Issue #

Koala Conservation Receives $3.5 Million For Habitat Preservation

Reef Catchments, the Natural Resource Management organisation for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, has been awarded $3.5 million from the Australian Government Saving Koalas Fund to expand and improve koala habitat in Sarina.According to Reef Catchments Coordinator, Kira Andrews, “Our project provides meaningful support that enables the community to plant koala food and habitat trees for the creation of sustainable koala friendly corridors.”

HOME BREAK IN, HAMPDEN

Mackay Police reported that between 3:00pm and 5:56pm on August 15 someone had broken into a home on Nine Mile Creek Road at Hampden.“Entry was gained into the house which is situated on an elevated block through either the front or back door which were both later discovered open,” police said in a statement.

September Announced For Seaforth Splash

The official opening of the Seaforth Esplanade Redevelopment will take place next month, on Saturday, September 2, from 9.30am to noon.Be one of the first to try the new playground and waterplay area and enjoy the free entertainment on offer including live music, face painting and the Seaforth mini markets. There will also be a free fishing clinic thanks to Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance. Bring your own rod or reel. Places are limited and bookings are essential. Don’t forget to bring your

Boom In Babies For Mackay’s Mater

With hearts brimming with anticipation, proud parents throughout the Mackay region are rejoicing as they welcome an influx of newborns into their lives. At Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay, the month of July witnessed the advent of 33 newborns, each one an embodiment of pure potential and promise.

Be Social Backs Community

Be Social Fest went off with a bang in June and the good vibrations are still being felt throughout the community.

Pioneer Swim Centre Closed For September

North Mackay’s Pioneer Swim Centre will close its gates for the month of September for scheduled maintenance work.The work will include levelling the deep end of the 50m pool, expansion joint renewal, pool tile renewal, recoating the children’s pool water features and repairs and maintenance to the grandstand.

AMP Up! Your Locale

Energise your local community hub or Mackay’s town centre with a touch of magic courtesy of the Activate My Place! (AMP!) Placemaking Grants. As these grants take centre stage, they are your passport to rejuvenating your surroundings, stitching together vibrancy and vitality in a symphony of transformation.

Put Funding On The Ground

It is always positive to see government investing in the sustainability of the sugar industry. As growers, we know it is all-important that farm inputs - like fertiliser – stay in the ground where we need them working towards increasing productivity and profitability, and not making its way off farm during rain and into creeks and on to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

MACKAY IN THE RUNNING FOR GROUNDBREAKING SUGAR PROJECT

Pivotal Ingredients has teamed up with the local sugar industry in Mackay to tap into the growing global demand for sustainable animal-free dairy products. Pivotal Ingredients is excited to announce its vision to build a state-of-the-art fermentation facility in Mackay, Queensland and is partnering with local sugar producers to help make this project a reality.

Bill Lake – Walkerston’s Vietnam Veteran

Walkerston’s Vietnam Veteran William Lake was, at last week’s local RSL meeting, presented with a commemoration medallion and certificate marking the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

Rainy Season Readiness

When it comes to protecting your home from the impacts of natural disasters, being prepared is key. Mackay residents have experienced firsthand the importance of home maintenance in the face of our region's unpredictable weather patterns. Whether you own your home or are renting, these practical steps can make all the difference in safeguarding your property. If you are renting and have concerns regarding the safety of your home, bring these to the attention of your landlord or property manager

Top Tips for Keeping Your Car Sparkling Clean

Maintaining a clean car not only enhances its appearance but also contributes to its longevity and overall value. Regular cleaning goes beyond aesthetics; it helps protect your investment and ensures a comfortable and healthy driving environment. Here are some expert tips to keep your car sparkling clean:

Property Point

My real estate career is littered with occasions when I have held open houses and private inspections and have not been required to draw a gun and shoot someone. Call me a bright-eyed optimist who views the world through rose-coloured glasses if you like, but I have never even felt the need to take a gun to a private inspection. I think my stance on weapons in real estate probably reflects the broader Australian situation but, like so many things, it’s different in America. Judging by the discus

Going, Going, Gone

These three words explain a lot about our extinct and endangered species. I can’t stand by and see this continuing to happen, so I came up with the ‘Love an endangered Aussie species’ revolution. I want all Australians to get on board and say, ‘I stand up for our endangered wildlife’. Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique and rare species. However, since European settlements in 1788, the country has experienced widespread habitat destruction and the introduction of non-native pre

