Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Great Barrier Reef’s Unlikely Eco-Engineers Despite their name, sea cucumbers are not fruits, vegetables or any sort of plant. They’re animals—ancient, slow-moving, wonderfully strange animals that have been cleaning and recycling the ocean floor for millions of years. Sea cucumbers belong to the class Holothuroidea and are close relatives of sea stars and sea urchins. More than 1,700 species are found worldwide, living on the seafloor from shallow coral reefs to the inky darkness of the de
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U11s Girls The U11 Pitties Girls returned to Proserpine High this week, facing the Norths Devils in sweltering conditions and on a thick, heavy outfield that made boundaries hard to come by. Norths batted first after winning the toss, but the Pink Pitbulls were on top from the start. E. Brazil struck early with a peach of a delivery, finishing with 1-4 from three overs, while F. Gallagher added 1-6 off two. The rest of the bowling attack supported strongly, keeping runs tight and creating run-o
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Port Denison Gun Club finished the year on a high note with its November/Christmas Shoot over the weekend of Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November. Shooters from across the region, including Burdekin, Charters Towers, Dysart, Karumba, Mackay/Sarina, Normanton, Silkwood and Townsville, joined local competitors for a weekend of spirited competition. The weather provided a challenge, with strong winds on Saturday giving way to hotter, but breezier conditions on Sunday, much to the relief of participa
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The Bowen Under-14 junior cricket team travelled to Home Hill on 30 November 2025 for a competitive match that showcased strong team performances. Electing to field first, Bowen’s bowlers made an immediate impact. Coen Edgerton and Mitchell Hearn started strongly, keeping the run rate under control, before Coen broke through to dismiss one of the opening batsmen. The team continued to apply pressure with tight bowling and sharp fielding, highlighted by a spectacular diving catch from Matt Brazi
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As the year winds down, social bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club will conclude for 2025, with the last day of play scheduled for Sunday, December 14. The club plans to reopen on Sunday, January 24, 2026, with an Australia Day-themed event. Members are encouraged to get creative with their outfits to celebrate both the start of the year and Australia Day. On Wednesday, seven players enjoyed an afternoon of bowls. Trevor Parsons and Philip Brown recorded a convincing win over Barry Zillmann and Sand
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The Cannonvale Cannons have wrapped up a huge fortnight of racing, delivering standout performances across three regional events. Last weekend, swimmers attended the 52nd Great Barrier Reef Long Course Transition Meet in Mackay, a club favourite hosted by Mackay Swimming Academy. Despite technical delays on Day One, the carnival proved worth the wait with strong results across the board. Notable PBs were recorded by Hamilton Anflous, Tyler Bennett, Declan Dichiera, Miller Eaves, Ruby Harland, S
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Friday the 21st saw picklers from the Gloucester Sport & Recreation Association out enjoying some festive fun as they celebrated both Christmas and their first anniversary. During the afternoon, members voted on a name for their new pickleball machine, purchased with support from a Whitsunday Regional Council grant. The winning name, Lobbie Lobster, has already become a favourite among players, helping them warm up and practise their shots. Eighteen players—mostly locals, along with two visitor
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Tuesday afternoon winners were Stumpy Adams, Lindy Suann, Shirley Jones and Cliff Querro, who defeated Kay Drury, Skin Querro, Deb Retchless and Margaret Wilson. The jackpot didn’t go off. Last week, Isobel Wheeler, a long-time member of the club, reached an important milestone—turning 90. Ladies President Margaret Wilson had the pleasure of presenting Isobel with her Matriarch badge in front of members and family. On Sunday morning, our bowls sections held their respective AGMs. Graeme Read ha
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The last week of spring is behind us and we’re about to enter the final month of the year, but nothing seems to slow the improvement of our bowlers, with another week of outstanding results. Tuesday afternoon social bowls showcased a brilliant performance from our little pocket rocket, Carol Crosbie, who is currently in a real purple patch with her accurate, precision bowling. She teamed up with Betty Whitehorn—also bowling with supreme confidence—and shared lead duties with Wendy Pomeroy and Me
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The 2025 season has officially come to a close for Cannonvalley Pony Club, marking the end of another successful, safe, and enjoyable year of riding, learning, and community spirit. Members, families, and friends came together for a fantastic end-of-season break-up party, filled with fun games, laughter, and a great chance to catch up without the horses. The celebration was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year and recognise the dedication of everyone who contr
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The Whitsunday Swimming Club wrapped up the first half of the 2025/2026 season in style with a festive final club night for 2025 on Monday. Swimmers came together for an evening of laughter, fun swims, Christmas carols, and plenty of food. The festivities were even brightened by a visit from the club’s resident Frogette. The season so far has been busy, with swimmers competing at a range of meets, including: Cannonvale SC Meet Gardens SC Meet QLD SC Championships Townsville Tourists Meet Whitsu
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School’s out across the Mackay region, and for the Class of 2025, the final bell has never sounded louder. Year 12 students have wrapped up exams, celebrations and long-held traditions as they get ready to step boldly into their next chapter. Last week, Whitsunday Anglican School farewelled its seniors with the annual Walk of Honour — a moment echoed in spirit across the region as students gathered to applaud their graduates. Now, the Class of 2025 prepares to scatter into apprenticeships, uni
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Hi lovely readers! I’m back from my little holiday, and I had such a wonderful time. Adam and I rolled out of bed last Friday around 4am, grabbed our camera gear, and hit the road up to Cape Hillsborough. The fog settled over the canefields and mountains, and we just knew it was going to be an awesome day! Of course, we made a little pit stop at the Farleigh servo to grab some breaky before hitting the road again. Once we arrived, I eagerly hopped out of the car, set up my camera, and raced
