Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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The Queensland Police Service has announced new police officer growth allocations for the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Region. A total of 20 extra police positions have been allocated this financial year with Academy training and recruitment efforts at record levels. In addition, 28 new police vehicles have been allocated to Central Region, 17 of which have been allocated to Mackay Whitsunday District (vehicle allocation includes Bowen, Clermont, Mackay, Moranbah, Sarina, and Whitsunday). The extra p
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Paying it forward is now easier than ever with Containers for Change Container Exchange Points being installed on public bins around the region. The Container Exchange Points allow anyone to place their drink containers into them for someone else to collect and return at their preferred Containers for Change location for a 10-cent refund. Mackay Regional Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott Owen, said council was excited to roll out the program for the region to combat several recycling issu
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A building at 8 River Street, earmarked for a refurbished food and beverage outlet, will be demolished. The existing structure, formerly Maria’s Donkey, is structurally compromised and not suitable for refurbishment. It will be demolished and the riverbank site reinstated. A portion of the budget council had committed for refurbishment of the building will be used for investigating design options for the development of the prime riverfront site. The balance of funding will be set aside to go tow
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In the mosaic of industries that form the backbone of our economy, agriculture stands tall as the bedrock upon which prosperity is built. Beyond its role in nourishing our bodies, agriculture fuels economic growth, fosters rural development, and sustains communities across the nation. As we navigate the complexities of modernity, it's imperative to recognise and support the farmers who toil tirelessly to feed our nation. Agriculture, the quiet giant, forms the foundation of a thriving nation. I
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The anticipation is mounting as the countdown commences for the highly awaited Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo 2024, now set to unfold at the Mackay Showgrounds. This event promises to be a remarkable celebration of all facets of agriculture. Julie Crowley, Coordinator for the event, expressed profound appreciation for the tremendous support from the local community. "We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from exhibitors, with bookings flooding in daily. “We have an extraordinary
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Looking to transform your land quickly and efficiently? Look no further than Mackay Forestry Mulching Solutions, your ultimate land-clearing experts! As the excitement builds for the upcoming Mackay Ag Trade Expo, Mackay Forestry stands ready to showcase its cutting-edge solutions for land maintenance. With a fleet of high-powered Fecon mulchers and dedicated ASV135F machines equipped with 38 hammer and knife teeth, along with skilled operators, Mackay Forestry is primed to tackle any challeng
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In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, Mackay's manufacturing landscape is about to witness a futuristic transformation, thanks to an innovative grant from the State Government. Key Solutions Group, a prominent player in the region's industrial sector, is set to revolutionise its operations with the acquisition of not one, but two cutting-edge Motoman AR1440 series welding robots. Alongside these mechanical marvels, the company will also integrate Power-Trac seam finders/trackers and rotary
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Cigarettes can take 15 years to break down, causing damage to marine life, whilst have the ability to enter the food chain as a microplastic and are considered to be a major contributor towards fires. Knowing this, the No More Butts team are putting the final touches to a series of Big Butt Hunts, to be held across four different locations in North Queensland such as Innisfail, Ayr, Airlie beach and Mackay, this April to tidy up the region in an attempt to combat cigarette littering. Mackay’s
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The Rural Fire Service has served an important role in the way rural communities have responded to fire and protected their homes and agribusinesses. Over recent years, there has been some degradation of the service, and now the state government overhaul - that should have worked to improve rural communities’ capacity to respond to fire emergencies – seems to actively disempower the Rural Fire Service (RFS). The RFS is an organisation of volunteers. T
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Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI) and Honiara Herbarium staff together with Australian Department of Agriculture staff have recently returned from a plant health survey in the Solomon Islands. These joint plant health surveys are a key part of a collaborative partnership that has been running for over a decade which has enabled Australian departments and BSI to work together on many shared biosecurity priorities and activities. This year the plant health survey had two key focus areas, Honiara
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Sporting legend Ash Barty will add her star power to the State Library of Queensland’s successful play-based learning initiative, First 5 Forever. Ash’s new role as First 5 Forever ambassador was announced at a special event at the State Library earlier this month. The tennis champion will promote the benefits of parents and caregivers talking, reading, singing and playing with their children. First 5 Forever helps families discover ways to support their children’s development in the first 5 yea
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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) is investing around one million dollars to improve the area, near its Port of Mackay. The improvements to the North Wall recreational area will provide long-term benefits not only for its current visitors but also for future generations. With a local office in Mackay, landscape architects at RPS Group have been engaged to develop a preliminary layout for consideration. It’s anticipated that the project (including construction) will be completed in
