Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Whitsundays isn’t just about beautiful beaches and islands – it’s also home to a fascinating history, and you can dive into it at the region's local museums. Each one tells a unique story, from the traditions of the First Nations peoples to the area's industrial past and wartime history. Start with the Proserpine Historical Museum, right in the heart of Proserpine. Here, you'll learn about the region’s sugar cane and cattle industries, as well as the lives of the Juru, Gia, Bira, and Ngaro p
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The Moulin Rouge Soirée, hosted at Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar in Airlie Beach, was a resounding success, raising $10,322 to support the construction of staff and nursing quarters at the Arthur Wina Memorial Hospital in Zambia. The sold-out cocktail party and cabaret show, held on Friday, 15 November, welcomed 50 guests who enjoyed a dazzling performance by Georgia Darcy, a cabaret artist from Victoria. Sandy Clark, who has been fundraising for the hospital through the Dignity Zambia initia
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New lifejacket regulations came into effect across the state on Sunday 1 December, 2024 as part of the Queensland Government’s initiative to increase maritime safety. Although enforcement of these new laws will be delayed until 1 July 2025, the Queensland Government advises boaters to understand and abide by these changes to stay safe and compliant on the water. “We will be focusing on education, with enforcement delayed until 1 July 2025, to ensure all boaties are aware of the change,” said
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Whitsunday Dirt Riders’ young talent, Kai Moran, captured national attention with a second-place finish in the 85cc (9-13 years) category at the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships in Somersby, NSW. At just 13, Kai impressed with his skill and determination, narrowly missing the top spot. Bowen’s Harrison O’Brien also stood out, receiving an encouragement award for his promising performance in his first year on the 85cc bike. Kai’s success follows a stellar season, including fourth plac
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Competitors from across the region gathered for the Port Denison Gun Club’s November monthly and Christmas shoots, making for a memorable weekend filled with competition, camaraderie, and holiday cheer. Shooters from Townsville, the Burdekin, and Mackay / Sarina joined the locals for a weekend of exciting events, many of them camping out in swags, tents, and caravans, making the most of the opportunity to enjoy the club's festive spirit. Saturday kicked off the weekend with a great turnout, as
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Eight exceptional junior athletes from the Whitsundays were honoured for their outstanding sporting achievements during an Ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 27 November. The athletes, who have excelled in their respective sports at regional, state, and national levels, were recognised by Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and the Councillors for their dedication and hard work. These athletes are part of the Junior Elite Athletes initiative, a program offered by the Whitsunday Regional Council to p
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The Whitsunday Golf Club wrapped up its final official event of the year with a farewell lunch and presentation at the Reef Gateway Hotel on Saturday, 23 November. The event, which brought together club members and supporters, was a heartwarming celebration of the club’s journey, particularly honouring the efforts of Kerry Hall, who played a pivotal role in reviving the club in years past. The afternoon was filled with laughter, fun, and nostalgia, as members reflected on the memorable moments
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Rain earlier in the day didn’t dampen the spirits at Gloucester Sport & Recreation in Hydeaway Bay, where the community gathered on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the opening of their brand-new pickleball courts. The facility now boasts two dedicated pickleball courts and a third court shared with a half-basketball setup, marking an exciting development for local sports enthusiasts. The event was attended by Cr Amanda Camm and Cr Gary Simpson, who both showed strong support for the growing pop
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The Cannonvale Cannons had a busy and successful weekend, with seven swimmers competing in the Hamilton Island Triathlon and Ocean Swims. On Saturday 23 November, Matilda Nicholes, Don Algie, Penelope Shields, and River Shields showcased their endurance and enthusiasm in the triathlon events. On Sunday 24 November, Thomas Ganter, Don Algie, and River Shields tackled the 350m Ocean Swim with outstanding performances. Jacob Bell delivered an exceptional result in the 2km Ocean Swim, securing thi
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On Tuesday 26 November, despite some early rain, the weather cleared just in time for the Proserpine Veterans Golf competition. A total of thirty-two players participated in a Stableford round, and the results showed some impressive scores across both the ladies' and men's divisions. In the ladies’ division, the winner was Allison McCarthy, who achieved an outstanding 45 points – a truly remarkable performance. The runner-up was Jenny Hounsell, who also played exceptionally well, finishing with
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Asbestos exposure doesn’t announce itself. It lurks silently, often undetected for decades, until it strikes with devastating force. For a former Mackay mother, Leah Smith, this invisible killer stole her life just eight months after her diagnosis with mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. Her family, friends, and community were left heartbroken, but they refused to let her story end there. To honour Leah’s life and raise awareness of the hidden dangers of
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There’s a moment in every cancer journey when survival becomes more than just about living—it’s about enduring the pain, the fear, and the uncertainty. For me, those moments came to an end with the last chemotherapy session, the last dose of Oxaliplatin running through my veins. It was the moment I’d fought for. The moment I’d been working toward through every tear, every side effect, every sleepless night. When I first heard the words, “It’s cancer,” the world seemed to pause. I felt like I was
