Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has expanded its growers’ services footprint in the Burdekin and Herbert River regions with the engagement of three new employees last week. Burdekin local Angelo Licciardello and Herbert Rivers’ Lawrence Di Bella were both appointed this week as the new Burdekin and Herbert River District Managers respectively. Anna Di Bella, wife to Lawrence, also was appointed as Administration Officer in the Herbert River cane supply area. QCAR CEO Stephen
Read more
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees will have an opportunity to vote on a new, three-year enterprise agreement that includes an upfront $2,500 and total wage rises of 16%. The first two wage increases, totalling 12%, would be paid by Christmas this year. If the offer is accepted,1,300 Wilmar employees covered by the EA will receive an 8% increase in their first full pay after the ballot, another 4% in December this year, and a further 4% increase in December next year. The $2,500 bonus would
Read more
The Brazil crush continues to power along and is currently around 60% complete. UNICA’s second half of July report indicated that while year to date the crush was ahead, the fortnightly cane crush is now below last year’s comparative volume. As each month passes, the focus on the UNICA reports intensify as analysts dissect the results to see if their projected sugar volume is still valid – or not. Cane crushed is a key variable and accumulated volumes remain over 5% ahead of last year. What UN
Read more
Get ready for what I’m about to say, because it’s going to blow your mind. Maybe grab a coffee and get comfy. In a few hours I’ll be flying to NSW to run the Sydney Marathon again, but more on that soon. Right now, I want to talk about a Mackay bloke who has just done something spectacular on the other side of the world, and he’s done it with grace and dignity. Heard of a fit man called Paul MacKenzie before? He’s an electrician who loves to run and get outdoors. Or should that be a bloke who
Read more.jpg)
By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay There has been plenty said about Sugar Research Australia's decision to supply clean plant source to a fledgling Indonesian cane growing industry. At first glance many people have seen the potential negatives in this decision, in that an Australian research organisation is assisting an emerging market competitor with Australian-developed varieties. Growers and millers pay compulsory levies to Sugar Research Australia (SRA), with co-funding coming from
Read more
Real estate commentators are suggesting the traditional spring selling season might not be as good as usual for vendors in the big southern markets such as Sydney and Melbourne. There is a fair degree of economic uncertainty relating to a possible recession and the feeling is that in those high-priced capitals there might be an impact on real estate over the coming months. Higher interest rates are tied up in all this and they have limited the borrowing power of many buyers. The informative on-l
Read more%5B79%5D%20(Medium).JPG)
Rail freight business Aurizon has officially partnered with Mackay Regional Council to deliver a native revegetation project at Koumala on 118-hectares of land. The site, previously impacted by land clearing and grazing, will now undergo restoration efforts to rejuvenate the native environment. Reforestation has involved the planting of 59,000 native seedlings, comprised of a mixture of species found in the Hatfield and Connor Ranges, sourced from Mackay Regional Council’s nursery. Adjoining t
Read more
Taking the leap into homeownership is a significant milestone, and with the right preparation, it can be a smooth journey. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started. Begin by doing your homework. Various Government benefits, such as first homeowner grants and stamp duty rebates, can make buying your first home more affordable. Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank can assist you in navigating the process, by helping you calculate how much you can borrow and explaining the different loan options
Read more
Cheeky Little Monkeys, the playful brainchild of local mum-of-five Lisa Versaci, has swung to the top of Mackay’s business scene, recently claiming the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Award for the Next Big Thing (New Business). With a focus on creating a safe, fun-filled jungle for children and a much-needed break for parents, Cheeky Little Monkeys has quickly become a favourite among local families looking for an easy and enjoyable place for their little ones to monkey aroun
Read more.jpg)
In just 18 months of operation, Habitude has made remarkable strides in the Mackay region, after winning two significant titles at the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards. The innovative company, founded by Dr. Suzanne Francisco, is already being recognised for its transformative impact on behaviour change across a broad spectrum of services. Much to her pleasant surprise, Dr Francisco, Owner and CEO of Habitude, took home the ‘Mover of Mountains’ award and said, “It was
Read more
The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce celebrated the highly anticipated Best in Business Awards on Thursday, 29th August, with a dazzling evening of recognition and celebration at the Mackay Masonic Hall. After nearly 15 years without a dedicated awards night for local Chamber businesses, over 150 attendees gathered for a sold-out event, proving that the appetite for recognising business excellence is alive and well in Mackay. The event kicked off with red carpet arrivals captured at The Dispens
Read more
Porters Mitre 10 has been honoured with the Legacy Legends Award at the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards, a testament to its century-long impact on the local community. Recognised for its exceptional blend of tradition and innovation, this award celebrates Porters' transformation from a pioneering construction firm into a modern hub of retail and manufacturing excellence, all while maintaining its deep-rooted commitment to the Mackay region. Founded in 1883 by Charles Po
Read more
