Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Collinsville State High School have officially inducted their 2024 Student Leaders, with a ceremony held earlier this month. The student leaders embody poise, confidence, and an eagerness to serve the school with pride and determination. Senior Leaders Cooper Groocock Claudia Lee Jayme Lee Darcy Teichmann Senior Student Council Executives President: Cooper Groocock Vice President: Claudia Lee Secretary: Darcy Teichmann Treasurer: Mckenzie Grosskreutz House Captains Boomerang Senior
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The end of 1939 saw our first real holiday. Arrangements were made with Ken MacPherson to take our family and the Jenkins family to Nellie’s Beach. When Ken arrived with the seven Jenkins, Colin Hinschen (Doris Jenkins’ brother), his friend Bill Hewson and the five in our family, it made a total of 14, plus Ken the driver. Ken’s truck was a one ton four-cylinder Chev with a tray body. We had borrowed two tents and used our empty 100-gallon tank to store clothes and food. So much had to be tho
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The highly anticipated Rugby League carnival, the Annual Bowen Tens, will be played at Denison Park in Bowen on Saturday. Sponsored mainly by Whitsunday Civil, the day brings much needed funds to the Bowen Seagulls Junior League with various charities also benefitting. A number of Bowen Charities have been the recipients of money from the Bowen Tens. This year the main recipient will be Kids Connecting Parents. Burdekin teams have supported the day since it was first introduced in 2012 with the
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Congratulations to Levi Smith, Lucas Korosec, Eloise Chegwidden, and Ehsan Helou for setting new Cannonvale Cannons’ Breaststroke records. Levi and Eloise set new 200m Breaststroke records, while Lucas set a record for the boys’ 7 years 100m Breaststroke. Ehsan set a record for the 15-year-old boys’ 50m Breaststroke. Well done! This week, Club Secretary, Giselle Burton presented Upgrade certificates to Thomas Ganter, Zach Trefz, Murphy Jamieson, Jax Clayworth, Connor Lee, Noah Maltby, Soph
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With plans in place for our to be constructed new hard cover, our board has set plans for the construction. This week, despite the rain, we still had a full week of competition starting on Tuesday afternoon with Wendy Pomeroy as skipper leading her team of Pam Collins in fine form as lead with John Brown playing excellent bowls at second far too strong for the rest of the field. Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls where there can only be one winner and it was Ted Cullen at skipper who was magnific
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Due to the consistent work put in by those involved in the green preparation, we have been fortunate to have been able to play social bowls on both Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, despite the rain that has been around over the last couple of weeks. On Wednesday, John Anderson and Sandy Daffara defeated Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown 24 - 10. In the other game we had Arthur Griffith play double lead due to having an odd number of players. Arthur, Mike Harrison, and Heather Brown defeated Ar
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Social play on Tuesday resulted in the jackpot going off in the game between Stumpy Adams, Merle Elphinstone, and Penny Warren who defeated Lindy Suann, Irene Laird, and Dot Slater. In the other game Deb Retchless and Steve Roome defeated Robyn Stitt and Kevin Jewell. Our Friday night barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle was a lot of fun. Although it was a little showery everyone enjoyed the night. We will be hosting the next one on Friday 8th March. Fortunately the weather held for our Mixed Op
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Larry Muller had 37 points in Tuesday's stableford event to beat Sean Gower by a shot. Anna Winterbourn edged out Nicole Cooper on 29 points. Pins went to Sean Gower, Diane Chard, Larry Muller and Tina Badenhorst. Wednesday's two-shot winner was Anna Winterbourn with 31 points ahead of Tina Badenhorst; with the pins going to Diane Chard, Rehab Hull, Tina Badenhorst and Jacqueline Wall. Sean Gower won the A division of Thursday's stableford by edging out Chris Brett on 37 points. John Strelec
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This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Edwina Pettiford take first place with 22pts, second with 21 pts was Melinda Macleod and third place with 20 pts c/b was Scotty Hayes – Williams. Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Alan Clinch in first place with 22 pts c/b, second place with 22 pts was Ryan Kenny and third with 21 pts c/b was Tyson Flavel. Sunday was our Monthly medal 18-hole stroke competition, a great turnout which saw Adam Singleton in first place with a 46 NETT, second with a 49 NETT was Jimmy
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The rigging lawn at Bowen's Port Denison Sailing Club was a hive of activity on Sunday morning as four learner Qubes, three Sabots, five Optimists, three Lasers, four Windsurfers and one B14 Skiff took to the water for some training and short course racing practice. Rounding marks close to shore, so many different types of boats sailing together was quite a spectacle. The Jordan family from Mackay drove up to join members from Airlie Beach and Bowen and allow their three very experienced saili
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A major service provided by VMR Whitsunday is to tow vessels to a safe haven (usually their launching point, where possible). Jetskis are different to standard boats, in that they have a water intake at the front, and we have been advised that engine damage may be caused by towing above a recommended speed – sometimes as low as 6 knots - for some makes and models. VMR Whitsunday offers a towing service for most vessels including jetskis, conditions permitting. We suggest that you check your
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Mackay’s home spun rugby league sensation Jaxon Purdue gave a glimpse to the future with an eye-catching debut for North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge last weekend. Lining up at fullback against the Brisbane Broncos at BB Print Stadium, the ground where he cut his teeth in the Mackay Junior League, the versatile rookie showed his class in a 46-20 trial loss. The St Patrick’s College graduate had the local crowd in raptures after swooping on a loose ball and scooting 90 m
