After weeks of heavy rain and soggy conditions, golfers were finally treated to some welcome sunshine, allowing a return to the course on the weekend. With cabin fever setting in for many, there was great enthusiasm as 29 players turned out to compete in a Stableford event. Although the back nine remained closed and the front nine was still a little boggy underfoot, players were simply happy to be back out on the fairways. Despite the challenging conditions, some very respectable scores were re
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As ANZAC Day approaches, preparations are well underway for a touching local tradition that has quietly grown into a cherished community event. Now in its tenth year, the annual flag ceremony at Proserpine Cemetery pays tribute to nearly 400 service men and women laid to rest there. Organised by Lyn Burke, the event sees flags placed beside the graves of veterans, including Boer War veterans, Gallipoli survivors, Rats of Tobruk, Prisoners of War, Commandos & many more men & women who served th
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The Whitsundays region recently welcomed the R U OK? Conversation Convoy, with events held in both Airlie Beach and Bowen, bringing locals together in a show of support, connection, and awareness for suicide prevention. On April 6th, the convoy made its stop at the Coral Sea Marina carpark in Airlie Beach, where the community gathered on the hill to enjoy an afternoon of conversation, learning, and reflection. With a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, attendees explored the caravan display, part
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Friday 18th April The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers 7:00pm–10:00pm The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: GEED UP 2:00pm-5:30pm Saturday 19th April The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: GEED UP 2:00pm–5:30pm The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers 7:00pm–10:00pm Grand View Hotel: DJ Night 4:00pm–8:00pm Coral Sea Pavilion: DJ Sugarlips 2:00pm–6:00pm Sunday 20th April The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: GEED UP 2:00pm–5:30pm The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris 6:30pm–9:30pm Grand View Hotel: Darcy D
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April 19 Park Run, Meeting Area D, Coral Sea Marina, starting at 7:00am 20 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 20 Easter Sunday 20 Dingo Beach Easter Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall, 8:00am-12:00pm 22 World Earth Day 22 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 22 Chat n’ Chill, Youth Space Proserpine, 3:00pm-5:00pm 23 Mini Cheesecake Making, Youth Space Proserpine, 3:00pm-5:00pm 24 Paper Poppy Making, Youth Space Proserpine, 3:00pm-5:00pm
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Last week, a local mother experienced a heart-warming reminder of the power of kindness at Silly Solly’s. She had gone in for sparklers for a friend's cake, a simple errand that quickly turned into a moment of connection. While waiting at the counter, she noticed a woman drop a spray bottle. Without a second thought, the mother picked it up for her – just a small, polite gesture. As she was about to leave, the woman approached her with a gift. And while it caught her by surprise, the mother p
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Welcome to Week One of the school holidays – how’s everyone holding up? Still got snacks in the pantry? Still friends with your children? A moment of silence for the grandparents who thought retirement meant rest, only to be ambushed with an entire fortnight of babysitting duty. You are the true heroes of the holiday hustle. If you’re a Northern Beaches local, you’ll know school holidays are in full swing by one tell-tale sign: the roads are EMPTY. Suddenly that usual 55-minute crawl into town
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A long-held dream to give koalas a dedicated space to heal has officially become a reality, with the opening of the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Koala and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility near Mount Jukes. The facility, located on the property of Alison and Chris Pighills, has been purpose-built to support the recovery of injured and orphaned wildlife across Central Queensland, with koalas now set to benefit from a safe and natural rehabilitation space. The site will include a fully enclosed 40m x
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A 22-year-old Ooralea man has tragically died after crashing into a light pole on Archibald Street, Paget, last Monday, April 7. At around 12:40pm, the driver of a classic XY blue Ford Falcon lost control of the vehicle and struck a light pole. The driver, who was the sole occupant, was immediately transported to Mackay Base Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, the young man succumbed to his injuries. The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing its investigations into the cause of the crash. Authori
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A partnership between two local organisations has resulted in countless happy faces among the remote villages of Papua New Guinea. FMS Group, the major sponsor of Mackay skateboarding event Rumble on the Reef, travelled to PNG last week to hand-deliver skateboards, helmets and safety gear to Skate PNG – a small community group located in Taurama. The delivery was part of the community engagement program within FMS Group, focused on giving back to the people who reside in mining regions. It was
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Mackay Community Foundation (MCF) is accepting applications for its 2025 Grant Program, offering not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to access a share of up to $207,000 in funding for impactful community projects. But hurry, applications close next week on 15th April. MCF is seeking applications for one-off projects that aid, relieve, or support individuals in distress in Mackay and surrounding districts. While most grants are expected to range between $15,000 and $20,000, larger-scal
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MIDGE POINT residents are now enjoying a renewed and refreshed water supply following the completion of significant works to water infrastructure in the region. The most recent and final stage of improvements involved extensive cleaning of watermains suppling the Midge Point township, which required a planned water outage over several days. Mayor Greg Williamson said council truly appreciated the patience of the community during this most recent phase of the project. “While we tried to lessen
