The Masters Swimming Queensland 2024 North Queensland Championships, hosted in collaboration with Townsville’s Long Tan Legends Masters swimming club, provided a fantastic opportunity for swimmers to compete in a high-level pool event. The championship attracted 78 swimmers from 22 clubs, with participants travelling from as far south as Tasmania. Revived after several years, the competition is now set to become a regular fixture on the Masters swimming calendar. The Sinkers swim club del
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Members Terry Sheedy and Janelle Conroy competed in the Magnetic Island Teams Congress, winning the walk-in pairs and coming second in the Category A Teams event, with Tony Lusk and Sandy Long from Cairns. On the home front David Ting and Eric Goodchild N/S, along with Noel Bugeia and Terry Sheedy E/W are leading the B4 Red Pt competition after weeks 1 of 2 of the event. Weekly Results Monday 9 September 2024 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points 1st David Ting / Ming Ting 2nd Joy Block / Nancy W
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The parkrun scene saw an incredible milestone recently as the original Bushy Park parkrun celebrated its 1000th event! In a record-breaking turnout, 6,204 participants attended, which was 2.5 times the amount of their previous attendance record. This staggering number highlighted the global appeal of parkrun. In Mackay, the local Botanic Gardens parkrun is gearing up for a significant milestone of its own, with the 400th just around the corner. Scheduled for this Saturday, September 21, the ev
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The Annual Shields Stampede was once again a great success with over 35 runners and supporters taking part in the event. Life Members Wendy and Merv Shields generously hosted the historic Shields Stampede from their home, with a special thanks to Mackay Road Runners Vice-President Mick Scholer, who stepped in for President Brendan Bishop, who was away enjoying Magnetic Island. The event took runners through some of North Mackay’s most challenging and undulating suburbs, starting at Mt Pleasan
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures September 3, 2024:Division 1:Hyuandi (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan) d Holden (Mark Sleeman, Robbie Richards, Lee Brake) 8-3. Anne d Robbie -10, 8, -5, 9, 11.Fiat (Donna Abbott, Emma Widdup, Allan Robins) d Honda (Vince Boeske, Graham Brake, Neil Brown) 6-5. Allan d Vince 11, -5, -8, 7, 5.Audi (Ian McKay, Andrew McHugh, Lily Boland) d Ferrari (Steven Whiting, Janice Kent, Andrea Nicholson) 9-2. Steven d Lily -11, 7, -8, 4, 17.BMW (Barry Patters
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Getting ready to buy your first house? Does the beautiful Whitsundays or Scenic Mackay look like the right place for your next home? Here are all the tips you need to navigate what some people call the most important purchase you will make. Evaluate your financial situation... are you ready to buy a home? Ensuring you have the financial means to purchase your first home is crucial in the home-buying process. Start by assessing your budget: review your income, savings, and expenses to determine w
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The names of the two new Labor candidates were revealed today by Premier for Queensland Steven Miles who came to Mackay to make the formal announcement. Dr Bauke Hovinga, an emergency Doctor at Mackay Base Hospital, has been named as the candidate for the seat of the Whitsundays. He will go up against current Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP who was voted into the seat in 2020 following her success in winning the seat against Labor candidate Angie Kelly in a close margin of less that 100
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The tragic death toll in our region has sadly risen again this week following a road accident on Sunday evening that claimed the life of a 22-year-old woman. On Sunday 15 September at 5pm a 61-year-old Bowen man was travelling in a silver Rodeo North on the Bruce Highway, and in the initial police investigation, it appears to have veered onto the wrong side of the road. The silver Rodeo collided head on with a black BMW, driven by a 22-year-old female who tragically lost her life as a result t
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Wilmar Workers' Pay Dispute Comes To An End In a decisive turn of events, the long-standing and contentious pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and its employees has finally reached a resolution, paving the way for significant wage increases and bonuses. Growers can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the resolution ensures that the threat of disruptive industrial action will no longer jeopardise their crucial crops. A majority of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees has voted in favour of a new ent
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Police have charged a 29-year-old Bowen man following a fatal hit-and-run traffic crash that happened in Bowen in July. Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Bootooloo Road and Wheelers Lane on Thursday, July 25, after a cyclist was located on the roadway by a passing motorist at 4.42am. The male cyclist, a 69-year-old Bowen man, was declared deceased at the scene. The cyclist was struck by a vehicle, which had failed to remain at the scene. Following extensive investigations, the d
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Mayor Ry Collins is hosting his first Mayor’s Charity Ball on September 21, with a new and exciting addition to the evening set to dazzle the audience with a special ‘After Dark’ party experience. For the first time ever, guests can decide whether they want to indulge in the decadent Gala Dinner which includes a gourmet three course meal, or would prefer to delight in the ‘After Dark Experience’, where the party atmosphere encourages everybody to dance the night away. Continued on page 6. Ma
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Hi Everyone, Last weekend I had the most fabulous time at the Whitsundays Writers Festival, and it was truly an event I’ll remember forever. From my mum using the f-word when performing her poem ‘Don’t Let The Old Lady In” at the Poetry Karaoke evening, to having a lively conversation with New York Times Best Selling Author, Sally Hepworth – the whole weekend was magical! I met too many inspiring people to count, formed connections from all over the country and locally I heard there could eve
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In April this year Michelle Wardrope fell over on her driveway, resulting in her needing six stitches for the gash on her knee. At the time, she had no idea this small fall was the start of an event that would nearly see her lose her life. After the fall she travelled to hospital for stitches, however, she returned to hospital shortly after waking in her sleep with immense pain in her leg. Michelle’s health quickly deteriorated and was told she had contracted a soil-borne bacterial infection
