Council is calling on residents to have their say on the draft Mackay Region Housing Strategy 2025–2030, which sets out a roadmap to ensure future housing supply meets the community’s changing needs. Council recognises that housing needs vary across life stages, household types and income levels, and community input is essential to ensure our future housing reflects these diverse needs. The strategy responds to a growing imbalance between the types of homes people need and the ones currently av
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How Keyton’s Queenslanders Are Rewriting the Rules For many, retirement means slowing down: lazy mornings, long lunches, time to finally relax. Yet Australians are increasingly reimagining this stage of life as a chance to rediscover purpose, deepen connections, and embrace passions set aside during the busier years. Purpose, after all, is powerful. Those who feel their days have meaning enjoy greater wellbeing, sharper minds, and stronger health. Research into the world's Blue Zones, reg
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In the endless pursuit of glowing, youthful skin, many of us reach for the latest serum, cleanser, or mask—believing that the right product will fix what we see in the mirror. But growing evidence suggests that beauty really does begin within, and the health of your skin might have far more to do with your gut than your skincare routine. This rising wellness trend, known as the gut–skin axis, is gaining traction among scientists, nutritionists, and dermatologists alike. In simple terms, it’s th
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World Menopause Month We talk about the weather in Mackay. We talk about the sugar price, the reef, the school run, and even the potholes; but one topic that often stays off the table is menopause. For something that every woman will go through in her lifetime, menopause is still surrounded by silence. Many women describe it as something you “just get on with.” But this natural transition can bring changes that affect your energy, mood, sleep, relationships, and confidence, and you don’t have t
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By Hannah McNamara Smiles and excitement filled the room as Shara’s Club officially opened its doors on Monday, 13th October, celebrating a landmark moment for adults living with physical or intellectual disabilities across the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Coalfields regions. The not-for-profit registered charity offers a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental space, that’s completely free, where visitors can connect, learn, and enjoy a wide range of enriching activities. The Open Day drew an excited
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**Friday 24th October ** Women In Sport – Leadership Breakfast 7.30am Celebrate the power of women in sport at the Women in Sport Leadership Breakfast at Harrup Park. Hear from Olympic legends Cathy Freeman OAM, Tracey Belbin OAM, and Linda McKenzie OAM as they share insights on leadership, diversity, and inspiring the next generation on the road to Brisbane 2032. Proceeds support local girls’ sport through the Mackay Sports Foundation. Tickets essential via: https://bit.ly/WOMEN-IN-S
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As Reclaim The Night Returns To Mackay The Zonta Club of Mackay, together with Mackay Women’s Service, Salvation Army, and The Neighbourhood Hub, will host the Reclaim the Night March and BBQ on Friday, 31 October 2025, from 5–7pm near Artspace in the Council Precinct. The event will feature information from Zonta and the Mackay Police Vulnerable Persons Unit, as well as a performance of a local Reclaim the Night song written for the occasion by Rhythm Business. Walkerston Rotary Club will als
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In Support Of The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal Mackay VIEW Club is calling on the community to embrace the festive season spirit of giving and help raise funds for The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal, to ensure thousands of students experiencing disadvantage can be supported in their education in 2026. The charity aims to raise $4.9 million nationally through the appeal, which will provide more than 11,600 children with access to critical learning and mentoring programs to help them stay eng
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The Heat Girls League kicked off its season in spectacular fashion on Friday afternoon, with PV Fire facing off against Souths Hurricanes, and PV Thunder challenging the reigning premiers, PV Throwing Coconuts. With several players making their league debut, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement. Fortunately, the seasoned campaigners were in top form both on and off the field—offering encouragement and support to the newcomers, helping to settle nerves and foster a welcomin
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Whitsunday Anglican School is celebrating a thrilling sporting triumph after both its Year 12 Boys and Girls Volleyball Teams claimed grand final victories against Mackay State High School (MSHS). After six weeks of preliminary games against schools across Mackay, the two teams faced off against MSHS in front of a strong home crowd. MSHS took the first set in both matches with some excellent volleyball, setting the stage for an intense contest. A representative from Whitsunday Anglican School
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BOWLS The Annual Dames versus Dandies Fun Day was held at the club on Tuesday, October 7, and proved to be another great success. With the support of many enthusiastic district bowlers and members from the North Mackay Club, the day was filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition. After a few shandies and plenty of good spirits, the Dandies claimed victory, with the ladies graciously admitting they were outplayed this year — but vowing to come back stronger in 2026! A special thank yo
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This season is proving to have some fantastic matches, Allan Robins has always had a lot of marathon matches but last Tuesday night, Duncan gave Allan a run for his money and they didn’t disappoint. They took turns with every set was super close with Allan won in the end 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 9-11, 16-14. Evening Fixtures Division 1 – Gold (Goncalo Serra, Geoff Denman, Graham Brake) beat Barra (Barry Patterson, Lee Brake, Graham Drury) 8-3, with Lee beat Graham 11-6. Eagles (Emma Widdup, Syed Am
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Hi everyone, It’s definitely awards season, and the excitement is building! This Saturday marks our inaugural Life Publishing Group gala event, supporting seven regional charities. A huge thank you to our entire team for their hard work — especially our Mackay Sales Manager, Jess Clark, whose passion has driven this event from the start, and to our Whitsunday Sales Manager for coordinating donations and client support. I can't wait to share more about the event with you next week. This week,
