Australian sugar cane farmers will soon trade one tropical paradise for another as they explore first-hand the implications of Brazil being ranked number one and two in the world for sugarcane and ethanol production. Central region sugarcane farmer Paul Atkinson is embarking on the 10-day tour for a second time because he is interested in how Brazil’s harvest and mills operate. “Brazil is our main competition,” Mr Atkinson said, adding its use of sugar to produce ethanol affected world suga
Read more
The Forensic Crash Unit continues to appeal for witnesses following a fatal traffic crash at Alligator Creek on the 7th of January. At approximately 5pm, a black Holden Utility was seen traveling at high speeds and dangerously on Hay Point Road, before veering into oncoming traffic and colliding with a silver Kia sedan. The 58-year-old male driver of the Kia, from Ooralea, tragically died at the scene. Preliminary investigations reveal that around 4:30pm, the black Holden entered the Bruce H
Read more
After a well-earned Christmas break, the Iona West Men’s Shed is back in action, extending an open invitation to local men to join their vibrant, supportive, and social community. “If there’s any men interested in joining our organisation, they’re very welcome,” said Publicity Officer Alan Grant. “You don’t have to be retired to join, but if you are, it’s a great way to keep occupied.” The Men’s Shed provides a space for connection, learning, and contribution, particularly for men adjusting
Read more
If the Mackay weather has you feeling like folding, why not play your hand at something new? The Mackay Contract Bridge Club is hosting a “Come and Try Day” this Australia Day, inviting locals to shuffle into the world of bridge. While seasoned members will be finessing their regular games, visitors are encouraged to spectate, learn the ropes, and even pick up some cards to try their luck. Joy Block, who joined the club with her husband around five years ago, said the club’s warm atmosphere ma
Read more
ip In The Bluewater Lagoon All Day Looking for a ripper way to beat the heat this Australia Day? Grab the family and head to the Bluewater Lagoon! It’s free, open all day, and the perfect spot to cool off from that North Queensland scorch. Chuck on your sunnies, slap on some sunscreen, and dive in for a bloody good time! Bluewater Lagoon Tickle Ya Tastebuds At Tropical Phoenix Garden Restaurant Lunch and Dinner Escape the hard yakka this Sunday and Monday and let Tropical Phoenix Garden Res
Read more
Mackay region art followers can experience more than 60 contemporary and historical works from the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Indigenous Australian Art collection when the exhibition ‘I, Object’ tours Artspace Mackay from January 18 to March 30. ‘I, Object’ features contemporary painting, sculpture and installation by leading Queensland artists Vernon Ah Kee, Tony Albert, Michael Boiyool Anning, Fiona Foley, Danie Mellor, Christian Thompson, Warraba Weatherall and o
Read more
Friday 24th January Crochet and Conversation 9am Join the friendly group of Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade for a morning of crocheting, coffee, and conversation. BYO crochet tools or borrow from our communal box. All skill levels welcome. This is a great opportunity to connect, share experiences, and start our next project for the Northern Beaches community in 2025. Beachfront Bar and Restaurant, Bucasia Two Worlds Collide: Rackemann And Langer
Read more
Lovers of contemporary circus and food enthusiasts are in for a treat, with an exclusive pre-show dinner and show event taking place on Friday 21 February at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC). To celebrate First Nations, contemporary circus group, Circa Cairns visiting the Mackay region, the MECC are hosting a fine-dining experience like no other. Taking place in the Lynette Denny Space before the performance, this intimate experience features an exclusive menu carefully cura
Read more.jpg)
Summer can be as tough on gardens as it is on people. Blazing sun, unexpected downpours, and shifting soil conditions create a perfect storm of challenges for even the most seasoned gardeners. But with a few smart strategies, your garden can beat the heat and burst with life all summer long. Start from the Ground Up Great gardens grow from the ground up, and the secret lies in healthy soil. Think of soil as the lifeline for plants—holding nutrients, retaining moisture, and anchoring roots. Aust
Read more
If your New Year's resolution is to read more, why not take advantage of the Mackay Libraries' vast collection? Librarian Sally has curated a list of must-read books to add to your summer reading list: 1. "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt This heartwarming novel follows Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow working as a night janitor at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. There, she forms an unexpected bond with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus known for his mischievous nature. As their fri
Read more.jpg)
Cape Hillsborough’s Between the Tides has captured global attention, earning two prestigious accolades that cement its status as a leader in cultural tourism. Securing Silver in the Cultural Tourism category at the Queensland Tourism Awards and the Best Music Tourism Initiative at the 2024 Global Music Cities Awards in Riyadh, this event is set to shine as the centrepiece of the 2025 QLD Music Trails, The Reef. Held on Yuwi Country, the event has captivated audiences with its extraordinar
Read more
Last weekend saw eight milestone recipients celebrated at Mackay parkrun’s latest event. Achieving 100-finish milestones were Teresa Hackney, Isabelle Cahill, and Kate Mumford. Reaching the 50-finish milestone were Shelby Freidman, Michael Davidson, Georgie Wilson, and Traccee Ramsamy. Trevor Hodgson was also recognised for his 25-volunteer milestone. Participants are encouraged to notify their Run Director before or after an event when they achieve a milestone. Age Category Record Smashed
Read more
With the energy of a dojo in full swing and the pride of a community backing them, Sarina’s Little Ninjas and Samurais brought their term to an electrifying close on their Graduation Day on 5 December 2024. Held in the Sarina High School hall, the event was a celebration of discipline, resilience, and the joy of learning martial arts, proving that even the youngest warriors can pack a punch when it comes to perseverance and spirit. This transformative programme, sponsored by Dalrymple Bay Coal
