Without the helping hand of the community’s beloved volunteers, the region just wouldn’t be the same. In honour of the recently passed National Volunteer week (20-26th May), volunteers from all walks of life were acknowledged for their countless devotion and whole-hearted assistance, but the recognition doesn’t stop there. The upcoming 2024 Mackay Volunteer Expo showcases the inclusive nature of volunteering and promises to offer “something for everyone”. From emergency service personnel to
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The 30th anniversary of Million Paws Walk was a woofing success last Sunday as dog lovers and locals alike gathered at Queens Park to enjoy a paw-fect morning filled with canine companionship and community spirit. Joyful owners walked with their cherished fury friends in an attempt to combat animal cruelty, with each dollar donated set to help the Mackay RSPCA team rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs. Overall, the 30th Million Paws Walk was a memorable occasion, bringing together animal lov
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With exciting plans to improve the South Bank’s Grey Street Bikeway and Streetscape, the Mackay community has been invited to have their say on the project. From May 27 to June 23, Mackay locals are called to contribute their perspective and help create a plan for Australia's most vibrant and cyclist-friendly street. South Bank Corporation Chief Executive Officer Bill Delves said the main objective of the project was to create Australia’s coolest and most vibrant sub-tropical street that is rid
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The Sarina Sporting and Services Club was filled with laughter and smiles as guests and members of the Rotary Club Sarina gathered in celebration of the 75 years of service to local community. The club was admitted into Rotary International in 1949 on May 13, marking this year as a significant milestone celebrated by all involved, both young and old. Executive Advisor Ralph Johnson inducted the luncheon with thanks to attendees, members and visitors of the club, acknowledging the support and
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Recent law reforms by the Queensland Government have been by Australia’s foremost breeder of industrial hemp seedstock. Hemp Farms Australia CEO Lauchlan Grout said “good sense” had prevailed when MPs passed the amendments to the Drugs Misuse Act on April 18. Queensland’s Agriculture Minister Mark Furner introduced the changes, saying they support the continued growth of the state’s industrial cannabis industry. “The bill will support the industrial cannabis industry in Queensland by clarifyi
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The Government's decision to halt future funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program and other crucial regional communication initiatives has raised major concerns among regional communities and rural areas. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, highlights the consequences that communities could face without mobile connectivity, especially in emergencies, due to the Government’s lack of funding for other key regional communications infrastructure programs Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Wi
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Currently we are fundraising for the all-important RACQ CQ Rescue chopper. A couple of weeks ago we received a call form a listener who told us of an amazing story how the CQ Rescue chopper saved her sons life after he contracted a disease. The time in which it took the chopper to transport the family from Proserpine to Mackay was the difference between life and death. It was a huge reminder as to how important it is to have the rescue chopper helping save lives in our region. This is where
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The 2024 sugar production season will be delayed after a meeting with the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday, May 28 was unable to resolve an ongoing pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and its employees and union representatives. A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson confirmed the company is in the process of notifying growers of revised start dates, which, across Wilmar’s four regions, represent total delays ranging from two to nine days. “Industrial action has already impacted
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Volunteers are vital for not-for-profit charities, including the Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), where 100 volunteers serve eight hospitals in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regions. Securing a sponsor, like Community Bank Sarina from Bendigo Bank, is crucial to supporting their efforts and maintaining their invaluable services. Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said their sponsorship of the MHF volunteers aligned with the Bank’s “profit for purpose” business model. “Supporting
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Two young explorers have been acknowledged for their dedication and resilience after earning a reputable Grey Wolf Award for Banksia Scout Group. The Grey Wolf Award is a great achievement and requires a cub (aged 8-11 years old) to participate in 60 cub scouting experiences, assist with 9 activities, lead 7 activities, complete 5 nights of camping, learn to tie 3 knots, complete a 6-hour hike and attend 2 additional hikes. As well as learning scouting skills, there is also a requirement to c
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Mackay’s Dudley Denny City Library is opening its doors next Saturday, July 1st to give you the opportunity to sharpen your writing skills in a free educational workshop. In this workshop, Whitsundays local 852 Press Director, Dr Julia Evans and former Federal Political and author of nine books, Richard Evans will combine their wealth of knowledge to help you discover new ways of writing in an uplifting, interactive manner. Kick-start your memoir writing journey and uncover the magic of story
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Food Forest Fest, a cherished local grassroots festival, is orchestrated by the dedicated volunteers of the Mackay community gardens. It seamlessly blends elements of permaculture, entertainment and education, offering attendees a multifaceted experience that celebrates sustainable living and community connection. The festival's diverse attractions include children's activities, educational workshops, bustling local markets, and performances by talented musicians, all set against the backdrop
