Why Women’s Bodies Need Exercise At Every Age Women’s bodies are always changing. From the first period to pregnancy, postnatal recovery, perimenopause and beyond, our hormones shift and fluctuate, often leaving us wondering, “Is this normal?” Through all these seasons, one thing remains steady: the incredible power of movement. Exercise isn’t just about fitness or weight management; it is one of the most effective ways we can support health across every stage of life. In the teenage and
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay Australia’s sugar industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural sector and we owe much of our global competitiveness and domestic efficiency to the network of sugar storage and export facilities that are a central part of many Queensland ports. For Mackay, they are a focal landmark on our coastal horizon: the familiar, massive triangular sheds that let Mackay’s growers and millers store large quantities of raw sugar. Built by industry
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Mackay & Whitsunday Builders Shine At 2025 Awards Visionary design, technical mastery, and community impact were front and centre at the 2025 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards, raising the bar in construction excellence. Held at the Mantra Mackay on 9 August, the industry’s night of nights showcased the innovation and resilience driving the region’s built environment, at a time of exciting challenge and change. After sweeping the pool last year, Fergus Builders was again
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Paige Gardner’s Impact At Citecon Leadership, expertise, and resilience define Paige Gardner, Contracts Administrator/Project Manager at CiteCon Pty Ltd. These qualities, combined with her deep-rooted family heritage as a fourth-generation builder, have earned her the prestigious Women in Building Award at the 2025 Mackay & Whitsunday Master Builders Awards. A foundational employee at CiteCon, Paige has dedicated the past five years to mastering the complexities of commercial construction. Back
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In the competitive world of commercial and industrial construction, businesses demand more than just a builder – they need a partner who understands their vision, overcomes obstacles, and delivers results that endure. That’s exactly what CiteCon Pty Ltd brings to the table. As recognised project specialists, CiteCon has built a reputation for getting the job done – and done well. With proven expertise across design and construction, the company delivers modern, adaptable facilities tailored to
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Dominating the construction industry is Fergus Builders, multi-award-winning builders who have shaped some of the region’s most well-known buildings for over 40 years. Since 1983, the company has grown into one of the region’s most sought-after builders across residential, commercial, industrial, and community projects. Known for combining craftsmanship, innovation, and community focus, Fergus Builders has earned a reputation for quality and reliability across the state. The company’s com
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Opinion Piece The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to see the announcement for action on red tape and approvals made by Minister for Housing Homelessness and Cities Clare O’Neil. “The burden of regulation related to building, planning and approvals is adding cost, and delays which is impacting our ability to supply the homes we need”, HIA’s Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said today. “HIA had been calling for housing to be a focus of the Economic Reform Roundtable in Canberra
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Mackay roared with the thrill of international cricket over the weekend, as the BKT Tyres ODI series between Australia and South Africa delivered both heartbreak and historic triumphs at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. Our coastal city proved it could host world-class sport, with fans witnessing performances that will be talked about amongst cricket fanatics for generations to come. The series opened on Friday night, August 22, with a tense contest, as South Africa silenced the home crowd,
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Mackay SLSC “Guardians of Harbour Beach since 1950” are kicking off the start of their season with a Sign On Day, Sunday the 31st of August from 9am – 11am at the surf club located at Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach. The Surf Club is holding “come and try” days for the whole of September. With surf education, fitness and beach skill activities, as well as a whole lot of fun being held from 8.45am each Sunday. The Nipper’s family will provide stinger suits, boards and all other equipment
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District Champ Of Champ Triples The District Champ of Champ Triples were played across two days at the Marian Bowls Club, beginning Wednesday, 13th August, with the final contested on Thursday, 14th August 2025. The final saw Airlie Beach face off against North Mackay in a thrilling clash full of surprises, skill, and steady nerves. Heading into the last end it was anyone’s game, but Airlie Beach held firm to secure victory by just one point. Congratulations to all who took part in this
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Mackay Table Tennis Fixture Results Mackay Table Tennis Association had some incredible matches on Tuesday, August 19. Trent Day has had an exceptional year, improving every week and showing his talent by winning all of his matches. He went head-to-head with his grandad, Barry Patterson, in a family war that saw both play a blinding match, with Trent coming out victorious in the 5th set, 12–10. Division 1 – Fish (Goncalo Serra, Steve Whiting, Jacob Whelan) defeated Bears (Lily Boland, Jo
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Over thirty runners and supporters gathered for the Blacks Beach Bush Bash (BBBB), with competitors tackling the 5km and 10km courses in cool, ideal conditions. Thanks to timekeeper Rohan Miles and course setup team Andrew Short, Len Howarth, and David Isbister, the event ran smoothly – without even the usual “lost runner” hiccup. President Paul Tilse thanked volunteers for their efforts and reminded members that there will be no Mackay Road Runners event on Father’s Day, Sunday 7th Septe
