The 71st Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim, and the 17th year it has been held as a cageless event, once again attracted open water swimmers from across the region. The iconic 8km swim starts at Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island and finishes on Townsville’s shoreline in front of Strand Park. Swimmers typically complete the course with support from a kayaker who provides direction and sustenance throughout the swim. This year saw 73 solo swimmers, 10 duo teams, and 8 full teams of four take p
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With Dragons Abreast Mackay Dragons Abreast Mackay Celebrated it’s 20th Birthday on 26th July at the Mackay Harbour Marina. Breast cancer survivors and supporters were joined by Townsville and Blue Mountains Dragons Abreast Clubs for a wonderful weekend of fun, friendship and celebration. A fun paddle on the Marina was followed by a scrumptious morning tea in Mulherin Park. “We all felt the groove with a Drum Circle by Rhythm Business, proving to be popular and enjoyed by all,” said club
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A talented contingent of six from the Northern Beaches Shito Ryu Karate Club, led by Sensei Helle Smith, has returned from Singapore with an impressive seven medals – 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze. Gold and Silver went to Tim Spratling, Silver and Bronze to Nathanial Smith, and Bronze medals were awarded to Helle Smith, Axsel Smith, and 9-year-old Phoenix Spratling – whose mum, Nicky Kupfer, also competed. Two members achieved a major milestone by grading for their Shodan (1st level Blac
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More than just a race, the 2025 BMA CQ Rescue Fun Run brought heart, hustle, and a whole lot of community spirit to the Mackay Marina on Sunday morning. Hundreds turned out to run, walk, volunteer or cheer, raising vital funds to keep our community-funded rescue helicopter in the sky. With crisp winter air and clear blue skies, it was the perfect morning for a good cause. In the 10km race, proudly presented by Ampcontrol, Jared Mackie claimed first place with a lightning-fast time of 37:
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Mackay Surf Club Lifesavers celebrate a season of success From national and state champions to podium finishes at North Aussies, branch age champions, and ensuring the safety of Harbour Beach, Mackay Surf Life Saving Club recently held its annual awards presentation night to honour the contributions of its dedicated volunteers. Club President Brendan Smith opened the evening by reflecting on the club’s 75 years of “Vigilance and Service” to the Mackay community, proudly referring to its
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PlayOn! Vouchers Now Available Families across the Mackay region have a new reason to get excited as the Crisafulli Government’s PlayOn! sports voucher program officially opened for applications at 9am on Sunday, 4 August. Designed to support grassroots sport and ease cost-of-living pressures, the program offers eligible families up to $200 per child to assist with registration, equipment, and uniforms. Local Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, welcomed the launch, calling it “a win for
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With Mackay Contract Bridge Club BRIDGE It was a busy week with the playing of the Unders & Overs Tuesday night, the final week of the Founders Teams, and the final two days of the 2025 Whitsunday GNOT. Weekly Results Monday 28 July 2025 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Andrew Canavan / Geoffrey Patterson 2nd Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martín 2nd Terry Sheedy / Griff Bancroft 3rd Mary Cruickshank / Ian Cruickshank 3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
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Mackay’s Future Takes Root At National Tree Day Fingers in the dirt, boots muddy and smiles wide – more than 300 local students rolled up their sleeves at Glenfields Park last Friday for a hands-on lesson in giving back to the planet. As part of Mackay Regional Council’s 16th annual partnership with Planet Ark for National Tree Day, children from nine schools across the region planted over 3,000 native seedlings grown specially by the Mackay Natural Environment Centre. The event transformed Glen
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We might not have hit orbit, but Australia is now officially in the space game — and that’s something worth celebrating. This week’s ERIS rocket launch from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport didn’t quite go the distance, reaching an estimated altitude somewhere between 50 and 100 metres before returning to Earth. But in the world of rocketry, altitude isn’t everything, especially not on a maiden launch. As anyone who’s followed spaceflight will tell you, a first launch is rarely flawless. Rock
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Richglen has proudly donated $31,000 to the region’s two emergency helicopter services, recognising their vital role in supporting workers who travel to and from remote mine sites across Central Queensland. Through its matched giving program, Richglen employees contribute a portion of their pay to the life-saving services, with the company matching every dollar. This year’s total donation includes $22,000 to CQ Rescue in Mackay and $9,000 to CapRescue in Rockhampton. Managing Director M
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Mackay’s By-Election Candidates Unveiled On Thursday, 24 July, at the 500 Pavilion, the Mackay community learned that nine candidates will contest the upcoming Mackay Regional Council by-election, set for Saturday, 30 August 2025. This election follows the resignation of former councillor George Christensen on 30 May, with over 90,000 residents expected to participate via a full postal ballot announced by the Electoral Commission of Queensland. The candidates, consisting of Melissa Milton
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OPINION PIECE The Albanese Labor Government has used its numbers in Parliament to block a proposed Senate Inquiry into the health and future of Australia’s metals manufacturing industry, without providing any explanation for the decision. The Inquiry, moved by Nationals Senators Susan McDonald and Matt Canavan, was designed to investigate the looming crisis facing the sector, including key processing facilities Glencore’s Mount Isa and Townsville operations. “These facilities underpin ou
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The scenic coastal town of Midge Point has welcomed a vital boost to water safety, becoming the newest addition to Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) as Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Midge Point officially joins the statewide service as its 15th unit. MRQ Midge Point Unit Commander Gary Considine said waters around the township provided rich fishing and boating opportunities and were a popular spot for locals and visitors to the area. “The area provides some wonderful opportunities for water
