Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Sarina Cricket Association is charging into another season, with both juniors and seniors already back on the pitch and games running through to 5 April 2026. Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has proudly supported the club over the years with major sponsorship, assisting the Association in their efforts to grow from a single team into 10 teams across all age groups. With continued support from Community Bank Sarina, this family friendly cricket club has created more opportunities for p
Read more
That Place Mackay hosted a successful Open Day for families and the community last Saturday, 20th September, offering a first-hand look at the local disability service provider’s programs and facilities. Founded by local fathers Steve and Tim, who both have children with disabilities, That Place Mackay provides after-hours activities and safe, inclusive spaces for young people in the region. Free Saturday morning sessions allow participants of all ages and abilities to enjoy games, art, c
Read more
Nothing redhotblue creates is accidental. Every project is handcrafted to spark curiosity, make an impact, or evoke emotion. When a business knows its marketing objectives, it can afford to be more playful, daring, and even spontaneous. The seemingly ‘random’ becomes intentional, fun becomes functional, and every creative choice works harder because it ties back to the bigger picture. Imagine this: You’ve poured months of late nights into your marketing - teaching yourself new tools, fine
Read more
For A Celebration Of The World’s Greatest One Hit Wonders! From the award-winning creators of Golden and Lovely Day comes a brand-new music experience that will have audiences singing along from start to finish. Wonder celebrates the greatest one hit wonders of all time, brought to life by three of Australia’s finest performers, country music star Brooke Schubert (The Voice Australia, Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols), theatre icon Marcus Corowa (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,
Read more
Mackay’s Beeyoutiful Pageant Inspires All Ages In a world often focused on competition and comparison, the Beeyoutiful Charity Pageants offer a refreshing alternative: a space where local women, girls, and even men can shine, grow, and celebrate themselves, without the pressure of rivalry. More than crowns and sashes, the event is about nurturing confidence, fostering self-love, and creating a supportive, joyful environment where everyone is encouraged to step into their best self. Founde
Read more
The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail is set for a major upgrade, with Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP announcing $75,000 in funding to improve the much-loved community asset. The boost, delivered through the Department of Transport and Main Road’s Rail Trail Program, will resurface around two and a half kilometres of the track, enhancing safety, accessibility, and the experience for locals and visitors alike. Mr Kelly said that the $75,000 will go a long way in adding to the work that’s already
Read more
Major upgrades have now been completed at Alsatia Park, with the community already taking advantage of the improvements. Following extensive community consultation, new play equipment, barbeque facilities and football posts have been installed. The redesigned park also ensures greater separation of the younger children's playground and the skatepark as highly requested by the community. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said a lot of work had been done to ensure the park caters to a range of
Read more
Top Parks To Visit For Picnics, Play And Holiday Fun Make the most of the sunshine these school holidays with some of the region’s best parks and playgrounds – perfect for family adventures, picnics, and play. Queens Park Home to one of the biggest playgrounds in the region, Queens Park is a must-visit. With sky-walk towers, toddler play zones, swings and seesaws, kids of all ages will be entertained. Wander through the orchid house or simply relax in the open gardens. Northview Park Thi
Read more
Water and fertiliser are two of the biggest costs – and opportunities – for cane farmers, and new insights are highlighting how the two are closely linked. According to Farmacist agronomists, irrigation scheduling can play a decisive role in whether nitrogen fertiliser is effectively used by the crop or lost through run-off, leaching or denitrification. With sugarcane heavily reliant on nitrogen for growth, ensuring the nutrient remains in the root zone is vital. Poorly timed irrigations
Read more
Federal Coalition representatives are warning that Labor’s mining regulations and coal royalty regime are costing jobs and damaging regional economies, with urgent calls for reform. Shadow Minister for Resources Senator Susan McDonald said mining companies were preparing to mothball Queensland assets, with suppliers already being told their services were no longer required. She said three years of the Albanese Labor Government’s policies had left miners struggling. “This is a dire warni
Read more
The resilience, beauty, and spirit of rural Australia have been captured in the winning entries of Rural Aid’s sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition. This year’s competition drew a record-breaking response, with 201 entrants submitting 429 photos – almost double the number received in 2024. The powerful images tell stories of life on the land, from moments of quiet reflection to the vastness and challenges of the Australian landscape. Ten winners were each awarded a $25
Read more
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay In the heart of Australia’s sugar-growing region, Mackay, “The Sugar City”, there exists sugarcane transport networks of the region’s two milling companies -the German- and Grower-owned joint venture Mackay Sugar, and Singaporean-owned Wilmar Plane Creek. These transport networks play a pivotal role in the production process, moving millions of tonnes of sugarcane each crushing season, from farms’ point of delivery cane rail sidings to the fact
Read more
