Loose Ends opens today and will be a night to remember, where the community comes together to embrace difference and celebrate diversity. Join the Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre for a fun night of entertainment, giveaways, fundraising, socialising and more as they heighten awareness for International Day of People with Disability. Loose Ends is set to be an eclectic evening of art, music and performances by local artists and performers. Acts include Groove Movers, With One Voice, Choir o
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North Queensland Bulk Ports have announced the nine community organisations set to receive a share of $60,000 in funding, supporting local community with initiatives expected to deliver strong benefits. Of the nine recipients, six are in the Mackay and Hay Point port communities, and were selected on the principles of diversity, inclusion and the recognition of First Nations Peoples. Mackay’s Reef Catchments was one of the six and Reef Catchments CEO Katrina Dent said her team is excited to ex
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In a statement from the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), it has been reported that more people than ever before in the Greater Mackay region are working in jobs supported by the mining and energy sector, rising by five per cent during the past financial year. The region, including Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays is now home to more people directly employed in the resources sector than any other region in Queensland, pushing Brisbane out of the top spot. The QRC’s latest Economic Contribution re
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Local disability support agency, Feros Care, invited the local community to dream and connect at the Mackay Riverside Market this week with a day of celebration to mark the International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD). At the heart of the Feros Care celebrations was an innovative 'Dream Wall', an interactive display featuring stars and clouds, adorned with dreams and aspirations written by attendees. The Dream Wall is designed not just as an art installation, but also as a source of insp
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131 ACU Sarina Celebrates 52 Years with Distinction 131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina (131ACU) held their Annual Ceremonial Parade at Sarina State High School last month. This is the 52nd year that 131ACU has been operating in the Sarina community and this year, 30 Cadets participated in the ceremonial parade. The cadets put on an amazing display of their skills, dress and bearing to over 90 members of the Australian Defence Force Cadets, special guests and the members of the community. Congratulati
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The holidays are almost here! End-of-year festivities can be costly, especially considering our cost-of-living increases. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimise your expenses. Here are 9 tips to save you money this holiday season. 1. Ask everyone to provide a wish list Yes, even the adults! Asking for gifts you want can sometimes be seen as greedy or entitled – but being clear with what you want or need saves money and waste for everyone. 2. Get creative with gift giving Getti
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The Year 8 Careers Showcase took place at Catherine McAuley College on 23rd November, with students implementing a reverse format to showcase their work to industry representatives. The showcase is a part of the Careers and Education Module, based around the Greater Whitsunday Alliance module that was created to encourage students in their future employment endeavours. Year 8 students put together a ‘career bucket’, a presentation featuring potential jobs they have studied this term that they wo
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Endeavour Foundation's Inspiring Mission In the heart of Mackay, Endeavour Foundation tirelessly champions the belief that everybody possesses the ability to achieve their dreams and contribute to their community. Their commitment to building a brighter future for all reflects their unwavering passion for enhancing lives, day by day. They recognise the unique needs of each individual and tailor their support accordingly. Whether it's achieving independent living, finding a fulfilling job, or
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The taste of sweet success is on the lips of Sarina Sugar Shed, taking home a gong at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards. Acting Coordinator Adele Lewis said winning silver in Excellence in Food Tourism is a testament to the amazing experiences and products on offer in our region. “We are thrilled to again be recognised as a premium food tourism experience in Queensland and we sincerely thank not only our amazing team, but everyone who has visited or purchased from us,” Ms Lewis said. The award
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The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) has secured bronze for the Business Events Venue category at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards. The award recognised the venue’s excellence across areas including technical capabilities, staff development, catering and customer experience. Acknowledged as the largest convention centre between Cairns and Brisbane, this state-of-the-art building has the equipment and skilled staff to guarantee successful event delivery. Mayor Greg Williamson s
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After another ground-breaking year for Queensland tourism operators, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Queensland Tourism Awards were back with Mackay businesses bringing home two silver and one bronze awards for the region. At the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards, Sarina Sugar Shed won Silver for Excellence in Food Tourism while The FLACKYARD won Silver for Best Tourism Restaurant. Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre celebrated with a Bronze Award in the Business Event Venues catego
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How good is Christmas and holidays? I’ll let you know mid-January, because this year again my family is planning a visit to my hometown of Adelaide. Driving. Yes, it sounds crazy, but the key is to have my own transport when I’m back home so we can go wherever we want, whenever we want, without having to rely on my parents having a car available. The last time we did the drive we made the journey part of the holiday, so each stop was a mini break in itself. We had a surprise stay at Se
