Taking the leap into homeownership is a significant milestone, and with the right preparation, it can be a smooth journey. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started. Begin by doing your homework. Various Government benefits, such as first homeowner grants and stamp duty rebates, can make buying your first home more affordable. Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank can assist you in navigating the process, by helping you calculate how much you can borrow and explaining the different loan options
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Cheeky Little Monkeys, the playful brainchild of local mum-of-five Lisa Versaci, has swung to the top of Mackay’s business scene, recently claiming the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Award for the Next Big Thing (New Business). With a focus on creating a safe, fun-filled jungle for children and a much-needed break for parents, Cheeky Little Monkeys has quickly become a favourite among local families looking for an easy and enjoyable place for their little ones to monkey aroun
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In just 18 months of operation, Habitude has made remarkable strides in the Mackay region, after winning two significant titles at the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards. The innovative company, founded by Dr. Suzanne Francisco, is already being recognised for its transformative impact on behaviour change across a broad spectrum of services. Much to her pleasant surprise, Dr Francisco, Owner and CEO of Habitude, took home the ‘Mover of Mountains’ award and said, “It was
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The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce celebrated the highly anticipated Best in Business Awards on Thursday, 29th August, with a dazzling evening of recognition and celebration at the Mackay Masonic Hall. After nearly 15 years without a dedicated awards night for local Chamber businesses, over 150 attendees gathered for a sold-out event, proving that the appetite for recognising business excellence is alive and well in Mackay. The event kicked off with red carpet arrivals captured at The Dispens
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Porters Mitre 10 has been honoured with the Legacy Legends Award at the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards, a testament to its century-long impact on the local community. Recognised for its exceptional blend of tradition and innovation, this award celebrates Porters' transformation from a pioneering construction firm into a modern hub of retail and manufacturing excellence, all while maintaining its deep-rooted commitment to the Mackay region. Founded in 1883 by Charles Po
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The excellent craftsmanship and impeccable standards Master Builders are renowned for were visible in the work of every winner at the 2024 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Fergus Builders took out an incredible eight awards – the highest number for one builder so far this season. The team won both the highly-regarded McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year Award and Education Facilities over $10 million for the world-class Whitsunday Anglican School – STEAM Centre – a first
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At the 2024 Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards, Fergus Builders took home an impressive eight awards, emerging as the only builder in Queensland to receive this many accolades at a Master Builders awards evening. Fergus Builders' success at the awards was recognised due to their remarkable work on the Whitsunday Anglican School STEAM Centre, which earned them the prestigious McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year Award. Director and Construction Manager of F
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For more than two decades, Crystal Edwards, Senior Estimator at Carpet One Mackay, has been a dedicated force in the construction industry. Most recently, she received recognition for her exceptional years of service at Carpet One Mackay, winning the honourable Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards. Specialising in large commercial projects and complex tenders, Crystal has been an essential part of Carpet One, handling estimating, quoting and overseeing
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Cotters Builders, a family-oriented business led by Michael and Madison Cotter, recently gained impressive recognition at the 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday’s Master Builder Awards. Cotter Builders achieved remarkable success at the Awards, securing four prestigious accolades: the BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award, Best Residential Bathroom, Apprentice of the Year Award (won by their apprentice, Riley Smith), and Best Individual Home in the $700-$850 category. Notably, one of their homes ‘Villa
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Winner of the 2024 Mackay & Whitsunday BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award – Cotter Builders for Villa Ta Lumi Michael and the Cotter Builders team have excelled themselves with Villa Ta Lumi, with their attention to detail and quality workmanship evident throughout. The home is a fusion of styles from coastal to contemporary, modern to Mediterranean, with its soft curves and archways, raked ceilings and exposed beams delivering a calming ambience. Boasting an entertainer’s kitchen, indoor-ou
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Tin Lid Enterprises, a remarkable and local roofing company, has truly made waves in the construction industry by clinching a prestigious Master builders award in only their third year as a company. This achievement not only showcases their dedication to excellence but also highlights their commitment to quality and innovation in roofing services. A local staple in Airlie Beach for over 15 years, Tin Lid Enterprises, in 2021, expanded their horizons and made the move from sole trader to compan
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Caneland Central Activities 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 My
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Last Friday, Jay and Dave from Triple M were hosts to guests on the tarmac at Mackay Airport in support of a wonderful cause. The Dinner on the Runway by Ibis Mackay in support of Mackay Hospital Foundation and our local hospitals is in its fourth year with this year being the most successful of the events to date. A record number of 550 people attended the event which was held under the stars, just metres from where jet aircraft were landing and taking off. Auction items included a Melbourne
