Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
People in Mackay in need of support and experiencing homelessness will soon be able to access better integrated housing and support services thanks to a $5.2 million upgrade to the St Vincent de Paul Society's Community Support Centre on Juliet Street. The funding will deliver a purpose-built support centre and six new social housing units. This project is funded by the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund – a voluntary partnership between the Queensland Government, Participating Mineral Re
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A debate unfolded at a Mackay Regional Council ordinary meeting last month as Councillor George Christensen introduced a motion to categorise events featuring "drag" performances at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), as well as other council facilities, as adults-only. This motion aimed to restrict attendance to individuals aged 18 and above, citing concerns over the appropriateness of such performances for young audiences. Christensen opened the discussion by highlighting wh
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Aurizon, Australia’s leading rail freight operator, has opened its 2024 apprenticeship intake, presenting a significant opportunity for students keen on pursuing a career in skilled trades. The company is seeking enthusiastic individuals interested in becoming qualified Electricians or Diesel/Mechanical Fitters. The apprenticeships will be based in maintenance facilities in Jilalan (Sarina), Stuart (Townsville), and Callemondah (Gladstone), with additional field positions requiring travel around
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By Hannah McNamara Roots Collective: Restaurant, Café, Coffee & Bar embodies a sense of community that goes beyond serving great coffee and food. Nestled on Broad Street in Sarina and co-owned by Skye Bailey and her siblings, the venue stands as a unique sanctuary where members of the public can connect in an uplifting environment that also caters to those doing it tough. Through the Give Back Program, Roots Collective aims to feed those who are impacted by the cost-of-living crisis within t
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It’s well known that engaging in sports like lawn bowls not only enhances physical fitness but also fosters social connections, crucial for health and well-being. Becoming an annual calendar highlight over several decades, the Sarina Bowls Club Men’s Invitational 4’s Carnival is scheduled for July 27-28, providing a fun, social occasion for players and their families. As part of Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s mission to contribute profits for purpose, it has announced a $3000 sponsorship
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In the heart of Queensland's sugarcane industry, QCAR’s Central District plays a pivotal role in supporting and advocating for its members, particularly amidst the many challenges faced by local farmers across Mackay, Proserpine, Plane Creek (Sarina) and surrounding areas. QCAR Central evolved from a strategic collaboration between AgForce Cane Limited (ACL) and Burdekin Cane and Agricultural Organisation (BCAO). A merger followed with a strong showing of growers at a roadshow calling for a st
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Mackay Orchid Society recently held an Information Workshop for New Members on Saturday, June 29. Members and new-comers engaged in a comprehensive information session, learning about the cultural seasonal changes and the adaptation process of growing an orchid. Along with this, they also discussed when and how to divide the plant, the different types of orchids and when to expect them to blossom into a flower, whilst also touching on the different types of fertilizer and pests that are expec
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Mackay Sugar announced the appointment of a new CEO, following news that Jannik Olejas will return to Europe later this year. Carl Morton, currently Mackay Sugar’s General Manager Operations, has been successfully appointed as the incoming CEO following an extensive recruitment process that considered applications from across Australia and the world. “We - the entire Mackay Sugar Board and Nordzucker Executive Management - are excited to see Carl Morton take on this pivotal leadership role
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This week Season to date Cane crushed 39,449 39,449 Average bin weight 3.76 3.76 CCS 12.73 12.73 Cane variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q183 34.0 12.46 KQ228 10.0 13.46 Q208 16.6 12.70 Q232 4.8 12.54 Q253 11.6 12.89 Q242 3.6 12.17 Q240 10.8 13.21 MXD 2.4 13.06 Comments: Plane Creek Mill’s 2024 crushing season commenced at 2.37am on Tuesday 2 July. Despite the factory experiencing some settling in issues during the early part of the week,
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In today's dynamic business landscape, the right HR consulting firm can be the linchpin for success versus stagnation. That's where TalentShift steps in as the go-to destination for organisations seeking unparalleled HR solutions tailored to their unique needs. Renowned as a premier HR consulting firm, TalentShift is not only a service provider, but a strategic HR business partner dedicated to revolutionising the way businesses manage their most valuable asset: their people. Commitment to Exc
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The judging panel for the Submerged in Our Region Art Exhibition will have their work cut out for them this July with more than 125 creative works submitted across all art forms, including photography, mixed media, film, writing and sculpture. Earlier this year the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership put a call out to the community for creative works with a connection to local waterways, and the vital life and industries they support. The Partnership was inundated with responses, and the st
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Last Thursday, on July 4, eight First Year Constables began their career as a Queensland Police Officers in the Mackay Whitsunday Police District. All officers received initial training and orientation, along with meeting District Superintendent Graeme Paine and Inspector Andrew Godbold on the day. The district welcomed a diverse group of officers, each bringing unique backgrounds and experiences to their new roles. Six of the new Constables will be based in the Mackay region. Constable Geo
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All Tyres 2 U is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative aimed at promoting tyre safety within the community. A mobile service truck will be stationed at various locations across Mackay, providing free tyre safety inspections for all vehicles. The first "Pop Up Shop" event was recently held at Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village on Wednesday, 10th July, from 9am to Noon and Breezes Retirement Village 12.30 – 2.30. Which will then be held on the second Wednesday of every month. The pur
