Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Whether early, mid or later in career, there’s many reasons why we may seek to reinvent our careers, and sometimes we may be forced to through redundancy or personal well-being. The ‘job for life’ is vanishing from the career landscape and it is reported that the average person tends to go through 3-7 careers throughout their working life, and more for upcoming generations. It helps to have a mindset that your career is a journey, not a destination. Reinventing your career can be a transformati
Read more.jpg)
Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank would like to congratulate fellow team member Josie Dahtler on her recent graduation from CQUniversity! Josie is a Customer Service Officer at Community Bank Sarina who completed a Bachelor of Science studying online, which enabled her to stay local, and earn and learn. Josie joined the banking team after completing high school from a competitive field of applicants. While at high school, Josie was a recipient of Community Bank Sarina’s inaugural Sarina State
Read more
In a ground-breaking event for local marine conservation enthusiasts, volunteers Stephen and Janet Boxall from the Mackay and District Turtle Watch (M&DTW) have achieved a significant milestone by documenting the nesting of an olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) for the first time in the region's history. This remarkable occurrence unfolded on the serene shores of Campwin Beach, located just south of Mackay, during the early days of December 2023. “When we found out that it was an oliv
Read more
Looking for the very latest in 4WD, hybrids, caravans, camper trailers, home, lifestyle and much more? There are thousands of products to discover at this year’s Mackay Expo! You can see all your favourite brands in the one place and discover some new offerings too, with exhibitors and entertainers on deck to answer all of your burning questions. The Mackay Expo is your opportunity to get the very best deals and some exciting show specials, featuring a massive daily entertainment line-up, inc
Read more
For the month of June, Grapevine Group wants the Mackay community to hold takeaway pizza parties and to dine in at Laffos Bar and Pizzeria where every large pizza bought will see $5 donated as part of the Pizza for a Purpose fundraiser. To launch Pizza for a Purpose, Grapevine will be at the front of Laffos at Caneland Central on Saturday, June 1. The fundraiser will continue to support Grapevine’s critical work towards local suicide prevention training and awareness initiatives like their fre
Read more
You’ll be surprised that’s for sure. It’s been a busy time over the last few weeks. Last week was my birthday, Dad’s been here for a few days saying gudday to the kids and spoiling his favourite son. Greg Williamson had his annual Charity Ball. Aldi finally opened its doors in Beaconsfield which had what seemed like thousands rocking up just to check out how many ski jackets could be sold in the tropics, and the number of fundraisers lately have raised enough money to put enough fuel in the c
Read more
One of the most over-used terms in the news media is, “A parent’s worst nightmare”. It’s annoying because the situation the reporter is describing is usually not a parent’s worst nightmare but something pretty bad. Bad, yes. Worst nightmare, no. I won’t disturb readers by giving examples of “worst nightmares”, but you get what I mean. Some years ago my wife, Sonia, and I went for a weekend break to the Coral Sea Resort in Airlea Beach and left our then-four-year-old daughter with my wife’s paren
Read more
The new CEO emerging out of the partnership between two of Australia’s leading cane organisations has hit the road to meet with growers and members and share vital information about the integration. Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has joined forces with the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) in an effort to drive strategic and positive change across the industry. Stephen Ryan has been appointed CEO of the joint venture and has recently completed a roadshow through the F
Read more.jpg)
Six organisations will share in $4.38 million in funding from the Queensland Government to support sugarcane growers to implement improved management practices on their farms, boost productivity and improve the quality of water running off the land and flowing to the Great Barrier Reef. The six organisations are: • Sugar Research Australia Limited (Wet Tropics and Burnett Mary regions) • Tropical Agricultural Services Pty Ltd (Herbert) • Farmacist Pty Ltd (Wet Tropics, Burdekin and M
Read more
Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing The ICE#11 sugar contract continues to be weighed down by the growing 24/25 forecast global trade surplus. The early start to the Brazilian harvest, and clear weather, has resulted in record breaking production numbers being posted in the UNICA half monthly production reports for April. Seasonal cane tonnages are up and so is the ratio of sugar to ethanol production, particularly for this early in the season. This is forcing analysts to revise their sug
Read more
By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The crush will start to roll out across the region next week, and things are getting busy across the industry. While final bolts are being tightened in what has hopefully been a very productive mill maintenance season, the community can expect to see machinery start to move around the cane rail and road network. That can include looking out for anything from cane trains – we all know THAT jingle – to haulout tractors and trucks, to long vehicles moving
Read more
Amidst the for and against opinions and murmurs of the 'Say No to Digital ID' rally in Mackay, Stephen Andrew, MP for Mirani emerged as the voice of dissent as he spoke on the potential reality of a dystopian future ahead. With fiery belief, Mr Andrew painted a picture of a world where every move is traced and monitored from the cradle to the grave. The digital ID, he proclaimed, was not just a tool for convenience but a leash on freedom and a chain binding humanity to the whims of unseen forces
Read more
Mackay Sugar is preparing to commence its 2024 crushing season from Tuesday 28 May and this brings an important reminder for local residents to stay cane-train aware. “It’s been a busy maintenance period and we’re excited to be making our final preparations for the upcoming crushing season,” said Carl Morton, General Manager Operations. “As with every year, the start of crush means our locomotives start moving more frequently around our cane rail network. “This makes it a timely reminder for
