelena’s keynote address along with live entertainment, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for all in attendance.

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Tickets are $225 per person, which includes welcome drinks, a three-course meal, the keynote address and live entertainment throughout the night.

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The DBI Literary Dinner has become one of the signature events of the Whitsunday Voices program, offering a unique opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the power of storytelling. The evening brings together literature, lived experience and shared inspiration in a setting that encourages connection and reflection.

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Guests are also encouraged to bring their dancing shoes, with the evening set to continue in celebratory style as the community gathers to enjoy the entertainment and atmosphere.

Organisers are encouraging the community to purchase tickets and be part of this iconic event where story and inspiration collide.

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Tickets are available to purchase via www.whitsundayvoices.com.au/dbi-literary-dinner

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Young artists explored creativity during the Paint with Kate school holiday workshops at Gordon White Library and Sarina Library, guided by artist Kate Kennedy. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council Libraries

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Young creatives across the region embraced colour and imagination during the recent Paint with Kate workshops hosted by Mackay Regional Council Libraries at Gordon White Library and Sarina Library.

The vibrant school holiday sessions welcomed children aged eight to 12 for a hands-on painting experience led by professional artist Kate Kennedy, who guided participants as they explored colour, creativity and self-expression.

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In a statement shared by Mackay Regional Council Libraries, the workshops were described as a bright highlight of the holiday program.

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A representative from Mackay Regional Council Libraries said, “The Paint with Kate workshops lit up both Gordon White Library and Sarina Library, filling each space with colour, imagination and big smiles.”

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Children were encouraged to experiment with paint while building confidence in a relaxed and supportive environment.

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“Kids aged 8–12 enjoyed a joyful, hands-on painting experience with professional artist Kate Kennedy, building confidence, experimenting with colour, and letting their creativity shine.”

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“Across both libraries, young artists rolled up their sleeves and proudly took home their very own masterpieces.”  

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“A huge thank you to Kate and to all our talented participants for making both libraries such vibrant places these school holidays.”

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Last year’s Festival of Arts program was launched at a special event at Artspace Mackay. Join in this year at the Civic Centre grounds on Friday 8th May. Photo supplied

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Mackay region residents are invited to get an early taste of what’s planned for the 2026 Mackay Festival of Arts at a launch event on Friday.

The event will take place at the Civic Centre lawn on Friday 8th May, at 6pm.

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Mayor Greg Williamson said residents are invited to join in the free event where they could pick up a program hot off the presses.

“Attendees on the night will be able to purchase early bird tickets to shows at a pop-up box office on site,” Mayor Williamson said.

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“Anyone who purchases a ticket on the night will go into the draw to win a fantastic prize,” he said.

“They will also be able to taste for the first time the new limited edition festival liqueur by the Sarina Sugar Shed.”

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There will be food, entertainment and a licenced bar at Foodspace, making it a fun evening for the whole family.

Mayor Williamson said the Mackay Festivals team has been working tirelessly for more than 12 months to bring together an amazing range of shows and events for 2026.

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“We keep them all under wraps until the program launch event, and I can guarantee festival goers will not be disappointed,” he said.

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The festival will run from July 1st to August 9th at venues all around the Mackay region.

The launch event is free to attend with the program available to pick up on the evening and at locations around Mackay from 13th May.

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Young people are invited to get creative and show their appreciation for first responders ahead of Thank a First Responder Day on 10^th June. Photo supplied

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Children and young people across the Mackay Shire are being invited to channel their creativity into a meaningful cause as part of this year’s Thank a First Responder Day.

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The Young Voices Art Showcase is calling on local youth to create artworks that celebrate and thank the first responders who work tirelessly to keep communities safe.

Whether it’s through a colourful painting, a striking photograph or a digital design, participants are encouraged to capture what first responders mean to them and their community.

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The competition highlights the important role emergency services play across regional areas like Mackay, where strong community ties and local support networks are essential, particularly during challenging times.

Themes include acts of kindness, appreciation and community connection, giving young people the opportunity to reflect on the impact of those who respond when it matters most.

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Two winners will each receive a $200 book voucher, but organisers say the real value lies in giving young people a voice and a way to show their appreciation.

