Through a decade-long commitment to improving safety and efficiency in underground mining, Anglo American’s steelmaking coal operations in Australia have reached a significant milestone. The company’s 10-year vision for a ‘mine of the future’ became reality when all its underground coal mines in the Bowen Basin began operating simultaneously from Remote Operation Centres (ROCs). The Central Queensland underground operations have also hit another remarkable milestone, notching up 10,000 l
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Kat Talty’s time honing her skills as a heavy vehicle mechanic at CQUniversity TAFE empowered her self-belief so much that she is now mentoring other young female apprentices to take up a trade themselves. The 26-year-old completed her training in Mobile Plant Technology at CQUniversity in February last year, a time she looks back upon with pride. “I decided to do an apprenticeship because I wanted a change in career, and really wanted to do something hands-on, where I could learn (on-th
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Applications are open for Glencore’s 2026 Graduate Programs, building exciting and well-paid careers for engineers, environmental scientists, geologists, accountants, and health and safety, human resource and IT professionals. Since 2020 Glencore has welcomed 620 new graduates into its diverse coal, zinc and copper operations, in locations like Singleton and Muswellbrook in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, and Mount Isa, Townsville, Emerald and Tieri in regional Queensland. Starting in Fe
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The Mackay Woodturners Association (MWA) is gearing up for a celebration of skill, creativity, and craftsmanship at their upcoming Expo on March 15th and 16th, held at Snow Wright Court in Beaconsfield. Running from 9 am to 3 pm both days, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness the incredible artistry of local woodturners and explore a range of handcrafted items that are as functional as they are beautiful. Woodturning is far from just a hobby—it's an art form that requires precision, p
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On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the many women who inspire us, and Tina Ramsland is no exception. As the owner of Maggie Moo Music, Tina is a powerful example of how women can balance career ambitions with the demands of family life while also contributing to their community. Through her business, Tina is redefining what it means to be a mother, a business owner, and a force for positive change in Mackay. Tina’s business is built on the belief that music and movement have the p
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In honour of our editor Amanda and her proud Kiwi roots, we're serving up a treat that's as New Zealand as jandals and buzzy bees. Enter the lolly cake—a no-bake wonder found in nearly every café across Aotearoa, bringing joy to Kiwis young and old with its colourful, chewy goodness. This isn't your average cake—there’s no baking, no fuss, and it’s almost too easy to make. Crunchy biscuits, sweetened condensed milk, and brightly coloured lollies all get squished together, rolled in coconu
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The “glass cliff” refers to the phenomenon in business that women have a better chance of breaking through the glass ceiling and being appointed into positions of senior leadership only when an organisation is facing a crisis. There are numerous cases throughout recent history where we see such a phenomenon; an oganisation on the brink of destruction suddenly brings in a female CEO, usually for the first time to replace the male leader responsible for the current turmoil. We’ve seen this
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Gardian isn’t just a business; it’s a force. A powerhouse of talent, ambition, and generosity that has shaped Mackay’s landscape for over 25 years. What began as a husband-and-wife mortgage broking venture has evolved into one of the region’s most extensive and dynamic firms, spanning finance, real estate, financial planning, and insurance. But at its core, Gardian is about people—its clients, its community, and, most importantly, its team. This International Women’s Day, Gardian celebrates t
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As the cooler months approach, Mackay Regional Council Libraries is bringing the community together—one stitch at a time—with the Keep Warm Project. This heartwarming initiative invites locals to help turn donated 20cm squares into cosy blankets for those in need. In true community spirit, volunteers will gather at library locations to assemble these knitted and crocheted squares into beautiful, handcrafted blankets, which will then be distributed to local organisations supporting vulnera
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While Cyclone Alfred spared us a direct hit, its presence serves as a powerful reminder that cyclone season isn’t over yet. With the worst of the monsoonal rains behind us, now is the perfect time to turn our attention back to home maintenance—ensuring our properties are secure against late-season storms while also tackling the unwelcome side effects of the wet season. A little effort now can mean fewer risks from flying debris in high winds, fewer mosquito swarms, and fewer encounters wit
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On a quiet Saturday afternoon near the Harbour roundabout, a woman found herself stranded on the side of the road, her car resting on a flat tyre. With cars rushing past and uncertainty creeping in, she wasn’t sure how she would manage to change it alone. Then, like a true gentleman, a truck driver pulled over without hesitation. With a reassuring smile and a willingness to help, he quickly got to work—lifting the car with her jack, swapping the damaged tyre, and making sure everything wa
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Arson Investigation Underway In North Mackay Police are investigating two suspicious fires that occurred overnight in North Mackay on March 2. Emergency services were first called to a car fire at approximately 10:50 PM on Palmer Street. The vehicle, which was parked in a carport, was completely destroyed, and the carport sustained damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Shortly after, at around 11:30 PM, emergency services responded to a second fire at a nearby unit complex, al
