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The Salvation Army is rallying the Mackay community to get behind this year’s Red Shield Appeal, a vital local fundraising drive aimed at supporting those doing it toughest in our region. Now in its 61st year, Australia’s longest-running door-knock appeal hopes to raise $38 million nationwide to fund life-changing services. “The last few years have been incredibly tough for the hardest hit in our community, and for many that shows no sign of slowing down,” said Rendle Williams of The Salv
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Beware the bunny His tail so funny His soft and fluffy face If you follow him down To the hole in the ground You might never know God’s grace. I love a fluffy bunny as much as the next person, but their prevalence at Easter is smoke and mirrors hiding the truth. The truth of Easter is harsh! There are whips and nails, a crown of thorns, blood, death and betrayal. Friday was the day that Jesus was nailed to a cross. He had done no wrong, healed many, and preached about
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Grassroots changemakers across regional Queensland are being invited to put their hand up, with Bravus Mining and Resources opening applications for its 2025 Community Partnership Program. The initiative offers grants to not-for-profits and local groups driving positive change in their communities. Bravus Mining and Resources Head of Community Kate Campbell said the Community Partnership Program was a fundamental part of the business and its Carmichael mine near Clermont in central Queens
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Dedicated Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) piano student Donald MacGregor has taken the stage by storm at the 2025 Basel Junior International Piano Competition. Hosted in Japan in 2025, the renowned online music competition attracted participants from around the globe, with Donald achieving international recognition when he was awarded the Outstanding Performance prize in the 13-15 years category. “I almost didn’t believe that I got the prize at first. It was my first in
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing The results of our grower survey last year made it quite apparent that growers who market with Wilmar believe that the market information we provide is one of the most important services of our Grower Marketing team. One way we keep growers up to date is via shed meetings and information sessions which we recently held in Proserpine, Ingham and the Burdekin. It’s always thoroughly enjoyable for the team to get out and about, meeting wit
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Five local businesses have been forced to shut their doors and face hefty fines after a major crackdown on illicit tobacco and vape sales in Mackay. Illicit tobacco and vape products have been seized and stores closed in raids across Mackay as strict new laws were enforced in the region for the first time. The Mackay Public Health Unit (MPHU), a division of Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS), has confirmed that over the past three weeks, eight unlicensed tobacconists who were found
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From the first bounce to the final siren, AFL is kicking big goals across the Mackay region, and there’s never been a better time to pull on the boots and join the action. Whether you’re five or fifty, footy fever is on the rise, with more families embracing the benefits of grassroots sport. Participation Lead Alex Brooks says the growth in 2025 has been phenomenal. “We’ve seen a massive uptake, especially in the 12-and-under space,” Brooks said. “That’s up 50 per cent year-to-date, wit
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This Mother’s Day, show mum how much she means to you with a gift she'll treasure forever. As a special thank-you, the first 200 shoppers who spend $50 at specialty stores or $100 at Coles, Kmart, or Woolworths and visit our pop-up during selected hours on Thursday and Saturday will receive a FREE Louenhide bag. To make your gift extra special, enjoy gift wrapping services from Thursday, May 8 to Saturday, May 10, with all proceeds supporting the Mackay Hospital Foundation. With a vibrant
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A powerful string of funding pledges from the LNP could breathe new life into two critical Mackay projects – tackling youth homelessness and preserving a century-old community landmark, while a third pledge aims to make Mackay's CBD safer. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has committed $170,500 to help renovate six two-bedroom units leased by Kalyan Youth Services, a not-for-profit organisation struggling to meet skyrocketing demand from young people experiencing homelessness. “Y
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Rev up your May Day weekend with mud, machines, and massive fun for the whole family! Calling all rev heads, thrill seekers, and lovers of loud engines – the Sarina Showgrounds is the place to be this May Day long weekend as the Queensland Mud Trails State Titles returns for its 37th year of full-throttle family fun! Buckle up for a weekend of high-octane action, as drivers from across the state descend on Sarina to compete for glory in some of the messiest motorsport imaginable. Think r
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Three outstanding local students have been awarded scholarships from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, in association with CQUniversity. Neve Macdonald and Taylah Hayles were officially presented with higher education scholarships, while Fletcher McFadzen received an apprenticeship scholarship at a special event held at CQUniversity Mackay City Campus during Queensland Youth Week (6–12 April). The students received a total of $24,000 towards their studies, reinforcing Community Bank Sa
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By Amanda Wright The lights dimmed, the crowd hushed, and the big top came alive — and somewhere in the stands, a spark was lit. At just four years old, Troy Smith was spellbound by his first circus – so much so that the colour, characters and sheer magic of it all never let go. “I remember the animals, the popcorn, the excitement – I just fell in love with the atmosphere,” he said. “From that day, the circus had my heart.” His journey into the circus world was thanks to his mother, wh
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Over twenty Mackay Road Runners and supporters gathered at Bluewater Quay on Sunday afternoon for a social 5km and 11km run along Harbour Road, turning at Mt Bassett before returning to the start. Participants navigated a mix of sunshine, wind, clouds and rain, but handled the unpredictable weather with ease. With the club’s Race Director Andrew Short currently enjoying a well-earned break, the event was a relaxed affair. Andrew is taking on the internationally renowned London Marathon du