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Entries close on 24th May, ahead of Thank a First Responder Day on 10th June. Visit fortemaustralia.org.au for more information.

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Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Glamour, generosity and a touch of 007 sophistication set the tone for the 2026 Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball, which returned in dazzling style at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.

Widely regarded as one of the region’s most anticipated social events, the annual gala delivered an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment and heartfelt giving, with guests stepping out in striking Bond inspired fashion.

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Hosted by Australian comedian Dave O'Neil and featuring live music from Beccy & The Jets, the evening sparkled with high energy performances, lively auctions, casino style fundraising games and a dance floor that kept the celebration going late into the night.

Presented by Mackay Regional Council, the much-loved event once again showcased Mackay’s generous spirit, raising vital funds for two deserving charities.

Stylish, spirited and purpose driven, the 2026 ball proved the region’s signature red carpet event is only getting better with time!

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A Licence To Thrill For A Powerful Community Cause

At The 2026 Mayors Charity Ball

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Last Saturday evening, the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre shimmered with glitz and glamour as guests dressed in sharp tuxedos and 007-inspired gowns arrived for the 2026 Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball.

The Casino Royale–themed evening transformed the venue into a scene of elegance and intrigue, where every raised glass supported a greater cause. Guests stepped into a world of Bond-style mystery, with many agreeing the night was the best yet as attendees eagerly pursued clues in the interactive “Assassin” mission game.  

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Determined detectives studied their mission cards, scanning the room for subtle hints in hopes of identifying the hidden assassin and claiming the coveted prize.

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Beyond the intrigue, the evening served a powerful purpose, raising vital funds for The Salvation Army Family Violence Service and The Neighbourhood Community Hub Food Diversion Program.

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Guests enjoyed a three-course gala dinner with drinks flowing throughout the evening, while Brisbane band Beccy & The Jets kept the atmosphere vibrant on the dance floor. Much-loved comedian Dave O'Neil delivered laughs as master of ceremonies, blending humour, crowd interaction and sharp observations.

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With auctions, raffles and casino-style fundraising games adding to the excitement, the evening proved once again that Mackay certainly knows how to combine glamour with generosity!

See the rest of the photos in the gallery here:

Part 1: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/a-licence-to-thrill-for-a-powerful-community-cause-at-the-2026-mayors-charity-ball-part-1

Part 2: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/a-licence-to-thrill-for-a-powerful-community-cause-at-the-2026-mayors-charity-ball-part-2

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox attended the Buck Off Melanoma event held in Bowen over the weekend. Photo supplied  

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Engines roared and spirits soared as Bowen came alive for its annual Buck Off Melanoma fundraiser last Sunday. This year’s highlight, the Convoy 4 Melanoma, united the community in a powerful display of support, with trucks and vehicles of all sizes parading through town, horns blaring and crowds cheering.  

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox joined the celebration, praising its uplifting energy. Organisers worked tirelessly to expand the event’s reach, making it more inclusive and impactful than ever. With live music, family activities, and unwavering community backing, the day drove home one vital message: together, we can fight melanoma.

Read the rest of the story here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/article/buck-off-melanoma

Photo source: Facebook

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Queensland’s luxury property market continues to reach new heights, with Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty at the centre of the region’s latest milestone sale.

The agency has set a new benchmark in the Whitsundays, surpassing its own 2024 record with the recent sale of Element Hill on Hamilton Island. This achievement follows the high-profile transaction of Villa De La Mer in Airlie Beach, which sold for close to $15 million.

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Known for handling some of the region’s most prestigious properties, Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty has played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of the Whitsundays as a destination for luxury real estate. Their strategic marketing campaigns, extensive buyer networks and persistence throughout lengthy sales campaigns have proven critical in securing premium outcomes.

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The earlier sale of Villa De La Mer exemplified this approach, attracting strong national interest and multiple offers over an extended period. By maintaining confidence in the property’s value and targeting the right buyers, the agency was able to achieve a record-breaking result that exceeded previous regional benchmarks.

This latest sale further cements Sotheby’s reputation as a leader in the prestige property sector, not just within Queensland but across Australia. As demand for high-end coastal homes continues to grow, their influence is helping to reshape expectations and pricing across the Whitsundays.

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For the local community, these results signal increasing confidence in the region’s property market and reinforce its standing on the national stage.

