Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
More than 70 per cent of students visiting a school dental van in the Mackay region last year needed a filling because of tooth decay. Sugary foods and drinks combined with poor oral hygiene contributed to 4583 fillings being done by school dentists across the district. Mackay Base Hospital Dental Unit director Dr Ronel Bornman said the mobile dental vans were unfortunately only seeing about 23 per cent of school children who are eligible for the free service. During Dental Health Week (August
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A wonderful young boy by the name of Samuel Hollywood recently received a new wheelchair to enhance his mobility and independence, however, the Hollywood family still faces critical challenges that require community support through donations. At just five weeks old, Samuel was diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, a rare disease that has left him severely intellectually and physically disabled. He battles chronic illness and complex medical needs every day which requires full-time care an
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On Saturday, 3 August 2024, a tragic incident at the Byerwen mine infrastructure site west of Mackay resulted in the death of a worker. Initial reports suggest that the incident involved a pick and carry crane, though the exact cause remains under investigation. QCoal confirmed the fatality of Chris Schloss, a long-serving, senior, and well-loved member of their team. The company stated that the incident has shocked the entire organisation, and they are focused on supporting Chris’ family and a
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From Mackay’s iconic cane fields to the naturally beautiful beaches of the Whitsundays and the resource-rich landscape of the Isaac, locals across the region have a great reason to crack a cold one in celebration as they mark the extraordinary achievement of returning more than 400 million drink containers for recycling through Containers for Change. Natalie Roach, chief executive officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said the milestone highlighted t
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Hanly Dental Studio, led by Dr Tim Hanly, has recently opened in Mackay with a mission to transform patient experiences and elevate the standard of dental care throughout the region. Located on Brisbane Street and across from Sydney Street Markets, the state-of-the-art facility is changing common dental experiences through a combination of innovative technology and a patient-focused approach, ensuring exceptional care in a comfortable environment. After nine years practicing in the Mackay region
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CQ Rescue announced a significant milestone last week as the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) stepped up to become their new naming rights partner. This partnership marked only the second time in CQ Rescue’s history that a naming rights agreement had been granted. The relationship between CQ Rescue and BMA dates back to 1996 when CQ Rescue was first established. Over the past 28 years, CQ Rescue has saved more than 12,000 lives, a feat made possible by the support of its valued partners. Tim Healee
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Last Saturday evening, Cheree Ridolfi hosted a delightful #ForkCancer Longest Table event. Inspired by the heartbreaking impact of a sudden cancer diagnosis on her daughter-in-law's uncle, Tony, Cheree organised this cocktail attire dinner to raise funds and bring together guests who share a passion for the #ForkCancer initiative. The night featured a variety of delicious home-cooked dishes accompanied by fine wines, beer and ginger beer on tap. After dinner, a lively auction took place with n
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Schools from across the Mackay and Whitsunday Isaac region are ready to take part in a unique program that will inspire students in the fields of STEM, science and sustainability using local waterway data. Students from Whitsunday Anglican School had the opportunity to take part in the Healthy Rivers to Reef Innovation Challenge and work with real-world data and scientists to design solutions for the future. The program helps to apply new technologies to show students how their solutions could
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Last weekend, the Woollam Art on Show Awards 2024 brought the Mackay art community together in a celebration of creativity and talent. The event, which spanned from August 2nd to August 5th, showcased over 250 works from local and interstate artists, reflecting the rich tapestry of artistic expression in the region. The prestigious Overall Winner of the Woollam Art on Show Award, with a prize of $3,000, was Bradley Short for his piece "Plein Air Study Eungella." Local artist Sam Pennisi won t
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Recent monitoring of restored wetlands at Alligator Creek near Mackay has shown thriving populations of native fish communities, including juvenile barramundi. This success follows comprehensive restoration efforts, which have transformed the once shallow, weed-infested wetlands into vibrant ecosystems. The restoration works have included improving fish passage through the implementation of rock fish ladders, constructing deep pool refuge habitats, revegetation, and improved grazing management.
