Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mackay Cutters’ enterprising women's rugby league team are on the cusp of BMD premiership glory. In a huge fillip for the region, Marco Peters’ in-form charges have zoomed into this Saturday’s title decider to determine the champion Queensland club for 2024. All roads lead to Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium where the Cutters square off with the courageous Norths Devils in what is shaping as a crackerjack contest. Mackay will be chasing a unique women's championship double after the club captured the
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From exhilarating MTB trails to pulse-pounding kayak rides, picturesque trail runs and demanding road cycles, ZACH MACH proved to be the ultimate thrill for adrenaline enthusiasts. It was said to be an incredible weekend of adventure racing in the Mackay Pioneer Valley. The ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge offered just the right blend of mud, water, sun, and excitement for all participants. RESULTS ZACH MACH SOLO (18+) 1. Mitch Nissen 2. Hilary Bell 3. Rod Le Coz MINI MACH SOLO
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Off the back of the major announcement with Mackay Regional Council at Harrup Park, Century Cricket Competitions Mackay can now announce the eight franchises competing in the tournament this August. The previously confirmed Great Barrier Reef Rays (QLD) will be joined by the City Pirates (QLD), Coastal Marlins (QLD), Moreton Magic (QLD), Eastern Comets (SA), Adelaide Rockets (SA), Spartans (SA) and Western Chargers (VIC). Franchises have been working hard behind the scenes to get their pre-a
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The Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants are back again for 2024, with local netball clubs and associations across Australia, who have a Woolworths NetSetGO centre, encouraged to apply to win a share of $100K to benefit young Aussie netballers. As part of this, the popular $20K People’s Choice Award returns for the second year, spotlighting the club or association that receives the most votes, encouraging their local members and supporters to get involved. The Grants have been des
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North Mackay Ladies celebrated our Lady President, Lidia McCarthy, at our 76th Club's Birthday. President Lidia was presented with a gift from the ladies by Vice President Hilary Jones-Rowan. 90 guests gathered in fine style with bowls, Raffles, Lunch and a Cent Sale, including Alan Cooney representing the Board of Management, General Manager, Steve Lancaster and special guest Ray McCarthy. Each Club in the District was represented and the District President, Margo Stanley, brought three of her
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A golden week at the Contract Bridge tables, with the first week of the Remembrance Pairs being played on Friday, while on Saturday ten teams vied for GNOT Gold Points. Team Conroy won Gold, with all participates receiving varying sprinkles of gold points. Congratulations to Diane and Max Holewa who were each presented with the Australian Bridge Federation, “Gold Life Master” Certificate by President Noel. This is a “Golden” achievement of 750 Masterpoints gained from many games of bridge over
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Nearly forty runners and supporters had taken to the undulating streets of Mt Pleasant from the Gordon White Library carpark to tackle the annual Jo’s 70 Scenic Steps event, which encompassed the breathtaking vistas and peaks of Pollock and High Streets, North Mackay. The event's namesake, Jo, had been severely distraught at the prospect of the run being removed from the calendar so the Club’s Calendar committee was prompted to include the event in the club’s program, aiming to accommodate its
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A small team of four Sinkers travelled to the Masters Swimming Australia National Championships, which was hot on the heels of the Masters Queensland State Championships. Masters Swimming NT hosted the 47th annual Masters National Championships in Darwin from May 3 – 7, 2024. Held in the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory, this fantastic event attracted some of the finest Master’s swimmers from around the country and overseas. Pool events were held at the world-class Parap Pool, just five m
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A mother and her calf are officially the first two humpback whales to have been spotted in the Whitsundays, marking the beginning of the season, the first as a formally declared Whale Heritage Site. The early sighting was claimed by a group of seafaring locals who were out filming near North Mackerel Bay on the North-eastern end of Hook Island on Tuesday this week. Continued on page 3. A mother and calf Humpback whale were the first of the majestic mammals to be spotted in Whitsunday waters t
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Hi Everyone, As we approach the 200th issue of this fabulous newspaper, we would like to say a huge thank you to you all for taking the time to flick through the pages, read our stories and engage with our advertisers each week. Over the past four years, thanks to all of you and the dedicated work of our incredible team, we have created a fantastic print media platform that is keeping local story-telling alive. We have been privileged to experience significant growth during this time and we
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A young Whitsunday resident has chopped off her lovely long locks for charity, raising an impressive $2,100 along the way. Seven-year-old Maya Murphy decided to donate her hair to help sick kids following a conversation with her mum, Shannon, who had heard of Variety Children’s Charity, Hair With A Heart. The initiative encourages people with long hair to “take the chop and change lives”, stating that “your lovely locks will be turned into wigs for people who’ve lost their hair from cancer, al
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Good news for taxi-riders following the announcement this week that Uber will soon be coming to the Whitsundays, opening up the region and meeting the need for increased demand. More than 3.9 million Australian’s are already using the ridesharing app and Uber is now ready to expand its business model into the regional areas. The company, which has been operating in Australia for the past 12 years, is now looking for Uber Drivers and appeals for those interested to register. Whitsundays Mayor,
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As part of Domestic Violence Prevention Month, Whitsunday Regional Libraries are bringing awareness to their ongoing partnership with DV Safe Phone. This collaboration aims to raise awareness and encourage the community to contribute their old working phones to DV Safe which collects, repairs, and offers them for free to front-line services as a safe phone for victims in domestic violence situations. Phone drop-off points are currently located at all Whitsunday Regional Libraries in Cannonvale
