The Mackay Farmers' Market is excited to announce the expansion of its offerings to include a wider range of artisan products, with a focus on items crafted using local, Queensland, or Australian materials. From handmade massage oils to expertly blended spices and freeze-dried produce, the market aims to become a vibrant hub that highlights the creativity and quality of regional artisans. This expansion is a fantastic opportunity for small businesses and local makers to showcase their products t
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A time to celebrate and a time for action! November is National Rural Health Month and it’s time to spotlight rural communities and health care. Throughout November, the National Rural Health Alliance is excited to share rural healthcare stories and highlight the success stories of rural healthcare champions. We will also draw attention to the myriad of issues faced by rural, regional and remote communities in Australia when trying to access health care. “We all know that Australia’s rural
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Friday 8th November Resource Industry Network Briefing 6.30am This event is designed to offer a welcoming atmosphere for professionals in the region to connect, share insights, and cultivate meaningful relationships in an engaging environment. Taking place in the morning, November's industry event sets the perfect tone for a productive day ahead. Attendees can enjoy a leisurely networking experience over breakfast, fostering new connections and exploring potential collaborations in a relaxed
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Prepare to have some spooky fun as you enter the majestic haunted house this Saturday, November 9, located at 67 Peak Downs Highway, Ooralea. If clowns give you nightmares, Jazz Party Hire, MAD Animal Addiction and Let’s Just Face It Entertainment have got you covered, with jumping castles, a petting-zoo and face painting for the whole family…as well as fairy floss, slushies and popcorn to satisfy your sweet tooth! A sensory-friendly break with no lights or animatronics will take place from 5:
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CQUniversity’s Safety Circus production is set to bring its impactful musical theatre performance Safety Circus back to the classrooms of Mackay primary schools from 28 October – 15 November. The iconic show will continue to share essential safety skills to Year 2 students with engaging storytelling, fun, and unforgettable characters. This tour is made possible by a long-standing partnership between CQUniversity’s Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) and the Mackay Crime Prevention
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With The Mackay Woodturners Get ready to deck the halls and spread some holiday cheer at the Mackay Woodturners Craft Expo, taking place at Snow Wright Court, Beaconsfield, on the weekend of November 16th and 17th from 9am to 3pm. This festive event is a wonderful opportunity to discover unique, handcrafted treasures that make perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list…especially the little ones. You’ll find everything from quirky tables and intricate pots to beautifully crafted
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This is a question I ask my kids each year, in the hope that I can get an early mark to all the festive fun here in the north. Now the question remains, is that OK? I’ve got two kids and they both have differing views on this. My son is with me, the earlier the better. My daughter however is a little different. She has always given me a timeline of December 1 and not before. No challenges. No arguments. That is her rule, and she will not let me change it. On my travels over the last two month
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A magnificent century by boom Mackay representative cricketer Jack Law was a feature of Under 17s action in the Mackay Junior Cricket Association last weekend. The Brothers’ young gun peeled off a superb 106 not out off only fifty four balls to mastermind a dominant victory over the Proserpine Pitbulls in a one day fixture at Abbott Park. Sixteen-year-old Law – already an established first grade cricketer with the Brothers club – demonstrated his power hitting by thumping nine sixes and nine b
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Twin centuries by Pioneer Valley hotshots Darren Dyer and Cody Filewood proved the highlight of one day action in Mackay Cricket Association’s Poole Cup first grade competition last weekend. In a limited 40 overs masterclass, the dashing Dyer smashed a superb 156 and Filewood an unbeaten 102 in the Valley’s comprehensive win over Norths Devils at Mirani State High School oval. Dyer destroyed the Devils’ attack – blasting an incredible twelve sixes and sixteen boundaries from the 76 balls he fa
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The Mackay Cycling Club's Track Cycling Carnival on November 2 delivered an action-packed day of racing, with competitors from across Queensland descending on the track for a night of adrenaline-pumping performances. Riders from Cairns to Rockhampton took to the velodrome, with events ranging from junior 1-lap sprints to the endurance-testing 30-lap points race and the ever-dramatic keirin. The marquee event of the night, the Wright Family Shield wheelrace, saw Rockhampton’s Lewis Marshall exec
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After three weeks of play with three different partners, this year’s winner of the Presidents Trophy was Monica Darley. Monica played with Kath Poole, Joy Robinson and Ken Seaniger. The Novice Pairs competition was won by Carol and Ian Gaskell who performed consistently over the three-week competition. Special thanks to Geoff Taylor and Mick King who directed each competition. Weekly Results Monday 28 October 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Antonia Tarradas / Victor Mason 1s
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Mackay will continue to see an influx of visitors on the 8th - 10th November with the hosting of the U14 Girls Indoor State Hockey Championships. The U14 Boys Championships were held in Mackay last weekend. Pioneer State High School Hall in Andergrove has been the host venue for two weekends of indoor hockey action. Mackay Hockey Association will be competing with two teams in each competition. The Championships present a great opportunity to showcase the state’s incredible hockey talent in
