Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Mackay SES unit unveiled its new Operational Support Unit (OSU) trailer last Thursday, September 25, marking a significant boost in capability as the service celebrates its 50th year. The OSU will provide advanced capacity for land and water searches, including the use of new drones, and will act as a mobile operational hub in remote locations for SES, QPS, council and other services during disasters. SES event co-ordinator Karyn Donnelly said, “This new trailer for the Mackay SES un
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Ergon Energy Retail Celebrates 25 Years Of Partnership With The Royal Flying Doctor Service Last Friday, Ergon Energy Retail staff in Mackay joined in a heartfelt celebration, marking 25 years of partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) – a collaboration that has raised more than $20 million through the company’s voluntary customer donation scheme. Mackay Ergon Energy Retail spokesperson Pam Lynch said the day was about “celebrating 25 years of partnership between Ergon Ret
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New data shows there’s been a significant increase in Mackay dog and cat registrations following a successful compliance inspection program. Local laws officers conducted patrols between October and December last year, with inspections at Mirani, Marian, Mackay, Slade Point, Northern Beaches and Armstrong Beach. Deputy Mayor Karen May said inspections were done by proactively patrolling from the kerbside, with council officers only entering a small number of properties with the consent o
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The Crisafulli Government is delivering one new and six expanded transit lounges to help ease pressure on some of the State’s busiest emergency departments and restore health services when locals need them. A new transit lounge will be built at Gladstone Hospital, while expansions will go ahead at Cairns Hospital, Townsville University Hospital, Mackay Base Hospital, Logan Hospital, Redland Hospital and Ipswich Hospital. All the transit lounges will be operational by late 2026, and additi
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Mackay Hospital and Health Board Interim Chair Monica McKendry has announced the appointment of a Chief Executive for Mackay Hospital and Health Service while the permanent executive recruitment process is underway. “I am very pleased to advise that Sean Birgan, the current Chief Executive of North West Hospital and Health Service, will commence a secondment as Mackay HHS Interim Chief Executive from 13 October,” Ms McKendry said. “Sean has more than 38 years of nursing experience, inclu
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The HeliCore Collective event hosted by BMA CQ Rescue last Thursday afternoon brought together members of the community for an inspiring afternoon of connection and conversation. Guests had the opportunity to hear from Rescue Crewman Ben, who is preparing to tackle the Three Capes Trek in Tasmania alongside a dedicated group of supporters raising vital funds for BMA CQ Rescue. Ben shared his experiences and insights during a Q&A session, highlighting the importance of community support i
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Mackay will once again come together in strength and solidarity this October as Broken Ballerina Inc hosts its highly anticipated Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Beautiful Charity Ball on Saturday, 18 October 2025, at the Mackay Turf Club. Running from 5pm to 11pm, the event promises an evening of elegance, entertainment and heartfelt purpose — raising vital funds to support local victim-survivors of domestic violence. Guests will be treated to a complimentary drink on arrival, appetisers, and a t
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By Hannah McNamara Nate Ralph is among the many young voices eager to shape the future of the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions. As the Youth Member for Whitsunday in the 30th Queensland Youth Parliament, he has taken his seat in Brisbane this week to debate legislation and shine a spotlight on the challenges and opportunities facing regional Queensland. For Nate, the role is not only symbolic, but a cornerstone of his passion for ensuring young people have a say in decisions that will
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RIN Calls for Action In the past week, our region has once again been thrust into the spotlight. One mine has closed and another has reduced production. Rising costs and the reduction in coal prices have made it unsustainable to continue normal operation. A key contributor to this challenge has been Queensland’s royalty regime, which has placed further strain on an already challenged sector. RIN’s position has been clear and consistent since the sudden royalty increase in 2022: we do not
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The world’s leading water scientists have heard how research at Bravus Mining and Resources’ Carmichael mine is advancing knowledge of how groundwater springs and plant communities interact. The five research papers undertaken for Bravus Mining and Resources by Eco Logical Australia in collaboration with Essence Environmental, BAAM Ecology, Water Mark Eco, EMM Consulting, and Griffith University, were presented at the 2025 International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) Congress in Melbourne
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Simon HoodWilmar Manager Grower MarketingWilmar Grower Marketing’s annual Global Traders Roadshow has wrapped up for another year after a busy week of presentations, starting in Ingham and finishing in Sarina. The events brought together growers from across our milling regions to hear first-hand insights into the forces shaping the sugar market.Guest speaker Peter Bingham, Wilmar’s London-based Senior Sugar Trader, provided an in-depth look at the global market, with particular focus on the la
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CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Joseph Borg said it is pleasing news that the halfway mark for the 2025 crush has now been crossed in both Mackay and Plane Creek Milling areas. “We have crossed the 50 per cent mark and moving towards 60%. We are not where we would like to be, but we are certainly in a better place than this time last year, and that’s a positive,” Mr Borg said. “Factory performance has improved on last year, but logistical issues including transport and communications have ca
