Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Respected Detective Hangs Up The Badge By Hannah McNamara What began as a fascination with the police force while watching the popular TV show Cops in the ’90s has transformed into a legacy spanning nearly three decades: one marked by blood, sweat, and a quiet commitment to uncovering some of the region’s most confronting crimes. Retired Detective Sergeant Paul Arnold officially signed off last Wednesday during an emotional “piping out” ceremony held at Mackay Police Station, where office
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Soon after I arrived in Mackay I was talking with a middle-aged couple who mentioned they had been to a particular restaurant and, not being familiar with the local cuisine, I asked what the food was like. “The meals aren’t very big,” the wife said. In other parts of the world I’d heard criticisms such as “the steak was tough” or “the fish was oily”. My friend Mick tells the old joke about the bloke at a Chinese restaurant who complains to the waiter that “this chicken is rubbery”. “
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Mackay Unites To Honour 29 Lives Lost In 1960 Air Disaster By Hannah McNamara Sixty-five years have passed, but the grief still lingers. On June 10, the Mackay community gathered to remember the 29 lives lost in Australia’s worst civil aviation disaster at the time – the crash of TAA Flight 538 in 1960. Among them was Mr Col Benson, local Historian, former Air Force radio technician and long-time Mackay RSL member, who helped organise the solemn anniversary. “I was a schoolboy when it ha
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Mackay Down Under Skin Diving Club Marks 70 Years The Mackay Down Under Skin Diving Club has been diving deep – in every sense – since 1955. What began as a tight-knit group of ocean-loving skindivers has grown into one of the strongest spearfishing communities in Australia, boasting around 100 active members and a legacy that spans generations. As the second spearfishing club to be established in Australia, following Sydney’s Sans Souci Dolphins in 1953, the Mackay-based club has become
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Earlier this month, 94 proud individuals officially became Australian citizens at a special ceremony held at the MECC. Mayor Greg Williamson and councillors welcomed the new citizens, who hailed from 25 countries including the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Italy, Namibia and Nepal. The ceremony was a celebration of the rich cultural diversity that continues to shape and strengthen the Mackay region. Since citizenship ceremony records began in 2013, Mackay has welcomed new Australi
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Friday 13th June BMA Fun Day 9am Families are invited to a special BMA Fun Friday, hosted by the Northern Beaches Community Playgroup at Bucasia Esplanade. This community play morning promises outdoor fun, movement, music, stories and creativity, featuring special guests from Active Squirtz and Bunnings Craft. Proudly supported by BMA’s Benefiting My Community Fund, the event offers a joyful space for connection and play. All families welcome—bring your energy, your little ones, and join
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Some moments in life change you forever – walking through the doors of the Trudy Crowley Foundation’s Cancer Support Centre was one of those for me. At the time, I was undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer – exhausted, vulnerable, and unsure what lay ahead. I had no idea that behind those doors I’d find not just support, but a sense of belonging, strength, and hope. Today, I’m deeply thankful to be in remission – and incredibly honoured to have recently been named one of the Patrons of
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Council’s Mackay Show display this year is helping local artisans to sell their hand-crafted creations to show-goers. Mayor Greg Williamson said the display has evolved over the years and embraced new technology but for the second year in a row, we are proud to include local artisans. “The council display will be bigger than ever with free face painting and a photo booth for kids, free water bottles and chilled water refills and heaps of interactive displays, but council is very proud to also
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Lifeblood Campaign Kicks Off With Emergency Crews Leading The Way Australia’s frontline heroes are trading sirens for syringes as the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood launches its annual Emergency Services Blood Drive – a spirited three-month campaign that pits police, paramedics, firefighters, and other emergency crews against one another in a race to save lives through blood donation. Running from June 1 to August 31, the friendly rivalry aims to boost vital blood, plasma, and platelet do
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In the heart of Proserpine, The Proserpine Community Centre are turning soil and sowing seeds not just in garden beds, but into community spirit as well. Every Monday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm the Proserpine Community Garden welcomes locals of all ages to join in and get hands on in the garden. The Proserpine Community Centre encourage everyone to get their hands dirty building garden beds, planting fruit and veges, mowing lawns, weeding, learning about growing, and enjoying some good company
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The first humpback whales of the season were sighted on Friday, 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 body weigh
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Reef fish exhibit a wide array of mating strategies, from harems to life-long couples to gender switching to pregnant males. Let’s look some of the more unusual strategies. The parrotfish is often seen in large schools of rather bland coloured fish accompanied by one or two brightly coloured fish. The brightly coloured fish are the males, but they were not always males. Most parrotfish are born females but depending on environmental and social pressures may transition to male. This is known as
