A new website has officially been launched by the Finch Hatton Progress Association, providing locals and visitors with a central online hub to discover everything this vibrant township has to offer. Located at the foot of the Eungella Range in the lush Upper Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton is fast gaining a reputation as one of Queensland’s hidden gems — and now, thanks to www.finchhatton.org.au, that gem is easier to explore than ever. Developed by the Finch Hatton Progress Association, t
Read more
Shaye Gaviglio From St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School Mackay The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards are presented annually to individuals or teams from each of Queensland’s five dioceses, recognising outstanding contributions to the life of the Catholic education community. These contributions may include demonstrating integrity in leadership, improving equity in education, building Catholic identity, providing service to others, or supporting school communities through excellence in t
Read more
Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is once again backing the future of local youth, launching its 2026 Sarina State High School (SSHS) Scholarship Program. Applications are now open for two $2000 scholarships, available to students who will enter Year 11 at SSHS in 2026. The program is designed to support recipients with their studies and personal development throughout their senior schooling years. More than just a financial boost, the scholarships aim to build confidence and enhance en
Read more
Young Mackay Golfer Swings For International Glory Mackay’s little local legend, nine-year-old Sonny Hutchinson, is teeing off on an incredible journey to represent Australia at the 2025 Champion of Champions World Junior Golf Championship in Ireland from July 29–31. Ready to drive his game forward, Sonny will compete against 250 of the world’s best junior golfers from over 40 countries in the Under 9 division. Sonny will also take part the following week at the Flogas Irish Junior Open
Read more
A heart-warming initiative is making a real difference for families across the nation facing financial hardship, illness, or the everyday pressures of life. Lasagna Love, a nationwide volunteer-driven program, connects those in need with local volunteers who prepare and deliver free, homemade lasagna – no strings attached. Whether it’s families recovering from surgery, new parents, or anyone going through a tough patch, the program offers a comforting meal and a sense of community support
Read more
Free Inclusive Sailing For Youth Living With Disability Returns This winter, the Making Waves Foundation brings the life-changing power of sailing to ports across Queensland and Northern NSW with the return of its inspiring “Northern Campaign 2025.” The acclaimed Winds of Joy program will make stops in Mackay, Airlie Beach, Rosslyn Bay, Gladstone, Southport, and Coffs Harbour from August to September – providing free sailing experiences for local young people living with disabilities. The
Read more
Fear of making the wrong move can leave business owners trapped in an endless cycle of second-guessing, tweaking, and backtracking. Stalling may feel like the safer option, but it often comes at the greatest expense - wasting time, money, and momentum. Watching competitors chase the latest trends can be intimidating, but the cost of starting over every time something new emerges is far greater. The challenge isn’t a lack of ideas; it’s committing to one, because without action, even the be
Read more
As the hazard reduction burn season ramps up across Queensland, local firefighters and energy providers are reminding landowners to take extra precautions when burning near power infrastructure. Both Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire Department are urging property owners to be mindful of power poles and electrical equipment when conducting hazard reduction burns, which play a vital role in reducing vegetation and fire risk across rural areas. Ergon Energy’s Corrine Young, who
Read more
National Farm Safety Week delivered an urgent reminder that safety must remain front of mind beyond just one week a year. Australia’s peak workplace safety body used the awareness campaign to encourage farmers and agricultural workers to treat near misses as powerful warning signs — not just luck, but chances to make meaningful change. The statistics remain stark. According to Safe Work Australia, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector continues to be among the nation’s deadliest,
Read more
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The Queensland Sugar industry is celebrated by its peers throughout the world as one of the most environmentally and economically sustainable industries in the world, bringing together farming best practice and near zero waste across paddock to mill. The Canegrowers Smartcane BMP (Best Management Practice) program is a world-leading independently audited sustainability accreditation program which is widely acknowledged by both our international
Read more
National Farm Safety Week, held from the 20th to the 26th of July, served as an important reminder that the health and wellbeing of farmers is critical to maintaining safety on the land. Marking the occasion, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) called for stronger support for rural healthcare services to better protect those who work in one of the country’s most demanding industries. According to ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin, investing in local, high-quality healt
Read more
A major milestone has been reached by Rural Aid this month, with the organisation proudly supporting its 200th farm through its nationally recognised Farm Recovery Events (FRE) program. The milestone was marked in Coraki, in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, where volunteers are currently participating in the latest recovery event, running through until the 2nd of August. Since the FRE program began in 2018, Rural Aid has delivered hands-on support to more than 200 farms across the
Read more
