Buster, a compassionate and caring individual, recently embarked on a heartwarming mission to make a difference in the lives of sick and injured children. Inspired by his own experiences at the Queensland Children's Hospital, the Children's Ward at the Mackay Base Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald Centre, Buster witnessed the struggles and challenges faced by young patients. Determined to bring some joy and comfort to their lives, Buster took it upon himself to raise funds for a special cause. T
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Hi readers Last week, from May 15-21, was National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. Mackay is full of not-for-profit organisations and selfless people who donate their time to keep them running and these people were acknowledged throughout the week, as they should be every day of the year. On pages 16 and 17, you’ll find the stories of some of these organisations in our community. You’ll also find our weekly listing of volunteer positions currently availabl
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When one digger made a promise to another in the trenches of World War I, they inspired a decade of inspirational assistance. Legacy Australia has been supporting the families of veterans since 1923 and in commemoration of 100 years, the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay will reach Mackay on Wednesday, May 31 after beginning its journey in Pozières, France in April. The torch will be carried on a 7.1km route through town by 23 local torch bearers, all with a personal connection to Legacy Australia,
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The cost-of-living crisis is reaching breaking point for many across Dawson, with local business owners concerned by an increase in taxes and levies imposed by the Federal Government on important industries. Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud, and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, toured the Whitsunday region last week on an industry listening tour, witnessing first-hand how Labor’s ‘Tax Trifecta’ is impacting rural and regional areas like Daws
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Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian incident which occurred on Saturday, 20 May, near Clairview. At 6.45am police were called to the scene following reports a man had been struck by a truck on the Bruce Highway. Queensland Ambulance reported that the incident occurred near the Brandybottle Camping and Recreation Reserve. A police spokesperson said in a statement that a 40-year-old suffered serious injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating
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Three weeks into the Airlie Beach boardwalk expansion and tensions are rising among regular users of the piece of infrastructure who say that insufficient signage has caused confusion and that they can foresee dangerous incidents arising between high-speed electric scooters and pedestrians when it re-opens.
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As Bonza Airlines took to the skies last Tuesday, it crowned a remarkable chapter in Australian aviation. The airline's maiden journey from Melbourne to Mackay signalled the culmination of an extraordinary achievement, with the completion of the largest route map launch in Australian aviation history. The new twice-weekly route between Melbourne and Mackay, offering fares starting from $89, opens up exciting opportunities for travellers and local industries. Mackay Airport CEO Richard Barker e
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After years of planning and proposing, construction for an Aldi supermarket has started in Mackay. The 1900 square metre store is being constructed on the corner of Beaconsfield Road East and Superior Boulevard in Andergrove and boasts the best of discount foods and quality products. “We are excited to bring our unique shopping experience to the Andergrove community in 2024,” said an ALDI Spokesperson. “The new store will offer North Queenslanders a supermarket experience like no other, providi
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When Samantha Scott was six years old, she was diagnosed with a kidney disease, and by the age of nine, she underwent her first major kidney surgery. But, at the age of 31, Sam was again given the worst news. “I think the words were ’11 per cent total kidney function … you will need some sort of kidney replacement therapy’,” Sam said. “I was in complete shock and disbelief as I had been told this was unlikely to happen. “It was a very difficult thing to comprehend, as I was not sick and did n
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Join Gardian Group for the annual Mackay Hospital Foundation Family Fun Day, back, bigger and better than ever in 2023. With heaps of fun for the whole family, just $5 per person will get you unlimited access to the huge variety of activities and rides on offer, including Jurassic Sizzler, merry go round, King Flyer, mega jumping castles, Teacup Ride, bucking bull and more! Plus, browse the market stalls and sample the delights from a variety of delicious food and coffee vendors. Take a seat and
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For years, Year 12 student from Mackay State High School Dean Contemplacion has been envisioning being able to travel to Japan and experience the fantastic culture and heritage. And this dream is about to come true, being accepted as a Youth Ambassador for a cultural exchange program with Mackay’s sister city, Matsuura, a city in southern Japan in the Nagasaki Prefecture. Dean is one of 12 students to be selected for the exchange, having to write a 500-word essay, be interviewed, and have an e
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Schools across the region took to the streets and walked safely to school last Friday for National Walk Safely To School Day. “It’s just about getting exercise and a breath of fresh air,” said Mackay Christian College year 7 student Enoch Gallogray. “It’s amazing to see everyone excited about exercising.” St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Sport Captain Isobel Rippingale agreed, sharing some tips about walking to school safely. “It’s important to be safe around road signs, lights, learn how to
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Over 500 people attended the third bi-annual Multicultural Festival at the Whitsunday PCYC over the weekend and the inclusion of a Citizenship Ceremony proved a welcome addition to this years’ itinerary.
