Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
As the warmth of summer begins to resettle on the region, look toward Arabon Seafood for premium, freshest seafood offering. Especially for oyster fans, with Arabon Seafood being the exclusive supplier of Bowen Blacklip oysters, farmed and harvested by John Collison.Farmer John Collision began his oyster farm nine years ago, starting the operation from scratch, using techniques he learned from his southern New South Wales oyster farms.
Read more
Over 200 people checked into the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre’s R U OK Day celebrations, with more than 10 local organisations gathering to create a mini street in the carpark, promoting mental health and suicide prevention.
Read more
Forward-thinking and proactive, Year 10 student Jayla Battis has taken her future into her hands, following her week of work experience led by Bowen State High School.During her work experience week with real estate agency LJ Hooker, Jalya approached both the business and the school, proposing a school-based traineeship and Certificate III in Business.
Read more
Fire dancers, crab races, Hawaiian food, and plenty of barefoot dancing on the sand – the upcoming Tiny Homes Project fundraiser, Get Lei’d Hawaiian Party at Cape Gloucester Resort, is shaping up to be an entertaining event for the whole community to enjoy.Emceed by comedian Brad Elliot, the whole evening is guaranteed to be full of hilarious moments that will make raising money for such a worthy local cause even more fun.
Read more
Born Eliza Jurgens in Bowen on October 5, 1886, she was raised by her maternal grandparents after her mother died aged only twenty-four. When the family lost their cattle in the 1896 drought, they moved to Proserpine, arriving the day the first cane was cut.
Read more
Staying and playing in luxury has never been easier, with Mirage Whitsundays catering for guests’ every whim and desire. With lush, decadent facilities and beautiful grounds, Mirage Whitsundays is an oasis for the soul, perfect for families, couples and special occasions.
Read more
Mackay is celebrating a remarkable milestone in multiculturalism as 84 individuals from 22 different countries proudly became Australian citizens at a special ceremony held at the MECC earlier this week. This event marks a significant achievement for the region, as it signifies that since 2013, a total of 100 unique countries have been represented among those who have chosen to make Mackay their permanent home with Australian citizenship. Mayor Greg Williamson and council members were on hand t
Read more
In a heart-wrenching development, Matthew Ireland, convicted of the tragic death of 18-month-old Hemi Les Goodwin-Burke, is poised to be released from prison on September 22, 2023, without any restrictions or oversight, leaving the victim's family devastated and outraged. The harrowing ordeal began when Hemi's life support was tragically turned off by his father in March 2015, leading to the initial charges of murder and torture against Mr Ireland. The court heard that Mr Ireland was babysittin
Read more
Making the move from just south Sydney in New South Wales to Queens Beach, just north of Bowen, was something Jennie and Peter Greer never expected, however five years ago, they now love living in North Queensland.
Read more
Soroptimist International Mackay club hosted over 70 guests for high tea at Ocean International, Saturday 12th August. The club’s main aim is to educate, empower and enable women and girls. Service Leader of Orange Sky Laundry, Lisa Jamison, shared with guests at the event details of how they can help to support the vulnerable women and children of Mackay. Safe Sleep Mackay have been fundraising to secure a pink Sleepbus for our region, as well as one in Sarina. This will provide up to 20 bed
Read more
As we bid adieu to one of our own, Sam Gillespie, it's a bittersweet moment for the Mackay Life team. Sam's journey with us began in early 2022, and from the get-go, it was evident that he was destined for a vibrant future in journalism. His fervour for music and entertainment was truly infectious. Sam was never one to shy away from the pulsating rhythms of a mosh pit at a festival, and his enthusiasm for music spilled over into his work. He became the driving force behind our music and enterta
Read more
It has been 16 years since Nicole and Jeremy Graham purchased their first vessel and just this year, they have welcomed their fourth tour while simultaneously rebranding the company to Iconic Whitsunday Adventures.
