Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
As the calendar resets and the New Year unfolds, it presents an opportune moment for introspection, growth, and personal transformation. The concept of unlocking your best self isn't merely a cliché; it's a journey toward building resilience, fostering self-discovery, and embracing reinvention. Resilience, the cornerstone of this journey, embodies the ability to bounce back from adversity, navigate life's challenges, and emerge stronger. It's not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them
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Struggling with sticking to your New Year's resolutions? Adjusting your mindset might just be the key. New research from MyFitnessPal, the leading global nutrition and food tracking app, reveals that over half of Australians (57%) find it challenging to sustain healthy habits, despite setting resolutions for 2024. While a significant majority of Gen Z (82%) and millennials (80%) have committed to resolutions, only a mere 12% are expected to maintain them throughout the year. According to psychol
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The New Year has rolled around again! As have our new or often old resolutions yet again. So I would like to work on the concept of resolution - or as I prefer to call them Your life changing Goals - whether health or any goal that is important to you and worth doing, that will to make your life better by the end of 2024 1. Never start toward your goal, until you are back to ' normal life'- at work/ school /home! When made over the Festive Season, we often forget how busy, tiring, and dema
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As severe heatwaves are likely to continue across our region in the next couple of months, we all need to take care. Everybody is at risk of heat-related health problems, and it’s important to know the risks of heat, who is at risk, how to prepare, and how to protect yourself and others. When it’s very hot, your body tries to cool down by sweating. Sometimes sweating isn't enough to cool you down. This can make you feel sick, with symptoms like feeling dizzy, having a headache, feeling nauseous,
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Prepare your taste buds for an exceptional gastronomic delight as Mackay’s prodigal daughter, acclaimed chef Sarah Todd, makes a much-awaited return to her hometown. Set to unfold on the 9th and 10th of February 2024, this exclusive event promises an evening of culinary magic, celebrating Todd's culinary journey and showcasing her delectable creations. Anchored by the culinary prowess of Ms Todd, this homecoming event invites food enthusiasts to a mesmerising affair featuring an assortment of he
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The fervour of basketball in Mackay is set to ascend to new heights as five talented athletes from the Crater secure their spots in the Basketball Queensland U20 men’s and women’s state teams. These athletes, set to compete in the forthcoming 2024 Basketball Australia National Junior Championships in Victoria next month, are poised to make their mark on the national stage. The players who will don the maroon and gold at the championships include Charli Bliss, Monique Bobongie, Phoebe Holmes, Ama
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Walkerston Cricket Club have continued their resurgence in the 2023-24 Mackay Association Twenty20 Shootout Division One competition. The high-flying Roosters grabbed a share of second position on the table after chalking up thrilling victories over Pioneer Valley and Brothers last weekend to bolster their finals claims. They are joined by Pioneer Valley and Magpies on 24 points – six behind pacesetters Norths Devils (30 points) after seven rounds. Spearheaded by trump cards Darryn Dyer and L
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Mark your calendars for an exhilarating showcase of athleticism as Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena unveil the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Arena Gift, slated to electrify Mackay on March 23, 2024. This eagerly awaited event promises a dynamic spectacle, spotlighting Australia's top running talents across nine thrilling races. It’s a celebration that embraces athletic prowess and community unity in a grand display. Set on the newly completed Great Barrier Reef Arena grass track, the
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The Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions are gearing up for an exciting artistic endeavour that promises to elevate the profile of local graphic artists while offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talent. This remarkable initiative provides an opportunity for a Youth Artist from the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday Regions to design the artwork that will be featured on the 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride cycling jersey and proudly worn by approximately 1,000 participants on Sund
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With more than thirty eager runners joining the 11th leg of the Shawn’s Summer Social 2023/2024 Series, the weather brought a mix of overcast skies and breezes, offering respite from the heat. Despite the humidity, participants tackled 5km, 10km, and various distances in between, starting from the Magpies Sporting Club carpark and winding through Glenella's back streets towards the Gooseponds. Notably, pram pushers like Adam Knesevic and Ryan, and Bec Evetts manoeuvered their double prams expert
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The ever-present and commendable Senior Sergeant of Whitsunday Police Station, Sgt Nathan Blain, is sadly leaving the region. Sgt Blain began his Queensland Police service in 1996 and was one of the first to complete his training at the North Queensland Police Academy in Townsville. “I was actually on my honeymoon when I received advice that I was accepted. So, Traci and I had six weeks as a married couple before I went off to the academy,” Sgt Blain recalls.
