Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
On Saturday 12th July, 19 swimmers swam their hearts out at Cannonvale Cannons SC Winter Meet. With an incredible 106 individual events entered, 72 PB’s were swum, showing our swimmers and families that their hard work at training has certainly paid off. The cheering, support, encouragement and camaraderie from all swimmers was to be commended. Everybody knew the Whitsunday Swimming Club was there. From the grand entrance to the birthday celebrations for George, our swimmers were loud and prou
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A fleet of 17 boats took to the water last Sunday for the annual Warri Cup yacht race, hosted by Abell Point Yacht Club in Airlie Beach, with competitors spread across three divisions and clear winners emerging in each. Sailors were treated to a stunning day, with sunny skies, mild conditions, and a steady breeze — just enough to keep things lively without too much drama. That is, until Malfunction unexpectedly demasted mid-race. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the crew returned safely to
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Airlie Beach welcomed over 700 runners from around the world for the 12th Tassal Airlie Beach Marathon Festival held over July 19–20, with ideal weather helping set new records in all races except the half marathon. The weekend began with the McDonald’s Airlie Beach Foreshore Magic Mile, won by Kirra Hamilton (Urangan) in the women’s category and Nick Mooney (Kiamba) in the men’s. In the North Queensland Championship Marathon, Whitsunday Running Club’s Liv Compton claimed her third consecutive
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The Bowen Polocrosse Club has once again hit the road — and the five-hour journey to Capella proved well worth it. Seven dedicated players made the trek to represent Bowen, with the Bowen 1 side comprising Bryce Watson, Michael and Jesse Foster, Wade Bidgood, Ashlea McConnell, and John Norman. Competing fiercely in the C Grade division, Bowen 1 battled through a series of tough games and were rewarded with a well-deserved C Grade win. While there was plenty of action on the field, some players
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Bowen Bridge Club was abuzz with activity as 78 players from across Queensland and interstate converged for the club’s annual Congress earlier this month. It was a strong showing from the visiting Mackay Bridge Club, with Diane Morgan and Janet Hansen taking out the championship title. Fellow Mackay players Jan Harris and Helen Van der Broek secured the runner-up position, capping off a successful weekend for the club. Local players also had plenty to celebrate, with four Bowen pairs earning p
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The perfect weather conditions on Tuesday brought several players out of the woodwork for a well-contested stableford competition, and the course certainly didn’t disappoint. Elspeth Scotford came agonisingly close to a hole-in-one, striking the pin before sinking a short one-foot putt for birdie — a heart-stopping near miss that drew plenty of attention. Jacqui Wall had a fantastic round to take out the ladies’ competition with 36 points, while Gary Scotford delivered the performance of the d
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It’s been a huge week for the club, both at home and away. Club pairs champions Denise Wallace and Penny Warren travelled to Townsville for the District Club Champion of Champion event, where they won three tight matches to claim the title. They’ll return in August to play the Far North Queensland winners for a spot in the State Finals. Later in the week, Denise, Penny and Tiarna Rogers represented North Queensland in the Northern Women’s Challenge. After nine games over three days, North Quee
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It’s been another action-packed week at Proserpine Golf Club, with strong turnouts and impressive scores across the board. Fixtures – Week Ending 27 July Mon 21/7: Social play Tue 22/7: Stroke / Vets' Closed Championship Wed 23/7: Stroke Thu 24/7: Stableford Fri 25/7: Metropole Hotel 9-Hole Run & Putt for Cash (Draw 4pm, Play 4.30pm) Sat 26/7: Course closed – Ladies’ Pennants Sun 27/7: Ladies’ Pennants (AM), Course reopens 12.30pm for social play Tuesday 15/7 – Stableford Men: Gary Scotford 41
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In the wake of one of Mackay’s darkest weeks — with eight lives tragically lost in traffic crashes in Central Queensland — the community has turned its collective heart toward those who stand on the frontlines, offering comfort, care, and courage in the face of unimaginable grief. From paramedics and police to nurses, doctors, and emergency staff, these everyday heroes hold steady for us amid chaos. As tributes flow in for the victims of last weekend’s tragedies, many residents are also pausing
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There are moments in a newsroom that stop us in our tracks. This past weekend was one of them. In just three devastating days, eight lives were lost on our Central Queensland roads — four of them right here in Mackay, on highways and intersections many of us drive every single day. The ripple of grief has been swift and profound, touching classrooms, workplaces, sports fields, and quiet family kitchens across our region. Three teenagers — full of promise and spirit — were taken in an ins
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Mackay’s City Centre has come alive in spectacular fashion as Daly Bay Illuminate lights up the night. Kicking off on Thursday, July 24, the city has been transformed into a glowing wonderland, with giant amphibian inflatables and large-scale projections showcasing First Nations stories and community artwork. Running nightly from 6pm to 9pm until Sunday, July 27, the vibrant display is turning heads and drawing crowds as part of the 2025 Mackay Festival of Arts. Mayor Greg Williamson sa
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Eight Lives, One Region, And A Community In Mourning What can only be described as a chain of unimaginable tragedy has unfolded across our region, with eight people, including two children and three teenagers, losing their lives in just three days on our Central Queensland roads. Last Friday night, thick fog settled over Mackay as three 19-year-olds — two males and one female — travelled south around 10.40pm on the Mackay Ring Road near Glenella. Initial investigations suggest the green M
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Laffos Bar and Pizzeria has once again served up generosity, raising an impressive $12,730 through its annual Pizza for a Purpose fundraiser in support of local suicide prevention organisation, The Grapevine Group. Owners Nicole and Mark Laffin presented the cheque to Grapevine President Deb Knight yesterday, marking the fourth consecutive year the family-run business has backed the organisation’s vital mental health education and support initiatives across the Mackay region. Held each J
