Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins have been appointed to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee’s Host Mayors Advisory Group, ensuring the Mackay and Whitsunday regions have a voice in shaping the legacy of the Games across Queensland. The announcement comes as one of Australia’s greatest Olympians, swimmer Ian Thorpe AM OLY, joins the Athletes and Sports Advisory Group, while seven Queensland mayors, including Mayor Williamson, officially
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East Point is set to welcome vehicles back in a carefully staged reopening by Mackay Regional Council, while keeping its delicate environment protected. Dunes Boulevard has been closed since March as work continues on the latest stage of the Dunes residential estate at Harbour Beach. The road will reopen this Friday, October 31, but vehicle access will remain restricted across the area, including the foreshore reserve. With turtle breeding season in full swing, council has created a tempo
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Growing out of the need expressed by the community for an alternative to traditional Halloween celebrations, the Light Party is an inclusive annual event, which provides community members of all backgrounds, with a positive, fun, family friendly option. This free event includes interactive games, creating and activities for the kids and food trucks, live music, all while creating a vibrant atmosphere in the city heart, at the Blue Water Quay. ‘The Light Party began as a set of family acti
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If you’re a business owner looking to sharpen your marketing knowledge or someone who’s been handed the job of marketing and feels a bit lost, support is now closer than ever. Mackay based agency Rebel Nation has relaunched The Rebellion, an online marketing and mentoring membership designed to provide practical tools and guidance, including bite-sized lessons, expert advice, regular check-ins and accountability. Delivered fully online, members can learn at their own pace while still ben
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Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW), with support from the Local Buying Foundation (LBF), has opened applications for the 2026 Bowen Basin Women in Leadership program, dedicated to empowering women across the Isaac region. The Women in Leadership program supports women in the Isaac region who are aspiring workplace or community leaders, providing access to workshops, mentoring and skill development sessions, aimed at building leadership capabilities and workplace c
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In true tropical style, Mackay has come out on top once again, officially ranked #1 in Australia for work-life balance, proving that our corner of Queensland is more than just paradise; it’s the perfect blend of career, community, and coastline. The national research by Remitly crowned Mackay as the leader with an impressive work-life balance score of 8.42 out of 10, edging out Ballarat, Victoria (7.55) and Hobart, Tasmania (7.44) for the top three spots. The study highlighted Mackay’s a
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You're Invited! Seniors across the Northern Beaches are invited to enjoy a morning of music, friendship, and celebration at the Seniors Music & Morning Tea event on Friday, 7 November, from 10am to 12pm at the Northern Beaches Community Hall, 24 Wallace Street, Bucasia. Guests will be treated to the soothing sounds of harpist Kathleen Campbell, alongside a relaxed morning tea, providing a chance to connect with new and familiar faces. The event marks the joyful finale to Seniors Month, a time
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing Recently, we released the first edition of this season’s comparative analysis for growers. This year’s analysis takes a slightly different focus, offering valuable insights into the strategies growers use to manage their GEI price exposure. Typically, growers who choose to market with Wilmar Grower Marketing use the Target Price and GMPRS pricing mechanisms, which give them maximum control over their final price outcomes. This year’s report analyses
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A new initiative is urging Queensland businesses to take biosecurity as seriously as other critical risks, with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and Biosecurity Queensland leading the charge. Biosecurity in the Boardroom highlights the growing threat of biosecurity incursions across all sectors of the economy, not just agriculture. With risks forecast to quadruple over the next decade, organisers say businesses of all kinds need to act now to protect supply chains, reputations, an
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Grazing Forum And Field Day Delivers Big Learnings For Whitsundays Graziers For the first time in its 12-year history, the Reef Catchments Grazing Forum and Field Day were held in the Whitsundays - and it was a resounding success. Over two days, graziers, ag professionals and community members came together to share knowledge, explore innovation, and strengthen connections across the region. The event, delivered by Reef Catchments’ Sustainable Agriculture team, highlighted the importance
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By Cr Ash-Lee Johnson Since being elected, one of the greatest realisations I have had is just how strong and generous the community spirit is across our region. We are home to a remarkable network of community groups and volunteers who quietly go the extra mile week after week, simply because they care about people and want to make a difference. Among them, the Country Women’s Association stands out as a powerful example of what community connection truly looks like. The Country Women’s
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Why Group Fitness Builds More Than Strength By Michael James – Fitness Industry Professional, Facility Owner & Wellness Coach When most people think of going to the gym, they imagine lifting weights or working alone on a treadmill. But some of the most powerful results don’t come from solo sessions — they come from training together. At Fitness Cartel Mackay, our vision is to create a community where group training is more than just exercise; it’s connection, motivation, and joy rolled into one
