%20copy.jpg)
The electrifying sounds of Dear Seattle will ignite the stage on June 27th at Mackay's Seabreeze Hotel. Fresh off the release of their latest single, "Sungazer," Dear Seattle promises an evening of fun and realism that bridges the gap between modern grunge and sincere introspection. "Sungazer," released via Domestic La La, is already being hailed as an instant classic. With its sharp punk structure and pulsating basslines, the song captures the essence of Dear Seattle's evolution while stayin
Read more
"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone" In a heart-warming gesture, a local business has jumped on board to offer a helping hand to those in need by providing a clothes rack of warm jumpers and essential items for winter – completely free of charge. Given the rental and financial crisis, many people are left grappling for money with others forced to sleep on the street. In light of this, IDEAL Placements Mackay have provided a Community Rack on display at the front of their bus
Read more
Last night, tragedy struck in South Mackay with a devastating homicide that claimed the life of a 34-year-old woman and left a 66-year-old man seriously injured. Emergency services were called to the scene at 4.36pm where the incident unfolded at Robb Place. Initially, the area was placed under an emergency declaration as police launched a comprehensive search for the alleged perpetrator and residents were urged to remain indoors while the operation was underway. The boundaries under the Publi
Read more
By Amanda Wright Last Sunday, the Pioneer Valley Show celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of community spirit and entertainment with a magical day filled with fun and excitement. The event, held at the Finch Hatton showgrounds, attracted thousands of visitors who were treated to a myriad of activities and attractions. The day was packed with thrilling rides, vibrant market stalls, and a special bubble tribute to Everleigh Johnson who tragically lost her life on New Year’s Eve. T
Read more
Winter is my favourite time of the year in Mackay! To be fair, when I lived in New Zealand, I loved winter too. Living at the base of Mt Hutt skifield in Mid Canterbury, we had regular blankets of snow, which I always found utterly magical. However, I have an even fonder love for winter in Mackay. No de-icing the car windscreen, no slipping on icy driveways and I still rarely need to hunt out a pair of socks. But what truly makes winter my favourite time of year here in Mackay, besides the stun
Read more
By Amanda Wright Geotechnical drilling has produced “promising results” for the Queensland Government’s proposed pumped hydro storage project at Pioneer-Burdekin, but the project is stirring significant controversy within the community and across political lines. Following drilling by local Mackay-based company Twin Hills Engineering, investigations by WSP and SMEC have found very strong, coarse competent granite rock, which the Queensland Government claimed is ideal for dam construction, tunnel
Read more
By Hannah McNamara Sixty-four years ago on June 10, twenty-nine lives were claimed in one of the region’s most tragic, yet mysterious plane crashes in Australia’s aviation history. In the lead-up to the 65th anniversary next year, it’s important as a community to remember the history of our regional landmarks and learn about this catastrophe, one that is unheard of for some, but remembered by many. In 1960, the Fokker Friendship F-27 aircraft named Abel Tasman was set to arrive in Mackay aft
Read more
Eight well-deserving non-profit organisations were presented with outstanding grants from the Mackay Community Foundation with a focus on bettering the community and making a difference. The presentation ceremony showcased the selfless work that these organisations have contributed and highlighted the profound impact that the foundation has made in areas that need it most. Mackay Community Foundation Chair Frances Easton announced that an anonymous donor was ensuring that the financial year of
Read more.jpg)
Nineteen-year-old Annabelle Munt left her hometown of Mackay just three weeks ago after moving to Melbourne to pursue a career in modelling. Before the big move, she was employed at Blacks Real Estate but has since settled into the outskirts of Melbourne where she has already claimed a new apartment and full-time job as a property agent. Reflecting on what Annabelle loves the most about the industry, she says that “Fashion helps me express myself in a way that gets me out of my shell from bei
Read more.jpg)
Embarking on the 20th year of excellence is The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival and tickets are selling out fast! Schools, groups and individuals are encouraged to check out this incredible two-day line-up, featuring the largest youth literature festival north of the Sunshine coast with dates penned in place for the 11th and 12th of July at Whitsunday Anglican School Mackay. Kate Ceberano, Belinda Murrell, James Foley and Nick Earls are just some of the many talented presenters, au
Read more
Mackay Regional Council Libraries are offering residents the chance to win two $250 EFTPOS gift vouchers simply by completing a 10-minute survey. The survey, which is live now on connectingmackay.com.au, asks a variety of questions to help Libraries understand what residents’ ideal library service looks like. Questions include what library services bring you to libraries, what branches you visit and whether you’d like to pick up reserved items from alternative locations, like shopping centres. F
Read more
Mackay Regional Council staff will begin scheduled maintenance of palm trees in the Mackay City Centre next week. The maintenance will start on Tuesday, June 25, in Wood Street and will include removing dead fronds, cutting away visible fruit stalks and removing seed pods. Arborists will be on site between the hours of 5am and 9am on weekdays and they will be carrying out maintenance on trees located on Wood, Victoria, Sydney, Macalister and Nelson streets, Matsuura Drive and Mangrove Road. Work
Read more
Works on the Paradise and Webberley streets intersection in West Mackay have progressed to stage two. Mackay Regional Council have completed the northern drainage and subgrade replacement for the entire project and will commence work on the southern stormwater drainage works, subbase pavement layer and pavement widening, and reconstruction of Webberley Street this week. Traffic management will be in place and the intersection at Simpson and Webberley streets will be closed with local traffic acc
