Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The 9-hole Weekly Stableford competition saw fierce competition as George Meharry clinched first place with 22 points. Michael Norman matched Meharry's score but settled for second place on countback. Glenn Rees followed closely in third with 20 points. Friday's 9-hole competition was another closely contested event. Justyn Durbin emerged victorious with 23 points on countback, edging out Robert Lodders, who also scored 23 points. Darren Lloyd secured third place with 22 points. Sunday's Lions'
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As June nears its end, we’ve experienced the shortest day of the year, a reminder of the swift passage of time. The community is abuzz with excitement following the Australian Open, with attendees returning from a sensational time at the Gold Coast. Last Tuesday afternoon's Social Bowls saw a significant turnout. The event, superbly organized by Carol Crosbie, featured a unique scoring system using dice. The day’s champions, Pip Heddles, recently back from South Island, New Zealand, teamed up wi
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Sunday Social Bowling Results (16th June) In a competitive Sunday Social, E. Low and D. Tuttle teamed up with R. Gould to defeat R. Muir, R. Scanlon and Wayne Crowhurst. M. Tuttle and J. Gilbert secured a win against I. Thatcher and G. Charles. Meanwhile, A. Williams and L. White triumphed over K. Kirk and S. Roome. Wednesday Social Highlights Last week’s mid-week social event featured impressive matches. Marion, Sue, and Gavin triumphed over Ian, Ray, and Gary. Marilyn, Jane, and Daryl defeated
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Proserpine Bowls Club thank the Whitsunday Regional Council and the QLD State Government for their generous grants, which greatly supports their club and community. Last weekend marked the penultimate round of the Men's Pennants season. Division 1 faced Sarina, resulting in a close 60-61 loss despite strong efforts from all teams. Division 5 had a narrow 40-39 win against RSL Memorial. On Sunday, Division 1 won 64-51 against Airlie Beach, and Division 5 won 42-30 against Souths Suburban, highlig
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The Wangaratta Bowls Club had a busy week with exciting matches and noteworthy performances.Games played 17th June to 23rd JuneOn Monday, the self-selected triples winners were Kevin Daniels, Graeme Read, and Mark Drummond, who triumphed over Ken Wallace, Chris Frew, and Jim Steele. The runners-up were Marie Nesbit, David Madden, and Allan Colson, who drew with Harold Wenson, Trish Feast, and Garry Feast. The jackpot remained unclaimed. The Tropical Beach Caravan Park sponsored shirts for the
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The electrifying sounds of Dear Seattle will ignite the stage on June 27th at Mackay's Seabreeze Hotel. Fresh off the release of their latest single, "Sungazer," Dear Seattle promises an evening of fun and realism that bridges the gap between modern grunge and sincere introspection. "Sungazer," released via Domestic La La, is already being hailed as an instant classic. With its sharp punk structure and pulsating basslines, the song captures the essence of Dear Seattle's evolution while stayin
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"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone" In a heart-warming gesture, a local business has jumped on board to offer a helping hand to those in need by providing a clothes rack of warm jumpers and essential items for winter – completely free of charge. Given the rental and financial crisis, many people are left grappling for money with others forced to sleep on the street. In light of this, IDEAL Placements Mackay have provided a Community Rack on display at the front of their bus
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Last night, tragedy struck in South Mackay with a devastating homicide that claimed the life of a 34-year-old woman and left a 66-year-old man seriously injured. Emergency services were called to the scene at 4.36pm where the incident unfolded at Robb Place. Initially, the area was placed under an emergency declaration as police launched a comprehensive search for the alleged perpetrator and residents were urged to remain indoors while the operation was underway. The boundaries under the Publi
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By Amanda Wright Last Sunday, the Pioneer Valley Show celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of community spirit and entertainment with a magical day filled with fun and excitement. The event, held at the Finch Hatton showgrounds, attracted thousands of visitors who were treated to a myriad of activities and attractions. The day was packed with thrilling rides, vibrant market stalls, and a special bubble tribute to Everleigh Johnson who tragically lost her life on New Year’s Eve. T
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Winter is my favourite time of the year in Mackay! To be fair, when I lived in New Zealand, I loved winter too. Living at the base of Mt Hutt skifield in Mid Canterbury, we had regular blankets of snow, which I always found utterly magical. However, I have an even fonder love for winter in Mackay. No de-icing the car windscreen, no slipping on icy driveways and I still rarely need to hunt out a pair of socks. But what truly makes winter my favourite time of year here in Mackay, besides the stun
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By Amanda Wright Geotechnical drilling has produced “promising results” for the Queensland Government’s proposed pumped hydro storage project at Pioneer-Burdekin, but the project is stirring significant controversy within the community and across political lines. Following drilling by local Mackay-based company Twin Hills Engineering, investigations by WSP and SMEC have found very strong, coarse competent granite rock, which the Queensland Government claimed is ideal for dam construction, tunnel
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By Hannah McNamara Sixty-four years ago on June 10, twenty-nine lives were claimed in one of the region’s most tragic, yet mysterious plane crashes in Australia’s aviation history. In the lead-up to the 65th anniversary next year, it’s important as a community to remember the history of our regional landmarks and learn about this catastrophe, one that is unheard of for some, but remembered by many. In 1960, the Fokker Friendship F-27 aircraft named Abel Tasman was set to arrive in Mackay aft
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Eight well-deserving non-profit organisations were presented with outstanding grants from the Mackay Community Foundation with a focus on bettering the community and making a difference. The presentation ceremony showcased the selfless work that these organisations have contributed and highlighted the profound impact that the foundation has made in areas that need it most. Mackay Community Foundation Chair Frances Easton announced that an anonymous donor was ensuring that the financial year of
