By Amanda Wright She came in like a wrecking ball—and left with the mirror ball trophy. In a night filled with dazzling performances, surprise victories, and more than a few jaw-dropping moments, the 2025 Dancing with Heart event saw Usadee Phiraphak take centre stage with an electrifying routine to Miley Cyrus’ ‘Wrecking Ball.’ The Revolution Electrical representative left it all on the dance floor, proving that passion and perseverance can outshine even the most seasoned performers. T
Read the full storyThe ports of Mackay, Hay Point and Abbot Point contribute an impressive $31.7 billion annually to the State’s economy (Gross State Product), a new economic impact study has revealed. The study, conducted by independent experts Prominence and commissioned by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP), also found the three east coast ports support around 40,000 jobs across the mining, construction, transport and wholesale trade industries. NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said the report shines a light on th
Read the full storyEveryone in the community is invited to come on down to Coral Sea Marina at 7.30am this Sunday for the inaugural Whitsunday Epic Walk for DV. Bring your walking shoes, dress in your active wear, grab your kids and your dogs, and get your mind and your body moving for a good cause. Organisers are encouraging participants to walk and talk as a group, creating a steady flow of conversation to start connecting about the important topic of domestic and family violence in our communities. Continued
Read the full storyFederal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has announced that if he is re-elected in May this year, $250,000 will be committed towards upgrades to the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, ensuring it can continue delivering vital services in a safe, modern, and accessible space. “The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre provides essential support to people facing difficult circumstances, offering essential services that enhance dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life for people across the region,” Mr Willcox said
Read the full storyThe Whitsundays’ original and most awarded tour operator, Ocean Rafting, is stoked to take the podium and be recognised amongst Australia’s best tourism operators. Since 1984, the Australian tourism Awards have long been the nation’s premier recognition of excellence in the tourism industry. Ocean Rafting joined the nation’s best in the beautiful Adelaide and is beyond thrilled to be taking home a Bronze in the “Major Tour & Transport Operator”category in the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awar
Read the full storyThe Whitsundays shone brightly at the Australian Tourism Awards which were held in Adelaide last weekend, with three local businesses receiving national accolades. Raising the profile of the Whitsundays on a national stage, these local businesses are leading the way for local tourism and shining a spotlight on our region. The illustrious awards ceremony at the Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia celebrated four decades of tourism excellence while showcasing the industry's finest. Ti
Read the full storyNestled in an elevated position offering ultimate
privacy and a lovely ocean view, this stunning
single-level home combines spacious living, modern
comfort, and exceptional potential. Just minutes from
town yet beautifully secluded, this property offers the
best of both worlds—seclusion and a beautiful sea
view aspect.
Designed to embrace natural light, refreshing
breezes, and ocean vistas, the expansive open-plan
living area flows seamlessly onto an outdoor deck,
which overlooks the sleek wet-edge pool. Whether
you’re entertaining guests or enjoying quiet moments,
the ocean views create a serene backdrop. The chefinspired
kitchen, featuring elegant natural stone
finishes, is perfect for those who love to cook and
entertain in style.
This home offers unique flexibility with three
generously sized bedrooms. You’ll enjoy not one, but
two master bedrooms, each with its own walk-in
robe and ensuite, providing added privacy, space, and
comfort. The third bedroom has separate access to
the main bathroom and a dedicated laundry space—
ideal for family living or guests. There’s also the
potential to enclose the second living/office area into
a fourth bedroom if desired.
Set on a spacious 8,884 sqm allotment, there’s ample
room for a large shed, perfect for extra storage or
creating a workshop. The low-maintenance grounds
are beautifully landscaped with level lawns and
an array of fruit trees, attracting an abundance of
birdlife, all while maintaining a peaceful and private
atmosphere.
Comfort is paramount, with full air-conditioning
throughout. The property also features an 8kW
Fronius solar system with 32 panels, reducing
energy costs. For convenience, the entire property
is equipped with a comprehensive irrigation system
that self-waters the gardens. Additionally, there
is a 100,000L water supply and a brand-new, fully
operational bore. The double lock-up garage provides
plenty of parking, with extra space available for a
boat, caravan, or additional vehicles.
Properties like this are rare—functional, private,
stylish, with ocean views and an unbeatable outlook,
all just moments from town.
