Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The first event in the 2025 “Off the Beaten Track” Trail Run Series, the Full Moon Ultra, lit up Rowallan Park on 14 March 2025 with endurance, grit, and a whole lot of mud. Athletes had long been calling for a local endurance event, and ActiV8 Adventures proudly delivered under wild and windy conditions that tested every competitor’s preparation and determination. Friday night’s forecast didn’t disappoint. Rain, wind, and thick mud made for a rugged trail that demanded both physical toughness
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Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) will host EndoMarch next week, a public engagement event to raise awareness and understanding of endometriosis. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet the Mackay Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Service team, learn more about endometriosis and ask questions in a relaxed and informal setting. The morning event will begin with a 30-minute presentation by Mackay HHS Obstetrics & Gynaecology Specialist Dr Wojciech Szubert. Morning tea and
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By Amanda Wright and Hannah McNamara Rain poured over Mackay as women gathered at the Neighbourhood Hub for the unveiling of a powerful new symbol in the fight against domestic violence—the Red Bench. The downpour mirrored the silent tears of countless women who endure abuse behind closed doors, reinforcing the bench’s purpose: to spark conversation, offer support, and remind victims they are not alone. Installed outside the Neighbourhood Hub at 4 George Street, the striking scarlet benc
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Meet Cindy-Jo Zahmel – a woman whose integrity and passion for serving others shines through in everything she does. On weekends, you might just find Cindy in the heart of Mackay, volunteering with Mackay Street Chaplaincy, a Christian-based organisation that offers practical support to those in need while enjoying the city’s nightlife. As a member of the Mackay Street Chaplaincy team, Cindy and her fellow volunteers provide essential services to the public from 10:00pm to 3:30am on Frid
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Mackay’s rising mountain biking star, Camden Brownsey, has made a name for himself on the national stage after claiming double gold at the 2025 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships in Mount Buller, Victoria. Competing in the Under-13 category, the 11-year-old sensation secured first place in both the Cross-Country Short Track (XCC) and Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) events, leading from start to finish in both races. Held in the stunning alpine terrain of Mount Buller, the championship brough
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Cr Alison Jones has always had a heart for community, advocating for those whose voices often go unheard. For decades, she has dedicated herself to ensuring her community is seen and represented, approaching every challenge with resilience and a keen eye for what’s right. Her journey into public service was not only driven by personal ambition, but by a deep-seated love for the people and places around her. “I didn’t see myself as a politician,” Alison admits. But when the community enco
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I grew up in the era of "Girls Can Do Anything" bumper stickers. I don’t remember if there were fancy corporate lunches with keynote speakers and goody bags—maybe there were—but I was in high school. Fighting gender stereotypes was something I did on my lunch break. The bumper sticker spoke to my battle cry. Because even though the music was better in the ’90s, the treatment of women and girls in school, in sport, and in the workplace? Frankly, it sucked. Women were underpaid, overlook
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Workplace Health and Safety (WH&S) isn’t sexy. It is well-known to be a difficult thing to prioritise when you’re busy keeping your business afloat. It may as well have dank, greasy hair and be dressed in a faded brown overcoat with boots and no socks. It’s not that attractive, and that’s how I personally felt when we recently reviewed our WH&S policies. While most of us are cognizant of the fact that WH&S compliance is one of those things you don’t need until you do; there is the busy l
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The Mackay Woodturners Association Expo saw an impressive turnout over the weekend, with visitors of all ages drawn to the craftsmanship and creativity on display. Held at Snow Wright Court in Beaconsfield, the event showcased a stunning collection of handcrafted wooden pieces, from elegant homewares to intricate toys and bespoke furniture. One of the biggest surprises for attendees was just how affordable these high-quality, handmade items were. Many assumed bespoke craftsmanship came with a h
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Mackay has taken a significant step forward in addressing homelessness with the arrival of its first-ever sleepbus. This highly anticipated addition will provide vital support to the region’s most vulnerable community members. Despite the national Sleepbus organisation ceasing operations due to financial difficulties, Safe Sleep Mackay (SSM) successfully secured the delivery of the sleepbus, marking a milestone for the region. Lisa Jamieson from Safe Sleep Mackay expressed her excitement
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Mackay’s beloved Trinity Op Shop has been dealt a heartbreaking blow, with the community reeling over news of its impending closure. The op shop, which has been a cherished part of the city for over 20 years, has been ordered to vacate its premises at 39 Gordon Street by April 12, 2025, after The Corporation of The Diocesan Synod of North Queensland allegedly declined to renew its lease. The announcement, made by Trinity Heritage Mackay Inc., came as a shock to donors, shoppers, and volun
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Fans of the New York-based comedy Seinfeld will be familiar with the character George Costanza, a superficial, conniving, selfish, lazy man with no skills or talents who spends most of his time trying to avoid serious work. Some readers, the more spiteful ones, will feel Costanza has a personality that could be well-suited to a career in real estate. Nasty. Anyway, George likes to impress strangers when he meets them and, because he is so resoundingly unimpressive, he creates a persona that he
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By Hannah McNamara In the heart of Mackay’s Queens Park, a new Legacy plaque stands as a timeless tribute to those who served and the families they left behind. More than just bronze and stone, it whispers stories of sacrifice, resilience, and enduring love. It is a place of reflection, where gratitude lingers in the air and remembrance takes root in every visitor’s heart. The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay in 2023 was a significant event, commemorating 100 years of support for the families of f
