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Hidden Hero For Legacy

Legacy Whitsundays badge stand has been a staple in the local Whitsunday shopping centres for years, raising funds for local Legacy projects and programs. However, in a turn of events, the Whitsunday Plaza has extended a fee to the group, charging them for their space.

New Agility Equipment For Stirling’s Lasting Legacy

Excited dogs and their owners have been heading down to the Cannonvale dog park to sample the newly installed dog agility equipment that will now be a permanent fixture for all the community to enjoy.A tribute to the beautiful spirit of Stirling Edwards-Bland, the young man who tragically passed away in a road accident last year, the equipment has been purchased with money given to his family in the immediate aftermath.

Community Forum Boasts Good News For Region

Bowen was host to the third Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum of 2023 earlier this week and attendees came together to discuss pressing issues of the region. In particular housing availability, housing affordability, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and workforce attraction and retention were hot topics of conversation. There was also a presentation about the Queensland Procurement Strategy, which outlined that Queensland based business will be prioritised with an estimat

Locals Supporting Locals Meals On Wheels Day

This past Wednesday was National Meals on Wheels Day, celebrating the service’s dedication and commitment to small communities across Australia.The Proserpine Meals on Wheels branch has been servicing Proserpine, Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, Jubilee Point, Midge Point, and Cape Gloucester since 1974, handmaking and delivering nutritious meals to members of the community.

CRAFT YURT, LOCAL MUSOS AND 35 ARTISANS MAKE FOR ONE-OF-A-KIND MARKET

This Sunday (September 3), from 1pm to 4pm, about 35 vibrant artisans, musicians and food vendors will bring the Mackay Civic Precinct to life. Showcasing everything hand-made, from paintings and platters to toys, totes and textiles, the Rock Paper Scissors Art and Design Market attracts an eclectic mix of talented stallholders. This event is also not just about shopping for art, you can also make your own – the “craft yurt” will be back again this year with free all-ages craft activities. Visit

Run With Colour

Get your old runners on and a white top, it’s time for the Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc Colour Run Fun!Encompassing a jumping castle, face painting, sausage sizzle, and so much more, this free event is happening next weekend. “We’ve designed the event to have gentle and fun educational activities for everyone,” explained Alex Sambrooks, the Therapeutic Case Manager with Whitsunday Counselling and Support.

Mackay’s Best Beaches

The weather is getting warmer, which means it’s time to get outside and bask in the beautiful north Queensland spring. With 31 beautiful beaches surrounding Mackay so no matter what side of town you’re on, you’re never too far from a beach. Be wary when swimming, though, as stinger season approaches, generally running during the warmer months from October to May. Make sure to wear a stinger suit when swimming to be completely safe. Blacks Beach Blacks Beach is a serene coastal gem known for it

Over $105,000 Raised For Two Charities

In a fantastic effort, the 2023 Mayor’s Annual Charity Ball has raised more than $105,000, this being the highest amount ever raised since the first Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor’s Ball in 2015.RACQ CQ Rescue and Whitsunday Housing Company were the two nominated charities, each receiving $52,914.29 at a special presentation last week.

On The Beat

On August 27, police arrested a 50-year-old Cannon Valley man for assault occasioning bodily harm that they allege occurred in Airlie Beach. It is alleged he assaulted a 50-year-old man in an unprovoked assault. He will appear in Proserpine Court at a later date.

Monthly Meetings For Whitsunday Councillors

Whitsunday Regional Council have decided to move to monthly Ordinary Council Meetings, rather than their bi-monthly meetings, for a more streamlined focus on strategy. The monthly meetings begin in September, with the meeting scheduled for Wednesday September 27.

Tournament Of The Minds Held At St Catherine’s Catholic College

More than 80 students from four different schools participated in the Regional Finals of the Tournament of the Minds competition last Sunday.Hosted by St Catherine’s Catholic College and held at the Secondary Campus’ Multi-Purpose Hall, the event saw 14 teams take part in the state-wide competition.

Trees Threatened In Council Permitted Clearing Works

A series of mature blue gums and rainforest trees are under threat of being cleared and removed, following the Whitsunday Regional Council initiative to approve an existing development plan on the land.

