During the months of January and February, Harrup Park committed to supporting the Far North Queensland flood relief. For every main meal served in the Bistro during this period, the venue pledged to donate $1 towards the cause. This initiative stemmed from the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper, which devastatingly caused destruction to numerous residential communities in Far North Queensland last year. Each main meal ordered by guests and members during January and February contributed directly
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With an estimated 6,000 homeless defence personnel in Australia, the issue of veteran homelessness is a pressing concern that demands attention. Shockingly, only 1.1% of veterans access homeless support services, compared to 3.4% of the general population. Current and former service personnel experience homelessness at a rate three times higher than the broader population, highlighting a significant issue that most are unaware of. 16-year-old cadet, Murray Macgroarty has taken on the mission t
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Following the announcement of the Mackay Base Hospital expansion project and subsequent relocation of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia are proud to announce a major extension for their care of sick and injured children in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays region. The Charity has introduced the launch of the RMHC Hospitality Cart, operating at the Mackay Base Hospital to continue servicing families with sick and injured children wh
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In the lead up to ANZAC Day, RSL Queensland launched its ‘Postcards of Honour’ initiative for the second year, encouraging Queensland’s youngest generation to express their personal connection to ANZAC Day through writing and illustrations. Secretary of the Walkerston/Pleystowe RSL Sub Branch, Dan Peters paid St Johns Catholic Primary School a visit to share his stories and insights on ANZAC day while educating the students by answering their questions and teaching them about the importance of
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“The Albanese Government promised programs to support the regions, but after almost two years there is nothing to show for it.” These are the words of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox who believes the Dawson community is suffering from the government’s failure to allocate grants for much needed community infrastructure projects. “The Labor Government in Canberra has imposed a two-year funding drought on regional communities as a result of the Prime Minister’s decisions to abolish progra
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The Festivals Australia program, administered by Australian Government, is injecting $1.4 million into festivals across Australia, including the Mackay region, to support a diverse array of artistic endeavours. One recipient of this funding is the Mackay Film Festival for Youth, which will host the Pioneer Valley Acting and Screen Production Weekend Community Workshop. This workshop aims to enhance digital storytelling skills, covering scriptwriting, acting, producing, directing, editing, an
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Mackay Regional Council announced last week that the Bluewater Lagoon will close from Monday, April 29, until early September 2024 for significant upgrade work. Contractors will be completing work to replace the existing surface of the main and top lagoons with a new lining and tiles. Council said that the existing Quartzon lining of the lagoon’s floor is being replaced with a Polyvinyl Chloride membrane system that will reduce maintenance requirements at the facility. This follows on from the w
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A $1 million fund to enhance social and community life in the Isaac region has been unveiled at today’s (20 April) inaugural Pembroke Resources Community Expo in Moranbah. Pembroke Chairman and CEO Barry Tudor said the new Pembroke Community Partnership Program fund was created to ensure the local area continued to benefit from the opening of the Olive Downs Complex for generations to come, with funding being provided to projects identified, prioritised and supported by local residents. “The
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GUEST SPEAKER: Stephen Andrew MP with current, irrefutable information. Across this great nation of ours, we are rising up to “Say NO to Digital ID”. Digital ID means every one of us will be under total control of the government: • The government will track your every movement 24/7 • The government will keep a record of every cent you spend and reward or punish you accordingly • The government will control what you buy and even IF you can buy • The government will control wher
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A local program changing the trajectory of chronic illness in First Nations people and providing greater access to care and education will be showcased across the state next month. The healthy lifestyle program is for First Nations and Australian South Sea Islander people who are at risk of type 2 diabetes, living with type 2 diabetes or have post-gestational diabetes. This program uses group lifestyle sessions, one-on-one care management and community event education to support those at risk
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Two men and a teenage boy have been charged in relation to the unlawful use of a motor vehicle in Mackay. It will be alleged the 2019 Nissan Navara was stolen from an address on Fitzroy Court, Mount Pleasant on Sunday, April 21. Just after 9am on April 22, the car crashed on Oak Street in Andergrove and three males left the scene on foot. It will be further alleged a 22-year-old man resisted arrest and allegedly kicked one officer and headbutted another officer. A 22-year-old Beaconsfield man ha
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Mackay is set to introduce ‘The Gentle Way’, a revolutionised end-of-life process with an effective, environmentally friendly approach to handling human remains. Inspired by a desire to provide a gentler alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods, CEOs and Founders of Whitsunday Funerals, Jeff and Judy Boyle explored the American Alkaline Hydrolysis system. Despite its potential, they recognised its shortcomings, including harsh effects on the body and significant water wastage. Dr
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Our region is home to a highly unique business, known as a community bank. The community bank model is based on profit for purpose – where anyone can choose to be a customer, and a percentage of the profits are re-invested directly back into the local community. One of just 322 community banks across Australia, our very own Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is celebrating 19 years of business this June – and over $3.8 million invested back into our local community. Providing a full suite of ba
