In the early hours of Sunday at 2:48am, supermaxi Wild Thing 100 roared into Mackay Marina to secure back-to-back Line Honours in the 2024 GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race, a challenging 520-nautical-mile offshore event. This second annual race attracted 27 yachts from across Australia and New Zealand, up from 19 in its inaugural year, highlighting its rapid growth and increasing prestige. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed the fleet’s arrival, as over 4,000 people gathered at Mackay Mari
Read the full storyFive years ago, we launched a brand-new newspaper… during a global pandemic. At the time, some thought we were bold. Others thought we were completely bonkers. Fair call. But we knew this region needed a local paper that brought people together, one that celebrated the good, covered the tough stuff honestly, and never resorted to clickbait just to get attention. Thanks to you, our readers, our advertisers, our community, we’re still here. Still independent, still in print, and still prou
Read the full storyLocal business leaders came together this week to celebrate the launch of the Whitsunday Business Awards 2025. Sponsors and business champions joined the Whitsunday Regional Council, Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Bowen Chamber of Commerce to officially kick off this year’s awards season. The event will shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements, innovation, and resilience of businesses and business leaders right across the Whitsundays. Nominations are now open, with t
Read the full storyRed Cat Adventures has secured continued funding from the Australian Government's Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, allowing the Whitsundays-based eco-tourism operator to expand its reef conservation efforts through to May 2026. Since joining the program in late 2022, Red Cat Adventures has taken an active role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef by training its staff in reef health monitoring, predator control, and data collection. This important work is integrated into the visitor experien
Read the full storyAn afternoon of kayaking near Whitsunday Island took a serious and unexpected turn on Monday 4 August, when a woman began suffering from severe chest pain, prompting an urgent call to BMA CQ Rescue. The rescue helicopter was tasked just before 2.30pm and launched immediately to the woman’s last known location. The mission required precise coordination as time was critical and the woman’s location was remote. Upon arrival, the rescue crew faced an additional challenge. The area was surrounded b
Read the full storyVolunteers of the St. Paul’s Op Shop are calling for people of the community to stop donating unsellable mattresses and furniture at the church’s furniture shed. The Op Shop, run exclusively by volunteers, uses the profits from the store to fund the St Paul's Anglican Church. However volunteer at the store, Chris Hinschen, believes that rising costs at the dump has led people to leave mattresses at the Op Shop’s furniture shed as a donation, but they do not accept mattresses. The furniture she
Read the full storyTucked away in the peaceful hills of Shute Harbour,
this architect-designed 3-bedroom home is anything
but ordinary. Offering a unique blend of style, comfort,
and potential, it’s the perfect escape from the
everyday – just a short drive back into Airlie Beach.
Set on a quiet crescent and elevated to capture
stunning blue ocean views from every room, including
each of the three bedrooms, this home is designed to
make the most of its spectacular surroundings. Lightfilled
interiors flow effortlessly to a generous timber
deck, where you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views over
Shute Harbour and the rolling hills beyond.
Whether you’re after a lock-up-and-leave holiday
retreat, a low-maintenance downsizer, or a funky
family home, this property has you covered. It’s all on
one level, with a fully fenced yard offering room for
the kids, dogs, or even a future pool.
