By Amanda Wright The Reserve Bank of Australia has left the official cash rate unchanged at 3.85 per cent, sparking frustration from both the housing and small business sectors, who argue the decision ignores clear signs of economic weakness and growing structural pressure. The move comes despite softer inflation data, sluggish consumer spending, and growing expectations of a rate cut. For many, it’s not just a delay — it’s a letdown. “This decision will leave new home
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I was in Sydney recently for an indulgent four-day long weekend celebrating my wife’s birthday with drinks in cool bars, dinners in next-level restaurants and, for her, a spot of clothes and jewellery shopping. When it came to the day for serious shopping we went to the beautiful, cool, historic, bustling inner-east suburb of Paddington and I heard these magical words from my wife: “Why don’t you go to the pub while I have a look at the shops?” Like every couple, we’ve had the odd disagr
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With a feast of events on offer over the weekend, many Mackay Road Runners turned their focus to the prestigious Asics Gold Coast Running Festival, featuring a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km, 5km, and 2km kids’ races across two days of competition. The Gold Coast was bustling with thousands of runners of all ages and experience levels, many chasing personal bests while others proudly completed their first races. Several Mackay athletes tackled extraordinary challenges, wi
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The club watched another amazing game of competition bowls between two of its best players, Ann Smith and Brenda Trannore, both competing in the Club B Grade Singles Final. The game had everything going for it: skill, patience, and great nerves to say the least. Both ladies had the same score going into the last couple of ends. Brenda took the honours and once again was very gracious in her win. This win made her one of the club’s most decorated bowlers for 2025, for her wins in both the Club
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OUTRIGGING Sunset Bay paddlers made the journey to Townsville over the weekend of June 19–20 to compete in Round 3 of the North Queensland Zone Grand Prix, tackling events ranging from 500m sprints and 8km marathons to a gruelling 41km changeover marathon. To say the club returned on cloud nine is an understatement — they came home with a carload of medals and even bigger smiles. Coaches Scotty Macgroaty and Justin Davies made the most of the weekend’s event line-up, giving all 24+ paddlers t
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This week’s underwater hockey session at the ARC was a bittersweet one, highlighted by the return of Cameron Kerr from a well-deserved holiday. While his comeback was welcomed by all, the spotlight was stolen by rising star Molly, who netted three goals—edging out her father, who managed just one. The game unfolded in an exciting 6 v 5 format, delivering high-level play despite the absence of around 80% of the club’s regular stalwarts due to work and family commitments. The strong showing from
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BRIDGE Thirteen pairs from Mackay Contract Bridge Club competed in the Bowen Congress last weekend. Mackay Pair Diane Morgan and Janet Hansen took out the A Section and overall winners of the congress, with Helen Van Den Broek and Jan Harris runners up and Terry Sheedy and Noel Bugeia in third place. Martin Pearce and Sandra Morris came third in B Section, with Joy Block and Christine Fitzpatrick runners up in D Section. Janelle Conroy and Val Holbrook, along with Sandra Morris and Martin Pearc
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St Patrick’s College Mackay has proven once again they are a netball force to be reckoned with, securing third place at the prestigious CQUniversity QISSN Championships in Bundaberg. In a thrilling final day showdown, St Pat’s Open Girls took to the court against Carmel College, Thornlands, in the third-place playoff. With sheer determination and tactical discipline, the Mackay girls ground out a hard-fought 16–10 victory to seal their spot on the podium. The match capped off an outstand
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Hi Everyone, School holidays have been an absolute joy in our household! We’ve had both Grandmothers staying, and between them, they’ve orchestrated a series of fun-filled, action-packed days for the three children. The Grandmothers are not only kind and thoughtful carers to our boisterous kids—they’re also excellent role models, each with a strong moral compass. The children have spent the week working on a play they’ve written and directed themselves, ready to perform on Friday night. There’
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The Proserpine Hospital maternity team recently received a significant boost thanks to the generosity of a local business, the Palace Hotel in Proserpine. Last month, the hotel presented the hospital with a substantial donation of $1,834, the impressive sum raised during a special Mother’s Day fundraiser held in May. This heartwarming initiative underscores the strong community spirit in the Whitsundays region. Acting maternity unit manager Nickey Pilgrim expressed immense gratitude for the co
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From July 6 -13 the Whitsunday community has come together to honour NAIDOC Week. During this time, the profound history, rich cultures, and incredible achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been recognised. The week began at the Airlie Beach Markets where Yooribaya Cultural Experiences performed a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, captivating Cultural Dance Performances, and Yooribaya Film Screenings. Interactive workshops also offered hands-on experiences in
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Big news for adventure tourism in the Whitsundays! The Government has handed down its first Budget and will be delivering $5 million towards the Whitsunday Skyway project. This is a bold new project featuring a cableway, summit station and downhill mountain biking park, on and adjacent to Conway National Park. Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, said this world-class experience will boost tourism, create local jobs, and give visitors a brand-new way to explore our incredible natural landscape
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522,000 and Climbing! Whitsunday Coast Airport has officially set a new annual passenger record, welcoming over 522,000 passengers over the past 12 months and surpassing its previous record of 507,000 set last year. This milestone cements Whitsunday Coast Airport’s status as one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional airports and highlights the strong appeal of the Whitsundays as a premier destination for both domestic and international travellers. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins
