Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local business Professional Inspectors is proudly celebrating 20 years of service to the Mackay region, offering trusted building and pest inspections backed by decades of experience and deep local knowledge. At the heart of the business is Jeff Keioskie, a well-known and highly respected figure in Mackay’s building industry. With over 45 years of experience, Jeff brings an exceptional level of expertise to every inspection. His background spans housing, group title units, commercial and indust
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Stan Camm Park in Midge Point has officially reopened following the completion of significant upgrade works. Mayor Greg Williamson said the revitalised park was a great example of council’s commitment to improving liveability across the region. “Creating high-quality public spaces like this is all part of council’s broader vision to enhance liveability for our residents,” Mayor Williamson said. “Stan Camm Park has always been a much-loved space and these upgrades make it more accessible, func
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Mackay Festival’s Wild Wedding Kickoff For fans of weddings with a twist – and a touch of scandal – Confetti and Chaos promises a night of laughter and unexpected drama. This sharp comedy dinner event will headline the opening week of the Mackay Festival of Arts, starting June 27. The audience becomes the guests caught in the crossfire at Stacey and Will’s surprise wedding reception, a highly immersive and highly improvised comedy. Audience members can enjoy a three-course meal while th
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Local Author Captures The Untold Stories Of Instrumental Regional Women With a historian’s lens and storyteller’s soul, local author Kaaren Sephton shines a light on Mackay’s unsung heroines in her self-published book, Shining a Light: Women of Mackay. Spanning over 160 years, the book celebrates 37 remarkable women who shaped the Mackay region from the 1860s to 2023. From settlers and midwives to artists, entrepreneurs, and a former convict, the collection reveals the evolving roles of
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CQUniversity Australia has officially launched its new micro-credential course, "Decarbonisation and Gas Emissions Scopes." This free, online course aims to equip local small and medium businesses with the essential skills and knowledge needed to tackle the challenges of decarbonisation. The course is designed to empower small and medium enterprise (SME) owners, managers, and employees with the foundational knowledge required to begin their decarbonisation journey. It offers timely, practical s
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Community Spirit Shines Through In Relocation Of Vital Outreach Services Local community advocate Lisa Jamieson has praised Mackay’s incredible spirit, following a successful grassroots effort to relocate essential outreach services in a true example of community collaboration. “What a great community we have in Mackay,” Ms Jamieson said. “As I head off on holidays, I have to share how blessed we are living in a community like Mackay. People care and want to make a difference. “Sometime
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A Colourful Tribute To Community Heritage A cherished piece of Mirani’s public art has been given a vibrant new life, with the completion of an updated mural at the Mirani Swimming Centre — a striking tribute to the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The original mural, which graced the entrance of the Swim Centre since the early 1990s, was commissioned by then-pool manager Lesley Kelly and painted by local artists Lesley Kane and Maxine Bradshaw of the Pioneer Valley Art Societ
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After 581 days in Mackay Base Hospital, 45-year-old Dan Honnery was discharged on June 6 to cheers and applause. Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that causes paralysis, Dan spent over nine months in ICU and a year in the F0 rehabilitation ward. Hospital staff formed a guard of honour to farewell one of their longest-staying patients, honouring his resilience and remarkable recovery. A Mackay Hospital and Health Service representative said Dan now begins a new
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay In the current economy, one of the major challenges facing all industries is finding suitably skilled workforce to complete the required tasks for day-to-day operations. The sugar industry is, likewise, not immune to this scenario. All sectors of the supply chain must work extremely hard - and think outside the square- to compete with other Industries to find the human resources required to operate and function, particularly in the crush season. The
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RUNNING Over 30 Mackay Road Runners embraced a frosty start for the Club Championship 5km, 15km, and 30km event at Northview Park on Sunday morning. Club President Paul Tilse extended his thanks to the ever-reliable Andrew Short, who not only set the technically challenging course in the cold and dark but also completed the 15km run before collecting all signage and hydration stations from the route. His herculean efforts were supported by Vice President Len Howarth, Andrew Wallace, regi
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Last Saturday twenty-four pairs competed for the Mackay Club Pairs Championship. This competition was over four sessions, with seven boards per session. This was a well-supported event with novices and experienced players playing the same cards. This 2025 Mackay Club Championship Pair was Noel Bugeia and Terry Sheedy, with Diane Morgan and Janet Hansen a close second. The club extends a heartfelt thanks to director Geoff Taylor. Weekly Results **Monday 9 June 2025 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Po
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It’s Not About Doing More – It’s About Doing What Works
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With Nedd Brockmann At Whitsunday Voices Festival Tickets are now available for one of the most anticipated events on Mackay’s cultural calendar – the DBI Literary Dinner, headlined by Australian trailblazer, homelessness advocate, and larrikin with a mission, Nedd Brockmann. Held as part of the 2025 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival, the dinner will take place on Friday 18 July at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), inviting the wider community to a powerful evenin