Features Include:
• 3 spacious bedrooms – each with their own view of
the sparkling blue ocean
• Open plan living with floor-to-ceiling glass doors to
deck
• Architect-designed with custom lighting, built-in
shelving & clever storage
• Fully fenced yard with room to add a pool
• Separate lockable home office/studio
• Carport, outdoor shower & lush private gardens
• Plans for a second storey available – add a master
suite and elevate the already breathtaking views
August 7, 2025
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) is nearing the final stages of a major CCTV upgrade project. The project, first announced in November last year, has seen the upgrade and installation of more than 50 CCTV cameras across NQBP’s three ports of Abbot Point, Hay Point and Mackay. Preparations are now under way for the installation of the last camera for the Port of Mackay’s Southern Breakwater. NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said the project has seen several benefits
Read the full storyAugust 7, 2025
Community Safety On Two Wheels And Four Paws Officers from the Northern Beaches Police Station, alongside the Mackay Dog Squad, hit the streets last week with their Mobile Police Beat and trail bikes to promote e-scooter safety. Locals were encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about responsible scooter use in shared spaces. A highlight of the day was a visit to a local primary school, where Police Dog Barron became an instant celebrity. With tail wags and plenty o
Read the full storyAugust 7, 2025
New Constables Join Mackay And Whitsundays District Five newly graduated constables have officially joined the Queensland Police Service in the Mackay and Whitsundays District, bringing fresh energy and a strong sense of commitment to the region’s frontline policing efforts. The officers, who recently completed their training at the Queensland Police Academy, will now begin their first year of service under the guidance of experienced field training officers. District Superintendent Dean
Read the full storyAugust 7, 2025
It was a workout with heart and purpose as Mackay locals hit the ground jumping last Saturday for the annual Harpertastic 1km Travel Burpees challenge. The high-energy fundraiser raised $3,180 for Jeans for Genes Australia, supporting vital research into childhood cancers and genetic disorders. A total of 139 participants took part in the physically gruelling event, which required individuals or teams to complete a full kilometre of travel burpees. Four participants completed the entire d
Read the full storyAugust 7, 2025
Crews are trading sailing gear for party shirts on Lay Day as the Battle of the Sailors lawn games competition returns to Airlie Beach Race Week. Held at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on August 11, teams of five can register at reception for a chance to win great prizes, including VIP entry and regular race entries to ABRW 2026 and a $150 food and drink voucher. The games kick off at 3pm sharp, but the fun continues into the evening with food trucks firing up at 5pm and live music from local per
Read the full storyAugust 7, 2025
A Flavour-Filled Voyage on Race Week Lay Day Elementa Whitsundays and 74 Islands Distillery, the proud naming rights sponsors of the 2025 Airlie Beach Race Week, are inviting guests to a one-off long lunch experience that captures the true spirit of the Whitsundays. Taking place on Monday 11 August from 1pm to 4pm, Changing Courses offers a vibrant way to spend the official Lay Day of Race Week. Set in the stunning surrounds of the elevated Elementa distillery and rooftop gardens, the event pro
Read the full storyJune 12, 2025
Friday 6th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Saturday 7th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Meatloaf Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: (Live Music & DJ Session 1pm – 6pm) Sunday 8th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Meatloaf Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Matt Angell (6.30 – 9.30pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (4pm - 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: Chill A
Read the full storyAugust 7, 2025
The Mackay Marina was abuzz with colour, music and community spirit last Sunday as locals gathered to celebrate the 140th birthday of the historic Pine Islet Lighthouse. Under clear skies and a gentle sea breeze, crowds flocked to the Marina Precinct along Mulherin Drive for a day packed with market stalls, live music, face painting, food trucks, raffles and the perfect vantage point to watch the yachts from the Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race glide into the harbour. The star of the cele
Read the full storyAugust 7, 2025
Mackay is revving up for the return of Freestyle Kings Live, “the greatest show on two wheels”, with the high-octane action sports spectacular locked in for Saturday, the 6th of June, 2026, at BB Print Stadium. Returning as part of a massive six-country, 50-show World Tour, Freestyle Kings Live promises a night packed with gravity-defying stunts and edge-of-your-seat thrills and organisers are determined to deliver a show Mackay will never forget. Billed as a family-friendly, all-ages ev
Read the full storyAugust 7, 2025
**Friday 8th August ** Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Friday Guided
Read the full storyAugust 7, 2025
Festival Comp Launches With Snappy Prizes Mackay’s beloved music and arts festival, Rhythm and The Reef, recently called on the community to help name its giant inflatable croc. The naming competition launched last Friday, with entries set to close this afternoon, Friday 8 August, at 5pm. Submissions can be made via the festival’s social media channels, with the winning entry receiving a Festival Family Pass (two 18+ and two under-18 tickets), an EVA Motors e-scooter kit, a poster signed
Read the full story