U11 Boys The U11 Proserpine Pitbulls hosted Brothers on Saturday, with Luka captaining and sending the visitors in after winning the bat flip. The bowlers were sharp from the outset, applying steady pressure and sharing the wickets: Jonty (2-10), James (1-10), Hector (1-12) and Fred (1-21). Six runouts—thanks to Hector, James, Will, Harry, Luka and Fred—kept Brothers to 119 after 20 overs. Harry and Fred opened the chase strongly before Will (12*) and James (18*) built momentum with smart stroke
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At Sunday morning’s AGM, members gathered to receive reports on the year’s club operations. Thanks to all who attended or sent apologies. This year’s reports highlighted notable achievements and acknowledged everyone who contributed to the club’s goals. A key item on the agenda was the awarding of Life Memberships to Wayne Handley and Heather Brown. Members were presented with summaries of their nominations before voting. We congratulate both recipients, who join the club’s valued Life Members:
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Tuesday afternoon winners were Gordon Queero, Deb Retchless, Laurie Land and Graeme Read, defeating Shirley Jones, Sue Shearing, Gavin Charles and Marg Wilson. The jackpot, which is building up nicely, didn’t go off. It was a big weekend for Wangaratta. On Saturday, the club hosted its annual Come & Try afternoon, with twenty budding bowlers out on the green showing plenty of natural talent. It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves in a relaxed social atmosphere. If you would like to le
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Hot conditions made for challenging rounds at Proserpine Golf Club this week, but strong fields still produced excellent golf across all competitions. Tuesday’s Single Stableford saw Scott Mason win the men’s event with 38 points, just ahead of Jon Miller on 37. In the ladies, Penny Wardroper finished on top with 38, followed by Jacqui Wall on 37. In the Vets’ 3 Clubs and a Putter, winners were Jacqui Wall (37) in the ladies and Larry Muller (38) in the men’s, with notable NTP hauls for both Mu
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Hi lovely readers! By the time you read this, I’ll be enjoying my long weekend and soaking up every second of my four-day holiday, before I’m back on Monday, refreshed and ready to hit the ground running until the end of year Christmas break. Adam and I plan to do a bit of sight-seeing around the region, and we’re particularly keen to head up to Cape Hillsborough early one morning to see the kangaroos and wallabies skipping about on the beach. I can’t wait to tell you all about it when I
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By Donating To Those In Need This festive season, the Neighbourhood Hub Mackay is inviting the community to help make Christmas a little brighter for families and individuals doing it tough. Donations are being collected for Christmas hampers filled with festive treats and essential food items, giving local community members a joyful holiday season. The Hub is seeking a range of non-perishable foods and Christmas goodies, including butcher vouchers, grocery-only vouchers, Christmas puddi
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A devastating early morning crash on 15 November has claimed the life of 18-year-old Lachlan McPhee, leaving the Mackay community in shock and sorrow. Police advised the collision occurred shortly after 1am, when a Mitsubishi Lancer travelling south on the Bruce Highway struck a semi-trailer turning onto Sams Road. Lachlan sustained critical injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. Another 18-year-old man from Blacks Beach, also in the Lancer, was taken to Mackay Base Hospital with lif
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Opening 27th November Mackay is about to experience a fitness revolution. On 27 November, Fitness Cartel Mackay opens its doors, promising a gym like no other. This is a space built for ambition, strength and transformation. From sprawling training zones to the latest equipment and a cutting-edge Wellness Centre devoted to recovery, the facility delivers everything this city has been waiting for. Every corner of Fitness Cartel is designed to push limits and elevate potential. Whether you are st
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Willcox Backs Cheaper, Better, Fairer Path Forward Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability Andrew Willcox says the Coalition’s decision to abandon Labor’s net-zero target is a victory for common sense, cost-of-living relief and Australian industry. Mr Willcox said the Coalition reached a principled position “the right way, through consultation, evidence and respect, not ideology, slogans or political theatre.” “This decision puts Austr
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The Queensland State Emergency Service Volunteer Association (QSESVA) is pleased to announce the election of Justin Englert as its new State President. Mr Englert brings more than 23 years of dedicated service to the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES), with a career that spans leadership, training, and community development. He began with the Eastern Group, Brisbane City Unit, serving as Deputy Group Leader for Training before relocating to Mackay, where he went on to serve as Deput
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Juvenile Spotted On Bucasia Beach A juvenile crocodile has allegedly been spotted slinking along Bucasia Beach, near the caravan park, sending a shiver through locals and visitors alike. While some online commenters joked the sighting might be AI-generated, multiple eyewitnesses insist the croc was very real. The alert came from an anonymous Facebook poster, who said the croc was likely 3–4 feet long. “I have no interest in scaring people and far too busy to make up stuff on AI,” the re
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Last week, the award-winning children’s musical Safety Circus visited primary schools across the Mackay region, delivering an entertaining 45-minute show focused on children’s safety. The performance, presented in partnership with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, is designed to teach children to Recognise, React and Report whenever they feel scared or unsafe. The Safety Circus crew expressed their gratitude to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation for supporting the 2025 tour, which began on Mon
