Soroptimist International Mackay club hosted over 70 guests for high tea at Ocean International, Saturday 12th August. The club’s main aim is to educate, empower and enable women and girls. Service Leader of Orange Sky Laundry, Lisa Jamison, shared with guests at the event details of how they can help to support the vulnerable women and children of Mackay. Safe Sleep Mackay have been fundraising to secure a pink Sleepbus for our region, as well as one in Sarina. This will provide up to 20 bed
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As we bid adieu to one of our own, Sam Gillespie, it's a bittersweet moment for the Mackay Life team. Sam's journey with us began in early 2022, and from the get-go, it was evident that he was destined for a vibrant future in journalism. His fervour for music and entertainment was truly infectious. Sam was never one to shy away from the pulsating rhythms of a mosh pit at a festival, and his enthusiasm for music spilled over into his work. He became the driving force behind our music and enterta
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It has been 16 years since Nicole and Jeremy Graham purchased their first vessel and just this year, they have welcomed their fourth tour while simultaneously rebranding the company to Iconic Whitsunday Adventures.
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Campaigners of Walk for Yes 2023 assembled at Bluewater Quay on Sunday, September 17 to share stories of unity and reconciliation, before heading off for a walk across Forgan Bridge to show their support of the ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum. Mackay for Yes is a growing group of volunteers aiming to achieve a ‘Yes’ vote to support and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Constitution, which will be voted for on October 14. Walk for Yes 2023 has received inter
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Strap on your running shoes, because 21Degrees South Multisport Association is about to blaze a trail through the Mackay region! Get ready to sprint into action with orienteering, conquer thrilling adventure races, and navigate the exhilarating world of MapRuns. Increasing inclusion in real life skills is important, with offerings of navigating and team building skills, the association encourages competition and trying out something new. 21DSMA has hosted a number of different events including o
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Welcome to the first in a bi-monthly series of Business Highlights, introducing members of Tourism Whitsundays and showcasing the exceptional local businesses we have operating here in the region.Tourism Whitsundays are a dedicated m
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A 71-year-old Bakers Creek man has passed away following a two vehicle crash in Yalboroo, on Saturday September 16. Police said in a statement that the Bakers Creek man was travelling north on the Bruce Highway, on his motorbike, when at approximately 11.45am, a blue Toyota Corolla travelling in the opposite direction turned in front of him. The Toyota was attempting to turn onto Cathu O’Connell River Road, and the driver and sole occupant, a 28-year-old New South Wales man, was not physically
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An epic new campaign launched by Mackay Regional Council is destined to trigger a wave of pirate costumes and pirate roars across the region. The campaign is a first for council and will encourage residents to explore their own backyard by completing a treasure trail. Mayor Greg Williamson said the region has a treasure trove of hidden gems to discover and many locals have barely scratched the surface. “We’re taking our existing Discover Mackay campaign to uncharted territory, with a treasure tr
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Mackay's busiest bus stops at Caneland Central shopping centre are moving, and about to undergo a transformation, promising improved comfort and safety for customers. The State Government's $769 million, four-year transport and roads plan for Mackay Whitsunday is backing this significant upgrade, which the government says ensures job security for Queenslanders. Local contractor Woollam Constructions has been awarded the tender for stage two of the Caneland bus station, with construction set to
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In a ceremony held at the Banksia Scout Den on Fernleigh Avenue, Andergrove, Ayva Grant, a dedicated member of the Banksia Cub Scout group, received the highly regarded Grey Wolf Award on the evening of September 7, 2023. The Grey Wolf Award is the highest honour achievable in the Cub Scout Section, representing a significant milestone in a Cub Scout's journey. To attain this prestigious badge, Ayva undertook a series of challenging and educational tasks. Her journey encompassed active participa
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A prominent Mackay charity organisation, Broken Ballerina Inc. are hosting their ‘Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Beautiful’ Ball on Saturday October 7 to raise funds for victims of domestic violence. The ball will be held at Northern Beaches Bowls Club, event goers will experience a night of fun and fancy dress including a charity auction and local entertainment, all for a great cause. Break out your best black, white and pink spring cocktail attire for a night of vibrancy and amusement. Broken Ballerin
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Grants For Business And Community Projects If you have a business ready for an external refresh or an idea for a community activation, then now is the time to connect with council. Council has two grant opportunities currently open for application, which are due to close on September 30. The Facade Improvement Grant gives businesses the chance to breathe new life into their building facades, enhancing the vibrancy of the region’s business districts. The grant covers improvement projects such a
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In a spectacular automotive extravaganza, the Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club transformed Mirani's main street into a vintage wonderland for their annual event, "Dad's Day in the Valley." With over 100 classic cars, trucks and bikes on display, this year's gathering proved to be the ultimate Father's Day treat. The event, now in its 12th year, showcased vehicles spanning over a century of automotive history, drawing more than 6,000 people through the gates. From the elegant 1904 Renault to the
