In the world of air travel, where turbulence and tight spaces are the norm, one group of compassionate ladies showed that kindness can soar above it all. Cheyenne Edwards, a solo-traveling mum, embarked on a flight from Mackay to Brisbane with her two sons, aged 2 years and 3 months. Juggling two carry-on bags and a baby strapped to her, the challenge was real. Battling a migraine that blurred her vision, Cheyenne found herself in the midst of an anxiety-inducing situation. But then, a group of
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The Queensland Government is initiating a significant investment of $51.7 million to support up to 7,020 vulnerable job seekers across the state. Skilling Queenslanders for Work is one of the Government’s most successful job creating initiatives – assisting unemployed and underemployed Queenslanders to gain skills, qualifications and experience to either enter or remain in the workforce. In Mackay, organisations such as Community Solutions Group, Selectability and Ideal Placements will receive
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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is backing calls for an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Inquiry into fruit and vegetable prices to make supermarkets pay their fair share. “While Coles and Woolworths made record profits of more than $1 billion each last year, the individuals and families living in our electorate of Dawson are struggling with rising grocery costs during a cost-of-living crisis,” Mr Willcox said. “Over the past 18 months we have seen fuel prices i
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Last year, as the school term came to a close, the Grade 5/6 students from Middlemount Community School embarked on an educational journey to the Queensland Parliament, creating lasting memories that they would cherish for years to come. The students were accompanied by the Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, who took the time to catch up with them during their visit. Mr. Last expressed his enthusiasm for the day, stating, "No doubt the children left with plenty of stories to share with their famili
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In a bid to enhance water-based tourism along the Pioneer River, the Mackay Regional Council is gearing up for the completion of the Pioneer River Pontoon by the end of February, weather permitting. This exciting development opens doors for ambitious businesses keen on operating commercial ventures from the pontoon. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their applications promptly, as the deadline for tenders is set for Friday, February 8. To access the tender documents and initiate
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In a bid to foster connection and support within the rapidly expanding Northern Beaches community in Mackay, a new initiative is set to launch – the Northern Beaches Community Playgroup. This free playgroup opportunity aims to provide a welcoming and relaxed space for parents and children to come together, play, and strengthen their sense of community. Rebecca Cooper, one of the organisers, expressed her excitement for the upcoming launch. "We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to the area,
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Mackay bids farewell to a beloved figure as Charlie "Chook" Deguara, former owner of Deguara Supermarket, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 30, 2023. His legacy as a respected businessman and the warm-hearted proprietor of a local institution profoundly impacted the community. Daughter Andrea Hale shared the news, inviting friends and acquaintances to join the family in farewelling their beloved Chooky at St Bernard's Catholic Church on Klumpp Road, Upper Moun
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The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on Pleystowe Connection Road in Mackay on January 10. Initial investigations indicate the rider, a 27-year-old Beaconsfield man, was riding as part of a group when he collided with a trailer attached to a vehicle travelling north just after 1.40pm on the John Cook Bridge. Police confirmed that the rider was a learner rider, travelling with a group of learner riders who were under instruction at the time of the incide
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Infusing Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) with a shot of vitality, 31 emerging medical talents arrived last week. As the first-year doctors undergo their orientation, they stand at the threshold of a captivating journey through diverse rotations, commencing their healing odyssey on Monday, January 22. The prognosis? An injection of fresh perspectives and limitless potential in the heart of healthcare. They have been welcomed to the health service by Chief Executive Susan Gannon and Chie
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In the world of daredevils and snake enthusiasts, one name stands out—Edward Royce Ramsamy, or as many knew him, Ram Chandra. A fearless showman, Ram's journey was a captivating tale of courage, passion, and a profound connection with some of the world's most dangerous snakes. Born in Lawrence, near Grafton, New South Wales, on May 24, 1921, Ram Chandra embarked on a path that would make him a legend in the world of snakes and venomous creatures. His journey began on the show circuit in Sydney
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Queensland's regulator for the resources sector, Resources Safety and Health Investigation (RSHQ), has launched an investigation into an incident at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance's (BMA) Saraji mine on Monday 15 January 2024. Two men were working in the fuel-bay area of the open-cut mine around midday when an interaction between two vehicles left a 27-year-old coal mine worker with significant crush injuries. Luke O’Brien has been identified as the victim of a tragic incident that occurred. He was t
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Ever felt that yoga might not be your 'thing'? Perhaps, it's precisely what your body and mind have been silently yearning for. Why not indulge your curiosity, take a step onto the mat, and discover the transformative power that yoga can bring to your life? Join us at Tranquil Yoga Mackay, where we believe in the inclusive embrace of everyBODY, offering a space for exploration, self-discovery, and well-being. More than just a studio, we are a family-run establishment with a commitment to commu
