Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
This week marks the end of a fantastic year of bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club. On Wednesday, we mixed things up a bit for Social Bowls. Heather Brown, Alen Sanderson, and Henny Tattam defeated Heather Brown, Philip Brown, and Arthur Griffith 23–15. Meanwhile, Sandy Daffara and Barry Zillmann had a close win over Mike Harrison and John Anderson, 15–14. On Sunday, we enjoyed a BBQ lunch before playing just six ends of bowls. Teams were drawn randomly, and Henny Tattam, Sandy Daffara, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison recovered from an early 6-shot deficit to defeat Bruce Uhe, Arthur Griffith, Alen Sanderson, and John Anderson. We wish all our members a safe and very Merry Christmas! A reminder: if you wish to take advantage of the discount on Affiliation Fees, they must be paid before December 31. Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Bowls Club
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With summer temperatures soaring and Christmas just around the corner, Proserpine Golf Club members enjoyed another busy week of competition, with strong fields and some impressive scoring across multiple events. Tuesday, December 9 saw a Medley Stableford played in hot conditions. Di Chard claimed victory with a standout 40 points, ahead of runner-up Aaron Prosser on 36. Nearest the pin prizes went to Aaron Prosser (2nd), Paul Gray (9th) and Luke Wayth (13th). The Wednesday Ladies Stableford on December 10, sponsored by Airllywood, delivered excellent results, with Karen Oni leading the way on 42 points. Jenny Hounsell finished second with 37 points, followed by Kathryn Borer on 35 points after a countback, and Leanne Alexander rounding out the field. Nearest the pin honours were shared by Sherri Meade, Di Dobbins (2nd), Karen Oni and Nicole Cooper (14th). Men took to the course on Thursday, December 11 for a Stableford event. In A Grade, Luke Paroz secured the win on 38 points after a countback, with Jett Borghero runner-up. B Grade honours went to Bradley Wilkinson, also with 38 points on a countback, ahead of Greg Walker. Nearest the pin winners were Scott Mason (2nd), Brett Simpson (9th), Craig McLean (13th) and Laurie Dakin (16th). The Friday 9-hole Back 9 Run, sponsored by the Metropole Hotel, saw Harry Milne take the win with 21 points. Edwina Pettiford finished runner-up on 20 points after a countback, with Fay Milne third. Brent Franke (2nd) and Chris Pirlo (9th) collected NTPs. The final Putt for Cash for 2025 attracted plenty of attention, with Adam Davies sinking his second putt to claim $250 from the $1250 pool. A highlight of the week came on Saturday, December 13, when 132 players contested the popular Turkey Day 3-Ball Ambrose. Overall honours went to Don Cameron, Karen Rix and Roger Vandenberg, with full results to be released via the club’s Facebook page. The day also included presentations for the club’s major 2025 titles and a special moment recognising Nathan’s achievement in attaining professional golfer status. The week concluded on Sunday, December 14 with a Stableford event. Aaron Prosser topped the men’s field with 39 points, ahead of Chris Bartlett on 38. In the ladies competition, Loretta Puttick claimed victory with 38 points, followed by Peta Thomas on 36. Nearest the pin prizes went to Darren Reynolds (2nd), Sherri Meade and Dean Barnard (9th), Mark McDougal (13th) and Scott Clarke (16th). Another successful week wrapped up what has been a strong lead-in to the festive season at Proserpine Golf Club. Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae
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By Hannah McNamara Last Friday, a quiet laneway in Mackay transformed into a vivid display of colour, emotion, and life as Artspace Mackay revealed local photographer Marty Strecker’s newest collection. The Flow and Form of Energy invites viewers to step into a world where movement, light, and unseen forces are captured in striking portraits that pulse with feeling. Among the collection, Marty says each image carries its own quiet power, inviting viewers to pause and reflect. From portraits tha
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Hi lovely readers! As I write this, I’m in Airlie Beach, typing away in the Whitsunday Life office. It’s great to change up the scenery every now and then, and it’s always fun to catch up with work mates you normally don’t get to see. Last week I celebrated my dad’s 45th birthday! So I’d like to say a public belated Happy Birthday to my dad, who also delivers this very paper you’re holding in your hands. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the veggie garden I’m growing, and not long after t
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The Marian Ladies Bowls Club once again demonstrated its commitment to community care, completing another year of heartfelt giving through two meaningful projects that touched both young women and aged-care residents across the Mackay region. In the lead-up to Christmas, members assembled twenty-six thoughtfully packed handbags for the annual Share the Dignity campaign. Each bag was filled with essential items, and a few small luxuries, to support women and girls facing domestic violence,
