Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing North Queensland has seen a nice drop in temperatures this past fortnight, which is a welcome change to our growers who are still busy out in the field preparing for the start of the 2025 season. Our team has also been active on the ground, meeting with growers to finalise their pricing and provide updates on what’s happening in the market. For those participating in the Managed Pool Plus for the 2025 season, you would have recently received an
Read more
Queensland’s 2025 sugarcane crush is officially underway, with harvesters firing up across the Tablelands district this morning. It marks the start of a new season that growers hope will bring better fortunes after a tough run last year. Around 28.5 million tonnes of cane are expected to be cut and crushed across 13 districts, from Rocky Point in the south right up to Mossman in the far north. The crop is down slightly from last year, with recent widespread flooding across north Queensla
Read more
A Mackay-Made Tale Of Warmth, Wonder And Painted Rocks
Read more
Four exceptional young locals have done Mackay proud as finalists in the prestigious Seven News Young Achiever Awards Queensland, with one of them, Dominic de Moura McCarthy, taking home top honours. Dominic, currently overseas in Brazil, won the Connecting Communities Award for his outstanding work as Co-Founder and Co-CEO of the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA). The announcement, relayed to him by family via WhatsApp, was a surreal and humbling moment. “It was a great ho
Read more
RSPCA Mackay’s Million Paws Walk Leaves Lasting Paw Prints More than 400 locals and their beloved pups gathered at Queens Park for the final RSPCA Mackay Million Paws Walk last Sunday, marking the end of an era with wagging tails, slobbery smiles, and community spirit. The event raised essential funds to support the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of dogs across Queensland – many of whom have faced cruelty, neglect, or abandonment. With the RSPCA caring for nearly 17,000 dogs between 2023 a
Read more.jpg)
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has completed clean-up works at Harbour Beach, restoring safe public access ahead of a sunny weekend. Over the course of four days, more than 55 truckloads of woody debris were removed across 680 metres of coastline. The works were carried out in response to community concerns following severe weather events, including the effects of Cyclone Alfred. NQBP Acting Chief Executive Officer Carissa Mansfield said the organisation was pleased to su
Read more
I can tell how my dog, Millie, is feeling just by looking at her. Millie is a smart, robust, ridiculously friendly and energetic mix of border collie, kelpie and some other dog or dogs that also love running and jumping. She is generally unaware of the boundaries that exist between humans and dogs. Although she has been trained and taught to know she is at the bottom of the pecking order in our family (otherwise it would be chaos), she certainly feels she is a crucial part of that pecking order
Read more
Mackay Launches New Events Calendar Growing up in Mackay, I always dreamed of something like this. In my various roles organising events, I often found myself trying to avoid clashing with other major events or helping newcomers find out what was on. I’ve long wished for a one-stop-shop for events in our region – and now, I’m thrilled to say, we finally have it. As a new initiative aimed at boosting community engagement and economic activity, we’ve officially launched the Mackay Events Calendar
Read more
Over forty runners took part in the annual Grove 10km Handicap Trophy and 5km events on the weekend, continuing a proud 32-year tradition from the same starting point at the Andergrove Tavern on Andergrove Road. The Mackay Road Runners Club extends its sincere appreciation to The Grove for its ongoing support of this iconic event, which remains a key fixture on the Club’s racing calendar. The prestigious 10km Handicap Trophy is awarded to the first male or female to cross the finish line based
Read more
Renee’s Relentless Fight Through Stage 4 Melanoma By Amanda Wright When Renee Fenech felt a pea-sized lump in her upper arm in late 2023, she didn’t panic—but her instincts whispered that something wasn’t right. For months, she’d battled constant headaches while working full time in childcare, pushing through each day with little relief. “I was told many opinions of what could be troubling my headaches,” she later recalled. “Neck out, teeth grinding… but Panadol was not helping and my in
Read more
Mackay’s Successful Approach To Attracting And Retaining New Players Sunday saw eighteen novice players (under 100 MP’s) take part in a competition, each supported by an experienced player. Held on the last Sunday of each month, this regular Novice and Mentor event offers a valuable opportunity for beginners to play alongside and learn from more seasoned players. Following six weeks of lessons and ongoing supervised play provided by Frances, Geoff, and their dedicated teams, participants gain co
Read more
Local golfers can rub shoulders – and pick up some handy tips – when Australia’s leading professional golfers make their return to the region for the annual North Queensland Series. Starting May 31, Sarina Golf Club, Mackay Golf Club and Pioneer Valley Golf Club will each host a leg of the North Queensland Series that has become a popular feature on the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series calendar. This year’s North Queensland Series has drawn winners from the most recent Challenger PGA Tour of Australasi
Read more
Derby day was a resounding success, with the team traveling from Rockhampton to Mackay for two intense games filled with skill and great sportsmanship. Both sides displayed class on the field, making for an exciting day of softball action. Rockhampton secured a 5-2 victory over the Angels, powered by fantastic pitching from 14-year-old Nate Benson. Nate, alongside Rory Spencer, contributed crucial runs for Rockhampton. Meanwhile, Angels’ pitcher Jaxon Maluga struck out five batters, with Heinri
