Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Since joining The Doctors Mackay in November 2023, Dr. Umang Bassan has earned a stellar reputation for his expertise and compassionate approach to patient care. With a focus on personalised treatment, Dr. Bassan has become a trusted healthcare provider in the Mackay region, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a patient-first ethos to the clinic. Dr. Bassan has expertise in Aboriginal and Indigenous health, chronic condition management, dermatology, skin cancer, men’s health, skin procedures, and
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In a world where consumer rights can often feel like a tangled web, Aunty Pat is here to support those seeking fairness. Through her organisation, Just Resolutions Consumer Protection Systems (JRCPS), Aunty Pat provides advice and support to anyone who feels they’ve experienced unjust customer service, helping them understand their rights under Australian Consumer Law. Australian Consumer Law is designed to shield individuals from unfair business practices, but many are unaware of the protection
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As we near the close of 2024, it’s a time of reflection and for me in the professional context, it’s about where I want to channel my energy. What do I want to do more of and what do I want to do less of? How do I feed more of my WHY? One of my great joys, now as part of CareerForce Australia, and also throughout my career across many roles, has been working with young people. It’s incredibly rewarding and a privilege being invited on their journey to listen, inform, assist and encourage, whe
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The spirit of giving is alive in Mackay this Christmas, with the community coming together to support those in need. Mackay Christian College’s Care Ambassadors led a heartfelt food drive, collecting over 50 bags and baskets of essentials to feed the homeless and help families facing hardship. With support from Mackay Christian Family Church, the initiative showcased the true meaning of Christmas. Adding to this generosity, Fiona from Coffee and Hops Photography is donating profits from her 2025
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When it comes to dressing your windows, Mackay Curtain Making Service has you—and your windows—completely covered. This locally owned, family-run business specialises in creating stylish and functional solutions to suit every home and lifestyle. With an extensive range of internal blinds, custom-made curtains, and shutters, they have options to suit any décor. For those looking to elevate their outdoor spaces, external awnings and roller shutters offer the perfect blend of sun protection and aes
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As we deck the halls and count down to a well-earned break, Christmas is a perfect moment to pause and reflect on what makes our business community so remarkable. This year, local businesses have shown their strength, adaptability, and generosity. We have celebrated wins, shared lessons, and continued to work together to make our region an even better place to live and work. From new startups to longstanding family enterprises, the spirit of innovation and collaboration is thriving in the Mackay
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Arhamah Haider is an impressive Whitsunday Anglican School Year 10 student whose dedication and passion has made waves in inspiring a vision for our future, not only in Queensland, but also on the international stage in 2024. In the United Nations Voice Public Speaking Competition earlier this year, Arhamah showcased her exceptional skills by placing first in the Mackay region, second in the State, and competing at the national level. Her talents have earned Arhamah the title of Australian Unit
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As Christmas approaches, we tend to become caught up in the flurry of preparations for the celebration. The decorations come out. Celebratory food is prepared and gifts are chosen for giving to those we love. It is a time to reflect upon the awe experienced by the shepherds and the wise men as we view the beauty of peaceful, serene paintings and images of the nativity. However, Christmas is not just a lovely idea. The message is serious. It is a time for all Christians to reflect upon th
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Residents living near the Ports of Mackay and Hay Point are encouraged to nominate for a seat on North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) community reference groups (CRGs). NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said the CRGs, which have been running for more than 20 years, provide an invaluable link between the port authority and its communities. “The Port of Mackay has been there every step of the way as our region established itself as a cornerstone for mining and trade in Northern Q
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We see Christmas light displays around the city, and I guess that means it's looking a lot like Christmas. But what is this "Christmas" thing? Christmas is a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians believe to be God's promised Messiah: Saviour and Lord of all. The public celebration of Christmas mixes a huge range of things from an equally huge range of sources and histories. For example, Santa traces back to St. Nicholas, the 4th-century Christian bishop of My
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Although he has just completed Year 12, Leo Gorrion already has an impressive resume of stage production and design. From set painting to lighting and sound for productions by both his school and the Mackay Musical Comedy Players, Leo is well on the way to a remarkable career. Leo was named as this year’s recipient of the MECC’s Jack Sturgeon Bursary, which has tripled this year to $3000 thanks to a sponsorship by the Friends of the MECC. The Mackay State High School graduate hopes to extend his
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Bring your “relaxing chair” to the Bluewater Quay for the New Year’s Eve River Party, because this year’s family entertainment features two of the world’s biggest stars. Better yet, entry to the family-friendly event that runs from 6pm to 9pm won’t cost you a single “dollarbuck”. In case you haven’t guessed yet, this year’s children’s entertainment will be Bluey and her little sister Bingo appearing for a Live Interactive Experience and meet and greet with families. Get ready to play Magic Aspar