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By Hannah McNamara After 13 years of bringing together Mackay’s emergency services, retired QPS Senior Sergeant Dave Parnell and his team have continued their tradition of giving back to the community. Each year, the annual touch football carnival gathers local police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency workers, both retired and presently serving, for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. “This year our funds are going towards the Kidney Support Foundation, and we’re here to h
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Following on from recent reports, Queensland Police have revealed that specialist officers and SES crews have commenced a targeted search of bushland in West Mackay as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspicious disappearance of 71-year-old Wayne Pedro Morseu. Despite extensive efforts, no items of interest have been located. Police continue to interview people known to Wayne and maintain significant concerns for his welfare. Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urg
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The Crisafulli Government is pushing ahead with plans to make the Bruce Highway safer and more dependable for regional Queensland, as the re-established Bruce Highway Advisory Council wrapped up its final meeting of the year in Mackay. The council, a collective of peak industry leaders, government representatives and regional community member, has met three times since being revived by the Crisafulli Government, driving a renewed focus on future upgrades and long-term road safety prioriti
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Mackay Embraces Disability-Friendly Sport A fresh wave of inclusive energy is rolling through Mackay, with a dedicated Sport4All Inclusion Coach now working alongside Mackay Regional Council to champion equal access to local sport. The Sport4All program is run across the country and works with sports clubs, schools and organisations like council to improve their knowledge and capability to include people with a disability. Mackay Sport4All Inclusion Coach, Kristy Bugeja said the program
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Driven by a quiet passion for supporting teens, volunteer mentor Miriam Houweling has spent the past 18 months helping young learner drivers edge closer to independence through PCYC’s Braking the Cycle program. The initiative pairs volunteers with young people who lack access to a car or supervising adult, giving them a vital pathway to reach their 100 practice hours and unlock new opportunities. Miriam said she has always enjoyed volunteering, and was seeking new opportunities when she m
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Council’s vision of becoming Australia’s leading region for liveability and livelihood gained significant traction in 2024-2025. Landmark projects, strong community collaboration and record investment drove momentum across the year. Council’s Annual Report 2024–2025 showcases a year of remarkable achievements, from securing international sporting events to opening the first stage of the Northern Beaches Community Hub. Mayor Greg Williamson said the report reflected council’s ability to
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A Mackay mum will have a jolly good Christmas, after astonishingly winning $1 million in the Wednesday Windfall — a prize she initially misread as just $10, prompting a vow never to forget her glasses again. The Queenslander held the only division one winning entry nationally in Weekday Windfall draw 4635, on Monday 8 December 2025. She can look forward to a clean $1 million paid just in time for Christmas. The gleeful winner shared that she burst into tears of joy upon discovering she was a m
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The Big Summer Read is back, and it’s bigger than ever! From now until January 31, children and young people across the Mackay region are invited to dive into a world of stories, imagination and adventure. Mayor Greg Williamson said this exciting campaign encouraged readers aged birth to 18 to keep their literacy skills strong over the summer holidays while having fun. “Summer is the perfect time to spark a love of reading,” Mayor Williamson said. “The Big Summer Read makes it fun and
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Mackay Base Hospital Honours Dr Vaughan’s Legacy After more than 24 years of dedicated service, Mackay Base Hospital is bidding farewell to medical oncologist Dr Kerrie Vaughan who is retiring after a remarkable career shaping cancer care across the region. Originally from Melbourne, Dr Vaughan completed her medical degree and oncology specialty training before heading north in search of sunnier skies. She joined Mackay Base Hospital in February 2001, when she was the only oncologist in t
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Local pet rescuer Taylah Kolaric, owner of Lucy’s Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue, is urging the community to stay snake-aware after the sudden loss of her much-loved dog, Lola. Lola, a five-year-old Boxer, was known for her joy, energy and the affectionate “Lola kisses” she offered to everyone she met. Taylah said, “Her playful personality was infectious, and she had a natural talent for making people laugh with her silly antics.” She also played an important role in Taylah’s rescue work. “
