It is with heavy hearts that the Mackay community remembers the life and service of Kevin Casey, a dedicated former councillor whose impact resonated deeply within the Mackay community. Mr Casey embarked on his journey in local governance when he was first elected to the Mackay City Council in 2004, later transitioning to serve on the amalgamated Mackay Regional Council from 2008 to 2020. His commitment to public service spanned 16 years, during which he devoted himself to addressing the need
Read more
When it comes to choosing your council representatives, there's a lot more on the ballot than just the typical talk of rubbish collection and road repairs. It's about finding leaders who can tackle the tough stuff while advocating for progress in creating a place where people are proud to live. Over the past four years of working for the people of Mackay, Councillor Belinda Hassan shoulders an impressive number of Council-related appointments - a total of 17 committees and boards, with an addit
Read more
A total of $193,000 is available now to community and not-for-profit groups through council’s community grants program. Funding is available for small equipment (up to $1500), community initiatives, programs, events and upgrades (up to $7500) and minor infrastructure and assets (up to $30,000). This means grants can be used for everything from buying simple office equipment to infrastructure projects, including concept development, as well as the purchase of large equipment like vehicles.
Read more
For the second year in a row, inspiring 16-year-old girl Taya Rush, is hosting what is expected to be another exciting Charity Golf Day to raise much-needed funds for the RACQ CQ Rescue Chopper. After three years of on-going fund raising for the organisation, Ms Rush remains determined to help keep people living in remote and rural areas safe as she emphasises the importance of the local chopper, ensuring those in need have access to the service. Helicopter services like RACQ CQ Rescue are comm
Read more
Plans for a major accommodation precinct at Mackay Airport continue to progress. A forum has been scheduled for Tuesday March 12, enabling local employers to learn more about the proposed development. Attendees will also have an opportunity to outline their preferences for the precinct, including the size and layout of apartments, and how long their workers may need to reside there. The concept is aimed at relieving the critical strain on workforce accommodation options across the region, which
Read more
Mackay’s Child Youth and Family Health Service has initiated its 2024 support groups for parents. All new parents of babies aged 0-6 months are encouraged to join the Early Parent Groups. These groups are facilitated by a Child, Youth and Family Health clinical nurse, aimed at providing support to families during the initial stages of parenthood. Sessions are scheduled monthly at the Carlyle Community Health Centre on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The agenda across four sessions
Read more
The Mackay Isaac Tourism Board announced that it will soon bid farewell to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Al Grundy, after they accepted a reluctant letter of resignation. Mr Grundy is set to depart from the organisation on March 15, leaving his post to prioritise family time. Mackay Isaac Tourism Chair, Cr Jane Pickels, said while the Board is sad to see Al go, the board is confident that the foundation that has been laid for the tourism industry holds a secure and bright future. “The board i
Read more
Over 1000 residents have signed Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry’s petition to ‘Save Eungella’ and halt the proposed Pioneer Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project. Ms Landry said this was a clear sign that Queenslander’s don’t want the government to sacrifice the unique environment of the Eungella region for their renewable energy plan. “In just over two months, more than 10,000 Queenslanders have signed my petition to call on Labor to stop pushing forward with their plans to decimate the
Read more
Mackay bus stops will become more accessible with planned improvement works. Contractor, Seaforth Civil, will begin upgrading 13 bus stops in the Mackay region this week to ensure they can be used by all residents. The following bus stops will be upgraded: • Camilleri Street near Eimeo Road, Eimeo. • Annie Wood Avenue, Mt Pleasant. • Charles Hodge Avenue, Mt Pleasant. • Bruce Highway, Bakers Creek. • Napier Street at Ivana Court, South Mackay. • Nebo Road at Keith Hamilto
Read more
In a sad and unfair second blow, a young Mackay couple who are currently going through a cancer battle, have had their camping gear stolen from underneath their house just days before they were due to make a bucket-list camping trip. Lilijana and Jedd, had been bravely fighting Jedd’s leukemia diagnosis together when the camping gear was swiped from their North Mackay home. 21-year-old Jedd was diagnosed with leukaemia in July 2023 and in an attempt to experience normality, the couple were set
Read more
Jamay’s family has long been intertwined with Reef Catchments, dating back to our days as the Mackay Whitsunday NRM Group. From attending the Reef Catchments Emersion Training Camp at Action Challenge Bloomsbury at the tender age of 8, Jamay has been actively engaged in sharing Traditional Knowledge with fellow Reef Catchments staff. “I remember on more than one occasion that Mum had to bring me into the Reef Catchments office because I would pretend to be sick, so I would not have to go to s
Read more
Palliative care nurses at the Mackay Base Hospital’s G2 Ward have unveiled the first stage of their plan to improve the clinical environment for their long stay and palliative patients, with the installation of new wallpaper, decorating the walls of the ward. Nurse educator Dee Miller said the group had been working on a plan to wallpaper the walls in two rooms with beautiful scenes for those who are confined to bed for long periods of time. “Room 21 on G2 now features a wallpaper image of Ceda
