As CANEGROWERS prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2026, the organisation is inviting the community to help build a unique photo collection that captures 100 years of cane country history. Locals are encouraged to dig out their treasured sugarcane snapshots — from family moments on the farm to milestones in the industry — and share them on Facebook or by emailing info@canegrowers.com.au. The collection will form part of a centenary showcase honouring the people and stories behind the sugarc
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Applications open for 2026 Rural Women’s Award The search is on for inspiring rural women to step forward, with applications now open for the 2026 AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award. The award recognises and celebrates inclusive and courageous leadership by women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. Queensland’s 2025 state winner and Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Agribusiness Network, Nicole McNaughton, said she encouraged a
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The Nebo Bush Poet’s Smoko 2025 drew a strong crowd earlier this month, with 105 people gathering to celebrate the art of storytelling through rhyme and verse. The event featured 21 performers, who entertained with a mix of heartfelt reflections, witty tall tales and traditional bush poetry that resonated with the spirit of the outback. The morning’s program highlighted both seasoned poets and emerging voices, giving audiences a taste of the rich diversity within the bush poetry communit
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CUC Engineering Futures At Home Moranbah High School vice-captain Ethan Azzopardi hopes to be one of CUC Isaac’s first graduates: he’s one of five high school students who have already enrolled for the region’s new Country Universities Centre. The first of its kind in the Isaac region, the CUC Isaac campus gives locals a free, practical base to study without leaving town. Open from 6am to midnight, seven days a week, the centre provides high-speed internet, printers, quiet rooms, exam sup
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Queensland’s coal industry faces a major blow as BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) announced plans to cut about 750 jobs across its operations, citing the financial strain of state royalties and challenging market conditions. The company confirmed that its Saraji South mine at Dysart will be mothballed from November. Saraji South, part of the greater Saraji complex, is one of BMA’s five steel-making coal mines in the Bowen Basin and has been in operation since 1974. BMA asset president Adam
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With Titan Security & Protection Titan Security & Protection is providing a premier option for security services across the Mackay region, standing out for its professional approach, community focus, and locally owned drive. Founded by Beau Bath, a father of two, the company exists with one mission in mind. “We aim to protect the community we live in and give back to the place we call home.” Unlike larger out-of-town firms, Titan brings a fresh, locally driven approach to security in Ma
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Four years ago, Kimberly Stevens’ world was shattered when she lost her teenage son, Ethan, in 2021. A talented local footballer signed to the Broncos’ elite development squad, Ethan’s passing left a void no parent should ever endure. Six months later, as Kimberly returned to work, she found herself searching for something more, and there she found a calling to help other parents navigate the same heartache. “I didn’t know a lot about grief back then… and I just knew there wasn’t a lot a
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For many small business owners, getting a website built can feel overwhelming. You know you need an online presence, but when quotes start coming in, it’s hard to know what you’re actually paying for and what makes one website better than another. If you don’t know what you’re paying for, chances are you’re overpaying. A good website doesn’t have to be complicated or cost a fortune. What it does need is to speak to the right audience, be easy to use, and guide people to take action. That’
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Welcoming a new councillor with prior experience in local government presents a unique and valuable opportunity for both council and community, especially almost halfway through a term. Their familiarity with governance structures, policy development, and stakeholder engagement allows for a smoother transition into their role and accelerates the momentum of ongoing initiatives. One of the most immediate benefits is their ability to contribute meaningfully from day one. Of course, there w
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We place significant focus on building a career by developing our skills, acquiring qualifications and putting in the effort in the work we do. While these elements are an important foundation, there is another that is just significant, and that is the power of connection. Careers are not built in isolation and the connections we build along the way support personal growth, open up (often hidden) opportunities and feed into longer-term success. Careers are a lot about people so creating m
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When it comes to social media marketing, most of us focus on posting – but your profiles themselves can do a lot of the heavy lifting. Think of them as an online shopfront. When someone clicks through – can they quickly + easily see who you are, what you do + how to take the next step? If not, it’s time for a few simple tweaks that can make a big difference!! Instagram bio glow up If someone sees your content in their feed, they’ll often check your profile before following. Make sure it
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Kaley-Jade Baker’s Rise on Air A life that might have gone off the rails has instead found its megaphone. Kaley-Jade Baker’s rise from a fractured childhood to one of regional radio’s most compelling voices is a study in grit, reinvention and the redemptive power of community — and this year her work has been rewarded in the only currency that matters in broadcasting: listeners. Come survey day at ARN’s Star FM in Mackay, staff were stunned to learn the station had climbed to the top acr
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**Friday 19th September ** 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 Friday Gui