A Feeding Frenzy Of Fun

"Little Shop Of Horrors" Hits The Stage! Get ready to be entangled in a web of music, comedy, and a dash of sci-fi as the Mackay Musical Comedy Players proudly present their latest production, "Little Shop of Horrors." Following the triumph of their recent show, "The Addams Family," this not-for-profit Musical Theatre group is back to bring you a performance that's bound to leave you hungry for more. For over three decades, "Little Shop of Horrors" has captivated audiences with its devilishly de

MASTER PLAN UNVEILED FOR POPULAR ETON PARK

The development of Langford Park in Eton is starting to take shape. A master plan for the area has been developed based on feedback that was gathered during the community consultation activities in November last year. Mayor Greg Williamson said council was committed to improving liveability across the whole region. “These upgrades will ensure Eton residents have a viable option close by for birthday parties, play dates and other social activities,” Mayor Williamson said. “The work will take plac

Variety Bash Crew Stops At Bowen’s Big Mango

Bowen’s Big Mango continues to attract travellers from all states as well as overseas and they include families, grey nomads, celebrities and people travelling in unusual vehicles.An estimated 100,000 people stop by this iconic tourist attraction each year to have a selfie taken next to one of Australia’s favourite “big things”.

Youthful Energy Takes Centre Stage At SCOUT FEST

The weather was perfect for SCOUT FEST 2023 at Rowallan Park on August 19 and 20. On Saturday, there were 203 public participants and 258 Scouting members, along with six Guiding youth and three leaders who joined the activities. Leaders and youth members from Calliope and Tannum Sands enjoyed the weekend, along with youth and leaders from Proserpine, Sarina, Mackay City Central, and Banksia Groups. Visiting leaders from Brisbane, Townsville, and Yeppoon were also present, and their expertise wa

An Afternoon Tea With A Difference

The Gospel Garden Party is approaching, featuring a variety of entertainment highlighting classic easy listening gospel music, from the familiar and well-loved tunes to the occasional original. This spring celebration promises to be a wonderful afternoon of classic gospel and gardening glory. The members of the Mackay Anglican Community have been growing plants from their own gardens as a special project to be on display and for sale at the event. With completely free entry, there will also b

Chamber Chat

Customer experience, it is one of the most important things all the businesses in our region have in common. We are all working to ensure our customers feel important and appreciated and enjoy doing business or purchasing from us. We know that good customer service reputation and reviews are a major factor in attracting new business and delivering a great service experience will likely influence a return visit or purchase.

Event Guide

Friday 1 September M&P Services and Key Solutions Group 8th Annual Charity Golf Day Friday, 11:00am A charity fundraising event for corporate businesses to enjoy with work colleagues and friends to raise funds for local charities. The event is booked out every year with regular supporting sponsors. Mackay Golf Club Shirlz Russell Book Launch Party Friday, 6:00pm Join in to celebrate with Shirlz Russell, co-author of "The New Rules of Wellness" in the official hardcopy book launch held at Kitte

Bulldogs Trophy Haul At Mackay Junior League Grand Finals

Brothers Bulldogs reign supreme in the Mackay Junior League after being crowned 2023 Junior Club Champions and lifting three premiership trophies and a Plate title. The famous club also collected the Ivan Bradford Award for most teams in a Grand Final – highlighting the outstanding development work implemented by officials. On an action-packed program at BB Print Stadium, the Bulldogs underlined their depth of emerging talent by registering Grand Final victories in the Under 13, Under 15 and U

Councillor Column

As we emerge from “winter” and embrace the wonderful spring weather, I encourage us all to take particular care as our scaley snake friends awaken from their winter hibernation. They are usually hungry and cranky so please keep your children and your pets safe. The forest is also a source of danger to those who suffer severe allergies so again please take care.

Did You Know?

Waste or unwanted motor oil should not be put into recycling or rubbish bins as it is unable to be correctly processed or treated this way. Furthermore, waste oil that spills into collection trucks can ignite fires when in contact with hot surfaces, for example with the exhaust of the truck.

Marketing Tips

Road Runners Take On The Dunes

Nearly forty runners and supporters braved the very cooling but sunny sea breezes for the running of the annual Sladie Sand Dunes trail running event from Lamberts Beach. The Lamberts Beach/Slade Point nature reserve has an outstanding variety of options for a challenging event including soft sand, undulating sand dunes, bush trails and hilly ascents and descents with tricky steps and footfalls to carefully navigate. First competitor off a scratch start was the speedy Paul Mackenzie who revell

Picture-Perfect And Prize-Winning

For the second year in a row Peninsula Airlie Beach has received national recognition as Residential Manager of the Year – Short Term Accommodation runners-up at the ARAMA awards held down in Brisbane last month.