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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Mellissa Austin's Commitment to Supporting Families with Knowledge, Care & Experience With two decades of experience and a wealth of education behind her, Mellissa Austin owns and operates Empower 4 Success with expertise to provide her clients with personalised, holistic support. Empower 4 Success offers a selection of comprehensive services to ensure the best results for you and your family, covering issues rooted in anger management, stress, depression, self-esteem, and anxiety. Mellis
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How Stress Shows Up in Your Pelvic Floor Most of us know what stress feels like — the tight shoulders, the clenched jaw, the racing thoughts at 3am. But there’s one place stress loves to hide that almost no one talks about: your pelvic floor. Yes, the same group of muscles that help keep you dry when you sneeze, support your organs, and form the foundation of your core can also become tense and overworked when life gets busy. Here in Mackay, it’s no surprise that many women are carrying tension
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Pleystowe Says No To BESS Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, is calling on Mackay Regional Councillors to stand with the community and vote against the proposed Pleystowe Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) when it comes before Council. Submissions have now closed, with close to 100 objections lodged by local residents, a powerful show of community concern from one of the most pristine rural localities in the region. Mr Kelly said the message from Pleystowe and the wider Pioneer Valley i
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The City Centre might be a long way from the North Pole, but this year it will be brimming with just as much Christmas magic. From carols to markets, dazzling projections to a moonlight movie, the City Heart Christmas celebrations on Friday, December 5 promise an unforgettable night for all ages. From 4pm to 9pm, Wood Street Park and surrounding areas will be transformed into a hub of free family fun. Highlights include a Moonlight Family Movie, roaming Christmas carollers, facepainting and g
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The Heart of Our Region The Mackay City Centre has long been recognised as the vibrant heart of the region, offering an inviting blend of local character, coastal charm and community spirit. From its warm, tropical atmosphere to its walkable streets and welcoming public spaces, the City Centre provides an experience that feels both relaxed and full of opportunity. Whether stopping in for a morning coffee, browsing boutique retailers, enjoying a treatment at a local beautician or settling i
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