Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mackay is putting itself on the tourism map! From farm stays and reef adventures to local food, events and accommodation, our region’s tourism businesses have come away with a swag of wins at the 2026 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards. Local operators have been recognised across a wide range of categories, with six Mackay Isaac finalists now set to represent the region at the Queensland Tourism Awards. There’s plenty happening right here on our doorstep, and plenty for the Mackay region to be proud of. See who took home the honours on pages 22-23! Mackay and Isaac tourism businesses were recognised across multiple categories at the 2026 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards last Friday, celebrating the region’s growing tourism industry. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Set on a substantial 820m2 tropical block, backing onto an expansive nature reserve, with no rear neighbours, this 4-bedroom high set classic coastal home is perfect for families to enjoy living, working and playing.blinds…everything is ready for you to move in and enjoy.Ideal for first- home buyers, growing families, investors, with a rental appraisal of $650-$670 per week.automatic remote roller door. Large front and back yard surrounded by perimeter of tropical gardens• 9m x 6m shed with (2) roller doors & workshop space. Features:• Substantial 820m2 tropical blockLocated in a quiet, shady street, just minutes from North Wall Beach, Mackay Marina/Harbour, Lamberts Beach, Andergrove Shopping, this property presents a unique opportunity to embrace an affordable coastal lifestyle, with room for children and pets to play; work from home in the multi-purpose space downstairs; grow your own produce in the large open yard; so much more!There’s even a 6m x 9m shed with workshop/office space complete with side access.Freshly painted internally, new vinyl planking flooring, new kitchen & bathroom, new automatic remote roller door to the secure garage under the house, new external screens and • 4 generous bedrooms, 3 with built in robes with new carpet• Airconditioned living area and main bedroom• External covered deck overlooking private back yard• New external awnings, new internal blinds, new flooring, freshly painted internally throughout• Modern, brand-new kitchen• Renovated bathroom• Downstairs large multipurpose room, storage room, laundry, covered entertainment area, secure garage with new • Nature reserve at rear of property, large, shady nativesPriced to sell at only $649,000
Meet the people who keep the Whitsundays safe as local emergency services come together for a free family field day featuring rescue boats, emergency vehicles and live demonstrations. Photo credit: Zach HoutenvilleWhen an emergency strikes, they’re the people we call. This Saturday, Whitsunday families will have the chance to meet those frontline crews in a more relaxed setting, explore their equipment and learn about the work they do, as well as how they do it. From watching police dogs in action to climbing aboard rescue boats, visitors can get a closer look at local emergency services, while picking up some practical safety advice. Meet The Crews Who Answer The Call Police dogs, fire trucks, rescue boats, live demonstrations and much more will give families a closer look at the emergency services that keep the Whitsundays safe when they come together tomorrow, Saturday 10 October, for a free community field day. Organised by Whitsunday Police Station, the family-friendly event will bring together Queensland Police, Ambulance and Fire services, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Whitsunday Water Police and Whitsunday Regional Council’s disaster management team. “All the frontline emergency services we'll come together and do a bit of a show and tell,” said PCYC Whitsunday Sergeant Billy Li. “The purpose of the event is to show the community a different light of emergency services available. Visitors will have plenty to see and do throughout the day, each service will run its own demonstrations, providing a closer look at the skills and equipment crews use when responding to emergencies. “All the frontline emergency services will come together for a bit of show and tell, with each agency displaying what it has to offer.” “The community will be able to ask questions of emergency personnel and learn more about each service.” The program may even include some friendly rivalry between agencies, with games and a possible tug-of-war giving the community a chance to pick a side and cheer them on. “We will be engaging the community to join in as well,” Sergeant Billy said. Younger visitors can climb aboard rescue boats, explore emergency vehicles and watch police dogs in action, while speaking directly with local personnel about their equipment and roles. Beyond the safety lessons, the games and friendly agency challenges, this outing will allow families to see the more relaxed side of those who respond when the community needs help.
There is a reason Whitsunday Acres continues to hold such a strong reputation locally. Generous blocks, well-kept streets and a peaceful residential setting make it one of Cannon Valley’s most appealing places to call home, all without the ongoing cost of body corporate fees.Positioned near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, 23 Ripplecreek Way enjoys little to no passing traffic and sits comfortably on a generous 1,105m² block. The home has been positioned on flat, usable ground, leaving plenty of space around it and giving the next owner options for the future.There is room to add a pool on one side, space for a shed on the other, or simply leave things exactly as they are and enjoy a backyard with enough room for kids, pets and weekend cricket.The established front gardens create an inviting first impression, with mature tropical landscaping and a cosy sitting area tucked beneath the palms providing a quiet spot to enjoy a morning coffee or unwind at the end of the day.Inside, the home offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms and the added flexibility of a dedicated study or home office. Living and dining areas sit conveniently at the centre of the home, creating comfortable spaces for everyday family life.The kitchen has its own dedicated space, providing a practical separation from the main living areas while still remaining close to the heart of the home. A large front window brings in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and welcoming place to prepare meals without having everything on display from the lounge room.Air-conditioning throughout keeps the home comfortable as we head back towards the warmer Whitsunday months, while the easy-care layout makes this a property you can settle into without needing to reinvent it from day one.For buyers who have been waiting for an opportunity to secure their place in Whitsunday Acres, this could be it. With space around you, a quiet position and plenty of potential still left to explore, 23 Ripplecreek Way offers the chance to move in, make it your own and be settled before the Christmas season arrives
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