Read more
There wasn’t a shovel in sight when Year 10 students from Pioneer and Mackay State High Schools set about digging up the benefits of studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in senior school and the potential career pathways available in the resources sector. Year 10 students at both schools participated in a STEM Unearthed workshop recently which explored how further studies in subjects like geology, chemistry and engineering can lead to meaningful careers as geologists, m
Read more
Friday 24th May Star Wars Unlimited Store Showdown 9am Join us for the very first Star Wars Unlimited Store Showdown! Big prizes are up for grabs, so you don't want to miss this one! Swiss style tournament with best of one, compete to see who can take out the top prize. Cost: $25 per person including a drink Time: Friday 24th May 6:30pm-10pm. May the Force be with you! 75 Victoria St, Mackay 2024 Mackay Expo 4pm Your lifestyle, your adventure at the 2024 Mackay Expo. Join us on 24th to 26th
Read more
Sydney Drag Queen’s sell-out Kath and Kim Drag Bingo returns to MECC on Saturday, 29 June, hosted by two foxy morons: Prada Clutch and Conchita Grande. Prada is one of Australia's most sought-after live-singing drag queens. She plays Kathleen "Kath" Darleen Day-Knight. “Playing Kath came natural to me as I grew up watching the TV show on rainy days at school and I was already using Kath-isms when hosting in drag as they have become a part of Australian culture,” says Prada. Conchita is one
Read more
By Hannah McNamara A solemn ceremony was held last Saturday as locals from all walks of life gathered in compassion to acknowledge the lives of those lost to domestic and family violence. As the sun set, 40 Pink Crosses were displayed on Eimeo beach to symbolise the 37 women murdered so far this year, along with the other three, in honour of the guest speakers loved ones who were tragically murdered in previous years. Among the crowd stood guest speaker Vicki Blackburn, mother of Shandee Bla
Read more
The recent unveiling of the BEE MINDFUL mural marks the progression of Stage 4 within the comprehensive "Bee Corner" initiative, a nine-stage program spearheaded by the MKY City Heart Collective. The program aims to extend connectivity throughout the community, linking directly to Wood St parkland. This was made possible through the generous support of grants, local business sponsorships, and the dedicated efforts of a resilient team of volunteers who fundraised for a year to make this masterp
Read more
To celebrate Botanic Gardens Day, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is hosting a special community event to celebrate all things botanic. The Botanic Gardens Open Day will be held on Saturday, May 25, from 8am to noon on the Tropical Sun Lawn. This family-friendly event promises to be a delightful time for all ages. Council's Libraries team will be on hand to entertain the kids with a range of fun activities, including the First 5 Forever van, craft activities, a baby space and a giant Jenga game.
Read more
As participants flocked to John Breen Park last weekend, the atmosphere was ablaze with excitement and anticipation. Families, friends, and even furry companions eagerly awaited the start of the Colour Frenzy Run, ready to immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of hues and a day filled with vibrant experiences. The exciting event, known for its burst of colours and festive atmosphere, promised a 2.5km or 5km journey filled with laughter, joy, and plenty of hues. With each step, participants knew t
Read more
Brendan Whitby has padded up in first grade and rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in Queensland cricket. The Mackay Magpies stalwart spent eight seasons with Toombul District Cricket Club in the Brisbane Premier League competition where he earned his top-grade spurs as a capable all-rounder. Whitby’s cricket journey has taken the experienced campaigner and his three sons Jacob, Thomas and Nicholas to the Mackay District Cricket Association and the scene of many career highlights. A
Read more
The Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex is playing host to some of Australia’s top Olympic swimming hopefuls, with huge economic benefits for our region. Swimming Australia’s High Performance training camps have seen three elite squads travel to the Mackay region in their final hit out before the Australian Swimming Trials in Brisbane next month. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said it was fantastic to welcome the High Performance Camps to the Mackay ARC. “These squads see our region and our facility
Read more.JPG)
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results May 14, 2024: Division 1: Green (Tim Shehan, Lily Boland, Robbie Richards) d Red (George Camilleri, Anne Sheridan, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Lily d Anne 8, -2, -4, 8, 11. Orange (Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Geoff Denman) d Purple (Emma Widdup, Duncan Treloar) 6-5. Duncan d Donna -5, 9, 7, 9. White (Andrew McHugh, Neil Brown, Geoff Cowan) d Brown (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson, Vince Boeske) 7-4. Neil d Vince 4, -5, 8, -6, 10. Black (Mick Ruhl,
Read more
In a sprint towards international glory, six athletes from the Mackay region are set to leap into action at the 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji. These local stars are ready to vault over challenges and race against the region's best. The 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships will take place from Tuesday, June 4th to Saturday, June 8th, at the National Stadium, HFC Bank Stadium. Suva, a seasoned host of regional athletic events including the 1990 and 2017 Area Championships and
Read more
Last Saturday night, the McDonald’s Mackay Stadium was alive with excitement as the Mackay Meteors shot down the Northside Wizards in a thrilling 109-83 victory. With this slam-dunk performance, the Meteors extended their winning streak, setting the stage for a high-stakes Round 7 double-header on the road against the North Gold Coast Seahawks and Gold Coast. Todd Blanchfield led the charge for the Meteors, scoring 25 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Isaac White contributed significantly with 20
Read more