As drones topped Christmas wish lists this past holiday season, Ergon Energy Network is urging people to ensure they never fly them near the power network. With more people having given drones as gifts recently, particularly to children, Ergon crews have increasingly been called out to remove drones that have become stuck in powerlines, sometimes causing significant power disruptions. Area Manager Renee Kath stated, “We’ve steadily seen a rise in the number of drones being flown into powerli
Read more
The JSP Women's Awards is excited to announce nominations are now open for the JSP Women’s Awards for 2025. Now in its fourth year the awards shine a spotlight on the magic making women across the Greater Whitsunday region. The awards honour women who quietly lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact on their communities. The JSP Women’s Awards are part of The Just Saying Project (JSP), which is celebrating 10 years in 2025, with a celebration planned as part of the awards ceremony on Saturday
Read more
In years gone by, Mackay’s beaches were bustling hubs of activity, with families gathering for picnics, church outings, and carefree swims in the shallows. Black-and-white photographs from the early 1900’s capture locals in old-fashioned swimming costumes, wading knee-deep in the waters of Eimeo Beach or enjoying the laughter of a Sunday School picnic by the shore. In the thirties, the beaches were packed, the place to be for reprieve from the summer heat and humidity before air conditioning bec
Read more
A long and diverse career in nursing has gone by in “the blink of an eye” according to renal clinical nurse Jennifer Dale. She was recently presented with her 45-year Length of Service (LOS) gift by Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) chief executive Susan Gannon. Jennifer began her nursing training at Mackay Base Hospital in 1978 as a cadet before starting in renal nursing in 1983 at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. She worked in the UK for five years in transplant and paediatric units and ear
Read more
Centre of Movement, a leading paediatric allied health clinic from the Gold Coast, is bringing its expertise to Mackay with a two-week intensive therapy pop-up clinic. Running from 13th to 24th January at the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club, this initiative offers families access to specialised neurological rehabilitation tailored for children with disabilities. With 10 families participating, both local and from surrounding areas, the clinic aims to empower the community by providing innovative th
Read more
In 2024, PCYC Mackay continued to serve as a vital part of the Mackay community, offering programs and opportunities that make a meaningful impact. Focused on fostering safer and healthier communities through youth development, the centre has played an important role in supporting families, young people, and the wider region. Among the year’s many milestones, the launch of the Little n Active program was a standout. This innovative initiative introduced children under five to physical activity
Read more
Social media has transformed the way we explore and share the natural world, but it has also had unintended consequences. Studies show that the rise of social media has contributed to habitat disturbances, impacting native species. Popular wildlife spots often experience increased visitor numbers, which can lead to habitat abandonment, changes in usage patterns, reduced breeding success, and altered feeding behaviours. If you’re planning to photograph wildlife and share it online, here are some
Read more
Sonia Ball, QCAR Central District Manager In response to a well-known song line penned by John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival) – we have indeed seen the rain. As expected in the wet season. In this forever predictable and forecast rainy period, which comes year-after-year, no-one should still be sloshing around in the mud trying to cut sugarcane that in more idyllic times would have been harvested in far drier conditions a month or so earlier. And it is not just the Central District, all
Read more
On December 23, 2024, Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 002 933 717) initiated a voluntary recall for specific batches of GRAMOXONE® 360 PRO Herbicide, sold by agricultural retailers between October 1 and December 20, 2024. The recall was made under Section 106 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code, as part of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994. Reason for Recall: The recall concerns the 20L containers from batches 389865 and 389866, which were found to have not me
Read more
By Hannah McNamara The holiday season, often romanticised as a time of joy and togetherness, can place immense strain on families already facing challenges. Financial stressors, such as the pressure to buy gifts or host gatherings, can escalate tensions, while increased consumption of alcohol and drugs may act as a catalyst for abusive behaviours. Compounded by complex family dynamics, these elements create an unpredictable environment where incidents of domestic violence tend to surge. Jules
Read more
Recently, the Bruce Highway Advisory Council (BHAC) convened for its first meeting in Townsville, marking a significant step forward in the State Government’s 100-Day Plan to improve road safety and infrastructure across Queensland. Representing six regions, the council unites truck drivers, road safety advocates, and civil construction experts, all working together to address the challenges of Queensland’s busiest highway. For the Mackay and Whitsunday region, this meeting brings renewed optim
Read more
Young Leaders Honoured With Bank Role Model Awards Twelve students from across the Sarina and Pioneer Valley regions were recently celebrated with a Community Citizenship Role Model Award from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank. Since 2017, Community Bank Sarina has recognised outstanding Grade 6 students, with recipients selected by their teachers based on consistent academic efforts and active participation in school and community activities. These students were also nominated for their dem
