OPINION PIECE Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is renewing his desperate calls for the Federal and State Labor Government’s to fix the Bruce Highway. His sentiments have been echoed by the Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry. Following the recent fatal tragedy on the weekend near Gumlu, Mr Willcox said Labor’s decision to slash funding to the Bruce Highway in his electorate of Dawson is despicable. “While the investigation into the cause of this accident is still ongoing
Read more
Endeavour Foundation is embarking upon Australia’s largest Virtual Reality (VR) rollout for a disability service provider and 50 locals with disability from Business Solutions in Mackay, are set to benefit! The exclusive VR suite, will include two VR hubs with all of Endeavour Foundation’s leading VR learning programs, including: catching public transport (bus and train), how to cross a road through pedestrian safety, how to use an AT, navigating a café and barista training, forklift driving an
Read more
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) is again delivering the Greater Foundations program, aimed at informing Greater Whitsunday teachers and educators on what career and workforce opportunities exist across the region. Find out what role robots will play in the future of advanced manufacturing and how agtech is revolutionising the Greater Whitsunday agricultural landscape. Greater Foundations24 developed by Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and delivered with curriculum experts Future Anything
Read more
A heart-warming gathering was held last Saturday at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens in support of Breast Cancer research. A total of $3122.00 was raised with $822 worth of donations contributed on the day. Attendees enjoyed a Pink Picnic afternoon tea amidst live tunes by local artist Tiffany Grace who adorned the event with her single ‘Last November.’ Peter T, Kellie Maree, Graham Day and Les McSweeney also put on a show for attendees while some even got up to boogey as Rock ‘n’ Roll d
Read more
The late Sir Bruce Small who was famously called ‘Mr Gold Coast’ for touring the country with bikini models to promote Surfers Paradise, has been announced as the new posthumous winner of the Queensland Greats Awards 2024 … and Mackay musical heritage is connected with his famous life journey. The award honours the former colourful Gold Coast Mayor for his contribution to the history and development of Queensland including donating millions to charity, with the town of Mackay included in his
Read more
Imagine a day devoted entirely to you—a rare opportunity to invest in your well-being, happiness, and personal growth. This is the promise of The Joy Maker Experience, held at The Ocean International. It's a Gift of a Day designed to help you pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters in your life. And let me just say, "You deserve it!" You deserve the time off, to focus on YOU! In a world where we are constantly bombarded with demands and distractions, taking time for ourselves can see
Read more.jpg)
Dozer operators at Anglo American’s Capcoal Complex are in training to embrace remote control technology to improve operator safety on site. The operation, near Middlemount, is trialling a remote-controlled stockpile dozer ahead of plans to retrofit the entire fleet. Anglo American, which operates five steelmaking coal mines across the Bowen Basin, will reduce in-cab dozer exposure time by 45,000 to 75,000 hours a year once the technology is fully deployed across all sites. The remote cont
Read more
By Amanda Wright In the early hours of Saturday 29 June, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) was alerted to a methane ignition at Grosvenor coal mine in Moranbah, west of Mackay. The incident prompted an immediate response, with coal inspectors dispatched to secure the site. All employees were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. RSHQ CEO Rob Djukic emphasised that the primary concern for everyone involved is the continued safety of workers. "The coal mine is in the proces
Read more.jpg)
Australia’s largest regional mining event, the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME), returns this month to the Mackay Showgrounds, raising the standard with its largest-ever Seminar Series. From 23-25 July, the free-to-attend Seminar Series hosted by Komatsu will feature 13 panel discussions with an impressive lineup of high-profile speakers from the C-suite to peak bodies, research and industry associations. The Seminar Series runs across all three days of the exhibition, coveri
Read more
Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank awarded community grants to support students at three local primary schools through the Community Engagement Program – with a focus on enhancing youth education in the region and fostering the development of the next generation. Students at Alligator Creek State School benefitted from a successful community grant to upgrade their Homework Reading Project, including decodable books, to support students at all reading levels to improve their reading speed, comp
Read more
In the dynamic landscape of Mackay’s sugar industry, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) is fast becoming a driving force for growers, fostering innovation and resilience among its members. This organisation, dedicated to activating agricultural excellence, addresses rising farming costs, promotes environmental sustainability, and champions water quality issues. At the helm of QCAR's efforts in the Proserpine, Mackay, and Sarina areas is Sonia Ball, a woman whose life and career ar
Read more.jpg)
By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay Given the community-wide current cost of living crisis, Mackay Regional Council’s budget announcement last week cannot be seen as anything more than a slap in the face for the people of this region. It’s a disappointing impost on the community in difficult times. It’s a double hit, too, with the steep 3.6 per cent rise in rates combined with a reduction in the on-time payment discount reduced from 10 per cent to 6 per cent. Obviously, council has costs
Read more