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Two weeks in New Zealand was exactly what I needed—a chance to be with family, reconnect, and take a breath before returning to reality. But while the trip was a break from the everyday, it wasn’t exactly a holiday. Both my father and father-in-law have started radiation treatment for cancer, meaning I’ve gone from being the patient to the support person overnight. It’s a difficult transition, made harder by the distance, but the most important thing was that my little one had time with his gran
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Making sushi at home is a fun and rewarding experience that lets you experiment with flavours and ingredients while learning a new culinary skill. Here’s how you can prepare delicious sushi in your own kitchen. Ingredients You’ll Need: • Sushi rice (short-grain rice) • Rice vinegar • Sugar • Salt • Nori (seaweed sheets) • Fresh fish (salmon, tuna, or other sushi-grade fish) • Vegetables (cucumber, avocado, carrots, etc.) • Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger (for serving) Step 1: Prepa
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Making homemade peanut butter cups is simple and delicious. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own version of this classic treat. Ingredients: • 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy) • 2 cups powdered sugar • 1/4 cup butter (melted) • 2 cups chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional) Instructions: Prepare the peanut butter filling: In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter until smooth. You can also add vanil
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Friday 7th March 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 International Women’s Day Launce 2025 11.4
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Meet Dan and Nikita Kinnane, the dynamic duo behind RE/MAX Select who are dancing their way into the hearts of the community for the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Known for their dedication to creating a real estate office with a difference, Dan and Nikita go above and beyond for their clients, suppliers, and the wider Mackay community. Their passion isn’t just about finding people homes, it’s about making a real, positive impact in the region. "We hope to leave our mark in the town by sup
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Kerry Malay, a passionate advocate for community health and a proud Kamilaroi and Mandandanji Aboriginal woman, is taking on the challenge of dancing for a cause very close to her heart – the Mackay Hospital Foundation. With over 25 years of experience in community services, Kerry serves as the Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at Mackay Hospital and Health Service. She is deeply committed to improving health outcomes for both Indigenous and local communiti
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By Sonia Ball, QCAR Central District Manager As a rural journalist a millennium ago, I recall being utterly confused yet totally captivated by the complexities, the diversity and resilience, the culture and the people (great people!), the practices and politics. I just could not stop looking, and that hasn’t changed. To me the cattle, the grain, the horticulture and other primary industries all seemed so…. Well, simple. I may never have grown a stick of cane, yet I have become indelibly
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Birri Gubba Nation will mark its second anniversary with a two-day celebration on March 8-9, 2025. The event will begin at Bluewater Quay in Mackay, overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River, before continuing at Conway Beach on Sunday from 10am. The Senior Tribal Council, Ministers, and Ambassadors of Birri Gubba have expressed enthusiasm for the progress made in strengthening the nation. The anniversary will feature guest speakers who will provide updates on ongoing projects and future
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International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2025, carries a theme that couldn’t be more fitting—March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls. It’s a rallying cry that acknowledges how far we’ve come while urging us to keep moving, pushing, and striving for a future where every woman and girl can thrive. Across Australia, the day will be marked with powerful events, from leadership summits to grassroots gatherings, all celebrating the achievements of women while addressing the work still ahead.
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The Northern Beaches Community Playgroup (NBCP) is set to return in 2025, once again made possible through the BMA Benefiting My Community Grant. This year, in addition to the usual play and connection sessions, families can look forward to twelve special "super sessions" throughout the year, including BMA Playfest, BMA Fun Friday, and BMA Bookweek. These sessions will feature a range of engaging activities for young children, including gross motor programs, puppet shows, music, art, and
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Toad Busters Break Records Cane toads can be found everywhere across Queensland and persistent action needs to be taken to remove them. The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge came back again this year for their annual Great Cane Toad Bust event. With over 50,000 toads removed last year, they hoped to match that number and surpass it this season with state-wide help. Being prolific breeders, Cane Toads are notorious pests producing up to 30,000 eggs at a time, and can live up to 10 years. They are to
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What better way to end the working week than feasting on the freshest seafood I could ask for with Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Seafood Platter for Two. This mouthwatering platter is packed with the finest local seafood, sourced from a range of top suppliers, including one of our local favourites, Fishi, guaranteeing the freshest, tastiest bites from the sea. Get ready to indulge in a variety of flavours and textures, from the crispy battered Red Emperor Fish to the juicy local prawns, smoked salm
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The Whitsundays is off to a flying start in 2025, breaking records left, right, and centre! In just two months, The Whitsundays has welcomed 27 cruise ships, bringing over 66,000 passengers to our region. Around 52,000 of them have stepped off to soak up the sun, explore Airlie Beach and beyond and support local businesses. And it’s not slowing down—another 13 cruise ships are set to arrive in March, proving The Whitsundays is a must-stop destination for cruise lovers. Whitsunday Coast Airport
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