%20Ms%20Wendy%20Sievers.jpg)
Families of the Pioneer Valley gathered to experience an extra special Remembrance Day this year, with a service at the cenotaph followed by an unveiling of Finch Hatton RSL’s World War II Honour Gallery. With over two-hundred and fifty people in attendance from the local area and surrounds, the unveiling was a joint affair with RSL Life member David Oliver, RSL auxiliary Life Member Graeme Ware and auxiliary member Wendy Sievers all sharing in the honour. The World War II Honour Gallery follow
Read more
With Doctor Rana of Ritu Rana Medical Doctor Ritu Rana of Ritu Rana Medical has a tremendous passion for gynaecology, pregnancy and fertility, everyday acknowledging that the gift of new life is one to be appreciated well before birth. Dr. Rana has an extensive background in the field of medicine, having done her basic medical training in India, moving on to Obstetrics and Gynaecology and a fellowship in Assisted Reproduction in the United Kingdom before moving to Australia for the sunshine. St
Read more
Construction work on a prime riverfront food and beverage site in River Street has been paused to allow time to consider new design and construct options. Work on the council-owned building, formerly Maria’s Donkey and more recently the Don Daniels restaurant site, is being undertaken by Woollam Constructions. It is part of development in the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA), with other nearby projects being the completed River Wharves and the upcoming installation of a pontoon.
Read more
A dedicated student from Mackay State High School was announced as the recipient of the 2024 Hill Family Scholarship this week, in honour of his great dedication to his academic achievements. The Hill Family Scholarship provides vital financial support of $5,000 to one deserving student each year, who is embarking on their tertiary education journey within the fields of law, accounting, or commerce. Year 12 Mackay State High School student Ned Gething won the 2024 scholarship, the accolade sho
Read more
I bought a car the other day and, as a sales person, it was an interesting experience. I don’t like spending a lot of money on cars and, as someone with a 16-year-old son, a 20-year-old daughter and a wife, there’s not much left for me anyway. So I decided on a budget. That budget would have got me a brand new four-cylinder Japanese or Korean SUV but I wanted something a bit better, sportier, something a step up from my old Toyota Aurion that was about to die a painful, age-related death. I narr
Read more
Festival Fever is the theme, $1000 dollars is the prize and the front cover of the 2024 Mackay Festival of Arts program is the canvas. The Mackay Festivals team is calling on artists, graphic designers, freelance creators, hobbyists, beginners and everyone in between to show off their creativity, imagination and artistic skills. The winning artwork will be featured on the cover of the 2024 program and will inspire the branding of the 2024 festival. The winning artist will also receive $1000 in p
Read more
I have, and I do it quite often. Let’s just say I don’t have great willpower. I say that because 10 weeks ago I was shopping for Christmas decorations with my kids, and we bought a gigantic wooden advent calendar with all the sliding drawers for gifts to put in each one for the month. When we got that, I thought wouldn’t it be great to have little chocolates to put in each drawer, so I decided to grab one of those big mixed boxes of sweets. It has a few dozen little parcels of greatness wrappe
Read more
Sporting fans from across the region gathered at a special fundraising event earlier this week, the crowds eager to meet two sporting legends, Ivan Cleary and Kerry Boustead, who shared their inspiring stories. Held at Souths Leagues Club, the event was also an opportunity to connect with recently announced mayoral candidate, Steve Jackson, who was available to answer questions. The audience enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere at the sold-out event, with a seafood and meat buffet, drinks and desserts,
Read more
By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay It has been saddening to see the many bushfires hitting rural communities across Queensland in recent months. Like any natural disaster, bushfires hit hard on farming businesses, sometimes undoing the work of generations. It’s also saddening to hear of cane farmers losing part or all of their crop, and doubly so to hear that they have not had crop insurance. Growers invest a great deal in bringing a crop to harvest, in terms of soil health, fertilising
Read more
Celebrating Mackay's Man of the Year In a world where conversations often revolve around physical health, what about the well-being of men's minds? Shed Happens, with major sponsors DGH Engineering, recently sparked discussions on this critical topic, bringing together 141 individuals at an International Men's Day Breakfast, under the banner of "Health & Well-being for All Generations of Men." The event wasn't just a morning meal; it was a celebration of mateship and men's mental health. Phil
Read more
With A Perfect Present From Mackay Music Whether you're embarking on a musical journey as a novice, searching for your dream instrument as a seasoned professional, or in need of comprehensive event gear, Mackay Music stands as the reliable choice committed to meeting all your musical needs. With a legacy of twenty-four years in the business, Owner Kelly Cacciola and her team have made Mackay Music a go-to destination for musicians of all ages and skill levels. The team at Mackay Music boasts a
Read more
Get Your Tastebuds Tingling At Mackay Farmers Market Every Wednesday morning from 6:30am to 10:30am, Mackay comes alive with the Mackay Farmers' Market Inc. at the picturesque Bluewater Quay. Two years ago, stall holders started the incorporation to continue offering Mackay locals a chance to experience the midweek market. This is your go-to destination for all things fresh and locally sourced, with an abundant array of quality produce and products. Start your morning right, with a cup of coffe
