Issue #

23

Social Run Shines Under Sunny Skies

April 10, 2025

Many Mackay Road Runners took a break from official timing duties over the weekend to enjoy a relaxed 5km and 10km social run from the Bluewater Quay. With blue skies and slightly more favourable temperatures, conditions were warm but ideal for running. Congratulations to Mick Vivian, who clocked up 11km just getting to the event, and Ashley Miles, who completed the 10km course alongside Mick. The route followed a relatively flat stretch along Harbour Road toward Mackay Harbour, before ascendin

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At The Table

April 10, 2025

In Tuesday night fixtures, the team of Goncalo Sierra, Graeme Walker and Ian McKay took out the division 1 final ahead of Andrew McHugh, Andrea Nicholson and Ian McKay. Geoff Cowan, Saisha Palod and David Symons won division 2. **Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures March 25, 2025:** **Division 1:** Phoenix Fire (Andrew McHugh, Josh Brown, Andrea Nicholson) d Panther Prowlers (Trent Day, Vince Boeske, Jacob Whelan) 7-4. Andrew d Trent 4, 13, 12. Venus Voyagers (Janice Kent, Graham Br

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HUMPBACK WHALES SONGS AND WHY WE ARE RECORDING THEM HERE IN THE WHITSUNDAYS

April 10, 2025

We have been recording humpback whale songs in the Whitsundays during the past two whale seasons. The songs are submitted to the University of Queensland, Centre for Marine Science, where Professor Michael Noad is the Director and Genevieve Williams is doing a PhD studying the social learning of whales. Michael has been researching the evolution and function of humpback whale song, focusing on how the whales themselves use sound to communicate. The songs of these whales is one of the most comp

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The Amazing Coral Polyp

April 10, 2025

Just what is coral? The simple answer: coral is an animal. These tiny animals, while seemingly simple, have built the greatest living structure on earth, the Great Barrier Reef! But a more fascinating and slightly complex answer: coral is animal, vegetable, and mineral. The coral animal, or polyp, is quite tiny, only a few millimetres although some species can be a few centimetres in size. The biology of a typical polyp consists of a stalk, a stomach, and a mouth surrounded by tentacles cover

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From Sidelines To Lifelines Cutters Join The Conversation

April 10, 2025

In March this year, Mackay Cutters' manager of Wellbeing, Education & Change the Game Zach Schill was the first in the organisation to become qualified as a safeTALK trainer in the hopes he can train others to help prevent suicide in the community. “I was honoured to do the Grapevine Group’s training because it makes me feel like I can make a difference,” Mr Schill said. “And it can do the same for our players, their families and our greater rugby league community.” The cost of suicide in A

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Waves Of Change

April 10, 2025

Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. is proud to announce the unveiling of the Waves of Change community art project at the Whitsunday Coast Airport. This stunning artwork, crafted from a small portion of the 252,331 bottle top lids collected during marine debris clean-ups in 2024, is a powerful symbol of the urgent need to transition from a take-make-waste model to a sustainable circular economy. The Waves of Change project was made possible, in part, with grant funding from the Queensland Circular Econo

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Discovering Whitsunday Green

April 10, 2025

Tourism Whitsundays was absolutely delighted to host our monthly networking event at Whitsunday Green. Leading up to the event, I stopped by to chat with the team and get all the details, and I must admit, I was totally blown away by what I discovered. To be honest, I had completely underestimated just how amazing the space is. So much so, I felt it would be a great opportunity to tell you all about it in its own Out and About with Tourism Whitsundays feature! Let's start with the incredible go

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Whitsunday Gold Coffee: A Highway Gem in The Whitsundays

April 10, 2025

If you're looking for a peaceful escape, Whitsunday Gold Coffee is the perfect place. The plantation is famous for its locally grown coffee, and there’s nothing like sipping a cup made from beans grown right there on the property. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just looking to relax, it’s a wonderful experience.

