A single varroa mite has been found in a sentinel beehive at the Port of Brisbane after a routine inspection by Biosecurity Queensland. Diagnostic testing has confirmed the mite is Varroa jacobsoni – not Varroa destructor. Secondary testing is now being conducted to determine if the mite is carrying any exotic viruses of honeybees or if any other exotic bee pests are present. Biosecurity Queensland is undertaking tracing activities to identify the potential source and likelihood of spread. Su
Read more
Sugarcane’s potential as a renewable source of bioenergy, biofuel and bioproducts continues to grow through the concept of the circular bioeconomy. Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) Director Russell Hall believes the sugarcane to be the only 100% renewable energy source. “We cut it and from the day it starts growing again, it’s creating oxygen and natural capital on your farm and its producing natural energy,” he said. “Once harvested, it joins the process of fuel, power, plastic,
Read more
Local pet rescue carers got a snappy surprise visit from a young crocodile lovingly named "Fluffy" by a witty foster carer. Robin and Ros were stunned to encounter the crocodile casually sitting on Golf Links Road late last week. The young croc was said to be approximately two metres in length and was reportedly healthy looking. Despite the initial shock, they managed to snap a quick photo before the croc slipped back into the water and vanished. This unexpected sighting occurred as they were
Read more
Sandra Hubner is the co-owner and administration manager at Get It Done Training PTY LTD. She plays a vital role in empowering individuals to unlock their full potential, with a focus on positivity and encouragement. Sandra is well-known in the community for her support and dedication to helping others thrive. In her position, Sandra works tirelessly to guide individuals towards realising their capabilities and achieving their goals. Whether it's through sales strategies or administrative duti
Read more
Most would know Jay Shipston in the Mackay and Whitsundays community for his cultivating, enthusiastic voice as one half of the dynamic Triple M Breakfast Show. Beginning his career over a decade ago in 2007, Jay has cemented himself as a familiar voice in the community, providing a lively start to each day with his witty banter and infectious energy, brightening up mornings, making people laugh and keeping listeners entertained. When it comes to dance moves, Jay's favourites are the ones tha
Read more
In a significant development for the tourism sector in the Mackay Isaac region, Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) has announced the appointment of Jeff Stewart-Harris PSM as its interim CEO. The move follows the resignation of outgoing CEO, Al Grundy, who has played a pivotal role in facilitating the transition. Effective March 4th, Mr Stewart-Harris steps into the role of interim CEO with a wealth of experience garnered from his extensive tenure in various organisations across the Greater Whitsunday
Read more
Nothing beats being able to say: ‘I am fully qualified’ - and that’s what Courtney and Lauren can now do, after completing their Hairdressing Apprenticeships, with the support of scholarships from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank. After successfully applying for and receiving Apprenticeship Scholarships in 2019 and 2020 respectively, Courtney Kennedy and Lauren Head both went on to find their footing in the hairdressing industry and have flourished, attributing their success to supportive wor
Read more
Join the Sarina Sugar Shed for a special St Patrick's Day cocktail masterclass on Saturday 16th March from 4.30pm, 'cos even leprechauns love rum! Experience all the shenanigans of the sweet masterclasses with a touch of Irish charm, including a unique green cocktail that the team is concocting! It will be loads of fun...to be sure, to be sure! Bookings are essential! Visit the website at www.sarinasugarshed.com.au and click on the Book Now button.
Read more
A group of intelligent young men are the graduates of the RAGE program from last term. They now meet fortnightly with Youth Support Coordinators (YSC) Heidi & Chaplain Ben to connect with one another and discuss daily life, the grind and all things in between as they uplift each other in support. This group aims to break the stigma of talking about mental health and throughout the program, the boys have had the opportunity to hear from local positive male mentors and be trained up to become co
Read more
Just weeks after news of a sharp national spike in asthma deaths – with South Australia recording the highest increase in a single year (88%) – scientists have revealed a promising new treatment for the chronic lung disease. Australian researchers have found that a family of proinflammatory molecules called beta common cytokines control inflammation and scarring of the airways (fibrosis) in severe and steroid-resistant asthma. They believe that a human therapeutic antibody called trabikihart c
Read more
Lots of people ask me and want to be the best they can be and it always seems that healthy people often want to cut out things like sugar, (and that is just one type of carb that causes weight gain for example) and those who might be unhealthy or have a medical illness want to add things in like vitamins. Health is an individual issue to us all and The World Health Organisation states the definition of Health is "a state of complete, physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the abse
Read more
After receiving a call late last Thursday, Mackay Pet Rescue Inc jumped at the opportunity to save a bunch of abandoned baby puppies. Zakary Meiert, a real estate agent, put an urgent call out on social media seeking assistance, when he found the newborn puppies abandoned at a vacant property in Sarina. In an attempt to welcome the newborn pups to a temporary refuge, member Robyn prepped a heated incubator and warm milk while others quickly fetched new bottles, supplies and treats from the vet
