The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is proud to announce that the highly prestigious Shirley Treacy Awards will take centre stage in Mackay on Sunday 10 August 2025, at The Theatre at the Conservatorium of Music, providing an opportunity to celebrate and reward the region’s RAD ballet students. Named in honour of Shirley Treacy OAM – a trailblazing Townsville-born dance educator, examiner and passionate advocate for regional dance – these Awards are among the newest on the RAD’s annual calen
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Queensland Symphony Orchestra Returns To Mackay For Northern Lights And Southern Stars For the first time in over a decade, Mackay will welcome the full forces of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) for their unforgettable performance, Northern Lights & Southern Stars on Thursday 30 October 2025 at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC). “This is the real McCoy” said Andrew Bobeldyk, Executive Manager of MECC and Events. “Not a chamber group, not a scaled down version,
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Are you ready? Film Arts Mackay have some excellent films lined up this year, showcasing a diverse selection of cinema from around the world. Adding to the excitement, they also have a couple of exciting bonuses, Q&A sessions with the filmmakers of Road to the North and Strange Creatures. Upcoming Films: Friday, 1st August - BCC Mt Pleasant Cinemas 7.00pm – Holy Cow & Opening Night Event $35pp (FAM members & Non-members) Includes wine and French- inspired finger food Saturday, 2nd Augu
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A Creative Workshop For Beginners If you’ve ever wanted to write but weren’t sure where to begin, this free storytelling workshop is for you. The Essentials of Storytelling workshop will be held at the Dudley Denny Library on Saturday, 16 August, and is designed for anyone aged 15 and up who wants to explore the fundamentals of creative writing in a relaxed, welcoming setting. This interactive two-hour session – presented by publishing consultant 852 Press director Dr Julia Evans and acco
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Friday 1st August ** Friday Flow 5pm The River of Life Festival returns to the Mackay Waterfront from August 1, bringing a vibrant evening of connection and creativity every second Friday from 5pm to 8.30pm. Visitors can enjoy live music, interactive workshops, lawn games, botanical drinks from Elixir Garden Bar, and free children's art. Warm soup or dahl will also be available for purchase. Bluewater Quay Daryl McKenzie Kicks Off CQUniversity Schools Jazz Festival 6pm Australian jazz icon
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What started as a hopeful swing at doing some good has turned into a powerhouse of philanthropy, as the 10th Annual M&P Services–Key Solutions Group Charity Golf Day hit the green at Mackay Golf Club last Friday — raising a record-breaking $75,178 for local charities. With this year’s success, the event has now raised more than $350,000 across its decade-long history, cementing its reputation as Central and North Queensland’s premier fundraising golf day. And if you ask event founder Max
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Mackay’s Runners And Riders Rise To The Challenge Mackay Road Runners Tackle Eungella KOM Despite Damp Conditions RUNNING The Pioneer Valley was abuzz early Sunday morning for the annual Eungella King of the Mountain race, which started at 7am from Netherdale. Despite damp conditions, over 100 runners and cyclists participated in what organisers hailed as a huge success. The event has enjoyed the longstanding support of sponsors including the Eungella Chalet, which has backed the rac
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UNDERWATER HOCKEY In a captivating display of skill and teamwork, the junior club members showcased the bright future ahead for the club’s young athletes. The evening kicked off with a series of flicking drills, setting the stage for a competitive and engaging 6 v 5 match. Owen, Isabelle, and Macca stood out with consistent excellence, demonstrating remarkable control and strategy throughout the game. However, the MVP award undoubtedly went to the Bollard boys. Their performance elevated
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Mackay Celebrates Olympic Countdown In Style With the countdown to Brisbane 2032 well underway, Mackay is stepping into the Olympic spotlight—celebrating seven years to go with a powerful tribute to our region’s growing legacy and the rising stars who could one day represent us on the world stage. As an official Olympic cricket venue, Mackay is now part of sporting history. Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP joined young swimmers, coaches, and community leaders to celebrate the Olympic m
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BRIDGE The second round of the Founders Teams event was won by team Roland Taylor. One more week to go, with each team in with a chance. The Novice and Mentors was played on Sunday with a great turn out. June incentive awards go to Martin Pearce and Laura Howland. Weekly Results Monday 21 June 2025 –- 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 2nd Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers 2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild 3rd Marilin Robins
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On Wednesday 30 July, Gilmour Space Technologies became the first company to launch an Australian-made orbital launch vehicle from Australian soil. While the flight lasted only around 14 seconds, Gilmour Space described the maiden launch as a strong and promising result. “For a maiden test flight, especially after an extended 18-month wait on the pad for final approvals, this is a strong result and a major step forward for Australia’s sovereign space capability,” the company said on Facebook.