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BOWLS, BANTER AND BANGERS

April 10, 2025

There was an excellent response to Mackay City Bowling Club’s Come and Try lawn bowls sessions, with a sausage sizzle enjoyed following the first Sunday and Monday events. Participants had plenty of fun playing a game and seeing who could get closest to the jack. Club members were on hand to assist and demonstrate the basics of the game, making it an enjoyable and welcoming experience for newcomers. Bowls were provided, and attendees came dressed in comfortable clothing and flatsoled footwear. T

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club

April 10, 2025

Monday 31 March 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Edward Kliese - Diane Stokes 1st David Ting - Eric Goodchild 2nd Helen Van Den Broek - Jan Harris 2nd Tex Sheedy - Gwen Liddell Tuesday Evening 01 April 2025 – 4.5 Table Howell Green Points 1st Simon Barnes - Martin Pearce 2nd John Mcgee - Mick King 3rd Geoff Taylor - Andrew Canavan 4th Tex Sheedy - Helen Van Den Broek Wednesday 02 April 2025 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points (Nation Wide Pairs) North/South East/West 1s

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Meat Morgz

April 3, 2025

Harry Morgz is on a mission to raise awareness for men's mental health, walking from Cairns to the Gold Coast in an effort to shed light on the struggles faced by men, particularly in the butchering industry. A butcher by trade for over 30 years, Morgz is using his journey to highlight the mental health challenges, long hours, low pay, and high rates of addiction and suicide that have plagued the industry for decades.

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The Australian Sidecar Championship Roars Into Bowen!

April 3, 2025

Bowen is to be the epicentre of high-speed excitement as it hosts the prestigious 2025 Auto Marvel Australian Sidecar Championship, held on Saturday April 19th, and Sunday April 20th. For the first time, the North Queensland Speedway Riders and Supporters Club will bring this action-packed event to the beautiful Whitsunday region, and local fans and visitors alike are in for a high-octane treat. Sidecar racing is a unique and thrilling sport where two teammates, a rider and a passenger, work in

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Whitsundays To Embrace The Future

April 3, 2025

At the recent Futurist State of the Region event hosted by the Whitsundays Regional Council, key leaders and forward-thinking businesses gathered to discuss the exciting future of the region. The event’s presentation featured speeches by Mayor Ry Collins, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, and an amazing guest keynote speaker, Anders Sörman-Nilsson, a global futurist and innovation strategist. Mayor Collins’ speech reflected the past and future of the Whitsundays; highlighted the region’s ra

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A Freshly Baked Slice

April 3, 2025

Among many of the delights to be found at Whitsunday Green, the traditional freshly baked goods take the cake today. Natalie Avigdor, from the Clubhouse Cafe at Whitsunday Green bakes these delicious delights daily, and from scratch. Natalie, an avid baker, always keeps her oven hot and the scones and cakes warm for the guests and customers of the Whitsunday Green and Clubhouse Cafe. “Ive been baking since I was nine, making sweets and confectionaries," she shared. "Baking is just something I

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LOCAL TALENT SHINES BRIGHT

April 3, 2025

The 2025 Fast Track to Fame talent showcase in Burdekin, Ayr, was a thrilling celebration of exceptional talent, and Proserpine State High School (PSHS) students were front and centre. With over 55 acts competing across various categories, it was a weekend of fierce competition and thrilling performances. Among the standouts were talented students from PSHS, who left an indelible mark on the judges and audiences alike. Their accomplishments highlight not only their dedication to their craft but

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Outrigger Whitsunday Regatta Set to Boost Local Tourism

April 3, 2025

Outrigger Whitsunday will be hosting one of the largest outrigger regattas in Queensland on Saturday 3rd of May, and Sunday 4th of May. The weekend will kick off with the Va’a Moana Hoe, a 20-kilometer marathon race from Shute Harbour to Lagoon Beach, with events continuing throughout the weekend at Lagoon Beach. Tassal Aussie Seafood has generously agreed to be the major event sponsor. Club President Kim Dodds is thrilled with the preparations for the event, and race director Terry Kemp predic

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Proserpine Golf Club One Day Plays

April 3, 2025

It was another challenging week for golf, with more rain and only one competition day. Unfortunately, the back 9 holes were still under water on Saturday, which made for a spectacular but unplayable sight. The end of March couldn’t come soon enough, and hopefully, we'll see a return to regular play soon. It also seems likely that the first week of April may be lost to weather, but we’ll keep you updated on any changes to the April schedule. The Easter competition will also be a busy time, and w

