Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mackay is set to introduce ‘The Gentle Way’, a revolutionised end-of-life process with an effective, environmentally friendly approach to handling human remains. Inspired by a desire to provide a gentler alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods, CEOs and Founders of Whitsunday Funerals, Jeff and Judy Boyle explored the American Alkaline Hydrolysis system. Despite its potential, they recognised its shortcomings, including harsh effects on the body and significant water wastage. Dr
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Our region is home to a highly unique business, known as a community bank. The community bank model is based on profit for purpose – where anyone can choose to be a customer, and a percentage of the profits are re-invested directly back into the local community. One of just 322 community banks across Australia, our very own Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is celebrating 19 years of business this June – and over $3.8 million invested back into our local community. Providing a full suite of ba
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The annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk, dedicated to fighting animal cruelty, is back in Mackay! On Sunday, May 26th, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am, join the community at Queens Park for a day of fun and fundraising. Celebrating its 30th year, the Million Paws Walk started in Queensland and has since become a beloved event nationwide. Everyone is welcome to participate, so bring the whole family for a fantastic day out. Don't worry if you don't have a furry friend – all are invited to enjoy the festivi
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay Isaac region residents have followed the Mackay Region and received new Land Valuations, with some dramatic increases causing discussion and anxiety as they take in the new valuation. Across the board, the total value of rural land across the region has increased by 70%. But for many, increases are beyond 100%. That, of course, translates into rates increases for landholders. While CANEGROWERS Mackay is continuing discussions with Mackay Regional Counc
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website and app are useful tools used by many farmers and producers. The tools help landholders to understand upcoming short and long-term climate forecasts, assisting with informed property management decisions. But did you know BOM also has a YouTube channel that provides regular videos and playlists? These outline weekly, monthly and even severe weather forecasts and events. Navigating the BOM website can be tricky and may not always provide clear and usable i
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing As the close of the 2023 pricing season nears, it's an opportune time to reflect on the journey it has been. Opening in July 2020 with an indicative forward price of $350/t, the trajectory since then has been nothing short of remarkable, with the price steadily climbing to a peak of $950/t towards the end of 2023. Describing the past 12 months as tumultuous would be an understatement. At the beginning of 2023 pricing started at $550/t, steadily growing
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There are so many activities around Mackay and the Whitsundays for you and the family to be involved in lately. So many great opportunities to get the family out of the house and have a few laughs and the odd yelling experience too. Saturday night is your opportunity to go and check out some basketball action with our great local teams in the NBL1! If you remember back in the glory days of the Queensland Basketball League or, the QBL, Mackay was an absolute powerhouse. Our basketball stars wit
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Often we observe that people are ‘lucky’. The opportunities that come your way may have an aspect of ‘luck’, however the preparation to be ready to seize those opportunities and make the most of them (the good ones) is all up to you. Success is said to be created by being ready for and open to opportunities. To make the most of opportunity, whether seeking a career shift or uplift, in final year at Uni, or Grade 12, here are some key tips. Build your basic toolkit Create an email address tha
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One of the things that really annoys me about today’s world is the argument that people have to apologise for, and feel guilty about, what happened in the past. That’s not to say that what was done in the past was not wrong … in many cases it was and must be acknowledged. All sorts of things were wrong in the past. But they were done at a time when values and beliefs were different. We now know them to be wrong and society has changed accordingly. We don’t discriminate against people based on
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The theme for the 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball to be held early next month is “Iconic Mackay”. “This year’s Ball is all about celebrating Iconic Mackay – its features, history, events and people,’’ the Mayor said. “The main musical entertainment will be a world-class Elton John Experience, with Greg Andrews internationally recognised as one of the best Elton John tribute artists in the world,’’ he said. “That is a nod to the Sir Elton John concert that was held in Mackay at BB Print Stadium in Sep
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Get ready for a fun-filled week of community vitality as the Northern Beaches Community Week springs to life from April 26th to May 5th, 2024. This vibrant celebration is made possible through the Mackay Regional Council Activate My Place (AMP!) Grant, fuelled by the community for the community, focusing on fostering connections, promoting wellness, and showcasing the richness of our local area. The Northern Beaches has seen rapid expansion in recent years, bringing together diverse residents.