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A large, grey brick wall in the heart of Sarina will soon be transformed into a vibrant and lasting work of art, celebrating the area. Internationally renowned Grasstree Beach artist, Donna Marie Robinson, will work with young people and First Nations residents of the Sarina area to design and paint a mural on the exterior of the Grand Central. Workshops will be held Monday, September 22 to Wednesday, September 24 at the Sarina Youth Centre to develop the mural. Work to paint the mural will b
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A Warm Whitsunday Welcome For Jessica Mauboy Multi music award winner Jessica Mauboy will make her first Airlie Beach Festival of Music appearance this November. The much-loved Australian music legend first gained recognition on Australian Idol, but in an exclusive interview with Whitsunday Life Newspaper, she said performing live is her ultimate joy. “Being able to play it live is my ultimate favourite. So, it’s an absolute honour and opportunity to be able to do that in Airlie Beach. I
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2025 PIPA Investor Survey OPINION PIECE Australia’s rental market is under mounting pressure as a record number of property investors exit the sector, driven by rising costs, legislative uncertainty, and concerns over proposed federal tax reforms. The 2025 Annual Property Investor Sentiment Survey, released today by the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA), shows that 16.7 per cent of investors sold at least one property in the past year – up from 14.1 per cent last year
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Last Saturday, the Bakers Creek Tigers Senior Women’s AFL team played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena and came away with a thrilling Grand Final victory. The Tigers faced off against the Moranbah Bulldogs and secured the win, marking another milestone for the local club. Community Bank Sarina, major supporters of the Tigers, said, “Congratulations to the Bakers Creek Tigers AFL Women's team who took away the Grand Final Win last weekend! As major supporters of the club, we love seeing this loca
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Over the last few weeks, Mackay parkrun has been a hotbed of record-breaking performances, with runners of all ages smashing personal bests and age category benchmarks at the community-run 5km event held every Saturday at 7am. Age Category Milestones Zoe Woodward celebrated her 250th parkrun while smashing her own SW30-34 Age Category Record by 16 seconds, setting a new benchmark of 18:55. Tayah Manttan continued her remarkable form in the JW15-17 category, lowering her own record by a furthe
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Sunset Bay Outriggers have been on the road again, testing their skills against the best paddlers in North Queensland, with 17 paddlers making the seven-hour journey to Mission Beach. And the club did not come home disappointed. Both the men’s and women’s crews struck gold in the marathon races, overcoming challenging water conditions. Conditions worsened for the Senior Master Mixed crew’s marathon, but they held on to claim a silver medal for their efforts. The women paddlers made the most
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Wet and windy conditions did not deter more than 30 runners who lined up for the Mackay Road Runners’ Jo’s 70 Steps 5km and 10km event from the Gordon White Library carpark. The loop course featured the demanding hills of Pollock and High Streets for the 5km, with 10km competitors doubling up for an extra loop. Timekeepers Rohan Miles and Julie Whibley kept results on track despite the conditions. In the handicap start 5km, Gail Mackie claimed first place ahead of Steve Hayles, Jo Hughes, Emil
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Mackay Cycles XCO Series 2 Delivers Mackay’s mountain biking community turned up the gears for the Mackay Cycles XCO Series 2, with riders of all ages battling tough trails and clocking impressive times. The event, held on September 13, saw fast racing, strong finishes, and plenty of local pride across every grade. In the E-Bike categories, Zac Schwarzrock dominated the men’s field, completing five laps in 1:30:45, while Mel Maddison-Stanton powered to victory in the women’s race. The hotly co
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Mackay Table Tennis Fixture Results 9th September 2025 Evening Fixtures Division 1 – Fish (Mick Ruhl, Steven Whiting, Jacob Whelan) defeated Bears (Lily Boland, Lee Brake, Josh Brown) 9-2. Josh coming back from 2 sets down to beat Mick 11-6 in tight 5 sets. Birds (Emma Widdup, Geoff Denman, Trent Day) defeated Ants (Barry Patterson, Vince Boeske, Robbie Richards) 8-3. Geoff having a massive 5 sets with Vince, coming out on top 11-9. Division 2 – Cats (Duncan Treloar, Graham Brake, Will VanDaK
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Mackay Teams Shine In Open And Unders & Overs Events BRIDGE Two team events were played last week. The Mackay Open Team and the Unders and Overs Team Events. Ten teams of four players competed in a full day competition in the Open Team event for Red Points. Winners were the Brown Team - Frances Brown, Alan Brown, Janet Hansen and Diane Morgan only lost one game for the event. The Under and Overs Team event is an opportunity for Novices to play with more experienced players in a team competitio
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By Amanda Wright The CiteCon Kingfishers soared to their second Porters Mitre 10 T20 Smash title on Saturday night, defeating the Gibbs Air & Refrigeration Crocs in a thrilling Grand Final at Great Barrier Reef Arena. Led by captain Sam Vassallo, who won the toss and chose to bat first, the Kingfishers set the tone early in front of a lively crowd and online audience tuning into the Mackay Cricket Association’s livestream. The highly anticipated clash had been billed as a battle between the Kin
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TWO $2 MILLION LOTTO TICKETS SOLD IN THE WHITSUNDAYS IN ONE WEEK! Two life-changing Lotto tickets were sold in the Whitsundays within just seven days of each other. Hickmott's Supa News in Bowen sold a $2.5 million winning ticket on Saturday, 6 September, and News Whitsundays at Whitsunday Plaza in Cannonvale sold a $2 million winning ticket on Saturday, 12 September. Read more on page 3. **Lucky Locals Scoop Millions The Whitsundays is buzzing with excitement this week following the an
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