Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
As the world paused on 8 May to mark World Ovarian Cancer Day, the Trudy Crowley Foundation in Mackay continued doing what it does best—raising awareness, offering support, and giving women hope in the face of one of the most insidious diseases they may ever encounter. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest reproductive cancer, claiming the lives of more than half of those diagnosed within five years. It creeps in quietly, often masked by symptoms that mimic more common ailments. There is no rel
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Community organisations across the Mirani Electorate are set to receive a significant boost, with $231,011.65 in total funding awarded through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF). Eight local groups were successful in securing grants to purchase much-needed equipment to enhance their operations and support their members. This latest funding round received more than 2,000 applications across Queensland—the highest number in the GCBF’s 31-year history. Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, sai
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A powerful candle lighting ceremony will take place in Sarina this month, honouring the lives lost to domestic and family violence and uniting the community in a moment of remembrance and resolve. Hosted by the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre, the event will be held on Wednesday, 21 May, from 5.30pm at the Sarina Sporting Services Club, on the corner of Broad Street and Brewers Road. The formal ceremony will begin at 6pm. Open to all, the gathering aims to shine a light—literally and symboli
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Respected barrister Wayne Pennell will become Queensland’s Mining and Resources Coroner, a major step towards giving families closure and answers. The new role delivers on the State Government’s key election commitment to restore a vital justice service for Queensland’s resources sector, ensuring inquests are completed in a timely manner. Mr Pennell will be based in Mackay after spending the first 12 months of his tenure in Brisbane. He served two decades as an officer in the Queensland
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From early ocean dips to ice-cold polar plunges, cold-water immersion is increasingly popular among athletes and wellness warriors. But how much of the hype is backed by science? In the most comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind, University of South Australia researchers have taken a deep dive into the effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing. Analysing data from 11 studies with 3177 participants, researchers found that cold-water immersion may lower stre
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In a major boost for skills development in Central Queensland, leading registered training organisation Civil Safety has unveiled a cutting-edge training facility in Moranbah—signalling a bold investment in the region’s future workforce. Simultaneously, the company has announced a landmark partnership with the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation (BBAC), designed to deliver exclusive training and employment pathways for Barada Barna people in a move that merges education with empowerment.
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There were plenty of smiles, hugs, and happy tears at the MECC last Thursday as more than 150 local students graduated from CQUniversity. The 2025 graduation ceremony brought together proud families, friends, and supporters, all eager to cheer on their loved ones as they crossed the stage – marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. This year's graduates came from a wide range of fields, including medical sonography, education, psychology, music, nursing, accounting and
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The soft glow of candles inside the Mackay Women’s Service Centre last Wednesday night illuminated more than a room – it cast light on heartache, remembrance, and a community’s unyielding call for change. Held as part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, the annual Candlelight Vigil brought together local residents, survivors, advocates, and community leaders to remember lives lost to domestic and family violence and to reaffirm their commitment to breaking the cycle. “It’s
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Step by step, stride by stride – Aussie kids are walking their way toward a healthier future today. Across the country this morning (Friday, 16 May), thousands of primary school children will lace up their sneakers and hit the pavement for National Walk Safely to School Day – a simple act with powerful potential. Celebrating its 26th year, the national initiative led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia highlights the physical, mental, and environmental benefits of walking, not just on
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Some would describe Dion Loader as a local legend for his recent good deeds — and his latest act of kindness has only added to that reputation. In a recent social media post that resonated across the Mackay community, Dion expressed heartfelt thanks to those who rallied with him to help someone in need. “Huge thankyou to the Mackay Regional Council Libraries for assisting today. But massive thankyou to Renée Fallini for chipping in to collect and purchase this amazing gift for someone sp
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing As the pricing nomination date for the 2025 season passes there are a couple of notable trends emerging in the ways growers are approaching their GEI sugar price management. Firstly, we are seeing a drift away from growers managing the price risk themselves and going back to the pools. Interestingly we have seen our first drop-off in growers choosing to manage their GEI pricing exposure with the popular GMPRS product. In the same vein, we h
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In a time when healthcare can often feel rushed and impersonal, Concierge Nursing Services is redefining the experience by providing expert, personalized care right at your doorstep. Founder Justina Giles saw a gap in community care and created a service that goes beyond just meeting clients where they are—it partners with them at every stage of their healthcare journey. Whether it’s post-surgery recovery, managing chronic conditions, or offering extra support, clients receive tailored care that
