Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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On a night filled with laughter, reflection and community spirit, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank hosted our Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner to mark 19 years since our doors first opened. The event was a heartwarming testament to the wide-ranging impact the Bank has made in the Sarina and Mackay region, thanks to our banking team, volunteer board, customers, shareholders and community members. Over the past 19 years, Community Bank Sarina has not only provided financial services
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There are many reasons to move to Mackay … but one particular factor has emerged that says something quite disturbing about other parts of regional Queensland and highlights how favourably we compare. Some people move to Mackay because of the great weather. You will never convince me to celebrate the humidity of December to March but outside of those months I absolutely love it and it seems everyone else does as well. They also come here for the beaches, boating, fishing and all that wonderful,
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The Mackay Rugby competition is just over halfway and what a season it has been! My first season didn’t start as planned, popping my shoulder out round one, but it’s given me a different perspective of the sport of rugby. Being able to coach (and I use that term loosely) the backs, while recovering from my shoulder injury, has given me a new appreciation for the sport as a whole. The Brothers had a slow start to the season, the boys have really fired in the last few weeks and are coming toget
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Originating from South Africa is Jennifer-Lee Houseman, a 13-year-old emerging talent, now living in Mackay, who is making significant waves in the realm of dancing, singing and modelling. With her recent relocation to Australia, she brings a wealth of experience and achievements in the performing arts, thriving both on the stage and in front of the camera with a passion for captivating audiences. When she's not dancing or in her heels, Jennifer-Lee loves to be in nature and enjoys long walks
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Music-lovers have been excitedly waiting for the final release of the much-anticipated line-up of the 2024 Airlie Beach Festival of Music and organisers are thrilled to deliver another spectacular list of talented musicians. Rose Tattoo, Southern Sons, Reece Mastin, Sandi Thom, and more are joining an already stacked line-up including Sweet (UK), Pseudo Echo, Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Christine Anu, Ash Grunwald, 19 Twenty, and Bondi Cigars. With the main-stage located at the Whitsunday Sailing Cl
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Friday 14th June Be A Hero For Heart Kids 9am Join in on the 14th of June for a sausage sizzle in support of Heart Kids charity! All donations will go towards helping children with heart conditions. Event by Incredable Tip Shop. 42 Crichtons Rd, Paget The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged) 2pm An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) was London’s longest-running comedy having clocked a very palpable nine year
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GP and women’s health expert Associate Professor Magda Simonis has warned early onset menstruation in Australia is occurring as early as Grade 2 or 3, 8–11 years old, for some girls, and this can be a shock to them and their parents as often it hasn’t been discussed by that age. Usually, education at schools is provided in Years 5 and 6. “A delay in education could leave many girls unprepared for the physical and emotional changes of puberty, potentially exacerbating feelings of confusion and d
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The highly anticipated Whitsundays Writers Festival will ignite the region from Friday 6 September to Sunday 8 September. The prestigious, premier literary event dedicated to the fostering of creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for the written word, has announced one of their thrilling marque events set to debut this September. The Big Book Club High Tea featuring highly celebrated and acclaimed authors Sally Hepworth and Kristy Manning will have festival attendees buzzing with excitement on
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When Chester arrived at Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (MPRI), he was in a dire state, skeletal and weighed just 2.1 kilograms. His fur was matted, causing him immense pain with every movement. A thorough vet check revealed his weak condition, with a heart rate of 220 bpm and severe worm infestation. Chester was unable to undergo vaccinations or microchipping due to his underweight status and fragile state, although, he received the best care at the Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital and wa
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Lunch and birthday cake was provided to Reef Catchments staff and other industry stakeholders in a social event last Monday that encouraged participants to enjoy networking time with the board. Attendees gained an insight into what’s to come with NRM (Natural Resource Management) projects and had the chance to reflect on the remarkable achievements that have been established over the last 21 years. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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Recognising the importance of blood and plasma donations, the North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club have made an impactful commitment in support of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood organisation. A while ago, the Sinkers executive committee discovered that several members regularly donated blood or plasma. They decided to reach out and explore how the club could support this valuable community activity, thus, the North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club Life Blood Team was established.
