Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
As I nervously settle into my second round of chemotherapy today, I'm reminded that life doesn't pause for a diagnosis. Instead, it becomes a complex juggling act. Between the complexities of modern life, I find myself navigating the intricate dance of living with cancer, working full-time, and raising a spirited toddler. When I received my diagnosis in April, my parents were on a plane the following week, ready to help look after my son while I navigated this new reality. Fast-forward three mon
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A heartfelt thank you was shared from a grateful parent to the individuals who came to the aid of their son last Tuesday evening on the Yakapari-Habana Road. The young driver had veered off the road into tall grass while attempting to avoid an animal. Acknowledging the fortunate outcome that spared harm to both the driver, his passenger and their vehicle, the parent expressed immense gratitude for the kindness shown by those who stopped to assist. Two individuals in the area witnessed the
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A former Mackay local played a major role in dropping four exercise torpedoes from a RAAF P-8A Poseidon on a US Navy nuclear submarine during a maritime patrol serial at Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). 11 Squadron Commander and tactical coordinator, Squadron Leader Tristan Hull, said it was the first time an Australian P-8A dropped this variant of the Mark 54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedo. “It is not very often that we get to drop exercise torpedoes,” Squadron Leader Hull said. “It’s
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The Capricornia Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (PHES) project, managed by the Capricornia Energy Hub (CEH), is advancing into a critical phase of development. This private project is different to the Pioneer Burdekin Pumped Hydro project overseen by Queensland Hydro, and it has reached a more advanced stage in its timeline. CEH is set to commence the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) process, beginning with the Draft Terms of Reference (TOR), which is now open for public commentary until Fr
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Nigel Dalton will seek the support of family and friends for his pitch to represent the people of Mackay during a public celebration of his 60th birthday this weekend. The former police officer is now the LNP Candidate for the seat of Mackay. “My 60th birthday marks the official end of my 40-year career as a police officer so it’s a very significant time for me,” Mr Dalton said. “I’ve also made a commitment to continue serving the community of Mackay by running as the LNP candidate for this s
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Australia’s largest regional mining event is happening in Mackay this week, and Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said he’s excited to welcome the Queensland Mining and Engineering Expo (QME) back to the region. “Mackay is home to one of the largest mining, engineering, technology, and science, or METS sectors, and to host this expo right in our backyard really means we can showcase our industry capabilities and expertise,” Mr Wilcox said. “The mining industry is vital to our region,
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Queensland’s Catholic Education Week 2024 is being celebrated from 21 to 27 July. Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) kindergartens, primary schools, and college communities joined in statewide celebrations to honour their distinctive mission. This year’s theme, Communities of Faith, Hope & Love, saw over 18,000 CEDR students, along with teachers, support staff, and volunteers from regional, rural, and remote centres ranging from Mackay to Bundaberg and west to Longreach, particip
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A 69-year-old local male cyclist has died in an alleged hit-and-run incident at a Bowen intersection. The rider was discovered deceased at the corner of Bootooloo Rd and Wheelers Ln on this morning at 4:40am when a passing motorist found him. They had stopped to render assistance but, after realising the gravity of the situation, contacted 000. Queensland Ambulance Services said the man sustained life-threatening injuries, and multi-system trauma. Queensland Police Acting Inspector for the Macka
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Two bright red park benches at Mackay Base Hospital will remind patients and visitors that ‘taking a seat will also help take a stand’ against domestic violence. The red benches are being officially launched by Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) on 23 July and will be installed in two high-profile locations at the hospital; one at the front of the emergency department, the other near the hospital’s front entrance on Bridge Road. Mackay Hospital and Health Service Executive Director Abori
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St. John's Catholic Primary School in Walkerston marked a memorable occasion last Friday as it celebrated 100 years of education. The event was a nostalgic journey through time, featuring a special memorabilia display adorned with past school photos, uniforms and historical artifacts in honour of the past generations of students and staff. St. John's Catholic Primary School in Walkerston was first established in 1924 by the sisters of Mercy, with 111 students in attendance. Now, in 2024, the
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The inaugural membership day of the Birri Gubba Nation was held on Saturday, 13th July 2024, at Conway Beach. Event organisers said this significant event marks the first step in building a peaceful future for a nation to be proud of and to pass down to future generations. The Senior Tribal Council joined eager participants in this foundational journey, moving forward together in the development of this re-emerging nation. Blessed with clear blue skies and a light breeze on the beachfront, Senio
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In an exciting initiative to foster youth engagement and community involvement, Mackay Regional Council has joined forces with Volunteering Queensland to fund the CHC24015 Certificate II in Active Volunteering program at Mackay State High School. The program marks a significant step forward in empowering the youth of Mackay to become active contributors to their community while developing essential skills and experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives. Students at Mackay State Hig
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Police will prepare a report for the coroner after a man died following a single-vehicle traffic crash at Mirani, west of Mackay, on Friday, July 19. Initial investigations indicate at approximately 12.30pm, a white Madza BT-50 utility was travelling along Mackay Eungella Road when it left the road and crashed. The driver and sole occupant, a 79-year-old Pinnacle man, sustained life-threatening chest injuries. He was transported to Mackay Base Hospital where he later died the following day on Ju
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During the local government elections held on March 16, the Mackay Regional Council emerged as one of the top spenders in Queensland, according to the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ). With a reported expenditure totalling $515,793.33 and a donation total of $217,177.60, Mackay joined the ranks in the top five of major urban areas such as Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast in campaign spending.
