Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
It certainly felt like it was the Wetsundays this week again but Thursday it suddenly cleared and the lessons continued at 4 to 5 as did practice for all on Friday afternoon. Saturday saw the B singles go through the early rounds with Arthur McManus, Ash Warland, Dennis Donnadelli, and Ted Cullen surprisingly being defeated, leaving the 4 semifinalists to play Sunday Morning. Noel Crosbie v Steve Lawrie and Mervyn Stewart v Craig Kennedy from Business House bowls whom was a giant killer on Sat
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Cent sales aren't always billed as ‘mega’ but Sarina Arts and Craft Centre’s latest next month will be exactly that.Centre manager Jenny Costello and a core group of helpers are putting together an amazing collection of prizes for the sale, at the Sarina Sporting and Services Club on Sunday, March 9.“We’ve had a marvellous response from businesses, organisations and people within the Sarina and wider Mackay area as we’ve been collecting for the sale,” Jenny said.“We have lots of high-quality pri
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At the Annual General Meeting of Kucom Theatre, held on Tuesday 25 March, outgoing President Maureen Coleman reflected on another successful year for Mackay’s longest-running community theatre, and thanked the outgoing Committee, Kucom members, patrons and sponsors for their continuing support. A special thanks was also extended to Mayor Greg Williamson for agreeing to continue as Kucom’s official Patron for the coming year. In addition to four mainstage productions in 2024, the company partic
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This past weekend marked the start of the 2025 AFL season at the Sea Eagles' home ground, after some weather-related cancellations the week before. Three of the five teams were out on the field, showing great promise for the season ahead. The Sea Eagles U13s kicked things off in thrilling fashion, pulling off a nail-biter against Sarina. After trailing by 5 points in the last quarter, the team made a fantastic comeback to secure a 4-point win in their first game of the season. The Sea Eagles S
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Last Thursday, Outrigger Whitsunday members spent an enjoyable day at Shingley Beach with senior students from St Catherine’s Catholic College Proserpine. The purpose of the day was to introduce students to the sport of outrigger canoeing. Despite a very wet start for the first groups on the water, the weather quickly improved and the day turned out to be both rewarding and challenging for all involved. Four six seater ocean canoes were in constant use and each crew consisted of four students a
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Ratburger is coming to life this May in a hilarious new play at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC). Ratburger follows the adventures of a young girl named Zoe, who lives in a rundown flat with her dad and a stepmother who ignore her. To add to that, the school bully is making her life a misery, and now, her pet hamster has died. When Zoe befriends a lovable dancing rat named Dapper, things start looking up – but the evil Burt from Burt’s Burgers is cooking up an awful plan…and
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In today’s busy world, one-on-one time with the people you love can be a rarity, and I’ll admit, I’m often guilty of not making enough time for it with my own family. Last Sunday, however, I made a point to carve out a two-hour window for just my son and me. We often have ‘family time’ with other members of our family, but when I thought about it, I realised we haven’t had much time just the two of us lately. We took a trip into Airlie Beach, grabbed some sushi, and then had ice cream — enjoyi
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Local hero Michelle Shell Wardrope, whose determination and resilience have inspired the community, has successfully completed her 50-squats-per-day challenge throughout March, all while adjusting to life with only one leg after a life-changing incident last year.
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Artwork inspired by the Mad Max movies will feature as one of three outstanding new exhibitions opening at Artspace Mackay this month. Maximum Madness: Art inspired by Mad Max will be in the Main Gallery from April 12 to June 22. This exhibition brings together a range of artists paying homage to their favourite post-apocalyptic (anti)hero and is curated by Rockhampton Museum of Art Director Jonathan McBurnie. Mayor Greg Williamson said the Mad Max movies, with their iconic characters and irr
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The Easter colouring-in competition, organised by Bowen Tourism and Business, was a huge success, drawing over 150 entries from local schoolchildren. Kids from Merinda State School, Bowen State School, Queens Beach School, and St Mary’s Catholic School were invited to colour a picture of Kenny the Mango Mascot surrounded by Easter eggs. Cindy Tonks, who coordinated the event, said the competition was all about bringing the community together and offering a fun, creative activity for local child
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Artspace Mackay Asia Pacific Triennial Kids on Tour Tuesday, April 15 Wednesday, April 16 Thursday, April 17 FREE ENTRY – Drop in anytime 10am to 4.30pm Artspace Mackay is delighted to offer three days of free drop-in art activities for kids and people of all ages and abilities. The ‘Asia Pacific Triennial Kids on Tour’ program has been developed to coincide with the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial, on show now at QAGOMA, Brisbane. It features seven interactive projects produced by the Children’s Ar
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Collinsville is set to shine even brighter, with Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, announced this week a $250,000 commitment to deliver the next stage of the town’s beautification project if an LNP Government is elected in May. This fresh injection of funding will deliver Stage 2 of the revitalisation, focusing on landscaping both entrances to Collinsville and enhancing the area leading to the cemetery, ensuring the first and last impressions of the town reflect the heart and pri
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In May this year, Proserpine Golf Club will celebrate 100 years of chasing that little white ball. Today, the club boasts over 300 members who tee off on what is now regarded as a championship standard golf course. But 100 years ago, it was a vastly different scenario. How it all began … The Proserpine Golf Club was born when a group of golf lovers met at Phaff’s Paddock (the current site of Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation) to swing a club. Men such as local dentist of the time, W E (Bill) Ho
