Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A heartwarming story unfolded in a local community when a mother reached out on Facebook, hoping to find someone to take her son fishing offshore. Her 13-year-old son, Cayden, is a passionate angler who spends “90% of his time out fishing and learning new skills from other like-minded people.” However, without a boat of their own, Cayden was eager to explore fishing in deeper waters. The mother’s post read, “He has the urge to go fishing offshore in a boat somewhere… happy to pay for your fu
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While the scorching heat in the region calls for a dip in our beautiful ocean waters, lifeguards and medical professionals are urging locals to stay out of the water as much as possible due to an influx of jellyfish stings. Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) reported five recent jellyfish stings in the Mackay region. This includes one box jellyfish sting in December, two Irukandji stings (one in November and one in December), and two other jellyfish stings (one in December and one in Ja
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That’s how 14-year-old Zoe Hoffman describes her journey and surviving life-threatening injuries including a broken neck and nearly losing her leg in a horrific accident more than 12 months ago. The teenager was hit by a four-wheel-drive while riding her bike on a Sunday afternoon in November 2023. She was racing her brother and neighbour down a hill in North Mackay when she rode out in front of a car – the driver didn’t have time to brake. Dad Luke remembers a frantic phone call from her youn
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Mackay Regional Council staff have begun maintenance of palm trees in the Mackay City Centre this week. The maintenance started on Tuesday, 21 January, and will include removing dead fronds, cutting away visible fruit stalks and removing seed pods. Arborists will be on site between the hours of 5am and 8.30am on weekdays and they will be carrying out maintenance on trees located on Wood, Nelson, Macalister, Victoria and Sydney streets, Mangrove Road, Matsuura Drive and the Memorial Swim Centre
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By Hannah McNamara Just three days after her 39th birthday, Sarah Munster was given the life-shaking news that would soon redefine her understanding of resilience. On the 5th of November, 2024, which also happened to be her son’s birthday, Sarah was devastated to learn she had breast cancer. "I found out about the diagnosis on my son's birthday, three days after my 39th birthday," Sarah shared. After noticing a sizable lump in her breast, measuring 4.2 centimetres, Sarah underwent a PET scan
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Small businesses are a vital part of our country’s economy, helping to keep everything ticking along. But right now, they’re under real pressure as the costs continue to cause major financial pain to everyday Queenslanders who are just trying to make a living. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said that more than 4,000 hospitality businesses have gone under in recent years, and jobs in the industry fell by 165,000 last year alone. “Under Labor, it’s getting harder, rising costs, red
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A new Graduate Diploma of Midwifery offered in Mackay by James Cook University is equipping 15 registered nurses with essential perinatal skills, boosting access to midwifery services across the region while providing flexible study options for local and remote healthcare workers. JCU Ngudya Yamba (Mackay) campus Nursing and Midwifery site coordinator Dr Maude Chapman said offering the diploma in Mackay removed the need for local nurses to travel to Townsville to study and allowed them to train
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The Mackay community is mourning the passing of Dr. Lyall Ford, a beloved historian, author, and educator whose contributions to preserving the region’s history have left an enduring legacy. Lyall passed away on January 12, 2025, at the age of 80, leaving behind a wealth of knowledge and a passion for storytelling that resonated far beyond Mackay’s borders. Born on May 13, 1944, at Lister Hospital in Mackay, Lyall grew up in Walkerston before moving to Mackay. He excelled academically, attending
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Picture a place where your voice isn’t just heard but celebrated, where healthcare meets compassion and your journey is guided with respect and understanding. Welcome to Generation Her, a sanctuary for women’s reproductive health, located in the heart of the Mackay region. Generation Her offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to each woman and her reproduction needs. From family planning and pregnancy care to postnatal support, Generation Her is dedicated to empowering, educating, a
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Despite good intentions, by this time in January – for some, New Year’s resolutions have been abandoned, relegated as ‘too hard’, are fading into oblivion due to inaction, or maybe not set at all. Feelings of failure and regret can bubble up. There’s any number of reasons why our resolutions don’t work. And we know that all the good intentions do not produce results, it’s about action. It’s about what works for you – and it’s key to keep it simple. What’s the one thing that you could choose
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In honour of their 10-year business milestone, Whitsunday Wealth has left a vibrant mark on Mackay's cityscape. The financial advisory firm commissioned a striking mural on the side of their Wood Street building, brought to life by the exceptional talent of local artist Gwada Murals. Unveiled in September 2024, the mural not only celebrates Whitsunday Wealth's decade of service but also enriches the aesthetic of Mackay’s city centre. Featuring bold colours and intricate designs, the mural has q
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Crafter Judi Hutchinson is having fun creating stunning art pieces, now showcased at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Using epoxy resin with silicon moulds, alcohol inks, mica powders, glitters, and other embellishments, Judi crafts unique décor items in a meticulous process that can take up to 24 hours. Her range of Resin Home Decor items includes coasters embedded with fish hooks or beer bottle tops, trinket trays in various colours and styles, bookmarks, key rings, owls, seahorses, turtle
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Students starting certain degrees and apprenticeships at CQUniversity this year can apply for a share of $30,000 in scholarships from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank. The program includes two $9000 scholarships for undergraduate degrees and two $6000 scholarships for apprenticeships, providing not only financial assistance but also opportunities for professional development. Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich highlighted Community Bank Sarina’s commitment to support
