Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
This week in Mackay has been rich with community spirit from recognising cultural champions and personal milestones to advancing infrastructure and reinforcing public safety. Crossroad Arts Giving Day – A Showcase of Inclusion It was such a privilege to attend Crossroad Arts’ Giving Day here in Mackay. The event was an uplifting reminder of the power of inclusive arts where creativity meets community. Crossroad Arts continues to lead the way in creating opportunities for people of all ab
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A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will contribute $250,000 to upgrade facilities at the Australian South Sea Islander Precinct in Mackay. This election commitment delivered following strong advocacy from the Labor Candidate for Dawson, Neil Wallace, includes funding for rethatching the roof on the traditional South Sea Islander Hut in the precinct. The precinct acknowledges the important history of South Sea Islanders in the region. The Queensland United Australian South Sea Islande
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Sonia Ball, QCAR Central District Manager With our successful roadshows now behind us, the QCAR Central District Committee and I are returning our focus to the season ahead. Meetings in Mackay, Proserpine and Plane Creek were informative, with the outcome of new memberships and a new Central District committee member, Bryce Jackson, a Carmila cane farmer in the Plane Creek district. The QCAR District Committee voting period has also now ended in the Burdekin and Herbert River regions, wi
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Following the successful launch of our Managed Pool Plus for the 2025 season, we’re pleased to announce that we’re opening nominations earlier for the 2026 season. Nominations for the Managed Pool Plus open on 1 May and close on 30 June 2025. We’ve seen strong interest from growers who have experienced a couple of volatile seasons with unpredictable target pricing and are now seeking to share some of that pricing responsibility with Wilmar. The enhanced Managed Pool Plus aligns grower e
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Sugarcane growers and industry stakeholders from across Queensland and beyond have converged on Brisbane earlier this week for Sugar Cubed 2025 – a dynamic, future-focused event set to spark fresh ideas and foster new connections across the cane supply chain. Hosted by CANEGROWERS at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Show Grounds from 27-29 April, Sugar Cubed brought together growers, manufacturers, researchers, policy makers and innovators for three days of thought-prov
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The annual doubles challenge proved to be just that at the Tuesday morning table tennis. Doug Dungavell and George Camilleri tied with 186 points in group 1, and Ken Best and Virginia Clayton did the same in group 2 with 183 points. The unusual challenge is a round robin, but with partners swapping after every game which is the first to 30. In last season’s fixtures Mars Pioneers (Delma Knight, Geoff Cowan and Kevin Abbott) won division 1, while division 2 went to Pluto Players (Darryl
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Last Friday, the North Mackay Ladies welcomed players from across the Mackay District to join them for the Annual Goosepond Triples event. North Mackay Ladies President Hilary Jones-Rowan formally welcomed all attendees to a day designed for participation, camaraderie, and above all, enjoyment. Play commenced with the first of three scheduled 16-end games, with the opening match concluding at 11:30am. Participants then returned to the club for a delicious lunch, thoughtfully prepared by
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Results For Week Ending Sunday 27 April 2025 Monday 21 April 2025 – 6 Table Howell Green Points (Nation Wide Pairs) North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Ian Cruickshank - Mary Cruickshank 2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 2nd Andrew Canavan - Jan Harris 3rd Margaret Lane - Barbara Tait 3rd Ken Seaniger - Nancy Martin Tuesday Evening 22 April 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Christine Morrison - Glen Cocup 1st Noel Bugeia - Eric Goodchild
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More than forty runners converged on West Mackay’s residential streets this afternoon for the annual Tilse Toddle 5km and 10km events. The Club sincerely thanked Johnson Street residents for their patience, with a special thanks to President Paul Tilse and family for hosting and setting the course. Invaluable race day support came from Len Howarth, David Isbister, Julie Whibley, and Rohan Miles. Congratulations to all competitors, including a commanding 10km comeback by Justin Rule after
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Mackay will come alive in July as the 2025 Mackay Festival of Arts brings a dynamic showcase of art, culture, cuisine and entertainment. This year’s program promises to delight all your senses, broaden your horizons and leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Mayor Greg Williamson said the 38th annual festival would change gear in 2025 with sensational new events and different locations for regular crowd favourites. “This year, we have some outstanding new shows that have been sel
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Are you ready for Greater Possibilities? That’s the message a delegation of Greater Whitsunday leaders took to Brisbane this week to showcase the economic strength and potential of one of Queensland’s most productive and promising regions. Earlier this week, a group of regional champions – including Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins – travelled to Brisbane to meet with key parliamentarians, while championing the people, industries and
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Northern Suburbs Junior Rugby League is a non-profit, volunteer-managed sporting organisation in North Mackay and the Northern Beaches. Founded in 1966, the club has become a passionate, family-oriented organisation with a strong local presence. Initially known as Centrals, the club became the Centrons Demons in 1976, then Carltons Junior Rugby League Club in 1983, following an alliance with the Carltons Seniors. In 1987, the name was changed to Northern Suburbs Junior Rugby League Club –
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The big top is back — and Hudson’s Circus is serving up a spectacular slice of Aussie circus tradition with a modern twist, right here under the canvas. With all the fun of the fair greeting visitors at the entrance — think games, fairy floss, dagwood dogs and all things gloriously carnival — the atmosphere is buzzing before you even set foot in the ring. At the heart of Hudson’s Circus is a proud nod to Australia’s rich circus heritage. Unlike the elephants and lions of old, the stars of toda
