
Mackay father Phil Smith has been recognised on the state stage, receiving the Queensland New Volunteer Award for 2026 for his tireless work raising awareness around asbestos-related disease. Since the passing of his wife Leah in 2024, Mr Smith has devoted himself to advocacy and fundraising through Ride In Shorts For Leah, contributing more than 1,200 volunteer hours and raising over $42,000 to support education and prevention efforts. Leah, who was unknowingly exposed to asbestos in childhood, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma at 49 and passed away just over eight months later. Her story has since become the driving force behind Mr Smith’s public mission to warn others about the risks hidden in many Australian homes. Presented at Brisbane City Hall by the Governor of Queensland, the award recognises his ongoing commitment to community awareness and support. What began in the shadow of personal loss has grown into a wider campaign of education, remembrance and prevention, carried forward in Leah’s name. Mackay father Phil Smith has been awarded the Queensland New Volunteer Award for 2026 in recognition of his asbestos awareness advocacy and fundraising efforts inspired by the loss of his wife Leah. Photos supplied
Auction Tomorrow On-Site at 12pm
A home with presence, proportion and true staying power—
this solid two-storey brick residence (built 1981) has been
immaculately maintained and thoughtfully updated to deliver
effortless beachside living. From the expansive timber decks
and bi-fold doors to the fresh vinyl plank flooring, renovated
bathrooms and generous downstairs rumpus, every detail
blends style with everyday functionality.
With five bedrooms across two levels, it’s an outstanding
option for larger families, guests, or dual-living flexibility.
Set on an elevated 800 sq. m. block in a quiet cul-de-sac, the
home captures cooling sea breezes and showcases stunning
panoramic views.
Enjoy a lifestyle location: approximately a two-minute walk
to beautiful Campwin Beach, a two-minute drive to the boat
ramp, 13 minutes to Sarina and 40 minutes to Mackay’s CBD.
Upstairs highlights
• External stair access to an impressive Merbau timber deck
(approx. 4m x 15m) with sweeping views
• Timber-and-glass bi-fold doors opening to a spacious living/
dining area with vinyl plank flooring
• Two built-in bedrooms share the stylish main bathroom
Downstairs highlights
• Internal stairs from the generous tiled rumpus room
• Three bedrooms share the renovated second bathroom
• End-to-end garage with workshop space
Outdoor highlights
• Immaculate grounds with raised garden beds, pergola with
built-in seating, pizza oven, love seat, fire pit, garden shed
and fruit trees
• Concrete driveway to a double carport—ideal for a boat,
van or additional vehicles
• 10,000-gallon rainwater tank plumbed to the home (town
water also connected)
Homes of this calibre and coastal appeal are tightly held
and rarely offered. Inspect on Saturday—you won’t be
disappointed.
For sale by Auction (on site) at 12 noon on 23rd May 2026.
Open from 11.30am

A bus crash in Gumlu, north of Bowen last week, has made national news after the incident tragically took the life of one of the passengers. Emergency Services were called to the Bruce Highway north of Bowen just before 4pm on May 14th after the southbound flexibus travelling from Cairns to Airlie Beach left the roadway and rolled onto its side. Passengers were transported to hospitals across Townsville, Ayr and Bowen. According to passengers, the bus driver had warned everyone that the bus was ‘not the best one’, before the departure. A bus crash occurred on the same stretch of highway two years ago, claiming three lives. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort (left) and Officer in Charge of Ayr Police Station Senior Sergeant Lisa Shields (right) with survivors following the tragic bus rollover near Gumlu. Photo: Jacob Casha
16 Whitehaven Crescent, Cannonvale — a commanding
executive residence positioned to capture elevated
ocean views and deliver a refined coastal lifestyle.
Designed with both scale and presence in mind, the
home features soaring ceilings, expansive living zones
and five well-appointed bedrooms, including a private
master retreat complete with ensuite and walk-in robe.
A standout feature is the flexible lower level, complete
with its own bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette
— ideal for dual-living, guest accommodation or
additional income potential. Outdoors, the backyard
offers scope to create your own private oasis, with
room to potentially add a pool and further enhance
the coastal lifestyle. Located just minutes from local
shops, schools and the heart of Airlie Beach, this is a
rare opportunity to secure a home of scale, flexibility
and impressive views in a sought-after location.
• 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms (including master ensuite
& walk-in robe)
• Elevated position capturing ocean views
• Located on quiet cul-de-sac
• Flexible downstairs area with self-contained
potential
• Yard with room to add a pool
OPEN HOME: Saturday 23rd May 10:00 – 10:30am
