Digital Detox: Mackay Families Invited to Rethink Tech Earlier this week, Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, invited the community to Digital Detox: A Night to Rethink Tech, addressing the growing impact of technology overuse on mental health. The event was held on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, from 5:45pm to 7:00pm at Harrup Park. International speaker and author Brad Huddleston, known for Digital Cocaine and Digital Rehab, shared insights on how tech addiction affects the brain like a dr
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The Neighbourhood Hub has taken a significant step on its reconciliation journey, unveiling its first-ever Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on Wednesday, 20 August at its 4 George Street Centre. The plan has been formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, joining a national network of more than 3,000 organisations committed to building stronger relationships with First Nations communities. Established in 1989, The Neighbourhood Hub supports over 14,000 people annually across i
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Queensland primary school students are gaining a fresh perspective on agriculture thanks to a new classroom program piloted in Mackay. Developed by CANEGROWERS in partnership with the Primary Industries Education Foundation of Australia (PIEFA), the pilot is designed to give teachers practical, in-class professional development using CANEGROWERS’ One Plant, Many Products educational resources. Instead of simply handing out worksheets and hoping for the best, PIEFA educators worked direct
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We know how important it is for growers to have clear, timely information about what’s driving the sugar market. That’s why I’m pleased to advise that our annual Global Traders Roadshow is returning to North Queensland, running from 22 to 25 September. The roadshow gives local cane growers the opportunity to hear directly from Peter Bingham, Wilmar’s London-based Senior Sugar Trader, alongside Bevan Patterson, our Australian Risk Manager. Together, they’ll share the latest production outl
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AgTech Showcase To Boost $30 Billion Vision Tickets for the second Gatton AgTech Showcase, on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October 2025, are now available to book online. The showcase will provide an opportunity for growers to see new global AgTech in action and talk to AgTech manufacturers about how these technologies can help their businesses be more productive and profitable. Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director Vegetables, Supply Chains and Market Access, Ian Layden, said
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Queensland’s sugarcane industry could hold the key to powering the state’s future as a renewable energy leader, and the Queensland Parliament’s Primary Industries and Resources Committee is calling on local voices to shape that future. Committee Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, said the Committee will hold a public hearing in Mackay on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, as part of its Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities in Queensland. “We want to hear from local growers and industrie
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Central Queensland’s Carmichael coal mine is set for a major expansion, with Bravus Mining and Resources awarding a A$2 billion services contract and committing to a half-billion-dollar investment to lift output by a third over the next four years. The mining company announced it has appointed MacKellar Group as the principal mining services contractor at Carmichael for the next five years. The agreement, valued at about A$2 billion, includes performance incentives aimed at maximising eff
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Local manufacturing excellence is on show in September with a statewide program showcasing the innovation, skills, and talent shaping the industry. The Crisafulli Government is shining a spotlight on the sector during Queensland Manufacturing Month to promote our State’s home-grown innovations and the advanced technologies being implemented across the sector. This includes expanding the regional footprint of Queensland’s Manufacturing Hubs into Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast and unlock
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In a region defined by grit, ingenuity and a relentless drive to evolve, the Resource Industry Network (RIN) has once again shone a spotlight on the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday METS and resources sector, one of the most sophisticated and influential hubs in the nation. The 2025 RIN Awards Gala Dinner, held on Friday 22 August at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), brought together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers for a night that celebrated resilience, creativ
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FMS Group has marked a milestone year by taking home the coveted Safety Foremost Award at the 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards, underlining its commitment to workplace safety and industry leadership. This win is the third RIN accolade for the company, following previous victories in the ‘Connecting in the Community’ and ‘Champion Culture’ categories. “This is certainly the cherry on top of a milestone year for FMS Group, as we celebrate 20 years of business,” a representative s
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Champion Culture, Fast Solutions When critical maintenance issues arise, speed matters. That’s where Richglen steps in. The Central Queensland company specialising in mechanical, electrical, and structural services for the mining and milling industries has built its reputation on reacting fast and keeping operations running. Fresh from winning the Champion Culture Award at the 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards, Richglen continues to prove it can deliver on two fronts: looking af
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M&P Services has taken home the Manufacturing Excellence Award, sponsored by Queensland Manufacturing Hubs, at the 2025 RIN Awards Gala Dinner — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s leading manufacturing innovators. RIN Award Judges praised M&P Services for its strong customer relationships, innovative manufacturing techniques, and remarkable growth. “Tonight’s winner has focused on manufacturing excellence and a strong relationship with customers to design, develop and produc