Read more
Medical professionals are emphasising the importance for women to familiarise themselves with the signs of endometrial cancer as projections indicate a 50 per cent increase in cases by 2040. A Brisbane woman who was just forty years old at the time received a endometrial cancer diagnosis in 2021 and now shares her heartbreaking testimony, in hopes that it raises awareness for other women. In Australia alone, approximately 3,300 cases of this cancer were diagnosed last year, marking a twofold ri
Read more
There was no rest for the diligent RACQ CQ Rescue team last weekend as crews responded swiftly to multiple incidents across the region. In a display of their dedication and timely expertise in aeromedical rescue, the first mission, initiated by Queensland Health involved transporting a male that was injured whilst operating machinery at a mine site near Coppabella. The patient was air-lifted in a stable condition. The RACQ CQ Rescue Crew then flew to St Lawerance to retrieve a gentleman with
Read more
A 73-year-old man tragically died after falling approximately 10 meters from a bridge in Marian early Friday morning. The Mackay Regional Council contractor was working at the site when the accident occurred. It was reported that the man was on shift early in the morning, when it is believed he fell between the gap of the George L Vickers bridge, which separates the railway line and road, with his body being discovered around 3am. Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen confirmed the sad news, a
Read more
Detectives have charged two Dysart men for copper theft and equipment damage at a Tieri mine, totalling over $500,000 in losses. The 57-year-old faces multiple charges, including receiving tainted property and drug production, while the 43-year-old was charged with theft. Detective Sergeant Sheldon Livingstone emphasises ongoing investigations and urges community support in combating property crimes in Moranbah. Both await trial at Moranbah Magistrates Court. 10-Day Blitz Leads To Knife C
Read more
At a time when big banks are cutting services, a local branch is celebrating its institution’s success in bucking industry trends, adding more accolades to its collection, and demonstrating that the customer-focused approach is a clear winner. Queensland Country Bank, a member-owned institution, is distinguishing itself in an industry facing significant challenges, recently securing wins at the WeMoney 2024 Awards, including Customer Owned Bank of the Year, Best Flexibility – Home Loans, Best
Read more
Right now, either way, you’d be in heaven with show season going full on all this week. For me personally, you can throw me any show-bags and I’ll be set for a winning day. Set me up on the roller coaster, or any machine that spins, rolls over and goes upside down? Well, you can forget it, because I’ll be guaranteed to bring up last week's smoko if I did. No one wants to see that, or even hear it for that matter. Show season is one of those weeks that we all love. Sure, we get a public holiday
Read more
Merrick Watts has cracked the code when it comes to ensuring his audiences have a great time. It’s a straightforward formula – ply your audience with wine, tell them hilarious stories relating to the wine, rinse and repeat. It’s simple, it works and it’s the reason why Merrick Watts – An Idiot’s Guide to Wine has been selling out shows all over the world. Local audiences can catch the show at the MECC Plenary Halls during the Mackay Festival of Arts from Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7. M
Read more
By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay Farmers are typically your quiet achievers. They get in, get on, and get the job done. It’s been a frustrating start to the season again. Marian Mill has been a few weeks late getting up and running, and Plane Creek has been on a delayed start as miller and workers negotiate on wages. In the background, CANEGROWERS has been in communication with unions and miller, making sure that it is clearly understood that, while worker capacity to earn a living,
Read more
An Australian rural charity has been urgently assisting farmers who are battling increased levels of mental ill-health in recent months. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said primary producers are feeling overworked, underappreciated and anxious. “In a recent Rural Aid study, one in two farmers said they’ve felt their mental health decline in the past year,” Mr Warlters said. “76 per cent of our farmers rated their mental health as poor, very poor or average.” “These numbers show that all i
Read more
OPINION PIECE Returning from Western Australia earlier this week, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said it is now clear that this “Albanese Labor Government wants Australian farmers to flock off.” “Make no mistake about it. They have decimated our fishing industry in Queensland, they are now attacking our live sheep exports in WA, and cattle exports will be next across Australia,” Mr Willcox said. “Over 3,000 farmers, families, and children from all around Australia turned out to
Read more
One of the good Australian sayings is that someone or something is “punching above their weight”. The term is often used to describe an ordinary looking bloke with a good-looking girlfriend or wife … “gee, he’s punching above his weight”. The phrase, I imagine, comes from the world of boxing, where fighters are restricted to a weight division. Which brings me to a local bloke by the name of Liam Paro. Born and raised in Mackay, Paro won the world title in his IBF light welterweight division aga
Read more.jpg)
Creating inviting outdoor living spaces through DIY projects can transform your backyard into a functional and aesthetically pleasing area for relaxation and entertainment. Here are several creative ideas to inspire your outdoor makeover: Cozy Outdoor Lounge: Begin with comfortable seating options like DIY pallet sofas or repurposed wooden benches with plush cushions. Add a handmade coffee table using a reclaimed crate or an old trunk topped with a custom-cut piece of glass. DIY Hammock Corn
Read more