Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
If you’re looking for a relaxed, family-friendly way to spend the weekend without spending a cent, the River of Life Festival returns to Bluewater Quay this Saturday, 7 June. This free community event offers a full day of entertainment, creativity, and connection. Showcasing live music and dance, hands-on workshops, bustling markets, and a packed kids’ zone, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy Mackay’s riverside charm and vibrant local culture. The festival has grown beyond expectation
Read more-1748921123.jpg)
Willcox Takes Charge Of Shadow Manufacturing Portfolio By Amanda Wright Andrew Willcox, the Federal Member for Dawson, has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities—an elevation that signals not only a deepening of his political responsibilities but a wider national recognition of regional Australia's role in securing the country’s future. While the announcement from Nationals leader David Littleproud has been met with warm congratulations, Mr Willcox
Read more
Mackay’s BMX Girls Pedal Their Way To Podium Success The Mackay and District BMX Club is beaming with pride after two of its rising stars, Ruby and Lilly, delivered standout performances at Rounds 3 and 4 of the National Series in Lake Macquarie late last month. Ruby took on a new challenge, double-classing for the first time at a national level – racing in both the 20-inch and Cruiser bike categories. Her debut was nothing short of impressive. In Round 3, Ruby powered her way into the f
Read more
It has been 65 years since the Fokker Friendship “Abel Tasman” crashed off the coast of Mackay, claiming the lives of all 29 passengers. This tragic event still touches many lives in our region and beyond. Of the lives lost, four were crew members and nine of the 25 passengers were young boarders from the Rockhampton Grammar School returning home to Mackay for the Queen’s birthday weekend. The youngest was just nine years old. Mayor Greg Williamson said what was meant to be a joyful homecomi
Read more
It was smiles for miles at BB Print Stadium as 3,500 locals turned out for the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Family Fun Day, up 500 from last year and bursting with enough joy to power the spinning tea cups. With four hours of non-stop rides, live music, fairy floss and a star-studded cast of Bluey, Bingo and the Paw Patrol gang, the event had kids bouncing higher than in the jumping castle. Gardian Real Estate staff were the real MVPs—spending the whole day wrangling rides with cheer and
Read more.jpg)
Where Sea Meets Song Mackay locals and visitors are being urged not to miss their chance to experience one of Queensland’s most breathtaking and sustainable music events, Between the Tides, next Friday night, June 13, at Cape Hillsborough National Park. With Saturday’s show already sold out, Friday’s performance is now the only opportunity left to witness this once-in-a-lifetime, award-winning event as part of the Queensland Music Trails – The Reef. Presented by QMF, Between the Tides bri
Read more
Council is encouraging residents to take advantage of the discount period by registering their pets before June 30. Registration renewal letters have been issued and should be in the mail for residents who have not opted to receive them electronically by email through eNotices. Mayor Greg Williamson said this month was the perfect opportunity for residents to get in early and ensure their pet’s registration was up to date. “A reduction in fees as much as 30 to 50 per cent can be claimed by re
Read more
By Dean Kirkwood, General Manager, Resource Industry Network Safety leadership was brought into focus at the annual Resource Industry Network’s 2025 Safety Conference held on the 23rd of May at the MECC. Around 200 of the region’s safety leaders came together to hear from world class speakers and to unpack the latest techniques and strategies to help to continue the high standard of safety within their business. We received fantastic feedback from attendees which showed that the speakers
Read more
A Time to Act, Not Just Account As the crisp air of winter descends upon Mackay and June 30 looms large, a familiar rhythm stirs for financially savvy households and enterprises alike. This isn’t just a date. It marks the finale of a fiscal year — a time to reflect, recalibrate, and position ourselves for the financial year ahead. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is ready. The question is, are you? For Our Local Businesses For the enterprising minds of Mackay, sharpening the books now
Read more
CQUniversity and the QCCS Mackay Cutters have announced a new partnership focused on developing clear and structured pathways for both university students and emerging rugby league talent looking to build careers in elite sport. This partnership is set to bolster the pathway from Hostplus Cup and BMD competitions to the NRL and NRLW, providing our region's budding talents with a clear pathway to the elite level. The Mackay Cutters are a recognised feeder club to the North Queensland Cowb
Read more.jpg)
Last week, our publishing team had the privilege of attending the 2025 Queensland Country Press Association (QCPA) Conference and Media Excellence Awards — an annual gathering that brings together the heart of regional journalism from across the state. Held in Brisbane, the event reminded us that while the digital age may be reshaping how news is consumed, the need for trusted, community-driven storytelling has never been greater. That message rang loud and clear in the opening remarks fr
Read more
Networking and learning were the themes of the morning at the fourth annual Manufacturers Breakfast held at the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) at the start of June. The event offered an opportunity for local manufacturers to come together in a relaxed environment to share ideas and network over breakfast. Manager of the Queensland Manufacturing Hub in Mackay Deb Allan provided an overview of activities undertaken by Hub staff over the past 12 months and what local manufacturers ca
Read more
