Robert Meers had 33 stableford points to beat Scott Mason by a shot to win the Tuesday competition, while Jacqueline Wall had 17 points to beat Tiina Randmae by five shots in the ladies' division. Aaron Prosser won the pin shot. A wet course prevented further play during the week. Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Green. Photos supplied
Read more
This week’s 9-hole stableford competition saw Dee Norman take first place with 21 pts, second with 20 pts was Glenn Rees in third place with 19 pts was Michael Bond. Friday’s 9 hole stableford saw Tony Spurway in first place on 22 pts, second place with 21 pts was Kev Franke and third place with 20 pts c/b was Darren Lloyd. Sunday’s rain didn’t stop Justin Butler from taking first place in our 18 hole stableford with 40 pts, second place was Cooper Lane on 39 pts and third place was Jack Hay
Read more
This Saturday, test your skills with the Whitsunday Touch Juniors Youth and Ladies Development Skills Day. Hosted by Queensland and North Queensland Touch, this development clinic will help prepare Whitsunday youth and ladies with their field skills and get them ready for the 2024 season. Don’t miss the free sausage sizzle happening at the conclusion of the session. Register by contacting Whitsunday Touch on Facebook today, ready for this Saturday!
Read more
By Hannah McNamara A number of lucky participants are getting ready to take flight in the upcoming 2024 Mackay Airport Twilight City Run with a chance to snap up free return flights from Bonza, just for taking part. This year, the event aims to not only break records, but to break barriers, rallying support for the Leukaemia Foundation and providing hope for those affected by blood cancer. The all-inclusive 5km fun run is designed for everyone to come along, simply just to have fun and conn
Read more
The family of a man discovered deceased in the back of his vehicle has chosen to speak out following revelations that police are treating the death as non-suspicious. The body was found inside a LandCruiser near East Point Drive around 1:15 PM on Saturday, 10th February. Detectives cordoned off the area and police have indicated they are not treating the circumstances as suspicious. Before the tragic event, the man's LandCruiser had been stolen, with a family friend saying this added to his d
Read more
Local elections are approximately four weeks away and shortly you’ll see candidates for the roles of Mayor and Councillor ramp up their campaigns. Early voting will run from Monday, 4 March to Friday, 15 March 2024 (excluding the weekend) and Election Day will be on Saturday 16th March where polling booths will be open from 8am until 6pm. Remember, it’s compulsory to vote in local elections for all Australian citizens aged 18 years and over, and this is regardless of whether you are a tenant
Read more
A small, yet meaningful gesture from Key Solutions Group, a local Mackay engineering company, has showcased their respect and gratitude towards the local Australian Air Force Cadet Unit by donating a brand-new picnic table to provide a space for well-deserved downtime. The table was kindly gifted to encourage the hard-working cadets to gather, learn and enjoy a place to unwind from their committed roles. The team at Key Solutions Group says, “supporting our community and the amazing work of loc
Read more
By Amanda Wright The Queensland Government has allocated funding for a Stage 1 redevelopment of Lindeman Island Resort, situated off the coast of Mackay. This initiative aims to restore the former Club Med, which was impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Yasi, into a vibrant tourist destination. Among the planned improvements is the construction of a fixed 50-metre jetty, facilitating convenient access for visitors to the island. This redevelopment project has been selected as one of five recipients
Read more
By Amanda Wright In a show of grassroots opposition, concerned citizens from across the nation gathered on February 6 in front of Parliament House in Canberra for the National Rally Against Reckless Renewables. The event, held on the first sitting day of Parliament, aimed to address growing concerns over the Australian Government's approach to renewable energy initiatives. The rally, organized by the National Rational Energy Network, drew participants from various regional communities direct
Read more
Chances House, the latest initiative by Chances Op Shop and the Australian Street Aid Project, marks a significant milestone in addressing homelessness in Mackay. Positioned adjacent to Chances Op Shop, this newly established facility serves as a sanctuary for individuals grappling with homelessness, providing essential resources, amenities, and support services aimed at fostering dignity, privacy, and holistic well-being. With its mission centered on offering refuge and empowerment, Chances Ho
Read more
The Mortuary Garden at Mackay Base Hospital is a place, if given a choice, where no-one wants to be. For many years, the space allocated as the Mortuary Garden was a desolate, unkempt area that, even in times of extreme sorrow, wasn’t an acceptable place where final goodbyes and respects to loved ones could be spent. In 2021, in consultation with Mackay Hospital Foundation, the Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary Committee made it their mission to fundraise in an effort to revitalise this space int
Read more
More than 1000 Greater Whitsunday businesses and community groups have registered for the Greater Whitsunday Grant Finder in the past 18 months. The Greater Whitsunday Grant Finder is a partnership between, Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday Regional Councils and Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) to empower our regional business and community members with greater access to funding opportunities. Greater Whitsunday Grant Finder is powered by Grant Guru a grant-finding software company and helps bu
Read more
A Haven For Kids Kool Beanz Built For Adventure And Zen Last week marked the official opening of Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park, introducing a cutting-edge childcare centre to Mackay. This state-of-the-art facility aims to alleviate the longstanding waitlists that have challenged parents seeking daycare and kindergarten options in the area, with two more centres planned for Mackay. Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park houses an all-inclusive environment and is the second of its kind following in the foot
Read more
The opportunities available for Mackay’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) and commercial businesses at Queensland Mining Expo (QME) 2024 were highlighted at a business morning tea last week. The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce’s February B2B Coffee Morning, sponsored by Mackay Regional Council, was held at the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) at Paget. QME Exhibition Director Samantha Martin attended the morning to provide an overview of the QME’s 30th anniversary event. J
Read more
Times are changing, and in 2024, interior decorating trends are breaking away from the safe confines of minimalism and embracing bold and expressive styles that celebrate individuality. While minimalism has its place, offering a clean and neutral canvas for stylists selling homes, those looking to make a statement and truly personalise their living spaces are turning to big and bold trends that command attention and reflect their unique personalities. Maximalism: Gone are the days of playing
Read more
By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay We are a month out from the next local government election, to be held 16 March. Councils and their mayors can play an important role in outcomes for farming businesses across the regions. Between the Isaac and Mackay region cane farming sector alone, that is upwards of ONE THOUSAND family farming businesses, supporting 8.3 per cent of the Mackay-Plane Creek workforce and a raft of service businesses, millers, and beyond across the regional economy.