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The voices of 1000 rural women are being sought for a groundbreaking new documentary on Australia’s rural, regional and remote women. Rural Daughters, the feature-length documentary by award-winning CheekyMac Productions, will follow the personal journeys of some of Australia’s most inspiring rural women in their efforts to overcome barriers, effect change and live a successful, purpose-driven life in the regions. In addition to their stories, a nationwide 1000 Rural Women Survey has been deve
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Firefighter Mick Forde from the Sarina Fire Station recently provided a glimpse into the life of a firefighter. He shared both the rewarding and challenging aspects of his job, shedding light on the dedication required for this demanding role. "The most rewarding thing about being a firefighter is that we get to make a difference in our community and give back," Mick stated. "The most challenging part is seeing people on their worst days and still having to give 100%.” Mick has been an auxil
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A rewarding scholarship program delivered by Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank officially opened, August 1. Community Bank Sarina now welcomes applications for the Sarina State High School Senior Schooling Scholarship Program for students entering Grade 11 in 2025. This is an incredible opportunity for students who want to thrive both academically and in their personal lives. Brock Raward, a recipient of the high school scholarship in 2022 and 2023, completed school last year and is now pursuin
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The Sarina Museum, located at The Field of Dreams Parklands (Railway Square) Bruce Highway, Sarina, is currently closed. The museum was closed in late July, 2024 following vandalism, which caused a lot of damage, including broken glass, debris, and damage to displays and artefacts. The vandalism was reported to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the site made safe. As Sarina Museum was the next stage of a Museum Collection Rationalisation Project, council decided to keep the museum closed u
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The Sarina Show and Rodeo marked its 60th anniversary last weekend, commemorating six decades of fanfare, flavours, and family atmosphere that have made it a beloved event among locals and visitors since its inception in 1964. The 2024 Sarina Show and Rodeo, held on 3-4 August, featured displays and exhibits, stud cattle, prime cattle, and ring events. The always popular rides and the excitement of sideshow alley delighted attendees. Saturday night saw fireworks and a rodeo, followed by live mus
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Mackay’s Careers Expo is back for its second year, offering an extraordinary opportunity for school leavers, recent graduates, and career-changers to gain invaluable insights into potential career paths. Whether you're a student on the brink of making pivotal decisions about your future, a recent graduate exploring your options, or a seasoned professional contemplating a career change or upskilling, this event is designed with you in mind. Following the phenomenal success of its inaugural event,
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Mineral Resources (MinRes) is a diversified resources company with operations in iron ore, lithium, energy and mining services across Australia. For more than 30 years, MinRes’ passion for innovation, agile approach and ability to seize new opportunities has seen us grow into a leading ASX 50 company. Our wholly owned subsidiary, CSI Mining Services (CSI), is a leading provider of pit to port mining solutions for MinRes and Tier 1 mining clients. CSI recently commenced operations in northern
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Are you a recent or soon-to-be graduate looking to start your career in education? Or an experienced teacher seeking a change? We're currently seeking talented and enthusiastic teachers to join our growing kindergartens, schools and colleges! Applications are now open for full-time teaching positions for the 2025 school year. Apply today! Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton serves communities from Bundaberg in the south to Mackay in the north and west to Longreach at 17 locations across
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Three athletes from the Mackay Cyclones team achieved remarkable success at the School Sport Australia Games, competing against top talent from across Australia on the Gold Coast. For these athletes, it was their first time making the team, and they delivered exceptional results. Isabelle Daniel, who recently turned 10, excelled in the 10-12 school age group, securing top-seven finishes nationwide and setting personal bests in her events. Daniel's impressive achievements included: 6th place in t
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Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd (DBCT P/L) strives to be an employer of choice for the Mackay Region, constantly reviewing and improving what they offer their employees. With the tight employment market, what is offered to workers has been a focus, and the good news is if people know they’d like to work at DBCT P/L, they have the option to sign up for job alerts so they can be notified about positions vacant. DBCT P/L CEO, Steve Rae, said as well as being competitive for salaries and wag
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By Hannah McNamara After a life-changing event that tested his resilience and determination, Roscoe McDonnell defied the odds, proving that with a strong mindset, anything is possible. Roscoe is known by many athletes across the globe for his incredible long-distance accolades, however, his initial path to success wasn’t so easy. In his early 20s, a sudden motorbike accident, caused by a reckless drunk driver, robbed him of his love for running, leaving him paralysed and in a wheelchair for s
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In a thrilling conclusion to the first-ever GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race, Grant Warrington's Supermaxi Wild Thing 100 claimed line honours, setting a record time of 35 hours and 35 minutes. The race, which covered a 520-mile course, saw Wild Thing 100 achieve an impressive average speed of 17.5 knots. The inaugural GCCM Line Honours Perpetual Trophy was presented on the docks at Mackay Marina Village. The presentation was made by Drew Jones, Past Commodore of Southport Yacht Club, and Macka
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Mackay Cutters rugby league team’s woes have continued in the Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup series. After a promising start to their 2024 campaign the club’s finals hopes remain in tatters after disappointing losses in recent weeks. The lowly-placed Ipswich Jets rubbed salt in the wounds when they posted a 30-12 victory over the Cutters last weekend at North Ipswich Reserve. It was the Cutters’ eleventh loss from eighteen matches and has resulted in the club plummeting to thirteenth sp
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Mackay local Ricki is not afraid of hard work, in fact, he’s happy to “put his back into it” - or so to speak. Diagnosed at the age of 24 with degenerative facet arthropathy in his lower spine, Ricki needed to adjust his way of work. “I was installing safes at the time when my back issue became apparent, and I found myself in constant rehab. After this extensive treatment to get me back on my feet, I was left with no other choice than to find a job that didn’t involve manual lifting,” said Rick
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Amateur golfers put their swings to the ultimate test, hoping one shot in the outback would make their millionaire dreams come true. The Outback Qld Masters Golf Series, renowned for its unique charm, saw curious characters lining the fairways, with players citing the resident kangaroos as true-blue Aussie markers keeping score, and curious crows flying away with golf balls. Wayne Berginey, a member of the Pioneer Valley Golf Club at Mirani, returned home triumphantly as the championship winner
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