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FAST 5 FACTS Your favourite place to relax: Ball Bay Top tool for rejuvenation: Any quality time with my family Helpful health hack: Spit out toothpaste but don’t rinse Must-have beauty or health product: Electric toothbrushes – they do a very good job at keeping teeth clean Best inspirational show or podcast for health and wellbeing: The Imperfects Podcast Imagine growing up surrounded by chocolate... then dedicating your life to saving teeth! That’s the quirky journ
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Fast 5 Facts ** Favourite place to relax: Shoal Point Beach – we recently just moved to Bucasia and it’s just beautiful there. Top tool for rejuvenation: My hand cream – always within reach. Go-to snack: Cheese. Possibly not the healthiest habit… but it’s cheese! Health myth to debunk: Hearing loss doesn’t mean silence – it’s not all or nothing. Best health advice: Don’t wait. Early intervention is key to hearing health and quality of life. When it comes to hearing health,
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Fast 5 Facts Most rewarding part of your job? “Seeing clients lose 8–10kg in eight weeks after years of struggling.” What sets you apart? “I’ve lived it – I do the programs with them, not just prescribe.” Must-have travel item? “My Chelsea Jean lymphatic gloves.” Health myth to bust? “Colonics and enemas are actually beneficial.” Rejuvenation tip? “Do your lymphatics – it makes a big difference.” Josie Giles has walked the walk, and now she talks
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday Night Fixture Results May 6, 2025: Division 1: Delta Dashers (Niro Premachandra, Josh Brown, Barry Patterson) d Tech Titans (Neil Brown, Geoff Denman, Allan Edwards) 7-4. Barry d Geoff -6, -9, 3, 8, 2. Pixel Players (Jacob Whelan, Lily Boland, Graham Drury) d App Attackers (Steven Whiting, Graeme Walker, Andrea Nicholson) 6-5. Lily d Steven 7, -10, -6, 7, 4. Pixel Paddlers (Goncalo Serra, Trent Day, Robbie Richards) d Byte Bouncers (Ian McKay, Anne Sheridan, Graha
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In blustery conditions under heavy skies, approximately 40 determined athletes took to the start line for the inaugural Mackay Marina Mantra 5km and 12km event. Hosted by the Mackay Road Runners Club, the unique handicap-style race made its debut with plenty of grit, camaraderie, and competition. Club President and Life Member Paul Tilse welcomed runners with enthusiasm before detailing the demanding course—which included one ascent of Mt Bassett for the 5km competitors and two climbs for the 1
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The Mackay Bridge Club wishes Ted Cullinan (moving to Perth) and Noel Saunders (moving to Gladstone) all the very best for their future endeavours. Both Ted and Noel will be missed very much. Ted was secretary for many years and Noel was a committee member as well as a mentor to many beginners. Weekly Results Monday 5 May 2025 –5 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Pamela Finger / Terry Sheedy 1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 2nd Edward Kliese /Diane Stokes 2nd Karen Caldwell / Sue
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If determination were a stroke, Ruby Boxall would be winning gold in that too. At just 16 years old, this Mackay-born backstroke sensation has surged into the national spotlight, making serious waves at the 2025 Australian Age and MC Age Swimming Championships in Brisbane, held on April 12–18, where she swam her way to two national titles and a place among Australia’s most promising young athletes. Representing Somerville House and coached by Olympic-level mentors Timothy Lane and Sarah Caithn
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When most people think about marketing, they immediately think of the public stuff — advertising, socials, billboards, events etc etc. All the ways we “put ourselves out there”. But there’s one audience that often gets overlooked in the marketing conversation: your internal one. Aka, your team. During my degree, one of my FAVE topics was internal communications – which I kind of think of as marketing to your employees. Not like in a brainwashing way, but in an open/transparent comms kind of way
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Whether you are aiming to progress your career or grow a small business, one of the most important elements contributing to your success is to invest in yourself. Warren Buffett, a super successful investor (CEO Berkshire Hathaway) and in the top ten of the world’s richest, provided this ‘investment’ advice recently... Generally speaking, investing in yourself is the best thing you can do. Anything that improves your own talents, nobody can tax it or take it away from you. … You can have all k
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From Collinsville to Sarina and across the Whitsundays, young people are diving into an unforgettable presentation that could help change their lives. World record-holding swimmer and Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) survivor Chloe McCardel is back in the region with her acclaimed Tumble Turns presentation. Already delivered to thousands of students since 2022, this powerful 60-minute session blends elite sport, lived experience, and essential education around DFV awareness and prevent
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Last Monday, the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) gathered to celebrate International Nurses Day, recognising the dedication and skill of the region’s 1,400 nurses who form the backbone of local healthcare. The event, held at Mackay Base Hospital, shined a light on the invaluable contributions of nurses who deliver patient care with exceptional compassion and integrity. James William Jenkins, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, opened the ceremony by expressing profound g
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As part of Small Business Month, Mackay Regional Council is holding a Small Business Procurement drop-in session at Greater Whitsundays Innovation (Split Spaces). The free session will be from 9am to 10am, Tuesday, May 20. No bookings are required. This is an open opportunity for small businesses to drop in and have a chat to the council Procurement team to learn more about their processes, programs and systems. Council’s Procurement Policy has recently been updated, with a renewed comm
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