Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
.jpg)
Six organisations will share in $4.38 million in funding from the Queensland Government to support sugarcane growers to implement improved management practices on their farms, boost productivity and improve the quality of water running off the land and flowing to the Great Barrier Reef. The six organisations are: • Sugar Research Australia Limited (Wet Tropics and Burnett Mary regions) • Tropical Agricultural Services Pty Ltd (Herbert) • Farmacist Pty Ltd (Wet Tropics, Burdekin and M
Read more
Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing The ICE#11 sugar contract continues to be weighed down by the growing 24/25 forecast global trade surplus. The early start to the Brazilian harvest, and clear weather, has resulted in record breaking production numbers being posted in the UNICA half monthly production reports for April. Seasonal cane tonnages are up and so is the ratio of sugar to ethanol production, particularly for this early in the season. This is forcing analysts to revise their sug
Read more
By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The crush will start to roll out across the region next week, and things are getting busy across the industry. While final bolts are being tightened in what has hopefully been a very productive mill maintenance season, the community can expect to see machinery start to move around the cane rail and road network. That can include looking out for anything from cane trains – we all know THAT jingle – to haulout tractors and trucks, to long vehicles moving
Read more
Amidst the for and against opinions and murmurs of the 'Say No to Digital ID' rally in Mackay, Stephen Andrew, MP for Mirani emerged as the voice of dissent as he spoke on the potential reality of a dystopian future ahead. With fiery belief, Mr Andrew painted a picture of a world where every move is traced and monitored from the cradle to the grave. The digital ID, he proclaimed, was not just a tool for convenience but a leash on freedom and a chain binding humanity to the whims of unseen forces
Read more
Mackay Sugar is preparing to commence its 2024 crushing season from Tuesday 28 May and this brings an important reminder for local residents to stay cane-train aware. “It’s been a busy maintenance period and we’re excited to be making our final preparations for the upcoming crushing season,” said Carl Morton, General Manager Operations. “As with every year, the start of crush means our locomotives start moving more frequently around our cane rail network. “This makes it a timely reminder for
Read more
There wasn’t a shovel in sight when Year 10 students from Pioneer and Mackay State High Schools set about digging up the benefits of studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in senior school and the potential career pathways available in the resources sector. Year 10 students at both schools participated in a STEM Unearthed workshop recently which explored how further studies in subjects like geology, chemistry and engineering can lead to meaningful careers as geologists, m
Read more
Friday 24th May Star Wars Unlimited Store Showdown 9am Join us for the very first Star Wars Unlimited Store Showdown! Big prizes are up for grabs, so you don't want to miss this one! Swiss style tournament with best of one, compete to see who can take out the top prize. Cost: $25 per person including a drink Time: Friday 24th May 6:30pm-10pm. May the Force be with you! 75 Victoria St, Mackay 2024 Mackay Expo 4pm Your lifestyle, your adventure at the 2024 Mackay Expo. Join us on 24th to 26th
Read more
Sydney Drag Queen’s sell-out Kath and Kim Drag Bingo returns to MECC on Saturday, 29 June, hosted by two foxy morons: Prada Clutch and Conchita Grande. Prada is one of Australia's most sought-after live-singing drag queens. She plays Kathleen "Kath" Darleen Day-Knight. “Playing Kath came natural to me as I grew up watching the TV show on rainy days at school and I was already using Kath-isms when hosting in drag as they have become a part of Australian culture,” says Prada. Conchita is one
Read more
By Hannah McNamara A solemn ceremony was held last Saturday as locals from all walks of life gathered in compassion to acknowledge the lives of those lost to domestic and family violence. As the sun set, 40 Pink Crosses were displayed on Eimeo beach to symbolise the 37 women murdered so far this year, along with the other three, in honour of the guest speakers loved ones who were tragically murdered in previous years. Among the crowd stood guest speaker Vicki Blackburn, mother of Shandee Bla
Read more
The recent unveiling of the BEE MINDFUL mural marks the progression of Stage 4 within the comprehensive "Bee Corner" initiative, a nine-stage program spearheaded by the MKY City Heart Collective. The program aims to extend connectivity throughout the community, linking directly to Wood St parkland. This was made possible through the generous support of grants, local business sponsorships, and the dedicated efforts of a resilient team of volunteers who fundraised for a year to make this masterp
Read more
To celebrate Botanic Gardens Day, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is hosting a special community event to celebrate all things botanic. The Botanic Gardens Open Day will be held on Saturday, May 25, from 8am to noon on the Tropical Sun Lawn. This family-friendly event promises to be a delightful time for all ages. Council's Libraries team will be on hand to entertain the kids with a range of fun activities, including the First 5 Forever van, craft activities, a baby space and a giant Jenga game.
