Mackay needs a representative who understands the community’s needs on a deeper level—someone embedded in its fabric with a proven track record of delivering for the region. Belinda Hassan, Labor’s candidate for the seat of Mackay, is that leader. As a fifth-generation local with years of dedicated service, Belinda is ready to take her advocacy to a higher level, tackling larger-scale issues like homelessness, cost-of-living pressures, and regional development. Belinda’s passion for addressing
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Eastern Curlews Arrive In Mackay After Massive Migration Australia’s largest migratory shorebird - the eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) – has recently been spotted on the beaches around Mackay. This critically endangered species travels up to 20,000 kilometres each year via the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The route takes them to Australia from their European summer nesting sites in northern China and Russia. After thousands of kilometres of flying, the eastern curlew can lose be
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The Queensland Government Election Day is only two weeks away and it is important that our Whitsunday community’s voices are heard to ensure our region gets the investment it deserves! I have been clocking up the frequent flyer points in recent months with visits to Canberra and Brisbane for face-to-face meetings with key Federal and State Government Ministers and their staff to advocate strongly for future funding for major projects that will transform the Whitsundays. The Whitsunday Coast
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Pioneer State High School student Yasmin Johnston has made an outstanding achievement through her participation in the Seed Foundation and Connect 'n' Grow program, which partners with Mackay Hospital and Health Service to offer Indigenous students the chance to begin their healthcare career while still in school. The year 12 student was named Dux of the 2024 graduating class, recognising her exceptional dedication and work ethic. She completed her placement hours three months ahead of schedul
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The Adelaide to Whitsundays flights have been operating since early September and have proven successful with local residents and incoming tourists alike. The new route is providing Adelaide locals with a new direct, fast and cheaper route to The Whitsundays, Australia’s best tourist destination. The influx of Adelaide travel-makers is increasing numbers for the Whitsundays tourism, but it also supplies locals with a new holiday destination. CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport Craig Turner said
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Natural Body And Beauty Clinic Looking to feel radiant and rejuvenated in time for summer? Natural Body and Beauty Clinic on Palmer Street is offering the ultimate solution to help clients feel radiant and rejuvenated for summer. Their Honey Cellulite Detox Ritual is ideal for those preparing for the season's big events, from races to Christmas parties. The Ultrasound Body Contouring treatment at the clinic targets cellulite with low-frequency sound waves, breaking down fatty tissue in areas li
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Explore the vibrant community around Evans Ave in North Mackay, where natural hidden gems, local attractions… and a big banana await. Check Out Carr St Avenue Start your adventure at Carr St Reserve, where you’re met with a dirt track that leads in and around the mangrove bushland. It's an ideal spot for an exploratory walk in nature, and if you venture far enough, you might just find yourself admiring the stunning views of the Pioneer River. Take A Selfie With The Big Banana After enjo
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Do you want to learn how to raise happy and healthy kids? Take the family along to the inaugural Healthy Kids Expo to be held at Cannonvale State School on Sunday 20 October which will feature interactive activities and exhibits designed to "inspire, educate, and elevate" families towards healthier, happier lives. Exhibitors and speakers will include experts in nutrition, naturopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, psychology, fitness, yoga, meditation, and sleep health. Tim Oberg, Founder of th
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Next year, Mackay Regional Council will welcome six new employees through its doors as apprentice and trainees. The Apprentice and Trainee Intake program is now taking applications for a variety of roles across the organisation. Mayor Greg Williamson said the Apprentice and Trainee program offered an opportunity for successful applicants to gain entry level pathways not only into council but the wider workforce. “Council is a fantastic place to start your career and we encourage people from a
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We are excited to announce the Grand Opening of our new Inspirations Paint Cannonvale store, located at 2 Carlo Drive within the Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday store. Grab the family and join us on Saturday, 12th October, from 9 am to 12 noon for a morning full of fun, giveaways, and entertainment! This exciting event will feature grand opening specials, exclusive giveaways, and a chance to win a YETI ½ gallon rambler when you sign up for Paint Club! Plus, receive a $20 voucher to spend in-store wh
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A Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) member recently sought assistance with a traffic infringement notice at the Herbert River QCAR office resulting in no penalty. Herbert River District Manager Lawrence Di Bella said Daniel Truffa sought representation and support for his employee Sebastiano Barbagallo who was in a haulout vehicle hauling cane along the Bruce Highway, south of Ingham, when the infringement occurred. Mr Di Bella said the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) i
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Filby’s Motors, an iconic local family-owned Whitsunday business celebrates its 60th anniversary this October, this incredible milestone marking 60 years of providing vehicle sales and service to the entire Whitsundays region, along with supporting the community and commerce in the region. As a respected leader in vehicle sales, repair and parts in the Whitsunday Region, Filby’s Motors offers a diversified range of services to the mining, horticulture, broadacre, tourism and domestic markets. Fi
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay State Election month is at full pitch, and CANEGROWERS Mackay leadership has been meeting with state electoral candidates who have shown an interest in the sugar industry, and want to learn more about the growers’ perspective. CANEGROWERS is speaking out for growers and the sugar industry on eight points: 1. Reduce the cost of power and water to drive productivity and profitability 2. A revitalised approach to improving water quality and river health 3
