It’s all in the name at Mackay Rustic Hire & Events, where rustic elegance takes centre stage for celebrations of every size.

The locally owned business was inspired by the owners own rustic-themed wedding in 2017 and has since grown into a sought after hire service, offering a collection of distinctive handmade pieces alongside an extensive range of event essentials.

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Think timber trestle tables, chairs, wine barrels, dry bars, arbours and lounges to decorative styling pieces, Mackay Rustic Hire & Events caters to everything from intimate gatherings to large scale celebrations.

Whether you’re planning a DIY event or looking for a fully styled function, the team can help bring your vision to life for weddings, corporate events, baby showers, parties and other special occasions.

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Based in Mackay, the business services the Bowen Basin, North Queensland and the Southeast Coast, with regular service to areas including Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Moranbah and beyond.

A variety of hire packages are available to suit different occasions and budgets. Options include picnic setups, ceremonial packages, high teas, garden and bar barrel packages, as well as settings designed for intimate groups of two or four people through to event setups accommodating up to 100 guests.

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No matter the occasion, Mackay Rustic Hire & Events offers hire options to suit a range of styles, budgets and celebrations.  

Visit their website to explore the full collection and start planning your next event at mackayrustic.com.au.

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Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

This year’s QME Expo showcased the strength and innovation of the mining industry, attracting thousands of exhibitors, industry professionals and visitors to Mackay.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the event was “the biggest mining exhibition in regional Australia” and highlighted its positive impact on the local community.

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“Events like this are great for our community,” he said.

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“I’m a big kid at heart when it comes to this sort of stuff. It’s great to see so many people out here enjoying the displays and machinery.”

See more photos here:

Part 1: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/qme-puts-mackay-mining-on-the-map-part-1

Part 2: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/qme-puts-mackay-mining-on-the-map-part-2

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Creative Networking Finch Hatton – Ready Set Create!

Wednesday, July 29 | 5pm
Creatives, artists and community members are invited to this free networking event at The Gift Shed, Finch Hatton. Hosted by Mackay Regional Council, the evening features a panel discussion, Q&A and opportunities to connect while exploring cultural tourism in the Pioneer Valley.
The Gift Shed, 20 Anzac Parade, Finch Hatton

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MAD MTBC Gravity Flow Extravaganza Weekend 2026

Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2 | 9am–3pm
The Finch Hatton MTB Crew's Gravity Flow Extravaganza returns with a weekend of gravity enduro riding for all skill levels. Whether riding or spectating, it's a great chance to enjoy the action and community atmosphere.
MTB Trails, Pioneer Valley

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Echoes of the Gorge

Sunday, August 9 | From 9am
Celebrate creativity at this free Mackay Festival of Arts event featuring an art exhibition, live music, artisan market and hands-on workshops for all ages. Arrive early for workshops, as places are limited.
Old Finch Hatton Railway Station

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Mad Hatters Tea Party

Sunday, August 9 | From 11am
Enjoy a whimsical high tea in a beautifully styled garden as part of Echoes of the Gorge. Dress up for prize opportunities, bring your own bubbles and savour homemade sweet and savoury treats. Bookings are essential via onehungrymumma.com.au.
Finch Hatton

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The Brief: Lifestyle, Tourism & Endless Opportunities on 22 Acres in the Heart of Finch Hatton Gorge

Nestled amongst the breathtaking rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge, this remarkable 22-acre property offers a truly rare opportunity to secure a lifestyle unlike any other. Whether you're dreaming of creating an eco-tourism retreat, boutique campground, adventure base or simply escaping to your own private paradise, the possibilities here are endless.

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Already established with quality camping infrastructure, picturesque walking trails and stunning natural surrounds, the property is ready to welcome guests while still offering the privacy and comfort of your own home. With a permanent creek, elevated lookout points, mature fruit trees and impressive infrastructure already in place, this is a destination that people will travel to experience.