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By Hannah McNamara In a moving act of empowerment, Sisters on Steel SMC, a non-for-profit organisation led by a dynamic group of female motorcyclists, has donated $2,500 to Broken Ballerina Inc. Aligned with their mission to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, this donation serves as a cornerstone of women’s unity, driving meaningful change and creating a ripple effect of hope for those who need it most. Over the past year, members of Sisters On Steel SMC have worked ti
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It was a bittersweet day as the Mackay police community bid farewell to a beloved and highly respected colleague - Police Dog Neo. A special "piping out" ceremony took place last Wednesday morning at the Brisbane Street side of the Mackay police complex, where Neo was honoured with the same respect typically reserved for long-serving police officers transitioning into retirement. Neo, a 10-year-old black Labrador, has had an extraordinary career, serving in three separate police districts as a
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In the final weeks of parliament for 2024, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP has addressed two critical issues: the Federal Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and his ongoing efforts to support canegrowers and improve infrastructure in the region. During his time in Canberra, Mr. Willcox hosted the Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors and GW3 at Parliament House, where they discussed regional priorities with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has invited community organisations in Dawson to submit their expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Australian Government’s 2024-25 Volunteers Grant. These grants recognise the vital role that volunteers have within our community and support the positive difference they make on the ground. “This additional funding will go a long way in helping local organisations and their volunteers to continue their crucial work in supporting the vulnerable and str
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The Queensland Retired Police Association (QRPA) is a unique group designed to keep the bond alive between those who’ve served in the police force or as police public servants. While not part of the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the QRPA proudly supports the incredible work of sworn officers and enjoys the backing of the Police Commissioner and serving members. The QRPA, a non-profit organisation, connects former members of the QPS and other recognised police services, along with retired pub
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Eat, drink, shop and be merry – there’s something for the whole family at this year’s City Heart Christmas celebrations. The annual City Heart Christmas will be on Friday, December 6, from 4pm to 8pm. Events will be spread throughout the City Centre, from Macalister Street to Sydney Street and from River Street to Gordon Street. Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to see the annual City Heart Christmas celebrations growing into an exciting family event. “There is so much planned for our
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The Neighbourhood Hub, a leading community centre in Mackay, is proud to announce the launch of its new Early Connections Program, designed to support families in the Andergrove and Beaconsfield areas in accessing essential early childhood education, health, and developmental services. The program, funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Education, will provide increased pathways and connections for families experiencing vulnerabilities and disadvantage during the critical years lea
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This festive season, Inspirations Paint Cannonvale and Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday are bringing Christmas cheer to the Whitsundays. Whether you’re sprucing up your space or adding the finishing touches to your dream project, Inspirations Paint has everything you need to create a home that inspires. From premium paint brands to expert advice, their team is ready to help make your vision a reality. But that’s not all—Porters Mitre 10 is making spirits bright with Ham Mania, an unmissable Christmas
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Detectives have released CCTV footage as part of their ongoing investigation into the suspicious death of a 67-year-old Mackay man earlier last month. John Patrick Hackett was discovered at his Gold Street unit in Mackay around 7:18 pm on Saturday, November 9, following a welfare check by family members. A crime scene was declared, and police have launched a homicide investigation after receiving additional information including results from a post mortem examination indicating evidence of an
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Support for the region’s homeless, young indigenous entrepreneurs, local beach lifesavers, dementia patients, and those living with disabilities will be boosted through North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP’s) 2024-25 Community Fund. Fourteen Community Fund recipients will share $100,000 in funding, with each initiative expected to deliver strong benefits across NQBP’s port communities, in what is the most diverse range of recipients in the Fund’s three-year history. NQBP Chief Execu
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Tyler Wessling, an Electrical Engineer at Richglen, has had a sparking career, progressing from a university placement student to a full-time employee. His genuine passion for the trade testifies to how Richglen’s supportive work environment has enabled him to thrive, ultimately enhancing the quality of work delivered to clients. Riley, Tyler’s younger brother, is following in Tyler’s footsteps, currently undertaking his 4th-year JCU placement with Richglen. Much like his brother, Riley is pass
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Peabody announced an acquisition of world-class metallurgical coal assets from Anglo American plc last week, significantly strengthening Peabody’s position as a leading global supplier of steelmaking coal. The transaction, valued at USD 3.8 billion, is set to close in mid-2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The acquisition includes four Tier 1 metallurgical coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin—Moranbah North, Grosvenor, Aquila, and Capcoal—renowned for produ
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Productivity is set to return to Queensland worksites under proposed changes to Workplace Health and Safety laws, introduced in Parliament last week. The reforms aim to reinstate a 24-hour notice period for permit holders seeking right of entry, bringing Queensland in line with the Commonwealth Fair Work Act. Exceptions will apply only in cases of immediate or imminent risks to workers' health and safety. This shift follows the suspension of Best Practice Industry Conditions and underscores the
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