Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
When Marla was rescued while pregnant, she had only just made it to safety. Since then, this gentle 7-year-old Staffy-cross has poured her heart into raising her pups. Now that her mothering duties are complete, it’s finally her turn to find a loving forever home. Marla is the very definition of a sweetheart. She adores children, gets along with dogs and cats, and even makes friends with roosters. With her affectionate nature and easygoing temperament, she would thrive in a kind, caring family
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Prepare for an unforgettable two days when the spectacular two-hour live performance, Hurricane: The Australian Luke Combs Tribute Show comes to town at the Airlie Beach Hotel. Promising to be more than just a concert this tribute is a deep dive into the catalogue of one of country music's biggest stars. This show pays homage to a man who, in a remarkably short time, has become a global country music icon. Born and raised in North Carolina, Luke Combs left college to pursue his passion, movin
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More than 600 students from Bowen State High School and Proserpine State High School explored future career opportunities at the 2025 Careers Expo, held in McKenna Hall last week. The event brought together 40 stalls representing a wide range of industries, including health, mining, transport and logistics, disability support, emergency services, aged care, agriculture, fitness, and universities. Local businesses and regional companies were also on hand to share their expertise and advice. For
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Proserpine State High School students were treated to history coming to life with a special World War II Commemorative Convoy stopping at the school. The commemorative convoy was led by Rockhampton Returned Services League members who are travelling to Townsville to commemorate the Victory Pacific 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and remember all who served in the Australian Military during that difficult time. Dressing in Australian WWII period uniforms and driving authentically re
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With Pastor Andy Wilson From Whitsunday Baptist Church Are we looking at the right statistics in the right way? For decades, society has rightly fought for women’s rights. But in the process, have some men been left behind? In the 1960s and ’70s, Australia introduced no-fault divorce laws, initially to protect women—especially those abandoned by husbands. These laws allowed women to retain the family home and often full custody of the children. At the time, it was a necessary reform. But five de
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By Sharon Ashman You can’t talk to an angry brain. Have you ever tried reasoning with a child in the middle of a meltdown? It doesn’t work – and here’s why. When your child is yelling, hitting, throwing things, or just completely losing it, they’re not being “naughty” – they’re in their Red Brain. This is the reactive, survival part of the brain – I call it the T-Rex Zone. It’s all fight, flight, or freeze – and it takes over when kids feel overwhelmed, unsafe, or out of control. In Red Brain
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Forty years ago, on July 24, 1985, Kelsey Creek joined the age of modern telecommunications. Kelsey Creek was the last country exchange functioning in the Mackay District. While the transformation to a new automatic exchange provided subscribers with up-to-date phones and services, many missed the personal service provided by Marie Fraser, the operator of this manual exchange at the time. Marie had tended that country hook up from 1968 – 1985 running the service from the bottom floor of the fami
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Di Jackson’s journey is a testament to the power of sport in rebuilding identity, fostering community, and providing hope beyond her diagnosis of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. Through her determination, she continues to inspire others to embrace new challenges and find strength through sport. Di’s drive to stay active led her to the 2024 DoD Warrior Games in Florida, an adaptive sports competition for current and former military personnel. The experience not only reignited her competitive spir
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The Bowen Polocrosse Club hit the highway in full force recently, travelling to Gordonvale for the Pyramid Polocrosse Carnival in what felt like a regional convoy of floats, utes, horses, and determination. With gear packed, horses loaded, and a solid playlist (or two) on rotation, players from Bowen, Sarina, Proserpine, and Townsville made the journey north to represent the Bowen Polocrosse Club with pride. Bowen 1, made up of Bryce Watson, Adam Burns, and Teneale Griggs, had a strong start to
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The Proserpine Showground was alive with activity as caravans from across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland gathered for this year’s Wintersun Annual Carnival. A full field of 137 players competed — including 47 ladies and 90 men — with Proserpine veterans well represented by 15 ladies and 18 men. Thanks go to everyone who contributed their time and donations, helping make the event a huge success. Congratulations to the 36-hole champions: Ladies champion Sharon Ischenko from Yeppoon sc
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The Queensland Game Fishing Association recently held its Annual General Meeting and Awards Night, hosted this year by the Townsville Game Fish Club. The Whitsunday Game Fish Club achieved outstanding results, winning both the All-Ports Champion Club for Zone 2 (Mackay, Whitsunday and Townsville) and the coveted All-Ports Champion Club for Queensland. The All-Ports competition is held over two nominated weekends each year, with clubs from across the state competing. For one of the smaller clubs
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Seven Cannonvale Cannons took to the pool at the 2025 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Short Course Championships, held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre in Chandler. Representing the club were Harris and Tora Delac, Thomas Ganter, Ruby Harland, Celeste Orenshaw, and brothers Alex and Zach Trefz. Sadly, Tyler Bennett, who had qualified for three events, was forced to withdraw due to illness. The four-day competition was split into seven sessions and saw the Cannons deliver outstanding performances.