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OPINION PIECE ● You WILL pay more tax ● You WILL lose your land ● This is a land grab; it is not a way forward for the First Nations People ● This WILL divide Australia even further ● $39 billion already spent on Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander programs ● Where has it gone? ● What has been achieved? ● Why are major corporations pushing for a YES vote? ● Why is the government trying to sway your vote to YES? ● If the government says YES, the people should say NO ● Why is the governm
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Entertain the kids with everything from free art and craft activities, music and live entertainment to getting them outside exploring the Botanic Gardens with the perfect weather as Mackay Regional Council facilities offer a range of activities these school holidays. > ARTSPACE MACKAY Decorate a Mandap with colour and crepe paper Until October 1, 2023 Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 3pm Inspired by Zanny Begg’s video work ‘Stories of Kannagi’ on show at Artspace Mac
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A trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, is encouraging farmers to reach out for assistance as the Bureau of Meteorology officially declares an El Nino event. The El Nino weather pattern means hot, dry seasons that trend towards drought. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the Bureau’s announcement confirmed many producers’ fears. “The announcement of the El Nino weather pattern will bring a lot of unwelcome memories to the surface for our farmers, who’ve been anxiously watching land and waterways dr
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The hidden gem that is the Whitsunday Food Garden is open and ready for business. Intimate and secluded in an off-street cove, the Food Garden is a hub for the community, a host to three food vans, making a simple and delicious eat street that is perfect for a quiet and unique meal.
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The Queensland Government has said that future generations of Australians will enjoy greater comfort in their homes as well as cheaper power bills thanks to national laws delivering modern building standards. To balance the needs of homeowners and industry, the State Government has agreed to a phased approach to the National Construction Code 2022, with implementation from October 1, 2023 through to May 1, 2025. Master Builders has welcomed the delay of the energy efficiency changes to the const
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Porters Mitre 10 Has An Exclusive Just For You! Imagine a barbecue that maximises on size without compromising on portability, includes an extended temperature range that allows you to explore cooking methods as well as being easy to cook on and clean. What if we told you the new Weber Q range, exclusive to Porters Mitre 10, has all those features and more? Introducing the Weber Q 1000N, 2000N, 2600N+ and the 3100N+. Whether you’re a grill guru or barbecue beginner, the new range has somethin
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A surge in sugar and grain exports have propelled the Port of Mackay to another bumper trade result in the 2022/23 financial year. North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Acting CEO Belinda Kenny said the multi-cargo port posted 3.51 million tonnes of throughput, just shy of the record-breaking 3.59 million tonnes set the year before. “The Port of Mackay has put together back-to-back bumper trade performances, reflecting the strength and diversity of the Mackay region,” Ms Kenny said. “Ove
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A section of Holland Street, from Lagoon Street to Barton Street, will be closed completely to through traffic while drainage works are completed. Seaforth Civil will be completing works on behalf of council to improve drainage in the area to help reduce flood risk to properties in significant wet weather events. Stage one of the Barton Street drainage upgrade project began in June in the Botanic Gardens parkland area. The second stage includes a road closure in Holland Street which began on Wed
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Just recently on the breakfast show, we took up something later in life, tried something new. It’s something neither of us have ever done before, and for me it involved an area I’ve never been good at. Wakeboarding! This is in a sport I’ve never dabbled in, needing a level of coordination and balance. In the past I’ve done a surf lesson, and in the hour-long lesson I never managed to get up on the surfboard despite less than a foot wave. The strength needed to explode up onto the board, flexib
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The latest figures on the Mackay real estate market provide a story about opportunity, a handy snapshot of the local economy and a reminder that the principle of demand and supply tells us a lot about how any given market is going. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland has released figures showing the median sale price for units in the Mackay area increased by 8 per cent over the past 12 months to $280,000, which tells me that while there is strong growth there are still great opportunities to
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OPINION PIECE I have a strong personal belief that we are all human beings first and foremost and that we should all be working together on a shared pathway; understanding the viewpoints of different people and groups; respecting all cultures and ensuring our community is a safe, welcoming and harmonious place for all to live, work and settle. During NAIDOC week in July, we found ourselves with several community activities to lead us to the national Australian Indigenous day of celebrations wh
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Breaking free from its traditional newsagency roots, Carroll's unveils a fresh initiative – a clothing line designed to cater to the diverse needs of new mother’s, adding a contemporary twist to their ninety-year legacy in Mackay. Juanita and Daryl Shepperson, who have operated Carroll’s for just over a decade, have expanded their product range to attract a younger audience to the storefront. With over thirty-seven years of sewing experience, Juanita has opened an area within the store to stoc
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