As the anticipation of election day fades, and candidates catch a breath after months of passionate campaigning, Mackay remains on the edge of its seat as this editor’s note was written, awaiting the outcome of a closely contested mayoral race. With Greg Williamson and Steve Jackson neck and neck, the final result hinges on the delicate process of preferential counting. While initial polling paints a suspenseful picture, uncertainty looms as we await the final tally. With Williamson obtaining a
Read more
The race for Mackay Regional Council’s top job has been narrowed down to two, with incumbent Greg Williamson and Steve Jackson vying for the mayoral position after Laurence Bonaventura bowed out following Saturday’s local government election. At the time of writing, 80.23% of the 88,861 enrolled electors’ votes for mayor had been counted, with 41.95% of those going the way of Mr Williamson, 38.63% going to Mr Jackson and 19.42% going to Mr Bonaventura. Postal votes will continue to be received a
Read more
In the community hub of Sarina lies an all-in-one hospitality service called Roots, where coffee and meals are prepared by a tight-knit team, grounded in compassion. The name of the restaurant represents sticking to your roots, creating connections and acknowledging where you came from to appreciate what you have; thus, the owners of the business have presented a selfless, kind act in an attempt to welcome those struggling financially, to enjoy a meal without the burden of monetary strain. A
Read more
Review by Hannah McNamara The MECC was filled with glamourous dresses, neat suits and pure joy and excitement as guests gathered to watch eight local participants dance their heart out to raise money for the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Delicious mains and desserts were served with a free drink token included, allowing guests to indulge in a wine, beer or soft drink on arrival. As everyone sat around the tables, chatting and laughing, the star dancers performed their routines one by one. Firs
Read more
The Mackay Turf Club came alive on Friday 15th March, as Mackay Sugar hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Productivity Awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating sugar cane farming excellence across the region. With a remarkable turnout of more than 250 attendees, this annual event served as a testament to the unwavering commitment and remarkable achievements within the Mackay sugar industry. The evening commenced with an air of excitement as guests gathered to recognise the outstanding contribut
Read more
Mackay Base Hospital has introduced a new cutting-edge medical imaging machine, designed to boost diagnostic services and improve patient outcomes, featuring state-of-the-art technology and artificial intelligence. The latest advancement to the medical field offers a range of innovative features, including a high speed, high-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine (MRI), as well as a Computed Tomography machine (CT). This new technology is said to greatly improve diagnostic quality and
Read more
Our beautiful blue water river is now more accessible than ever with the opening of the Pioneer River Floating Pontoon. The pontoon can be accessed via a gangway from the Brisbane Street fishing pier, next to the Bluewater Quay. Mackay Regional Council’s Director Planning, Growth and Sustainability, Aletta Nugent, said the pontoon was an exciting part of council’s Mackay Waterfront Riverside Revitalisation project. “It’s fantastic to have this project reach fruition, thanks to an amazing joint e
Read more
Emergency Services have released devastating information in regards to an investigation of the sudden death of a man, said to be in his 60s, on a private property South of Mackay on March 14. Around 7.40pm on Thursday night, police responded to reports of a quadbike accident after a motorised bike had rolled down an embankment into a creek at a hobby farm in Koumala. Police authorities said the man, in his 60’s, was pinned by the bike underwater, concluding that he was unable to reach the surf
Read more
A young girl is in critical condition after paramedics rushed in response to reports of a female in her early teens trapped under a trailer over the weekend. Emergency services arrived at the scene finding the girl pinned under a horse float trailer on a private property in Glenella around 5pm, on Saturday, March 16. Paramedics attended to the young girl in a critical condition as she sustained significant head injuries and was taken to Mackay Base Hospital with a critical care paramedic. Th
Read more
The 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride jersey competition has unveiled three talented youth artist finalists, marking an exciting milestone in showcasing the region's emerging artistic talent. Representing Sarina, Moranbah, and Mackay respectively, the three finalists have each captured the essence of the Mackay region in their unique designs, highlighting the beauty of the region and connection to the rivers, reef and community. Linda Murry, General Manager of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Hay Po
Read more
Mackay Detectives are continuing to appeal for information regarding missing 38-year-old man Scott Billingham after he was reported missing from Mackay earlier this month. Scott was last seen at an address on Andergrove Road, Andergrove around 4pm on Friday, March 8, and has not been in contact with friends or family since. Officers and partner agencies have been conducting extensive searches of the area around Andergrove for the past few weeks and are continuing subsequent enquiries this week.
