By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The harvest should be winding up in the next few weeks. But it’s not. It runs against sugarcane agronomy, and it runs against cane supply agreements. Grower confidence is suffering under the influence of another long and arduous crush, potentially heading to a third consecutive year of harvesting into the Christmas curfew period, or at the least, cutting right up until Christmas. It cuts against profitability, with a high likelihood of cane left in t
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Gargett branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association will mark its 75th anniversary on 20th November, with a special luncheon reminiscent of times gone by. This month, the children and grandchildren of those women will be at the centre of the branch’s anniversary celebrations, joining past and present QCWA members and people with links to the branch at a birthday luncheon at Gargett Hall. A morning tea, as well as a display of photos through the ages will be a part of the itinerary, to
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With chiropractic care as the largest natural health profession in the world, Experience Healing is the leading choice in treating and maintaining physical health for people of all ages. Experience Healing Chiropractic Centre has provided the Mackay region with the best chiropractic care for over eight years and counting. Experience Healing believes in correcting the pillars of physical health, movement, strength, posture and balance. When these pillars are improved, pain is reduced and optima
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Bell's Palsy Recovery Bell's Palsy often manifests as sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, leading to drooping features, difficulty in speech, and eye-related problems. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has gained recognition for its effectiveness in addressing the symptoms of Bell's Palsy. Bell's Palsy is a neurological condition that can strike without warning, causing temporary facial paralysis and a host of associated discomforts. It is something the tea
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I was talking to a young female friend recently and she told me she had left her car in a 30-minute parking zone and that time-period had already lapsed. But she was having fun and didn’t feel like bothering with the car so she was going to “risk it for the biscuit”. I might have been hiding under a rock but I hadn’t heard the term before. I liked it and it is one of those terms where you can work out what it means. That’s not the case with a lot of the terms Millennials and some Gen-Xers use w
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Christmas is a magical time for families, filled with joy and cherished moments. Yet, for busy mumpreneurs juggling the demands of business and family life, it can also be a period of financial stress. Balancing the costs of gifts, decorations, and special meals while running a business can seem overwhelming. Fear not, fellow mumpreneurs! Here are five money-saving strategies to help you enjoy a memorable Christmas without draining your budget. 1. Strategic budgeting: Start by creating a clear
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OPINION PIECE I am a single mum, in my 40s, with two primary school-aged kids. I was approached to run for public office when they were only toddlers. I named all the reasons under the sun why I didn’t belong as a councillor. But I do. My experience, not only as a mother with a young family, but an individual with layers of knowledge from the health and resources sectors, brought a unique perspective to the council chamber. My influence has directly resulted in outcomes that may have been
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OPINION PIECE We love Friday’s. They are one of the better days that end in Y. But do you know why Friday is such a good day? Have a look around you. Do you see something that makes you smile? A photo on the wall? Kids play stuff all over the front yard? Grass that hasn’t been cut in a few weeks? Maybe a washing basket on the laundry floor that’s overflowing? That’s the stuff we love. It’s real life, and without all that stuff, where would we be? The last few weeks have reminded me to be than
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A brilliant line-up of highly awarded new films from around the globe will light up the big screen in Mackay at BCC Mount Pleasant, from 17th to 19th November, bringing exciting world-class cinema to sunny Queensland. The Travelling Film Festival brings international and Australian film programs to venues and locations that would not ordinarily get to see the range of films on offer in a cinema setting. Featuring six award-winning and nominated feature-length films and three award-winning Austr
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Friday 10 November Keep the Speed off the Streets! (Test & Tune) Gates open 3pm Scrutineering opens at 4.00pm to 6.00pm Racing from 5.00pm to 9.00pm. $20 Spectator tickets available at the gate. Palmyra Dragway Paxtons Night Markets 4pm to 8pm Mackay’s original and truly local handmade Night market. A unique shopping experience with quality stalls, live music, food and the best location on the river. | Free entry. 10 River Street Friday Night Live Music Every Friday from 5pm Join us on Fri
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Dance Express Mackay is thrilled to hit the stage on 19th November in a dance extravaganza like no other - No need to toss up which concerts to see in 2023, the concert of the year is right here! The Dance Express kids will have you grooving in your seat from their larger-than-life Ready Set Dancers making a stage debut, to their Graduating Seniors taking their final bow. A spectacle for the whole family, Dance Express concerts are known for their high energy and entertainment factor. “After p
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Local businesses have the opportunity to learn essential digital marketing skills in face-to-face workshops this November. Run by digital marketing agency Rebel Nation, the small group workshops allow participants to upgrade their marketing knowledge, learn new tools and ask questions specific to their business. Rebel Nation head trainer Jade McAuley said the final 2023 workshops were two of her “favourite” topics because of “the massive impact they can have on your business, and anyone can use
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Mackay Regional Council's Australia Day event grants are now open and local community groups are encouraged to apply. Mayor Greg Williamson said council was excited to offer the Australia Day event grant funding once again for 2024. “Our 2023 Aussie Day community events had a record attendance of more than 2900 people, so we are looking forward to another exciting Aussie Day event line up,” Mayor Williamson said. “Not-for-profit community groups can apply for up to $1000 to support their Austral