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It was a milestone day on Sunday for the local darts club, as members gathered for their first-ever Grand Prix event — and what a day it turned out to be. Traditionally a singles competition club, the event offered a refreshing twist with players teaming up in pairs and competing in a “doubles in, doubles out” format. The competition was seeded to create four evenly balanced teams, with the table after the three round-robin fixtures finishing as follows: R. Peel / A. Peel – 6 points A. McMinn
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It was a fabulous week of bowling at Airlie Beach, with events ranging from social games to championship clashes. Wednesday evening Business House Bowls continues to grow in popularity, drawing an increasing number of local businesses along with their friends, families, and workmates for friendly competition. Earlier in the week, the club hosted the District Champion of Champion Ladies A and B Grade Singles from Monday to Wednesday. The B Grade title went to Sarina club member Marlene, while N
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It was another action-packed week on the green for Wangaratta Bowls Club, with strong turnouts across all competitions. Monday’s triples winners were Eileen Dunn, John F., and Geof Col, who defeated Grant Ingh, Bob Lindsay, and Leon Fox. Runners-up were Dave Richard, Bob Agg, and Denis Madeley, who overcame Buff Graham and Kennedy. The jackpot remained unclaimed. On Tuesday, the club hosted a full green for President Margaret’s Day, proudly sponsored by Tropical Beach Caravan Park. The morning
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August has been a busy month at Proserpine Golf Club, with multiple Opens, Ladies’ Pennants, and the start of the Wintersun Vets competition complementing regular play. The three Opens held from August 1–3 featured strong fields and some great performances. Men’s A Grade winners were Levi Holmes (Gross) and Ben Harrison (Nett), B Grade winners Brent Franke (Gross) and Chris Brett (Nett), and C Grade winners Kale Malone (Gross) and Chris Pirlo (Nett). Ladies’ Open winners included Sara Hagy (A
Read moreIt was another action-packed week on the green for Wangaratta Bowls Club, with strong turnouts across all competitions. Monday’s triples winners were Eileen Dunn, John F., and Geof Col, who defeated Grant Ingh, Bob Lindsay, and Leon Fox. Runners-up were Dave Richard, Bob Agg, and Denis Madeley, who overcame Buff Graham and Kennedy. The jackpot remained unclaimed. On Tuesday, the club hosted a full green for President Margaret’s Day, proudly sponsored by Tropical Beach Caravan Park. The morning
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Mackay’s Cricket Scorecard Challenge Starts Now Mackay is ready to bat above and beyond this August, as the Great Barrier Reef Arena steps up to host men’s international cricket for the very first time. This landmark event, featuring top-tier teams like Australia and South Africa, promises to ignite the city’s passion for the sport while showcasing the region’s vibrant spirit. To celebrate, the Discover Mackay Cricket Scorecard Challenge invites locals and visitors alike to explore the stunning
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Hi everyone, What a week it’s been! Sport is thriving across our region – from the recent Wanderers footy carnival featured on page 41, to the excitement building as the Great Barrier Reef Arena prepares to host men’s international cricket for the first time later this month, which you can read all about on page 38. On a more personal note, I want to take a moment to encourage you to check in – with yourself and those around you. Last week, I attended the official launch of the Univers
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Edie Weiss Honoured As Pyjama Angel Of The Year The Mackay community recently celebrated one of its own, Edie Weiss, who was named Pyjama Angel of the Year at the Mackay Pyjama Foundation Awards. This special event recognises volunteers who selflessly support children in out-of-home care, offering them hope and stability through mentorship. Edie has made a remarkable impact by dedicating one hour each week to a child in need. Through the Pyjama Foundation’s trauma-informed program, she re
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In a move set to shape Mackay’s next chapter, council chambers confirmed last Monday, August 11, that Gerard Carlyon will step in as Mackay Regional Council’s new Chief Executive Officer. The decision, made during a special meeting, marks a homecoming for Mr Carlyon, who will take up the role at the end of September after previously serving the region as Director of Community Services and Director of Planning from 2009 to 2018. Mr Carlyon said returning to Mackay was very much a homecomi
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The students of Mackay West State School had the honour of hosting a momentous occasion this week, as an official Australian Flag, previously flown over Parliament House in Canberra, was brought to the school by the Speaker of the House, the Hon.Milton Dick, as part of the Parliament in Schools program and National Flag Roadshow. This national initiative was made even more special with the visit marking the first time a Speaker has visited the electorate of Dawson. The visit was proudly f
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Over 35,000 Teachers Strike Over Extreme Workloads, And Lack Of Support Queensland classrooms faced significant disruption last Wednesday after more than 35,000 teachers walked off the job for 24 hours, citing concerns over school safety, unsustainable workloads, and deteriorating conditions – concerns they say the government continues to ignore. Despite official statements from the Department of Education claiming schools would remain “operational” with “limited disruption,” many within the pr
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Panic disorder, or reoccurring panic attacks, can be a debilitating condition which significantly impacts quality of life and two Mackay psychiatrists are keen to explore a potential solution for those willing to join a clinical trial. Psychiatrist and clinical trial lead Dr Alok Rana says patients describe panic disorder as all-consuming. “Their life actually goes on hold,” Dr Rana said. “There are triggers which are outside the house, so they start confining within the house. “Also,
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Mackay Welcomes Launch Of Universal Aftercare Program A new chapter in suicide prevention has officially begun in Mackay, with the launch of the Universal Aftercare program – a much-needed support service for locals aged 15 and over who have experienced a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis. Launched last Friday at the Mackay Base Hospital courtyard, the initiative represents a powerful collaboration between Wellways Australia, Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS), and Northern Queensl
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