Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mackay Regional Council is partnering with local organisations to provide two potentially lifesaving events for R U OK? Day. On R U OK? Day (Thursday, September 12) council’s Sarina Neighbourhood Centre is partnering with OrangeSky to deliver a Conversations and Cupcakes event from 9am to 11am. Mackay Regional Council Libraries are partnering with Grapevine Group to offer special R U OK? Day SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training at Dudley Denny City Library on Saturday, September 14, from 9.30a
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With Dr. Bob Wong In today’s fast-paced world, chronic pain has become a widespread issue, affecting millions of people and diminishing their quality of life. While modern medicine often prescribes painkillers and invasive procedures, many are turning to the time-honoured practices of acupuncture and Chinese medicine for a more holistic and long-lasting solution. Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the inser
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Calling all students and teachers! You’re encouraged to attend an inspiring film night for just $5 per student! On Friday, September 13th, at 7:30pm, the CQ University Conservatorium of Music will host a screening of Divertimento. This French drama, with English subtitles, tells the remarkable story of how classical symphonic music is everything for 17-year-old Zahia Ziouani and her twin sister, Fettouma. Nevertheless, living in underprivileged Parisian suburbs in 1995 with their Algerian bac
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It’s a story about David Bowie, David Boon and David Fisher. In truth, the least-famous of those Davids was a mere observer and is now telling a story that’s a reminder that in real estate, and life, you can’t rest until the job is done. When I was 15, I was picked as the youngster in an ACT representative team to play in an Under 19 Australasian cricket competition in Christchurch, New Zealand. There were quite a few emerging stars there that year, none of whom were from Canberra. Cricket fans
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Founder of one of the community's newest markets, 'Trash & Treasure,' and owner of Healthy Clean & Green, Wendy Steindl, has just been recognised for her honourable environmental conservation efforts. Last Thursday on August 29, she won the Mackay Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Award for the 2024 "It’s Not Easy Being Green Environmental & Sustainability Award." Reflecting on this milestone, Wendy shared that she was "mind blown and extremely chuffed" by the recognition. “It was super ni
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THE MECC Auditorium reopening celebration featured a terrible guest with terrible tusks, terrible claws and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws. The Gruffalo was the first show back in the MECC Auditorium following the significant water damage which occurred during heavy storms over the 2023 Christmas period. Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to reopen the northern part of the facility with a packed house. “The Auditorium, North Foyer and Lynette Denny Space have reopened this week
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Feeling stressed after a long Tuesday or Wednesday? Skip the hassle of cooking and head to The Dispensary, where their irresistible deals will turn your tough day into a delicious one! Every Tuesday: Pasta Night Pasta Night is your go-to on Tuesdays! For just $40, choose from a variety of creamy pasta dishes, complete with homemade bread and a glass of wine to top off the evening. Whether you're seeking rich flavours or a refined dining experience, The Dispensary is the place to be! Every W
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1 Rice Paper Rolls: Delight in light, refreshing rolls that burst with vibrant flavours and textures – the perfect choice for parties and gatherings! 2 Tempura Tofu: Crispy, golden-brown tofu, lightly crumbed in potato starch and fried to perfection, paired with a house-made sauce featuring soy, chili oil and crispy shallots. 3 Vietnamese Pork Hok - Tender and crispy pork hock served with delicious steamed rice, salad and home style sauce. 4 Crispy Pancake - Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancak
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As the festive season approaches, bookings at Laffos Bar & Pizzeria are coming in thicker and faster than a Tasmanian snowstorm! With Christmas right around the corner, the jolly man in red will soon be making his appearance, and there’s no better place to celebrate than at Mackay’s legendary Bar & Pizzeria at Caneland Central. Laffos, renowned for its famous pizzas and cold drinks by the river, offers the perfect setting for Christmas parties and festive gatherings. The spacious venue, with
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Looking to kickstart your busy day on a high note? Ocean International offers an unparalleled early morning experience tailored for busy professionals and early risers! With exceptional breakfast options and inviting dining areas designed for relaxation, it's the perfect spot to savour a revitalising meal before diving into your hectic schedule. Picture yourself beginning your morning with a delightful selection of breakfast options, from sweet fluffy pancakes to a savory smashed avocado, all
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As domestic and family violence statistics continue to increase, so does the support from organisations such as Broken Ballerina Inc, who remain persistent in their mission to become a living hope for those most vulnerable in the region. Local QPS domestic and family violence representative, Tamara Cook spoke on the rising issue and said that community charities such as Broken ballerina are making the changes that are needed to help women and children at risk of domestic violence. Constable Co
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Fusion128 lives up to its name by offering a culinary experience that is truly fusion by both name and nature. This vibrant restaurant brings together a diverse array of flavours from around the globe, seamlessly blending Asian and French influences with the unique taste of Australian bush herbs. Each dish on the menu is a celebration of cultural diversity, yet unified by a common theme: they are all hearty, delicious, and crafted with genuine care. The chefs at Fusion128 take pride in creating
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The Mackay Musical Comedy Players are thrilled to announce their latest production, the highly acclaimed musical revue Closer Than Ever, created by Maltby and Shire. This evocative two-act show will be performed at St Patrick's College Mackay - Senior Campus Hall for a limited run on Friday, September 20, and Saturday, September 21, 2024. Closer Than Ever is renowned for its poignant and personal storytelling, exploring themes of love, security, and the search for happiness in today’s complex w
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Mackay VIEW Club is on the lookout for new members who want to give back to their community and make new connections with women in the area. VIEW, which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, is a network of close to 300 clubs and over 14,000 women throughout Australia. It provides a place for women to connect in the community, enjoy social activities, and develop lasting friendships – all while supporting the work of children’s education charity, The Smith Family. Mackay VIEW Clu
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On August 3, 2024, the streets from Mackay Harbour to Seaforth became a whirl of vibrancy and colour as participants united in bright tutus for the 2024 Tutu Challenge in support of ovarian cancer research. Miss Diamond International Finalist of 2024, Jennifer-Lee Houseman, who is widely recognised for her modelling and dancing talents, organised the event, and the day turned out to be a powerful demonstration of solidarity in the fight against one of the most common cancers affecting women.
