Queensland Symphony Orchestra Graces Mackay At The MECC The Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) returned to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on Thursday, 30 October, giving the region a night of classical music for the first time in more than a decade. Featuring 53 musicians under the baton of conductor Sam Weller and joined by baritone Jake Lyle, the orchestra performed Northern Lights and Southern Stars, taking the audience on a spellbinding journey through some of
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About six months ago I attended a family budget strategy meeting where the chief financial officer decided it would be in the best interests of everyone for me to be allocated a set cash payment each week to cover certain personal expenses. The family’s chief financial officer (CFO) explained that the system up until then, in which I simply swiped a credit card to cover every personal expense, did not give me an adequate awareness of how much I was spending every week. Under the new stra
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You often hear me say “I love where I live” and that’s for many reasons, one being the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). I recently had the opportunity to attend this year’s Reef Forum 2050. The forum had 100 stakeholders from Federal, State and Local Government, as well as scientists and academia, statisticians, natural resource management groups, business and tourist operators and, of course, recreational fishing representatives. We saw the timeline for the past 50 years that the Marine Park A
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Discussions around sugar marketing and governance have resurfaced following the recent Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) Annual General Meeting, where proposed constitutional changes prompted differing views between CANEGROWERS representatives and miller members, including Wilmar Sugar and Renewables. Plane Creek Area Committee Chairman Kevin Borg said that growers across Queensland are “growing tired of conflict in the sugar marketing space.” Mr Borg said the CANEGROWERS Plane Creek Area C
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Proserpine Mill crushed out early Saturday morning, bringing an end to a successful season. It was the second of Wilmar’s eight sugar factories to finish the 2025 season. Proserpine Mill Manager Operations Cory O’Shea said the last bin went through the tippler at 6.30am Saturday (1 November). “In total, we processed 1.48M tonnes of cane for the year to make about 205,000 tonnes of raw sugar. “The crop dropped off towards the back end of the season due to the
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BRAVUS and the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are ready to kick goals in 2026 under a new Platinum Partnership that includes the company’s mining, rail, port and renewables businesses. BRAVUS Head of Reputation Kate Campbell said the new sponsorship deal would take the powerhouse tieup between the mine, rail, port and renewables business and the North’s favourite sporting team to its 10-year anniversary in 2028. "We are excited that our BRAVUS brand will feature on the Cowboys’ NRL
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Mentoring is more than just personal or professional development, it’s a strategic tool that can transform workplaces, strengthen company culture, and create long-term benefits for both individuals and organisations. By fostering collaboration, communication, and leadership, a structured mentoring program can improve an organisation’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and have a lasting impact on its success. The 2025 Mackay Mentoring Network Program for Resource Industry Network (RIN) mem
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Three community groups in the Pioneer Valley will benefit from a $25,000 injection of funding through round 4 of the Capricornia Pumped Hydro Project’s pre-construction Community Benefit Fund. The Mackay Regional SES Unit Support Group, Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Group, and Eungella Craft Group have received funding to support projects that improve local resilience, enhance community wellbeing, and promote the area’s natural assets. Capricornia Pumped Hydro Project CEO John Carr said the
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A New Interactive Tool For Regional Biomanufacturing The Greater Whitsunday region launched BioVision, an interactive tool highlighting its biomanufacturing strengths to investors, government, and industry. Proudly supported by the Queensland Government, BioVision is the first tool of its kind in the sector, combining data and strategic insights to show how Greater Whitsunday is positioning itself as a biomanufacturing leader. Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer
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The OurSCAPE Art Exhibition, organised by Artists Connect Inc, opened on Friday, 24 November at Gallery 31, CQ University Mackay City Campus, celebrating the creativity and resilience of the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions. The exhibition is the culmination of the OurSCAPE Art Challenges, held across multiple regional locations including the Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival, The Leap Hotel, St Lawrence Wetlands, and the Cape Hillsborough Masterclass. Each artist was given just four hours
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Friday 7th November Seniors Music & Morning Tea 10am A special Seniors Music and Morning Tea will be held at the Northern Beaches Community Hall in Bucasia on Friday, November 7, from 10am to 12pm. Guests can enjoy live harp music by Kathleen Campbell, guest speakers, and a light morning tea. The free community event celebrates residents aged 60 and over, with bookings essential due to limited seating. Nothern Beaches Community Hall, Bucasia Friday Flow 5pm Friday Flow is a community event off
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The Mackay Isaac region was aglow with prestige on Friday night as the 2025 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards Gala Dinner took centre stage at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre. Against a glamorous masquerade backdrop, the evening united tourism operators, volunteers, stakeholders, and industry leaders to celebrate the passion and pride of those who support our visitor economy. Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO said the annual Mackay Isaac Tourism awards program plays a vital role in elevating l
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The Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) has been awarded Gold for Business Event Venue at the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards 2025, recognising the venue’s excellence in hosting business events, conferences, and corporate gatherings. As the largest convention facility between Cairns and Brisbane, the MECC boasts a 1,090-seat auditorium, two plenary halls, four meeting rooms, a 100-seat studio, breakout areas, and an in-house professional conference organiser office. Over the past