Read more
Campaigners of Walk for Yes 2023 assembled at Bluewater Quay on Sunday, September 17 to share stories of unity and reconciliation, before heading off for a walk across Forgan Bridge to show their support of the ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum. Mackay for Yes is a growing group of volunteers aiming to achieve a ‘Yes’ vote to support and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Constitution, which will be voted for on October 14. Walk for Yes 2023 has received inter
Read more
Strap on your running shoes, because 21Degrees South Multisport Association is about to blaze a trail through the Mackay region! Get ready to sprint into action with orienteering, conquer thrilling adventure races, and navigate the exhilarating world of MapRuns. Increasing inclusion in real life skills is important, with offerings of navigating and team building skills, the association encourages competition and trying out something new. 21DSMA has hosted a number of different events including o
Read more
Welcome to the first in a bi-monthly series of Business Highlights, introducing members of Tourism Whitsundays and showcasing the exceptional local businesses we have operating here in the region.Tourism Whitsundays are a dedicated m
Read more
A 71-year-old Bakers Creek man has passed away following a two vehicle crash in Yalboroo, on Saturday September 16. Police said in a statement that the Bakers Creek man was travelling north on the Bruce Highway, on his motorbike, when at approximately 11.45am, a blue Toyota Corolla travelling in the opposite direction turned in front of him. The Toyota was attempting to turn onto Cathu O’Connell River Road, and the driver and sole occupant, a 28-year-old New South Wales man, was not physically
Read more
An epic new campaign launched by Mackay Regional Council is destined to trigger a wave of pirate costumes and pirate roars across the region. The campaign is a first for council and will encourage residents to explore their own backyard by completing a treasure trail. Mayor Greg Williamson said the region has a treasure trove of hidden gems to discover and many locals have barely scratched the surface. “We’re taking our existing Discover Mackay campaign to uncharted territory, with a treasure tr
Read more
Mackay's busiest bus stops at Caneland Central shopping centre are moving, and about to undergo a transformation, promising improved comfort and safety for customers. The State Government's $769 million, four-year transport and roads plan for Mackay Whitsunday is backing this significant upgrade, which the government says ensures job security for Queenslanders. Local contractor Woollam Constructions has been awarded the tender for stage two of the Caneland bus station, with construction set to
Read more
In a ceremony held at the Banksia Scout Den on Fernleigh Avenue, Andergrove, Ayva Grant, a dedicated member of the Banksia Cub Scout group, received the highly regarded Grey Wolf Award on the evening of September 7, 2023. The Grey Wolf Award is the highest honour achievable in the Cub Scout Section, representing a significant milestone in a Cub Scout's journey. To attain this prestigious badge, Ayva undertook a series of challenging and educational tasks. Her journey encompassed active participa
Read more
A prominent Mackay charity organisation, Broken Ballerina Inc. are hosting their ‘Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Beautiful’ Ball on Saturday October 7 to raise funds for victims of domestic violence. The ball will be held at Northern Beaches Bowls Club, event goers will experience a night of fun and fancy dress including a charity auction and local entertainment, all for a great cause. Break out your best black, white and pink spring cocktail attire for a night of vibrancy and amusement. Broken Ballerin
Read more
Grants For Business And Community Projects If you have a business ready for an external refresh or an idea for a community activation, then now is the time to connect with council. Council has two grant opportunities currently open for application, which are due to close on September 30. The Facade Improvement Grant gives businesses the chance to breathe new life into their building facades, enhancing the vibrancy of the region’s business districts. The grant covers improvement projects such a
Read more
In a spectacular automotive extravaganza, the Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club transformed Mirani's main street into a vintage wonderland for their annual event, "Dad's Day in the Valley." With over 100 classic cars, trucks and bikes on display, this year's gathering proved to be the ultimate Father's Day treat. The event, now in its 12th year, showcased vehicles spanning over a century of automotive history, drawing more than 6,000 people through the gates. From the elegant 1904 Renault to the
Read more
OPINION PIECE ● You WILL pay more tax ● You WILL lose your land ● This is a land grab; it is not a way forward for the First Nations People ● This WILL divide Australia even further ● $39 billion already spent on Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander programs ● Where has it gone? ● What has been achieved? ● Why are major corporations pushing for a YES vote? ● Why is the government trying to sway your vote to YES? ● If the government says YES, the people should say NO ● Why is the governm
Read more
Entertain the kids with everything from free art and craft activities, music and live entertainment to getting them outside exploring the Botanic Gardens with the perfect weather as Mackay Regional Council facilities offer a range of activities these school holidays. > ARTSPACE MACKAY Decorate a Mandap with colour and crepe paper Until October 1, 2023 Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 3pm Inspired by Zanny Begg’s video work ‘Stories of Kannagi’ on show at Artspace Mac
Read more
A trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, is encouraging farmers to reach out for assistance as the Bureau of Meteorology officially declares an El Nino event. The El Nino weather pattern means hot, dry seasons that trend towards drought. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the Bureau’s announcement confirmed many producers’ fears. “The announcement of the El Nino weather pattern will bring a lot of unwelcome memories to the surface for our farmers, who’ve been anxiously watching land and waterways dr
Read more