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At the heart of the property sits a comfortable residence complemented by separate living and kitchen quarters, creating flexibility for guests, extended family or future accommodation opportunities.

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THE MAIN RESIDENCE

• Modern open-plan living, dining and kitchen flowing to a large covered deck, second living area and spacious master bedroom with adjoining office and generous storage.

• Stylish main bathroom with shower, vanity and toilet.

• Air-conditioning throughout both buildings.

• Large deck and patio connecting the two buildings.

• Outdoor entertaining area overlooking the picturesque surrounds.

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AROUND THE PROPERTY

• Brand-new 26m x 12m council-approved shed built to an exceptional standard with 32-grade concrete, hoist compatibility, 15-amp power to every corner and three oversized garage doors (two electric).

• 50,000L water tank and high-quality drinkable bore water with dedicated pump shed.

• Established fruit orchard, separate laundry shed, single-bay garage and covered carport.

• Permanent creek with walking tracks, peaceful seating areas and multiple elevated viewpoints with potential future house pad sites (STCA).

• Air-conditioned removable cabin and two outdoor bathroom facilities, including one with a bathtub and the other an outdoor kitchenette.

• Potential bike or hiking trails and capacity to accommodate up to 30 campers, offering exceptional tourism potential.

• Timber logs, selected furnishings, tractor with attachments, ride-on mower and Starlink system available by negotiation.

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PROPERTY INFORMATION 

• Mains power, 5kW solar system and generator changeover switch.

• Electric hot water to the main residence and gas hot water to the cabin.

• High-quality bore water, rainwater tank and permanent creek.

• Starlink connected.

• Rates approximately $1,400 per half year.

• Rural zoning.

• Shed completed in 2026.

Contact Robyn Agius today to arrange your private inspection. Inspections by appointment only

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Photo source: Sarah Kennerley from the Grasstree Beach Progress Association Inc.  

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The Grasstree Beach Progress Association Inc has celebrated another milestone at its Community Hub, with locals coming together for a day of creativity and collaboration.

The event featured a community mural, watercolour art and a sausage sizzle, with volunteers playing a key role in bringing the day together.

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The association thanked everyone who contributed.

“Thanks to all that turned up and sharing in this awesome experience. Thanks to the chef for the sausage sizzle and the volunteers who helped set up.  

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“A special thanks to Dr Glenda Hobdell, our watercolour artist, for sharing your talents. And to our resident artist Donna Maree Robinson for the guidance on her amazing mural.”

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The successful gathering marks another step forward in the ongoing development of the Grasstree Beach Community Hub and highlighted the strong community effort behind the project.

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The mural painting and community event was sponsored by Mackay Regional Council, with artist and member of the Grasstree Beach Progress Association Donna Maree Robinson helping bring the vision to life through her art.

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About 65 string students from North High and Mackay Northern Beaches State High School came together for the Camerata workshop. Photo supplied

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The sound of strings filled Mackay North State High School as around 65 students from two local schools came together to learn from professional musicians during Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra’s third visit.

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Approximately 65 students took part, bringing together the full string ensembles from North High and Mackay Northern Beaches State High School.

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Working alongside Camerata’s professional musicians, students received hands-on guidance with technique, pitch and ensemble playing.

The Mackay Chamber Music Festival delivered the workshop as part of its educational masterclasses, with sponsorship from the Hannan Mason Foundation.

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Foundation chief executive officer Nikki Wright said the sponsorship gave regional students access to opportunities more commonly concentrated in capital cities and inspired local talent to hone their skills and follow their ambition for a career in the Arts.

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“There is talent in the regions, and the Mackay Chamber Music Festival aims to encourage and foster that talent,” Ms Wright said.

“For some students, taking part in this workshop with Camerata is their first exposure to musicians of that calibre.”

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Ms Wright said the talent and passion of Mackay’s young artists had long impressed her.

