Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A major housing boost will see 131 social and affordable homes delivered or underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamaraMackay's ongoing housing shortage has been targeted with a major social housing announcement, with the Queensland Government confirming 131 social and affordable homes are now underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, alongside an $8.6 million boost for housing and homelessness services. During a visit to Mackay on Wednesday, Housing Minister Sam O'Connor said the investment would help increase housing supply and support vulnerable Queenslanders. “We have 20 more homes delivered or underway in the last 20 months than the entire decade preceding our time in government,” Mr O'Connor said. Local Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the work was an important step in addressing Mackay’s housing pressures. “We need to make sure that we keep on building... so that people can say, 'This is my home,'” he said. Social Housing Boost Targets Ongoing Regional Shortage By Hannah McNamara Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O'Connor was on the ground in Mackay on Wednesday, 15 July, to announce 131 social and affordable homes are now underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, alongside an $8.6 million investment in frontline housing and homelessness services, with the Queensland Government saying the measures will help alleviate the region's housing pressures. The announcement is said to be part of the Queensland Government's $5.7 billion statewide investment in social and community housing. Mr O'Connor said more than 130 homes were currently underway, building on the 79 social and affordable homes delivered in the region since the Government was elected. He said the funding would support specialist homelessness services and crisis support, helping vulnerable Queenslanders access housing sooner. “We have 20 more homes delivered or underway in the last 20 months than the entire decade preceding our time in government.” Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the announcement would help address housing pressures facing vulnerable residents in Mackay. “I think it's going a long way. We need to make sure that we keep on building and we keep on constructing this type of housing so that people can say, 'This is my home.' That's our intention, and we're working towards it all the time. This is a prime example of that.” The pair toured the construction site, where 18 social homes are being built in Mackay's CBD. “It is so sad to see people who are vulnerable and homeless, and these units are going to be able to house them into the future. It's so exciting because we've got a great location in the city, close to schools, shops and services. It's exactly the right place,” Mr Dalton said. Mr O'Connor also announced an additional investment in local housing support. “I can also announce today that, as part of our budget delivered just a few weeks ago, we will be investing a boost of $8.6 million into housing and homelessness services in this region. “It's really important we have the services available to help people get on a housing pathway and ultimately into homes just like these ones we're building right here.” Mr O'Connor said the development would provide social housing for eligible applicants on the housing register. “They'll be for people on the register, and by definition, people who are eligible to enter social housing are the most vulnerable in our community.” He added that “The rent is capped at 25% of the residents' income.” Mackay’s housing shortage is being targeted with 131 new social and affordable homes and an $8.6 million support package. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Rare & Remarkable Beachside Entertainer
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
• Deck wraps around three sides of the home for all-day
outdoor living
• Timber-and-glass bi-fold doors opening to a spacious
living/dining area with vinyl plank flooring
• Quality 2-pac kitchen with induction cooking,
dishwasher, pantry and breakfast bar
• Two built-in bedrooms with fans; master includes timber
shutters and air conditioning
• Stylish main bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tiling
What began with laps around a small go-kart track near the Whitsunday Coast Airport has led Airlie Beach teenager to an achievement no Australian has reached before, graduating from Japan's prestigious Honda Racing School Advanced Formula course. 17-year-old Jure Portelli is the first Australian and first female to graduate from the elite program, a milestone she hopes proves that talent, not background or gender, determines how far a driver can go. "I don't think about it being the first Australian and the first girl," she said. “No matter where you come from or your gender or anything like that, if you can get there, then that shows a lot." Local Formula 1 Prodigy Dominates in Japan Jure moved to Airlie beach in 2012 from Melbourne, later discovering motorsport in 2022 after her father bought a second-hand go-kart from Facebook marketplace at 14 years old. After her first ever go-kart race, she knew she was hooked. "I did the first race and I was like, 'Wow, this is heaps of fun,'" she said. “I don't remember where I placed or how I actually went in the race, but I just remember really enjoying it.” "Then we just kind of continued to enter the local go-kart meetings, and eventually I started to get competitive and started winning." She stepped into a Formula car for the first time through the Ferrari Driver Academy's Rising Stars program in 2023. “After that program is when we all kind of, like my family and I, specifically me, decided I want to make this into a career,” Jure said. She later competed in Formula V rounds in Victoria before travelling to Japan in 2025, where she secured a podium in her first Vita race at Fuji Speedway. Despite her early success, Jure was unable to secure as much track time as she wanted. Instead, she focused on what she could control, pushing herself through physical, mental and simulator training to prepare for the demands of professional formula racing. As her ambitions grew, Jure realised the next step in her career would take her beyond Australia's borders. Drawn by the opportunities and rich motorsport culture overseas, she began looking for a pathway to put her over the top. Her dedication earned her a place at Japan's prestigious Honda Racing School, where she advanced through multiple selection stages at Suzuka to become one of eight drivers chosen from 30. "Japan was something me and my team discussed because it's quite different,” Jure said. The achievement didn’t come without its challenges, as Jure had to move away from home and her family for six months. While a daunting experience, it was one she labeled as necessary. "It was a very foreign experience... not a lot of people get the opportunity to do that, especially so young," she said. "But I was more than happy to do that to be able to be a part of the Honda Racing School. During the course, Jure trained alongside professional drivers, combining intensive track sessions, physical training and data analysis while being assessed both on and off the circuit. "You never really know what they're looking out for," she said. "They're always critiquing you on everything, not just your driving, but how you behave off track, your manners, how well you can communicate with the engineers and the instructors, time management.” With one historic milestone behind her, Jure is looking forward to her next step to becoming a formula 1 driver. "I'm always just working towards the next opportunity," she said. Photo captions: Photo 1- Jure holding up her certificate from graduating Photo 2- Honda Advanced Formula 2026 class Photo supplied: Jure Portelli.
From the moment you arrive, the home makes a lasting impression.
A grand entrance featuring a circular concrete turning area, fishpond
and flagpole leads to an impressive foyer, setting the tone for the
space and grandeur that awaits inside.
Property Features:
•Expansive 6,473m² allotment in a peaceful rural setting
•Just one minute from Proserpine’s CBD and amenities
•Grand entrance with turning circle, fishpond and flagpole
•Three large bedrooms, each with a private ensuite
•Master suite with walk-in robe and office
•Original kitchen with adjoining dining/family living area
•Separate formal dining room and sitting room
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