Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
One of the largest teams at Reef Catchments, the Biodiversity team - formerly Conservation and Communities - undertakes a diverse range of projects with a focus on wetland conservation, safeguarding priority species (flora and fauna), and fostering community collaboration to manage invasive species and enhance habitat health in the face of a changing climate. Getting Started In 2004, the first funding for a Coastcare Facilitator was received from the Department of Environment and Heritage. Their
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In 2017, Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsunday coastline causing extensive the regional landscape and also heavily impacting underwater ecosystems. This disaster was a key factor underpinning the formation of a Great Barrier Reef Foundation project - the Whitsundays Reef Islands Initiative (WRII). Managed by Reef Catchments, this groundbreaking project focuses on positioning the Whitsundays as a global hub for inshore fringing reef stewardship. The WRII coral and seagrass restoration projects were R
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The Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, hosted by Reef Catchments, is a leading network of organisations working together to maintain and improve waterway health in the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region, through monitoring, education and collaboration. The Partnership has representation from all sectors, including industry, agriculture, research and science, ports, conservation, tourism, traditional owners, government, and more. The Healthy Rivers to Reef team collate data from more than 40 data pr
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When it comes to using clichés, I avoid them like the plague. Boom boom. Some readers will pick up the vague humour in my use of the cliché “avoid them like the plague” to emphasise my dislike of clichés. Others will feel they have more important things to worry about in their busy, stressful lives than to be on the lookout for feigned hypocrisy and lame attempts at humour in a real estate column. To them, I say: Laughter is the best medicine; he who laughs last laughs loudest; read between the
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Across the Mackay region, a poignant tribute now graces our streets: newly redesigned signs featuring red poppies, honouring the sacrifices of World War I and II casualties. In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, the Mackay Regional Council has started installing these new commemorative street blades, replacing the M150 street signs first introduced in 2012 as part of Mackay’s 150th anniversary. The poppy signifies that the street is named after a soldier who was a casualty of war and whose records
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Friday 1st November Crochet, Coffee and Conversation 9am Drop in for a morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with a friendly group of Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. BYO crochet tools or you’re welcome to borrow from the communal box Bucasia Esplanade, Beachfront Bar and Restaurant. Australia A and India A Men’s Cricket 10am, 31st October – 3rd November Get ready for an exciting four-day match between the Australia A and India A Men's t
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For CQUniversity alumnus Fiona Mann Bobongie, starting her own First Nations consultancy as a way to facilitate a path towards cultural connection, respect and understanding. The Mackay resident started Cyclic Konnectionz (CK) in 2018 to create tailored programs that support community engagement, professional growth and reconciliation through culturally-informed frameworks and initiatives in the region. CK also delivers cultural capabilities training and development to improve professional sp
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Last weekend, Queens Park was transformed into a vibrant global party for Global Grooves 2024, an event that promised a feast for the senses. Held on Saturday, October 26, this free family event showcased cultural dances, global music, traditional attire, and mouthwatering food from around the world. Twelve cultural dance groups and bands entertained the crowds, creating an electric atmosphere filled with rhythm and celebration. Attendees also had the chance to participate in two exciting worksh
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Whitsunday Anglican School’s Junior School began Term 4 with a ‘superb’ display of talent and dedication. Special Acknowledgements: Miss Walker and the Junior Concert Band – Recognised for their outstanding performance, showcasing musical opportunities for students and the extended school community. Eason Wang – Acknowledged for his beautiful renditions of the national anthem and School song at assemblies. Dare to Care Award Winners – Celebrated for demonstrating kindness, empathy, teamwork
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October has been an exciting month for North Mackay Sinkers, packed with training sessions and upcoming events as members prepare for the annual Balnagowan Swim on Sunday, November 3rd. The Balnagowan Open Water Swim offers 1.25k, 2.5k, and 5k swim options, welcoming everyone from beginner swimmers to experienced distance competitors. Registrations are open online until noon on Saturday, November 2nd, with same-day registration available (although pre-registration helps with event planning). Th
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures October 22, 2024: Division 1: Corgi (Will VanDeKaa, Robbie Richards, Lily Boland) d Aqua (Duncan Treloar, Geoff Denman, Ian McKay) 9-2. Will d Duncan 7, -12, -13, 11, 7. Andro (Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards, Graham Drury) d Azalea (Mark Sleeman, Barry Patterson, Allan Robins) 7-4. Allan d Mark -9, 7, 9, -7, 8. Alfa (Goncalo Serra, Tony Bowman, Vince Boeske) d Barry (Trent Day, Anne Sheridan, Lee Brake) 8-3. Vince d Anne 5, -9, 6, -6, 9. Division 2: C
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Emerging Proserpine Pitbulls prospect Ben Valmadre has continued his purple form patch in the Mackay Junior Cricket Association. The talented sixteen-year-old batsman chalked up back to back half centuries when he peeled off an unbeaten 67 last Saturday in the Pitbulls’ one day victory over Mackay Magpies Black in an Under 17s junior fixture at the Magpies Sports Ground. It followed his classy knock of 53 in Proserpine Cricket Club’s first round win over Magpies White. Valmadre is the Junior
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Mackay Magpies first grade cricket team have shown they will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2024-25 Mackay Cricket Association Poole Cup series. The undefeated Magpies claimed bragging rights with a seven wicket victory over rivals Walkerston in their top of the table tussle last Saturday at the Magpies Sportsground. Gun batsman Rhys McBride and swing merchant Andrew Borg proved the stand outs as the Magpies chalked up a fourth successive one day triumph to open up a nine point lead at
