Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Photo credit: Tropix Photography
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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Mackerel and Reef fish rally was held last weekend with 22 Adult and 5 Junior members catching a wide range of fish. The heaviest Mackerel was won by Reece Mathews with an 18.85kg fish using 10kg line, runner up was Brendon Rock with a 12.85kg Spanish. Longest Red fish was a 75cm Nannagi caught by Glen Upstill beating Glen Bray by 2cm. Gavin Smith had the longest Coral Trout of the big kids with a 65cm fish. The winning Junior was Kane Bird with an 80cm Nannag
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The Great Barrier Reef Festival is gearing up for another exciting weekend of family fun and, to prepare for another stunning lantern parade, the community are invited to come along to a special Lantern Making Workshop this weekend. Held at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, the workshop commences at 10am and finishes at 2pm. This completely free event is open to anyone in the community and is an opportunity for people to work alongside inspiring local artists including renowned lantern arti
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The Whitsundays will overflow with literature and creativity when the highly anticipated Whitsundays Writers Festival graces the region from 6 to 8 September. After a seven-year hiatus, the festival has been dearly missed by both locals and travellers, and its triumphant return promises to host a celebration of words, writers, and readers, rekindling the literary flame in the heart of Queensland. “The time is here!” shared Festival President, Karen Jocobsen. “We are excited to release the fu
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The 35th annual Bowen Polocrosse Carnival is set to be a weekend long family fun event where the whole community can get together. To celebrate the 35th anniversary Bowen Polocrosse club encourage past present members to get together, chat, catch up and have a great time playing the sport they love. The Bowen Polocrosse Carnival brings a high-class spectacle and event to Bowen. Organiser Jessie Russell said “Polo is a sport that every member of the family can play, young or old and any gende
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Another win for under 13 Div 1 this weekend in Mackay against Lions. All players played well as a team with Remy scoring 2 Goals with precision and confidence. Jayce assisted a perfect through ball to Will who also scored 2 goals. Liam scored the goal he has been trying hard for and Eden rounded off the scoring with a goal. Final Score 6-1 for Whitsunday. U13 Prem players fought hard this week to keep Rangers from scoring. The boys all played well to secure a nil all draw against a team that we
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There are record entries for this year’s North Queensland Championship Airlie Beach Marathon and the Tassal Group Half Marathon with numbers up by 50 – 70%! The reigning ladies champion and record holder in the marathon Liv Compton from the Whitsunday Running Club is back to defend her title. The men’s race could be won by anyone however Tom Sirett from Ellesmere Port in England looks like he may be in with a chance. The first three ladies in last year’s Tassal Group half marathon are back to
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The Cannonvale Cannons and visiting clubs were treated to picture perfect Whitsunday conditions on Saturday for the 2024 Cannonvale Winter Transition Meet. Under the guidance of coaches Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden, swimmers delivered impressive performances across various age groups and events, achieving significant personal bests and placings. Among the youngest competitors, Lucas Korosec, Miranda Palmero and Indigo Harland secured personal best times in all of their events. The 9-year-old
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The Airlie Beach Bowls club has enjoyed another bustling week, starting with Tuesday afternoon Social Bowls, where skipper Betty Whitehorn and lead Lyn Graham secured an effortless victory against all comers. Wednesday afternoon saw an outstanding display of skill during Jackpot Bowls. Skipper Bobby Spees showcased supremely accurate bowls, aided by Merve Stewart, leading to one of the most comfortable victories in recent club history. However, the jackpot remained elusive, keeping the excitemen
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4’s Final: • Ray, Ron, Herb, Gus defeated Gordo, Mark, Crowie, Kev. Club Triples: • Robyn, Rosco, Tiarna defeated Tracey, Lloyd, Jason. Club Pairs: • Ron, Steve defeated Daryl, Feley. Social Games: Sunday 7/7: • Andy, Barry, Steve defeated Ian, Gavin, Wendy. • Ray, Ron, Herb, Gus defeated Gordo, Kevin, Crowie, Mark. Wednesday 10/7: • Doc, G. Gordon, Ron defeated Marion, J. Foskett, Gus. • Ian, B. Thompson, Gavin had a drawn game with MaryEllen, Lou, Jane. Tuesday and
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Airlie Beach Bowls Club is immensely proud of Di Jackson, who recently returned from Florida, USA, after participating in the Warrior Games for Army, Navy, Airforce, and Marines. At 58 years old, Di competed in athletics, cycling, powerlifting, and indoor rowing. Di joined the Airforce in 1990 and served as an integral member of the Darwin team, eventually becoming a Logistics Officer until 2008. She then became a Hazardous Chemicals Project Manager until her medical discharge in 2017. She marri
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As Champion of Champion events approach, Proserpine Bowls Club Competition is progressing rapidly to ensure the winners are eligible for the District Champion of Champions. On Tuesday, Heather Brown competed in the District Club Championship Singles at Wests Tigers. It was a highly competitive match, with Chris Woo from North Mackay defeating Heather 25-19. The event was ultimately won by Leanne McGeough from Sarina, with Ladda Purdie from Airlie Beach as the runner-up. Wednesday saw Luchie Gard
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Another great week of bowls started with Monday self-selected triples. Winners were Ron Blythe, M. Blythe, and Norm Dawson, who defeated Allan Gilles, Jack Stamp, and Greg Colquhoun. Runners-up were Denis Madeley, Dave Richard, and R. Agg, who overcame Peter Howie, G. Caldon, and Kennedy Whitton. The jackpot went off in two games: K. Pedlar, L. Fox, and S. Farrell defeated A. Rolfe, J. Steele, and K. Daniels, while F. Wilmann, J. Healey, and C. Healey defeated J. Paynting, R. Symonns, and J. Whi