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Sweeties & Squires Fishing Competition

April 3, 2025

The Whitsunday Game Fish Club's "Sweeties and Squires Fun Family Fishing Weekend" was postponed due to wet weather and is now rescheduled for the 11th-13th of April. This relaxed weekend is a chance for ladies and kids to enjoy Australia's most popular sport, fishing! The rules are simple, fish anywhere using a rod and reel with Dads and boyfriends to act as crew. Entry is free to all current W.G.F.C. members and new members are welcome to participate by joining the Club at the Briefing on nig

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VMR Seeking Radio Operators

April 3, 2025

Have you ever considered volunteering for VMR Whitsundays but felt like you didn’t have enough time or weren’t really a “boat person”? We’ve got the solution — become a Radio Room Operator! As a Radio Room Operator, you will be an essential part of the VMR team, providing valuable communication support for boats in distress and assisting other emergency services. This role is ideal for individuals who want to help but may not have the time or experience to be on the water. It’s an important job

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Medals and QLD National Selection For Cannonvale Cannons

April 3, 2025

Cannonvale Cannons celebrated the final official club night of the season last week, with swimmers enjoying a night of friendly competition and recognition. Zavier Woolston was awarded the Coaches Award for his impressive 50m Backstroke. Club Records fell to Eloise Chegwidden in the 50m Butterfly, while Liam Filewood and Brooklyn Congoo earned well-deserved upgrades and Asher Springbett took home the popular Chocolate Award. Meanwhile, a strong team of Cannons swimmers proudly represented North

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Proserpine Bowls Club Dodging The Showers

April 3, 2025

This past weekend saw the beginnings of this year's Men's Club Championship Singles but, unfortunately some of the games scheduled were not able to be played due to difficulties presented by the weather and road conditions. Saturday morning, Harry Craig and Barry Saroglia played an epic game of singles to start off this year's competition. After 30 ends of intense strategic draw bowls and concentrated effort by both players, Harry Craig defeated Barry Saroglia 25-23 and Nathan Harriott won his

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Weekly Fishing Report

April 3, 2025

When you live in an ultimate fishing destination, it’s hard not to become precious about the conditions. The continued rain we’ve had certainly hasn’t been a big motivator. Thank goodness dry season is just around the corner - fingers crossed! Dam There’s been some great catches at the dam lately, both during the day and night. With all the rain we’ve had, it will continue to produce. Be sure to look for the inflow of water, especially at the old Proserpine River end. For lures, we can recomme

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Wangaratta Bowls Competitive Highlights

April 3, 2025

Tuesday's winners were Jocelyn Defranciscis, Deb Retchless and Gavin Charles who defeated Lindy Suann Irene Laird and Margaret Wilson, Sugar Brunker, Sue Shearing and Tiarna Winter defeated Stumpy Adams, Robyn Stitt Penny Warren and sadly the jackpot didn’t go off. Competition is continuing with Saturday seeing the final of Ladies Fours won by Tracey White, Robyn Stitt, Isobel Wheeler and Margaret Wilson who defeated Teresa Willshire, Linda Scells, Denise Wallace and Penny Warren. In the Men’s

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Airlie Beach Bowls Results And Upcoming May Events

April 3, 2025

This week, our little part of paradise experienced typical wet season weather, leaving the bowls green saturated and no play from Tuesday onwards. We're lamenting the lost game days and lack of cover, but our thoughts are with local farmers affected by the floods. We also hope the Proserpine Bowls Green rebuild continues and is completed soon. While we've faced setbacks, we remain resilient and learn valuable lessons from these challenges. In A Grade Singles, it's down to Harry Quod, who will p

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Celebrate Regional Creativity

April 3, 2025

The Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival is fast approaching, and with it comes one of the most exciting showcases of regional talent—the Festival Art Exhibition. A celebration of creativity in all its forms, the exhibition brings together a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs that reflect the rich artistic spirit of our community.

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