Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Palliative care nurses at the Mackay Base Hospital’s G2 Ward have unveiled the first stage of their plan to improve the clinical environment for their long stay and palliative patients, with the installation of new wallpaper, decorating the walls of the ward. Nurse educator Dee Miller said the group had been working on a plan to wallpaper the walls in two rooms with beautiful scenes for those who are confined to bed for long periods of time. “Room 21 on G2 now features a wallpaper image of Ceda
Read more
Everyone is welcome to come down to the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) hall in Calen for a Meet and Greet ‘Bring a Friend’ Open Craft Day. The morning kicks-off at 9.30am and there will be a host of engaging activities for everyone to enjoy. The mini workshops will be both stimulating and inspiring and there will also be games for those feeling like a bit more fun. A raffle will be drawn and there will be some exciting prizes up for grabs. There will also be a craft display fo
Read more
Amidst the daily demands of working in a business or community organisation, it’s all too common for us to overlook the importance of networking. However, no matter the industry, most business owners and staff will admit the power of networking in providing opportunities for mutual support, knowledge exchange, and business growth. Hosted in Sarina, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank and the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce (MRCOC) extend an invitation to all members of the business community i
Read more
The construction of the new Sarina Hospital is reaching completion and preparations are now well underway for a move from 1 Hospital Street to the new site in April 2024. Executive Director Public Health and Rural Services Terry Johnson said the Sarina project team and others throughout Mackay Hospital and Health Service were working hard to affect a smooth transition. “This is an exciting time for our Sarina Hospital staff and others across the health service who are busy ensuring all the m
Read more
Presented by Kickass Women Photo credit: Indigo Blue Photography
Read more
Celebrating the 2023 major production Breathe In, Crossroad Arts have hit the jackpot after receiving five nominations in the Queensland’s prestigious Matilda Awards. Crossroad Arts is a local Mackay based inclusive arts organisation, recognised as a leading inclusive arts practice in Queensland throughout the duration of 25 memorable years in the region. Those involved in the organisation are at the forefront of current shifts happening nationally in the inclusive arts space. Breathe In is a
Read more
In a touching rescue effort, a group of four tiny kittens, estimated to be around two weeks old, have been discovered seeking refuge under wooden pallets at a local Mackay business. Responding swiftly, the team at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc made it their priority to provide immediate care, arriving on-site shortly after receiving a phone call about the situation. With much to their surprise, no injuries were found. The four tiny kittens were placed on warm towels and a heating pad. Soon after they we
Read more
On Friday 15th March, well-known local identities will take to the stage to display their talents with the support of Choreographer Dolly Louw and back-up dancers from Fame Talent School. One participant will walk away with the coveted Mirror-Ball Trophy. This night of entertainment is all for a great cause, raising money to support the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Over the next four weeks we will profile two dancers each week. First up, Josh and Chloe. Chloe Gunthorpe Chloe Gunthorpe, a Directo
Read more
When I was a kid my father would often hurl the accusation at me that I was “as slow as a wet week”. Partly that was because fathers were less patient in those days but it is also true that the description would emerge when I had been asked (let’s be honest, in those days it was an order) to do something I didn’t really want to do. Typically, that would be a boring chore of some sort. I can’t remember rain interfering much with my activities, limited as they were to kick a ball and ride a bike
Read more
In a world where misleading and damaging influences can have a major impact on our community youth, children and young adults are often left soul-searching for their identity or trying to swim against a tide of stresses and are unsure of how to work through their hardships. In times of despair, it’s important to be led in a positive direction of faith and encouragement. With this in mind, Christian communities are on a mission to help spread the good news that through God and faith, we can
Read more
With Swift mania sweeping the country, Blink 182 returning to the country for the first time since 2013, Pearl Jam announcing an Aussie tour and of course P!nk headed to Townsville next month there is truly something for everyone in the gig circuit right now. Now the growing chorus of people yucking other’s yum is frustrating because when you think about the artist or entertainment that is your favourite, you cannot wrap your head around why others wouldn’t get on the boat with you. Interest is
Read more
Tutti is a vocal ensemble under the direction of Jan Whelan OAM. Jan is known around Mackay, not only for her work with the Mackay Choral Society and Mackay Musical Comedy Players, but also her accompanying work with soloists, school choirs and music ministries. Jan started the group in 2002 as a small ensemble and trios and quartets. Tutti members were very proud when in 2022 Jan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Awards for Services to Music as an Accompanist.
