Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The federal and state governments are upping the ante in the fight against the Red Imported Fire Ant, with the delivery of 150 frontline public sector positions to combat the invasive pest. Public sector status for 150 positions, which previously would have been delivered through contract and labour hire arrangements, will ensure the National Fire Ant Eradication Program continues to retain and attract the best workers in field-based work and increased compliance monitoring. In mid-2023 the Co
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As a leading force in Mackay’s local sugar industry, Mackay Sugar is proud to announce the successful recruitment of ten new and enthusiastic apprentices into its thriving workforce. Mackay Sugar is already one of the largest employers in the Mackay region, employing as many as 1,000 people during the crushing season. This year’s apprentice intake marks yet another significant investment by Mackay Sugar to ensure the future of our region and industry, by fostering local talent right here in TH
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The community of Sarina has been left reeling following last week’s announcement by the National Australia Bank (NAB) that it will be closing its Sarina Branch on Tuesday 23 April, claiming this is due to the majority of their customers changing the way they bank. Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said while numbers have increased in recent years for people using online banking, there are still many people in the Sarina community who prefer to do their banking face-to-face. “Reg
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“Odd Couples – A Season of One Act Comedies” Presented By Kucom Theatre Review by Vicky Bobeldyk Last week, Vicky reviewed The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish by David Tristram. This week, we explore the remaining two plays in Kucom’s three-play comedy act, Odd Couples. Call Centre Call by Bruce Olive Directed by James Hunter Frustration we can all relate to is the focus of the second play on the bill, in which Henry McThistle played by Michael Brennan experiences several autom
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Feeling the financial pinch with higher interest rates and the cost of living?Putting off your health concerns and seeing your GP because of it?Many patients’ health, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, depression (that has lasted more than 6 months), have deteriorated after not seeing their GP during COVID. Not seeing a GP means often ending up in the hospital system which could potentially have been avoided. Most GP practices now must charge an out-of-pocket gap
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Tech millionaire Bryan Johnson continues to back his $2M anti-aging lifestyle, known as 'Project Blueprint.', an attempt at reversing the aging process. He has made headlines over his controversial and unrelenting attempt to live forever and is referred to as a ‘Biohacker’. Fitness experts at SET FOR SET, predict that ‘Do-it-yourself biology’, also commonly referred to as ‘Biohacking’, will be one of the hottest trends for 2024. For those inspired by ‘Project Blueprint’, the experts at SET
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The Soroptimists of Mackay are inviting the community to their ‘Celebrating the Connections of Community’ display, at the Jubilee Community Centre Foyer, open until the end of February. The Soroptimists of Mackay is a group focusing on bettering women's rights, issues affecting women and girls, and creating equality for everyone, and the Mackay group concentrates on assisting vulnerable individuals in the community anyway they can. The Mackay of the Soroptimists were established in 1976, and ar
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Whether your child dreams of a professional dance career or simply wants to get active and make friends, Dance Express has the perfect class! Here your child can find a safe space where they are free to express themselves, build friendships and set the stage for a lifetime of creativity and confidence. From our Award-Winning Ready Set Dance Program for Preschoolers, our V.I.Prep class exclusive to Preppies and our extensive School Aged Program, we can help meet your child’s unique needs, persona
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Unlock a world of new passions and opportunities for both adults and children alike at Mackay's ultimate sport and recreation event—the JET Group Mackay Sport and Rec Expo! With over 100 clubs gathered under one roof, this expo is your one-stop destination to explore a vast array of sports and activities. Mayor Greg Williamson invites attendees to dive into the action-packed day, featuring interactive booths, active zone demonstrations, and thrilling competitions. From parents seeking new spo
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Participating in team sports is a cornerstone of a child's holistic development, offering a wealth of benefits that extend well beyond the boundaries of the playing field. As children eagerly put on their jerseys or lace up their cleats, they embark on a transformative journey that shapes their physical health, social skills, emotional resilience, and cognitive abilities. Team sports contribute significantly to the physical wellbeing of children. Regular engagement in physical activities helps b
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It’s back to school time and unfortunately for many school children (and their parents) it’s also the return of head lice. It’s thought generally that between 20-30 per cent of primary school students are likely to get head lice at some stage. A single infested head can successfully infest a whole classroom and when the children return home, they often unwittingly pass the infestation on to the rest of the family. The telltale signs to look out for in your child include if you notice them scr
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The district bowls Aussie Day Carnival was once again organised and celebrated in style at Mackay City Bowls Club on Shakespeare Street. Most of the district’s top bowlers were there to enjoy spirited games and sharpen their skills leading into a packed bowls calendar of 2024. For the fifteenth year in succession, Jetson Salvage and Scrap Metal, PBC Compliance and R&T Pumps once again sponsored the event. These three businesses were acknowledged and thanked for their continuous ongoing support.
