-daphne-offield%2C-jean-schmidtke%2C-lidia-mccarthy..jpeg)
The ladies at the club have been busy contesting the Championship Triples, which commenced on Tuesday, 21st May, with the final played on Thursday, 29th May. As expected, the competition was fierce, with many closely fought ends and the head often tightly packed with both teams’ bowls. After a strong display of skill and teamwork, the eventual winners were Marie Bragg (Lead), Val DePinto (Second), and Nuggie Pratt (Skip). The runners-up were Daphne Offield (Lead), Jean Schmidtke (Second), and
Read more
Young rookie ballers are progressing nicely, showing improved skills each week. They’re playing harder, stronger, and with growing confidence – all while keeping the fun alive. A special highlight came when Asher Rootes was ecstatic after hitting a live pitched ball from Zac Hargraves for the first time. Ollie Baxter also impressed, showing great form behind the plate with confident catching. The Joey Ball troupers are also having a great time, with plenty of enthusiasm on the field. A big than
Read more.jpg)
Red point week The weekend saw the Whitsunday Zone Teams played in Mackay. Ten teams of four players competed for Red Points in the competition. Team Brown won after winning all nine rounds, a fantastic result! After three rounds of play with three different partners in the Remembrance Pairs Debra Goodchild came out as a winner, with Sandy Patterson winning the under 100 mps section. Fourteen other players in the competition also received a portion of red points. Weekly Results Monday 2
Read more
Mackay turned up the sunshine and community spirit for the region’s very first U-BEACH Community Beach Day, making waves for inclusion, connection, and coastal fun at the Harbour Beach last Friday, 30 May. With more than 100 attendees embracing the laid-back atmosphere, the day was a joyful celebration of diversity and accessibility. The shoreline came alive with a vibrant mix of activities, from swimming and walking to kite-flying, beach cricket, sand games, and spirited sandcastle building.
Read more
Mackay’s cane farmers may not have faced severe weather last year, but a new change to disaster funding eligibility has strengthened the region’s preparedness for future cyclones and floods. With updated support measures now recognising the realities of modern farming, local producers will be better placed to recover when the next natural disaster hits. More Queensland primary producers will now be eligible for vital support under the joint Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangeme
Read more
The role of a councillor today is vastly different from the past. It carries significant responsibility and is increasingly shaped by regulatory constraints. When issues arise, new measures are put in place to prevent recurrence – but these changes affect everyone. This brings us to the distinction between strategic and operational responsibilities. In the past, a councillor could call a staff member working on a road project and request that excess soil be placed on a nearby block rather than
Read more
Mackay Marches To Shatter The Silence On Domestic Violence By Hannah McNamara A wave of purple swept through Mackay’s city centre last Friday, as more than 1000 people rallied together in a powerful show of unity to march against domestic and family violence. From the early morning hours, the streets filled with the steady rhythm of footsteps and the echo of a collective chant: “What do we want? RESPECT!” “When do we want it? NOW!” Led by the Rotary Club of Mackay and Resource Industry
Read more
Friday 6th 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 Artspace And Memory 10am Join Art and Memory, a welcoming program for people living with dementia and their
Read more
If the essence of farce is chaos, Kucom Theatre’s production of Bob’s Your Auntie is right on the button. The story is simple enough: Robert Marshall has returned from his Aunt Roberta’s funeral only to find the taxman at his door for unpaid taxes. At the same time a call comes in from the Lottery commission to say Auntie has just won a considerable amount on one of her tickets, of which there are dozens. What ensues is a melee of total confusion when Robert, his girlfriend Juliet, and his fri
Read more
If you’re looking for a relaxed, family-friendly way to spend the weekend without spending a cent, the River of Life Festival returns to Bluewater Quay this Saturday, 7 June. This free community event offers a full day of entertainment, creativity, and connection. Showcasing live music and dance, hands-on workshops, bustling markets, and a packed kids’ zone, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy Mackay’s riverside charm and vibrant local culture. The festival has grown beyond expectation
Read more-1748921123.jpg)
Willcox Takes Charge Of Shadow Manufacturing Portfolio By Amanda Wright Andrew Willcox, the Federal Member for Dawson, has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities—an elevation that signals not only a deepening of his political responsibilities but a wider national recognition of regional Australia's role in securing the country’s future. While the announcement from Nationals leader David Littleproud has been met with warm congratulations, Mr Willcox
Read more
Mackay’s BMX Girls Pedal Their Way To Podium Success The Mackay and District BMX Club is beaming with pride after two of its rising stars, Ruby and Lilly, delivered standout performances at Rounds 3 and 4 of the National Series in Lake Macquarie late last month. Ruby took on a new challenge, double-classing for the first time at a national level – racing in both the 20-inch and Cruiser bike categories. Her debut was nothing short of impressive. In Round 3, Ruby powered her way into the f
Read more