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A $174,902 funding boost is fuelling fresh momentum for ten Mackay charities and community groups, following the Mackay Community Foundation’s 2025 grant round. The funding supports a wide range of grassroots initiatives aimed at strengthening health, safety, resilience and social connection across the region. Several recipients received grants to purchase vehicles, helping frontline teams reach more people in need. From youth support and homelessness outreach to disability arts
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While locals have long voiced concerns over parking challenges at Mackay Base Hospital, the wait for a solution has reached a new turning point — with the community now invited to have their say on plans for a multi-storey car park and helipad. The proposed development marks a major milestone in the Mackay Hospital Expansion Project (MHEP), and the start of a formal public consultation process offers residents the opportunity to help shape a project that aims to improve access, patient transfer
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Mackay State High School is set to receive $1.8 million in upgrades under the Crisafulli Government, with works to improve disability access, redesign pathways, and construct a new car park to create a safer and more accessible learning environment. The improvements will ensure students with disability can easily navigate their school grounds, with safer pathways connecting seven school blocks and a junior school covered area. As part of the significant works new ramps and handrails were
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Two CQUniversity TAFE-trained apprentices have been recognised among the nation’s top emerging tradespeople, earning Medallions of Excellence at the 2025 WorldSkills National Championships in Brisbane. Layth McGee and Ashley Cassar showcased their talents during the prestigious event, held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from June 12 to 15, where Australia’s best apprentices competed in a series of rigorous skill-based challenges. Layth and Ashley were part of a group of s
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As Queenslanders edge closer to the new financial year, it’s the perfect time to take stock of money matters and map out a clearer financial direction for the months ahead. Whether the aim is to pay off debt, grow savings, or plan for a significant purchase, financial advisers say even small, consistent changes can lead to stronger financial health. Here are a few practical steps to get started: Reflect on the past year Take a close look at where your money went — which habits helped, and whi
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The recent Super Story Time event at Mackay Regional Council Libraries brought together local families for a morning of storytelling, imagination, and fun, celebrating young readers and their grown-ups alike. The library remains a welcoming space where knowledge thrives and all individuals are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow together. With a diverse calendar of activities and programs on offer, residents are invited to visit the library website or download the Mackay Libraries app to di
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If you’re old enough to remember the jingle about the Mackay City Heart, you probably remember Centrepoint Arcade too. Maybe you blew your cash on a Walk Like an Egyptian cassette from the record store in there. Before the mega extension at Caneland, the City Heart was full and buzzing. But that wasn’t the only change that shifted the scene. The rise of online shopping transformed how we buy, the pandemic kept many of us home more than ever, and those shifts all took their toll on the hear
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Working to your strengths is personally empowering and enables you to present your best self, whether in your work or personal life. We each have a combination of qualities, talent and skills that are unique to us. To work to your strengths, you first have to identify them. For some this is an easy list; for others this focus on self is more challenging. Here are some ways to identify your strengths. Check in with your colleagues and trusted advisors/friends, and ask them what they see a
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TABLE TENNIS Players from across Queensland brought fast-paced action and fierce competition to the Mackay Table Tennis Centre for the annual Mackay Open earlier this month. With medals on the line and talent on display, the event drew a strong crowd of spectators and players alike. Organisers from the Mackay Table Tennis Association thanked all participants as they look forward to welcoming them back in 2026.
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Top Talent Recognised At Annual Presentations Mackay Basketball recently honoured its rising stars at the U16 Presentations, celebrating outstanding performances across several teams. Meteors: • MVP: Parker Coleman • Coaches Award: Will DiFilipo • Best Defensive: Jackson Pendleton Meteorettes: • MVP: Pyiper Redgard • Coaches Award: Riley Albert • Best Defensive: Lisa Lelliot Comets: • MVP: Jimmy Turner • Coaches Award: Jesse Coomber • Best Defensive: Winston Sutton Comettes: • MVP: Montana W
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Budding BMX talent Ged Rafferty has been recognised with the Mackay BMX Club’s President’s Award, celebrating his consistent effort and determination on the track. Aged 7 and competing in the sprocket class, Ged has impressed with his commitment to racing and hard pedalling right to the finish line. As part of the award, Ged received a $50 bistro voucher to the Goosies Sports and Recreation Club – a gesture to reward his rising star power and encourage continued passion for the sport. We
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The Mackay Stingers Dragon Boat Club braved icy conditions last weekend, hitting the water at Mackay Harbour despite a biting temperature of 5°C. The dedicated crew proved that paddlers from Tropical North Queensland are made of tough stuff, trading warm beds for early morning training on the water. The session showcased the team’s commitment and camaraderie, reinforcing their reputation for resilience and spirit. With calm seas and a golden sunrise over the harbour, the Stingers paddled
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