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Hi lovely readers! How great does our new design look? It’s vibrant, fresh, and a wonderful change! If you couldn’t already tell, the green and blue hues reflect our stunning Great Barrier Reef and vibrant hinterland. We live in such an incredible part of the world. I even watched a YouTube video recently with my husband Adam titled Top Places To Visit in Australia, and Cape Hillsborough and the Whitsunday Islands made the list! While we may complain about the summer heat, deep down,
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A local mother has taken to a community page to express her gratitude to a stranger who came to her son’s aid following a serious scooter accident. Her 14-year-old son had fallen from his e-scooter on a Mirani street and was left unconscious on the road. The quick action of a passerby ensured he received help in what could have been a far worse situation. “To the gentleman that picked my 14yr old son up off the road unconscious out Mirani recently from an e-scooter incident, I am eternal
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At the National Press Club, The National Party of Australia drew a line in the sand, declaring it will no longer support Labor’s reckless Net Zero target by 2050, calling it unaffordable, unachievable, and unsustainable for Australia’s economic and industrial future. The Party says Labor’s ideological approach is driving up power prices, costing jobs, and punishing the regions that keep Australia running. Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, Andrew Willco
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The Crisafulli Government has brought its fourth Community Cabinet of 2025 to Mackay, taking the opportunity to hear directly from residents, business owners, and community leaders on what matters most to the region. More than 200 people attended the event at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Sunday, November 2, where Premier David Crisafulli and Ministers outlined their plan to deliver safety, health services, and economic opportunities for local communities. Premier Cris
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Schools across the Mackay region came together last week to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, recognising the dedication and passion of educators shaping the next generation. Students and parents showed their appreciation through parades, morning teas, and gifts. Fitzgerald State School said it was “a wonderful day where students and parents presented appreciation flowers and balloons, to our Fitzy staff for World Teachers Day, organised by our amazing P & C.” Beaconsfield State School ackn
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Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of walking, riding and micromobility across the region through its draft Mackay Region Active Transport and Micromobility Plan 2025-2036. The draft plan sets a long-term vision to make Mackay a walking and riding-friendly region, with safe, convenient and enjoyable paths designed for our tropical climate. It aims to create a network that connects people to places that matter – schools, shops, parks and public transport – while su
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Supporting Men And Boys In recognition of International Men’s Day and its 2025 theme, “Supporting Men and Boys”, Grapevine Group invites the community to a free safeTALK suicide prevention training session on Saturday, November 15 at 9.30am at Dudley Denny City Library. “With three out of four suicide deaths being male, there is a dire need for awareness and action”, says Grapevine Group president Debbie Knight. “We’re offering practical tools in this special session open to men and the
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Safe Sleep Mackay is one step closer to providing a safe night’s rest for people sleeping rough, following the arrival of the region’s third Safe Sleep Bus. The charitable community group, led by volunteers, has spent months working to fit out three buses that will offer temporary overnight refuge for people experiencing homelessness. Each vehicle will feature private, secure sleeping pods designed to provide guests with a place to rest safely, regroup, and begin rebuilding their lives.
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Mackay Regional Councillor Nathenea McRae has called for the $4.1 million in fines issued to residents who failed to vote in the recent council by-election to be redirected back to Mackay Regional Council, helping to offset the $566,101.13 cost of running the election. Cr McRae’s motion, passed by Council in September, proposes that “the money received by the ECQ from non-voting fines associated with the council by-election be redirected to Mackay Council to reimburse the full cost of con
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Queensland Symphony Orchestra Graces Mackay At The MECC The Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) returned to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on Thursday, 30 October, giving the region a night of classical music for the first time in more than a decade. Featuring 53 musicians under the baton of conductor Sam Weller and joined by baritone Jake Lyle, the orchestra performed Northern Lights and Southern Stars, taking the audience on a spellbinding journey through some of
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About six months ago I attended a family budget strategy meeting where the chief financial officer decided it would be in the best interests of everyone for me to be allocated a set cash payment each week to cover certain personal expenses. The family’s chief financial officer (CFO) explained that the system up until then, in which I simply swiped a credit card to cover every personal expense, did not give me an adequate awareness of how much I was spending every week. Under the new stra
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You often hear me say “I love where I live” and that’s for many reasons, one being the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). I recently had the opportunity to attend this year’s Reef Forum 2050. The forum had 100 stakeholders from Federal, State and Local Government, as well as scientists and academia, statisticians, natural resource management groups, business and tourist operators and, of course, recreational fishing representatives. We saw the timeline for the past 50 years that the Marine Park A
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Discussions around sugar marketing and governance have resurfaced following the recent Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) Annual General Meeting, where proposed constitutional changes prompted differing views between CANEGROWERS representatives and miller members, including Wilmar Sugar and Renewables. Plane Creek Area Committee Chairman Kevin Borg said that growers across Queensland are “growing tired of conflict in the sugar marketing space.” Mr Borg said the CANEGROWERS Plane Creek Area C