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This ANZAC Day, the Calen community gathered in a moving tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Organised by the local RSL St Helen’s Sub Branch and held at the Calen & District War Memorial Hall, the day was marked by memorable ceremonies and heartfelt participation from residents of all ages. The day began with a poignant Dawn Service, strongly supported by the local community. Following the service, a traditional Gunfire Breakfast was generously prepared and se
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OPINION PIECE This Saturday’s federal election is one that will shape the future of our nation for years to come. The outcome will determine how we are governed and the kind of country we pass on to the next generation. It may well be the most important election in recent memory. The choice is clear, and it’s yours to make. To all my constituents in Dawson, serving you is a privilege, one I honour every single day by fighting hard to deliver real, positive outcomes for our region. If re-e
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By Hannah McNamara The LNP State Government's Hospital Rescue Plan pledges 128 new beds, improved maternity and paediatric services, a rooftop helipad, and a multi-storey car park for Mackay’s hospital expansion – but a confirmed completion date remains elusive. Despite claims of past cost blowouts and design flaws under the former state government, BESIX Watpac will continue construction, while cultural site investigations are ongoing. As Mackay’s population surges, officials promise reduced wa
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Get ready for a fun-filled Term 2 with the return of the popular Kindy Cricket program, freshly crowned with a Queensland Cricket Award. Starting Tuesday, May 6th, this exciting and engaging program is designed for children aged 3 to 5 years old, offering a perfect introduction to the world of cricket through skill-based activities and fundamental movement exercises. The Kindy Cricket program, known for fostering a love of the game, aims to develop essential motor skills while promoting p
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Over the Easter long weekend, Mackay softball players headed off to the state championships, with only a few having ever previously been part of a representative team. The boys were excited and played their hearts out all weekend, finishing in fourth place and earning a spot in the play-off for the President’s Cup. There were smiles all around as they pulled off a strong win against Rockhampton, 13-3. A huge congratulations to the young lads and officials on their victory. Once the boys
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A 65-year-old man has been charged following a tragic crash at Kuttabul that claimed two lives on Saturday, December 28, 2024. It will be alleged, around 2.35pm, a Toyota Hilux utility was travelling north along the Bruce Highway when it struck a Chevrolet Silverado towing a caravan and a Toyota Kluger. The driver of the Kluger, a 76-year-old East Mackay man, was declared deceased at the scene. A 68-year-old East Mackay woman was transported to hospital, however passed away as a result
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By Amanda Wright Mackay Regional Council has thrown its full support behind a campaign to secure the future of the Sarina Swim Centre, voting unanimously at last week's ordinary meeting to petition the Queensland Minister for Education for more secure tenure over the facility. Mayor Greg Williamson presented a Mayoral Minute to council, highlighting the history of the pool and the long-standing community sentiment that the centre should be a public asset, not one constrained by State Gove
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A recent government announcement celebrating the deployment of a new highwall mining system in Central Queensland as an "Australian-first" has been challenged by former mining engineer Russell Buckley, who says such systems were operational in the state over 30 years ago. The milestone involves the HW300 Highwall Miner at Vitrinite’s Vulcan South mine near Dysart. In March of this year, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last praised the technology, highlighting its safety, env
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With Mother's Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start showing appreciation…and what better way than sharing a meal together? Goosies Sport and Recreation Club is serving up a tempting trio of weekly specials that make a thoughtful lead-up to the big day. This week’s menu brings comfort and flavour in equal measure. Begin with the delicate Chicken Consommé, served with toasted sourdough and butter – light, warming, and perfect as the weather cools. For those looking to
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Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to show your mum just how much she means to you, and what better way to celebrate than with a spectacular lunch at Ocean International, a beloved Mackay favourite. On May 14th, from 12pm to 3pm, Ocean International will host an appetising Mother’s Day Lunch Buffet, featuring a wide variety of dishes designed to impress. From the freshest Newry Island prawns and tempura-battered tiger prawns to the rich Ilbilbie prawn and Tasmanian salmon pasta, seaf
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Internationally renowned comedian Jimeoin was set to perform his latest show, Pandemonium, at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) on 2 May. However, due to an ongoing medical condition, his performance has been postponed to 10 September 2025. Fresh off a sold-out season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Jimeoin's Pandemonium promises an evening full of cheeky humour, razor-sharp wit, and comedic gold. Known for his observational comedy and infectious charm, Jimeoin's new t
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The next time you're strolling through the Tropical Shade Garden at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, don’t forget to look up – Queensland’s iconic floral emblem is in bloom. The vibrant Cooktown Orchid, a dazzling species of Dendrobium, is currently flowering among the branches and rocks of the garden’s shaded paths. Known for its striking purple hues and delicate structure, the orchid holds a special place in Queensland’s identity and is often a favourite trivia tidbit for anyone roa
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