Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
After a couple of week’s break, the players returned to Premier League action on Sunday morning at the Airlie Bowls Club. Kameron Reason made it 2 wins from 2 after dispatching Jayden Lloyd in fine fashion by a 7/1 scoreline. That win places Kam nicely in 4th spot on the league table. On the other end of the spectrum Jayden is still searching for his 1st win of the year, with tough matches against Jamie Maher and Joe Wilson next to come. The ladder made for better reading for Jamie Maher afte
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Amidst mounting tension and discontent, Queensland Premier Steven Miles embarked on a pivotal visit to Mackay last week, navigating the delicate terrain of community unrest surrounding the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project. The journey, punctuated by two town hall meetings, unfolded in the face of fierce opposition and impassioned calls for accountability. Since the pumped hydro scheme was announced in 2022 in a manner that blindsided both local Pioneer Valley residents and the regi
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Sports enthusiasts, rejoice! It's that electrifying time of the year when the air is thick with the promise of victory and the echoes of cheering crowds. From the rugged battlefields of rugby league, where our Cowboys charge fearlessly into the fray, to the heart-stopping showdowns of the Mackay Cutters on the hallowed turf of BB Print Stadium, the stage is set for an unforgettable season. Despite the recent heartache of the Cutters' narrow loss to Townsville in the dying moments of the game, th
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In response to the escalating issue of homelessness within the community, Pioneer State High School has stepped up to make a significant impact. With an astounding show of solidarity and compassion, the school has donated an impressive 4000 tins of food to support the efforts of Chances Op Shop in addressing the needs of homeless individuals within the community. Chances Op Shop has become an essential base for those experiencing homelessness in Mackay, offering vital services such as hot meals,
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The Isaac region’s newly elected Council members have taken their oath in the heart of the Bowen Basin last week. The declaration of office ceremony, led by Isaac Regional Council Acting CEO Darren Fettell, welcomed a new Mayor and eight Councillors to their elected positions following the 16 March poll results. The ceremony was held at the Isaac Regional Council Batchelor Parade Chambers in Moranbah, with family and staff in attendance to witness this significant event. Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, who
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The Mackay community witnessed a significant moment last week as the newly elected Mackay Regional Council was officially sworn in at a ceremony held at the 500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds. The council's inauguration marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region's governance. Amidst a gathering of local officials and community members, Mayor Williamson, alongside 10 councillors, solemnly took the oath of office administered by council’s CEO Scott Owen. Among the returning councillors were
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By Amanda Wright Mackay bids farewell to a cherished war hero and author, Tom Barry, who passed away last month at the age of 101. Tom's memory and remarkable wartime experiences continue to resonate within the community, immortalised through his poignant memoir, A Prodigious Leap. His legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his country will forever be etched in the annals of WWII history. In commemoration of his extraordinary life, the Mackay RSL Sub-Branch organised a heart
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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is encouraging organisations across the electorate to apply for funding under the Play Our Way Program which has been designed to make sport more welcoming for women and girls. This funding program, which will run over three years, aims to deliver long-term benefits and improvements that address participation barriers faced by women and girls in sports. Mr Willcox believes this grant opportunity will make a lasting difference to the communities withi
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The Queensland Police Service has announced new police officer growth allocations for the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Region. A total of 20 extra police positions have been allocated this financial year with Academy training and recruitment efforts at record levels. In addition, 28 new police vehicles have been allocated to Central Region, 17 of which have been allocated to Mackay Whitsunday District (vehicle allocation includes Bowen, Clermont, Mackay, Moranbah, Sarina, and Whitsunday). The extra p
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Paying it forward is now easier than ever with Containers for Change Container Exchange Points being installed on public bins around the region. The Container Exchange Points allow anyone to place their drink containers into them for someone else to collect and return at their preferred Containers for Change location for a 10-cent refund. Mackay Regional Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott Owen, said council was excited to roll out the program for the region to combat several recycling issu
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A building at 8 River Street, earmarked for a refurbished food and beverage outlet, will be demolished. The existing structure, formerly Maria’s Donkey, is structurally compromised and not suitable for refurbishment. It will be demolished and the riverbank site reinstated. A portion of the budget council had committed for refurbishment of the building will be used for investigating design options for the development of the prime riverfront site. The balance of funding will be set aside to go tow
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In the mosaic of industries that form the backbone of our economy, agriculture stands tall as the bedrock upon which prosperity is built. Beyond its role in nourishing our bodies, agriculture fuels economic growth, fosters rural development, and sustains communities across the nation. As we navigate the complexities of modernity, it's imperative to recognise and support the farmers who toil tirelessly to feed our nation. Agriculture, the quiet giant, forms the foundation of a thriving nation. I