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By Hannah McNamara Australia's beloved musical icon, Marcia Hines, is bringing her highly anticipated Still Shining: The 50th Anniversary Concert Tour to Mackay in 2024! In an interview with Mackay Life, Marcia spoke about her musical journey over the years and touched on her upcoming tour to the Mackay region. She said, “I feel really blessed that people still want to come see the show and hear me sing… I’m stoked about it.” This exciting event will celebrate Marcia’s incredible five-decade-
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Mackay State High School showcased its basketball prowess, winning two titles at the recent Mackay Interschool Basketball Tournament, which brought together schools from across the region. The school's Open Boys and Junior Girls teams emerged victorious, demonstrating skill, teamwork, and determination. The Open Boys, coached by Mr Stuart Watkins, began their campaign with a commanding win against Sarina State High School, setting the tone for the tournament. Their second game against Northern B
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Tuesday morning Mackay Table Tennis players warmed up for another season of fixtures with a doubles tournament. Janice Kent carried all before her to win the first division with 151 points, Don Boettcher winning division 2 with 155 points. The tournament was first to 31, five matches with partners swapping randomly and was strongly competed by a good turnout of players, who especially enjoyed the ‘bring a plate’ spread at the end of play. A new season of fixtures is starting, and if you haven’t
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In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Slade Point women’s rugby union team won Mackay’s inaugural Women’s Rugby 7s Grand Final at BB Print Stadium. Capping off a remarkable season for women’s rugby in the region, a star player for Slade Point, Hula Day, has been playing different codes of rugby for seven years, starting in 2018 before switching to rugby union in 2020. Her versatility on the field has seen her excel in various positions, from flanker in 15s to playing as a ho
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AFLW is making its exciting return to Mackay as the Gold Coast Suns take on Carlton at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. The region is thrilled to welcome back Mackay’s very own Lauren Bella, Alana Gee and Wallis Randell, who will all be showcasing their skills in front of a local crowd. This match is a significant event for the region, bringing two traveling teams to North Queensland. Carlton, a renowned team from Victoria, will clash with the Gold Coast Suns, representing Queensland’s vibrant Gold
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Last week was a massive week for the Mackay Bridge Club with the playing of the Australian Wide-Open Pairs, the final week of the Anne Hird Memorial, the Mackay Barometer Pairs Walk-in and the Mackay Barometer Pairs competition, which was played over two days. Winners of the Australian Wide Open Pairs N/S were Janelle Conroy and Terry Sheedy with Janine Rodgers and Richard Wix winning E/W. After three weeks of play with three different overs, Joy Block took out this year’s Anne Hird Memorial.
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Walkerston Wanderers Rugby League Club are celebrating a premiership quadrella in the Mackay & District Junior League. The Roosters underlined their depth of junior talent by annexing the Boys Under 15 and Under 16 premiership titles and the Girls Under 16 and Under 18 trophies in Grand final action at BB Print Stadium last weekend. It is a tremendous feat by the Wanderers club that remained undefeated in both the Under 15 and Girls Under 16 years divisions. Trent Peno’s all-conquering Under 1
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Four of Mackay’s dedicated rowers are about to embark on a thrilling journey to compete in the Masters World Championship Rowing event at the Beetzsee regatta course in Germany, from September 11th to 15th. This natural regatta course situated in Brandenburg, boasts 320,000 square metres of surface area and offers eight lanes for rowing and nine lanes for canoe racing. The event will see between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes competing, and the Mackay rowers are ready to make their mark. The team i
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With World Suicide Awareness Day fast approaching, Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network has been raising awareness with a variety of initiatives right across the region. From the recent Memorial Service and plaque unveiling held in Airlie Beach last week to the sunflower sale at Stackelroth Farm where over $500 was raised for the cause. Starting a conversation about suicide awareness is considered the most effective way to normalise such a stigmatised issue and encourage those living with men
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Hi Everyone, Thank you so much for all the well-wishes and congratulations following my wedding. I really appreciated the phone calls, text messages and personal encounters that have all made my husband and I feel super special over the last few weeks. You’ll be pleased to know, it was the most spectacular day and the weather was perfect . . . thankfully! A few people have been asking me to share photos so here is one for you! In other news, it’s the much-anticipated Whitsundays Writers F
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