Read more
The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) is moving offsite, with a performance from the Australian Army’s 1 RAR Band at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens on Friday, 2 March, 2024. The decision to host the performance from Townsville’s Band of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (known as 1 RAR Band) at the offsite venue was made following the closure of the MECC’s Auditorium, due to storm damage over the Christmas period. Director Community and Client Services Janine McK
Read more.png)
Launched in 2020, the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre is eager to bring back the 2024 instalment of the September Weekender, the popular event that keeps the entire family entertained. Scheduled for the September School Holidays, this weekend extravaganza features the best of the best, from adults only evenings, musical icons, and circus performance. Now, what’s on the agenda? Day one will see award-winning cabaret, Briefs Factory, alongside celebrated songbird, Sahara Beck, return
Read more
Mackay’s very own Lauren Morgan has been selected in the Australian Under 26 Women team to compete in the 8th World Youth Transnational Championships in Poland later this year. The Australian Bridge Federation have agreed to pay the team entry fees, but Lauren and the other team members need help to cover their travel costs. If anyone or any business would like to help fund the travel for this team or for Lauren, please contact the Australian Bridge Federation (02) 6239 2265 or youth@abf.com.au.
Read more
A selfless group of eager participants met at the Mackay Marina at 5am, on Sunday morning to engage in a 60km Mackay Dragon Boat Club Paddle-A-Thon, raising vital funds for the prevention of homelessness, specifically to Chances Op Shop and Café. With issues like inflation on the rise, the financial struggles and housing crisis continues to worsen, leaving more and more vulnerable locals out on the streets. It is for this reason that a not-for-profit organisation like Chances Op Shop and Café i
Read more
Despite the threatening stormy skies, over eighty runners kicked off at 6.30am last Sunday morning to race the annual 5km and 10km Rural View loop. As runners crossed the finish line, Club Patron Col Meng OAM donated zooper doopers to cool down the devoted participants. Club President Brendan Bishop welcomed many new and existing members to the first handicap points run of the year. Timekeeper and registration assistant, Arthur Dick and Julie Whibley had a big job ahead of them with an awesome
Read more
Mackay Basketball have seen fantastic success, following both their Under 23 teams, the U23 Meteors Men’s and the U23 Meteorettes Women’s taking home the wins at the Mendi U23 Northern Leagues, held at Rockhampton last weekend. The U23 Mackay Meteorettes Women’s Team played four fixtures, against the Rockhampton Cyclones, twice, the Cairns Dolphins, and the Townsville Flames, defeating all teams for a clean sweep win for Round 1. GAME 1: Mackay Meteorettes 89 def Rockhampton Cyclones 64 GAME 2
Read more
Last Saturdays Mackay Parkrun event was not only a celebration of personal achievements but also an appreciation to volunteers involved. Allan Lorraway, achieved a remarkable new personal best by shredding off 1 minute and 36 seconds from his previous score in his 149th parkrun finish. His previous on-going participation and eagerness has finally paid off and members of the Mackay Parkrun couldn’t be prouder. The success of Event #369 was made possible by the tireless efforts of a dedicated t
Read more
One of Australia’s cricketing greats, Glenn McGrath delighted the crowds at the 10th annual Bowen Pink Stumps Day which took place in Bowen last weekend. Bowen Cricket Association were once again pleased with the turnout of over 200 ladies, who braved the rain and attended the event in an array of pink outfits that included everything from gum boots to elegant dresses. The afternoon ensued with delicious food, reels of laughter and of course important education on breast cancer. Over $6.5K was
Read more
Hi Everyone, Great to hear Bowen Pink Stumps was another huge success over the weekend and congratulations to the organisers, Bowen Cricket Association, whose event was once again able to be included in the top 10 of fundraisers Australia-wide. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Bowen Pink Stumps event was made even more special by the attendance of cricketing legend Glenn McGrath who catapulted our small regional town onto the national playing field once again. Our journalist,
Read more
The Year 12 cohort at Whitsunday Christian College spread the Valentine’s Day love last week, gifting students and members of staff with a rose on Wednesday, February 14. The students were excited to get involved, hand delivering roses to all students, from pre-kindergarten to Year 11, and all members of staff. “We thought that roses would be a great way to spread love and kindness throughout the school for Valentine’s Day,” the Year 12 students explained. “Staff, students, and families respo
Read more
By Paul Gellatly Bowen’s Chamber of Commerce has raised a jar to the health of Whitsunday region projects ahead of council elections in mid-March. At its monthly meeting on February 14, the chamber heard addresses from Chris Monsour, agronomist and director of Prospect Agriculture, which operates a 250-hectare agave farm between Bowen and Proserpine; and Sean Brown, director of Bowen Pipeline Company, which is planning to build a 115-kilometre water pipeline from the Burdekin River to Bowen.
Read more
Raising money and awareness for a cause close to their hearts, local couple Jared and Sophie Russell have launched a campaign to encourage more donations to fund much-needed research into brain cancer. Sophie’s father, Brendan who is in his late 50s, was sadly diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme grade 4 in August 2023, and since then the family have been passionate about raising both money and awareness. Originally from Armidale NSW, Brendan (Brenno) is a regular visitor to the Whitsunda
Read more