Local pet rescuer Taylah Kolaric, owner of Lucy’s Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue, is urging the community to stay snake-aware after the sudden loss of her much-loved dog, Lola. Lola, a five-year-old Boxer, was known for her joy, energy and the affectionate “Lola kisses” she offered to everyone she met. Taylah said, “Her playful personality was infectious, and she had a natural talent for making people laugh with her silly antics.” She also played an important role in Taylah’s rescue work. “
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Excitement filled the room at Ocean International Hotel on Monday, 1 December 2025, as families gathered to celebrate the graduation of this year’s Prep-Ready Kids. The young learners, dressed in bright and colourful graduation gowns, proudly marked the end of a year filled with growth, learning, and new friendships. The Prep-Ready Kids Program, funded by Multicultural Affairs through the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism, continu
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Local Historian Brings Decades Of Stories To Life In New Book Launch By Hannah McNamara
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Nominations are now officially open for the 2026 JSP Women’s Awards, with The Just Saying Project inviting the Greater Whitsunday community to celebrate the women whose stories bring joy, strength and purpose to the region. Held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the MECC, the annual awards will feature acclaimed Australian author Belinda Alexandra as keynote speaker — a storyteller whose work embodies resilience, creativity and feminine strength, aligning deeply with JSP’s mission. The ope
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As we wrap up another big year at Community Bank Sarina, I want to thank our wonderful customers, local businesses and the broader Sarina community. Stepping into the Branch Manager role in June, I immediately felt the warmth and genuine community spirit that makes this region so special. It’s been a privilege to meet so many of you, listen to your stories and see firsthand the pride people have in where we live. This year, we also celebrated a milestone moment, 20 years of local banking
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The festive season often brings joy, connection and a chance to unwind. Yet for some, this time of year can bring challenges, including emotional strain, financial pressures and relationship stress. selectability Mackay and Sarina’s Regional Coordinator, Nicole Guzowski said with the holiday season fast approaching it was crucial to find support and meaningful connections. “We know that the holiday season can be a tough time of year, but it’s really important to look after yourself and
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Mackay region’s Mothers’ Union branch is stepping up to support local children living with domestic and family violence, launching a community push to place specialised books into libraries and support organisations across the region. The initiative aligns with the global 16 Days of Activism, beginning 25 November, and will continue locally through to the end of the year as Mothers’ Union Mackay Region welcomes donations to expand the reach of the program. The branch has already begun pu
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Queensland’s much-loved giant mud crab populations are thriving, with a major new study reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to maintaining a world-class and sustainable fisheries industry. A recently completed study led by Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and co-funded by the Australian Government through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has confirmed that there is no current threat to the sustainability of the species. The research hi
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At Let The Children Play Toyshop & Games Store It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Let The Children Play Toyshop & Games Store is getting ready to jingle all the way into its biggest and brightest festive season yet. The whole community is invited to join the fun. Proudly locally owned since 2013, the much-loved toyshop has become a cornerstone of Mackay’s festive season. Known not only for their quality products, but for their active involvement in the community, this year,
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Councillor Namarca Corowa When people ask how I ended up on council, I don’t really have a political story to give them. My values weren’t formed in boardrooms or strategy sessions. I grew up at Slade Point in the 70s 80s and 90s, a family of 8 in a 2-bedroom house. I grew up in a working-class family, so I understand what it’s like to struggle in our community. My values were shaped watching my parents go to work every day to make a living. We didn’t have everything, but what we had was
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Corrie Thompson is the founder of NQAIRS Group 100% Indigenous owned, Corrie created NQAIRS Group in 2016 in Mackay to help families find their missing family members and war graves from Boer War, World War 1 and 2 all over the world. Corrie has made his legacy to bring their spirits home to the families to put our Aussies heroes to rest through their dreamtime stories. Corrie has worked as a genealogist for the Australian War Memorial for the Last Post Ceremonies and Corrie is a non- ser
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Friday 12th December Crochet & Conversation 9am Local residents are invited to a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on the Bucasia Esplanade. The friendly Northern Beaches group welcomes beginners and experienced crafters alike, with tools available to borrow. Held indoors during summer and outdoors in the cooler months, the gathering focuses on connection, creativity and community projects. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant, Bucasia Esplanade Santa
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5 Edible Native Plants for Your Garden Australia is home to more than 700,000 native plant species, many of which can also be enjoyed as food. Known as bush foods, these plants have long been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for nutrition, medicine, and cultural practices. Here are five edible natives that are both tasty and great for your garden. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia spp.) Native to the rainforests of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, maca
