Issue #

Property Point

One of the things I like about life is having a range of friendships with people from different age groups and an array of different socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Life is more interesting when you can have a laugh just as easily with the 90-year-old bloke who lives on the corner, the 21-year-old tattooed pommie hairdresser who is up for a chat while she has a vape outside the restaurant, the 45-year-old miner who is enjoying a Friday night beer at the pub after returning from

Dare To Dream Big

OPINION PIECE I’ve always aimed to “dream big” in life. Dreaming big has taught me that amazing things happen when you adopt this mind set. From starting up my own successful consulting business for almost 13 years, to being successful in the 2020 Local Government election and now working in my role as councillor, a privileged position that has been challenging at times, but also richly rewarding. So, what is my next “dream big” project? Through my involvement with the Trudy Crowley Foundation,

Christmas In July

With Mackay 50’s & Better With live music, singalongs, a fashion parade, lunch, tea and coffee, Mackay 50’s & Better celebrated Christmas in July in style. Attendees were invited to wear an apron; the funnier and naughtier, the better. Annette Worthington provided music and laughs throughout the morning, while the best dressed were judged before all indulged in a delicious Christmas feast at Goosies. For more information on Mackay 50’s & Better, contact Garry and Margaret on 0400 242 779. Photo

Up And Down For A Great Cause

If you’re a bit tired reading this as you had a late night at the Human Nature show at the MECC last night, get ready for this. If you have no plans for tomorrow, let me tell you, this will be awesome. Saturday will be a great day to get up early because the annual day to raise money for Jeans for Genes Day is happening and we want you and the family to be part of it. It’s the annual Kilometre Burpee Challenge with Christine and Col running the event. A few years ago, I got a call from Chris

School’s Tree Day

Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, Finch Hatton National Tree Day Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve, East Mackay

Will You Step Up To Clean Up?

“Clean up Mackay Region” will be held this year over six days during August in a bid to keep our region pristine. Mayor Greg Williamson said the events were the perfect opportunity for residents to show their community pride and help keep our region beautiful. “This year, council will step up and show our appreciation to our volunteers for their efforts by planting five native plants, either as street trees or revegetation, for each person who participates at an event,” Mayor Williamson said

Watch The Whimsical World Of Emma Memma's Twirly Tour

Get ready to twirl into a world of enchantment and laughter as the effervescent Emma Memma presents her wondrous Twirly Tour, with three shows here in Mackay. With a sprinkle of magic and a dash of imagination, Emma Memma invites all young adventurers and their families on an extraordinary journey filled with joy, dancing, and delightful surprises. Join in the fun as she introduces her brand-new characters and mesmerizing dance moves that will have everyone twirling with glee. We caught up with

At The Table

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night results July 25, 2023: Division 1: Andro (George Camilliei, Tony Bowman, Barry Patterson) d Tibhar (Steven Whiting, Tim Sheehan, Vince Boeske) 6-5. George d Tim -4, 8, -8, 7, 9. Radak (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Graham Brake) d Donic (Ivan Perkins, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) 8-3. Lee d Ivan -4, 6, -7, 6, 3. Joola (Janice Kent, Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman) d Butterfly (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Graeme Walker) 8-3. Geoff d Graeme 6, 7, -8, -4, 3. Division 2: Victas (Ma

Cowboys Stun Premiers Newcastle To Post Historic NRLW Victory

North Queensland Cowboys have claimed one of the biggest scalps for their first ever win in the NRLW competition. The new franchise showed its stout-hearted qualities with a spirited 31-20 victory over reigning premiers Newcastle last Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground. Trailing 20-12, the Cowboys staged a remarkable comeback with four second half tries to bury the star-studded Knights. Earlier, 18-year-old NSW half back Jesse Southwell engineered tries for Sheridan Gallagher and Shanice Parker

Cricket Hot Shot Kiana To Represent Australia

At Under 18 World Indoor Cricket Series In Dubai An international sporting trip to exotic Dubai is the just reward for top class performances by emerging 15-year-old Mackay cricketer Kiana Dunn. The versatile St Patrick’s College student will represent the Australian Under 16 Girls Indoor Cricket team at this year’s World Series Under 18s tournament in the United Arab Emirates at the end of September. Kiana, a talented opening batter and sharp pace bowler, earned selection after helping Que

Blackhawks Blitz Cutters

Fourteen days can be a long time between drinks in the Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup. Exactly a fortnight after nearly toppling premiership leaders Souths Logan Magpies in Proserpine, the Mackay Cutters came back to earth with a thud after a devastating 46-6 loss to Townsville Blackhawks at Jack Manski Oval. Having played so bravely in a 14-12 defeat against the top ranked Magpies, the unpredictable Cutters were poised for a strong showing against the ninth placed Blackhawks on their aw

