With Project Booyah Nine young girls recently graduated from an action-packed Project Booyah in Mackay. The 16-week community-inclusive police mentoring program offered a unique blend of education, work experience, and adventure-based learning. Teaming up with multiple local community groups, the cohort first collaborated with Mad Cow Coffee, who provided their time, resources, and knowledge, to teach our young ladies the skills required to make the perfect coffee over a four-week Barista cours
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Nine young girls recently graduated from an action-packed Project Booyah in Mackay. The 16-week community-inclusive police mentoring program offered a unique blend of education, work experience, and adventure-based learning. Teaming up with multiple local community groups, the cohort first collaborated with Mad Cow Coffee, who provided their time, resources, and knowledge, to teach our young ladies the skills required to make the perfect coffee over a four-week Barista course. This not only earn
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Petition To Halt Works Residents of the region are encouraged to sign the ‘Save Eungella’ petition, to halt the proposed construction of a pumped hydro scheme, backed by the Queensland Government. The petition is a part of Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry’s Save Eungella campaign and aims to preserve the rich biodiversity of Eungella for wildlife and the local community. According to Ms Landry, the government is hastily pursuing a target of 70 per cent of renewable energy by 2032. “Howe
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Mackay police have charged a 46-year-old woman following a two-year investigation into the suspicious death of a child at Munbura, near Mackay on August 29, 2021. Emergency crews were called to a Munbura Road address on that date, after a four-year-old child, Tarrin-Macen O'Sullivan, was reported to have drowned in a backyard pool. After extensive investigations through Operation Tango Anise, detectives will now allege the four-year-old child died before entering the pool. Last Friday, December
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Mackay Airport is celebrating Christmas early this year, gifting a total of $10,000 to five charities. Each will receive their share of $2,000 of five different charities and not-for-profit organisations. With the public able to vote for the charities up until yesterday, Thursday 14, the ‘Mackay Airport Making Christmas a Little Brighter’ campaign is aimed to promote and support smaller charities. Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said the new initiative would aim to support lesse
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She’s only 11 weeks old, but baby Rosie Connell already starred in her first role last Friday at Mater Private Hospital Mackay. Rosie fulfilled the role of Baby Jesus in Mater’s annual nativity play, which has become a tradition at the facility performed for Mater staff and patients – and starring the children of Mater People. Rosie’s mother, Mater Private Hospital Mackay Registered Nurse Jasmine Connell, said she was thrilled to have both her children starring in the nativity play for the firs
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Excitement was palpable in Mackay last week, with the Wiggles performing at the MECC, as part of their national The Wiggles’ Wiggly Big Day Out Tour. During the show, there was a special message, supporting the upcoming free kindy for 2024. A partnership between the Queensland Government and The Wiggles, the advertising campaign showcased the free kindy initiative, beginning January 1, 2024 for eligible families. It is estimated that 64,000 children will benefit from this initiative, and have a
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The visionary leader of Australia’s largest resource region announced her retirement from local government in Queensland last week. Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker broke the emotional news that she has made the decision not to contest the local government elections in March 2024. Mayor Baker, who is one of Queensland’s most respected local government leaders, is known as a powerhouse community champion for her monumental lobbying and her authentic approach of putting people before polit
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The Benefits Of Shopping Local As consumers, our choices profoundly impact the economic and social landscape of our region. Shopping locally in Mackay isn’t merely a transaction, it’s an investment back into the community that we so proudly belong to. There are a multitude of benefits to shopping locally and within your community, and this is far from an exhaustive list, but it does illustrate just how much of a difference your hard-earned money can make to the world and the people around yo
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Every year, the Rotary club of Walkerston is responsible for quite a few local awards. Recently presented was the Dux Awards at both of the local primary schools. At Walkerston State School it was presented to Frankie Cunningham, and at St John’s Catholic School to Khloe Noy. Congratulations to both girls! Also every year, the club presents the Cliff Andersen Memorial Sports Trophy to an outstanding sportsperson. Cliff Andersen was, for
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We have everything you need this gift giving season – from stunning giftware and pots, to a diverse selection of plants and garden essentials. Explore the latest Weber Q range, ideal for those last-minute Christmas gifts. Dive into the largest assortment of YETI products in Mackay, perfect for surprising your loved ones! For the DIY enthusiasts, our store boasts a comprehensive collection of power tools and outdoor equipment from renowned brands like STIHL, Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt, and much mo
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Hello Walkerston, it's time to get your armchairs and BBQ's ready, the great annual Walkerston Fire Station lolly run will be happening Saturday 16th December from 2pm. If you would like to donate any money or lollies to Santa, please drop them into Walkerston Fuel (please ensure they are individually wrapped). The travel route and street listing will be posted to the Facebook event on the day so you can see Santa's route.
