Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Amid recent news surrounding the former owner's liquidation, Grazing Goat Cafe, nestled on Wood St, assures its patrons of uninterrupted service and thriving business under new ownership. Current owner Renyee Bencsis emphasises that the cafe remains unaffected by the previous owner’s financial setbacks, assuring customers of business as usual. The popular cafe was initially founded by accountant Michael Harris. Recent ASIC filings revealed that Harris' personal company, Sureline Investments Pty
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Mackay will play host to the 2024 Australian Regional Tourism Convention, taking place from 9th to 11th October 2024. This announcement signifies the council's commitment to advancing regional tourism and fortifying the area's tourism industry, driving economic growth and opportunities. “We are excited to be working with Mackay Regional Council to deliver the 2024 ART Convention,” said Joel Chadwick, Australian Regional Tourism Chair. "The convention is renowned as the preeminent event for ind
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Congratulations to Peyton Simpkin from Chelona State School, who was awarded the 2023 Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Community Citizenship Student Role Model Award for Grade 6. Peyton was chosen as she demonstrated consistent effort and application across school pursuits, showed respect and concern for others and participated actively in school and community activities beyond set requirements. Chelona SS Principal Mrs. Brown presented Peyton with an award and a $50 bank account voucher. C
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Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have removed a one metre crocodile from a chicken coop at a home north of Mackay. Wildlife Officers were called to the Cape Hillsborough home about 9am on the 8th January after residents found the small estuarine crocodile in their yard. The residents had initially thought the reptile was a goanna, but upon closer inspection realised it was a small crocodile and reported it to the department. Fortunately, all chi
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You're in - you have your first full time job but now you need to learn to save. Here's how to budget your salary for the first time. The key is to start small and be consistent. Knowing exactly where your money goes each pay will give you control over your finances. You know what position you’re in and you’re better prepared to make informed financial decisions. Start small Leaving yourself a bit of wiggle-room is the golden rule of budgeting. So, start small with your savings. It keeps you fo
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The Australian South Sea Islander community made a significant contribution to Australia's sugar and cotton industries' development. Between 1863 and 1904, an estimated 55,000 to 62,500 Islanders were brought to Australia for labour on sugarcane and cotton farms in Queensland and northern New South Wales. Known as 'Kanakas' (a Hawaiian word for 'man'), these labourers often faced forced removal from their homes, a practice referred to as 'blackbirding' (where 'blackbird' was synonymous with sl
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In the heart of Mackay's thriving sugar industry, the 2023 Mackay Sugar Apprentice of the Year Awards mark a celebration of excellence and dedication. These awards honour individuals who have demonstrated outstanding proficiency in boilermaking, electrical work and fitting. They represent the promising future of an industry deeply rooted in Mackay's heritage. Among the winners are:
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables have recently welcomed a trio of new apprentices to their team at Plane Creek Mill, representing a significant addition to the Mackay region's trade workforce. The new apprentices completed their two-week Safe Start program earlier this month before beginning work at their respective sites. Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said the two-week Safe Start program prepared the new apprentices for what life would be like in Wilmar’s mills. “It’s about getting them
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As the calendar resets and the New Year unfolds, it presents an opportune moment for introspection, growth, and personal transformation. The concept of unlocking your best self isn't merely a cliché; it's a journey toward building resilience, fostering self-discovery, and embracing reinvention. Resilience, the cornerstone of this journey, embodies the ability to bounce back from adversity, navigate life's challenges, and emerge stronger. It's not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them
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Struggling with sticking to your New Year's resolutions? Adjusting your mindset might just be the key. New research from MyFitnessPal, the leading global nutrition and food tracking app, reveals that over half of Australians (57%) find it challenging to sustain healthy habits, despite setting resolutions for 2024. While a significant majority of Gen Z (82%) and millennials (80%) have committed to resolutions, only a mere 12% are expected to maintain them throughout the year. According to psychol
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The New Year has rolled around again! As have our new or often old resolutions yet again. So I would like to work on the concept of resolution - or as I prefer to call them Your life changing Goals - whether health or any goal that is important to you and worth doing, that will to make your life better by the end of 2024 1. Never start toward your goal, until you are back to ' normal life'- at work/ school /home! When made over the Festive Season, we often forget how busy, tiring, and dema
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As severe heatwaves are likely to continue across our region in the next couple of months, we all need to take care. Everybody is at risk of heat-related health problems, and it’s important to know the risks of heat, who is at risk, how to prepare, and how to protect yourself and others. When it’s very hot, your body tries to cool down by sweating. Sometimes sweating isn't enough to cool you down. This can make you feel sick, with symptoms like feeling dizzy, having a headache, feeling nauseous,