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SummerSalt is set to shine in 2025, announcing a new show in Mackay, coming to Harrup Park for the first time. This dazzling event features an iconic, all-Aussie line-up of music greats, promising a vibrant celebration of Australian talent with Missy Higgins, Birds of Tokyo, Fanning Dempsey National Park, The Waifs, The Whitlams, and Josh Pyke. Since its debut, SummerSalt has become a premier outdoor festival across Australia, known for bringing world-class Australian and international artists
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Friday 20th December Crochet & Conversation 9am Join a friendly group of Northern Beaches locals for crocheting, coffee, and conversation at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. Everyone is welcome, whether crafting or just enjoying the vibe. Look for the yarn under the shade sails or inside, weather permitting! Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Christmas Holiday Kids Craft 9.30am Santa’s elves are bringing
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The Mackay Cutters are delighted to announce the signing of half-back Ryan Rivett from Toulouse Olympique on a one-year deal. Rivett joins the Mackay Cutters after one season in the Betfred Championship with Toulouse Olympique, for whom he made 27 appearances combined. The 22-year-old began his semi-professional career first at the Newtown Jets, then signed to the Newcastle Knights playing in the NSW Knock on Effect Cup. The half-back was called up to play one game in the NRL during season 202
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Last week, Mackay Bowling Club welcomed 35 residents from Homefield Nursing Home for a Christmas lunch filled with good food and festive cheer. Bowling club members prepared and served the meal, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for their guests. The event gave residents a chance to enjoy a delicious meal, reconnect with familiar faces, and soak up the holiday spirit. The lunch not only celebrated the season but also highlighted the power of community connections. Residents and club membe
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Mackay Magpies rule the roost in Mackay Cricket Association after clinching the 2024-25 Poole Cup first grade championship trophy. The Magpies were crowned one day champions after toppling rivals Pioneer Valley in a Grand Final thriller at Great Barrier Reef Arena last weekend. Sixteen year old young gun Myles Cochrane starred with the ball and the experienced trio of Andrew Borg, Wesley Dyer and Ben Zurvas produced superb knocks as the Magpies secured their third Poole Cup premiership title i
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The North Mackay Sinkers commenced the 2025 year early by forming a small dedicated team raising funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The annual Starlight Super Swim is held each February and the Sinkers have entered the pool of participants for 2025. This marks the second occasion of Sinkers members participating in this swimming fundraiser with 2024 seeing $2,827 raised for this worthy cause. And the 2025 campaign is off to a flying start with $2,185 in the kitty already thanks larg
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With the Souths Bowls Club deck filled with lots of festive spirit and plenty of fruit cake, all the jingle ladies of the South Suburban Bowls Club came together to enjoy the most wine-derful time of the year at their annual ladies' Christmas breakup. All the ladies enjoyed an afternoon of laughter and reminiscing on their 2024 bowls season. Some shared goals for 2025, with Rhonda Meng putting winning the open ladies singles in 2025 on her wish list. From all the bowlers at South Suburban Bowl
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The Mackay Bridge Club celebrated another twelve months of fantastic card play with its Christmas break up last Saturday. A record 18 tables of members played bridge, with lots of laughter celebrating Christmas together. Partners also shared in the wonderful Christmas fare. A big thank you to Janelle and her helpers for providing a wonderful meal. Our Christmas raffle was extra special this year. Thank you to members for your donations and Debra Goodchild for her dedication to making this succes
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Sunday’s Fun Day Breakfast hosted by Club Manager Steve which included Breakfast and Bowls was a huge success with over 50 bowlers participating. The morning kicked off at 9.00am with a big breakfast and three games of bowls each having seven ends with players rotating for each game. Everybody enjoyed the morning and the club will host more in the future. The winners on the day were Neil and Maureen Blutcher and Peter Madden. TODAY'S TIP When playing short ends it’s
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Tuesday morning table tennis players celebrated the digital age at their annual breakup lunch at Harrup Park Country Club this week. Fixture coordinator Steve Mathieson was praised for his efforts in taking over from Iris Grasso and Pam Joyce in a presentation by players Frank Caruana and Gerry Synnott. “Full credit goes to Steve for taking over from Iris and Pam, which were big shoes to fill,” Frank said. “Steve decided to computerise everything in line with the era – there were a few hiccup
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Hi Everyone, For the past few days, I have had my seven-year-old son on ‘work experience’ with me. To make him feel special, I ordered him a fully branded work shirt and it was a moment of great pride when he first put the shirt over his head and stood in front of the mirror smiling. Over the next two days we took the long drive up to the Hinchinbrook region where we inducted a new staff member, visited local businesses, took photos, attended a Chamber of Commerce meeting and even distributed
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Haven’t you heard? Christmas cheer has become more contagious than ever! Santa Barry has become a friendly face across the Whitsundays, sporting the fashionable gear of the jolly man himself and working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the picturesque region pristine throughout the busting holiday season. The Whitsunday Regional Council’s dedicated outdoor teams have been working their magic, keeping roads, drainage and waste systems, parks, gardens, and water services spick and span to en
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In this year's highly anticipated Christmas Lights Competition, organised by the Whitsunday Regional Council, the community was treated to a dazzling array of spectacular displays that truly captured the holiday spirit. Among the standout entries was the brilliant light display on Walker Street in Collinsville, which was crowned the winner of the coveted ‘Best Street’ award. This extraordinary display featured a mesmerising interactive light show that captivated both children and adults alike,
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