Simplified By Local Teacher A local teacher and business owner has aimed to simplify teaching maths to children with a brand new, innovative approach to times tables. Nicole Batzloff, AKA Mrs B, has utilised her hands-on teaching experience by designing and trademarking a Sensory Hundreds Chart, an innovation in maths resources she believes will advance children years. Offering kids the opportunity to “know your times tables in 10 days”, the new times tables method leverages off the multisenso
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The Transformative Power of Mentorship In the tapestry of our professional lives, there exists a thread that weaves magic and transforms dreams into reality. It's called mentorship, and it holds the key to unlocking untapped potential within us. Imagine having an expert by your side, someone who has walked the winding roads you tread now and emerged victorious. A mentor, a beacon of knowledge and experience, offering guidance and support as you navigate the complexities of your career. The bo
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Elevating Cane Farming Through Sustainable Practices CaneRise brings together the great work of cane farmers and industry in the Mackay Whitsunday region to reduce runoff, and improve soils and water quality in the region. It’s a new website (canerise.com.au) featuring stories and tools to help cane farmers in the Mackay Whitsunday region grow their productivity through sustainable practices. Established as part of a Great Barrier Reef Foundation Reef Trust Partnership project, it recognises pr
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With property owners getting set for hazard reduction burns in the lead-up to bushfire season, Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are urging them to take extra precautions around the power network. Ergon Work Group Leader Craig Maddy highlighted the dangers of fires getting too close to power poles and other electrical assets when people conduct burns. “More than a dozen power poles were brought down by landowner’s burns getting out of control last y
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay A grower’s interest in the sugar they produce doesn’t end when cane is supplied to the mills for processing. Cane Supply Agreements include Grower and Miller Economic Interest clauses, which mean that growers can use the marketer of their choice to forward price their sugar on the commodities-based Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). Thus, through a cane pricing formula, growers and millers share the risks and rewards. The arrangement is also enshrined
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A cohort of 260 Central Queensland high school students took part in the state’s first ever STEM Big Day Out which puts the spotlight on a whole new era of exciting careers for young people in the resources sector. Students received an insight into the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) through a unique program developed by the Queensland Resources Council’s education arm, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
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Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd (DBCT P/L) is making a meaningful difference in the lives of First Nations students at CQUniversity. The company's generous $5,000 donation last year launched a bursary program for Mackay-based First Nations students pursuing the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways course. Since its inception, the bursary program has been a lifeline for 21 First Nations students, providing essential support to excel in their vocational studies. Levi Fallon, Keegan Zaro, and
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World-class simulation training is helping North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) marine pilots stay at the top of their game more than 950 kilometres from their home ports. NQBP’s pilotage team joined terminal operators and tug masters to test their limits at the Queensland Government’s Smartship Australia facility in Brisbane using virtually recreated ports of Hay Point and Mackay. NQBP Acting CEO Belinda Kenny said the port industry collaboration saw stakeholders undertake state-of-
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Auto Women This was established in 2022 by the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland). It works to provide a supportive environment for women working across the automotive industry to network and grow. Our vision is to empower women in the Automotive Industry to reach their full potential. Auto Women is committed to encouraging and empowering women to strive for maximum capacity to achieve success on their own terms. We will provide opportunities for women to connect with like
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Bangers will soar over Bluewater Quay as the sun sets over the picturesque Pioneer River once again with the return of Rhythm and the Reef in 2023. The unique waterfront location will welcome some of music’s biggest names while offering local acts the chance to play in front of a packed hometown crowd. Leading the line-up this year is Sydney pop rock group Lime Cordiale, who have found success in the charts, at the ARIA Awards and in triple j’s Hottest 100 over the years. Led by siblings Oli and
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Sign up for this musical Contiki tour as the Mackay Choral Society takes you on the trip of a lifetime. A musical tour of hits from around the world, both new and familiar, the program for Come Fly With Me has been in the planning for almost a year. “Jan Whelan and I have spent many hours discussing, discarding and dissecting the repertoire selection you will hear,” said Musical Director Nicole Thomson. “Covering eclectic styles including jazz, film, theatre and Australiana standards, we love e
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Friday 4 August Mackay Disability Expo Friday, 9:00am The Mackay Disability Expo will offer a crucial opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, technology, aids, and equipment. Mackay Showgrounds Friday SUN.sets Every Friday Evening From 6pm Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC. Wake House Australia The James Morrison Quartet Friday, 7:00pm to 9:30pm Internationally acclaimed jazz musician and multi-instrumental virt
