Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Club President, Brendan Bishop welcomed over seventy runners to take part in the annual Construct Health Physio 3km Mackay Road Runners Club Championship event, where the pace was expected to be fast and furious over the flat road race as runners took to the East Mackay streets surrounding Queens Park. Weather conditions were perfect for running as the overcast skies and rainclouds threatened but thankfully didn’t open up throughout the event. Hardy runners knew from the gun that the race was
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures March 3, 2024: Division 1: Jaguar (Vince Boeske, Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan) d Mercedes (Steven Whiting, Graham Brake, Graeme Walker) 7-4. Vince d Graham -6, 8, 7, -11, 6. Lexus (Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent, Barry Patterson) d BMW (Ian McKay, Daniel Warfield, Allan Edwards) 8-3. Andrew d Allan 9, 9, -8, 12. Audi (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake) d Ferrari (Tony Bowman, Geoff Denman) 6-3. Mick d Geoff 2, 8, -10, 7. Division 2: Isuzu (Mark Stam, George Camilleri,
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Weekly Results Monday 4 March 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Jan Harris 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 2nd Patricia Garner / Mick King 2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia 3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson 3rd Monica Darley / Griffin Bancroft 4th Ming Ting / Pamela Finger 4th Marilin Robins / Mick Robins Tuesday Evening 5 March 2024 –5 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Janelle Conroy / Eric Lievesley 2nd Janice Mansfield / Faith Hutchinson 3rd Errol Morris /
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In a groundbreaking moment for adventure enthusiasts and tourism alike, Finch Hatton's Stage 1 Mountain Bike trails have officially opened, drawing scores of mountain bikers to experience the thrilling twists and turns of these newly unveiled pathways. With the inaugural trails now accessible, the stage is set for a monumental transformation in the tourism landscape of the Pioneer Valley. This milestone isn't just about launching trails; it's about igniting a tourism revolution that promises t
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A new agreement has Mackay Airport firmly on the path to becoming carbon-neutral by next year, a status which would make it among the first in Australasia. Mackay Airport, through operator the North Queensland Airports Group, recently entered a six-year partnership with state-owned CleanCo Queensland. Commencing in January 2025, the agreement means 100 per cent of the airport’s electricity, and that of tenants, will be powered by renewable energy. Mackay Airport Chief Executive Officer Richa
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As we approach the upcoming local elections in Mackay, it's imperative that we, as a community, take the time to reflect on the issues that resonate most deeply with us. With a diverse array of candidates vying for council positions, each with their own unique platforms and priorities, it's crucial that voters engage with the specific concerns and aspirations outlined by these contenders. Candidates have articulated a range of issues and proposals that they believe are vital for the future well-
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Discovering hidden treasures during home renovations can be an unexpected delight, as one local recently experienced after renovating their kitchen. While working between the oven and drawer, they stumbled upon an old certificate dating back to 2013, belonging to what she assumed, was one of the previous homeowners. In a commendable effort to reunite the certificate with its rightful owner, the new homeowner took to social media, posting on a local Facebook community page to seek assistance in
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The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a single fatal motorcycle crash in Crediton last week, March 1. Initial information indicates some time the day before on February 29, a motorcycle was travelling west on Eungella Dam Road when it left the road and crashed. Emergency services were alerted to the crash around 7am on March 1. Upon arrival, the rider, a 61-year-old Crediton man was declared deceased. The Pioneer Valley is grieving the loss of David ‘Warby’ Grant, a cherished member and one o
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The Official Blessing and Opening of Stage 2 of Mackay’s newest Catholic secondary school, Catherine McAuley College, was held on Wednesday 7 February. Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton, The Most Reverend Michael McCarthy, conducted the Blessing and Stage 2 was officially opened by Member for Mackay Julianne Gilbert MP representing the Queensland State Government, and Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) Leesa Jeffcoat AM. “This is an exciting milestone for the Catherin
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Mackay is the latest Queensland city to gain a State Development Area (SDA), with the declaration to unlock land for new industrial development and more jobs. The Queensland Government has declared a State Development Area across two sites, at Racecourse Mill and Rosella. The SDA sets aside industrial land to support industry economic diversification, including bioenergy and biofood production. A $4 million Bioenergy Fund opened late last month, on the 29th February 2024. Assistant Ministe
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Mackay bids farewell to a legend as Doug Knight OAM, a pillar of the community and rugby league aficionado, peacefully passed away on February 27, 2024. His legacy, spanning decades of dedication and service, leaves a mark on the hearts of those who knew him. Born in Bowen, Doug devoted many of his teaching years to Victoria Park State School, leaving an unforgettable impact as both an educator and a mentor. His commitment to fostering the potential of countless students earned him widespread r
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With a 10.5% increase in Mackay Regional Council’s rates and charges looming, Mayoral candidate Steve “Jacko” Jackson and his ‘Jacko’s Team - Mackay First’ candidates have made a bold pledge to reduce residential rates. Council's 2023/24 budget document "Statement of Income and Expenses", endorsed by current Mayor Greg Williamson and incumbent councillors, shows a planned spike in rates and charges from $240.5 million this financial year to an eye-watering $266.1 million by 2025/26, a hike of
