Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
I feel saddened by the number of posts in our community Facebook groups about people’s cars and other possessions being stolen by people breaking into their homes. It was 4 weeks ago now that I woke up one beautiful Thursday morning, stumbled out of bed wiping the sleep from my eyes on the way to my coffee machine to discover a bunch of cupboards open. I noticed my housemate’s bedroom door was closed and locked, despite her being away on a trip to Brisbane at the time. I assumed she must have
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The Federal Government has announced new grant funding for farmers to tackle sustainable agriculture at the grassroots level. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Small Grants are designed for individuals as well as farming, community and Indigenous groups to lead on-ground projects. “The Albanese Government is committed to supporting farmers as they respond to climate change and become more sustainable into the future,” Minist
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Driving strategic and positive change across the sugar industry is at the forefront of a collaboration of two of Australia’s leading cane organisations. By combining their strengths, Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) and the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) aim to better serve their members and secure a stronger future for the industry. Leveraging their collective expertise and resources, the partnership seeks to strengthen advocacy efforts and achieve more for sugarcan
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Last week, on April 23, a Senate committee studied the potential impact of Labor's proposed fresh food tax, highlighting concerns about its repercussions such as increased cost-of-living and higher grocery prices. Michelle Landry MP and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the fresh food tax, which is due to be implemented on July 1, is as an attack on families and farmers throughout Dawson and in the Capricornia. Mr Willcox said the biosecurity protection levy will force farmers to p
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Join us as Mackay Musical Comedy Players & Dalrymple Bay proudly present their captivating production of "Into The Woods"! Set in a mysterious forest, this musical mash-up of classic fairy tales follows the intertwining stories of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel, as they each venture into the woods to fulfill their deepest wishes. But as their paths cross, they encounter a cunning Witch who sets them on a quest to reverse a curse and find happiness.
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Ergon Energy Network and Energex are asking everyone to Look Up and Live after an alarming number of contacts with poles and wires already this year. “It’s frightening that we are only a few months into the year and there’s been 175 potentially lethal cases of vehicles coming into contact with poles and wires on our networks,” Area Manager Chris Graham said. “So many of these incidents could have been avoided with a bit more attention given by the driver of the vehicle or equipment. “So
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Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience as Flickerfest returns to Mackay! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 11th, at 7:30 PM to engage in the Best of Australian Shorts. Please note the change in schedule, as this event typically takes place on Fridays. Celebrating its 33rd year, Flickerfest, Australia’s only Academy® Award and BAFTA qualifying short film festival, and the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, screens the best of shorts from Austr
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Indulge in sweet delights from Mint and Mauve Confectionery, your go-to for Mackay-based baked goods this Mother’s Day! From heavenly cheesecake brownies to melt-in-your-mouth fudge and heart-shaped brownies, Mint and Mauve have got your cravings covered. Pre-order your favourites by May 8th to secure your goodies, as stocks are limited. Plus, explore their new grazing boxes, perfect for a picnic or casual high tea, (pre-orders essential). For those last-minute surprises, you can visit their pop
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With a passion for gift-giving and a love for bringing people joy, Cherish Hampers & Gifts has intricately crafted the ultimate gift-giving experience for you, with multiple hampers and goodies on deck and an option to create your own, they’ll have the perfect gift for your loved one this Mother’s Day, along with every other occasion. What sets Cherish Hampers & Gifts apart is their heartfelt desire to include local products and support small businesses. In February 2022, the owners of Cheri
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Indulge Mum in a thrilling day at the races this Mother's Day weekend! The Amateurs Race Day promises an unforgettable experience of live local racing, vibrant Fashions on the Field, and an atmosphere buzzing with excitement on Saturday, May 11. Immerse yourselves in the glamour of trackside festivities. Sip champagne at the exclusive Champagne Bar or revel in the excitement from the Winning Post Trackside Marquee. For a more intimate affair, opt for a private Marquee or embrace the lively ambie
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The Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen welcomes you this Mother’s Day to join in on a special celebration over May 11th and 12th to indulge in an enchanting Mother's Day High Tea that promises an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. At the heart of the Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen lies a welcoming Cottage in the midst of the Pioneer Valley, where High Teas are held and wonderful memories are made. Priced at $59.50 per person, this unique experience transports guests to a realm of homemade deli
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Friday 3rd May Mackay Dance Festival From 8.30am Mackay Dance Festival is a fun & friendly Dance Competition that brings together dancers from all over Queensland! Our audience is open to the general public, so join us in celebrating our young performers! Tickets available at the door $7.50 per session. Sessions from 8.30 – running throughout the day. 21 Boundary Road, Ooralea Art Party Afternoon 3pm Bring your own project! Do you have an existing arts project that you are looking to finis
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‘All Natural, All Fresh’ in an all-new location, with an all-new look, Flavours of Vietnam is now open on 18 Nelson Street. Specialising in Vietnamese Cuisine, this unique dining experience loved by many locals, trails back to 2018, when Owner Mina Dang first opened the restaurant with a spark of passion that ignited from her Vietnamese heritage. From a young age Mina would often spend time in the kitchen alongside her mother, Kim, which later instilled a profound enthusiasm for culinary arts.