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The annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk, dedicated to fighting animal cruelty, is back in Mackay! On Sunday, May 26th, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am, join the community at Queens Park for a day of fun and fundraising. Celebrating its 30th year, the Million Paws Walk started in Queensland and has since become a beloved event nationwide. Everyone is welcome to participate, so bring the whole family for a fantastic day out. Don't worry if you don't have a furry friend – all are invited to enjoy the festivi
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay Isaac region residents have followed the Mackay Region and received new Land Valuations, with some dramatic increases causing discussion and anxiety as they take in the new valuation. Across the board, the total value of rural land across the region has increased by 70%. But for many, increases are beyond 100%. That, of course, translates into rates increases for landholders. While CANEGROWERS Mackay is continuing discussions with Mackay Regional Counc
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website and app are useful tools used by many farmers and producers. The tools help landholders to understand upcoming short and long-term climate forecasts, assisting with informed property management decisions. But did you know BOM also has a YouTube channel that provides regular videos and playlists? These outline weekly, monthly and even severe weather forecasts and events. Navigating the BOM website can be tricky and may not always provide clear and usable i
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing As the close of the 2023 pricing season nears, it's an opportune time to reflect on the journey it has been. Opening in July 2020 with an indicative forward price of $350/t, the trajectory since then has been nothing short of remarkable, with the price steadily climbing to a peak of $950/t towards the end of 2023. Describing the past 12 months as tumultuous would be an understatement. At the beginning of 2023 pricing started at $550/t, steadily growing
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There are so many activities around Mackay and the Whitsundays for you and the family to be involved in lately. So many great opportunities to get the family out of the house and have a few laughs and the odd yelling experience too. Saturday night is your opportunity to go and check out some basketball action with our great local teams in the NBL1! If you remember back in the glory days of the Queensland Basketball League or, the QBL, Mackay was an absolute powerhouse. Our basketball stars wit
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Often we observe that people are ‘lucky’. The opportunities that come your way may have an aspect of ‘luck’, however the preparation to be ready to seize those opportunities and make the most of them (the good ones) is all up to you. Success is said to be created by being ready for and open to opportunities. To make the most of opportunity, whether seeking a career shift or uplift, in final year at Uni, or Grade 12, here are some key tips. Build your basic toolkit Create an email address tha
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One of the things that really annoys me about today’s world is the argument that people have to apologise for, and feel guilty about, what happened in the past. That’s not to say that what was done in the past was not wrong … in many cases it was and must be acknowledged. All sorts of things were wrong in the past. But they were done at a time when values and beliefs were different. We now know them to be wrong and society has changed accordingly. We don’t discriminate against people based on
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The theme for the 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball to be held early next month is “Iconic Mackay”. “This year’s Ball is all about celebrating Iconic Mackay – its features, history, events and people,’’ the Mayor said. “The main musical entertainment will be a world-class Elton John Experience, with Greg Andrews internationally recognised as one of the best Elton John tribute artists in the world,’’ he said. “That is a nod to the Sir Elton John concert that was held in Mackay at BB Print Stadium in Sep
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Get ready for a fun-filled week of community vitality as the Northern Beaches Community Week springs to life from April 26th to May 5th, 2024. This vibrant celebration is made possible through the Mackay Regional Council Activate My Place (AMP!) Grant, fuelled by the community for the community, focusing on fostering connections, promoting wellness, and showcasing the richness of our local area. The Northern Beaches has seen rapid expansion in recent years, bringing together diverse residents.
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By Amanda Wright Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, get ready for the greatest show to hit Mackay this year! Hudson's Circus is in town, and it's time to experience the magic, thrill, and laughter under the big top. Led by the dynamic duo of Goldie the Clown and Ringmistress Jane De Goldi, Hudson's Circus promises a traditional circus experience with a modern twist that will leave you breathless and begging for more. With over 10 years of experience touring the country, this circus kn
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Just Keep Marching Event Launch 2.30pm Just Keep Marching LAUNCH Friday 26 April 2024 2:30pm Memorial Swim Centre Smart Casual dress code. Additional pool entry fee swimming afterwards. Get Tickets NOW ONLY $5 home baked afternoon tea Memorial Swim Centre Moonlight Cinema In the Park 6.30pm Spend a gorgeous evening under the stars, BYO picnic and drinks, then settle in for a perfect chick flick. The best Friday fun with your friends! Cost - $20 includes bean bag and popcorn. Movie – Pretty Wo
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Going into their Round 6 clash, Mackay Cutters and Wynnum Manly Seagulls were one and three on the Hostplus Cup table, so the game was always going to be a tight contest. Cutters winger Josh Smith was the first to strike, scoring the first of his two tries in the game in the seventh minute, and the Cutters went into half-time up 14-12. The final siren saw the try count at five to four; Bryce Donovan converted all four Wynnum Manly tries and Riley Dean converted two for Cutters and kicked two pe
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