Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A new support group in Mackay is bringing warmth, connection and crucial conversation to those navigating life with bowel cancer. The “Gut-Togethers” are informal bi-monthly catch-ups for colorectal cancer patients and their families, offering a safe space to talk, listen and lean on each other. The first gathering will be held Friday, May 23 at Deli Nook, Macalister Street, from 9.15am. Facilitated by Alexis Coutts and Lorraine Taylor, with clinical guidance from bowel cancer nurse Sue Allsop
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By Amanda Wright He’s called Mackay home for the past 20 years, but David Ferguson’s legacy runs much deeper out west, cutting through the rapids and memory banks of the iconic Gregory River. Fifty years ago, David was one of four young blokes from Mount Isa who, armed with little more than enthusiasm and a borrowed TAFE course, decided to make a race of it. “We weren’t even canoeists,” he said. “We’d done a beginner course at TAFE and then a fibreglassing course, made our own canoes, a
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Cricket is for everyone, and a new all-abilities program launching this May at Harrup Park is here to prove it! Kicking off on Wednesday, 21st May, this FREE five-week cricket program is designed for boys and girls aged 11 to 17 of all abilities. The sessions will run every Wednesday from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, offering participants a chance to develop their cricket skills, grow a love for the game, and make new friends in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. Organisers are passionate about brin
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A small kitchen fire prompted the evacuation of the Eimeo Pacific Hotel last Monday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the popular hilltop venue on Mango Avenue in Mackay’s north at around 1:30pm, following reports of a fryer catching alight in the kitchen. The blaze, which started behind the fryer, was quickly contained and extinguished by staff using a fire blanket before firefighters arrived on the scene. Co-owner of the hotel described the incident as “nothing serious,” an
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CQUniversity fitness and sport and recreation graduate Trey Sturgess’ determination and drive has made him ‘fit-for-purpose’ to help others reach their goals. The 19-year-old recently secured a position as a coach and personal trainer at 21Laps Performance Training in Mackay – an achievement he says wouldn’t have been made possible without CQU’s fitness and sports and recreation courses. Trey completed the Certificate II in Sport and Recreation and Certificate III in Fitness while still
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Queensland Police Pipes and Drums (QPP&D) is usually known for bagpipes, kilts and rousing traditional tunes, but this May it will be known for something a little less expected – cowboy boots and country hits with a touch of rock for good measure. The group is embarking on its largest regional tour since before the COVID-19 pandemic, travelling more than 2000km across the state to connect with and provide support to rural QPS families and the communities they serve. Dubbed ‘Beach to the
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Mackay VIEW Club is calling on the community to dig deep for The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal, to help break the cycle of disadvantage for thousands of children and young people struggling to access education. The appeal comes at a time when Australians are increasingly aware of the issue, with The Smith Family’s latest Community Attitudes Survey revealing that 83 per cent of respondents believe tackling childhood poverty should be a top national priority. The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylo
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For many Australians, the quietest struggle is hearing loss – not just the fading of sound, but the isolation, strained relationships, and uncertain next steps that follow when hearing aids are no longer enough. But there is hope… and it all starts with connection. CICADA Queensland has been a lifeline for people with profound hearing loss for over 35 years, transforming from a small social group to a bold, state-wide leader in peer support, education, and advocacy. With hearing loss now
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A warm, honest and insight-rich afternoon of storytelling unfolded last week as the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce hosted Small Business Stories—a Small Business Month luncheon designed to spotlight the start-up grit, scale-up grind, and succession dilemmas facing local business owners. The relaxed luncheon at Harrup Park featured a powerhouse panel of local talent: Dr Suzanne Francisco (Habitude), Dan Shaw (Primal Coffee Roasters), and Jason Sharam (CSE Linked), with keynote insights from P
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Every now and then, a local government decision comes along that quietly shapes the future of a region. Right now, in Mackay, we’re facing one of those moments. The Mackay Regional Council is asking the community whether our current undivided structure should continue—or whether it’s time to return to a system of electoral divisions. You can find all the information and have your say at connectingmackay.com.au/have-your-say-on-electoral-divisions. This isn’t just a question for bureaucra
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Friday 16th May Cowboy Dressage Mackay Gathering And Show From 7.30amThe Cowboy Dressage Mackay Gathering and Show invites riders to compete in a celebration of horsemanship, community, and Cowboy Dressage values. Held at the Undercover Arena and judged by Tanja Kraus, the event will feature a wide range of classes and awards across Open, Amateur, and Junior divisions. With ribbon, buckle, and honorary awards on offer, the event highlights skill, presentation, and partnership between horse and
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There was something truly magical about Saturday night’s Mayor’s Charity Ball — a chic and whimsical celebration wrapped in the glow of vintage carnival charm. Think oversized lollipops, towering glass canisters of coloured popcorn and pastel gumballs… and yes, I can confirm they were real. After a cheeky dare from Andrew Willcox, I tested one myself. (How could I not?) It was a night I completely let my hair down — racing between carnival games like a kid in heels, with my completed tick
