Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
On Saturday, members welcomed in the 2024 season with a 4BBB event by Bowen Small Motors & Cycles, Thank you Scott and Lisa for your support. Winners Josh Fraser and Kaleb Brunker 48 points, Runners up Gordon Brackley and Paul Martin 43 points, 3rd Place John and Jack McEniery 42 points on a countback. Accuracy shots to Glenn Wright and Robyn Slade. Pin Shots to Elona Lynch, Jo Kukura, Julie Martin, Judy Atkins, Tate McGrath, Brendan Malone, Geoff Fellows and Paul Martin. Mike Uerata claimed
Read more
Celebrating International Women’s Day, Whitsunday Sailing Club used the opportunity to conduct a Lady Skippers’ race, with nine of the 15 boats with female helms. Strong winds and rain squalls were the topic of discussion from the Bureau of Meteorology during the day on Wednesday, as the fleet for the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race found out. As the Division 2 fleet approached the starting line, rain and strong wind arrived, limiting visibility to a few metres for those who could se
Read more
Despite the wet conditions, the Cannonvale Cannons had a very busy week. On the weekend, five swimmers competed at the Lightning Swim Club LC Transition Meet in Townsville. The Cannons would like to commend Jacob Bell, Tiana Bell, Jy Parkinson, Noah Maltby and Nelson Malady on their outstanding achievements. Jacob achieved top placings in his Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, and medley events. Tiana’s best swims include her 50m Freestyle and 100m Breaststroke which earned gold medals. One
Read more
Hey boaties, we need your help and cooperation! When one of our rescue vessels is displaying a towing flag (Code D) and our yellow strobe is flashing, it indicates that we have a vessel under tow or alongside, and we may be restricted in our ability to manoeuvre. We may also broadcast the situation on VHF 16, and use sound signals. Any of these actions mean that we may need you to reduce speed to minimise your wake, and possibly alter course to stay clear. And just because you are in a sailing v
Read more
By Amanda Wright Amidst the flurry of campaign posters and eager constituents, three distinct figures emerge, each carrying a story as colourful as a Shoal Point sunset, each vying to be our region’s next Mayor. First in the lineup is Greg Williamson, a name familiar to many, not just for his tenure as Mayor but for his roots deeply embedded in Mackay's community. Yet, few know of his formative years spent amidst the disciplined ranks of the Air Force cadets. It was there, under the wing of mili
Read more
Imagine our community as a stage, set for a performance unlike any other. As the curtains draw back on the upcoming local elections, the spotlight falls on three individuals poised to take centre stage in shaping our collective future. On page 30, David Fisher, our friend from Gardian, shares his candid perspective on the candidates. He humorously admits his dilemma of remaining neutral due to his friendships with all three contenders. It's a sentiment many of us can relate to! I, too, find myse
Read more
As the demand for commercial real estate investment continues to surge, the team at Gardian Real Estate, hosted a commercial insight night where guests were given the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of growing interest and investment demands in commercial real estate. Monday night’s event at Ocean International presented an invaluable platform to explore current market trends and potential benefits of investment as professional keynote speakers embedded in the industry informed and educa
Read more
On a typical night out, Jayme Wilson was enjoying dinner with her friend and children just as a police car pulled up nearby on the side of the restaurant. As Jayme’s son Jack eyed off the police car, much to their surprise the kind officer noticed the young boys’ interest and called out, inviting him to meet a very special companion…his police dog. In excitement and awe, Jack leaped at the opportunity to meet the dog on duty alongside friendly police officer, Paul. During this encounter, J
Read more
In a tragic incident that unfolded on Saturday, March 9, Ryan Craig, a 40-year-old resident of North Eton, lost his life in a boating accident at Kinchant Dam near Mackay. Mr Craig's heroic act of attempting to save his nine-year-old daughter from drowning during the incident has garnered widespread tributes from the community. The sequence of events began when Mr Craig and his daughter went overboard from their boat sometime after 11 am, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. Despi
Read more
Last week, the first Honours and Awards Ceremony for the Mackay Whitsunday Police District were held at the Ocean International Resort in South Mackay. Acting Assistant Commissioner Graeme Paine and Acting Superintendent Emma Novosel were both on hand to present all awards. Individual officers from across the district were selected to receive acknowledgements including National Police Service Medal, National Medal and Clasps, QLD Police Service Medal and Clasps, National Emergency Medal - link
Read more
Our beautiful blue water river is now more accessible than ever with the opening of the Pioneer River Floating Pontoon. The pontoon can be accessed via a gangway from the Brisbane Street fishing pier, next to the Bluewater Quay. Mackay Regional Council’s Director Planning, Growth and Sustainability, Aletta Nugent, said the pontoon was an exciting part of council’s Mackay Waterfront Riverside Revitalisation project. “It’s fantastic to have this project reach fruition, thanks to an amazing joint e
Read more
By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay CANEGROWERS Mackay has been attacked on social media in recent weeks by a council candidate, who asserted that CANEGROWERS Mackay had collaborated with a Mayoral candidate to agitate on the rates issue. CANEGROWERS Mackay had extended an open invitation via social media to any Mayoral and council candidates to meet with the Board. The Board and District Manager have met with all who have requested such a meeting. CANEGROWERS Mackay has not assisted,
Read more
