Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Whitsunday Sailing Club Commodore Heather Sutton plays a vital role in Airlie Beach Race Week, focusing on the volunteer crew who keep the event going. “My role within Race Week is to organise volunteers,” Heather said. Race Week is run by volunteers and we are very lucky that a lot of our volunteers have been coming back year after year, and they come from Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, we also have our local volunteers.” From race directors to mark layers and prize organisers, volunteers h
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Get ready for an unforgettable week of high-stakes yacht racing, breathtaking coastal views and non-stop social festivities at the 2025 Airlie Beach Race Week, proudly presented by 74 Islands Distillery. Hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this much-loved event has grown into one of Australia’s most iconic sailing regattas, drawing competitors and spectators from across the country and beyond. Held in the heart of the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach Race Week offers the perfect blend of competitive
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As Regatta Director of Airlie Beach Race Week, Jenni Birdsall’s job spans the entire year, not just the week of racing in Airlie Beach. “I’m basically in charge of coordinating as much as I possibly can to bring everyone together and direct whatever their role entails,” Jenni said. Her responsibilities cover everything from official race documentation and safety management to results and coordination across teams. She describes her role as a helicopter role, viewing all roles from above
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Celebrate the spirit of sailing, connection and coastal charm in true Whitsundays style at the Airlie Beach Race Week Presentations Dinner, held from 5:30pm on Thursday 14 August. Taking place on the picturesque Festival Village lawns at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this unforgettable evening is the ultimate way to round off a thrilling week of on-water action and shoreside festivity. For $149 per ticket, guests will be treated to a carefully crafted three-course meal showcasing local flavours,
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As the Whitsundays prepare to host the 37th edition of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), spectators are being offered a chance to view the action from the best seat on the water, aboard the stunning 100-foot mega yacht, SV Summer Jo. From 7–14 August, more than 130 boats will take to the pristine waters of the Whitsundays for one of Australia’s most iconic sailing regattas, proudly sponsored this year by 74 Islands Distillery. While competitors battle it out on the water, spectators can enjoy a
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As Chairman of Airlie Beach Race Week, Terry Archer plays a pivotal role in ensuring the annual sailing event runs smoothly both on and off the water. But come Thursday afternoon, he switches hats, trading the coordination clipboard for the helm of his multihull racer. “I have a dual role,” Terry explained. “I’m effectively the connection between the club’s management, the volunteers, and ensuring the onshore and offshore events. Then, from Thursday afternoon, I became a competitor.” From
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While the premier Whitsundays sailing season kicks into high gear, a new and exciting event is about to drop anchor in Airlie Beach. Conveniently placed right between the two major race regattas, the inaugural Whitsundays Open Boat Display arrives at Port of Airlie Marina Friday 15 August, running from 9 am to 5 pm. This free event, brought to you by World Wide Boat Brokers, offers boating enthusiasts a unique opportunity to step aboard a range of premium vessels. Its timing is perfectly plac
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The Whitsunday Triathlon Club President Michael and Val Kimpton were recently privileged to be welcomed to a private Dinner at Parliament House arranged by the Hon. Amanda Camm MP during House sitting days. Guests on the night included Elizabeth Hackett, the inspirational leader behind the Whitsunday Skyway project, Hon. Tim Mander MP, Hon. Andrew Powell MP. the Hon. Dale Last MP and former Tourism Whitsunday CEO, Rick Hamilton. The promotion of the Award-winning Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie
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Football - Whitsunday United FC Friday 8 August 6:00pm – Whitsunday Dolphins U23 Women vs Lions at Dolphins 6:00pm – Whitsunday United FC Div 2 Men vs Mackay Rangers FC Div 2 Men at Whitsunday Sportspark 8:00pm – Whitsunday United FC Div 1 Men vs Mackay Rangers FC Div 1 Men at Whitsunday Sportspark Saturday 9 August 9:30am – Whitsunday United FC U13 FQPL vs Mackay Wanderers U13 FQPL Red at Whitsunday Sportspark 9:30am – U13 Div 1 vs Mackay Wanderers U13 Div 1 Roses at Mackay Football Park 9:30a
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Can you believe there are only three weeks until spring? As the weather warms up in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, our seasonal visitors will begin to head home. But what a week it has been for Airlie Beach Bowls Club—full of milestones, tight matches, and well-earned victories. The week began with the Ladies A Grade Singles Final on Tuesday morning, with Betty Whitehorn and Vicki Spann going head-to-head in a thrilling contest. Despite a late comeback from Vicki, Betty held on
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After an extended period on the road, Whitsunday United's senior men returned to home turf over the weekend, hosting Country in two competitive matches. Division 2 opened strongly, converting early pressure into a 1–0 lead. However, two quickfire goals from Country just before halftime turned the momentum. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Whitsunday equalising to draw level, only for Country to find a late winner. The match ended in a narrow 3–2 loss for WUFC, despite a spirited
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The Whitsunday Powersports and Marine Mackerel and Reef Fish Rally was run and won over the 19-20 July weekend, despite testing conditions with persistent 20–25 knot southeasterly winds. Club Secretary Steve Obst claimed the Champion Male title with an impressive 18.0kg Spanish mackerel caught on 10kg line. Malika Stolte took out Champion Lady Angler with a solid 9.4kg mackerel, while Jasmin Smith tagged and released two Spanish mackerel to be crowned Champion Junior Female. Kirra Martin was ru