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This week’s good deed comes from someone many of you will know, Life Publishing Group’s Editor-in-Chief, Rachael Smith. While out on a distribution run, Rachael was restocking newspaper stands at Whitsunday Plaza, hauling heavy bundles as she moved from point to point. Despite pushing through with determination, the load was visibly demanding. As she powered through, a kind young man approached and offered to lend a hand, Rachael taken aback by the gesture stated: “At first, I almost declined
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Jetstar have announced that the Whitsunday Coast Airport to Adelaide direct flight will soon be cancelled. Since launching less than 12 months ago the flight has averaged at around 61% capacity and has not met the airline’s minimum requirements for long-term sustainability. The final direct flight will operate on Wednesday 28 January. A council spokesperson said that customers booked onto the Adelaide service have been re-accommodated on alternative flights. Despite the cancellation of the A
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The Whitsunday Tourism Awards took a bold new direction this year, shifting away from the traditional, time-consuming written submission format in favour of alignment with the Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP). This updated model now mirrors the approach adopted across much of Queensland, with winners assessed based on real-world results — including verified online reviews, customer feedback, accreditation standards, and industry engagement. In the past, operators were required to
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The Whitsunday business community will come together next month to celebrate innovation, leadership, and community spirit at the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards, recognising 70 outstanding nominees across ten award categories. Delivered in partnership between Whitsunday Regional Council, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Bowen Chamber of Commerce, the Awards shine a spotlight on the people and enterprises driving growth across the region. This year’s event is proudly su
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Turquoise waters, teeming reefs, green landscapes, and the whitest of white beaches. The Whitsundays is a pretty special place. The region is not just a natural wonderland, home to 74 of the world’s most stunning islands. It’s a place for adventure, escape, indulgence, and where dreams become happy memories to share as stories for years to come. As I move across the region, it’s never lost on me how blessed we are to live in such a beautiful and diverse part of the world. Tourism is a vital dri
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As part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month this October, Whitsunday Counselling and Support will host its main community event, Reclaim the Night, at Coral Sea Marina Gardens. The evening will feature guest speakers including MP Amanda Camm and Officer in Charge Anthony Moynihan from Whitsunday Police, followed by a walk along the Airlie Beach Foreshore. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs, or pick one up from the team on-site. Live music by Dylan Hammond, light nibbles, and networking oppo
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Donzel began his Tec-NQ House journey in Semester 2, 2025, bringing fresh energy to the boarding community. As a year 10 student, preparing for year 11 in 2026, he already has his future mapped out: a career in the automotive industry. “I chose Tec-NQ for the opportunities after school,” said Donzel. “I heard about this school from family members,” he added. It’s the strength of Tec-NQ’s vocational pathway options that attracted him, and he is keen to take every chance to learn. “So far, it’s
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Strong Support for Visitor Services & RV Park Revival Recently, the Proserpine Sub-Committee of the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry ran a Business Impact and Tourism Opportunities Survey to gather insight from local businesses on recent closures and how Proserpine can boost its visitor appeal. The survey, completed by 20 businesses from diverse businesses and industry sectors – plus numerous comments on social media – revealed clear priorities and strong consensus among local operato
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Honouring Gene Wilson And His Lasting LegacyAs Mayor of the Whitsundays, one of the greatest privileges of this role is to recognise those who have left an enduring mark on our community. This week I want to reflect on the life and legacy of the man who created Mullers Lagoon, Gene Wilson, who passed away recently at the age of 98. Gene and his wife Sylvia, along with their children Jeannie, Charles and Gwen, arrived in Bowen from Lutz, Florida, in 1961. Like many who choose to call the Whitsun
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Whitsunday Regional Council is launching a collaborative Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection Program this wet season (November – April 2025) to help protect our waterways, seagrasses and reef environments. Sites with good erosion and sediment controls not only safeguard marine ecosystems but also prevent soil and gravel from clogging stormwater drains, which in turn reduces local flooding and keeps our roads safer. Find out more about best practice erosion and sediment controls by visiting
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Made a mistake? We’re not here to judge. (That’s the magistrate’s job.) Traffic offences. Minor criminal charges. Everyone deserves a fair go and the right advice. At Whitsunday Law, we help you understand your options, prepare for court, and avoid making things worse. We’ll give you clear, honest advice and represent you if you need us in court. No scare tactics, no judgement, just practical support. Because one bad day shouldn’t define your future. Whitsunday Law – Real help, when it really
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Accountancy Plus Annual financial reports were introduced by QBCC to check the financial strength of contractor-grade licensees in Queensland. Our highly skilled team at APW can assist you with your annual reporting & calculating the financial health ratios as per QBCC standards. Important Dates: 28 October: September 2025 quarter employee super is due 31 October: Tax Returns (not lodged through a tax agent) are due for lodgement
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