Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Red Emperor Constructions, based in Cannonvale, had a successful night at the 2025 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Director and Owner/Builder, Alistair Sawers accepted 4 Awards, including the highly sought after House of the Year, for the magnificent Haven on Hamilton. Alistair gracefully thanked the team at Red Emperor Constructions, the trades that contributed to this epic win, as well as Master Builders and all other award recipients. Site Manager, Iain Karon accepted the
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A stunning 400-square-metre home at Botanica Drive has earned Eastwood Projects their first Master Builders Award, marking a major milestone for the local construction company. “This was our first time entering the Master Builders Awards, so to come away with a win makes it even more special,” said Gabbi Eastwood from Eastwood Projects. “We really appreciate how Master Builders celebrate builders and high-quality workmanship, it feels good to be acknowledged for that.” The intricately designe
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Whitsundays-based company Tin Lid Enterprises has achieved its biggest milestone yet, taking out the prestigious Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year award at the Master Builders Awards. This award, which is the highest at the regional level, now positions the local family-owned business for the state finals in October. The award recognised Tin Lid’s outstanding work on the region’s new fire station, a project that demanded precision and technical skill. Over three months, the team complete
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The past 12 months have been nothing short of remarkable for Whitsundays-based actor Jean-Pierre Yerma (JP) who has added a string of major credits to his growing career. After years of honing his craft at NIDA and Sydney’s Actors Pulse, JP has seen his hard work pay off with back-to-back roles that highlight his versatility on screen. “It’s been incredible,” he said. “The roles coming my way recently have been doctors, fathers and witnesses—there’s definitely a theme, but each one has been rew
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Friday 29 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Graham Rix (from 8pm) KC's: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm) Saturday 30 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Luke Combs (Tribute Show) (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: DJ Schae KC's: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Sunday 31 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Luke Combs(Tribute Show) (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Grand
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August 31 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am September 2 Social Seniors - Coffee and Chat, Proserpine Library, from 9am 2 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 5 Don River Dash 300 Day 1, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm 3 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 6 Don River Dash 300 Day 2, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm **7 Father’s Day ** 7 Don River Dash 300 Day 3, Various Alon
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For Rhythm And The Reef 2025 Mackay shook, sang, and danced like never before as Rhythm and The Reef 2025 smashed records, drawing over 7,200 fans across two unforgettable days. The festival kicked off with an exclusive Friday pre-party at McGuire’s Hotel before erupting into full swing at Meadowlands Amphitheatre on Saturday, 23 August. Award-winning Amy Shark headlined, backed by a powerhouse mix of Australian favourites and rising local stars, delivering a performance that had music lovers o
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The St Patrick's College Cultural Showcase is being held on Thursday 4 September at the Bluewater Quay, in conjunction with the Riverside Markets. Join us as we celebrate the incredible talents of our students, showcasing captivating performances from a variety of college ensembles. Whether you’re a fan of rhythmic beats or melodious harmonies, the lineup has something for everyone. Including performances from the College Band, Drum Corp, Choir, Percussion Group, Stage Band and the lively
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A surge of local creativity has seen 17 artist books from Mackay region artists entered into the 2025 Libris Awards, setting a new record for participation. Some creations are crafted from delicate rice paper, others reflect the Mackay region’s unique environment, while some tell stories of past love. Five of the works were selected for the main exhibition at Artspace Mackay, while 10 others will be showcased in a complementary display, Little Libris, highlighting the skill and imaginatio
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Friday 29th August ** Mackay Disability Expo 9am Discover the Mackay Disability Expo, a free, welcoming event at the Showgrounds Big Shed. Explore specialist exhibitors offering prosthetics, physiotherapy, mobility aids, accessible fitness, housing solutions, and all-abilities sports. Enjoy displays by local groups, plus performances from CrossRoad Arts’ ROAR Program and Groove Movers interpretive dance. Connect, learn, and be inspired in a friendly, inclusive environment. The Showgrounds B
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Jay is a young, lovable boy with a heart full of affection and a tail that never stops wagging. He’s been waiting patiently for his second chance, and now he’s ready to find his forever family. This gorgeous pup is playful, friendly, and loves being around people. He’s the perfect mix of fun and loyalty — always up for an adventure but just as happy to curl up beside you at the end of the day. Jay’s Perfect Home: • A kind, loving family who can include him in daily life • Secure fencing to keep
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Get ready to unleash your inner Dancing Queen because SOS: The Australian ABBA Tribute Show is heading back to the Airlie Beach Hotel for two spectacular free matinee performances on Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th of September. From the very first note, SOS brings audiences a vibrant and nostalgic journey through ABBA’s greatest hits. With dazzling costumes, authentic choreography, and a live band that captures every iconic harmony, SOS transforms the stage into a 1970s disco dream. It’s
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by Sharon Ashman Last fortnight, we met the Red Brain – the angry, reactive part that yells, hits, and melts down. But what about when your child isn’t exploding – they’re withdrawing? They’re quiet, teary, refusing to talk, or saying things like “I’m dumb,” “No one likes me,” or “I can’t do it.” That’s the Blue Brain. The Blue Brain is our emotional brain. It’s where sadness, worry, and fear live. It’s where kids feel hurt but don’t know how to ask for help. Unlike the Red Brain, the Blue Bra
