Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
TABLE TENNIS Players from across Queensland brought fast-paced action and fierce competition to the Mackay Table Tennis Centre for the annual Mackay Open earlier this month. With medals on the line and talent on display, the event drew a strong crowd of spectators and players alike. Organisers from the Mackay Table Tennis Association thanked all participants as they look forward to welcoming them back in 2026.
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Top Talent Recognised At Annual Presentations Mackay Basketball recently honoured its rising stars at the U16 Presentations, celebrating outstanding performances across several teams. Meteors: • MVP: Parker Coleman • Coaches Award: Will DiFilipo • Best Defensive: Jackson Pendleton Meteorettes: • MVP: Pyiper Redgard • Coaches Award: Riley Albert • Best Defensive: Lisa Lelliot Comets: • MVP: Jimmy Turner • Coaches Award: Jesse Coomber • Best Defensive: Winston Sutton Comettes: • MVP: Montana W
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Budding BMX talent Ged Rafferty has been recognised with the Mackay BMX Club’s President’s Award, celebrating his consistent effort and determination on the track. Aged 7 and competing in the sprocket class, Ged has impressed with his commitment to racing and hard pedalling right to the finish line. As part of the award, Ged received a $50 bistro voucher to the Goosies Sports and Recreation Club – a gesture to reward his rising star power and encourage continued passion for the sport. We
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The Mackay Stingers Dragon Boat Club braved icy conditions last weekend, hitting the water at Mackay Harbour despite a biting temperature of 5°C. The dedicated crew proved that paddlers from Tropical North Queensland are made of tough stuff, trading warm beds for early morning training on the water. The session showcased the team’s commitment and camaraderie, reinforcing their reputation for resilience and spirit. With calm seas and a golden sunrise over the harbour, the Stingers paddled
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Australians today are navigating increasingly complex financial terrain. From managing mortgages, superannuation, and insurance, to preparing for retirement and developing effective tax strategies. The financial decisions most people face is significant and often overwhelming. Add the weight of a cost-of-living crisis and it’s no surprise that many people feel stretched, uncertain and unsure where to start. Yet, financial advice is still widely seen as a luxury, something reserved for the weal
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Friday 20th June Crochet & Conversation 9am Join a welcoming morning of crochet, coffee, and conversation with Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. All skill levels welcome—just look for the yarn to find the table. Connection and creativity guaranteed. Bucasia Beachfront Bar and Restaurant Free Friday Guided Walks 10am Join a Friday Guided Walk at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and discover
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The Father is a powerful and deeply affecting play by Florian Zeller, translated into English by Christopher Hampton. Hailed as "the most acclaimed new play of the last decade" following its premiere in September 2012, The Father explores the unsettling experience of dementia through the eyes of André, an aging man whose grasp on reality is steadily deteriorating. This powerful and intriguing psychological drama is now coming to Kucom Theatre for a two-week season, opening on 4 September.
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A man in his 30s is in critical condition after being shot in the shoulder at a rural property in Devereux Creek, west of Mackay. Police and emergency services were called to the scene on Devil’s Pool Road shortly before 10:30am. Upon arrival, officers found the man with a gunshot wound and he was quickly transported to Mackay Base Hospital. A Queensland Ambulance spokesperson confirmed the injuries were life-threatening. Authorities have assured there is no immediate threat to the publ
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When people need something important done, something that really matters, they tend not to simply find out who offers the cheapest quote and go with that option. If someone owns a classic car, for example, you will never hear them do a ring-around of mechanics or spray painter shops to see who is the cheapest. A conversation you’ll never hear at a pub: “Hey fellas you know that beautiful 1968 HK GTS Monaro of mine that I’ve had forever, well it needs a paint job and I rang around and fou
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The closure of the Caneland Central Post Office has sparked confusion and disbelief across the region, with residents and community leaders describing the move as short-sighted and totally unfair. Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability Andrew Willcox said he was advised the branch will shut its doors on 18 July, without any public consultation or clear reasoning from Australia Post. “We don’t have an explanation, but it’s a deci
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Honouring History, Celebrating Service By Cr Heath Paton As a councillor, who was born and raised here in Mackay, it is important to me to not only aid in the growth of our region but also protect and promote our vast catalogue of past accomplishments. Mackay has such a wealth of history and accolades, and it’s imperative for a region to acknowledge the pillars of our community. Scattered throughout our footprint are numerous monuments and plaques commemorating events and people who help
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Mackay Careers Expo Mackay’s Careers Expo is back for its third year, offering an extraordinary opportunity for school leavers, recent graduates, and career-changers to gain invaluable insights into potential career paths. Held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Thursday 7 August, this free event is a must-attend for anyone looking to launch a new career, upskill, or transition into a different industry. Explore Endless Opportunities This year, the expo features an impressive array of exhibitors. A
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Hi there, Hope you’re keeping well and enjoying this crisp, cool breeze while it lasts…because let’s be honest, we’ll all be complaining about the humidity again soon! Did you make it to the show and grab a classic Dagwood dog or a showbag or two? I popped in on Tuesday, bundled up in a warm coat and boots, bracing for the mud – but to my surprise it wasn’t too bad! On page 10, you’ll find a beautiful story that reflects what makes our region so special – locals looking after each othe
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The first humpback whales of the season were sighted on Friday 6th June, breaching between Penitecost Island and Suprise Rock, just south of Whitsunday and Hamilton Islands It’s exciting and we are privileged to have them visit our waters to court, mate, give birth and rear their calves. This is why the Whitsundays are a Whale Heritage Area. The whales have to rely on their energy reserves until they return to their feeding ground in the Antarctic. Mothers will already loose a third of their b
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We have a range of free and exciting children’s activities across our regional libraries for the upcoming school holidays! From craft workshops to storytelling and everything in between, there’s something for kids of all ages! Libraries are the perfect place to relax, have fun, and stay connect during the holidays - and membership is always free! For more information, head to Whitsunday Regional Libraries website.