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Two of the pioneering families of Proserpine and the broader region were joined as one with the union of the Filby family and the Abell family in the mid 1950’s. This union set in motion a love story that has lasted through the decades and a legacy that has spanned generations. Robert Filby Senior married Thelma Abell, their love bringing together two powerful local families and a wealth of industry within the transport sector. This established the legacy of Filby’s Motors which opened its doors
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At the heart of every successful business is the person who connects the departments and brings operations together to ensure seamless flow, quality workmanship and precision delivery. At Filby’s Motors, that person is Brian Filby, who not only unites the team but also connects the business with the broader community when opportunity arises. As a Director of the company and Parts Manager, Brian is a qualified Mechanic and Parts Interpreter. He is the fountain of knowledge for every pipe, fittin
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Born in Proserpine in December 1982 and raised in Cannonvale, Rebecca Filby’s roots run deep in the Whitsundays Region. After a brief stint in Townsville at 18, she returned home and has lived across the region—from Cannonvale to Jubilee Pocket, Airlie Beach to Bowen—before settling in Proserpine for the past eight years. Family is at the heart of Rebecca’s life. Married to Joel Altmann for five years and together for nine, they share two boys, Eric, 7, and Dylan, 4. Their family wouldn’t be co
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We are indeed fortunate that for the first thirty or forty years of settlement, some excellent photographers lived in our district. They have left us with photographic records of weddings, picnics and important events from the past, for example, opening of the railway, Shepherd’s Bridge and original hospital, as well as members of the first council, show society, band, churches and so on. One of the most historic photos was taken by Walter Eustace Perroux in 1911 of a group of pioneers. Perrou
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Sarina Model Speaks Out To Help Others Eighteen-year-old Zoe Place from Sarina has made a remarkable entrance into the world of modelling, not just for her stunning appearance, but for her kind heart to help others. After starting her journey in 2023 with Brooke-Lee Modelling in Mackay, Zoe has quickly established herself as a young woman of talent, most recently taking home the title of second runner-up at the Miss Teen of Australia competition during the Australia’s Royalty Pageant National
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The new Sarina Hospital at 47 Brewers Road has officially reached its six-month anniversary, and staff gathered to celebrate. The state-of-the-art facility, which opened on April 3, 2024 after a $31.5 million investment, has quickly become a crucial part of the Sarina community, providing high-quality healthcare in a modern setting. Director of Nursing, Pauline Maude, brought the team together for a barbecue lunch to mark the occasion. "It's been a huge transition for our staff, but we are n
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Discover Comlink Australia’s wide range of services at this year’s Seniors Expo, all aimed at improving the health, well-being and independence of older adults across the Mackay region. Comlink provides support for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those aged 50 and above for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descents, who want to continue living independently in their own homes. With over 37 years of experience, Comlink Australia is committed to providing personalised, community-ba
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The Mackay Seniors Expo has more than 65 exhibitors covering everything from lawn bowls to legal advice, film festivals to funeral plans and chemists to comedy players. This year, Mackay Regional Council will also be running free buses from Sarina and Mirani to the event at the Mackay Showgrounds. The Mackay Seniors Expo is held in the Showgrounds’ big shed on Tuesday, October 15, from 9am to noon. The expo is free to attend and will feature exhibitors covering retirement homes, healthcar
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It is an exciting time for the arts in the Whitsundays, as the third annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival prepares for an open to the public Concert & Conversation evening, and the Emerging Songwriter Workshop, both to be held this Saturday. Hear outstanding songwriters and recording artists share about their careers and their creative process in an intimate one off Concert in a private event venue at Whitsundays Sailing Club. Each songwriter will be interviewed, then perform a song before
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At The 2024 Two Feet & A Heartbeat Charity Walk Mackay will soon host HeartKids' annual charity walk, Two Feet & A Heartbeat this Sunday, October 13, at John Breen Park. This special event aims to honour children lost to Childhood-onset Heart Disease (CoHD) and raise awareness of the condition that affects over 80,000 Australians. HeartKids is the only charity in Australia dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by congenital heart disease and has been running this event since 2014, w
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As concerns around fast fashion’s environmental impact and the rising cost of living continue to grow, Zero Waste Solutions is excited to host its 4th Preloved Market Night. The fast fashion industry contributes significantly to pollution, waste, and exploitation, but together, we can make a difference. The Preloved Market Night offers a solution by creating a space where fashion meets sustainability. The market invites customers to enjoy an evening filled with coffee, snacks, music, and the ex
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In her 45 years working at Proserpine Hospital, Leigh Ironside has witnessed many incredible and dynamic changes in the nursing profession. Tourism, technology and a transient population had reshaped healthcare delivery in the Whitsunday region since the Proserpine local began her hospital-training at Mackay Base Hospital in 1979. She commenced full-time work at Proserpine Hospital in May 1982. “I’ve seen many colleagues I’ve worked with start their careers, get married, have babies and then
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