Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
For the past few weeks families from around the region have been stopping by the festively decorated cane-mulch train in Stathdickie to get their annual Christmas pics. Last week, some lucky children were fortunate enough to get the ‘real’ Santa experience when our much-loved local Santa swung by for a special visit to let us know he was well-prepared for the coming days. “I am absolutely ready for the big day – Mrs Claus has been working up a storm with the elves in the workshop,” he said. “
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Hi Everyone, Merry Christmas to you all! Thank you for reading this newspaper for yet another year, we’ve really enjoyed delivering your free weekly news and are already looking forward to another great year in 2024! Thank you also to everyone in our amazing team, from the journos to the sales team, the graphic designers to admin queens – each and every one of you do an amazing job and give 100 per cent every day. As I write this, I am about to head out the door on holiday for a month – we a
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A Whitsunday Regional Council Spokesperson has confirmed that budget supermarket chain Aldi has lodged a development application to Council. Only in early stages of Council’s and State Government’s assessments, the supermarket giant has proposed construction on the vacant block of land, 7-11 Central Avenue, backing onto Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale. The proposed Aldi store, according to the Development Application, will be 1,778 square metres and have 106 car spaces. The Development Applic
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Discussions and manner of Councillor Mike Brunker at the most recent Whitsunday Regional Council Ordinary Meeting dissolved, with unprofessional behaviour and disrespectful tone. The Ordinary Meeting began with a voluntary apology from Cr Brunker, a recommendation for mediation from the Office of Independent Assessor, of two complaints received regarding Cr Brunker’s manner. The complaint was in relation to an email Cr Brunker received from a resident in his division, regarding Hansen Park in
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In May 2024, get ready for an event like no other, with the inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference ready to bring small business together and promote the region’s businesses for a day of education, inspiration, celebration, and connection, hosted by the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “We are excited to bring the first annual business conference to the Whitsundays which will tick all the boxes – high quality and targeted education, inspiration and actionable takeaways, and engage
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Tourism operators across the Great Barrier Reef have welcomed new Queensland emission reduction targets, taking active steps towards addressing the climate impacts on the Reef. Earlier this week, the Queensland Government announced a new greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, of cutting emissions by 75 per cent, by 2035, which is a drastic increase of the previous 30 per cent by 2030 target. Reef tourism operators are excited with this goal, which is in line to limit global warming to 1.5 d
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The Proserpine Community Centre has stepped up this Christmas. Rather than assisting other organisations with their own Christmas Day luncheon, Ingrid Ruck and her team at Proserpine Community Centre has decided to host their own, welcoming anyone and everyone across the region. “This is for anyone who will be alone on Christmas, from anywhere in the Whitsundays,” Ingrid Ruck, Coordinator of the Proserpine Community Centre, explained. Taking place at the Proserpine Community Centre on Gardenia
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In today’s age, your mobile phone is your life. It contacts beloved photos of friends and family, important passwords, and your internet banking. It connects you to loved ones, allows ease of buying and selling, and keeps you safe in times of emergency. However, for many people, a phone is a means of control and cohesion. Formed in 2020, DV Safe Phone is an organisation that is actively working to equip victims of domestic and family violence with a safe phone, to help them connect to services
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The Whitsundays is open for business! That’s the marketing call out as yet again we scramble to minimise the economic damage caused by emotive reporting of recent weather events. While Tropical Cyclone Jasper might have caused concern in the early days, it was quickly evident that it would track north and have little impact on the Whitsundays. It did serve as a timely reminder to us all, of the importance of staying vigilant and being prepared for emergencies. We hope that the region’s businesse
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Ideal Placements' $101,100 Pledge To Disadvantaged Youth In a heartfelt initiative to foster social change, Ideal Placements has announced a significant donation of $101,100 to the Youth Information Referral Service (YIRS). This substantial contribution is poised to uplift disengaged and disadvantaged youth by facilitating access to critical education. Specifically directed towards 20 students in years 8, 9 and 10, the funding represents a beacon of hope, breaking down educational barriers and
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Ausgroup and Mackay Police Spread Cheer With Donations In a heart-warming display of compassion, Ausgroup Industrial Services has extended a helping hand to Broken Ballerina this festive season. Recognising the challenges faced by those suffering domestic and family violence, Ausgroup has generously donated Christmas hampers to bring joy and comfort to those in need. This gesture reflects a commitment to community well-being and exemplifies the spirit of giving. Even in challenging times, act
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Cannonvale's skateboarding scene just got a major boost with the completion of Stage 2 in the Skate Park upgrade project. The new addition, an exciting and challenging bowl, caters specifically to intermediate and advanced skaters, complementing the street style park introduced in Stage 1, which is perfect for beginners and those at the intermediate level. Local skaters were overjoyed as the upgraded park officially opened its doors to the public last week. The addition of the new bowl transform
