Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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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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What began as a passion for computers has evolved into a game-changing initiative transforming chemical safety practices across the country. Tristan Turnbull, a 23-year-old Mackay-based rising star, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Channel 7 Young Achiever Awards for his pioneering work in hazardous chemical management. With a sharp focus on compliance, safety, and digital transformation, he has become one of the go-to experts in the mining and construction sectors for chemical hand
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Mackay Regional Council, in partnership with major industry associations, has developed a new tool for businesses to use to help combat the regional skills shortage. The Workforce Attraction Toolkit is a completely free, comprehensive resource for businesses that can support employers in addressing their workforce needs. Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay was a thriving region with a strong and diverse workforce of more than 67,350 people and an impressively low unemployment rate of 2.4 p
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Australian plague locusts are an endemic pest that threatens our agricultural industry, devastating crops, and causing losses of up to $30 million. By harnessing cutting edge science, experts can forecast locust outbreaks with greater accuracy, helping mitigate economic impacts. The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) uses advanced analytics to improve early detection and rapid response. However, forecasting locust populations is challenging. The APLC has been developing a simula
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Reform of global agricultural subsidies and tariffs at the World Trade Organization would support better environmental and food security outcomes, according to the latest ABARES Insights paper. Executive Director of ABARES, Dr Jared Greenville, said taxpayers and consumers bear the brunt of hundreds of billions of dollars spent every year on agricultural support policies that inadvertently create adverse environmental impacts. “Some forms of agricultural support distort production decisi
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As Easter school holidays begin, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to all Mackay families. This is a special time for reflection, celebration, and most importantly, enjoying some well-earned rest and quality time with loved ones.While you’re out and about exploring our beautiful region or heading further afield, I urge everyone to take care on the roads. Whether you're off on a family camping trip or just popping down to the local shops, please remember to drive safely. Let’s look out for one
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Progress on the Moranbah Hospital Redevelopment continues with construction of the new onsite helipad now close to completion. Following the new Moranbah Hospital opening on 26 November 2024, the old hospital was handed over to managing contractor Hutchinson Builders for decommissioning and demolition in preparation for construction of the new onsite helipad. Contractors poured more than 98 cubic metres of concrete and completed more than 400 square metres of flat work to establish the h
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If you felt the earth tremble recently, it wasn’t an earthquake—it was the sonic boom of Australia’s track and field stars obliterating limits and blowing minds. At the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships in Perth, 17-year-old sensation Gout Gout ran so fast in the men’s 200m final (a wind-assisted 19.84 seconds), we’re pretty sure his spikes are still smoking. With a +2.2 m/s tailwind nudging him along, it’s not eligible for record books—but try telling that to the jaws still on the
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There was a time, many years ago, when buyers were a rare species in the Mackay region. Hardly ever seen or heard, they would occasionally turn up at an open house, avoid eye contact with another threatened species, the agent, and quickly flee before anyone could trick them into buying anything. You would sit alone at what was given the hopeful label of an “open” house and thank the dear Lord that some brainiac had invented this new smart phone thingo that meant you had something to do d
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Thursday 17th April Corry Cycles School Holiday Scavenger Hunt (Hints via Corry Cycles Finch Hatton on Facebook) Planning to visit Finch Hatton during the Easter school holidays? Join in the fun with a family-friendly activity! Follow Corry Cycles Finch Hatton on socials for hints on hidden objects around the area. The first to find and return the object to our store wins a prize. Be sure to like, share, and follow us for updates. First hint coming soon! Finch Hatton Mackay Leisure Centr
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In a touching display of unity and compassion, Whitsunday Anglican School’s 2025 Service Captains – Lachlan, Charli and Tahsin – have led a heartfelt initiative to support families in need across the Mackay region. Partnering with The Neighbourhood Hub, the School community rallied behind their call, gathering school essentials for those who may not otherwise have access to these basic but vital items. From pens and pencils to backpacks, books, lunchboxes, and hats, every donation was a q
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For over 135 years, The Salvation Army has stood as a pillar of Christian faith and compassion, walking alongside those in crisis and extending hope through the love of Jesus. In Mackay, that mission continues to shine through the work of Ministers David and Belinda Dobbie, who are not just spiritual leaders, but active members of a community they love. At the core of the Mackay Salvos’ outreach is a deep commitment to supporting individuals through life’s many challenges, which often in
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Crossroad Arts’ Annual Giving Day launched with flair and plenty of coffee on Tuesday, April 15, thanks to the support of the Mackay Chamber of Commerce. Kicking off bright and early with a buzzing B2B networking event, the Chamber hosted its fortnightly breakfast catch-up at Crossroad’s Shakespeare Street HQ — all in the name of art, inclusion and doubling your dollar. Guests were greeted with coffee orders taken by Crossroad staff and brewed by local favourite Willow and Bloom, followed
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Mackay City Centre businesses are being encouraged to “hop” into the spotlight, as Daly Bay Illuminate heads to our city heart. One of the highlights of the annual Mackay Festival Arts, Daly Bay Illuminate will this year feature eight enormous amphibian installations, called Night Walkers by Amigo & Amigo. These enormous, illuminated frogs will be scattered around the city alongside spectacular artworks by local and national artists, which will be projected onto our iconic buildings. Ma
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Looking forward is about not only career growth and accomplishment but also personal development and fulfilment. It also provides a sense of purpose and direction, as well as personal revitalisation. Here are some key reasons why looking forward is essential to career growth: Motivation and purpose Working towards a goal provides meaning and keeps you motivated especially during the challenging times and when your career feels at a standstill. Keep the end game top of mind.
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has today announced that an elected Dutton Liberal National Government will provide $100,000 for the Wangaratta Bowls Club. “Wangaratta Bowls Club has been the cornerstone of the community, offering members of all skill levels the chance to stay active and play a competitive game of bowls,” Mr Willcox said. “The popular club is in need of a new rink in the playing area for lawn bowls to ensure it can continue to serve the community into the future. “I
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The Bowen Health Connection event united local community members and health service providers for a day devoted to health and wellbeing across the entire spectrum of life, from babies to the elderly. Brought to life through the hard work and dedication of Stephanie Cora, executive officer of the Bowen Community Centre, and Josephine Ferguson, community liaison officer with the Together Strong, Connected Care program. The inspiration for the event struck Josephine whilst she was attending a Wome
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The Landholders of Collinsville travelled hundreds of kilometres, seeking illumination on Queensland's vegetation management laws at a workshop created by NQ Dry Tropics. The whole day event provided graziers with vital insights and tools for presiding over their properties sustainably. Peter Webley and Scott Devaney of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, Regional and Rural Development outlined chief aspects of the vegetation management laws and highlighted essential r
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Big thanks to the wonderful individuals keeping the youngsters of the community safe as they cross our busy and wet roads. All parents, guardians and bus drivers alike would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Kym Blackburn and the entire Lollipop Team for their unwavering dedication and service to the community. Every morning and afternoon, they work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our children as they cross the bustling streets, allowing them to reach school and home without worry. The
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In the heart of the Whitsundays, Green Energy Technologies (GET), a company owned and operated by locals for locals, boldly blazes the trail towards North Queensland's renewable future. Established in 2010 by director Kon Flaherty and James Webb, GET has experienced explosive growth from a small team of five to over 90 dedicated staff, witnessing a tremendous 30 per cent growth rate each year across offices in the Whitsundays, Mackay and Townsville. GET is Queensland's number one solar installe
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