Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Tourism Whitsundays Connects With Key Trade Partners Earlier this month, Tourism Whitsundays attended Australia Marketplace North America in Los Angeles, hosted by Australia.com.The event brought together 110 buyers from the US and Canada and 91 Australian sellers. Across two days and 76 meetings, Tourism Whitsundays connected with key trade partners from North America to provide updates and information on the region.Interest in The Whitsundays and travel to the region remains very strong.Follow
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Patches the Gentle Giant This week’s spotlight shines on Patches, a 3-year-old Mastiff x Bull Arab with a heart as big as his paws. Life hasn’t been easy for Patches – he was abandoned and rescued in poor condition – but thanks to care and patience, he’s regained his strength and is ready to start a new chapter with a forever family. Though a little nervous when meeting new people, once Patches feels safe, his goofy and loveable personality comes shining through. He’s a gentle soul who adores b
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Animal rescue groups and organisations within the Whitsunday Shire and beyond have sounded the call for support, announcing a series of Adopt-A-Dog Day events across North Queensland. On Saturday, the 11th of October from 10am to 2pm, Pets Domain Bowen will host an Adopt-A-Dog Day event to give the community a chance to meet, support and celebrate rescue dogs in need for forever homes. In conjunction with SavourLife, Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue will be in store this Saturday to introduce
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A Proserpine business with deep roots in the region’s hunting and sporting community is continuing to grow, offering one of the widest ranges of firearms and outdoor gear in North Queensland. Hunting & Shooting Supplies Whitsunday has been a staple for around 13 years, with owner Marty Duggan at the helm for the past six and a half. His passion for firearms and hunting inspired him to leave the transport industry to run a family-owned shop closer to home. The store carries an extensive product
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Peninsula Airlie Beach has once again been recognised on the national stage, winning the Australian Residential Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA) Award for Resident Manager Of The Year – Short Term. It marks the second time the resort’s management Paul and Francine Tuddenham have taken out the prestigious award, having previously won in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in both 2023 and 2024. The award, presented at a gala ceremony at The Star Casino on the Gold Coast, attracted more t
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Hi Everyone,What a week it’s been for our crew! Across our four papers, we’ve pulled together four incredible special features for the community — from milestone celebrations to local Job Fairs — we’ve truly covered it all!If you’re not quite sure what a special feature is, you can see some of our latest ones in action on pages 16–18 of Whitsunday Life and 28–34 of Mackay Life. These multi-page spreads are a vibrant, engaging way to spotlight something meaningful — whether it's a business annive
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Whitsunday Regional Council is reminding Collinsville residents that applications for the Flying-Fox Resident Assistance Lifestyle Grants close on November 1. The grants are aimed at supporting residents impacted by flying-fox roosts in urban areas, providing practical lifestyle solutions to help reduce the effects of noise, odour, and property damage caused by the animals. Council has secured $46,000 in funding from the Queensland Government and will contribute an additional $20,000 to direct
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The Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) has been actively campaigning to save trees threatened by the proposed widening of Shute Harbour Road between Paluma Road and the Tropic Road roundabout. WCC explained that they first met with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in February 2023, after it was announced that work would begin on preparations for the widening of Shute Harbour Road, including moving power lines, reconstructing pathways and removing trees and vegetation. WCC st
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In Australia, there are 425,000 people living with dementia as of 2024, with that number expected to more than double to over 800,000 by 2054. Even if dementia doesn’t directly affect you, the likelihood of it touching someone close to you in your lifetime is very high. Rebecca Ross is one of those people. Her beloved mother was recently diagnosed with frontal temporal and vascular dementia. It has been a journey she describes as heartbreaking, but one she is determined to turn into hope and a
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Missing Man Brett Breeze Has Been Missing From Bowen For Six Weeks More than six weeks after Brett Breeze was last seen, his family is still searching for answers — and holding on to hope. The Bowen man, 49, vanished on Tuesday, 19 August, shortly after presenting to Bowen Hospital for treatment relating to his mental health. He was due to be transferred to Mackay Base Hospital the following day, but never arrived. Despite extensive search efforts by police, SES volunteers, and professional tr
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Airlie Beach came alive over the weekend as more than 700 young rugby players and several thousand spectators descended on the Whitsunday Sportspark for the 2025 Viking Cup 10s — a record-breaking celebration of junior rugby union. Now recognised as North Queensland’s largest junior rugby carnival, this year’s event featured 51 teams across seven divisions, making it the biggest two days in the history of the Whitsunday Sportspark. Families travelled from across Queensland to take part, with te
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Let’s Get Ready, Whitsundays!This week is Get Ready Week, a reminder for all of our Whitsunday community to take a few simple steps now to prepare for the storm and cyclone season ahead.Locals know all too well how unpredictable the weather can be, from heavy rain and flash flooding to strong winds and tropical cyclones. Being prepared early makes a huge difference when severe weather hits, and this week is the perfect time to check your emergency plans, top up your supplies and talk with your f