Read more
Gaming has become a significant part of young people’s lives, offering a mix of benefits and challenges. On the positive side, gaming fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and social connection through online communities. However, there is a downside. Excessive gaming can negatively impact physical and mental health, disrupt sleep patterns, and interfere with academic performance or personal relationships. During school holidays, when routines are more relaxed, young people often have mo
Read more
Man Dies in Tragic Alligator Creek Crash A man has tragically died following a serious vehicle crash on Hay Point Road, Alligator Creek, on Tuesday evening, January 8. Emergency services were called to the scene just after 5pm, where both vehicles had reportedly left the road. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed one man sustained life-threatening injuries and was entrapped in his vehicle. Initial information indicates that a black Holden Utility Ute was observed driving at spe
Read more
Just a day before Christmas, Mackay Pet Rescue Inc. discovered the heart-wrenching sight of dumped kittens and a young mother cat at the Mackay Harbour. The mother cat, severely dehydrated and hungry, had desperately tried to protect her four kittens, who had been abandoned in a box. A spokesperson from Mackay Pet Rescue Inc. addressed the rising issue and said that “Despite already having over 80 animals in foster care, the incredible team stepped in to help.” One foster carer at the organi
Read more
As families start to get ready for the school year ahead, CatholicCare’s School Savvy CQ program is back again and stepping up to help with the financial stress of back-to-school preparations. Starting on Monday January 13 the School Savvy pop-up shop will open its doors to offer affordable school stationery supplies, pre-loved school uniforms and free basic back-to-school haircuts. “School Savvy is about reducing the financial burden on families that can come with the January back-to-school
Read more
More than 115 nominations were received for 102 amazing Mackay region residents and groups for the 2025 Mackay Regional Council Australia Day Awards. Mackay Regional Council would like to extend a massive congratulations to all these amazing people and groups. Council would also like to thank the 96 individuals who submitted nominations, with many submitting multiple nominations. Nominations were welcomed across the following categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Arts and C
Read more
Friday 10th 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 LIVE Music 6-9pm Enjoy LIVE music every
Read more
Last Saturday was the first parkrun of 2025, and it was a memorable one, with many new faces joining for the first time. Many participated in the event, kicking off the year with energy and enthusiasm. This event also marked the conclusion of the five park runs held over the past 15 days, which has been an exciting challenge for all involved. With each event, participants have clocked "Miles and Miles" of distance, all of which would not have been possible without the dedication of the voluntee
Read more
The Mackay Cutters are gearing up for an exciting 2025 Hostplus Cup season with a revitalised squad, fresh talent, and a new coaching and management team bringing renewed energy to their premiership aspirations. With a mix of returning favourites, high-profile signings, and promising young talent, the Cutters are ready to make their mark. The squad boasts a range of key re-signings, including 2024 Player of the Year John Radel, who returns for his second season in the Hostplus Cup squad. Fan fav
Read more
Happy New Year from the Mackay Bridge Club. We have our Mackay Regional Council and Mackay & Whitsunday Life sponsored Australia Day Sausage Sizzle on Sunday 26 January at 414 Shakespeare Street. Everyone is welcome, so come along and see how fun Bridge is…and bring a friend or two. Beginners’ lessons start at 6.30pm, 12 February 2025. Weekly Results Monday 30 December 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting 3rd Julie O’Neill / Jan
Read more
Competition Bowls Men’s bowlers are reminded to submit their teams for this year’s club competition. Most nomination sheets are now on the notice board, with entries for the Open Fours and Open Pairs closing tomorrow at 3pm. Bowlers without teams can simply add their names to the single-player column, and efforts will be made to accommodate everyone. The lady bowlers will kick off their season with Opening Day and Past Presidents’ Day on Wednesday, January 22, commencing at 1pm. This will be f
Read more
Harry Hayes, a local rising star in the dance world, had the incredible opportunity to work with ballet legend Rian Thompson at the Mackay FAME Talent School studio earlier this week. Rian, who was visiting family in Mackay, created a brand-new classical solo for Harry, just five days before his upcoming competition. For Harry, the chance to work alongside such an accomplished professional was a dream come true. Rian, born in Mackay and now a First Company Artist with Queensland Ballet, has a we
Read more
Mackay Cycling Club competitors Peter Ransome and David O’Connell delivered strong performances at the Queensland Masters Track Cycling Titles, held at the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane. Both competed in the Masters events, while young club member Matt Schatkowski represented Mackay in the Juniors. Peter Ransome, competing in his age category in the Masters division, achieved a career highlight with a dominant display across multiple events. Ransom claimed a gold medal in the Keirin, a fast-
Read more
Her island home of Lindeman Thora was born in Sarina on April 18 1917, one of five children. She grew up on the family sugar cane property near Sarina. She was a bright student with an aptitude for numbers and upon completing high school, worked in the office of Frendeley Motors in Mackay. During this time, she learned to drive but on a weekend jaunt to Eimeo, drove a truck up a coconut tree, and never took the wheel again. On a holiday on Lindeman Island in 1936, Thora met future husband, La
Read more