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The anticipation is mounting as the countdown commences for the highly awaited Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo 2024, now set to unfold at the Mackay Showgrounds. This event promises to be a remarkable celebration of all facets of agriculture. Julie Crowley, Coordinator for the event, expressed profound appreciation for the tremendous support from the local community. "We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from exhibitors, with bookings flooding in daily. “We have an extraordinary
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Looking to transform your land quickly and efficiently? Look no further than Mackay Forestry Mulching Solutions, your ultimate land-clearing experts! As the excitement builds for the upcoming Mackay Ag Trade Expo, Mackay Forestry stands ready to showcase its cutting-edge solutions for land maintenance. With a fleet of high-powered Fecon mulchers and dedicated ASV135F machines equipped with 38 hammer and knife teeth, along with skilled operators, Mackay Forestry is primed to tackle any challeng
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In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, Mackay's manufacturing landscape is about to witness a futuristic transformation, thanks to an innovative grant from the State Government. Key Solutions Group, a prominent player in the region's industrial sector, is set to revolutionise its operations with the acquisition of not one, but two cutting-edge Motoman AR1440 series welding robots. Alongside these mechanical marvels, the company will also integrate Power-Trac seam finders/trackers and rotary
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Cigarettes can take 15 years to break down, causing damage to marine life, whilst have the ability to enter the food chain as a microplastic and are considered to be a major contributor towards fires. Knowing this, the No More Butts team are putting the final touches to a series of Big Butt Hunts, to be held across four different locations in North Queensland such as Innisfail, Ayr, Airlie beach and Mackay, this April to tidy up the region in an attempt to combat cigarette littering. Mackay’s
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The Rural Fire Service has served an important role in the way rural communities have responded to fire and protected their homes and agribusinesses. Over recent years, there has been some degradation of the service, and now the state government overhaul - that should have worked to improve rural communities’ capacity to respond to fire emergencies – seems to actively disempower the Rural Fire Service (RFS). The RFS is an organisation of volunteers. T
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Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI) and Honiara Herbarium staff together with Australian Department of Agriculture staff have recently returned from a plant health survey in the Solomon Islands. These joint plant health surveys are a key part of a collaborative partnership that has been running for over a decade which has enabled Australian departments and BSI to work together on many shared biosecurity priorities and activities. This year the plant health survey had two key focus areas, Honiara
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Sporting legend Ash Barty will add her star power to the State Library of Queensland’s successful play-based learning initiative, First 5 Forever. Ash’s new role as First 5 Forever ambassador was announced at a special event at the State Library earlier this month. The tennis champion will promote the benefits of parents and caregivers talking, reading, singing and playing with their children. First 5 Forever helps families discover ways to support their children’s development in the first 5 yea
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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) is investing around one million dollars to improve the area, near its Port of Mackay. The improvements to the North Wall recreational area will provide long-term benefits not only for its current visitors but also for future generations. With a local office in Mackay, landscape architects at RPS Group have been engaged to develop a preliminary layout for consideration. It’s anticipated that the project (including construction) will be completed in
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Do the kids need a back-to-school refresh? Little Treehouse Lane, upstairs in Caneland Central, has lunchboxes, lunch bags, drink bottles, snack containers, backpacks and more! From the super cool sparkly Munchboxes to Montiico insulated food jars, Subo food bottles for the little sippers and Bento cups to divide the food for the fussiest of eaters, there’s something for every age and stage! Check out the range online or visit the team in Caneland Central, upstairs opposite Snap Fitness! (L
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Almost all Queensland children will experience at least one RSV infection by the time they turn two, with the virus the most common cause of hospitalisations among infants and young children. The highly contagious virus attacks the lungs and can spread quickly, particularly between little ones. The State Government will invest $31.06 million to rollout a free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunisation program to more than 70,000 newborn babies, eligible infants and young children. While R
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As we proudly mark our 27th anniversary in Sarina, First National Real Estate reflects on nearly three decades of dedicated service to this growing community. Originating as Honeycombes Sarina in 1995 and later joining the esteemed First National family in 1998, our journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to professionalism and integrity. Throughout the years, our reputation as one of Australia's largest real estate networks has been built upon a foundation of trust and reliability. C
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The Sarina Hospital on Brewers Road has officially opened its doors, marking a milestone in healthcare accessibility for the region. Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, who attended the inauguration, emphasised the significance of the upgraded facilities, including an expanded emergency department, larger consultation rooms, and a purpose-built rehabilitation facility with a spacious gym. "It's got more beds, an expanded emergency department, a rehab gym, and new staff accommodation," Minister Fen
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To celebrate the incredible 19-year journey of Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, we are hosting a Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner. Together, let's acknowledge our shared achievements and toast to continued collaboration for many years to come supporting our community. Join us for an unforgettable evening on 8 June 2024, at the Bob Wood Cultural Hall in Sarina. Doors open at 5:30pm for an event filled with style. In semi-formal attire, anticipate delicious food crafted by Sinful Ki
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