Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
There has been lots of action on the fishing front the past week, and it’s been great to see so many kids getting amongst it during the school holidays. Unfortunately, the wind isn’t predicted to be on our side for the next few days, but fingers crossed it drops off. Dam The dam has continued to be on the quiet side this week. A few keen anglers made the trip up a few days ago and managed to land a few out of the bays down the back, but overall, there’s not a lot to report. Cooler temperatures
Read more
It was another busy week at Wangaratta Bowls Club, with strong numbers and great competition across all events. Monday’s triples winners were G. Murray, D. Maddeley and R. Agg, who defeated J. Breakwell, J. Stamp and L. Muston. Runners-up were Gary Wills, Ken Wallace and Jim Steel, who got the better of Eileen Dunn, John Foskett and Geoff Coleman. The jackpot didn’t go off. On Tuesday afternoon, Graeme Smith, Robyn Crawford and Maureen Hyde claimed the win over Natalie Hands, Irene Laird and B
Read more
It’s been a massive week at Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with plenty of action both on and off the green. First up, the final results of the Men’s Pennants are in. While the season didn’t end as hoped, considering the size and strength of the opposition clubs, our teams held their own and showed promising signs for next season. Division 1 finished 5th with 20.5 points Division 3 finished 5th with 12 points Division 5 finished 6th with 10 points Division 6 placed 5th with 16.5 points, which include
Read more
With Pennants now completed, attention at Proserpine Bowls Club has turned to the Club Championships, and competition is heating up. On Saturday morning, fiercely contested Club Championship Singles matches were played. Jonathan Bye defeated Dale Haack 27–20, while Andrew Bell claimed a commanding 25–4 win over Philip Brown. Bye backed up on Sunday morning with a strong 25–11 win against Brett Saroglia. The Singles Championship is now just a couple of games away from completion. Andrew Bell wi
Read more
The Coalition has wasted no time returning to the policy table, meeting this week at Parliament House in Canberra. Among those stepping into a key role is Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, who has been appointed to a newly formed energy policy development group tasked with shaping the Coalition’s future direction on climate and energy. His inclusion signals a strong regional voice in the national conversation, with a clear focus on affordability, reliability and resource-backed so
Read more
The Mackay & District Orchid Society will host its annual Winter Orchid Show this month on Saturday, 19 July, and Sunday, 20 July, at the Mackay and District Senior Citizens Centre, 58 Macalister Street. This year’s event is part of the Festival of Arts Program, drawing attention from across the Mackay and Whitsunday districts. Visitors can expect stunning displays featuring a variety of orchids, including Vandas, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis, and Australian native species, showca
Read more
A. L. Tippett Launches Fifth Novel Mackay’s own urban fantasy author, A. L. Tippett, is celebrating a magical milestone with the recent launch of her fifth novel, Gosh Darn Griffins. The event, held on Sunday, June 22 at Kitten Vintage Mackay, brought together fans, friends, and fantasy lovers for a morning of cake, book signings, and storytelling. “I had the most wonderful day at the book launch for my fifth novel, Gosh Darn Griffins! “Thank you to Kitten Vintage Mackay for hosting, to
Read more
Next Film Night: Conclave on Screen About: The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination with over 1.4 billion believers worldwide. The Pope, its supreme leader and head of the Vatican City, has passed away. Without time to mourn, Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with presiding over the conclave to elect a new pope. Over 100 powerful candidates from around the world gather, and the secret voting begins behind the doors of the Sistine Chapel. As the votes are split, Lawrence's anguis
Read more
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), in collaboration with Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays, has launched the 2025 edition of the Greater Whitsunday Regional Projects Development Register. The register now features a streamlined, digitally friendly platform that makes accessing economic data easier than ever. The latest register showcases more than 450 active and planned projects across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions, with a combined value of more than $35 bill
Read more.jpg)
Sony Camp Returns To Whitsunday Anglican Whitsunday Anglican School once again proudly hosted the Mackay Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp, held from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 June 2025, marking 11 years of supporting local families through this much-loved initiative. Sony Camp is a unique programme that offers 18 young people in the region with a disability the opportunity to enjoy a three-day holiday camp experience filled with fun, connection, and care. This important initiative
Read more
The Sugar City Pioneers branch of the Australian Caravan Club (ACC) celebrated their 10th Anniversary at the Sarina Showgrounds on the weekend of 8th of June. The branch held a Muster over the weekend with 15 vans attending, and many more members joining for a day trip for the Sunday celebration and cake cutting ceremony. Sarina Showgrounds were selected for the Muster, as it was the location where the branch was formed 10 years ago. The branch publicity officer Paul Eyles said, “The Sh
Read more
A group of Mackay locals and businesses have rallied together in a heartfelt campaign to honour Leah Smith, a much-loved community member who tragically lost her life to an asbestos-related disease. After learning of Leah’s avoidable death, caused by inhaling asbestos fibres as a child, supporters across the region united to help raise awareness and prevent others from suffering the same fate. It was just eight months and one day after diagnosis, when Philip Smith’s beloved 49-year-old w
Read more
A section of Mackay Airport was turned into the scene of a mock emergency on Thursday, June 26, as multiple agencies came together for a large-scale training exercise simulating an aircraft incident. Emergency services ‘responded’ to the exercise scenario, performing their regular roles and responsibilities. More than 120 personnel were expected to take part, including a number of volunteers who ‘role played’ injured passengers. Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said full-fi
Read more
Mackay Table Tennis Results for Tuesday 24th June 2025 Morning Fixture Results Division 1 Ghost Spins (George Camilleri, Branko Vucurovic, Bryan Marshall) defeated Panther Prowlers (Doug Dungavell, John McGee, Kevin Abbott) 8-4. Ant Warriors (Allan Robins, Judy Zahn, Don Boettcher) defeated Cosmic Sorcerers (Delma Knight, Pam Joyce, Coral Morgan) 7-5. Phoenix Fire (Donna Abbott, Steve Mathieson, Noreen Frederickson) defeated Star Lords (Geoff Cowan, Peter Goodson, Veronica Shepherd) 7-5.
