A couple of things I want to touch on, as I let you drink your first of three coffees’ today, as we know this weekend will be a busy time for many around Mackay and the Whitsundays. The first one is Monday. It is the day to start the week, and I have got to say, this Monday will be special in so many ways. It is the start of school for so many kids around town. That means if for the first time, the second or the last time, emotions will be running high as we let our kids explore a new grade, or
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In a heartening display of community connection, Glenella Care Centre opened its doors last week to mothers and their little ones as part of a special Mums and Bubs initiative. The event aimed to foster interaction between the elderly residents and the joyful energy of toddlers and babies, creating an atmosphere filled with love, compassion, and the magic that happens when generations intertwine. The initiative is a win-win situation, not only does it warm the hearts of the residents at Glenella
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For several organisations, December was a time to finalise their year and wind down in preparation for the Festive Season but the team of helpers for Mackay Hospital Foundation were busy volunteering their time to make Christmas easier for many shoppers at Mt Pleasant Centre with its Christmas Gift Wrapping Service. Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “The result of our Christmas gift wrapping at Mt Pleasant Centre in the lead up to Christmas was our most successful
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Applications for round three of Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants, worth about $80,000, close next Wednesday, January 24. This funding is available for projects commencing after Monday, March 4. Funds are allocated across three categories – $53,400 is available in the general category, $15,000 for young people and $12,000 for green arts. The Green Arts category aims to support initiatives that focus on environmentally based arts and cultural practice that highlights issues relating to
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Carter Entertainment invites you to a night of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty at the MECC this February. Celebrating the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands– from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others. From their album debut in 1968 to their last album in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival was a juggernaut of phenomenal proportions. No other band has created such an impact in such a short time. There's something about Creedence
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In a display of young talent and commitment, a group of athletes from Mackay Basketball's U12 division left an impressive imprint at the recent Next Gen Camp in Townsville. Congratulations to Marli Reid, Macey Egan, Audrey Walker, Harvey Geeves, Hunter Brown, Nash Novosel, Finley Philbin, Mitch Langham, Jack Taylor, and Onyx Wilson, the ten little legends who proudly represented Mackay. The Next Gen Program, renowned for introducing young athletes to the Basketball Queensland training style and
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Mackay Magpies Cricket Club remain in the Dixon Homes 2023-24 Twenty20 Division Two Shootout title mix. The Magpies recently defeated Souths at the Magpies Showground to chalk up their fifth victory after six rounds and establish a six-point lead in the competition on 30 points from second placed Norths and Walkerston (24 points). Ethan Morris top scored with 47 as the Magpies (5-98) eclipsed Souths (9-97) with fine bowling performances from Rory Franklin (3-19), Craig Randell (2-12) and young
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More than thirty dedicated runners laced up their shoes and embraced the challenges of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series off-season program with the Mackay Road Runners, kicking off from the Blacks Beach Tavern car park. A special salute goes to Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford, whose ingenuity carved out a course encompassing flat and undulating roads, sandy stretches, challenging hills, and stairways that tested the mettle of each participant. The 5km and 10km course, a two-loop journey
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Get ready to swing into action as Mackay Tennis Association (located at Kippen St, right next to Harrup Park Country Club) invites you to embrace the thrill of tennis and pickleball in the upcoming 2024 fixture season. Whether you're an experienced player or just picking up a racket for the first time, there's something for everyone at the Mackay Tennis Association. Tennis and Pickleball Come and Try Day: Mark your calendars for Saturday, 27th January at 4 pm, as we kick off the season with a "C
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On Sunday the greens at Mackay Bowls Club reopened to a great afternoon of Cut Throat pairs Bowls. The greens were full, with teams playing three games of eight ends. As teams dropped out, two games of four ends were played. Winners for the afternoon were: Division 1 runners up: Lucky and Karina Dunn Winners: Col Marks and Dot McNamara Division 2 Runners up: Arthur Naylor, Toni Blucher, Brian Williams Winners: Richard Bell, Julie Caban Games will continue during the week. Tuesday: Mixed socia
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Happy New to all from the Mackay Contract Bridge Club. We start the year with our Australia Day come and try day, with a free BBQ and a visit from the Major. February sees us welcome a new batch of beginners, information can be found on our Facebook page. We are very excited, this year the Mackay Bridge Club is hosting the Great Barrier Reef Congress on the long weekend in May, where we will be welcoming players from all over Queensland and Australia, so it’s a great year to get involved.Weekly
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To the sound of a squeaky dog toy, I am writing this. Our office dog (who doubles as Rachael’s pet pooch) has found a toy and is so excited that we may not exist in his world. I also write this off the back of another Core Life Magazine deadline. During my time with this team, we have sent about six Core Life Magazine’s to print and each time is more exciting than the last. And then, when we receive the perfect finished copy, it is so exciting to flick through the pages and marvel at it. It’s
