CatholicCare Central Queensland has been a trusted provider of care and support services in Mackay and the wider Central Queensland region for over 50 years, dedicated to providing individuals and families with the quality care and support they need to thrive. With a focus on respect, compassion, and inclusivity, the organisation offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of the community. Their extensive range of services include: • In-Home Aged Care and Disability Support
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Helen Zaglas is living proof of a miracle, but she credits much of her survival to the outstanding care and dedication of the Mackay Base Hospital staff. Described as a “walking miracle,” by many, Mrs Zaglas has faced an extraordinary number of health battles, yet her gratitude for the hospital’s exceptional service remains ever-present. “The staff at the Base Hospital are very good at what they do,” Mrs Zaglas said. “They’ve helped me so much over the years, and they’ve been amazing. “I
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Mackay residents have reported several sightings of what are believed to be at least two crocodiles regularly swimming around the Mackay Marina. These elusive visitors have been spotted both within the marina itself and just outside the rock wall, adding a cautious element to the picturesque waterfront, especially for those who use the sheltered water for paddle boarding. Earlier this week, one of the juvenile crocodiles, estimated to be about one metre long, was seen gliding along the Harbour B
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The Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) team and the wider community are mourning the loss of Andrew "Drew" Mallett - a highly respected member of their ranks. It is believed that Drew, a father from the Mackay region, tragically went missing while spearfishing off the coast of Lorne, Victoria, on November 28, 2024. Despite extensive search efforts, which included air, sea, and coastal operations, he has yet to be recovered and has since been presumed deceased. In a heartbreaking statement
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay No doubts, there isn’t a grower out there who wants to be crushing past mid-November, let alone into January. It’s a path that is dogging industry profitability and making a mockery of agronomic best practices. Nonetheless, as we moved into the new year Plane Creek came to a wet end for the 2024 Crush on 3 January, leaving some 150 to 200,000 tonne—or in excess of 10% of the crop—as standover. In Mackay, both Farleigh and Racecourse had ceased operatio
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Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has estimated more than 1.27M tonnes of cane remains unharvested across Australia’s sugarcane mills, resulting in forecast losses to farmers of more than $83M. QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan said most mills had closed the doors on the 2024 crushing season except for Wilmar Sugar’s Pioneer and Invicta mills in the Burdekin, with Mackay Sugar Limited advising on Sunday it would no longer accept bins at its Marian Mill past 6pm Monday, 13th January. “This am
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Planning for the future has never been more critical. Yet, for many, the path to financial security feels uncertain. While comprehensive financial advice may not be within reach for everyone, the desire to save and invest for a brighter future remains strong. But how can individuals tap into expert knowledge without traditional financial planning? Self-directed investment platforms are empowering investors with tools to make independent informed decisions. For young investors, the benefits of st
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Local Eyes, an independent optometry practice proudly owned by Mackay locals Kelly Menzies and Rebecca Vella, is raising the bar for eye care in the region. Known for quality service, premium products, and a genuine interest in eye health, Local Eyes is dedicated to providing patients with clearer vision for 2025 and beyond. All three local optometrists, Kelly Menzies, Natasha Westcott, and newly welcomed Kylie Freiberg, are passionate about their work. With a focus on continuity of care, they
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Celebrating more than 30 years of creating stunning interiors, Mackay Curtain Making Service is ready to help you refresh your home in 2025. Under the ownership of Gino and Deanne Pin for 22 years, with their son Dominic and his partner Shannon now involved, this family-run business has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service and tailored solutions that perfectly align with your style and budget. “We won’t sell you something just for the sake of it,” says Deanne. “It has to
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As the new year kicks off, so does the desire to reinvent ourselves – maybe this is the year to get outside more, drink less, or eat healthier. (Or maybe not!) For some, New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity to grow. For others, they’re a pointless exercise. Only 9 per cent of people succeed in keeping their resolutions. Yet, despite these dire stats, people continue to make them. So, what separates a good New Year’s resolution from a bad one? Most resolutions fail because they’re poorly pla
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Facing a tough case in 2025 and need a private investigator without the hassle of looking beyond the region? Based in Mackay, Jason King and his team at Regional Queensland Investigations are ready to handle even the most complex cases…big or small. With an expanding team of experienced professionals, Regional Queensland Investigations is ready to make a significant impact in 2025 as they rise to new heights, now extending their services as far as the Northern Territory. Jason, a former law en
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The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce started 2025 on a high note last week with their first B2B Brews networking event at Ocean International. Over coffee by the pool, attendees forged new business connections and rekindled old ones in a relaxed, tropical setting. Special thanks went to Get It Done Training for sharing their exciting 2025 plans and to the Ocean International team for serving up excellent coffee to fuel the lively discussions. The event set the tone for a collaborative and succe