Read more
More than just a race, the 2025 BMA Mackay Triathlon Festival is a celebration of community, resilience, and giving back. Held 20–21 September at the Mackay Harbour, this iconic regional sporting event is proudly supported by naming rights sponsor BMA and the Mackay Regional Council’s Events and Attractions Fund. This year, the festival takes a meaningful stride forward by supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), with $5 from every race entry going directly towards helping famil
Read more
When the call went out for a few strong arms to help relocate cupboards and supplies from inside St Vincent de Paul to the Mackay City Girl Guides hut across the road, the Mackay Brothers Football Club stepped up without hesitation. “There was no fuss, no bother,” said Mackay volunteer Lisa Jamieson. “All they needed to know was, ‘when and where do you want us?’” And with that, the Brothers arrived in numbers, ready to lend their strength to a good cause. Demonstrating teamwork and comr
Read more
Local not for profit selectability will join forces with other Mackay community services in an effort to connect those experiencing (or at risk of) homelessness with essential support. The team will hold a stall at the Together for Shelter expo to showcase the range of services selectability provides across the Mackay community. Regional Coordinator Nicole Guzowski said making connections at local events was important for selectability. “Participating in events like Together for Shelter
Read more
A picture-perfect Saturday morning set the scene for the 10th Open Day at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens — and what a celebration it was! The Tropical Sun Lawn came alive with colour, community and curiosity as hundreds of visitors turned out to explore plant displays, get hands-on with nature activities and soak up the sunshine in one of Mackay’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. From up-close wildlife encounters to educational exhibits, orchid sales and native bee demonstrations, the
Read more
Friday 30th May Crochet & Conversation9amJoin 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 U-BEACH community beach day in Mackay9amThe inaugural U-BEACH community beach day offers an inclusive
Read more
Volunteers On The Frontline At Chances House In the quiet corners of Mackay’s toughest nights, where hardship often casts a long shadow, a steadfast light burns bright. Behind every warm meal served, every hand extended in compassion, and every moment of dignity restored at Chances House stands a quiet army of dedicated volunteers. They are the heart of the mission, the pulse behind the purpose, and the reason why so many vulnerable people have somewhere to turn. “There are so many organi
Read more
May has been a significant month for Mackay, marked by substantial legislative advancements aimed at enhancing community safety and justice. Expanding 'Adult Crime, Adult Time' Legislation The Queensland Parliament has passed the second tranche of the 'Making Queensland Safer' laws, expanding the 'Adult Crime, Adult Time' framework. This expansion increases the number of offences subject to adult sentencing for youth offenders from 13 to 33 offences. Newly included serious offences encom
Read more
Queensland’s small and family businesses will soon benefit from a major boost in crime prevention, with the launch of a $40 million Secure Communities Partnerships Program to help protect livelihoods and restore safety across local business precincts. Councils can apply for up to two grants worth $400,000 each to fund crime prevention measures to improve the security of business strips, including CCTV, bollards, lockable fencing, and improved perimeter security. A total of $10 million is
Read more
As you flip through this week’s edition, some of our team are swapping deadlines for datelines — soaking up wisdom, inspiration and (hopefully) some wins at the Queensland Country Press Association’s annual media awards and conference. It’s a special trip for us. Last year, we had the incredible honour of being named Queensland’s Best Free Newspaper — an unforgettable achievement that still gives me tingles. We launched this paper right in the thick of Covid five years ago, with nothing b
Read more
A much-loved local event is making its return to Dunes Harbour Beach. Tunes in the Dunes is back for another laid-back Saturday afternoon, bringing coastal vibes, live music, and a relaxed community feel to one of Mackay’s most scenic spots. A crowd favourite in 2024, Tunes in the Dunes drew a wonderful mix of people — from those looking for something a little different, to families catching up, and friends gathering to enjoy a drink by the sea. The oceanside setting made the perfect bac
Read more
Hi everyone, I'm back after three wonderful weeks in the UK and excited to dive back into all the incredible environmental stories the Whitsundays has to offer! This week, we're featuring new whale names, vibrant reef fish, and a special focus on World Environment Day. As always, I’d love to hear from you! Please keep sending your environmental stories to ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com. Happy reading! Ruth “You are the last, best hope of Earth. We ask you to protect it. Or we, and all living
Read more
The Whitsundays will take centre stage in Queensland’s tourism sustainability agenda this World Environment Day, as industry leaders, local operators and environmental champions gather to explore the future of eco-conscious tourism in one of the state’s most iconic natural settings. Local businesses and tourism operators are encouraged to book their place to attend the event on 5 June. Hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the World Environment Day event will shine a spotlig
Read more