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Excitement filled the room at Ocean International Hotel on Monday, 1 December 2025, as families gathered to celebrate the graduation of this year’s Prep-Ready Kids. The young learners, dressed in bright and colourful graduation gowns, proudly marked the end of a year filled with growth, learning, and new friendships. The Prep-Ready Kids Program, funded by Multicultural Affairs through the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism, continu
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Local Historian Brings Decades Of Stories To Life In New Book Launch By Hannah McNamara
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Nominations are now officially open for the 2026 JSP Women’s Awards, with The Just Saying Project inviting the Greater Whitsunday community to celebrate the women whose stories bring joy, strength and purpose to the region. Held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the MECC, the annual awards will feature acclaimed Australian author Belinda Alexandra as keynote speaker — a storyteller whose work embodies resilience, creativity and feminine strength, aligning deeply with JSP’s mission. The ope
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As we wrap up another big year at Community Bank Sarina, I want to thank our wonderful customers, local businesses and the broader Sarina community. Stepping into the Branch Manager role in June, I immediately felt the warmth and genuine community spirit that makes this region so special. It’s been a privilege to meet so many of you, listen to your stories and see firsthand the pride people have in where we live. This year, we also celebrated a milestone moment, 20 years of local banking
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The festive season often brings joy, connection and a chance to unwind. Yet for some, this time of year can bring challenges, including emotional strain, financial pressures and relationship stress. selectability Mackay and Sarina’s Regional Coordinator, Nicole Guzowski said with the holiday season fast approaching it was crucial to find support and meaningful connections. “We know that the holiday season can be a tough time of year, but it’s really important to look after yourself and
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Mackay region’s Mothers’ Union branch is stepping up to support local children living with domestic and family violence, launching a community push to place specialised books into libraries and support organisations across the region. The initiative aligns with the global 16 Days of Activism, beginning 25 November, and will continue locally through to the end of the year as Mothers’ Union Mackay Region welcomes donations to expand the reach of the program. The branch has already begun pu
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Queensland’s much-loved giant mud crab populations are thriving, with a major new study reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to maintaining a world-class and sustainable fisheries industry. A recently completed study led by Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and co-funded by the Australian Government through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has confirmed that there is no current threat to the sustainability of the species. The research hi
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At Let The Children Play Toyshop & Games Store It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Let The Children Play Toyshop & Games Store is getting ready to jingle all the way into its biggest and brightest festive season yet. The whole community is invited to join the fun. Proudly locally owned since 2013, the much-loved toyshop has become a cornerstone of Mackay’s festive season. Known not only for their quality products, but for their active involvement in the community, this year,
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Councillor Namarca Corowa When people ask how I ended up on council, I don’t really have a political story to give them. My values weren’t formed in boardrooms or strategy sessions. I grew up at Slade Point in the 70s 80s and 90s, a family of 8 in a 2-bedroom house. I grew up in a working-class family, so I understand what it’s like to struggle in our community. My values were shaped watching my parents go to work every day to make a living. We didn’t have everything, but what we had was
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Corrie Thompson is the founder of NQAIRS Group 100% Indigenous owned, Corrie created NQAIRS Group in 2016 in Mackay to help families find their missing family members and war graves from Boer War, World War 1 and 2 all over the world. Corrie has made his legacy to bring their spirits home to the families to put our Aussies heroes to rest through their dreamtime stories. Corrie has worked as a genealogist for the Australian War Memorial for the Last Post Ceremonies and Corrie is a non- ser
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