Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Lunch and birthday cake was provided to Reef Catchments staff and other industry stakeholders in a social event last Monday that encouraged participants to enjoy networking time with the board. Attendees gained an insight into what’s to come with NRM (Natural Resource Management) projects and had the chance to reflect on the remarkable achievements that have been established over the last 21 years. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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Recognising the importance of blood and plasma donations, the North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club have made an impactful commitment in support of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood organisation. A while ago, the Sinkers executive committee discovered that several members regularly donated blood or plasma. They decided to reach out and explore how the club could support this valuable community activity, thus, the North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club Life Blood Team was established.
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Week one of the three-week Mackay Club Pairs Championship was played on Saturday. Players must have the same partner for all three weeks of the competition to be eligible to win the competition. Coveted red points are allocated each week for pairs in the top allocated spots. David Ting and Eric Goodchild, along with Max and Diane Holewa are in the lead after the first week. Weekly Results Monday 3 June 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st Helen V
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Mackay Cutters have continued their topsy-turvy form in the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup rugby league series. There was no joy for Michael Comerford’s charges last weekend after suffering a 42-6 shellacking at the hands of Redcliffe Dolphins at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. It is a savage blow for the Cutters who have slumped to tenth spot after starting their premiership campaign with encouraging victories in the early rounds. The match was played in front of a boisterous crowd as
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Well over thirty runners and supporters braved the extremely cool conditions last weekend for Mackay Road Runners’ Blacks Beach Bush Bash. The warming sun was a welcome sight as it rose over Blacks Beach as 5km runners started from the Blacks Beach Tavern towards the beach and the 9.7km runners commenced in the opposite direction only to join up with the 5km runners in the final stages. The varying surfaces of bush trails and sandy shores gave runners a welcome reprieve from the usual concret
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A change of scenery has proved a refreshing tonic for rising Wanderers half back Isaac McFarlane in the Mackay Junior League. The skilful number seven has proved a valuable acquisition for the Roosters this season after carving his niche with the Magpies club. Since linking with the Wanderers the gifted McFarlane has established himself the premier half back in the Under 15s competition with his organisational skills, turn of speed and kicking prowess a feature. The all-conquering Roosters re
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As the days begin to cool, bowls action at the Mackay Bowling Club has heated up with close matches across social, competition, and Pennant play. Men’s Triples - Tuesday Afternoon Winners: Col Marks and Neale Holt Winner of the Losers: Alan Summerville, John Jorgensen, and Greg Thomsen Scroungers - Thursday Afternoon - Steve Cassidy vs. Neale Holt in a close game was a notable match. Pennant Competitions Saturday Matches: Division 2: Played at Wests Tigers, lost on three rinks. Division 4: Playe
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Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club’s U15 Nate McKinnon recently travelled to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast to compete in the Australian Championships. The event involves elite lifesavers being assessed on their surf sports fitness, patient assessment and CPR skills and a detailed theory paper, against the best of the best in each respective state. Nate McKinnon took 1st place for the second year in a row, a huge achievement for surf lifesaving in this region. “The club is extremely proud of Nate for
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results June 4, 2024: Division 1: Brown (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson, Graham Brake) d Orange (Janice Kent, Geoff Denman, Donna Abbott) 7-4. Donna d Andrea -9, 8, -4, 9, 8. Blue (Steven Whiting, Lee Brake, Will VanDeKaa) d Red (George Camilleri, Anne Sheridan, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Lee d Graeme 5, -6, -9, 8, 11. Purple (Duncan Treloar, Emma Widdup, Robbie Richards) d Green (Tim Shehan, Lily Boland, Leo Gilbert) 8-3. Robbie d Lily 7, 12, -8, -12, 8
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The North Mackay Saints travelled up to the Nest on Saturday, and Whitsundays provided a stellar day for everyone to enjoy. Our Sea Eagles Under 12s took victory for the day, though the remaining grades faced tough matchups. In an extremely tight contest, our Senior Men couldn't quite hold on and were beaten 31-39 in the last quarter by the North Mackay Saints. Despite the disappointing result, there were positive signs as the team looks to find form and connect better on the field this week aga
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The first Annual Cane Country Pickleball Tournament took place in Home Hill this past weekend, attracting fifteen teams from Airlie Beach, Bowen, Townsville, Cardwell, and Home Hill. Participants competed fiercely in the competitive division, while social players enjoyed the beautiful northern winter setting. The Whitsunday team, Airlie Norfoll and Chance, consisting of Peter, Trevor, Kazuko, and Robyn, emerged victorious. They were closely followed by the Legendary Lonbers from Townsville, who
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The grand finals of Whitsunday Touch Footy took place over the weekend. “It was a sensationally exciting night,” said Alita De Brincat from Whitsunday Touch Footy. “With four games in total and two going to drop-offs” “It was great to see so many people come down to support the sport by cheering on the team.” Another highlight was seeing Club President, Justin Butler receive a Life Membership Award. The inaugural award for Junior of the Season was given to Stella Ansell. “She was given the
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2: Jasper and Vince 4: Abby, Cathy, Sergeant Billy and Lucy 7: Amelia, Jordan, Ruby and Stevie with teacher Autumn Webster 8: Deputy Mayor Michelle Wright with some children 9: Ms Heffernan and Principal Shirley 10: Sandra, Councillor Jan Clifford, Kylie and Bec Photo credit: Rachael Smith For the full photo gallery head to mackayandwhitsundaylife.com