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Ange Postecoglouis a good example for anyone in sport or business or someone trying to get ahead in life - that perseverance, consistency, effort, self-belief, discipline and culture create success. The Tottenham Hotspurs Manager (coach in our world) has gone from playing football (soccer in our world) for South Melbourne then coaching in Australia, Japan and Scotland before taking over one of the English Premier League’s most famous clubs. He took over the Spurs after massive success over sever
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A new knock-out program implemented by the Queensland Government, Active Women and Girls is set to promote gender equity in Queensland's field of sports and recreation. The $15 million Active Women and Girls Program is aiming to boost sport and active recreation opportunities for women and girls in Queensland. The program will be dedicated to encourage greater participation across all facets of sport and recreation, including playing, coaching, umpiring, volunteering and team management. The pro
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A statement released by Queensland Police Service informed the public that a 40-year-old Mackay man has passed away, following a truck rollover in Clairview on Monday 27th November. Initial investigations indicated that at approximately 11.40am, a truck was travelling south along the Bruce Highway when it left the road and rolled. The driver, a 40-year-old Andergrove man, was declared deceased at the scene. Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing. If you have information for police,
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Let the Children Play Toyshop is your one-stop toyshop, servicing the local community with quality items to encourage imagination and play. The business opened in 2013 and this September they celebrated their ten-year anniversary of operations in Mackay. Owner of Let the Children Play Toyshop Ally Blines believes in the importance of shopping local. She encourages customers during the Christmas period, to add ‘Mackay’ to the end of their online search when looking for specific products. Ally s
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The Rug Gallery have been in business for over thirty years, supplying Mackay with high-quality rugs to add comfort and style to our homes. The family business is owned by Katrina and Peter Hansen, who are a passionate duo striving to meet everchanging needs by offering quality service and one-on-one advice to their customers. With a fantastic range from designer to recycled rugs, the showroom has a wide variety to choose from, or you can order in if you’re in the market for something specific.
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The final hurdle for the expansion of a Bowen Basin coal mine has been cleared with the Queensland Government granting a mining lease. The lease paves the way for Anglo American to expand its Lake Lindsay steel-making coal mine operation near Middlemount. It will extend the life of the mine and secure the long-term future of 500 good jobs. When fully operational the expanded mine will produce 5.6 million tonnes of steel-making coal. Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the granting o
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The success of a business in a regional area is often intricately linked to the wellbeing of the neighbourhood it calls home. With many banks reducing their physical presence in regional areas, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is still committed to a focus on connection, capacity building and direct community impact, thanks to its unique community banking model. At the recent Sarina and District Community Financial Services Limited (SDCFSL) AGM, the company reported strong financial results
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Standing at the mouth of the Pioneer River, Mackay City is known for its blue water estuaries and deep water artificial port, with one of the world's largest bulk-handling installations serving as the hub of Australia's sugar industry. In 1860, an Irishman by the name of John McCrossin selected a 20-year-old Scotsman, John Mackay, to lead an expedition to seek pastoral opportunities. They eventually came across the coastal ranges, which are now known as the Pioneer Valley. Established in 1862 a
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Mackay Regional Council has recently partnered with Recycle Mate – a new web-based app tailored to ensure the information is relevant to our Materials Recovery Facility (MFR). Recycle Mate is a nation-wide project led by the Australian recycling industry though strategic direction from the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR). Both state and federal governments have invested in the app as part of the waste management strategy. Recycle Mate can either be accessed online or via a mobile app, gi
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Here are a list of ‘did you know?’ facts about Mackay, from the historical to the downright wacky and whimsical. • Mackay was officially founded in 1862 and named by Captain John MacKay, who explored the region. Port Mackay was declared for entry in 1863, but Mackay was not classified as a city until 1918. • Mackay is home to Australia's longest stretch of subtropical rainforest. • The Commonwealth Bank building was constructed in 1880 for the Australian Joint Stock Bank and is the oldest comm
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In All Mackay Catholic Churches This Christmas Christmas is so much more than a day. Mackay Catholics can enjoy the secular traditions along with the special significance of Catholic rituals. Christmas is a season, the season of Advent with four special Sundays leading up to Christmas Day itself. The community warmth experienced over the four weeks is what manifests the ‘Spirit of Christmas’. Mackay Southside Catholic Parish Council endorses a special Advent emphasis in all of their chu
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Graziers have been urged to keep a watchful eye on pasture dieback, which is continuing to spread across new areas of Queensland. Principal Agronomist Stuart Buck said pasture dieback previously only affected high-yielding sown-grass pastures in regions with more than 600mm of average annual rainfall. However, it is now spreading into drier western districts of southern, central and northern Queensland. “Graziers have reported pasture dieback south and south-west of Injune, and in the Clonc
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As Summer approaches with rising temperatures, the local marine wildlife is making a splash. Shovel nose sharks have been sighted along Bucasia, Eimeo, and Shoal Point beaches. Particularly at Shoal Point Beach, reports indicate an impressive gathering of up to fifty shovel nose sharks during high tides. Adding to the spectacle, stingrays have also been observed. Those brave enough to venture into the water are advised to exercise caution, keep a watchful eye and drag their feet along the sand
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