Read more
Everyone is welcome to come down to the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) hall in Calen for a Meet and Greet ‘Bring a Friend’ Open Craft Day. The morning kicks-off at 9.30am and there will be a host of engaging activities for everyone to enjoy. The mini workshops will be both stimulating and inspiring and there will also be games for those feeling like a bit more fun. A raffle will be drawn and there will be some exciting prizes up for grabs. There will also be a craft display fo
Read more
Amidst the daily demands of working in a business or community organisation, it’s all too common for us to overlook the importance of networking. However, no matter the industry, most business owners and staff will admit the power of networking in providing opportunities for mutual support, knowledge exchange, and business growth. Hosted in Sarina, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank and the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce (MRCOC) extend an invitation to all members of the business community i
Read more
The construction of the new Sarina Hospital is reaching completion and preparations are now well underway for a move from 1 Hospital Street to the new site in April 2024. Executive Director Public Health and Rural Services Terry Johnson said the Sarina project team and others throughout Mackay Hospital and Health Service were working hard to affect a smooth transition. “This is an exciting time for our Sarina Hospital staff and others across the health service who are busy ensuring all the m
Read more
Presented by Kickass Women Photo credit: Indigo Blue Photography
Read more
Celebrating the 2023 major production Breathe In, Crossroad Arts have hit the jackpot after receiving five nominations in the Queensland’s prestigious Matilda Awards. Crossroad Arts is a local Mackay based inclusive arts organisation, recognised as a leading inclusive arts practice in Queensland throughout the duration of 25 memorable years in the region. Those involved in the organisation are at the forefront of current shifts happening nationally in the inclusive arts space. Breathe In is a
Read more
In a touching rescue effort, a group of four tiny kittens, estimated to be around two weeks old, have been discovered seeking refuge under wooden pallets at a local Mackay business. Responding swiftly, the team at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc made it their priority to provide immediate care, arriving on-site shortly after receiving a phone call about the situation. With much to their surprise, no injuries were found. The four tiny kittens were placed on warm towels and a heating pad. Soon after they we
Read more
On Friday 15th March, well-known local identities will take to the stage to display their talents with the support of Choreographer Dolly Louw and back-up dancers from Fame Talent School. One participant will walk away with the coveted Mirror-Ball Trophy. This night of entertainment is all for a great cause, raising money to support the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Over the next four weeks we will profile two dancers each week. First up, Josh and Chloe. Chloe Gunthorpe Chloe Gunthorpe, a Directo
Read more
When I was a kid my father would often hurl the accusation at me that I was “as slow as a wet week”. Partly that was because fathers were less patient in those days but it is also true that the description would emerge when I had been asked (let’s be honest, in those days it was an order) to do something I didn’t really want to do. Typically, that would be a boring chore of some sort. I can’t remember rain interfering much with my activities, limited as they were to kick a ball and ride a bike
Read more
In a world where misleading and damaging influences can have a major impact on our community youth, children and young adults are often left soul-searching for their identity or trying to swim against a tide of stresses and are unsure of how to work through their hardships. In times of despair, it’s important to be led in a positive direction of faith and encouragement. With this in mind, Christian communities are on a mission to help spread the good news that through God and faith, we can
Read more
With Swift mania sweeping the country, Blink 182 returning to the country for the first time since 2013, Pearl Jam announcing an Aussie tour and of course P!nk headed to Townsville next month there is truly something for everyone in the gig circuit right now. Now the growing chorus of people yucking other’s yum is frustrating because when you think about the artist or entertainment that is your favourite, you cannot wrap your head around why others wouldn’t get on the boat with you. Interest is
Read more
Tutti is a vocal ensemble under the direction of Jan Whelan OAM. Jan is known around Mackay, not only for her work with the Mackay Choral Society and Mackay Musical Comedy Players, but also her accompanying work with soloists, school choirs and music ministries. Jan started the group in 2002 as a small ensemble and trios and quartets. Tutti members were very proud when in 2022 Jan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Awards for Services to Music as an Accompanist.
Read more
The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) is moving offsite, with a performance from the Australian Army’s 1 RAR Band at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens on Friday, 2 March, 2024. The decision to host the performance from Townsville’s Band of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (known as 1 RAR Band) at the offsite venue was made following the closure of the MECC’s Auditorium, due to storm damage over the Christmas period. Director Community and Client Services Janine McK
Read more