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What began as one woman’s simple act of kindness has grown into a lifeline for lost and abandoned animals across Mackay. When local animal lover Taylah Kolaric first bought a microchip scanner online, she simply wanted to help reunite lost dogs with their families. “I was always seeing lost dog posts on Facebook and it was concerning to me how much pound fees were,” she said. “So, I volunteered on community pages to scan dogs if someone could hold them. That way, I could call the owners
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Aussie music legend, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rick Price is set to hit the Mackay stage, not only to deliver an unforgettable night of live music, but also to lend his support to local domestic violence charity Broken Ballerina Inc. Price will perform at Souths Leagues Club on Wednesday, November 6 at 7pm as part of his Tamborine Mountain 30th Anniversary Tour, celebrating three decades since the release of his iconic album. A portion of every ticket sold will go direct
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Mackay Apartment Owners Hit With Costly Repair Bills Mackay townhouse and apartment owners are being urged to understand strata law, as disputes over who pays for repairs and upgrades are leaving some with surprise bills in the tens of thousands. From roof repairs to storm damage, owners are finding that costs they assumed were covered by the body corporate can fall to them. “Disputes over levies, unexpected bills, or delayed repairs are becoming more common in strata communities,” said A
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I’m sure there are lots of positives about being a medical doctor, whether that’s a general practitioner or a specialist of some sort. There’s the thing about helping people, guiding them on their health journey as they attempt to overcome all the disturbing and confronting difficulties that ageing, Western diets, stress and gluttonous modern indulgences tend to create. It’s important work and the community rightly values doctors and the crucial role they play in diagnosing health issues, pres
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Review By Miki Ponting-Boyd I love this time of year… no no, not the “Halloween heists and Christmas crackers” time… I love the “It’s comedy at Kucom!” time!!! What better way to end a (rather stressful) year than with a spectacular night of laughter, heart and clever storytelling. Funny, brilliant, plus it’s three plays for the price of one! Voila… The Season of One Act Plays!!!!!!! I must say, I adore one-act plays. You’ve got to get the timing right and scrap all unnecessary dialogue.
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Friday 31st October Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Run For Autism 11am Pop
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It was a week to remember for Mackay’s middle-distance athletes, with members of The Rules of Running squad returning from the Queensland School Sport Track and Field Championships in Townsville with an incredible medal haul. Held from October 13 to 19, the state championships brought together some of the best young talent from across Queensland, with Mackay’s representatives proving they are a force to be reckoned with on the track and in the field. The Mackay-based Rules of Running squad, co
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Mackay Men Dominate In Toowoomba Mackay was proudly represented by two men’s teams at the State Softball Championships in Toowoomba last weekend, with both sides delivering outstanding performances on the diamond. The B Men’s team, coached by Steven Baxter and Allen James, competed in the Queensland Cup division and impressed with several close games and strong teamwork. Pitcher Cameron Baxter led from the mound with solid form, supported by Emmett Counsell and Graeme Love behind the plate. Aft
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Goosies Sport and Recreation Club recently hosted the 2025 Champion of Club Champion Singles, marking the first time the major bowls event has been held at the venue. The tournament drew 112 players over seven days, featuring 64 fours, 32 pairs, and 16 singles from clubs across Queensland. A highlight of the event was 14-year-old Ben Harrison from Paradise Point, who made history by taking out the men’s singles title. “Everybody was blown away by the club, the staff, and the performance of the
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At Mackay Contract Bridge Club Christine Fitzpatrick won this year’s Monica Darley Supervised Player Award. Monica who is a Grand Master, donates this award to encourage promising new players. The club also gives incentive awards for players who continually play and advance, while others receive awards for their ABF level. Weekly Results Monday 20 October 25 - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris 1st Terry Sheedy / Simon Barnes 2nd Mary Rose Ramsden
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Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden Event Blossoms With Purpose The Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden Event, hosted by Life Publishing Group at Elementa, was a breathtaking celebration of elegance, community, and generosity. More than 250 guests stepped into a magical garden setting, complete with stunning floral installations, twinkling lights, and the soft glow of a Whitsunday sunset. The evening featured exquisite canapés, flowing champagne, and captivating entertainment by Mo Swagger, culmi
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Hi Everyone, I’ve attended many wonderful events this year, but Saturday night was the first time we’ve had the privilege of hosting our own here in the Whitsundays. The Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden Event was an ambitious project spearheaded by our Mackay Sales Manager Jessica Clark, who brought together clients, business associates, and community members to raise funds for seven regional charities. Before long, our entire team was involved in bringing the event to life, and a big thank
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The Whitsundays is built on community - people who care deeply about where we live and the future we’re shaping together. When something touches our lifestyle, our environment, or our region’s identity, our community speaks up - thoughtfully, respectfully, and with heart. Over recent weeks, many locals have reached out to share their thoughts on the proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm near Proserpine. From farmers and families to small-business owners, your voices have been strong and consistent
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