
Welcome to FY 2024. It’s full steam ahead in the Whitsundays with visitors flocking to the region over school holiday. And the weather has generally cooperated with a spectacular Whitsunday winter!Full steam ahead as Chamber advocacy over the last few weeks includes preparing members for new industrial relations changes that have come into effect, skilled workforce shortages and visa pathways, the regions housing crisis, and local precinct infrastructure -- particularly trying to mitigate negati
Read more
Neoh Phoenix Photography Step into the vibrant world of Neoh Phoenix Photography, where Mackay-based photographer Maree Rowles weaves her magic through the lens. With a deep love for freezing cherished memories, Maree's journey into photography began as a mother capturing her own family's milestones. Now, she invites you to join her on an unforgettable photographic adventure. "I needed photography in my life to know that this was my record of my children growing up," Maree reflects. As a busy m
Read more
Council adopted their 2023-24 Budget last Friday and our priority as Councillors was to maintain essential services with minimal rate rises for our residents. Against the backdrop of these rising costs and inflation sitting above six per cent, we have been able to keep the rate rise to a minimum, with an average increase in
Read more
Dear phenomenal women in business, Today, we embark on a heartfelt journey into the realm of personal branding, where authenticity reigns supreme. Picture this: a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a candid conversation about unveiling your true self to the world. So, grab a seat and let's dive into the depths of vulnerability. In a world that often expects us to put on a brave face, it can be daunting to reveal our authentic selves. But here's a little secret: your vulnerability can be your
Read more
From the end of July 2023, aviation fuel/AVGAS will be available at the Bowen Aerodrome!This welcome addition to the aerodrome will allow general aviators, aeroclub members and aircraft providing ag spraying to conveniently refuel on-site.
Read more
A Week of Gin Tastings, Neon Art, Craft (Brews) And Cultural Delights The Mackay Festival of Arts is now in full swing, and this week’s offerings include gin tastings, the DBI Literary Dinner, the Mackay Art Studio Trail, sunset sessions and craft beer. This Saturday, July 8, from 6pm, there will be a gin tasting night at the Seabreeze Hotel featuring a four-course meal paired with hand selected, award-winning gins. Also on Saturday night, the Creative Art Studio is offering a Neon Night Sip an
Read more
The Whitsundays region has seen unprecedented visitor growth, when compared with 2019 statistics. Results gathered from the National Visitor Survey (NVS) for the year ending March 2023 showed massive growth and expenditure of visitors to the area.
Read more
Friday 7 July Between the Tides with Busby Marou Friday and Saturday, 4:00pm to 10:00pm Between the Tides is set along the picturesque coastline of Cape Hillsborough, a mere 40 minutes north of Mackay. In a world-first concert experience, national treasures, Busby Marou will host an intimate performance on the beach, inviting fans to an exclusive preview of their brand new album, 'Blood Red'. Cape Hillsborough National Park Free Public Art Walk Friday, 4:30pm to 5:30pm Hosted by Artspace Macka
Read more
Living on the family farm was always on the cards for Glenn Clarke, a born and bred Proserpine local. Now four generations on the Glen Isla, just west of Proserpine township, Glenn has been growing and harvesting sugar cane for coming on 40 years now, since taking over operations from his father.
Read more
A twelve-month edict to lift the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League championship trophy has nearly come to fruition for the St Patrick’s College Mackay Girls team. In another heart-breaking moment, the famous sporting nursery had to again settle for runners up medals after The Cathedral College Rockhampton were crowned Confraternity Carnival champions last Thursday after a thrilling 14-10 victory in the Shield decider at the St Laurence’s College grounds in Brisbane. It was
Read more
On July 22, Proserpine Historical Museum is launching a new display, Women of the Whitsundays. This display acknowledges women, past and present, who have made significant contributions to the community and the celebration fittingly coincides with the centenary of the local Country Women’s Association.
Read more
Directed by Kathryn Evans A Mackay Festival Fringe event by Kucom Theatre Kucom Theatre does not have a house curtain, so when the audience enters the auditorium, immediately one spies a bed on the stage. It’s a hotel room. A bridal suite. A pillow is on the floor next to the bed. A pair of women’s shoes, a man’s shirt…. a sock… his pants. Hello, you think, what’s all this then? The morning after the night before? It most certainly is. Two bodies in the bed start to stir…. a man sits up, looking
Read more
Local marine operators have been working alongside Traditional Owners on the latest Tourism Reef Protection Initiative funded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).
