World Cancer Day on the 4th of February was a reminder that cancer doesn’t just affect one person—it touches families, friends, entire communities. For the past 12 months, cancer has been my reality. It has consumed my time, my energy, my body. It has left scars—some visible, others buried deep. The fight isn’t just physical; the mental toll is a battle all on its own. But I haven’t faced it alone. Hundreds of people, through kind words, gestures and assistance, have helped me navigate this un
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In the Eimeo neighbourhood, one local woman decided to show appreciation for the postman who had been delivering her mail in the area for the last two years. Sharing to the community through a Facebook post, she said "A huge shout out to this top bloke! He's been delivering our mail for the past two years. “[He] always has a smile on his face and waves hello! Just a nice bloke!" The community responded with overwhelming support, praising his consistent positivity, despite the significant ra
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Queenslanders are being urged to update their phone settings to ‘favourite’ the Emergency Alert (EA) phone number to stay informed during an emergency or disaster. Emergency Alert is the national telephone-based warning system used to send voice messages to landlines and text messages to mobile phones to warn people of emergencies, including dangerous weather with potentially severe impacts. Mackay Whitsunday District Superintendent Dean Cavanagh emphasised the importance of the system. "If
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Mackay has been hit by significant flooding over the past week, with flash flooding closing roads, cutting off access to the airport, and inundating homes and businesses. The heavy rainfall is part of a broader weather event affecting communities from Mackay to Cairns and especially from Townsville north in the Hinchinbrook region, including Cardwell, Ingham, and Giru. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the local governments of the Dawson region had been responding to a severe floo
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Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, is calling for local community groups in the electorate of Mirani to apply for the Community Gambling Benefit Fund’s 123rd round of funding with applications open until 28 February 2025. The Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) is Queensland’s largest one-off community grants program and distributes approximately $60 million each year to not-for-profit community groups. The Gambling Community Benefit Fund funding helps these groups to provide services, leisu
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By Amanda Wright Every year, close to 15,000 Australians hear the words no one wants to hear: you have bowel cancer. For many, the road ahead is overwhelming, filled with medical jargon, invasive treatments, and a battle that is as much mental as it is physical. But in Mackay, there is someone dedicated to walking that road with them. Following World Cancer Day on the 4th of February, the spotlight turns to the incredible work being done to support patients across our region. Among those makin
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By Hannah McNamara Questions begin to surface as Mackay locals express concerns over the original intentions of Melbourne-based charity, sleepbus. The initiative was set to deliver three buses for the Mackay and Sarina regions as part of a movement to provide “safe sleeps” for the homeless. However, a recent announcement by the Founder of sleepbus revealed that the charity will soon cease their operations on June 30, 2025 due to financial difficulty. The three buses included one for the Macka
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Detectives from Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit have charged a 50-year-old man in relation to the supply of dangerous drugs and sexual assault of a child. On January 15 police executed a search warrant at a Mackay Harbour address, where 50-year-old Bradley Jetson was taken into custody. A quantity of dangerous drugs, drug utensils and electronic devices were seized from the address. It will be alleged the man supplied dangerous drugs to a girl under the age of 16 and sexually a
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A health service investigation has been launched into Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) to examine concerns about the recruitment and credentialing for scope of practice of senior medical officers. Director-General Dr David Rosengren has commissioned the investigation under Part 9 of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011. The investigation will cover a two-year period from January 2023 to December 2024 to determine if Mackay HHS complied with processes and practices relating to seni
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A new training centre in a prime Moranbah position will help boost mines rescue capabilities and shorten response times when incidents occur in the Bowen Basin mining hub. Anglo American and Exxaro – which own a 50-50 joint venture steelmaking coal exploration project at Moranbah South - have leased an 18-hectare parcel of land to Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS). The land, on the corner of Railway Road and Moranbah Access Road, is opposite the planned site for stage 3 of the Resources C
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Geospatial and Earth Observation (EO) technologies could be the next frontier for the Greater Whitsunday region’s workforce to explore. Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) has released the Greater Whitsunday Geospatial Hub Economic Impact Assessment report to provide a roadmap of Geospatial and Earth Observation opportunities and strategy. Geospatial data identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features and boundaries on earth. This data can be derived fr
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As Australia fights to protect its most vulnerable wildlife, the use of 1080 baiting remains a controversial yet critical tool in managing major threats to native species. While some conservationists advocate for its role in reducing predation pressure, concerns persist over its impact on non-target species and the need for alternative control measures. Australia has some of the most unique wildlife and biodiversity in the world, but two invasive predators, feral cats and foxes, have already
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By Owen Menkens CANEGROWERS Chairman There’s something truly special and iconic about sugarcane. Grown along 2000km of Australian coastline, from Grafton in northern New South Wales to the fringes of the Daintree in the tropical far north, it’s been a cornerstone of Queensland’s identity for over 150 years. In fact, so foundational is this industry that it even features on our state’s Coat of Arms. Yet, as iconic as it is, sugarcane isn’t just part of our history – it’s a dynamic, future-fo
