Hi Everyone,What a week it’s been for our crew! Across our four papers, we’ve pulled together four incredible special features for the community — from milestone celebrations to local Job Fairs — we’ve truly covered it all!If you’re not quite sure what a special feature is, you can see some of our latest ones in action on pages 16–18 of Whitsunday Life and 28–34 of Mackay Life. These multi-page spreads are a vibrant, engaging way to spotlight something meaningful — whether it's a business annive
Read more
Whitsunday Regional Council is reminding Collinsville residents that applications for the Flying-Fox Resident Assistance Lifestyle Grants close on November 1. The grants are aimed at supporting residents impacted by flying-fox roosts in urban areas, providing practical lifestyle solutions to help reduce the effects of noise, odour, and property damage caused by the animals. Council has secured $46,000 in funding from the Queensland Government and will contribute an additional $20,000 to direct
Read more
The Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) has been actively campaigning to save trees threatened by the proposed widening of Shute Harbour Road between Paluma Road and the Tropic Road roundabout. WCC explained that they first met with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in February 2023, after it was announced that work would begin on preparations for the widening of Shute Harbour Road, including moving power lines, reconstructing pathways and removing trees and vegetation. WCC st
Read more
In Australia, there are 425,000 people living with dementia as of 2024, with that number expected to more than double to over 800,000 by 2054. Even if dementia doesn’t directly affect you, the likelihood of it touching someone close to you in your lifetime is very high. Rebecca Ross is one of those people. Her beloved mother was recently diagnosed with frontal temporal and vascular dementia. It has been a journey she describes as heartbreaking, but one she is determined to turn into hope and a
Read more
Missing Man Brett Breeze Has Been Missing From Bowen For Six Weeks More than six weeks after Brett Breeze was last seen, his family is still searching for answers — and holding on to hope. The Bowen man, 49, vanished on Tuesday, 19 August, shortly after presenting to Bowen Hospital for treatment relating to his mental health. He was due to be transferred to Mackay Base Hospital the following day, but never arrived. Despite extensive search efforts by police, SES volunteers, and professional tr
Read more
Airlie Beach came alive over the weekend as more than 700 young rugby players and several thousand spectators descended on the Whitsunday Sportspark for the 2025 Viking Cup 10s — a record-breaking celebration of junior rugby union. Now recognised as North Queensland’s largest junior rugby carnival, this year’s event featured 51 teams across seven divisions, making it the biggest two days in the history of the Whitsunday Sportspark. Families travelled from across Queensland to take part, with te
Read more
Let’s Get Ready, Whitsundays!This week is Get Ready Week, a reminder for all of our Whitsunday community to take a few simple steps now to prepare for the storm and cyclone season ahead.Locals know all too well how unpredictable the weather can be, from heavy rain and flash flooding to strong winds and tropical cyclones. Being prepared early makes a huge difference when severe weather hits, and this week is the perfect time to check your emergency plans, top up your supplies and talk with your f
Read more
Then and Now By the mid 1920s, many Proserpine districts boasted a hall of their own. These places were not only hubs of social events but also provided a centre for such activities as meetings of canegrowers, polling booths and Country Women’s Association gatherings. They were the heartbeat of these communities. Sadly, time has seen most of these halls fall into disrepair and close down. BUT not so, Kelsey Creek. Kelsey Creek Hall, made of timber with corrugated iron walls, was built by J P Mu
Read more
Hi everyone,Hope you’re having a great week as always!This week, amid the busy pace of journalism, I’ve been reflecting on my “why.” They say that when you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life, and I’ve found that to be true!Life can throw challenges our way, sometimes feeling like mountains. But knowing your why can turn those hurdles into blessings rather than burdens.It’s easy to get caught up in what’s wrong in the world, especially in this fast-paced, digital age. If you s
Read more
**Friday 10th October ** Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Seniors Fitter For
Read more
At South Suburban Bowls Club South Suburban Bowls Club is set to host the 2025 State Mixed Pairs Championships this weekend, bringing two days of high-level bowls action to the region. The event kicks off on Saturday 11th October at 9 a.m., with competition continuing through Sunday 12th October. The championships will feature some of Queensland’s finest bowlers, combining seasoned champions and local talent. Spectators can expect fast-paced games, strategic play, and a lively atmosphere as par
Read more
Bringing Nostalgia Back To Modern Homes Kitchens are no longer just functional spaces; they’re the heart of the home, where style and personality meet practicality. In 2025, one of the standout trends reshaping these central hubs is the retro revival — a nostalgic nod to mid-century designs and vintage charm, now infused with modern convenience. Retro-inspired kitchens are all about personality. Bold colours are making a statement, from candy-apple reds and deep teals to mustard yellows and pas
Read more
The Longest-Running Breakfast Show In The Region Triple M Mackay & The Whitsundays will mark a major milestone this Friday when Jay & Dave broadcast their 3,300th Breakfast Show, cementing their place as the longest-running breakfast team in the region. Since their first show together in 2011, Jay Shipston and Dave Peters have been the voices locals wake up to. Across more than 11,500 hours on air, they’ve laughed, cried, and shared every major moment with the community — from cyclones and floo