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With wet weather conditions combined with warming temperatures in the Mackay region this means ticks are out in full-force, with RSPCA Queensland warning pet owners of the potential dangers these parasites can pose to pets. Ticks cause severe illness in our pets and in the worst cases, can lead to death. They may be small, but they are one of the most dangerous parasites affecting domesticated animals. RSPCA Qld Veterinary Hospital Manager, Emma MacDonald said there were many tick preventative
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Australia has bolstered its bio-security defences with a stash of 300,000 vital vaccines aimed at combating the serious cattle virus that causes lumpy skin disease (LSD), ensuring readiness for potential outbreaks. LSD, which also affects buffalo, has been reported in Indonesia but Australia remains free of this devastating disease. However, if the disease got a foothold here, quick access to and effective rollout of these vaccines will help keep Australian cattle and buffalo safe. For now, the
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Before establishing a stud in Central Queensland, Bianca Collins was a secondary teacher and her husband, John, a boilermaker. They had no experience on the land. Tired of paying rent in town and in need of adventure, they found their passion for agriculture. “We fumbled our way into developing a small stud Droughtmaster herd. It didn’t take long for us to add to our acreage by purchasing another 700 acres and leasing a further 1,00 acres—all while working in our full-time careers,” Bianca said.
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Ensure the kids are kept entertained these school holidays, with a host of fun and exciting activities across the region. > ARTSPACE MACKAY Artspace Mackay will be closed Monday, December 4, to early May, 2024 for critical facility maintenance works. Dudley Denny City Library will host Artspace Mackay pop-up during this time. Due to the closure, no school holiday activities will be held. > LIBRARIES LIBRARY KIDS CLUB (FIVE TO 12 YEARS) Until Wednesday, January 31 Sign up for Library Kids Club an
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Friday 15 December Mackay Show Association Christmas Mega Markets Friday Evening 5pm – 8pm Market & food stalls, special appearance by Santa, ham raffles. | $2 per person Mackay Showgrounds Friday Night Live Music Every Friday from 5pm Join us on Friday’s from 5pm for live music from our local favourites, good food and great company. | Free entry. Boomerang Hotel Christmas Holiday Kids Crafts Friday 15 December | 10am – 2pm Join Santa’s Elves and make your very own Christmas holiday craft
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It is the best of times, it is the worst of times in this city as we head into the Christmas period. With apologies to Charles Dickens, Mackay is a tale of two cities. The first tale of our city is a great story about home owners and how their investment is experiencing strong growth. After a horrible downturn from 2013 to about 2018, Mackay property prices are solidly and consistently growing. Prices continued to grow this year and the market is reflecting the energetic economy that is keepin
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I’ve had that song stuck in my head for a while now! But really, Hi, it’s me, your old friend! I’ve been living under a motherhood rock for the past 12 months, but I’ll be back on air on Star 101.9 bright and early in January. I actually cannot believe we are already talking about January 2024! Time is flying by. I feel there is something about saying ‘time is flying by’ that means you’re getting older. I would have heard my parents and grandparents say ‘time flies’ so many times over
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The image of the man, woman and baby in the darkened stable has a powerful hold on people’s imaginations. Why? Maybe because so many can identify with someone huddled in darkness, turned away from the inn, apart from family. How many feel displaced, not ‘at home’ in their surroundings? How many suffer the darkness of loneliness, betrayal and rejection? How many dwell in the shadow of illness and grief? How many live, as first-time parents, with self-doubt and anxiety about the future for the
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Crediton Hall Recreation Club (CHRC) and Provisional School celebrated their 80th anniversary last month, with a nostalgic and reminiscent event. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson attended to address the attendees. CHRC provided a glorious spread of food, as well as a celebration cake for dessert. Many attendees camped overnight, enjoying a firepit and games for the children to play. The event also saw a Rolling Raffle, and past residents sharing their stories and photos from over
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No matter who you are, or where you’re from, you’ve probably heard “Jingle Bells” at least once. Some people love to blast carols in the car as early as November, and others can be less enthusiastic. No matter which side of the fence you sit on, Christmas carols are an iconic celebration of the season that fit perfectly alongside the tree that finds itself a staple in the homes of so many. Christmas carols have deep roots in cultural and religious traditions. The first carol believed to have b
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Christmas is a time to stop work, rest awhile, and turn to God. The good news of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, is a message of great joy for everyone: for you and for me. This Christmas, find your local church, attend a Christmas service, hear the good news, give your heart to Jesus, and donate to a Christmas appeal. The Journey to Bethlehem movie is showing in cinemas now. The miracle of the survival of Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, shows us God’s determination to be with us in
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Pioneer Valley Cricket Club have staked an early claim for the Mackay Cricket Association Division One Twenty20 Shootout championship title. The undefeated Valley X1 launched their series campaign last week with three impressive victories in the 20 overs format and lead the competition on 18 points. Norths Devils and the Magpies are in second and third spots respectively on 12 points after each registering two wins from three fixtures completed. Gun all-rounder Cody Filewood is the Valley’s c
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