Last week, Chances House Mackay received a welcome boost, with funds raised through the M&P Services – Key Solutions Group Charity Golf Day handed over to support its work in the community. Chances House Mackay provides a safe and supportive home environment for people at risk of homelessness. Alongside secure accommodation, the organisation offers guidance, life skills, and opportunities that empower residents to build brighter, more independent futures. In a statement shared on social
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The Mackay Public Health Unit has confirmed a case of measles in the Mackay health service region and issued an alert for potential exposure. The individual, who was unknowingly infectious, attended several public places between 12 and 18 September. These include Middlemount Gym on Burns Street (12–14 and 17–18 September, 6.30pm–8pm) and Middlemount Shopping Centre, specifically Middlemount IGA and Middlemount Pharmacy, on 17 September between 9.30am and 10.30am. Anyone who visited these
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Emergency crews were called to the Paget Waste Transfer Facility last Friday morning after reports of a fire just before 9am. The incident prompted an urgent public warning from Mackay Regional Council, advising residents to stay away from the site until further notice. Staff at the facility requested that no members of the public attend while firefighters worked to bring the situation under control. For a short time, access to the facility was restricted as thick smoke and flames were m
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The Quiet Heroes Of Australia’s Peacekeeping Efforts Not all veterans wore their service on their sleeves, nor did their names make headlines, yet many acted as the quiet glue that held peace together. These are the silent achievers of Australia’s story, men and women who worked under the radar but whose contribution was no less vital. Among them stands Rod Francisco – Mackay veteran, President of the Walkerston-Pleystowe RSL Sub Branch, and Mackay’s 2024 Man of the Year. A man with a gre
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Imagine you were given 9 hours to write, illustrate and publish a novel. But here’s the catch, you also have to include a special set of parameters that are only revealed that day. This is what 32 dedicated students accomplished on Wednesday. These students, spanning from Years 7 to 10, not only showcased their literary and artistic talents; they also raised vital funds for The Kids' Cancer Project. "Our biggest challenge was trying to get everyone’s ideas into the story," said Hannah. "
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Mackay Hospital and Health Board Chair Helen Darch will step down from her key role to pave the way for local leadership and a smooth transition ahead of the renewal of health board appointments in April next year. Ms Darch said she was pleased to be handing the reins to a local Board representative with strong community connections. “As five of our seven Board member terms, including my own as Chair, are due to conclude in early 2026, I wanted to ensure a smooth and stable change proces
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Mackay’s police force has welcomed two new first-year constables to the Mackay Whitsunday District, marking an exciting addition to the region’s law enforcement team. Constable Will Beveridge will be stationed at Northern Beaches Police Station, while Constable Milla Faragher heads to the Whitsundays Police Station. Both recruits bring fresh energy and enthusiasm after completing extensive training at the Brisbane Academy. Acting Inspector and Northern Beaches Sergeant Mitch Benson said the rec
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Sarina Cricket Association is charging into another season, with both juniors and seniors already back on the pitch and games running through to 5 April 2026. Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has proudly supported the club over the years with major sponsorship, assisting the Association in their efforts to grow from a single team into 10 teams across all age groups. With continued support from Community Bank Sarina, this family friendly cricket club has created more opportunities for p
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That Place Mackay hosted a successful Open Day for families and the community last Saturday, 20th September, offering a first-hand look at the local disability service provider’s programs and facilities. Founded by local fathers Steve and Tim, who both have children with disabilities, That Place Mackay provides after-hours activities and safe, inclusive spaces for young people in the region. Free Saturday morning sessions allow participants of all ages and abilities to enjoy games, art, c
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Nothing redhotblue creates is accidental. Every project is handcrafted to spark curiosity, make an impact, or evoke emotion. When a business knows its marketing objectives, it can afford to be more playful, daring, and even spontaneous. The seemingly ‘random’ becomes intentional, fun becomes functional, and every creative choice works harder because it ties back to the bigger picture. Imagine this: You’ve poured months of late nights into your marketing - teaching yourself new tools, fine
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For A Celebration Of The World’s Greatest One Hit Wonders! From the award-winning creators of Golden and Lovely Day comes a brand-new music experience that will have audiences singing along from start to finish. Wonder celebrates the greatest one hit wonders of all time, brought to life by three of Australia’s finest performers, country music star Brooke Schubert (The Voice Australia, Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols), theatre icon Marcus Corowa (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,
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Mackay’s Beeyoutiful Pageant Inspires All Ages In a world often focused on competition and comparison, the Beeyoutiful Charity Pageants offer a refreshing alternative: a space where local women, girls, and even men can shine, grow, and celebrate themselves, without the pressure of rivalry. More than crowns and sashes, the event is about nurturing confidence, fostering self-love, and creating a supportive, joyful environment where everyone is encouraged to step into their best self. Founde
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The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail is set for a major upgrade, with Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP announcing $75,000 in funding to improve the much-loved community asset. The boost, delivered through the Department of Transport and Main Road’s Rail Trail Program, will resurface around two and a half kilometres of the track, enhancing safety, accessibility, and the experience for locals and visitors alike. Mr Kelly said that the $75,000 will go a long way in adding to the work that’s already