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Another year and another spectacular weekend at the St. Bebida’s White on Whitehaven Long Table Lunch. Hosted by Fish D’vine, a spectacular array of fresh local seafood and sumptuous sizzling meats was served alongside crunchy salads and washed down with an array of first-class beverages. Everyone had a wonderful time soaking in the sun and taking a dip in the refreshing turquoise waters of Whitehaven Beach. Co-owner of Fish D’Vine Kev Collins had a great day serving everyone delicious food
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Queenslanders could now be hit with a $6,452 fine or $483 on the spot fine for discarding food, including fish frames, scraps and bait, in a way that may unintentionally attract crocodiles to a public place such as a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping area. Deliberately disturbing or feeding crocodiles could leave you with an increased on the spot fine ranging from $483 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $6452 to $26,615. The Minister for the Environment and the Grea
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On August 21, local resident Danielle Blackie tragically lost her life in a house fire in Sugar Loaf. Circumstances were not considered suspicious, and Danielle is remembered by friends that knew her best: “At first glance Danielle Blackie was tough and feisty. She was a strong woman, a trauma survivor, and she could do anything and everything. Danielle was a diamond who sparkled at its best when surrounded by her tribe. “Contrary to her sometimes rugged and brash exterior, she was a gentle
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Over 30 field staff from Wet Tropics Management Authority, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Biosecurity QLD, Marine Parks and Whitsunday Regional Council have completed a 3-day detailed Yellow Crazy Ant survey from 2 – 5 September at infestation areas within Conway National Park. The aim of the detailed survey is to accurately map the infestation areas in Shute Harbour so a revised and cost-effective baiting Program can be implemented. During recent years Council has noticed that the in
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Barefoot Medicine first opened its doors in September 2023 and have since dedicated themselves to community healthcare, celebrating their one-year anniversary this month. To mark this significant milestone, patients, doctors, and staff came together for a cake-cutting ceremony which Owners Shane Howden, Margaret Kurzok, Tanya De Vries and Director of the board, Alex Kennedy also attended. The relaxing nature of Barefoot Medicine is what sets it apart from the rest, the waiting room feels more li
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Lake Proserpine is quickly becoming the mainland jewel in the crown for drawing visitors to the wonderful Whitsundays with Council’s staged masterplan upgrades capitalising on the famed site’s natural splendour. Council has now started hosting events at Lake Proserpine and one of the most popular has been our Kids Fishing Day which returns on Saturday, October 5 on the King’s Birthday Long weekend. Lake Proserpine has become renowned as an angler's paradise, boasting the highest number of ba
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The Bowen Community Garden Working Bee is scheduled for this weekend Saturday 14 September from 7am at Bowen Community Garden. The Working Bee, organised by Stella Life, is aimed to build the Bowen Community Garden into a lush space for all to enjoy. Stella Community is excited to share the progress of the Bowen Community Garden, a groundbreaking project for this community aimed at creating an inclusive and vibrant green space for all to gather, learn, and connect with nature. The Stella Co
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The Zonta Club of Bowen successfully hosted a STEM Workshops for Girls event on August 17th. These workshops, which focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, featured engaging activities specifically designed for girls in grades 5 to 7. “It was wonderful to see the 37 girls who attended so attentive, engaged and participating in the activities,” Cath Morgan said. Facilitator Keziah Furnell from STEM Sisterhood (Townsville) along with her assistants ran a series of hands-on wor
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Yellow Crazy Ants are a highly invasive species in the Whitsundays. In large numbers, they can disrupt entire ecosystems with their veracious appetites and ability to create 'super colonies' across large areas, leaving heavily infested areas without animals, insects or native ants. Whitsunday Regional Council is tackling this issue through an ongoing baiting program, with treatments completed at Shute Harbour, Mandalay, Funnel Bay, and Woodwark. The baiting process is safe and not considered haz
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Happy kids are finishing up term three this week and ready to embark on the two-week September holidays. This means the energy and enthusiasm that is usually expended in the classroom will now be driving parents to exhaustion across the community! To help keep our lively youngsters fulfilled and active over the school holidays, Whitsunday Regional Council local libraries are holding a variety of events. From Storytime to Viking Chess, Medieval Kids Club and Tween Kokedama, there are heaps of en
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Daisy, a 4-year-old beautiful American Bulldog/Mastiff Cross is looking for her fur-ever home. The gentle Daisy is vaccinated and pup-to-date with her Heartworm injections. She is not desexed, however, her current owners would be willing to have her desexed if required. Daisy is a fantastic companion due to her loving nature and is great with children, people in general and other dogs. If you think you could give Daisy the loving home she very much deserves, please contact Brooke: 0490 530 151
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A century ago, people did not have the broad range of home entertainment available to us today. Prior to 1924, there was no radio or television and gramophones and records were quite expensive. The first mention of a wireless set being used for home entertainment purposes in Proserpine was recorded in the local newspaper on September 20 1924. “The wireless was installed at the residence of Mr Robert Shepherd in Chapman Street.” Mr Robert Shepherd, Chairman of the district at the time, was obvi
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