Hi everyone, it’s me again! I had the privilege of attending VP and Vietnam Veterans Day last week. It’s always a great reminder to be thankful for the life we live today, and to honour those who sacrificed their life for us. You can read all about it on pages 6-7. In particular page 6 is a story close to my heart, as it’s about a local pastor who served in the Vietnam War, and despite the aftermath of traumatic events he endured, he found a light at the end of it all and has been comple
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Mackay’s Chances House, a vital drop-in centre providing meals, basic amenities, healthcare assistance, case management, and even pet care for people experiencing homelessness, has received a generous boost from the local community. A two-day fundraising event hosted by Mackay Line Dancing raised an impressive $8,500 to support the organisation’s ongoing work. A representative from Chances House expressed deep gratitude for the initiative, saying, “Our hearts are full! A very special than
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With jet engines as the backdrop and stars above, Mackay’s most glamorous fundraiser is preparing for take-off. The Mackay Hospital Foundation has announced Ricbuilt Heavy Industries as naming-rights sponsor for this year’s Dinner on the Runway – a night set to dazzle while raising vital funds for local hospitals. The popular fundraising event, hosted by Ibis Mackay on Friday, 19 September, is now in its fifth year and continues to grow in scale and impact. Guests can expect live and sile
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It’s been a busy and rewarding week here in Mackay, with plenty happening across housing, science, public safety, and our vital primary industries. There’s never a dull moment — and that’s exactly how we like it. We welcomed Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth, Sam O’Connor, to Mackay to see firsthand the challenges we face in housing, as well as the people working hard to create real change. A highlight was opening a new social housing facility in North Mackay.
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Mackay Youth Experience The Thrill Of Sailing Excitement and smiles filled the waters of the Mackay Harbour last week as the Making Waves Foundation brought the thrill of sailing to the region. As part of its Northern Campaign 2025, the foundation kicked off the first of six ports along Queensland’s coast and Northern NSW, offering free, inclusive sailing programs for youth living with disabilities, many of whom were stepping aboard a boat for the very first time. Mayor Greg Williamson jo
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Mackay Commemorates Victory In The Pacific By Hannah McNamara The 15th of August seems like just another day to most, but for some, it’s a day that represents the end of Second World War, and the beginning of peace. Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day is celebrated each year on this date to commemorate Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender, which was made the day prior, on August 14, in 1945. For Aussies, it meant the Second World War was over. Though the physical ba
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Mackay’s Resource Industry Network (RIN) hosted its August Industry Briefing Luncheon on 8th August at Harrup Park, Lancaster Room, welcoming professionals from across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions. The event featured guest speakers Jarrod Layton, Projects Planning and Execution Manager at Stanmore, and Dean Grant, Director of Tenvra Pty Ltd, a project delivery and engineering consultancy currently collaborating with Stanmore. RIN’s monthly Industry Briefings aim to strengthen conne
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A new partnership between the RSPCA Mackay and Andergrove Van Park is turning recycling refunds into lifelines for animals in need. While the park has long participated in the Containers for Change initiative, new management has pledged to donate all future refunds directly to the RSPCA for animal care and welfare. Tanya Rayner, the park’s newly appointed manager, said she jumped at the idea of joining forces with the animal welfare organisation. “The RSPCA Mackay is now our animal amba
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Mackay’s ambulance crews are set to receive a major boost in emergency care, with the arrival of cutting-edge defibrillator technology designed to save more lives. As part of the Queensland Government’s record $1 billion Health Budget for the Queensland Ambulance Service, $10 million has been dedicated to the Defibrillator Replacement Program. This investment will see 1,400 upgraded ZOLL X Series Advanced Defibrillators rolled out across the state, including right here in Mackay. The new
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A new service focused on improving the health and wellbeing of Sarina community has been launched, thanks to My Hospital Foundation (MHF) receiving a community grant from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank for the purchase of a dedicated Sarina patient transport vehicle. The 8-seater vehicle was handed over to MHF today by Community Bank Sarina, and will ensure patients of Sarina Hospital with no method of transport can attend a variety of medical appointments in Mackay. Community Bank S
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Scams can happen to anyone! This was the key message delivered by the Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank team during their dedicated scam awareness session at the recent 2025 QCWA Northern Region Conference. Scams work because scammers create believable stories and tricks designed to steal money and personal information. Over time, scammers have become more sophisticated, using new technology, products, services and even major events to make their scams appear genuine. Warning signs incl
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In the skies above Central Queensland, BMA CQ Rescue marked a remarkable milestone last week — completing its 13,000th mission since operations began nearly three decades ago. The landmark flight took place just before 9.30pm on Thursday, the 7th of August, when the crew was called to Moranbah to assist a man suffering multiple cardiac issues. After being handed over by the team at Moranbah Hospital, the patient was cared for by BMA CQ Rescue’s doctor and paramedic, who worked tirelessly
