Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
There’s a moment in every cancer journey when survival becomes more than just about living—it’s about enduring the pain, the fear, and the uncertainty. For me, those moments came to an end with the last chemotherapy session, the last dose of Oxaliplatin running through my veins. It was the moment I’d fought for. The moment I’d been working toward through every tear, every side effect, every sleepless night. When I first heard the words, “It’s cancer,” the world seemed to pause. I felt like I was
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By Hannah McNamara In a moving act of empowerment, Sisters on Steel SMC, a non-for-profit organisation led by a dynamic group of female motorcyclists, has donated $2,500 to Broken Ballerina Inc. Aligned with their mission to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, this donation serves as a cornerstone of women’s unity, driving meaningful change and creating a ripple effect of hope for those who need it most. Over the past year, members of Sisters On Steel SMC have worked ti
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It was a bittersweet day as the Mackay police community bid farewell to a beloved and highly respected colleague - Police Dog Neo. A special "piping out" ceremony took place last Wednesday morning at the Brisbane Street side of the Mackay police complex, where Neo was honoured with the same respect typically reserved for long-serving police officers transitioning into retirement. Neo, a 10-year-old black Labrador, has had an extraordinary career, serving in three separate police districts as a
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In the final weeks of parliament for 2024, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP has addressed two critical issues: the Federal Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and his ongoing efforts to support canegrowers and improve infrastructure in the region. During his time in Canberra, Mr. Willcox hosted the Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors and GW3 at Parliament House, where they discussed regional priorities with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has invited community organisations in Dawson to submit their expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Australian Government’s 2024-25 Volunteers Grant. These grants recognise the vital role that volunteers have within our community and support the positive difference they make on the ground. “This additional funding will go a long way in helping local organisations and their volunteers to continue their crucial work in supporting the vulnerable and str
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The Queensland Retired Police Association (QRPA) is a unique group designed to keep the bond alive between those who’ve served in the police force or as police public servants. While not part of the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the QRPA proudly supports the incredible work of sworn officers and enjoys the backing of the Police Commissioner and serving members. The QRPA, a non-profit organisation, connects former members of the QPS and other recognised police services, along with retired pub
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Eat, drink, shop and be merry – there’s something for the whole family at this year’s City Heart Christmas celebrations. The annual City Heart Christmas will be on Friday, December 6, from 4pm to 8pm. Events will be spread throughout the City Centre, from Macalister Street to Sydney Street and from River Street to Gordon Street. Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to see the annual City Heart Christmas celebrations growing into an exciting family event. “There is so much planned for our
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The Neighbourhood Hub, a leading community centre in Mackay, is proud to announce the launch of its new Early Connections Program, designed to support families in the Andergrove and Beaconsfield areas in accessing essential early childhood education, health, and developmental services. The program, funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Education, will provide increased pathways and connections for families experiencing vulnerabilities and disadvantage during the critical years lea
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This festive season, Inspirations Paint Cannonvale and Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday are bringing Christmas cheer to the Whitsundays. Whether you’re sprucing up your space or adding the finishing touches to your dream project, Inspirations Paint has everything you need to create a home that inspires. From premium paint brands to expert advice, their team is ready to help make your vision a reality. But that’s not all—Porters Mitre 10 is making spirits bright with Ham Mania, an unmissable Christmas
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Detectives have released CCTV footage as part of their ongoing investigation into the suspicious death of a 67-year-old Mackay man earlier last month. John Patrick Hackett was discovered at his Gold Street unit in Mackay around 7:18 pm on Saturday, November 9, following a welfare check by family members. A crime scene was declared, and police have launched a homicide investigation after receiving additional information including results from a post mortem examination indicating evidence of an
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Support for the region’s homeless, young indigenous entrepreneurs, local beach lifesavers, dementia patients, and those living with disabilities will be boosted through North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP’s) 2024-25 Community Fund. Fourteen Community Fund recipients will share $100,000 in funding, with each initiative expected to deliver strong benefits across NQBP’s port communities, in what is the most diverse range of recipients in the Fund’s three-year history. NQBP Chief Execu
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Tyler Wessling, an Electrical Engineer at Richglen, has had a sparking career, progressing from a university placement student to a full-time employee. His genuine passion for the trade testifies to how Richglen’s supportive work environment has enabled him to thrive, ultimately enhancing the quality of work delivered to clients. Riley, Tyler’s younger brother, is following in Tyler’s footsteps, currently undertaking his 4th-year JCU placement with Richglen. Much like his brother, Riley is pass
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Peabody announced an acquisition of world-class metallurgical coal assets from Anglo American plc last week, significantly strengthening Peabody’s position as a leading global supplier of steelmaking coal. The transaction, valued at USD 3.8 billion, is set to close in mid-2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The acquisition includes four Tier 1 metallurgical coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin—Moranbah North, Grosvenor, Aquila, and Capcoal—renowned for produ