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By Hannah McNamara It’s no secret that Mackay is in the midst of a homelessness crisis, driven by escalating living costs, limited housing availability, and increasingly complex social challenges. In a climate where shelter has become a luxury for many, one initiative offers a glimmer of hope, in the form of three converted buses designed to give those without a roof over their heads a secure place to sleep. According to the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), Specialist Homeles
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Mackay students are set to take centre stage this month, joining some of Australia’s top professional opera vocalists for a special performance at the MECC. Opera Australia is Australia’s largest performing arts company, presenting over 700 performances to more than half a million people every year. The company will return to Mackay with its annual national tour, showcasing crowd favourite La Bohème with a choir of local students as part of the company’s Regional Children’s Chorus progra
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Nine-year-old Olivia Hand has emerged as a shining star at the Mackay Show, taking out the Patron’s Champion of the Show award for her impressive entries across multiple Pavilion categories. From tie-dye and photography to cupcakes and Lego, Olivia’s diverse submissions captured the attention of judges and organisers alike. The young talent placed in almost every section she entered, earning firsts for her decorated box, melted bead art, and Lego creation, demonstrating a flair for creati
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Mackay SHS Students Gain Skills In Animal Care Every Friday, a group of five Year 11 and 12 students, including Brad Durham, Tui Barber, Jaleesa Bassett, Savannah Bornman and Neveah Douglas, step outside the classroom and into the Happy Paws Happy Hearts program, gaining real-world experience in animal care. With just four weeks remaining in the program, the students have impressed facilitators with their growing confidence and hands-on skills. From training kittens and puppies to prepar
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Dr Danica O’Brien Joins Hanly Dental Studio There’s a new face at Hanly Dental Studio – and she’s helping Mackay smile with compassion, confidence and clinical care. Dr Danica O’Brien, a proud local and James Cook University graduate, has returned home to provide quality dental treatment with a gentle, country-hearted approach. From routine check-ups to cosmetic care and emergency appointments, Danica brings precision and warmth to every patient experience. “Dentistry is more than fixing
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Mackay Regional Council has fourteen new positions available for its 2026 Apprentice and Trainee Program and they’re not just for school leavers. Workplace diversity and flexibility are a major focus of the Apprentice and Trainee intake program. Mayor Greg Williamson said the Apprentice and Trainee program equips participants with practical skills and experience that pave the way for long-term career success in the region. "It's a fantastic opportunity for individuals to combine formal
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A new website has officially been launched by the Finch Hatton Progress Association, providing locals and visitors with a central online hub to discover everything this vibrant township has to offer. Located at the foot of the Eungella Range in the lush Upper Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton is fast gaining a reputation as one of Queensland’s hidden gems — and now, thanks to www.finchhatton.org.au, that gem is easier to explore than ever. Developed by the Finch Hatton Progress Association, t
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Shaye Gaviglio From St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School Mackay The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards are presented annually to individuals or teams from each of Queensland’s five dioceses, recognising outstanding contributions to the life of the Catholic education community. These contributions may include demonstrating integrity in leadership, improving equity in education, building Catholic identity, providing service to others, or supporting school communities through excellence in t
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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is once again backing the future of local youth, launching its 2026 Sarina State High School (SSHS) Scholarship Program. Applications are now open for two $2000 scholarships, available to students who will enter Year 11 at SSHS in 2026. The program is designed to support recipients with their studies and personal development throughout their senior schooling years. More than just a financial boost, the scholarships aim to build confidence and enhance en
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Young Mackay Golfer Swings For International Glory Mackay’s little local legend, nine-year-old Sonny Hutchinson, is teeing off on an incredible journey to represent Australia at the 2025 Champion of Champions World Junior Golf Championship in Ireland from July 29–31. Ready to drive his game forward, Sonny will compete against 250 of the world’s best junior golfers from over 40 countries in the Under 9 division. Sonny will also take part the following week at the Flogas Irish Junior Open
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A heart-warming initiative is making a real difference for families across the nation facing financial hardship, illness, or the everyday pressures of life. Lasagna Love, a nationwide volunteer-driven program, connects those in need with local volunteers who prepare and deliver free, homemade lasagna – no strings attached. Whether it’s families recovering from surgery, new parents, or anyone going through a tough patch, the program offers a comforting meal and a sense of community support
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Free Inclusive Sailing For Youth Living With Disability Returns This winter, the Making Waves Foundation brings the life-changing power of sailing to ports across Queensland and Northern NSW with the return of its inspiring “Northern Campaign 2025.” The acclaimed Winds of Joy program will make stops in Mackay, Airlie Beach, Rosslyn Bay, Gladstone, Southport, and Coffs Harbour from August to September – providing free sailing experiences for local young people living with disabilities. The
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