Issue #

For Your Financial Future

Steve Obst is the new face at Eclipse Financial Services in Cannonvale, although by no means is he new to the business of helping people achieve a better lifestyle.

Chamber Chat

With COVID part of our new normal – it is time for sensible conversations about how to live with and move forward with the virus as part of everyday life. Constantly changing rules and requirements need to become a thing of the past.

Volunteer Of The Year – Ron McCall

Receiving one of the most honourable awards at the Australian Day celebrations last month Ron McCall was humbled to be the recipient of the Wally Hinschen Volunteer of the Year Award and, having known the award’s name-sake personally, this acknowledgment was even more meaningful.

Youth Parliament Nominations Now Open

Whitsunday youth between the ages of 15 and 25 are now eligible to nominate for the 2022 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament Program and those interested are encouraged to submit their applications.

New School Term, New School Rules

The new school term kicked-off this week with many local students racing to get through the doors and teachers excited to have their classrooms full of young faces, eager to learn and interact.

Local Tourism Operators Celebrate As International Borders Open

For the first time in almost two years, Australian borders will soon open to the rest of the world, allowing international tourists to visit the Whitsundays once again and provide much-needed relief to our ailing tourism industry.

One Step Closer To Finding Jay’s Killer

The cold case that left police stumped for over a decade and resulted in two arrests in 2019 may finally be coming to an end next month when one of the alleged killers is expected to offer a guilty plea at the supreme court.

Do Your Containers Count?

While many local residents are throwing their empty plastic, aluminium or glass containers into their yellow bin, those savvy enough to earn a bit of money through their recycling efforts are taking them to a local Containers for Change Depot and receiving 10 cents for every eligible drink bottle.

Seatbelts A Must For Buses

Next week, it will have been six years since the tragic passing of Casey Stinson-Brown, a 19-year-old who suffered fatal head injuries after the bus he was on veered off the road and rolled on Shute Harbour Road near Brandy Creek when he was returning home from TAFE.

SHOW ME THE MONEY!

On the Green at Goosies

Last weekend saw the start of our club championships, with the first round of A grade singles and pairs being played. Results are on the notice board. Please check the board for details of further games.

Your Weekly Cutters Check-Up

The Cutters have had another big week at the end of January, plying their trade at the preseason training, as well as receiving some good news from the North Queensland Cowboys.

From Three to One Hundred And Three

When North Mackay Athletics say come one, come all, they really mean it, with their come and try day at the Pioneer High School Oval on Sunday February 20 open for everyone in town.

A Smashing Opening For 2022 Table Tennis

A new year of table tennis competition is under way with strong fields contesting Tuesday morning and night fixtures.

Big Moves For Mackay AFL

AFL Queensland welcomed a new face last week, with the announcement of not a new player signing, but of Alex Brooks as the new Competition Manager in Mackay.

Last Chance Tonight To See ‘Battle Of The Birds’

Mackay has experienced its first taste of Suncorp Super Netball with the Queensland Firebirds and Collingwood Magpies playing a pre-season double-header. The second game is tonight (Friday 11 February), being played at the Mackay Basketball Stadium.

Covid Can’t Stop The Good Craft

The Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre is fighting back against COVID. The centre is continuing to offer a wide range of home-made crafts to visitors and locals seven days a week in a COVID-safe environment.

Mandates For The Miners

Mandatory vaccination has struck workers jobless at regional mines this past week, with many Mackay locals now unemployed with the resource industry’s support of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations.

Shine A Spotlight On Inspirational Isaac Women

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Inspiring Women in Isaac Awards, where men and women come together to celebrate the powerhouse females in our lives.

Disaster Assistance Extended For Isaac Regional Council

Disaster assistance is now available for Isaac Regional Council following the severe flooding event between November and December last year.

Inspiring The Next Generation Of Reef Warriors

With one of the seven wonders of the natural world in our backyard, tourism operators and local schools are partnering up to give the next generation of reef warriors educational experiences in Australia’s largest outdoor classroom.

Sport And Community At The Core Of Club

More than $6,600 of grants has been awarded to deserving organisations and individuals, thanks to a new initiative from one of Mackay’s popular sporting clubs.

A Special Delivery

After RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter’s self-described “horror week,” the crew of the invaluable service were treated to a precious and beautiful moment that served as the antithesis to seven days of loss and grief.

The Perfect Time For Property Is When You’re Ready

Well, 2022 has well and truly started, and for the real estate industry it seems like the momentum hasn’t changed from what it was in 2021. There has been speculation around this ‘uplift’ in the market being a sporadic event and that it won’t last this year and buyers should hold off making a purchase, waiting for a crash of sorts to affect our property market.

Property Point

He was an older bloke, in his late 60s, and after being through a divorce that left him with virtually nothing, he was living in a campervan with his two little dogs in the backyard of a mate’s place.