The Fair Work Commission has ordered three unions to suspend industrial action at the Queensland factories of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables for six weeks after hearing submissions from unions and the company. Fair Work Commission Deputy President Dobson had been asked by Sugar and Renewables to issue suspension orders after unions notified intention to mount a series of stoppages over coming weeks, further threatening company attempts to continue with the annual sugar season. The company gave
Read more
If you’re anything like me, it’s been a long while. After today, I’m hoping to get a few lazy sleep-ins as I’ll be on holiday from the 4MK breakfast show for a couple of weeks. The boss said to me a few weeks ago to get some holidays in, so July it is. For some people who have asked, including my dad who I spoke to on the phone yesterday, I won’t be travelling anywhere though. No road trips. No plane trips. No extended camping swag trips. None of that. Just my bed, the alarm clock set to off,
Read more
By Amanda Wright At last week’s Mackay Regional Council annual budget meeting, tensions ran high as councillors debated the decision to reduce the early payment discount for ratepayers from 10 per cent to 6 per cent. This change, part of the 2024-2025 budget, effectively results in a significant rate increase for the majority of residents who traditionally take advantage of the prompt payment discount. Mayor Greg Williamson acknowledged the challenges facing many in the Mackay region due to risi
Read more
Real estate agents are manipulative, greedy, parasitic sneaks who exploit desperate Mackay home-buyers and create angst and trauma in the community by forcing up property prices beyond what people can afford. Harsh. But is it fair? The sentence seems to accurately paraphrase the current view of a fair portion of the real estate-buying community in this town. Call me a sensitive little princess who can’t take fair criticism but, personally, I don’t agree with that view … although I do feel the
Read more
Mackay is renowned for its vibrant seafood, tropical produce, public art, jazz scene, and festivals like the Mackay Festival of Arts and Jazz in the Park—and the culinary scene just got even more exciting. Eariler this week, the region’s culinary landscape was majorly elevated as Adrian and Jessica launched Gypsy Burger in Mackay, bringing their famous gourmet burgers to a Queensland foodie capital. Jess and Adrian were stoked to spill the beans for their latest gig following their grand ope
Read more
Step into a world of playful indulgence with the Chupa Chup Cocktail, a whimsical creation that captures the essence of everyone's favourite childhood lollipop in a sophisticated adult beverage. Crafted with precision by the skilled hands at The Dispensary, this cocktail is a must-try for those seeking a blend of nostalgia and modern appeal. To create this delightful refresher, the mixologists start with a base of premium vodka, lending a smooth yet robust foundation. Next, a dash of buttersco
Read more.jpg)
From the creators of “The Alphabet of Awesome Science” comes a brand-new multi-award-winning family show, You Are a Doughnut. Audiences will join biology teachers Oesoph A. Gus and Dewey Dean as they embark upon an utterly brilliant all singing, all-dancing (and all-clowning!) exploration of every twisting tube and remarkable organ — with sketches, songs and sensational science. Along the way there will be a frenzy of enzyme powered ping pong balls, a sing along with a rainbow collection of po
Read more
Friday 5th July Art Party Afternoons 3pm Bring your own project! Do you have an existing arts project that you are looking to finish? Are you looking to meet up socially with other artists in an accessible environment? Art Party Afternoons recognises all of our unfinished projects (crochet, painting, craft, zine, artist book, comic, scribbles…whatever you are working on!). The monthly art hangs will connect our like- minded community to get creative inspo and provide you a place to make. Ages
Read more
Mackay, it’s time to get rowdy for a jam-packed return of Rhythm & The Reef, set to be held at the picturesque Meadowlands Amphitheatre, Mackay Botanic Gardens on Saturday, October 5th. Against the backdrop of this breathtaking location, the festival promises to deliver a jaw-dropping line-up and an experience that will leave a lasting impression on both local and interstate punters alike. Proudly presented by FMS Group and Hit 100.3, Rhythm & The Reef, now in its fourth year, is poised to igni
Read more
Eight-year-old Cindy, a Mackay local girl with big ambitions has recently advanced to the grand final of the Fashion vs Beauty competition, held in September 2024 on the Gold Coast. Cindy’s journey into the world of pageantry began when her mother entered her into the competition, where she effortlessly secured spots in both the Miss Photogenic and Miss Diamond International events. Under the guidance of Brooke Lee Modelling since September 2023, Cindy has embarked on a path she hopes w
Read more
Mackay is set to pulse with the beats of national and local music acts this July as The Push and Queensland Music Festival (QMF) team up to deliver an electrifying all-ages event! Spearheaded by The Push, a leading youth music organisation and part of QMF's QLD Music Trails program, this special event promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages. Scheduled for Saturday, July 6th at The Arcadia Bar, the event is a highlight of The Reef Trail, a segment of QMF's QLD Music Tr
Read more
Mackay rugby league sensation Jaxon Purdue has reached another milestone in his fledgling NRL career with the North Queensland Cowboys. The 18-year-old rookie utility back celebrated his third appearance in the top grade by helping the depleted Cowboys upset premiers Penrith 16-6 last Sunday at Penrith Stadium. It was a victory to savour for the Queensland Under 19s representative – just weeks after shining on debut in the club’s miraculous win over the Sydney Roosters. Purdue won’t forget the
Read more%20(1).jpg)
Four bands, four genres, delectable street cuisine, craft brews and pop-up activations will create an electric atmosphere at the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub. Over four nights, from Thursday, July 11, to Sunday, July 14, the Bluewater Quay will echo with rock, rhythm and blues; folk and old-time mountain music; swing and rockabilly; and a Latin dance fiesta. Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan said it was great to see the popular feature of the Mackay Festival of Arts back at the Bluewater Quay. “The
Read more