Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
This week, Jade had the pleasure of visiting Hayley and Paul at Airlie Health Hub. If you're in the Cannonvale area, be sure to pop in to say hi, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a raw treat while you browse their fantastic selection of groceries, cleaning, and health supplies. You will not be disappointed! Currently in the heart of growing season Airlie Health Hub sources fresh produce directly from local Whitsunday growers. Every Monday, Paul heads out to the farm to select the best fruit
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Eco Barge has excitedly announced their selection as one of six successful applicants for a grant under the Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) program. This initiative is supported by the Resources Centre of Excellence and the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. The Circular Economy program aims to drive industry-led research and innovation to transition from the traditional take-make-waste model to a sustainable circular economy. This approach focuses on designing
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The Whitsunday Automotive and Restoration Club celebrated its 40th Anniversary in September. 50 members of the club plus guests attended and reminisced about the early years of the club. There was also a display of memorabilia, old photos and newsletters for everyone to enjoy. The highlight of the anniversary celebration was that members of the club showcased their cars and were eager to chat about the history of them, they also marked the occasion with each member of the club receiving a
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The Whitsunday Dirt Riders are gearing up to host one of the most thrilling events of the year—the JR's Motorcycle and Suspension Specialists Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships! This high-octane event is happening this weekend, October 5th and 6th, at Drays Park, Gunyarra, just off the road to Whitsunday Coast Airport. Over 100 riders, including competitors from as far south as Victoria, will be battling it out across five championship classes, with additional junior and veteran suppo
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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club's Billfish and Tuna Rally, held last Sunday, saw junior anglers taking centre stage and proving their prowess on the water, much to the surprise of their seasoned competitors. In perfect conditions, ten teams took to the seas, but it was the young guns who outshined the veterans. Junior angler Jasmin Smith, fishing aboard her dad’s boat Lay Low, made headlines by tagging and releasing a Sailfish on an 8kg line, earning her the top-scoring Billfish of the day. Not t
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On Sunday, 22nd September, the Port Denison Gun Club held its monthly shoot, attracting twenty-six competitors. Shooters from Mackay/Sarina, the Burdekin, Townsville, Charters Towers, and even as far as Cressy, Tasmania, joined local members for a day filled with competitive spirit. Event 1: 25T DB Sweepstakes AA: B Gall, M Zabala, T Coco & A Zarb 25/25 A: J Cerqui & K Zarb 25/25, J Campbell & G Maltby 24/25 B: D Stitt 24/25, J Kinninmonth 23/25, M Simpson 21/25 C: B Bonanno & A Furini 24/25
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The Cannonvale Cannons invite new swimmers and their families to experience club swimming by attending their weekly Club Nights. Held every Wednesday from 5 p.m., these evenings allow swimmers to participate in various events, starting from 12 metres. The club prides itself on being family-friendly, fostering fun, fitness, and friendship. Club Coaches Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden extend their congratulations to all swimmers who maintained their fitness over the school holidays. It was also g
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With just one week left of competitive bowls, the club is gearing up for the final event—the Men’s Fours Competition—next weekend before closing for roof installation. The recent games have been as heated as the weather, with thrilling action across all competitions. The week kicked off on Tuesday, 24th September, with 18 players competing in afternoon bowls. The standout team, led by the talented skipper Joan McGrath, claimed victory with the highest margin. Joan’s team, including the relentle
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It’s been a busy couple of weeks at the club, with plenty of action on the greens. In a closely contested Triples match, Robyn, Rosco, and Tiarna defeated Andy, Crowe, and Mitch. The Social Games saw a range of impressive performances: • Sunday 15/9: Marion, Ray, and Daryl triumphed over Ron, Frank, and Wendy. Ian, Jane, and Rob secured a win against Sue, Lindsay, and Steve. • Wednesday 18/9: Ray and Kevin edged out Tracey and Wendy. Ian, P. Madon, and Steve overcame MaryEllen, Gordo, a
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It’s been a week of fantastic weather and exciting games at the club. Wednesday saw the arrival of two new visitors to bowls, bringing a fresh energy to the greens. In a dominant match, Ray Ihle, Arthur Griffith, Bruce Uhe, and Garry Alexander triumphed over Beth Ihle, Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown, and Heather Brown with a commanding 30-5 victory. Sunday's social bowls also provided great entertainment. Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown, and Sandy Daffara claimed a 25-15 win against Alen Sanderson,
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The weather was favourable this week with mild winds, no rain, and plenty of players taking to the course for a series of exciting events. Tuesday/Wednesday (24-25/9/24): Golf NQ Seniors Open The club was proud to host the Golf NQ Seniors Open, welcoming over 65 players each day. Pioneer Valley, Sarina, Rowes Bay, Bundaberg, El Arish, Dysart, and Mackay Golf Club sent strong contingents, with Mackay fielding over 20 players. Proserpine Golf Club (PGC) was well represented with 30+ competitors.