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Running a business can already be tough – your marketing shouldn’t add to the stress. You want your time, money, and effort to deliver real results, but the idea of creating a marketing plan? It’s daunting, especially if marketing isn’t your jam. Here’s a hot tip – you don’t need a degree in marketing to put together a workable plan!! The key is just starting. Seriously, that’s it. A simple plan gets you in the game and, from there, you’ll learn what works by paying attention to the results. R
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Porters Mackay, a key player in the building industry for 141 years, is embarking on a major transition with plans for a custom-built trade centre in Paget. This multi-million-dollar facility will consolidate several operations and streamline services for trade customers, marking a significant shift in the company’s presence in the region. As part of this evolution, Porters will also bid farewell to its iconic Brisbane Street retail store and café, which have been central to the business since 1
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As 2024 drew to a close, one of the region’s standout agricultural producers quietly achieved an extraordinary feat that deserves far more recognition. Australian Prawn Farms, a leader in prawn farming and biosecurity, quietly made waves with their exceptional approach to safeguarding the industry. Despite the attention often given to other sectors, this small but mighty farm has set the bar for biosecurity excellence, earning the title of Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year. Located near Il
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Earl Neilsen’s journey through cancer was one of those life-changing upheavals that began in silence and then roared to life with devastating force. Diagnosed in November 2019 with stage three rectal cancer, Earl recalls how his world turned upside down in an instant. What started as subtle symptoms, bloating, blood in the stool, and a change in his bowel habits, culminated in a diagnosis that felt like “a ton of bricks” landing on his family. Yet, amid the shock and devastation, Earl found his
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In a world that often silences the unheard, a voice can become a revolution, one that speaks not just for itself, but for countless others. Beneath the veil of Bridgeen Doherty’s lilting Irish accent and radiant smile lies a story both heartbreaking and inspiring. Diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer just before Christmas in 2019, Bridgeen has faced the relentless grip of the disease with extraordinary resilience, naming her cancer ‘Octavia’ and using her determination to bring light to eve
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The quiet joy of preparing for her first baby, painting the nursery, assembling tiny clothes, and dreaming of the future, was abruptly eclipsed by an unimaginable diagnosis. In the days after her 20-week ultrasound, with life blossoming within her, the word "cancer" shattered the serenity, leaving Teharnee Peel staring down a daunting mass growing in her cervix. Her battle ahead would intertwine the fragility of new life with the ferocity of survival, as chemotherapy coursed through her body w
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The Mackay Musical Comedy Players are thrilled to announce their upcoming production of Goldilocks & The Three Bears, a fresh and playful reimagining of the beloved fairytale that sets the tone for the theatre group's 60th anniversary. This lively, family-friendly pantomime is set to delight audiences with humour, music, and engaging storytelling. Directed by MMCP Life Member Kristyn Everett, with choreography and co-direction by Leisa Persson (Theatre Bug Mackay) and musical direction by Sharon
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Friday 17th 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 Exhibitions Opening 6pm Join Mackay Regi
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Children in Finch Hatton embraced the spirit of giving last holiday season with a heartfelt initiative that brought joy to their community. Under the guidance of local organisers, the young participants prepared and delivered festive treats, spreading Christmas cheer in a unique and thoughtful way. The initiative saw the children roll up their sleeves and craft 300 rum balls, each accompanied by a handwritten note. Over the course of the event, they created 99 personalised messages, carefully p
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As the school year draws near, many young people are gearing up for a return to classrooms and routines. While some may feel excited and eager to see friends, others may experience feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or stress. The back-to-school transition can be challenging for a variety of reasons, including pressure to succeed academically, worries about making new friends, or even dealing with bullying. For some, mental health struggles such as anxiety or depression may also surface, making t
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With the largest team of 11 to attend this tough qualifying meet, Coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier was already very proud of her young prodigies. The week is huge, with early mornings and late-night finals. Being present for the week in its entirety is the absolute challenge; nutrition, sleep, illness—everything can enter the domain the week of or prior, and nothing can be left for granted. How we all roll through it and prepare for each race is a process, as any athlete will vouch, and our entire team
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With living spaces becoming increasingly compact, finding smart ways to maximise storage is crucial for maintaining an organised and clutter-free home. Whether you're in a small apartment or a spacious house, there are numerous strategies you can use to make the most of your available space. Here are some top space-saving tips and tricks for maximising storage in your home: 1. Utilise Vertical Space One of the most effective ways to save space is by thinking vertically. Install shelves on wal
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The Mackay Meteorettes have achieved the ultimate success in junior basketball, claiming the Under-18 Girls State Championship at the 2025 Basketball Queensland Club State Championship. After five days of intense competition, the tournament concluded at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast, with the Meteorettes emerging as champions in a thrilling final. A standout moment came in the opening quarter, an area the Meteorettes had traditionally struggled with. However, this time, they came out s
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