Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
For one night only at the Reef Gateway Hotel, Australian festival favourites The Hillbilly Goats are coming back to town. Renowned for their big harmonies, intricate fiddle melodies and fast harmonica, these incredible musicians have been carving out their own niche at big festivals nationwide. They are award winning specialists in Mountain Music, with their musical twist on traditional songs. Their mission is to strip back the layers of modern music and transport you on a journey that began
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Do you love shopping and the environment? If the answer is yes, head down to the Pre-loved Market Night. A community-driven event designed to bring people together for a budget and eco-friendly shopping experience, that won't cost you a fortune. The fast fashion industry’s rapid production cycles continue to contribute significantly to pollution, waste, and unethical labour practices. By embracing slow fashion in the community through pre-loved fashion, we can reduce our environmental impact mar
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June 28-3 Proserpine Historical Museum Book Bonanza, from 9am 29 Family Field Day, Les Stagg Oval, from 3pm 30 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am July 2 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 5 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Sapphires, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm 9 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 10 You Are a Doughnut, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 12pm and from 6pm
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Nine talented swimmers from the Cannonvale Cannons have been selected for the Swimming North Queensland (SNQ) Development squads, earning the opportunity to attend the prestigious SNQ Form Clinic in Mackay on Saturday. Congratulations to Isaac Pisaniello, Don Algie, Tyler Bennett, Zach Trefz, Tora Delac, Isabella Pisaniello, Charlie Doherty, Noah Maltby, and Jacob Bell for their remarkable achievement. The clinic was organized by Barry Prime, a coach from Swimming Queensland, and featured guest
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Last weekend, the Whitsunday United FQPL Women travelled to Mackay to face off against their competitors, marking a significant outing despite some setbacks. Due to a shortage of players, the Women U23 team had to forfeit their match, effectively ending their premiership aspirations for this season. Nonetheless, holding the 4th spot on the ladder, they remain a formidable contender for the finals and are eager to make their mark in the remainder of the season. The Premier Women, despite a deplet
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With the Divisional Men and youth squads having the weekend off, the action started with our FQPL Women in Mackay last Saturday Unfortunately, a shortage of numbers meant our Women U23 were forced to forfeit their match and any chance of Premiership this year. Despite that, from 4th spot on the ladder, they will be an absolute force in the finals and are looking forward to the rest of the season. The Premier ladies ground out a win against Country, again with a depleted squad. Whitsunday had a
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Vickie Wallace secured victory in last Wednesday's monthly medal with a nett 72, edging out Tiina Randmae, who finished second with a nett 75. Pins for the day went to Paula McQuat, Tiina Randmae, and Vickie Wallace. Last weeks, Thursday stableford competition saw Corey Stroud emerge as the winner in the A division, scoring 44 points, four ahead of Sean Fogarty. Luchie Gardel triumphed in the B division with 42 points, ahead of Vickie Wallace's 39 points. Pin recipients were Cameron Mutch, John
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Whitsunday Sea Eagles relished their return to the nest on a wet and windy 22nd June 2024, hosting matches for both their Under 14s against the North Mackay Saints and their Senior teams against the Eastern Swans. The Senior Men's team faced a tough battle against the top-of-the-table Eastern Swans, succumbing to a 31-70 defeat in the slippery conditions. Despite numerous opportunities generated through hard work in defence and midfield, the Sea Eagles struggled to convert. They now aim to bounc
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It was a cool start to a beautiful sunny day at Proserpine Golf Course last Sunday, where eight teams competed in the 2 Ball Ambrose. The competition was tight, with close scoring among the top four teams. Highlighting the event, Brendon Meharry achieved an Eagle’s Nest on the 13th hole with a drive landing within one meter of the hole, providing excellent practice for the upcoming Mark Nicol Memorial 2 Ball Ambrose on July 21. Darren Reynolds and Scott Vlismas emerged as winners with a score of
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The 9-hole Weekly Stableford competition saw fierce competition as George Meharry clinched first place with 22 points. Michael Norman matched Meharry's score but settled for second place on countback. Glenn Rees followed closely in third with 20 points. Friday's 9-hole competition was another closely contested event. Justyn Durbin emerged victorious with 23 points on countback, edging out Robert Lodders, who also scored 23 points. Darren Lloyd secured third place with 22 points. Sunday's Lions'
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As June nears its end, we’ve experienced the shortest day of the year, a reminder of the swift passage of time. The community is abuzz with excitement following the Australian Open, with attendees returning from a sensational time at the Gold Coast. Last Tuesday afternoon's Social Bowls saw a significant turnout. The event, superbly organized by Carol Crosbie, featured a unique scoring system using dice. The day’s champions, Pip Heddles, recently back from South Island, New Zealand, teamed up wi
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Sunday Social Bowling Results (16th June) In a competitive Sunday Social, E. Low and D. Tuttle teamed up with R. Gould to defeat R. Muir, R. Scanlon and Wayne Crowhurst. M. Tuttle and J. Gilbert secured a win against I. Thatcher and G. Charles. Meanwhile, A. Williams and L. White triumphed over K. Kirk and S. Roome. Wednesday Social Highlights Last week’s mid-week social event featured impressive matches. Marion, Sue, and Gavin triumphed over Ian, Ray, and Gary. Marilyn, Jane, and Daryl defeated
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Proserpine Bowls Club thank the Whitsunday Regional Council and the QLD State Government for their generous grants, which greatly supports their club and community. Last weekend marked the penultimate round of the Men's Pennants season. Division 1 faced Sarina, resulting in a close 60-61 loss despite strong efforts from all teams. Division 5 had a narrow 40-39 win against RSL Memorial. On Sunday, Division 1 won 64-51 against Airlie Beach, and Division 5 won 42-30 against Souths Suburban, highlig
