Issue #

23

Mackay Contract Bridge Club

November 23, 2023

The ‘Del Ryan’ Central Queensland Memorial Teams event has been played in Mackay. Sixteen teams competed with visitors from Cairns, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, and Brisbane. Local Team Martin, Nancy Martin, Geoff Taylor, Ken Seaniger and Marilin Robins came second overall. Best Team in Section B Team Chruickshank, Ian Cruickshank Debra & Eric Goodchild and David Ting. Best Team in Section C Team Lynch, Noel Saunders, Annie Lynch, Sandra Morris and Ted Cullinan. Proud president Noel Bugeia picture with

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Lawn Bowling Legend’s Eight Decades Of Dedication

November 16, 2023

Kevin Hewitt, better known on the bowling green as ‘Kev’, has played 97 test matches for Queensland. He grew up on a dairy farm with his two brothers and parents, Harvey and Phillis Hewitt, who were well-known for delivering milk to local cafés around Mackay. When Kev’s parents unfortunately passed during his teen years, the farm was converted to cane.

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Kia Ora!

November 16, 2023

Greetings from the enchanting landscapes of Aotearoa! Taking a breather here in my homeland has been nothing short of a soul-soothing adventure—a reminder of the therapeutic powers of switching off and embracing the Kiwi way of life.

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Recognising Children Lost In The System

November 16, 2023

Brenda-Lee McDougal has worked tirelessly for over twenty years in a labour of love to recognise orphans and abandoned children who have been lost in the foster care system.Brenda-Lee’s husband Scott sent an email to the Jay and Dave Breakfast Show, hosted by the Triple M Mackay radio station to acknowledge his wife’s efforts in installing a memorial park bench at Royal Sands Park.

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Auto Training Hub Revs Up At CQU

November 16, 2023

A multi-million-dollar specialist training facility for heavy automotive trades at the CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus is expected to be operational by Term 2, 2024.The 1,610 sqm site will include workshop space, teaching areas, staff spaces and specialist equipment including an air brake simulator, hydraulic training stations, transmission training simulators, diesel engine benches and an air suspension training stand for trucks.

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Helipad Closure Sparks Emergency Plea

November 16, 2023

The closure of the helipad at Mackay Base Hospital for three years presents significant challenges for the region’s rescuers and a potential risk to patient care. The $250 million upgrade of the hospital commencing in January 2024. which includes a new roof-top helipad was very welcomed but was a huge concern for RACQ CQ Rescue which would be unable to land onsite in Mackay to transfer patients.

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The Guns Fell Silent

November 16, 2023

Last week, Mackay RSL observed Remembrance Day with a poignant pre-game service at Harrup Park before the WBBL game. This moment was not just about sports; it encapsulated the community's dedication to honoring the historical significance of November 11th.

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A Life Well Lived

November 16, 2023

Long term Carlyle Gardens resident and World War II veteran Geoff Fielder recently passed away several months before his 100th birthday.Geoff was born in London in February 1924 and joined the British Royal Navy shortly after his 18th birthday in June 1942. He spent his time on the HMS Crane as an ordinary telegraphist. London had been extensively bombed in 1940/41 and Geoff had experienced this as a 16-year-old growing up in the region.

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NEW BRAND TO TAKE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS TO THE WORLD

November 16, 2023

A “spirited adventure with a tropical vibe" is the promise the new Finch Hatton MTB brand will make to the world.Finch Hatton MTB was officially launched today (November 13), in what is a significant step for Mackay Regional Council’s cornerstone mountain bike trails project.

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IS THERE A DOCTOR ON THIS FLIGHT?

November 16, 2023

Mackay Base Hospital doctor Pieter Nel was on a flight to New Zealand for a medical conference recently when he heard a call over the PA system: ‘’If there's a medical doctor on the plane, please press the call button’’.

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100 Years Of Nebo

November 16, 2023

The township of Nebo has officially turned 100 years old, last Saturday November 11. However, the history is a bit more interesting than a settlement 100 years ago. Originally named ‘Fort Copper’ in 1883, the settlement was nicknamed ‘Nebo’ by locals, and the two names existed together until 1923.

