Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Whitsunday Game Fish Club held its Q & T rally on Saturday, drawing 14 dedicated members to a day of almost perfect weather and thrilling fishing. New member "Frenchy" stole the spotlight, winning the best Trevally award with an impressive 107 cm GT, narrowly edging out Josh by just a couple of centimetres. Jessy claimed victory in the Queenfish category with a 78 cm catch, beating both Josh and Steve in a close contest. Future champion Benson Smith earned the title of best junior angler
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On Saturday evening, five yachts set sail under a nearly full moon for the annual Full Moon race, covering approximately 30 nautical miles. Reignition (Charles Wallis) and Overdrive (Rupert King) vied for the lead at the start, with Manteca (Frank Tennyson), Rossgo (Greg Hammon), and Miss Behavin’ (John Morton) close behind. Reignition finished first, followed by Overdrive and Miss Behavin’. On corrected time, Miss Behavin’ emerged victorious, with Reignition and Overdrive in second and third.
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Queensland Police have issued an appeal to the public for assistance in locating Celeste McGain, a 40-year-old woman reported missing since Saturday 1 June from the Whitsundays area. Celeste McGain was last seen on Paluma Road in Woodwark around 2pm on Saturday 25 May. Since then, there have been no sightings or communications from her. Concerns for Celeste's well-being are heightened as her disappearance is considered out of character by family and friends. Described as Caucasian, approximately
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The culmination of four years dedicated efforts to bring free local news to the Mackay community has been recognised at the Queensland Country Press Awards, which were held in the Sunshine Coast last Friday night. Mackay Life was honoured to bring home the award for Best One-off Commercial Feature for its in-depth coverage of the Fergus Builders 40-year celebrations. Sister publication, Burdekin Life also won Best Locally Produced Advertising Campaign and the broader Mackay and Whitsunday Life
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Hi there to our lovely readers, I don’t think I could ever fill the shoes of Amanda as she does such an amazing job, but rest assured, all going well, she will be back very shortly! I’d like to start off by introducing myself if we haven’t crossed paths already at recent events. I’m Hannah the cadet journalist with Mackay Life Newspaper, and what I love most about my job and working with this paper, is that we all have a great love for our community. I was born in Melbourne but I now call
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An anonymous member of the local community took to a neighbourhood crime page on Facebook, not to report an incident, but to express her heartfelt gratitude. The focus of her message was directed towards a family wearing orange hi-vis attire and the manager of the Ooralea McDonald's, both of whom came to her aid when she unexpectedly fell ill around 8:30pm the previous Sunday night. In her post, the anonymous individual conveyed profound thanks, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused by
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The Council's elected members took a firm stand against domestic and family violence last week when Mayor Greg Williamson emphasised the community's rejection of violence, highlighting a commitment to proactive measures for change. “Not now, not ever” was a pledge that was taken last Wednesday by council’s elected members. The pledge was signed to highlight Council’s collective stance against domestic and family violence (DFV) within the community. Mayor Greg Williamson said violence in any form
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The 2024 Mayors Ball wasn’t just a glamorous affair but a rallying point for local charities, thanks to the generous support of sponsors and ball-goers. With a resounding spirit of community, the event successfully raised crucial funds to uplift organisations such as the Australian Street Aid Project and Grapevine Group. Mackay Regional Mayor, Greg Williamson said that “The main goal of the Ball is to support local charities, who are sometimes overlooked by state and federal funding but are in
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Isaac Business Chamber launches to amplify resilient business community. After three years of planning, the Isaac Business Chamber will officially launch, marking a significant milestone for the Isaac region and its small business community. The Isaac Business Chamber will launch on Thursday May 30, 2024, at the Moranbah Golf Club, where Brand and Marketing Specialist Jessica Ritchie will deliver her keynote and provide valuable insight. Isaac Business Chamber President Trudi Liekefett said t
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An esteemed line-up of thought-provoking speakers, sustainability leaders, deep tech investors and resource industry professionals shared their experiences and insights at the Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit last Thursday. The summit was held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on May 23 and featured morning and afternoon panel sessions. Throughout the panel sessions, every panellist contributed invaluable insights and offered practical strategies aimed at guiding busin
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The Mackay Hospital Foundation's Family Fun Day, proudly presented by Gardian Real Estate, is returning this year with promises of an even bigger and better experience for all to enjoy. Save the date for an unforgettable day of family fun on Sunday, June 2nd from 10am to 2pm at BB Print Stadium. This event offers a jam-packed itinerary for just $5 per person. With both cash and card accepted. Entry grants access to a plethora of rides and activities all free once inside the gate. From thrillin
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Fresh from the pageantry scene, young Mackay local Emersen Lamb, is stepping her heels onto the Mackay Golf Course this July when she hosts the Business House Corporate Challenge alongside her father Max Lamb Jr from M&P Services. Having recently been announced the Australia Pageantry People’s Choice Winner, Emersen is thrilled to be presenting the golf day and excited to be raising more money for charity. So far, this compassionate teen has raised in excess of $20K for charity and her passion
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The Northern Beaches Community Hub stage 1B will soon be underway after Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox recently announced a $15m funding boost to kickstart the initiative. CA Architects for Mackay Regional Council have already completed the Design work for stage 1B, showcasing plans of the dynamic public facility that will include a library, meeting rooms and café. This funding allocation, made possible through the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program, coincides with the on
