Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Resource Industry Network’s Professional Development Conference took place on October 23, offering participants valuable skills, knowledge, and insights to enhance their leadership journey. Attendees learned the significance of fostering a healthy workplace culture and motivating their teams for optimal performance. The conference focused on cultivating a culture of learning through personal development. Participants benefited from new skills, ideas, and perspectives to support their profess
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Queensland’s Moranbah North mines rescue team have been named overall winners at the 2024 Australian Underground Mines Rescue competition that was held at Chain Valley Colliery near Newcastle yesterday. The annual event brings together the top mines rescue teams to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to safety in the mining industry. Four teams from NSW, each having won their respective regional competitions, and four teams from Queensland mining teams (also decided by a series of competi
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The Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) Stage 2 featuring Future Industries Hub (FIH) has commenced construction with earthworks beginning in October. The project is set to transition and support an emerging new economy minerals sector which will help secure jobs for the future and the local economy. The RCOE has been working closely with metallurgical test work experts Core Resources and world leading research experts The University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute on the design
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Anterior hip replacement has been an area of focus in my practice for several years. Recognising the need for advanced training in this specialized technique, I pursued opportunities in leading centres across Europe and North America, complementing the foundational education available in Australia. This procedure is technically demanding, requiring precision and a thorough understanding of patient anatomy. Research indicates that surgeons who successfully navigate the steep learning curve oft
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In a world that constantly evolves, occupational therapy reminds us that everyone has the potential to thrive, no matter the challenges they face. For Mackay HHS acute senior occupational therapist Alicia Eden, her role sometimes requires her to be a little “like MacGyver” and to get creative with solutions for her patients. “Occupational therapists consider ‘occupation’ to be all of the everyday activities that people find meaningful and important; not just their jobs,” she said. “This can b
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Skip intense stretch sessions and forget pushing past pain barriers – when it comes to maximising flexibility, ground-breaking new research from the University of South Australia shows that stretching takes as little as eight minutes per week to optimise progress. The study found that holding a stretch for up to three minutes – or eight minutes accumulated over the course of a week – was the optimal amount of time required to maximise improvements in flexibility. Importantly, the study found t
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This Melbourne Cup Day, Goosies Sport & Recreation Club is ready to “giddy-up” with a tempting lunch buffet that promises to delight every guest while offering a stylish spot to enjoy the race-day excitement. Kicking off at 11.30am on Tuesday, November 5, the spread boasts a variety that’s sure to please every palate, with selections ranging from savory mains and fresh, light options to indulgent desserts. Start your meal with a well-stocked charcuterie table featuring a selection of flavourfu
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Fancy a stress-free Christmas lunch this year? Escape the stress of a traditional home-cooked Christmas lunch this year and indulge in a luxurious buffet at Ocean International, where the whole family can enjoy a festive feast without the hassle of cooking! On Christmas Day, from 12pm to 2.30pm, Ocean International invites you to a seamless celebration where great food, good music and a welcoming atmosphere come together to create an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. As you
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When futureproofing your career, remember that while certain trends may be universal, it’s essential to adapt them to your personal situation. We’re already seeing ongoing advancements in technology, impacting all job roles, however, the ways in which it affects each role, and the pace of adoption, may differ. Forbes (2024) emphasises the ‘landscape of work is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by technological breakthroughs and evolving societal dynamics’. Other factors driving change are not
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Essential maintenance works on the Glenpark Street rail overpass bridge began on Monday, October 21. Mackay Regional Council contractors, Fressinet Australia, are undertaking the works to extend the life of the bridge. Traffic management will be in place as Glenpark Street will be closed to single lane traffic only. Minimal delays are expected as the works will be undertaken at night from 9pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday only. The works are expected to take eight weeks, weather permitting. Council
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Mackay Regional Council's Australia Day event grants are now open and local community groups are encouraged to apply. Mayor Greg Williamson said council was excited to offer the Australia Day event grant funding once again. “A number of our 2024 Australia Day community events had to be postponed due to a cyclone, so we are really looking forward to a ripper Aussie Day event line up in the new year,” Mayor Williamson said. “Not-for-profit community groups can apply for up to $1000 to support thei
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For more than two decades, Reef Catchments has played a significant role in protecting and restoring natural resources in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region. From the mountains to the sea, they have worked to support resilient regional environments, build strong community partnerships, and lead initiatives in conservation, land management and ecosystem restoration. As an independent not-for-profit Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation, Reef Catchments are involved in the integrated man
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The Sustainable Agriculture team partners with farmers and landholders in the Mackay Whitsunday area to implement on-farm practice change. This collaboration produces on-farm benefits to productivity and profitability while directly contributing to important reductions in sediment, nutrient, and chemical losses. These activities span multiple agriculture sectors and are centred around providing agronomic support in the adoption of holistic farm management and best management practices. As well a
