This St Patrick’s Day, head to the Airlie Beach Hotel for one Sunday of the absolute best Irish jigs, with one of the best Irish tribute bands ever to escape Ireland! Rattle and Hum is Australia’s premier U2 Tribute band, with the perfect recreation of the iconic band’s hits, with smooth beats and near-pristine tunes. Formed in the midst of the mid 90s and crafting their sound and stage presence throughout the 2000s, Rattle and Hum’s unbelievably accurate renditions of U2 are sure to get Airli
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With passion dedication and commitment, Daniel Spurway has set his sights on supercar racing, the natural evolution of his karting career. It all started in 2018, when Daniel found himself behind the wheel of a kart and for the first time discovered the thrill of driving on the competitive track, and he hasn’t looked back once. “I wouldn’t call it a passion,” Daniel shared. “It’s more like a life-long obsession with racing.” Closing out the chapter of kart racing in 2023, with 12 wins and 37 p
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Local youth sports coaching organisation Next Stars Sports Academy is delighted to announce the extension of their partnership with Momentum High Risk Training (Momentum HRT) for an additional 12 months, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration. Over the past year Momentum HRT has served as the proud naming rights partner of Next Stars' Momentum Speed Squad demonstrating their dedication to fostering athletic excellence within the community. With this renewed commitment Momentum HR
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The Cannonvale Cannons had a very successful weekend at the NQ Swimming Championships held in Mackay. The Cannons thoroughly enjoyed the relays on Friday night and were very excited with their medals. On Saturday morning, the Cannons started the day on a high, winning the annual March Past. The swimmers looked amazing in the caps and capes. To top off the championships, the Cannonvale Cannons accrued the highest number of points and were named the Champion Club. Congratulations to Jax Claywort
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As the wet continues, maintaining a consistent fitness routine can become a challenge with the unpredictable weather. However, there are plenty of ways to stay active and keep fit, even when the rain is pouring down. 1. Embrace indoor workouts: Take advantage of indoor facilities such as gyms, fitness studios, or even your own living room. From cardio exercises like jumping jacks and burpees to strength training with dumbbells or resistance bands, there are countless workouts you can do indo
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Collinsville is excited to welcome a new nurse graduate into their community this year. Shakarna grew up in Clermont, near Mackay, and during high school, she was unsure what she wanted to do as a career. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do in high school, but I started a double degree in nursing and midwifery in Townsville,” Shakarna said. “But that was difficult financially, so I dropped back to nursing only, got work as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and completed by degree part-time.” Shakar
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Some tips on Navigating safely – and remember that as the skipper, you are responsible! • Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when travelling at night as potential hazards are harder to see. Ensure you operate at a safe speed. • Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and when near moored or anchored boats, and remember — working boats and larger vessels may have difficulty manoeuvring. • Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow areas and when boating i
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Sunday morning saw the return of the Premier League for 2024 at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club. We’ve had a few new faces join the ranks this season, and a few stalwarts who decided to call it a day. We have 9 players, and 18 rounds of league action this year, with the top 6 players advancing to the finals series in September. First up saw a debutant in Naomi Mitchell, who’s only our second ever female contestant in the league. Naomi started her campaign off with a bang, casually dispatching Hawke
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The first 3 days of March 2024 saw 8 swimmers head to Mackay for the Swimming North Queensland Championships. First up on Friday night were team relays. Our swimmers swam in an impressive 9 relays and had loads of fun. This was a great team building exercise for all swimmers, with mixed and same gender relays being swum. First up on Day 2, was the traditional team March Past. A huge thank you to Emma Alexander for her creative organising and making of costumes for our swimmers. We had a great l
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Roosters VS Brothers Rugby League A Grade Mens Ahead of the upcoming season for the regions’ rugby league, the Whitsunday Sportspark are eager to host a titular preseason match of the stalwart sides of the Townsville Rugby League. This one off game perfectly coincides with a bye for the Whitsundays Brahams, so why not fill in that time with witnessing this match not to be missed! Between the likely competitors of the Burdekin Rooster and the Townsville Brothers, this A grade Men’s trial match
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March is on us which means Autumn has arrived and wet season is well underway, and because our hardcover is still a while away, and we still cannot control the weather, Tuesday and Wednesday Jackpot afternoon bowls and Business House Bowls were all cancelled. So we had some respite for Friday and practice was available for all members. Saturday morning Scroungers was run by Eric Barnard on his return from South Africa and first round winners were Margo Stanley, Harry Quod, and John Trembath wit
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Saturday was the first round of the Men’s Local Pennants with BBC v Wangaratta B.C. with Wangaratta winning the first round. Friday night bowls are still going strong. Monday and Tuesday it is the Ladies Four Competition with 64 ladies from different towns participating. A busy week for our club. Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.