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QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball Rain And Flood In Northern Queensland Torrential rain across north and far north Queensland has caused immeasurable angst and damage for communities, businesses and governments with the final measure of implications and costs still to come. Natural disasters such as these can have life-changing and long-lasting impacts. QCAR therefore is supporting members with information and resources and staying available and abreast of updates but also urgently see
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Mackay could become a diabetes research hub with the potential to help accelerate treatment breakthroughs and enable greater access to life-changing technology for sufferers. This is the goal of Mackay HHS endocrinologist Dr Harshal Deshmukh who, after only 10 months in the region, has secured funding to conduct a world-first study focussed on type 2 diabetes and Diabetic Foot Disease (DFD). The local study, which investigates technology to track blood sugar and how it can benefit wound healin
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Mackay's biggest sport and recreation sign-on event is only days away. The Mackay Sport and Rec Expo will feature more than 100 clubs on display, creating a one-stop shop for sport and recreation opportunities. Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting to see so many local clubs get on board and support the annual expo. “This year’s event will be action-packed, with a range of active zone activities and demonstrations throughout the day and all the usual prizes and competitions, such as nomi
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William "Billy" Jarrett, 31, is thrilled to be back in the region, surrounded by family and familiar faces after a diverse and enriching career path. As a fourth-generation Mackay local, William, who hails from a family with deep roots in agriculture, is eager to contribute to the community that shaped him. "It's great to be back in the region after all these years away," William said, reflecting on his journey from growing up in Mackay to working across regional Australia. "I'm pretty ha
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager, Grower Marketing The wash-up of the 2024 season is all but done, with only a portion of growers still to price out the balance of their 2024 crop. The recent recovery in prices following the dip due to India announcing 1 million tonnes of export quota is welcome. We still see tight trade flow for raw and whites into this quarter which may stretch into the second quarter depending on how quickly Brazil comes back online and the current Indian and Thai crop cut out.
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Gymnastics in Mackay has flourished over the past two decades, becoming a cornerstone of the community's commitment to health, fitness, and personal development. Leading this movement is Mackay Gymnastics Inc., a dynamic club that has been serving the region since 2005. The club offers a wide array of programs tailored to individuals of all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of movement. One of the standout features of Mackay Gymnastics is its inclusivity. The clu
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All you have to do is “just start”- and the North Queensland Sports Foundation (NQSF) is here to help you do exactly that! Thinking about joining a local sporting club, hosting your own event, or just looking for new ways to get active? The Mackay Sport & Rec Expo is your chance to connect with the organisation that’s been driving grassroots sports across North Queensland for over 40 years. Founded in 1983 following the success of the Brisbane Commonwealth Games, NQSF was established to encoura
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Just in time for the month of love, Flavours of Vietnam is serving up new dishes and drinks designed to make hearts skip a beat. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a lively gathering of friends, or just a well-deserved treat, these new menu additions bring bold flavours and a touch of indulgence to this year’s Valentine’s Day celebrations. February brings a fresh twist to a classic with the Watermelon and Lychee Mojito - a cocktail as sweet and refreshing as love itself. Juicy watermelon a
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Nicole Batzloff, the passionate co-owner of beloved local restaurant Laffos, is putting on her dancing shoes as she takes on Dancing with Heart, the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s premier fundraising event. On March 21, Nicole will hit the dance floor alongside seven other competitors, vying for the coveted title of best dancer while raising vital funds for the Mackay Hospital Foundation. This exciting event supports the Foundation’s mission to provide essential services and resources to th
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Love is on the menu at Ocean International, and whether you’re celebrating romance or raising a toast to friendship, there’s no better place to spend Valentine’s…or should we say, Galentine’s. With just one week to go, now is the time to secure your seat at one of the region’s most popular venues for a night of delicious dining, ocean breezes, and unforgettable moments. For couples looking to turn up the romance, Oceans Restaurant offers an intimate setting with a special Chef’s selected menu
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Almost as daunting as organising the perfect wedding is organising accommodation for all of your visiting family and friends. No doubt there’s a range of budgets and preferences to consider, and that’s where BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday can help! BIG4 can offer everything from powered sites to fully self-contained cabins ranging from their budget-conscious open-plan Studio Cabins to their amazing 3-bedroom Whitehaven Condos (and everything in between!). And with plenty of ‘fun stuff’ too … 13 Sl
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Transform your wedding or elopement into an enchanting fairy tale of romance, where every moment is captured with the magic of Depicting Dreamscapes. Specialising in a signature vibrant style, this photography approach captures the essence of each couple’s love story, weaving together emotional depth and authenticity. From grand celebrations to quiet, intimate elopements, or even the tender first steps of engagement, every frame becomes a timeless work of art. Whether near or far, Depicting Dre
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