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The Reef Catchments Waterways team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to working with landholders to improve the health of our region’s waterways. With extensive experience in streambank and gully remediation, the team works closely with local landholders and stakeholders to achieve meaningful, long-lasting outcomes for water quality and riverine health. The team achieves this by focusing on reducing fine sediment runoff, particularly in areas like the O’Connell Basin, which is a p
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One of the largest teams at Reef Catchments, the Biodiversity team - formerly Conservation and Communities - undertakes a diverse range of projects with a focus on wetland conservation, safeguarding priority species (flora and fauna), and fostering community collaboration to manage invasive species and enhance habitat health in the face of a changing climate. Getting Started In 2004, the first funding for a Coastcare Facilitator was received from the Department of Environment and Heritage. Their
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In 2017, Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsunday coastline causing extensive the regional landscape and also heavily impacting underwater ecosystems. This disaster was a key factor underpinning the formation of a Great Barrier Reef Foundation project - the Whitsundays Reef Islands Initiative (WRII). Managed by Reef Catchments, this groundbreaking project focuses on positioning the Whitsundays as a global hub for inshore fringing reef stewardship. The WRII coral and seagrass restoration projects were R
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The Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, hosted by Reef Catchments, is a leading network of organisations working together to maintain and improve waterway health in the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region, through monitoring, education and collaboration. The Partnership has representation from all sectors, including industry, agriculture, research and science, ports, conservation, tourism, traditional owners, government, and more. The Healthy Rivers to Reef team collate data from more than 40 data pr
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When it comes to using clichés, I avoid them like the plague. Boom boom. Some readers will pick up the vague humour in my use of the cliché “avoid them like the plague” to emphasise my dislike of clichés. Others will feel they have more important things to worry about in their busy, stressful lives than to be on the lookout for feigned hypocrisy and lame attempts at humour in a real estate column. To them, I say: Laughter is the best medicine; he who laughs last laughs loudest; read between the
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Across the Mackay region, a poignant tribute now graces our streets: newly redesigned signs featuring red poppies, honouring the sacrifices of World War I and II casualties. In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, the Mackay Regional Council has started installing these new commemorative street blades, replacing the M150 street signs first introduced in 2012 as part of Mackay’s 150th anniversary. The poppy signifies that the street is named after a soldier who was a casualty of war and whose records
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Friday 1st November Crochet, Coffee and Conversation 9am Drop in for a morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with a friendly group of Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. BYO crochet tools or you’re welcome to borrow from the communal box Bucasia Esplanade, Beachfront Bar and Restaurant. Australia A and India A Men’s Cricket 10am, 31st October – 3rd November Get ready for an exciting four-day match between the Australia A and India A Men's t
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For CQUniversity alumnus Fiona Mann Bobongie, starting her own First Nations consultancy as a way to facilitate a path towards cultural connection, respect and understanding. The Mackay resident started Cyclic Konnectionz (CK) in 2018 to create tailored programs that support community engagement, professional growth and reconciliation through culturally-informed frameworks and initiatives in the region. CK also delivers cultural capabilities training and development to improve professional sp
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Last weekend, Queens Park was transformed into a vibrant global party for Global Grooves 2024, an event that promised a feast for the senses. Held on Saturday, October 26, this free family event showcased cultural dances, global music, traditional attire, and mouthwatering food from around the world. Twelve cultural dance groups and bands entertained the crowds, creating an electric atmosphere filled with rhythm and celebration. Attendees also had the chance to participate in two exciting worksh
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Whitsunday Anglican School’s Junior School began Term 4 with a ‘superb’ display of talent and dedication. Special Acknowledgements: Miss Walker and the Junior Concert Band – Recognised for their outstanding performance, showcasing musical opportunities for students and the extended school community. Eason Wang – Acknowledged for his beautiful renditions of the national anthem and School song at assemblies. Dare to Care Award Winners – Celebrated for demonstrating kindness, empathy, teamwork
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October has been an exciting month for North Mackay Sinkers, packed with training sessions and upcoming events as members prepare for the annual Balnagowan Swim on Sunday, November 3rd. The Balnagowan Open Water Swim offers 1.25k, 2.5k, and 5k swim options, welcoming everyone from beginner swimmers to experienced distance competitors. Registrations are open online until noon on Saturday, November 2nd, with same-day registration available (although pre-registration helps with event planning). Th
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures October 22, 2024: Division 1: Corgi (Will VanDeKaa, Robbie Richards, Lily Boland) d Aqua (Duncan Treloar, Geoff Denman, Ian McKay) 9-2. Will d Duncan 7, -12, -13, 11, 7. Andro (Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards, Graham Drury) d Azalea (Mark Sleeman, Barry Patterson, Allan Robins) 7-4. Allan d Mark -9, 7, 9, -7, 8. Alfa (Goncalo Serra, Tony Bowman, Vince Boeske) d Barry (Trent Day, Anne Sheridan, Lee Brake) 8-3. Vince d Anne 5, -9, 6, -6, 9. Division 2: C
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