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A big, beautiful fig tree on the parkland adjacent to Cannonvale Beach has been poisoned according to recent information given by Whitsunday Regional Council. Evidence asserts that drill holes have been discovered around the base of the tree and poison could have been inserted into the roots which has then poisoned the tree itself. The tree has now lost over half its leaves and the remaining structure is brown and frail looking. A Whitsunday Regional Council statement on the matter reads as f
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Bowen is recognised as the Mural Capital of Australia and with almost 30 murals adorning the walls around the town, it is no wonder. Bowen was once destined to be the capital of North Queensland and this incredible history is reflected in the new mural of Herbert Street which depicts imagery of the town in the 1930’s. The murals show the old wide streets of Herbert Street, the very first Supreme Court north of Rockhampton, and the old Commonwealth Bank. Painting the murals is highly acclaime
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More than 50 business-minded individuals attended the inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference which took place in Cannonvale last week. An initiative of the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event was a melting pot of inspiration and activity, with a diverse range of guest speakers, panel discussions and interactive sessions where all attendees were encouraged to participate and contribute. Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP opened the event with an inspiring speech and, foll
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The Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC), Dominique Lamb, visited the Whitsundays last week to engage with the local business community and budding entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights and support tailored to the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the area. Council’s Economic Development Team hosted an event for the Commissioner to showcase the extensive support available through the QSBC to help businesses succeed. This includes financial advice, upskilling and train
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Whitsunday Regional Council promotes responsible pet ownership to enhance community safety and enjoyment. Always keep dogs leashed in public spaces such as parks, reserves, and foreshores, except in designated 'off lead' areas. This practice not only ensures everyone's safety but also allows all community members to enjoy these spaces worry-free. For those times when your dog can roam freely, check the Council’s website for detailed maps of approved off-leash areas where your pet can safely expl
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Celebrated local artist, Karen Jacobsen, has been nominated for an Australian Independent Record Award in recognition of her Misogyny Opus masterpiece. The Mackay-born artist, known widely as the ‘Voice of Siri’, moved back from America with her family several years ago, electing to make the Whitsundays her home. Since then, Karen has been cultivating a career in Australia, becoming a popular personality and talented artist both locally and nationally. The acclaimed pop orchestral work, Mis
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It’s that time of year again when those who are looking to build wealth are reviewing strategies to minimise their taxation expenses prior to the 30 June deadline. Whether you own a successful business, are on a good salary or have had a once-off taxable transaction such as selling an asset and triggering a capital gain, there are a variety of legitimate, legal strategies to help minimise your tax bill or boost your refund. Tax minimisation is all about creating tax deductible expenses to offset
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“Who do I think I am talking and advising about leadership? Wait til someone realises I’m not the expert in this field . . . Wait till someone discovers my past epic failures.” This is the little voice in my head I’ve come to fear and now finally befriend after many years. This voice follows me around most days and is either so small I can hardly hear it, or booming through my ears loud enough for me to think everyone around me can hear it. Imposter Syndrome is feelings of self-doubt and nega
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This week is National Volunteer Week, and Tourism Whitsundays is celebrating the incredible Whitsunday Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors. Since 2004, their tropical shirts and warm smiles have become synonymous with arriving in Airlie Beach. These passionate volunteers are the first to greet cruise ship passengers, offering a wealth of local knowledge and ensuring a smooth start to their Whitsunday adventure. These volunteers have already welcomed over 44 cruise ships and nearly 77,000 pass
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Fuel your sense of wonder and excitement at Coral Sea Marina, where every visit promises unforgettable experiences. Nestled in the wondrous Whitsundays, Coral Sea Marina is the heart of adventure and relaxation for travellers seeking an extraordinary winter escape. Renowned as the region's premier tourism hub, this marina is a treasure trove of experiences, promising endless adventures and unforgettable memories. As the temperatures drop elsewhere, Coral Sea Marina emerges as a vibrant tropical
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Observed on 18 May every year, International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) International Day for Women in Maritime celebrates and recognises women in maritime, with this year's theme "Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety". As a multi award-winning, high standard marine operator, Ocean Rafting has been showcasing the Whitsundays for 27 years, always with women at the helm, so to speak, in some shape or form. International Day for Women in Maritime celebrates women in the i
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It’s time to celebrate sunsets, sea views and decadent dining with two of the best local Whitsundays’ restaurants both marking five years in business this year. The iconic Italian inspired eatery, Sorrento's, and the enchanting Garden Bar, both located at Coral Sea Marina, and both owned by the same family, are popular with locals and tourists alike. In April, Sorrento Restaurant and Bar reached its five-year milestone and it was time for owners, husband and wife Iyas and Mandy, and sister Penn
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