Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
As we step into 2024, the echoes of the challenges faced in 2023 continue to resonate. The past year brought forth an array of hardships, marked by the relentless surge in the cost of living that burdened households across the board. Despite these struggles, resilience prevailed. Many local businesses, having weathered the storm of the pandemic, found their footing once more, demonstrating the tenacity and adaptability of our community. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into variou
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For a marketing nerd like me, delving into a new year of tools and techniques is so freaking exciting. One of the best things about my industry, is that there is always something new and interesting to learn! But for most business owners, I totally understand how the continual changes in marketing make it feel more like a never-ending-grind, instead of a fun playground (so many toys!). For 2024, there are just three things I think you need to focus on for your marketing. I know that makes it so
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To say that 2023 was a difficult year for businesses is an understatement. The world faced some significant challenges including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the geo-political environment in the Asia-Pacific. For any commodity sector this instability means a lack of confidence within the market. Add to that widespread labour shortages, wildly fluctuating costs and unforeseen government interventions meant that business confidence understandably f
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Excitement and nerves. Two words I would use to describe the feeling of shutting the door on my life in Darwin, jumping in the front seat of my 4WD and taking off on a 5-day drive across the country to start my life in Mackay. The aircon was blasting as I left Darwin city, driving through Berrimah and Palmeston and onto the Stuart Highway. Driving through the genuine outback and discovering the life that exists far beyond the street lights and pubs of the cities and towns is a wonderfully eye
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Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fantastic and safe festive season and you all enjoyed a well-earned break. 2023 was a big year for Australia, and to say it was tough on everyone would be an understatement. While the Albanese Labor Government was distracted by their divisive and costly Voice Referendum and the Prime Minister enjoyed what felt like more time overseas than time spent in Australia, the people of Dawson were hit with enormous cost-of-living pressures. The Coalition and I fou
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By Amanda Wright In a heartfelt bid to combat domestic violence and offer respite to those impacted, Broken Ballerina Inc. is teeing up its first Charity Golf Day on August 2nd, 2024. This event will serve as a vital fundraiser aiding victims of domestic violence in the wider Mackay community. The organisation, founded by Jules and Pete Thompson, aims to provide solace, resources, and support to those navigating the harrowing aftermath of domestic violence. With an absence of government funding,
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As we step into 2024, it's clear the road ahead might be a bit bumpy. The rising costs are making us all feel a little uneasy. But even in the midst of these challenges, it's essential to remember our blessings. Think about it – having food in the fridge, clothes to wear, a safe place to rest our heads – these are things many around the world can only dream of. Surprisingly, having these essentials means we’re actually living better than three quarters of the world’s population. Money-wise, if y
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In a tale that's got the town buzzing, a lawn superhero named Chris, also known as the "Knight with a Shiny Lawnmower," has emerged, spreading unexpected goodwill and a neat trim throughout the neighbourhood. Michelle Steffens took to a community noticeboard on Facebook to share her unexpected encounter with this mowing maestro. Spotting Chris working his magic on a neighbour’s yard, she summoned his green-thumb prowess, hoping for a quick lawn fix. And boy, did he deliver! Surprisingly, when Mi
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Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation have conducted a thorough investigation following a report of a large crocodile leaping from the water and into a fisher’s tinnie in Jane Creek near Mackay on 31 December 2023. Senior Wildlife Officer Jane Burns said the investigation included an interview with the fisher who confirmed the incident occurred close to the northern side of a small island slightly upstream of Jane Creek. “A vessel-based site assessment of J
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With the 2024 Australia Day Awards on the horizon, the list of nominees has been unveiled, showcasing over 150 exceptional individuals and groups from eight categories. The Citizen of the Year and Volunteer categories boast around 40 nominees each, reflecting an outstanding display of community spirit and service. These nominees possess dedication, leadership, and selfless contributions that have left an enduring impact on our communities. Their diverse initiatives, ranging from grassroots proje
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TRESPASS INCIDENT, MACKAY CITY A 48-year-old male resident of Gargett has been issued with a notice to appear in court by police following an alleged incident at a unit on Wellington in the Mackay city at about 11:40pm on January 5. It's alleged that the 48-year-old was found sleeping inside the unit by a relative of the unit's owner. Police were contacted and on arrival it's alleged that they spoke with the 48-year-old who stated they had entered the unit through a window after an evening at
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The Finch Hatton Trail has added a fascinating piece to its historical repertoire. Mackay Sugar, in a gesture reflecting both heritage preservation and community engagement, recently donated a decommissioned locomotive turntable to the Mackay Regional Council. This turntable, once an integral part of rail operations, has found new life as a decorative, curved section along one of the trail's foot and bike paths. The ingenious repurposing of this railway artifact within the mountain bike trail pr
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Yearning to create a tangible impact in your community this year? Consider becoming a Ronald McDonald Family Room volunteer and contribute to supporting families in the Mackay region with sick or injured children during their most challenging times. Volunteers at the Ronald McDonald Family Room embody a set of values that revolve around friendliness, reliability, and creating a comforting atmosphere for families utilizing the Mackay Base Hospital's Ronald McDonald Family Room. Your role as a vol
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Kath Ryan has a deep and abiding connection with Mackay’s health service. Even when she sits in her home at Seaforth, she is immersed in our region’s nursing history courtesy of the timber she salvaged from the old nurses’ quarters in Mackay. “I took some time off and my husband and I got on the tools to build a house together on our property,” Kath recalls. “This was back in 2003/4 and about that time we were pulling the old nurses’ quarters down here. “I didn’t want them to go, because I’
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Mackay school leavers and those looking to upskill or change careers have been encouraged to enrol in the hundreds of Fee-Free TAFE places available for 2024. Fee-Free TAFE in Central Queensland in 2024 is being delivered by CQUniversity and Deputy Vice-President for VET Peter Heilbuth said CQU TAFE was ready to meet the region’s training needs. “Fee-Free TAFE has the potential to change lives here in Central Queensland,” Mr Heilbuth said. “With Fee-Free TAFE, the pressure that can come with d
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Babies and young children are more susceptible to heat-related illness than adults. Their bodies cannot easily adapt to changing temperatures. The younger the child, the quicker they will start to show signs of dehydration or heat stress. Sick children need special attention in hot weather, even for minor illnesses such as a cold or hayfever. Stay hydrated and well nourished • Ensure your child has easy access to plain water and encourage them to drink it, even before they become thirsty.
