Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
As the year draws to a close, we at Alman Partners take this opportunity to reflect on an incredible 2024. It’s been a year of growth and triumphs, culminating in being recognised as a Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) finalist in three national award categories. This achievement reflects not only the dedication of our team, but the trust and support of our valued clients and we thank them for being an integral part of our journey. The past year has reminded us of the importance o
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Facing a complex, time-consuming case that requires expert guidance? While investigations can seem quite messy, costly and even unresolvable, cracking the code to a complicated investigation has never been so easy, thanks to Regional Queensland Investigations. Regional Queensland Investigations aims to eliminate the common challenges most locals face, by introducing a highly regarded former law enforcement professional with a Security Firm Licence (Class 1), a Master of Laws (LLM), and a Bac
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The holiday season is looking brighter for local families thanks to the hard work of the team at Vinnies. Volunteers have been busy packing multiple hampers, filled with essential items and festive goodies, to help those facing hardship this Christmas. Local businesses and schools have generously donated handmade toys for children, ensuring they can experience the joy of Christmas. Families receiving the hampers are invited to select toys and wrap them, giving children a special gift to open on
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Boosting exercise is often on the agenda in the new year, but if you’re struggling to stick to a new fitness regime, University of South Australia research shows that virtual reality (VR) will not only make exercise feel easier but also ease chronic pain.
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As we approach the holiday season, many of us look forward to time with family and friends, indulging in delicious festive meals, or simply unwinding after a busy year. For some, the season is a joyful time, while for others, it can be challenging, with food and drink often becoming primary sources of comfort. Between office Christmas parties, New Year celebrations, and holidays, this period often comes with increased food and alcohol intake, coupled with a drop in physical activity. Studies sho
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The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is in full swing, and with only a couple of weeks left until Christmas, gift wrapping often becomes a last-minute headache. But thanks to the volunteers from Mackay’s SCOPE Club, you can turn that chore into a moment of relaxation – all while supporting local charities. From now until Christmas Eve, the SCOPE team will be stationed at Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight, offering their expert gift-wrapping services daily from 9am to 4pm. For just a
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For Mackay local Megan Dillon, a career in surveying wasn’t something she expected for herself. As a female entering a male-dominated industry, she decided to not let it deter her and is now the leader of a team of nine – who are all men. Megan was recently honoured on Monday December 9th for achieving her registration as a surveyor in Mackay. She hopes to encourage more women to step into the industry – as new data reveals only 4 per cent of surveyors in Queensland are female. “If we wer
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Newly elected Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, has wrapped up his first week in Queensland Parliament, delivering his maiden speech and stepping into his roles as a member of the Primary Industries and Resources Committee and Deputy Government Whip. A proud grazier and passionate advocate for regional Queensland, Mr. Kelly is focused on ensuring the voices of the Mirani electorate are heard loud and clear in Parliament. Reflecting on his first week, Mr. Kelly said, “It has been an incredible h
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Record shareholder returns, a Social Enterprise certification and significant investment into the community were just some of the highlights mentioned at this year’s AGM of Sarina and District Community Financial Services Limited (SDCFS), which operates Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank. Strong business results were outlined, including $160,195 injected directly into the community across 82 projects and initiatives in the 2023/24 financial year, bringing Community Bank Sarina’s total community
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Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, is thrilled to announce that the latest round of the highly popular Volunteer Grants program is now open for Expressions of Interest. Over $66,000 in funding is available to support local community groups and their dedicated volunteers. The 2024-25 Volunteer Grants are focused on funding items or services that enhance the work of volunteers and support activities that benefit the development and wellbeing of children under 18 years of age. Ms La
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Efforts to restore critical koala habitats in the Sarina region are gaining momentum, with the Ranges to Reef team making significant strides in Oakenden, Sunnyside, and up the Sarina Range. As part of Reef Catchments' Sarina Koala Habitat Restoration Project, the team has been diligently conducting revegetation planting and weed control throughout the year. Last month, Reef Catchments Senior Project Officer Sandy Whittington-Shaw joined Ranges to Reef to plant habitat and food trees for koalas.
