Issue #

23

Wings Of Opportunity Mackay Airport Supports Local Sporting Clubs

May 16, 2024

Mackay Airport has launched a new $25,000 initiative to support local sporting clubs. Five deserving not-for-profit groups will receive $5000 each as part of the Mackay Airport Local Community Sports Grants campaign. Nominations opened on Wednesday 8th of May and will close on Thursday 23 May. Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said the new initiative recognised the significance and wide-ranging benefits of Mackay’s local sporting culture, particularly for school-aged children. “W

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Local Talents Bring Home Global Spotlight

May 16, 2024

In April 2024, the prestigious WIDA (World Irish Dance Association) World Championships took place in Belgium, providing a platform for Irish dancers worldwide to showcase their skills. The championship spanned approximately five days, beginning with the Grade Feis, followed by team events and later concluded in The World Championships. Isabella Cummins, also known as Issey, began dancing at the age of 2. Since then, she has flourished into a phenomenal talent and is now a seven-year-old with a

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New Director Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton Appointed

May 16, 2024

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, the Most Reverend, Michael McCarthy, has announced the appointment of Mr Michael McCusker as the new Director of Catholic Education for the Rockhampton Diocese effective from 1 July 2024. The appointment of Mr McCusker follows the announcement by current Director Miss Leesa Jeffcoat, that after 23 years she will be concluding her time in the role at the end of 2024 and will be on leave from 1 July 2024. In congratulating and welcoming Mr McCuske

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Mackay Medical Provider Suspended For Substandard Testing Of Coal Miners  

May 16, 2024

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has suspended Harbour Road Medical in Mackay for six months due to substandard spirometry testing, affecting 135 coal mine workers. RSHQ's Director of Health Strategy and Compliance, Patrick Jensen, emphasised the importance of maintaining high-quality medical screening to protect workers' health and safety, especially in light of past incidents like the re-identification of black lung disease in Queensland in 2015. The state's resources regulator,

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Army Truck Makes Unexpected Pit Stop at Ampol

May 16, 2024

A military vehicle careened into chaos at a petrol station in North Queensland, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. It was reported by emergency services that at 5:15pm on Tuesday, authorities including police, firefighters and ambulance were called to the Ampol station situated on the Bruce Highway in Sarina, just south of Mackay. Quick action from station personnel prevented any fuel spills, averting any potential risks of environmental disaster. Shocked residents took to a popula

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Aurora Australis Captured In Mackay

May 16, 2024

A captivating celestial display unfolded as the aurora australis, commonly known as the southern lights, adorned the skies across the country with stunning hues of pink, green, and blue. This rare spectacle, triggered by a severe geomagnetic storm, marked the first such event in Australia since 2003, captivating observers across the country. The mesmerising light show, fuelled by sun-emitted plasma and solar flares in four distinct "coronal mass ejections," cast its brilliance over two consecut

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COUNCIL RECRUITS CLEVER CANINES TO SNIFF OUT LEAKS

May 16, 2024

In a first for the local area, Mackay Regional Council will recruit the help of two very clever canines to detect water leaks. Don’t worry, council hasn’t gone barking mad, Bubbles and Splash from NTS Group are two highly trained spaniels able to sniff out potential water leaks. Together with the help of their diligent handlers they will cover approximately 63 kilometres of water mains in the City Centre precinct, South Mackay and East Mackay areas over the next two weeks. Besides being adorable

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The Peasant Prince Set To Grace The MECC

May 16, 2024

Mackay audiences will be treated to an inspiring production The Peasant Prince this June as part of the DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season. Based on the incredible story of Mao’s Last Dancer, the autobiography of Li Cunxin and a major motion picture, the play is aimed at audiences aged seven to twelve years of age. Following the successful performances of Possum Magic and Edward the Emu, the award-winning theatre company Monkey Baa is thrilled to bring the production The Peasant Prince to Mackay, pres

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Property Point

May 16, 2024

You don’t get a second chance at making a first impression. I can’t claim that as an original saying but it sums up one of the most important things to consider when selling a property. It is one of the big points of discussion I regularly have with sellers as they try to work out how much time, effort and money they need to put in to get their property ready for sale. The obvious point is that you only put money into something that is going to give you a significantly better return than the amo

