Across the Whitsundays, Australian Defence Force (ADF) operation Talisman Sabre 2023 will take to the air, performing a series of tactical flying activities.From July 21 to August 4, residents should be aware of increased flight traffic, particularly military helicopters, including heavy lift with slung loads, and unmanned aerial drones which will be completing low-level tactical flying operations.
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Missed Options Rate Renewal Can Be Costly To be honest, when purchasing insurance, we often overlook some of the most costly factors, usually because we never really expect to “use it”. The most frequent statement I hear is, “Oh I didn’t include that in my renewal”. “That” could be any or all of these; ~ a hire vehicle ~ an unlimited kilometre option ~ a reduced excess ~ a windscreen replacement ~ a choice of repairer At the time of purchase these items appear to be unnecessary, however ofte
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This week friends, family and the broader Airlie Beach community are remembering a spirited champion of the region, who tirelessly worked for the greater good, most notably in his over 40 years’ service to the Rotary Club and as one of the first Cruise Ship Ambassadors.John Wilson Powell sadly passed away late last month, and almost a hundred people attended his funeral at the VMR in Cannonvale on Monday where his rich and fulfilling life was celebrated by all.
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The Townsville 500 races through Townsville this weekend, and a couple of north Queenslanders are living the ultimate V8 Supercar experience thanks to Porters Mitre 10. Mark “Frosty” Winterbottom’s supercar was on display at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay last week, with DeWalt challenging people of all ages to the pit-stop challenge. The quickest to change a tyre on the day to instantly won double passes to the Townsville 500, and there were plenty of other prizes, giveaways, demonstrations, fun and g
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For the fourth year, the Whitsunday Police force have hosted their Coffee with a Cop at the Whitsunday Plaza, on Wednesday July 5.With a smaller scale event compared to last years, members of the community were offered complimentary coffee and could have a chat with a local cop, asking all their pressing questions to the boys in blue.
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One of my most intimidating travel experiences was when I was suddenly swarmed by a gang of young street thieves as I was about to catch a train with my wife in an underground station in central Mexico City. We were catching the train to the suburbs to have a look at the museum-style house the artist Frida Khalo had shared with her equally famous husband Diego Rivera, a trip that also gave us the opportunity to visit the house around the corner where Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky was stabbe
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It started with an idea. An art studio trail that would connect, develop and showcase artists from across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region – enriching our arts scene, creating economic opportunities and promoting our region as a melting pot of creative talent and cultural tourism. It’s never been done before, not on this scale. The excitement is tangible. Fi Flohr, Earth Designs by Fi said she was ready for this opportunity. “I’ve been wanting to join a local network of artists for col
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Pretty cool hey! If you had to base it on how great it is, then the last two weeks would be testament to why we should pinch ourselves every day we get out of bed. Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming back to Mackay two of our stars from the Mackay Fire Special Olympics champions, Chloe and TJ. They had both been competing in Berlin with the Australian Basketball sides in the Special Olympics Games and to say we were proud of their achievements is an understatement. Both Chloe and TJ p
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A small community like Bowen was perfectly suited for senior CT radiographer Jaegeun Shin, who jumped at the opportunity to relocate to the town last September. Better known as Jack, he is making a massive impact to patients and their medical care, helping position Bowen Hospital in the top 25 per cent of low radiation dose facilities in all of Australia.
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Supporting women-owned businesses has become crucial in fostering economic empowerment and narrowing the gender gap. By consciously directing purchasing power and resources toward these enterprises, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society. Here are some top tips for supporting women-owned businesses and driving positive change: Seek Out Women-Owned Businesses: Start by actively seeking out women-owned businesses in your community. Attend local markets, explore online directories,
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Welcome to FY 2024. It’s full steam ahead in the Whitsundays with visitors flocking to the region over school holiday. And the weather has generally cooperated with a spectacular Whitsunday winter!Full steam ahead as Chamber advocacy over the last few weeks includes preparing members for new industrial relations changes that have come into effect, skilled workforce shortages and visa pathways, the regions housing crisis, and local precinct infrastructure -- particularly trying to mitigate negati
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Neoh Phoenix Photography Step into the vibrant world of Neoh Phoenix Photography, where Mackay-based photographer Maree Rowles weaves her magic through the lens. With a deep love for freezing cherished memories, Maree's journey into photography began as a mother capturing her own family's milestones. Now, she invites you to join her on an unforgettable photographic adventure. "I needed photography in my life to know that this was my record of my children growing up," Maree reflects. As a busy m
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Council adopted their 2023-24 Budget last Friday and our priority as Councillors was to maintain essential services with minimal rate rises for our residents. Against the backdrop of these rising costs and inflation sitting above six per cent, we have been able to keep the rate rise to a minimum, with an average increase in
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Dear phenomenal women in business, Today, we embark on a heartfelt journey into the realm of personal branding, where authenticity reigns supreme. Picture this: a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a candid conversation about unveiling your true self to the world. So, grab a seat and let's dive into the depths of vulnerability. In a world that often expects us to put on a brave face, it can be daunting to reveal our authentic selves. But here's a little secret: your vulnerability can be your
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From the end of July 2023, aviation fuel/AVGAS will be available at the Bowen Aerodrome!This welcome addition to the aerodrome will allow general aviators, aeroclub members and aircraft providing ag spraying to conveniently refuel on-site.