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing The global sugar market has been holding steady in recent weeks, with supply fundamentals keeping a lid on prices. Brazil is now halfway through its crushing season, and analysts are forecasting production between 39 and 40 million tonnes. With that much sugar expected, commercial traders are confident supply will comfortably meet demand through to the first quarter of next year. This has left speculators largely in control of short-term price m
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Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has recorded its biggest year of planned burns to date, surpassing its annual target by more than 50 per cent. Between the 1st of July 2024 and the 30th of June 2025, QPWS carried out 637 planned burns across 968,884 hectares of Queensland’s public protected estate. The burns aim to reduce the risk and severity of bushfires, protect communities and infrastructure, and promote healthy ecosystems across the state’s parks and forests. The milesto
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Many years ago I was sitting on a ferry docked on the shores of Lake Van in eastern Turkey, near the borders with Iran, Iraq and Armenia, when two young Western women came racing towards me and asked if they could sit next to me. I had been sitting on the deck of this aquatic jalopy with a handful of other travellers and locals while the skipper waited for more people to arrive for the trip to the ancient cathedral we had come to see on a nearby island. A bus had pulled up and the two wo
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The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) will come alive on Saturday 27 September with two dazzling performances of Simply BRILL - a celebration of the songwriters who transformed 1960’s rock ’n’ roll forever. Starring three of Australia’s most acclaimed cabaret artists - Amelia Ryan, Michaela Burger, and Helpmann Award-winner Michael Griffiths - Simply BRILL transports audiences to the heart of New York City’s legendary Brill Building. Known as the “one stop shop” hit facto
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Residents will again have the chance to spruce up their gardens with the ever-popular native plant giveaway on again. The bi-annual event gives residents the opportunity to collect up to 14 free plants. Nurseries team leader, Sue McCormack, said staff at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre were prepared for big crowds. “We get between 600 and 700 ratepayers at the centre in the two days, which is wonderful to see,” Ms McCormack said. Among the species on offer is the Eungella Bottleb
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Cosentino Brings Magic, Mystery And Mayhem To Mackay Internationally acclaimed magician and escape artist Cosentino is set to bring his brand-new production to Mackay, promising audiences a 90-minute spectacle of jaw-dropping illusions, daredevil escapes, and close-up magic like they’ve never seen before. For a town more accustomed to footy finals and fishing weekends, this is a rare and exciting occasion. Cosentino isn’t just any magician, he’s a global phenomenon. With nine prime-time
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Fun Ways To Stay Active With Kids Staying active doesn’t have to be a solo pursuit – bringing the whole family along can make fitness fun, foster healthy habits, and create lasting memories. For parents looking to keep kids engaged while moving their own bodies, a variety of activities can turn exercise into play. Outdoor adventures are an ideal starting point. Local parks, beaches, or walking trails offer opportunities for family walks, nature hikes, or even scavenger hunts that encourag
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Fitness Cartel Mackay: Our Largest Health Club Opens This Year If you thought you knew what a gym could be, think again. Opening later this year, Fitness Cartel Mackay will be Fitness Cartel’s largest health and wellness club, delivering Affordable Luxury to every member. This 3,450sqm fitness sanctuary is purpose-built to inspire, energise, and connect. Opening in Spring this year, Fitness Cartel Mackay isn’t just another club — it’s a flagship destination redefining what it means to trai
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Friday 22nd August 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 Free Native P
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Mackay Musical Comedy Players (MMCP), the community theatre organisation that has brought audiences smash-hit productions like Mamma Mia!, Chicago, The Addams Family and most recently Footloose, is proud to present the original story of Evita, the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical that immortalises Argentina’s most controversial First Lady, Eva Perón. Driven by ambition and blessed with undeniable charisma, Eva Perón’s life reads like a script. She escaped her dirt-poor beginnings
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Kucom Theatre will shortly be holding auditions for Summer Shorts, a season of one-act plays showcasing in November 2025. Summer Shorts will feature three short comedies, including a reprise of Last Tango in Little Grimley, by David Tristram, which won Kucom two major awards at last year’s North Queensland Festival of One-Act Plays in Townsville: Best Director and Best Play. The program also includes: Bloody Actors, by Archie Wilson. A group of retired actors living in a nursing home try
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Which is Right for You? Deciding whether to rent or buy a home is one of life’s biggest financial and lifestyle choices. Both options come with their own advantages and challenges, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that suits your personal circumstances, goals, and budget. The Pros of Renting Renting offers flexibility that buying often cannot match. If your job or lifestyle requires frequent moves, renting allows you to relocate with relative ease and withou
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Four rising talents from Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club have made waves on the national stage, earning recognition both in and out of the pool. Dakota Daniel, Ava Kearns, Isabelle Daniel, and Montana Townley recently returned from the 2025 State Short Course Championships with impressive results, while a fellow Cyclone Anisa Helou has been named as one of just 18 recipients of the prestigious Hancock Prospecting Patron Scholarship. The scholarship program, awarded to swimmers aged 13–18, provide
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