Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Kim Jamieson and Steve Diez Did you know? The superannuation guarantee rate will increase from 11.5% to 12%. The new rate of 12%, will apply to all salary and wages paid to eligible workers, on and after 1 July 2025. Need help lodging your 2025 Tax Return? The end of the financial year is 30th June 2025! We know it can be hard to organise a time to visit your accountant during the work week- that is why we offer appointments via phone, online and in-person. Call us today to book your 2025 Tax
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Get ready, Airlie Beach. A high-energy piano party is heading this way, and it promises to be unlike anything you’ve seen before. After almost a year of wowing crowds across the country, this interactive sing-along show known as Sing On Social is making its debut at the Airlie Beach Hotel. The concept, created and performed by Tim Sponder, mixes all the classic party anthems into one epic mash-up. “I make a mash up of all the great, classic songs, and all the lyrics come up on big screens,” h
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Students from Proserpine State High School are making the most of the upcoming school holidays, proudly representing their school in a wide range of events across the state. Dozens of students across multiple year levels are embracing every opportunity to pursue excellence extension programs in career fields of interest. Year 10 student Miley Thomson will attend the James Cook University 2025 Indigenous Winter School Program. Fellow peer Alexa Stuchbree will be representing the school at the
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Keep the weekend of 5 and 6 July free to visit this fantastic community event, held every two years at the Hydeaway Bay Community Clubhouse. On display will be an impressive variety of artworks created by talented locals from the Hydeaway Bay, Dingo Beach and Cape Gloucester area. Exhibitors include members of the Textile Arts (TARTS) group and the Hydeaway Bay Quilters, along with many other hobbyists working in photography, pottery, painting, jewellery making, woodwork and more. Many of the
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A generous $10,000 anonymous donation has helped transform a newly renovated youth space at the Whitsunday PCYC, with funds already going towards much-needed furniture and equipment. The donor, who wishes to remain unnamed, quietly delivered the contribution on May 2. Sergeant Billy Li from PCYC Whitsunday said this is the second time this individual has gifted a large donation to the PCYC and he said it will make a major impact. The money will go towards a furnishing a newly built youth prog
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The annual BMA CQ Rescue Golf Day on Hamilton Island teed off under blue skies and brisk winds on Saturday 14, drawing 92 eager players to the island greens for a good cause. Despite the challenging conditions, spirits remained high as teams tackled the scenic course. The charity event didn’t just stay on the fairways, a bustling raffle and auction added to the fundraising total, helping raise an incredible $64,120 for BMA CQ Rescue. Hamilton Island Golf Club Manager Michael Frampton confirmed
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The Cairns Ironman held in the heart of Tropical North Queensland is a ripper! It is set amongst the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, the only place in the World where two World heritage areas meet. The Event was held on 15th June. On the day there were two events, a challenging FULL Ironman consisting of a 3.8km ocean swim, 180km cycle with a 42.2km marathon run to finish. The other event is still a tough one, a half Ironman and half the above distances which is a race rather than
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While most were enjoying a sleep-in on Whitsunday Show Day, a group of determined Cannonvale Cannons swimmers dived into an epic early morning challenge at the Cannonvale Swim Centre. The session kicked off at 7AM giving our usual Friday morning trainers a well-earned two-hour sleep-in! The endurance session was designed by Cannons swimmer Harris Delac, known for his boundless energy and love of long-distance swimming. Harris crafted a 6 kilometre set, which was adapted across the squads: the G
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Last week we were awaiting the results of the North Queensland District Ladies Purple Pennant, contested between Wangaratta, Thuringowa, Home Hill/Brandon, Jubilee, Magnetic Island, Ingham, and Alligator Creek. The winning flag went to Magnetic Island, with our very own Wangaratta Ladies securing runners-up honours. Congratulations, ladies—what a fantastic achievement! Monday’s self-selected triples and Tuesday’s social bowls continued as usual, although results were not available at the time o
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Whitsundays Director Wayne Singleton As markets across Australia shift, the Whitsundays continue to stand out, not just for lifestyle, but for the calibre of property and results being achieved. Sotheby’s International Realty Whitsundays has guided many of the region’s most significant sales, from landmark estates on Hamilton Island to architect-designed homes in Airlie Beach, Bowen and beyond. Airlie Beach, once a seasonal destination, now draws affluent relocators and lifestyle investors se
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BCE Breakfast Forum Bowen Collinsville Enterprise Inc. (BCE) is inviting local business leaders, community members to its upcoming Breakfast Forum, to be held on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Euro Fusion Cafe at the North Queensland Yacht Club in Bowen. Running from 6.30am to 8.30am, the event will serve as a platform for key presentations on economic priorities and developments shaping the region. Attendees will hear directly from influential voices across government and industry while enjoyin
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June 27 Legends Night by Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Reef Gateway Hotel, 6pm - 9pm 29 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am July 1 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 4 Ice Age 1, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 6 NAIDOC Week, 6th – 13th 6 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 7 NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony & March, Bowen Town Square. Herbert Street, 8:00am-12:00pm 9 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group,
