Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has recognised the valuable contribution of the Australian South Sea Islander community at a flag-raising ceremony held at Mackay Base Hospital last week. Representatives from Australian South Sea Islander organisations QUASSIC (Queensland United Australian South Sea Islander Council) and MADASSIA (Mackay and District Australian South Sea Islander Association) as well as other members of this community joined Mackay HHS leaders for the event. As the fir
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When the St Pat’s Brekky Van students went on an eight-week summer break, they made sure their friends visiting Orange Sky laundry shifts wouldn’t go without. Generously donating their food supplies, the students ensured the breakfasts they usually provide could continue uninterrupted. To keep the BBQs fired up, Mackay Regional Council’s Community Development network reached out for volunteers to step in—and the community rallied. Organisations including Mater Hospital, Street Chaplaincy, Uniti
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As the festive season approaches, Ergon Energy is reminding residents and businesses to take extra precautions when setting up Christmas lights and other mains-powered decorations. Area Manager Craig Brown emphasised the importance of following safety guidelines to avoid electrical hazards, fires, and potential injuries. “We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas displays without compromising safety,” said Mr Brown. “By taking the right steps, buying good quality electrical decoratio
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The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital has a new outdoor play area ready to welcome families, but it needs a little extra magic to become the perfect retreat. To help transform this space into a fun and welcoming haven, the Family Room team has created a wish list of items for the community to support. From shade structures and comfortable outdoor furniture to toys and play equipment, the list includes items that will provide a joyful and relaxing environment for families during
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OPINION COALITION ANNOUNCES THE COST TO GO NUCLEAR The Coalition’s nuclear power plan will cost up to $263 billion less than Labor’s renewable rollout between now and 2050, translating into cheaper electricity over the long run. The costings, conducted by Frontier Economics and on Friday by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, estimates the capital and operating costs of the Coalition’s policy to deliver net zero emissions electricity by 2050 will be $331 billion. The long-term plan will provi
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By Hannah McNamara Gary Chapman, father of the late Michael Chapman, gave a touching speech recently at the Victoria Park State School Year 6 Graduation, on December 5. As students, teachers and parents gathered in the hall for the presentation, Mr Chapman shared a powerful message – one that left an imprint on the hearts of many – to simply, be kind. Mr Chapmans son, Michael, was described as a “highly regarded friend” who was always cheerful, resilient and kind. In the late 1980s, Michae
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Christmas has come early for three local charities, thanks to Life Publishing Group’s fundraising event held in October. The event raised an impressive $9,000, with the proceeds being split evenly between three worthy causes: Chances House, Mackay Pet Rescue, and the Ronald McDonald Family Room Mackay. The event, which marked a milestone for the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper and Core Life Magazine, brought together local businesses, community members, and generous sponsors to support vita
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Every year, RSPCA Inspectors respond to calls about pets being abandoned. This trend spikes over Christmas and School Holidays when people are away from home. From December 2023 to January 2024, RSPCA Queensland responded to 402 complaints about abandoned animals. “We usually receive reports from worried neighbours about dogs that are barking more than normal and when they can’t confirm if food and water has been left for the animal. “If we attend a property and no one is home at the time,
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One of Mackay Airport’s busiest routes will soon be serviced by larger aircraft, injecting thousands of additional seats into the market and positioning 2025 as a bumper year for visitation and industry growth. Virgin Australia will begin flying more Boeing 737s between Brisbane and Mackay from February next year, replacing the smaller Fokker 100 aircraft that have supplemented the airline’s national growth in recent years. The upgrade will increase capacity on the route by close to 50 per cen
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A Queensland bus operator has selected the recipients of its inaugural community grant program, Moving Communities, with two organisations in Mackay set to benefit from in-kind support and grants of up to $10,000. The Moving Communities Fund, awarded by Kinetic, is designed to support community organisations and not-for-profits that improve the livelihoods of the communities where Kinetic operates. Launched in September 2024, the program attracted more than 200 applications from across Austra
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Before the convenience of frozen chickens, Pearson’s Store on the north-east corner of Evan and Goldsmith Streets was the go-to spot for Christmas dinner preparations. Proprietor Arthur Pearson operated a ‘chookery’ on land behind the store, raising free-range poultry that was fattened up for festive feasts and special occasions. Pearson’s legacy also extended to Shakespeare and Moore Streets, where his niece Beryl Hatfield and her husband John established the beloved “Hatfields” store in 1947,
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Mackay Christian College is celebrating a standout achievement, with Year 8 student Ashley Harris claiming the top spot in a nationwide mathematics competition hosted by Times Table Rock Stars. Competing against nearly 1,200 secondary students, Ashley emerged as the best in the country, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication. The competition also highlighted other remarkable achievements from MCC students, with Shardinay Broome Waria ranking second in the school and an impressive 49th nati
