Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Police are undergoing investigations following a suspicious house fire in Mackay. In the early hours of June 9th, emergency services responded to distressing reports of a house fire as flames engulfed a property on Goldsmith Street. The incident was attended to by local authorities just after 2.30am, where they arrived to find a 33-year-old man injured but with non-life-threatening burns. The man was then transported to Mackay Base Hospital for medical treatment. Residents who live near the pr
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Three exceptional individuals in the region have been recognised for their remarkable contributions to the community as part of the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List. William ‘Bill’ Faint, Len Goode and Christopher Haswell were recently selected to be honoured with William and Len receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and Christopher being honoured with the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM). William Faint, also known as Bill is a former councillor from Clermont and has dedicated fif
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Picture this: a spectacular oceanside location featuring outdoor furniture, scattered cushions and picnic blankets, where families and friends come together under a mesmerising canopy of fairy lights. This enchanting scene sets the stage for Mackay’s newest and most unique event: ‘Tunes in the Dunes’ on Sunday 30th June. The first-of-its-kind, FREE BYO event is a golden opportunity to experience the breathtaking Dunes Harbour Beach setting and be part of its thriving community. Nowhere else in
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Mackay has recently experienced a fruitful surge in births as Mater Mothers' Private Mackay celebrated welcoming 60 newborn babies into the world during the month of May. This marks the hospital's highest monthly birth rate since September 2014 when 61 babies were born. Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay Midwifery Unit Manager Sarah Fordyce said the hospital had seen a steady increase in births over the past five years, from 410 in 2020 to 457 last year. However, she said the reason for last month
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In an exciting announcement, the highly anticipated Ronald McDonald Family Room officially re-opened to families earlier this week on Tuesday the 11th of June. As part of the Queensland State Government Mackay Base Hospital expansion project, the Ronald McDonald Family Room has been relocated to its new temporary site within the Mackay Base Hospital grounds. With an estimated 3,000 annual visitors who access the Mackay service, the Family Room welcomes the addition of a designated outdoor play
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With a big heart and a willingness to make a difference, Ashley Reid, the acting manager of operational services for Mackay Hospital and Health Services, volunteered to go under the clippers to bid farewell to his cherished beard. His sacrifice was not merely an act of personal grooming but a powerful gesture in support of Mackay's Ronald McDonald Family Room. Assisted by Sam from Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, each stroke of the clippers symbolised not only the shedding of fa
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Penny Tatow and daughter Timika Tatow are the driving forces behind Family and Children’s Emerging Support Services, (FACESS). FACESS is an indigenous organisation that provides a range of programs with a focus on working with and alongside vulnerable families and children in the community. This initiative was founded in March 2023 after recognising crucial gaps regarding support services in Mackay for first-nations families and children. Penny and Timika made it their mission to be the ligh
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When you think of Mackay Regional Council Libraries, a building full of books may come to mind, but that’s not all our regional libraries have to offer. Mackay Regional Council libraries provide a wide range of resources, programs and activities for all ages, completely free of charge with a focus on education and bettering the community. We spoke with Donna Kellion last Friday at Caneland Central, who shared some of the remarkable initiatives that Mackay Regional Council Libraries offer our
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The upcoming Mackay Show promises something for everyone in your family, including your beloved furry companion! Mayor Greg Williamson highlighted the wide range of prizes on offer at this year's Mackay Regional Council display, including two ‘pawfect’ pet pamper packs. “Our Local Laws team will be promoting pet registration at the Mackay Show and have partnered with Mackay City Pet Barn to offer an incentive for new pet registrations,” Mayor Williamson said. “Any resident who registers their
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Young Australians seeking careers in the agriculture industry will reap the benefits of the AgCAREERSTART pilot program. The pilot program provides on-the-job experience, offering successful applicants aged 18–25, the opportunity to have a practical placement on a farm over a 10–12-month period. Commencing in November 2021, the AgCAREERSTART pilot program has provided 180 young people with experience working in agriculture in the early part of their careers. The pilot program provides on-the-job
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With a rich history spanning over six decades, the Mackay & District Orchid Society was established in 1957, and to this day, remains steadfast in its commitment to the preservation, cultivation and dissemination of knowledge surrounding these exquisite flowers. At its core, the Mackay & District Orchid Society is driven by a set of objectives aimed at advancing all facets of orchidology. These objectives encompass the promotion of orchid cultivation, hybridisation and overall appreciation of t
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Groundbreaking automation for a soil-scanning process developed at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre could be vital to the future of successful broadacre cropping planning. Electro-magnetic survey scanning has long been used to identify variability in soils, including assessment of salinity, water and clay content. The process has usually involved a scanning sled being dragged behind an all-terrain vehicle. However, in a possible world-first, t
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Griffith University’s Dr Yunying Fang has successfully progressed with a research proposal regarding the Soil CRC’s Round 24-1. The Soil CRC (CRC for High Performance Soil) works to connect scientists with farmers to uncover practical solutions for Australia’s underperforming soil. The organization aims to enable farmers to increase their overall productivity and profitability levels through providing them with knowledge and tools to improve the performance of their soils. The success of Dr
