By Hannah McNamara Questions begin to surface as Mackay locals express concerns over the original intentions of Melbourne-based charity, sleepbus. The initiative was set to deliver three buses for the Mackay and Sarina regions as part of a movement to provide “safe sleeps” for the homeless. However, a recent announcement by the Founder of sleepbus revealed that the charity will soon cease their operations on June 30, 2025 due to financial difficulty. The three buses included one for the Macka
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Detectives from Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit have charged a 50-year-old man in relation to the supply of dangerous drugs and sexual assault of a child. On January 15 police executed a search warrant at a Mackay Harbour address, where 50-year-old Bradley Jetson was taken into custody. A quantity of dangerous drugs, drug utensils and electronic devices were seized from the address. It will be alleged the man supplied dangerous drugs to a girl under the age of 16 and sexually a
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A health service investigation has been launched into Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) to examine concerns about the recruitment and credentialing for scope of practice of senior medical officers. Director-General Dr David Rosengren has commissioned the investigation under Part 9 of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011. The investigation will cover a two-year period from January 2023 to December 2024 to determine if Mackay HHS complied with processes and practices relating to seni
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A new training centre in a prime Moranbah position will help boost mines rescue capabilities and shorten response times when incidents occur in the Bowen Basin mining hub. Anglo American and Exxaro – which own a 50-50 joint venture steelmaking coal exploration project at Moranbah South - have leased an 18-hectare parcel of land to Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS). The land, on the corner of Railway Road and Moranbah Access Road, is opposite the planned site for stage 3 of the Resources C
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Geospatial and Earth Observation (EO) technologies could be the next frontier for the Greater Whitsunday region’s workforce to explore. Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) has released the Greater Whitsunday Geospatial Hub Economic Impact Assessment report to provide a roadmap of Geospatial and Earth Observation opportunities and strategy. Geospatial data identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features and boundaries on earth. This data can be derived fr
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As Australia fights to protect its most vulnerable wildlife, the use of 1080 baiting remains a controversial yet critical tool in managing major threats to native species. While some conservationists advocate for its role in reducing predation pressure, concerns persist over its impact on non-target species and the need for alternative control measures. Australia has some of the most unique wildlife and biodiversity in the world, but two invasive predators, feral cats and foxes, have already
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By Owen Menkens CANEGROWERS Chairman There’s something truly special and iconic about sugarcane. Grown along 2000km of Australian coastline, from Grafton in northern New South Wales to the fringes of the Daintree in the tropical far north, it’s been a cornerstone of Queensland’s identity for over 150 years. In fact, so foundational is this industry that it even features on our state’s Coat of Arms. Yet, as iconic as it is, sugarcane isn’t just part of our history – it’s a dynamic, future-fo
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QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball Rain And Flood In Northern Queensland Torrential rain across north and far north Queensland has caused immeasurable angst and damage for communities, businesses and governments with the final measure of implications and costs still to come. Natural disasters such as these can have life-changing and long-lasting impacts. QCAR therefore is supporting members with information and resources and staying available and abreast of updates but also urgently see
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Mackay could become a diabetes research hub with the potential to help accelerate treatment breakthroughs and enable greater access to life-changing technology for sufferers. This is the goal of Mackay HHS endocrinologist Dr Harshal Deshmukh who, after only 10 months in the region, has secured funding to conduct a world-first study focussed on type 2 diabetes and Diabetic Foot Disease (DFD). The local study, which investigates technology to track blood sugar and how it can benefit wound healin
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Mackay's biggest sport and recreation sign-on event is only days away. The Mackay Sport and Rec Expo will feature more than 100 clubs on display, creating a one-stop shop for sport and recreation opportunities. Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting to see so many local clubs get on board and support the annual expo. “This year’s event will be action-packed, with a range of active zone activities and demonstrations throughout the day and all the usual prizes and competitions, such as nomi
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William "Billy" Jarrett, 31, is thrilled to be back in the region, surrounded by family and familiar faces after a diverse and enriching career path. As a fourth-generation Mackay local, William, who hails from a family with deep roots in agriculture, is eager to contribute to the community that shaped him. "It's great to be back in the region after all these years away," William said, reflecting on his journey from growing up in Mackay to working across regional Australia. "I'm pretty ha
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager, Grower Marketing The wash-up of the 2024 season is all but done, with only a portion of growers still to price out the balance of their 2024 crop. The recent recovery in prices following the dip due to India announcing 1 million tonnes of export quota is welcome. We still see tight trade flow for raw and whites into this quarter which may stretch into the second quarter depending on how quickly Brazil comes back online and the current Indian and Thai crop cut out.