Read more
“Oh, my dear lady we couldn’t possibly approve you for a home loan unless you were married and you were buying a property with your husband … of course, if you know a man who could go guarantor on the loan for you that is something we might look at. But, no, we have pretty clear rules about not giving loans to the fairer sex.”This would have been the response from an Australian bank manager right up until the 1970s if a woman had had the temerity to apply for a home loan. However, times were cha
Read more
By Amanda Wright In response to the rapidly accelerating homelessness crisis, the Queensland Government has launched a new housing plan: Homes for Queenslanders, revealing it will dramatically increase funding for homelessness responses across the state. Premier Steven Miles made the announcement last week, saying “everyone deserves a place to call home, a place they feel safe and warm.” Organisations who help Queenslanders experiencing homelessness will receive a 20 per cent increase for the
Read more
By Hannah McNamara In the spotlight for his role as the schoolyard bully, 16-year-old actor Jordy Campbell shares his journey from 'bad guy' to screen sensation. In a Mackay Life interview, Jordy shared his interests and insights about his recent role portraying Bobby Linyette in the popular Netflix series ‘Boy Swallows Universe’. Originally born on the Gold Coast, the young star now lives in Mackay with his family. Jordy says when he’s not acting in Brisbane, he loves fishing, watching sport
Read more
The MECC now has a plan of action for works and timeframes required to allow the re-opening of its auditorium, North Foyer, and Lynette Denny Space. Those areas have been closed following significant water damage over the Christmas period during heavy storms. The southern wing of the MECC, including the Convention Centre, is open. Council’s Community Services Director Janine McKay said the MECC had been awaiting a final report on the damage and remediation works required. She said that report ha
Read more
After a heart-stopping escape from his cage, Henry the brave and exploratory bird has made a triumphant return to the loving arms of his rightful owner after venturing into a world with no barriers for two days. Last week, Henry's unexpected flight sent his owner Kim into a whirlwind of distress. With each passing moment, the chances of Henry's safe return seemed slimmer. Kim McLoughlin states she has had the fifteen-month-old Hahns Marcour since early this year. The day Henry made his great
Read more
Contractors will be carrying out maintenance work at two popular playgrounds in Mackay later this month. The skywalk towers at Queens Park will be closed for three days from February 20 to 23, so that the entry sections of two tube slides can be replaced along with the anti-climb mesh ladder. The work site will be fenced off so the rest of the playground can remain open during this work. The playground at Iluka Park will be closed from February 22 until March 19, weather permitting. The work
Read more
This could happen to you this Sunday, but I’m hoping it really doesn’t, just for safety’s sake. The reason I’ve thrown this wild idea into your mind, is because Sunday my mates at the Mackay Dragon Boat Club are doing a big charity paddle-a-thon at the Mackay Marina and they want your help. They are all paddling around the marina doing at least 40 laps, and the money they raise will go straight to Chances Op Shop and their fantastic community work, helping so many people in Mackay at this very
Read more
Council is offering two great programs for young people to explore their love of art. Artspace Mackay and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) are bringing free art and music to community centres as part of the BMA Kidspace program. BMA Kidspace is the gallery’s popular children’s program that gives children up to five years old the opportunity to explore and have fun with art and music with the guidance of skilled local artists and musicians. Artspace Director Tracey Heathwood said, with Artspace Mack
Read more
RACQ CQ Rescue have formally thanked the volunteers of the Alpharho ESA gift wrappers, for endeavouring to assist Mackay wrap their festive presents, with wrapping proceeds donated to RACQ CQ Rescue. In 2022, the group donated $37,000 RACQ CQ Rescue, and at an official ceremony last Monday, the ESA announced that they raised a great $65,538, from their Christmas wrapping appeal. Marking their 20th year raising money at the Canelands Central Shopping Centre, more than 80 volunteers signed up fo
Read more