Mackay Women’s Services Bring Christmas Joy To Survivors of Domestic Violence Mackay Women’s Services are a strong pillar in the Mackay region, not only offering support and resources for women facing domestic violence (DV) situations, but also an annual Christmas Hamper Drive to lift spirits in the lead-up to the festive season. For many women facing the uphill battle, these hampers are a positive note to finish off the year. Many women have children that are forced to go without when the going
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The festive season is a joyous occasion, but for many people this time of year can be emotionally and financially taxing, with stress relating to family, isolation, and securing the funds to provide themselves a meaningful experience on Christmas Day. It is paramount that people can access safe spaces to feel welcome in, so they can truly enjoy the holiday season without any pressure. If you’re feeling the pinch and doing it tough this year, read on to discover the range of free events and supp
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The holiday season should be a time to celebrate and spend time with loved ones. Unfortunately, many Aussies risk falling victim to holiday scams. With full calendars, school holidays and extra life admin taking our focus, the festive season presents prime conditions for scammers to strike. Here are three scams to watch out for! 1. Phishing scams The holidays are a busy time, and scams catch us out when our guard is down - particularly phishing scams. These scams involve impersonation of a trust
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Mackay Regional Council Libraries are revitalising the area behind the Sarina Library, with exciting plans to use the space for future outdoor programs and activities. Outdated play equipment is set to be removed over the next few weeks to make way for the transformation, with a host of other exciting projects underway around the area. A beautiful mural has been painted by local artist Steph, who is the founder of Emu Creek Art Co. Beautiful artistry has been splashed across the walls of Sarin
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A team of Sarina high school students are some of the first members of the community to set foot on the grounds of the new Sarina Hospital which is being built on Brewers Road. Executive Director Public Health and Rural Services Terry Johnson said progression on outdoor works and the establishment of gardens at the site had provided the opportunity for some community involvement which had been welcomed by all parties. “Over the past six to eight weeks, we have had a group of Year 10 students f
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The board of directors, all of whom are volunteers, of Sarina and District Community Financial Services Limited (SDCFSL), which operates Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, recently recognised one of their own at the 2023 Annual General Meeting. Deputy Chair, Company Secretary and Chair – Business and Community Engagement are the three current hats worn by Maree Franettovich, who was recognised for 10 years of volunteer service and re-elected as a non-Executive Director with the SDCFSL board. A
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Farmers and producers in the Mackay and Whitsunday region will soon be able to learn more about the importance of integrating the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework on-farm, thanks to an upcoming workshop being held next week. Delivered by the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Drought Hub) in partnership with Reef Catchments, the Mackay workshop is the first in a series across the region focused on increasing ESG awareness within th
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay THE CANEGROWERS Mackay AGM is always a time for members to come together and consider the issues that have affected our industry and our organisation across the year. This year has been no exception, as an organisation we have tackled millers on issues around milling performance across the season. For a third year in a row, we find ourselves harvesting in the aggressive heat of December, with the storm season also developing and challenging in paddock
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Located on the north side of The Leap, RDO Equipment Mackay is the cornerstone of agricultural and construction needs. With a history in farming lifestyle, the business has undergone significant transformations to reflect their diverse range. The journey began with the business under the name Vanderfield Mackay, which was replaced by RDO Equipment in 2019. The name change took place 18 months ago, solidifying their identity as a one-stop solution for agriculture and construction machinery. The
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The festive season can bring joy, but it also can intensify stress and strain. For many Australians, Christmas triggers financial worries and personal challenges, affecting relationships and mental well-being. However, with some mindful preparations and self-care strategies, you can navigate the holiday season without the stress. Financial Control: Set a Budget and Stick to it Money woes often plague the holidays. Establish a realistic budget for gifts and festivities, and avoid the anxiety of
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For more than a decade, Mackay’s Child Youth and Family Health Service has offered Early Parent Groups to support families in those early stages of parenthood. Early Parent Groups are facilitated by a child health nurse each Wednesday morning (9.30 to 11.30am) at Carlyle Community Health for new parents of babies aged 0-5 months. Topics covered over four sessions include sleep and settling, adjustment to parenting, feeding, play and development. The groups also provide a space for families to
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March 2023 marked the beginning of an exciting journey, with a unique storefront for teens, when Harper Bee opened at Caneland Central. Harper Bee focuses on serving their niche, primarily catering products designed for teenagers, with an ongoing transition to be more inclusive of both boys and girls. The passion that goes into the storefront stems from a personal connection, with Owner Lisa Versaci being a parent to three teenagers herself. She recognised the lack of suitable items in the marke
