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Queensland's 400-Million-Year-Old Fish Fossil Changes The Evolutionary Story

Queensland has recently become the site of a remarkable paleontological discovery: the identification of a new ancient fish species, Palaeospondylus australis. This specimen, unearthed from the 400-million-year-old limestone deposits of the Georgina Basin in western Queensland, is believed to be one of the smallest known vertebrate fossils in Australia.

March 2025 Sugar Prices Waiting On Brazil Harvest

The growing season rolls on, and the weather gods continue to throw curveballs to sugarcane growers. After a relatively dry period following the February onslaught, the recent rain events may well cause a further downgrade in crop expectations. The southern Wilmar crushing regions would appear to be a beneficiary of rain, however, the Burdekin and Herbert regions are looking for some sunshine to get the crop growing again. With crop estimates released in early April, it is important for growe

Sinkers Lapping It Up!

With March done and dusted, the Sinkers Swim Club is thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of their second fundraiser for 2025 in support of the ReachOut organisation. This year, their efforts raised $8,664, a significant leap from the 2024 total of $5,818. Starting with a humble goal of $2,000, the club surpassed it early in the two-month campaign, thanks to a strong early push.

Mackay Contract Bridge Club

At The Table

Division 1:Phoenix Fire (Andrew McHugh, Josh Brown, Andrea Nicholson) d Panther Prowlers (Trent Day, Vince Boeske, Jacob Whelan) 7-4. Andrew d Trent 4, 13, 12.Venus Voyagers (Janice Kent, Graham Brake, Graham Drury) d Stellar Stars (Will Van DeKaa, Lee Brake, Barry Patterson) 6-5. Graham D d Lee -5, 9, 9, -9 15.Cosmic Sorcerers (Neil Brown, Anne Sheridan, Donna Abbott) d Ghost Spinners (Allan Robins, Geoff Denman, Lily Boland) 7-4. Anne d Allan -7, 10, 6, -7, 9.Ant Warriors (Goncalo Serra, Graem

Northern Beaches Community Wellbeing Series A New Chapter In Connection

The Northern Beaches is about to come alive with the launch of the Northern Beaches Community Wellbeing Series, an exciting initiative proudly supported by a Mackay Regional Council Community Impact Grant. This collaboration between the Mackay Northern Beaches Lions Club and the Northern Beaches Community Network is designed to bring people together, foster connection, and offer a wide range of activities that support wellbeing, creativity, and community spirit.

Purple For Purpose

Business owners, regional leaders, and Rotary members gathered at Ocean International last Tuesday, united in their mission to break the silence on domestic violence. Dressed in purple, attendees stood in solidarity, symbolising hope for a future free from violence. While we know change takes time, the focus remains on educating future generations and fostering respect among men, women, and children to create a safer society.

District Master Pairs Ladies Championship Final

Last Wednesday, 26th March, the Semi-Final of the Master Pairs took place, featuring two intense matchups. Nuggy Pratt and Michell Stockton faced off against Lois Deguara and Joyce Bloomfield, while Chris Woo and Chris Hall played against Lorna Coad and Floss Keft.

Running For Gold

Known for its incredible opportunities, Mackay is on track to growing some of the world’s most talented athletes, with regional sporting facilities contributing much to that success. In a bid to expand these opportunities and gain international recognition, The Crisafulli Government is taking ambitious steps to provide bold investments in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Turning Struggles Into Success

Amanda’s journey hasn’t been easy, but she refuses to let her past define her future. With determination and the right support, she’s turning setbacks into stepping stones, creating a brighter life for herself and her son – all thanks to the Parent Pathways program, delivered by MRAEL (part of the IntoWork Group).“This is the strongest, clearest, most driven, and most supported I’ve ever felt,” Amanda said.

Uncover The Hidden Gems Of Mackay

Discover the beauty of Mackay with Anytime Tours Australia – where each step leads you towards an immersive adventure. Whether you're a visitor or a long-time local, there's always something new to uncover.

