Tuesday's social bowls saw a quieter turnout as several of our ladies participated in the Northern Beaches Carnival. A big congratulations to the team of Robyn Stitt, Lyn Danvers, Margaret Wilson, and Heather Jorgenson, who secured second place at the event. Back at the club, the day's winners were Merle Elphinstone, Irene Laird, and Gavin Charles, who triumphed over Stumpy Adams, Deb Retchless, and Dot Slater. However, the jackpot remained unclaimed. Sunday's social bowls action crowned winner
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Labour Day Public Holiday (7/10/24) – Single Stableford The Labour Day Public Holiday saw Di Chard triumph in the Single Stableford with 35 points, winning on a countback from Joshua Mansley. Ross Meade claimed 3rd with 33 points, while Luke Swift finished 4th with 32 points. • NTPs: Sherri Meade and Jenny Hounsell Tuesday (8/10/24) – Single Stroke In Tuesday’s Single Stroke, Ryan Wilkes dominated with an impressive 66 nett, scoring eagles on the 1st and 12th holes. Adam Maggs finished as r
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Last Tuesday felt like an early taste of summer for the October Monthly Medal, with a great turnout of 31 players. The club was also pleased to welcome back Ken Granger, who had been absent for eight weeks. In the Ladies' division, Linda Wardroper claimed victory with a nett score of 72, winning on a countback from Leanne Alexander. Robyn Whitham (73), Vickie Wallace (75), Jan Shuwalow (75), and Genia Sarafian (78) rounded out the run-down with solid performances. In the Men's division, John S
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Northern Beaches State High’s Stunning Soiree Northern Beaches State High School’s Year 12 Formal on 5th October was a dazzling affair, held beneath a stunning marquee at the Mackay Marina. With golden moons and stars shimmering against a navy blue backdrop, the scene was set for an enchanting evening. Students enjoyed a night of celebration and memories under the celestial glow, marking a special milestone.
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After a devastating house fire on Wellington Street left two sisters homeless, the family received an overwhelming outpouring of support from their local community. The girls’ big sister took to a Facebook community page, reaching out for help with securing basic essentials. They had found a unit but were still in desperate need of two queen-sized mattresses to get started. In her heartfelt message, she mentioned how funds were tight but was hopeful that the community might be able to lend a
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Proserpine Lake saw a successful Kids Fishing Day at the weekend, with 92 campsites booked out and around 400 people in attendance almost doubling last year's turnout. Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Businesses at Whitsunday Regional Council, expressed his excitement for next year's event, looking ahead for continued growth and the introduction of live music. Caption: Mayor Ry Collins and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm with two children at the Lake Proserpine Kids Fishing Day. Photo cre
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As we step into Get Ready Queensland Week (8-13 October), it's crucial to reflect on the recent devastating weather events that have unfolded globally. The toll of Hurricane Helene has been catastrophic, claiming over 230 lives across multiple states in the US. Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend region, marking the deadliest hurricane to strike the mainland since Katrina in 2005. Hot on Helene's heels, Hurricane Milton is set to strike Florida with unprecedented
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A major funding boost for a significant piece of Whitsunday boating infrastructure could be a game changer for local boaties, with upgrades announced this week to the Shute Bay Boat Ramp and Carpark. Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm was at the site of the current boat ramp last week and vocalised her intentions to deliver a new four-lane boat ramp and 130 trailable carparks if she is elected for a second term in the upcoming state elections due to be held later this month. The current boat ramp
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Mackay’s Leap Into Bio-Manufacturing A groundbreaking development is set to revolutionise Mackay, as Australian food-tech company Cauldron Ferm partners with the Queensland government to establish the region’s first precision fermentation contract manufacturing facility. The $100 million-plus "Cauldron Bio-fab" will become the largest end-to-end contract manufacturer of precision-fermented products in the Asia-Pacific, deploying state-of-the-art ‘hyper-fermentation’ technology to drive down cos
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Hi Everyone, It’s a kid’s life here in the Whitsundays! Everywhere I turn there seems to be another event for our little darlings to enjoy – from the recent Kids Fishing Day to the upcoming Healthy Kids Expo – there is so much for families to enjoy, no wonder we are considered one of the most liveable places in Queensland for young families. I remember when I first arrived in Airlie Beach as a 23-year-old backpacker on a Grey Hound Bus almost 20 years ago – it was certainly a different plac
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In a powerful show of support, seven senior students from Whitsunday Anglican School came together in their final term to make a difference, cutting their hair for the Ponytail Project and supporting those affected by cancer through the Cancer Council. Amelia Werner, Faith Rayner, Alex Otto, Amel Seethyah, Emerson Crowe, Olivia Whitehead, Hope Ware and Jazzie Sullivan all took part in this meaningful cause, where each student pledged to cut at least 20 centimetres from their hair. The donated h
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Technology advances in the medical sector, along with specialist training, are delivering a service to women in the Mackay region that previously required surgery. Endometriosis in Queensland has a higher prevalence than the national average and is a condition where endometrial-like tissue is present outside the uterus. It is associated with pelvic pain, infertility, and poor mental health, and often many women suffer for years without a diagnosis, as up until now it would require surgery. With
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Last week, two dogs embarked on an unexpected adventure. While enjoying their regular morning beach walk, Rebecca and Paul Douthwaite were accompanied by their three dogs: Nym, Bella, and Loki. Suddenly, Nym and Bella bolted into the nearby bush. The worried dog parents quickly jumped into action, posting on facebook and approaching everyone on the beach. They approached a woman called Megan. The lovely lady still had Rebecca’s number saved to her phone from the last time Bella and previous dog
