In a startling revelation, only one in 30 Australians donate blood, despite one in three requiring blood products at some point in their lifetime. To meet the country's growing demand, a blood donation is needed every 18 seconds and Lifeblood requires roughly 33,000 donations every week. With demand on the rise, Australia is calling on its communities to help fill this “life-saving” gap. Despite the common assumption that most donated blood goes to trauma victims, it's cancer patients and tho
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By Amanda Wright Marie Williams has spent decades weaving her compassion into the fabric of the Mackay community, using her remarkable knitting talent to bring awareness and raise funds for causes close to her heart. Handcrafting delicate pink and teal flowers—pink for breast cancer and teal for ovarian cancer—with sparkling bling in the centre, Marie is on a mission to spread awareness and raise money for the Trudy Crowley Foundation. Her latest goal is to raise enough funds to purchase a de
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By Hannah McNamara In recognition of the hardworking, down-to-earth, and selfless men in our region, several celebrations will honour those blokes who have consistently put the needs of their families, friends, and communities ahead of their own. As International Men’s Day approaches on Tuesday, 19th November, Shed Happens Mackay, sponsored by DGH Engineering and Daly Bay, will host three activities over the next four months. These include an Art Show at the Jubilee Community Centre (JCC), th
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By Amanda Wright As the Greater Whitsunday region’s mayors launched their passionate campaign for essential road upgrades, their efforts are being bolstered by federal members who share their frustration. The dangerous condition of the Bruce Highway continues to draw national attention, with alarming new statistics shedding light on the urgency of the situation. The Bruce Highway, particularly in the Capricornia region, has unfortunately claimed the title of Australia's most dangerous crash ho
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The rollout of 42 new RentConnect officers across Queensland, including 25 in regional areas, aims to improve access to rental support services. Additionally, a new online platform is being launched to further assist renters. This initiative is part of the Queensland Government's Homes for Queenslanders plan, which also includes measures such as rent bidding bans, a code of conduct for property management, and portable bond loans. Nearly 10,000 Queensland households have already benefited from
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This week Season to date Cane crushed 62,217 548,224 Average bin weight 3.92 3.88 CCS 14.42 13.53 Cane variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q183 26.3 14.73 Q253 14.1 14.14 Q240 10.6 14.59 Q138 7.2 13.63 Q208 17.6 14.89 SRA9 9.5 14.12 KQ228 2.4 14.80 Q242 3.2 13.15 Comments: Plane Creek Mill processed just over 62,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to more than 548,000 tonnes. Average CCS fell by 0.03 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 1
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Being safe around overhead powerlines is a safety message that will feature in the 2025 Farm safety calendar, as illustrated by a local Mackay region student from Homebush State School. Madison Agius in Grade 6 drew a John Deere tractor underneath powerlines, with the safety message, “Overhead powerlines are dangerous. Don’t play, park equipment, operate machinery, or plant trees or crops under them”. Twelve children from across Queensland were selected as winners in this year’s calendar compe
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In a decisive turn of events, the long-standing and contentious pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and its employees has finally reached a resolution, paving the way for significant wage increases and bonuses. Growers can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the resolution ensures that the threat of disruptive industrial action will no longer jeopardise their crucial crops. A majority of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees has voted in favour of a new enterprise agreement (EA) offering an upfront $
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By Amanda Wright Alexis Versaci is turning heads in the Mackay community, combining her passion for modelling with a heart full of purpose as she prepares to take the pageant stage for the first time. As a rising star in her third year with Brooke Lee Modelling, Alexis is not only perfecting her runway walk but also making a statement with her dedication to philanthropy. Balancing grace with grit, she’s preparing for her next big move: competing in the Miss Diamond International and Miss Photoge
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By Hannah McNamara Rosemarry Waldon, a 14-year-old from Mackay, is strutting her way to pageantry stardom, leaving a trail of glitter and grace with Brooke Lee Modelling & Deportment School. Her journey began with a dream and a leap into the world of pageantry, competing in Mini Miss Tasmania last year, fuelled by her desire for personal growth and confidence. Starting out a little shy, she was introduced to the spotlight by her modelling teacher Ruby with the help of an insightful seminar, w
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By Amanda Wright At just 16 years old, Emersen Lamb is already taking the pageant world by storm. Crowned Miss Teen of Australia at the prestigious Australia’s Royalty Pageant in Melbourne, Emersen’s rise to the top is a dazzling mix of hard work, resilience, and undeniable charm. From winning her first major pageant in 2022 to visiting New York, Milan, and Paris for Fashion Week, this young model is proving that she’s more than ready for the international spotlight. “Winning feels surreal, It’s
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A Mackay student was recently honoured for her inventive talent at the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Excellence in Art and Design Awards. Year 11 student, Ernestine Hankin from Kutta Mulla Gorinna School in Mackay was recognised with an Award of Excellence in the First Nations category for her artwork, titled Leaving the Nest. Art and Design Awards reviewer Donna Hensen recognised the creativity behind the artwork and said that Ernestine’s piece st
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By Amanda Wright From the tiny rural community of Septimus, where his school once had only three students in a class, local author Earl Neilsen has crafted a magical story that captures the heart of his childhood. His debut children's book is not just a blend of fun and rhyme, but a celebration of embracing uniqueness and resilience—a reflection of the country upbringing that shaped him. Growing up in the Pioneer Valley, Earl fondly recalls a community where larrikins were the storytellers, and