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Friday 27th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Hannah Roberts (from 8pm) KC's: Corey Harris (from 8pm) Saturday 28th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Back to the 70's & 80's (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Hannah Roberts (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Sugarlips (1pm – 6pm) KC's: Dallas Steele (from 8pm) Sunday 29th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Back to the 70's & 80's (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Josiah Samuels (6.30
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Airie Beach Bowls club had their grand opening on Friday marking a new era, players are thrilled that weather is no longer a factor—no more rain delays or cancellations. Since then, it's been full steam ahead, with Rounds 7 and 8 played over the weekend. Only one more round of redemption remains, and all divisions are looking to finish strong. In Division 1, Saturday saw matches played in Sarina, with Manny Isgro’s team—comprising Noel Crosbie, Jeff Tierney, and Andy McDougall—the only ones to
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What a MASSIVE weekend of football! Every senior teams posted a significant win and the junior played a double round with some sensational results! On Friday night, the Divisional Men took on Wanderers despite being 20 players short. Div 2, boosted by Div 1 players, held composure for a 1–0 win, with Isaiah Chilton earning man of the match and Alistair Sawer netting the winner. Div 1 overcame a tough start to dominate 6–1, with Ralé Mudford’s equaliser sparking a second-half surge. WUFC U13 Di
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On Tuesday evening Eastwoods Dining in Airlie Beach hosted a lively fundraising event, during which local author Sandy Clark launched her latest book titled ‘Anyone Can Become a Princess’, donating all proceeds to charity. Sandy has lived in Airlie Beach for eight years, but her ties to Zambia run deep. Her latest book is a memoir about her life in Zambia. She lived there as a young woman, her husband grew up in the region, and in 2019 she helped open a hospital in one of the country’s poorest
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Football - Whitsunday United Football Club Friday, June 27 6:00 PM: Div 2 Men vs Mackay Lions at Mackay Lions Field 8:00 PM: Div 1 Men vs Mackay Lionsat Mackay Lions Field Saturday, June 28 9:30 AM: U13 Div 1 vs Mackay Lions at Mackay Football Park 9:30 AM: U14 vs Dolphins at Mackay Football Park 11:00 AM: U13 FQPL vs Mackay Wanderers at Mackay Football Park 11:15 AM: U15/16 vs Country United at Mackay Football Park 5:00 PM: U23 Men vs Mackay Rangers at Whitsunday United FC 7:00 PM: Men vs Mac
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Australian Church Women Australian Church Women Inc. (ACW) is a national ecumenical body of Christian women who meet during the year, to give thanks and praise to God with song and prayer. For 60 years, ACW has worked to promote peace, understanding and unity through faithful service. Here in Mackay, Australian Church Women has been an active part of our community since the early 1970s. This year, we warmly invite all to attend our annual Fellowship Day Service on Friday, 25th July at 10
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Park Improvements And Pool Repair Closure Mackay Regional Council has delivered some fresh upgrades to one local favourite, while working swiftly to address temporary closures at another community asset. Glenfields Park in Glenella has officially reopened following refurbishment works completed by council’s Parks crews. The upgrades include new concrete edging around the playground, fresh sand, a new bench seat, drainage improvements, earthworks and new turf — all designed to enhance bot
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Mackay Mum Launches Mental Health Project For Mothers A new grassroots initiative born from personal struggle is set to bring hope, healing, and heartfelt support to local mums battling perinatal mental health challenges. Founded and launched by Mackay mother Amanda Potter, The Held Project offers peer-to-peer emotional support for women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and postpartum. The initiative plans to deliver care packs, thoughtfully filled with nappy
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Ashleigh Thompson, Financial Adviser From Alman Partners True Wealth Ashleigh Thompson didn’t just enter the financial world — she invested herself in it. What began as a simple interest in crunching numbers quickly grew into a full-blown passion for financially empowering others. “My passion for financial planning actually started from a selfish place. I wanted to know how to improve our own financial situation, plus I loved numbers with having a background in bookkeeping.” Now a Finan
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From a humble seed planted three decades ago, IDEAL Placements has blossomed into a community cornerstone, transforming thousands of lives through meaningful employment. This milestone was recently celebrated with heartfelt speeches, treasured memories, and an enduring message – one where people always come first. Notable employees, supporters, and guests gathered at the Windmill Motel and Events Centre on June 14 to honour the broad and lasting impact of IDEAL Placements across the Macka
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“I’m bored,” said every kid, every school holidays. Local, family-friendly activities that don’t break the bank can feel few and far between these days! That’s why Dunes Harbour Beach is excited to bring Coastal Kids back to Mackay this July. Start the school holidays with this local FREE community event happening Wednesday 2 July from 9am to 12pm. We can’t wait to bring the community together once again – save the date in your calendar! Following the fantastic community response from th
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing As factories across our regions ramp up operations for the production season, the global sugar price remains under pressure. Recent figures from Brazil, the world's largest sugar producer, show a strong fortnight of crushing activity in the second half of May, according to UNICA. Brazil is now just 12% behind its 2024 crushing pace. Its sugar mix reached nearly 52% for the period, bringing the season-to-date balance to an even 50/50 split betwe
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Softballers Shine Despite Wild Weather It was a tough day at the diamond with cold winds, scattered showers, and soggy conditions – but that didn’t stop some strong performances across all grades. Under 14s Get the Power 5 def. Northjacklin Choas 3 Dodging rain showers on and off the diamond, Get the Power made an early statement with five runs in the first dig. Boyd Baxter was the only player to cross home plate twice. Teammates Slenna Kitto, Lilly McKenzie, and Brenton Worth all picked
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