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Proserpine Mill crushed out early Saturday morning, bringing an end to a successful season. It was the second of Wilmar’s eight sugar factories to finish the 2025 season. Proserpine Mill Manager Operations Cory O’Shea said the last bin went through the tippler at 6.30am Saturday (1 November). “In total, we processed 1.48M tonnes of cane for the year to make about 205,000 tonnes of raw sugar. “The crop dropped off towards the back end of the season due to the
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BRAVUS and the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are ready to kick goals in 2026 under a new Platinum Partnership that includes the company’s mining, rail, port and renewables businesses. BRAVUS Head of Reputation Kate Campbell said the new sponsorship deal would take the powerhouse tieup between the mine, rail, port and renewables business and the North’s favourite sporting team to its 10-year anniversary in 2028. "We are excited that our BRAVUS brand will feature on the Cowboys’ NRL
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Mentoring is more than just personal or professional development, it’s a strategic tool that can transform workplaces, strengthen company culture, and create long-term benefits for both individuals and organisations. By fostering collaboration, communication, and leadership, a structured mentoring program can improve an organisation’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and have a lasting impact on its success. The 2025 Mackay Mentoring Network Program for Resource Industry Network (RIN) mem
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Three community groups in the Pioneer Valley will benefit from a $25,000 injection of funding through round 4 of the Capricornia Pumped Hydro Project’s pre-construction Community Benefit Fund. The Mackay Regional SES Unit Support Group, Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Group, and Eungella Craft Group have received funding to support projects that improve local resilience, enhance community wellbeing, and promote the area’s natural assets. Capricornia Pumped Hydro Project CEO John Carr said the
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A New Interactive Tool For Regional Biomanufacturing The Greater Whitsunday region launched BioVision, an interactive tool highlighting its biomanufacturing strengths to investors, government, and industry. Proudly supported by the Queensland Government, BioVision is the first tool of its kind in the sector, combining data and strategic insights to show how Greater Whitsunday is positioning itself as a biomanufacturing leader. Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer
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The OurSCAPE Art Exhibition, organised by Artists Connect Inc, opened on Friday, 24 November at Gallery 31, CQ University Mackay City Campus, celebrating the creativity and resilience of the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions. The exhibition is the culmination of the OurSCAPE Art Challenges, held across multiple regional locations including the Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival, The Leap Hotel, St Lawrence Wetlands, and the Cape Hillsborough Masterclass. Each artist was given just four hours
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Friday 7th November Seniors Music & Morning Tea 10am A special Seniors Music and Morning Tea will be held at the Northern Beaches Community Hall in Bucasia on Friday, November 7, from 10am to 12pm. Guests can enjoy live harp music by Kathleen Campbell, guest speakers, and a light morning tea. The free community event celebrates residents aged 60 and over, with bookings essential due to limited seating. Nothern Beaches Community Hall, Bucasia Friday Flow 5pm Friday Flow is a community event off
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The Mackay Isaac region was aglow with prestige on Friday night as the 2025 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards Gala Dinner took centre stage at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre. Against a glamorous masquerade backdrop, the evening united tourism operators, volunteers, stakeholders, and industry leaders to celebrate the passion and pride of those who support our visitor economy. Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO said the annual Mackay Isaac Tourism awards program plays a vital role in elevating l
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The Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) has been awarded Gold for Business Event Venue at the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards 2025, recognising the venue’s excellence in hosting business events, conferences, and corporate gatherings. As the largest convention facility between Cairns and Brisbane, the MECC boasts a 1,090-seat auditorium, two plenary halls, four meeting rooms, a 100-seat studio, breakout areas, and an in-house professional conference organiser office. Over the past
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Tucked away in one of Andergrove’s most tightly held pockets, 13/42 Wattle Street is where architectural flair meets everyday functionality. Every inch of this remarkable home has been designed with purpose – offering the perfect sanctuary for families, professionals, and entertainers alike. Behind the understated façade lies a home that truly delivers on all fronts: five generous bedrooms, four bathrooms (three ensuited), and a selection of indoor and outdoor living zones that f
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Mackay Road Runners held their 2025 Annual Presentation Night, a celebration of the club’s achievements that rivalled any award ceremony. Trophies and thank-you gifts were presented throughout the evening, recognising the dedication of members, volunteers, and sponsors. Club President Paul Tilse acknowledged the committee and volunteers for their efforts in making the 2025 season a success. He also thanked the club’s many loyal sponsors and supporters, including Life Members Merv and Wend
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Sunset Bay had a jammed pack weekend 24/25th Oct with a fun night of Trivia for fundraising at Eimeo Surf club, followed the next day by the club AGM. Trivia saw more of a head to head competitive side of the outrigger community and locals of Eimeo Beach were welcomed. Thank you to the sponsors of the evening- Pin- Point Property; Magpie Sports Club, Mount Pleasant Brumby's and MAK Financial Advisors, with this support approx $1300 was raised for our paddlers heading to National Sprint T
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