Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Fair Work Commission has ordered three unions to suspend industrial action at the Queensland factories of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables for six weeks after hearing submissions from unions and the company. Fair Work Commission Deputy President Dobson had been asked by Sugar and Renewables to issue suspension orders after unions notified intention to mount a series of stoppages over coming weeks, further threatening company attempts to continue with the annual sugar season. The company gave
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If you’re anything like me, it’s been a long while. After today, I’m hoping to get a few lazy sleep-ins as I’ll be on holiday from the 4MK breakfast show for a couple of weeks. The boss said to me a few weeks ago to get some holidays in, so July it is. For some people who have asked, including my dad who I spoke to on the phone yesterday, I won’t be travelling anywhere though. No road trips. No plane trips. No extended camping swag trips. None of that. Just my bed, the alarm clock set to off,
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By Amanda Wright At last week’s Mackay Regional Council annual budget meeting, tensions ran high as councillors debated the decision to reduce the early payment discount for ratepayers from 10 per cent to 6 per cent. This change, part of the 2024-2025 budget, effectively results in a significant rate increase for the majority of residents who traditionally take advantage of the prompt payment discount. Mayor Greg Williamson acknowledged the challenges facing many in the Mackay region due to risi
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Real estate agents are manipulative, greedy, parasitic sneaks who exploit desperate Mackay home-buyers and create angst and trauma in the community by forcing up property prices beyond what people can afford. Harsh. But is it fair? The sentence seems to accurately paraphrase the current view of a fair portion of the real estate-buying community in this town. Call me a sensitive little princess who can’t take fair criticism but, personally, I don’t agree with that view … although I do feel the
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Mackay is renowned for its vibrant seafood, tropical produce, public art, jazz scene, and festivals like the Mackay Festival of Arts and Jazz in the Park—and the culinary scene just got even more exciting. Eariler this week, the region’s culinary landscape was majorly elevated as Adrian and Jessica launched Gypsy Burger in Mackay, bringing their famous gourmet burgers to a Queensland foodie capital. Jess and Adrian were stoked to spill the beans for their latest gig following their grand ope
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Step into a world of playful indulgence with the Chupa Chup Cocktail, a whimsical creation that captures the essence of everyone's favourite childhood lollipop in a sophisticated adult beverage. Crafted with precision by the skilled hands at The Dispensary, this cocktail is a must-try for those seeking a blend of nostalgia and modern appeal. To create this delightful refresher, the mixologists start with a base of premium vodka, lending a smooth yet robust foundation. Next, a dash of buttersco
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From the creators of “The Alphabet of Awesome Science” comes a brand-new multi-award-winning family show, You Are a Doughnut. Audiences will join biology teachers Oesoph A. Gus and Dewey Dean as they embark upon an utterly brilliant all singing, all-dancing (and all-clowning!) exploration of every twisting tube and remarkable organ — with sketches, songs and sensational science. Along the way there will be a frenzy of enzyme powered ping pong balls, a sing along with a rainbow collection of po
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Friday 5th July 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 our unfinished projects (crochet, painting, craft, zine, artist book, comic, scribbles…whatever you are working on!). The monthly art hangs will connect our like- minded community to get creative inspo and provide you a place to make. Ages
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Mackay, it’s time to get rowdy for a jam-packed return of Rhythm & The Reef, set to be held at the picturesque Meadowlands Amphitheatre, Mackay Botanic Gardens on Saturday, October 5th. Against the backdrop of this breathtaking location, the festival promises to deliver a jaw-dropping line-up and an experience that will leave a lasting impression on both local and interstate punters alike. Proudly presented by FMS Group and Hit 100.3, Rhythm & The Reef, now in its fourth year, is poised to igni
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Eight-year-old Cindy, a Mackay local girl with big ambitions has recently advanced to the grand final of the Fashion vs Beauty competition, held in September 2024 on the Gold Coast. Cindy’s journey into the world of pageantry began when her mother entered her into the competition, where she effortlessly secured spots in both the Miss Photogenic and Miss Diamond International events. Under the guidance of Brooke Lee Modelling since September 2023, Cindy has embarked on a path she hopes w
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Mackay is set to pulse with the beats of national and local music acts this July as The Push and Queensland Music Festival (QMF) team up to deliver an electrifying all-ages event! Spearheaded by The Push, a leading youth music organisation and part of QMF's QLD Music Trails program, this special event promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages. Scheduled for Saturday, July 6th at The Arcadia Bar, the event is a highlight of The Reef Trail, a segment of QMF's QLD Music Tr
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Mackay rugby league sensation Jaxon Purdue has reached another milestone in his fledgling NRL career with the North Queensland Cowboys. The 18-year-old rookie utility back celebrated his third appearance in the top grade by helping the depleted Cowboys upset premiers Penrith 16-6 last Sunday at Penrith Stadium. It was a victory to savour for the Queensland Under 19s representative – just weeks after shining on debut in the club’s miraculous win over the Sydney Roosters. Purdue won’t forget the
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Four bands, four genres, delectable street cuisine, craft brews and pop-up activations will create an electric atmosphere at the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub. Over four nights, from Thursday, July 11, to Sunday, July 14, the Bluewater Quay will echo with rock, rhythm and blues; folk and old-time mountain music; swing and rockabilly; and a Latin dance fiesta. Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan said it was great to see the popular feature of the Mackay Festival of Arts back at the Bluewater Quay. “The
