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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Friday 7th February 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 U3A Mackay Open Day 9am Retired from ful
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In a world where unplanned pregnancies can leave women feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain about their futures, Hope’s Dream offers a lifeline of support. For many, the shock of an unexpected pregnancy can trigger a whirlwind of emotions - fear, confusion, and even doubt - leaving them questioning what to do next. Amidst these turbulent feelings, Hope’s Dream provides a compassionate space for women to breathe, reflect, and make informed decisions without the pressure of judgment. It'
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Due to recent excessive rain, the Central QLD Blokart Club has announced the postponement of the "Come and Try" days. The heavy rain has caused water to leach from the sand dunes behind the beach, creating a "sand trap" that bogs down the Blokarts. As the water can take a couple of weeks to disperse after a rain event, the decision has been made to reschedule the event. The Central QLD Blokart Club sincerely apologises for any inconvenience, stating, "We at Central QLD Blokart Club apologise…bu
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Last Saturday, Rugby Park in Rockhampton hosted a thrilling junior rugby trial featuring the Mackay Cutters junior squads competing against the CQ Capras. The event highlighted up-and-coming talent across four key teams: the Mal Meninga Cup, Cyril Connell Cup, and Harvey Norman U19s. With teams eager to make their mark, the day provided an exciting glimpse into the future of rugby league in the region. Before the game kicked off, enthusiasm and optimism were abundant. Marco Peters, Head of Wo
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With the Sinkers Masters Swimming Club in full swing for 2025, members are swimming in numbers in preparation for upcoming events. The long weekend provided plenty of opportunities for members to engage in club activities and broader community events. Friday 24th marked the first club night with 17 attendees, learning the finer skills of race starts, turns, and finishes. Members were offered 2 x 25m, 1 x 50m, and a single 100m event to test their skills and fitness. Many learned that to race fa
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A strongly-contested doubles tournament hit off the 2025 year for Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning players. Winners were George Camilleri in Division 1 with 153 points and John Hamelink in Division 2 with 152 points. It’s an unusual competition in which players rotate partners and play first to 31 while keeping track of their total scores. The morning finished with presentations by fixtures organiser Steve Mathieson to winning team members from the last season of 2024 along with other awar
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While the sugarcane fields surrounding Mackay symbolise resilience and prosperity, the 2024 property market showed that the region's real estate is just as robust and sought after, firmly placing Mackay at the forefront of Regional Queensland’s property boom. In 2024, Regional Queensland's property market experienced notable growth, with property values increasing by 12.1 per cent over the year. This trend was particularly evident in key regional hubs. According to The Australian Financial Revi
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Gilmour Space Station in Bowen is getting ready to launch Eris TestFlight 1, and one dignitary that has been there throughout the process is Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. Founded by two brothers in Gold Coast, Queensland, Gilmour Space is a venture-capital-backed Australian launch services company that is developing new capabilities for launching satellites to space. Andrew Willcox explained how he’s excited for the launch of the rocket, that's going to put satellites into low earth orbit
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