In a move that promises to infuse new vitality into its operations, Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW) is unveiling a trio of dynamic individuals who are set to reshape its committee landscape. Chairperson Jeff Stewart-Harris is excited to introduce three remarkable additions to the team, marking a shift towards innovation and diversity. Mr. Stewart-Harris announced the outcome of an extensive and meticulous recruitment process that culminated in the selection of these e
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A local policeman has gone out of his way to assist an elderly couple with a simple and selfless gesture. A Facebook post on Mackay Noticeboard from Let the Children Play Toyshop shared the “lovely story my parents want to share”. The poster’s elderly mother was bringing groceries in from her car one bag at a time, leaving the door open as she did so. “Coming back from the kitchen she heard Dad, who couldn’t help as he is not mobile, say ‘here comes a policeman,’” the post read. “There certain
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More than a decade ago, as I embarked on my journey in journalism, I was granted the privilege of encountering the living remnants of a bygone era – World War II veterans. Their tales were whispered reminders that we must seize fleeting moments, for the faces that hold such stories won't grace our presence forever. These words, once fleeting themselves, now reverberate with an urgency I never fully understood until today. Time marches on, and as it does, the ranks of those who bore witness to h
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By Amanda Wright Last week, services of remembrance reverberated across Australia, commemorating the significant milestone of 50 years since the withdrawal of Australian combat troops from the Vietnam conflict. This poignant occasion served as a reminder of the enduring cost of war, and the valour of those who gave their lives in service. The Vietnam Veterans Vigil, held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Jubilee Park on August 3, stood as a testament to this commemoration, uniting the communit
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The shockwaves of road crash trauma are often felt throughout the community, but a local organisation is continually working to educate users on road safety and reduce these incidents. The Road Accident Action Group (RAAG) has been operating throughout the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday and Central Highlands regions for the last 21 years, completing many successful projects and programs to reduce road incidents and fatalities. Last year, those regions saw a combined 25 fatal crashes, 512 injury crash
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The 140-Year Legacy Of The Porters Group Mackay’s longest standing hardware store is turning 140 on August 13, and the history behind this locally owned business is one for the books – literally! For The Porters Group’s 125 years of service, Ray Braithwaite OAM wrote 'The End of the Beginning' – a commemorative book explaining the history of The Porters Group. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves – let’s start at the beginning, where it all began with founder Charles Porter. 1883 - Taylors Hot
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By Amanda Wright In the latest quarter, Mackay Hospital and Health Service's emergency departments experienced an unprecedented surge in the care of critically ill and injured patients, yet despite the increase, all Category 1 patients received immediate attention within two minutes of their hospital arrival, according to data released by the Queensland Government. There
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A Sarina distillery and popular tourism destination has been awarded four national awards. Sarina Sugar Shed distiller, Sarah-Jane Parrott, travelled to the 2023 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards last Thursday and said the whole team were excited with the result. “We are thrilled to return from the awards with not just one, but four awards,” Ms Parrott said. “The awards were held in Melbourne, on Thursday, August 3, at a special awards presentation,” she said. Judges for the Australian Distill
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May was the first time in five years that the St Lawrence Recreation Group were able to host the St Lawrence Campdraft, the event making a very successful return. With 680 first round runs to get through, the campdraft kicked off with the ‘Mark Robertson Earthmoving Maiden Draft’ on the morning of Saturday, May 20. Events ran across the weekend with competitors, both local and visiting, competing and achieving impressive results. Six top quality judges were secured for the draft, prioritising t
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Despite their vastly different fields of study, three CQUniversity students have been recognised for following their chosen career paths close to home. Awarded scholarships by Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank in July, Chloe Paul, Seumus Andrews and Brooke Vella all share a dedication to their education and commitment to their community. The Community Bank Sarina scholarships enable those studying to remain in the region, seize opportunities in the local workforce, and actively contribute to
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A group of friends are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime for the second time after ticking off a “bucket list item” last year. Viv Coleman, Karen Armstrong and Molly Bendle from St Lawrence and Kate Craig from Sarina are the Opal Chicks, a team undertaking the 2023 Variety Bash from Toowoomba to Cairns, leaving on Tuesday, August 15. Ms Coleman said it had been a lifelong goal to take part in the Bash, which raises funds for Variety, a charity providing support for children who are s
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By Amanda Wright Sarina's QCWA Branch marked its centenary with a delightful high tea event that attracted guests and visitors from across the region. The celebration, a nod to the Branch's remarkable century of service, was attended by Mayor Greg Williamson, a representative of Michelle Landry MP, Councillor Karen May, and Maree Franettovich of Community Bank Sarina. The event, steeped in bygone era charm, treated attendees to an array of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, cakes, and pikelets.