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By Andrew Willcox, Member for Dawson This week marked the first sitting of Federal Parliament since the May election, and as the Member for Dawson, I’ve been in Canberra raising the concerns of our region. Thank you to everyone who shares their stories with me — your lived experiences shape the fight I take to Parliament. During the election campaign, the Prime Minister told voters “all you need is a green card” and claimed only Labor could deliver cost-of-living relief, while warning th
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For me, safety in our homes, neighbourhoods, and community has always been my paramount priority. Over the years, we’ve invested in secure streets, strong support networks, and educational initiatives to protect what matters most—our families. But in today’s world, a new frontier of safety has emerged—one that we can’t lock behind a door or fence: digital safety. As screens become ever-present and technology weaves deeper into our lives, the risks are no longer just about online scams or expos
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Orchid Society Supports Cancer Care Foundation A recent meeting of the Mackay & District Orchid Society bloomed with purpose beyond flowers, as members welcomed guest speaker Chris Giannangelo from the Trudy Crowley Foundation. Giannangelo, an ovarian cancer and palliative care nurse, shared a moving and insightful presentation about the Foundation’s work supporting people impacted by cancer, and its aspirations for future growth in the region. In a gesture of community spirit, Orchid So
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The Sarina Rugby League Football Club is preparing to mark a major milestone, celebrating 100 years of proud rugby league history with a centenary celebration weekend from August 1 to 3, 2025. The centenary events, hosted at the Sarina Sporting & Services Club and Ray Edwards Oval, will pay tribute to the generations of players, coaches, volunteers, committee members and supporters who have built the club into a cornerstone of the local community since 1925. The celebrations will kick of
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Branch Manager at Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Stepping into the role of Branch Manager at Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has felt like the perfect next chapter in my career – and a return to what matters most. I started in banking when I was 17, beginning in a customer service role. I didn’t have a set plan at the time (in fact, my mum, who also worked in banking, advised me not to do it!). But I applied for a role, got the job and quickly found I loved it. Over the years, I w
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DOLPHIN HEADS – SUDDEN DEATH PROBE UNDERWAY Police have launched a sudden death investigation following the discovery of a man’s body at a beachfront home in Dolphin Heads last Thursday, July 17. Emergency services were called to a property on Ian Wood Drive at approximately 3:12pm, after a request for a welfare check. Upon arrival, officers located a 56-year-old man unresponsive in the yard. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. A crime scene was declared, and investigations are co
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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) is offering young people and job seekers the chance to kickstart a trade career by the water, with applications now open for its 2026 apprenticeship program. Based at the Port of Mackay, successful applicants will earn while they learn by the waterfront, gaining valuable hands-on experience, nationally recognised qualifications and direct employment as part of NQBP’s maintenance team. NQBP General Manager People, Safety, Environment and Sust
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Channelling more students into apprenticeships would not only help reduce juvenile crime but meet the future skills shortage, according to the owner of a leading RTO. Civil Safety’s Founder Robert Kerridge has doubled down on his commitment to the Mackay region: re-opening an expanded and upgraded Mackay facility, increasing its training capacity to accommodate more students. MP Nigel Dalton officially opened the facility together with Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson. Mr Kerridge also open
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Future Finder Launches Across Greater Whitsunday Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) is excited to announce the official launch of Greater Whitsunday Future Finder, an innovative digital platform designed to support young people in exploring real, local career opportunities across the Greater Whitsundays. Developed through collaboration with regional schools, industry experts, and workforce development leaders, Greater Whitsunday Future Finder is a free and accessible tool that empowers stu
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On Saturday, July 26, representatives from multicultural community groups across Mackay gathered at the Ocean International Hotel for a free, hands-on workshop aimed at boosting their confidence and capacity in project planning, grant writing, and grant management. The session was delivered in partnership between the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) and The Neighbourhood Hub Mackay, providing attendees with practical tools and strategies to turn their ideas into well-planned, fund
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A new parenting program launching in August is set to provide vital support for Mackay mothers with babies under six months, helping them connect with others in the same season of life, right in their own neighbourhood. The Early Parenting Program, delivered by Queensland Community Health, will run each Tuesday morning in August at the Northern Beaches Community Hall. Previously only offered in Mackay’s city area, the program’s move north marks a significant milestone in local efforts to
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The Mackay Vintage Motor Club celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special pizza lunch on Sunday, July 13, at the Walkerston residence of two long-time members. Thirty-eight members attended the event, ranging from new faces who joined just weeks ago to those with over 50 years of club involvement. All attendees received a commemorative 60-year badge, pen, and a certificate featuring a copy of their original membership application. A highlight of the celebration was the return of a sign
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