Last Saturday twenty-four pairs competed for the Mackay Club Pairs Championship. This competition was over four sessions, with seven boards per session. This was a well-supported event with novices and experienced players playing the same cards. This 2025 Mackay Club Championship Pair was Noel Bugeia and Terry Sheedy, with Diane Morgan and Janet Hansen a close second. The club extends a heartfelt thanks to director Geoff Taylor. Weekly Results **Monday 9 June 2025 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Po
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It’s Not About Doing More – It’s About Doing What Works
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With Nedd Brockmann At Whitsunday Voices Festival Tickets are now available for one of the most anticipated events on Mackay’s cultural calendar – the DBI Literary Dinner, headlined by Australian trailblazer, homelessness advocate, and larrikin with a mission, Nedd Brockmann. Held as part of the 2025 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival, the dinner will take place on Friday 18 July at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), inviting the wider community to a powerful evenin
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A $174,902 funding boost is fuelling fresh momentum for ten Mackay charities and community groups, following the Mackay Community Foundation’s 2025 grant round. The funding supports a wide range of grassroots initiatives aimed at strengthening health, safety, resilience and social connection across the region. Several recipients received grants to purchase vehicles, helping frontline teams reach more people in need. From youth support and homelessness outreach to disability arts
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While locals have long voiced concerns over parking challenges at Mackay Base Hospital, the wait for a solution has reached a new turning point — with the community now invited to have their say on plans for a multi-storey car park and helipad. The proposed development marks a major milestone in the Mackay Hospital Expansion Project (MHEP), and the start of a formal public consultation process offers residents the opportunity to help shape a project that aims to improve access, patient transfer
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Mackay State High School is set to receive $1.8 million in upgrades under the Crisafulli Government, with works to improve disability access, redesign pathways, and construct a new car park to create a safer and more accessible learning environment. The improvements will ensure students with disability can easily navigate their school grounds, with safer pathways connecting seven school blocks and a junior school covered area. As part of the significant works new ramps and handrails were
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Two CQUniversity TAFE-trained apprentices have been recognised among the nation’s top emerging tradespeople, earning Medallions of Excellence at the 2025 WorldSkills National Championships in Brisbane. Layth McGee and Ashley Cassar showcased their talents during the prestigious event, held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from June 12 to 15, where Australia’s best apprentices competed in a series of rigorous skill-based challenges. Layth and Ashley were part of a group of s
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As Queenslanders edge closer to the new financial year, it’s the perfect time to take stock of money matters and map out a clearer financial direction for the months ahead. Whether the aim is to pay off debt, grow savings, or plan for a significant purchase, financial advisers say even small, consistent changes can lead to stronger financial health. Here are a few practical steps to get started: Reflect on the past year Take a close look at where your money went — which habits helped, and whi
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The recent Super Story Time event at Mackay Regional Council Libraries brought together local families for a morning of storytelling, imagination, and fun, celebrating young readers and their grown-ups alike. The library remains a welcoming space where knowledge thrives and all individuals are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow together. With a diverse calendar of activities and programs on offer, residents are invited to visit the library website or download the Mackay Libraries app to di
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If you’re old enough to remember the jingle about the Mackay City Heart, you probably remember Centrepoint Arcade too. Maybe you blew your cash on a Walk Like an Egyptian cassette from the record store in there. Before the mega extension at Caneland, the City Heart was full and buzzing. But that wasn’t the only change that shifted the scene. The rise of online shopping transformed how we buy, the pandemic kept many of us home more than ever, and those shifts all took their toll on the hear
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Working to your strengths is personally empowering and enables you to present your best self, whether in your work or personal life. We each have a combination of qualities, talent and skills that are unique to us. To work to your strengths, you first have to identify them. For some this is an easy list; for others this focus on self is more challenging. Here are some ways to identify your strengths. Check in with your colleagues and trusted advisors/friends, and ask them what they see a
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TABLE TENNIS Players from across Queensland brought fast-paced action and fierce competition to the Mackay Table Tennis Centre for the annual Mackay Open earlier this month. With medals on the line and talent on display, the event drew a strong crowd of spectators and players alike. Organisers from the Mackay Table Tennis Association thanked all participants as they look forward to welcoming them back in 2026.