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With Christmas Day only a few sleeps away, I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who shared their cherished Christmas traditions for my little one's first festive season. After diving deep into the treasure trove of your awesome Christmas ideas, I've cooked up a festive cocktail of traditions. We're kicking things off with a sugary storm with the lolly run in Sarina. Sweetness and cheer? Count us in! He’s too little for lollies so we’ll pass them on to another nearby family, after
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After an extensive period of construction, the Mackay Marina proudly unveiled the completed breakwater nib wall, marking a pivotal moment as the breakwater reopens to the public. This long-anticipated milestone ensures enhanced safety measures for vessels within the marina, improving secure moorings in all weather conditions. The unveiling drew distinguished figures including Port Binnli Directors Malcolm Hall-Brown, Peter Hooke, and Neil Morris, alongside Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willco
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Kuttabul’s Aging Bridge Takes Its Final Bow Nestled quietly alongside the highway, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of commuters lies a relic from a bygone era. Many have driven past, and most wouldn’t even know it was there, but to the residents and farmers of Kuttabul, the bridge is an icon
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Vulnerable Isaac families facing cost-of-living pressures this Christmas will receive food relief through a $158,000 Community Pantry partnership. Anglo American has partnered with Emergency and Long-term Accommodation Moranbah (ELAM) to help provide emergency relief to families and individuals in crisis across the Isaac region. The two-year Community Pantry and Emergency Relief partnership delivers food relief measures under five initiatives. • $26,000 in funding to stock and maintain ELAM’s
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Whitsunday Regional Council have moved to allow Council Chief Executive Officer, Warren Bunker, to enter negotiations with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to transfer the Shute Harbour Boat Ramp from state ownership to Council’s. The Shute Harbour Boat Ramp is currently owned by the State of Queensland and was constructed in late 2021. Since its construction, the Council has received complaints of the useability of the structure, with the main complaint being in relation to the fixed structure
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Whitsunday Anglican School Celebrates Top Achievers …………………………………………………………………………………………… By Eamonn Doyle In a moment of achievement and distinction, Whitsunday Anglican School is revelling in the outstanding success of five students who secured remarkable ATAR results. This triumph not only highlights the dedication and academic abilities of these students but also the commitment of Whitsunday Anglican School to providing quality education. The highest result was achieved by student Parsa Sha
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DRINK DRIVER, RURAL VIEW A 44-year-old male resident of Bucasia has been issued with a notice to appear in court for an alleged drink driving matter following an incident at 4:00am on December 16 at Mackay Bucasia Road in Rural View. It's alleged that patrolling officers observed a Ford Ranger dual cab swerving over both lanes and then travelling along the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was stopped and officers spoke to the 44 year old male driver who was subjected to a roadside breath tes
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If Australia goes into a recession during 2024, how prepared is your family? How will it affect your job or business? How will it affect your super or pension? There is a very strong possibility that Australia will have a recession soon. Like most of the world, the huge handbrake central banks have put on economies with much higher interest rates are starting to bight. With monthly loan repayments rising by around 50% and those increases flowing on to rents as well, families have less to sp
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Last Christmas Baden Day created a Grinch costume, dressed up and visited sick children in hospital. This budding young actor, playwright, dancer, singer and gymnast has a passion for costume design – in fact, he has his own brand “Baden Day Theatrics and Design”. Over the last six years he has made more than 50 costumes. Baden is the MECC’s Jack Sturgeon Bursary recipient for 2024. He was awarded the bursary at a special morning tea last week, Wednesday, December 13. Mayor Greg Williamson said
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Sarina Beach's Carols by Candlelight Sarina Beach was the spot to be last weekend as the Sarina Beach Surf Lifesaving Club threw a ripper of a party with its 10th Annual 'Carols by Candlelight' on December 16th. Picture this: Christmas tunes, beach vibes, and folks rocking wooly Santa hats while wiggling their toes in the sand – pure Aussie summer festivity! Jay and Dave from Triple M were on fire, hosting the night and keeping the crowd hyped. The performers lit up the stage, belting out everyt
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A growing family, an investment purchase or a seachange - whatever the reason is, buying a new home is a big step in anyone's life. While the process can feel overwhelming, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank can help you every step of the way. Knowing how to prepare for a home loan makes the process simple and straightforward. The Community Bank Sarina team have shared their home loan tips so that you can avoid any unexpected roadblocks. 1. Know your spending habits: If you’re seriously think
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1 Thomsett family. Photo: Photos by Nell 2 McCallum family, taken at the RSPCA Santa paws fund raising event. Photo: Coffee and Hops 3 Rootes family. Photo: Mad for Media 4 Parter family. Photo: Whitsunday Shopping Centre 5 Sullivan family. Photo: Photos by Nell 6 Smith family. Photo: Mad for Media 7 Fields Family with mum dressed as the Grinch. Photo: Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre 8 Walton family. Photo: Bee Me Photography 9 Batley family. Photo: Mad for Media 10 Vickery family. Photo: M
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay With Christmas just a few days away, it seems timely to make a few Christmas wishes for the region’s sugar industry as we head into 2024. ● May four mills run sweetly: it’s been another crush run into overtime. Hopefully, our mills get some serious work done on the mills across the shut-down period- both in terms of capital works and maintenance. And investing in their reliability so that we can run an efficient industry with a whole-of-value-chain rew
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