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Mackay Cycling Club made a strong impression at the Townsville Cup on Wheels, with Peter Ransome stealing the spotlight by winning the main event. Competing in the combined handicap race known as the Cup on Wheels, Ransome navigated the challenging outdoor concrete velodrome—akin to the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane—with skill and tenacity. His ability to blend sprints with endurance paid off as he crossed the finish line first and also claimed the B-Grade Keirin trophy, showcasing the cons
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PCYC Queensland’s Deadly 3s 2024 Basketball Tournament is more than just a friendly sporting competition. It’s an opportunity for indigenous Australians to meet new friends, reconnect with old friends, and share in a common passion to strengthen their communities. This is the driving motivator for Athaliah Power (nee Henaway), who has been involved with Deadly 3s for five years. “Deadly 3s and other PCYC programs are such a driving force behind bringing people together,” Athaliah said. “Ther
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The Presidents Trophy is being hotly contested by forty-four players over three weeks. Each player plays with a different partner every week. After the second week it is anybody’s trophy. The Novice pairs competition after the second week is up for grabs as the leaders from last week, slipped down the ladder. This competition is still wide open. Weekly Results Monday 21 October 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st David Ting / Ming Ting 2nd Joy B
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Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the 2025 National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) will be held in Mackay from April 2-7, 2025. The decision to hold the Championships on Yuwibara Country in Mackay follows recent discussions with State and Territory Governments about the opportunity to collaborate with CA about hosting events and national tournaments over the next seven seasons. The NICC was held on Arrernte Country in Mparntwe, Alice Springs for eight years. This move aligns wi
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Mackay put on a show over three exhilarating days as competitors gave it their all at the 2024 North Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. From pool events and beach sprints to relays, flags and thrilling water challenges like the Board, Surf, Ski, and Iron events, athletes showcased extraordinary skill, resilience, and sportsmanship. Competitors ranged from U11s to Masters, each bringing unmatched energy and skill to every event. With sunny skies and perfect conditions, Emu Park Surf Life
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While results of last week’s State Election have not yet been officially declared, Amanda Camm has claimed 69.6 per cent of the votes and has been successful in her bid to secure a second term as Member for Whitsunday. Meanwhile, Dale Last has commanded 65.7 per cent of the votes counted so far and has also secured another tenure as Member for Burdekin, the area that encompasses Bowen and Collinsville. Both LNP candidates are, for the first time, representing their region while not in oppositi
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Hi Everyone, We woke up this week with a brand-new state government and welcomed back two familiar faces to our region - Amanda Camm Member for Whitsunday who represents the Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Cannonvale areas and Dale Last Member for Burdekin who represents Bowen and Collinsville. No matter which party you voted for, the whole region gains in this election because for the first time in more than a decade our local leaders are from the same political party as the new Premier, David C
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The Good deed this week goes to Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, who work tirelessly to keep the Whitsunday seas clean and marine life safe. Eco Barge is excited to announce that Jade, a juvenile Green sea turtle found stranded on the rocks at Seaforth on September 30, will soon be released back into her ocean home. Covered in barnacles and stranded, Jade was safely transported to the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre with the support of the Mackay District Turtle Watch team. Upon arrival, Eco Barge’s
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Since announcing their formation just two short weeks ago, the Whitsundays’ inaugural team of ‘Dancing CEOs’ have been extraordinarily busy in their quest to end domestic violence within our communities and raise over $41,000 for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ). Kate Purdie, Candice Crossley, Alice Harriott, Julie Telford and their ‘Team Whitsundays’ mentor, Katelyn Collins, have added another name to their support squad, with the announcement of Whitsunday Regional Council’s ‘Mayoress
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Police and BMA CQ Rescue were called to the scene of a crash at approximately 12:08pm on Monday 28th October where two cane trucks had collided on private property near Bloomsbury at Gibson Creek Creek Bridge. Two Proserpine men, aged 38 and 59, were sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The Forensic Crash Unit and Workplace Health and Safety are actively investigating the cause of the crash, though no insights into the cause of the accident have been confirmed at this time. Fellow Canegrowers too
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Expansion is at the heart of any successful business, in fact, many people believe that if you are not going forwards, you are going backwards. Explore Property Whitsundays has experienced this momentum first-hand this year with the recent opening of their brand-new office. Located on a prime piece of street frontage on Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale, the new central headquarters’ metreage almost doubles the previous space and makes room for Explore’s growing workforce. In just three years,
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Holidaymakers visiting the remote stretch of Whitehaven Beach were witnesses to the dramatic crash landing of a seaplane on Saturday morning. Fortunately, all four passengers and the pilot on board survived the crash and were rescued by crew from private vessels nearby. One local resident who was on the beach at the time stated that she was told the plane had been on its maiden voyage and a technical issue forced it to do an emergency landing. When it touched the water to land, it is believed
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