The Queensland State Emergency Service Volunteer Association (QSESVA) is pleased to announce the election of Justin Englert as its new State President. Mr Englert brings more than 23 years of dedicated service to the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES), with a career that spans leadership, training, and community development. He began with the Eastern Group, Brisbane City Unit, serving as Deputy Group Leader for Training before relocating to Mackay, where he went on to serve as Deput
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Juvenile Spotted On Bucasia Beach A juvenile crocodile has allegedly been spotted slinking along Bucasia Beach, near the caravan park, sending a shiver through locals and visitors alike. While some online commenters joked the sighting might be AI-generated, multiple eyewitnesses insist the croc was very real. The alert came from an anonymous Facebook poster, who said the croc was likely 3–4 feet long. “I have no interest in scaring people and far too busy to make up stuff on AI,” the re
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Last week, the award-winning children’s musical Safety Circus visited primary schools across the Mackay region, delivering an entertaining 45-minute show focused on children’s safety. The performance, presented in partnership with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, is designed to teach children to Recognise, React and Report whenever they feel scared or unsafe. The Safety Circus crew expressed their gratitude to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation for supporting the 2025 tour, which began on Mon
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In a remarkable moment for the region, Cadet Sergeant Murray Macgroarty, known locally for his advocacy for homeless veterans, was awarded one of the highest honours in the Australian Army Cadets on Saturday, November 8. National Commander of AAC, Brigadier David McCammon (DSM and bar), travelled to Mackay to personally present him with a Gold Level Commendation – which is the highest accolade an Australian Army Cadet can receive, awarded only in exceptional circumstances of service and l
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Christmas has come early for community and not-for-profit groups across the Mackay region with $10,000 in grants awarded for festive events. From lunches to provide social connection for seniors, to a treasured carols event and a festive bike ride, events will be held right around the region. The Christmas Grants provide funding of up to $750 for groups to help provide events that bring the community together, with a total funding pool of $10,000. This year’s successful events are: • D
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Alsatia Park has officially reopened, marking a significant moment for the Walkerston community as locals gathered last Sunday to celebrate the revitalisation of the much-loved space. The upgraded park now stands as a tribute to 18-year-old Luke Payne, a passionate skateboarder who tragically lost his life in 2022 and whose ideas helped shape the original skate facility. Families, skaters and community groups turned out in strong numbers for the opening, enjoying a lively morning of free
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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has announced a record breaking year of community investment at its AGM, with over $1 million injected directly into supporting more than 100 local projects and initiatives during the 2024/25 financial year. This milestone brings this profit for purpose organisation’s total community investment to more than $5 million since opening its doors in 2005, reaffirming its long standing commitment to creating an enduring impact in the Sarina and district commun
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Sarina Woman Marks 100 Years With Wisdom Celebrating A Century Joy Robinson Turns 100 It’s not every day a community gathers to celebrate a 100th birthday, but Sarina’s own Joy Robinson reached the milestone in style, surrounded by four generations of family, friends, and bridge club members last Wednesday. “Aren’t I lucky,” Joy said with a smile. “I’m thrilled and it’s a real privilege to be here.” With a smile as striking as her bridge play, Joy says her secret to longevity is simply, to j
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay As the crushing season draws out and moves into its sixth month, it is pleasing to see that we are finally getting onto the downhill run, with both millers issuing their end-of-crush notices. Plane Creek expect to finish harvesting 26 November and Mackay Sugar announcing completion around 12 December, with any continuation dependent on sufficient cane supply. This follows a reduction of crop estimates in both districts, being 1.35Mt in Plane Creek
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Cultivating Tomorrow’s Opportunities Tickets are now on sale for ABARES Outlook 2026, the Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences’ (ABARES) flagship annual conference, set to take place on the 3rd and 4th of March 2026 at Hotel Realm, Canberra, and online. With the theme Reset. Rethink. Regrow: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Opportunities, the conference will explore the key forces shaping the future of Australian agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. ABARES Executive Director
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Local aged care provider Glenella Care is preparing to join Respect, one of Australia’s largest regional aged care organisations, in a move that honours Glenella’s legacy and invests in the future of care in Mackay. It is anticipated that from 1 December 2025, Glenella Care will officially become part of the Respect community. A dedicated transition team will support the change, with a focus on continuity of care for residents and preserving employment for current staff. Respect, a not-for-pro
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With our final season at Kucom (Summer Shorts) just finished on 15 November, we’re not quite ready to rest on our laurels, so we’re going to end the year in style with a final, festive Club Night on Friday 28th November – a combined Christmas party and 2026 season launch. The coming year will introduce our audiences to some exciting new directors and local playwrights with a mix of new works and old favourites. Hint: there will be three full-length plays plus a season of one-act plays. T