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Gymnastics in Mackay has flourished over the past two decades, becoming a cornerstone of the community's commitment to health, fitness, and personal development. Leading this movement is Mackay Gymnastics Inc., a dynamic club that has been serving the region since 2005. The club offers a wide array of programs tailored to individuals of all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of movement. One of the standout features of Mackay Gymnastics is its inclusivity. The clu
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All you have to do is “just start”- and the North Queensland Sports Foundation (NQSF) is here to help you do exactly that! Thinking about joining a local sporting club, hosting your own event, or just looking for new ways to get active? The Mackay Sport & Rec Expo is your chance to connect with the organisation that’s been driving grassroots sports across North Queensland for over 40 years. Founded in 1983 following the success of the Brisbane Commonwealth Games, NQSF was established to encoura
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Just in time for the month of love, Flavours of Vietnam is serving up new dishes and drinks designed to make hearts skip a beat. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a lively gathering of friends, or just a well-deserved treat, these new menu additions bring bold flavours and a touch of indulgence to this year’s Valentine’s Day celebrations. February brings a fresh twist to a classic with the Watermelon and Lychee Mojito - a cocktail as sweet and refreshing as love itself. Juicy watermelon a
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Nicole Batzloff, the passionate co-owner of beloved local restaurant Laffos, is putting on her dancing shoes as she takes on Dancing with Heart, the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s premier fundraising event. On March 21, Nicole will hit the dance floor alongside seven other competitors, vying for the coveted title of best dancer while raising vital funds for the Mackay Hospital Foundation. This exciting event supports the Foundation’s mission to provide essential services and resources to th
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Love is on the menu at Ocean International, and whether you’re celebrating romance or raising a toast to friendship, there’s no better place to spend Valentine’s…or should we say, Galentine’s. With just one week to go, now is the time to secure your seat at one of the region’s most popular venues for a night of delicious dining, ocean breezes, and unforgettable moments. For couples looking to turn up the romance, Oceans Restaurant offers an intimate setting with a special Chef’s selected menu
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Almost as daunting as organising the perfect wedding is organising accommodation for all of your visiting family and friends. No doubt there’s a range of budgets and preferences to consider, and that’s where BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday can help! BIG4 can offer everything from powered sites to fully self-contained cabins ranging from their budget-conscious open-plan Studio Cabins to their amazing 3-bedroom Whitehaven Condos (and everything in between!). And with plenty of ‘fun stuff’ too … 13 Sl
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Transform your wedding or elopement into an enchanting fairy tale of romance, where every moment is captured with the magic of Depicting Dreamscapes. Specialising in a signature vibrant style, this photography approach captures the essence of each couple’s love story, weaving together emotional depth and authenticity. From grand celebrations to quiet, intimate elopements, or even the tender first steps of engagement, every frame becomes a timeless work of art. Whether near or far, Depicting Dre
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Couples planning their dream wedding will have a unique opportunity to connect with top industry professionals at the Mackay and Whitsunday Annual Wedding Expo, set to take place on Sunday, 16th February 2025, at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC). Organised by Element Events by Ramona, the expo is a premier showcase featuring a wide variety local wedding vendors, offering everything from celebrants and florists to photographers and stylists. Attendees will have the chance to
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Nestled just steps from the water, this stunning wedding venue offers a perfect blend of elegance and natural beauty. The ceremony takes place on a picturesque waterfront lawn, where couples exchange vows with a breathtaking ocean backdrop that creates a magical atmosphere. Accommodations for the wedding couple and their guests are nothing short of luxurious. The Waterfront Villa, typically reserved for the couple, boasts a private pool, expansive living spaces, and a master bedroom with panoram
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Attracting almost a thousand participants over eleven sessions throughout the year, BMA Kidspace continued to be Artspace Mackay's most loved children's program. The program, Mackay's longest-running art and music program for toddlers, topped off a wonderful year in 2024 with a blockbuster Christmas celebration of art and music. Deputy Mayor Karen May said BMA Kidspace was not possible without the council's valuable partnership with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA). "The continued support provid
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As the highly anticipated barramundi season kicks off, fishing enthusiasts, families, and holidaymakers across the country are invited to gear up for Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap fishing competition, set to take place from April 5 to April 26, 2025, across the breathtaking Mackay Isaac region. Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap has established itself as a significant fishing event in Queensland. “In just two years, it is the lar
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The spirit of resilience and remembrance filled the air at Bluewater Quay as more than 300 people gathered for the second Mackay Survival Day Walk on the 26th of January. Survival Day, also known as Invasion Day and the Day of Mourning, marks a time to honour the passion and endurance of ancestors who faced the Frontier Wars, which began on January 26, 1788, at Botany Bay. In Mackay, the day is dedicated to paying tribute to the survivors of the Yuwi Nation and their descendants, who continue
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A Clever Deal: The Fun of Learning Bridge If you’re looking for a game that challenges the mind, fosters real connections, and is just plain fun, Bridge is calling your name. Often described as a gym workout for the brain, this time-honoured card game blends strategy, problem-solving, and teamwork, making it both an entertaining and mentally stimulating pursuit. And the best part? You don’t have to be a card shark to dive in. Whether your schedule favours a morning start on Tuesday, February 1
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