Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Isaac Business Chamber launches to amplify resilient business community. After three years of planning, the Isaac Business Chamber will officially launch, marking a significant milestone for the Isaac region and its small business community. The Isaac Business Chamber will launch on Thursday May 30, 2024, at the Moranbah Golf Club, where Brand and Marketing Specialist Jessica Ritchie will deliver her keynote and provide valuable insight. Isaac Business Chamber President Trudi Liekefett said t
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An esteemed line-up of thought-provoking speakers, sustainability leaders, deep tech investors and resource industry professionals shared their experiences and insights at the Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit last Thursday. The summit was held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on May 23 and featured morning and afternoon panel sessions. Throughout the panel sessions, every panellist contributed invaluable insights and offered practical strategies aimed at guiding busin
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The Mackay Hospital Foundation's Family Fun Day, proudly presented by Gardian Real Estate, is returning this year with promises of an even bigger and better experience for all to enjoy. Save the date for an unforgettable day of family fun on Sunday, June 2nd from 10am to 2pm at BB Print Stadium. This event offers a jam-packed itinerary for just $5 per person. With both cash and card accepted. Entry grants access to a plethora of rides and activities all free once inside the gate. From thrillin
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Fresh from the pageantry scene, young Mackay local Emersen Lamb, is stepping her heels onto the Mackay Golf Course this July when she hosts the Business House Corporate Challenge alongside her father Max Lamb Jr from M&P Services. Having recently been announced the Australia Pageantry People’s Choice Winner, Emersen is thrilled to be presenting the golf day and excited to be raising more money for charity. So far, this compassionate teen has raised in excess of $20K for charity and her passion
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The Northern Beaches Community Hub stage 1B will soon be underway after Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox recently announced a $15m funding boost to kickstart the initiative. CA Architects for Mackay Regional Council have already completed the Design work for stage 1B, showcasing plans of the dynamic public facility that will include a library, meeting rooms and café. This funding allocation, made possible through the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program, coincides with the on
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At Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, trust isn't a buzzword—it's the foundation upon which we've built our legacy of service to the community. At Community Bank Sarina, we're not just here for you—we're here to stay. Our unwavering dedication to our customers and our community ensures that you can trust us today, tomorrow, and for years to come. Near 60 years' worth of combined banking experience, our branch staff embody the expertise and dedication necessary to meet your banking needs with
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Without the helping hand of the community’s beloved volunteers, the region just wouldn’t be the same. In honour of the recently passed National Volunteer week (20-26th May), volunteers from all walks of life were acknowledged for their countless devotion and whole-hearted assistance, but the recognition doesn’t stop there. The upcoming 2024 Mackay Volunteer Expo showcases the inclusive nature of volunteering and promises to offer “something for everyone”. From emergency service personnel to
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The 30th anniversary of Million Paws Walk was a woofing success last Sunday as dog lovers and locals alike gathered at Queens Park to enjoy a paw-fect morning filled with canine companionship and community spirit. Joyful owners walked with their cherished fury friends in an attempt to combat animal cruelty, with each dollar donated set to help the Mackay RSPCA team rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs. Overall, the 30th Million Paws Walk was a memorable occasion, bringing together animal lov
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With exciting plans to improve the South Bank’s Grey Street Bikeway and Streetscape, the Mackay community has been invited to have their say on the project. From May 27 to June 23, Mackay locals are called to contribute their perspective and help create a plan for Australia's most vibrant and cyclist-friendly street. South Bank Corporation Chief Executive Officer Bill Delves said the main objective of the project was to create Australia’s coolest and most vibrant sub-tropical street that is rid
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The Sarina Sporting and Services Club was filled with laughter and smiles as guests and members of the Rotary Club Sarina gathered in celebration of the 75 years of service to local community. The club was admitted into Rotary International in 1949 on May 13, marking this year as a significant milestone celebrated by all involved, both young and old. Executive Advisor Ralph Johnson inducted the luncheon with thanks to attendees, members and visitors of the club, acknowledging the support and
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Recent law reforms by the Queensland Government have been by Australia’s foremost breeder of industrial hemp seedstock. Hemp Farms Australia CEO Lauchlan Grout said “good sense” had prevailed when MPs passed the amendments to the Drugs Misuse Act on April 18. Queensland’s Agriculture Minister Mark Furner introduced the changes, saying they support the continued growth of the state’s industrial cannabis industry. “The bill will support the industrial cannabis industry in Queensland by clarifyi
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The Government's decision to halt future funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program and other crucial regional communication initiatives has raised major concerns among regional communities and rural areas. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, highlights the consequences that communities could face without mobile connectivity, especially in emergencies, due to the Government’s lack of funding for other key regional communications infrastructure programs Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Wi
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Currently we are fundraising for the all-important RACQ CQ Rescue chopper. A couple of weeks ago we received a call form a listener who told us of an amazing story how the CQ Rescue chopper saved her sons life after he contracted a disease. The time in which it took the chopper to transport the family from Proserpine to Mackay was the difference between life and death. It was a huge reminder as to how important it is to have the rescue chopper helping save lives in our region. This is where
