One of Mackay’s best has joined up with riders from Sydney and New Zealand and pedalled their way into history, reclaiming the Guinness World Record for the Longest Static Cycle Class in an awe-inspiring 33-hour endurance challenge. Fuelled by determination and a powerful cause, these dedicated riders pushed their limits to support Chronic Pain Australia, helping fund structured physical activity and nutrition programs for children and teenagers facing physical, mental, and emotional chal
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The Sarina Junior Rugby League Club is rebuilding after a devastating fire tore through their equipment shed at the Sarina Showgrounds earlier this year, destroying vital gear and irreplaceable memorabilia. The fire, which occurred on January 23, 2025, was sparked when the club’s mower caught fire and exploded, severely injuring long-time volunteer Butch. Despite his efforts to contain the flames, the fire spread rapidly, leaving the shed beyond saving. Built through the dedication of vo
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With the rising demand for healthcare professionals, many New Zealand nurses are setting their sights on Australia as an exciting career destination. For cities like Mackay, this is a win, as they continue to thrive as healthcare hubs, offering new graduates the chance to grow professionally in a supportive, dynamic environment. In fact, 32 fresh-faced graduate nurses, including Stef Wickes from Greymouth, have recently started their careers at Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS), eager to
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Are you feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Taking small steps to declutter your space has proved to have a significant impact on your mental and physical wellbeing. As one of Queensland’s largest NDIS providers of mental health and suicide prevention support, Selectability is here to help you explore the transformative effects decluttering can have on your mental health A tidy space can create a calmer environment, reducing stress and making you feel more in control. It can also provide reli
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In the spirit of Ramadan, local children came together to pack 100 Welcome Ramadan Packs, spreading kindness and goodwill to the community. Each pack contains dates, information about Ramadan, and a special invitation to the upcoming Community Iftar Dinner on March 22. Hosted by the Islamic Society of Mackay, the event offers an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together, share a meal, and experience the significance of Ramadan. Those who received an invite or heard about t
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The second race of the Mackay Cycles criterium series was held on March 9, drawing a strong field of riders across multiple grades. Competitors battled it out on the circuit, delivering an exciting day of racing for spectators and cycling enthusiasts. In A-Grade, Nick Bien secured the top spot, followed by Brendan Brauer in second and Mitch Murray in third. B-Grade saw Peter Ransome claim victory, with Evan Corry and Angus Wicks rounding out the podium. Kiah Dumigan took the win in C-Gra
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Dave Symons showed his trademark grit to edge out Tiffany Camilleri in a hard-fought battle on Tuesday night, prevailing 11-7, -8, -12, 6 in a thrilling Division 2 clash. In Division 1, in the battle of the Council comms workmates, Mark Sleeman got one up over Lee Brake, however Lee came back with a great win over Robbie Richards. Mark’s team (Star Lords) victorious overall on the night, 7-4. Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures March 4, 2025: Division 1: Star Lords (Geoff Cowan,
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Can you help give this pet a second chance of a loving home? If interested in adopting, please contact the Animal Management Centre on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or visit during opening hours 11.30am -1.30pm or by appointment. For more information on Mackay Regional Council's pound pets, visit the website: www.mackay.qld.gov.au/poundpet
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By Hannah McNamara _ Cover… Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused significant damage across southeast Queensland, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and triggering severe flooding. Amid the destruction, the state’s first responders, including SES volunteers from Mackay, worked tirelessly to clear debris, deliver aid, and rescue residents. Queensland Police and other emergency services collaborated closely, with more than 2,200 SES volunteers responding to thousands of requests for help.
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Business Break-In – Mount Pleasant Police are investigating a break-in at a business on Grandview Drive, Mount Pleasant, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, March 11. At approximately 2:00 a.m., unknown offenders gained entry to the premises, where they proceeded to search through drawers before stealing a quantity of food items. No other property has been reported stolen at this stage. CCTV footage capturing the incident has been obtained by investigators. Police are urging a
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When we talk about the cost-of-living crisis, we think of families struggling to keep a roof over their heads, pensioners making impossible choices at the checkout, and young people priced out of the housing market. But there’s another group quietly suffering—one that can’t speak for itself. Pets are the forgotten casualties of the housing crisis. Rental shortages, financial strain, and changing circumstances are forcing people to surrender their animals, sometimes with heavy hearts, some
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We’re about 10 weeks into 2025 and although there have been some significant global changes, in many ways there is a feeling of more of the same. Politically, the big shift has been a new bloke moving into the White House. The funny old dude who used to aimlessly wander the halls hoping he would recognise someone has been turfed-out. The resulting changes have been quite dramatic. Humans who are born with male bits and pieces can no longer play sport against women in the US. Foreigners w
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Friday 14th March Try Toastmasters 6.45am Get your Friday mornings off to a great start and develop your communication skills. Come along and Try Toastmaster. This is a free event! Paul’s Uniting Church, Meeting Room, 21 Macalister Street, Mackay 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 ski
