Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Hannah McNamara The LNP recently announced a $20 Million Mackay Bucasia Road / Golf Links Road intersection upgrade, if elected on the 26th of October. Jarrod Bleijie Deputy Leader of the Opposition said, “Traffic congestion is a big issue in the Mackay region… that’s why I’m so excited to announce that if the LNP is elected on the 26th of October, we will be investing $20 million into the Mackay Bucasia Road intersection upgrade.” It comes after countless complaints from locals travelling
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In memory of the beloved Mackay figure Mr. Brenden Borellini, a retrospective exhibition showcasing his impressive photography work is open this month at Crossroad Arts. The event honours Borellini, who was not only an Artist in Residence but also a cherished ambassador for the local community. The opening night took place on Friday, September 20, from 6pm to 8pm at Crossroad Arts, located at 55 Wood St, Mackay. Guests enjoyed light snacks and drinks while viewing over a decade's worth of Borel
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Earlier this week, on Monday, October 1, Queensland officially entered 'caretaker mode' ahead of the state election set for October 26. From this point until the election results are determined, the government is subject to several restrictions under caretaker conventions. With the election campaign now officially underway, Queensland Premier Steven Miles kicked off his re-election bid by highlighting his government's introduction of 50c public transport fares. On Tuesday morning, he rode a bus
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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role? I’m a fifth-generation Mackay local, a second-term Councillor, and was elected as the Deputy Mayor in April 2024. Prior to Council, I was the Manager of Mackay Funerals for almost 8 years, an after-hours Support Worker at the domestic violence shelter for 9 years, and the Service Manager at Mackay Women’s Centre for 4 years. I’ve also held roles in financial services, real estate, IT, and retail, and been a small business owner. I have
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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role? As a sixth-generation farmer, the bush runs through my veins. Running a business and managing budgets in the face of rising costs has given me firsthand experience of the challenges many locals face. As a long-serving volunteer rural firefighter, I’m passionate about safeguarding our rural way of life in Central Queensland. I believe my background and dedication make me well-qualified to represent our regional community and fight to g
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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role? I am a wife, mother of 5 and local small business owner. I have worked across many industries, battled financially and also succeeded. I am an everyday person that understands real world and local issues, not a career politician If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it? Whilst our region has many issues, the one that comes to the forefront of most peoples m
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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role? I’m a former police officer who has spent the past 22 years working in Mackay, mainly in crime prevention. I retired earlier this year and I’m looking for the next challenge. I’ve spent most of my time working with young people, on projects to teach safety and prevent crime. However I also have many other community connections with seniors, men’s, church and sporting groups. I am ready, willing and able to keep serving this community
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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role? Apart from having already served two terms as the Member for Mirani, I have a deep connection to this region, which I believe, uniquely qualifies me for the role. Not only was I born and raised in the region, but so were my parents, grandparents and great grandparents. So regardless of what happens on the 26th, I will remain an active and committed member of the Mirani community, which I love dearly. How many other candidates can s
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Thirty new Habitat Reef (HR) modules have been installed in Mackay’s coastal waters, marking a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to restore marine biodiversity. As part of the Mackay Whitsunday Turning Rubble into Reef project, led by Reef Catchments, the initiative is set to revitalise fish habitats and boost the health of local ecosystems. The HR modules have been purpose-built, divided into two clusters to create vertical structure in otherwise bare marine areas. These concrete st
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This week Season to date Cane crushed 62,079 666,380 Average bin weight 3.96 3.89 CCS 14.80 13.74 Cane variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q183 27.1 15.20 Q253 22.0 14.34 Q240 6.9 14.65 SRA9 11.1 15.17 Q208 17.6 15.18 SRA21 1.4 14.75 KQ228 3.7 14.15 Q138 1.7 14.43 Comments: Plane Creek Mill processed just over 62,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just over 666,000 tonnes. Average CCS rose by 0.18 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at
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Running a successful farming business in the arid regions of Queensland is tough and maximising the productivity of your land is essential. Nobody knows this like rural business owners Nichole James and Jake and Adam Fietz. Nichole, Jake and Adam are participating in a field trial being delivered by Central Highlands Regional Resources Use Planning Cooperative (CHRRUP) as part of the Future Drought Fund (FDF) Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes program. The project aims to demonstrate drought
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By Sonia Ball QCAR Central District Manager There is change in the air with the establishment and continued growth of Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) in all cane growing regions across Queensland and into New South Wales. It’s an exciting change for sugarcane farmers with regional QCAR district committees operating in the Herbert River Region, but also right here at home in the Central District (Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek) and of course the Burdekin. Last week the Ce
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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has successfully completed maintenance dredging at the Port of Hay Point, including Half Tide Tug Harbour. NQBP would like to commend all staff and contractors for their work during the project. Around 163,000m 3 of natural sediment was removed from the Port of Hay Point and the Half Tide Tug Harbour and placed at the approved Dredge Material Placement Area (DMPA). NQBP would also like to thank the Hay Point community for their patience and under
