The Resources Centre of Excellence is proud to announce the inaugural Queensland Resources & Innovation Expo, set to take place on July 11, 2025 at the Resources Centre of Excellence in Mackay. Designed as a bi-annual event, this expo will provide an exciting platform for businesses—large and small, locally owned and beyond—to showcase the products, equipment, and innovations that have shaped the resources sector. To kick off the event, an invite only networking event will be held on July 10, 2
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If there's one day a year that truly tests my credibility as a journalist, it's April Fools’ Day. Every year, I tell myself this time, I'll be sceptical. I'll cross-check, verify, and not fall for a single prank. And every year, without fail, I come dangerously close to publishing nonsense. This time around, it was a Shetland pony that almost made it to print. Mackay Regional Council announced they were trialling the use of ponies and goats to maintain parklands, reducing costs and overcoming w
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East Coast Steel has built a reputation for excellence spanning generations, delivering steel solutions that endure. With a steadfast commitment to quality and precision engineering, the company has become the preferred partner for projects requiring the highest standards of service and craftsmanship. Whether for large-scale infrastructure or custom fabrication, East Coast Steel continues to set the benchmark in the industry. In this article we get to know Simone Aitken from East Coast Steel Su
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They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover—but let’s be honest, when it comes to buying a home, first impressions are everything. And nothing says “welcome” quite like a lush, emerald-green lawn. It’s the red carpet of real estate, the final flourish that takes a house from “nice” to “need to have.” If you’re looking to sell, don’t underestimate the power of a pristine patch of turf. A well-maintained lawn not only boosts street appeal but can add serious value to your home. Buyers love t
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**Friday 4th April 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 Bald For The Brave 4pm Mackay local and redhot
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It’s true what they say, no two days are the same, and for Mackay City Property Principal, Sandra Macklin, she wouldn’t have it any other way!Sandra’s position sees her manage and mentor both staff and office operations within the property management department of Mackay City Property. Day to day, Sandra finds great fulfilment in solving problems as they arise and tailoring her approach to real estate to suit the specific needs of each client from experienced landlords to first-time homeowners.
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Over the Christmas/New Year period my wife and I were in Airlie Beach for three or four nights and one afternoon I found myself standing at the bar waiting to order a couple of drinks at the delightfully refurbished Airlie Beach Hotel. The bloke standing next to me was ordering several drinks and one of them was “a glass of wine”. I felt it wasn’t the first round he’d ordered that afternoon and the barman, just making sure that the wine order hadn’t changed, checked by asking: “Was that a Pinot
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A Bowen Basin mine made history last month as the first in Australia to deploy an advanced high wall mining system to extract coal with cutting-edge efficiency. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last joined Vitrinite staff and community leaders to mark the first use of the company’s HW300 Highwall Miner at its Vulcan South mine near Dysart. The HW300 Highwall Miner provides access to coal seams that traditional methods cannot reach, improving operational safety, reducing production
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The mining industry might be in Trinnity McKeiver’s blood, but the skills, knowledge, and determination she’s acquired during CQUniversity’s and BHP’s Future Fit Academy (BHP FFA) program will inspire many generations to come. The Future Fit Academy is BHP's innovative approach to training with a pathway to a career in maintenance with 'fit for purpose' training programs in dedicated learning centres in Mackay and Perth. Trinnity graduated in a ceremony in Mackay on 18 March, the latest in a l
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CiteHire, the latest addition to the Cite Group of companies, officially launched in Mackay last Friday with a celebration that brought together family, friends, suppliers, subcontractors, and clients. The lively event featured live music, delicious food, and drinks, creating a vibrant atmosphere to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the region’s equipment hire industry. CiteHire is a locally owned and family-operated equipment hire provider, servicing Mackay, the Whitsundays, Bowen Basin,
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The lights dimmed, the air buzzed with anticipation, and the room filled with energy as women from all corners of the region gathered to celebrate something extraordinary. The Just Saying Project (JSP) Women’s Awards 2025 wasn’t just another evening of awards—it was a living, breathing testament to the strength, resilience, and brilliance of the women who make our community thrive. On March 29th, the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre hosted a night unlike any other, marking 10 years o
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The Mackay Women’s Service recently received a heart-warming gesture from Cherish Hampers and Gifts, a local business that understands the power of community support. The work done by the team at Mackay Women’s Service is incredibly important, providing vital assistance to women facing domestic violence, mental health struggles, and physical wellbeing challenges. The emotional toll of this work can be heavy, but it’s through these efforts that lives are changed, and women are empowered to rebuil
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One-pot wonders are a game-changer in the kitchen, offering a perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want to minimise clean-up. These meals are simple, flavourful, and packed with comfort, all cooked in a single pot. The beauty of a one-pot meal is that you can throw everything together, let it simmer, and enjoy a delicious dish with minimal effort. One-pot meals work for a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, from hearty stews to light pasta dishes, and everything in between
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The 2025 Federal Budget isn’t just about economics—it’s about the future of Australia. With a 3 May election now locked in, Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ final budget before polling day is under scrutiny. Labor is pitching it as a responsible plan to ease cost-of-living pressures, while the opposition brands it a desperate pre-election bribe.
