Issue #

27

Theatre Arts Mackay Dance Excellence

November 23, 2023

Theatre Arts Mackay Dance Excellence Showcase Gala 2023 Photo credit: Photos By Nell

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Norris Duo Triumphs In NRAA Kings

November 23, 2023

The National Rifle Association Australia (NRAA) Kings event is over for another year, seeing two members of Mackay District Target Rifle Association (MDTRA) dominate the three-day competition. Father and daughter duo, Terry and Kylah Norris brought home the wins, with Terry in 1st place and 17-year-old Kylah in 2nd place in the Grand Aggregate and Sport/Hunter Production Class Open categories for the Kings competition. The Kings competition held twenty-four matches over three days. The power d

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Rampant Brothers Sneak Home In Mackay Cricket Run Fest

November 23, 2023

Premiership front runners Brothers and Norths Devils produced an enterprising run fest in a quality Poole Cup first grade showdown in the Mackay Cricket Association competition last weekend. In a fine exhibition of batting, the Brothers top order featured prominently to help set up a crucial 18-run victory at Harrup Park’s George Gorrie Oval. Talented opener Wiets Buys led the way with a stylish 63 off 90 balls that included eight boundaries and a six with support from Joseph Hackney (41), skipp

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North Aussie Surf Lifesaving Titles Brings Wave Of Success For Mackay SLSC

November 23, 2023

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club recently host the 32nd annual North Australian Titles, which saw more than a thousand lifesavers, water safety, carnival officials and spectators descended on Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach. The surf conditions at the carnival were very challenging for lifesavers with a 5.8m high tide coupled with a 2-metre swell. The surf was pumping and so were the competitors. Mackay SLSC Director of Surf Sports, Josh Grant said “The club is very proud of our small but strong com

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Fan Favourite Jamerson Set For Meteors Reunion

November 23, 2023

After spending the last two NBL1 seasons in the ‘Top End’, Jerron Jamerson will make the move back to the ‘Sunshine State’ and a return to McDonald’s Mackay Meteors line-up for 2024. The 31-year-old is no stranger to the Mackay faithful, having played an NBL1 North season for the Meteors red and black in 2021. It was a campaign to remember for the star American import. Jamerson finishing the season averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per contest, enroute to helping the Meteors secure t

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North Mackay Sinkers Open Water Swim

November 23, 2023

The annual North Mackay Sinkers Open Water Swim is held on the first Sunday in November each year. This year’s race, on November 5, dawned with clear skies, zero wind and welcome temperatures in and out of the water. Some 49 swimmers registered for the annual event, made up of 33 females and 16 males set to compete. Distances offered in the competition were the 1.25-kilometre, which included an aided swimmer section of flippers and buoys. A 2.5-kilometre distance and the main event, a challengi

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Under 13 Hockey Championships Hit Mackay

November 23, 2023

Mackay will see an influx of visitors between 24th to 26th November with the hosting of the Under 13 Girls and Under 13 Boys Indoor State Hockey Championships. The Championships present a great opportunity to showcase the state’s incredible hockey talent in a round robin competition and are used as a selection process for the Queensland Indoor Under 13 hockey teams. Mackay has been well represented over the years at both State and National level, now harnessing the chance to put their talen

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Marian Ladies Bowls Club Strikes A Heartfelt Victory For Cancer Support

November 23, 2023

Amidst the clinking of bowls and the camaraderie that defines the Marian Ladies Bowls Club, a recent event echoed a more profound purpose. Their annual Charity Day took centre stage, resonating with compassion and generosity. This year, the club chose to extend their hands of support to the Trudy Crowley Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting those battling a silent beast: ovarian cancer. Two representatives from the foundation attended the event, receiving a cheque from the club an

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New Cowboys Coaching Role For St Patrick’s Old Boy Mitchell Dunn

November 23, 2023

Medically retired North Queensland Cowboys rugby league forward Mitchell Dunn took a trip down memory lane last Friday when he visited his old stamping ground at St Patrick’s College Mackay. Having bowed out of the NRL as a player due to chronic injuries at the age of 26, the former Mackay Brothers Bulldogs junior has now transitioned into a career in coaching. Dunn recently commenced a newly created role at the Cowboys as Game Development Coach, with the ex-lock to work with Junior Rugby Leag

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club

November 23, 2023

The ‘Del Ryan’ Central Queensland Memorial Teams event has been played in Mackay. Sixteen teams competed with visitors from Cairns, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, and Brisbane. Local Team Martin, Nancy Martin, Geoff Taylor, Ken Seaniger and Marilin Robins came second overall. Best Team in Section B Team Chruickshank, Ian Cruickshank Debra & Eric Goodchild and David Ting. Best Team in Section C Team Lynch, Noel Saunders, Annie Lynch, Sandra Morris and Ted Cullinan. Proud president Noel Bugeia picture with

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Lawn Bowling Legend’s Eight Decades Of Dedication

November 16, 2023

Kevin Hewitt, better known on the bowling green as ‘Kev’, has played 97 test matches for Queensland. He grew up on a dairy farm with his two brothers and parents, Harvey and Phillis Hewitt, who were well-known for delivering milk to local cafés around Mackay. When Kev’s parents unfortunately passed during his teen years, the farm was converted to cane.