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“This region values the arts and so many children are involved in the arts as co curricula activity”

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“The Hannan Mason Foundation aims to enable local people to thrive and that’s what the Mackay Chamber Music Festival is about – enabling local talent and sharing the benefits of music with the community.

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She formed her connection with the Mackay Chamber Music Festival when she met festival founder and internationally regarded violinist Glenn Christensen.

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That conversation led the foundation to sponsor the festival and expand its reach beyond Mackay, and this year renowned artists from EnsembleQ presented a concert at the Isaac Community Centre for students from Moranbah, St Lawrence and surrounding communities.

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Children from the Whitsundays also participated in the festival masterclasses at the weekend.

Back at North High, Head of Department – Music Kathy George said the school could not have provided the Camerata workshop without the foundation’s support.

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“The students absolutely love seeing these artists visit,” Mrs George said.

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“They engage with them straight away because they move and play among the students and help them with their technical points and pitch.

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“It just opens another world to them. They know what the possibilities are beyond Mackay.”

Students worked with artistic director and orchestra leader Brendan Joyce, principal second violinist and education manager Jonny Ng, violist Sophie Ellis, cellist Rory Smith and principal double bassist Marian Heckenberg.

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Camerata musicians were highly impressed by the combined ensemble, with discussions under way about a longer future visit culminating in a grand finale concert.

Camerata visited Mackay for the Mackay Chamber Music Festival, with support from Arts Queensland and sponsorship from the Hannan Mason Foundation.

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Get ready for a night of guaranteed laughs with one of Australia’s funniest and most loveable comedians.

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Dane Simpson is coming to the MECC on Saturday 26 September 2026.

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Dane comes from a long line of funny buggers. A wisecracking Dad, a cleverly cutting Mum, hilarious grandparents, and generations of jokers, pranksters and yarnspinners.

Now Dane is here putting the 'rad' into 'traditional'. He always was, always will be…funny. 

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Arguably Wagga Wagga's finest export, Dane has made countless TV appearances including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee, Wil Anderson's Question Everything, The Hundred with Andy Lee, SBS's Celebrity Letters & Numbers, and even on the big screen in zombie movie Residence and rom-com The Merger.

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With a string of sold-out live comedy shows across Australia and in the UK, he’s heading to Mackay with a whole lot of gut-busting jokes and damned funny stories.

For 60,000 years of belly-laughs, book now.

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Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at mecc.com.au or through the MECC Box Office.

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‘Side splitting down to earth humour… how often do you go to a comedy show where you laugh until your sides hurt?’ – Glamadelaide

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‘Dane had me laughing so hard I had a hard time holding back tears of joy. Whatever you take from this review, please follow him!’ – Theatre Matters

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A visit to Mackay's Catherine Freeman Walk prompted former Australian athlete Jana Pittman to share a heartfelt tribute to the Olympic champion who continues to inspire her decades later. Photo source: Jana Pittman  

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Jana Pittman Reflects On A Hero's Legacy In Mackay

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Australian former athlete Jana Pittman laced up her running shoes during a recent visit to Mackay, ready to set foot on one of the region's famous trails and pay a personal tribute to one of Australia's greatest sporting icons.

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While in the region for a speaking engagement, Ms Pittman sought out Mackay's Catherine Freeman Walk, running the trail in honour of Olympic champion Cathy Freeman, an athlete she says continues to inspire her decades later.

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Sharing the moment on social media, Ms Pittman wrote, “Running on hallowed ground. In Mackay QLD for a speaking gig and found the Catherine Freeman Walk!! So naturally… I ran it. Hard!!

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“16 x 1 min efforts, legs burning, heart full... this is Cathy's hometown!”

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Ms Pittman reflected on the memories she still carries of a sporting hero who left an enduring imprint on her life.

“Cathy is still a hero to me who I watched from the stands but also had the privilege of lining up beside... albeit as a starry-eyed kid and running with her in relays!” she shared.