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Tucked away in one of Andergrove’s most tightly held pockets, 13/42 Wattle Street is where architectural flair meets everyday functionality. Every inch of this remarkable home has been designed with purpose – offering the perfect sanctuary for families, professionals, and entertainers alike. Behind the understated façade lies a home that truly delivers on all fronts: five generous bedrooms, four bathrooms (three ensuited), and a selection of indoor and outdoor living zones that f
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Mackay Road Runners held their 2025 Annual Presentation Night, a celebration of the club’s achievements that rivalled any award ceremony. Trophies and thank-you gifts were presented throughout the evening, recognising the dedication of members, volunteers, and sponsors. Club President Paul Tilse acknowledged the committee and volunteers for their efforts in making the 2025 season a success. He also thanked the club’s many loyal sponsors and supporters, including Life Members Merv and Wend
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Sunset Bay had a jammed pack weekend 24/25th Oct with a fun night of Trivia for fundraising at Eimeo Surf club, followed the next day by the club AGM. Trivia saw more of a head to head competitive side of the outrigger community and locals of Eimeo Beach were welcomed. Thank you to the sponsors of the evening- Pin- Point Property; Magpie Sports Club, Mount Pleasant Brumby's and MAK Financial Advisors, with this support approx $1300 was raised for our paddlers heading to National Sprint T
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Around forty athletes and supporters braved the heat at the Aquatic and Recreational Complex, Ooralea, for the first Shawn’s Summer Splash n Dash Biathlon of the 2025/2026 series. Created by Mackay Road Runners Club Captain Jim Ford in memory of the late Shawn, a former club treasurer and champion runner who passed away from pancreatic cancer seven years ago, the series continues to celebrate his passion for fitness, community, and perseverance. The event is open to everyone, with no clu
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At The 2025 Cape Hillsborough Blokarting Regatta The Central Queensland Blokart Club held its annual three-day regatta at Cape Hillsborough Beach last weekend, attracting thirty competitors from across the region. Racing began on Friday under promising conditions, but the wind soon eased, leaving most sailors switching down to their 5.5 sails as speeds dropped to around 10–12kph. Despite the lighter breeze from the north-northeast, competitors made the most of the challenging conditions, w
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Mackay’s rising sprint star Ethan Hill is proving that dedication and determination can overcome any obstacle. At just 15, he’s already represented Queensland and North Queensland at the nation’s top athletics competitions, with more milestones on the horizon. Ethan’s impressive track record includes bronze medals in the 4x100m relay at both the 2022 School Sport Nationals in Brisbane and the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships in Perth. Later this year, he’ll again don the North Quee
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The Life Members Trophy was played over two consecutive Wednesdays with the same partner to honour our past and present life members. Life members present were Barbara Tait and Monica Darley. Both ladies worked tirelessly over many years and contributed to make our club what it is today. Winners of the competition were Life Member Monica Darley and President Frances Brown. Weekly Results Monday 27 October 2025 - 7 Table One Winner Green Points 1st David Ting / Ming Ting 2nd Terry Sheedy
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LADIES BOWLS The North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club hosted its final competition for 2025 on Wednesday, October 29 — the 2 Bowls Triples event. Club-selected teams played three games of 12 ends, with one standout trio taking top honours. The winners were Donna Gordon, Carmel Bell, and Hilary Jones Rowan, while Lorraine Silman, Pam Spencer, and Therese Russell were runners-up. Congratulations to all players who took part in the friendly and competitive day. Best wishes also go to the Division 1 te
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Although a day early, the students of the Northern Beaches Karate Club brought the spirit of Halloween to their regular training night. A red carpet parade of spooks, ghouls, skeletons, Dracula attacking his Dad, a chicken with a police officer on board along with a familiar-looking president, set the scene for a fun night. Class continued in costume with traditional training, punching bags, breaking boards, breath training and games. All agreed it was a perfect way to celebrate a Karate
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Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2025 Has Arrived! Get ready! The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is back this weekend, and it’s set to be bigger than ever! With more than 60 acts lighting up bars, cafes, and iconic venues across town, Airlie Beach transforms into one giant stage. Catch headline performances from Jessica Mauboy, Pete Murray, The Screaming Jets, Diesel, The Black Sorrows, Choirboys and more under the big tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. This award-winning festival is the even
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Hi Everyone, You may notice something a little different about this edition of the paper – we have rebranded! After five years with the same masthead, the team thought it was time to freshen up our look, and I’m sure you’ll agree the new cover really does pop! Inspired by our lush green hinterland and the Great Barrier Reef – where all four of our regional newspapers are located – we opted for a vibrant blue-green gradient. You’ll also notice our brand name ‘LiFE’ is now more prominent. This
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Not all heroes wear capes, some crawl through storm drains. When residents in Jubilee Pocket noticed a young curlew trapped in a storm drain and unable to escape for two days, they raised the alarm. Concerned for the bird’s wellbeing, the community reached out for help and Fauna Rescue Whitsundays volunteer Trent didn’t hesitate to answer the call. Braving the heat and tight conditions, Trent crawled around 100 metres underground to reach the frightened curlew. After a tense few moments, he em
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