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The first chiropractic adjustment dates back to 1895. The terminology arising from Greek words cheiro (hand) and praktikos (doing or action). Prior to this, people who practiced joint manipulation were called ‘bone-setters’. Joint manipulation, or bone setting, is not the only form of treatment that is performed at Experience Healing, although it is the foundation. Chiropractor Dr. Mat has spent his previous years in the health industry as a Personal Trainer and Massage Therapist, developing sk
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Hot off its sold out 2023 UK Tour, ‘A Taste of Ireland―The Irish Music & Dance Sensation’ returns with a performance that is ‘Celtic―for this decade’. Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a show that has entertained thousands, as A Taste of Ireland returns to Mackay for the first time in 3 years. Having performed over 300 shows since 2019, ‘A Taste of Ireland’ has merged cultural traditions, modern flair, and craic galore to deliver a performance that has brought the house down night after nig
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A light dusting of rain did not dampen the spirits at Carols by the Beach which was held on the Airlie Beach Foreshore last Sunday. Hundreds flocked to the event which saw the Proserpine Citizens Band delight and almost 200 students from Cannonvale State School perform some of the season’s favourite Christmas songs. The cheeky green grinch stole the show with his mischievous antics, enticing a trail of squealing kids to follow along in his wake. The event culminated with Santa’s arrival in the
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Friday 8 December Churches Together Christmas Lunch From 12pm to 2pm All are invited to attend, with Mayor Greg Williamson featuring the launch of the Christmas Bowl Appeal of the National Council of Churches in Australia. Discussion on the issues the churches are facing especially at Christmas, and the launch of an appeal for a NAYBA social and economic impact survey and report. | $28 per person, kids under 12 eat free! Bookings essential by 12pm, 1st December at www.trybooking.com/CNDFF S
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Hi Everyone, With Christmas around the corner it is certainly an exciting time of year – Mr Elf is causing mischief under the cover of night, children are hyped up on candy-cane sugar highs and everyone is floating around from one festive gathering to another – hugging friends and feeling the warmth of a festive spirit which is almost as high as our current heatwave! While there is much fun to be had, however, it is also a time of year where we feel the pinch on our pockets as we struggle to f
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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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A recent post on Facebook has captured the hearts of many around the community with its simplicity, ease and incredible potential in re-purposing pre-loved items this Christmas. Shared by Karen Bedford on Whitsundays Noticeboard, the post read: “What is one thing that you cannot afford but need right now? Let's see what others say, maybe you have it and you don't need it, have something you would like to give away, can pass it on to them or have a connection to get it. “Perhaps we can help
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As a child and young adult I played a lot of sport. I grew up in Canberra and the city was a melting pot of people from all over the country who ended up in the capital thanks to their public service job. That melting pot brought their various sports with them … so I got to play soccer, rugby league, rugby union, volleyball, basketball and to do a bit of athletics. That was all a bit of fun in school sports but it was different with my two great loves, cricket and AFL football. That was the seri
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A significant drop in the mango crop across the Whitsundays this year has seen farmers struggling with a small yield and large production costs, while consumers are paying more at the supermarket counter. Ben Martin from Marto’s Mangoes in Bowen says, however, that this years’ crop is not all doom and gloom, in fact it does have some positives. He believes the smaller crop has in fact increased demand and brought prices back to a pre-Covid rate which is where it needs to be in order to ensure
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If not, you’re not alone! Thankfully there are some wonderful community organisations with nimble fingers who can fold and tie presents with precision. All it costs is a gold coin per gift (a larger donation is appreciated for large gifts) and it’s all in the name of charity. Caneland Central Have your gifts beautifully wrapped by a band of merry volunteer elves at Caneland Central. You'll find volunteers from Alpharho ESA Mackay at the two charity gift wrapping stalls near Target and upstairs
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Runners, walkers, cyclists and motorised small vehicle users will be excited to find out that the boardwalk between the VMR boat ramp and Shingley Drive is due to re-open to the public this morning. This section of the Bicentennial Boardwalk which runs five-kilometres along the coast between Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, has been closed since September for Stage 2 of the works. Whitsunday Regional Council engaged Plants Whitsundays to complete the upgrades which will now mean the boardwalk has
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Virgin Voyages newest boat, Resilient Lady, checked into Airlie Beach last week, adding our port to their list of destinations on its expedition around Australia and across the South Pacific and Europe. The Resilient Lady has just over 1400 cabins and can host between 2800 and 3200 passengers with just over 1100 members of staff and crew. Resilient Lady is the third vessel in Virgin’s fleet, with the fourth due to be setting sail in 2024. “We are thrilled to be here,” explained Andrew Eglin,
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The Mackay Bowling Club was the hub for a festive luncheon on 30th November, with 26 residents and carers from BlueCare Mackay Homefield Aged Care Facility attending the club to enjoy a Christmas lunch. The annual event usually takes place at a local hotel, but this year, no bus was available for transport. Organisers Mike Irving, John Jorgensen and Brad Robertson banded together to offer the group a suitable place to enjoy their festivities, which is right next door to their living quarters! A
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