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Pieter Van Vuren is one step closer to joining one of the world’s most elite endurance clubs — the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Club. The Sarina-based long distance runner recently completed the 250km Gobi March in Mongolia, putting him halfway towards his ambitious goal of completing four 250km self-supported ultramarathons organised by RacingThePlanet. “To make the 4 Deserts Club, I need to finish all four events — I’ve now got two under my belt: the Namib Race
Read more
The Greater Whitsunday region is advancing agricultural adoption and innovation with the launch of two pivotal initiatives: the AgTech Mastermind Workshop and the AgTech Activators, which are set to shape the future of agriculture in the region. The AgTech Mastermind Workshop on August 7, 2025, will bring together producers, agtech suppliers, service providers, and other stakeholders to discuss ways to take agtech adoption forward. The workshop will foster collaborative discussions aroun
Read more
Clermont’s littlest locals are playing on safer ground thanks to a helping hand from Bravus Mining and Resources’ Community Grant Program. Bravus Mining and Resources Head of ESG, Transformation and Reputation Kate Campbell said the business was delighted to support Clermont Kindergarten and Day Care Centre to buy 22 enormous soft fall mats to increase the use and improve the safety of the kindy’s outdoor play area. “Our Carmichael mine sits just 160 kilometres north of Clermont, so
Read more
Mackay Regional Council has unveiled its draft Economic Development Strategy 2025–2030, setting out a bold vision to drive sustainable growth and investment over the next five years. Developed through extensive consultation with industry, government and community stakeholders, the strategy outlines four key pillars: advocacy and leadership, an enabled economic environment, workforce development, and precincts and property. Mayor Greg Williamson said the plan was shaped in collaboration w
Read more
Construction is officially under way on Stage 1B of the Northern Beaches Community Hub, following a sod turning ceremony held last Friday (July 25). Mayor Greg Williamson and councillors Heath Paton, Ash-Lee Johnson and Nathenea MacRae were at the construction site to mark this symbolic milestone, ushering in a new era of community infrastructure. “This is the beginning of something truly transformative for the Northern Beaches,” Mayor Williamson said. “This sod turning signifies the be
Read more
Finalists Announced For 2025 RIN Awards Celebrating the resource sector’s quiet giants and bold trailblazers. In a region defined by grit, ingenuity and a relentless drive to evolve, the Resource Industry Network (RIN) has announced the finalists for its prestigious 2025 RIN Awards — and the lineup is nothing short of inspiring. From shop floors to boardrooms, from safety wins to market breakthroughs, these awards highlight the powerhouse that is the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday METS and reso
Read more
I often get asked if I get surprised anymore by the level of innovation from our METS businesses. My answer to that is yes and no. I have come to learn over my time as General Manager of RIN that our members don’t really see what they do as innovation. They simply saw that there was a problem, so they thought about a way to fix it. That, to me, says that innovation is part of our DNA. It is a huge part of what makes Mackay the largest METS sector in the Southern Hemisphere. So that part
Read more
I remember, as a kid in the 1970s, seeing my father do the annual service and general maintenance on our cars. It’s true that cars were less complicated then and you didn’t have to understand computer technology to service your vehicle. Younger readers will be pleased to know that although we didn’t have computer technology in our homes and cars, we did have televisions. Early in the ‘70s they even broadcast in “living colour”. There was little evidence of “hi-tech” in our lives except
Read more.jpg)
Honouring The Region’s Most Celebrated Wedding Creatives From heartfelt vows to cinematic memories and breathtaking venues, a wedding is a tapestry woven with the talents of many, and in regional Queensland, we’re spoilt for choice. This special feature shines a spotlight on the exceptional local businesses that help bring the magic of “I do” to life. Whether it’s a videographer capturing every tear and twirl, a celebrant turning love stories into timeless ceremonies, or a venue that sets
Read more
At Club Northern Beaches Club Northern Beaches, winner of the 2025 Australian Wedding Industry Awards for Whitsundays & Mackay, is a licensed wedding venue renowned for exceptional service and stunning event spaces. Located in the charming Northern Beaches of Mackay, Queensland, it offers the ambience of a tropical retreat while being only 20 minutes from the Mackay CBD. Boasting three unique venues within the facility, Club Northern Beaches is a destination that can host exceptional and
Read more-1753744992.jpg)
Mackay And Whitsundays Premier Wedding Videographer A creative force lighting up the wedding scene, SunBuzz Media has been officially crowned the number one Wedding Videographer for the Whitsundays and Mackay region at the 2025 Australian Wedding Industry Awards. At the heart of this rising creative powerhouse are wedding filmmakers Stacie Howarth and Simone Gallagher – longtime friends, collaborators, and the visionary duo behind the lens. With more than a decade of combined experience i
Read more
Queensland’s Award-Winning Celebrant When it comes to saying "I do," Barb Baretta is the name couples trust to make their moment special. Crowned the 2025 Wedding Industry Award winner for Civil Marriage Celebrant in the Whitsundays and Mackay region, Barb has become one of Queensland’s most respected and sought-after wedding celebrants. In just eight years, she has officiated nearly 200 weddings, combining experience, professionalism, and a heartfelt personal touch that has earned her a
Read more
Local Advocate Set To Sparkle on National Stage By Hannah McNamara Jenna Kerschbaumer is redefining the pageantry world, turning years of heartache into a mission grounded in confidence-building - not just for herself, but for the wonderful women around her. This October, she’ll step onto the Melbourne stage to compete in the Ultimate International Miss Australia pageant, proudly promoting self-love and empowerment with every stride. Throughout school, Jenna was bullied for her appearanc
Read more