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Likeminded residents have rallied together, sending a truckload of material donations to flood affected communities in North Queensland. Primarily for the smaller and remote communities of Rossville, Wujal, Helensvale and Bloomfield, Jenni Walters turned to Facebook to send out the call for donations. Particularly asking for linens, towels, pillows, summer clothing, shoes, and home goods, including clothing racks and kitchen utensils, Jenni was inundated with locals wishing to donate. Jenni d
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Have You Seen This Car? One Rockhampton man’s pride and joy, a vintage 1974 Blue Holden HQ LS Monaro has been allegedly stolen from his property, striking a statewide search. The vintage Monaro was safely stored away on John Moyle’s property at Struck Oil, near Mount Morgan, when on January 11, 2024, the car vanished. John is the second owner of the original Monaro, and the car is in near perfect, original condition. He purchased the Monaro 40 years ago, and it’s his “Pride and Joy.” “He is ab
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The Rotary Clubs of Airlie Beach and Proserpine have joined together to send one local youth to the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in Brisbane last week. Holly Perrin, entering Year 12 in 2024 at Proserpine State High School, was selected for the nine-day science, technology, and engineering opportunity, and is jointly sponsored by Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and Proserpine. NYSF is a great opportunity for young people looking to pursue a career in STEM to actively learn and engage with a
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As Australia Day draws nearer, Whitsunday Regional Council have released their nomination list for the 2024 Australia Day Awards Nominees. These nominees represent the community and the spirit of our region, and their individual achievements and commitment to the Whitsundays is a testament to their individual compassion and respect, to their strength and ability to bring our community together and make it a better place for all. Citizen of the Year sponsored by at Hotel Group • Rabia Morr
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Whitsunday Regional Libraries’ new initiative is making waves, promoting reading to the region’s youngest with free reading resources. Available at locations across the region, the Book Swap is primarily for young readers between the ages of zero to five. Up to two books can be taken at a time, to be exchanged the next time families visit a Book Swap Box. “The book swap boxes are part of Whitsunday Regional Libraries First 5 Forever literacy program,” explained Robyn Batman, Team Leader of Wh
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The Choose Collinsville Town Centre Upgrade has been officially opened at a special ceremony on Monday, January 15. The Whitsunday Regional Council project began in July 2023 and was a part of the Collinsville Masterplan 2021 to beautify the community. Completed in November 2023, the project was predominately undertaken by Council staff and was supported by the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. Upgrades included new irrigated garden beds within the street, including plants
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Community organisations in Bowen are cheering off the back of another successful Christmas and festival season appeal, providing close to 300 individuals and families of Bowen with access to presents, vouchers, and an abundance of toys. A joint initiative with the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, Cooinda Family Centre, Salvos, and Chayim Community Care, over 270 individuals and families were gifted access to Christmas Hampers, and a pop-up shop. The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre also embarked on their
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Whitsunday Water Police have made an impressive arrest at Peter Faust Dam during the first week of January. Patrolling the waters to ensure the safety of every individual, including vessel operators, swimmers, fishers and jet-ski operators, water police intercepted a male operating an unregistered vessel. However, Water Police uncovered a bigger mystery. The male had fled the state approximately 26 years ago, in an alleged attempt to avoid an arrest warrant. He had returned to Queensland to
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Bowen is hitting the big screen with District Crime Prevention Co-Ordinator, Sergeant Nigel Dalton sharing the town in a series of new videos, to attract seasoned Queensland police officers for a tree change. Having completed similar internal promotions of the Northern Beaches of Mackay and attracting a number of existing Police Officers to relocate, Sgt Dalton was asked by Senior Sergeant Craig Shepard to create a similar video of Bowen. “We’re looking to attract officers to this district, t
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Australia’s largest powered catamaran is cruising into the Whitsundays, opening up more channels for visitors to experience the Whitsundays like never before. The Aquila 54 Power Catamaran boasts unparalleled luxury, with over 54 feet of comfort and with upgraded 480 hp Volvo Penta D8 diesel inboards, this beast boasts a cruising speed of 8 to 10 knots, and top speeds of 22 knots. Offered for private bareboat charter through Cumberland Charter Yachts and Luxury Yachts Whitsundays, the Aquila 5
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Bowen is hitting centre stage, hosting the 2024 Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Celebrations, Awards and Citizenship Ceremony. As the festivities on Bowen’s Front Beach are being held from 5pm until 8pm on a public holiday, Bowen is the perfect place to spend the day before heading to the ceremony. The Bowen Visitor Information Centre will be open on Australia Day from 10.30am until 3pm. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said a day trip to Bowen could include a s
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A new article series in partnership with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, showcasing the diverse businesses in our community. Ellen Farquhar started Cannonvale-based Your Mind Reset in 2023, delivering Mental Health First Aid training and Tuning in to Teens program for parents. "I am passionate about fostering well-being and resilience in individuals and communities," said Ellen, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology and Diploma of Counselling. It has been reported
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