Read more
As participants flocked to John Breen Park last weekend, the atmosphere was ablaze with excitement and anticipation. Families, friends, and even furry companions eagerly awaited the start of the Colour Frenzy Run, ready to immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of hues and a day filled with vibrant experiences. The exciting event, known for its burst of colours and festive atmosphere, promised a 2.5km or 5km journey filled with laughter, joy, and plenty of hues. With each step, participants knew t
Read more
Brendan Whitby has padded up in first grade and rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in Queensland cricket. The Mackay Magpies stalwart spent eight seasons with Toombul District Cricket Club in the Brisbane Premier League competition where he earned his top-grade spurs as a capable all-rounder. Whitby’s cricket journey has taken the experienced campaigner and his three sons Jacob, Thomas and Nicholas to the Mackay District Cricket Association and the scene of many career highlights. A
Read more
The Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex is playing host to some of Australia’s top Olympic swimming hopefuls, with huge economic benefits for our region. Swimming Australia’s High Performance training camps have seen three elite squads travel to the Mackay region in their final hit out before the Australian Swimming Trials in Brisbane next month. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said it was fantastic to welcome the High Performance Camps to the Mackay ARC. “These squads see our region and our facility
Read more.JPG)
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results May 14, 2024: Division 1: Green (Tim Shehan, Lily Boland, Robbie Richards) d Red (George Camilleri, Anne Sheridan, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Lily d Anne 8, -2, -4, 8, 11. Orange (Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Geoff Denman) d Purple (Emma Widdup, Duncan Treloar) 6-5. Duncan d Donna -5, 9, 7, 9. White (Andrew McHugh, Neil Brown, Geoff Cowan) d Brown (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson, Vince Boeske) 7-4. Neil d Vince 4, -5, 8, -6, 10. Black (Mick Ruhl,
Read more
In a sprint towards international glory, six athletes from the Mackay region are set to leap into action at the 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji. These local stars are ready to vault over challenges and race against the region's best. The 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships will take place from Tuesday, June 4th to Saturday, June 8th, at the National Stadium, HFC Bank Stadium. Suva, a seasoned host of regional athletic events including the 1990 and 2017 Area Championships and
Read more
Last Saturday night, the McDonald’s Mackay Stadium was alive with excitement as the Mackay Meteors shot down the Northside Wizards in a thrilling 109-83 victory. With this slam-dunk performance, the Meteors extended their winning streak, setting the stage for a high-stakes Round 7 double-header on the road against the North Gold Coast Seahawks and Gold Coast. Todd Blanchfield led the charge for the Meteors, scoring 25 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Isaac White contributed significantly with 20
Read more
Mackay Cutters’ enterprising women's rugby league team are on the cusp of BMD premiership glory. In a huge fillip for the region, Marco Peters’ in-form charges have zoomed into this Saturday’s title decider to determine the champion Queensland club for 2024. All roads lead to Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium where the Cutters square off with the courageous Norths Devils in what is shaping as a crackerjack contest. Mackay will be chasing a unique women's championship double after the club captured the
Read more
From exhilarating MTB trails to pulse-pounding kayak rides, picturesque trail runs and demanding road cycles, ZACH MACH proved to be the ultimate thrill for adrenaline enthusiasts. It was said to be an incredible weekend of adventure racing in the Mackay Pioneer Valley. The ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge offered just the right blend of mud, water, sun, and excitement for all participants. RESULTS ZACH MACH SOLO (18+) 1. Mitch Nissen 2. Hilary Bell 3. Rod Le Coz MINI MACH SOLO
Read more
Off the back of the major announcement with Mackay Regional Council at Harrup Park, Century Cricket Competitions Mackay can now announce the eight franchises competing in the tournament this August. The previously confirmed Great Barrier Reef Rays (QLD) will be joined by the City Pirates (QLD), Coastal Marlins (QLD), Moreton Magic (QLD), Eastern Comets (SA), Adelaide Rockets (SA), Spartans (SA) and Western Chargers (VIC). Franchises have been working hard behind the scenes to get their pre-a
Read more
The Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants are back again for 2024, with local netball clubs and associations across Australia, who have a Woolworths NetSetGO centre, encouraged to apply to win a share of $100K to benefit young Aussie netballers. As part of this, the popular $20K People’s Choice Award returns for the second year, spotlighting the club or association that receives the most votes, encouraging their local members and supporters to get involved. The Grants have been des
Read more
North Mackay Ladies celebrated our Lady President, Lidia McCarthy, at our 76th Club's Birthday. President Lidia was presented with a gift from the ladies by Vice President Hilary Jones-Rowan. 90 guests gathered in fine style with bowls, Raffles, Lunch and a Cent Sale, including Alan Cooney representing the Board of Management, General Manager, Steve Lancaster and special guest Ray McCarthy. Each Club in the District was represented and the District President, Margo Stanley, brought three of her
Read more
A golden week at the Contract Bridge tables, with the first week of the Remembrance Pairs being played on Friday, while on Saturday ten teams vied for GNOT Gold Points. Team Conroy won Gold, with all participates receiving varying sprinkles of gold points. Congratulations to Diane and Max Holewa who were each presented with the Australian Bridge Federation, “Gold Life Master” Certificate by President Noel. This is a “Golden” achievement of 750 Masterpoints gained from many games of bridge over
Read more.JPG)
Nearly forty runners and supporters had taken to the undulating streets of Mt Pleasant from the Gordon White Library carpark to tackle the annual Jo’s 70 Scenic Steps event, which encompassed the breathtaking vistas and peaks of Pollock and High Streets, North Mackay. The event's namesake, Jo, had been severely distraught at the prospect of the run being removed from the calendar so the Club’s Calendar committee was prompted to include the event in the club’s program, aiming to accommodate its
Read more
A small team of four Sinkers travelled to the Masters Swimming Australia National Championships, which was hot on the heels of the Masters Queensland State Championships. Masters Swimming NT hosted the 47th annual Masters National Championships in Darwin from May 3 – 7, 2024. Held in the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory, this fantastic event attracted some of the finest Master’s swimmers from around the country and overseas. Pool events were held at the world-class Parap Pool, just five m
Read more