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Productivity is set to return to Queensland worksites under proposed changes to Workplace Health and Safety laws, introduced in Parliament last week. The reforms aim to reinstate a 24-hour notice period for permit holders seeking right of entry, bringing Queensland in line with the Commonwealth Fair Work Act. Exceptions will apply only in cases of immediate or imminent risks to workers' health and safety. This shift follows the suspension of Best Practice Industry Conditions and underscores the
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The Mackay Canegrowers Ltd AGM was held Wednesday 27 November with a good roll-up in a challenging year where many are still cutting their crop. It was great to see the 80 members and guests attend the event, to hear from myself, Deputy Chairman Joseph Borg and District Manager Michelle Martin on progress made in 2023-24 financial year and to the present. We also heard from guest speaker Dr John Pickering on farming and resilience in tough times. John
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This week Season to date Cane crushed 37,550 1,128,064 Average bin weight 3.69 3.89 CCS 13.74 14.13 Cane variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q183 38.7 14.42 Q253 8.3 12.52 Q240 9.1 12.71 SRA9 4.2 14.33 Q208 19.8 13.89 KQ228 2.4 12.82 Q232 3.0 13.84 Q138 5.1 12.75 Comments: Plane Creek Mill processed 37,550 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season-to-date total to just over 1,128,000 tonnes. Rain late in the previous week triggered a halt to harvesting and crushing
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Inspired by the true story of a merino ram who was lost for five years in the bush near Canberra and set the record for the world’s heaviest fleece, A Woolly Tale is a delightful new fictional tale for children launched by the National Museum of Australia. Written by author Jackie Hosking, A Woolly Tale follows the life and adventures of Chris, the world’s woolliest sheep, whose fleece is on display at the National Museum. National Museum director Katherine McMahon said Chris the sheep is a be
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Up to $32.6 million over 4 years will be invested in the future of Australia’s sugarcane industry with research and development projects set to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the Australian sugarcane industry. Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and the Queensland Government’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are investing in a diverse portfolio of novel and strategic research activities. The new projects will target improved efficiency, competitiveness, sustaina
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Beachgoers have come out in strong support for Professional Lifeguards, signing a petition in mass numbers to advocate for an increase in their wages. Despite broadcasting record revenue, Surf Lifesaving Queensland is refusing to give Lifeguards a pay rise that keeps up with the cost of living. In response to the stalemate at the bargaining table, the Australian Workers’ Union have taken to the beaches to rally public support for their cause. AWU State Secretary Stacey Schinnerl said, “The co
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The Mackay Festivals team are calling on locals to submit their iconic artwork design to become the front cover of the 2025 Mackay Festival of Arts program. This artwork will be the face of the festival and will be showcased around the wider Mackay region in all shapes and sizes. The winner of the competition will receive a $1000 cash prize and two VIP tickets to the official program launch event. Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to be championing local art and artists as part of
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It’s not every day a rock becomes a world traveller, but one Mackay stone has made an extraordinary journey—crossing continents to rest in the breathtaking glacial landscapes of Argentine Patagonia. In 2023, Miriam Lizarraga, originally from Argentina, visited Mackay’s Artspace Museum and came across a community art project featuring a spiral of painted stones. The project, organised by local artist Ros Campbell, invited residents to decorate rocks to form a colourful snake sculpture. After the
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An Australian summer Christmas promises joy, sunshine, and backyard cricket—but it can also come with a side of stress. Here’s how to manage the madness with a splash of creativity and a sprinkle of festive fun. 1. Swap the stress for a beach day. Who says Christmas has to be formal? Pack a picnic, bring the cricket set, and celebrate with sand between your toes. Let the kids build sandcastles while you enjoy a much-needed breather by the waves. 2. Embrace the Aussie ‘bring a plate’ tradition. A
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Can you believe that in just a few short days, it will be Christmas time! It just felt like yesterday that we were opening Easter eggs and riding all the roller coasters at the show. How this year has flown by. It’s December and we are about to get a visit from the jolly man dressed in red. I hope you’re ready, because I am. The shops are full, carparks are jam-packed with shoppers, and our radio is sprinkling in some all-time Christmas favourites to get you in the mood. Yes, Mariah and Michae
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A Mackay retailer is wrapped to be giving back this Christmas, hosting Australia’s first ever unique charity event, the BIG Wrapathon. The event will take place in Mackay’s BIG W on Saturday 7 December and will involve celebrity and community volunteers, alongside BIG W team members wrapping gifts at the front of stores from 10am - 4pm. Christmas is a celebratory time for most families, but many families will be spending the festive season and beyond in hospital care. The event celebrates
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From Sarina to Dows Creek, St Helens Beach to the Northern Beaches, amongst the City Heart and even flying into Mackay Aeroclub, Mackay Regional Council is supporting Christmas celebrations across the region. More than 20 events have been supported to ensure everyone has the chance to celebrate with their communities this festive season. There will be something to suit everyone’s festive tastes, from a City Centre light show projection to a guided silent disco and Christmas laneway market. Commu
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