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Two experienced leaders in mine safety have been appointed to key positions by the state government in an effort to make mining a safer workplace industry. Heidi Roberts has been appointed as the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health and Rob Djukic is now CEO of the independent health and safety regulator Resources Safety and Health Queensland. Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart congratulated Ms Roberts and Mr Djukic in their new appointments. “Heidi Roberts brings a w
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The Bowen Basin mining region has seen remarkable progress in promoting gender diversity and empowering women within the industry. Traditionally dominated by men, the mining sector is undergoing a significant shift, with women stepping into leadership roles, operational positions and technical careers. An industry-leading approach to diversity and inclusion has resulted in national recognition for Anglo American at the prestigious 2024 Women in Resources National Awards in Canberra. The Inclu
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Step into Flavours of Vietnam, where Mackay locals are treated to a true taste of Vietnam. Known for their “All Natural, All Fresh” philosophy, this bustling restaurant serves up vibrant dishes that celebrate the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine and culture. Every bite is a journey into a world of bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and irresistible textures. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Vietnamese food or looking to try something new, Flavours of Vietnam promises a dining experience that'
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At just 20 years old, Courtney Fing is living proof of how Richglen Maintenance Services’ career pathways can fast-track progression in the mining and resources industry. Less than a year ago, Courtney was pressure cleaning shovels and draglines, working high up in elevated work platforms and assisting tradesmen with heavy machinery. Today, she’s transitioned from the tools to a key role in workplace health and safety, all thanks to Richglen’s focus on developing talent from within. Courtney's j
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Research by CQUniversity Psychology graduate Rebecca Brown has found FIFO life is not necessarily lonely, but parenting is tougher. New CQUniversity research has found FIFO parents and partners are no lonlier than the rest of the parenting population. But the study highlighted parents with a family member working remotely say parenting teamwork and consistency are tougher to achieve. The research was led by CQUniversity Psychology graduate Rebecca Brown and Associate Professor Matthew Thomas, D
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Mornings at Laffos Bar & Pizzeria are nothing short of egg-cellent… and if you haven’t tried their range of Eggs Benedict yet, you’re in for a real treat! Despite being known for their handcrafted pizzas and pub classics, it’s the Eggs Benedict that takes the crown as their best-seller. For every 12-inch Supreme pizza that rolls out of the kitchen, three Bennys are served up, making them the go-to breakfast, every day of the week! Laffos has perfected the art of the Benny, offering an array o
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Each year council offers three exciting bursaries for visual and performing arts students, but this year the amount on offer has hit an all-time high. In total, $7000 is up for grabs. The MECC’s Jack Sturgeon Bursary has tripled this year, with the Friends of the MECC sponsoring the bursary. Performing arts students who have been accepted into tertiary studies in any aspect of the performing arts can now apply for $3000. Two bursaries are also available for visual and creative arts students
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Headaches are a common complaint, affecting millions of people worldwide. From tension headaches to migraines, the causes can vary, and so can the solutions. While diet and dehydration often get the blame, some less obvious culprits might be affecting you, particularly stress and poor posture. In this column, we’ll explore how what you eat—or don’t drink—could be contributing to your headaches and how chiropractic care can help alleviate the symptoms associated with these triggers. The Role of
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Ten silkie roosters and hens were recently abandoned in bushland without food or water, leaving them in a life-threatening situation. Local animal rescuer Robin Morgan responded quickly, finding the birds severely dehydrated. The silkies instantly flocked to the water bowl, where a spokesperson from Mackay Pet Rescue Inc said they just “drank and drank”, marking a clear sign of severe neglect. A call for help saw a team of four volunteers embark on a mission to recover the abandoned birds. By
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By Hannah McNamara Sworn into the Queensland Police on July 2, 1948, Constable First Class Roy Doyle began his career in Cairns before being transferred to Mackay in 1952. His dedication to the community and commitment to his duties were evident throughout his career, but it was on March 30, 1956, during one of the region’s most devastating floods, that he demonstrated the true weight of the badge he wore. It was on a gruelling Friday afternoon, where heavy rains had caused the Pioneer River
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Friday 4th October Art Party Afternoons 3pm Bring your own project! Do you have an existing arts project that you are looking to finish? Are you looking to meet up socially with other artists in an accessible environment? Art Party Afternoons recognises all of the unfinished projects (crochet, painting, craft, zine, artist book, comic, scribbles…whatever you are working on!). The monthly art hangs will connect the like-minded community to get creative inspo and provide you a place to make. Th
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Queensland’s Premier Steven Miles, Deputy Premier Cameron Dick, and local Labor candidates Belinda Hassan (Mackay), Bauke Hovinga (Whitsunday) and Susan Teder (Mirani) gathered with supporters at the Souths Suburban Bowls Club last Tuesday to discuss Labor's future plans. The room was a sea of bright red as locals enthusiastically cheered for Premier Steven Miles and Deputy Premier Cameron Dick, who promised cost-of-living relief, improved housing, energy bill reductions and greater economic f
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