Read more
Pop in and see the incredible work of Mackay Woodturners on Saturday, March 16th and Sunday, March 17th, for an exciting showcase of woodworking crafts! Entry is FREE and commences from 9am to 3pm, so don't miss out on an opportunity to witness captivating demonstrations and browse a wide array of wood crafted items. Located off Beaconsfield Road in Andergrove, Mackay Woodturners will feature demonstrations and sales of various woodworking techniques including woodturning, scroll sawing, intarsi
Read more
Mobile BreastScreen Service Heads West BreastScreen Queensland's free mobile screening service will hit the road this month visiting rural communities across the Isaac region. The service ensures women in rural areas have access to the latest in screening mammography technology to help detect breast cancer in very early stages. Women in Middlemount, Dysart, Clermont, Collinsville and Moranbah are encouraged to book appointment now for their breast check-up with the mobile screening truck set t
Read more
What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple? Finding half a worm in your apple. Boom boom. It was never a particularly funny joke but those of us who were kids in the 1970s did get it and understood how you could end up with half a worm in your apple. We were familiar with occasionally finding an insect or something wriggly in a piece of fruit … it was rare but we knew the joke meant that having half a worm in your apple meant you had taken a bite and eaten half a worm. These days I don’t rec
Read more
As you may have heard on Star breakfast, I enjoy my sport. Cricket, rugby, league, the trifecta. It's the end of summer and cooing over numbers, stats and ‘how good does it look’ takes a back seat for big hits, big tries and who gets picked for rep sides. Super rugby is back! The Reds looked good for most of their game against the Hurricanes, The Waratahs beat a powerhouse Crusaders, and the game between the Rebels and the Force was exciting. What a time it is to be a Wallabies fan. The Eddi
Read more
The exposure of the gender pay gaps in large Australian organisations is a turning point for gender equality, but more must be done to hold employers to account, says an Australian researcher. Workplace diversity expert Professor Carol Kulik says the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA’s) release of gender pay gaps for large Australian employers is a great first step but its impact will depend on the actions of organisations to narrow the disparity. The WGEA – a statutory agency responsible
Read more
Students passionate about the world of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are amongst the finalists for the Queensland Resources Awards for Women - an annual event celebrating the achievements of women in the resources sector. Lexi Croce from Moranbah State High School is among the 2024 finalists alongside students from the Gold Coast and Bundaberg. The annual Resources Awards for Women celebrate the contribution women are making to the state’s $116.8 billion resources sector
Read more
On the bigger stage, the women’s movement has won hard fought gains including the ‘right to work’, greater equity and opportunity, and let’s not forget the ‘right to vote’. At the personal level, the enduring challenge for women to ‘give it a go’ and pursue opportunities is lack of self-belief, confidence and courage to act. For all my years working in career development, these issues persist across the generations. Women defer not only to men, but also other women, or simply choose not to act,
Read more
The Queensland Government is investing $90 million over three years to rollout around 450,000 free potentially lifesaving meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines for infants, children and adolescents. Last year, Queensland recorded 36 cases of meningococcal B disease and two cases have been recorded this year to date. This serious infection can lead to complications from invasive meningococcal disease which can cause significant illness, disability, and death. Distribution of these vaccines is underw
Read more
One lucky Queensland kindy will win a visit from iconic children’s band The Wiggles as part of a campaign to help children learn about electrical safety. Entry into the competition is simple, with children, parents, guardians and educators encouraged to take a photo or video that highlights why electrical safety is important using messages from The Wiggles’ song Electricity! The Queensland Government first partnered with The Wiggles in 2022 to teach children about electrical safety, with the p
Read more
Despite the initial setback due to weather, the Australia Day Carnival finally took place on Saturday afternoon under clear skies. The green was bustling with excitement as two groups of bowlers gathered to participate. One group consisted of seasoned bowlers, while the other included a mix of new bowlers and a few experienced ones to guide them. Sponsored by the Mackay Regional Council and Karyn Shepherd from More Air, the afternoon featured two games of 11 ends each. Following the first game,
Read more
In a historic move for the Mackay Cutters, this will mark the first ever time that the team will run three female divisions. This significant development comes as the Mackay Airport continues its major sponsorship of the Cutters, coinciding with the start of their season, which aligns with International Women’s Day celebrations, this upcoming weekend. Leading the charge for the Mackay Cutters is 22-year-old Emma Manzelmann, a highly respected captain and player on the team. Emma expresses her ex
Read more
Figures for this year’s race saw over a whopping 900 total registered runners on the day… an all-time record which organisers and community supporters are thrilled about! The Twilight run is a great precursor for the BMA Mackay Marina Run on June 2. Registered Twilight runners are encouraged to lace up again! Early bird pricing for the BMA Mackay Marina Run ends March 13. Photos supplied by Amanda Munn
Read more