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Sarina Crocodiles are the newly crowned Mackay & District Junior League A Grade champions for 2024. Lightning struck twice for the Crocodiles after toppling premiership favourites Mackay Brothers 16-14 in last Saturday’s Grand Final showdown at the Junior League Fields. It followed Sarina’s spirited 24-18 victory over the Leprechauns in the major semi-final. Brothers won thirteen of their fourteen matches during the regular season - losing just one match against Mackay Magpies to wrap up the
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In its very first season in use, it hasn't taken long for the Score Assist to impact a game, with Maddy Guerin's match-winner coming in dramatic style. With the goal umpire unsure whether Daisy D'Arcy had touched it before or after the line, umpires conferred before going upstairs to the system that makes use of ball tracking technology. With no replay or communication for the players, spectators or viewers to see or hear, only once the signal for a goal was given did everyone know the result. D
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A dramatic late goal to Maddy Guerin has seen Carlton snatch its first victory of the AFLW season, hanging on by a solitary point against Gold Coast in Mackay on Sunday. With her team trailing by four points and less than two minutes remaining, Guerin received a handball from Darcy Vescio and sent her right foot snap goalward from 25m. SUN Daisy D'Arcy leapt high on the line to touch the ball, but following an official score review - which is being used in the AFLW for the first time this season
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From a young age, Kristen had an interest in athletics and gymnastics, but it wasn’t until around the age of 10 when she developed a passion for the sport. Since then, she has been mountain biking for just over six years but only started racing competitively around three years ago. Kristen said it wasn’t until August last year when she ventured into the world of cross duathlon - a sport that combines trail running and mountain biking. Now in her final year of schooling at St Patrick's Coll
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The Makay Barometer Pairs competition was played over two days, with 18 pairs competing for coveted Red points. Section A Winners: Nany Martin and Monica Darley, Section B Winners: Janine Rodgers and Richard Wix, with Section C Winners: Ted Cullinan and Noel Saunders. Weekly Results Mackay Barometer Pairs Winners after two days – Red points A 1st Nancy Martin / Monica Darley 2nd Ann Whitmore / Patricia Garner B 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 2nd Julie O’Neill / Griffin Bancroft C 1st Ted C
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The North Mackay Sinkers have participated in the MS Super Splash great fundraiser for nine years now, raising over $56,000 across all events. The Mackay community is encouraged to get involved by registering a team from a club or group to enjoy a great day out at the fantastic Memorial Swimming Centre and for those without a team, an adoptive team can be arranged. The MS Super Splash is an action-packed fundraising challenge held in various locations across Queensland, supporting people living
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A new season of Tuesday morning Mackay Table Tennis fixtures started this week, with a four-a-side format. The best match was in division 2 where Toyota Turners and Sydney Slam (great names!) drew 7-all. There were five five-game matches, the closest between Robyn and John, Robyn up -9, -9, 7, 6, 10.Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures August 27, 2024:Division 1:Hyundai (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan) d Honda (Vince Boeske, Graham Brake) 7-2. Tim d Vince 6, -7, 4, -7, 11.Fiat (Donna Abbott, Em
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The 2024 Mackay Triathlon Festival is fast approaching and is set to be one of the region’s biggest sporting events, drawing athletes from across Queensland and beyond. Participants from Airlie Beach, Bowen, Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton, Brisbane, and even Victoria are expected to attend, boosting Mackay’s profile as a sports tourism destination. Spanning two days, the festival will feature 16 events and over $11,000 in cash prizes, with an additional $5,000 in sponsored prizes from local bu
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Police have charged a 36-year-old Proserpine man in relation to an alleged assault incident at Cannonvale Beach on September 4, 2024. Police will allege about 5.40am, the man entered the female public toilets where he grabbed a woman from behind before he fled on foot up Beach Road. Police conducted a number of enquiries and charged the man with one count of common assault on September 8. Police will allege that the same 36-year-old Proserpine man was involved in a similar incident on August 24,
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Friday 6th September ‘One Remarkable Reef’ Strolling Story Trail8amWalk together and enjoy the Strolling Stories installation of 'One Remarkable Reef' at Queens Park from Friday, September 6 until Monday, September 30, 2024.This is a FREE self-guided activity suitable for all ages. This activity is hosted by Mackay Regional Council Libraries and supported by Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Art Party Afternoons 3pmDo you have an existing arts project that you are l
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The 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival held last weekend was a resounding success, bringing together hundreds of cyclists and their families for a celebration of fitness, community and charity. With a focus on promoting healthy living and raising funds for BMA CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay, the event has become a cornerstone in the region since its inception. The Golding Kids Colour Ride at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens was a hit with young riders, who delighted in the colourf
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By Hannah McNamara CQ Rescue put on quite a show last Wednesday as the Mackay community recently celebrated the exciting arrival of the new BMA CQ Rescue AW139 helicopter. A spectacular water show was presented by fire trucks on the runway, capturing the amazement of both children and adults as the chopper circled overhead, giving everyone a chance to view the impressive new aircraft from every angle. As the sun set over the runway, the landing of the pristine AW139 was a memorable moment,
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