Are you ready to grow and improve your public speaking skills? A Toastmaster Speechcraft course is for you. It’s a short intensive speaking course where you will be guided in learning public speaking and presentation skills. In addition you will learn how to reply to questions “off the cuff” and how to give constructive feedback to colleagues, committee members, family and friends. When the Toastmasters Speechcraft course concludes you will have enhanced public speaking and presentation skills
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Stepping into the limelight once more, the local wedding industry is poised for a spectacular revival with the re-energised Mackay and Whitsunday Annual Wedding Expo, scheduled to grace the MECC on Sunday, February 4, from 10am to 1pm. Originally introduced in 2020 by Ramona Burki, a seasoned local wedding and event specialist at the helm of Element Events by Ramona, the Mackay and Whitsunday Wedding Expo emerged as a triumphant affair. However, the grand plans for the future were momentarily p
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How great is the weather right now around Mackay and the Whitsundays? Love the humidity yet? A week ago, we weren’t sure what TC Kirrily was going to do, so we had some windy and wet days, and the next thing she was gone again. We are certainly feeling for our mates in and around Townsville after trees came down and powerlines were busted, and some Pilates classes had to be moved to the afternoon session. We’re feeling for you all. The weather here has been quite humid and just plain awful for
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From injured, lost and in pain, to under the safe and loving care of Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated, Harmony is on the road to recovery after undergoing surgery from a bacterial infection and is now looking for her new fur-ever home. Mackay Pet Rescue Inc said that Harmony, a female Manx cat, had been found in the pound microchipped, however her previous owners were unable to take her back after she allegedly went missing two years ago. Despite the team already being short of foster carers and
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“Odd Couples – A Season Of One Act Comedies” Presented By Kucom Theatre Review by Vicky Bobeldyk Kucom have been very busy in recent months. The installation of brand-new tiered seating has turned their once-bare, black-box performance space into a THEATRE! With 100 bright red, fresh smelling, comfortable seats, all raked to perfection there is not a bad seat in the house! Each performance features three plays that, as the name suggests, all explore the relationship dynamics of several sets o
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The Mackay region proudly stands as one of Australia's premier recreational fishing destinations, and it won't be long before you too get hooked on Mackay! Whether you're chasing hard-hitting pelagics offshore, iconic barramundi and sooty grunter in the dams, or exciting sports fish right at Mackay's doorstep, there's something for everyone – from the novice angler to the seasoned pro. With its very own net-free zone, Mackay caters to anglers of all levels, ensuring year-round fishing excitement
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Becoming a MECC Youth Ambassador is a life-changing opportunity. Not only do you enjoy special access to arts events, but you also gain hands-on experiences in performing arts, technical productions, and media and marketing. Mayor Greg Williamson said the MECC had just opened applications for the 2024 Youth Ambassador Program. “If you are looking to undertake a career in the arts, media or marketing, this is an exciting opportunity” Mayor Williamson said. “Our MECC Youth Ambassadors have exc
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Footpath upgrade works have commenced this week in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and are expected to take just over a month to complete. The work will see three paths upgraded, including: • Path 1: Balmoral section, Australian South Sea Islander area to Regional Forest. • Path 2: Cremorne section, Palm Walk. • Path 3: Summerlands section, main path connection to Malta Garden. The work is expected to be completed by early March, weather permitting. Detours will be in place durin
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The Hibiscus Coast District Scouts are on the lookout for passionate leaders ready to embark on an exciting journey of guiding and inspiring our local youth - the leaders of tomorrow. With the demand for scouting groups soaring, they urgently need energetic adult volunteer leaders to join in the thrill of the adventure. Whether you're a parent eager to contribute or an individual with a zeal for volunteering, this is your chance to play a crucial role in supporting local youth on a thrilling pat
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You don’t need to be a seasoned player to give netball a try. The Mackay Netball Association has teams for all players, from those who can simply just play for fun, to more competitive teams! Ranging from children’s games to junior teams right through to senior competitions, this all-inclusive netball association gives those who are keen on joining a variety of options to make sure the players get the best out of their time on the courts. “Last year we had 1700 members and we’re always looking
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Mackay's biggest sport and recreation sign-on event is just over a week away. The JET Group Mackay Sport and Rec Expo will have more than 100 clubs on display, creating a one-stop-shop of sport and recreation opportunities. Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting to be back at the MECC for the second year in a row, after COVID-19 caused the event to go online-only for 2021 and 2022. “This year’s event will be action packed, with a range of active zone demonstrations and all the usual prizes a
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In an attempt to host the one-of-a-kind Australia Day Carnival at the Mackay Bowls Club, Tropical Cyclone Kirrily had other plans and caused the region to prepare for the worst, resulting in a hard decision to postpone the event. Despite the weather warning threats issued throughout the week, a group of determined players declared the weather to be fine on the Friday and continued to play a game of bowls. A game of Scroungers played off in the afternoon with a full group of bowlers brightening
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Thank you to the Mackay Regional Council for sponsoring Mackay Contract Bridge Club’s Australia Day session. An important part of the day was the introduction to play bridge that was held for visitors. Twelve visitors, potential new players were welcomed, which was a great turn out. We hope to see them back for the lessons starting on Tuesday morning, 6th February at 9am or Wednesday night, 7th February at 6.30pm. Any interested people are most welcome to attend. It’s an interesting game that re
