Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
They say write what you know, but, this week, what I know is brain fog, a raspy cough that could sand timber, and the unique frustration of watching every hour crawl by during a night of fever, chills and wild temperature swings. I’ve been battling some uninvited flu-like lurgy for the better part of a week, and my body currently feels like it lost a wrestling match with a semi-trailer. So it was oddly poetic when I woke up to a region shrouded in thick fog on Wednesday. The sky outside p
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You might laugh at the term Netflix Bum, but Australia’s growing obsession with streaming, scrolling and sitting is no joke. Whether it’s back-to-back episodes or endless TikTok loops, the hours we spend glued to our screens are quietly taking a toll on our health – and our backsides. According to leading physical activity researcher Professor Corneel Vandelanotte, this modern-day lounge room phenomenon (known to weaken the gluteal muscles) is a symptom of a much bigger problem: Aussies
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By Hannah McNamara A grassroots movement in Mackay is punching beyond barriers in the fight against domestic violence, not just with words, but with gloves, grit and a dash of pink. Last Wednesday, Project Pink held its official opening and activewear fundraiser at the CWA Hall on Gordon Street, offering locals a chance to support the cause with every $5 item sold helping fund vital programs for women and teen girls affected by domestic violence. Founded by local mother and entrepreneur
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With Allison Bekker From Skin Transformations If you’ve ever wished for firmer, clearer, or more youthful-looking skin without going under the knife, there’s a breakthrough worth knowing about — and it’s right here in Mackay. Skin Transformations is one of only six clinics in Australia to use and recommend the cutting-edge Fusion Plasma USA device. Made in Turkey, this non-invasive plasma treatment is designed to rejuvenate, tighten and heal the skin using advanced argon gas-powered plasm
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In a frantic search for her daughter’s beloved bunny, a Mackay mother turned to a local mums and bubs Facebook page, hoping the power of community could help return her little girl’s most cherished companion. “Long shot, but us mummabears will do anything for our munchkins,” she wrote. “Andergrove State School mums and parents, my daughter has misplaced or lost her purple plush bunny at school… She is absolutely devastated.” The treasured toy – a Frankie & Friends plush bunny – carried
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The 2025 Woollam Art on Show Awards & Exhibition is already generating strong national interest, with entries coming in from across Australia and growing support from art societies, artist groups, and regional advocates. Now in its 19th year, the exhibition has become a key fixture in Mackay’s cultural calendar and a recognised highlight of the Mackay Festival of Arts. The $10,000 prize pool and the high standard of presentation continue to attract both emerging and well-established artists fro
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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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