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Reflecting on Freeman's unforgettable role in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Ms Pittman spoke about the extraordinary mental resilience that set the Australian legend apart.

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“She hadn't won Olympic gold yet. Atlanta had given her silver, and the weight of an entire nation's expectation sat squarely on her. They chose her to light the cauldron... before she'd even won an Olympic.”

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“And then, ten days later, she had to go and actually do it.”

Ms Pittman said it was Freeman's ability to withstand immense pressure that continues to shape her own mindset.

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“That ability to compartmentalise... to silence the noise, to walk with the pressure, and carry the millions of people willing you to win... and still perform? That's not physical. That's something else entirely. That's the thing that separated her from almost everyone who ever laced up a spike.”

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More than two decades after Freeman's historic Olympic triumph, her legacy remains as powerful as ever.

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“She didn't just win gold. She did it with a stillness that still takes my breath away. When I am having a moment of doubt and fear it's this I reflect on.”

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For Ms Pittman, running Mackay's Catherine Freeman Walk wasn't merely about finding a place to train, but rather a chance to honour an Olympic icon whose courage, composure and legacy continue to inspire not only her, but generations of athletes.

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“Decades later, I'm still in awe.”

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Main Tent overlooking the water. Photo Credit: Bailey Simmons.

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Where live music meets the Great Barrier Reef, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is doubling the fun this year, introducing limited two-day passes for music lovers short on time or budget.  

With spectacular sea views from the main stage at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, the festival has become one of the Whitsundays' standout calendar events, combining live music with a scenic waterfront setting.

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This year, new $250 two-day passes are being introduced, aimed at music lovers who may be short on money or time.

“This year, we have what’s called the ‘Foo Fighters’ ticket,” festival founder Gavin Butlin said.  

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“The Foo Fighters are playing in Townsville on the same Saturday as our festival, so for the music buffs that really want to come to both, this means they can.”  

Mr Butlin said giving music lovers the added flexibility to choose their preferred combination of days, was another bonus.  

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“Pick the Saturday and Sunday option, or the Friday and Saturday, and if you want to duck up the road to see the Fooeys on the Saturday, you can still come to the festival on the Friday and Sunday – it’s a win-win, but you’ll need to get in quick as numbers are strictly limited,” he said.  

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In keeping with the double-the-fun theme, the festival has also appointed both Nathan Cavaleri, and explosive Australian blues, roots, and rock trio 19-Twenty, as dual ambassadors for the 2026 event.  

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19-Twenty frontman, Kane Dennelly, said having played the Airlie Beach Festival of Music two years previously, he and his bandmates were “stoked” to return to the town that seemingly comes alive.  

“It’s an amazing festival with its heart in the right place,” he said.  

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“It's not a festival that's all about generating income and trying to squeeze everyone – it's about: hey, we've got amazing artists in this country, come and hang in Airlie – an amazing place in this country – and let's all leave feeling better than when we arrived”.  

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For Nathan Cavaleri, flying the festival flag alongside his good mates 19-Twenty, is another way to share their passion for bringing joy to people’s lives through music.  

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“I crave experiences like this because when you go to a festival like Airlie Beach, the only things that matter are the tropics, the music, the good people, having some drinks, having some laughs, feeling some feels, and that is all you need to do,” he said.  

“So, to those who are interested in coming to the festival, much like a holiday, you’ve got to book that stuff in, so when you’re dealing with that daily grind you’ve got something to look forward to.”  

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Festival-goers can imagine their weekend at a packed main stage program, with each day offering a different lineup of artists set to keep the crowd moving.  

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On Friday 6^th November, this year’s 11 regional Passport to Airlie winners will battle it out for the ultimate win, followed by 2025 Passport winners, Melbourne act, Monroe, and finishing with the legendary Xavier Rudd.  

Saturday 7^th November kicks off with Salt & Steel, followed by Skinny Living (UK), 19-Twenty, Conrad Sewell, The Whitlams and The Radiators.  