Invest Or not? Last year alone the tourism industry contributed approximately $666.3-million to the Mackay region. The tourism industry is a vital part of our economy. Improving our region economic viability and diversifying our economy has been a strong focus for our council over the past years. Sarina Field of Dreams Parklands plays an important role in the tourism industry as it forms the southern gateway to the Mackay region. It is the home of the Tourist Information Centre, Arts and C
Read more%5B21%5D.jpg)
Putting Inclusion Into Action Join QDN’s Mackay Inclusion Matters Forum to explore how inclusive communities are built, lived, and strengthened – by everyone. Mackay Inclusion Matters forum, hosted by QDN Peer Leaders will showcase what real inclusion looks like across the seven outcome areas of Australia’s Disability Strategy. Join people with disability, families, allies and organisations as we share ideas, solutions and practical actions for building stronger, more inclusive communitie
Read more-a-beautiful-landscape-work.png)
Artspace Mackay will unveil three compelling exhibitions this Friday, September 26, celebrating the diversity and depth of contemporary art across Australia and beyond. Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood said each of the three exhibitions were deeply personal and depicted the artists’ relationships with people and the world around them. “In the Main Gallery, En Plein Air traces the artistic pilgrimages of a unique collective of contemporary Australian and New Zealand painters,” Ms
Read more
Community Encouraged To Share Their Story Online This October, Hugh Reilly Real Estate is proud to celebrate 80 years of service to the Mackay region – a milestone that wouldn’t have been possible without the many dedicated people who have worked within the business over the decades. As part of the celebration, Hugh Reilly Real Estate is inviting all former employees to come together and reconnect at this special anniversary event. It’s a chance to reminisce, share stories, and honour the
Read more
Your Inner Wellness Engine Your gut isn't just about digestion – it’s a powerhouse influencing immunity, mood, and overall wellbeing. Central to this is the microbiome, the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes residing in your digestive tract. A balanced microbiome aids in nutrient extraction, infection defense, and inflammation regulation. Probiotics: Friendly Bacteria Probiotics are live microorganisms that can boost the "good" bacteria in your gut. Found in foods like yogu
Read more
Experience Meets Innovation With over 25 years of experience in massage, Bowen therapy, and frequency-based modalities, Trinity from Trinity Bowen Therapy believes healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. “Every person who comes through my door presents with something unique,” she says. “I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. I take an individual approach that suits my clients best.” Alongside Bowen therapy – a gentle hands-on treatment that activates the body’s natural repair systems
Read more
More Than Just A Gym In just a few short months, Mackay will welcome a fitness destination unlike anything the region has seen before. Fitness Cartel Mackay is not just another gym — it’s a space built for strength, movement, and community, supported by cutting-edge facilities and a brand-new Wellness Centre dedicated to recovery and rejuvenation. Whether you’re stepping into a gym for the first time or you’ve been training for decades, this facility has been designed to raise the standard
Read more.jpg)
When most people think of the pelvic floor, they imagine pregnancy or ageing. But the truth is, our pelvic floor is working hard every single day — whether we’re lifting shopping bags, running after kids, or just going to the loo. And just like any other muscle group, daily habits can either protect it or put it under strain. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When these muscles and connective
Read more
The Mackay Malayalee Association Inc. hosted its Onam Ponnonam 2025 celebrations on Saturday, 13 September, at the Tommy Webster Memorial Hall in Walkerston. Formed in 2012 and incorporated this year as a non-profit organisation, the Mackay Malayalee Association is a community of people from Kerala, the southern state of India. While promoting Kerala’s cultural heritage, traditions, and festivals, the association also embraces Australian values of multiculturalism, mutual respect, and soc
Read more
Friday 26th September ** Lagoon Life – School Holiday Activity 10am Discover the hidden wonders of Mackay’s freshwater lagoons at the Lagoon Life school holiday drop-in sessions. Explore trays of dragonfly and damselfly nymphs, diving bugs, tiny fish, shrimp, and more—collected by Garden Friends and displayed with water plants that provide their habitat. Magnifying glasses will be on hand so children and families can get a close look at these fascinating creatures without getting wet. A free, h
Read more
Ian Haug, guitarist for Australian band The Church, is set to bring his unmistakable sound to Mackay audiences this October as part of the much-anticipated Legends on the Lawn concert series. Haug, who joined the band 13 years ago, reflected on his long-standing connection to North Queensland. “I’ve been Mackay many times over the years with my old band Powderfinger… we used to come there all the time and play. I love North Queensland,” he said. While relatively new to The Church, Haug d
Read more
Living in North Queensland offers a unique lifestyle filled with sunshine, coastal beauty and a strong sense of community. However, it also means living with the reality of tropical cyclones during the wet season. With climate change contributing to more intense and unpredictable storms, the way homes are built in this region has become increasingly important. Over the past several decades, building codes and construction practices in North Queensland have adapted to meet the challenges p
Read more
A Smarter Way To Retire In Mackay and across North Queensland, more retirees are choosing to downsize and embrace a lifestyle that offers freedom, simplicity and less maintenance. The demand for smaller, low-maintenance homes is rising as older Australians look for practical and affordable ways to make the most of their retirement years. For many, the traditional family home served its purpose during the busy years of raising children and working full time. But as retirement approaches, p
Read more