Perfect weather conditions set the stage for the annual Sladie Sand Dunes three-loop course, hosted at the picturesque Lamberts Beach Esplanade. Runners tackled the challenging course, set amidst the serene nature reserve, under the expert supervision of Mackay Road Runners Vice President and Race Director, Mick Scholer. The team behind the event included course setup expert Andrew Short and timekeeping and registration professionals Beck Scholer, Julie Whibley, and Jo Hughes. Unfortunately, clu
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The North Mackay Sinkers and Masters Swimming Qld are excited to host the return of an Open Water Swim to the fabulous Whitehaven beach this October 6. This thrilling event is back after a five-year break and swimmers from across the region are gearing up for an unforgettable experience. With a choice of 1km or 2km races, the swim offers both a challenge and a sense of adventure as excitement of the swim is matched by the breathtaking surroundings, making this race one to remember. The last W
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By Hannah McNamara Last Sunday evening, Vietnam veterans, families of veterans, and members of the public gathered at the Mackay City Cenotaph, Jubilee Park to acknowledge the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their life in Vietnam, as well as those who are still standing with us today. Vietnam Veterans' Day is celebrated annually on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, at 5.30pm, on August 18 - this specific time and date holds significance as it is said to be when Australian forces had c
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There’s a special kind of magic in watching two people you care about commit to a lifetime of love. Last Saturday, our very own Whitsundays editor, Rachael, tied the knot with her beloved Matt at the stunning Paradise Cove, surrounded by the beauty of nature—and even more so, the beauty of their love. As they embraced their vows, a line from a favourite poet comes to mind: “The best part of love is not just in being adored, but in the reflection you see of yourself in the eyes of the one who ad
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In an attempt to help improve the life of a gentleman in his 60s who has struggled on the streets for the past nine months, Chances House (Australian Street Aid Project) reached out to the community for extra support. Quick to jump on board, the Mackay community donated enough money to secure nearly 12 months of rent for the elderly man’s new home, providing him with a safe and warm place to sleep. With rent now paid in advance, the organisation can focus on getting him an ID and a future inc
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A brazen double carjacking attempt at the busy Milton and Shakespeare Street intersection on August 17 has left the Mackay community on edge. In a shocking sequence of events, two men tried to force their way into two separate vehicles stopped at a red light, prompting both drivers to flee through the intersection red lights. The alarming incident has sparked widespread concern, with police urging witnesses to come forward. Mackay police reported that at about 8:45pm on August 17 at the Milto
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The Greater Whitsunday region is set to capitalise on immense diversification opportunities according to The Greater Whitsunday METS Sector – A Revenue Diversification Strategy report. The Greater Whitsunday METS Sector – A Revenue Diversification Strategy is a key deliverable of the broader Decarbonisation Accelerated Project led by Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCoE). GW3 Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Kylie Porter said the strategy outlines the
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Council has expanded its offering of Small Equipment Grants to allow greater flexibility for local not-for-profit organisations needing to purchase essential equipment. Organisations can now apply for grants of up to $1500 at any time to purchase equipment that supports the organisation or its volunteers – things like kitchen appliances, office equipment and computers. Mayor Greg Williamson said the grants would allow local community groups and organisations that positively impact our region t
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Mackay’s 2024 annual Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day ceremony took place last Thursday, August 15th, at Jubilee Park, marking the 79th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The event was a solemn and reflective occasion, drawing together the community to honour the sacrifices made by those who served in the war. Victory in the Pacific Day commemorates the moment when Australia’s Prime Minister at the time, Ben Chifley, announced the end of the war against Japan on August 15, 194
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Paralympic stars Kelly Cartwright OAM and Dr. Brendan Burkett OAM recently visited Mackay to lead discussions on accessibility and inclusivity in sports and recreation. Their presence at the 2024 Accessible Active Living Seminar at Harrup Park Country Club was a powerful reminder that an impairment does not define one's ability to achieve greatness—mindset does. Kelly Cartwright, who found success as a gold medal-winning 100m sprinter, long jumper and most recently a powerlifter, shared her j
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Your Cheer Squad is a key group of people in your corner who can encourage and uplift you and, most importantly, will provide you with honest feedback. This is particularly useful if you operate a small or micro business, as it can be quite isolating. As well as providing encouragement, your Cheer Squad will hold you accountable to your goals, offering feedback and a motivation boost when needed. And best of all - you get to choose and build your Cheer Squad based on what you need. It’s impo
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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is now the Volunteer Sponsor for the Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), investing in the vital role that volunteers play in the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday region hospitals. This partnership, involving more than 100 dedicated volunteers, is key to supporting MHF’s mission of improving patient care and community wellbeing. Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May noted that this sponsorship aligns with the bank's “profit for purpose” model. “Our commitment to comm