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There were great numbers across the board despite some less-than-perfect weather on Friday. From stableford events to the Centenary Opens, there was something for everyone—and even a hole-in-one to cap it all off! Tuesday 29 July The week began with a Stableford round. Ryan Wilkes took out the Men’s comp with 39 points, just ahead of Aaron Prosser on 38. Trish McNeill was in top form to win the Ladies with 42 points, while Heather Luvis followed with 36. Notable NTPs included Ryan Wilkes (9th)
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It was an early start for the Proserpine Veterans Golfers who travelled by bus to Home Hill for the latest round of the Whitsunday Veterans competition. The Home Hill volunteers provided a warm welcome, with a well-prepared course and delicious morning tea and lunch. The greens, as always, proved tricky for some, but spirits remained high throughout the day. A total of 69 players took part, including 22 ladies and 47 men. Proserpine was strongly represented with eight ladies and ten men. The P
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Close to 100 people attended the Heart Kids Charity Golf on Dent Island on Saturday 19 July. An impressive $110,000 was raised for HeartKids, a national organisation supporting children with congenital and acquired heart conditions. Now in its 11th year, the annual event is organised by Kerri and Troy Martin and has grown significantly since its beginnings. “Last year we raised $80,000, and this year we have certainly surpassed that,” said Kerry. The event has now become the biggest communit
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North Mackay Ladies Crowned Runners-Up North Mackay ladies played in the District Final of the Championship of Championship Fours against the ladies team from Airlie Beach . The game was held at Northern Beaches Bowls Club on Saturday 2nd of August. The Mackay Ladies played a valiant game but the Airlie ladies ran out winners in the end. Congratulations go to Donna Gordon (lead) Coral Francis(second), Deb Mackenzie (third), and Lorna Bowers (skip). Well done and your efforts are apprecia
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Mackay's finest veterans took Brisbane by storm at the Queensland Veterans Table Tennis Championships, held at the Southpine Sports Complex from the 16th to the 19th of July. Over four fiercely competitive days, our talented team of nine players proudly flew the Mackay flag and delivered brilliant performances across a range of age divisions. Congratulations and thanks to Vince Boeske, Anne Sheridan, Allan Edwards, Janice Kent, Donna Abbott, Daniel Warfield, Andrea Nicholson, and Noreen Frederi
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RUNNING A dedicated group of Mackay Road Runners took part in the weekly social Bluewater Quay run under ideal conditions — cool, breezy, and sunny — while many others travelled north to Townsville for the annual McDonald's Running Festival. Events ranged from marathon and half marathon to 10km, 5km, 2.5km, and team races. Race Director Andrew Short missed his usual local duties to compete in the Townsville Half Marathon, finishing in a solid 2:02, while his wife Jose claimed family bragging r
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The young U12 Rookieball players are showing great improvement in their pitching and catching, while their batting and fielding have reached new levels. Some are already preparing to transition into the U14s next year, with several emerging as impressive young softballers. Lucas Weinart and Nevaeh Smith were recognised for their hard work and dedication, each receiving club awards for their efforts. The Joeyball littlies are also stepping up and starting to show off their skills, with sev
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Students Set To Sprint Alongside Cathy Freeman At Reef Arena Mackay students will soon have the chance to lace up their runners and follow in the footsteps of one of Australia’s most beloved sporting icons — Cathy Freeman — in a landmark event celebrating the 25th anniversary of her unforgettable Olympic gold. The Run With Cathy – Schools Challenge will take over the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Friday, October 24 at 3.30pm, honouring the moment Freeman captivated the world with her 400m v
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The 71st Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim, and the 17th year it has been held as a cageless event, once again attracted open water swimmers from across the region. The iconic 8km swim starts at Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island and finishes on Townsville’s shoreline in front of Strand Park. Swimmers typically complete the course with support from a kayaker who provides direction and sustenance throughout the swim. This year saw 73 solo swimmers, 10 duo teams, and 8 full teams of four take p
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With Dragons Abreast Mackay Dragons Abreast Mackay Celebrated it’s 20th Birthday on 26th July at the Mackay Harbour Marina. Breast cancer survivors and supporters were joined by Townsville and Blue Mountains Dragons Abreast Clubs for a wonderful weekend of fun, friendship and celebration. A fun paddle on the Marina was followed by a scrumptious morning tea in Mulherin Park. “We all felt the groove with a Drum Circle by Rhythm Business, proving to be popular and enjoyed by all,” said club
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A talented contingent of six from the Northern Beaches Shito Ryu Karate Club, led by Sensei Helle Smith, has returned from Singapore with an impressive seven medals – 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze. Gold and Silver went to Tim Spratling, Silver and Bronze to Nathanial Smith, and Bronze medals were awarded to Helle Smith, Axsel Smith, and 9-year-old Phoenix Spratling – whose mum, Nicky Kupfer, also competed. Two members achieved a major milestone by grading for their Shodan (1st level Blac
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More than just a race, the 2025 BMA CQ Rescue Fun Run brought heart, hustle, and a whole lot of community spirit to the Mackay Marina on Sunday morning. Hundreds turned out to run, walk, volunteer or cheer, raising vital funds to keep our community-funded rescue helicopter in the sky. With crisp winter air and clear blue skies, it was the perfect morning for a good cause. In the 10km race, proudly presented by Ampcontrol, Jared Mackie claimed first place with a lightning-fast time of 37:
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Mackay Surf Club Lifesavers celebrate a season of success From national and state champions to podium finishes at North Aussies, branch age champions, and ensuring the safety of Harbour Beach, Mackay Surf Life Saving Club recently held its annual awards presentation night to honour the contributions of its dedicated volunteers. Club President Brendan Smith opened the evening by reflecting on the club’s 75 years of “Vigilance and Service” to the Mackay community, proudly referring to its
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