Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Airlie Beach Bowls Club has had an awesome 2024 season full of celebrations, hard work, and exciting victories, making it a memorable time for both members and the wider community. One of the highlights of the festive season was the 80th birthday celebration of one of the club's most accomplished bowlers, Andrew Noel Crosbie. Noel, who marked the special occasion on Christmas Day, was honoured by a gathering of friends and family on Boxing Day. Over the past year, Noel has enjoyed numerous
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The World Half Ironman event, held in Taupo, New Zealand on the 15th December, was an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike, with stunning weather and an electric atmosphere creating the perfect backdrop for a challenging two-day competition. Representing the region, Rowena Sinclair-Smith, Megan Moa, Jodie Walker, and Michael Kimpton were all fortunate to qualify and compete at this prestigious event. The female athletes kicked off the weekend’s racing on Saturday, followed
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Saturday’s Airlie Beach parkrun was a fantastic festive success, with participants enjoying the beautiful scenery while challenging themselves in the friendly, inclusive event. Held every Saturday at 7am, the event welcomed runners of all abilities to meet at Meeting Area D, Coral Sea Marina. Top Performers: 1. Karl Ward – 20:18 (JM11-14) 2. Bryan Drennan – 20:19 (VM50-54) 3. Colin McIntosh – 20:36 (VM50-54), Thursday Morning Esplanade Running Club 4. Rachael Landers – 20:58 (SW
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Just before Christmas, 11 talented swimmers from the Cannonvale Cannons Swim Club travelled to Brisbane to compete in the 2024 Queensland Long Course Championships. The event brought together the best swimmers from across the state, providing a unique opportunity for local athletes to showcase their skills. On the first day of competition, swimmers Jacob Bell, Tiana Bell, Isaac Pisaniello, Ella Bounden, Tyler Bennett, Zach Trefz, Tora Delac, Isabella Pisaniello, Alex Trefz, and Harris Delac all
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Queensland’s beloved blue heeler, Bluey will soon make a big screen debut in an animated feature film made in Queensland. BBC Studios and the Walt Disney Company recently announced that a full-length feature film for the beloved Emmy and BAFTA award-winning animated series will land in cinemas in 2027. Written and directed by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, the film is a Ludo Studio production in collaboration with BBC Studios, and will continue the adventures of the loveable blue heeler dog and her
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With Christmas just around the corner and excitement jingling in the air, the jolly man in red is dusting off his sleigh for a special visit next week—ready to spread cheer and make spirits bright! Mount Pleasant Centre brought festive cheer earlier this month with their Santa’s Breakfast event, spreading holiday spirit while supporting a great cause. The community gathered to enjoy delicious treats from Gloria Jean’s Coffees and Donut King, with all proceeds benefiting the Mackay Hospital Found
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As we approach the end of 2024, I find myself reflecting on a year that has tested me in ways I never expected. This has certainly been the hardest year of my life. But, as with any challenge, it’s made me more determined to rebuild in 2025—stronger, wiser, and more focused on what really matters: less stress, more time with my family, and a little more 'me-time'. With a one-week break ahead, this is our final edition for the year. Looking back, we’ve covered a lot of ground in 2024—from communi
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Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has recognised the valuable contribution of the Australian South Sea Islander community at a flag-raising ceremony held at Mackay Base Hospital last week. Representatives from Australian South Sea Islander organisations QUASSIC (Queensland United Australian South Sea Islander Council) and MADASSIA (Mackay and District Australian South Sea Islander Association) as well as other members of this community joined Mackay HHS leaders for the event. As the fir
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When the St Pat’s Brekky Van students went on an eight-week summer break, they made sure their friends visiting Orange Sky laundry shifts wouldn’t go without. Generously donating their food supplies, the students ensured the breakfasts they usually provide could continue uninterrupted. To keep the BBQs fired up, Mackay Regional Council’s Community Development network reached out for volunteers to step in—and the community rallied. Organisations including Mater Hospital, Street Chaplaincy, Uniti
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As the festive season approaches, Ergon Energy is reminding residents and businesses to take extra precautions when setting up Christmas lights and other mains-powered decorations. Area Manager Craig Brown emphasised the importance of following safety guidelines to avoid electrical hazards, fires, and potential injuries. “We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas displays without compromising safety,” said Mr Brown. “By taking the right steps, buying good quality electrical decoratio
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The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital has a new outdoor play area ready to welcome families, but it needs a little extra magic to become the perfect retreat. To help transform this space into a fun and welcoming haven, the Family Room team has created a wish list of items for the community to support. From shade structures and comfortable outdoor furniture to toys and play equipment, the list includes items that will provide a joyful and relaxing environment for families during
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OPINION COALITION ANNOUNCES THE COST TO GO NUCLEAR The Coalition’s nuclear power plan will cost up to $263 billion less than Labor’s renewable rollout between now and 2050, translating into cheaper electricity over the long run. The costings, conducted by Frontier Economics and on Friday by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, estimates the capital and operating costs of the Coalition’s policy to deliver net zero emissions electricity by 2050 will be $331 billion. The long-term plan will provi
