Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
If this week has shown anything, it’s that Queensland is playing for keeps—on the sporting field and in the political arena. Let’s start with the Olympics. For anyone still calling it "Brisbane 2032," think again. The Games are set to shine a global spotlight well beyond the River City, with Queensland’s regions getting their moment in the sun. Mackay is poised to host Olympic cricket matches at Harrup Park, provided the sport is included in the 2032 program. Meanwhile, the Whitsundays
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You could hear the raucous laughter down the hallway as State Government ministers, lounging around the Parliament Cabinet Room, started joking about Mackay. Politicians come up with new Mackay jokes every year around budget time and they just get funnier. “Why did the Mackay chicken cross the road?” “To drop off more money to the State Government!” That cracked them up. “What is it called when we get billions of dollars from Mackay region mining and then leave them to travel on goat tracks?
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Land clearing, when managed correctly, is not about destruction but renewal. Overgrown vegetation, particularly invasive species such as lantana, guava, and dense grasses, can suffocate forests, hinder native regrowth, and create an impenetrable barrier for both wildlife and landowners. Thoughtful clearing opens the land, allowing for better control, sustainable management, and long-term environmental benefits. One of the most effective strategies in responsible land clearing is repurposi
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Mackay Sugar has announced the resignation of Group Maintenance Manager Tasman Higgins, effective immediately. Higgins, who joined the company in 2021, has played a key role in strengthening Mackay Sugar’s maintenance operations over the past three and a half years. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in improving the efficiency and reliability of operations during a period of significant growth and development for the company. In a statement, Mackay Sugar expressed grati
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Mackay and the Whitsundays have seen a steady demand for new homes, with building costs stabilising and approvals rising over the past year. However, the latest figures show a slight dip of 2.8 per cent in the last quarter, highlighting the ongoing challenges in meeting housing supply needs. The figures from Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal all regions except the Gold Coast enjoyed a boost in the number of approvals of new houses and units in the 12 months to January, rising by 6.3
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Mackay Regional Council has announced Muller Park in Ooralea will be getting new “tower fun” playground equipment, which was chosen by residents. The announcement comes after the original play equipment was removed late last year due to its age and poor condition. Mayor Greg Williamson said Muller Park was a popular park that residents valued. “Families told us loud and clear that Muller Park was a vital community space – whether that’s to ride the miniature trains, hold birthday partie
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Visitors to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens are being urged to take extra caution following a report of a possible crocodile sighting in the lagoons over the weekend. While there has been no visual confirmation yet, the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) has installed signage and will conduct investigations this week. As a precaution, authorities recommend that visitors and their pets remain at least five metres from the water’s edge. The public is also
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The Zonta Club of Bowen hosted a successful fundraiser on Thursday the 20th of March at Bowen's quaint and iconic Summergarden Theatre. One of the longest continually operating theatres in Queensland, our local cinema has been the cornerstone of the community’s entertainment scene since its opening in 1948 and is now owned and operated by the town's very own Ben DeLuca since 1962. The fundraiser featured a special screening of the heartwarming Australian film “What About Sal?” , written and dir
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Come down for a spectacular weekend of festivities at the Bowen Showgrounds and join in on The Bowen Easter Family Carnival 2025. With free entry and plenty of activities, food and festive cheer to go around, this event is an unmissable experience for the whole family! Dive straight in and get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling rides like the Super Sizzler or relax with a peaceful spin and enjoyable view on the ferris wheel. There are many gentle ride options for younger guests too such as
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has announced that if he is re-elected in May this year, $250,000 will be committed towards upgrades to the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, ensuring it can continue delivering vital services in a safe, modern, and accessible space. “The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre provides essential support to people facing difficult circumstances, offering essential services that enhance dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life for people across the region,” Mr Willcox said
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Friday night was a shining moment for BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, as the team proudly claimed Gold in the Caravan & Holiday Parks category at the national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Adelaide. This remarkable win marks the third consecutive year that BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has taken home Gold in this category, officially securing its place in the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame. With 185 entries over 26 categories, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort was
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The Whitsundays’ original and most awarded tour operator, Ocean Rafting, is stoked to take the podium and be recognised amongst Australia’s best tourism operators. Since 1984, the Australian tourism Awards have long been the nation’s premier recognition of excellence in the tourism industry. Ocean Rafting joined the nation’s best in the beautiful Adelaide and is beyond thrilled to be taking home a Bronze in the “Major Tour & Transport Operator”category in the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awar