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A heartfelt message of gratitude has been shared by a local woman after she and her two-year-old were left stranded in the dark when their trailer came loose just five minutes from Proserpine. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the wonderful couple just 5 minutes from Proserpine who found me and my two year old stranded on the road when my trailer pin broke and came off my car,” she wrote in a public post. “It was pitch black, and I was stuck, feeling pretty helpless. Your kindness in h
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Hello everyone, I hope you’ve all had a great week. Rachael is on holiday in Italy at the moment so I’m in the editor’s seat. With Ruth on holiday too, it’s been a very busy week. Whilst it’s been busy, I think it’s a good thing. I have recently quit nicotine. I had been using nicotine on and off for about three and half years and I can proudly say I have quit and I do not want to use it ever again. I was inspired by my friend who recently quit. In the past we both used vapes, the occasional
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The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal traffic crash in Cannon Valley on 28 July. Around 10.30am, a dual-cab ute was headed south on Shute Harbour Road when it was involved in a collision with a small truck and a motorhome. The driver and sole occupant of the ute, a 63-year-old Shute Harbour man, died at the scene. The driver and sole occupant of the small truck was airlifted to Mackay Base Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. At 10.50am that morning, BMA CQ Rescue we
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Local Performer Brings Sinatra To Life A love of musical theatre sparked on a childhood cruise has grown into a full-blown stage career for one local performer, Nathaniel Savy is now bringing a nostalgic tribute to Frank Sinatra to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. To Be Frank is more than just a collection of Sinatra’s greatest hits, it’s a cabaret-style experience, blending live music with personal stories. “It’s all the famous songs people love, but connected with monologues,” Nathaniel
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The Whitsunday Mayor’s Charity Ball dazzled on the weekend, with early estimates suggesting a remarkable $90,000 raised for local organisations dedicated to supporting the region. Mayor Ry Collins opened the evening by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land, addressing dignitaries, and thanked sponsors. The 2025 Mayor’s Charity Ball, raised funds for three local businesses, BMA CQ Rescue, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, and the Bowen Community Centre. “While we’re here to enjoy gre
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Tucked beside Galbraith Creek in Cannonvale, the Whitsunday Organic Community Garden is a lush, inviting space where locals come together to grow food, build community and share knowledge. Established in 2016, the volunteer-run garden is open to everyone and serves as a hub for learning, sustainability, and connection. Secretary Monica Regan, who joined the committee in 2024, says the space brings together people interested in organic food and community resilience. “It is for people intereste
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Looking for fast, reliable freight services from the Whitsundays? The Whitsunday Coast Airport Freight Distribution Centre is your trusted logistics partner, offering direct freight options to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Cairns, with connections to most of Australia. From fresh produce and general goods to pet transport, the professional team ensures your cargo is moved safely and efficiently. With quick turnaround times, experienced handlers, and a convenient location, The Whi
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Hillery Group, based in Bowen, operates a substantial maintenance division responsible for more than 500 pieces of plant and equipment. From quarry crushing and screening plant and generators to on-hihgway float haulage and side-tipper trucks, the sheer variety of machinery gives workers unparalleled hands-on experience. And for many, that’s a game-changer. “What we offer that the mines and even other local employers can’t, is versatility,” said Kelly McDonald, Director-People, Culture and Busi
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A New Era for Bowen’s Waterfront This month marks an exciting step forward for Bowen with the announcement that the Queensland Government is investing $13.2 million to fast-track master planning for eight State-owned boat harbours with Bowen named to get a slice of the funding. This is the news many in our community have been waiting for. After years of local voices calling for action, we now have a firm commitment to begin developing a long-term plan for Bowen Harbour that will guide future i
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A colourful new children’s book by Mackay author and teacher Nikki Townley is winning hearts across the region and even making its way to Canberra. No Drama Cane Farmer, released in April, is a charming, rhyming story that takes young readers on an educational journey through the sugar industry. From planting and harvesting to processing and sweet treats, Nikki breaks down the sugarcane industry in a fun and inclusive way, helping children understand where the food on their table really comes f
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Inside Club Whitsunday This month, we meet Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry member Club Whitsunday—a brand new venue launched in January 2025 with a purpose that goes beyond hospitality. Designed as a commercial operation with a community-first vision, Club Whitsunday was established to directly support the growth and sustainability of local sport in the Whitsundays. With every meal, drink, and event attended, patrons are helping fund improvements to local sporting fields, amenities,
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For the past eight years, your locally owned and operated Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine has proudly supported local not-for-profits, sporting clubs, and community initiatives — injecting more than $249,000 back into the Whitsundays. 2025 is shaping up to be one of our biggest years yet. From helping to fund major regional events to supporting grassroots groups and school communities, we’re passionate about giving back. If you’ve spotted our fully equipped Community BBQ Trailer sizzling
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At Proserpine State High School Proserpine State High School marked this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations with a full calendar of activities in-house and excursions within the community. They kicked it off with an AFL House Challenge inviting guests from both Townsville and Mackay AFL to run drills and matches on the school oval. Chris Viti from the Mackay Hospital Health Service represented the Deadly Choices Program setting up a tent full of rewards for the students. First Nations families we
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This year marks a huge milestone for Catholic education in the Whitsundays. St Catherine’s Catholic College has dedicated the last 100 years to nurturing students in faith, knowledge and service. To celebrate, St Catherine’s Catholic College hosted a Centenary Picnic, inviting alumni students, staff members, families and community members to join in the festivities. College Principal Katherine Nelson said the Centenary was an opportunity to reflect on a shared history and give thanks for the p
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