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Local group Breakaway Horse Riders Club has been honoured with the 2024 Community Impact Award from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank. Accompanied by a $500 donation, the Community Impact Award is presented to an organisation that inspires positive change, has a dedication to community, displays integrity in service, shows leadership and fosters inclusivity. Starting as a small group in the Kuttabul area in 1986, the club has now grown to 89 members and 20 juniors from across the region. Thei
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay There has been much conjecture surrounding Queensland sugar mills underperforming and costing the industry dearly. It would take a person gamer than myself to argue that the milling sector is performing to standards equivalent to the past. We have seen a sharp decline in milling investment both in capital and maintenance budgets, thus making the milling sector the Achilles heel of the industry. This, CANEGROWERS feels, has led to an untenable situati
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As planting and spraying operations increase across Queensland this summer, all chemical users are reminded of their responsibility to minimise spray drift and protect surrounding areas. Key tips for responsible spraying include checking weather conditions, using appropriate equipment, keeping detailed spray application records and communicating with neighbours about nearby crops that may be at risk. DPI and Cotton Australia are partnering to promote best practices, including reading chemical
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Mackay Base Hospital’s cardiac catheter laboratory has reopened, boasting upgraded equipment and improved diagnostic capabilities following a decade of service. The scheduled upgrades mark the end of the lab’s 10-year lifecycle, replacing essential equipment and enhancing the facility’s ability to deliver cutting-edge cardiac care. The improvements promise to benefit patients by ensuring better access to advanced diagnostics and treatment options. Staff have undergone comprehensive training wi
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The festive season can be a challenging time for many, and Orange Sky is stepping up to provide support for those in need. Offering free laundry services, warm breakfasts, and genuine conversation, the Mackay team is ensuring connection and care for the community throughout the holidays. “Our hope is that by staying open, we can offer positive connections during what can be a difficult time for many,” said Orange Sky’s Mackay Service Leader Lisa Jamieson. “Christmas can be a lonely time, but a
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Excited children and proud families gathered at Souths Leagues Club on the 2nd of December, 2024, to celebrate the graduation of the Prep-Ready Kids Class of 2024. The children, aged 3.5 to 5 years, had successfully completed The Neighbourhood Hub’s popular Prep-Ready Kids Program, which prepares little learners for the transition to prep school. The Program, funded by Multicultural Affairs through the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism,
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Since joining The Doctors Mackay in November 2023, Dr. Umang Bassan has earned a stellar reputation for his expertise and compassionate approach to patient care. With a focus on personalised treatment, Dr. Bassan has become a trusted healthcare provider in the Mackay region, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a patient-first ethos to the clinic. Dr. Bassan has expertise in Aboriginal and Indigenous health, chronic condition management, dermatology, skin cancer, men’s health, skin procedures, and
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In a world where consumer rights can often feel like a tangled web, Aunty Pat is here to support those seeking fairness. Through her organisation, Just Resolutions Consumer Protection Systems (JRCPS), Aunty Pat provides advice and support to anyone who feels they’ve experienced unjust customer service, helping them understand their rights under Australian Consumer Law. Australian Consumer Law is designed to shield individuals from unfair business practices, but many are unaware of the protection
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As we near the close of 2024, it’s a time of reflection and for me in the professional context, it’s about where I want to channel my energy. What do I want to do more of and what do I want to do less of? How do I feed more of my WHY? One of my great joys, now as part of CareerForce Australia, and also throughout my career across many roles, has been working with young people. It’s incredibly rewarding and a privilege being invited on their journey to listen, inform, assist and encourage, whe
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The spirit of giving is alive in Mackay this Christmas, with the community coming together to support those in need. Mackay Christian College’s Care Ambassadors led a heartfelt food drive, collecting over 50 bags and baskets of essentials to feed the homeless and help families facing hardship. With support from Mackay Christian Family Church, the initiative showcased the true meaning of Christmas. Adding to this generosity, Fiona from Coffee and Hops Photography is donating profits from her 2025
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When it comes to dressing your windows, Mackay Curtain Making Service has you—and your windows—completely covered. This locally owned, family-run business specialises in creating stylish and functional solutions to suit every home and lifestyle. With an extensive range of internal blinds, custom-made curtains, and shutters, they have options to suit any décor. For those looking to elevate their outdoor spaces, external awnings and roller shutters offer the perfect blend of sun protection and aes
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As we deck the halls and count down to a well-earned break, Christmas is a perfect moment to pause and reflect on what makes our business community so remarkable. This year, local businesses have shown their strength, adaptability, and generosity. We have celebrated wins, shared lessons, and continued to work together to make our region an even better place to live and work. From new startups to longstanding family enterprises, the spirit of innovation and collaboration is thriving in the Mackay
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Arhamah Haider is an impressive Whitsunday Anglican School Year 10 student whose dedication and passion has made waves in inspiring a vision for our future, not only in Queensland, but also on the international stage in 2024. In the United Nations Voice Public Speaking Competition earlier this year, Arhamah showcased her exceptional skills by placing first in the Mackay region, second in the State, and competing at the national level. Her talents have earned Arhamah the title of Australian Unit
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