The excellent craftsmanship and impeccable standards Master Builders are renowned for were visible in the work of every winner at the 2024 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Fergus Builders took out an incredible eight awards – the highest number for one builder so far this season. The team won both the highly-regarded McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year Award and Education Facilities over $10 million for the world-class Whitsunday Anglican School – STEAM Centre – a first
Read more
At the 2024 Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards, Fergus Builders took home an impressive eight awards, emerging as the only builder in Queensland to receive this many accolades at a Master Builders awards evening. Fergus Builders' success at the awards was recognised due to their remarkable work on the Whitsunday Anglican School STEAM Centre, which earned them the prestigious McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year Award. Director and Construction Manager of F
Read more.jpg)
For more than two decades, Crystal Edwards, Senior Estimator at Carpet One Mackay, has been a dedicated force in the construction industry. Most recently, she received recognition for her exceptional years of service at Carpet One Mackay, winning the honourable Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards. Specialising in large commercial projects and complex tenders, Crystal has been an essential part of Carpet One, handling estimating, quoting and overseeing
Read more
Cotters Builders, a family-oriented business led by Michael and Madison Cotter, recently gained impressive recognition at the 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday’s Master Builder Awards. Cotter Builders achieved remarkable success at the Awards, securing four prestigious accolades: the BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award, Best Residential Bathroom, Apprentice of the Year Award (won by their apprentice, Riley Smith), and Best Individual Home in the $700-$850 category. Notably, one of their homes ‘Villa
Read more
Winner of the 2024 Mackay & Whitsunday BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award – Cotter Builders for Villa Ta Lumi Michael and the Cotter Builders team have excelled themselves with Villa Ta Lumi, with their attention to detail and quality workmanship evident throughout. The home is a fusion of styles from coastal to contemporary, modern to Mediterranean, with its soft curves and archways, raked ceilings and exposed beams delivering a calming ambience. Boasting an entertainer’s kitchen, indoor-ou
Read more
Tin Lid Enterprises, a remarkable and local roofing company, has truly made waves in the construction industry by clinching a prestigious Master builders award in only their third year as a company. This achievement not only showcases their dedication to excellence but also highlights their commitment to quality and innovation in roofing services. A local staple in Airlie Beach for over 15 years, Tin Lid Enterprises, in 2021, expanded their horizons and made the move from sole trader to compan
Read more
Caneland Central Activities Date: September 23 to 27 What: Nibble and Dabble Art Parties FREE EVENT Time: Daily Workshop Times (1 Hour Per Workshop): Session 1: 9:30am (5-8 years). Session 2: 11am (9 years and older). Session 3: 1pm (9 years and older) Description: Join the free, colourful, and delicious art sessions at Caneland Central these school holidays! Create new artwork at each session with all supplies provided, plus expert tips and yummy snacks. Location: Centre Court, just outside My
Read more
Last Friday, Jay and Dave from Triple M were hosts to guests on the tarmac at Mackay Airport in support of a wonderful cause. The Dinner on the Runway by Ibis Mackay in support of Mackay Hospital Foundation and our local hospitals is in its fourth year with this year being the most successful of the events to date. A record number of 550 people attended the event which was held under the stars, just metres from where jet aircraft were landing and taking off. Auction items included a Melbourne
Read more
Sarina Crocodiles are the newly crowned Mackay & District Junior League A Grade champions for 2024. Lightning struck twice for the Crocodiles after toppling premiership favourites Mackay Brothers 16-14 in last Saturday’s Grand Final showdown at the Junior League Fields. It followed Sarina’s spirited 24-18 victory over the Leprechauns in the major semi-final. Brothers won thirteen of their fourteen matches during the regular season - losing just one match against Mackay Magpies to wrap up the
Read more
In its very first season in use, it hasn't taken long for the Score Assist to impact a game, with Maddy Guerin's match-winner coming in dramatic style. With the goal umpire unsure whether Daisy D'Arcy had touched it before or after the line, umpires conferred before going upstairs to the system that makes use of ball tracking technology. With no replay or communication for the players, spectators or viewers to see or hear, only once the signal for a goal was given did everyone know the result. D
Read more
A dramatic late goal to Maddy Guerin has seen Carlton snatch its first victory of the AFLW season, hanging on by a solitary point against Gold Coast in Mackay on Sunday. With her team trailing by four points and less than two minutes remaining, Guerin received a handball from Darcy Vescio and sent her right foot snap goalward from 25m. SUN Daisy D'Arcy leapt high on the line to touch the ball, but following an official score review - which is being used in the AFLW for the first time this season
Read more
From a young age, Kristen had an interest in athletics and gymnastics, but it wasn’t until around the age of 10 when she developed a passion for the sport. Since then, she has been mountain biking for just over six years but only started racing competitively around three years ago. Kristen said it wasn’t until August last year when she ventured into the world of cross duathlon - a sport that combines trail running and mountain biking. Now in her final year of schooling at St Patrick's Coll
Read more
The Makay Barometer Pairs competition was played over two days, with 18 pairs competing for coveted Red points. Section A Winners: Nany Martin and Monica Darley, Section B Winners: Janine Rodgers and Richard Wix, with Section C Winners: Ted Cullinan and Noel Saunders. Weekly Results Mackay Barometer Pairs Winners after two days – Red points A 1st Nancy Martin / Monica Darley 2nd Ann Whitmore / Patricia Garner B 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 2nd Julie O’Neill / Griffin Bancroft C 1st Ted C
Read more