Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
As we step into Get Ready Queensland Week (8-13 October), it's crucial to reflect on the recent devastating weather events that have unfolded globally. The toll of Hurricane Helene has been catastrophic, claiming over 230 lives across multiple states in the US. Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend region, marking the deadliest hurricane to strike the mainland since Katrina in 2005. Hot on Helene's heels, Hurricane Milton is set to strike Florida with unprecedented
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A major funding boost for a significant piece of Whitsunday boating infrastructure could be a game changer for local boaties, with upgrades announced this week to the Shute Bay Boat Ramp and Carpark. Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm was at the site of the current boat ramp last week and vocalised her intentions to deliver a new four-lane boat ramp and 130 trailable carparks if she is elected for a second term in the upcoming state elections due to be held later this month. The current boat ramp
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Mackay’s Leap Into Bio-Manufacturing A groundbreaking development is set to revolutionise Mackay, as Australian food-tech company Cauldron Ferm partners with the Queensland government to establish the region’s first precision fermentation contract manufacturing facility. The $100 million-plus "Cauldron Bio-fab" will become the largest end-to-end contract manufacturer of precision-fermented products in the Asia-Pacific, deploying state-of-the-art ‘hyper-fermentation’ technology to drive down cos
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Hi Everyone, It’s a kid’s life here in the Whitsundays! Everywhere I turn there seems to be another event for our little darlings to enjoy – from the recent Kids Fishing Day to the upcoming Healthy Kids Expo – there is so much for families to enjoy, no wonder we are considered one of the most liveable places in Queensland for young families. I remember when I first arrived in Airlie Beach as a 23-year-old backpacker on a Grey Hound Bus almost 20 years ago – it was certainly a different plac
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In a powerful show of support, seven senior students from Whitsunday Anglican School came together in their final term to make a difference, cutting their hair for the Ponytail Project and supporting those affected by cancer through the Cancer Council. Amelia Werner, Faith Rayner, Alex Otto, Amel Seethyah, Emerson Crowe, Olivia Whitehead, Hope Ware and Jazzie Sullivan all took part in this meaningful cause, where each student pledged to cut at least 20 centimetres from their hair. The donated h
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Technology advances in the medical sector, along with specialist training, are delivering a service to women in the Mackay region that previously required surgery. Endometriosis in Queensland has a higher prevalence than the national average and is a condition where endometrial-like tissue is present outside the uterus. It is associated with pelvic pain, infertility, and poor mental health, and often many women suffer for years without a diagnosis, as up until now it would require surgery. With
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Last week, two dogs embarked on an unexpected adventure. While enjoying their regular morning beach walk, Rebecca and Paul Douthwaite were accompanied by their three dogs: Nym, Bella, and Loki. Suddenly, Nym and Bella bolted into the nearby bush. The worried dog parents quickly jumped into action, posting on facebook and approaching everyone on the beach. They approached a woman called Megan. The lovely lady still had Rebecca’s number saved to her phone from the last time Bella and previous dog
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A growing coalition of community groups is raising concerns about the Government’s plans for privatisation of iconic parts of National Parks across Queensland. These groups believe that developers are being offered exclusive leases and parks will be pricing everyday Queenslanders out of the natural experiences these parks were created to offer, for private profit. Local community groups are worried that if Queensland’s National Parks continue to grant exclusive leases to commercial operators it
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Council wishes to inform the community that the old Quota Park playground, which is currently fenced off, will be decommissioned in the coming weeks. Recent testing has shown that the softfall no longer meets current Australian safety standards. The playground equipment is also showing signs of wear. As a result, council has made the decision to remove this playground, located at the southern end of Binnington Esplanade, permanently. The newer playground in Quota Park will remain available
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This year’s 2024 order of candidates on Election Ballot Paper was determined earlier this week on Tuesday 8 October at Returning Officer Whitsunday in Whitsunday Shopping Centre. The Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) had the 5 candidates’ names and parties on separate pieces of paper, all the same size. Placed them into blank envelopes also the same size. They were then placed in a Ballot Box, shaken, mixed up and drawn blindly. The results: 1. Bauke Hovinga - Labor 2. Amanda Ca
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East Mackay Homicide Detectives from the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a 33-year-old man in connection with the death of a 64-year-old man in East Mackay on October 3. Emergency services responded to reports of an unresponsive 64-year-old man at a Rae Street residence around 3.40pm. Mackay police Superintendent Shane Holmes said Colin Thomas Grohs was found unresponsive, and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A 33-year-old Mackay man, Samuel Luke Muntelwit, was ta
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This week Cruise Whitsundays proudly marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of delivering world‐class experiences and pioneering innovation in the Whitsundays. From the introduction of Australia’s first luxury underwater accommodation on The Great Barrier Reef, to timeless adventures on Camira Sailing Adventure, Great Barrier Reef Adventure, and Whitehaven Beach tours, Cruise Whitsundays has been at the forefront of showcasing the region’s unparalleled natural beauty. The jewel in
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The Mackay and Whitsunday regions are facing uncertainty as they await road infrastructure commitments from both major parties ahead of the Queensland Government election on October 26. While the Labor Government announced it will invest $157M, funded by progressive coal royalties, for critical improvements to Isaac region roads to enhance safety and supply chain efficiency, Mackay and Whitsunday regions have received only one commitment for their key state-controlled road projects. Greater Wh