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Mackay Sugar is shifting its focus to the future following the conclusion of the 2024 crushing season. Operations at the Marian factory wrapped up earlier than expected on 14 January due to declining harvesting contractor availability and recent rain and storms across the region. The 2024 season saw Mackay Sugar crush approximately 4.85 million tonnes of cane, producing 626,000 tonnes of raw sugar. Additionally, its cogeneration facility generated 112,570 MWh of renewable electricity, with 79,7
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Tiny but deadly, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other creature on Earth. Oxitec Australia is targeting two of the most dangerous species in the Pacific region—Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus—in a bold effort to combat the spread of life-threatening diseases like dengue, Zika, and yellow fever, which claim hundreds of thousands of lives globally each year. Oxitec Australia is a collaboration between CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and UK-based Oxitec Ltd
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Australian sugar cane farmers will soon trade one tropical paradise for another as they explore first-hand the implications of Brazil being ranked number one and two in the world for sugarcane and ethanol production. Central region sugarcane farmer Paul Atkinson is embarking on the 10-day tour for a second time because he is interested in how Brazil’s harvest and mills operate. “Brazil is our main competition,” Mr Atkinson said, adding its use of sugar to produce ethanol affected world suga
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The Forensic Crash Unit continues to appeal for witnesses following a fatal traffic crash at Alligator Creek on the 7th of January. At approximately 5pm, a black Holden Utility was seen traveling at high speeds and dangerously on Hay Point Road, before veering into oncoming traffic and colliding with a silver Kia sedan. The 58-year-old male driver of the Kia, from Ooralea, tragically died at the scene. Preliminary investigations reveal that around 4:30pm, the black Holden entered the Bruce H
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After a well-earned Christmas break, the Iona West Men’s Shed is back in action, extending an open invitation to local men to join their vibrant, supportive, and social community. “If there’s any men interested in joining our organisation, they’re very welcome,” said Publicity Officer Alan Grant. “You don’t have to be retired to join, but if you are, it’s a great way to keep occupied.” The Men’s Shed provides a space for connection, learning, and contribution, particularly for men adjusting
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If the Mackay weather has you feeling like folding, why not play your hand at something new? The Mackay Contract Bridge Club is hosting a “Come and Try Day” this Australia Day, inviting locals to shuffle into the world of bridge. While seasoned members will be finessing their regular games, visitors are encouraged to spectate, learn the ropes, and even pick up some cards to try their luck. Joy Block, who joined the club with her husband around five years ago, said the club’s warm atmosphere ma
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ip In The Bluewater Lagoon All Day Looking for a ripper way to beat the heat this Australia Day? Grab the family and head to the Bluewater Lagoon! It’s free, open all day, and the perfect spot to cool off from that North Queensland scorch. Chuck on your sunnies, slap on some sunscreen, and dive in for a bloody good time! Bluewater Lagoon Tickle Ya Tastebuds At Tropical Phoenix Garden Restaurant Lunch and Dinner Escape the hard yakka this Sunday and Monday and let Tropical Phoenix Garden Res
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Mackay region art followers can experience more than 60 contemporary and historical works from the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Indigenous Australian Art collection when the exhibition ‘I, Object’ tours Artspace Mackay from January 18 to March 30. ‘I, Object’ features contemporary painting, sculpture and installation by leading Queensland artists Vernon Ah Kee, Tony Albert, Michael Boiyool Anning, Fiona Foley, Danie Mellor, Christian Thompson, Warraba Weatherall and o
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Friday 24th January Crochet and Conversation 9am Join the friendly group of Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade for a morning of crocheting, coffee, and conversation. BYO crochet tools or borrow from our communal box. All skill levels welcome. This is a great opportunity to connect, share experiences, and start our next project for the Northern Beaches community in 2025. Beachfront Bar and Restaurant, Bucasia Two Worlds Collide: Rackemann And Langer
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Lovers of contemporary circus and food enthusiasts are in for a treat, with an exclusive pre-show dinner and show event taking place on Friday 21 February at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC). To celebrate First Nations, contemporary circus group, Circa Cairns visiting the Mackay region, the MECC are hosting a fine-dining experience like no other. Taking place in the Lynette Denny Space before the performance, this intimate experience features an exclusive menu carefully cura
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Summer can be as tough on gardens as it is on people. Blazing sun, unexpected downpours, and shifting soil conditions create a perfect storm of challenges for even the most seasoned gardeners. But with a few smart strategies, your garden can beat the heat and burst with life all summer long. Start from the Ground Up Great gardens grow from the ground up, and the secret lies in healthy soil. Think of soil as the lifeline for plants—holding nutrients, retaining moisture, and anchoring roots. Aust
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If your New Year's resolution is to read more, why not take advantage of the Mackay Libraries' vast collection? Librarian Sally has curated a list of must-read books to add to your summer reading list: 1. "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt This heartwarming novel follows Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow working as a night janitor at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. There, she forms an unexpected bond with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus known for his mischievous nature. As their fri
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