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When it comes to renovating a home, not every upgrade will deliver a return on investment. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to maximise your property’s potential, focusing on renovations that truly add value is key. Here are the top five renovations that can make a real difference. Kitchen Upgrades Often described as the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the first spaces prospective buyers notice. Simple yet impactful improvements—such as modern cabinetry, updated ben
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Two of the Rules of Running Middle Distance Squad athletes made their way down to Melbourne to compete at the 2025 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics All Schools Championships from the 4th–7th of December. Millie Groom competed in the 3000m, placing 5th in Australia and achieving a huge 26-second PB. The following day she raced the 2000m Steeplechase, placing 6th in Australia with a 12-second PB. Ayla Moon competed in the 400m, qualifying fastest and then winning the Gold Medal the n
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Results for week ending Saturday 6th December 2025 Monday 1st December 2025 – 7 ½ Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st DAVID TING - ERIC GOODCHILD 1st GEOFF TAYLOR - GEOFFREY PATTERSON 2nd JAN HARRIS - JULIE O'NEILL 2nd DIANE HOLEWA - MAX HOLEWA 3rd BARBARA TAIT - MARGARET LANE 3rd JEWEL SCHMIDT - RICHARD WIX 4th DIANE STOKES - EDWARD KLIESE Tuesday 2nd December 2025 – 4 ½ Table Howell Green Points 1st JOHN MCGEE - MICK KING 3rd ERIC GOODCHILD - NOEL BUGEIA 2nd ERROL MOR
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The November instalment of Shawn’s Summer Splash n Dash Social Biathlon Series wrapped up with thanks to Race Director Jim Ford, ahead of a well-earned break throughout December. The popular series will return on the first Sunday afternoon of January 2026, keeping the same time, place and format for athletes eager to restart their routine. For those still keen to maintain fitness over the holiday period, Mackay Road Runners will continue meeting at 4.30pm each Sunday at Bluewater Quay for
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North Mackay Ladies have had another amazing year on the bowling greens. Winning the Premier shield for the 5th year in succession, which is an amazing achievement for the club. In the district, points are awarded to each club for Winners and Runners Up in the following categories. Master Pairs, Symons Shield, Johnstone Shield, Pennants and District Champion of Champions. The District Presentation for the shield was held recently and presented to our President Hilary Jones-Rowan. Photog
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Last Friday, the Whitsunday Regional Council released a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for the Build Whitsundays Water and Sewer Network program. The project promises to deliver essential trunk water and sewer infrastructure to key growth areas, enabling the development of more than 3,000 new homes over the next decade. Mayor Ry Collins said the project represents one of the most important foundations for the Whitsundays’ future liveability, affordability and economic strength. “Th
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As a prolific performer, Robbie Williams impersonator Louie Fee Feldrin is no stranger to the Airlie Beach Hotel. With a strong and varied musical background in both theatre and rock bands, Louie initially knew little of Robbie Williams; however, with the growing popularity of the British pop superstar, many noticed a peculiar likeness. Opportunity struck with Channel Nine Show ‘Starstruck’, which saw contestants assume the role of stars they were deemed most alike. This experience allowed Loui
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What 40 years of diving The Great Barrier Reef tells us By Ruth PuddefootAirlie Beach in 1979 was a raw, developing town, with unpaved roads and a social life centred on the Airlie Beach Hotel. Arriving in the area with a backpack strapped to his back, PADI Dive Instructor Tony Fontes, like many others, was looking forward to experiencing the Great Barrier Reef for the first time. Little did he know that first dive would change his life forever and lead to 40 years exploring the 2300km of reef a
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Hi Everyone, With just a few weeks until Christmas — how are we all holding up!? I honestly love this time of year: the build-up, the anticipation, the summer heat, the parties, the catch-ups, the gift-giving… all of it. And then suddenly, like a balloon, something just pops and it all becomes a bit too much! That’s exactly where I’m at right now — all the good vibes and happy moments have crescendo’d into overwhelm, and I’m simply taking it one day at a time while looking forward to that bl
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Join Eco Barge's Land-Based Clean-Up The community is invited to join a coastline clean-up this Friday to help protect the marine life that depends on the Whitsundays’ natural environment. Eco Barge Clean Seas will host the event at Boatyard Road, Jubilee Pocket, with volunteers meeting at 8:00am on Friday, 12th December. Everyone is welcome, from regular volunteers to first-timers wanting to make a positive impact while connecting with others. Participants can register online at ecobargecleans
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Hi everyone, This week’s edition features a special profile of long-time Ruth2Reef contributor and Whitsunday Conservation Council President, Tony Fontes, who shares insights from 40 years of diving on the reef. We’re also highlighting a fantastic land-based clean-up with Eco Barge happening this Friday! Happy reading, Ruth
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Whitsunday’s Maritime Historian Considering his widely renowned depth of knowledge of the history of the Whitsunday Passage, coastline and islands, one could be forgiven for thinking that local historian, Ray Blackwood, was born on a boat of sea-faring parents and spent his entire life on our waters! Not so. In fact, Ray comes from a banking background. The oldest of three boys, Ray was born in Harrisville near Ipswich where his father, Eric, was a bank officer. According to bank policy of the
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