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Do the kids need a back-to-school refresh? Little Treehouse Lane, upstairs in Caneland Central, has lunchboxes, lunch bags, drink bottles, snack containers, backpacks and more! From the super cool sparkly Munchboxes to Montiico insulated food jars, Subo food bottles for the little sippers and Bento cups to divide the food for the fussiest of eaters, there’s something for every age and stage! Check out the range online or visit the team in Caneland Central, upstairs opposite Snap Fitness! (L
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Almost all Queensland children will experience at least one RSV infection by the time they turn two, with the virus the most common cause of hospitalisations among infants and young children. The highly contagious virus attacks the lungs and can spread quickly, particularly between little ones. The State Government will invest $31.06 million to rollout a free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunisation program to more than 70,000 newborn babies, eligible infants and young children. While R
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As we proudly mark our 27th anniversary in Sarina, First National Real Estate reflects on nearly three decades of dedicated service to this growing community. Originating as Honeycombes Sarina in 1995 and later joining the esteemed First National family in 1998, our journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to professionalism and integrity. Throughout the years, our reputation as one of Australia's largest real estate networks has been built upon a foundation of trust and reliability. C
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The Sarina Hospital on Brewers Road has officially opened its doors, marking a milestone in healthcare accessibility for the region. Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, who attended the inauguration, emphasised the significance of the upgraded facilities, including an expanded emergency department, larger consultation rooms, and a purpose-built rehabilitation facility with a spacious gym. "It's got more beds, an expanded emergency department, a rehab gym, and new staff accommodation," Minister Fen
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To celebrate the incredible 19-year journey of Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, we are hosting a Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner. Together, let's acknowledge our shared achievements and toast to continued collaboration for many years to come supporting our community. Join us for an unforgettable evening on 8 June 2024, at the Bob Wood Cultural Hall in Sarina. Doors open at 5:30pm for an event filled with style. In semi-formal attire, anticipate delicious food crafted by Sinful Ki
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The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) extends a warm congratulations to students from Sarina State High School, who have now joined an outstanding collective of 4290 QATSIF students. QATSIF provides educational scholarships to assist Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The foundation also funds $500 each semester across Years 11 and 12 to assist with essential educational costs such as school fees, uniforms, excursions, subject levies an
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In just 24 hours, Eva, a tiny, frightened kitten, has shown a remarkable, yet rapid transformation in character and health after arriving at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc. On arrival, Eva was extremely lethargic and weighed only 364 grams, raising high concerns among the staff and volunteers, which prompted preparations to implement fading kitten protocols - a last resort for kittens in critical condition. Despite her chronological age of five-weeks-old, she remained the size of a three-week-old kitten,
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If it’s pink, you are in luck, and tonight is your night to shine. Tonight is a massive night for sporting fans in Mackay. It’s a night to get your pink on and have some loud fun at Mackay Basketball on Juliet Street because our top-level competition, the NBL1 North comp starts up, and tonight is the night you don’t want to miss. Our Meteors and Meteorettes start their 2024 campaign against Townsville, and we want to fill the stadium, make more noise than ever before, and start the year off in
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You don’t hear the term “Chinaman” much these days. It was fairly common some decades ago in Australia and you used to hear it in Hollywood Westerns, usually describing some poor old pony-tailed gold-fossicker from the Orient. It was a dismissive term with racist undertones/overtones and has largely disappeared from the language. Serious cricket fans will also be familiar with the term “chinaman”, a word formerly used to describe a “googly” or “wrong-un” delivered by a left-arm spin bowler. The
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With Artspace Mackay’s annual Rock, Paper, Scissors Art and Design Market taking a hiatus in 2024, Wisely Wine and Food Day is set to welcome an influx of creative exhibitors. Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood said this year, the team would focus their efforts on professional development programs for local artists and artisans. “By investing in professional development opportunities for our local artists and artisans in the off year, we hope to attract a larger number of unique, high qu
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Kucom Theatre recently welcomed a new management committee last month on Tuesday March 26 at its AGM. Outgoing President Bronwyn Grannall paid tribute to two valued Kucom members; Life Member and past President Joe Clutterbuck, and former Patron and Honorary Member Kevin Casey, both of whom passed away within the past few months. 2023 Committee members were recognised for their hard work and dedication during the year along with the individual donors and corporate sponsors who had made it possi
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The winner of the 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Youth Art Competition was the talented Naiya Luczynski from Moranbah State High School. Her captivating design, inspired by the diverse landscapes of Mackay, won the hearts of both event followers and the community. Alongside Naiya, finalists Amelia Webber from Holy Spirit College Mackay and Abbie Boulton from Sarina State High School were also recognised for their exceptional designs. Naiya shared her inspiration behind the design, stating, "My de
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