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The Mackay Road Runners express their gratitude to Club Captain and Race Director Jim Ford for expertly organising the first Shawn's Summer Social Biathlon Series for 2024. With over thirty enthusiastic participants, the event created a “pleasurable and inclusive” atmosphere, showcasing athletes of various ages and abilities in the run/swim format, noted Publicity Officer Janelle Tilse. “Thank you TriActiv8 members as well as the general public and Mackay Road Runners members who enjoyed the
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The 2024 volleyball season at Mackay State High School has been one of remarkable achievements, crowned by the senior boys' team securing a thrilling grand final victory. Their success has not only marked the culmination of their hard work this year but also the beginning of a new chapter, with the school announcing the launch of a dedicated Volleyball Academy in 2025. The interschool season kicked off in Term 2 with the first junior competition in several years, where Mackay SHS fielded both b
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An unusual result in the men’s competition this year. Wayne and Shane Trannore competed in both the A and B Grade Club Pairs and won both events. An amazing result and we wonder if this has ever been achieved before. They then competed in both C/C’s, the A Grade down to Vince McSherry and Gary Higgins from City Club who eventually went on to win the event. In the B C/C’s held on the weekend, they made it to the semi finals and lost to R Ross and Ray Walker in a close game. A great effort by thes
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The annual Balnagowan river swim hosted by the North Mackay Sinkers was a resounding success, drawing in 40 enthusiastic competitors. Swimmers from Townsvile and other regions joined local swimmers for this annual event held each November on the first Sunday. The day dawned with warm cloudy conditions as site and course set up was completed in time for the 6:15am registration. Numbers grew to over 60 participants, including swimmers, enthusiastic volunteers and supportive spectators. Safety was
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The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors celebrated the 20th anniversary of being active in the region this Thursday with a special event held in their honour at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Coordinator Lyn Blanche said the group was extremely proud of this milestone especially since it is a volunteer group.
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Congratulations to the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors on celebrating 20 years this week – such a huge achievement for this active volunteer group who bring bright smiles and friendly welcomes to cruise ship guests as they arrive in the Whitsundays. To think they’ve welcomed their 1 millionth passenger this year as well is just incredible. Twice this week I have been down to the Airlie Beach sign at the Lagoon, once with our journalist Daniel to meet up with the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassa
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In November, you might notice more mo’s popping up everywhere. While they often serve as a fashion statement, this month they carry a much deeper significance. Movember is a charitable organisation dedicated to raising funds for different facets of men's health, including mental health, suicide prevention, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer. Now emerging as a global movement, Movember is a powerful conversation starter for men worldwide and opens a safe space for those struggling. Here in th
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Monday, November 11, marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting with Germany in World War I. Each year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions around the world observe a moment of silence to honor the sacrifices made by countless individuals, ensuring the freedoms and peace we enjoy today. Suburbs around the Whitsunday region are all hosting remembrance services to pay respects to the lives that were lost. Find your local remembrance service below: Bowen
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The Whitsunday region is one step closer to being Australia’s first space rocket launch site following the announcement this week that an orbit launch permit has now been granted for Bowen Orbital Spaceport. If all goes to plan, the first rocket launch for the Gilmour Space launch site in Bowen could happen within the next few months. Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP, and the Australian Space Agency has granted the country's first orbital launch permit to Gilmour Space Technologi
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Tourism Whitsundays new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Booth is now in the region and started his new position on Monday. Tim has 18 years of experience in destination marketing organisations, progressing through the ranks and most recently was the CEO of Mudgee Region Tourism before becoming the CEO of Tourism Whitsundays. Under Tim’s leadership the Mudgee Region increased visitation, visitor spend and won multiple State and National Tourism Awards. Tim said he is thrilled to be working a
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Last week Bowen Gumlu Growers (BGGA) celebrated a two-day agricultural event titled ‘GrownIn NQ’. Bowen Gumlu Growers Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jenn Honnery said the two-day event went well. “On day-one growers, agribusinesses and related industries, got together for an industry breakfast. We had a couple of speakers talking about their specific industries, soil health and crop rotations and then we headed out for some farm tours,” said Jenn. “On day two there was an Innovation Showcase.
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It’s a new era for the Whitsundays, with our re-elected Queensland Member of Parliament Amanda Camm entering government and the Cabinet as Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers our congratulations to the candidates who stepped up to represent our community and responded to Chamber member concerns. We look forward to continuing raising the cha
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The Council's Greening and Growing Bowen initiative created a recycled water network for Bowen's parks and public green spaces. The recycled water is treated to very high standards, ensuring it's safe for community use. With additional measures like late-night irrigation to ensure absorption before public use, this program saves $250,000 annually. Starting 1 July, the program will extend to Grays Bay Foreshore Park. For more information, check out the fact sheet on our website. https://bit.ly/Wh
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