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By Hannah McNamara Gary Chapman, father of the late Michael Chapman, gave a touching speech recently at the Victoria Park State School Year 6 Graduation, on December 5. As students, teachers and parents gathered in the hall for the presentation, Mr Chapman shared a powerful message – one that left an imprint on the hearts of many – to simply, be kind. Mr Chapmans son, Michael, was described as a “highly regarded friend” who was always cheerful, resilient and kind. In the late 1980s, Michae
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Christmas has come early for three local charities, thanks to Life Publishing Group’s fundraising event held in October. The event raised an impressive $9,000, with the proceeds being split evenly between three worthy causes: Chances House, Mackay Pet Rescue, and the Ronald McDonald Family Room Mackay. The event, which marked a milestone for the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper and Core Life Magazine, brought together local businesses, community members, and generous sponsors to support vita
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Every year, RSPCA Inspectors respond to calls about pets being abandoned. This trend spikes over Christmas and School Holidays when people are away from home. From December 2023 to January 2024, RSPCA Queensland responded to 402 complaints about abandoned animals. “We usually receive reports from worried neighbours about dogs that are barking more than normal and when they can’t confirm if food and water has been left for the animal. “If we attend a property and no one is home at the time,
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One of Mackay Airport’s busiest routes will soon be serviced by larger aircraft, injecting thousands of additional seats into the market and positioning 2025 as a bumper year for visitation and industry growth. Virgin Australia will begin flying more Boeing 737s between Brisbane and Mackay from February next year, replacing the smaller Fokker 100 aircraft that have supplemented the airline’s national growth in recent years. The upgrade will increase capacity on the route by close to 50 per cen
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A Queensland bus operator has selected the recipients of its inaugural community grant program, Moving Communities, with two organisations in Mackay set to benefit from in-kind support and grants of up to $10,000. The Moving Communities Fund, awarded by Kinetic, is designed to support community organisations and not-for-profits that improve the livelihoods of the communities where Kinetic operates. Launched in September 2024, the program attracted more than 200 applications from across Austra
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Before the convenience of frozen chickens, Pearson’s Store on the north-east corner of Evan and Goldsmith Streets was the go-to spot for Christmas dinner preparations. Proprietor Arthur Pearson operated a ‘chookery’ on land behind the store, raising free-range poultry that was fattened up for festive feasts and special occasions. Pearson’s legacy also extended to Shakespeare and Moore Streets, where his niece Beryl Hatfield and her husband John established the beloved “Hatfields” store in 1947,
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Mackay Christian College is celebrating a standout achievement, with Year 8 student Ashley Harris claiming the top spot in a nationwide mathematics competition hosted by Times Table Rock Stars. Competing against nearly 1,200 secondary students, Ashley emerged as the best in the country, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication. The competition also highlighted other remarkable achievements from MCC students, with Shardinay Broome Waria ranking second in the school and an impressive 49th nati
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Local group Breakaway Horse Riders Club has been honoured with the 2024 Community Impact Award from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank. Accompanied by a $500 donation, the Community Impact Award is presented to an organisation that inspires positive change, has a dedication to community, displays integrity in service, shows leadership and fosters inclusivity. Starting as a small group in the Kuttabul area in 1986, the club has now grown to 89 members and 20 juniors from across the region. Thei
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay There has been much conjecture surrounding Queensland sugar mills underperforming and costing the industry dearly. It would take a person gamer than myself to argue that the milling sector is performing to standards equivalent to the past. We have seen a sharp decline in milling investment both in capital and maintenance budgets, thus making the milling sector the Achilles heel of the industry. This, CANEGROWERS feels, has led to an untenable situati
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As planting and spraying operations increase across Queensland this summer, all chemical users are reminded of their responsibility to minimise spray drift and protect surrounding areas. Key tips for responsible spraying include checking weather conditions, using appropriate equipment, keeping detailed spray application records and communicating with neighbours about nearby crops that may be at risk. DPI and Cotton Australia are partnering to promote best practices, including reading chemical
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Mackay Base Hospital’s cardiac catheter laboratory has reopened, boasting upgraded equipment and improved diagnostic capabilities following a decade of service. The scheduled upgrades mark the end of the lab’s 10-year lifecycle, replacing essential equipment and enhancing the facility’s ability to deliver cutting-edge cardiac care. The improvements promise to benefit patients by ensuring better access to advanced diagnostics and treatment options. Staff have undergone comprehensive training wi
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The festive season can be a challenging time for many, and Orange Sky is stepping up to provide support for those in need. Offering free laundry services, warm breakfasts, and genuine conversation, the Mackay team is ensuring connection and care for the community throughout the holidays. “Our hope is that by staying open, we can offer positive connections during what can be a difficult time for many,” said Orange Sky’s Mackay Service Leader Lisa Jamieson. “Christmas can be a lonely time, but a
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Excited children and proud families gathered at Souths Leagues Club on the 2nd of December, 2024, to celebrate the graduation of the Prep-Ready Kids Class of 2024. The children, aged 3.5 to 5 years, had successfully completed The Neighbourhood Hub’s popular Prep-Ready Kids Program, which prepares little learners for the transition to prep school. The Program, funded by Multicultural Affairs through the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism,
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