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The bowls community and wider Mackay community was saddened to hear of the passing of Ashlee Knight last month. Ashlee was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma and intercranial hypotension on 27th July, 2020. Chemotherapy for Ashlee included completing twelve cycles over roughly what was an arduous eleven months of treatment. During this period, Ashlee was on track to completing and graduating from her final days of Year 12, even finishing her English assessment hours after treatment, against h
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Over forty Mackay Road Runners and supporters joined in for the grand finale of the 2023/2024 Shawn’s Summer Social Series with the usual 5km and 10km options. The event’s namesake, Shawn Claydon who passed away from Pancreatic Cancer in 2018 had his family in support of the annual social series where funds are donated to Pancare at the end of the series. Among the many outstanding participants, we had: Alana Knezevic, Jose Short, Glynis Forse, Julie Whibley, Jo Skinner, Lily Leven, Paul Macke
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures January 30, 2024: Division 1: BMW (Emma Widdup, Tony Bowman, Ian McKay) d Lexus (Barry Patterson, Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent) 9-2. Andrew d Emma -7, -13, 7, 12, 8. Ferrari (Geoff Denman, Goncalo Serra, Robbie Richards) d Audi (Lee Brake, Lily Boland) 9-2. Lee d Robbie 7, 9, -7, -8, 5. Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan, Vince Boeske) d Mercedes (Graeme Walker, Steven Whiting, Graham Brake) 6-5. Steven d Anne 7, 9, -3, -13, 5. Division 2: Isuzu (Geo
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Ten Mackay teams played in the GNOT (Gold National Open Teams) 1st qualifying event on Saturday 3 February. Gold points are sought after by players as there are limited events that award Gold Points. Team Bugeia is currently in the lead, also congratulations to the novice players who entered this event. Good luck to all for the next round. Weekly Results Monday 29 January 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 1st Noel Bugeia / Geoffrey Patterson 2nd Dav
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Walkerston Roosters Cricket Club are Mackay Cricket Association’s newly crowned Twenty20 First Division Shootout champions for the 2023-24 season. The resurgent Roosters powered their way to a deserved title with a thrilling 14-run Grand Final victory over Pioneer Valley last Saturday night at Great Barrier Reef Arena to cap a memorable campaign. Experienced stalwarts Sam Vassallo, skipper Chris Mceldowney, pace ace Adam Knezevic and quick Nick Lotarski featured prominently in the Roosters’ char
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Hello Everyone, Well, our newspaper deadline day certainly got hectic this week with the announcement on Wednesday that Mayor Julie Hall will not be running in the upcoming Council elections. It will be very sad to see her go as I think she’s done so much for the community, and it would have been exciting to see what she could have done with a full-term. I do, however, completely understand that health and family come first – in fact, I believe they are the two most important things in life.
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At the height of Cyclone Kirrily, with predictions stating it may indeed make landfall near the Whitsundays, Jen Frisby-Young arrived at the Cannonvale SES Site ready to fill and collect some sandbags for her family home. With her husband away at sea for work, Jen headed to the sandbag location with two of her three young children. Once she figured out how the situation worked, she began filling her first sandbag and moved it to her car, when she experienced a touch of pain. “I had just given b
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Inspiring members of the Whitsunday community have been honoured at the 2024 Australia Day Awards held at the Flagstaff Function Centre in Bowen on Saturday. The touching ceremony, which acknowledged many local individuals, was postponed from January 26 and re-scheduled due to Cyclone Kirrily. Citizen of the Year - Christine Hinschen Christine continues to be a beacon of the community, having managed and owned the Anglican Opportunity Shop, as well as being
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Junior Sportsperson Award – Lillian Kelly Known for her work ethic, sporting prowess and academic excellence, Lillian is a powerhouse on the court, having travelled internationally to pursue her volleyball career. She excels with positive sportsmanship and is a dedicated player. This Proserpine State High School student was selected for the 2023 Australian Club U16 national volleyball team which is a testament to her dedication and skill. Lillian not only excels in sports but also maintains hig
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The beloved Pink Stumps ladies’ day, hosted by Bowen Cricket, is back for 2024 and organisers are excited to announce Australian sporting legend, Glenn McGrath of the McGrath Foundation, will be attending the event. Pink Stumps Day is held annually in multiple venues right across the country, and Glenn McGrath attends one each year, with the popular Bowen fundraiser thrilled to welcome him to the region, perfectly timed for their 10th anniversary celebrations. The McGrath Foundation is dedicate
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Private sailing charter company, Waltzing Matilda, and its skipper has been charged $15,000 following a three-day charter which saw the classic sailing yacht without adequate supervision, drifting away with passengers onboard in November 2022. The charter boat had been hired for a 21st birthday celebration which ended in disaster when the skipper disembarked the vessel to venture to Hill Inlet, leaving some of its 13 passengers alone on the vessel. The court found the vessel had been improperl
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