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Kia Ora!

November 16, 2023

Greetings from the enchanting landscapes of Aotearoa! Taking a breather here in my homeland has been nothing short of a soul-soothing adventure—a reminder of the therapeutic powers of switching off and embracing the Kiwi way of life.

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Recognising Children Lost In The System

November 16, 2023

Brenda-Lee McDougal has worked tirelessly for over twenty years in a labour of love to recognise orphans and abandoned children who have been lost in the foster care system.Brenda-Lee’s husband Scott sent an email to the Jay and Dave Breakfast Show, hosted by the Triple M Mackay radio station to acknowledge his wife’s efforts in installing a memorial park bench at Royal Sands Park.

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Auto Training Hub Revs Up At CQU

November 16, 2023

A multi-million-dollar specialist training facility for heavy automotive trades at the CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus is expected to be operational by Term 2, 2024.The 1,610 sqm site will include workshop space, teaching areas, staff spaces and specialist equipment including an air brake simulator, hydraulic training stations, transmission training simulators, diesel engine benches and an air suspension training stand for trucks.

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Helipad Closure Sparks Emergency Plea

November 16, 2023

The closure of the helipad at Mackay Base Hospital for three years presents significant challenges for the region’s rescuers and a potential risk to patient care. The $250 million upgrade of the hospital commencing in January 2024. which includes a new roof-top helipad was very welcomed but was a huge concern for RACQ CQ Rescue which would be unable to land onsite in Mackay to transfer patients.

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The Guns Fell Silent

November 16, 2023

Last week, Mackay RSL observed Remembrance Day with a poignant pre-game service at Harrup Park before the WBBL game. This moment was not just about sports; it encapsulated the community's dedication to honoring the historical significance of November 11th.

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A Life Well Lived

November 16, 2023

Long term Carlyle Gardens resident and World War II veteran Geoff Fielder recently passed away several months before his 100th birthday.Geoff was born in London in February 1924 and joined the British Royal Navy shortly after his 18th birthday in June 1942. He spent his time on the HMS Crane as an ordinary telegraphist. London had been extensively bombed in 1940/41 and Geoff had experienced this as a 16-year-old growing up in the region.

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NEW BRAND TO TAKE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS TO THE WORLD

November 16, 2023

A “spirited adventure with a tropical vibe" is the promise the new Finch Hatton MTB brand will make to the world.Finch Hatton MTB was officially launched today (November 13), in what is a significant step for Mackay Regional Council’s cornerstone mountain bike trails project.

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IS THERE A DOCTOR ON THIS FLIGHT?

November 16, 2023

Mackay Base Hospital doctor Pieter Nel was on a flight to New Zealand for a medical conference recently when he heard a call over the PA system: ‘’If there's a medical doctor on the plane, please press the call button’’.

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100 Years Of Nebo

November 16, 2023

The township of Nebo has officially turned 100 years old, last Saturday November 11. However, the history is a bit more interesting than a settlement 100 years ago. Originally named ‘Fort Copper’ in 1883, the settlement was nicknamed ‘Nebo’ by locals, and the two names existed together until 1923.

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Nebo’s Lifetime Legend

November 16, 2023

Monument of Nebo township, William Wallace Mervyn Bruce has passed away, aged 106 years old. Born in Nebo, January 2, 1917, William, better known as Bill, lived the first part of his life in the clutches of the Fort Copper Hotel, his parents the licensees of the hotel. However, the family soon moved to a property outside of Nebo.

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Half A Century Of Service At Chelona State School

November 16, 2023

Jenny Leeding, a teacher’s aide at Chelona State School has recently retired after demonstrating unwavering dedication and commitment as a valued member of staff for an impressive 48 years. Jenny began her career as a Cleaner for Chelona State School in 1975.

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Sarina Students Supported With Great Partnership

November 16, 2023

Sarina Neighbourhood Centre and Daly Bay have partnered together to ensure hundreds of Sarina school students have the necessities they require for school in 2024. Throughout 2023, the Sarina District School Assistance Program supported 260 students from 40 families, providing financial assistance, through vouchers for school uniforms and essential booklist items.

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A Year Of Progress For O&G Reform At Mackay HHS

November 16, 2023

A special luncheon was held this past week to mark the completion of 12 months of intensive work to improve our region’s obstetrics and gynaecology services, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) staff and leaders.

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A Robotic Breakthrough For Women's Health

November 16, 2023

Mater Private Hospital Mackay obstetrician and gynaecologist Ritu Rana has conducted the first robotic-assisted hysterectomy in Mackay, using the state-of-the-art da Vinci X robotic system.

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