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In moments of heartbreak, kindness has a way of shining its brightest — and for one local family, the compassion shown by first responders and medical staff has become a source of comfort during an incredibly painful time. In a heartfelt message shared with the community, a daughter has expressed her deep appreciation for everyone who helped her father on Sunday. “On behalf of my Mum, my siblings, and myself, we would like to express our greatest gratitude to the Queensland Ambulance, Care Fli
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Last Sunday, the Mackay region came together to celebrate International Men’s Day, recognising the contribution of men in families, workplaces, and the wider community. The event, hosted by Walkerston Rotary at the Mackay Surf Club, offered a thoughtful and informative session focused on men’s health, wellbeing, and the importance of speaking up. The gathering featured a range of expert speakers who shared valuable insights on physical and mental health. Nigel Thomas from the Heart Suppor
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, says Labor’s humiliating reversal on forcing regional communities onto slower, lower-quality roads confirms what locals have been saying for months: the policy was unworkable, unsafe, and designed to shift costs away from Canberra and onto the bush. Mr Willcox said he heard the message “loud and clear” from residents right across the Dawson electorate. “People in Dawson told me bluntly that they don’t want to be slowed down on rural roads that a
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Mackay’s sporting future is set for a major upgrade, with the Government committing $23.5 million to Stage 2 of the Great Barrier Reef Arena under the statewide Games On! program. The funding, now received by Harrup Park, will support the development of a state-of-the-art multi-sport facility designed to become a central community and events hub for the Mackay–Whitsundays region. Once complete, the venue could play host to cricket during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, cem
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A burst of colour, creativity and culture has officially shaped the face of the 2026 North Queensland Games, with local student Georgia Thorning announced as the winner of the region-wide mascot design competition. The contest invited children aged up to 16 to create a brand-new mascot ahead of the Games’ return to Mackay in May 2026. Entries closed at Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre on October 6, 2025, with prizes including $500 cash and NQ Games merchandise for the winning design, and me
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Mackay’s Women-Only Triathlon Set For A 2026 Comeback Ready to turn “I can’t” into “I did”? The countdown is on for one of the region’s most uplifting sporting events — the Women’s Only Triathlon, returning to the Mirani Swim Centre on 22 February 2026 and proudly supported by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP). The event continues to grow each year, built on a simple yet powerful motto: “Together we Rise.” It’s an invitation for women of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels t
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Mackay welcomed 106 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony last week, celebrating residents from across the globe who have chosen to make the region their home. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP attended the event, presenting each new citizen with an Australian flag and reading a message on behalf of the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration. Mr Willcox said he was pleased to be part of the milestone, noting, “Mackay has welcomed 106 new Australians and I was pleased to be part
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Researchers, clinicians, students and health leaders came together in Mackay on Friday 7 November for the 2025 Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Research and Innovation Symposium, a forum showcasing research and innovation to improve healthcare and patient outcomes. Hosted by the Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation (MIRI), the research and innovation arm of the Mackay HHS, this year’s symposium was themed ‘Research. Translate. Evolve’, underscoring the importance of transla
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Soroptimist International Mackay (SI Mackay) officially launched the Yarn Against Harm installation last Monday, 24 November 2025, at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Playground, marking the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Led by SI Mackay and created with contributions from across the community, the Yarn Against Harm installation became a vibrant and meaningful display aimed at raising awareness, sparking conversation, and showing solidarity
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Works are due to start shortly to improve access and visitor experience at the popular Tropical Shade Garden. This much-loved garden, located next to the Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Building, showcases a diverse collection of shade-tolerant plants and is a favourite among visitors. Works will include footpath improvements, with selected gravel paths being replaced by concrete surfaces and boardwalks. The project is expected to take several months, with completion anticipated by
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Pioneer State High School students were given a hands-on introduction to environmental science, cultural knowledge and real-world problem-solving last week when Reef Catchments and STEM Punks Education visited as part of the Healthy Rivers to Reef Schools Program. Reef Catchments’ Traditional Owner Engagement Officer Robert Congoo said his involvement comes through a partnership focused on “embedding different knowledge systems” into STEM programs delivered across the Whitsunday, Isaac and Mack
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At The Sarina State High School Awards Night Sarina State High School (SSHS) students Makayli Moyle and Makylha Bourke were each awarded a $2000 Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Senior Schooling Scholarship at the 2025 SSHS Awards Night. In addition to the Scholarship Program, Community Bank Sarina sponsors the Community Citizenship Role Model Awards (Years 7–12), Employment Ready Award and Excellence in Business Award. Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich emphasised C
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