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Sunday 8^th November starts with Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento, leading into Adam Harvey, Nathan Cavaleri, and Little Quirks, with Mark Seymour and Mental As Anything bringing the house down for the closing sets.  

In total, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music features 60-plus acts, spread throughout 16 venues, including the iconic, waterfront main stage, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.  

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Beyond the music, the festival offers visitors another reason to explore the region, with the Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach just a short boat trip from Airlie Beach. The combination of live entertainment and the surrounding natural attractions makes for a memorable weekend.

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Tickets are on sale now at www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au costing $340 for a three-day pass, or $1,200 for a VIP package, both including entry to the opening and after parties that bookend the main event.  

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This week's winning image comes from Shantal Cornford, whose clever camera work takes out top honours for the "Trick Photography" theme.

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Captured in WA’s Kalbarri National Park, the photo uses a perfectly chosen angle to create the illusion of a daring rock-climbing scene. It's a great reminder that sometimes the most creative shots don't need editing, just a sharp eye and a bit of imagination.

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Hats off to you Shantal! Now it's over to next week's theme, "Bare Trees." Whether it's a lone gum standing against the sky or a forest of winter branches, we can't wait to see your unique take.

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Dam Inspection. Family day and inspection of the dam site will take place on Sunday. Bed rock will be cleaned and used to construct the 160 metre long 50 metre high dam wall. The catchment area is 256 sq. km. It will hold ½ million megalitresand will cost $32million.  

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Timber to Norway. Like ‘coals to Newcastle’ Grays supplied a shipment to Norway of specific species such as Mackay Cedar and Tulip Oak.  

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Deb of the Year. Tracey Telford daughter of George and Mavis was judged Deb of the Year at the’ Baton Twirlers ‘ Ball of the year’ from 18 young ladies. Her partner was Carl Elgh.  

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Praise For Proserpine Police. With a ratio of one policeman for 2,500 people, the police had to work well with their community. “Police in the Proserpine Shire are doing an excellent job” stated visiting police commissioner Sir Terry Lewis.  

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Successful Fundraising For Leos.At the first Leos handover it was reported that $3850 had been raised this year . John Lloyd was installed as the new president.  

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Regional Tourism. The Whitsundays will join Townsville, Cairns and Mackay for a combined display at the Brisbane Exhibition in August called “tropical North Queensland”.  

Boathaven Marina Stage One. The building will take three years to complete.This will contain 200 berths and a 2.5 hectare retail area and an 18 hole golf course with an annual TVO Classic.  

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State Government Grant Increase. Whitsunday Tourism Association will receive a grant doubled to $70,000, which was described as ‘fantastic’ by tourism personnel.  

Helicopter Flights. Air Whitsunday acquired a helicopter this week which can land on the water and are now running joy flights to South Molle and Daydream.  

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Annual Garden Competition. This is being organised by Airlie Beach Rotary Club and judging will take place over 4 days in mid August. Last year there were 30 entries. Organiser Ron McDowall stated that there were plans to set up ‘the Whitsunday Home Gardeners Association.  

Dog Bonus. In a blitz against unregistered dogs Council is offering a bonus to the dog catcher of $5 for each dog registered and $10 for the release of every dog seized and released.  

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Plans For Sportspark. The taskforce is looking to develop 200 acres of sporting grounds which would cater for a projected population of 40,000 people. The relocation of the council refuse site and reclamation of mangrove areas would provide the land.  

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First Official Post Office in Proserpine. Photo supplied: Proserpine Historical Museum Society.

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In the early days of settlement, the Post Office stood at the centre of town life. More than a postal service: it also served as a trusted place for record-keeping, helping to preserve vital historical information for future generations.  

Postal services in the Proserpine area began in 1892 when a receiving office was opened at Breadalbane Station. The PHMS publication, “Proserpine Then and Now” published details of landowners in the district from 1894-1895. These figures were recorded from “a receiving office 40 miles from Bowen” - no doubt referring to the Breadalbane office.  

