A welcome boost to the region's medical workforce saw 31 intern doctors begin their healthcare careers with Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) last week. Among them are three proud Mackay locals excited to return home and serve their community. In 2025, a total of 38 interns will join the team, with opportunities to rotate through rural facilities in Proserpine and Bowen. These interns will be the second cohort to train under the new intern training framework, gaining valuable experience i
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The Mackay community is in mourning following the tragic death of Cassandra Townsend, a 37-year-old mother of two, whose body was discovered in her Beaconsfield home on the 8th of January. Police were called to her Lorne Court property around 3.20pm, where her body was found. Authorities declared the site a crime scene, and investigations into the cause of her death are ongoing as they await autopsy results. A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed, “Investigations into the death are conti
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The Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) team and the wider community are mourning the loss of Andrew "Drew" Mallett - a highly respected member of their ranks. It is believed that Drew, a father from the Mackay region, tragically went missing while spearfishing off the coast of Lorne, Victoria, on November 28, 2024. Despite extensive search efforts, which included air, sea, and coastal operations, he has yet to be recovered and has since been presumed deceased. In a heartbreaking statement
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The Mackay Meteorettes have achieved the ultimate success in junior basketball, claiming the Under-18 Girls State Championship at the 2025 Basketball Queensland Club State Championship. After five days of intense competition, the tournament concluded at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast, with the Meteorettes emerging as champions in a thrilling final. A standout moment came in the opening quarter, an area the Meteorettes had traditionally struggled with. However, this time, they came out s
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In a recent meeting between Senator Nita Green and Mayor Ry Collins, discussions centred on two new $30 million projects in Cannonvale and the allocation of $7.2 billion in funding for the Bruce Highway. One key issue raised was the prioritisation of sections along the Bruce Highway, especially given that the Whitsundays region has been identified as the most hazardous area in the recent Bruce Highway safety survey. This funding represents the single largest investment in the highway’s history,
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Meet Pascal, who is still looking for his furever home! Pascal is the zaniest feline teenager around! He's got swag and isn't afraid to show it. This self-assured adolescent kitty is still learning the ropes of being a social butterfly, so be prepared for some playful mischief. While still having some growing up to do, Pascal vacillates between caution and hyperactivity. If you have a feisty feline friend with comparable energy for him to play with, that'd be purrfect and would greatly enhance
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Local couple Kadi Hamers and Sam Reynolds have welcomed their second child into the family with a surprise early arrival that made local history this year. Little Hazel was born at the Proserpine Hospital in early the early hours of January 1, to the happy couple who were not expecting their new bundle of joy for another few days. Hazel was due on the 6th of January but in the early hours of 2025 she decided it was her time to come into the world. At a healthy 7lb 2oz, she was born at 1.22am wh
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Meet Lentil, an incredibly affectionate dog who’s already won the hearts of her foster family. Known for her gentle nature, Lentil has quickly bonded with her new home and has learned to trust her humans. Despite her young age, she has taken on a nurturing role with the other dogs, often "mothering" them with care and kindness. Lentil is the definition of selflessness; she gives all of herself and asks for little in return. Her greatest joy is cuddling up with her family, especially jumping onto
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A tasteful blend of space, comfort, and tropical
living in this exceptional property in Jubilee Pocket,
just a stone’s throw from Airlie Beach. With a large
layout, sparkling pool, and versatile 5th bedroom,
this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
Key features include:
• Expansive Living: Generously sized bedrooms &
living space, including a newly renovated master
ensuite, providing ample room for the whole
family.
• Versatile 5th Room: A bonus room perfect for a
home office, guest suite, personal gym, or media
room – the choice is yours!
• Sparkling Pool: A private pool to relax and cool
off on warm Whitsunday days.
• Homely Touches: Timber floors and vaulted
ceilings create an open, airy atmosphere
throughout the home.
• Spacious Yard: Set on a fully fenced 800m² block,
providing plenty of space for family, pets, and
outdoor enjoyment.
Whether you’re after a large family home or an
investment with fantastic potential, this property
offers both. With its size, pool, and extra 5th room,
9 Moonlight Drive stands out as a true Whitsunday
gem, waiting to welcome you.
Don’t miss your chance to make it yours! Make an
offer today!