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Whitsunday Latin Dance for Everyone Monday, 14 April at 10am A fun and social way to stay active while learning Latin dance styles. No partner or experience required—just bring your dancing shoes! Proserpine Community Garden Club Monday, 14 April at 3pm Whether you’re a green thumb or a gardening newbie, join this friendly group to share tips, swap plants and work together on community green spaces. Proserpine Chat & Patch Quilting Club Tuesday, 15 April at 9am Sit, stitch, and socialise! Perf
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How good is a HOLIDAY? But do you know the origin of the word “Holiday”? It means “HOLY DAY”. Our most Holy Day, is Good Friday, which has its significance affirmed by Resurrection Sunday. A holiday is a time of rest. The ultimate Holiday is Good Friday because on that day, Jesus Christ made atonement for the sins of the world, bringing all those who accept it, back into a relationship with God. We rest from our strivings to be acceptable to God and attain life beyond the grave, because Jesu
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Hi Everyone, There’s plenty of exciting content to explore in this week's Ruth2Reef! Behind the scenes, I’ve been helping work on a fantastic new project with Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. You can read all about it in this edition, and be sure to keep an eye out for it in a certain popular spot... We’ve also had sightings of the first manta rays migrating into the Whitsundays, which is always a thrilling time of year! Their arrival signals that the whales are likely not far behind. As these maje
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, announced this week that an elected Dutton Liberal National Government will provide $20,000 to support the Proserpine Youth Space.“The Proserpine community is growing in population and therefore growing in the number of youths that require support,” Mr Willcox said.
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Fishing fever has officially hit the Mackay Isaac region with the launch of the 2025 Lucky Catch and Snap competition! Starting last Saturday, 5 April, the competition has already made waves with a record number of registrations and more than $10,000 in prizes up for grabs. Running through the Easter school holidays until April 26, this popular event is calling all anglers, from beginners to pros, to cast their lines across 20 beautiful spots in the region for the chance to land a jackpot-winni
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I was excited when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, announced in January that the Labor government would fund $7.2 billion towards the Bruce Highway. However, the celebrations for Dawson were short lived, when it was discovered not a cent had been allocated for the region until at least 2028.Senate estimates revealed that of the announced funding only $432 million had been costed over the next three years and that money is not making it to Dawson.
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A new digital platform is set to enhance connection, consultation, and community involvement in the Northern Beaches region, following the official launch of the Northern Beaches Community Network website. Unveiled by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, the website provides residents with an accessible hub to stay informed, engage with local initiatives, and contribute to shaping the future of the region. With contact details for local organisations, upcoming meeting dates, and an open community
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Whitsunday Regional Council has secured State Government Funding to support residents impacted by flying-fox roosts. Residents impacted by flying-fox roosts in Collinsville can now access resident assistance grants for lifestyle mitigations to provide practical solutions that help offset impacts of flying-fox roost noise, odour and property damage. Council secured a $46,000 State Government grant and is also contributing $20,000 to assist residents directly impacted by flying-fox roosts in urb
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Mackay has officially welcomed a new treasure trove for bargain hunters and animal lovers alike with the grand opening of the region’s very first RSPCA Op Shop. Held last Saturday, the community celebration was a hit, with a full carpark of locals flocking to the store for a Family Fun Day that featured face painting, generous prize giveaways, puppy cuddles, and a sizzling sausage sizzle – with more than 300 snags devoured throughout the day. Attendees browsed a wide selection of pre-loved item
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As the Proserpine Golf Club prepares to celebrate its Centenary on the first weekend of May, the excitement among members and locals is palpable. Whilst the club's genesis dates back to 1925, this landmark occasion is just as much about honouring its strong and thriving present as it is about reflecting on its rich and vibrant past. With a steadily growing membership of between 350 and 380 individuals, the club is a predominant hub for sport, social connection, and personal growth in the Proser
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Done N Dusted Country, located conveniently on Proserpine’s Main Street, has swiftly become a beloved shopping destination since opening for business in October 2023. Owned and operated by Amber Duggan, a Proserpine local since 2005 and a mother of three, this charming country store provides local residents with a convenient, community focused retail experience. Done N Dusted Country offers a diverse range of country clothing, footwear and accessories, catering specifically to the tastes and ne
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What's your number one election priority? Recently the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry acknowledged the federal government’s pre-election budget. Whilst the investment in infrastructure, cost of living, and tax relief is welcome, the budget ultimately signals a future of debt and deficit and falls short in delivering targeted support for small businesses. The budget aims to ‘shape a more affordable Australia’ but what does that look like, what are the knock-on effects for our regi
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