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Last week, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched its Advisory Group, bringing together regional business leaders to drive strategic discussions and strengthen the united voice of the Whitsunday business community. “The Advisory Group will serve as a strategic think tank, reinforcing the Chamber’s position as the ‘go-to’ source of regional business expertise for all levels of government,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic. In its inaugural meeting, the Advisory Group rei
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Last week, I was on the road championing our incredible region on a national stage. It was an honour to Chair my first Queensland Regional Tourism Network (QRTN) meeting on Monday, where we discussed how we can work together to strengthen tourism across the state. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and what we can achieve as a collective. Next stop: the RTO Forum, which brought together tourism marketing organisations from across the country. We had insightful presentations from Tourism Aus
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As Mayor of the Whitsundays, I hear firsthand from residents about the challenges they face every day. One of the most pressing concerns I continue to hear, time and time again, is the shortage of doctors in our region. Right now, too many people in our community are struggling to get a timely appointment with a GP. Families, seniors, and workers are waiting weeks, sometimes even months, for basic medical care. This is simply not good enough. Our residents deserve access to quality healthcare,
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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. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with the owner, Nikki, who is currently in the process of upgrading their aviary with new mesh and creating a serene nursery with a seated area. The
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Hi Everyone, Thank you to everyone sharing stories for the paper. This week, we’re featuring some exciting whale research. Whales hold a special place in my heart. Last year’s whale season gave me so many incredible moments, but one that stands out is hearing whale songs while scuba diving. Happy reading! Ruth “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” ― Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth
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Everyone in the community is invited to come on down to Coral Sea Marina at 7.30am this Sunday for the inaugural Whitsunday Epic Walk for DV. Bring your walking shoes, dress in your active wear, grab your kids and your dogs, and get your mind and your body moving for a good cause. Organisers are encouraging participants to walk and talk as a group, creating a steady flow of conversation to start connecting about the important topic of domestic and family violence in our communities. Continued
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The Whitsundays shone brightly at the Australian Tourism Awards which were held in Adelaide last weekend, with three local businesses receiving national accolades. Raising the profile of the Whitsundays on a national stage, these local businesses are leading the way for local tourism and shining a spotlight on our region. The illustrious awards ceremony at the Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia celebrated four decades of tourism excellence while showcasing the industry's finest. Ti
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Sustainable Aviation Fuel has officially landed at Whitsunday Coast Airport. Mayor Ry Collins says it is “the perfect fit” for a region shaped by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and driven by a passion for protecting it. Made from renewable resources like waste oils and crop residues, SAF cuts carbon emissions without compromising performance — marking a major step towards cleaner, greener air travel in the Whitsundays. Mayor Collins praised Virgin Australia and Viva Energy for their lead
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Will Donald Trump’s presidency lead to a stock market crash and how will that affect your retirement plans? We’ve all watched on as Donald Trump has taken a wrecking ball to the established world order over the last few months. This has led to what is officially called ‘a correction’, where share markets have fallen by over 10%. Will this turn into a ‘crash’ where markets fall over 20% from their highs? The real answer is no one knows. Trump’s policies are so aggressive that no one has any prec
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Pinnacles Airlie beach is, as their name suggests, taking tourism to new pinnacles both in the Whitsundays and right across Australia. Last weekend they took their place on the podium among Australia's top tourism operators, proudly taking home the Silver medal in the “Self Contained Accommodation Category in the prestigious 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Adelaide. Since inception, these awards have stood as the pinnacle of excellence across Australia's vibrant and thriving tourism se
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March 30 1925 was a significant date in the history of the Proserpine Ambulance. On this day, a meeting was held at which Superintendent of the Mackay Ambulance, Mr Culverhouse, announced that the Mackay Centre had decided to make Proserpine an Honorary Centre. This marked a turning point for the town and its district after years of efforts to establish a much-needed service. Fourteen years earlier, an ambulance centre was established in Proserpine by Mr W Morse, Superintendent of the Mackay Am
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Hi Everyone, It’s not every day that we have multiple stories vying for the front page of this newspaper, but this week is definitely one of those occasions! Even in our low-key little region, we still manage to make state, national, and even global headlines from time to time. This week, we made international news with the incredible announcement that some of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics will be hosted right here in the Whitsundays! This means world-class sailors will compete in our turquoise
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Friday 28 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Jessica Cash (4pm–8pm) Saturday 29 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Nearly Neil - A Neil Diamond Tribute (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Drew Blundell (4pm-8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music & Chill DJ Session (1pm–6pm) Sunday 30 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Nearly Neil - A Neil Diamond Tribute(2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul
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