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As I typed this heading, I accidentally wrote ‘wider’ instead of ‘wiser’, and had a chuckle, thinking that was perhaps a more accurate depiction of another year around the sun. I’m not sure if we really do get wiser with age, I tend to find myself forgetting almost as much as I’m learning, but I do believe we have a deeper appreciation for moments of authenticity. During my birthday week I was very fortunate to have my cup filled in many ways. First stop: the Gold Coast, where I danced my hear
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In a selfless act, Janine has brought joy to Katie, the lucky recipient of a P!NK concert ticket, with a thoughtful gift of spending money for her upcoming trip to Townsville. Katie, who has been facing her own challenges, found solace and support through the airwaves of the STAR101.9 brekkie show with Scotty and Kaley. Janine, touched by Katie's story, decided to make a difference in her life by gifting Katie an early birthday present of money to spend on her trip, ensuring her 40th birthday ce
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It is with heavy hearts that the Mackay community remembers the life and service of Kevin Casey, a dedicated former councillor whose impact resonated deeply within the Mackay community. Mr Casey embarked on his journey in local governance when he was first elected to the Mackay City Council in 2004, later transitioning to serve on the amalgamated Mackay Regional Council from 2008 to 2020. His commitment to public service spanned 16 years, during which he devoted himself to addressing the need
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When it comes to choosing your council representatives, there's a lot more on the ballot than just the typical talk of rubbish collection and road repairs. It's about finding leaders who can tackle the tough stuff while advocating for progress in creating a place where people are proud to live. Over the past four years of working for the people of Mackay, Councillor Belinda Hassan shoulders an impressive number of Council-related appointments - a total of 17 committees and boards, with an addit
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A total of $193,000 is available now to community and not-for-profit groups through council’s community grants program. Funding is available for small equipment (up to $1500), community initiatives, programs, events and upgrades (up to $7500) and minor infrastructure and assets (up to $30,000). This means grants can be used for everything from buying simple office equipment to infrastructure projects, including concept development, as well as the purchase of large equipment like vehicles.
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For the second year in a row, inspiring 16-year-old girl Taya Rush, is hosting what is expected to be another exciting Charity Golf Day to raise much-needed funds for the RACQ CQ Rescue Chopper. After three years of on-going fund raising for the organisation, Ms Rush remains determined to help keep people living in remote and rural areas safe as she emphasises the importance of the local chopper, ensuring those in need have access to the service. Helicopter services like RACQ CQ Rescue are comm
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Plans for a major accommodation precinct at Mackay Airport continue to progress. A forum has been scheduled for Tuesday March 12, enabling local employers to learn more about the proposed development. Attendees will also have an opportunity to outline their preferences for the precinct, including the size and layout of apartments, and how long their workers may need to reside there. The concept is aimed at relieving the critical strain on workforce accommodation options across the region, which
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Mackay’s Child Youth and Family Health Service has initiated its 2024 support groups for parents. All new parents of babies aged 0-6 months are encouraged to join the Early Parent Groups. These groups are facilitated by a Child, Youth and Family Health clinical nurse, aimed at providing support to families during the initial stages of parenthood. Sessions are scheduled monthly at the Carlyle Community Health Centre on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The agenda across four sessions
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The Mackay Isaac Tourism Board announced that it will soon bid farewell to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Al Grundy, after they accepted a reluctant letter of resignation. Mr Grundy is set to depart from the organisation on March 15, leaving his post to prioritise family time. Mackay Isaac Tourism Chair, Cr Jane Pickels, said while the Board is sad to see Al go, the board is confident that the foundation that has been laid for the tourism industry holds a secure and bright future. “The board i
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Over 1000 residents have signed Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry’s petition to ‘Save Eungella’ and halt the proposed Pioneer Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project. Ms Landry said this was a clear sign that Queenslander’s don’t want the government to sacrifice the unique environment of the Eungella region for their renewable energy plan. “In just over two months, more than 10,000 Queenslanders have signed my petition to call on Labor to stop pushing forward with their plans to decimate the
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Mackay bus stops will become more accessible with planned improvement works. Contractor, Seaforth Civil, will begin upgrading 13 bus stops in the Mackay region this week to ensure they can be used by all residents. The following bus stops will be upgraded: • Camilleri Street near Eimeo Road, Eimeo. • Annie Wood Avenue, Mt Pleasant. • Charles Hodge Avenue, Mt Pleasant. • Bruce Highway, Bakers Creek. • Napier Street at Ivana Court, South Mackay. • Nebo Road at Keith Hamilto
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In a sad and unfair second blow, a young Mackay couple who are currently going through a cancer battle, have had their camping gear stolen from underneath their house just days before they were due to make a bucket-list camping trip. Lilijana and Jedd, had been bravely fighting Jedd’s leukemia diagnosis together when the camping gear was swiped from their North Mackay home. 21-year-old Jedd was diagnosed with leukaemia in July 2023 and in an attempt to experience normality, the couple were set
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Jamay’s family has long been intertwined with Reef Catchments, dating back to our days as the Mackay Whitsunday NRM Group. From attending the Reef Catchments Emersion Training Camp at Action Challenge Bloomsbury at the tender age of 8, Jamay has been actively engaged in sharing Traditional Knowledge with fellow Reef Catchments staff. “I remember on more than one occasion that Mum had to bring me into the Reef Catchments office because I would pretend to be sick, so I would not have to go to s
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