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Last week, 22 of the 29 candidates running for the position of councillor with the Mackay Regional Council, attended a Q&A forum at the Northern Beaches Bowls Club. Hosted by the Northern Beaches Community Group, the forum aimed to introduce candidates to the public and invite each candidate to answer two questions on relevant local issues. Below is a short summary of their introduction from every candidate who attended. Alison Jones Alison Jones prioritises advocacy and transparency in local
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A single varroa mite has been found in a sentinel beehive at the Port of Brisbane after a routine inspection by Biosecurity Queensland. Diagnostic testing has confirmed the mite is Varroa jacobsoni – not Varroa destructor. Secondary testing is now being conducted to determine if the mite is carrying any exotic viruses of honeybees or if any other exotic bee pests are present. Biosecurity Queensland is undertaking tracing activities to identify the potential source and likelihood of spread. Su
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Sugarcane’s potential as a renewable source of bioenergy, biofuel and bioproducts continues to grow through the concept of the circular bioeconomy. Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) Director Russell Hall believes the sugarcane to be the only 100% renewable energy source. “We cut it and from the day it starts growing again, it’s creating oxygen and natural capital on your farm and its producing natural energy,” he said. “Once harvested, it joins the process of fuel, power, plastic,
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Local pet rescue carers got a snappy surprise visit from a young crocodile lovingly named "Fluffy" by a witty foster carer. Robin and Ros were stunned to encounter the crocodile casually sitting on Golf Links Road late last week. The young croc was said to be approximately two metres in length and was reportedly healthy looking. Despite the initial shock, they managed to snap a quick photo before the croc slipped back into the water and vanished. This unexpected sighting occurred as they were
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Sandra Hubner is the co-owner and administration manager at Get It Done Training PTY LTD. She plays a vital role in empowering individuals to unlock their full potential, with a focus on positivity and encouragement. Sandra is well-known in the community for her support and dedication to helping others thrive. In her position, Sandra works tirelessly to guide individuals towards realising their capabilities and achieving their goals. Whether it's through sales strategies or administrative duti
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Most would know Jay Shipston in the Mackay and Whitsundays community for his cultivating, enthusiastic voice as one half of the dynamic Triple M Breakfast Show. Beginning his career over a decade ago in 2007, Jay has cemented himself as a familiar voice in the community, providing a lively start to each day with his witty banter and infectious energy, brightening up mornings, making people laugh and keeping listeners entertained. When it comes to dance moves, Jay's favourites are the ones tha
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In a significant development for the tourism sector in the Mackay Isaac region, Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) has announced the appointment of Jeff Stewart-Harris PSM as its interim CEO. The move follows the resignation of outgoing CEO, Al Grundy, who has played a pivotal role in facilitating the transition. Effective March 4th, Mr Stewart-Harris steps into the role of interim CEO with a wealth of experience garnered from his extensive tenure in various organisations across the Greater Whitsunday
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Nothing beats being able to say: ‘I am fully qualified’ - and that’s what Courtney and Lauren can now do, after completing their Hairdressing Apprenticeships, with the support of scholarships from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank. After successfully applying for and receiving Apprenticeship Scholarships in 2019 and 2020 respectively, Courtney Kennedy and Lauren Head both went on to find their footing in the hairdressing industry and have flourished, attributing their success to supportive wor
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Join the Sarina Sugar Shed for a special St Patrick's Day cocktail masterclass on Saturday 16th March from 4.30pm, 'cos even leprechauns love rum! Experience all the shenanigans of the sweet masterclasses with a touch of Irish charm, including a unique green cocktail that the team is concocting! It will be loads of fun...to be sure, to be sure! Bookings are essential! Visit the website at www.sarinasugarshed.com.au and click on the Book Now button.
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A group of intelligent young men are the graduates of the RAGE program from last term. They now meet fortnightly with Youth Support Coordinators (YSC) Heidi & Chaplain Ben to connect with one another and discuss daily life, the grind and all things in between as they uplift each other in support. This group aims to break the stigma of talking about mental health and throughout the program, the boys have had the opportunity to hear from local positive male mentors and be trained up to become co
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Just weeks after news of a sharp national spike in asthma deaths – with South Australia recording the highest increase in a single year (88%) – scientists have revealed a promising new treatment for the chronic lung disease. Australian researchers have found that a family of proinflammatory molecules called beta common cytokines control inflammation and scarring of the airways (fibrosis) in severe and steroid-resistant asthma. They believe that a human therapeutic antibody called trabikihart c
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Lots of people ask me and want to be the best they can be and it always seems that healthy people often want to cut out things like sugar, (and that is just one type of carb that causes weight gain for example) and those who might be unhealthy or have a medical illness want to add things in like vitamins. Health is an individual issue to us all and The World Health Organisation states the definition of Health is "a state of complete, physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the abse
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