As we step into 2024, it's clear the road ahead might be a bit bumpy. The rising costs are making us all feel a little uneasy. But even in the midst of these challenges, it's essential to remember our blessings. Think about it – having food in the fridge, clothes to wear, a safe place to rest our heads – these are things many around the world can only dream of. Surprisingly, having these essentials means we’re actually living better than three quarters of the world’s population. Money-wise, if y
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In a tale that's got the town buzzing, a lawn superhero named Chris, also known as the "Knight with a Shiny Lawnmower," has emerged, spreading unexpected goodwill and a neat trim throughout the neighbourhood. Michelle Steffens took to a community noticeboard on Facebook to share her unexpected encounter with this mowing maestro. Spotting Chris working his magic on a neighbour’s yard, she summoned his green-thumb prowess, hoping for a quick lawn fix. And boy, did he deliver! Surprisingly, when Mi
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Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation have conducted a thorough investigation following a report of a large crocodile leaping from the water and into a fisher’s tinnie in Jane Creek near Mackay on 31 December 2023. Senior Wildlife Officer Jane Burns said the investigation included an interview with the fisher who confirmed the incident occurred close to the northern side of a small island slightly upstream of Jane Creek. “A vessel-based site assessment of J
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With the 2024 Australia Day Awards on the horizon, the list of nominees has been unveiled, showcasing over 150 exceptional individuals and groups from eight categories. The Citizen of the Year and Volunteer categories boast around 40 nominees each, reflecting an outstanding display of community spirit and service. These nominees possess dedication, leadership, and selfless contributions that have left an enduring impact on our communities. Their diverse initiatives, ranging from grassroots proje
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TRESPASS INCIDENT, MACKAY CITY A 48-year-old male resident of Gargett has been issued with a notice to appear in court by police following an alleged incident at a unit on Wellington in the Mackay city at about 11:40pm on January 5. It's alleged that the 48-year-old was found sleeping inside the unit by a relative of the unit's owner. Police were contacted and on arrival it's alleged that they spoke with the 48-year-old who stated they had entered the unit through a window after an evening at
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The Finch Hatton Trail has added a fascinating piece to its historical repertoire. Mackay Sugar, in a gesture reflecting both heritage preservation and community engagement, recently donated a decommissioned locomotive turntable to the Mackay Regional Council. This turntable, once an integral part of rail operations, has found new life as a decorative, curved section along one of the trail's foot and bike paths. The ingenious repurposing of this railway artifact within the mountain bike trail pr
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Yearning to create a tangible impact in your community this year? Consider becoming a Ronald McDonald Family Room volunteer and contribute to supporting families in the Mackay region with sick or injured children during their most challenging times. Volunteers at the Ronald McDonald Family Room embody a set of values that revolve around friendliness, reliability, and creating a comforting atmosphere for families utilizing the Mackay Base Hospital's Ronald McDonald Family Room. Your role as a vol
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Kath Ryan has a deep and abiding connection with Mackay’s health service. Even when she sits in her home at Seaforth, she is immersed in our region’s nursing history courtesy of the timber she salvaged from the old nurses’ quarters in Mackay. “I took some time off and my husband and I got on the tools to build a house together on our property,” Kath recalls. “This was back in 2003/4 and about that time we were pulling the old nurses’ quarters down here. “I didn’t want them to go, because I’
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Mackay school leavers and those looking to upskill or change careers have been encouraged to enrol in the hundreds of Fee-Free TAFE places available for 2024. Fee-Free TAFE in Central Queensland in 2024 is being delivered by CQUniversity and Deputy Vice-President for VET Peter Heilbuth said CQU TAFE was ready to meet the region’s training needs. “Fee-Free TAFE has the potential to change lives here in Central Queensland,” Mr Heilbuth said. “With Fee-Free TAFE, the pressure that can come with d
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Babies and young children are more susceptible to heat-related illness than adults. Their bodies cannot easily adapt to changing temperatures. The younger the child, the quicker they will start to show signs of dehydration or heat stress. Sick children need special attention in hot weather, even for minor illnesses such as a cold or hayfever. Stay hydrated and well nourished • Ensure your child has easy access to plain water and encourage them to drink it, even before they become thirsty.