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Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty has set a new Whitsundays property record with the sale of Element Hill on Hamilton Island, surpassing its own 2024 benchmark.

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Melbourne band ‘Monroe’ being announced as 2025 Passport to Airlie Winners Photo supplied

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‘Passport to Airlie’ opens career-launching national search

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The Airlie Beach Festival of Music has opened its entries for Passport to Airlie. This opportunity is designed to uncover and support original artists across Australia, offering unsigned musicians the chance to perform at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music from November 6th-8th.

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Every musician starts somewhere - why not Airlie Beach?  

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2023 winners, Avalanche, are a ‘case-in-point’, entering the ‘Passport’ experience as a four-piece hard rock band from Western Sydney, and emerging with widespread media coverage, airplay on both mainstream and community radio charts, and a support role with Airbourne on their 2026 European ‘Armed to the teeth’ tour.  

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Passport to Airlie applications are open to original acts nationwide, with the sole criteria that no cover songs or tributes are allowed.  

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The competition starts with regional heats, held from June to September across Australia.  

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The act who wins their regional heat must be available to travel to Airlie Beach from November 6th-8th, where they will receive four nights’ accommodation, VIP tickets to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music (valued at $1,150 each), and go head-to-head with the other regional winners for the chance to win the ultimate prize.  

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Judged by a panel of industry professionals (with previous judges including Superjesus frontwoman, Sarah McLeod, and Dave Gleeson from The Screaming Jets), the overall winner secures a professional photography package, a main stage performance slot in 2027, and tiered prize money based on act size, with $500 awarded to solo artists, $1,000 to duos, $1,500 to trios and $2,000 to full bands.  

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To enter, head to www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au and tab to the Passport to Airlie landing page.  

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This week I’d like to focus more on the new Book Club segment. Please keep submitting both your poetry and book reviews. It is always a pleasure to see the immense creative passion across the region. This week’s book review is from Lisa Mitchell who runs her own ‘Bookstagram’ account where she shares new releases, reviews and other book related content. You can find her content on Instagram via the handle @serenity.of.books

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It is really inspiring to see Australian creators perform so well on the global stage. I have always been a strong advocate for fostering arts and culture within Australia. As a country that sometimes seems to view the arts as a lesser priority, we have always been at risk of a ‘brain drain’, in which creatives head overseas for better opportunities. I too have been tempted by such a move, however I’ve realised that Australia is my home, and I think art can be a powerful way to make sense of who we are and where we come from.  

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We need art made by Australians that interrogates what it means to live in this country. I think there are too many Australian artists trying to replicate American or British work. That’s been done. We need stories that truly reflect the landscape, the environment and the history.  

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Creative talent is everywhere in Australia. We just need to nurture it.

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‘At once a gripping mystery, an exquisitely written ode to the natural world, and a taut, psychological thriller, Wild Dark Shore is a triumph….’ -- This is how one of my favourite authors, Hannah Kent, describes this book, and I couldn’t agree more. I’ve discovered a new favourite author in Charlotte McConaghy.

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Dominic Salt and his three children are the last caretakers of Shearwater, a remote island near Antarctica that shelters the world’s largest seed bank. As they prepare the seeds for relocation, isolation weighs heavily: Raff wrestles with heartbreak, Fen seeks solace among the seals, Orly clings to his love of botany, and Dominic remains trapped in grief. Their world shifts when Rowan, a mysterious woman, washes ashore during a storm. As bonds of trust form, long-buried secrets emerge—sabotaged radios, a grave, and Dominic’s hidden past. With the storms closing in, the family must decide whether they can trust one another enough to protect the seeds and forge a new beginning.

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The island’s wild, elemental beauty and the fragile family story unfolding against it completely captured my imagination, pulling me deeper until I was as invested in the setting as in the characters—on edge, as with any great thriller. I finished this book weeks ago and still can’tstop thinking about Shearwater. I’ve recommended it to everyone I know, because no words I can find do it justice. All I can say is: read it for yourself—it’s an absolute gem.

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The photo of the week winner is Elise Dunckis (what a great run she is having) for theme ‘Golden Hour’. The photo was taken at Glenden.  

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Contributed by Whitsunday Amateur Photographers

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