As the vibrant hues of summer slowly fade into the golden shades of autumn, gardeners across Australia have a prime opportunity to embrace the changing seasons and engage in the art of autumn planting. Contrary to popular belief, autumn is not just a time for garden maintenance but also a perfect window for sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings. With its mild temperatures and ample rainfall in many regions, autumn sets an ideal stage for nurturing a variety of flowers and produce, ensuring a
Read more
Mackay Regional Council employees have proven that serving the community runs in their veins. Last month, council was presented the annual Red Cross Lifeblood Teams award for ranking number one in the Mackay region for the most blood and plasma donations in 2023. Council’s contributions were tracked as part of Red Cross Lifeblood Teams program, which saw staff from more than 299 local workplaces roll up their sleeves to give blood and plasma throughout the year. Council’s team made more than 162
Read more
St Patrick’s College Mackay Year 7 to 12 recently celebrated its Opening Year Mass and Investiture of the 2024 College Leaders at the College’s Senior Campus in Gregory Street. Nine hundred people attended the special Mass which included students, staff, parents and local dignitaries. Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM, Diocesan Director Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton gave her address to the College and was joined by Michael McCusker, Assistant Director: Schools (Northern Region); Sister of M
Read more
A recent roadshow through north Queensland invited growers to hear from Rabobank’s experts on what the organisation believes the future holds for the sugarcane industry. Pia Piggott is an Associate Analyst in the research division of Rabobank, RaboResearch, who presented to growers in Mackay last week. Based in Sydney, Pia’s role includes public speaking at events, recording RaboResearch podcasts and publishing various reports, generating widespread media coverage that resonates beyond the agric
Read more
The excitement is building as the countdown begins for the highly anticipated Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo 2024, set to be hosted by the Western Suburbs Leagues Club (Walkerston). This event promises to be a spectacular celebration of all things agricultural. Julie Crowley, Coordinator for the event, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the local community. "We've been thrilled with the response from exhibitors, with bookings pouring in daily. We have an incredible lineup
Read more
This season invites a palette of warm hues, rich textures, and natural elements that evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation. Whether you're looking to make subtle changes or embrace a full-fledged transformation, here are some tips to infuse your home with the essence of Autumn. Warm Up With Earthy Tones Bid farewell to the bright tones of summer and embrace the earthy hues of autumn. Consider incorporating shades of terracotta, mustard, olive green, and burnt orange into your home decor. Thes
Read more
Emma Novosel is a familiar face in the Queensland Police Service, serving as Detective Inspector Crime and Support Services for the Mackay Whitsunday District. In this role, she oversees investigative responses to crime and supports various sections including intelligence, tactical crime, prosecutors, crime prevention, and domestic and family violence. Beyond her duties, Emma was actively involved in school communities, sports, and the arts, as her children attended. As a participant in Dancing
Read more
Zachary Spencer is most known as a mortgage broker from Gardian in the finance department, assisting locals with all their home lending needs and helping clients achielve their dreams. In the dynamic world of finance, Zachary stands out not only for his professional acumen but also for his vibrant spirit. His multifaceted dedication to providing the best service fosters a positive impact towards his clients, as well as in the communtiy. Beyond his finance career, Zachary steps into a differen
Read more
Every boarding school is considered a ‘home away from home’ but what makes Nudgee College Boarding different from the rest? From the unwavering support of staff who treat the boys in their like family, to the bonds of brotherhood that last a lifetime, there is something truly unique about the Boarding program at Nudgee College. This year, the Boarding team completed an extensive review of their boarding values which has seen boys, families and staff alike consult on what truly mattered and wha
Read more
The Mackay’s Careers Expo offers expert advice from a range of employers and educational providers making the decisions of school leavers and career-changers a little easier. Careers Event runs career expos throughout Australia and will be holding the Mackay Careers Expo at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on August 15, 2024. The event is not just open to school students but parents wanting more information to help advise their children, as well as experienced workers consid
Read more
A heart-themed morning tea marked the incredible milestone of a decade of lifesaving services treating and diagnosing cardiac conditions in Mackay. Clinicians and staff gathered earlier this month to celebrate the 10th anniversary and the fact almost 12,000 lifesaving procedures have been completed by the Mackay Base Hospital Cardiac Catheter Laboratory since it opened in February 2014. Director of Cardiology Dr Michael Zhang said the 11,858 procedures performed, which ranged from angiograms, s
Read more
Film & Arts Mackay committee members met up with Linda and Elsa from All Abilities Mackay and Councillor Alison Jones to present a donation of $2,564 raised at the first Film & Arts Mackay film event of the year on 2nd February. Two films were screened at this event, the thought-provoking short film The Silent Child followed by the hilarious Red, White and Brass. An enormous thanks to all attendees and members for their generous support on the night. Film & Arts Mackay is a not-for-profit org
Read more
Mackay Life readers will recall local actor Geoff Stewart-McLean sacrificing his hair to play the part of the balding David Horton in Kucom Theatre’s productions of The Vicar of Dibley (2018) and The Vicar of Dibley II (2022). It takes a certain kind of dedication to shave for a stage role – but Lani Seaton, who plays the female lead in Kucom’s April production The Murder Game, is going one step further and donating her lovely long locks to charity. Every March, thousands of Australians step up
Read more