On a soggy Tuesday, only 21 players braved the elements to take part in the competition. Initially, it looked like we’d be restricted to just 9 holes, but the weather held out, allowing us to complete the full 18. Despite the wet conditions, some impressive scores were posted, though with the current weather pattern, it remains uncertain when we’ll be able to tee off again. In the Ladies Division Jenny Hounsell continued her strong form, claiming victory for the second week in a row with an exce
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Rebecca Cooper is a woman with boundless energy and deep compassion who has been the human catalyst for a movement that has transformed the Northern Beaches. For her community-building efforts, Rebecca has been named the 2025 Mackay Regional Council Australia Day Citizen of the Year. Mayor Greg Williamson said Rebecca was an amazing person who had achieved something special in the Northern Beaches through her kindness, selflessness and desire to create a connected community. “By bringing peop
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The school bells have rung, marking the start of 2025 for students across the region. The first day brought a kaleidoscope of emotions—kids bouncing between happiness, nerves, and excitement as they embarked on new adventures. For preppies, it was the start of a whole new chapter, while for parents, it was a bittersweet milestone. School bags were loaded to bursting, uniforms were crisp, and shoes were polished to a shine (though let’s be honest, they’ll be scuffed by Friday). And those pict
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At Mackay Airport, a security guard has earned a reputation for her warm heart and helping hands. Known to many travellers, this exceptional woman has become a shining example of kindness in the region. One morning, a young couple with an eight-month-old baby arrived for their flight to Brisbane, burdened with two large suitcases and carry-on bags. Spotting their struggle, the security guard immediately stepped in, effortlessly lifting one of the heavy bags and walking with them into the termin
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Over the last few weeks, Mackay's city heart has undergone a major transformation, with the Mky City Heart Collective leading efforts to revitalise the region. This initiative celebrates the city’s rich history, particularly its once-thriving Chinatown, by blending art, culture, and community to breathe new life into downtown Mackay. Inspired by the once-thriving Chinatown district between Wellington and Macalister streets from the 1880s to the 1930s, the project highlights this important hub f
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Healthy Land & Water is hosting a meet and greet as part of a waterway naturalisation project at Woodlands Reserve in Andergrove on Friday, January 31, from 3pm to 6pm. Meet by the pedestrian bridge, at the Domino Crescent entrance to Woodlands District Park, and chat with the team, share how you use the reserve and provide ideas to enhance wildlife habitat and the natural environment. They are also hosting a community input session on Saturday, February 1, from 10am to noon at the Andergrove
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Detectives are appealing for more information as they continue to investigate the suspicious death of John Patrick Hackett, who was found deceased in his home on Gold Street in Mackay in November last year. On the 9th of November, 67-year-old John Patrick Hackett was located deceased at his unit following a welfare check by family members. A crime scene was declared, and police launched a homicide investigation, Operation Whiskey Glen, following results from a post-mortem examination indic
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Two of Central Queensland’s strongest voices in Canberra, Andrew Willcox and Michelle Landry, have been re-endorsed by the Liberal National Party (LNP) to contest the upcoming federal election, ready to advocate for their electorates and deliver for their communities. Mr Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson, said he was honoured by the unanimous support of local party members. “I am honoured to have been endorsed once again as the LNP candidate for the seat of Dawson,” he said. “It’s a privil
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Five women have already lost their lives to domestic violence in Australia this year. Five lives brutally cut short, leaving behind families shattered by grief. And it’s only January. For survivors in Mackay, Broken Ballerina Inc. has become their lifeline, often stepping in when no one else will. Led by Jules and Pete Thompson, this grassroots charity operates 24/7, helping women, men, and children escape unimaginable circumstances. They provide counselling, courtroom advocacy, and escape bags
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Film & Arts Mackay is kicking off 2025 with a stellar line-up of films, starting with a journey to Bhutan in the charming The Monk and The Gun. The latest charmer from Oscar-nominated Pawo Choyning Dorji (Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, which was presented in December 2023), is set in the weeks before Bhutan’s first democratic election in 2006. This delightfully droll and slyly satirical film boasts a string of characters and misadventures, in a tale as suspenseful as it is winning. Film & Arts
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A blaze broke out near the Ron Cam Bridge on Sunday night, the 26th of January, prompting three fire rescue crews to respond to the scene at approximately 9:33pm. The fire tore through the council-maintained boardwalk, damaging an estimated 60 meters and affecting up to 100 meters of the structure during its peak. Firefighters worked diligently to bring the fire under control, with most of the flames extinguished by 11:00pm. Crews remained on-site to address hotspots, ultimately confirming that
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The Mackay and Whitsundays community is being encouraged to support the local arm of the Black Dog Ride by registering to ride in the 2025 One Dayer or participating in local fundraising. This will help start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention. The Black Dog Ride ‘One Dayer’ is a one-day motorcycle ride to be held in more than 100 communities across Australia on Sunday, March 16, 2025 including a ride kicking off in Mackay and Whitsundays. Black Dog Ride O