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Hi Everyone, Ruth 2 Reef is back after a short break, and I’m thrilled to bring you a special edition packed with exciting environmental stories. During the pause, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in the Coral Nurture Program which is a brilliant initiative dedicated to coral restoration. Last Sunday, therefore, I spent the day scuba diving and planting new coral on the Great Barrier Reef alongside an amazing team. It was a real pinch me moment, and you can read all about the expe
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What It’s Like to Plant Coral on the Great Barrier Reef. I shuffle myself onto the edge of the boat, and my Dive Manager and I look at each other before hurtling ourselves backwards into the warm Whitsunday waters. Our supplies are handed to us off the boat, and we fade into the blue. Suddenly, we are engulfed in a kaleidoscope of colour; little sea goldies begin to inquisitively inspect us as they dart in front of our masks, then return to feed on zooplankton near the soft and hard coral
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Whitsunday Regional Council has formally adopted the Whitsunday 2030 Economic Development Strategy—a bold and future-focused action plan designed to lead the Whitsunday community forward. More than just a strategy document, Whitsunday 2030 is a practical roadmap to position the Whitsunday region as a globally competitive, resilient, and vibrant economy delivering results on the ground. Developed through extensive consultation with local industry, business, government, and the wider community,
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A major upgrade to the Collinsville Aerodrome has been completed, with the Whitsunday Regional Council delivering significant improvements that will enhance safety, reliability, and access for aeromedical services and other essential air operations. The project, delivered in partnership with the State and Federal Governments, involved a full suite of airside and infrastructure upgrades to bring the regional aerodrome up to modern operational standards. Works included the installation of a new
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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has today released the full program for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference — a flagship event designed to inspire, inform, and connect the region’s business leaders, operators, and entrepreneurs. Held as a full-day conference in Cannonvale, the program showcases an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, industry panels, practical sessions, and networking opportunities tailored to the needs of the Whitsunday business community. Mayor Ry Coll
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Zephyr is a sweet and gentle boy who has already overcome so much. He was rescued from a remote pound in Kowanyama and made an incredible 1,279-kilometre journey to safety. Now in foster care, he is slowly gaining confidence and learning to enjoy the comforts of home life. Zephyr has a lovely, submissive nature and gets along well with other dogs. He doesn’t need much in life – just a comfortable couch, a safe environment and a family willing to give him the love and patience he deserves. Zeph
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Here in the Whitsundays, we’re lucky to live in a place that’s as popular with visitors as it is with locals. Tourism is a huge part of our economy—but so is our quality of life. And when the two intersect, it’s important we get the balance right. That’s why Council is proposing a change to our Planning Scheme to help better manage where short-term accommodation (STA), like Airbnbs, can operate in Low Density Residential areas. Right now, STAs are allowed in many zones across the region. But
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Cannonvale local and Endeavour Foundation’s Learning & Lifestyle Hub participant, Jenny, is stepping into a newly created, national role. Selected as one of only five people with disability Australia-wide, Jenny will now participate in a new Client Advisory Group — a national initiative by Endeavour Foundation offering people with disability a chance to make valuable contributions towards the organisation’s future. Endeavour Foundation is one of Australia’s largest disability service providers
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The Whitsunday Lions Club have recently made a $3000 donation to St Catherine's Christian College's Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DofE). The schools DofE teacher Shantae Ryle runs the course with PCYC Sergeant (Sgt) Billy Li and they greatly appreciate the donation. This is the first time the school has run the program and the support from Whitsunday Lions Club has funded the students to enrol in the course. The Whitsunday Lions Club is always donating to schools and community groups
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Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of heading to Brisbane for the official launch of Destination 2045: Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future, hosted by QTIC. It was a major moment for our industry, with over 500 passionate tourism leaders in the room and a clear message: the future of tourism in Queensland is bold, sustainable and full of opportunity. The plan outlines how we’ll make the most of Queensland’s “green and gold runway” - capitalising on the momentum of the 2032 Olympic and Par
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