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The Whitsunday community is set to benefit after the newly instated State Government budget outlines how funding will provide vital repairs to the Bowen Courthouse. The new budget has delivered a $12.5 million boost to restore the Bowen Courthouse, addressing the major structural issues to the historic building while ensuring justice services continue to be delivered in the Whitsunday region. The project will focus on long-overdue restorations of one of Queensland’s oldest courthouses, the new
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Concerns have been raised about unsafe behaviour and damage to public infrastructure at Jubilee Park in Proserpine, after a group of teenage BMX riders were allegedly seen riding dangerously through the children’s playground on Sunday morning. According to multiple witnesses, four boys on BMX bikes rode directly through the playground area while young children and toddlers were present. A concerned community member took to Facebook to report that the boys were riding through the playground whe
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Tourism Whitsundays has launched the STARS Program, a fresh way to shine a light on the people, places and stories that make The Whitsundays so special. The program invites local tourism operators and businesses to share their latest news, achievements and updates. Whether it’s a new tour, a recent renovation, standout reviews, or efforts to protect the environment, every story helps promote our region far and wide. This information will be used to showcase the Whitsundays across regional, sta
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Record Visitor Numbers At Bowen’s Big Mango The Bowen Visitor Information Centre, next to the Big Mango, has welcomed a record 56,360 visitors in the past financial year — a 9% increase on the previous year. That’s an average of 1083 people each week, with July and June the busiest months. Bowen Tourism and Business Manager Leanne Abernethy said day trippers, especially from Airlie Beach, made up 40% of visitors. “That percentage has been steadily increasing,” she said. “We have also noticed
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Staying prepared — together One of the most important responsibilities I hold as Mayor is chairing our Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG). While it might not always make front-page news, this work is critical to the safety and resilience of our Whitsunday region’s communities. This month, our LDMG met once again as part of our ongoing commitment to disaster preparedness. The group isn’t just made up of Council staff and brings together a diverse and dedicated team including our emergency
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The 2025–26 Whitsunday Regional Council Budget includes some good news, with funding directed to local infrastructure and community assets. But many in our business community will be feeling the impact of the 21% rise in commercial and industrial rates, along with a 5% increase in utility charges. The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has raised concerns, and Council will soon share with us how this additional revenue will be used to support real outcomes for business growth. At the
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Local NDIS Community Comes Together for BBQ Event A warm, sunny start with the unmistakable aroma of a good old Aussie barbecue set the scene perfectly as local NDIS providers rocked up to host a cracking community event. The whole shindig was all about inclusion, connection, and support. It was a fair dinkum chance for participants, their families, and support workers to kick back, leave their usual routines behind, and soak up a relaxed, social vibe. “The BBQ was a success. Approximately 60 p
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Whitsunday Coast Airport has officially joined the Containers for Change program, launching a new sustainability initiative expected to generate around $80,000 annually through container refunds. All departments within Council’s Commercial Businesses Directorate will participate in the program, which will support both the environment and local communities. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the initiative was a double win. “This is about turning everyday recycling into real sup
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The Grazing Industry Many people today may not be aware that before Proserpine became the centre of a major sugar-producing area, it was encircled by large cattle stations. There had, in fact, been substantial cattle runs in the area dating back to the very early 1860s. These early cattle stations included Bromby Park, now Goorganga (once owned by Bodes and Cottons); Bloomsbury (MacCartneys); Proserpine Station and Amelia Vale (Emmersons); Cattle Vale (The James McDonald family); Collingvale (J
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Get ready for a night of powerhouse vocals, infectious energy, and unforgettable country charm as Vixens of Fall take the stage at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) on Saturday, 2nd August 2025. Hailing from Queensland’s tropical north and now based in Brisbane, these three bold sisters—Nina, Wren, and Lulu—bring their signature blend of country-rock with a splash of sass and soul. Known for their heartfelt lyrics, magnetic stage presence, and fierce sisterly harmony, Vixens of Fall are
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July 11 Matilda followed by Grease, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 12 NAIDOC Week Family Fun Day, Bowen Soundshell Santa Barbara Parade, 10:00am-2:00pm 13 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 13 Proserpine Community Winter Markets, Proserpine State School Cyclone Shelter on Sherry Street, from 8:30am 15 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 19 Tassal Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, Races between Port of Airlie & Cannonvale Beach with
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Friday 11th July Airlie Beach Hotel: Sing On Social (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Troy Morrison (from 8pm) KC's: Shaun Diver (from 8pm) Saturday 12th July Airlie Beach Hotel: Fleetwood Mac Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Sing On Social (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dallas Steele (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Sugarlips (1pm – 6pm) KC's: Shaun Diver (from 8pm) Sunday 13th July Airlie Beach Hotel: Rock'N' The Country (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Sing On Social (6.30pm – 9.
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