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Then and Now By the mid 1920s, many Proserpine districts boasted a hall of their own. These places were not only hubs of social events but also provided a centre for such activities as meetings of canegrowers, polling booths and Country Women’s Association gatherings. They were the heartbeat of these communities. Sadly, time has seen most of these halls fall into disrepair and close down. BUT not so, Kelsey Creek. Kelsey Creek Hall, made of timber with corrugated iron walls, was built by J P Mu
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Hi everyone,Hope you’re having a great week as always!This week, amid the busy pace of journalism, I’ve been reflecting on my “why.” They say that when you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life, and I’ve found that to be true!Life can throw challenges our way, sometimes feeling like mountains. But knowing your why can turn those hurdles into blessings rather than burdens.It’s easy to get caught up in what’s wrong in the world, especially in this fast-paced, digital age. If you s
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**Friday 10th October ** Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Seniors Fitter For
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At South Suburban Bowls Club South Suburban Bowls Club is set to host the 2025 State Mixed Pairs Championships this weekend, bringing two days of high-level bowls action to the region. The event kicks off on Saturday 11th October at 9 a.m., with competition continuing through Sunday 12th October. The championships will feature some of Queensland’s finest bowlers, combining seasoned champions and local talent. Spectators can expect fast-paced games, strategic play, and a lively atmosphere as par
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Bringing Nostalgia Back To Modern Homes Kitchens are no longer just functional spaces; they’re the heart of the home, where style and personality meet practicality. In 2025, one of the standout trends reshaping these central hubs is the retro revival — a nostalgic nod to mid-century designs and vintage charm, now infused with modern convenience. Retro-inspired kitchens are all about personality. Bold colours are making a statement, from candy-apple reds and deep teals to mustard yellows and pas
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The Longest-Running Breakfast Show In The Region Triple M Mackay & The Whitsundays will mark a major milestone this Friday when Jay & Dave broadcast their 3,300th Breakfast Show, cementing their place as the longest-running breakfast team in the region. Since their first show together in 2011, Jay Shipston and Dave Peters have been the voices locals wake up to. Across more than 11,500 hours on air, they’ve laughed, cried, and shared every major moment with the community — from cyclones and floo
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I got out of my car near my office in Victoria St the other day and was swooped by a pee wee that came from behind and landed a peck on my head. Like most people, I’m not a big fan of being swooped but it’s usually aggressive male magpies that bring me grief during their breeding season, although I’ve clashed with a few plovers over the years. It probably makes me a bad person but I often think rogue, aggressive male magpies are given a bit too much latitude when they constantly, aggressively
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Community is at the heart of Hugh Reilly Real Estate, and their support reaches far beyond the walls of their office. For more than 80 years, the agency has been a familiar and trusted name in Mackay, known not only for real estate expertise but for their generous commitment to giving back. Partner and Managing Director, Josey Comerford, is often seen supporting local initiatives across the region. Recently, she joined fellow business leaders for the Chamber of Commerce B2B Brews event at Macka
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The team at Hugh Reilly Real Estate proved that laughter truly is the best office policy this April Fools’ Day. In a moment of light-hearted fun, Carol arrived at work to find her entire desk covered in the team’s funniest faces – a cheerful surprise that instantly set the tone for a day filled with laughter. Each photo featured a member of the Hugh Reilly team pulling their best expression, creating a collage of smiles that had everyone stopping by for a chuckle. Known for their professionali
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Mackay’s young athletes are gearing up for the All Schools State Schools Track and Field Championships in Townsville this October, following strong performances at the Capricornia and North Queensland school trials in September. Twelve squad members earned spots across a range of events. 10–12 years age group; 13–15 October: • Penny Shields - 800m and 1500m • Harper Miles - 200m, 400m, 800m and the 1500m 13–19 years age group; 16–19 October: • August Cole - 400m, 800m, 1500m and the 2000m St
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High-Speed Motorcycle Incident At Bakers Creek A 21-year-old Sarina man has been intercepted by police following an alleged high-speed incident on the Mackay Ring Road at Bakers Creek on Saturday, October 4, 2025. At approximately 8.49pm, officers conducting mobile speed enforcement patrols allegedly detected a Kawasaki ZX 12R motorcycle travelling at 178 kilometres per hour in an 80-kilometre-per-hour zone — 98 kilometres over the posted speed limit. Police intercepted the motorcycle and spo
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Chances House Mackay provides vital support to people experiencing homelessness, and the team is reaching out to the community for a little extra help. Residents rely on the generosity of locals to access basic necessities, and right now the shelter is in need of a range of essential items. Non-perishable foods are always appreciated, with tins featuring ring pulls preferred for ease of use. Donations of noodles, spaghetti, baked beans, tuna, fruit cups, and chunky soups go directly to those wh
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Some of Mackay’s most vulnerable young patients are benefitting from the gift of refreshed rooms, new amenities, cosy therapeutic bean bags and modern furniture thanks to the generosity of AutoCorner Mackay. Representatives visited the Children and Adolescent Unit mental health rooms to view the results of their generous donation which was arranged by the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Nurse unit manager Louise Suner and enrolled nurse Kirby Green gave a tour of the refreshed lounge area and pati
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