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Energy Efficient Upgrades For Your Home

May 16, 2024

In today's environmentally conscious world, optimising your home's energy efficiency isn't just about reducing your carbon footprint, it's also about saving money and enhancing comfort. With a range of upgrades available, here are some efficient ways to transform your home into an eco-friendly space without sacrificing style or functionality: Led Lighting: Start by replacing outdated incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. LED bulbs consume less energy, last longer, and emit less h

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Harvesting Opportunities From Inaugural Sugar Cubed Conference

May 16, 2024

A brighter future for Queensland’s sugarcane industry was the focus as more than 100 growers and industry leaders gathered in Mackay last week for the inaugural Sugar Cubed conference. The two-day event featured a lineup of expert speakers, many at the forefront of innovations in the sugarcane industry and the Australian bioeconomy. Jet Zero CEO Ed Mason, Qantas Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Graeme Potger, KPMG Origins CEO Laszlo Peter, Coca Cola’s Head of Sugar Procurement Pete Greenwell, a

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2024 WOMEN IN SUGAR AUSTRALIA (WISA) CONFERENCE

May 16, 2024

One Hundred women gathered at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall in Ingham for the 2024 Women in Sugar Australia (WISA) Conference from 28th to 30th April with the theme “Women Powering Agriculture.” There were plenty of opportunities for the attendees to reminisce, renew acquaintances, and meet other like-minded women in agriculture, whether they were the ladies who worked alongside their husbands on the farm, or those who work in industries or companies that support the sugar industry. A Meet and Gr

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Cutters Win BMD Women’s Minor Premiership

May 16, 2024

Mackay Cutters women’s rugby league team have taken a giant step towards claiming the 2024 BMD Women's Premiership. The well-drilled Cutters are the competition’s newly crowned minor premiers after toppling second-placed Norths Devils 26-22 in a cracking contest last Sunday at Brisbane’s Bishop Park. Marco Peters’ Mackay warriors went into the match with the minor title in the bag, but tuned up for the finals series with an impressive victory over the depleted Devils in an absorbing tussle. T

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Event Guide 17 May

May 16, 2024

Friday 17th May Conversations With Art 1pm Held on the 3rd Friday of each month, 'Conversations with Art' is a free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as we look at art works and images from gallery and museum collections. POP-UP VENUE*: 'Artspace in Residence' room, Dudley Denny City Library, Victoria St, Mackay Sunset Pilates 5.30pm Wanting to learn the fundamentals? This is a beginner experience and has been designed to show you the ropes and give you a taste of Pilates and

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Promising Parter Shines For Leprechauns

May 16, 2024

Mackay Brothers have preserved their unbeaten status in the 2024 Northern Region Mackay & District Rugby League A Grade competition. The high-flying Leprechauns recorded their fourth successive victory in as many rounds after edging out the tenacious Souths Sharks 18-10 last Saturday at Shark Park. Dashing fullback Tyrese Parter, clever halfback Brad Campbell and wily hooker Daniel Kelly posted tries for Brothers with centre Rydge Smith potting three conversions in a hard-fought contest. Shar

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May Day Fours Carnival Mackay City Ladies Bowling Club

May 16, 2024

Another fantastic weekend of bowls was had at Mackay City Bowls Club on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May. The ladies’ club once again made both days highly enjoyable starting with Cath’s scones and finishing with an array of sweet tastes. All teams ‘laboured’ on the green in great camaraderie with the following teams being successful.

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Mackay Contract Bridge

May 16, 2024

Things are now back to normal at the club, after the Barrier Reef Congress last weekend. We would like to thank all our sponsors who supported us to put on the Barrier Reef Congress - Mackay Regional Council, Dalrymple Bay, TBIB, Paul Lavings, North Marine, SH Tait & Co, Officeworks, Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper and Mackay Tourism. Friend of the club, Maria Setiyawan headed back to Brisbane after lots of bridge, laughter and catching up with old friends at the bridge table on her trip.