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Top Talent Recognised At Annual Presentations Mackay Basketball recently honoured its rising stars at the U16 Presentations, celebrating outstanding performances across several teams. Meteors: • MVP: Parker Coleman • Coaches Award: Will DiFilipo • Best Defensive: Jackson Pendleton Meteorettes: • MVP: Pyiper Redgard • Coaches Award: Riley Albert • Best Defensive: Lisa Lelliot Comets: • MVP: Jimmy Turner • Coaches Award: Jesse Coomber • Best Defensive: Winston Sutton Comettes: • MVP: Montana W
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Budding BMX talent Ged Rafferty has been recognised with the Mackay BMX Club’s President’s Award, celebrating his consistent effort and determination on the track. Aged 7 and competing in the sprocket class, Ged has impressed with his commitment to racing and hard pedalling right to the finish line. As part of the award, Ged received a $50 bistro voucher to the Goosies Sports and Recreation Club – a gesture to reward his rising star power and encourage continued passion for the sport. We
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The Mackay Stingers Dragon Boat Club braved icy conditions last weekend, hitting the water at Mackay Harbour despite a biting temperature of 5°C. The dedicated crew proved that paddlers from Tropical North Queensland are made of tough stuff, trading warm beds for early morning training on the water. The session showcased the team’s commitment and camaraderie, reinforcing their reputation for resilience and spirit. With calm seas and a golden sunrise over the harbour, the Stingers paddled
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Australians today are navigating increasingly complex financial terrain. From managing mortgages, superannuation, and insurance, to preparing for retirement and developing effective tax strategies. The financial decisions most people face is significant and often overwhelming. Add the weight of a cost-of-living crisis and it’s no surprise that many people feel stretched, uncertain and unsure where to start. Yet, financial advice is still widely seen as a luxury, something reserved for the weal
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Friday 20th June Crochet & Conversation 9am Join a welcoming morning of crochet, coffee, and conversation with Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. All skill levels welcome—just look for the yarn to find the table. Connection and creativity guaranteed. Bucasia Beachfront Bar and Restaurant Free Friday Guided Walks 10am Join a Friday Guided Walk at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and discover
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The Father is a powerful and deeply affecting play by Florian Zeller, translated into English by Christopher Hampton. Hailed as "the most acclaimed new play of the last decade" following its premiere in September 2012, The Father explores the unsettling experience of dementia through the eyes of André, an aging man whose grasp on reality is steadily deteriorating. This powerful and intriguing psychological drama is now coming to Kucom Theatre for a two-week season, opening on 4 September.
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A man in his 30s is in critical condition after being shot in the shoulder at a rural property in Devereux Creek, west of Mackay. Police and emergency services were called to the scene on Devil’s Pool Road shortly before 10:30am. Upon arrival, officers found the man with a gunshot wound and he was quickly transported to Mackay Base Hospital. A Queensland Ambulance spokesperson confirmed the injuries were life-threatening. Authorities have assured there is no immediate threat to the publ
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When people need something important done, something that really matters, they tend not to simply find out who offers the cheapest quote and go with that option. If someone owns a classic car, for example, you will never hear them do a ring-around of mechanics or spray painter shops to see who is the cheapest. A conversation you’ll never hear at a pub: “Hey fellas you know that beautiful 1968 HK GTS Monaro of mine that I’ve had forever, well it needs a paint job and I rang around and fou
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The closure of the Caneland Central Post Office has sparked confusion and disbelief across the region, with residents and community leaders describing the move as short-sighted and totally unfair. Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability Andrew Willcox said he was advised the branch will shut its doors on 18 July, without any public consultation or clear reasoning from Australia Post. “We don’t have an explanation, but it’s a deci
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Honouring History, Celebrating Service By Cr Heath Paton As a councillor, who was born and raised here in Mackay, it is important to me to not only aid in the growth of our region but also protect and promote our vast catalogue of past accomplishments. Mackay has such a wealth of history and accolades, and it’s imperative for a region to acknowledge the pillars of our community. Scattered throughout our footprint are numerous monuments and plaques commemorating events and people who help
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Mackay Careers Expo Mackay’s Careers Expo is back for its third year, offering an extraordinary opportunity for school leavers, recent graduates, and career-changers to gain invaluable insights into potential career paths. Held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Thursday 7 August, this free event is a must-attend for anyone looking to launch a new career, upskill, or transition into a different industry. Explore Endless Opportunities This year, the expo features an impressive array of exhibitors. A
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Hi there, Hope you’re keeping well and enjoying this crisp, cool breeze while it lasts…because let’s be honest, we’ll all be complaining about the humidity again soon! Did you make it to the show and grab a classic Dagwood dog or a showbag or two? I popped in on Tuesday, bundled up in a warm coat and boots, bracing for the mud – but to my surprise it wasn’t too bad! On page 10, you’ll find a beautiful story that reflects what makes our region so special – locals looking after each othe
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The first humpback whales of the season were sighted on Friday 6th June, breaching between Penitecost Island and Suprise Rock, just south of Whitsunday and Hamilton Islands It’s exciting and we are privileged to have them visit our waters to court, mate, give birth and rear their calves. This is why the Whitsundays are a Whale Heritage Area. The whales have to rely on their energy reserves until they return to their feeding ground in the Antarctic. Mothers will already loose a third of their b
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