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The economic development bodies of North Queensland – Advance Cairns, Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and Townsville Enterprise - have joined forces to seek a better outcome for the region amid questions around the effectiveness of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool. This follows the recent devastating flooding which impacted the Far North in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper last month. The collective call from these three organisations is for a review into the terms of the Cyclone Reinsuranc
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As the Australian summer unfolds, garden enthusiasts are presented with the perfect opportunity to transform their outdoor spaces into a vibrant and flourishing oasis. With warmer temperatures and abundant rain in the wet season, adapting your gardening practices becomes paramount. Mulching Magic: Mulching is a game-changer when it comes to preserving soil moisture and regulating soil temperature. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or bark, around your plants helps retain moisture,
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As we step into the new year, having delved into the realms of movement and nutrition, it's time to turn our attention to another essential aspect of self-care—our skincare routine. Achieving radiant and healthy skin isn't just about the products you use; it's about cultivating habits that promote long-term well-being. So, bid farewell to last year's skincare sins and embrace 2024 with these eight transformative skincare resolutions that will have you glowing from within. 1. Clean out your skinc
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This is the question frustrated locals have been asking on community chat boards on Facebook this week. From bugging people at the beach to swarming doors while dinner is cooking, the problem has noticeably ramped up over the past week. It seems as though the issue isn’t selective when it comes to suburbs either, with people right across the region voicing their disgust in dealing with up to one hundred flies daily. You may think a fly is a fly, but according to the CSIRO, there are more than 30
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The wet season is upon us and residents are being urged to tidy up the areas around their homes. The regional councils of Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday have once again collaborated to raise awareness about dengue fever through the Environmental Health Whitsunday Isaac and Mackay (EHWIM) initiative. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said dengue mosquitoes, such as the Aedes aegypti species, bred in stagnant water around the home. “To prevent a dengue outbreak, it’s important to empt
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay We have headed into 2024 seeing many growers from Northern growing districts around Cairns, Innisfail and Mossman hit hard by flooding caused by ex- Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Our thoughts are with those growers who will have suffered significant damage to the 2024 crop. For the Mackay and Plane Creek Growing districts, the harvest ended within the festive season, with mills in both districts the last to finish in Queensland as a result of challenging mi
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More than $2 million in funding is up for grabs for Queenslanders to help fight feral pigs. In 2021, it was estimated that Queensland had up to 2.3 million feral pigs. They are among Queensland's most widespread and damaging pest animals. Feral pigs spread invasive plants, degrade soil and water, prey on native species, damage crops and livestock, and carry diseases. Round 8(a) of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative (QFPI) is now open, with $2.16 million available to build local capacity for bi
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One million doses of lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccines have now been provided to Indonesia by the Federal Government, as the fight to protect our cattle industry from disease ramps up again in 2024. The final shipment of the Lumpyvax vaccines arrived in Indonesia late last month. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said aiding control of LSD in the region was a priority. “LSD and foot-and-mouth disease remain significant threats to the biosecurity of Australia and our ne
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Celebrating a remarkable milestone, Wayne Carvolth stands at the helm of 25 years of unwavering dedication to Mackay Sugar. Throughout nearly his entire career, he has witnessed the company's rich history, observed its impactful community contributions, and marvelled at the steadfast commitment of its people to both the local sugar industry and each other. As we delve into his journey, Wayne shares the sweet story of his quarter-century-long connection with Mackay Sugar. “Sugar is in my blood,”
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The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce held its first B2B Brews of 2024 at Moss on Wood last week. Photo credit: Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce
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Embarking on an emotionally charged farewell, Rob Bauman and Deb McLucas cast their final gaze upon Freckle Farm, a sanctuary of regenerative agriculture that has been their beloved haven for the past 14 years. On December 18, 2023, the torch was passed to a young farming family, who now calls the fertile land home, using it not just for cattle but also as a base for their helicopter mustering business. Reflecting on their journey, Rob and Deb shared, "It's bittersweet. The time is right for us
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THE MECC’s auditorium, North Foyer and Lynette Denny Space will remain closed for an extended period. The rest of the MECC, including the Convention Centre, will re-open from next week. Community Services Director Janine McKay said sections of the MECC experienced significant water damage over the Christmas period during heavy storms. She said work to assess the damage and remediation works required had been undertaken since then and that process was still ongoing. “We are still awaiting a final
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As the school bells chime and the back-to-school rush begins, there's no better place to gear up for the academic adventure than Little Treehouse Lane. Nestled upstairs at Caneland Central Shopping Centre, this haven for parents and little scholars alike is not just a store; it's a destination for quality, functionality, and style in back-to-school accessories. Emphasis on Quality from Trusted Brands Little Treehouse Lane takes pride in curating a selection of products from loved and respected b
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