Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara Northern Beaches Photo credit: Hannah McNamara Walkerston Photo credit: Hannah McNamara Mackay Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council Dysart Photo credit: Isaac Regional Council
Read more
Norman Arthur Waterson, also known as 'Norm', has invoked great courage and resilience throughout his life journey, having served in World War II at just sixteen years of age, he now stands as an inspiration to those lucky enough to know him. Born on December 11th, 1923, in Mackay, he attended Swaynesville School Sarina, laying the foundation for a life marked by service and dedication. His life story intertwines with the archives of history, particularly during his service in World War II from
Read more
“As you got to know him, you couldn’t help but love him. He was loyal, a hard worker and he’d do anything for anybody - community minded and overall, a really good guy,” said Ben Phillips, Managing Director of Gardian. Colleagues and locals alike gathered in front of the Gardian building on Wood Street to commemorate former son, brother, friend and colleague, Finley Smith. Finley was a 25-year-old young man headed for a successful life and career within the confines of Gardian, having been br
Read more
In a lifechanging event, a Sarina woman has been left overwhelmed with joy after scoring $1.6 million in last weekend’s Saturday Gold Lotto draw. The lucky woman says she feels “truly blessed” and is excited to be able to give her adult children a kickstart in life. The Sarina resident secured one of the three division one winning entries in the Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4463 on April 27, 2024. Each winning entry in division one received $1,648,240.31. “I’m just so overwhelmed and pretty exc
Read more
Split Spaces Mackay was recently awarded $77,500 in funding to excel in a new era of innovation and technological advancement within the region. With a focus on driving Mackay's tech potential forward, Split Spaces is always evolving and making crucial changes that will benefit businesses and entrepreneurs alike. One key initiative facilitated by this funding is the development of comprehensive strategies to harness the power of technology for business success. Through workshops and training se
Read more.png)
Debbie Jackson and her family are living through the pain of seeing a loved one battle the later stages of dementia. Her husband Gary, who is 61, started to deteriorate in January last year following a series of brain bleeds. By the end of 2023 he was diagnosed with vascular dementia and given a life expectancy of just twelve months. It’s been a difficult time for Debbie who was caring for Gary at home until the physical and emotional toll became too great. “We had 24/7 support at home, bu
Read more
The 2024 Legendary Neighbour Campaign marks a heart-warming celebration of community spirit and neighbourly kindness. With over 70 residents participating in the campaign, the outpouring of stories and sentiments showcased the true essence of what it means to be a legendary neighbour within the region. Mackay Mayor, Greg Williamson says that, “My Legendary Neighbour Campaign has been going for several years now.” “It started off by celebrating neighbours who are getting together and it’s evolved
Read more
For a long time the strategy for selling properties in Mackay was very straightforward… list at a specific price, usually with a 9 at the end. So properties would list for, say $499,000 or $549,000. It was very easy for everyone; sellers wanted to get as close as possible to the mark and buyers understood that but also knew the sellers were not looking for more than that. As the market has changed and prices have gone up, agents such as me have changed the pricing advice to sellers. You will oft
Read more
I feel saddened by the number of posts in our community Facebook groups about people’s cars and other possessions being stolen by people breaking into their homes. It was 4 weeks ago now that I woke up one beautiful Thursday morning, stumbled out of bed wiping the sleep from my eyes on the way to my coffee machine to discover a bunch of cupboards open. I noticed my housemate’s bedroom door was closed and locked, despite her being away on a trip to Brisbane at the time. I assumed she must have
Read more%20(1).jpg)
The Federal Government has announced new grant funding for farmers to tackle sustainable agriculture at the grassroots level. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Small Grants are designed for individuals as well as farming, community and Indigenous groups to lead on-ground projects. “The Albanese Government is committed to supporting farmers as they respond to climate change and become more sustainable into the future,” Minist
Read more
Driving strategic and positive change across the sugar industry is at the forefront of a collaboration of two of Australia’s leading cane organisations. By combining their strengths, Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) and the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) aim to better serve their members and secure a stronger future for the industry. Leveraging their collective expertise and resources, the partnership seeks to strengthen advocacy efforts and achieve more for sugarcan
Read more
Last week, on April 23, a Senate committee studied the potential impact of Labor's proposed fresh food tax, highlighting concerns about its repercussions such as increased cost-of-living and higher grocery prices. Michelle Landry MP and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the fresh food tax, which is due to be implemented on July 1, is as an attack on families and farmers throughout Dawson and in the Capricornia. Mr Willcox said the biosecurity protection levy will force farmers to p
Read more%20(1).JPG)
Join us as Mackay Musical Comedy Players & Dalrymple Bay proudly present their captivating production of "Into The Woods"! Set in a mysterious forest, this musical mash-up of classic fairy tales follows the intertwining stories of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel, as they each venture into the woods to fulfill their deepest wishes. But as their paths cross, they encounter a cunning Witch who sets them on a quest to reverse a curse and find happiness.