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Sunday Social In Sunday’s social matches, Anna and Jane defeated Britt and Ron, while Tracey and Gary defeated Marilyn and Helen. Wednesday Social During Wednesday’s social matches, Peter, Daryl, and Helen defeated Ian, Gordo, and Gavin. Additionally, Marilyn, Ron, and Gus defeated Carol, Jane, and Tracey. The winners for the afternoon were Robin, Britt, and A. McDonald, defeated Mary Ellen, Tiarna, and Steve. Wangaratta Ladies Excel in Blue Pennant Congratulations to the Wangaratta Ladies for s
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Pennants have been set aside for a couple of weeks as players from across the district seize the opportunity to participate in the Australian Open on the Gold Coast, testing their skills against competitors from wider afield. Wednesday Social Bowls In Wednesday's Social Bowls, Ashley, Philip Brown, and Heather Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown, and Sandy Daffara with a score of 26-14. John Anderson, Barry Zillmann, and Nev Smith narrowly defeated Arthur Griffith, Carol, and Mike Harris
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The Monday self-selected triples kicked off with a full green. John Hayson, Max Ritchie, and Peter Nesbitt emerged victorious, defeating J. Harding, Graeme Read, and Allan Rolfe. Runners-up were Terrie Crozier, Michael Loughhead, and Bob Dykstra, who defeated Kerry, Heidi Reif, and G. Feast. Tuesday Social Bowls Tuesday’s winners were M. Gleeson, M. Wilson, and G. Solly, who defeated J. Hayson, S. Shearing, and June Walsh. Nick Dalee, Lorraine Knight, and Joe Paynting were runners-up, defeating
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Toni Clauss clinched the PDLAW Wednesday monthly medal with an impressive nett 75, finishing two shots ahead of Diane Chard. The pins were awarded to Rehab Hull, Toni Clauss, and Elspeth Scotford. Thursday's Venuesmart Monthly Medal Luke Wayth emerged victorious in Thursday's Venuesmart monthly medal, achieving a fine nett 63. John Dodds followed three shots behind. Leading the A division were Andrew Albergo with a nett 67 and Adam Maggs with a nett 68. Pins went to Gary Scotford, Michael Cragg,
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In the weekly 9-hole stableford, Billy O’Connor secured first place with 23 points. Jayden Parata followed closely with 22 points, while Nicola McKenzie took third place with 20 points on countback. Friday’s 9-Hole Stableford Travis Clinch emerged victorious in Friday’s 9-hole stableford with 21 points. Jimmy Millar claimed second place with 20 points, and Elise Hodgson secured third place with 19 points. Sunday’s 2BBB Ambrose Rhys Bartholomew and Tyson Flavel took first place in Sunday’s 2BBB A
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On Sunday, two Cannons travelled to Townsville to join 117 swimmers in the Townsville Strand Ocean Swim. Jacob Bell, 17, won the 4km Magnetic Island Swim Qualifier with a time of 55 minutes 22 seconds, aiming to complete the Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim in July. Nelson Malady competed in the 2km event, finishing in 41 minutes 56 seconds, qualifying for the team swim from Magnetic Island to Townsville. Coaches Raylene Rasmussen and Mark Erickson also participated in the 4km event, successfu
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Paul Dray, a grower in Proserpine, is thrilled to have acquired a high-rise spray tractor that will grant him flexibility in the timing of his herbicide application. This flexibility enables him to use less harmful herbicides (knockdowns) reducing his reliance on residual herbicides. Paul was able to make the purchase assisted by Reef Catchments through the Major Grants Project under the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP) The MWWQP is funded by the partnership between the Australia
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The Bruce Highway is currently blocked at Foxdale near Quarry Road following a truck roll over. The incident has resulted in lane closures and reduced traffic flow in all directions, causing significant delays for motorists. Emergency services are on the scene and additional units are en route to manage the situation and facilitate the clearance of the highway. Authorities are advising drivers to expect delays and consider alternative routes if possible. Motorists traveling in the area are
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Hi again, lovely readers, Last weekend was one of the busiest but most remarkable weekends I’ve had in a long time! I attended a free Writing Memoir and Personal Stories workshop at the Mackay City Library last Saturday to expand my skills as a writer. It was hosted by two powerhouse individuals from the Whitsundays and I left feeling more encouraged than ever to get my own book underway. That same day I made an appearance at Legends on the Lawn - not only to take cool shots for page 21, but
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TJ, also known as "The Free Hugs Guy," has captured the hearts of Mackay residents with his selfless acts of kindness despite facing unemployment. You may have seen him around town, in front of shopping centres or driving around town with "Free hugs" proudly displayed on his car and attire. While spreading community love through free hugs is already a significant gesture, TJ goes above and beyond by distributing vouchers worth $50 each for meat, fruit & veg, and other shopping amenities whene
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Earlier this week, on Tuesday, June 4, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables advised more than 1,200 waged employees that anyone participating in industrial action from yesterday, Wednesday, June 5 will be locked out until further notice. Workers have been told that if they are locked out, they will not be paid until the lockout is lifted. A company spokesman said the decision to lock out was not taken lightly. “We respect employee rights to union membership and their right to take lawful industrial ac
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Last Sunday, about 100 locals gathered at the Bakers Creek Memorial to pay their respects to the forty lives lost in 1942, following a horrific plane crash that became a part of regional and international history. Eighty-one years ago, a United States Army Air Force B-17C Flying Fortress, tail number 40-2072, crashed at 6:02am at Bakers Creek, about 6-kilometres south of Mackay airport and 1-kilometre northwards of the Bakers Creek Memorial. On June 14 of 1943, forty of the 41 American “GIs”
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