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A growing coalition of community groups is raising concerns about the Government’s plans for privatisation of iconic parts of National Parks across Queensland. These groups believe that developers are being offered exclusive leases and parks will be pricing everyday Queenslanders out of the natural experiences these parks were created to offer, for private profit. Local community groups are worried that if Queensland’s National Parks continue to grant exclusive leases to commercial operators it
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Council wishes to inform the community that the old Quota Park playground, which is currently fenced off, will be decommissioned in the coming weeks. Recent testing has shown that the softfall no longer meets current Australian safety standards. The playground equipment is also showing signs of wear. As a result, council has made the decision to remove this playground, located at the southern end of Binnington Esplanade, permanently. The newer playground in Quota Park will remain available
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This year’s 2024 order of candidates on Election Ballot Paper was determined earlier this week on Tuesday 8 October at Returning Officer Whitsunday in Whitsunday Shopping Centre. The Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) had the 5 candidates’ names and parties on separate pieces of paper, all the same size. Placed them into blank envelopes also the same size. They were then placed in a Ballot Box, shaken, mixed up and drawn blindly. The results: 1. Bauke Hovinga - Labor 2. Amanda Ca
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East Mackay Homicide Detectives from the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a 33-year-old man in connection with the death of a 64-year-old man in East Mackay on October 3. Emergency services responded to reports of an unresponsive 64-year-old man at a Rae Street residence around 3.40pm. Mackay police Superintendent Shane Holmes said Colin Thomas Grohs was found unresponsive, and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A 33-year-old Mackay man, Samuel Luke Muntelwit, was ta
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This week Cruise Whitsundays proudly marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of delivering world‐class experiences and pioneering innovation in the Whitsundays. From the introduction of Australia’s first luxury underwater accommodation on The Great Barrier Reef, to timeless adventures on Camira Sailing Adventure, Great Barrier Reef Adventure, and Whitehaven Beach tours, Cruise Whitsundays has been at the forefront of showcasing the region’s unparalleled natural beauty. The jewel in
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The Mackay and Whitsunday regions are facing uncertainty as they await road infrastructure commitments from both major parties ahead of the Queensland Government election on October 26. While the Labor Government announced it will invest $157M, funded by progressive coal royalties, for critical improvements to Isaac region roads to enhance safety and supply chain efficiency, Mackay and Whitsunday regions have received only one commitment for their key state-controlled road projects. Greater Wh
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At 5.50pm this Sunday 13 October the annual Miners Memorial Day will commence at Collinsville Workers Club but this year it is even more special to the Collinsville and Whitsunday community. This year marks the 70th year since seven miners lost their lives in the state mine in Collinsville. The disaster was a Carbon Dioxide CO2 gas outburst and happened at 5:50pm at the Collinsville State mine on 13 October 1954. The gas outburst was later said to be 98% CO2 and the seven men died from asphy
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Geoffrey Huegill, an Australian swimming legend and dual Olympian, boasts an incredible career with 72 international medals, including two Olympic medals and six world champion titles. Known for his dominance in the 50 metres butterfly, Geoff also held eight world records throughout his career. Although originally from Mackay, Geoff now resides in Singapore but maintains strong ties to his hometown as he cherishes his time visiting his mother, friends, and family in the Mackay region. Underst
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Last week, 25 local men and women gathered at Paradiso in Airlie Beach to support the Mama Paulina Mangare Foundation of Tanzania and its Chief Patron, Dr. Joseph Masika OAM, a White Ribbon Ambassador and Rotarian. The Foundation supports education and social needs such as ‘period poverty’ in rural areas for vulnerable school girls whose parents cannot afford to pay for their education. Local charity worker Sandy Clark had worked with Dr Masika for several years at the Australia Tanzanian Servic
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Do you have enough supplies to last you three days in the case of a disaster? Are you even sure what you might need to get you through? Mackay Regional Council and Woolworths have again joined forces to make it easier for Mackay region residents to organise their disaster supply kit. From now until November 19, each of the region’s eight Woolworths stores will have two dedicated aisle ends stocked with key items for household disaster kits. Mayor Greg Williamson said council had installed ban
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During their regular turtle spotting sunset cruise, Whisper Cruises discovered what appeared to be an injured turtle floating off Cannonvale Beach about 100m from Pigeon Island. Upon closer inspection they discovered it had sadly died. They retrieved the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle and took it to the VMR boat ramp where Libby Edge, from Eco Barge Clean Seas and the turtle hospital, took care of the body. It was evident that the turtle had been struck by something, though not a pro
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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling on candidates in the upcoming Queensland state election to prioritise urgent action on critical issues affecting the local business community. With a focus on infrastructure, affordable insurance, and enhanced regional influence, the Chamber has identified key areas that require immediate government attention. Priority 1: Urgent Road Infrastructure The Chamber highlights the frequent closures and congestion of the Bruce Highway and Sh
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