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Major upgrades have now been completed at Alsatia Park, with the community already taking advantage of the improvements. Following extensive community consultation, new play equipment, barbeque facilities and football posts have been installed. The redesigned park also ensures greater separation of the younger children's playground and the skatepark as highly requested by the community. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said a lot of work had been done to ensure the park caters to a range of
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Top Parks To Visit For Picnics, Play And Holiday Fun Make the most of the sunshine these school holidays with some of the region’s best parks and playgrounds – perfect for family adventures, picnics, and play. Queens Park Home to one of the biggest playgrounds in the region, Queens Park is a must-visit. With sky-walk towers, toddler play zones, swings and seesaws, kids of all ages will be entertained. Wander through the orchid house or simply relax in the open gardens. Northview Park Thi
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Water and fertiliser are two of the biggest costs – and opportunities – for cane farmers, and new insights are highlighting how the two are closely linked. According to Farmacist agronomists, irrigation scheduling can play a decisive role in whether nitrogen fertiliser is effectively used by the crop or lost through run-off, leaching or denitrification. With sugarcane heavily reliant on nitrogen for growth, ensuring the nutrient remains in the root zone is vital. Poorly timed irrigations
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Federal Coalition representatives are warning that Labor’s mining regulations and coal royalty regime are costing jobs and damaging regional economies, with urgent calls for reform. Shadow Minister for Resources Senator Susan McDonald said mining companies were preparing to mothball Queensland assets, with suppliers already being told their services were no longer required. She said three years of the Albanese Labor Government’s policies had left miners struggling. “This is a dire warni
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The resilience, beauty, and spirit of rural Australia have been captured in the winning entries of Rural Aid’s sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition. This year’s competition drew a record-breaking response, with 201 entrants submitting 429 photos – almost double the number received in 2024. The powerful images tell stories of life on the land, from moments of quiet reflection to the vastness and challenges of the Australian landscape. Ten winners were each awarded a $25
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay In the heart of Australia’s sugar-growing region, Mackay, “The Sugar City”, there exists sugarcane transport networks of the region’s two milling companies -the German- and Grower-owned joint venture Mackay Sugar, and Singaporean-owned Wilmar Plane Creek. These transport networks play a pivotal role in the production process, moving millions of tonnes of sugarcane each crushing season, from farms’ point of delivery cane rail sidings to the fact
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Invest Or not? Last year alone the tourism industry contributed approximately $666.3-million to the Mackay region. The tourism industry is a vital part of our economy. Improving our region economic viability and diversifying our economy has been a strong focus for our council over the past years. Sarina Field of Dreams Parklands plays an important role in the tourism industry as it forms the southern gateway to the Mackay region. It is the home of the Tourist Information Centre, Arts and C
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Putting Inclusion Into Action Join QDN’s Mackay Inclusion Matters Forum to explore how inclusive communities are built, lived, and strengthened – by everyone. Mackay Inclusion Matters forum, hosted by QDN Peer Leaders will showcase what real inclusion looks like across the seven outcome areas of Australia’s Disability Strategy. Join people with disability, families, allies and organisations as we share ideas, solutions and practical actions for building stronger, more inclusive communitie
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Artspace Mackay will unveil three compelling exhibitions this Friday, September 26, celebrating the diversity and depth of contemporary art across Australia and beyond. Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood said each of the three exhibitions were deeply personal and depicted the artists’ relationships with people and the world around them. “In the Main Gallery, En Plein Air traces the artistic pilgrimages of a unique collective of contemporary Australian and New Zealand painters,” Ms
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Community Encouraged To Share Their Story Online This October, Hugh Reilly Real Estate is proud to celebrate 80 years of service to the Mackay region – a milestone that wouldn’t have been possible without the many dedicated people who have worked within the business over the decades. As part of the celebration, Hugh Reilly Real Estate is inviting all former employees to come together and reconnect at this special anniversary event. It’s a chance to reminisce, share stories, and honour the
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Your Inner Wellness Engine Your gut isn't just about digestion – it’s a powerhouse influencing immunity, mood, and overall wellbeing. Central to this is the microbiome, the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes residing in your digestive tract. A balanced microbiome aids in nutrient extraction, infection defense, and inflammation regulation. Probiotics: Friendly Bacteria Probiotics are live microorganisms that can boost the "good" bacteria in your gut. Found in foods like yogu
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Experience Meets Innovation With over 25 years of experience in massage, Bowen therapy, and frequency-based modalities, Trinity from Trinity Bowen Therapy believes healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. “Every person who comes through my door presents with something unique,” she says. “I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. I take an individual approach that suits my clients best.” Alongside Bowen therapy – a gentle hands-on treatment that activates the body’s natural repair systems
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