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The Trudy Crowley Foundation has further cemented their legacy for cancer support and care in the Mackay community, by announcing Levi Crowley as a newly appointed director at the recent Touch of Teal Soiree. Founded in 2018 by Jacquie and Charles Camilleri, the Trudy Crowley Foundation was named in honour of local Mackay Mum Trudy Crowley, who was diagnosed in 2016 with ovarian cancer. When Trudy passed in 2018, the Foundation had just commenced – with Trudy’s husband Damian as one of the dir
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Friday 20th September Free Learn To Crochet Workshop 9am FREE School Holiday Workshop welcoming children and adults to a community learn to crochet session with Tracey Robb Arts. Come along and learn how to make a granny square with a twist or build on your skills. All materials are provided but you’re welcome to bring along your own yarn and hook if you wish. Whilst the workshop is FREE, the Café hosting the workshop makes delicious coffee, shakes, breaky and sweet treats for you to purchase
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The Mackay & District Orchid Society has been in full bloom over the past few months, hosting successful events and supporting the local community. In July, their Winter Orchid Show at the Mackay & District Senior Citizens' Centre drew a vibrant crowd, with a stunning display of orchids. The Society also teamed up with the Pioneer River Orchid & Plant Association to donate funds to YIRS, helping homeless youth in Mackay. They followed this up with a charming Father’s Day plant display at Bunning
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Last month, Crossroad Arts presented Unlock the City, a major production as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts. Over the course of three nights in August, performers from Crossroad Arts offered audiences a chance to explore Mackay from a new perspective, revealing both familiar and unfamiliar aspects of the city through their unique storytelling. Supported by Gold Project Sponsor BOLD Architecture and 2024 Artistic Program Sponsor Daly Bay, the production stood out as a fringe event in the fe
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Get ready for an exciting morning of outdoor adventure at Coastal Kids! On Tuesday 24 September, Dunes Harbour Beach will come alive with excitement and activity, transforming into a vibrant fun-filled location for a spectacular FREE school holiday event from 9am to 12pm. The stunning location, just 7kms from Mackay City, is renowned for its pristine sands and sweeping ocean views. It will serve as the perfect backdrop for a morning overflowing with fun activities, creative experiences, and an
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Date: September 23 to 27 What: Nibble and Dabble Art Parties FREE EVENT Time: Daily Workshop Times (1 Hour Per Workshop): Session 1: 9:30am (5-8 years). Session 2: 11am (9 years and older). Session 3: 1pm (9 years and older) Description: Join the free, colourful, and delicious art sessions at Caneland Central these school holidays! Create new artwork at each session with all supplies provided, plus expert tips and yummy snacks. Location: Centre Court, just outside Myer Date: September 23 to 27
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Younger readers won’t know about this but there was a time, in the years before we so warmly and thankfully embraced political correctness, when people would unashamedly crack jokes about certain groups in society. They were dark, shameful days in human history and not at all funny. There were jokes about Scotsmen, Kiwis (particularly in relation to sheep), old people, young people, blondes, sporting teams, various religious groups, all sorts of professions … the disgraceful list goes on. And on
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Have you ever pulled a prank on a mate that got them on national television? Well, that has happened to us on Star Breakfast. Months ago, I thought it would be hilarious to register Rach as a contestant on Australian Idol. The idea was simple; tell her she was registered, get her to sing in a public cafe, laugh laugh laugh, dust our hands clean of that. Then things got interesting. Out of nowhere, an email hit my inbox, AUSTRALIAN IDOL CASTING. I could not believe my eyes, how had this happ
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Ahoy, adventurers! If you're looking for a swashbuckling good time during the school holidays, set your sails for Mackay Regional Council's Treasure Trail! This exciting escapade, launched just last Saturday, is drawing treasure hunters from near and far. With over 200 families and teams already on board and more joining the quest daily, it’s a race against time to uncover hidden gems scattered across the region. Each completed location on the trail gets you a coveted entry form, and with e
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The Pratt Cup stands as one of the most prestigious bowls events in the Mackay district, with a rich history spanning 98 years. Open to all clubs in the region, this esteemed competition invites teams from all across the district to take part. This year it was played at several local clubs and involved teams of seven, with a format including singles, pairs and fours. The North Mackay Bowls Club team consisted of Terry Clark playing singles, brothers Wayne (skip) and Shane Trannore (lead) playin
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By Hannah McNamara Young netball stars, aged 6 to 17, showcased their skills at the Sarina Showgrounds last Monday during a special clinic led by Queensland Firebirds coaches Lara Dunkley and Ruby Bakewell-Doran. The young players' enthusiasm and passion for netball shone through as they learned from the well-respected Firebirds athletes. This opportunity was made possible by Aurizon, the principal partner of the Queensland Firebirds, as part of their commitment to bringing the sport to region
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Rumble on the Reef is set to deliver a record-breaking event for its 7th annual competition this weekend, cementing its place as one of the most significant skateboarding events in Australia. The competition commences today, (Friday, 20th September), with the Sugarbowl Arena reserved for qualifying rounds across multiple divisions, including 9 and under, 12 and under, 16 and under, and men’s and women’s pro categories. These skaters will battle for spots in the championship finals, setting the
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