Read more
Ergon Energy Network and Energex are asking everyone to Look Up and Live after an alarming number of contacts with poles and wires already this year. “It’s frightening that we are only a few months into the year and there’s been 175 potentially lethal cases of vehicles coming into contact with poles and wires on our networks,” Area Manager Chris Graham said. “So many of these incidents could have been avoided with a bit more attention given by the driver of the vehicle or equipment. “So
Read more
Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience as Flickerfest returns to Mackay! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 11th, at 7:30 PM to engage in the Best of Australian Shorts. Please note the change in schedule, as this event typically takes place on Fridays. Celebrating its 33rd year, Flickerfest, Australia’s only Academy® Award and BAFTA qualifying short film festival, and the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, screens the best of shorts from Austr
Read more
Indulge in sweet delights from Mint and Mauve Confectionery, your go-to for Mackay-based baked goods this Mother’s Day! From heavenly cheesecake brownies to melt-in-your-mouth fudge and heart-shaped brownies, Mint and Mauve have got your cravings covered. Pre-order your favourites by May 8th to secure your goodies, as stocks are limited. Plus, explore their new grazing boxes, perfect for a picnic or casual high tea, (pre-orders essential). For those last-minute surprises, you can visit their pop
Read more%20(1).jpg)
With a passion for gift-giving and a love for bringing people joy, Cherish Hampers & Gifts has intricately crafted the ultimate gift-giving experience for you, with multiple hampers and goodies on deck and an option to create your own, they’ll have the perfect gift for your loved one this Mother’s Day, along with every other occasion. What sets Cherish Hampers & Gifts apart is their heartfelt desire to include local products and support small businesses. In February 2022, the owners of Cheri
Read more
Indulge Mum in a thrilling day at the races this Mother's Day weekend! The Amateurs Race Day promises an unforgettable experience of live local racing, vibrant Fashions on the Field, and an atmosphere buzzing with excitement on Saturday, May 11. Immerse yourselves in the glamour of trackside festivities. Sip champagne at the exclusive Champagne Bar or revel in the excitement from the Winning Post Trackside Marquee. For a more intimate affair, opt for a private Marquee or embrace the lively ambie
Read more%20(1).jpg)
The Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen welcomes you this Mother’s Day to join in on a special celebration over May 11th and 12th to indulge in an enchanting Mother's Day High Tea that promises an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. At the heart of the Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen lies a welcoming Cottage in the midst of the Pioneer Valley, where High Teas are held and wonderful memories are made. Priced at $59.50 per person, this unique experience transports guests to a realm of homemade deli
Read more
Friday 3rd May Mackay Dance Festival From 8.30am Mackay Dance Festival is a fun & friendly Dance Competition that brings together dancers from all over Queensland! Our audience is open to the general public, so join us in celebrating our young performers! Tickets available at the door $7.50 per session. Sessions from 8.30 – running throughout the day. 21 Boundary Road, Ooralea Art Party Afternoon 3pm Bring your own project! Do you have an existing arts project that you are looking to finis
Read more
‘All Natural, All Fresh’ in an all-new location, with an all-new look, Flavours of Vietnam is now open on 18 Nelson Street. Specialising in Vietnamese Cuisine, this unique dining experience loved by many locals, trails back to 2018, when Owner Mina Dang first opened the restaurant with a spark of passion that ignited from her Vietnamese heritage. From a young age Mina would often spend time in the kitchen alongside her mother, Kim, which later instilled a profound enthusiasm for culinary arts.
Read more
When a restaurant produces over 1000 meals a day, the kitchen has to run like a well-oiled machine and at Laffos, it does. Hailing from the Philippines, Laffos' head Chef, Michael Palamores, and his team operate a highly efficient kitchen, turning over huge volumes of stock and meals daily. From purchasing and rostering through to equipment maintenance, Michael’s dedication to excellence is a rare commodity. However, the kitchen staff at Laffos true passion is what they put on th
Read more%20(1).jpg)
Introducing Bree Cook…the ultimate event manager for all your function needs at The Dispensary. Bree’s Event Management career began right after she completed university, where she studied a Bachelor of Public Relations and Organisational Communications at Charles Sturt University Bathurst. With eleven years of experience up her sleeve, she has spent the past six years with NE Food and The Dispensary. What Bree loves most about her role, is that each event and function is unique and different
Read more
In a thrilling NBL1 North showdown at the McDonald’s Mackay Stadium last Saturday night, the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors triumphed over the Rockhampton Rockets in a spectacular high-scoring game. The Meteors displayed exceptional teamwork, securing a win with a final score of 111 to 102. Todd Blanchfield led the charge for the Meteors netting the most goals, notching up 31 points and 14 rebounds. Isaac White also continued his on-court fire with 28 points and 6 assists, while Emmett Naar and Luca
Read more
Weekly Results Monday 22 April 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Victor Mason / Antonia Taradas 2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia 2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Faye Wright 3rd Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank 3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson 3rd Karen Caldwell / Noel Saunders 4th Pamela Finger / Ming Ting 3rd Ted Cullinan / Terrence Sheedy 5th Monica Darley / Nancy Martin Tuesday Evening 23 April 2024 –6 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Noel Bugeia / Eric
Read more