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At 5.50pm this Sunday 13 October the annual Miners Memorial Day will commence at Collinsville Workers Club but this year it is even more special to the Collinsville and Whitsunday community. This year marks the 70th year since seven miners lost their lives in the state mine in Collinsville. The disaster was a Carbon Dioxide CO2 gas outburst and happened at 5:50pm at the Collinsville State mine on 13 October 1954. The gas outburst was later said to be 98% CO2 and the seven men died from asphy
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Geoffrey Huegill, an Australian swimming legend and dual Olympian, boasts an incredible career with 72 international medals, including two Olympic medals and six world champion titles. Known for his dominance in the 50 metres butterfly, Geoff also held eight world records throughout his career. Although originally from Mackay, Geoff now resides in Singapore but maintains strong ties to his hometown as he cherishes his time visiting his mother, friends, and family in the Mackay region. Underst
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Last week, 25 local men and women gathered at Paradiso in Airlie Beach to support the Mama Paulina Mangare Foundation of Tanzania and its Chief Patron, Dr. Joseph Masika OAM, a White Ribbon Ambassador and Rotarian. The Foundation supports education and social needs such as ‘period poverty’ in rural areas for vulnerable school girls whose parents cannot afford to pay for their education. Local charity worker Sandy Clark had worked with Dr Masika for several years at the Australia Tanzanian Servic
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Do you have enough supplies to last you three days in the case of a disaster? Are you even sure what you might need to get you through? Mackay Regional Council and Woolworths have again joined forces to make it easier for Mackay region residents to organise their disaster supply kit. From now until November 19, each of the region’s eight Woolworths stores will have two dedicated aisle ends stocked with key items for household disaster kits. Mayor Greg Williamson said council had installed ban
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During their regular turtle spotting sunset cruise, Whisper Cruises discovered what appeared to be an injured turtle floating off Cannonvale Beach about 100m from Pigeon Island. Upon closer inspection they discovered it had sadly died. They retrieved the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle and took it to the VMR boat ramp where Libby Edge, from Eco Barge Clean Seas and the turtle hospital, took care of the body. It was evident that the turtle had been struck by something, though not a pro
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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling on candidates in the upcoming Queensland state election to prioritise urgent action on critical issues affecting the local business community. With a focus on infrastructure, affordable insurance, and enhanced regional influence, the Chamber has identified key areas that require immediate government attention. Priority 1: Urgent Road Infrastructure The Chamber highlights the frequent closures and congestion of the Bruce Highway and Sh
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Mackay needs a representative who understands the community’s needs on a deeper level—someone embedded in its fabric with a proven track record of delivering for the region. Belinda Hassan, Labor’s candidate for the seat of Mackay, is that leader. As a fifth-generation local with years of dedicated service, Belinda is ready to take her advocacy to a higher level, tackling larger-scale issues like homelessness, cost-of-living pressures, and regional development. Belinda’s passion for addressing
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Eastern Curlews Arrive In Mackay After Massive Migration Australia’s largest migratory shorebird - the eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) – has recently been spotted on the beaches around Mackay. This critically endangered species travels up to 20,000 kilometres each year via the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The route takes them to Australia from their European summer nesting sites in northern China and Russia. After thousands of kilometres of flying, the eastern curlew can lose be
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The Queensland Government Election Day is only two weeks away and it is important that our Whitsunday community’s voices are heard to ensure our region gets the investment it deserves! I have been clocking up the frequent flyer points in recent months with visits to Canberra and Brisbane for face-to-face meetings with key Federal and State Government Ministers and their staff to advocate strongly for future funding for major projects that will transform the Whitsundays. The Whitsunday Coast
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Pioneer State High School student Yasmin Johnston has made an outstanding achievement through her participation in the Seed Foundation and Connect 'n' Grow program, which partners with Mackay Hospital and Health Service to offer Indigenous students the chance to begin their healthcare career while still in school. The year 12 student was named Dux of the 2024 graduating class, recognising her exceptional dedication and work ethic. She completed her placement hours three months ahead of schedul
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The Adelaide to Whitsundays flights have been operating since early September and have proven successful with local residents and incoming tourists alike. The new route is providing Adelaide locals with a new direct, fast and cheaper route to The Whitsundays, Australia’s best tourist destination. The influx of Adelaide travel-makers is increasing numbers for the Whitsundays tourism, but it also supplies locals with a new holiday destination. CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport Craig Turner said
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Natural Body And Beauty Clinic Looking to feel radiant and rejuvenated in time for summer? Natural Body and Beauty Clinic on Palmer Street is offering the ultimate solution to help clients feel radiant and rejuvenated for summer. Their Honey Cellulite Detox Ritual is ideal for those preparing for the season's big events, from races to Christmas parties. The Ultrasound Body Contouring treatment at the clinic targets cellulite with low-frequency sound waves, breaking down fatty tissue in areas li
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