Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Last Saturday, the 2024 Annual Mackay Women’s High Tea, hosted by the Zonta Club of Mackay, was held at Ocean International, bringing together a diverse group of attendees for a morning of connection and engagement. The venue was elegantly decorated, providing a welcoming environment for all. Guests enjoyed an interactive session led by speakers from Rhythm Business, who incorporated song, drumming, and music-making into their presentation. This engaging approach encouraged participation and fos
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After competing in her very first pageant, eight-year-old Cindy proudly took home the title of Miss Photogenic and placed in the Top 5, ultimately winning the Miss Ruby International crown. This remarkable achievement of ranking second among five levels: Amethyst, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond, has brought immense joy to Cindy and her supporters. Cindy’s mother, Monique, expressed her pride, saying, “Cindy was really happy with her crowns and sashes.” This success is just the beginning
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Over time, the things we want and need in a home can change. This is when you ask yourself ‘do I renovate and create exactly what I need?’ or ‘do I relocate and find something new?’. Here’s some tips to help you consider what may be best for you. Choosing to renovate Renovating allows you to customise your plans and create a home that is exactly how you want it to be. An office space, another bathroom, a second living area. Although a renovation may cost you money upfront, any upgrades or addi
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If you’re on the hunt for a new addition to your wardrobe, look no further than the North Mackay Kidney Support Network (KSN) Inc Community Op Shop on Evans Avenue. This week, from 8-15th of November, they’re offering readers a special offer of 50% off all clothing! Here’s the best part… every dollar spent at KSN’s Op Shop directly supports individuals living with kidney disease in the community, with proceeds going towards essential services, particularly door-to-door transport for patients
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The Pioneer Swimming Club is excited to announce their new club captains for the 2024/25 season, Zahli Herring and Stevie Brand. A representative from swimming club said, “The role of captain is given to those athletes whom the rest of the team respect and trust to lead them in the right direction - Zahli and Stevie nominated for these roles, and agreed to lead and inspire their junior swimmers for the season.” Members from the club also expressed their gratitude to WHF Constructions - Buildin
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay This being our first column post-election, on behalf of CANEGROWERS Mackay I would like to congratulate the successful candidates across the region. We look forward to continuing to work with them as the new term of a new government for Queensland takes office and implements policy and programs. CANEGROWERS, throughout the election was clear about the needs of the industry to continue to raise productivity, sustainability in an effort to continue to re
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This week Season to date Cane crushed 62,004 942,058 Average bin weight 3.93 3.91 CCS 14.73 14.06 Cane variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q183 20.8 15.04 Q253 24.2 13.91 Q240 13.3 15.15 SRA9 10.0 15.04 Q208 13.3 15.57 SP80 5.9 14.63 KQ228 2.6 14.34 Q138 4.4 14.44 Comments: Plane Creek Mill processed just over 62,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just over 940,000 tonnes. Average CCS dropped by 0.14 of a unit over the previous week, closing out
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The Mackay Farmers' Market is excited to announce the expansion of its offerings to include a wider range of artisan products, with a focus on items crafted using local, Queensland, or Australian materials. From handmade massage oils to expertly blended spices and freeze-dried produce, the market aims to become a vibrant hub that highlights the creativity and quality of regional artisans. This expansion is a fantastic opportunity for small businesses and local makers to showcase their products t
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A time to celebrate and a time for action! November is National Rural Health Month and it’s time to spotlight rural communities and health care. Throughout November, the National Rural Health Alliance is excited to share rural healthcare stories and highlight the success stories of rural healthcare champions. We will also draw attention to the myriad of issues faced by rural, regional and remote communities in Australia when trying to access health care. “We all know that Australia’s rural
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Friday 8th November Resource Industry Network Briefing 6.30am This event is designed to offer a welcoming atmosphere for professionals in the region to connect, share insights, and cultivate meaningful relationships in an engaging environment. Taking place in the morning, November's industry event sets the perfect tone for a productive day ahead. Attendees can enjoy a leisurely networking experience over breakfast, fostering new connections and exploring potential collaborations in a relaxed
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Prepare to have some spooky fun as you enter the majestic haunted house this Saturday, November 9, located at 67 Peak Downs Highway, Ooralea. If clowns give you nightmares, Jazz Party Hire, MAD Animal Addiction and Let’s Just Face It Entertainment have got you covered, with jumping castles, a petting-zoo and face painting for the whole family…as well as fairy floss, slushies and popcorn to satisfy your sweet tooth! A sensory-friendly break with no lights or animatronics will take place from 5:
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CQUniversity’s Safety Circus production is set to bring its impactful musical theatre performance Safety Circus back to the classrooms of Mackay primary schools from 28 October – 15 November. The iconic show will continue to share essential safety skills to Year 2 students with engaging storytelling, fun, and unforgettable characters. This tour is made possible by a long-standing partnership between CQUniversity’s Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) and the Mackay Crime Prevention