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Mackay Rural Production Society Incorporated (MRPS) held its Annual General Meeting on 20 September at City Bowls Club, Shakespeare Street, where volunteers served a hearty roast meal followed by dessert. Formed in 1982 as an offshoot of the former Tropical Grassland Society, MRPS brings together like-minded people — not only from farming backgrounds — who enjoy exploring agricultural and rural enterprises. Over the years, members have travelled widely, from the Ord River in WA and the NT
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Horseshoe Bay Resort And The Café In Bowen As spring warms into summer, Bowen comes alive with crystal clear waters, golden beaches and a laid back tropical vibe that makes it one of North Queensland’s most treasured getaways. At the heart of this coastal paradise are two local gems: Horseshoe Bay Resort and The Café – together offering the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and flavour. Stay by the Sea at Horseshoe Bay Resort Nestled by the iconic Horseshoe Bay, this resort is a
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Australians may be spending less, but they’re hungrier than ever for new flavours, according to CupoNation’s inaugural 2025 “Forks & Searches” Food Trends Report. Drawing on more than 9,400 Google search terms and 23,706 TripAdvisor restaurant listings across six major cities, the report provides a data-driven look at how Australians are eating, discovering, and redefining food in a time of rising living costs. Despite tighter budgets, Australians are embracing dining discovery — with se
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A Proud 80-Year Story In Mackay In 1945, a young air force bomber returned from the battlefields of World War II with a vision for the future. That man was Hugh Reilly, and the business he founded in Mackay would go on to become one of the region’s longest-standing real estate agencies. With a reputation for fairness and integrity, Hugh Reilly Real Estate quickly became a trusted name in the community. In fact, when the United States forces relinquished Post Office Box One in 1945, it was hande
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“There are a lot of Asians here.” Part of the journey of life is that we go from being a young person embarrassed by what our parents do or say to being a parent who embarrasses our own children. My university-student daughter, Bianca, was in Mackay for holidays recently and I took her for lunch one day to the excellent new Japanese restaurant in Victoria St. It was the first time we had been there and soon after we sat down I made the comment about there being “a lot of Asians” in the restau
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Cr Heath Paton Our region boasts some of the greatest weather all year round and encourages us to use and enjoy the great outdoors as much as possible for a variety of pastimes. With the temperatures climbing as we're heading toward our summer months, it's a good time to remind ourselves of the potential dangers we may encounter when looking for a cool spot to take a dip. Crocodile habitat starts from Gladstone and continues through to the Torres Strait Islands and across Cape York Peninsula, w
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Friday 3rd October ** Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Queens Park Circl
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For Mackay And District BMX
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Around 30 runners, including Mackay locals and visitors from interstate and overseas, gathered at 7am Sunday for the inaugural ACE (Australian Conveyor Engineering Fenner Dunlop) Eungella 6km and 19km Trail Run. Starting from the Eungella Chalet lawns under perfect conditions, participants enjoyed a scenic and adventurous course through Eungella National Park. Race Director Tim Magoffin set a light-hearted tone, joking about “drop bear” encounters and recommending Vegemite as protection, while
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TENNIS Day 1 Winners & Runners-Up • Open Women’s Singles – Winner: Lexi Tapp, Runner-Up: Sarah Chisholm • Division 1 Men’s Singles – Winner: Lincoln Gam Lim, Runner-Up: Chris Barbour • Open Men’s Doubles – Winners: Troy Debondi and Josh Wilson, Runners-Up: James Rogers and Barry Abbott • Open Women’s Doubles – Winners: Sarah Chisholm and Jess Brass, Runners-Up: Bree Chauntler and Ash Chauntler • Veterans Men's Doubles – Winners: Craig Bentley and Doug Boss, Runners-Up: Mike Just and Brett Walz
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SURF LIFESAVING Mackay SLSC just competed in the State Endurance Championships hosted at Alexandra Headlands SLSC on the Sunshine Coast. The team finished an impressive 8th out of 36 clubs from around Australia, out classing some of its rival super clubs like Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and Northcliffe just to name a few. The team of 16 travelled to the Sunshine Coast as part of a NQBP sponsored Youth Development Camp hosted at Dicky Beach SLSC. Events ranged from a 2km swim, 4km beach run,
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At Mackay Contract Bridge Club Results for week ending Sunday 28 September 2025 North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Helen Van Den Broek- Jan Harris 2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 2nd Jayne Johnstone - Joy Hold 3rd Nancy Martin - Geoff Taylor 3rd Diane Stokes - Edward Kliese Tuesday Evening 23 September 2025 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Eric Goodchild - Noel Bugeia 1st Patricia Garner - Adrian Westcott 2nd Helen Van Den Broek - Tex Sheed
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Flood Mitigation Works Begin At Hamilton Plains After a lengthy wait, works have now commenced to upgrade a 1.4-kilometre section of the Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road at Hamilton Plains, following years of lobbying by local government, state and federal representatives. These works will improve flooding and drainage on the key arterial route connecting the Bruce Highway and Proserpine to Whitsunday towns including Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and the port of Shute Harbour. The upgr
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