From 1896 to 1904, shopkeeper, Jonathan Jupp, operated an unofficial post office with telegraph facilities from his main street general store. The area was known as Lower Proserpine. “Port Denison Times” (March 1904) stated, “a site for a Post and Telegraph Office in Proserpine had been purchased and tenders were open for the erection of this building.”  

Upon completion of the building, Mrs Maggie Tracey (nee Hall-Scott) of Bowen was appointed postmistress. She remained there until 1909. When this first official post office opened, the “Lower” was dropped from the name. Maggie was agent for the Queensland Government Savings Bank, handling wages for Proserpine Central Sugar Mill as well as postal duties until Proserpine’s first bank, the Bank of New South Wales, opened in 1907. The telephone exchange opened in 1912 with fourteen subscribers and was initially on the verandah of the Post Office. This closed with automation in 1976.  

The current timber and brick post office was built by Mr P. J. Wollon of Brisbane on the same site as the post office built in 1904. It opened in June 1940 at a cost of £3947. It was built to a standard post office design of a twin porch, mail verandah and central gable, a style that was common between 1920 and 1939 and the principal characteristics justifying its listing on the Local Heritage Register. Originally planned as a wholly timber building, as per standard post office designs, the Proserpine Shire Council requested the government incorporate bricks and cement into the design.  

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In 1995, modifications to the building were made when the post office was refurbished as an Australia Post Shop. Further changes occurred in April 2010 when the building became a private post office. On August 5, 2025, Proserpine Post Office, which was operated by Grant Brown and a dedicated staff for thirty years, was sold to Mr Frank Wu.  

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Proserpine Post Office diaries from 1950 to 1986 contain a wealth of information about the role of the post office. The Postmaster recorded all mail traffic throughout the district, including Whitsunday Islands and mail mainly arrived on the mail train or by air. With prevalent floods, low bridges and bad roads, mail deliveries were often held up with contractors in country areas often unable to get through. Rail strikes were another problem. In the early days, some mailmen delivered mail on horseback.  

Weather conditions (rainfall etc), which are now recorded at Whitsunday Coast Airport were once recorded at the post office. If a cyclone warning was out, a red pennant was raised.  The diary entry for Cyclone Ada reads as follows: - “All communication between islands lost 2am 18/1/1970.  Lines to north and south also OOO from 4am 18/1/70.  Cyclone hit town approx. 3am causing heavy damage. (approx.1 in 6 houses lost roofs).”      

The Post Office has had a long connection with the people of Proserpine and the surrounding district as a provider of communication services. Just as importantly, however, it has served as a familiar meeting place where people could exchange news about family, friendsand the wider community.  

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Geed’up living it up on stage in Emerald. Photo sourced: Geed’Up Band.

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The self-proclaimed "Worst Show Ever" is back in Airlie Beach, bringing all-round entertainment, with plenty of laughs and an important message that life is better when you don't take it too seriously.  

This August 1 and 2, Gold Coast-based entertainment group Geed Up will bring its trademark chaos to the stage at Airlie Beach Hotel. The crew delivers a high-energy mix of comedy, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics and live singing, creating a show that gets audiences laughing, smiling and on their feet.

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"The whole reasoning behind the show or our main goal is to improve people's mental health with our terrible show,” said Geed’Up Leader Khan.  

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Founded by Khan on the Gold Coast in 2006, Geed Up began almost by accident as a small side project between a group of performers.  

For years, the crew entertained audiences at private functions, corporate events and smaller shows, gradually refining the act as they went.

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Despite being together two decades now, the show dubbed ‘Worst Show Ever’ has remained a close-knit group, adding new members over the years while holding onto the chemistry that first put the show on the road.

