Friday 16th May Cowboy Dressage Mackay Gathering And Show From 7.30amThe Cowboy Dressage Mackay Gathering and Show invites riders to compete in a celebration of horsemanship, community, and Cowboy Dressage values. Held at the Undercover Arena and judged by Tanja Kraus, the event will feature a wide range of classes and awards across Open, Amateur, and Junior divisions. With ribbon, buckle, and honorary awards on offer, the event highlights skill, presentation, and partnership between horse and
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There was something truly magical about Saturday night’s Mayor’s Charity Ball — a chic and whimsical celebration wrapped in the glow of vintage carnival charm. Think oversized lollipops, towering glass canisters of coloured popcorn and pastel gumballs… and yes, I can confirm they were real. After a cheeky dare from Andrew Willcox, I tested one myself. (How could I not?) It was a night I completely let my hair down — racing between carnival games like a kid in heels, with my completed tick
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The countdown is on for the 2025 harvest season with a lot of activity in the fields and sheds, and finally, a slowing down of industry events, including this week’s annual Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS) Field Day. Held at the Victoria Plains Seed Plot, this is always a well-attended event with growers and stakeholders having the opportunity to get a glimpse into what is happening in the Central District via MAPS and SRA (Sugar Research Australia). QCAR Central District has had
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I have a confession. It’s about something I’ve carried with me privately for a long time. It’s something that could bring into question my credibility as an Australian, a Queenslander and, well, a Mackayite. Like all confessions, it is something that can change the way people think about you. On hearing this one, some people, maybe many people … oh, probably most of you, will apply a word to me that goes straight after “pretentious” and rhymes with “banker”. Well, here goes ... I never use th
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Celebrate a special milestone as the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens marks 10 years of its much-loved Open Day event! Held as part of a wider celebration across Australia and New Zealand, this event brings botanic gardens together to highlight the vital role they play in conservation, education and community connection. This free, family-friendly event on Saturday, May 24, from 8am to noon on the Tropical Sun Lawn, promises a vibrant celebration bursting with nature and plenty of fun! The Bot
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The Whitsunday Electorate is set to receive $351,970.65 in funding from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, with 14 community groups successful in their application for funding to help purchase new equipment for their organisation. More than 2000 applications were received across the State, which was the largest number in the program’s 31-year history. Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, said the grants give recognition to grassroots organisations that are at the heart of our community. “
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Excitement is building in Bowen, with the town abuzz with news of the imminent rocket launch that could take place any time from Thursday, 15th May. Gilmour Space Technologies announced a launch window starting ‘no earlier than’ Thursday between 7.30am and 5.30pm, but have reiterated that this could change at any time. From launch, the flight path will take eight minutes before the rocket passes through the edge of Earth’s atmosphere and officially reaches orbit. "This will be the first attem
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A sea of placards gathered at the steps of the Proserpine Courthouse last week, with local protestors conducting a demonstration to express their frustration that a Mining Lease Application had been granted for Dittmer Gold Mine without impact assessments being addressed. Shortly afterward, the Whitsunday Conservation Council released a statement outlining the desperate need for better environmental safety measures. “It is unacceptable that an application to have an EA approval granted in 2010
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Excitement is high to welcome Chris Sebastian to Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival. Winner of The Voice Season 9, capturing the hearts of Australian audiences, Chris will join 2 time Golden Guitar award winner Brad Butcher as part of the professional songwriter faculty. The Songwriter Festival is in its fourth year and provides a brilliant opportunity for local songwriters to learn from professionals in an immersive one-day workshop. Chris will also perform alongside other o
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“You’re not old, you’re fantastic!” These were the words of my young son during the week of his eighth birthday when I mentioned my ever-increasing age. I think he was probably buttering me up ahead of his ‘Party Royale’ Fortnite-themed birthday bash this Friday, but it still felt nice to be called fantastic! Anyway, this week is big not just because of my son’s birthday, but also due to a certain imminent rocket launch in Bowen. After years of preparation, the launch window has finally arri
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Well known for his community-minded attitude, local Ironman hero Mick Kimpton once again proved his deep-rooted kindness when he helped Whitsunday Life journalist Daniel Heggie earlier this week. Eager to participate in the Airlie Beach Triathlon this year, Daniel had begun training with a friend but realised one thing stood in his way – he didn’t have a bike. Having known Mick through his role as President of the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, Daniel approached him to ask if he knew where h
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Yes, there is evidence that Great Barrier Reef green zones, or no-take zones, are effective in protecting and increasing fish populations, especially coral trout. These zones help replenish fish stocks and benefit the overall health of the reef ecosystem. Prior to the Reef rezoning of 2004, protected areas on the Reef covered less than 5%. But after an intense two-year planning period and more than 30,000 public submissions, protected areas were increased to more than 33% in 2004. There was a
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Humpbacks in the southern hemisphere commonly have a white or grey underside which can extend onto their sides. The top of the pectoral fin is generally black on top and white underneath. Humpbacks in the northern hemisphere are predominantly black, but have varying degrees of white on the throat, belly, pectoral fins, and flukes. The top of their pectorals tend to be white. Just like their body pigmentation, southern hemisphere humpback whales have large areas of white on their tail flukes.
