Last Sunday, the Mackay region came together to celebrate International Men’s Day, recognising the contribution of men in families, workplaces, and the wider community. The event, hosted by Walkerston Rotary at the Mackay Surf Club, offered a thoughtful and informative session focused on men’s health, wellbeing, and the importance of speaking up. The gathering featured a range of expert speakers who shared valuable insights on physical and mental health. Nigel Thomas from the Heart Suppor
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, says Labor’s humiliating reversal on forcing regional communities onto slower, lower-quality roads confirms what locals have been saying for months: the policy was unworkable, unsafe, and designed to shift costs away from Canberra and onto the bush. Mr Willcox said he heard the message “loud and clear” from residents right across the Dawson electorate. “People in Dawson told me bluntly that they don’t want to be slowed down on rural roads that a
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Mackay’s sporting future is set for a major upgrade, with the Government committing $23.5 million to Stage 2 of the Great Barrier Reef Arena under the statewide Games On! program. The funding, now received by Harrup Park, will support the development of a state-of-the-art multi-sport facility designed to become a central community and events hub for the Mackay–Whitsundays region. Once complete, the venue could play host to cricket during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, cem
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A burst of colour, creativity and culture has officially shaped the face of the 2026 North Queensland Games, with local student Georgia Thorning announced as the winner of the region-wide mascot design competition. The contest invited children aged up to 16 to create a brand-new mascot ahead of the Games’ return to Mackay in May 2026. Entries closed at Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre on October 6, 2025, with prizes including $500 cash and NQ Games merchandise for the winning design, and me
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Mackay’s Women-Only Triathlon Set For A 2026 Comeback Ready to turn “I can’t” into “I did”? The countdown is on for one of the region’s most uplifting sporting events — the Women’s Only Triathlon, returning to the Mirani Swim Centre on 22 February 2026 and proudly supported by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP). The event continues to grow each year, built on a simple yet powerful motto: “Together we Rise.” It’s an invitation for women of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels t
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Mackay welcomed 106 new Australians at a citizenship ceremony last week, celebrating residents from across the globe who have chosen to make the region their home. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP attended the event, presenting each new citizen with an Australian flag and reading a message on behalf of the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration. Mr Willcox said he was pleased to be part of the milestone, noting, “Mackay has welcomed 106 new Australians and I was pleased to be part
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Researchers, clinicians, students and health leaders came together in Mackay on Friday 7 November for the 2025 Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Research and Innovation Symposium, a forum showcasing research and innovation to improve healthcare and patient outcomes. Hosted by the Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation (MIRI), the research and innovation arm of the Mackay HHS, this year’s symposium was themed ‘Research. Translate. Evolve’, underscoring the importance of transla
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Soroptimist International Mackay (SI Mackay) officially launched the Yarn Against Harm installation last Monday, 24 November 2025, at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Playground, marking the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Led by SI Mackay and created with contributions from across the community, the Yarn Against Harm installation became a vibrant and meaningful display aimed at raising awareness, sparking conversation, and showing solidarity
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Works are due to start shortly to improve access and visitor experience at the popular Tropical Shade Garden. This much-loved garden, located next to the Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Building, showcases a diverse collection of shade-tolerant plants and is a favourite among visitors. Works will include footpath improvements, with selected gravel paths being replaced by concrete surfaces and boardwalks. The project is expected to take several months, with completion anticipated by
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Pioneer State High School students were given a hands-on introduction to environmental science, cultural knowledge and real-world problem-solving last week when Reef Catchments and STEM Punks Education visited as part of the Healthy Rivers to Reef Schools Program. Reef Catchments’ Traditional Owner Engagement Officer Robert Congoo said his involvement comes through a partnership focused on “embedding different knowledge systems” into STEM programs delivered across the Whitsunday, Isaac and Mack
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At The Sarina State High School Awards Night Sarina State High School (SSHS) students Makayli Moyle and Makylha Bourke were each awarded a $2000 Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Senior Schooling Scholarship at the 2025 SSHS Awards Night. In addition to the Scholarship Program, Community Bank Sarina sponsors the Community Citizenship Role Model Awards (Years 7–12), Employment Ready Award and Excellence in Business Award. Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich emphasised C
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Mellissa Austin's Commitment to Supporting Families with Knowledge, Care & Experience With two decades of experience and a wealth of education behind her, Mellissa Austin owns and operates Empower 4 Success with expertise to provide her clients with personalised, holistic support. Empower 4 Success offers a selection of comprehensive services to ensure the best results for you and your family, covering issues rooted in anger management, stress, depression, self-esteem, and anxiety. Mellis