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Sarina residents now have a safe and welcoming space to connect, learn new skills, make friends, and have fun, thanks to the recent opening of selectability's Mental Health Hub on Broad St. The hub is focused on improving mental wellbeing and promoting independent living, offering a wide range of tailored services, including one-on-one support and group activities to suit a variety of interests. Metta Sands-Paton, the region's team leader, said programs at the hub were personalised to meet
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Aspiring athletes in Capricornia are scoring big, with Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry delivering $22,250 to support 40 local young sportspeople through the Local Sporting Champions program. The Local Sporting Champions program, managed by Sport Australia, helps athletes, coaches, and officials aged 12-18 cover costs for eligible state, national, or international competitions. Ms Landry emphasised the importance of the program for local families and the community. "Local Sport
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Friday 13th 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. Ceramic Fish Workshop 10am Paint, construct and add your person
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A mate of mine has got one of those modern cars that never shut up. It can’t keep secrets either. He works in the city and when he jumps in the car around 11.30am on a weekday, it announces: “The Austral Hotel is three minutes away.” A bit forward, in my view. The car thinks it knows him pretty well and feels it can predict where he is going and what he’s likely to be up to. My friend would like to hear a bit less talk and a bit more keeping your thoughts to yourself, thank you. But in the world
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School is winding down, workloads are becoming lighter, and people are making fools of themselves at the Christmas party. Christmas time for me is always a question of where am I now? Flying home from wherever life has us at the time, whether it's Canberra, Darwin or Mackay, I'm always flying home. But, not this year. I’ll be driving down the beautiful coastline to Byron Bay, shout out to Mum and Dad for organising our family holiday. It just goes to show, that even at 27, Mum and Dad are st
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It’s not long now until Queensland’s fastest swimmers battle it out at the 2024 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Championships! Mackay Cyclones have 11 swimmers attending over the next week from the 14-20 December. This also marks the first time eligible to attend, due to age, for two of the team’s younger 12-year-old swimmers, Dakota and Tamika. Competitors: Audrey Bryan - Audrey will be competing in 7 events: 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 50 Breaststroke, 100 Breaststroke, 200 Breaststroke, 5
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The QCCS Mackay Cutters are focused on a strong start to the 2025 Hostplus Cup season, eager to avoid the setbacks that plagued them last year. Losing early matches in 2024 left the team struggling to gain momentum, but with a renewed squad and strategic leadership, hopes are high for a resurgence. Central to the club’s aspirations is the appointment of Adam Cuthbertson as head coach. A veteran of more than 300 games in the NRL and Super League, Cuthbertson brings extensive experience to the rol
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The North Mackay Sinkers are offering a special 13-month membership for 2025, giving new members the opportunity to join in December and enjoy a club dedicated to helping swimmers achieve their fitness goals in a supportive and enjoyable environment. Members will receive free entry into the club’s new and returning member raffle, which features a prize valued at over $100. Financial members will also enjoy complimentary access to Wednesday club sessions, providing significant savings. New and
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Results for week ending Saturday 7 December 2024 Monday 2 December 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Mary Cruickshank - Ian Cruickshank 1st Marilin Robins - Mick Robins 2nd Barbara Tait - Margaret Lane 2nd Diane Holewa - Max Holewa 3rd Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 3rd Monica Darley - Nancy Martin Tuesday 3 December 2024 – 5 Table Howell Green Points 1st Geoff Taylor - Janelle Conroy 2nd Helen Van Den Broek - Tex Sheedy 3rd Shirley Worland - Mari
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On Wednesday 27 November the Marian Ladies Bowls Club brought along their Share the Dignity Bags for the year, with a total of 20 bags to be given to charity. The Marian Ladies have been doing this for the last six years to “help those who are needing help.” The ladies are now crocheting and knitting squares to create small blankets, which will be donated to aged care homes for wheelchair users during chilly days. They have officially finished bowls for the year and are not playing again un
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures December 3, 2024: Division 1: Azalea (Mark Sleeman, Barry Patterson, Janice Kent) d Barra (Anne Sheridan, Lee Brake, Trent Day) 6-5. Slee d Trent -6, -6, 6, 8, 11. Andro (Allan Edwards, Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker) d Aqua (Neil Brown, Geoff Denman, Ian McKay) 8-3. Emma d Neil -9, 6, 4, 3. Alfa (Vince Boeske, Goncalo Serra, Tony Bowman) d Corgi (Robbie Richards, Lily Boland, Will VanDeKaa) 7-4. Vince d Will -9, 4, -3, 2, 8. Division 2: Cockatoos (Cr
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Great things happen when women support women. This was abundantly evident among the 125 Whitsunday women who stepped out in support of Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) at The Garden Bar in Airlie Beach last Friday afternoon. Together with a humbling array of local businesses providing services, donations and raffle prizes for the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ event, this powerhouse collective raised a whopping $12,000-plus in just four short hours of fun, camaraderie and friendship.
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The team at award-winning Airlie Beach boat and yacht hire service, Whitsunday Escape, is throwing support behind ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ fundraising initiatives by donating an epic charter experience to the cause. General Manager, Jaclyn Watson, announced at the Cocktails for a Cause event that proceeds from the company’s annual charity raffle for a luxury five-night Whitsunday charter, will be donated to WLSQ through the Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs campaign. “This cause holds deep
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Great things happen when women support women. This was abundantly evident among the 125 Whitsunday women who stepped out in support of Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) at The Garden Bar in Airlie Beach last Friday afternoon. Together with a humbling array of local businesses providing services, donations and raffle prizes for the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ event, this powerhouse collective raised a whopping $12,000-plus in just four short hours of fun, camaraderie and friendship.
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