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BRIDGE Another stellar week at the bridge table saw Debra and Eric Goodchild take out the B4 Red Points event. The final week of the Anne Hird Memorial Trophy for Novices wrapped up after three weeks of play, with three different winners, and a deserving champion in Sandy Patterson. Sandy, a novice player, has steadily honed her skills, embraced new conventions, and expanded her bridge knowledge with dedication and determination. She perfectly reflects Anne Hird’s passion for supporting
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30km Sewer Main & Infrastructure Set To Fast Track Growth More than 6,250 new homes will be unlocked following a funding announcement of $53.5 million which is set to deliver three critical projects in the Burdekin electorate which encompasses Bowen and Collinsville. This project has been fast-tracked under the State Government’s landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund. The Residential Activation Fund will deliver a $33 million boost towards the $35 million Build Bowen South – Utilities
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In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Horseshoe Bay Social Club has once again shown how powerful a group with purpose — and kindness — can be. The club recently donated $2000 to the Bowen Hospital, with the funds dedicated to the development of the hospital’s new oncology clinic. The generous contribution was made possible through the ongoing efforts of club members, local supporters, and fundraising activities throughout the year. Committee members Max Martin and Perry proudly pr
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This week, I travelled to Townsville with a couple of our team members to interview sporting legend Johnathan Thurston. Our Sales Manager, Trish, teed up the opportunity, and our journo, Daniel, was brave enough to step up and conduct the interview — which we recorded for our YouTube channel. Upon arriving in Townsville, we were all excited — but definitely a little nervous. It’s not every day you get to meet an internationally recognised sports icon! When we arrived at the JT Academy, we expe
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Just last week, a fire broke out at the Bowen Landfill located at 908 Bowen Developmental Road after a selection of used batteries were disposed of incorrectly. It’s suspected the blaze was caused after a lithium-ion battery was wrongfully placed in the scrap metal pile at the dumping grounds. Lithium-ion batteries are highly hazardous if punctured, crushed or exposed to heat and pose a serious safety risk in instances like these when they’re not correctly disposed of. Thankfully, the Bowen De
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Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a 42-year-old man missing from Bowen since 19 August. Brett Breeze was last seen leaving a health facility at Gregory Street around 4.30pm on Tuesday and has not been seen since. Brett is described as Caucasian, approximately 180cm tall, with a solid build, auburn hair and blue eyes. Brett was last seen wearing a blue long sleeve fishing shirt, black shorts and sneakers with a dark coloured backpack. Police and family hold concerns fo
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Still overcome with gratitude, former Bowen local Lynn has decided to leave a lasting legacy to thank the hospital that saved her son’s life more than four decades ago. Lynn and her husband George’s journey into parenthood was marked with heartbreak, having lost two babies to stillbirth. In August of 1979, they welcomed their third child, Mark, born five weeks premature and facing overwhelming odds. He entered the world with a rare combination of conditions – H-type fistula, hare lip and cleft
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The Bowen Visitor Information Centre has been officially recognised as the best in its category, taking out “Visitor Information Centre of the Year” at the Queensland Information Centre’s Association (QICA) Awards. Three team members of Bowen Tourism and Business attended the annual QICA conference in Moreton Bay last week. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, paid tribute to the entire team of staff, volunteers and committee. She also thanked Whitsunday Regional Council f
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Bowen State School marked a major milestone on Saturday, celebrating its 160th birthday with a day full of pride, nostalgia, and community spirit. The event attracted a large crowd of past and present students, families, and staff, all gathering to honour the school’s rich history. Among the special guests was Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, a proud past student of the school. He was invited to lead the roll call, reading out the names of past students by decade from the 1930s to the
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Fennell’s Floorworld has been recognised on the national stage, taking out the prestigious Rising Star Award at the National Flooring World Conference Awards Night held in Brisbane last Thursday. Scott Fennell owner of Fennell’s Floorworld has been in the flooring industry for 40 years. The award, which cannot be entered but is instead selected from among Floorworld head office following a strict criteria, came as a huge surprise to the Cannonvale and Bowen based business. “We were jumping ou
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WILSON BEACH The first Europeans to settle in the Lower Conway area were the Wilson family - Fred in 1905 and his wife, Catherine, and children, Beatrice and Fred, in 1908. A pioneer to the Saltwater Creek area, Fred had previously travelled around Queensland finding employment as a shearer, a drover, and a farm hand. The Wilson family cleared the land and initially concentrated on growing bananas. In 1913, they sent their first sugar cane to the mill as the tramline had, by then, been extended
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What a month it's been for The Whitsundays! August delivered a packed calendar that brought our region alive with visitors and competitors from across Australia. The action kicked off with the 74 Islands Distillery Airlie Beach Race Week from 7-14 August. For six days, colourful sails dotted our waters while Airlie Beach buzzed with evening entertainment. Athletes then took centre stage at the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival on 17 August. The popular North Queensland ev
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