Read more
Mackay Wanderers Football Club is excited to announce that registrations for the 2025 season are officially open for the Whitsunday Coast community. Newly elected MWFC President, Greg Kliese, said the Club was thrilled to open registrations for the 2025 season and can’t wait to see their football family grow. “Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, there’s a spot for everyone at Mackay Wanderers FC this year,” Mr Kliese said. The Club offers playing opportunities to boys, girls
Read more
Five first-year players claimed top-four positions this week. Karen Cadwell secured first place on Wednesday, Annette Howe and Jewel Schmidt tied for second on Friday, with Sue Mayer-Miller taking fourth place the same day, and Christopher Meyers earning third place on Saturday. This is an amazing effort for these first-year players. Bridge is a complex, fun game and these new members have taken to the game like ducks to water. Our Australia Day Come and Try day, sponsored by Mackay Regional Cou
Read more
It sure was great to see so many men’s bowlers participate in the start of our 2025 club competition events. Over 50 players were present on Saturday, competing in the opening round of the Open Fours, with 36 vying for the right to progress to the second round of the Open Pairs on Sunday morning. A big thank you to all of the bowlers that took part and the Umpires that volunteered their time in assisting to make the weekend a smooth transition from our end of year break. Some close games with th
Read more
The Mackay Road Runners’ informal off-season training series has been a resounding success. The addition of Shawn’s Summer Series Splash & Dash Biathlon has replaced the usual running-only program. This exciting new format has been a refreshing change, especially given the intense humidity at this time of year. Race Director, Club Captain, and Life Member Jim Ford has been the driving force behind the program for many years, alongside the regular Wednesday 5:30pm track training sessions, whi
Read more
In late 2022, the North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club formed a Lifeblood team in partnership with the Red Cross donor centre. Community involvement is a key focus of the club, and the Lifeblood Team was seen as a perfect fit alongside other initiatives. Starting with 15 members in 2022, the team had grown to 25 participants by 2025, with a mix of long-term donors and newcomers. After refining their approach in 2024, the Sinkers achieved a personal best with 98 donations, helping to s
Read more.JPG)
Club Whitsunday is excited to announce its grand opening on January 24 2025, after eight years of dedication and hard work by their incredible team. This all-new sports bar will be a dynamic gathering spot, offering a welcoming space not just for local sports enthusiasts, but for everyone in the area to come together and connect. The Club has a fantastic range of facilities, including a modern restaurant, a fully-stocked bar, a spacious gaming floor, and a fun-filled kids’ play area, all set a
Read more.JPG)
Hi Everyone, What a week it's been! There’s so much exciting news in this week's paper, including the highly anticipated opening of Club Whitsundays and the upcoming Sports Expo, where you can get hands-on and try out a variety of sports. Having had the chance to experience Club Whitsunday firsthand, I’m thrilled to see the community finally get a much-needed hub for sports and recreation. The clean, modern design really enhances the atmosphere, and I can’t wait to return for dinner and drinks
Read more
On January 12th, a few mates went fishing on the Peter Faust dam when they heard splashing in the water. But there was no need to reel in the rods or prepare nets for a catch, as a dog climbed on board the little tinny. The old boy had become separated from his owner and lost, but being the smart, working dog that he is, he went to the first people he could find. Even if those people were in the middle of a dam, he swam his way over, seeking help. He was a bit worse for wear, but thanks
Read more.jpg)
Each year, the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays Inc. offers scholarship opportunities to young female students from the Whitsundays region and its surroundings. These scholarships assist with the costs associated with accessing a tertiary course of their choice, providing worthy applicants with the means to pursue higher education when they otherwise wouldn't be able to. Founded in 1919 in Buffalo, New York, the club has become an international staple for women’s empowerment and women's rights to
Read more
This country has some of the most dangerous weather in the world, and the people of beautiful, tropical north Queensland live with it every year. In Australia, the natural disaster that claims the most lives is extreme heat events. Last week, the temperatures climbed to the high thirties along the eastern coast during the day, receding to the mid-twenties at night. Impacted areas stretched from Port Douglas all the way down to Bundaberg under severe to extreme levels, with the regional surrou
Read more.JPG)
Growing up in Brisbane, Victoria has had a progressive career, having worked as an editor for a medical journal at Queensland University of Technology and completing a Cert III in Business Administration alongside a swimming teaching qualification with AustSwim. After obtaining these qualifications they worked as a receptionist and swimming teacher, where they saved to get themselves into university earing a Diploma of Arts. Victoria is greatly anticipating having a job that means something to
Read more
The PCYC in the Whitsundays is putting out the call for any young people who are looking to get skilled up for work. Their Get Set for Work program is an intensive employment and training assistance program for young, disengaged Queenslanders aged 15–19 years. Participants will gain the skills and confidence to enter the workforce, go on to further training or go back and complete school. The program runs every term for 10 weeks and Term 1’s intake begins on the 28th of January. It aims to help
Read more