Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
More than twenty dedicated Mackay Road Runners faced cool, blustery conditions at Cape Hillsborough over the weekend for the club’s 6km and 10km Turtle Trail events. Fortunately, the rain held off during the race, though the early setup crew endured tougher weather. Among the early heroes were Andrew Short, Len Howarth, and David Isbister, who battled a passing storm from 5am to mark the course. Their efforts ensured the trails were ready before runners arrived. Andrew, a seasoned runner,
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A Martial Arts Weekend To Remember If energy could be bottled, the Northern Beaches would be glowing. Such was the atmosphere during the Gasshuku – an intensive karate training camp hosted by the Northern Beaches Karate Club. The event brought together seven high-level instructors from across Australia, including two Shihans and a 7th Dan Master from Los Angeles. Their combined expertise provided valuable instruction to students of all levels, from the youngest beginners to the most senio
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Climbing the master rankings this month were Marilin Robins, who achieved Silver National Master status, and Adrian Westcott, now recognised as a Local Master. Weekly Results Monday 23 June 2025 –- 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Sandy Patterson 2nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 2nd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins 3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris 3rd Janine Rodgers / Jewel Schmidt Tuesday Evening 24 June 2025 – 6 Table One Winner
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Why Walking The Paddocks Leads To Smarter Funding A bright winter’s morning at Mt Ossa set the scene for a recent visit showcasing innovation, resilience, and the power of strong local connections in sustainable agriculture. It’s about understanding what’s working on the ground and hearing directly from landholders,” said Chris Gogala, Assistant Director in the Sustainable Agriculture Branch from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Chris, who travelled from Canberra, w
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The Tuesday night Ladies Twilight Warehouse Bowls competition has proven a hit with new players, offering a relaxed and welcoming environment to learn the game and enjoy some friendly competition. Designed specifically to encourage beginners, the competition has seen most participants take to the greens for the very first time. In just a few short weeks, the improvement among the ladies has been remarkable, with players showing greater confidence and skill each round. With the current
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All The Fun, Right Here In The Region Keep the kids entertained and engaged with a fantastic line-up of events happening across our region. From creative workshops and outdoor adventures to movie screenings and hands-on activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy this school holiday season. Friday, July 4 Garden Friends Drop-In Activity – Secret Lives of Leaves 10am Families are invited to the Botanic Gardens for a series of leaf-focused activities, including hunts, drawing wal
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New Police Blitz Rolls Out Across State To Protect Vulnerable Road Users Queensland Police Service (QPS) is ramping up its presence this school holiday season with the launch of Operation X-Ray Cold Snap, putting officers front and centre to crackdown on dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users. The statewide road safety campaign runs until Sunday 13 July, and is focused on saving lives and preventing road trauma by addressing dangerous driving behaviours and reinforcing the Fa
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A 39-year-old Walkerston man has been charged following an investigation into alleged serious domestic violence offences, including stalking and deprivation of liberty. The charges stem from a joint operation by officers from the Mackay Whitsundays District Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit, supported by the Mackay Tactical Crime Squad. On June 18, police executed a high-risk search warrant at a Walkerston address, allegedly locating semi-automatic rifles and large-ca
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Mackay’s Festive Toy Run Hits The Road The spirit of giving is roaring into town this winter with the Christmas in July Toy Run on Saturday, 5 July 2025, supporting the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Bike and car enthusiasts alike are invited to join the festive convoy, with entry being one new, unwrapped toy to brighten the lives of local children in hospital care. The event kicks off from Mackay Harley-Davidson at 9:30am, with a sausage sizzle on hand to fuel participants before the ride
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The dust has settled at Mackay Showground for another year, but CANEGROWERS Mackay is already looking ahead to the next Mackay Show, with plans for an excellent new schools competition underway. It’s called The Sweetest School. The competition involves schools growing a square metre of cane at school, using clean seed cane supplied by MAPS, and supported by a grower mentor and some education from other industry professionals. Judging will occur as
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By Andrew Willcox MP – Federal Member for Dawson, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities The sugar crush across Dawson is on again, and it’s a timely reminder that cane trains are on the move and caution is needed around level crossings. Please, everyone — stay aware and remain safe on our roads. As the federal member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities, I am incredibly proud of our local sugar industry. Behind wh
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Mackay’s much-loved Tip Shop at Paget is entering a new chapter, with national social enterprise Outlook Australia set to take over operations from August 1. The transition follows a competitive tender process for management of the Resource Recovery Centre’s Tip Shop and Donation Drop-Off area, with Mackay Regional Council reaffirming its commitment to both sustainability and inclusive employment outcomes. Mayor Greg Williamson said the facility, known for diverting countless items from
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The Lawn Legends With Cheeky Charm There’s turf... and then there’s Get Turfed. And if you’ve ever driven past a pristine Mackay lawn and thought, that grass is greener, chances are Jason and his team had something to do with it. A farmer at heart and a straight-shooter by trade, Jason has been working the land since he was ten, growing up on a cane farm in Proserpine. In 2002, a chance sighting of a turf truck planted the seed for something new, and from that moment, Get Turfed began to