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Week one of the three-week Mackay Club Pairs Championship was played on Saturday. Players must have the same partner for all three weeks of the competition to be eligible to win the competition. Coveted red points are allocated each week for pairs in the top allocated spots. David Ting and Eric Goodchild, along with Max and Diane Holewa are in the lead after the first week. Weekly Results Monday 3 June 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st Helen V
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Mackay Cutters have continued their topsy-turvy form in the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup rugby league series. There was no joy for Michael Comerford’s charges last weekend after suffering a 42-6 shellacking at the hands of Redcliffe Dolphins at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. It is a savage blow for the Cutters who have slumped to tenth spot after starting their premiership campaign with encouraging victories in the early rounds. The match was played in front of a boisterous crowd as
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Well over thirty runners and supporters braved the extremely cool conditions last weekend for Mackay Road Runners’ Blacks Beach Bush Bash. The warming sun was a welcome sight as it rose over Blacks Beach as 5km runners started from the Blacks Beach Tavern towards the beach and the 9.7km runners commenced in the opposite direction only to join up with the 5km runners in the final stages. The varying surfaces of bush trails and sandy shores gave runners a welcome reprieve from the usual concret
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A change of scenery has proved a refreshing tonic for rising Wanderers half back Isaac McFarlane in the Mackay Junior League. The skilful number seven has proved a valuable acquisition for the Roosters this season after carving his niche with the Magpies club. Since linking with the Wanderers the gifted McFarlane has established himself the premier half back in the Under 15s competition with his organisational skills, turn of speed and kicking prowess a feature. The all-conquering Roosters re
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As the days begin to cool, bowls action at the Mackay Bowling Club has heated up with close matches across social, competition, and Pennant play. Men’s Triples - Tuesday Afternoon Winners: Col Marks and Neale Holt Winner of the Losers: Alan Summerville, John Jorgensen, and Greg Thomsen Scroungers - Thursday Afternoon - Steve Cassidy vs. Neale Holt in a close game was a notable match. Pennant Competitions Saturday Matches: Division 2: Played at Wests Tigers, lost on three rinks. Division 4: Playe
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Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club’s U15 Nate McKinnon recently travelled to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast to compete in the Australian Championships. The event involves elite lifesavers being assessed on their surf sports fitness, patient assessment and CPR skills and a detailed theory paper, against the best of the best in each respective state. Nate McKinnon took 1st place for the second year in a row, a huge achievement for surf lifesaving in this region. “The club is extremely proud of Nate for
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results June 4, 2024: Division 1: Brown (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson, Graham Brake) d Orange (Janice Kent, Geoff Denman, Donna Abbott) 7-4. Donna d Andrea -9, 8, -4, 9, 8. Blue (Steven Whiting, Lee Brake, Will VanDeKaa) d Red (George Camilleri, Anne Sheridan, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Lee d Graeme 5, -6, -9, 8, 11. Purple (Duncan Treloar, Emma Widdup, Robbie Richards) d Green (Tim Shehan, Lily Boland, Leo Gilbert) 8-3. Robbie d Lily 7, 12, -8, -12, 8
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The North Mackay Saints travelled up to the Nest on Saturday, and Whitsundays provided a stellar day for everyone to enjoy. Our Sea Eagles Under 12s took victory for the day, though the remaining grades faced tough matchups. In an extremely tight contest, our Senior Men couldn't quite hold on and were beaten 31-39 in the last quarter by the North Mackay Saints. Despite the disappointing result, there were positive signs as the team looks to find form and connect better on the field this week aga
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The first Annual Cane Country Pickleball Tournament took place in Home Hill this past weekend, attracting fifteen teams from Airlie Beach, Bowen, Townsville, Cardwell, and Home Hill. Participants competed fiercely in the competitive division, while social players enjoyed the beautiful northern winter setting. The Whitsunday team, Airlie Norfoll and Chance, consisting of Peter, Trevor, Kazuko, and Robyn, emerged victorious. They were closely followed by the Legendary Lonbers from Townsville, who
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The grand finals of Whitsunday Touch Footy took place over the weekend. “It was a sensationally exciting night,” said Alita De Brincat from Whitsunday Touch Footy. “With four games in total and two going to drop-offs” “It was great to see so many people come down to support the sport by cheering on the team.” Another highlight was seeing Club President, Justin Butler receive a Life Membership Award. The inaugural award for Junior of the Season was given to Stella Ansell. “She was given the
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2: Jasper and Vince 4: Abby, Cathy, Sergeant Billy and Lucy 7: Amelia, Jordan, Ruby and Stevie with teacher Autumn Webster 8: Deputy Mayor Michelle Wright with some children 9: Ms Heffernan and Principal Shirley 10: Sandra, Councillor Jan Clifford, Kylie and Bec Photo credit: Rachael Smith For the full photo gallery head to mackayandwhitsundaylife.com
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Sunday Social In Sunday’s social matches, Anna and Jane defeated Britt and Ron, while Tracey and Gary defeated Marilyn and Helen. Wednesday Social During Wednesday’s social matches, Peter, Daryl, and Helen defeated Ian, Gordo, and Gavin. Additionally, Marilyn, Ron, and Gus defeated Carol, Jane, and Tracey. The winners for the afternoon were Robin, Britt, and A. McDonald, defeated Mary Ellen, Tiarna, and Steve. Wangaratta Ladies Excel in Blue Pennant Congratulations to the Wangaratta Ladies for s
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Pennants have been set aside for a couple of weeks as players from across the district seize the opportunity to participate in the Australian Open on the Gold Coast, testing their skills against competitors from wider afield. Wednesday Social Bowls In Wednesday's Social Bowls, Ashley, Philip Brown, and Heather Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown, and Sandy Daffara with a score of 26-14. John Anderson, Barry Zillmann, and Nev Smith narrowly defeated Arthur Griffith, Carol, and Mike Harris
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The Monday self-selected triples kicked off with a full green. John Hayson, Max Ritchie, and Peter Nesbitt emerged victorious, defeating J. Harding, Graeme Read, and Allan Rolfe. Runners-up were Terrie Crozier, Michael Loughhead, and Bob Dykstra, who defeated Kerry, Heidi Reif, and G. Feast. Tuesday Social Bowls Tuesday’s winners were M. Gleeson, M. Wilson, and G. Solly, who defeated J. Hayson, S. Shearing, and June Walsh. Nick Dalee, Lorraine Knight, and Joe Paynting were runners-up, defeating
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