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National Golden Glory For Clancy

May 16, 2024

Mackay Rowing Club is basking in the glow of success as its members make waves at the National Rowing Championships in Tasmania. With a display of skill and determination, four of the club's athletes have given it their all at the prestigious Lake Barrington International Rowing Course. Richard McGrath, Therese Clancy, Jane Deguara, and Michael Wolhfahrt demonstrated exceptional teamwork and prowess as they powered through the waters. Teaming up with Pinerivers Rowing Club, Mackay's rowers secur

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AT THE TABLE

May 16, 2024

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results May 7, 2024: Division 1: Orange (Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Geoff Denman) d Green (Lily Boland, Robbie Richards) 7-4. Donna d Robbie -9, 6, -10, 10, 9. Brown (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson, Vince Boeske) d Purple (Emma Widdup, Tony Bowman, Duncan Treloar) 8-3. Barry d Emma -9, 8, -5, 10, 8. White (Andrew McHugh, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) d Blue (Will VanDeKaa, Steven Whiting, Lee Brake) 7-4. Steven d Neil 13, 5, -7, -3, 10. Black (Goncal

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Century 21 A Seamless, Stress-Free Real Estate

May 16, 2024

Century 21 Coast to Coalfields is now open servicing Mackay and Morabah, QLD, under the leadership of seasoned real estate professional Luke James Curtis. With over 14 years of industry expertise, Luke and his experienced team are keen to offer a quality service and experience to buyers and sellers, along with high quality property management. They can even help with home loans. Luke expressed the following on what he hopes to accomplish with this new office, "Our vision for the new Centu

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GOING FOR GOLD!

May 16, 2024

3 Towns, 3 Medals Up For Grabs! VOTING CLOSES TODAY! SCAN THIS QR CODE AND MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT Three towns in the Whitsundays are in the spotlight this week having all become finalists in the Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards. Bowen, Airlie Beach and Collinsville have all been nominated in a different category so it is possible that all three could come home with a gold award if they receive the most amount of votes. Tourism Whitsundays, Bowen Tourism and Business, Whitsunday Regional Coun

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Editors Note Whittsundays

May 16, 2024

Hi Everyone, I was at the gym chatting to a fellow step-class participant earlier this week when we got talking about volunteering for committees. She told me a hilarious story about a P&C sausage sizzle committee meeting years ago when her children were young – the group of volunteers were all fussing and overthinking the little details so much that she asked a simple question: “How much are we aiming to fundraise?” To which she was told, $150 – and, without thinking, she whipped out her pu

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Free Seedlings From Plant Girl

May 16, 2024

For four years now Oceana Little has been selling plants for pocket money and her entrepreneurial spirit has become quite well known in the community, giving her the affectionate nickname of ‘plant girl’. Growing almost any variety of plants and vegetables, Oceana has grown lettuce, tomato, capsicums and many others. When they reach a good size, she then sells her plants for $1 or $2 for some pocket money and she loves doing it. With her reputation for loving plants, many people in the commu

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New Whitsunday Mayor Attends Bowen Chamber Event

May 16, 2024

By Paul Gellatly Bowen’s harbour and foreshore area, and Abbot Point, will be priority areas in master planning for the region by the new Whitsunday Regional Council. Mayor Ry Collins, a month after being sworn in, was addressing Bowen Chamber of Commerce's May meeting to describe his vision for the Whitsunday region in his first term. The new mayor is planning to bring his considerable experience in agriculture, construction, the public sector and industry to bear on his new role and says he

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BUDGET IN BRIEF

May 16, 2024

• Federal Government released Tuesday night • $9.3M surplus announced, 1st back-to-back in a decade • Power Bill Relief – all households receive $300 rebate • Cost of Living Relief - Tax Cuts on average $1,888 • Publicly Funded Paid Parental Leave increases $106 a week • Rent Assistance - $250 a Fortnight for welfare recipients • Reduced Prescription Costs - no-one pays more than $31.60 • Student Debt Wiped - $3 million debts removed Big Budget Spends While W

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