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What started as a dream has skyrocketed to a limelight reality for 21-year-old Regan Walker. With Wicked soon to be listed alongside Matilda and Grease on Regan’s impressive musical resume, he will undoubtedly lead an impressive Broadway-bound career. Originally from Mackay, Regan first laced up his dancing shoes at the age of four, following in the footsteps of his older siblings. As Regan turned nine, he decided to dip his toe into singing and acting, and soon enough, he became a triple th
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay Smartcane BMP was established by CANEGROWERS around 15 years ago to ensure growers could be confident of meeting environmental legislation standards- the program was – and still is - ahead of the curve, and well-established by the time Reef Regulations were introduced. Beyond meeting legislation, it has become a proud standard of sustainability for our industry, attracting new markets and investment in new uses for sugarcane. Now that the crush is – at
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Sonia Ball, QCAR Central District Manager. …You probably knew that, but being treated as one has become ‘the norm’ in many parts of our every-day lives – waiting rooms, for example! Have you considered how different our lives may be, if instead you were treated as you? At Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR), our secret weapon is our people. People passionate and driven to helping other people – face-to-face, beside you, behind you, with you and for you. From Far North Queensland
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Reef Catchments will lead the delivery of the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac (MWI) Landscape Repair Program, investing $26 million in water quality initiatives aimed at reducing 18 kilotonnes of fine sediment runoff into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon by June 2030. The Reef Trust Landscape Repair Program, backed by $200 million from the Australian Government, aims to prevent over 130 kilotonnes of fine sediment from reaching the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). This reduction is crucial in protecting the GBR’
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing The New Year has heralded an unwelcome change in global sugar price sentiment, initially prompted by the world market getting more comfortable that the first quarter supply of sugar was tight but manageable. This resulted in a gradual deterioration of the ICE #11 March 25 futures premium over the May contract. The speculative money sensed the path of least resistance was down, so they had been getting increasingly aggressive with their short-sellin
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Friday 31st January 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 Ethan Moon LIVE 7pm Enjoy an evening of
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A reunion is being planned for the Roma St John's class of 1969-1975, and the group is eager to reconnect with former classmates. In particular, they are searching for Debbie Sheargold (now Debbie Shaw), who is thought to be living in the Mackay area, along with the following: Roma St John's Class Of 1969-1975: Tony Gibson Noel Smith Debbie Sheargold Patrick Mackie Kayleen Cherry Jennifer Barnett Monica McNeil Vienna Church Nicky Cherry Beth Hanney Dianne Wilson Renee Kennedy Maryanne Martinek
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By Amanda Wright Alison Pighills’ rural property near Mount Jukes hums with the sounds of life—wallabies bounding through enclosures, possums scurrying into their pens, and the occasional chirp of birds in recovery. For almost a decade, Alison has dedicated her time to rehabilitating native wildlife, giving hundreds of animals a second chance at life in the wild. “When I release a wallaby and see it hopping off into the bush, there’s this incredible moment of pride and relief,” Alison said.
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Get ready to dive into a world of sporting opportunities at the 2025 Mackay Sport and Recreation Expo, kicking off at the MECC on Sunday, February 9. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, with over 100 sport and recreation options to explore. Whether you’re ready to tackle a new hobby or looking to hit the ground running with your fitness goals, this expo has something for everyone, regardless of age or ability. The day will be packed with Active Zone activities and live demonstra
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Last Tuesday, the Mackay Isaac Region kicked off 2025 with the launch of its bold new destination events campaign, “Keep Up.” The campaign, unveiled by Mackay Isaac Tourism, aims to inspire visitors to explore the region’s exciting adventures, vibrant events, and breathtaking natural landscapes. “Keep Up” encourages travellers of all ages to embrace the spirit of discovery and connection throughout the Mackay Isaac Region. Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said that the region's
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AFL Mackay is gearing up for another exciting season of Junior and Youth football, with registrations now open for all players aged U9.5 to U17.5. Whether you've kicked a thousand goals or are yet to score your first, AFL offers the perfect opportunity to get active, make new friends, and develop new skills in a fun and inclusive environment. This season also marks the introduction of the new Youth Girls U16.5 competition, an exciting addition to the league for 2025. The all-girls competition i
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For over 70 years, Marian Bowls Club has been a pillar of the local community, offering a friendly and welcoming space for players of all ages and abilities. Nestled in the quiet surroundings of Reg Smith Street, Marian, the club provides a peaceful escape where the only sounds are birdsong, the gentle hum of the Marian Sugar Mill and the occasional cheer of happy bowlers enjoying a friendly match. The club caters to a variety of bowling interests, from social bowls to competitive pennants and
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If you’ve ever dreamed of the wind in your sails and the thrill of racing, but the sea isn’t your thing, then blokarting might just be your next adventure. Combining the exhilaration of sailing with the accessibility of land sports, blokarting delivers an adrenaline rush like no other. Imagine zooming along a sunlit beach with the breeze at your back and breathtaking scenery surrounding you—this is blokarting at its finest. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply curious about this unique spor
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