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Mackay Regional Council is on the hunt for unsung heroes, community volunteers, inspirational sportspeople and local legends of all ages. Now is the time to nominate residents for the 2024 Australia Day Awards. Nominations are now open for the following categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Arts and Culture, Environmental Achievement, Lori Burgess Community Volunteer, Community Group, Senior Sports and Young Sports Award. Mayor Greg Williamson said there had been so many tr
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By Chris Karas Mackay Meteorettes coach Jamiey Douvendans has a sharp eye for basketball talent. The respected hoops mentor has just returned from the Champion Basketball School of Queensland Junior Secondary tournament on the Gold Coast where he marvelled at the skills sets on show. In his role as Coaching Co-ordinator of the St Patrick’s College Mackay basketball program, the experienced Douvendans guided the school to a Boys Division Three Grand Final appearance and a top five finish in the
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Twin centuries by talented Walkerston juniors Tyler Peters and Cooper Newbury proved the highlight of fourth round limited overs action in the Mackay Junior Cricket Association competition. Padding up in the Under 15B division, the promising colts turned on a batting masterclass to help the Walkerston Under 14s team amass an imposing tally of 1-252 in the 25 overs per side fixture at McLennan Park. In an entertaining run fest the flamboyant Peters blasted 103 runs off only 56 deliveries includ
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An exciting day for the Dolphins of Pioneer Swimming Club came on 4th November, with a local swim meet in the beautiful Isaac region, hosted by Moranbah Highlanders Swimming Club. Twenty-six Dolphins made the day trip out to Moranbah, where swimmers enjoyed a day in the sun seeking more personal bests. A highlight of the meet were the Reg and Cecilia Abbott and Naomi McGilvray events – a 200m Freestyle event for 9 years and under, and 10 years and over respectively. In the 9 years and under ev
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The phrase ‘unfinished business’ gets thrown around a great deal in sports, but when Isaac White refers to it, it couldn’t ring truer. The 25-year-old had arguably one of the best individual state league campaigns in the history of Mackay Basketball in 2023, but a late-season quadricep injury forced the McDonald’s Meteors Most Valuable Player to spectate from the sidelines, as his teammates went down to the South West Metro Pirates 94-72, in an NBL1 North elimination quarter-final. “Watching
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Mackay witnessed an exhilarating showcase of cycling prowess at the recent Mackay Cycling Club Track Open, held on 28th October. Cyclists from across the region put their skills to the test, battling strong winds to deliver an unforgettable day of competitive racing. Local Mackay riders made their mark across all grades, emerging victorious in events spanning A-grade men to junior categories. The standout moment of the carnival was the gripping showdown in the Wright Family Shield senior handica
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures October 31, 2023: Division 1: Echo (Mark Sleeman, Steven Whiting, Graham Brake) d Charlie (Anne Sheridan, Robbie Richards, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Steven d Anne -9, 6, 6, -10, 6. Foxtrot (Tony Bowman, Tim Sheehan, Geoff Denman) d Bravo (Graham Drury, Vince Boeske, Ivan Perkins) 8-3. Tony d Graham -11, 9, -7, 8, 8. Delta (Ian McKay, Barry Patterson, Lee Brake) d Alpha (Mick Ruhl, Janice Kent, Andrea Nicholson) 6-5. Janice d Lee 5, -11, -12, 9, 11. Divis
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Mackay-Whitsunday Development team have secured the North Queensland Alliance Under 25 Zone Cricket Championship following a victory double last weekend at Harrup Park. The Cyclones edged out Central Queensland on percentages to claim the trophy after posting impressive wins over Far North and North Queensland sides in limited overs fixtures at Roy Trevaskis Oval. Both Mackay-Whitsunday and Central Queensland finished the series with three victories each. Under the guidance of coach David Smi
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The Gold Coast Suns touched down to a welcoming party at Mackay Airport on the 2nd of November to battle it out against the Essendon Bombers in Round 10 of the AFLW, with the Friday night showdown played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. Four players from the Gold Coast Suns are local to our region, including star ruck, Lauren Bella. Lauren commented on the opportunity, “I look at it really fondly, so grateful for the opportunity to be able to play in front of my family and friends. “I think i
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Catherine McAuley College was a great starting point for the second Mackay Shawn’s Summer Social Series 5k and 10k events, seeing perfect running conditions and a keen crowd of families, newbies and regular runners take up the challenge. A great effort by the Evetts and Knezevic families, pushing their children in double prams for what was an awesomely tough training session. Paul Mackenzie continued his sizzling form, as did Alana Knezevic, Luke Leven, Rodney Elworthy, Riley Matsen, Grant H
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Weekly Results (ending 5th November) 30th October – 4 Table Howell Green Points 1st – David Ting and Eric Goodchild 2nd – Geoff Cowan and Sandy Patterson 3rd – Edward Kliese and Diane Stokes 31st October 2023 – 4 Table Howell Green Points 1st – Eric Goodchild and Noel Bugeia 2nd – Debra Goodchild and Ian Cruickshank 3rd – Marilin Robins and Faye Wright 31st October – Australia-Wide Restricted Pairs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South 1st - Carmel Brown and Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd -
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The Mackay Cutters have secured a high-quality signing for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with former NRL and Super League player Kenny Edwards. Edwards is a skilful back-rower who has played 70 games for the Parramatta Eels, before heading to the UK Super League where he played a further 116 games for Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants and the Castleford Tigers. His signature to the Cutters, along with Tongan international centre Mahe Fonua and playmaker Riley Dean is set to make a strong impa
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