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Prepare your taste buds for an exceptional gastronomic delight as Mackay’s prodigal daughter, acclaimed chef Sarah Todd, makes a much-awaited return to her hometown. Set to unfold on the 9th and 10th of February 2024, this exclusive event promises an evening of culinary magic, celebrating Todd's culinary journey and showcasing her delectable creations. Anchored by the culinary prowess of Ms Todd, this homecoming event invites food enthusiasts to a mesmerising affair featuring an assortment of he
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The fervour of basketball in Mackay is set to ascend to new heights as five talented athletes from the Crater secure their spots in the Basketball Queensland U20 men’s and women’s state teams. These athletes, set to compete in the forthcoming 2024 Basketball Australia National Junior Championships in Victoria next month, are poised to make their mark on the national stage. The players who will don the maroon and gold at the championships include Charli Bliss, Monique Bobongie, Phoebe Holmes, Ama
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Walkerston Cricket Club have continued their resurgence in the 2023-24 Mackay Association Twenty20 Shootout Division One competition. The high-flying Roosters grabbed a share of second position on the table after chalking up thrilling victories over Pioneer Valley and Brothers last weekend to bolster their finals claims. They are joined by Pioneer Valley and Magpies on 24 points – six behind pacesetters Norths Devils (30 points) after seven rounds. Spearheaded by trump cards Darryn Dyer and L
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Mark your calendars for an exhilarating showcase of athleticism as Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena unveil the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Arena Gift, slated to electrify Mackay on March 23, 2024. This eagerly awaited event promises a dynamic spectacle, spotlighting Australia's top running talents across nine thrilling races. It’s a celebration that embraces athletic prowess and community unity in a grand display. Set on the newly completed Great Barrier Reef Arena grass track, the
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The Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions are gearing up for an exciting artistic endeavour that promises to elevate the profile of local graphic artists while offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talent. This remarkable initiative provides an opportunity for a Youth Artist from the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday Regions to design the artwork that will be featured on the 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride cycling jersey and proudly worn by approximately 1,000 participants on Sund
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With more than thirty eager runners joining the 11th leg of the Shawn’s Summer Social 2023/2024 Series, the weather brought a mix of overcast skies and breezes, offering respite from the heat. Despite the humidity, participants tackled 5km, 10km, and various distances in between, starting from the Magpies Sporting Club carpark and winding through Glenella's back streets towards the Gooseponds. Notably, pram pushers like Adam Knesevic and Ryan, and Bec Evetts manoeuvered their double prams expert
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The ever-present and commendable Senior Sergeant of Whitsunday Police Station, Sgt Nathan Blain, is sadly leaving the region. Sgt Blain began his Queensland Police service in 1996 and was one of the first to complete his training at the North Queensland Police Academy in Townsville. “I was actually on my honeymoon when I received advice that I was accepted. So, Traci and I had six weeks as a married couple before I went off to the academy,” Sgt Blain recalls.
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Hello everyone! And just like that, week two of 2024 is done and dusted. I do think it’s kinda crazy to think that just over two weeks ago, we were all in the relaxation and partying mood, and now, most of us are back to work, or about to get back to work, and falling into age-old routines once again. I just want to use this opportunity to reflect on my time in the Whitsundays. I moved here just on 10 months ago, and since then, I have grown so much. This is my first time living so close to th
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The Whitsunday Food Pantry, a community outreach program organised and hosted by the Whitsunday Impact Church, is back open for business in 2024. Operating since mid-2022, the Whitsunday Food Pantry is committed to providing residents of the community with free food to feed local families. Manned by Whitsunday Impact Church volunteers, the Pantry is open and available for anyone who is struggling to feed their family and buy food. With no questions or restrictions, families are welcome into th
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Meet the newest resident of the Whitsundays region - beautiful baby boy Timothée Jean Fuzier, who chose the special date of January 1 for his arrival last week. Timothée (his name is the French version of Timothy) was the first baby born at Proserpine Hospital for 2024, arriving on Monday at 1.59pm weighing 3880 grams (8lb 5oz). He also claims the honour of being the first baby born across the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) region which stretches from Sarina to Bowen and west to Cler
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Over the course of several weeks, residents of Midge Point, Bloomsbury, and Laguna Quays have been inundated with extreme power loss and shortages, hindering holiday plans and causing undue stress during the summer heat. Turning to their community Noticeboard on Facebook, residents outlined their frustrations and displeasure with the unprecedented power outages. One resident, taking to the Noticeboard stated on December 27, “Ergon needs to take one month off everyone's monthly connection fee,
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Driver Caught Under The Influence, Cannonvale A 24-year-old male resident of Cannonvale has been arrested and charged following an alleged incident at 5:15pm on January 6 on Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale. It's alleged that patrolling police stopped a vehicle for the purpose of a roadside breath test on Shute Harbour Road after observing the vehicle cross onto the incorrect side of the road. The driver was subjected to a roadside breath test. As a result, it's further alleged that the driver
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