March 28, 2025
R U OK?’s Conversation Convoy is coming to the Whitsundays region, aimed at raising awareness for suicide prevention and offering an opportunity for the community to come together, learn, and show support. The convoy will be parked up on the hill by the Coral Sea Marina carpark, on April 6th from 4:30pm to 7pm. Matt Stokes of the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network highlights the significance of this event, saying, “It’s a great reminder for our friends, and asking that one important little q
Read the full storyMarch 27, 2025
A Mackay HHS spokesperson has confirmed a significant rise in melioidosis cases across North Queensland this year, attributed to wet weather events. With this increase, individuals are urged to take sensible precautions when engaging in outdoor activities to minimise the risk. There have been seven cases of melioidosis in the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) region and there have now been two deaths attributed to the bacterial disease. An elderly woman died in February and the dea
Read the full storyMarch 27, 2025
Thirteen local producers were sponsored by Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW) and Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) to attend EvokeAG in 2025, the premier global agrifood technology and innovation event held in Brisbane. Bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators from across the agrifood sector, EvokeAG provided a vital platform for knowledge sharing and cross-sector collaboration. Attendees explored the importance of funding synergies across
Read the full storyMarch 27, 2025
The Mackay Cutters faced the Central Queensland Capras in a rugby league showdown that yielded a mixed bag of results across various divisions. While the senior Hostplus Cup team endured a tough defeat, the junior squads showcased their potential with impressive performances. Hostplus Cup In the senior league, the Mackay Cutters fell 16-36 to the Central Queensland Capras at Rugby Park in Rockhampton. This loss marked their second consecutive defeat, leaving them at the bottom of the Hos
Read the full storyMarch 27, 2025
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixture results March 18, 2025: Division 1: Saturn’s rings (George Camilleri, Andrea Nicholson, Coral Morgan) d Venus Voyager (Peter Goodson, Branko Vucurovic, Marie Taylor) 7-5. Andrea d Branko 4, -4, 7, -3, 3. Mars Pioneers (Delma Knight, Geoff Cowan, Kevin Abbott) d Solar Comets (Doug Dungavell, Judy Zahn, Bryan Marshall) 9-3. Delma d Doug -9, 5, 11, -9, 5. Luna Legends (Donna Abbott, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) d Rocket Stars (Allan Robins, J
Read the full storyMarch 27, 2025
The Sinkers - Mackay Masters Swimming Club have enjoyed a great ongoing relationship with the Pioneer Swim Club “The Dolphins”. As in past years, The Dolphins provided equipment and timing operators at the recent Sinkers’ Fun in Feb event ensuring the event ran smoothly. At the Dolphins’ Championship night on Thursday 20th March 2025, the Sinkers witnessed a great night of racing as well as providing a sausage sizzle and cold drinks for the swimmers and supporters. Congratulations to all
Read the full storyMarch 20, 2025
Proserpine State High School is proud to present their energetic school production of Disney’s Newsies – The Broadway Musical. With more than 100 students and staff bringing this entertaining musical to life on their Performing Arts Centre stage, and many months of hard work spent perfecting lines, dance routines, and musical scores, it promises to be a show to remember! Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy
Read the full storyMarch 28, 2025
Come down for a spectacular weekend of festivities at the Bowen Showgrounds and join in on The Bowen Easter Family Carnival 2025. With free entry and plenty of activities, food and festive cheer to go around, this event is an unmissable experience for the whole family! Dive straight in and get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling rides like the Super Sizzler or relax with a peaceful spin and enjoyable view on the ferris wheel. There are many gentle ride options for younger guests too such as
Read the full storyMarch 27, 2025
Friday 28 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Jessica Cash (4pm–8pm) Saturday 29 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Nearly Neil - A Neil Diamond Tribute (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Drew Blundell (4pm-8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music & Chill DJ Session (1pm–6pm) Sunday 30 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Nearly Neil - A Neil Diamond Tribute(2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul
Read the full storyMarch 27, 2025
28 Pram Pushers, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-10:30am 28 Seniors Computer Program, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-2:30pm, Bookings Required 28 Seniors Bingo, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:30am-12pm, $7.50pp & Seniors Card 28 Drop-in Baby Clinic & Baby Play, Cooinda Family Centre, 10am-12pm 28 Adult Roller Skate Class, PCYC Whitsunday, 6pm-7pm 28 Alcoholics Anonymous, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 6pm-7:30pm 29 North QLD Cross Country Championships, Gailbraith Park in Canno
Read the full storyMarch 27, 2025
On Thursday the 17th of April, the Youth Space in Proserpine is holding a fun and festive Easter Bonanza just in time for the Easter weekend. From 3pm to 5pm bring the whole family and get creative with all the activities and crafts the Youth Space has on offer. For just $5 per family, you and your children can get stuck-in with fun themed crafts and colouring. There will be cute card-making and Easter baskets to be constructed, perfect for the scavenger hunt that’s going to be held! How else w
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