Read more
Bravus Mining and Resources has awarded two local Queensland companies multi-million-dollar contracts for the construction of a new heavy vehicle maintenance workshop at the Carmichael mine near Clermont in central Queensland. Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe said family-owned Cairns business CSF Steel Fabricators had won the tender to fabricate and then freight more than 685 tonnes of structural steel to the mine, where it will be used by Hawkins Group to co
Read more
More than twenty dedicated Mackay Road Runners faced cool, blustery conditions at Cape Hillsborough over the weekend for the club’s 6km and 10km Turtle Trail events. Fortunately, the rain held off during the race, though the early setup crew endured tougher weather. Among the early heroes were Andrew Short, Len Howarth, and David Isbister, who battled a passing storm from 5am to mark the course. Their efforts ensured the trails were ready before runners arrived. Andrew, a seasoned runner,
Read more
A Martial Arts Weekend To Remember If energy could be bottled, the Northern Beaches would be glowing. Such was the atmosphere during the Gasshuku – an intensive karate training camp hosted by the Northern Beaches Karate Club. The event brought together seven high-level instructors from across Australia, including two Shihans and a 7th Dan Master from Los Angeles. Their combined expertise provided valuable instruction to students of all levels, from the youngest beginners to the most senio
Read more
Climbing the master rankings this month were Marilin Robins, who achieved Silver National Master status, and Adrian Westcott, now recognised as a Local Master. Weekly Results Monday 23 June 2025 –- 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Sandy Patterson 2nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 2nd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins 3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris 3rd Janine Rodgers / Jewel Schmidt Tuesday Evening 24 June 2025 – 6 Table One Winner
Read more
Why Walking The Paddocks Leads To Smarter Funding A bright winter’s morning at Mt Ossa set the scene for a recent visit showcasing innovation, resilience, and the power of strong local connections in sustainable agriculture. It’s about understanding what’s working on the ground and hearing directly from landholders,” said Chris Gogala, Assistant Director in the Sustainable Agriculture Branch from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Chris, who travelled from Canberra, w
Read more
The Tuesday night Ladies Twilight Warehouse Bowls competition has proven a hit with new players, offering a relaxed and welcoming environment to learn the game and enjoy some friendly competition. Designed specifically to encourage beginners, the competition has seen most participants take to the greens for the very first time. In just a few short weeks, the improvement among the ladies has been remarkable, with players showing greater confidence and skill each round. With the current
Read more
All The Fun, Right Here In The Region Keep the kids entertained and engaged with a fantastic line-up of events happening across our region. From creative workshops and outdoor adventures to movie screenings and hands-on activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy this school holiday season. Friday, July 4 Garden Friends Drop-In Activity – Secret Lives of Leaves 10am Families are invited to the Botanic Gardens for a series of leaf-focused activities, including hunts, drawing wal
Read more
New Police Blitz Rolls Out Across State To Protect Vulnerable Road Users Queensland Police Service (QPS) is ramping up its presence this school holiday season with the launch of Operation X-Ray Cold Snap, putting officers front and centre to crackdown on dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users. The statewide road safety campaign runs until Sunday 13 July, and is focused on saving lives and preventing road trauma by addressing dangerous driving behaviours and reinforcing the Fa
Read more
A 39-year-old Walkerston man has been charged following an investigation into alleged serious domestic violence offences, including stalking and deprivation of liberty. The charges stem from a joint operation by officers from the Mackay Whitsundays District Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit, supported by the Mackay Tactical Crime Squad. On June 18, police executed a high-risk search warrant at a Walkerston address, allegedly locating semi-automatic rifles and large-ca
Read more
Mackay’s Festive Toy Run Hits The Road The spirit of giving is roaring into town this winter with the Christmas in July Toy Run on Saturday, 5 July 2025, supporting the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Bike and car enthusiasts alike are invited to join the festive convoy, with entry being one new, unwrapped toy to brighten the lives of local children in hospital care. The event kicks off from Mackay Harley-Davidson at 9:30am, with a sausage sizzle on hand to fuel participants before the ride
Read more
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The dust has settled at Mackay Showground for another year, but CANEGROWERS Mackay is already looking ahead to the next Mackay Show, with plans for an excellent new schools competition underway. It’s called The Sweetest School. The competition involves schools growing a square metre of cane at school, using clean seed cane supplied by MAPS, and supported by a grower mentor and some education from other industry professionals. Judging will occur as
Read more