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The rustic sights of the Mackay Isaac region were on display as an episode of Channel 7’s Weekender, which was filmed in the region in June, aired on Sunday, July 30. Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Al Grundy led Weekender host Chris Parsons and his crew off the beaten track to prove there’s more to Mackay-Isaac than sugar and mining. The episode opened at the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend, which took place in St Lawrence, south of Mackay, from June 23 to 25. The weekend of food, gardening, craft and mu
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Brace yourself for wormy spaghetti, bird pie and dirty beards when Roald Dahl’s nastiest couple, Mr. & Mrs. Twit head to the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) this August. Known for their recent touring productions of Jane Eyre (2022) and Animal Farm (2021), shake & stir theatre co return with their daring adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits. Packed with Dahlicious mischief, hilarious mayhem and big belly laughs, the performance promises a visually spectacular production that wi
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Organisers of Mackay's premier country music festival, NQ’s Rock'n Country Festival, rallied the community's support to prevent the event's cancellation after facing a funding setback. Geoff Baguley, the festival director, expressed disappointment over the federal government's failure to fulfill their promise of increased investment in the arts, which left the event with a significant funding shortfall. "The federal government made the decision not to support our event despite the overwhelming e
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The three-time Grammy winning ensemble, Soweto Gospel Choir will take the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre’s (MECC) stage this August with harmonies and vocals that will leave audiences mesmerised. Formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music, Soweto Gospel Choir draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto, a township off the city of Johannesburg (South Africa). Mackay audiences can expect songs and anthems from the Freedom m
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One of the things I like about life is having a range of friendships with people from different age groups and an array of different socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Life is more interesting when you can have a laugh just as easily with the 90-year-old bloke who lives on the corner, the 21-year-old tattooed pommie hairdresser who is up for a chat while she has a vape outside the restaurant, the 45-year-old miner who is enjoying a Friday night beer at the pub after returning from
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OPINION PIECE I’ve always aimed to “dream big” in life. Dreaming big has taught me that amazing things happen when you adopt this mind set. From starting up my own successful consulting business for almost 13 years, to being successful in the 2020 Local Government election and now working in my role as councillor, a privileged position that has been challenging at times, but also richly rewarding. So, what is my next “dream big” project? Through my involvement with the Trudy Crowley Foundation,
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With Mackay 50’s & Better With live music, singalongs, a fashion parade, lunch, tea and coffee, Mackay 50’s & Better celebrated Christmas in July in style. Attendees were invited to wear an apron; the funnier and naughtier, the better. Annette Worthington provided music and laughs throughout the morning, while the best dressed were judged before all indulged in a delicious Christmas feast at Goosies. For more information on Mackay 50’s & Better, contact Garry and Margaret on 0400 242 779. Photo
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If you’re a bit tired reading this as you had a late night at the Human Nature show at the MECC last night, get ready for this. If you have no plans for tomorrow, let me tell you, this will be awesome. Saturday will be a great day to get up early because the annual day to raise money for Jeans for Genes Day is happening and we want you and the family to be part of it. It’s the annual Kilometre Burpee Challenge with Christine and Col running the event. A few years ago, I got a call from Chris
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Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, Finch Hatton National Tree Day Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve, East Mackay
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“Clean up Mackay Region” will be held this year over six days during August in a bid to keep our region pristine. Mayor Greg Williamson said the events were the perfect opportunity for residents to show their community pride and help keep our region beautiful. “This year, council will step up and show our appreciation to our volunteers for their efforts by planting five native plants, either as street trees or revegetation, for each person who participates at an event,” Mayor Williamson said
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Get ready to twirl into a world of enchantment and laughter as the effervescent Emma Memma presents her wondrous Twirly Tour, with three shows here in Mackay. With a sprinkle of magic and a dash of imagination, Emma Memma invites all young adventurers and their families on an extraordinary journey filled with joy, dancing, and delightful surprises. Join in the fun as she introduces her brand-new characters and mesmerizing dance moves that will have everyone twirling with glee. We caught up with
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night results July 25, 2023: Division 1: Andro (George Camilliei, Tony Bowman, Barry Patterson) d Tibhar (Steven Whiting, Tim Sheehan, Vince Boeske) 6-5. George d Tim -4, 8, -8, 7, 9. Radak (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Graham Brake) d Donic (Ivan Perkins, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) 8-3. Lee d Ivan -4, 6, -7, 6, 3. Joola (Janice Kent, Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman) d Butterfly (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Graeme Walker) 8-3. Geoff d Graeme 6, 7, -8, -4, 3. Division 2: Victas (Ma
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North Queensland Cowboys have claimed one of the biggest scalps for their first ever win in the NRLW competition. The new franchise showed its stout-hearted qualities with a spirited 31-20 victory over reigning premiers Newcastle last Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground. Trailing 20-12, the Cowboys staged a remarkable comeback with four second half tries to bury the star-studded Knights. Earlier, 18-year-old NSW half back Jesse Southwell engineered tries for Sheridan Gallagher and Shanice Parker
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