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Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd (HCA) is a leading manufacturer of mining and construction equipment in Australia and the exclusive distributor of Wenco International Mining Systems in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea. Wenco, one of the world’s oldest and largest Mining Fleet Management Systems, has been providing solutions to the open-cut mining industry for over 25 years. HCA will be exhibiting at the Queensland Mining & Engineering (QME) Expo on J
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Koolkuna means ‘a place of safety’ Kraus & Naimer has always been synonymous with quality. Since 1907 they have been leading the way in switchgear innovation. Maintaining high standards and quality products has seen K&N establish itself as an industry leader in the global market. Kraus & Naimer’s Koolkuna range of low-voltage switch-disconnector classed visible contact load break isolators (available upto 132kW / 315A) have been innovatively designed using established mechanisms assuring reliab
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In a safety-first world, Incident Zero leads with groundbreaking innovation, setting new workplace standards for safety. Our ethos? Ensuring every worker returns home safely every day. The Safety HaloTM embodies this commitment, marking a significant leap forward in safety technology. The Safety Halo uses low-powered red laser light to create a safety zone around machinery—a revolutionary concept developed over seven years. This brilliance combines human- eye biophysics, advanced laser enginee
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Specialising in the intricate field of revegetation and rehabilitation within the mining industry, MineMend draws upon its deep-rooted agricultural expertise with a primary mission of collaborating closely with clients to create safe and sustainable rehabilitated sites. By leveraging their extensive knowledge and skills, MineMend transforms once-barren mining landscapes into biodiverse ecosystems capable of supporting native vegetation and grazing lands, with a focus on long-term sustainabilit
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In the bustling heart of the Bowen Basin’s mining sector, the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) stands as a monumental mining event, attracting thousands of industry professionals and enthusiasts to the Mackay Showgrounds from 23-25 July 2024. Recognised as Australia's largest regional mining exhibition and the largest in Queensland, QME has been a cornerstone of the mining industry in Mackay for over three decades. It is a biennial event that no one in the mining industry can af
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Catching the attention of the engineering industry, the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) has announced an engineering-exclusive masterclass series to be held at the 2024 event. Alongside exhibitions, networking, and events, the 3 free-to-attend masterclasses will mark another reason for engineers across the sector to make their way out of the office and to the Mackay Showgrounds from July 23-25. The 2024 series will cover pragmatic approaches to supervision, practical hazard i
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Friday 12th July Crochet and Conversation 9am Drop in for a morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with a friendly group of Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. BYO crochet tools or you’re welcome to borrow from the communal box Beachfront Bar and Restaurant, Bucasia Esplanade Guided Walks In The Botanic Gardens 10am Explore the Botanic Gardens with your Gardens Guide. Walks commence from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information (opposite the cafe
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A remarkable showcase of local talent mixed with deep-rooted culture is now on display at Jubilee Community Centre just in time for NAIDOC Week celebrations, marking a significant milestone in Leon Namai’s art journey. The exhibition was officially unveiled last Friday in collaboration with local talents Donna Robinson and Tree Djinn. Leon showcased a collection that captivated viewers with its fusion of cultural themes and contemporary expression. Reflecting on his trajectory, Leon recalled
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The Mackay Base Hospital courtyard was alive with cultural vibrancy during the NAIDOC celebrations held on July 4th, organised by the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit. The event drew a large crowd who gathered to experience traditional dancing, singing, and ceremonial performances that honoured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Attendees were treated to captivating performances by the Tchundal Malar Aboriginal Dance Troupe
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There are compliments and there are compliments. When the compliment comes from your mum, it’s nice but … well you know, it’s from your mum. Like the time I brought home a useless wooden box that I had “crafted” in a manual arts class at school. It was an ugly insult to the woodwork industry and had a stupid lid that wouldn’t close because the sides were uneven. “Oh, darling that’s fantastic,” my mother said. Thanks mum. The best, most credible compliments come from people who work and succeed i
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In the quintessential Aussie country town of Appleton, change happens slowly if at all. Agricultural Show Society President ‘Bev Armstrong’ (Jeany Elliot), and Secretary ‘Barb Ling’ (Katrina Hansen) are planning the highlight of the year, The Annual Potato Race. Bringing in the requisite shandy is Bev’s daughter-in-law: overworked barmaid, hairdresser, kids footy coach, mother of four boys and reigning champion of the women’s race ‘Nikki Armstrong’. At Nikki’s salon, her prodigal sister, ‘Dr Pe
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Around 3,000 people had an absolutely crab-ulous foodie, culture, art and nature adventure at the award-winning three-day 2024 St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend earlier this month. Popular television personality Costa Georgiadis, Queensland’s food ambassador and professional chef Matt Golinski, Australia’s most loved First Nations dancer Patrick Thaiday, chart-topper Jeremy Marou from Busby Marou, Golden Guitar winner Brad Butcher and rising country star Loren Ryan were among some of the biggest dra
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