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She’s pushed trolleys, worked at Maccas, waited tables and cleaned toilets of a ‘grotty old’ Melbourne pub. And like most aspiring musicians, Patty Preece has also experienced the life of being a struggling muso. But from humble beginnings, the now music maestro has added a Masters degree to their repertoire - and it’s been a long road to getting there. “I think it’s about having passion for what you are doing and believing in yourself and your art form,” Patty explains. “We often talk about cre
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Amid recent news surrounding the former owner's liquidation, Grazing Goat Cafe, nestled on Wood St, assures its patrons of uninterrupted service and thriving business under new ownership. Current owner Renyee Bencsis emphasises that the cafe remains unaffected by the previous owner’s financial setbacks, assuring customers of business as usual. The popular cafe was initially founded by accountant Michael Harris. Recent ASIC filings revealed that Harris' personal company, Sureline Investments Pty
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Mackay will play host to the 2024 Australian Regional Tourism Convention, taking place from 9th to 11th October 2024. This announcement signifies the council's commitment to advancing regional tourism and fortifying the area's tourism industry, driving economic growth and opportunities. “We are excited to be working with Mackay Regional Council to deliver the 2024 ART Convention,” said Joel Chadwick, Australian Regional Tourism Chair. "The convention is renowned as the preeminent event for ind
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Congratulations to Peyton Simpkin from Chelona State School, who was awarded the 2023 Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Community Citizenship Student Role Model Award for Grade 6. Peyton was chosen as she demonstrated consistent effort and application across school pursuits, showed respect and concern for others and participated actively in school and community activities beyond set requirements. Chelona SS Principal Mrs. Brown presented Peyton with an award and a $50 bank account voucher. C
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Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have removed a one metre crocodile from a chicken coop at a home north of Mackay. Wildlife Officers were called to the Cape Hillsborough home about 9am on the 8th January after residents found the small estuarine crocodile in their yard. The residents had initially thought the reptile was a goanna, but upon closer inspection realised it was a small crocodile and reported it to the department. Fortunately, all chi
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You're in - you have your first full time job but now you need to learn to save. Here's how to budget your salary for the first time. The key is to start small and be consistent. Knowing exactly where your money goes each pay will give you control over your finances. You know what position you’re in and you’re better prepared to make informed financial decisions. Start small Leaving yourself a bit of wiggle-room is the golden rule of budgeting. So, start small with your savings. It keeps you fo
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The Australian South Sea Islander community made a significant contribution to Australia's sugar and cotton industries' development. Between 1863 and 1904, an estimated 55,000 to 62,500 Islanders were brought to Australia for labour on sugarcane and cotton farms in Queensland and northern New South Wales. Known as 'Kanakas' (a Hawaiian word for 'man'), these labourers often faced forced removal from their homes, a practice referred to as 'blackbirding' (where 'blackbird' was synonymous with sl
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In the heart of Mackay's thriving sugar industry, the 2023 Mackay Sugar Apprentice of the Year Awards mark a celebration of excellence and dedication. These awards honour individuals who have demonstrated outstanding proficiency in boilermaking, electrical work and fitting. They represent the promising future of an industry deeply rooted in Mackay's heritage. Among the winners are:
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables have recently welcomed a trio of new apprentices to their team at Plane Creek Mill, representing a significant addition to the Mackay region's trade workforce. The new apprentices completed their two-week Safe Start program earlier this month before beginning work at their respective sites. Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said the two-week Safe Start program prepared the new apprentices for what life would be like in Wilmar’s mills. “It’s about getting them
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As the calendar resets and the New Year unfolds, it presents an opportune moment for introspection, growth, and personal transformation. The concept of unlocking your best self isn't merely a cliché; it's a journey toward building resilience, fostering self-discovery, and embracing reinvention. Resilience, the cornerstone of this journey, embodies the ability to bounce back from adversity, navigate life's challenges, and emerge stronger. It's not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them
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Struggling with sticking to your New Year's resolutions? Adjusting your mindset might just be the key. New research from MyFitnessPal, the leading global nutrition and food tracking app, reveals that over half of Australians (57%) find it challenging to sustain healthy habits, despite setting resolutions for 2024. While a significant majority of Gen Z (82%) and millennials (80%) have committed to resolutions, only a mere 12% are expected to maintain them throughout the year. According to psychol
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The New Year has rolled around again! As have our new or often old resolutions yet again. So I would like to work on the concept of resolution - or as I prefer to call them Your life changing Goals - whether health or any goal that is important to you and worth doing, that will to make your life better by the end of 2024 1. Never start toward your goal, until you are back to ' normal life'- at work/ school /home! When made over the Festive Season, we often forget how busy, tiring, and dema
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As severe heatwaves are likely to continue across our region in the next couple of months, we all need to take care. Everybody is at risk of heat-related health problems, and it’s important to know the risks of heat, who is at risk, how to prepare, and how to protect yourself and others. When it’s very hot, your body tries to cool down by sweating. Sometimes sweating isn't enough to cool you down. This can make you feel sick, with symptoms like feeling dizzy, having a headache, feeling nauseous,
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Prepare your taste buds for an exceptional gastronomic delight as Mackay’s prodigal daughter, acclaimed chef Sarah Todd, makes a much-awaited return to her hometown. Set to unfold on the 9th and 10th of February 2024, this exclusive event promises an evening of culinary magic, celebrating Todd's culinary journey and showcasing her delectable creations. Anchored by the culinary prowess of Ms Todd, this homecoming event invites food enthusiasts to a mesmerising affair featuring an assortment of he
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The fervour of basketball in Mackay is set to ascend to new heights as five talented athletes from the Crater secure their spots in the Basketball Queensland U20 men’s and women’s state teams. These athletes, set to compete in the forthcoming 2024 Basketball Australia National Junior Championships in Victoria next month, are poised to make their mark on the national stage. The players who will don the maroon and gold at the championships include Charli Bliss, Monique Bobongie, Phoebe Holmes, Ama
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