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Hi everyone, Welcome to this week’s edition of Ruth2Reef! I hope you enjoy reading about the latest environmental happenings. If you have any stories you’d like to see featured in Ruth2Reef, feel free to email them to me at ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com Happy reading! Ruth
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W B (Bill) Morgan came to the district in 1902. Initially he worked for farmers, Peter Nielsen and John Renwick, with a spell on cattle stations out west. In 1905, Bill Morgan started cane growing at Cannon Valley with brother, Norman. In 1910/11, along with cousins, P and G Morris, they established a larger farm at Conway/Preston. The Morgan brothers’ house was impressive. When Annie Ware and Jim Stanley were to be married in 1911, a kitchen tea was held there. A toast proposed to Bill as the
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This week's Pet of the Week is two-year-old Arab x Greyhound with a heart as big as his paws. This loveable long-termer was rescued from death row at the Burdekin pound and is now looking for his second chance at happiness. Currently being fostered in Brandy Creek, Timmy is a playful, affectionate companion who adores running, zoomies, and hanging out with his foster brothers. He’s fantastic with kids of all ages, submissive with other dogs, and even good with cats. Timmy would thrive in a hom
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There was no social bowls played at Proserpine Bowls Club on Wednesday, following heavy rain on Tuesday night which gave the green another good soaking. On Thursday, Mary Hedgelong and Lee King accompanied Heather to St Helen’s PAH for President Joan Chapman’s Day. It was a lovely event celebrating Joan’s long-standing contribution to lawn bowls at club, district, and state levels. Joan has announced her retirement at the end of the year, and those present expressed their gratitude for her cont
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Exciting news came through this week for Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with confirmation that the long-awaited roof installation is scheduled to begin in early June. Members are eagerly anticipating this major upgrade to the facility. Despite being impacted by weather once again, the club saw good attendance and some excellent play throughout the week. Tuesday afternoon’s social bowls went ahead with 16 players taking to the green in four games of pairs. In an unusual twist, the dice determined tha
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Excitement is building for the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s upcoming Queenfish and Trevally Rally, which has received a major boost with Tackle World Airlie Beach coming on board as the naming rights sponsor. New store owners Dan and Beth Hockley have thrown their support behind the event in a big way, generously donating a $650 rod and reel combo as a major prize. They’ll also be delivering a special presentation during the event briefing, sharing expert tips on lure fishing for queenfish and t
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It was another busy and competitive week at the Wangaratta Bowls Club, with social bowls, club competitions, and some special Mother’s Day action on the green. Tuesday Social Bowls Tuesday’s winning team was Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler, and Maureen Hyde, who defeated Deb Retchless, Howard Moulang, and Robyn Stitt. In another close match, Sue Shearing, Gavin Charles, and Margaret Wilson came out on top against Neale Chittenden, Laurie Land, and Ron Hyde. The jackpot, however, did not go of
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Just when it seemed the wet weather had passed, the rain returned—putting a damper on Proserpine Golf Club’s centenary celebrations. Thankfully, conditions eased by Tuesday, allowing the full course to reopen in time for the May Monthly Medal, which saw a strong field of 29 players take part. Among the standout performers was Kath Borer, who was elated to claim the ladies' title after working hard to regain her form following a break from the game. In the men’s division, Nick Apruzzese impresse
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The Whitsundays Tourism Awards, presented by Bishopp, are getting a fresh new format in 2025 - making it easier for more local tourism businesses to be recognised. For the first time, there’s no written submission required. Instead, awards will be based on results from Queensland’s Best of Queensland program, which evaluates businesses on customer reviews, online presence, accreditation and more. To be eligible, businesses must be members of Tourism Whitsundays for the 2025/26 financial year a
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The Cannonvale Cannons closed out a fantastic season with their much-anticipated end-of-season Club Presentation Night – a heartwarming evening where the achievements of all swimmers were proudly celebrated by families, coaches, and teammates. The night kicked off with the announcement of our Age Champions – a proud moment for swimmers who have demonstrated consistency, commitment, and strong performance throughout the season: · 7 Years & Under: Stella Mulliss and Harry Chegwidden · 8 Years:
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The Whitsundays are proudly represented across all categories in the 2025 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards, with three local towns named as finalists, showcasing the region’s unique appeal from the sparkling coastline to its charming country heart. Public voting opened at 10am on Saturday 10th May and closes on Friday, May 17, giving locals, Queenslanders, and visitors the chance to support their favourite Whitsundays destinations via the QTIC Top Tourism Town Awards website. The finalists a
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The countdown to State of Origin is on, and the newly upgraded sports bar at the Airlie Beach Hotel will be the place to be to catch all the action. Kicking off the State of Origin in style, the Airlie Beach Hotel is also hosting a Hot-Dog eating competition. Following the success of last year’s event, which drew a crowd of hungry hopefuls and lively supporters, the competition is back, bigger, and messier than ever. To be apart of the action make sure you're at the Airlie Beach Hotel at 6.30
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