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The Wangaratta Bowls Club had a busy week with exciting matches and noteworthy performances.Games played 17th June to 23rd JuneOn Monday, the self-selected triples winners were Kevin Daniels, Graeme Read, and Mark Drummond, who triumphed over Ken Wallace, Chris Frew, and Jim Steele. The runners-up were Marie Nesbit, David Madden, and Allan Colson, who drew with Harold Wenson, Trish Feast, and Garry Feast. The jackpot remained unclaimed. The Tropical Beach Caravan Park sponsored shirts for the
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The electrifying sounds of Dear Seattle will ignite the stage on June 27th at Mackay's Seabreeze Hotel. Fresh off the release of their latest single, "Sungazer," Dear Seattle promises an evening of fun and realism that bridges the gap between modern grunge and sincere introspection. "Sungazer," released via Domestic La La, is already being hailed as an instant classic. With its sharp punk structure and pulsating basslines, the song captures the essence of Dear Seattle's evolution while stayin
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"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone" In a heart-warming gesture, a local business has jumped on board to offer a helping hand to those in need by providing a clothes rack of warm jumpers and essential items for winter – completely free of charge. Given the rental and financial crisis, many people are left grappling for money with others forced to sleep on the street. In light of this, IDEAL Placements Mackay have provided a Community Rack on display at the front of their bus
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Last night, tragedy struck in South Mackay with a devastating homicide that claimed the life of a 34-year-old woman and left a 66-year-old man seriously injured. Emergency services were called to the scene at 4.36pm where the incident unfolded at Robb Place. Initially, the area was placed under an emergency declaration as police launched a comprehensive search for the alleged perpetrator and residents were urged to remain indoors while the operation was underway. The boundaries under the Publi
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By Amanda Wright Last Sunday, the Pioneer Valley Show celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of community spirit and entertainment with a magical day filled with fun and excitement. The event, held at the Finch Hatton showgrounds, attracted thousands of visitors who were treated to a myriad of activities and attractions. The day was packed with thrilling rides, vibrant market stalls, and a special bubble tribute to Everleigh Johnson who tragically lost her life on New Year’s Eve. T
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Winter is my favourite time of the year in Mackay! To be fair, when I lived in New Zealand, I loved winter too. Living at the base of Mt Hutt skifield in Mid Canterbury, we had regular blankets of snow, which I always found utterly magical. However, I have an even fonder love for winter in Mackay. No de-icing the car windscreen, no slipping on icy driveways and I still rarely need to hunt out a pair of socks. But what truly makes winter my favourite time of year here in Mackay, besides the stun
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By Amanda Wright Geotechnical drilling has produced “promising results” for the Queensland Government’s proposed pumped hydro storage project at Pioneer-Burdekin, but the project is stirring significant controversy within the community and across political lines. Following drilling by local Mackay-based company Twin Hills Engineering, investigations by WSP and SMEC have found very strong, coarse competent granite rock, which the Queensland Government claimed is ideal for dam construction, tunnel
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By Hannah McNamara Sixty-four years ago on June 10, twenty-nine lives were claimed in one of the region’s most tragic, yet mysterious plane crashes in Australia’s aviation history. In the lead-up to the 65th anniversary next year, it’s important as a community to remember the history of our regional landmarks and learn about this catastrophe, one that is unheard of for some, but remembered by many. In 1960, the Fokker Friendship F-27 aircraft named Abel Tasman was set to arrive in Mackay aft
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Eight well-deserving non-profit organisations were presented with outstanding grants from the Mackay Community Foundation with a focus on bettering the community and making a difference. The presentation ceremony showcased the selfless work that these organisations have contributed and highlighted the profound impact that the foundation has made in areas that need it most. Mackay Community Foundation Chair Frances Easton announced that an anonymous donor was ensuring that the financial year of
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Nineteen-year-old Annabelle Munt left her hometown of Mackay just three weeks ago after moving to Melbourne to pursue a career in modelling. Before the big move, she was employed at Blacks Real Estate but has since settled into the outskirts of Melbourne where she has already claimed a new apartment and full-time job as a property agent. Reflecting on what Annabelle loves the most about the industry, she says that “Fashion helps me express myself in a way that gets me out of my shell from bei
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Embarking on the 20th year of excellence is The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival and tickets are selling out fast! Schools, groups and individuals are encouraged to check out this incredible two-day line-up, featuring the largest youth literature festival north of the Sunshine coast with dates penned in place for the 11th and 12th of July at Whitsunday Anglican School Mackay. Kate Ceberano, Belinda Murrell, James Foley and Nick Earls are just some of the many talented presenters, au
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Mackay Regional Council Libraries are offering residents the chance to win two $250 EFTPOS gift vouchers simply by completing a 10-minute survey. The survey, which is live now on connectingmackay.com.au, asks a variety of questions to help Libraries understand what residents’ ideal library service looks like. Questions include what library services bring you to libraries, what branches you visit and whether you’d like to pick up reserved items from alternative locations, like shopping centres. F
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