Six members of the show's nine-person touring cast will perform in Airlie Beach, each bringing a different talent to the stage. World-class breakdancers JJ and Eva are joined by hip-hop dancers and acrobats Kaitai and Khan, while vocalists Lizzy and Steve add rich harmonies alongside Khan's singing and beatboxing. Together, they create a fast-paced performance where music, dance, comedy and acrobatics all share the spotlight.  

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Like many performers, Geed Up's momentum was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. But when restrictions eased in late 2021, demand for the show quickly exploded.  

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Touring invitations soon followed, and today the nine-member group performs around 200 shows a year across Australia, using its performances to raise awareness for mental health and support organisations including Beyond Blue.  

"Ever since we sort of did that [partnered with beyond blue], we started getting a lot of support and it became really busy," he said.  

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“We've raised nearly 25 grand for them.”  

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Despite its name, Worst Show Ever, it was never meant to be taken literally. Khan said the title reflects the group's unique blend of comedy, music and entertainment, all designed to leave audiences smiling.

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"The show is designed to make you laugh, smile, cry, but most importantly, improve mental health, raise awareness about the support that's available,” Khan said.  

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“It reminds people to not take everything too seriously in life.”

The Saturday performance also forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival program, with Airlie Beach Hotel offering one of the best vantage points to catch the 5pm Street Parade before the show begins.

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Three regional authors will soon reveal what it really takes to go from idea to published book, in a session designed to be the push local storytellers need.

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Almost everyone has thought about writing a book at some point. A family story, a thriller, a memoir, a children’s book. Few ever start. Fewer still finish. On Sunday 13^th September, three Queensland authors will explain why the ones who did aren’t necessarily the ones you’d expect.

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That question — could you write a book? — opens the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, held at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale, in a panel session bringing together a fantasy and children’s author, a debut thriller writer, and a journalist-turned-memoirist, each with a completely different route into print.

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“Every writer starts with an idea, and every journey is different”

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Festival Director Richard Evans says the session was deliberately built for people who have never called themselves writers.

“Many people carry an idea for a book for years without ever putting pen to paper,” Richard said. “This session is about showing that there is no single path to becoming an author. Every writer starts with an idea, and every journey is different.

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That’s the drawcard for local audiences: this isn’t a masterclass for people who already have a manuscript. It’s for the ones who’ve only ever had the idea and want to hear from people who’ve done it, whether it’s actually possible for them too.”

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A children’s-fantasy author, a Far North Queensland thriller writer, and a cancer memoirist walk into a panel discussion …

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A. L. Tippett

Urban fantasy and children's author who returned to her lifelong writing dream.

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Greg Bourke

Debut thriller author inspired by life and teaching in Far North Queensland.

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Rachael Smith

Journalist whose cancer journey became an honest, inspiring memoir for families.

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Between them, the panel will unpack where ideas actually come from, how to work through self-doubt, the realistic publishing options available to first-time authors, and the lessons each writer says they wish they’d known earlier.

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What: 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival opening panel: Is there a book in you?
When: 11am Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale

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24^th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine  

24^th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

24^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

25^th Creative Connections Whitsundays Volunteer Day at the Community Gallery, 10am-12pm, Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery, 192 Main Street, Proserpine  

25^th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, 11am, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Airlie Beach  

25^th Tonight’s the Night Rod Stewart Tribute, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

25^th Whitsunday Mayor’s Charity Ball, 5pm-12am, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine  

25^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

26^th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, 5am, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Airlie Beach  

26^th Tonight’s the Night Rod Stewart Tribute, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

26^th Family Trivia Night, 4pm-6pm, 26 Main Street, Proserpine  

26^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

28^th Sailability Whitsundays.  

30^th Your Song, 7:30pm-9pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine  

30^th Great Barrier Reef Festival Opening Night of Art Exhibition by Creative Connections Whitsunday, 6pm, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach  

30^th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach  

31^st Mike Tyler Stand-up Comedy Night, 7pm, Coral Sea Resort  

31^st Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine  

31^st 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

31^st Ed Sheeran Out Loud, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

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