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In a remarkable moment for the region, Cadet Sergeant Murray Macgroarty, known locally for his advocacy for homeless veterans, was awarded one of the highest honours in the Australian Army Cadets on Saturday, November 8. National Commander of AAC, Brigadier David McCammon (DSM and bar), travelled to Mackay to personally present him with a Gold Level Commendation – which is the highest accolade an Australian Army Cadet can receive, awarded only in exceptional circumstances of service and l
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Christmas has come early for community and not-for-profit groups across the Mackay region with $10,000 in grants awarded for festive events. From lunches to provide social connection for seniors, to a treasured carols event and a festive bike ride, events will be held right around the region. The Christmas Grants provide funding of up to $750 for groups to help provide events that bring the community together, with a total funding pool of $10,000. This year’s successful events are: • D
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Alsatia Park has officially reopened, marking a significant moment for the Walkerston community as locals gathered last Sunday to celebrate the revitalisation of the much-loved space. The upgraded park now stands as a tribute to 18-year-old Luke Payne, a passionate skateboarder who tragically lost his life in 2022 and whose ideas helped shape the original skate facility. Families, skaters and community groups turned out in strong numbers for the opening, enjoying a lively morning of free
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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has announced a record breaking year of community investment at its AGM, with over $1 million injected directly into supporting more than 100 local projects and initiatives during the 2024/25 financial year. This milestone brings this profit for purpose organisation’s total community investment to more than $5 million since opening its doors in 2005, reaffirming its long standing commitment to creating an enduring impact in the Sarina and district commun
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Sarina Woman Marks 100 Years With Wisdom Celebrating A Century Joy Robinson Turns 100 It’s not every day a community gathers to celebrate a 100th birthday, but Sarina’s own Joy Robinson reached the milestone in style, surrounded by four generations of family, friends, and bridge club members last Wednesday. “Aren’t I lucky,” Joy said with a smile. “I’m thrilled and it’s a real privilege to be here.” With a smile as striking as her bridge play, Joy says her secret to longevity is simply, to j
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay As the crushing season draws out and moves into its sixth month, it is pleasing to see that we are finally getting onto the downhill run, with both millers issuing their end-of-crush notices. Plane Creek expect to finish harvesting 26 November and Mackay Sugar announcing completion around 12 December, with any continuation dependent on sufficient cane supply. This follows a reduction of crop estimates in both districts, being 1.35Mt in Plane Creek
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Cultivating Tomorrow’s Opportunities Tickets are now on sale for ABARES Outlook 2026, the Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences’ (ABARES) flagship annual conference, set to take place on the 3rd and 4th of March 2026 at Hotel Realm, Canberra, and online. With the theme Reset. Rethink. Regrow: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Opportunities, the conference will explore the key forces shaping the future of Australian agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. ABARES Executive Director
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Local aged care provider Glenella Care is preparing to join Respect, one of Australia’s largest regional aged care organisations, in a move that honours Glenella’s legacy and invests in the future of care in Mackay. It is anticipated that from 1 December 2025, Glenella Care will officially become part of the Respect community. A dedicated transition team will support the change, with a focus on continuity of care for residents and preserving employment for current staff. Respect, a not-for-pro
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With our final season at Kucom (Summer Shorts) just finished on 15 November, we’re not quite ready to rest on our laurels, so we’re going to end the year in style with a final, festive Club Night on Friday 28th November – a combined Christmas party and 2026 season launch. The coming year will introduce our audiences to some exciting new directors and local playwrights with a mix of new works and old favourites. Hint: there will be three full-length plays plus a season of one-act plays. T
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Brand-New Outdoor Space Perfect For Family Dining, Live Music & Weekend Sessions Much-loved Mackay local, Boomerang Hotel, unveiled a brand-new beer garden this week, expanding its footprint and creating a fresh new space for locals to eat, drink and connect. The transformation has been designed with Mackay’s warm weather in mind and compliments the bistro, sports bar, gaming room and accommodation - a new area to relax and dine year-round. Offering a welcoming atmosphere, the beer garde
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Let me have a little rant for a moment: these days, it feels like everyone is a marketer. Boost one Facebook post, watch a few YouTube tutorials, finish a quick online course and suddenly people think they’re experts. No strategy. No accountability. Just confidence and Canva. But real marketing is far more than pressing buttons. It’s understanding human behaviour, reading data, building funnels, testing creative, managing budgets, and turning insights into decisions that actually grow a b
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Friday 21st November 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 Conversations With Art
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At The Mackay Woodturners Club Expo This Christmas, why not find gifts that are truly one-of-a-kind? The Mackay Woodturners Club, tucked away at Snow Wright Ct, Andergrove, is opening its doors for a weekend of creativity, craftsmanship, and festive cheer. This weekend, on 22nd and 23rd November, from 9am–3pm, visitors can explore the impressive skills of local artisans working in woodturning, scroll sawing, intarsia, wood burning (pyrography), and carving, with free entry! Woodturning is far
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