Up To 1200 Homeless In Our Region

Opinion piece The Housing Summit has been and gone and the numbers are scary, with approximately 1,200 homeless in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaacs areas. We need the results of this to be more than just data collection. We need to see some action in the short term to address our deteriorating position. You can judge the effectiveness of the summit over the next six months through signs of reduction in the homeless in our region. The current problems are caused by a higher-than-expected pop

Saddle Up For Sounds

If I tell you something very special, do you promise not to tell anyone else? Promise? No? Well, OK, let me tell you anyway. This weekend is one of the biggest concerts ever seen in Mackay. Sure, we’ve seen some big names here over the years! Elton John for one. Even having KISS play here years ago was an amazing experience too. I even remember watching Dire Straits back in ’86 and what a show that was! The list of artists that have played here is just incredible. This weekend we are adding

Event Guide

Science Fever At Eimeo Road

This week, students at Eimeo Road State School celebrated science week, kicking off with lots of interesting experiments on junior parade on Monday. The school’s resident “Mad Scientist” Mrs Bowerman conducted exciting, explosive and chemically charged experiments in front of an awe-struck crowd of students. The week continued with lots of engaging science fun, including the Student Council Mad Scientist Disco on Wednesday, inviting students to dress as their favourite mad scientist. As part of

Step Up 2 Prep

Both the creative and the culinary juices have been flowing for children in Dundula State School’s ‘Step Up 2 Prep’ program. Last Wednesday, students used colouring pencils, glue and sparkles to create their very own rainbow fish before enjoying mini pizzas on Friday. The program invites children aged zero to five years from across the region to enjoy a social morning of art, puzzles, stories and play, preparing them for the transition into primary schooling. Children created art and pizza as pa

Art On Show Awards

Winners Announced At Exhibition Opening The winner of the 2023 Woollam Art on Show Award is one of many local artists to have claimed prizes following the exhibition and awards ceremony at the start of the month. Stephen Homewood grew up in Mackay, inspired by the colours, animals and birds around him, his work ‘Step into another land’ earning him the Woollam Art on Show Award for 2023. Read on for a full list of winners.

Kucom’s Latest Cast Share Their Thoughts

On Contemporary Australian Play Kucom Theatre’s latest production, ‘Things I Know To Be True’, is a modern Australian drama written by Andrew Bovell, a well-known Australian playwright known for co-writing the screenplay for Strictly Ballroom with Baz Luhrmann. The story centres around what seems like a typical suburban family: Fran, Bob and their four adult children. In spite of the love they all have for each other, little by little as the seasons turn, the veneer peels away. Perfect becomes

Sister Cities Unite

Mackay extended a warm welcome to a group of 15 students and two chaperones hailing from its sister city, Matsuura in Japan. The students embarked on an engaging cultural exchange program, immersing themselves in the vibrant spirit of the sugar city for a week-long visit. During their stay, these young visitors had the opportunity to delve into the heart of the region, soaking in its diverse offerings and forging connections with local families who kindly hosted them. A highlight of their journ

Shaping Culture And Creativity

Join The Conversation For The Future Of Arts In Our Region For those whose inclinations gravitate toward the cultural tapestry, the harmonies of music, the strokes of artistic ingenuity, the narratives of the theatrical realm, or the boundless expanse of creativity in all its forms, a remarkable avenue presents itself to exert influence over the shaping of our locale. In other words, speak now or forever hold your brushstroke! Mackay Regional Council is currently undertaking community consultati

Three More Days Left To Step Up To Clean Up

The "Clean up Mackay Region" initiative got off to a strong start last weekend, with three days of successful efforts. The community came together with enthusiasm to ensure our region remains pristine. Now, three more opportunities are on the horizon, taking place this upcoming weekend and throughout the following week. Mayor Greg Williamson praised the community's commitment, highlighting how these events help us take pride in our area and work together for its beauty. The initiative reflects o

At The Table

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures August 8, 2023: Division 1: Joola (Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman, Janice Kent) d Andro (George Camilleri, Robbie Richards, Barry Patterson) 7-4. Andrew d Barry -6, -4, 5, 2, 11. Tibhar (Vince Boeske, Steven Whiting, Tim Shehan) d Radak (Mick Ruhl, Graham Brake) 7-4. Steven/Vince d Graham/Mick -16, -10, 5, 8, 7. Butterfly (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Graeme Walker) d Donic (Ivan Perkins, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) 6-5. Neil d Ivan -20, 5, -9, 5, 10. Division