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Craving something comforting and delicious? Flavours of Vietnam has the perfect dish to warm you up – their mouth-watering Wonton Soup! Picture tender, juicy pork swimming in a rich chicken broth that soothes and satisfies. Topped with fresh bok choy and bean shoots, each bowl is finished with a flavourful drizzle of sesame and garlic oil. It’s comfort in a bowl, ready to take you on a flavourful journey. At Flavours of Vietnam, everything is made with the freshest ingredients and all-natural g
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magine one minute you’re living a mundane life, and the next, your health takes a sudden decline. Suddenly, you're weighed down by the overwhelming costs of a major medical bill, left facing a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty. Unfortunately, this is all too true for Brandon and Ayanda Hodgson, a family whose world was turned upside down when Ayanda (known to many as Mary) was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Mary has battled type 1 diabetes since she was just 10 years old, and now,
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With a heart for community, two of Mackay’s most passionate volunteers, Rebecca Cooper and Julie Nieslen, recently had the opportunity to attend the Queensland Volunteering Conference in Brisbane. Supported by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, they joined leaders from across the state at the two-day event, themed ‘Inspire, Empower, Ignite,’ to explore strategies for volunteer engagement, inclusion, and sustainability. Rebecca Cooper, Northern Beaches Communit
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Mackay’s Harbour Beach is one step closer to becoming a safer haven for threatened turtles and shorebirds, thanks to the collaborative efforts of local stakeholders. Representatives from Yuwi Land and Sea Rangers, Pioneer Catchment and Landcare (PCL), Mackay Regional Council (MRC), and Mackay and District Turtle Watch recently gathered on-site to monitor progress and inspect 200 newly planted tube stock. The native vegetation will reinforce a strategically placed post-and-rail fence designed to
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The Queensland Greens have announced Paula Creen as their candidate for Dawson in the upcoming federal election, marking her second run at the seat after securing a 2.7 per cent swing to the Greens in 2022. Ms Creen, who was raised and educated in Mackay, has lived in the region for 22 years and worked as a designer and drafter in the local building industry for 28 years. She is a dedicated volunteer with the Mackay Conservation Group, Whitsunday Conservation Council, and local disability suppo
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Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden has shown he'd have no trouble swapping footy boots for steel caps in the distant future when he’s ready to transition to a life after rugby league. The superstar five-eighth looked right at home behind the wheel of a massive Caterpillar 796AC haul truck during a trip to the Carmichel mine to shoot the new "Digging Coal, Kicking Goals" campaign that celebrates the Platinum Partnership between Bravus Mining and Resources and the Cowboys. Dearden said the visit, in
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A major upgrade is on the way for one of Mackay’s most beloved sporting clubs, thanks to a $1.9 million commitment from the LNP. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, joined local sporting stars and Magpies representatives to announce the exciting expansion of the Magpies Sporting Club. “This investment will go towards four dressing rooms – two for females, two for males, a referee room, some secure lockers, and a first aid room,” Mr Willcox said. “It’s only fair that the ladies have dece
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Walkerston residents will be pleased to learn that the Western Suburbs Leagues Club will undergo a significant transformation, thanks to a $3 million election commitment announced by Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry. This investment will expand the club’s function area, ensuring the venue is well-equipped to host large-scale events for community groups, local businesses, and sporting clubs. The funding will also support vital clubhouse refurbishments, enhancing amenities and acces
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A major sporting announcement just hit home for Mackay cricket fans as Cricket Australia confirmed that Mackay will host its first-ever men’s international one-day matches. The Australian men's team will take on South Africa in two one-day internationals at the Great Barrier Reef Arena (GBRA) on August 22 and 24, 2025. The announcement follows months of collaboration between Mackay Regional Council, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), and the Great Barrier Reef Arena, who jointly submitted a s
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Over fifty runners and supporters participated in the annual Tim’s Chariots of Fire 5km and 16km events, hosted at the Magoffin residence on Ocean Avenue, Slade Point. The club extends its thanks to Sandra, Tim, and Ruby for once again opening their home for the challenging event. Despite the humid conditions and occasional rain, runners tackled the course, which featured undulations towards Andergrove Tavern for the 16km. The route then ascended through Lamberts Beach, including steep hills le
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Mackay Blokarters soared to victory at the Australian National Blokart Titles, held from March 21-23 at Waratah Bay, Victoria. The competition brought together the best blokart sailors from across the country, with competitors battling varying wind conditions over four intense days of racing. Four competitors from Central Queensland and Whitsunday Blokart Clubs raced for top honours, showcasing their skills and determination on the sand. Among them were two Mackay women, including a husband-and
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