Read more
The only way is up – that is the new motto for the Mackay Cutters first grade rugby league team in this year’s Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup competition. After tossing cellar-dwellers Ipswich Jets 36-20 last Sunday at North Ipswich Reserve to post their second win of the 2023 season, the Mackay men are bent on climbing up the ladder. It was the club’s St Patrick’s College teaching connection that featured prominently in the win – with half back Brandon Finnegan, flying winger Flynn Cami
Read more
After a successful States campaign in April, four rowers from the Mackay Rowing Club travelled to Sydney to compete in the 2023 Australian Masters Rowing Championships at the start of June, again returning with a bevy of medals. Jane Deguara, Therese Clancy, Richard McGrath and Mick Wohlfhart raced against the best in the country at the Championship held from June 1 to 4 Sydney International Regatta Centre. Ms Deguara and Ms Clancy kicked off their campaign with a silver medal in a quad scull w
Read more
Statistically, your home is more likely to be broken into in the warmer months, so winter is the perfect time to consider investing in crime-busting measures to protect house and home.
Read more
Sunday brought glorious weather – a perfect day for DIY with a snag and soft drink! Pioneer Swimming Club spent their Sunday cooking and raising funds for our club at Bunnings, North Mackay. Our swimmers, Yasmin Seedwell, Zahli Herring, Junior Makamure and Team Captain, Stevie Brand assisted the Committee on the barbeque whilst many other swimmers and club members visited us throughout the day, including Coach Igor and his kids. We were most grateful for the opportunity from Bunnings but also t
Read more
Shout out to all Whitsunday Creatives! This July, take part in the completely free workshop ‘Arts Conversation with Emily’ and learn the key foundations needed to create a sustainable and successful creative-led business.
Read more
Marian Ladies Bowls Club hosted a memorable event on Monday, June 12, with their annual Presidents at Home Day. The day kicked off with an exhilarating two-hour session of bowls, where the 68 enthusiastic ladies showcased their skills and sportsmanship. Following the exciting games, everyone gathered to indulge in lunch. To add to the festivities, the club organised raffles and a Cent Sale, featuring an array of delightful prizes that sparked excitement and anticipation throughout the day. It wa
Read more
Later this month the wedding industry will be united, as suppliers and industry professionals come together with future brides and grooms at the inaugural Wedding Industry Networking and Fashion Show which will be held at Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar.
Read more
Have we got news for you!To celebrate 55 years of the Airlie Beach Hotel, hotel members have been given some of the best chances at winning $250,000 worth of prizes, with two 2023 Toyota Corolla Ascents up for grabs.
Read more
The Ladies Pennants season has finished with Mackay Club beating Airlie Beach last Friday. On Tuesday July 4, the Mackay Ladies were off to Sarina Club to try to retain the Johnson Shield which they won last year. The Mackay Club Team is Singles Carol Savage, Pairs Dot McNamara (c) and Marie Mayfield, Fours Denise Mezzen, Janice Nelson, Julie Caban and Robyn Schatkowski. Ladies Champion of Champion Triples Semi-Final: Erin Clements, Janice Nelson, Robyn Schatkowski def Karina Dunn, Carol Sava
Read more
Legendary icons in American country and blues music, Johnny Cash and June Carter are a powerhouse couple, and highly acclaimed tribute artists, Mark and Joanne Caligiuri, who are also a loved-up couple in real life, have taken on the reins of their massive legacy and will be performing at Airlie Beach Hotel next weekend.
Read more
Club members said 'Goodbye' to Del Ryan this week and with family and friends joined in a celebration of her life. Del has been a member of the Mackay Contract Bridge Club since the 1970's. Del supported all our club events and had also worked as Providor. Club members will miss her smile, many jokes and support at the bridge table. Our condolences to the family. Rest in Peace Delores Fay Ryan. Monday 26 June 2023 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points Eclectic for Monday in June Winners 1st Janell
Read more
Reprising one of his most iconic roles Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt, in another unforgettable blockbuster, set to thrill, excite, and shock audiences. In the seventh instalment of the Mission Impossible universe, audiences had high expectations, riding the high garnered from the nine-minute feature that was published months ago.
Read more