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With the weather being unkind to us this past week, we weren't able to play Social Bowls on either Wednesday or Sunday. Weather permitting we will be back this week. Draw for Men's Competition Singles, Pairs, Fours and B Singles has been released. There will be an amendment to the Singles Draw as a couple of players who had nominated, were on another sheet of paper. Their games have been drawn against some of the players who had been allocated a bye in the original draw. Competition begins on
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There was some really great plays and close games on Tuesday afternoon. Winners were Bron Tolcher, Lyn Danvers, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Deb Retchless, Irene Laird, and Geoff Danvers. Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt, Laurie Land, and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off. Don’t forget barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle is again on this Friday so if you can be at the club by 5.30-5.45pm. Everyone is welcome. Congratulations to our men’s local pennant
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This week saw very little golf. Fortunately, the sun shone for Saturday and Sunday morning meaning we could hold our March Monthly Medals. 78 players contested Saturday event, Clay Coles with the overall and B Grade win with a very tidy 67 Nett. Jason Bourke won A grade with a 67 Nett, closely followed by Fraser Simpson on 68. John Clark was the Runner up of B Grade on 72 Nett. C grade winner was Louis Leo on 71, getting the win from Adam Brewster on 73 Nett. Pin Shots went to John Clarke and Ma
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This week 9-hole stabelford saw Glenn Rees in first place with 23 pts c/b, second place with 23 pts was Dee Norman and third place with 22 pts was Riley Merciera. Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Scott Macleod take first place with 25 pts, second place with 24 pts was Wayne Singleton and third place with 23 pts was Andrew Gomez. Sundays 18-hole stableford was a great turnout, taking first place with 42 pts was Wayne Singleton, second place with 40 pts c/b was Glenn Rees and third place with 40 pt
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There was a constant flow of parents and students on and off the water at Port Denison Sailing Club in Bowen on Sunday with a full schedule of activities. First up ten Little Pirates went for a fun buddy sail on the Qubes with Green Fleeter Georgia and Laser sailor Luke Austin to get used to sailing further from shore and use their boat terminology. Luke, who grew out of the Optimists and has now taken up Laser sailing, is always full of good conversation and often assists the Pirates lesson
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Arthur Gutteridge, an eighty-seven-year-old resident of Mackay, has raised a significant concern regarding the accessibility challenges faced by elderly locals due to the construction of a new bus-stop area in front of Caneland Central on Mangrove Road. Despite assurances of enhanced safety and accessibility, Arthur highlights the impractical and worrying reality that many older individuals endure with the new designated bus stop. Expressing his concerns through letters to various authoritie
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As I reflect on my recent anniversary celebrations, marking a milestone in my own personal journey of partnership and commitment, it struck me—12 years of marriage is no small feat. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, it pales in comparison to the monumental achievement of SH Tait & Co, as they proudly celebrate a remarkable 100 years in business. Imagine, a century of navigating the intricate labyrinth of finance and taxation, weathering economic storms and emerging stronger with each passing d
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In the spirit of gratitude and appreciation, the Mackay Hospital Foundation extended a heartfelt thank you to Kay and his team at Muscle Garden Health & Fitness Centre. Owner of Muscle Garden, Kay Nyenuh has raised ongoing funds to support local healthcare providers and the act of generosity did not go unnoticed. Kristi, the General Manager of the Mackay Hospital Foundation, and Josh, a Senior Physiotherapist from Community Health and Therapy Services (CHATS) met with Kay last week, making a
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Locals rolled into Renegade Barber shop on Saturday morning for the Cars and Coffee meet, where car enthusiasts gathered to showcase their pride and joy and engage in passionate discussions about all things automotive. The carpark was filled with a diverse variety of cars, ranging from classic muscle, Japanese drift to sleek modern sports cars, ensuring there was something to capture the attention of every attendee. This marked the second Cars and Coffee event hosted by Renegade Barber, offeri
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Steve Jackson, Laurence Bonaventura, and Greg Williamson engaged in a spirited exchange at the Mayoral Debate hosted by the Mackay Chamber of Commerce last week. Held at Rydges Mackay, the event saw each candidate given five minutes for opening statements before delving into pressing issues facing the region, including rates, infrastructure spending, and the future trajectory of Mackay. Key debate highlights: • Pumped Hydro Scheme: Bonaventura supported the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro sche
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Mackay’s very own talented performer, Brenden Borellini has more than a decade of experience in performing for Crossroad Arts up his sleeve and a lifetime of impressive, memorable moments. Over the years he has gained the title of Crossroad Arts Ambassador and Artist in Residence, recently receiving recognition, alongside co-creators Georgia Cranko and Alison Richardson for their work on the production ‘Breathe In’ at the Matilda Awards in Brisbane. ‘Breathe in’ brought home the Lord Mayor’s A
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Police have charged a 31-year-old Slade Point man after an alleged assault of a police officer on River Street, Mackay, on February 21. Police were called to a disturbance on Nelson Street around 2.10pm where it is alleged the man became involved in an altercation with another man. The man left the scene prior to police arrival. However, officers were able to locate him on River Street where he allegedly threatened an officer with a weapon. Officers resolved the situation and, in that proces
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By Amanda Wright Amidst the pulse of progress and the hum of ambition in the heart of Mackay, Mayoral candidate Laurence Bonaventura sat down with Mackay Life editor Amanda Wright to discuss his plan for the region—a vision steeped in foresight, and an unwavering commitment to community welfare. Read more on page 7 Progress Through Transparency Laurence Bonaventura's roots in Mackay run deep, tracing back generations to a legacy of resilience and innovation. Descended from a lineage of pione
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