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The Mackay Cutters’ Hostplus Cup season opener against the PNG Hunters was postponed over the weekend due to Cyclone Alfred, which disrupted travel plans and forced the QRL to reschedule affected matches. While the senior side was sidelined, the Cutters’ junior teams took to the field against the CQ Capras, securing wins in the Harvey Norman U19s, Mal Meninga Cup, and Cyril Connell Cup. The Harvey Norman U17s struggled against a dominant Capras outfit. Harvey Norman U19s – Cutters 28 def. Capra
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To celebrate her son’s fifth birthday, a mother and her son headed to one of Mackay’s most cherished spots—The Dispensary. “It was my son’s 5th birthday, and he wanted to go out for breakfast—The Dispensary is his favourite,” the mother shared with a smile, knowing this outing was the perfect way to mark his special day. The two enjoyed a hearty breakfast, soaking in the atmosphere and the birthday joy, when they made their way to the counter. But what happened next took them by surpris
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This week I have the very exciting news that I have become a volunteer turtle carer for Eco Barge Clean Sea’s Inc. Currently I am looking after the lovely Betty, a juvenile green sea turtle. Sadly, Betty has come into Eco Barge’s care due to two serious issues: she’s affected by a condition known as 'float' and has a significant boat wound on her shell. Her situation serves as a crucial reminder to boaters to take extra care when navigating near seagrass beds in Pioneer Bay and Airlie Beach. By
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For a plant, one of the harshest environments on earth is the intertidal zone. Half the day, inundated with salt water. The other half of the day, high and dry. 24 hours a day, strong tidal currents and crashing waves. A tough place for a plant to survive. But mangroves are survivors. They thrive in these wild conditions that would quickly kill most plants. How do they do it? Through a series of impressive adaptations—including a filtration system that keeps out much of the salt and a complex
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What is Native to Africa, has exceptionally long legs, has an erratic walking style, and measures just 5mm in length yet poses a serious threat to the environment? The yellow crazy ant. This invasive species is infamous for forming vast ‘super colonies,’ devastating natural ecosystems by preying on native wildlife, including birds, frogs, insects, lizards, and mammals. If left unchecked, they threaten biodiversity, agriculture, tourism, and local communities and is listed as one of the world's
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There's plenty happening in Bowen right now, with attractions for food lovers, adventure seekers and anyone looking for a great day out. The new "360 on the Hill" restaurant at Flagstaff Hill will offer Aussie-Italian cuisine with stunning ocean views when it opens just before Easter. Enjoy breakfast and lunch featuring local Bowen mangoes, Mt Dangar strawberries and fresh seafood. On weekend evenings, they transform into a full Italian dining experience with homemade pizzas and pasta. For wat
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Dea, Emma and Ellie from the Tourism Whitsundays team joined the Airlie Beach Cruise ship Ambassadors and Bowen Tourism for a memorable outing with our wonderful friends at Pioneer Adventures. They were treated to a stunning sunset and coral viewing experience, cruising comfortably aboard their glass-bottom boat. This scenic tour is a true highlight, offering a unique perspective of vibrant marine life, all while enjoying the warm glow of the sunset over crystal-clear waters. The evening was ex
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The majority of people who have endured a life-changing traumatic event would likely focus on their personal recovery, but local hero Michelle Wardrope says she feels more inspired to help others than ever before. Michelle tragically lost her leg last year after a soil-borne bacterial infection entered her bloodstream when she slipped and fell on her driveway following heavy rain. Initially believing it was nothing more than a deep cut, she left the hospital with several stitches, but woke up
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Four weeks ago, a local lady was bitten by a Coastal Taipan while attending to the laundry underneath her pole home in Proserpine. Accustomed to living in a remote area, Kate Cross commented in her social media post to the community that "I have always lived on acreage and have been bitten, stung, and spiked by many things," once having even been bitten by a snake. Due to this, following the initial bite, Ms Cross was not too concerned. "It was early evening and dark, but the light was on. I w
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After driving past kilometres of sugar cane fields, travellers along the Bruce Highway might be amazed as they pass the Whitsunday Gold Coffee plantation in Proserpine, North Queensland. While coffee growing in the area is unusual now, coffee plantations have a surprisingly long history here, dating back to the early 1900s. The variety grown now is same as was grown over 100 years ago - 'dwarf catui'; one of the Arabica types of coffee. So why was coffee grown in this region all those years ag
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It was a hot and humid morning last Sunday, 9 March, for the third annual Collinsville Sea of Pink. More than 75 people ran, walked, scooted or rode their bikes for five kilometres in the town’s ‘virtual’ answer to the Brisbane International Women’s Day (IWD) Fun Run event, supported by Mater Chicks in Pink. With the Brisbane IWD Fun Run event cancelled this year due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the wave of pink in the Queensland regions has made an even bigger impact, with people coming togethe
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Crocodiles are often considered the closest living relatives of dinosaurs. Despite this ancient lineage, they are remarkably complex creatures that survived the mass extinction event that ended the Cretaceous period around 66 million years ago. Today, many crocodiles inhabit Australia’s waterways, including the Proserpine River. As cold-blooded reptiles, crocodiles rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. Without an internal thermostat, they seek habitats with consistently
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