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Nineteen-year-old Annabelle Munt left her hometown of Mackay just three weeks ago after moving to Melbourne to pursue a career in modelling. Before the big move, she was employed at Blacks Real Estate but has since settled into the outskirts of Melbourne where she has already claimed a new apartment and full-time job as a property agent. Reflecting on what Annabelle loves the most about the industry, she says that “Fashion helps me express myself in a way that gets me out of my shell from bei
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Embarking on the 20th year of excellence is The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival and tickets are selling out fast! Schools, groups and individuals are encouraged to check out this incredible two-day line-up, featuring the largest youth literature festival north of the Sunshine coast with dates penned in place for the 11th and 12th of July at Whitsunday Anglican School Mackay. Kate Ceberano, Belinda Murrell, James Foley and Nick Earls are just some of the many talented presenters, au
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Mackay Regional Council Libraries are offering residents the chance to win two $250 EFTPOS gift vouchers simply by completing a 10-minute survey. The survey, which is live now on connectingmackay.com.au, asks a variety of questions to help Libraries understand what residents’ ideal library service looks like. Questions include what library services bring you to libraries, what branches you visit and whether you’d like to pick up reserved items from alternative locations, like shopping centres. F
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Mackay Regional Council staff will begin scheduled maintenance of palm trees in the Mackay City Centre next week. The maintenance will start on Tuesday, June 25, in Wood Street and will include removing dead fronds, cutting away visible fruit stalks and removing seed pods. Arborists will be on site between the hours of 5am and 9am on weekdays and they will be carrying out maintenance on trees located on Wood, Victoria, Sydney, Macalister and Nelson streets, Matsuura Drive and Mangrove Road. Work
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Works on the Paradise and Webberley streets intersection in West Mackay have progressed to stage two. Mackay Regional Council have completed the northern drainage and subgrade replacement for the entire project and will commence work on the southern stormwater drainage works, subbase pavement layer and pavement widening, and reconstruction of Webberley Street this week. Traffic management will be in place and the intersection at Simpson and Webberley streets will be closed with local traffic acc
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Medical professionals are emphasising the importance for women to familiarise themselves with the signs of endometrial cancer as projections indicate a 50 per cent increase in cases by 2040. A Brisbane woman who was just forty years old at the time received a endometrial cancer diagnosis in 2021 and now shares her heartbreaking testimony, in hopes that it raises awareness for other women. In Australia alone, approximately 3,300 cases of this cancer were diagnosed last year, marking a twofold ri
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There was no rest for the diligent RACQ CQ Rescue team last weekend as crews responded swiftly to multiple incidents across the region. In a display of their dedication and timely expertise in aeromedical rescue, the first mission, initiated by Queensland Health involved transporting a male that was injured whilst operating machinery at a mine site near Coppabella. The patient was air-lifted in a stable condition. The RACQ CQ Rescue Crew then flew to St Lawerance to retrieve a gentleman with
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A 73-year-old man tragically died after falling approximately 10 meters from a bridge in Marian early Friday morning. The Mackay Regional Council contractor was working at the site when the accident occurred. It was reported that the man was on shift early in the morning, when it is believed he fell between the gap of the George L Vickers bridge, which separates the railway line and road, with his body being discovered around 3am. Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen confirmed the sad news, a
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Detectives have charged two Dysart men for copper theft and equipment damage at a Tieri mine, totalling over $500,000 in losses. The 57-year-old faces multiple charges, including receiving tainted property and drug production, while the 43-year-old was charged with theft. Detective Sergeant Sheldon Livingstone emphasises ongoing investigations and urges community support in combating property crimes in Moranbah. Both await trial at Moranbah Magistrates Court. 10-Day Blitz Leads To Knife C
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At a time when big banks are cutting services, a local branch is celebrating its institution’s success in bucking industry trends, adding more accolades to its collection, and demonstrating that the customer-focused approach is a clear winner. Queensland Country Bank, a member-owned institution, is distinguishing itself in an industry facing significant challenges, recently securing wins at the WeMoney 2024 Awards, including Customer Owned Bank of the Year, Best Flexibility – Home Loans, Best
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Right now, either way, you’d be in heaven with show season going full on all this week. For me personally, you can throw me any show-bags and I’ll be set for a winning day. Set me up on the roller coaster, or any machine that spins, rolls over and goes upside down? Well, you can forget it, because I’ll be guaranteed to bring up last week's smoko if I did. No one wants to see that, or even hear it for that matter. Show season is one of those weeks that we all love. Sure, we get a public holiday
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Merrick Watts has cracked the code when it comes to ensuring his audiences have a great time. It’s a straightforward formula – ply your audience with wine, tell them hilarious stories relating to the wine, rinse and repeat. It’s simple, it works and it’s the reason why Merrick Watts – An Idiot’s Guide to Wine has been selling out shows all over the world. Local audiences can catch the show at the MECC Plenary Halls during the Mackay Festival of Arts from Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7. M
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