A Note From Nigel

Representing our community is a privilege that I take seriously, and this past month has been incredibly busy and rewarding. Whether in Mackay or Brisbane, I’ve been out listening to locals, advocating for our region, and working to ensure our communities have the support they need.

QCAR Roadshow

Sugarcane farmers across the Central District have been bombarded with invitations to attend what seems like a trillion events over the past couple of months, and this is terrific to see so many organisations and businesses step up to benefit growers and their businesses.

R U OK Whitsundays? How A Question Can Save A Life

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

Mackay Cutters' Mixed Fortunes In Clashes Against CQ Capras

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

Health Experts Warn Of Increased Melioidosis Risk Two Mackay Deaths Attributed To The Bacterial Infection

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

Local Producers Gain Global Insights At Evokeag In Brisbane

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

MAD March Twilight Carnival 2025 Racing Wrap Up

It was a little wet and windy but that didn’t stop the MAD March Twilight Carnival from going ahead on Saturday March 15. There was plenty of action with 284 Riders travelling from all over the State to compete at MAD BMX Clubs first carnival of the year. The Mini Wheeler energy was high with 23 riders in this category, these little racers (aged 2-5 years old) know how to have fun and were a definite highlight for the crowd. ‘MM Electrical’ Superclass Men winners: • 1st Hayden Fletcher (

Building Queensland's Agricultural Future Minister Perrett’s Address On The 25-Year Blueprint

Last Tuesday, Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett, invited by Members for Mirani and Mackay, Glen Kelly MP and Nigel Dalton MP, addressed local producers in Homebush about the state’s 25-year Blueprint for Primary Industries. Appearing at a forum hosted by Mr Kelly and Mr Dalton, Minister Perrett went over the process for the development of the blueprint which is the biggest industry consultation and collaboration in primary industries in at least a decade. The blueprint wi

Scawfell Island's Unique Biodiversity Expands With Discovery Of New Skink

In an exciting discovery, a biologist from James Cook University has uncovered a previously unknown species of lizard on the remote Scawfell Island, located just 50km off the coast of Mackay in North Queensland. Associate Professor Conrad Hoskin named the new skink species the Scawfell Island Sunskink (Lampropholis isla) after discovering it with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Partnerships Rangers. The newly discovered skink has distinct orange markings on its sides and

Coeliac Patients Wanted For Groundbreaking Clinical Trials In North Queensland

People living with coeliac disease across Central and North Queensland are being sought to take part in two clinical trials of new treatments for their condition. Dr James Daveson, a gastroenterologist at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, said an estimated 10,500 people living between Rockhampton and Cairns had the disease, which is caused by an abnormal reaction to gluten. “Coeliac disease can be very debilitating for patients, but researchers are working hard to find new ways to prevent i

Event Guide 28 March

Friday 28th March Youth Mental Health First Aid 9am Gain the skills to support a young person facing a mental health challenge. This course equips participants with the knowledge to recognise signs, initiate conversations, and provide initial help until professional support is available. Led by a licensed instructor, it’s an accredited program empowering adults to make a real difference in youth mental health. Book online via Eventbrite.com 3/17 Macalister Street, Mackay Crochet and Conv

At The Table

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

Sinkers Lending A Helping Hand BBQ-ing Up A Storm

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

Mackay Contract Bridge Club Results For Week Ending Sunday 22 March 2025

Monday 17 March 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Noel Bugeia - Geoffrey Patterson 2nd Karen Caldwell - Noel Saunders 2nd Helen Van Den Broek - Jan Harris Wednesday 19 March 2025 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points (Nation Wide Pairs) North/South East/West 1st Monica Darley - Kath Poole 1st Diane Holewa - Max Holewa 2nd Josie Crowley - Barbara Tait 2nd Tex Sheedy - Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Janelle Conroy - Noel Bugeia 3rd G