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The Div 1 men headed to Mackay for key games against Lions. Div 2 were up first wanting a win to cement their place in the finals. In the first half, Whitsunday was very flat with little to show in attack and a single goal lead not showing the Lions’ dominance. Second half was a different story with the team firing up and playing some of their best football of the season. Macka had his best game so far and a breakaway goal near the end gave WUFC a 3-2 win and confidence before the finals series
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A week of spirited play and community camaraderie has drawn to a close at the club, with members turning out in great numbers for our regular fixtures. The greens were alive with competition, good humour, and the unmistakable sense of friendly rivalry that defines bowls at Airlie Beach. Enthusiasm was high as participants vied for top honours and shared in the enjoyment of the game, whatever the result. The Saturday Scroungers final was held on 23 August, with Dennis Donadelli emerging victorio
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On Saturday, Jonathan Bye represented Proserpine in the Champion of Champions Singles at Souths Suburban. Jonathan faced Wayne Handley in the second round, going down 25–16. Wayne then met Phillip Blackburn from Wests Tigers, who defeated him 25–22 before going on to claim the title. In Wednesday’s social bowls, Arthur Griffith and Henny Tattam edged out Trevor Parsons and Sandy Daffara 24–21, while John Anderson and Philip Brown recorded a strong 39–14 win over Alen Sanderson and Mike Harrison
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Another great week of bowls was enjoyed in paradise, with plenty of action across the greens. Monday’s triples winners were Dave Madden, Joe Paynting and Ron Symmons, who defeated Jenny and Chris Healey with France Wilmann. The jackpot also went off in this game, as well as in the clash where Ron Boskma and Cameron defeated Eileen Dunne and Leon Fox. Runners-up were Bruce Thompson, Maureen Hyde and Ron Hyde over Graeme and Shirley Smith with Norm Dawson. Tuesday’s winners on Rink 3 were Margar
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The Cannonvale Cannons have started the season strong with a mix of development opportunities and the return of the club’s much-loved Wednesday night racing. Over the weekend, two of our juniors, Indi and Levi Smith, travelled to the Long Tan Memorial Pool in Townsville to take part in the Junior Achievers Squad clinic. Meanwhile, 17 of our dedicated Cannons headed south to the Memorial Pool in Mackay for the same program. Hosted by Swimming North Queensland and led by coaches David Proud and L
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The final round of the Premier League season was held on Sunday afternoon at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with top spot on the line. Dom Friend had a huge role to play in the day’s affairs, as both contenders for the title, Reef Peel and Jamie Maher, were set to face him. For Reef, nothing less than a win over Dom would do, and he would then need Dom to defeat Jamie later in the day for the league to be decided on leg difference. Jamie, on the other hand, only needed a draw or a win against Do
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Mackay Reflects On Vietnam Veterans And VP Day Mackay recently marked Veterans Day and Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day, honouring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of Australians who served in the armed forces. From battlefields to skies and seas, veterans faced extraordinary challenges to protect their country and its people. These commemorations do more than reflect on the past, they pass on stories of valour and service to future generations. Firsthand experiences, like those of Vietnam
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Hi everyone, it’s me again! I had the privilege of attending VP and Vietnam Veterans Day last week. It’s always a great reminder to be thankful for the life we live today, and to honour those who sacrificed their life for us. You can read all about it on pages 6-7. In particular page 6 is a story close to my heart, as it’s about a local pastor who served in the Vietnam War, and despite the aftermath of traumatic events he endured, he found a light at the end of it all and has been comple
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Mackay’s Chances House, a vital drop-in centre providing meals, basic amenities, healthcare assistance, case management, and even pet care for people experiencing homelessness, has received a generous boost from the local community. A two-day fundraising event hosted by Mackay Line Dancing raised an impressive $8,500 to support the organisation’s ongoing work. A representative from Chances House expressed deep gratitude for the initiative, saying, “Our hearts are full! A very special than
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With jet engines as the backdrop and stars above, Mackay’s most glamorous fundraiser is preparing for take-off. The Mackay Hospital Foundation has announced Ricbuilt Heavy Industries as naming-rights sponsor for this year’s Dinner on the Runway – a night set to dazzle while raising vital funds for local hospitals. The popular fundraising event, hosted by Ibis Mackay on Friday, 19 September, is now in its fifth year and continues to grow in scale and impact. Guests can expect live and sile
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It’s been a busy and rewarding week here in Mackay, with plenty happening across housing, science, public safety, and our vital primary industries. There’s never a dull moment — and that’s exactly how we like it. We welcomed Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth, Sam O’Connor, to Mackay to see firsthand the challenges we face in housing, as well as the people working hard to create real change. A highlight was opening a new social housing facility in North Mackay.
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Mackay Youth Experience The Thrill Of Sailing Excitement and smiles filled the waters of the Mackay Harbour last week as the Making Waves Foundation brought the thrill of sailing to the region. As part of its Northern Campaign 2025, the foundation kicked off the first of six ports along Queensland’s coast and Northern NSW, offering free, inclusive sailing programs for youth living with disabilities, many of whom were stepping aboard a boat for the very first time. Mayor Greg Williamson jo
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