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By Amanda Wright On 20th February, the Mackay community lost a warrior. Bridgeen Doherty, a woman of unyielding strength, compassion, and determination, succumbed to ovarian cancer after a courageous battle. Her passing marks the end of an incredible life but the beginning of a legacy that will continue to save lives and inspire countless women for generations to come. Bridgeen’s fight against ovarian cancer was not just a personal battle—it was a mission to shine a light on one of the
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In honour of two of the region’s most dedicated volunteers, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm have selected two outstanding recipients who embody a heart for volunteering. Julie Nieslen, sponsored by Nigel Dalton, and Rebecca Cooper, sponsored by Amanda Camm, are attending the Queensland Volunteering Conference in Brisbane this week – the state’s largest sector gathering under the theme ‘Inspire, Empower, Ignite.’ The two-day conference provides evidenc
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As we celebrate an incredible month dedicated to women’s achievements, I’m in awe of the strength, resilience, and passion women bring to our community every day. Across Mackay, we’ve been inspired by women breaking barriers—in business, health, leadership, and community service. From high teas and awards ceremonies to health initiatives and volunteer efforts, this special edition of Mackay Life is a tribute to the women shaping our region and our future. This month, we’ve attended events
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The value of agriculture in 2025-26 is expected to be the third highest on record at $91 billion. Including fisheries and forestry, The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) expects the sector to reach $98 billion, according to Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville. “While this is slightly down on an exceptional 2024-25, particularly strong results are forecast for livestock and livestock products – expected to reach a new record value of $40 bil
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Friday 21st March Crochet and Conversation 9am Join the friendly group of Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade for a morning of crocheting, coffee, and conversation. BYO crochet tools or borrow from our communal box. All skill levels welcome. This is a great opportunity to connect, share experiences, and start our next project for the Northern Beaches community in 2025. Beachfront Bar and Restaurant, Bucasia Family Boogie Night 5.30pm Family Boogie Night
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Indoor plants not only enhance the beauty of a home but also offer numerous health benefits, such as improved air quality and increased humidity. When choosing plants for indoors, it’s essential to consider light levels, space, and ease of care. Here are some of the best indoor plants: Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – Known for its hardy nature, the snake plant thrives in low light and requires minimal watering. Its upright, sword-like leaves make it a striking addition to any room. Spider P
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Catch the right species, at the right size, at the right location, and you could win big! That’s the excitement building around Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap event, taking place over the Easter school holidays from April 5th until the 26th, 2025. In a bid to encourage visitors and locals to explore the Mackay Isaac region and increase their chances of winning the jackpot, Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap daily locations have now been revealed ahead of the 2025 event. This announc
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Leading child protection organisation Act for Kids has expanded its Mackay service in response to huge community demand from families needing support. Act for Kids will officially open the doors to its new centre at 1/121 Boundary Rd East, Paget this Friday, relocating to the larger premises from its previous Mackay central site. Act for Kids Director of Family Support Services Northern, Julie Inskip, said the new location would allow the for-purpose organisation to help more families in need.
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Diving into February with purpose, the Sinkers Masters Swimming Club made a splash for a great cause, taking on the Starlight Super Swim to raise funds for sick children. As Australia’s biggest charity swim event, the Super Swim serves as both a community fundraiser and a training motivator for Sinkers members, who are preparing for events like the Masters Swimming Championships in Melbourne (April 2025). In 2024, Sinkers raised $2,827, and this year, they increased their total to an imp
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Last Thursday, the underwater hockey club made a splash with a record-breaking turnout of 20 players! That’s right, our aquatic arena was packed to the brim, and the energy was electric. With full teams and four substitutes, our positional and support play reached new depths! However, we might need to rethink our guest policy. If newcomers like Boyd and Kurt have breath-holding skills that rival Aquaman, we could be in for a challenge! Seriously, folks, if you think you can outlast our ne
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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton is rolling up his sleeve to receive his free flu vaccination, as part of the Crisafulli Governments $25 million flu vaccine program, which launched on 1 March. The program runs until 30 September 2025, making flu vaccinations free for all Queenslanders at GPs, pharmacies, and community vaccination centres. It’s aimed at reducing flu-related hospitalisations and easing pressure on the healthcare system ahead of flu season. “Flu season is fast approaching, and I’m
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Mackay is about to be transformed into a floral wonderland as the Mackay and District Orchid Society prepares to host its Autumn Orchid Show on March 22 and 23 at the Mackay and District Senior Citizens’ Centre. For two days, visitors will be treated to a stunning showcase of orchids in full bloom, alongside a treasure trove of gardening goodies, including orchids for sale, pots, potting mediums, tags, and accessories. Whether you're an experienced orchid enthusiast or simply appreciate s
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