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The much-anticipated Webberley-Paradise streets intersection upgrade is now expected to be completed in about three weeks. This major project, being undertaken to improve traffic and pedestrian safety, has been delayed by the recent ongoing wet weather and contractor availability. However, it is now planned to be complete and Webberley Street re-opened to traffic in early May. Temporary traffic arrangements, including in Paradise Street, will also return to normal. Since construction resumed
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Mackay is set to indulge in a delightful new business venture that combines homemade cookies, locally roasted coffee, and a heartwarming story of friendship and collaboration. Laffo’s Cookies will officially open its doors at Caneland Central, outside Target, today (Friday 11 April), offering the community a perfect blend of sweet treats and exceptional coffee for both everyday enjoyment and unique gifting. The brainchild of lifelong friends Mark (Laffo) Laffin and Christeen McKeever, Laffo’s C
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As the Federal Election in May approaches, the Greater Whitsunday region is setting the stage for a brighter future by unveiling its comprehensive election priorities, guided by the theme "Greater Possibilities." Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said this strategic vision aims to drive economic growth, enhance community well-being, and ensure sustainable development across the region. “The entire Greater Whitsunday region makes an oversized contribution
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Michelle Landry LNP, Member for Capricornia "I’ve fought hard for our region, securing $7 billion for infrastructure and key projects. "From major road upgrades like the Walkerston Bypass and Sarina Northern Access, to $11 million for local community groups, I’ve delivered real results. Recently, I committed $3 million to expand the Walkerston Tigers clubhouse and $200,000 to rebuild the shed lost to fire, supporting grassroots sport and our future stars. "But there’s more to do. I want Capri
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“Having clocked up over 150,000km on the Bruce in my three years as the Federal Member for Dawson, I’m a passionate advocate for a better National Highway. “I travel this highway every day, visiting and spending time with my constituents from Mackay to Townsville, and all the communities in between. “I know the highway well, riding the potholes and the bumps. I know the risks travellers face, the delays they experience, and the frustrations they feel when the roads are cut. “Not a day goes by
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Labor candidate for Dawson, Neil Wallace welcomed the policy announcement that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will make batteries cheaper, with a 30 per cent discount on a typical installed battery through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. From 1 July 2025, there will be a 30 per cent discount on installing a typical virtual power plant-ready battery system alongside new or existing rooftop solar - with over 1 million installations expected by 2030. Discounts will be based on the siz
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Too many businesses sink money into marketing that simply doesn’t work. Some put their trust in agencies promising quick wins at unbeatable prices, only to be let down when the results don’t follow. Others take the DIY approach, spending time and resources on channels that miss the mark. To understand where things go wrong, and how to fix it, we sat down with Jody Euler, Director of award-winning agency Redhotblue, to uncover the biggest marketing mistakes and how businesses can make every dolla
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Local students and aspiring automotive professionals are invited to the Automotive Career Expo, hosted by McCarthy Panelworks in collaboration with the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ). This event promises to be a key opportunity for young people to explore the dynamic and rapidly evolving automotive industry. Scheduled to take place on Wednesday April 16, the Expo will provide an interactive and hands-on training experience designed to introduce students to automotive operations.
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The wheels are turning once again as the much-loved BMA River 2 Reef Ride returns to Mackay on 6 and 7 September, promising a high-energy weekend of cycling, creativity, and community contribution. With registrations opening on Thursday 3 April, the festival invites riders of all ages and skill levels to take part in an event that not only celebrates fitness and fun, but also drives real change in the region. A highlight of this year’s festival is the unveiling of the 2025 BMA River 2 Reef Ride
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Mackay Regional Council’s crackdown on illegal dumping is having a positive effect in the community, with a noticeable decrease in offences across the region. Regular patrols and increased signage have helped deter offenders and word is spreading that illegal dumping can lead to hefty fines. Mayor Greg Williamson said while it was encouraging to see fewer cases of general waste being illegally dumped, green waste remained a significant issue. “Unfortunately, we’re still seeing green waste lik
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Redhotblue has once again been recognised as the Best Full-Service Creative Agency at the prestigious Australian Enterprise Awards, marking the agency’s third consecutive win in this category. The awards, presented by Corporate Vision Magazine, celebrate the best in business across various sectors, and redhotblue’s achievement highlights its continued excellence in the marketing industry. Melissa Bramall, Awards Coordinator of Corporate Vision, praised this year’s winners for their innovative
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It is only a matter of months until the start of the 2025 crush, and CANEGROWERS Mackay is urging people thinking of a change to take a look at opportunities in the sugarcane industry. This year, the annual CANEGROWERS Mackay harvest labour campaign is taking an all-of-industry approach. Our industry offers a broad range of opportunities from farming, harvesting, milling and service businesses. Having an adequate and skilled workforce from paddock to mill and beyond is critical in getting our c
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The Queensland Government is investing $2 million in targeted action to tackle the state’s escalating feral pig problem, easing the burden on regional communities and supporting the agricultural sector. Following years of limited progress, feral pig populations have exploded across Queensland, causing widespread damage to crops, natural ecosystems and waterways. In 2023 alone, ABARES reported $95 million in production losses and control costs due to feral pigs in Queensland. The new investment
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