Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
With school back in session and wheels spinning across footpaths, Mackay Whitsundays Highway Patrol is cracking down on the illegal use of electric motorcycles and personal mobility devices, targeting safety before speed. Since Operation Wolfking commenced in January, police have administered 54 charges, including driving unlicensed, driving uninsured, driving unregistered, and driving a defective vehicle. Police have also completed 35 street checks and issued 82 infringement notices, wi
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Mackay is once again rolling out the welcome mat for its Sister City, with ten students from Matsuura, Japan visiting this week as part of a long-standing cultural exchange. Mayor Greg Williamson formally welcomed the delegation last Friday during a civic reception, highlighting the enduring strength of the 35-year relationship between the two cities. “This is the continuation of a 35-year relationship with our sister city in Japan, Matsura,” he said. “Every other year we send studen
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Help Make A Difference In Mackay The St Vincent de Paul Society—known locally and fondly as Vinnies—is calling on compassionate community members to join in its mission of offering hope, dignity, and practical support to those doing it tough in Mackay. "Working with the St Vincent de Paul Society is a powerful way to live out our Christian faith in action—through love of God and love of neighbour," says Regional President Richard Calligan. “While we are proud of the spiritual foundation
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What a fantastic week it’s been in Mackay! Despite the winter chill, our community spirit has been on full display. I’ve been out and about across the region—listening, celebrating, and continuing to advocate for the issues that matter to locals. I kicked things off at the Bluewater Fling—there’s nothing quite like the sound of the mighty bagpipes and a sea of tartan to celebrate Scottish heritage. The music, culture, and dancing made for a memorable day. It was also great to catch up w
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When it comes to legends of the surf, few names command the respect of Reg Buttler, and recently, that reputation was etched into history with the awarding of a rare and remarkable 75 Year Pin. The milestone recognises an extraordinary lifetime of service to surf lifesaving, beginning in 1950 at Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, when budgie smugglers were woollen and sunscreen was a novelty. Now based in Mackay, Reg has become a cornerstone of the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club and a fa
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OPINION PIECE There has been a lot of discussion regarding the council bi-election and varied opinions on what makes a good Councillor. Firstly, everyone has a democratic right to stand for election. Under the Local Government Act there is no specific qualification that you need, but there are plenty of things you need to learn and do to properly represent the people who voted for you. I would like to reflect on my experience as a local government representative for the past 21 years. Fir
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At Papa Ben’s Coffee Van You can’t miss it – the bold yellow van, the scent of freshly ground beans in the air, and the signature grin of Mackay’s very own barista-on-wheels, Ben Fiegert. Behind the wheel and the espresso machine at Papa Ben’s Coffee Van is a man who gave up a long career in the mining industry to follow a passion that was percolating for years… coffee and community. After 17 years of mining life, Ben made the bold decision to trade in the work boots and hi-vis for an apr
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Vote Jeff Keioskie For Mackay Regional Council In a by-election that will shape the direction of Mackay’s future, one candidate stands out not for promises made under fluorescent lights, but for decades of work done under the sun and on the ground. Jeff Keioskie, a familiar name within building and business in our region, is putting his hand up to serve on the Mackay Regional Council. With more than 45 years in the local construction industry and generations of family ties to the region,
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By Owen Menkens, CANEGROWERS Chairman As we approach the midpoint of the 2025 crush, it’s clear this season is shaping up very differently to the one we endured last year. In 2024, widespread delays, mill breakdowns, and wet weather left many growers stuck in the paddock and well behind schedule. This year, thankfully, we’re in a better place. Dry conditions have helped keep the wheels turning. Some districts are even ahead of schedule, a rare but welcome sight. Mills are running more reliably
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing In a volatile global sugar market, having the right marketing partner can make all the difference. Wilmar Grower Marketing is helping local cane growers take charge of their sugar price exposure with tailored support, flexible options, and proven results. As one of world’s largest sugar traders, Wilmar offers growers the confidence to navigate changing market conditions. Whether you're someone who wants hands-on involvement or would rather leave
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You're in - you have your first full time job but now you need to learn to save. Here's how to budget your salary for the first time. The key is to start small and be consistent. Knowing exactly where your money goes each pay will give you control over your finances. You know what position you’re in and you’re better prepared to make informed financial decisions. Start small Leaving yourself a bit of wiggle-room is the golden rule of budgeting. So, start small with your savings. It keeps
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Early intervention has received a major boost in Sarina, with local organisation, Mudth-Niyleta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation awarded $300,000 through Round 1 of the State Government’s Kickstarter Grant. The grant forms part of the Gold Standard Early Intervention program; a four-year, $100 million commitment aimed at breaking the cycle of disadvantage and crime through proactive, community-led support. This latest investment is set to deliver meaningful change for Sar