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In the fast-paced world of business, having a proficient HR consulting firm can mean the difference between success and stagnation. That's where TalentShift steps in as the go-to destination for organisations seeking unparalleled HR solutions tailored to their unique needs. Renowned as a premier HR consulting firm, TalentShift is not only a service provider, but a strategic partner dedicated to revolutionising the way businesses manage their most valuable asset: their people. With a commitm
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Sarina State High School’s star student, Katie Hauwert recently showcased her exceptional talent at the 10-12 Years Girls Netball State Championships in Toowoomba. The four-day event proved to be a remarkable experience for Katie, where she demonstrated some of her finest netball skills. Her stellar performance on the court earned her the Capricornia Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Simone, Katie's mother and a netball coach herself, emphasises the importance of fitness in the sport. Proud o
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Recent Senate Estimates revealed that there was minimal funding allocated in the forward estimates for the urgent upgrades of the 457-kilometre Beef Corridors Road Network, according to Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry. Only $45 million has been designated, which accounts for just 10 percent of the originally earmarked $400 million, spread across three financial years, Ms Landry said, which she exclaims is another example of contempt for the rural communities in the region. “Des
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On a night filled with laughter, reflection and community spirit, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank hosted our Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner to mark 19 years since our doors first opened. The event was a heartwarming testament to the wide-ranging impact the Bank has made in the Sarina and Mackay region, thanks to our banking team, volunteer board, customers, shareholders and community members. Over the past 19 years, Community Bank Sarina has not only provided financial services
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There are many reasons to move to Mackay … but one particular factor has emerged that says something quite disturbing about other parts of regional Queensland and highlights how favourably we compare. Some people move to Mackay because of the great weather. You will never convince me to celebrate the humidity of December to March but outside of those months I absolutely love it and it seems everyone else does as well. They also come here for the beaches, boating, fishing and all that wonderful,
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The Mackay Rugby competition is just over halfway and what a season it has been! My first season didn’t start as planned, popping my shoulder out round one, but it’s given me a different perspective of the sport of rugby. Being able to coach (and I use that term loosely) the backs, while recovering from my shoulder injury, has given me a new appreciation for the sport as a whole. The Brothers had a slow start to the season, the boys have really fired in the last few weeks and are coming toget
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Originating from South Africa is Jennifer-Lee Houseman, a 13-year-old emerging talent, now living in Mackay, who is making significant waves in the realm of dancing, singing and modelling. With her recent relocation to Australia, she brings a wealth of experience and achievements in the performing arts, thriving both on the stage and in front of the camera with a passion for captivating audiences. When she's not dancing or in her heels, Jennifer-Lee loves to be in nature and enjoys long walks
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Music-lovers have been excitedly waiting for the final release of the much-anticipated line-up of the 2024 Airlie Beach Festival of Music and organisers are thrilled to deliver another spectacular list of talented musicians. Rose Tattoo, Southern Sons, Reece Mastin, Sandi Thom, and more are joining an already stacked line-up including Sweet (UK), Pseudo Echo, Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Christine Anu, Ash Grunwald, 19 Twenty, and Bondi Cigars. With the main-stage located at the Whitsunday Sailing Cl
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Friday 14th June Be A Hero For Heart Kids 9am Join in on the 14th of June for a sausage sizzle in support of Heart Kids charity! All donations will go towards helping children with heart conditions. Event by Incredable Tip Shop. 42 Crichtons Rd, Paget The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged) 2pm An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) was London’s longest-running comedy having clocked a very palpable nine year
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GP and women’s health expert Associate Professor Magda Simonis has warned early onset menstruation in Australia is occurring as early as Grade 2 or 3, 8–11 years old, for some girls, and this can be a shock to them and their parents as often it hasn’t been discussed by that age. Usually, education at schools is provided in Years 5 and 6. “A delay in education could leave many girls unprepared for the physical and emotional changes of puberty, potentially exacerbating feelings of confusion and d
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The highly anticipated Whitsundays Writers Festival will ignite the region from Friday 6 September to Sunday 8 September. The prestigious, premier literary event dedicated to the fostering of creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for the written word, has announced one of their thrilling marque events set to debut this September. The Big Book Club High Tea featuring highly celebrated and acclaimed authors Sally Hepworth and Kristy Manning will have festival attendees buzzing with excitement on
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When Chester arrived at Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (MPRI), he was in a dire state, skeletal and weighed just 2.1 kilograms. His fur was matted, causing him immense pain with every movement. A thorough vet check revealed his weak condition, with a heart rate of 220 bpm and severe worm infestation. Chester was unable to undergo vaccinations or microchipping due to his underweight status and fragile state, although, he received the best care at the Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital and wa
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