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Hi everyone! The first whales of the season have been spotted, which means whale season is officially underway. If you capture any great photos, be sure to send them to ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com for a chance to have them featured in the paper. This week, I’m hoping to watch Oceans, the new documentary by Sir David Attenborough. I’ve long admired his work and he’s been a major influence on my own career. I recently read in his book (which I highly recommend) that he actually started out as a
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Hi Everyone, On Sunday evening, I attended the Combined Church Service at Whitsunday Christian College, and it was incredible to witness a variety of faiths coming together to worship and enjoy fellowship. So often, different religions can seem fractured or opposed, when in reality, we are all worshipping one God. Even those who do not follow the Christian Bible often live by similar values and morals. This shared experience of life could unite us, but sadly, that is not always the case. Fort
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If you can’t make it to the Mayor’s Charity ball this year, you can still show your support by purchasing online fundraising tickets for a chance to win an amazing Island Escape for two! Valued at over $2000, the prize includes two nights’ accommodation on Daydream Island, a guided snorkel tour, a private dinner experience, a pamper spa package and an Ocean rafting adventure! Entries are just $25, and every ticket is a donation to BMA CQ Rescue, the Bowen Community Centre and the Whitsunday Ne
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One of the best parts of this job is seeing firsthand how passionate our Whitsunday community is about the places we love—and Dingo Beach is no exception. When the swimming enclosure at Dingo Beach was damaged during Cyclone Kirrily in early 2024, it sparked a wave of concern from residents and visitors alike. For many, this enclosure isn’t just a safety feature—it’s part of the local way of life. Families swim there, visitors cool off there and it is part of what makes Dingo Beach such a spec
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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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Whitsundays Weddings Kicks Off New Era with Successful Meet & Greet The Whitsundays' stunning azure waters and lush landscapes have long set the scene for dream weddings. Now, Weddings Whitsundays, a go-to resource for planning and promoting the region's weddings , has officially merged with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry. This ‘marriage made in heaven’ creates a unified platform , promising unparalleled benefits directly to local wedding businesses. This exciting transition wa
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Effortless Luxury in the Heart of Airlie Beach For those seeking the perfect balance between coastal luxury and convenience, The Boathouse Apartments stands out as Airlie Beach’s premier holiday address. Located right on the waterfront at the exclusive Port of Airlie Marina, this boutique collection of spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments delivers an unforgettable Whitsundays experience—tailored for families, friends, and couples who appreciate space, comfort and style. Just a flat five-
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It’s been a jam-packed week at the Wangaratta Bowls Club, with local bowlers taking to the greens across multiple days of social and competition play. Monday’s Self-Selected Triples saw Sugar Brunker, Graeme Read and Kennedy Whitton emerge as the winners after a solid win over Ron Hyde, Maureen Hyde and Alby Vigar. Runners-up for the day were Trish Webb, Bob and Leon Fox, who triumphed in their match against Eileen Dunn, Di Coleman and Geoff Coleman. The jackpot, however, remained elusive. Tue
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Football - Whitsunday United FC Friday 13 June 6:00 PM – Div 2 Men vs Mackay Rangers FC at Eric Homan Park 8:00 PM – Div 1 Men vs Mackay Rangers FC at Eric Homan Park Saturday 14 June Bye – U13 Div 1 9:30 AM – U13 FQPL vs Mackay Lions at Whitsunday Sports Park 9:30 AM – U14 vs Magpies FC at Whitsunday Sports Park 11:15 AM – U15/16 vs City Brothers FC at Whitsunday Sports Park 5:00 PM – U23 Men vs City Brothers FC at Whitsunday Sports Park 7:00 PM – Men vs City Brothers FC at Whitsunday Sports P
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Have you recently made the move to paradise and are looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community while protecting the local marine environment? Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. is calling on the Whitsunday community, including new arrivals, long-time locals and especially retirees with time and skills to offer, to join its growing team of dedicated volunteers. The organisation is currently seeking Core Crew Project Liaisons to help lead and support the delivery of key environmental progr
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Airlie Beach’s Newest Bar Opens A fresh new face has joined the Airlie Beach hospitality scene, and it’s already winning hearts with its local charm, creative flair, and laid-back vibe. Located at the quieter end of town, the newly opened venue has become an hit with locals and visitors alike thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful details, and entertainment that’s unlike anything else in the area. Owners Tommy and Dylan Gallagher and Blake Gee said they were looking for a new business
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Beneath the postcard-perfect skies of our tropical region lies a confronting truth: many locals still have no place to call home. In the Whitsunday region, Whitsunday Housing Company Ltd (WHCL) is working to rewrite that narrative, by providing vital housing support and championing long-term solutions to ensure every individual has a safe, secure place to live. Established in 2007, WHCL is a registered charity and not-for-profit community housing provider. The organisation delivers long-term, c
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