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Relax At Airlie’s Boathouse Apartments Perched on the edge of the Coral Sea and flanked by swaying palms, The Boathouse Apartments in Airlie Beach is where luxury and leisure meet in perfect harmony. This premium waterfront escape offers a rare blend of refined indulgence and family-friendly comfort — all with the Whitsundays as your backyard. Offering expansive two- and three-bedroom self-contained apartments, The Boathouse Apartments is tailor-made for those who travel with style but se
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Photography by Photos By Nell In an era where first impressions are made in milliseconds and your online presence often precedes your handshake, professional imagery is no longer optional—it’s essential. This August, Photos By Nell is set to redefine personal branding with her highly anticipated Be Seen Branding Days, a curated headshot and content experience designed for entrepreneurs, creatives, models, and professionals ready to show up and stand out. Held at a luxury villa in Eimeo on
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The Mackay Northern Beaches will soon come alive with colour, music, and creativity as the community gears up for the launch of Art in the Park 2025 on Saturday, the 20th of September. This brand-new community arts event will unfold across Bucasia Esplanade, Shoal Point, and the Northern Beaches Community Hall, inviting people of all ages to gather, create, and celebrate the spirit of the Northern Beaches. Delivered by the Northern Beaches Community Network and the Mackay Northern Beaches
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Work has begun on the much-anticipated stage one upgrade of Langfords Park in Eton, with construction getting underway earlier this week. The project will be delivered by contractor Vassallo Constructions on behalf of Mackay Regional Council. The upgrades reflect the ideas and priorities of residents who participated in the community consultation. Mayor Greg Williamson said the upgrades would make Langfords Park a more welcoming and enjoyable space for families, sporting groups and the
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A once plain and overlooked pedestrian tunnel at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is set to be transformed into a vibrant celebration of local biodiversity, thanks to a new public art initiative funded by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). The mural project, titled “Connecting Gardens Through Art”, aims to inject colour, creativity, and education into the tunnel space beneath the railway track, creating a striking visual link between two major sections of the gardens. The proj
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The Mackay Marina was abuzz with colour, music and community spirit last Sunday as locals gathered to celebrate the 140th birthday of the historic Pine Islet Lighthouse. Under clear skies and a gentle sea breeze, crowds flocked to the Marina Precinct along Mulherin Drive for a day packed with market stalls, live music, face painting, food trucks, raffles and the perfect vantage point to watch the yachts from the Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race glide into the harbour. The star of the cele
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Mackay is revving up for the return of Freestyle Kings Live, “the greatest show on two wheels”, with the high-octane action sports spectacular locked in for Saturday, the 6th of June, 2026, at BB Print Stadium. Returning as part of a massive six-country, 50-show World Tour, Freestyle Kings Live promises a night packed with gravity-defying stunts and edge-of-your-seat thrills and organisers are determined to deliver a show Mackay will never forget. Billed as a family-friendly, all-ages ev
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**Friday 8th 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 Friday Guided
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Festival Comp Launches With Snappy Prizes Mackay’s beloved music and arts festival, Rhythm and The Reef, recently called on the community to help name its giant inflatable croc. The naming competition launched last Friday, with entries set to close this afternoon, Friday 8 August, at 5pm. Submissions can be made via the festival’s social media channels, with the winning entry receiving a Festival Family Pass (two 18+ and two under-18 tickets), an EVA Motors e-scooter kit, a poster signed
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It was a workout with heart and purpose as Mackay locals hit the ground jumping last Saturday for the annual Harpertastic 1km Travel Burpees challenge. The high-energy fundraiser raised $3,180 for Jeans for Genes Australia, supporting vital research into childhood cancers and genetic disorders. A total of 139 participants took part in the physically gruelling event, which required individuals or teams to complete a full kilometre of travel burpees. Four participants completed the entire d
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The headline appeared on my social media news feed one day last week: “Dog owners must spend a minimum of three hours a day with their dogs under proposed ACT Government laws.” We are well past April Fool’s Day so the story about Government reaching into people’s lives was true. Yep, under the proposed law, it would be illegal for people to spend less than three hours a day with their dogs in the ACT. The story raised so many questions in my mind: Would there be video surveillance in pe
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The number of homes commencing construction in Australia is set to increase over the next few years, driven by strong population growth, low unemployment, and falling interest rates. However, long-term structural issues continue to pose risks to housing affordability and national supply targets, according to the latest outlook from the Housing Industry Association. HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said the sector is showing signs of improved confidence following a period of weak activity,
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Making The Most Of Outdoor Space In Mackay, where the line between indoors and outdoors often blurs, our backyards are more than just an afterthought — they’re an extension of our living space, a stage for entertaining, relaxing, and making the most of our tropical lifestyle. Whether you have a compact courtyard in town or a sprawling rural block, thoughtful design can transform any outdoor area into a place where you’ll want to spend more time. Decks that invite you outside A well-designed dec
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