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She’s pushed trolleys, worked at Maccas, waited tables and cleaned toilets of a ‘grotty old’ Melbourne pub. And like most aspiring musicians, Patty Preece has also experienced the life of being a struggling muso. But from humble beginnings, the now music maestro has added a Masters degree to their repertoire - and it’s been a long road to getting there. “I think it’s about having passion for what you are doing and believing in yourself and your art form,” Patty explains. “We often talk about cre
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Amid recent news surrounding the former owner's liquidation, Grazing Goat Cafe, nestled on Wood St, assures its patrons of uninterrupted service and thriving business under new ownership. Current owner Renyee Bencsis emphasises that the cafe remains unaffected by the previous owner’s financial setbacks, assuring customers of business as usual. The popular cafe was initially founded by accountant Michael Harris. Recent ASIC filings revealed that Harris' personal company, Sureline Investments Pty
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Mackay will play host to the 2024 Australian Regional Tourism Convention, taking place from 9th to 11th October 2024. This announcement signifies the council's commitment to advancing regional tourism and fortifying the area's tourism industry, driving economic growth and opportunities. “We are excited to be working with Mackay Regional Council to deliver the 2024 ART Convention,” said Joel Chadwick, Australian Regional Tourism Chair. "The convention is renowned as the preeminent event for ind
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Congratulations to Peyton Simpkin from Chelona State School, who was awarded the 2023 Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Community Citizenship Student Role Model Award for Grade 6. Peyton was chosen as she demonstrated consistent effort and application across school pursuits, showed respect and concern for others and participated actively in school and community activities beyond set requirements. Chelona SS Principal Mrs. Brown presented Peyton with an award and a $50 bank account voucher. C
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Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) have removed a one metre crocodile from a chicken coop at a home north of Mackay. Wildlife Officers were called to the Cape Hillsborough home about 9am on the 8th January after residents found the small estuarine crocodile in their yard. The residents had initially thought the reptile was a goanna, but upon closer inspection realised it was a small crocodile and reported it to the department. Fortunately, all chi
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You're in - you have your first full time job but now you need to learn to save. Here's how to budget your salary for the first time. The key is to start small and be consistent. Knowing exactly where your money goes each pay will give you control over your finances. You know what position you’re in and you’re better prepared to make informed financial decisions. Start small Leaving yourself a bit of wiggle-room is the golden rule of budgeting. So, start small with your savings. It keeps you fo
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The Australian South Sea Islander community made a significant contribution to Australia's sugar and cotton industries' development. Between 1863 and 1904, an estimated 55,000 to 62,500 Islanders were brought to Australia for labour on sugarcane and cotton farms in Queensland and northern New South Wales. Known as 'Kanakas' (a Hawaiian word for 'man'), these labourers often faced forced removal from their homes, a practice referred to as 'blackbirding' (where 'blackbird' was synonymous with sl
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In the heart of Mackay's thriving sugar industry, the 2023 Mackay Sugar Apprentice of the Year Awards mark a celebration of excellence and dedication. These awards honour individuals who have demonstrated outstanding proficiency in boilermaking, electrical work and fitting. They represent the promising future of an industry deeply rooted in Mackay's heritage. Among the winners are:
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables have recently welcomed a trio of new apprentices to their team at Plane Creek Mill, representing a significant addition to the Mackay region's trade workforce. The new apprentices completed their two-week Safe Start program earlier this month before beginning work at their respective sites. Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said the two-week Safe Start program prepared the new apprentices for what life would be like in Wilmar’s mills. “It’s about getting them
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