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How Stress Shows Up in Your Pelvic Floor Most of us know what stress feels like — the tight shoulders, the clenched jaw, the racing thoughts at 3am. But there’s one place stress loves to hide that almost no one talks about: your pelvic floor. Yes, the same group of muscles that help keep you dry when you sneeze, support your organs, and form the foundation of your core can also become tense and overworked when life gets busy. Here in Mackay, it’s no surprise that many women are carrying tension
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Pleystowe Says No To BESS Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, is calling on Mackay Regional Councillors to stand with the community and vote against the proposed Pleystowe Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) when it comes before Council. Submissions have now closed, with close to 100 objections lodged by local residents, a powerful show of community concern from one of the most pristine rural localities in the region. Mr Kelly said the message from Pleystowe and the wider Pioneer Valley i
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The City Centre might be a long way from the North Pole, but this year it will be brimming with just as much Christmas magic. From carols to markets, dazzling projections to a moonlight movie, the City Heart Christmas celebrations on Friday, December 5 promise an unforgettable night for all ages. From 4pm to 9pm, Wood Street Park and surrounding areas will be transformed into a hub of free family fun. Highlights include a Moonlight Family Movie, roaming Christmas carollers, facepainting and g
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The Heart of Our Region The Mackay City Centre has long been recognised as the vibrant heart of the region, offering an inviting blend of local character, coastal charm and community spirit. From its warm, tropical atmosphere to its walkable streets and welcoming public spaces, the City Centre provides an experience that feels both relaxed and full of opportunity. Whether stopping in for a morning coffee, browsing boutique retailers, enjoying a treatment at a local beautician or settling i
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Redefining Skin Health In Mackay Formerly known as Alli’s Beauty, Skin Transformations has proudly served Mackay since 2012. Locally owned and operated, the clinic is celebrated for exceptional service, transformative results, and loyal client relationships. Founded by Allison Bekker—an Enrolled Nurse and Dermal Therapist with over 19 years of experience—Skin Transformations specialises in advanced Plasma Treatments. Allison is joined by Janeen Kearns, a highly accomplished Dermal Therapi
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With Roshni By Raj Mackay’s brunch scene just got a whole lot better with Roshni by Raj stepping boldly into the spotlight, serving up mornings and middays with flair and flavour. Long known for its authentic Indian cuisine, this family-owned favourite has reinvented itself as one of the premier places in the region to dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, blending the spices of India with the classics Australians crave. Start your day with something traditional, like a Masala dosa, a warming d
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At Woodman's Axe Espresso Bar Mackay What began as a simple idea to create a space that feels like home has evolved into a hub for the Mackay community. With quality coffee, delicious food, and a welcoming environment, Woodman’s Axe Espresso Bar Mackay has attracted customers who have become familiar faces, friends, and an integral part of its daily rhythm. This atmosphere fosters what owner Jason Ha describes as a “genuine connection.” The business continually refines its craft through experi
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Fancy a Platter and a Natter? The Deli Nook has had you covered since 2019. They are not just a café, but also a deli, caterer, and event space. Offering corporate hampers and gifting, this little shop really does cover it all. With a love for Mackay, where they both grew up, owners Patrice and Simon enjoy providing their community with high-quality goods. Patrice Zarzecki explains, “We grew up in Mackay and love our community, providing them with great coffee, food and banter, hearing a
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Celebrating 80 Years of Local Expertise with Hugh Reilly Real Estate In a market where experience, consistency, and genuine care are everything, Hugh Reilly Real Estate continues to set the benchmark—80 years strong in 2025. But behind the doors of one of Mackay’s longest-standing real estate agency stands one of the region’s most trusted names in Property Management: Wendy Chatto. If you don’t have Wendy and her team looking after your investment property, it may be time to ask yourself
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Dr. Suzanne Kippen, Chiropractor From Move It Chiropractic At the backbone of health and vitality in Mackay lies a chiropractic clinic where the power of the body heals the body. At Move It Chiropractic, Dr. Suzanne Kippen and her devoted team are revolutionising healthcare, one adjustment at a time. Raised on a sugar cane farm just outside of Mackay, Dr Kippen’s interest in health and fitness grew from an early age. Inspired by personally witnessing the transformative power of chiropract
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Teresa Abela, Remedial Massage Therapist, From Move It Chiropractic For many years, remedial therapist Teresa Abela has quietly supported clients at Move It Chiropractic as one of the practice’s “best kept secrets” until recently. With more than 20 years of experience and a Diploma in Remedial Therapy, Teresa works in close collaboration with chiropractor Dr Suzanne Kippen and the clinic’s allied health providers to support pain management, mobility, and overall wellbeing. Alongside her r
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Christmas Gift Guide There’s something genuinely special about the moment Australia slides into the festive season. The days get longer, the evenings feel warmer, and suddenly the neighbourhood is dotted with twinkling lights, inflatable Santas, and the unmistakable scent of backyard barbecues. It’s the time of year when we lean into joy, connection, and (let’s be honest) the annual mission of figuring out what on earth to buy everyone for Christmas. Whether you’re hunting for something me
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Friday 28th November Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Mega Mackay Twighlight
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