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Brand-New Outdoor Space Perfect For Family Dining, Live Music & Weekend Sessions Much-loved Mackay local, Boomerang Hotel, unveiled a brand-new beer garden this week, expanding its footprint and creating a fresh new space for locals to eat, drink and connect. The transformation has been designed with Mackay’s warm weather in mind and compliments the bistro, sports bar, gaming room and accommodation - a new area to relax and dine year-round. Offering a welcoming atmosphere, the beer garde
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Let me have a little rant for a moment: these days, it feels like everyone is a marketer. Boost one Facebook post, watch a few YouTube tutorials, finish a quick online course and suddenly people think they’re experts. No strategy. No accountability. Just confidence and Canva. But real marketing is far more than pressing buttons. It’s understanding human behaviour, reading data, building funnels, testing creative, managing budgets, and turning insights into decisions that actually grow a b
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Friday 21st November Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Conversations With Art
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At The Mackay Woodturners Club Expo This Christmas, why not find gifts that are truly one-of-a-kind? The Mackay Woodturners Club, tucked away at Snow Wright Ct, Andergrove, is opening its doors for a weekend of creativity, craftsmanship, and festive cheer. This weekend, on 22nd and 23rd November, from 9am–3pm, visitors can explore the impressive skills of local artisans working in woodturning, scroll sawing, intarsia, wood burning (pyrography), and carving, with free entry! Woodturning is far
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Meet Maple Breed: Border Collie X Age: Young Adult Personality: Playful, Energetic, Affectionate Vet work: Microchipped, vaccinated and desexed About Maple: Maple is an affectionate girl who loves nothing more than cuddling up on the couch with her favorite people. She’s loyal, loving, and will be your biggest fan! Her ideal home is active and consistent, with plenty of walks, playtime, and enrichment. She’s a bright dog who loves using her nose in fun scent games and would thrive with someone
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Readers with even a basic knowledge of ancient history will know that the Flintstones were a modern stone-age family from the town of Bedrock and that they were a page right out of history. When you were with the Flintstones, you’d have a yabba dabba doo time, a dabba doo time, you’d have a gay old time. A lot has changed since then. These days, if Fred Flintstone and his best mate Barney Rubble were to have a “gay old time” it would mean something completely different and dramatically change t
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Friday, the 7th of November marked a highlight on the Whitsunday Anglican School Junior School calendar, with students, staff and families gathering for the annual End of Year Arts Concert. The showcase featured outstanding performances from the school’s talented choirs and musical ensembles. The event provided younger students with an inspiring glimpse into the many musical opportunities available to them as they progress through the school. It also offered ensembles the chance to perform toge
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It has been an extraordinarily busy and successful month for students and staff at Mackay Christian College, with the school celebrating a wave of sporting achievements across several age groups. From the netball courts to the hockey field and rugby pitches, students have showcased exceptional skill, determination and sportsmanship. Mackenzie Jackson has had a remarkable season, being awarded Most Consistent for the Magpies Netball Club. She was then nominated for Best and Fairest by the Mackay
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It started with a leisurely Sunday morning social swim at Teemburra Dam (near Pinnacle) and built to a crescendo of medals and PB’s (personal bests) at the Masters Swimming Queensland (MSQ) State Championships the following week! It was a sultry early morning at Teemburra Dam where 2 kayakers, a couple of observers and 6 swimmers enjoyed a still water swim to welcome in November, refuelling with breakfast at Melba House. Eight swimmers and one volunteer supporter travelled to Brisbane for the
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Mackay Tri Club Hosts Free Aquathlon For All Ages Kick off your Australia Day with a splash… literally! Mackay Tri Club is inviting the whole community to celebrate fitness, fun, and camaraderie at its free Australia Day Aquathlon on January 26, 2026, at the Pioneer Swim Centre. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior, or just looking for a fun way to get active with the family, this event is for you! Supported by Mackay Regional Council and Triple M Mackay and Whitsundays, this A
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At Mackay Contract Bridge Club BRIDGE The CQ Del Ryan Teams Congress, Red Point event, was played over the weekend. Sixteen teams attended from Townsville, Bowen, Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Mackay. The event is named after Del Ryan, who was a long-time player at the bridge club, and now her daughter Janet continues the tradition. Del’s granddaughter Courtney, who is a principal of North Marine in Cairns, is a supporter of the event. Janet’s team came runner-up in Section A. Winners of Section A
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Tuesday Evening Fixtures ** Division 1 – Eagles (Emma Widdup, Syed Aminul Hossain, Josh Brown) defeated Lily (Robbie Richards, Lily Boland, Will VanDeKaa) 8-3, Josh won a tight 5 Sets over Robbie 11-7. Jaguar (Jacob Whelan, Anne Sheridan, Neil Brown) defeated Barra (Barry Patterson, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson) 7-4. Barry made a massive come back in 5 Sets against Jacob, with Barry winning 11-9. Gold (Goncalo Serra, Graham Brake, Geoff Denman) defeated Fish (Steven Whiting, Trent Day, Allan A
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Queensland Tourism Awards Shone Bright For Local Operators The Whitsundays shone at the 40th annual Queensland Tourism Awards in Brisbane, taking home an impressive mix of gold, silver, bronze and Hall of Fame honours. The event celebrated four decades of recognising Queensland’s standout tourism operators, with the Whitsundays once again proving why it remains one of the state’s favourite destinations. Local winners included Whitsunday Escape, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Pinnacles Resort, I
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