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At Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, trust isn't a buzzword—it's the foundation upon which we've built our legacy of service to the community. At Community Bank Sarina, we're not just here for you—we're here to stay. Our unwavering dedication to our customers and our community ensures that you can trust us today, tomorrow, and for years to come. Near 60 years' worth of combined banking experience, our branch staff embody the expertise and dedication necessary to meet your banking needs with
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Without the helping hand of the community’s beloved volunteers, the region just wouldn’t be the same. In honour of the recently passed National Volunteer week (20-26th May), volunteers from all walks of life were acknowledged for their countless devotion and whole-hearted assistance, but the recognition doesn’t stop there. The upcoming 2024 Mackay Volunteer Expo showcases the inclusive nature of volunteering and promises to offer “something for everyone”. From emergency service personnel to
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The 30th anniversary of Million Paws Walk was a woofing success last Sunday as dog lovers and locals alike gathered at Queens Park to enjoy a paw-fect morning filled with canine companionship and community spirit. Joyful owners walked with their cherished fury friends in an attempt to combat animal cruelty, with each dollar donated set to help the Mackay RSPCA team rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs. Overall, the 30th Million Paws Walk was a memorable occasion, bringing together animal lov
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With exciting plans to improve the South Bank’s Grey Street Bikeway and Streetscape, the Mackay community has been invited to have their say on the project. From May 27 to June 23, Mackay locals are called to contribute their perspective and help create a plan for Australia's most vibrant and cyclist-friendly street. South Bank Corporation Chief Executive Officer Bill Delves said the main objective of the project was to create Australia’s coolest and most vibrant sub-tropical street that is rid
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The Sarina Sporting and Services Club was filled with laughter and smiles as guests and members of the Rotary Club Sarina gathered in celebration of the 75 years of service to local community. The club was admitted into Rotary International in 1949 on May 13, marking this year as a significant milestone celebrated by all involved, both young and old. Executive Advisor Ralph Johnson inducted the luncheon with thanks to attendees, members and visitors of the club, acknowledging the support and
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Recent law reforms by the Queensland Government have been by Australia’s foremost breeder of industrial hemp seedstock. Hemp Farms Australia CEO Lauchlan Grout said “good sense” had prevailed when MPs passed the amendments to the Drugs Misuse Act on April 18. Queensland’s Agriculture Minister Mark Furner introduced the changes, saying they support the continued growth of the state’s industrial cannabis industry. “The bill will support the industrial cannabis industry in Queensland by clarifyi
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The Government's decision to halt future funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program and other crucial regional communication initiatives has raised major concerns among regional communities and rural areas. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, highlights the consequences that communities could face without mobile connectivity, especially in emergencies, due to the Government’s lack of funding for other key regional communications infrastructure programs Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Wi
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Currently we are fundraising for the all-important RACQ CQ Rescue chopper. A couple of weeks ago we received a call form a listener who told us of an amazing story how the CQ Rescue chopper saved her sons life after he contracted a disease. The time in which it took the chopper to transport the family from Proserpine to Mackay was the difference between life and death. It was a huge reminder as to how important it is to have the rescue chopper helping save lives in our region. This is where
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The 2024 sugar production season will be delayed after a meeting with the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday, May 28 was unable to resolve an ongoing pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and its employees and union representatives. A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson confirmed the company is in the process of notifying growers of revised start dates, which, across Wilmar’s four regions, represent total delays ranging from two to nine days. “Industrial action has already impacted
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Volunteers are vital for not-for-profit charities, including the Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), where 100 volunteers serve eight hospitals in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regions. Securing a sponsor, like Community Bank Sarina from Bendigo Bank, is crucial to supporting their efforts and maintaining their invaluable services. Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said their sponsorship of the MHF volunteers aligned with the Bank’s “profit for purpose” business model. “Supporting
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Two young explorers have been acknowledged for their dedication and resilience after earning a reputable Grey Wolf Award for Banksia Scout Group. The Grey Wolf Award is a great achievement and requires a cub (aged 8-11 years old) to participate in 60 cub scouting experiences, assist with 9 activities, lead 7 activities, complete 5 nights of camping, learn to tie 3 knots, complete a 6-hour hike and attend 2 additional hikes. As well as learning scouting skills, there is also a requirement to c
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Mackay’s Dudley Denny City Library is opening its doors next Saturday, July 1st to give you the opportunity to sharpen your writing skills in a free educational workshop. In this workshop, Whitsundays local 852 Press Director, Dr Julia Evans and former Federal Political and author of nine books, Richard Evans will combine their wealth of knowledge to help you discover new ways of writing in an uplifting, interactive manner. Kick-start your memoir writing journey and uncover the magic of story
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