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team kicked off at the Bluewater Lagoon for Shawn’s Summer Social Series, experiencing excruciating heat conditions which prevailed throughout the previous week and Australia Day long weekend. Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford switched up the course to reduce the exposure of heat by converting the event to a four-loop style. This newly structured route catered for those who were running the longer distances as well as the shorter distances and allowed for runners to monitor themselves thr
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Long-time Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixture organiser Iris Grasso has been honoured for her dedication to the sport. Iris has been awarded honorary membership for 2024, which entitles her to one year’s free registration. The competition starts this Tuesday, January 30. Iris and Pam Joyce have been the organisers for eight years since 2017, and their involvement goes back 20 years. Steve Mathieson and Tony Bowman have taken over organisation of the fixtures, which kicked off with the
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Mackay's fitness enthusiasts gathered last weekend to kick off the Mackay Triathlon Club's Aquathlon series, and the excitement is far from over. With two more races on the horizon, this aquatic adventure offers a refreshing way to beat the humidity while embracing a multisport challenge. The Aquathlon series unfolds at the Pioneer Pool in North Mackay, providing participants with a unique combination of running and swimming. The course consists of a 2.5-kilometer run followed by a 300-meter swi
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As the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and gold early on Australia Day, Moranbah buzzed with excitement for a unique celebration – the Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon, an initiative proudly hosted by the Isaac Regional Council. The word had spread, and multisport enthusiasts from far and wide eagerly converged on this vibrant community to partake in the thrilling event. Thankfully, TC Kirrily had stayed far enough north to not impose a threat to competitors. The triathlon offered a vari
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A victim of strong winds, massive swells, and king tides, 25ft sailing yacht ‘Second Wind’ was set adrift in the Whitsundays on Thursday night when Cyclone Kirrily made landfall in the vicinity of Townsville. The much-loved recreational cruising vessel which is owned by a local couple, Julien Gallaud and Eloise Tyler, was anchored in Whisper Bay when its anchor chain broke in the middle of the storm.
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Hi Everyone, Last night I returned to the gym for the first time in about eight weeks. Prior to this, I would aim to do some kind of fitness three times a week, often running with my crazy puppy during the cooler months. Over the festive season, however, I switched to a ‘no rules’ diet and lifestyle - I could eat what I liked and be as lazy as I liked! And while it was fantastic to make a pig of myself with chocolate croissants, endless rounds of shortbread and other Christmas goodies, I kne
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The Whitsunday Coast Airport is rolling out the red carpet, welcoming visitors from Adelaide to our sunny part of the country, with direct flights offered through Jetstar to start in September. Whitsunday Regional Council Director Commercial Businesses Craig Turner said it was exciting that, after months of negotiations, connectivity from the Heart of the Barossa to the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef would take off in September. “Thanks to this partnership with Jetstar, our Whitsunday residen
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At approximately 10.30pm on Wednesday, January 24, a 37-year-old Grasmere man allegedly crashed his buggy at One Tree Hill on Hamilton Island. The individual sustained minor leg injuries as a result of the buggy flipping over. Police on Hamilton Island, who had been deployed for the current weather event attended the scene and administered first aid to the Grasmere man. Police then conducted a breath test on the man, and he allegedly provided a positive result. He was detained and taken to
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More than a year after the brand-new $4.4 million Ted Cunningham Bridge collapsed following heavy rainfall, Council has finally proposed a way forward to re-build 50 metres of the bridge’s approach which was washed away in the incident. Just before Christmas in 2022, the Ted Cunningham Bridge, which links the townships of Collinsville and Proserpine, was damaged and became impassable when flood waters washed away the easements. At the time locals were very frustrated because they had already v
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Women’s advocate and Councillor, Jan Clifford, was awarded The Order Of Australia (OAM) over the weekend, and the inspiring local leader says she feels “humbled” to receive such recognition. “When I first found out, I could barely talk!” said Ms Clifford. “I was just beside myself – and I am completely humbled, I don’t do it for the recognition or the thanks, I do it because I like helping people.” Informed of her nomination in September, Ms Clifford says she has no idea which of the many gro
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The sailing community is mourning as one of its vibrant personalities sadly passed away just before Christmas, leaving behind her loving husband of 41 years. Annie Judd was a beautiful woman who will be remembered for her engaging character, enthusiasm, and desire to spread love and joy to whomever she met. She met her husband, John, in Port Lincoln four decades ago, the two of them were married in Thailand in 1992 and have been inseparable since. They’ve enjoyed a full and exciting life, tra
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Whitsunday Regional Council have granted preliminary approval to the resort complex proposed for the Port of Airlie. The complex, submitted by Meridien, detailed in their preliminary approval application, has specified 102 units of accommodation, primarily suited for family units, tours groups and sporting teams, with rooms for four or eight occupants in each. Included in the proposed development is also a restaurant with waterfront terrace dining, a dive school and training pool, a bar with wa
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