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Gardian has been recognised for its heart as much as its business, winning the Connecting in the Community Award, sponsored by Local Buying Foundation, at the 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards. The category celebrates organisations that excel in building meaningful connections with the community and external stakeholders. Proudly Mackay family-owned and operated, Gardian has been part of the local community for over 25 years. Built with the Mackay community at heart, the compan
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Dr Allan Cook Retires After 60 Years Of Healing, Heart, And Humour By Hannah McNamara When Dr Allan Cook OAM walked into the Ocean International last Saturday, 30th August, it wasn’t just another evening, it was the closing chapter of a 60-year career that has left an indelible mark on Mackay and regional Queensland. Surrounded by colleagues, patients, and friends, the retiring orthopaedic surgeon celebrated not only his achievements, but also a life defined by dedication, resilience, and unforg
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Mackay is still waiting for an official declaration in the council by-election, but all signs point to Anne Baker taking the seat. The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) confirmed that counting began at 6pm on Saturday, 30 August, in the presence of scrutineers. The process is ongoing, with postal votes still being received. Latest results from the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) revealed Baker had secured 29.58 per cent of the vote, almost double that of her nearest rival
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Parent Pathways is a program designed to meet the unique needs of parents and carers, offering a supportive and non-judgmental environment where they can explore their goals, build their confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed. The program provides personalised coaching and mentoring, education and training opportunities, employment support, job placement services, as well as connections to local community services and resources. In the Mackay region, the program has alrea
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Each year, council proudly supports the next generation of artists through three dedicated bursaries for visual and performing arts students. Applications are now open for the Rick Wood Bursary, which honours the legacy of celebrated Mackay potter Rick Wood, and the Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary, which supports students seeking to elevate their tertiary studies. The MECC’s Jack Sturgeon Bursary, sponsored by the Friends of the MECC, is also open to applicants. Mayor Greg Williamson
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Last Friday, the BMA CQ Rescue Charity Gala soared beyond expectations—stepping into the golden age of aviation with glamour, generosity, and grand community spirit. Hosted at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, the sold-out event transformed into a "flight" under the theme CQ Rescue Airways – Flight CQGALA2025, complete with boarding at Terminal 139 and departure at 6:30 pm. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, live music by Professor Judith Brown and the CQU Band, and both sil
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For Scoutfest 2025 More than 300 scouts and their families from across Queensland converged on Rowallan Park, Mackay for ScoutFest 2025, a bi-annual celebration of scouting that blended adventure, learning, and community spirit. Chairperson and organiser Katrina Hoare said the event had grown remarkably over its 11-year history. “ScoutFest started as Scout Care, which was kids with disabilities, and then we went back into ScoutFest the following year and opened it to the public one day,”
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Friday 5th September ** Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Friday Guided W
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Review By Miki Ponting-Boyd When Victor Scott directs a play at Kucom, you just know it's going to be an extraordinary piece of theatre. You know you’ll be strapped into an emotional rollercoaster and be swept up with epic intensity - and yet, despite knowing this, every time I see one of Victor's shows, I’m caught off guard by how much the emotion hits. “The Father”, by Florian Zeller is, in itself, a literary masterpiece. It's won a ton of International awards (and was nominated for a T
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Last Tuesday, Mackay State High School marked the expansion of the Inclusion Series Day, following the event’s successful launch in 2024 at North Rockhampton State High School, which included all neighbouring special schools. In 2025, the program extended to other Central Queensland areas, such asLongreach, Mt Isa, Emerald, Mackay, and Gladstone, and involved local inclusion staff and PE teachers for professional development in inclusive education.
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Decluttering doesn’t have to mean hauling boxes or dedicating your weekend to chaos control. With a few clever five-minute fixes, you can free up space and breathe easier in your home. Start with the kitchen drawers. Toss duplicate utensils or that extra stash of takeaway cutlery. Suddenly, there’s room for what you actually use. In the wardrobe, grab five hangers and remove anything you haven’t worn in a year – instant breathing room and no hard decisions required. For the bathroom, streamlin
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Last weekend, the Mackay Rowing Club hosted the second annual Head of the Pioneer 10-kilometre regatta at Pleystowe, bringing together crews from across the region for a challenging day on the water. Despite strong winds that tested every competitor, the event was a celebration of skill, determination, and community spirit. Crews from Townsville, Ruway, Ju, and Helro joined Mackay’s own rowers for the rolling-start race, which began at the river’s weir, included a turnaround, and finished acros
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Junior And Senior Softball Wrap-Up Young Joey Ball and Rookieball players are buzzing with excitement as they prepare for their grand finals on Saturday, 6th September. It promises to be a fun-filled day, with trophy presentations to follow after the games at 11.30am. Under 14 Dragons Get the Power proved too strong for Dragons Tyre Power, running away with an 11–1 victory. Levi Counsell impressed with three at-bats, crossing home plate each time. Teammates Sienna Kitto and Chloe Mackenzie sho
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