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Results For Week Ending Sunday 13 April 025 Monday 7 April 2025 – 4.5 Table Howell Green Points 1st Janine Rodgers - Jewel Schmidt 3rd Monica Darley - Nancy Martin 2nd Gwen Liddell - Sandy Patterson 4th Diane Stokes - Edward Kliese Tuesday Evening 8 April 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Helen Van Den Broek - Tex Sheedy 1st Marilin Robins - Faye Wright 2nd John Mcgee - Mick King 4th Ken Seaniger - Geoff Taylor
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The RSPCA has today announced that after three decades of community supporters coming together to fight animal cruelty through the Million Paws Walk, this year will be the final walk as a national fundraising event. With the help of up to 1.6 million paws - that’s 400,000 super pooches - and more than 750,000 superhumans, RSPCA’s iconic Million Paws Walk has raised a phenomenal $17 million for animals in need over its 30-year history. In those 30 years, the event has brought joy and much
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Earlier this month, on Channel 7, Peter Dutton declared coal mining communities were “done” and that they had no future. This is an insult to the people of Dawson and the thousands of families who rely on this industry. Labor has invested in the Mining Centre of Excellence right here in Mackay, supporting the next generation of mining and new opportunities in critical minerals. There is potential to re-mine slag heaps from existing coal mines to extract these minerals. That means new jo
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Dr Amanda Nickson is a wife, mother of three adult children, a social worker, a Pastor, an author and a speaker. "I have chosen to stand with Family First as its candidate for Dawson because they are a party whose core values of Family, Faith, Life, Freedom and Enterprise match with mine," Dr Nickson said. "Strong families form the fundamental building blocks of local communities, which strengthen towns, cities and regions. "Family First believes human life begins at conception and shou
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Two late entries have added fresh intrigue to the race for Dawson, with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) confirming the official ballot draw for the federal election. Held in Mackay using a blindfold and old-school bingo-roller system, the ballot draw randomly assigned the order in which candidates will appear on the voting slip. **In total, seven candidates have been confirmed for Dawson: Michael Lockyer – Trumpet of Patriots Alexander John Beaumont – Gerrard Rennick People F
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By Sonia Ball, QCAR Central District Manager Forty-eight days to kick off to the much anticipated and discussed 2025 sugarcane crushing season. That’s according to the QCAR clock (as at Sunday on our website) and that’s geared to a generic 1 June 2025 start date. The big question on everyone’s lips is, will your mill be ready? According to the recent mill maintenance program updates, which should have been received by most farmers and contractors, all Central District mills - Mackay Suga
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By Amanda Wright Mackay middle-distance runner Toby Rule has officially broken the four-minute barrier in the 1500m – and he’s done it in style. Competing at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth last week, Toby shaved a huge four seconds off his previous best to cross the line in 3:59. It’s a golden milestone in any middle-distance runner’s career and a testament to the 18-year-old’s relentless training and passion for the sport. His sub-four-minute effort placed him 19th over
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Drowning in clutter and not sure where to start? You’re not alone…and you don’t have to do it alone either. Tidy Home Organiser is a fully insured Mackay-based service offering more than just a standard declutter. With a heart-led approach and a background in nursing and psychology, they understand the emotional toll clutter can take. Whether it’s a chaotic pantry, overflowing garage, or the sensitive task of managing a deceased estate, every job is met with care, compassion, and zero judg
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Mackay’s cycling stalwart David O’Connell, affectionately known as “Stickman”, has once again proven he's not just spinning his wheels, taking home bronze in the Sprint at the Australian Masters Track Championships at the Anna Meares Velodrome. Up against a stacked field of national and world age group champions, O’Connell rode tactically in the Sprint – a cat-and-mouse three-lapper that’s as much mind games as muscle – to outwit and out-wheel his way to the podium. It was a gutsy effort
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Whitsunday Anglican School’s Preparatory and Kindergarten students lit up the campus with creativity and colour during this year’s Easter Bonnet Hat Parade. The annual celebration saw students don their handmade masterpieces, proudly parading hats adorned with bunnies, eggs, flowers, and all things festive. From sparkles to pipe cleaners, no detail was spared in the cheerful display of Easter spirit. The event was made even more special thanks to the collaboration between students, teach
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Happy Easter, Mackay! From chocolate flinging to joyful giggling, kids across the region are hopping head-first into the magic of Easter. With the long weekend finally here, families are soaking up the simple joys — sweet treats, sunny weather (hopefully) and time together. In another egg-cellent display, students from Whitsunday Anglican School stole the show with their colourful Easter Bonnet Parade — a true showcase of creativity and community spirit (see page 27 for all the cuteness!
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Mother's Day is a sacred pause, a moment to cradle in our hearts the quiet strength and boundless love that mothers gift to the world. It is a day to honour the women who have nurtured us, not just with their hands, but with their hearts — with patience that stretches as far as the horizon and tenderness that holds us steady through life’s storms. A mother’s love is a soft melody, woven through every gesture, every whisper of wisdom, every sleepless night, and every sacrifice made in sile
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