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January 17, 2025
The words fall like stones in a silent room, heavy and irreversible. A diagnosis delivered by a doctor doesn’t arrive gently; it crashes in, turning life as you know it upside down. The reality of cancer sinks in, casting an unsettling shadow over the world you knew just moments before. The fear begins to coil around you: fear of the unknown, of what’s to come, of what this means. The medical jargon is endless, technical, and impossible to fully absorb, especially when every thought is cloud
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January 16, 2025
Recent tragedies have reminded us all of how fragile and unpredictable life can be. The devastating wildfires that began on January 7, 2025, in Los Angeles have claimed at least 25 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and schools. The Pacific Palisades fire, the most destructive in LA's history, rapidly spread due to strong winds and dry conditions, leaving entire neighbourhoods reduced to ash. The toll has been immense, with lives lost, wildlife displaced,
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January 16, 2025
In a heart-warming act of kindness, a young woman has left a lasting impression on a local family after helping their anxious teenage daughter change a flat tyre on Eversleigh Road. The daughter, a P-plater with high anxiety, found herself stranded by the side of the road, upset and unsure of what to do. With her parents out of state, she was about to call RACQ when a stranger in a red Mazda CX-5 pulled over and offered assistance. The kind woman, who is believed to be of Islander descent
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January 16, 2025
With the largest team of 11 to attend this tough qualifying meet, Coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier was already very proud of her young prodigies. The week is huge, with early mornings and late-night finals. Being present for the week in its entirety is the absolute challenge; nutrition, sleep, illness—everything can enter the domain the week of or prior, and nothing can be left for granted. How we all roll through it and prepare for each race is a process, as any athlete will vouch, and our entire team
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January 16, 2025
Playing Bridge keeps you young! Joy Robinson and Joyce Deguara have been playing Bridge for seventy plus years between them. They played for the first time together after all this time as they have both had other partners over the years. Joy is 99 and Joyce 93. Who says Bridge is for oldies? These two are still spring chickens. Our beginners’ lessons commence Wednesday 12 February at 6.30pm. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played cards before, everyone is welcome! Weekly Results Monday 6 Jan
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January 16, 2025
Opening Day 2025 President Alan Dillon’s Opening Day was a huge success, with over 60 men’s bowlers participating in the event. The big winners on the day were Vic Gaudion and Col Crocker, taking out the top prize money, while Alan Leyshon and Peter Madden picked up the runners-up prize. Meanwhile, John Fry and Joe Crocker were lucky enough to have their cards pulled for the lucky door prize. Friday Winners: Chris Woo and Terry Clark continue their great form, showing that their dedication to
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November 18, 2024
The annual Mackay Children’s Christmas Party at the Showgrounds welcomed up to 1,200 children with special needs, invited through schools and care providers. This long-running event, held for over 30 years, catered to children with serious illnesses, physical or intellectual disabilities, and complex needs.
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January 16, 2025
Friday 17th January Crochet and Conversation 9am Join the friendly group of Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade for a morning of crocheting, coffee, and conversation. BYO crochet tools or borrow from our communal box. All skill levels welcome. This is a great opportunity to connect, share experiences, and start our next project for the Northern Beaches community in 2025. Beachfront Bar and Restaurant, Bucasia Exhibitions Opening 6pm Join Mackay Regi
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January 16, 2025
What better way to spend your Sunday than with six hours of classic Australian Rock at the Airlie Beach Hotel? For a raging afternoon of double-headers The Pub is putting on a show that will excite all Aussie Rock music enthusiasts. Start your afternoon off with a full three hours of surf rock tunes with Reckless, the Australian Crawl tribute band taking to the stage to deliver their signature back-to-back hits. Reckless, will perform the best songs from Australian Crawl’s iconic history, such a
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January 16, 2025
Embrace the spirit of Australia Day with the Whitsunday Regional Council’s exciting festivities at Airlie Beach Foreshore. From 4:00 PM, come together for a day filled with live music, delicious food stalls, and a wide range of activities for all ages. The little ones will have a blast with games, activities, and more, while the prestigious Australia Day Awards will shine a light on the exceptional individuals who make the Whitsunday community thrive. Australia Day Award Categories and nomin
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Friday 17 January The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers 7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Tim Griffin (4pm–8pm) Saturday 18 January The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Soul Chisel (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (4pm–8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm) Sunday 19 January The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Noisy Neighbours (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sam McCann (6:30pm–9:30pm) Grand View Hotel: Dave Johan (4pm–8pm) Cora
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