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Mackay Regional Council is proud to be hosting a community flag-raising ceremony for NAIDOC Week complete with cultural performances, guest speakers, a Didgeridoo player and morning tea. Everyone is invited to come along to this free celebration on Monday, July 8, at 10am in the Civic Precinct. Mayor Greg Williamson said the flag-raising ceremony and morning tea was a tremendous tradition that kicked off council’s local NAIDOC celebrations in a way that unified the community. “This is a wonderfu
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Fifteen-year-old Mackay Cyclones multiclass athlete Izabella Wills has wrapped up an impressive campaign at the Olympic para trials, showcasing her talent and determination on a national stage. Izabella achieved 11th place overall in the 100m freestyle and 10th in the 100m backstroke, competing against some of the nation’s top athletes. Remarkably, she secured a spot in the B Final, swimming at 9:55 pm when most teenagers her age are already in bed. Her dedication paid off as she achieved person
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Nine tables of mentors, beginners and novices played on Sunday in a very close competition. The beginners and novices are very appreciative of the time and effort given to them by the mentors to allow them to play with experienced players and improve their bridge game. Winners this month were N/S Joy Block and David Ting, E/W Diane Stokes and Griffin Bancroft. Weekly Results Monday 24 June 2024 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points N/S E/W 1st Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris 2nd Faye Wright / L
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More than forty runners and supporters enjoyed the beautiful Cape Hillsborough conditions by tackling the Mackay Road Runners annual Club Championship 5km and 9km. Runners enjoyed the early race start overlooking the glorious eastern coastal sunrise and well-populated beach just as much as the skippies. Several local and interstate casual day runners joined up with the Club’s existing members, revelling in a great Sunday morning as they challenged the Hidden Valley course which included sce
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The North Mackay Sinkers happily accepted the opportunity to enjoy an ocean swim on Mackay’s show holiday, Thursday June 20. The Mackay Surf Life Saving Club hosted its inaugural Winter Solstice swim and invited the general public to participate in the event to support fundraising for the Surf Club. Twelve Sinkers nominated across the 1, 3 and 5k events on offer to strongly represent the club in this fantastic event that was well supported by over 50 swimmers on the day. The day dawned
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Last Monday marked 30 years since the Mackay Birth Centre opened its doors to the region's expectant mums. On June 26, Hayden Powell and Jessika Novikov turned 30, their birthdays marks the anniversary of the first babies born at the centre. Hayden was the second baby born on 26 June 1994 at the newly-opened birth centre, to parents Maria and Michael Powell. He arrived just three minutes after the first baby Jessika was born. Both were born nine days after the Queensland-first and midwife-l
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By Hannah McNamara Last Wednesday afternoon, tragedy struck the quiet streets of Robb Place in South Mackay, leaving the community in utter disbelief and sorrow. Natalie Jane Frahm, a 34-year-old mother, tragically lost her life in an act of senseless violence allegedly perpetrated by Ryan Geoffrey Cole, 31. Cole has been accused of fatally shooting Natalie in the head and chest as she arrived home in her vehicle, a scene witnessed by two young girls in the back seat of Ms Frahm’s vehicle,
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A heart-warming gesture unfolded last Saturday during a formal wear shopping trip for one family, leaving a lasting impression of kindness and generosity. Accompanied by his mother, a young boy tried on suits until he found the perfect one. Satisfied with their choice, they decided to place the suit on layby and headed home. Approximately an hour later, their day took an unexpected turn when the mother received a surprising call from the lady at the store. A compassionate individual had vi
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I’ll let you in on a little-known secret about me. Growing up, I wanted to be a lawyer. I love a robust debate. I think it’s one of the reasons I enjoy sitting in regularly on Mackay Regional Council’s ordinary meetings when time allows. Being the same day that this publication goes to print can make attendance challenging, but I go when I can. Balancing the demands of a fiscally responsible annual budget and maintaining high service levels and liveability in a progressive city like Mackay is no
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Time is running out to take advantage of the pet registration discount period. All cat and dog owners who want take advantage of a discount on their pet registration fees will need to register their pet by June 30. These fees are put towards the cost of running council’s Animal Management Centre, which provides care for lost pets until they can be reunited with their owners or adopted. Council’s Local Laws Officers will be conducting spot checks of properties to ensure pets are registered. If yo
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Major infrastructure and commercial projects at Mackay Airport are being fast-tracked following approval of a multi-million-dollar loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). Up to $45 million will go toward wide-ranging runway, apron and taxiway surface upgrades as well as the highly anticipated Milton Street Precinct, taking shape as a new business, retail and entertainment hub less than 1km from the airport terminal. North Queensland Airports Chief Executive Officer Ric
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The region’s second Finley Smith Memorial Cup was deemed a remarkable success on June 15 with over 150 attendees indulging in a full day of cricket, raffles and auctions at Harrup Park. The Finley Smith Memorial Cup served as an opportunity to bring the community together in honour of Finley’s legacy and passion for cricket whilst also raising vital funds in light of Epilepsy awareness. On February 15th of 2022, Finley tragically passed away following an unexpected epileptic seizure, thus the F
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