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By Amanda Wright Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, get ready for the greatest show to hit Mackay this year! Hudson's Circus is in town, and it's time to experience the magic, thrill, and laughter under the big top. Led by the dynamic duo of Goldie the Clown and Ringmistress Jane De Goldi, Hudson's Circus promises a traditional circus experience with a modern twist that will leave you breathless and begging for more. With over 10 years of experience touring the country, this circus kn
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Just Keep Marching Event Launch 2.30pm Just Keep Marching LAUNCH Friday 26 April 2024 2:30pm Memorial Swim Centre Smart Casual dress code. Additional pool entry fee swimming afterwards. Get Tickets NOW ONLY $5 home baked afternoon tea Memorial Swim Centre Moonlight Cinema In the Park 6.30pm Spend a gorgeous evening under the stars, BYO picnic and drinks, then settle in for a perfect chick flick. The best Friday fun with your friends! Cost - $20 includes bean bag and popcorn. Movie – Pretty Wo
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Going into their Round 6 clash, Mackay Cutters and Wynnum Manly Seagulls were one and three on the Hostplus Cup table, so the game was always going to be a tight contest. Cutters winger Josh Smith was the first to strike, scoring the first of his two tries in the game in the seventh minute, and the Cutters went into half-time up 14-12. The final siren saw the try count at five to four; Bryce Donovan converted all four Wynnum Manly tries and Riley Dean converted two for Cutters and kicked two pe
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With hoops aplenty and defence as tight as a well-laced sneaker, the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes orchestrated a symphony of basketball brilliance last Friday night, dribbling, dunking, and dazzling their way to victories. In a thrilling clash against the Brisbane Capitals, the Meteors showcased their prowess, emerging victorious with a final score of 92 to 73. Todd Blanchfield led the charge with an impressive performance, contributing 21 points and 7 rebounds to the team's triumph
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Last Sunday, 66 participants graced the Beach Road Dolphin Heads precincts, surpassing the attendance of the previous week's Tim’s Chariots of Fire event at Slade Point, confirmed by the event organiser and the author. While some may contest this tally, it's worth noting that The Tilse’s Toddle two weeks earlier boasted numbers nearing the triple-digit mark, with Whibley’s Wander closely following suit. One undeniable highlight was the hospitality of the Bishop’s Beach Road Barnstormer hosts, wh
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The Mackay cyclone swimmers surged into the National MC and Age Championships, held recently on the vibrant shores of the Gold Coast. Among the tide of competitors, two fresh qualifiers, Jarek Taylor and Ava Kearns, joined the seasoned attendees Max Vernon, Audrey Bryan and Vaughn Wyatt for their second year. Coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier said all the athletes swam well, and had a blast soaking up the atmosphere. Acknowledging the significant accomplishment of qualifying for such a prestigious level
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Coral Morgan celebrated her 83rd birthday this week – playing table tennis. Coral’s daughter Delma Knight, who has played table tennis alongside her mum since she was a child, baked her a delicious cake which was enjoyed by the players at Tuesday morning fixtures. Coral and Val Austin have been playing since the 70s, and they played out a huge battle on Tuesday, Coral winning -12, 7, -8, 11, 6. Full details of fixtures including player standings are available at https://www.revolutionise.com.
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The Mackay Champion Pairs was played on Saturday 13th April, with thirty pairs entered. This was a great attendance with players attending from Bowen and Airlie Beach as well as local players. Sixty players played across A, B and C grades. Max and Diane Holewa won A section with Robert Carless and Janelle Conroy runners up. Jan Harris and Mick King won the B section with Ming Ting and Debra Goodchild runners up. Sandy Patterson and Geoff Cowan won C Section with Annie Lynch and Sandra Morris run
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After a very successful launch last year, Sweet Repeats – Pre-Loved Clothing Market returns this Sunday! With a huge selection of high-quality, gently worn clothing and accessories, Sweet Repeats is a market aimed at promoting sustainability, affordability, and community engagement, offering people a budget-friendly shopping experience that’s kind to the planet without compromising on style or budget. For Healthy Clean and Green owner/manager Wendy Steindl, the concept for the market originall
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By Amanda Wright "Some of us were only 20," Kenneth (Ken) Higgins recalls, his voice heavy with the weight of memory. "In those days, you couldn’t vote until you were 21 and you couldn’t drink. “Yet they would send us to Vietnam to kill people." “We were sent to a foreign land we hadn’t even heard of before as kids, to kill people we didn’t know or dislike. “They expected us to go and do these horrors and then come back and forget about it.” This is part of the turmoil many Vietnam Veterans ha
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By Amanda Wright Belinda Hassan has emerged victorious in the race for Mackay Regional Council's deputy mayor, capturing the role with a resounding majority vote. The returning councillor expressed her gratitude, stating it was "very humbling" to receive the support of the electorate and fellow councillors. Having secured 4.1 per cent of the region's vote, Hassan's election to the deputy mayorship was confirmed with a vote of nine to two during Mackay Regional Council’s Statutory meeting last w
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As ANZAC Day nears, I find myself reflecting on the profound significance of this day in our national consciousness. ANZAC Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a sacred moment of remembrance, a time to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served our nations in times of conflict. For many of us, ANZAC Day holds a deeply personal resonance, a connection to loved ones who have worn the uniform and served their country with unwavering dedication. Growing up near RNZAF
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In recent years, M&P Services have demonstrated a heartening dedication to wildlife conservation through their commitment to support the Wildlife Rehabilitation Queensland, also known as Wildlife Care Mackay, in a passionate response to championing wildlife welfare. As a vital non-for-profit lifeline for injured and endangered wildlife throughout the region, Wildlife Care Mackay relies heavily on the generosity of business partners like M&P Services to fulfill their mission. Recently, M&P Servi
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The six-member Board appointed to govern the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) in mid-2023 has been expanded to include a seventh member. New member Monica McKendry is a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience and is currently a Director of SH Tait & Co Chartered Accountants, which provides accounting, taxation and business advice to a variety of businesses and individuals in the Mackay region. She was appointed a director of North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Ltd in Oc
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