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Opinion Piece “The State and Federal Labor Governments must be held to account for their disastrous and mismanaged phaseout of commercial gillnets across Queensland, which is now seeing our local fishos consider walking away permanently,” Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said. The local MP has said that the ban on commercial gillnets was announced amid pressure from international activist organisations. “It was not backed by any scientific reasoning, and there was no consultation wi
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In my observation, we do seem to spend a lot of time focussing on the negatives in our careers (and lives). The negative mindset is so often our ‘go to’ – what we haven’t achieved, and comparing ourselves to others can rapidly become a downward spiral and so de-motivating. Being purposeful about celebrating our achievements, however small, and not comparing ourselves to others can boost motivation. Comparing ourselves to others is a risky distraction and potentially can derail the pursuit of ou
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Cheree Ridolfi, a compassionate Mackay local, is spearheading a significant effort in the fight against cancer with her upcoming #ForkCancer Longest Table event on Saturday, the 3rd of August. This initiative aims to raise crucial funds for life-changing cancer research, addressing a sobering reality where approximately 444 Australians are diagnosed with cancer every day. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of cancer on her loved ones, Cheree's commitment to fundraising has been d
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Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW) announced the appointment of five new committee members, including new representatives from Mackay and Isaac Regional Councils following the election results. Previous committee member Stephen Cutting has stepped into the role of Deputy Chair. RDA GW CEO Robert Cocco said that the new committee members would be an “excellent complement to the existing committee’s skillset”. "With extensive backgrounds in strategic planning, financi
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In an evolving world, businesses must adapt to meet new challenges. Sarina and District Community Financial Services Limited, the operator of Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, has achieved certification as a Social Enterprise by Social Traders Australia. But what exactly does this entail? Social Traders is an organisation in Australia that plays a significant role in supporting and certifying social enterprises. This certification is crucial because, as a certified enterprise, you give stake
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Nothing beats a country show – the fanfare, the flavours and the family atmosphere has made the two-day Sarina Show and Rodeo a favourite amongst locals and visitors since starting in 1964. Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has supported the Sarina Show Society for many years, continuing in 2024 with a Gold Sponsorship. The 2024 Sarina Show and Rodeo, on 3-4 August, will have displays and exhibits, stud cattle, prime cattle and ring events, as well as the always popular rides and excitement o
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CANEGROWERS has welcomed news that Wilmar and unions representing workers at the company's nine Queensland sugar mills have accepted a mediation offer from the Fair Work Commission. CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said he hoped the move signalled the beginning of the end for the long-running pay dispute that is affecting half of the industry and threatens to completely derail the season. “Sugarcane farming families have been losing $4 million a day due to strike action at Wilmar mills, and
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This week Season to date Cane crushed 42,008 132,779 Average bin weight 3.87 3.80 CCS 13.10 12.85 Cane variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q183 29.7 12.72 Q253 8.7 13.38 Q240 23.0 13.26 Q138 2.4 9.37 Q208 15.1 13.28 SRA9 2.4 11.17 KQ228 10.5 14.61 Q250 2.2 13.51 Comments: Plane Creek Mill processed just over 42,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just under 133,000 tonnes. Throughput was disrupted early on Wednesday morning due to a bagasse belt c
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Allan and Neville Hellmuth are not just genetically identical; they also have identical careers and interests. The twins are both radiographers and sonographers at Mackay Base Hospital and both share a profound and deep connection to the ocean. Both earned TE scores of 990 (equivalent to OP 1) and despite being offered university placements to study medicine and law, they both opted to take a gap year and join the family fishing business. “But here’s the red herring; that gap year actually laste
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Pests estimated to cost Australia tens of billions over coming decades will now find it much harder to enter the country, thanks to measures announced this week by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The department is launching AusTreat, a new pre-border biosecurity scheme designed to ensure overseas treatment providers target the right pests with the required treatment. Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity and Compliance Justine Saunders said AusTreat will enable a more efficient
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Last week, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables reported that the unions have joined Wilmar in accepting an offer from the Fair Work Commission to assist in resolving a long-running enterprise agreement dispute. The Electrical Trades Union (ETU), Australian Metal Workers Union (AMWU) and Australian Workers Union (AWU) informed Wilmar this morning that, following consultation with members, they were willing to participate in the Commission process. A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman said the comp
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