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Hello everyone! And just like that, week two of 2024 is done and dusted. I do think it’s kinda crazy to think that just over two weeks ago, we were all in the relaxation and partying mood, and now, most of us are back to work, or about to get back to work, and falling into age-old routines once again. I just want to use this opportunity to reflect on my time in the Whitsundays. I moved here just on 10 months ago, and since then, I have grown so much. This is my first time living so close to th
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The Whitsunday Food Pantry, a community outreach program organised and hosted by the Whitsunday Impact Church, is back open for business in 2024. Operating since mid-2022, the Whitsunday Food Pantry is committed to providing residents of the community with free food to feed local families. Manned by Whitsunday Impact Church volunteers, the Pantry is open and available for anyone who is struggling to feed their family and buy food. With no questions or restrictions, families are welcome into th
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Meet the newest resident of the Whitsundays region - beautiful baby boy Timothée Jean Fuzier, who chose the special date of January 1 for his arrival last week. Timothée (his name is the French version of Timothy) was the first baby born at Proserpine Hospital for 2024, arriving on Monday at 1.59pm weighing 3880 grams (8lb 5oz). He also claims the honour of being the first baby born across the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) region which stretches from Sarina to Bowen and west to Cler
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Over the course of several weeks, residents of Midge Point, Bloomsbury, and Laguna Quays have been inundated with extreme power loss and shortages, hindering holiday plans and causing undue stress during the summer heat. Turning to their community Noticeboard on Facebook, residents outlined their frustrations and displeasure with the unprecedented power outages. One resident, taking to the Noticeboard stated on December 27, “Ergon needs to take one month off everyone's monthly connection fee,
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Driver Caught Under The Influence, Cannonvale A 24-year-old male resident of Cannonvale has been arrested and charged following an alleged incident at 5:15pm on January 6 on Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale. It's alleged that patrolling police stopped a vehicle for the purpose of a roadside breath test on Shute Harbour Road after observing the vehicle cross onto the incorrect side of the road. The driver was subjected to a roadside breath test. As a result, it's further alleged that the driver
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Undeniable talent is Liam O’Neill. Hair raising, skin tingling, incredible beats is what you can expect from this youth drummer, and in a few short years, do not be surprised to see him supplying the heavy beats for unstoppable music tracks. Music is something he has always been surrounded with, with his father a great muso and his brother pursuing music in the music hub Melbourne. One day, Liam just hopped behind his dad’s kit and everything changed. A natural talent, Liam took to the drums
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With a few of our crew and skippers away, and 1 skipper confined with Covid, the last thing we needed was 3-4 activations a day on more than one occasion, with some lengthy ones included, but that is what we finished up with. Absolutely great commitment and dedication by the skippers, senior crew and crew that made themselves available over that period to provide the safety net for boaties and the islands over the holiday period. The VMRW volunteers excelled. What does that navigation mark me
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Bowen tourism and accommodation operators are excited to share that business is booming this festive summer season. Owner and Manager of Queens Beach Tourist Village, Jennie Greer states that Christmas and New Year bookings have been at an all-time high, compared to previous years. “Bowen is definitely becoming more popular, and we are proud to have an award-winning park within the area for guests to come and enjoy. We hope this trend continues as it can only benefit accommodation providers an
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Last year we witnessed a revitalised Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry in their pursuit to drive sustainable business growth and connectivity for their members. In 2024, the Chamber will continue to champion for the business community through their advocacy work, provide exclusive services to members, and host business events and education. This year the Chamber is delighted to partner with Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper on a new article series. Readers will continue to hear
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Residents of the Whitsundays should be aware that snake activity is on the rise, with warm humid temperatures ensuring that snakes are active and out and about. How to protect your home this summer: Be sure to maintain your yard and lawns, so that snakes cannot hide as easily in long grass. Avoid leaving piles of rubbish or building refuse around, as snakes can easily hide in the small nooks and crannies. Store pet food and food scraps in closed and well-sealed containers and bins, to reduce
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What is your role at Tourism Whitsundays? My role at Tourism Whitsundays is Brand and Marketing Executive. The Whitsundays brand is my baby; I love watching campaigns and projects begin in the ideation phase and seeing them come to fruition, knowing that, as a team, we achieved that and delivered results for the destination. What is your ideal weekend in The Whitsundays? My ideal weekend in The Whitsundays is, of course, taking advantage of our stunning backyard. For me, the ultimate weekend
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Delivering exceptional service with the utmost care and consideration is integral to Eyecare Plus Ayr. Having been a central service in the Burdekin for over 70 years, Eyecare Plus Ayr is synonymous with meticulous health care and a gentle approach. And now, with new ownership at the helm of the business as of 2018, Eyecare Plus Ayr continues to provide optometry services to the region. Shannon Davies is the current owner and Optometrist, who has lived locally for the past decade. Shannon has
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Are you a young woman who has always wished to learn how to sail? This is your chance, with the Whitsunday Sailing Club hosting Start Sailing 1, a sailing course specially designed and exclusive for women, and taught by female Australian Sailing accredited instructors. This short course allows all participants to gain all the necessary and practical skills and confidence in a supportive, encouraging, and welcoming environment. Participants will gain experience through sailing in a dingy, lear
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