It has been 65 years since the Fokker Friendship “Abel Tasman” crashed off the coast of Mackay, claiming the lives of all 29 passengers. This tragic event still touches many lives in our region and beyond. Of the lives lost, four were crew members and nine of the 25 passengers were young boarders from the Rockhampton Grammar School returning home to Mackay for the Queen’s birthday weekend. The youngest was just nine years old. Mayor Greg Williamson said what was meant to be a joyful homecomi
Read more
It was smiles for miles at BB Print Stadium as 3,500 locals turned out for the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Family Fun Day, up 500 from last year and bursting with enough joy to power the spinning tea cups. With four hours of non-stop rides, live music, fairy floss and a star-studded cast of Bluey, Bingo and the Paw Patrol gang, the event had kids bouncing higher than in the jumping castle. Gardian Real Estate staff were the real MVPs—spending the whole day wrangling rides with cheer and
Read more.jpg)
Where Sea Meets Song Mackay locals and visitors are being urged not to miss their chance to experience one of Queensland’s most breathtaking and sustainable music events, Between the Tides, next Friday night, June 13, at Cape Hillsborough National Park. With Saturday’s show already sold out, Friday’s performance is now the only opportunity left to witness this once-in-a-lifetime, award-winning event as part of the Queensland Music Trails – The Reef. Presented by QMF, Between the Tides bri
Read more
Council is encouraging residents to take advantage of the discount period by registering their pets before June 30. Registration renewal letters have been issued and should be in the mail for residents who have not opted to receive them electronically by email through eNotices. Mayor Greg Williamson said this month was the perfect opportunity for residents to get in early and ensure their pet’s registration was up to date. “A reduction in fees as much as 30 to 50 per cent can be claimed by re
Read more
By Dean Kirkwood, General Manager, Resource Industry Network Safety leadership was brought into focus at the annual Resource Industry Network’s 2025 Safety Conference held on the 23rd of May at the MECC. Around 200 of the region’s safety leaders came together to hear from world class speakers and to unpack the latest techniques and strategies to help to continue the high standard of safety within their business. We received fantastic feedback from attendees which showed that the speakers
Read more
A Time to Act, Not Just Account As the crisp air of winter descends upon Mackay and June 30 looms large, a familiar rhythm stirs for financially savvy households and enterprises alike. This isn’t just a date. It marks the finale of a fiscal year — a time to reflect, recalibrate, and position ourselves for the financial year ahead. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is ready. The question is, are you? For Our Local Businesses For the enterprising minds of Mackay, sharpening the books now
Read more
CQUniversity and the QCCS Mackay Cutters have announced a new partnership focused on developing clear and structured pathways for both university students and emerging rugby league talent looking to build careers in elite sport. This partnership is set to bolster the pathway from Hostplus Cup and BMD competitions to the NRL and NRLW, providing our region's budding talents with a clear pathway to the elite level. The Mackay Cutters are a recognised feeder club to the North Queensland Cowb
Read more.jpg)
Last week, our publishing team had the privilege of attending the 2025 Queensland Country Press Association (QCPA) Conference and Media Excellence Awards — an annual gathering that brings together the heart of regional journalism from across the state. Held in Brisbane, the event reminded us that while the digital age may be reshaping how news is consumed, the need for trusted, community-driven storytelling has never been greater. That message rang loud and clear in the opening remarks fr
Read more
Networking and learning were the themes of the morning at the fourth annual Manufacturers Breakfast held at the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) at the start of June. The event offered an opportunity for local manufacturers to come together in a relaxed environment to share ideas and network over breakfast. Manager of the Queensland Manufacturing Hub in Mackay Deb Allan provided an overview of activities undertaken by Hub staff over the past 12 months and what local manufacturers ca
Read more
The Mackay Regional Council has officially triggered the by-election process to fill the vacant councillor position left by the resignation of Cr George Christensen, following a special meeting held on Wednesday, June 4. The meeting, convened at 8.30am in the Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building, was called specifically to address the vacancy, which came into effect at 5.00pm on Friday, May 30. Councillors gathered to determine how the position—now legally required to be filled withi
Read more
The highlight for most visitors to the Great Barrier Reef is their encounter with the myriads of coral reef fish…every size, shape, and colour. Very inquisitive and often right in your face. Unfortunately, the opportunity for that experience is changing. A study has found concerning new evidence of long-term declines in coral reef fish around highly visited inshore islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Scientists surveyed reefs at 100 sites around the Palm Islands, Magnetic Island, Whitsunday Isl
Read more
Memories of time spent on Dent Island as recorded by Reg Hatch in his book “Dent Island 1959” – an extract. Reg was 20 years of age and a qualified painter when he left Brisbane in 1959 to “see what was over the hill.” On what was only his second plane trip, he arrived in Mackay and then, with two other passengers, flew to Lindeman Island on his first small-plane trip. After three weeks on Lindeman, Reg boarded the “Hossack H” bound for Dent Island. On Dent Island, the lighthouse is now an a
Read more