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The 2024 sugar production season will be delayed after a meeting with the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday, May 28 was unable to resolve an ongoing pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and its employees and union representatives. A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson confirmed the company is in the process of notifying growers of revised start dates, which, across Wilmar’s four regions, represent total delays ranging from two to nine days. “Industrial action has already impacted
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Volunteers are vital for not-for-profit charities, including the Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), where 100 volunteers serve eight hospitals in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regions. Securing a sponsor, like Community Bank Sarina from Bendigo Bank, is crucial to supporting their efforts and maintaining their invaluable services. Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said their sponsorship of the MHF volunteers aligned with the Bank’s “profit for purpose” business model. “Supporting
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Two young explorers have been acknowledged for their dedication and resilience after earning a reputable Grey Wolf Award for Banksia Scout Group. The Grey Wolf Award is a great achievement and requires a cub (aged 8-11 years old) to participate in 60 cub scouting experiences, assist with 9 activities, lead 7 activities, complete 5 nights of camping, learn to tie 3 knots, complete a 6-hour hike and attend 2 additional hikes. As well as learning scouting skills, there is also a requirement to c
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Mackay’s Dudley Denny City Library is opening its doors next Saturday, July 1st to give you the opportunity to sharpen your writing skills in a free educational workshop. In this workshop, Whitsundays local 852 Press Director, Dr Julia Evans and former Federal Political and author of nine books, Richard Evans will combine their wealth of knowledge to help you discover new ways of writing in an uplifting, interactive manner. Kick-start your memoir writing journey and uncover the magic of story
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Food Forest Fest, a cherished local grassroots festival, is orchestrated by the dedicated volunteers of the Mackay community gardens. It seamlessly blends elements of permaculture, entertainment and education, offering attendees a multifaceted experience that celebrates sustainable living and community connection. The festival's diverse attractions include children's activities, educational workshops, bustling local markets, and performances by talented musicians, all set against the backdrop
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Assisting an individual who is experiencing suicidal thoughts can be challenging without the correct knowledge and skills, that’s why Grapevine Group are holding a free safeTALK suicide prevention training session to equip you with the tools to potentially save a life. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8th, at 9:30 am and register for the Dudley Denny City Library's session in Mackay, for this invaluable opportunity that is completely free of charge. During this session, participants will
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In a heart-warming coincidence, a malnourished kitten on the brink of death, was discovered by two backpackers in Clermont late last week. Weak and fragile, the kitten was taken in by the compassionate couple who took care of her to the best of their ability. After a week of dedicated attention, they soon realised that they couldn't provide her with the ongoing care she needed, thus, they reached out to Mackay Pet rescue Inc and ultimately surrendered her. Late Saturday afternoon, ‘Little Lou’
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The anticipation is rising as the Pierce Brothers gear up to grace Mackay’s Seabreeze Hotel on June 6th and Airlie’s Magnums Hotel on June 7th, marking their thrilling return to North Queensland after their stellar performance at last year’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music in November. Riding high on the success of their chart-topping album, 'Everything Is Bigger Than Me' and a string of sold-out shows across Europe and Australia, the dynamic duo is eager to bring their unique sound to the regio
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Mackay Cutters have secured a historic rugby league championship double after capturing the 2024 BMD Womens Premiership. In a unique feat the Cutters women showed their champion qualities to sink Norths Devils 16-6 in an absorbing Grand Final at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium to bring home the club’s second piece of silverware in the space of five weeks. There were jubilant scenes last month when the Cutters lifted the inaugural Harvey Norman Under 19s Womens trophy with an 18-16 Grand Final triumph
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MACKAY Cutters returned to the winners list in Hostplus Cup action last weekend with a rousing 40-26 triumph over the PNG Hunters at BB Print Stadium. The Cutters produced a spirited second half revival to sink their opponents and chalk up a fifth win from ten games played. PNG led 20-10 at the break but failed to contain a rampaging Mackay line up that stormed to victory in the second stanza with a five try rout. Hunters prop Junior Rop burst over to score the opening try of the match after
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Friday 31st May Safety Conference 7.15am Interested in safety leadership? The 2024 Safety Conference is the region's premier safety event. The Safety Conference offers a multifaceted, comprehensive platform for sector leaders and safety professionals to discover the latest industry information and emerging trends from leading safety experts. Come along to the 2024 Safety Conference and prepare to make better safety choices. This year's Safety Conference theme is 'The Why of Safety'. Standard
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Mackay Brothers earned bragging rights in the 2024 NQBE Mackay Junior League A Grade competition after toppling the Magpies 24-10 in their top of the table clash last Sunday at Sologinkin Oval. The unbeaten Leprechauns turned in another polished performance to register their fifth consecutive win of the season and open up a four-point gap from their rivals. Brothers scored four tries to two with crack centres Rydge Smith and Jayden Batchelor, second rower Declan Laird and hooker Daniel Kelly p
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