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The countdown is on for the 2025 harvest season with a lot of activity in the fields and sheds, and finally, a slowing down of industry events, including this week’s annual Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS) Field Day. Held at the Victoria Plains Seed Plot, this is always a well-attended event with growers and stakeholders having the opportunity to get a glimpse into what is happening in the Central District via MAPS and SRA (Sugar Research Australia). QCAR Central District has had
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I have a confession. It’s about something I’ve carried with me privately for a long time. It’s something that could bring into question my credibility as an Australian, a Queenslander and, well, a Mackayite. Like all confessions, it is something that can change the way people think about you. On hearing this one, some people, maybe many people … oh, probably most of you, will apply a word to me that goes straight after “pretentious” and rhymes with “banker”. Well, here goes ... I never use th
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Celebrate a special milestone as the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens marks 10 years of its much-loved Open Day event! Held as part of a wider celebration across Australia and New Zealand, this event brings botanic gardens together to highlight the vital role they play in conservation, education and community connection. This free, family-friendly event on Saturday, May 24, from 8am to noon on the Tropical Sun Lawn, promises a vibrant celebration bursting with nature and plenty of fun! The Bot
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The Whitsunday Electorate is set to receive $351,970.65 in funding from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, with 14 community groups successful in their application for funding to help purchase new equipment for their organisation. More than 2000 applications were received across the State, which was the largest number in the program’s 31-year history. Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, said the grants give recognition to grassroots organisations that are at the heart of our community. “
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Excitement is building in Bowen, with the town abuzz with news of the imminent rocket launch that could take place any time from Thursday, 15th May. Gilmour Space Technologies announced a launch window starting ‘no earlier than’ Thursday between 7.30am and 5.30pm, but have reiterated that this could change at any time. From launch, the flight path will take eight minutes before the rocket passes through the edge of Earth’s atmosphere and officially reaches orbit. "This will be the first attem
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A sea of placards gathered at the steps of the Proserpine Courthouse last week, with local protestors conducting a demonstration to express their frustration that a Mining Lease Application had been granted for Dittmer Gold Mine without impact assessments being addressed. Shortly afterward, the Whitsunday Conservation Council released a statement outlining the desperate need for better environmental safety measures. “It is unacceptable that an application to have an EA approval granted in 2010
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Excitement is high to welcome Chris Sebastian to Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival. Winner of The Voice Season 9, capturing the hearts of Australian audiences, Chris will join 2 time Golden Guitar award winner Brad Butcher as part of the professional songwriter faculty. The Songwriter Festival is in its fourth year and provides a brilliant opportunity for local songwriters to learn from professionals in an immersive one-day workshop. Chris will also perform alongside other o
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“You’re not old, you’re fantastic!” These were the words of my young son during the week of his eighth birthday when I mentioned my ever-increasing age. I think he was probably buttering me up ahead of his ‘Party Royale’ Fortnite-themed birthday bash this Friday, but it still felt nice to be called fantastic! Anyway, this week is big not just because of my son’s birthday, but also due to a certain imminent rocket launch in Bowen. After years of preparation, the launch window has finally arri
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Well known for his community-minded attitude, local Ironman hero Mick Kimpton once again proved his deep-rooted kindness when he helped Whitsunday Life journalist Daniel Heggie earlier this week. Eager to participate in the Airlie Beach Triathlon this year, Daniel had begun training with a friend but realised one thing stood in his way – he didn’t have a bike. Having known Mick through his role as President of the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, Daniel approached him to ask if he knew where h
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Yes, there is evidence that Great Barrier Reef green zones, or no-take zones, are effective in protecting and increasing fish populations, especially coral trout. These zones help replenish fish stocks and benefit the overall health of the reef ecosystem. Prior to the Reef rezoning of 2004, protected areas on the Reef covered less than 5%. But after an intense two-year planning period and more than 30,000 public submissions, protected areas were increased to more than 33% in 2004. There was a
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Humpbacks in the southern hemisphere commonly have a white or grey underside which can extend onto their sides. The top of the pectoral fin is generally black on top and white underneath. Humpbacks in the northern hemisphere are predominantly black, but have varying degrees of white on the throat, belly, pectoral fins, and flukes. The top of their pectorals tend to be white. Just like their body pigmentation, southern hemisphere humpback whales have large areas of white on their tail flukes.
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Hi everyone, Welcome to this week’s edition of Ruth2Reef! I hope you enjoy reading about the latest environmental happenings. If you have any stories you’d like to see featured in Ruth2Reef, feel free to email them to me at ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com Happy reading! Ruth
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W B (Bill) Morgan came to the district in 1902. Initially he worked for farmers, Peter Nielsen and John Renwick, with a spell on cattle stations out west. In 1905, Bill Morgan started cane growing at Cannon Valley with brother, Norman. In 1910/11, along with cousins, P and G Morris, they established a larger farm at Conway/Preston. The Morgan brothers’ house was impressive. When Annie Ware and Jim Stanley were to be married in 1911, a kitchen tea was held there. A toast proposed to Bill as the
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