The Mackay Regional Council has officially triggered the by-election process to fill the vacant councillor position left by the resignation of Cr George Christensen, following a special meeting held on Wednesday, June 4. The meeting, convened at 8.30am in the Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building, was called specifically to address the vacancy, which came into effect at 5.00pm on Friday, May 30. Councillors gathered to determine how the position—now legally required to be filled withi
Read more
The highlight for most visitors to the Great Barrier Reef is their encounter with the myriads of coral reef fish…every size, shape, and colour. Very inquisitive and often right in your face. Unfortunately, the opportunity for that experience is changing. A study has found concerning new evidence of long-term declines in coral reef fish around highly visited inshore islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Scientists surveyed reefs at 100 sites around the Palm Islands, Magnetic Island, Whitsunday Isl
Read more
Memories of time spent on Dent Island as recorded by Reg Hatch in his book “Dent Island 1959” – an extract. Reg was 20 years of age and a qualified painter when he left Brisbane in 1959 to “see what was over the hill.” On what was only his second plane trip, he arrived in Mackay and then, with two other passengers, flew to Lindeman Island on his first small-plane trip. After three weeks on Lindeman, Reg boarded the “Hossack H” bound for Dent Island. On Dent Island, the lighthouse is now an a
Read more
In a powerful celebration of empathy, leadership, and community spirit, the B Kinder Foundation hosted its very first B Kinder High School Summit on 29 May 2025. Held at Proserpine State High School, the event brought together student leaders from Bowen State High School, Whitsunday Christian College, and St Catherine’s Catholic College. Far from a typical school event, the summit was designed to inspire students to become agents of change within their schools and communities. Through a series
Read more
Hi Everyone, Whale season is here, and I’m eagerly awaiting the first sighting! This is truly my favorite time of year, there’s nothing quite like watching them swim alongside their calves, and send plumes of spray into the sky. To celebrate, I have had the idea to launch a fun new feature in Ruth2Reef called Whale Watch Weekly! If you capture a photo of one of these incredible whales, please send it to ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com. Your photo could be featured in an upcoming edition, with fu
Read more.png)
The first humpback whales we are likely to see close to the islands are pregnant females or females with newborns. Humpback mothers with calves spend as much of their time logging as possible. Logging is a form of rest where humpback whales float motionless near the water's surface, much like a log. They remain near the surface with their blowholes exposed to the air, allowing them to breathe. Whales must remain conscious while sleeping to breathe. During this resting state, humpback whales
Read more
A once-abandoned gold mine near Proserpine is drawing renewed attention after modern testing revealed the presence of a large, mineralised system, with only a small area explored to date. The historic Dittmer Mine, discovered in 1934 and closed in 1951 after producing more than 54,000 ounces of gold, is being revived by Ballymore Resources. The company rekindled interest in the site last year after mapping and sampling unearthed several high-grade gold zones. Underground explorations have since
Read more
The Whitsundays will soon play host to one of Australia’s most respected economic voices. David Robertson, Chief Economist at Bendigo Bank, is heading to Proserpine on Thursday, 10 July for a special community event – and everyone’s invited. Known for his ability to make complex economic trends easy to understand, David’s engaging and down-to-earth style has earned him a strong following, including on his popular YouTube series. With more than two decades at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and a ca
Read more%20(1).JPG)
On Thursday, I had the privilege of welcoming guests to our Shute Harbour Marine Terminal to mark World Environment Day—a powerful reminder of why we must protect what makes our region so special. As the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, our Whitsundays is one of the most ecologically significant places in the world. From our reef to our rainforest, we’re not just caretakers of the environment—we’re leaders in sustainable tourism. Thursday’s event brought together environmental leaders, tourism
Read more
Whitsundays Dancing CEOs Crowned 2025 Fundraising Champions & Win Community Awareness Award Coral Sea Marina’s Kate Purdie, SeaLink Whitsundays’ Julie Telford, Whitsunday Transit’s Candice Crossley and Whitsunday Family Dental’s Alice Harriott are officially ‘Dancing Queens’ after raising nearly a quarter-of-a-million dollars for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) at Brisbane’s City Hall on Saturday night. Representing the Whitsundays as the region’s inaugural team of ‘Dancing CEOs’, these
Read more
Monday’s self-selected triples saw Jim Steele, Chris Healey and Jenny Healey emerge victorious over Keith Janette and Norm Dawson in a strong performance. In other matches, Ron Hyde, Maureen Hyde and Alby Vigar defeated Sugar Brunker, Kevin Daniels and Kennedy Whitton. Trish, Bob and Leon also claimed a win over Robyn, Isobel and Merle. The jackpot remained elusive. On Tuesday, winners were decided on Rink 4, with Lindy Suann, Margaret Wilson and Penny Warren defeating Merle Elphinstone, Gavin
Read more
This month, we meet Chamber members Jen and Doug O’Connor of Option Insurance Brokers—a new Whitsundays-based business offering personalised insurance solutions for businesses and individuals across Australia. Established in 2024, Option Insurance Brokers provides tailored cover across all major insurance types, including business packages, liability, commercial motor, professional indemnity, cyber, home and contents, landlord and more. Drawing on over a decade of industry experience in both co
Read more