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A Week of Gin Tastings, Neon Art, Craft (Brews) And Cultural Delights The Mackay Festival of Arts is now in full swing, and this week’s offerings include gin tastings, the DBI Literary Dinner, the Mackay Art Studio Trail, sunset sessions and craft beer. This Saturday, July 8, from 6pm, there will be a gin tasting night at the Seabreeze Hotel featuring a four-course meal paired with hand selected, award-winning gins. Also on Saturday night, the Creative Art Studio is offering a Neon Night Sip an
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The Whitsundays region has seen unprecedented visitor growth, when compared with 2019 statistics. Results gathered from the National Visitor Survey (NVS) for the year ending March 2023 showed massive growth and expenditure of visitors to the area.
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Friday 7 July Between the Tides with Busby Marou Friday and Saturday, 4:00pm to 10:00pm Between the Tides is set along the picturesque coastline of Cape Hillsborough, a mere 40 minutes north of Mackay. In a world-first concert experience, national treasures, Busby Marou will host an intimate performance on the beach, inviting fans to an exclusive preview of their brand new album, 'Blood Red'. Cape Hillsborough National Park Free Public Art Walk Friday, 4:30pm to 5:30pm Hosted by Artspace Macka
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Living on the family farm was always on the cards for Glenn Clarke, a born and bred Proserpine local. Now four generations on the Glen Isla, just west of Proserpine township, Glenn has been growing and harvesting sugar cane for coming on 40 years now, since taking over operations from his father.
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A twelve-month edict to lift the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League championship trophy has nearly come to fruition for the St Patrick’s College Mackay Girls team. In another heart-breaking moment, the famous sporting nursery had to again settle for runners up medals after The Cathedral College Rockhampton were crowned Confraternity Carnival champions last Thursday after a thrilling 14-10 victory in the Shield decider at the St Laurence’s College grounds in Brisbane. It was
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On July 22, Proserpine Historical Museum is launching a new display, Women of the Whitsundays. This display acknowledges women, past and present, who have made significant contributions to the community and the celebration fittingly coincides with the centenary of the local Country Women’s Association.
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Directed by Kathryn Evans A Mackay Festival Fringe event by Kucom Theatre Kucom Theatre does not have a house curtain, so when the audience enters the auditorium, immediately one spies a bed on the stage. It’s a hotel room. A bridal suite. A pillow is on the floor next to the bed. A pair of women’s shoes, a man’s shirt…. a sock… his pants. Hello, you think, what’s all this then? The morning after the night before? It most certainly is. Two bodies in the bed start to stir…. a man sits up, looking
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Local marine operators have been working alongside Traditional Owners on the latest Tourism Reef Protection Initiative funded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).
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The only way is up – that is the new motto for the Mackay Cutters first grade rugby league team in this year’s Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup competition. After tossing cellar-dwellers Ipswich Jets 36-20 last Sunday at North Ipswich Reserve to post their second win of the 2023 season, the Mackay men are bent on climbing up the ladder. It was the club’s St Patrick’s College teaching connection that featured prominently in the win – with half back Brandon Finnegan, flying winger Flynn Cami
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After a successful States campaign in April, four rowers from the Mackay Rowing Club travelled to Sydney to compete in the 2023 Australian Masters Rowing Championships at the start of June, again returning with a bevy of medals. Jane Deguara, Therese Clancy, Richard McGrath and Mick Wohlfhart raced against the best in the country at the Championship held from June 1 to 4 Sydney International Regatta Centre. Ms Deguara and Ms Clancy kicked off their campaign with a silver medal in a quad scull w
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