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Nebo’s Lifetime Legend

November 16, 2023

Monument of Nebo township, William Wallace Mervyn Bruce has passed away, aged 106 years old. Born in Nebo, January 2, 1917, William, better known as Bill, lived the first part of his life in the clutches of the Fort Copper Hotel, his parents the licensees of the hotel. However, the family soon moved to a property outside of Nebo.

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Half A Century Of Service At Chelona State School

November 16, 2023

Jenny Leeding, a teacher’s aide at Chelona State School has recently retired after demonstrating unwavering dedication and commitment as a valued member of staff for an impressive 48 years. Jenny began her career as a Cleaner for Chelona State School in 1975.

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Sarina Students Supported With Great Partnership

November 16, 2023

Sarina Neighbourhood Centre and Daly Bay have partnered together to ensure hundreds of Sarina school students have the necessities they require for school in 2024. Throughout 2023, the Sarina District School Assistance Program supported 260 students from 40 families, providing financial assistance, through vouchers for school uniforms and essential booklist items.

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A Year Of Progress For O&G Reform At Mackay HHS

November 16, 2023

A special luncheon was held this past week to mark the completion of 12 months of intensive work to improve our region’s obstetrics and gynaecology services, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) staff and leaders.

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A Robotic Breakthrough For Women's Health

November 16, 2023

Mater Private Hospital Mackay obstetrician and gynaecologist Ritu Rana has conducted the first robotic-assisted hysterectomy in Mackay, using the state-of-the-art da Vinci X robotic system.

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On The Air And On The Internet: 2023 Scouts Jamboree

November 16, 2023

All sections of Scouting in the Hibiscus Coast District were involved in the 66th Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and the 27 Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) which is an annual event held for scouting and guiding worldwide.

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A Commitment To Community Excellence

November 16, 2023

The Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) at Gargett is a strong pillar of the region, with a rich tapestry of historical achievements spanning seventy-five years.Today, Gargett branch is deeply committed to community service with monthly meetings serving as a communal hub for members to engage in behind-the-scenes projects.

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Koala Breeding Season Sparks Call To Protect And Preserve Iconic Species

November 16, 2023

Koalas are now on the move looking for love or a new home, with veterinarians and wildlife carers urging all Queenslanders to be extra vigilant and help keep koalas safe this breeding season.

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Moranbah's New Hospital Breaks Ground

November 16, 2023

Construction for the new Moranbah Hospital is officially underway, representing a significant milestone for the coalfields community. The Queensland Government, through its progressive coal royalty tiers, is funding this pivotal project. Originally scheduled for completion in early 2025, the construction has been expedited, with the new hospital expected to be operational by the last quarter of 2024.

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Financial Strain Forces Track Closure

November 16, 2023

Walkerston Track is set to be closed permanently, with Mackay & District BMX Club releasing a statement to members to give an important update.The reasoning behind the decision was cited as ‘ongoing maintenance requirements, volunteer fatigue and increasing financial input required’ to keep running both the Walkerston and Mackay facilities.

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Six Years Of Doing Good In The World

November 16, 2023

Walkerston Rotary’s affiliated group Days for Girls Mackay Team celebrated its 6th Anniversary last Saturday, 4 November, with a lovely Morning Tea attended by most of the Days for Girls volunteers.

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Gardening Tips For Dry Weather

November 16, 2023

Although the Mackay region usually has a substantial wet season during Summer, in the coming months your garden might benefit from a bit of preparation. With weather forecasts predicting a drier and hotter run over the season than we are usually accustomed to, you may find it beneficial to get ahead and change up your gardening routine before the warmer climate arrives.

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The Walkerston Bolic Twins

November 16, 2023

We, who have lived in the Scrubby area for years sometimes wonder what happened to the young people who grew up here, and then leave to further their education elsewhere.A couple of young ladies who fit into that category would definitely be Walkerston twins Zodie and Marita Bolic.

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Life Is Too Short To Wear Boring Clothes

November 16, 2023

Nestled in Mackay's city centre, Wild Arrow Boutique offers a stunning storefront on Wood Street, focused on providing high-quality clothing for all occasions.‘Life isn’t perfect, but your outfit can be’, this quote encompasses Wild Arrow Boutique, with a wide range of products including clothing, shoes, jewellery, accessories, bags and candles.

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