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Hi Everyone,I do love receiving letters from readers!The good, the bad, the entertaining and the hilarious are all welcome!I especially love receiving letters in response to an Editor’s note I have written – I guess this is because it’s proof that I am doing my job well – something I wrote resonated with someone else.
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North Queensland’s emerging Aussie rules talent will get the rare opportunity to play at the state’s newest stadium with Great Barrier Reef Arena to host the 2023 and 2024 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup North Queensland Championships. The North Queensland Championships will bring the best schools together from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Capricornia to battle it out for a spot at the state finals later in the year across six male and female divisions. “To be part of a competition that allows
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It is not every day a stranger offers to pay for your groceries. Definitely not for local mum of two and Social Worker, Tash Frew.
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As the days get cooler and the summer tan fades, the potential signs of skin cancer become much easier for doctors to identify, making winter the perfect time to get your skin checked. The tropics are notorious for damaging sun, with doctors advising Queenslanders to get their skin checked at least once a year, although if any changes are noticed on the skin between these checks, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Things to look out for include any moles or lesions on the skin t
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This June 22, celebrate empathy, connection, and kindness and with fifth annual b kinder day. b kinder day is built on the foundations laid out by a driven 12-year-old girl, who tragically passed away in an accident in May 2016.
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In a world where dreams often lay dormant, one determined individual from Mackay defied the odds and embarked on an educational journey of self-discovery. Sheena Shaxson rewrote the narrative of her life, embracing the transformative power of education to become a teacher. "CQUniversity has given me the opportunity to follow my dreams and become a teacher," said Ms Shaxson, reflecting on her journey. "Although my path took unexpected turns, I'm grateful for the support and guidance I received
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This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Mackay & District Senior Citizens Association Inc. To celebrate, we will be having a 50th Anniversary Ball at the Senior Citizens Hall, 58 Macalister Street Mackay on Saturday 24th June at 7.30 - 11.00 pm. We would like you to wear something gold or black or something from the 70's era to mark the occasion. Dust off those ball gowns and come along and trip the light fantastic to the live band playing the dance music. For more information, please phone V
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Once being discharged from the Australian Army in 1968, Kevin Plumb, affectionately known as ‘Kev’, became a member of RSL Queensland. Now, Kev has committed lifelong service to RSL Queensland, being an active member since 1971, with the Sarina RSL Sub Branch. He then moved to Vice President of the Mackay RSL Sub Branch, then promoted to President. “I had a few issues from Vietnam, and my roles within the RSL gave me something to put my mind to,” he said. Kev is dedicated to veteran care and
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing GEI pricing mechanism selection for 2023 season closed at the end of April, with growers choosing overwhelming to stay with forward pricing as opposed to pool products. This is despite the Wilmar Production Risk Pool delivering growers a final price of 622/t Actual in 2021 and currently forecast at $718/t Actual for 2022 season! We have done some high-level analysis of the 2022 season now that grower pricing has been finalised for the Call, Target an
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay It seems as though the 2022 harvest has only just finished, but the 2023 harvest will roll out in the coming weeks. Gear and heavy vehicles will already be moving around cane farming areas, and across the loco network, so it is important for the community to start thinking crush safety on the roads, and be on the lookout for harvest vehicles, and be patient if they encounter slower moving vehicles like tractors. Every year, farmers send us dash cam fo
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Orange was seen scattered across workplaces, schools and throughout the community on Wednesday, April 17 for Wear Orange Wednesday, a day to thank SES volunteers. SES Mackay Group Leader Jo-Ann Clout said the day is a reminder to the community that the SES is training year-round and are ready to go should a disaster strike. “It’s just about giving the community a heads up that there are people within their workplaces or neighbourhoods who are giving up their time to help out,” she said. “Just be
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Situated among the trees in North Mackay, Mackay Riding for the Disabled (RDA) provides the unique experience of riding a horse to those living with a disability but the not-for-profit organisation is in desperate need of volunteers to continue the service. The dedicated team of volunteers provide both recreational and therapeutic horse riding programs for children and adults with disabilities, facilitating fortnightly lessons to special schools, community groups and other participants. Coach of
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