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When a restaurant produces over 1000 meals a day, the kitchen has to run like a well-oiled machine and at Laffos, it does. Hailing from the Philippines, Laffos' head Chef, Michael Palamores, and his team operate a highly efficient kitchen, turning over huge volumes of stock and meals daily. From purchasing and rostering through to equipment maintenance, Michael’s dedication to excellence is a rare commodity. However, the kitchen staff at Laffos true passion is what they put on th
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Introducing Bree Cook…the ultimate event manager for all your function needs at The Dispensary. Bree’s Event Management career began right after she completed university, where she studied a Bachelor of Public Relations and Organisational Communications at Charles Sturt University Bathurst. With eleven years of experience up her sleeve, she has spent the past six years with NE Food and The Dispensary. What Bree loves most about her role, is that each event and function is unique and different
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In a thrilling NBL1 North showdown at the McDonald’s Mackay Stadium last Saturday night, the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors triumphed over the Rockhampton Rockets in a spectacular high-scoring game. The Meteors displayed exceptional teamwork, securing a win with a final score of 111 to 102. Todd Blanchfield led the charge for the Meteors netting the most goals, notching up 31 points and 14 rebounds. Isaac White also continued his on-court fire with 28 points and 6 assists, while Emmett Naar and Luca
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Weekly Results Monday 22 April 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Victor Mason / Antonia Taradas 2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia 2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Faye Wright 3rd Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank 3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson 3rd Karen Caldwell / Noel Saunders 4th Pamela Finger / Ming Ting 3rd Ted Cullinan / Terrence Sheedy 5th Monica Darley / Nancy Martin Tuesday Evening 23 April 2024 –6 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Noel Bugeia / Eric
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Community spirit was in full swing as participants and sponsors gathered for a second annual Charity Golf Day organised by the inspiring 16-year-old, Taya Rush. Held at the Mackay Golf Club, the event raised a staggering $18,315.50 for RACQ CQ Rescue, a vital lifeline for our remote and rural communities. Helicopter services like RACQ CQ Rescue play a crucial role in providing rapid response and critical care for individuals involved in rural accidents, boating mishaps, and emergencies beyond t
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Tuesday night fixtures April 23, 2024 Division 1: Orange (Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Geoff Denman) d Blue (Steve Whiting, Lee Brake, Will VanDeKaa) 6-5. Geoff d Steven -10, 13, -8, 5, 10. Brown (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson, Vince Boeske) d Red (Anne Sheridan, Graeme Walker, George Camilleri) 7-4. Andrea d George -7, 4, 8, -6, 6. Green (Leo Gilbert, Robbie Richards, Neil Brown) d White (Mick Ruhl, Graham Brake, Mark Sleeman) 6-5. Robbie d Graham 3, 10, -8, -6, 7. Black (Goncalo Serra, I
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The Ladies Section hosted their President's event at home this past Friday, with President Julie extending a warm welcome to 60 members from district clubs, including Men's President John, Board Representative Brian, Life Member Ruby, and Patroness Eunice. The gathering was filled with laughter and spirited bowls matches. The winning team, comprising B. Jenner, R. Lloyd, and R. Hughes, emerged victorious from the day's play, while the runners up lucky card from the losers were, R. O'Donnell, K.
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Goosepond Triples was a fun packed day with 78 bowlers vying for a share in the $2,000 prize money generously donated by our sponsors Minestaff and Gardian Mortgage Choice, for a second year. Three games of 16 ends determined the place-getters with the lucky winners being presented their trophies by Denis Fisher & Ben Phillips from Gardian. Clint Zahmel from Minestaff sent his apologies. First place: Lorna Coad, Del McKelvie & Ahondy Ray Second place: Kathy Mathews, Carmel Bell & Ph
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Premiership, with Cutters captain Tahlulah Tillett saying it was disappointing to miss out on two season points up for grabs. Bears winger Ashleigh Werner was on fire, scoring a hat-trick in front of a big and boisterous crowd; one in the first half to help the Bears go into half-time up 14-4, and the final two in the second half to help deliver the 22-10 win. Bears captain Zahara Temara said "oh man, it feels good to be back in the winner's circle", especially this close to State of Origin an
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More than seventy runners and supporters supported the 6th Annual Forsyth’s Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and Mackay Road Runners 10km Club Championship event held at historic Queens’s Park, where valuable funds were raised for Pancreatic Cancer Research (Pancare). Special invited guests in attendance were the Mackay Mayor, Cr Greg Williamson who has opened the event every year since its inception, Ms Leanne Druery and Mr Jim Ford. Their speeches were full of compas
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By Paul Gellatly "Keep clear of the 35-tonne flamey thing in the sky," is the admonition from Gilmour Space as it begins the complicated countdown to the launch of its Eris rocket from its launchpad just north of Bowen. The Aussie larrikin but memorable phrase belies the enormous premium the spaceport venture start-up is placing on safety around the rocket's launch path, which was described in detail by Gilmour Space representatives at a special meeting of the Bowen Chamber of Commerce on Apri
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The Cannonvale Cenotaph came alive through the break of dawn last Thursday when 4000 people converged on the grassy banks to say thank you to the men and women who have given their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. With a population of 7,432 according to the Bureau of Statistics Census of 2021, this incredible figure means that over half the population of the Greater Airlie Beach area got out of bed that morning to attend the Dawn Service. Photo gallery from all events on pages 4 a
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