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With The Mackay Woodturners Get ready to deck the halls and spread some holiday cheer at the Mackay Woodturners Craft Expo, taking place at Snow Wright Court, Beaconsfield, on the weekend of November 16th and 17th from 9am to 3pm. This festive event is a wonderful opportunity to discover unique, handcrafted treasures that make perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list…especially the little ones. You’ll find everything from quirky tables and intricate pots to beautifully crafted
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This is a question I ask my kids each year, in the hope that I can get an early mark to all the festive fun here in the north. Now the question remains, is that OK? I’ve got two kids and they both have differing views on this. My son is with me, the earlier the better. My daughter however is a little different. She has always given me a timeline of December 1 and not before. No challenges. No arguments. That is her rule, and she will not let me change it. On my travels over the last two month
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A magnificent century by boom Mackay representative cricketer Jack Law was a feature of Under 17s action in the Mackay Junior Cricket Association last weekend. The Brothers’ young gun peeled off a superb 106 not out off only fifty four balls to mastermind a dominant victory over the Proserpine Pitbulls in a one day fixture at Abbott Park. Sixteen-year-old Law – already an established first grade cricketer with the Brothers club – demonstrated his power hitting by thumping nine sixes and nine b
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Twin centuries by Pioneer Valley hotshots Darren Dyer and Cody Filewood proved the highlight of one day action in Mackay Cricket Association’s Poole Cup first grade competition last weekend. In a limited 40 overs masterclass, the dashing Dyer smashed a superb 156 and Filewood an unbeaten 102 in the Valley’s comprehensive win over Norths Devils at Mirani State High School oval. Dyer destroyed the Devils’ attack – blasting an incredible twelve sixes and sixteen boundaries from the 76 balls he fa
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The Mackay Cycling Club's Track Cycling Carnival on November 2 delivered an action-packed day of racing, with competitors from across Queensland descending on the track for a night of adrenaline-pumping performances. Riders from Cairns to Rockhampton took to the velodrome, with events ranging from junior 1-lap sprints to the endurance-testing 30-lap points race and the ever-dramatic keirin. The marquee event of the night, the Wright Family Shield wheelrace, saw Rockhampton’s Lewis Marshall exec
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After three weeks of play with three different partners, this year’s winner of the Presidents Trophy was Monica Darley. Monica played with Kath Poole, Joy Robinson and Ken Seaniger. The Novice Pairs competition was won by Carol and Ian Gaskell who performed consistently over the three-week competition. Special thanks to Geoff Taylor and Mick King who directed each competition. Weekly Results Monday 28 October 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Antonia Tarradas / Victor Mason 1s
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Mackay will continue to see an influx of visitors on the 8th - 10th November with the hosting of the U14 Girls Indoor State Hockey Championships. The U14 Boys Championships were held in Mackay last weekend. Pioneer State High School Hall in Andergrove has been the host venue for two weekends of indoor hockey action. Mackay Hockey Association will be competing with two teams in each competition. The Championships present a great opportunity to showcase the state’s incredible hockey talent in
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The Mackay Road Runners express their gratitude to Club Captain and Race Director Jim Ford for expertly organising the first Shawn's Summer Social Biathlon Series for 2024. With over thirty enthusiastic participants, the event created a “pleasurable and inclusive” atmosphere, showcasing athletes of various ages and abilities in the run/swim format, noted Publicity Officer Janelle Tilse. “Thank you TriActiv8 members as well as the general public and Mackay Road Runners members who enjoyed the
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The 2024 volleyball season at Mackay State High School has been one of remarkable achievements, crowned by the senior boys' team securing a thrilling grand final victory. Their success has not only marked the culmination of their hard work this year but also the beginning of a new chapter, with the school announcing the launch of a dedicated Volleyball Academy in 2025. The interschool season kicked off in Term 2 with the first junior competition in several years, where Mackay SHS fielded both b
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An unusual result in the men’s competition this year. Wayne and Shane Trannore competed in both the A and B Grade Club Pairs and won both events. An amazing result and we wonder if this has ever been achieved before. They then competed in both C/C’s, the A Grade down to Vince McSherry and Gary Higgins from City Club who eventually went on to win the event. In the B C/C’s held on the weekend, they made it to the semi finals and lost to R Ross and Ray Walker in a close game. A great effort by thes
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The annual Balnagowan river swim hosted by the North Mackay Sinkers was a resounding success, drawing in 40 enthusiastic competitors. Swimmers from Townsvile and other regions joined local swimmers for this annual event held each November on the first Sunday. The day dawned with warm cloudy conditions as site and course set up was completed in time for the 6:15am registration. Numbers grew to over 60 participants, including swimmers, enthusiastic volunteers and supportive spectators. Safety was
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The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors celebrated the 20th anniversary of being active in the region this Thursday with a special event held in their honour at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Coordinator Lyn Blanche said the group was extremely proud of this milestone especially since it is a volunteer group.
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Congratulations to the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors on celebrating 20 years this week – such a huge achievement for this active volunteer group who bring bright smiles and friendly welcomes to cruise ship guests as they arrive in the Whitsundays. To think they’ve welcomed their 1 millionth passenger this year as well is just incredible. Twice this week I have been down to the Airlie Beach sign at the Lagoon, once with our journalist Daniel to meet up with the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassa
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