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Assisting an individual who is experiencing suicidal thoughts can be challenging without the correct knowledge and skills, that’s why Grapevine Group are holding a free safeTALK suicide prevention training session to equip you with the tools to potentially save a life. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8th, at 9:30 am and register for the Dudley Denny City Library's session in Mackay, for this invaluable opportunity that is completely free of charge. During this session, participants will
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In a heart-warming coincidence, a malnourished kitten on the brink of death, was discovered by two backpackers in Clermont late last week. Weak and fragile, the kitten was taken in by the compassionate couple who took care of her to the best of their ability. After a week of dedicated attention, they soon realised that they couldn't provide her with the ongoing care she needed, thus, they reached out to Mackay Pet rescue Inc and ultimately surrendered her. Late Saturday afternoon, ‘Little Lou’
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The anticipation is rising as the Pierce Brothers gear up to grace Mackay’s Seabreeze Hotel on June 6th and Airlie’s Magnums Hotel on June 7th, marking their thrilling return to North Queensland after their stellar performance at last year’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music in November. Riding high on the success of their chart-topping album, 'Everything Is Bigger Than Me' and a string of sold-out shows across Europe and Australia, the dynamic duo is eager to bring their unique sound to the regio
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Mackay Cutters have secured a historic rugby league championship double after capturing the 2024 BMD Womens Premiership. In a unique feat the Cutters women showed their champion qualities to sink Norths Devils 16-6 in an absorbing Grand Final at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium to bring home the club’s second piece of silverware in the space of five weeks. There were jubilant scenes last month when the Cutters lifted the inaugural Harvey Norman Under 19s Womens trophy with an 18-16 Grand Final triumph
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MACKAY Cutters returned to the winners list in Hostplus Cup action last weekend with a rousing 40-26 triumph over the PNG Hunters at BB Print Stadium. The Cutters produced a spirited second half revival to sink their opponents and chalk up a fifth win from ten games played. PNG led 20-10 at the break but failed to contain a rampaging Mackay line up that stormed to victory in the second stanza with a five try rout. Hunters prop Junior Rop burst over to score the opening try of the match after
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Friday 31st May Safety Conference 7.15am Interested in safety leadership? The 2024 Safety Conference is the region's premier safety event. The Safety Conference offers a multifaceted, comprehensive platform for sector leaders and safety professionals to discover the latest industry information and emerging trends from leading safety experts. Come along to the 2024 Safety Conference and prepare to make better safety choices. This year's Safety Conference theme is 'The Why of Safety'. Standard
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Mackay Brothers earned bragging rights in the 2024 NQBE Mackay Junior League A Grade competition after toppling the Magpies 24-10 in their top of the table clash last Sunday at Sologinkin Oval. The unbeaten Leprechauns turned in another polished performance to register their fifth consecutive win of the season and open up a four-point gap from their rivals. Brothers scored four tries to two with crack centres Rydge Smith and Jayden Batchelor, second rower Declan Laird and hooker Daniel Kelly p
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Friday saw the second week of the three-week 2024 Remembrance Pairs competition. This competition is to remember past players and members who are no longer with us and who contributed to building the club into what it is now. It is also to remember present members who have and continue to contribute, as well as to welcome and mentor our newest members to the club. Weekly Results Monday 20 May 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st David Ting / Eric
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Fans across Australia can now watch the Mackay Century Cricket Competition thanks to the renewed broadcast partnership with Kayo Sports. Kayo Sports, Australia's premier sports streaming service, will stream matches at Great Barrier Reef Arena which includes three games on Friday and Saturday, plus the two finals on Sunday, live and free on Kayo Freebies. “This is our third year working with Kayo Sports to broadcast our senior competition, and we’re thrilled to partner with them again as we he
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Two of Australia’s most celebrated Olympic legends will be heading to the BMA Mackay Marina Run on Sunday 2 June 24. Olympian and London Marathon Age World Record holder, Krishna Stanton will pace out the 21.1km half marathon in Mackay at a time of 1 hr and 45 minutes while Athletics Australia Hall of Fame Inductee, Benita Willis, will also attend as an ambassador. Krishna represented Australia at numerous World Cross Country Championships, World indoor Championships (3000m), the Commonwealth
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With the more popular State & National Masters Championship events now in the recent past the club turned its attention to a more challenging and adventurous activity according to some members. A short time ago our secretary insisted we should be enjoying our back yard more and swimming some local waters. Thus, the “Four Dams in One Day” concept was launched in Summer but actioned on Saturday 25th May with a few short days of our northern autumn remaining. A quick ring around and NQ Truck and Ca
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures May 21, 2024: Division 1: Green (Tim Shehan, Lily Boland, Leo Gilbert) d Blue (Will VanDeKaa, Steven Whiting, Lee Brake) 7-4. Lily d Lee -15, 11, 8, -6, 8. Purple (Emma Widdup, Tony Bowman, Robbie Richards) d Red (George Camilleri, Anne Sheridan, Graeme Walker) 9-2. Robbie d Graeme -4, 15, -5, 9, 9. White (Andrew McHugh, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) d Orange (Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Geoff Denman) 7-4. Neil d Janice -9, -5, 12, 7, 8. Black (Goncalo
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Century 21 Coast to Coalfields is thrilled to announce the opening of its new office in Moranbah, QLD, marking a significant expansion of its services. This growth is further enhanced by a strategic merger with esteemed real estate agent Vikki Oldfield, who brings 24 years of industry experience to the team. Under the joint leadership of Luke Curtis and Vikki Oldfield, the new Moranbah office is set to deliver exceptional real estate services to the community. Luke expressed his enthusiasm about
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