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The final round of the Whitsunday Concrete Constructions 3 Ball Ambrose Championship took place last Sunday, with eight teams competing on a beautifully sunny day, despite an early morning fog. The event, generously sponsored by Ritchie Atkins, was a fitting end to the three-round championship. After a great day on the course, players gathered at Proserpine Golf Club for a BBQ and presentation, with thanks to Master Butchers Whitsunday for providing delicious food. A big shout-out to Ritchie At
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The Whitsunday Lions Club has generously donated $2,500 to support a junior sailing camp hosted at the Whitsunday Sailing Club in Airlie Beach. This contribution will help purchase essential items such as rudders, centreboards, sails, and flags. As a non-political service organisation, the Whitsunday Lions Club fosters leadership and networking among its members. The club actively supports local fundraising initiatives for community projects, builds parks and venues, and provides disaster relie
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By Hannah McNamara Acquiring a police badge isn’t easy, in fact it comes with great grit and resilience…but when the uniform comes off, it’s important to remember those who died wearing it. Last Friday numerous marches and memorials took place across the region, honouring the sacrifices made by officers who laid down their lives in the name of duty, while also celebrating the remarkable mateship within the Queensland Police Service. Current and former officers gathered with family, friends and
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The race is officially on! While candidates and parties have been warming up for months, this week kicks off the real sprint toward Queensland’s election. The banners are out, the promises are polished, and the countdown to decision day has truly begun. For the brave souls running in Mackay, Mirani, Whitsunday, and Burdekin, it’s a mix of nerves, excitement, and a lot of handshakes. Fun fact: Did you know that all four of these electorates overlap with our Mackay Life distribution area? It reall
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A local woman's heartfelt gesture has left the Mackay community in awe, after demonstrating an act of compassion during a time that is challenging for others. Last Tuesday, the woman reached out on a community Facebook page, looking for someone in need to take her leftover food before her work trip. She expressed a preference for sharing with others rather than freezing the food for herself or throwing it away. With many struggling with the rising living costs, her generous offer reflects a
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By Amanda Wright The Queensland state government and federal opposition have both claimed a role in the nearing completion of the $251 million Walkerston Bypass, a project set to improve safety and traffic flow on the Peak Downs Highway. Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, pointed to the LNP’s significant contribution of $181.83 million, secured in 2020, as critical to the project’s funding. Landry emphasised the bypass as another example of the former Coalition Government deliver
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Mackay Regional Council has made some minor amendments to its Corporate Plan and the draft is now open for two weeks for public comment. Mayor Greg Williamson said extensive community engagement had been done in preparation for the previous Corporate Plan 2022-2027. He said the new council, after being elected at the March local government elections, reviewed that existing plan. “The council decided that the Corporate Plan, a legislative requirement that sets our strategic direction for five
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Mackay Regional Council is calling on residents of Slade Point to attend a community meeting on Tuesday, October 15. This meeting has been organised due to community interest in forming a Progress Association. The informal meeting will kick off at the Slade Point Bowls Club at 1 Wren Street, Slade Point, from 6pm. It’s an opportunity for residents of Slade Point to meet with council’s Community Development Officers to chat about what a Progress Association is and the opportunities it can create.
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The council is inviting suppliers to tender for inclusion on two panels for mowing services. The panels will assist council with mowing operations across our region, especially over the summer wet season. For more details, including tender documents, please visit QTenders at https://bit.ly/3TMEC2X or council's website at https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au/.../procure.../current_tenders Tenders close Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 10am.
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The Mackay Base Hospital Cardiac Catheter Laboratory is set to commence scheduled works on Tuesday, 8 October 2024. The Cath Lab and its service will close for eight weeks while works are carried out by contractors. These works are due to Cath Lab equipment reaching its 10-year end-of-life period. Upgrades to the Cath Lab are also required to suit the new equipment, along with a sterile stock room within the unit. All works will be carried out within the eight-week timeframe. Replacing major
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54-Year-Old Man Charged With Assaulting 12-Year-Old Boy A man has been charged following an alleged assault in Mackay last Tuesday morning, September 24. According to reports, around 8:30am, a physical altercation occurred between a man and a 12-year-old boy on River Street. The individuals were not known to each other prior to the incident. Following the altercation, the man reportedly left the scene on a motorbike. The boy sustained minor injuries and was transported to Mackay Base Hospi
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During the recent Whitsunday Cambodia Service Tour, a dedicated group of students, staff, and parents proudly supported the People Improvement Organisation (PIO) in Phnom Penh. This remarkable organisation delivers quality education to over 1,500 students, ranging from Kindergarten to University, with a mission to break the cycle of poverty through education. Whitsunday Anglican School had the unique opportunity to assist in refreshing the classrooms, painting and enhancing the learning envir
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A successful education and compliance campaign restricting vehicle access to foreshore areas north of East Point is being extended to further protect the environment. An ordinary meeting today resolved to implement measures to prohibit vehicle access to the foreshore and beach on council-controlled land from Harbour Beach to East Point. Access inland to the Pioneer River in this area will remain unchanged and there is pedestrian access to East Point from there or along the beach. Mayor Greg Will
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Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Bill Boyd has retired after more than 30 years of delivering babies at Mater Private Hospital Mackay. Born and raised in Scotland, Dr Boyd’s journey to Mackay began when he married his Australian wife Julie, then a student midwife in Scotland. The couple moved to Australia in 1982 and headed to Mackay four years later. “My first job in Australia took us to Weipa, where I was the Medical Superintendent, before moving to Adelaide, where I worked at the Queen Vi
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