The Neighbourhood Hub, a leading community centre in Mackay, is proud to announce the launch of its new Early Connections Program, designed to support families in the Andergrove and Beaconsfield areas in accessing essential early childhood education, health, and developmental services. The program, funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Education, will provide increased pathways and connections for families experiencing vulnerabilities and disadvantage during the critical years lea
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This festive season, Inspirations Paint Cannonvale and Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday are bringing Christmas cheer to the Whitsundays. Whether you’re sprucing up your space or adding the finishing touches to your dream project, Inspirations Paint has everything you need to create a home that inspires. From premium paint brands to expert advice, their team is ready to help make your vision a reality. But that’s not all—Porters Mitre 10 is making spirits bright with Ham Mania, an unmissable Christmas
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Detectives have released CCTV footage as part of their ongoing investigation into the suspicious death of a 67-year-old Mackay man earlier last month. John Patrick Hackett was discovered at his Gold Street unit in Mackay around 7:18 pm on Saturday, November 9, following a welfare check by family members. A crime scene was declared, and police have launched a homicide investigation after receiving additional information including results from a post mortem examination indicating evidence of an
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Support for the region’s homeless, young indigenous entrepreneurs, local beach lifesavers, dementia patients, and those living with disabilities will be boosted through North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP’s) 2024-25 Community Fund. Fourteen Community Fund recipients will share $100,000 in funding, with each initiative expected to deliver strong benefits across NQBP’s port communities, in what is the most diverse range of recipients in the Fund’s three-year history. NQBP Chief Execu
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Tyler Wessling, an Electrical Engineer at Richglen, has had a sparking career, progressing from a university placement student to a full-time employee. His genuine passion for the trade testifies to how Richglen’s supportive work environment has enabled him to thrive, ultimately enhancing the quality of work delivered to clients. Riley, Tyler’s younger brother, is following in Tyler’s footsteps, currently undertaking his 4th-year JCU placement with Richglen. Much like his brother, Riley is pass
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Peabody announced an acquisition of world-class metallurgical coal assets from Anglo American plc last week, significantly strengthening Peabody’s position as a leading global supplier of steelmaking coal. The transaction, valued at USD 3.8 billion, is set to close in mid-2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The acquisition includes four Tier 1 metallurgical coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin—Moranbah North, Grosvenor, Aquila, and Capcoal—renowned for produ
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Productivity is set to return to Queensland worksites under proposed changes to Workplace Health and Safety laws, introduced in Parliament last week. The reforms aim to reinstate a 24-hour notice period for permit holders seeking right of entry, bringing Queensland in line with the Commonwealth Fair Work Act. Exceptions will apply only in cases of immediate or imminent risks to workers' health and safety. This shift follows the suspension of Best Practice Industry Conditions and underscores the
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The Mackay Canegrowers Ltd AGM was held Wednesday 27 November with a good roll-up in a challenging year where many are still cutting their crop. It was great to see the 80 members and guests attend the event, to hear from myself, Deputy Chairman Joseph Borg and District Manager Michelle Martin on progress made in 2023-24 financial year and to the present. We also heard from guest speaker Dr John Pickering on farming and resilience in tough times. John
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This week Season to date Cane crushed 37,550 1,128,064 Average bin weight 3.69 3.89 CCS 13.74 14.13 Cane variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q183 38.7 14.42 Q253 8.3 12.52 Q240 9.1 12.71 SRA9 4.2 14.33 Q208 19.8 13.89 KQ228 2.4 12.82 Q232 3.0 13.84 Q138 5.1 12.75 Comments: Plane Creek Mill processed 37,550 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season-to-date total to just over 1,128,000 tonnes. Rain late in the previous week triggered a halt to harvesting and crushing
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Inspired by the true story of a merino ram who was lost for five years in the bush near Canberra and set the record for the world’s heaviest fleece, A Woolly Tale is a delightful new fictional tale for children launched by the National Museum of Australia. Written by author Jackie Hosking, A Woolly Tale follows the life and adventures of Chris, the world’s woolliest sheep, whose fleece is on display at the National Museum. National Museum director Katherine McMahon said Chris the sheep is a be
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Up to $32.6 million over 4 years will be invested in the future of Australia’s sugarcane industry with research and development projects set to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the Australian sugarcane industry. Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and the Queensland Government’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are investing in a diverse portfolio of novel and strategic research activities. The new projects will target improved efficiency, competitiveness, sustaina
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Beachgoers have come out in strong support for Professional Lifeguards, signing a petition in mass numbers to advocate for an increase in their wages. Despite broadcasting record revenue, Surf Lifesaving Queensland is refusing to give Lifeguards a pay rise that keeps up with the cost of living. In response to the stalemate at the bargaining table, the Australian Workers’ Union have taken to the beaches to rally public support for their cause. AWU State Secretary Stacey Schinnerl said, “The co