Read more
GW Industrial had its’ first beginnings in 1982. Current owner and director, Shelley Walsh purchased the company formerly known as Geoff Walsh Engine Parts from her father in 2007. Five years later, the automotive division was sold to Burson Auto Parts and the rebranded GW Industrial, focused on supporting the industrial sector. Build - Farm - Mine was born. The business takes pride in their commitment to excellence and services a wide range of industries in Mackay and the Bowen Basin, offering
Read more
Students of Whitsunday Anglican School celebrated the last day of their schooling career last week with a special day ceremony to commemorate their achievements and a 'Walk of Honour’ to highlight their success. The assembly, led by Year 12 school captains reflected on the years of learning, love, and laughter within the graduating class of 2023. Students from each faction—Trinity, Barnabas, Charles and Ambrose—were presented on stage, with Charles earning the title of Champion House. Whitsunda
Read more
The Paxton’s Portrait Prize is in its’ ninth year, this year introducing the Pet Portrait category with entries from talented artists from around the Mackay region. The event is the brainchild of Lynn Robson and Melissa Larsen, both realising there was really no way for children and students to be able to exhibit their artwork in a local exhibition. This event provides a platform for young artists to show off their creative talents. The event is themed around the Archibald Prize, with conditions
Read more.jpg)
Friday 24 November 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 The Radiators (Live) From 8pm Get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable night of classic hits, high-energy performances, and pure rock ‘n’ roll magic as The Radiators take the stage. | Tickets available at oztix.com.au Seabreeze Hotel Mackay Twilight Market From 5pm to 8:30pm and Saturday 4p
Read more
Theatre Arts Mackay Dance Excellence Showcase Gala 2023 Photo credit: Photos By Nell
Read more
The National Rifle Association Australia (NRAA) Kings event is over for another year, seeing two members of Mackay District Target Rifle Association (MDTRA) dominate the three-day competition. Father and daughter duo, Terry and Kylah Norris brought home the wins, with Terry in 1st place and 17-year-old Kylah in 2nd place in the Grand Aggregate and Sport/Hunter Production Class Open categories for the Kings competition. The Kings competition held twenty-four matches over three days. The power d
Read more
Premiership front runners Brothers and Norths Devils produced an enterprising run fest in a quality Poole Cup first grade showdown in the Mackay Cricket Association competition last weekend. In a fine exhibition of batting, the Brothers top order featured prominently to help set up a crucial 18-run victory at Harrup Park’s George Gorrie Oval. Talented opener Wiets Buys led the way with a stylish 63 off 90 balls that included eight boundaries and a six with support from Joseph Hackney (41), skipp
Read more
Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club recently host the 32nd annual North Australian Titles, which saw more than a thousand lifesavers, water safety, carnival officials and spectators descended on Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach. The surf conditions at the carnival were very challenging for lifesavers with a 5.8m high tide coupled with a 2-metre swell. The surf was pumping and so were the competitors. Mackay SLSC Director of Surf Sports, Josh Grant said “The club is very proud of our small but strong com
Read more
After spending the last two NBL1 seasons in the ‘Top End’, Jerron Jamerson will make the move back to the ‘Sunshine State’ and a return to McDonald’s Mackay Meteors line-up for 2024. The 31-year-old is no stranger to the Mackay faithful, having played an NBL1 North season for the Meteors red and black in 2021. It was a campaign to remember for the star American import. Jamerson finishing the season averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per contest, enroute to helping the Meteors secure t
Read more
The annual North Mackay Sinkers Open Water Swim is held on the first Sunday in November each year. This year’s race, on November 5, dawned with clear skies, zero wind and welcome temperatures in and out of the water. Some 49 swimmers registered for the annual event, made up of 33 females and 16 males set to compete. Distances offered in the competition were the 1.25-kilometre, which included an aided swimmer section of flippers and buoys. A 2.5-kilometre distance and the main event, a challengi
Read more
Mackay will see an influx of visitors between 24th to 26th November with the hosting of the Under 13 Girls and Under 13 Boys Indoor State Hockey Championships. The Championships present a great opportunity to showcase the state’s incredible hockey talent in a round robin competition and are used as a selection process for the Queensland Indoor Under 13 hockey teams. Mackay has been well represented over the years at both State and National level, now harnessing the chance to put their talen
Read more
Amidst the clinking of bowls and the camaraderie that defines the Marian Ladies Bowls Club, a recent event echoed a more profound purpose. Their annual Charity Day took centre stage, resonating with compassion and generosity. This year, the club chose to extend their hands of support to the Trudy Crowley Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting those battling a silent beast: ovarian cancer. Two representatives from the foundation attended the event, receiving a cheque from the club an
Read more.JPG)
Medically retired North Queensland Cowboys rugby league forward Mitchell Dunn took a trip down memory lane last Friday when he visited his old stamping ground at St Patrick’s College Mackay. Having bowed out of the NRL as a player due to chronic injuries at the age of 26, the former Mackay Brothers Bulldogs junior has now transitioned into a career in coaching. Dunn recently commenced a newly created role at the Cowboys as Game Development Coach, with the ex-lock to work with Junior Rugby Leag
Read more