Read more
A 21-year-old Rochyview driver died in car crash in Nebo over the weekend. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal single-vehicle traffic crash in Nebo, on March 13. Initial investigations indicate the Nissan Navara was travelling on Oxford Downs Sarina Road sometime during the morning, when it veered off the road and hit a tree. Emergency crews were called around 11am before the 21-year-old Rockyview driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased at the scene. Anyone
Read more.jpg)
Local Year 10 students are showing a big interest in joining the new wave of female tradies as more women take up the tools and follow a trade career, according to statistics recently released by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC). Twenty students from four local high schools have participated in the all-girls Tradie for a Day workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with the support of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA). The hands-on workshop hosted by Pione
Read more
Born and raised in the Proserpine area, Robert Murolo has spent his entire life in this region. His weekends are filled with outdoor activities like fishing and crabbing, particularly enjoying the thrill of chasing black marlin and other pelagic fish when the weather permits. If he’s not partaking in outdoor adventures, he’s tinkering in the shed or relaxing by the pool at home. Being a grandparent brings Robert immense joy, and he loves spending time with his 19-month-old granddaughter. Rober
Read more
Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is a team of locals, dedicated to bringing their unique skills and expertise to assist you in achieving your lifestyle and financial goals, Let's get to know the people "behind the bank" by finding out what attracted them to a career in banking. Charmaine Matsen, Branch Manager: "Quite by chance, 20 years ago I was doing my banking and the local Manager asked me if I was interested in a role at her branch. Despite having no qualifications, I saw the opportunit
Read more
For many of us, the challenge to our personal and professional progress is not so much the lack of planning but rather a massive failure to execute. We often lack the courage to act. Courage to act is being willing to ‘expose’ oneself and set aside the fear of what others think – including being proven wrong, failure, or even success. All this is daunting so the easy option is to maintain the status quo in our careers, and in our lives. When we lack the courage to act, we forego the opportunity
Read more
Helen Alvers is most known in the Mackay community as a local hero in the nursing industry, with an impressive background of 48 years in the field. Throughout her remarkable journey, she has been exposed to vast changes in regards to patient care and hospital technology. One thing that hasn’t changed over the years…is her unwavering passion and advocacy towards caring for others. Helen has spent a large portion of her career at Mackay Base Hospital, recently retiring after 17 years as the N
Read more
Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) unveiled a new destination events marketing campaign ‘Yours 2 Discover’ to align with the region's exciting and diverse events calendar. The campaign which will run from 29 February to 29 June 2024 is designed to entice the youth market, families, couples and empty nesters to have a getaway, enjoy our events and stay a little longer to explore the region's natural gems. Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Al Grundy said that with the amazing array of event
Read more
From singing in a church to singing on stage, homegrown Central Queensland talent Mackenzie May is making her way up in the music arts world at just seventeen years old as she released her first debut single ‘Little Things’ on Friday, the 1st of March. Mackenzie wrote the bittersweet song back in July last year at the junior academy of country music in Tamworth, where she co-wrote the song with Sarah Buckley from ‘The Buckleys.’ Mackenzie says she wrote the song about the small joys in life,
Read more
Get ready for some family-friendly fun! The playground at Iluka Park is set to reopen this weekend, weather permitting, on Saturday, March 23. Exciting upgrades are almost completed, with the climbing unit getting replaced along with a new Spica playground spinner included for extra fun! Additionally, new sections of concrete footpath and softfall edging are being installed to enhance safety. As part of the improvements, the rubber softfall below selected play units will be replaced with ar
Read more
I went for a check-up at the skin clinic the other day and when I went in to see the doctor I accidentally left my car keys and wallet on the seat next to where I had been waiting. My car was parked out the front and it was virtually an open invitation for someone to grab the remote, jump in the car and have some fun with my cash and credit card. It had been a busy day and I had been sending work emails and texts as I was waiting to see the doctor, so while my body and soon-to-be-burned-off sun
Read more
It’s that time of year again when we are giving one local school in Mackay and the Whitsundays $10,000! Jake and I have had the best time getting out to visit so many local schools who have entered to win. For me personally it has been a chance to have a sticky beak at which school I might enrol my kids in. With my daughter off to kindy next year I can’t believe I’m already at the stage of having to think about school. Feels like only yesterday I was competing in hunger games for a daycare sp
Read more
Shortages remain an annual issue for growers and harvest contractors. It is a fact of life that seasonal workers need to maintain a living year-round, and so often move on to other regions post-harvest, or find more permanent work. However, for the viability of the entire sugar industry, it is vital that harvesters recruit enough haulout drivers that they can get the harvested crop off to sidings to load to cane trains. The work is a critical link in the delivery of crop from paddock to mill. C
Read more
In the light of youth crime, political tensions and war we seem to be living in the pain of a perpetual Good Friday – without the “Good” bit. This Easter season I encourage us all to find the hope of the resurrection – It is not just a wishful hope, but based on a real and certain rock of truth and freedom. Holy Thursday and Good Friday we commemorate facts in history. Jesus, considered a miracle worker, a good man, was whipped, mocked and crucified. Christians believe that when Jesus died on
Read more
As the excitement builds for the countdown of the Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo 2024, Western Suburbs Leagues Club is set to host a spectacular celebration of all things agricultural! Julie Crowley, Coordinator for the event said "We've been thrilled with the response from exhibitors, with bookings pouring in daily. “We have an incredible lineup of stallholders already confirmed, ensuring two days packed with action, displays, products, and services catering to all aspects of agriculture and ru
Read more