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Tony Ford clinched victory in Tuesday's stroke competition with an impressive nett 68, edging out Gary Scotford by a single stroke. In the ladies' division, Jenny Hounsell triumphed with a nett 70, defeating Nicole Cooper by two strokes. The pin prizes were awarded to Peter Lindsay, Kev Cooper, Aaron Prosser, and Tina Badenhorst. Wednesday’s Airllywood stableford saw Pauline Redpath dominate with 41 points, securing a three-shot win over Leanne Alexander. The pins for the day went to Leanne Alex
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Proserpine Golf Club is delighted to welcome Ross Tong, a local guest, and Stephen Guy from Toronto GC (near Newcastle, not Canada). The club hopes they enjoyed their day with them. Despite recent heavy rain making the course heavier than expected, the scores were impressive. Jenny and Colin Hounsell took home the Men’s and Ladies’ Monthly Medals. With Wintersun approaching, the club asks you to please submit your nominations as soon as possible. The entry form is simple and available on the Mac
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AFLQ Mackay celebrated Pride Round Saturday providing opportunity to promote inclusivity and acceptance of gender diversity in sport. Sea Eagles Under 14s and 17s clashed with Mackay Magpies whilst the Senior Men met North Mackay Saints in Mackay. Sea Eagles Senior Men were back on the winners list with a hard fought victory over reigning Premiers North Mackay Saints 44 – 33. In what was a close game Sea Eagles were able to hold off the fast finishing Saints to take the win. Sea Eagles had thre
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National NAIDOC Week began on Monday 8th July, with a flag-raising ceremony hosted by the Mackay Regional Council, marking the start of a week-long celebration of Indigenous culture, history, and achievements. The event saw the participation of numerous community members, who gathered to witness the ceremony and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Tchundal Malar Aboriginal Dancers and the Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group delivere
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Navigating chemotherapy feels a bit like being in a surreal sitcom where the punchlines are tinged with irony. Last week marked the beginning of my chemo journey—an adventure (that nobody wants to be a part of) that’s turning out to be quite the rollercoaster ride. Imagine this: just hours before my first chemo session, my son, Brydon, decided to test his superhero skills by attempting flight off the bed. Straight onto his head. Ironically, it had been superhero day at daycare, and he had dres
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Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated is deeply moved by Jacob Cook and Limitless Asset Assurance's extraordinary act of kindness. Jacob Cook and Limitless Asset Assurance's generous donation of time and materials to install secure fencing has profoundly expanded Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated's capacity to provide safe shelter for more puppies in need of foster care. Jacob's selflessness and dedication have empowered foster carers to open their hearts and homes to these vulnerable little lives, ensu
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Mackay has earned accolades on the national stage, receiving a special mention from Australia's new Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, during her inaugural engagement in Canberra last week. Following her swearing-in as the 28th Governor-General of Australia, Mostyn officially opened the 2024 National General Assembly (NGA), where Mackay's proactive approach to youth engagement stood out. Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen and Mayor Greg Williamson were present at
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Mackay’s residents are invited to roll up their sleeves and help plant trees as part of Mackay Regional Council’s National Tree Day event. This year’s event will be held at Glenfields Park on Wheeler Drive in Glenella on Sunday, July 28, from 8am to 11am. Mayor Greg Williamson said council was aiming to plant more than 3000 plants at this year’s National Tree Day events, which also includes School’s Tree Day on Friday, July 26. “These events help to increase the region’s tree canopy coverage and
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Mackay created history last week by becoming one of the first marine rescue units to join volunteer organisation Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ). MRQ is a new service established under the Marine Rescue Queensland Act 2024, aiming to enhance community safety and improve protections for volunteers. Marine rescue volunteers undertake approximately 4,000 rescue activations each year, operating across 46 units along Queensland’s coast, with plans in place to transition existing units to MRQ over th
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Mackay Regional Council recently grappled with the contentious issue of pumped hydro during an ordinary meeting last month, when Councillor George Christensen proposed a motion to formally oppose Queensland Hydro’s Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydroelectricity project. Cr Christensen articulated his apprehensions in detail, explaining that the project would entail the creation of three large reservoirs, resulting in the displacement of the town of Netherdale and affecting numerous farms and propert
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Eleven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with big dreams took their first steps towards a career in healthcare last week. The Budyubari Bidyiri Kebi Stapal (Big Dream, Small Steps) program 2024 cohort is beginning its 12-month school-based traineeships across selected departments at Mackay Base Hospital. The traineeship will equip the students with a Certificate III qualification in either Health Services Assistance or Allied Health Assistance while they are still in high school.
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The Northern Beaches Police Station hosted a vibrant NAIDOC Week flag raising ceremony, celebrating First Nations culture under the theme "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud." The event featured traditional smoking ceremonies, cultural dances, and musical performances that highlighted the richness and resilience of Australia's oldest living cultures. Attendees, including Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, gathered to honour the significance of NAIDO
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