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Sarina local and former Sarina State High School (SSHS) student Georgia Beveridge has secured a full-time position at Aurizon, Australia’s largest rail freight operator, as an Electrician. Georgia attributes the support she received throughout her education as “instrumental” to her success, including a scholarship during her apprenticeship from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank. “My scholarship provided easier access to essential tools and resources,” Ms Beveridge said. “It was a tremendous
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Nestled near the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre on Anzac Street, is Sarina’s cherished Orange Sky Laundry Pod. The pod has three washing machines and three driers, but most of all, it has an amazing team of volunteers who are determined to get to know their fellow community members and offer their unconditional support to those doing it tough. The passion of these volunteers is undeniable, with some having served Orange Sky for up to six years and counting. An example of this dedication is Oran
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The Making Waves Foundation was thrilled to announce its 2024 Northern Campaign, sailing proudly into Mackay before continuing to Townsville. The voyage aims to empower local youth living with disabilities or facing disadvantage by promoting inclusivity through the joy of sailing. This exciting journey began in Southport, with Rosslyn Bay and Mackay stops before the crew made their final port in Townsville. The Making Waves Foundation has been operating for 30 years, originating in Sydney un
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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will undertake maintenance dredging at the Port of Hay Point, including Half Tide Tug Harbour from this week. The works are estimated to take up to 28 days from late August until mid-September 2024. NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said maintenance dredging is undertaken by port authorities around the world and is critical for maintaining port infrastructure. “In the same way we maintain roads and rail lines for freight transport, we nee
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If you’re a patient at Mackay Base Hospital you may run into one of the region’s rising medical stars; she may even help with the birth of your child. Dr Remi Sayre works as a doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology at the hospital in a job she says is demanding but rewarding in multiple ways. She is currently completing her training to be a GP Obstetrician, or a doctor who delivers babies in the bush. Remi grew up in Boyne Island, a small town near Gladstone, and studied at James Cook University
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This week Season to date Cane crushed 34,654 318,691 Average bin weight 3.84 3.84 CCS 13.12 13.01 Cane variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q183 23.1 12.94 Q253 22.6 13.15 Q240 11.6 13.30 SP80 5.2 13.59 Q208 11.8 13.77 SRA9 5.4 13.40 KQ228 3.8 13.57 Q200 2.9 12.47 Comments: Plane Creek Mill processed 34,654 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just under 320,000 tonnes. Rainfall early in the week put a halt to crushing operations. However the growing an
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A rural charity has opened its annual photography competition to the public for its fifth year. Spirit of the Bush is an Australian-wide photography competition run by Rural Aid. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the competition was a great way to get a glimpse into life on the land. “Our Spirit of the Bush competition is always very popular, attracting hundreds of entrants from across Australia,” Mr Warlters said. “The winning 12 photos are turned into a beautiful wall calendar.”
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The widely-used Qld Fishing 2.0 app is reaching new heights, now allowing fishers and citizen scientists to record and submit catch data and shark depredation data in real-time. The latest upgrades to Queensland’s top recreational fishing app include several new features to enhance user experience. The new personalized 'My Fishing' feature replaces 'My Fish Photo' and now allows fishers to log recreational catch and depredation data, access environmental data and view their historical catch re
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and representatives of three unions met last week at the company’s request to discuss current positions in relation to their enterprise bargaining dispute. Wilmar suggested today’s meeting following discussions two weeks ago in Townsville facilitated by Fair Work Commissioner Bernie Riordan. Subsequent to those discussions, Commissioner Riordan recommended some potential solutions to a range of issues in dispute. A Wilmar spokesman said last week’s meeting estab
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing Following a jam-packed July that was dominated by our international sugar trader roadshow, the Grower Marketing team has been busy compiling the first edition of our new grower newsletter – The Sugar Brief. In this new communication offering, we collate the range of activities we engage in that might otherwise go unnoticed. Wilmar Sugar and Renewables sponsors dozens of events within our sugar milling regions that are linked to cane growing, loca
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Thousands of young people will get a taste of democracy when they head back to the ballot box this week for the Mackay Youth Council election, building on the success of last year’s inaugural election. Voters will head to local high schools and community spaces to elect 12 representatives from 21 candidates to the second Mackay Youth Council. Young people aged 11-17 (inclusive) are eligible to vote for the candidates running in the region they live or spend the most time in. Voting will be opti
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Friday 23rd August Free Native Plant Program 9am Free Native Plant Program open days will return on: Friday, August 23, from 9am to 3pm and Saturday, August 24, from 9am to noon. Mackay ratepayers can collect four free native plants per year. Visit the Mackay Natural Environment Centre, 6 Swayne Street, North Mackay to view the collection and pick up your plants during open days. 6 Swayne Street, North Mackay Guided Walks In The Botanical Gardens 10am Explore the Botanic Gardens with your G
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Is Mackay’s next Aus Poetry Slam (APS) Champion among us? The CQ Heat is coming to town and it’s the perfect opportunity for aspiring poets to showcase their talent! With just an original poem and 2 minutes on the mic, participants have the chance to impress the audience and judges. The top two poets from the event will move on to compete in the QLD State Finals in Brisbane on September 27. For those who prefer to cheer from the sidelines, attending as part of the audience is just as important
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