Road Runners Take On

Approximately forty Mackay Road Runners revelled in the early morning cool, sunny conditions as they left the Eimeo Pacific Hotel carpark precincts for a very hilly, meandering track towards Eimeo via Dolphin Heads and Blacks Beach. Luke Leven ran a magnificent 14km being the highest handicapped runner to start, with next highest handicapped runner, Toby Rule leading him by one minute from the starter’s gun. Luke’s impressive outing earned him 3rd overall as he smashed his way over the rollin

Mackay Bowls Club News

The weather was not kind to the Mackay Bowls Club on Tuesday and Friday, but the sun came out for Scroungers on Thursday afternoon. 19 players turned out to bowl with four rinks of three players and one rink of four. Close games were witnessed with Tom Casey playing Kees Struik in one semi-final and Steve Cassidy playing Robyn Schatkowski in the other. Mr Casey went on to defeat Ms Schatkowski in the final. Men's competition was played over the weekend and results were: Men's B Pairs: Barry Jen

Mackay Contract Bridge Weekly Results

Each time a member wins or places in a game of bridge, event, or congress, they are awarded Masterpoints. When they reach each milestone in the Masterpoints system, they are awarded a specific ranking. Congratulations to three members who have been awarded an increase in their Masterpoints Rankings. Janelle Conroy – Gold Life Master, Carol Gaskell – Bronze Life Member and Clare Wallace – Local Master. Monday 24 July 2023 – Unders & Overs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Anne Lutz /

Editor's Note

Hi Everyone,Three years ago, when News Corp announced they were shutting 14 regional newspapers overnight, three of which were located in the Whitsundays, our region instantly lost all its printed weekly news.

East Coast Travels For Charity

What began as a 4,500-kilometre bike trek from Brisbane to Adelaide has become an East Coast expedition, with Hiranuma Kaoru deciding to continue and cycle to Cairns. Initially beginning in January, Hiarnuma left his Brisbane home for Melbourne, raising funds for Guide Dogs Australia.

Catastrophic Failure Sees Deaths Of Four ADF Personnel

Tragedy has struck at the heart of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 with an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter suffering massive catastrophic failure and falling into waters of the Whitsunday Islands last Friday night, July 28.

VMR: The Future At State

While Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) are excited about the upcoming upgrades, they are also concerned by the changing political landscape that they believe is creating an uncertain future for VMR’s right across the state.President of the Whitsunday VMR, Paul Martin, explained that the state government is introducing a new funding model that he believes could hinder the operation of our local VMR.

Keeping Our Waters Safe

With funding now in place, work on the $400,000 upgrades to the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) building are expected to commence in October and be completed by mid-2024.The upgrades will expand the training and operations area so that it is nearly three times its current size, giving crews a larger working space when conducting search and rescue missions.

Whitsunday To Gold Coast Direct Flights Confirmed

Budget airline, Bonza, has announced a new flight route for the Whitsunday Coast Airport. Before the start of summer, Whitsunday residents will be able to holiday in the Gold Coast, as well as the 10 other locations serviced by the Gold Coast Airport, which include Melbourne, Mildura, and Albury.

On The Beat

Jubilee Pocket Siege, Crimes Downgraded

In May 2022 45-year-old Whitsunday man, Paul Malcom Henderson, barricaded himself in his Jubilee Pocket home, after local police attempted to make a welfare check. A four-day siege at the Erromango Drive property unfolded, and police alleged that Mr Henderson armed himself with a compound bow and shot at police multiple times.

Teen Models For CQ Rescue

The 2023 RACQ CQ Rescue Talent Search has concluded, with a massive effort raised by the participants for the vital service. Organised by Brooke Hargrave, owner of Brooke Lee Modelling, the event was backed-up with the chance to be discovered by an international modelling agency. “This year’s event attracted about 40 competitors and raised more than $33,000 for RACQ CQ Rescue, bringing the total amount raised in the last nine years to about $200,000,” explains Brooke.

Beached Humpback Whale Rallies Community

Dozens of locals rushed to the aid of a beached humpback whale last Friday afternoon, but despite dedicated efforts, the whale sadly died a few hours after it was discovered. Conway locals noticed the whale on Friday morning, many of whom organised themselves with shovels and buckets in an effort to get the mammal back to water. Jubilee Pocket locals, Ti Hokins and family, were enjoying a day off when they saw the news on the Whales of the Whitsundays Facebook group.

War Effort Remembered At Bowen RSL

Veterans in Bowen have gathered at the Bowen RSL last Thursday, July 27, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War. Veterans of the Korean War Bill Barty and Garry Kirk attended the service with their family.