Read more
I got out of my car near my office in Victoria St the other day and was swooped by a pee wee that came from behind and landed a peck on my head. Like most people, I’m not a big fan of being swooped but it’s usually aggressive male magpies that bring me grief during their breeding season, although I’ve clashed with a few plovers over the years. It probably makes me a bad person but I often think rogue, aggressive male magpies are given a bit too much latitude when they constantly, aggressively
Read more
Community is at the heart of Hugh Reilly Real Estate, and their support reaches far beyond the walls of their office. For more than 80 years, the agency has been a familiar and trusted name in Mackay, known not only for real estate expertise but for their generous commitment to giving back. Partner and Managing Director, Josey Comerford, is often seen supporting local initiatives across the region. Recently, she joined fellow business leaders for the Chamber of Commerce B2B Brews event at Macka
Read more
The team at Hugh Reilly Real Estate proved that laughter truly is the best office policy this April Fools’ Day. In a moment of light-hearted fun, Carol arrived at work to find her entire desk covered in the team’s funniest faces – a cheerful surprise that instantly set the tone for a day filled with laughter. Each photo featured a member of the Hugh Reilly team pulling their best expression, creating a collage of smiles that had everyone stopping by for a chuckle. Known for their professionali
Read more
Mackay’s young athletes are gearing up for the All Schools State Schools Track and Field Championships in Townsville this October, following strong performances at the Capricornia and North Queensland school trials in September. Twelve squad members earned spots across a range of events. 10–12 years age group; 13–15 October: • Penny Shields - 800m and 1500m • Harper Miles - 200m, 400m, 800m and the 1500m 13–19 years age group; 16–19 October: • August Cole - 400m, 800m, 1500m and the 2000m St
Read more
High-Speed Motorcycle Incident At Bakers Creek A 21-year-old Sarina man has been intercepted by police following an alleged high-speed incident on the Mackay Ring Road at Bakers Creek on Saturday, October 4, 2025. At approximately 8.49pm, officers conducting mobile speed enforcement patrols allegedly detected a Kawasaki ZX 12R motorcycle travelling at 178 kilometres per hour in an 80-kilometre-per-hour zone — 98 kilometres over the posted speed limit. Police intercepted the motorcycle and spo
Read more
Chances House Mackay provides vital support to people experiencing homelessness, and the team is reaching out to the community for a little extra help. Residents rely on the generosity of locals to access basic necessities, and right now the shelter is in need of a range of essential items. Non-perishable foods are always appreciated, with tins featuring ring pulls preferred for ease of use. Donations of noodles, spaghetti, baked beans, tuna, fruit cups, and chunky soups go directly to those wh
Read more
Some of Mackay’s most vulnerable young patients are benefitting from the gift of refreshed rooms, new amenities, cosy therapeutic bean bags and modern furniture thanks to the generosity of AutoCorner Mackay. Representatives visited the Children and Adolescent Unit mental health rooms to view the results of their generous donation which was arranged by the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Nurse unit manager Louise Suner and enrolled nurse Kirby Green gave a tour of the refreshed lounge area and pati
Read more
Members of Mackay VIEW Club are calling on the community to give generously this Anti-Poverty Week [12-18 October] and sponsor a child or donate to the national children’s education charity The Smith Family. The focus of this Anti-Poverty Week is to end child poverty in Australia. Mackay VIEW Club helps 5 children through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life education support program, which provides families with long term educational, financial, and personal assistance, so that children have a
Read more
BRIDGE The Mackay Contract Bridge Club held its 2025 Congress with players from the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Townsville in attendance. An extremely well supported weeked saw 60 players compete in three competitions. Winners of the Open pairs were Ian Afflick and Terry Sheedy, followed closely by Janet Hansen and Diane Morgan. Section B pairs were won by Martin Pearce and Simon Barnes, with Annette Howe and Jewell Schmidt in second place. The Open Teams were won by Team Bugeia, Noel Bugeia, Va
Read more
Council Heads To Smaller Communities To Find Out What Matters Most To Them
Read more
Mackay’s senior community is invited to come together this Tuesday, October 14, for the annual Seniors Expo, running from 9am to 12pm at The Big Shed, Mackay Showgrounds (25 Milton Street). Now a much-loved fixture on the local calendar, the expo brings together more than 80 exhibitors and around 2000 visitors each year, creating a welcoming space where older residents, their carers, and families can explore services, programs, and activities that support healthy, active, and connected living.
Read more
At The 2025 Mackay Family Carnival! The Mackay Showgrounds came alive last weekend as families flocked to enjoy the 2025 Mackay Family Carnival — a vibrant celebration of rides, lights, and laughter that ran from September 24 to October 5. Over twelve days, the Showgrounds transformed into a wonderland of colour and excitement, offering everything from thrilling rides and classic showbags to sizzling food stalls and crowd-favourite Pluto Pups. Visitors of all ages immersed themselves in themed
Read more