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The Mackay Festivals team are calling on locals to submit their iconic artwork design to become the front cover of the 2025 Mackay Festival of Arts program. This artwork will be the face of the festival and will be showcased around the wider Mackay region in all shapes and sizes. The winner of the competition will receive a $1000 cash prize and two VIP tickets to the official program launch event. Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to be championing local art and artists as part of
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It’s not every day a rock becomes a world traveller, but one Mackay stone has made an extraordinary journey—crossing continents to rest in the breathtaking glacial landscapes of Argentine Patagonia. In 2023, Miriam Lizarraga, originally from Argentina, visited Mackay’s Artspace Museum and came across a community art project featuring a spiral of painted stones. The project, organised by local artist Ros Campbell, invited residents to decorate rocks to form a colourful snake sculpture. After the
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An Australian summer Christmas promises joy, sunshine, and backyard cricket—but it can also come with a side of stress. Here’s how to manage the madness with a splash of creativity and a sprinkle of festive fun. 1. Swap the stress for a beach day. Who says Christmas has to be formal? Pack a picnic, bring the cricket set, and celebrate with sand between your toes. Let the kids build sandcastles while you enjoy a much-needed breather by the waves. 2. Embrace the Aussie ‘bring a plate’ tradition. A
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Can you believe that in just a few short days, it will be Christmas time! It just felt like yesterday that we were opening Easter eggs and riding all the roller coasters at the show. How this year has flown by. It’s December and we are about to get a visit from the jolly man dressed in red. I hope you’re ready, because I am. The shops are full, carparks are jam-packed with shoppers, and our radio is sprinkling in some all-time Christmas favourites to get you in the mood. Yes, Mariah and Michae
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A Mackay retailer is wrapped to be giving back this Christmas, hosting Australia’s first ever unique charity event, the BIG Wrapathon. The event will take place in Mackay’s BIG W on Saturday 7 December and will involve celebrity and community volunteers, alongside BIG W team members wrapping gifts at the front of stores from 10am - 4pm. Christmas is a celebratory time for most families, but many families will be spending the festive season and beyond in hospital care. The event celebrates
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From Sarina to Dows Creek, St Helens Beach to the Northern Beaches, amongst the City Heart and even flying into Mackay Aeroclub, Mackay Regional Council is supporting Christmas celebrations across the region. More than 20 events have been supported to ensure everyone has the chance to celebrate with their communities this festive season. There will be something to suit everyone’s festive tastes, from a City Centre light show projection to a guided silent disco and Christmas laneway market. Commu
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When I came back to work after my Christmas/New Year break in early January this year, there was a feeling that something had changed. Yes, I was fatter, older and poorer, but that happens every year after the Christmas break. It was more than that. My first open homes were frenetic, energised events with dozens of buyers ready to buy. The market had been good the previous year but nothing crazy. Suddenly it was as though Santa had snuck a message in everyone’s parcels that said, “It’s time to b
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For those ‘once-a-year’ bakers, the thought of compiling festive food can be overwhelming. But, fear not! Fun festivity doesn’t need to be fiddly. Check out these melted snowman cookies. Simply purchase pre-made cookies, dip the top in melted white chocolate and pop your marshmallow snowman on top. You can purchase an edible pen decorator in the baking section of your supermarket. TIP: It’s easier to draw the snowman faces before sticking the marshmallow onto the chocolate. Photo credit: Amanda
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Delightfully light and airy, this pavlova wreath bursts with fresh summer flavours, making it an ideal showstopper for your Christmas celebrations! Ingredients For the Pavlova Base: • 6 large egg whites, at room temperature • 1 1/2 cups caster sugar • 1 teaspoon white vinegar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 tablespoon cornflour For the Toppings: • 300 ml thickened cream, chilled • 2 tablespoons icing sugar (plus extra for dusting) • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Ingredients • 2 cups cranberry juice • 1 cup orange juice • 1/2 cup pineapple juice • 1/4 cup lemon juice • 1/4 cup sugar syrup (optional, depending on sweetness preference) • 1 cup ginger ale or sparkling water • 1/2 cup rum or vodka (optional) • Fresh fruit slices (orange, lemon, lime, and berries) • Ice cubes Instructions 1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and sugar syrup (if using).
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Crochet & Conversation 9am Join a friendly group of Northern Beaches locals for crocheting, coffee, and conversation at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. Everyone is welcome, whether crafting or just enjoying the vibe. Look for the yarn under the shade sails or inside, weather permitting! Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Century 21 Plaza Christmas Markets 4pm-7pm As a part of the Mackay Councils City Heart
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The Friends of the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) are pleased to announce the Pathways to Performance program will be delivered in 2025, with funding support by BMA and Glencore Hail Creek Mine. Operating since 2011, Pathways to Performance is a funding program designed to assist schools with the financial costs associated with students accessing cultural opportunities at the MECC. Since its inception, the program has assisted more than 19,000 students through the payment of t
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Mackay’s City Heart will come to life with a festive two-storey light show and beautifully decorated shop windows. The City Heart Bright Lights will see a tropical-themed Christmas light show projected onto the Masonic Hall façade from the top floor of The Dispensary. Mayor Greg Williamson said this was a first for our region and would be a sight to see for residents. “This spectacular light show will run most nights from December 6 to December 14 and will be a real crowd-pleaser,” Mayor William
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