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Award-Winning Shop Up For Grabs By Amanda Wright Nestled in the heart of Sarina, Under the Veil, an award-winning bridal shop, is now presenting an irresistible opportunity for a passionate entrepreneur to take the reins of a thriving business. With its remarkable track record and esteemed clientele, this turn-key venture promises the chance to be a part of countless couples' special moments. Under The Veil has garnered acclaim for its commitment to offering an exceptional and personalised exper
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CANEGROWERS Mackay has appointed its new chief, District Manager Michelle Martin. Michelle comes with a strong background in business and member services, and her appointment follows the passing of esteemed, long-serving CEO Kerry Latter, who lost his battle with cancer in June. CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg made the announcement this week, saying that a long and transparent selection process had been undertaken. Mrs Martin will formally take up the position on Monday, August 7 “We are
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Funding has been secured for the region’s first two sleepbuses, with Safe Sleep Mackay urging the community to rally behind a third. Two buses will be located in Mackay, one open to everyone and the other pink sleepbus for women and children only, while the third will be located in Sarina. Lisa Jamieson of Safe Sleep Mackay thanked the community for their support but said $70,000 is still required for the third sleepbus, as well as volunteers to operate them. “We couldn’t do the fundraising with
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Local homeless support services have shared their gratitude for the support of the region’s youth. A group of students from Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School (KMG) have been collecting plastic bags and turning them into mats, providing comfort and insulation for rough sleepers. As part of the Life Skills program, students learnt to crochet, taking strips of plastic bags and crocheting them into mats. The crocheted mats provide a reliable, durable, and lightweight sleeping surface f
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Drop In Lounge A Success Chances Op Shop recently announced changes that will see a greater focus on Australian Street Aid Project’s homelessness support services. The op shop’s floor space has been minimised, allowing space for a drop in lounge for those in need. “We realised that there really is nowhere for these people to go through the day, and they needed access to amenities and charging facilities and somewhere safe to be,” said Australian Street Aid Project Founder Kayleigh Brewster. “It’
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For Homelessness Week A monthly barbecue this morning, Friday, August 11, has brought Homelessness Week to a close for 2023. The annual event is an effort by Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA) to draw attention to the issue of homelessness in Mackay while providing information and resources to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. “It’s about everyone who is homeless, and that can be rough sleepers, people who are couch surfing, people who live in overcrowded conditions, pe
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Kalyan Youth Service has been providing services to the youth of the region for 38 years, celebrating their birthday at the end of July 2023. Established in 1985, Kalyan Youth Service offers crisis accommodation, transitional housing, case management and support to those aged 16 to 25 and is the only youth shelter between Rockhampton and Townsville. The not-for-profit organisation has crisis accommodation for six young people as well as medium-term accommodation units, providing young people wit
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The Mackay Disability Expo was held at the Mackay Showgrounds last weekend and featured a range of both local and out-of-town specialist exhibitors, providing a one-stop-shop for everyone with an interest in disability services. Crossroad Arts entertained attendees by hosting their ROAR program at the expo, which was about “exploring untapped imaginings through movement, sound and theatre making”. Groove Movers also put on a beautiful display of movement and dance for people of all abilities and
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Chrissy Cahill – A1 Sleep Mackay Sleep is a vital function that allows the brain and the body to recover and recharge, so when you’re not getting a good night’s rest, many facets of your day-to-day life can be affected. If you have daytime sleepiness, snore, raised blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, have had a stroke or heart attack, or urinate throughout the night, a sleep test can be the key to unlocking a full night of rest; ask your Doctor for a Sleep Referral form to A1 Sleep Mackay.
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Stepping into the Art of Acupuncture clinic, clients start a journey of healing and growth at the stable and steady hands of renowned acupuncturist Dr Bob Wong. The initial consult allows Dr Wong to complete a thorough health history and diagnostic exam, so that he may know what areas of the body are a concern and come up with a treatment plan. The pulse is believed to be closely connected to the meridians and organ system of the body, allowing Dr Wong to have a glimpse into the internal situat
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Daly Bay Illuminate glows anew with a rescheduled date, following a weather-induced postponement during the last week of July. The dedicated Mackay Festival of Arts team worked tirelessly to bring back the mesmerising displays to Queens Park from October 5 to 8. Mayor Greg Williamson said the MECC and Festivals teams had done a tremendous job bringing the event back together. “Daly Bay Illuminate features sprawling works by community artists and three big third-party displays that all needed to
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Friday 11 August CASA Monthly BBQ Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm Come down for a snag and a yarn. CASA - Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc. Cinema Under the Stars Friday, 5:30pm Revisit the tradition of outdoor cinemas on the lawn at the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s 'Cinema Under the Stars'! This is the perfect event to gather your family and friends and roll out your picnic blanket. This Cinema Under the Stars will feature Oscar Nominated movie 'Mary Poppins Returns'! This will be a ma
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Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 9th, as the Sarina Beach Coconut Festival returns for its 5th edition. This free and family-friendly event promises a day filled with excitement, entertainment, and a celebration of all things coconut. The festival's main focus is on the serene coastline, adorned with an abundance of coconut trees, attracting visitors from all around the region. This year's event is bigger and better than ever, featuring international kite flyers, captivating entertain
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