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Mackay will once again honour the stories, traditions and future of First Nations people with a vibrant week of NAIDOC celebrations, beginning with a community flag-raising ceremony on Monday, July 7. Hosted by Mackay Regional Council, the free event will take place at 10am in the Civic Precinct and marks the official start of NAIDOC Week 2025 in the region. The morning will feature traditional dance performances, guest speakers and the return of the First Nations Markets – a celebration
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Council's Budget Under The Microscope Mackay Regional Council has handed down a $454 million “back to basics” budget for 2025–26, positioning it as one of the most restrained in Queensland — but not everyone’s convinced. With a general rate rise of 4.95 per cent, Council says it’s focused on maintaining core services while managing rising costs. Major projects include a $12.99 million investment in the Northern Beaches Community Hub and nearly $6.5 million for critical water infrastructur
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A new initiative, Coal Watch, has been launched by Lock the Gate Alliance (LTG) and the Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) in response to what the groups describe as a wave of coal mine expansions proposed across Queensland. Unveiled at an event in Brisbane, the project seeks to provide a central hub for data and community action, tracking the impacts of new and expanded coal projects on the environment, regional water resources, and climate. The launch event drew attendees from across
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Australia’s home building sector is tipped to rebound over the next few years, with strong migration, low unemployment and interest rate cuts fuelling demand. But long-term hurdles continue to challenge the national housing supply, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA). HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said the sector is showing signs of recovery, particularly in detached housing, after a period of subdued activity. “We expect new home commencements to increase steadily thro
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Prepare to be captivated as the prestigious Libris Awards 2025: The Australian Artists Book Prize is launched at Artspace Mackay after a three-year hiatus! This highly anticipated event brings together the finest works by leading and emerging artists’ book makers from across Australia. The shortlisted entrants in the Libris Awards will be exhibited at Artspace from July 5 to September 14, with the winners announced at a special exhibition opening event on July 5. Mayor Greg Williamson said th
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At Tropical Phoenix Garden Restaurant Whether it’s a lively family gathering or a memorable office celebration, Tropical Phoenix Garden Restaurant on River Street offers an excellent dining experience that will satisfy every craving. Specialising in authentic Thai, Chinese, and Malaysian cuisine, the restaurant is led by a talented chef from China’s Canton region, ensuring every dish bursts with genuine flavour and tradition. Open seven days a week, Tropical Phoenix Garden caters to all
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Laffos Cookies is fast becoming a favourite stop for families seeking a delicious way to take a break. Located just up from the Target entrance and beside Caneland Central’s new playground, Laffos Cookies offers the perfect spot to recharge while the kids enjoy some playtime. Freshly baked daily, each 125g cookie is packed with real ingredients—no nasties, just good old-fashioned indulgence. Parents can sip on a smooth, locally roasted Primal Coffee while keeping an eye on little ones enj
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A Tasty Trio Of Sunday Fun! Get ready to pack your picnic rugs and dancing shoes – the 2025 Mackay Festival of Arts is bringing the party to your backyard with Savour the Suburbs! Get ready to pack your picnic rugs and dancing shoes – the 2025 Mackay Festival of Arts is bringing the party to your backyard with Savour the Suburbs! This July, the festival is hitting the road (and the beach, and the valley!) for three unforgettable Sunday sessions that celebrate the heart and soul of our re
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Two Year 12 students from St Patrick’s College Mackay have achieved national recognition, placing third in Australia at the prestigious National High School Mooting Competition – while simultaneously becoming the only regional school to reach the semi-finals and claim a top-three spot. Claudia Illguth and Mikayla Green represented the appellant in a challenging civil law case centred on parental liability for a child’s negligent behaviour. Their client had been injured on private property by an
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Country Fest Queensland 2025 transformed Bloomsbury into a vibrant celebration of country music and rural culture over the weekend of June 27–28. Held at the Dittmann Bull Pit, the festival featured a stellar lineup of artists, including American headliners Randy Houser and Max McNown, alongside Australian favourites like James Johnston, Shannon Noll, Casey Barnes, and Tori Darke. Attendees enjoyed a diverse array of activities beyond the music, such as the adrenaline-pumping PBR Bull Rid
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A lovely couple in their 80’s were left stunned by a stranger’s generosity during a visit to Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre last week on Friday, 28 June. The husband and wife had just finished shopping when they approached the checkout around 11am. As the woman attempted to pay for their groceries in cash, the unexpected happened. “While I attempted to produce the cash necessary to pay for the items we purchased, the female attendant at the checkout told me that my groceries were all pai
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New coaching structure takes shape ahead of double-header weekend There’s a new leader in the huddle for the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors, with Mackay Basketball announcing a mid-season coaching change as the team eyes a strong finish to the NBL1 North regular season. Head Coach Matt Paps was officially released from his duties this week, with the club thanking him for his contributions and wishing him well for the future. Stepping into the role is none other than veteran guard and team lea
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