Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Amanda Wright Picture this: a community coming together to champion equal access to top-notch healthcare. In a world where our health knows no bounds, last Thursday marked an extraordinary act of unity, as Mackay Hospital Foundation's Giving Day rallied the masses. The mission was crystal clear: bridge the healthcare gap and ensure every family's health journey knows no disadvantages based on their postcode. With the team from Gardian among many individuals generously donating their time
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This year, Nell Thomsett’s daughter Millie spent two weeks at Mackay Base Hospital on two separate occasions. If it wasn’t for the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Family Room, this challenging time would have been more of a struggle. Diagnosed with a kidney infection, Millie ended up staying five nights in hospital during her first visit. Amidst the difficulties, the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital played a pivotal role in alleviating the burden for Ms Thomsett, Millie, and their
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OPINION PIECE It was a historic day last week, as Australians went to the polls for a vote to change the constitution for the first time since 1999. The people have spoken, and their collective voice resonates, clear and unwavering. As the referendum on the Voice to Parliament concludes, the result was no, for the voice of the people is a cornerstone of democracy. Every state and territory, except for the ACT, voted no. It appeared to be a widely understood sentiment that while the nation may n
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This month, Orange Sky Laundromat celebrated the OSA laundry services’ six-year anniversary operating in Mackay and Sarina. The delivery of the service has changed in that time, but the community connections and need for positive conversations has only grown over the years. The United Apostolic Volunteer Foundation’s mission is ‘Giving Hope, Sharing Grace’, with their members actively committed to giving assistance and compassion to those in need. UAVF supports many different groups, suf
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Meet Nicole Pasquale, Leader in Community Education and Disaster Preparedness Deputy Group Leader of the State Emergency Service Mackay Regional Unit, Nicole Pasquale, assists with community education and disaster awareness events. Nicole is a teacher by trade when she is not donning the orange, working for three high schools around the Mackay region. A couple of years ago, Nicole, alongside her colleagues JoAnn, Brenton and Jody, began an educational video series for their Facebook page to in
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In the latest session of Parliament, Andrew Willcox, the Federal Member for Dawson, delivered an impassioned speech addressing the actions of the Federal Government. His speech primarily centred on the recent ban imposed on commercial gillnet fishing, sparking profound concern. With frustration, the MP vehemently voiced his worries about the Federal Government's actions, emphasising the detrimental impact on the livelihoods and economic prospects of more than 90 licensed fishermen in the North
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Prepare to be inspired and empowered at Endeavour Foundation’s Business Solutions Employment Showcase, a remarkable event designed to open doors to fulfilling work opportunities for individuals living with disability. This unique event offers you an exclusive glimpse into the incredible efforts of the Endeavour Foundation team, showcasing their dedication and expertise in various work areas, such as assembly work, document destruction, and even painting of stakes and pegs. It's a chance to witne
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Next year Mackay Regional Council will welcome 15 new employees through its doors as apprentice and trainees. The program is now taking applications for a variety of roles across the organisation. Deputy Mayor Karen May said the Apprentice and Trainee Intake program offered an opportunity for successful applicants to gain entry level pathways not only into council but the wider workforce. “Council is a fantastic place to start your career and we encourage people from all walks of life to conside
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Samantha Munt, well-known by her title, S.K Munt, is a local Mackay author who has made the Amazon Best-Seller list twice in Australian Fiction, for her collection of local ghost stories in her book, ‘And The Memory Remains’. By popular demand, S.K Munt is writing a second book and is currently on the hunt for the spookiest ghost stories in the Mackay and surrounding regions. Samantha has been interested in ‘all things spooky’ since she was a young schoolgirl in the early nineties, spending her
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Meet the Director of EDC Accounting, Emma Walker, an expert in her field of accounting for over fifteen years across Mackay, Hervey Bay and Brisbane-based firms. Ms Walker established EDC Accounting in December 2022, after seven years working in a local firm where she enjoyed developing and nurturing relationships with business-owners in the local community. EDC Accounting provides tax agent services and professional advice for all kinds of businesses and services, including tax returns, financ
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Join Zonta Club of Mackay Inc to raise awareness to the impacts of coercive control experienced by members of our community. This dinner, held on 28th October at 6pm, is an advocacy event to facilitate an open discussion within the community about how together, we can act towards changing the narrative of ‘What is Domestic Violence?’. The night will take place at Ocean International, with Jordana Abela from Reynolds Family Law as the Chair, as well as a host of guest speakers including: ● Ma
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Caption: Images from the Queensland Underground Coal Mines Rescue Competition held in July. Photos supplied: AngloAmerican Mines rescue brigades from across Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) will descend on the Bowen Basin this week for the 59th annual Australian Underground Coal Mines Rescue Competition. Four Queensland teams and four NSW teams will vie for the national title at Anglo American’s Moranbah North Mine on Thursday (October 19, 2023), with the winner invited to an international
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Celebrating the success of local tourism operators and their contribution to the region’s economy took centre stage at the 2023 Mackay Isaac Region Tourism Awards, held at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC). 172 people were in attendance, representing the region’s tourism businesses and industry stakeholders. Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May said these awards helped to acknowledge those who had been constantly raising the bar in our tourism industry to achieve s
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A range of employers flocked to the Mackay Job Fair 2023 this week, with the event hosted at CQUniversity and sponsored by IDEAL Placements, Workforce Australia and Local Jobs to offer interested job-seekers a chance at secure employment opportunities. With over thirty businesses and employment agencies in attendance, the event gave opportunity to students from across the Mackay region, to inquire into a range of industries and career pathways. The Transition to Work program, guided by IDEAL P
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The Queensland Resources Dust Disease Support Group attended the Seniors Expo this week, with an important message to retired mine workers regarding their lung health. QRDDSG is a not-for-profit charity providing retired, former and current Queensland mine and quarry workers and their families with guidance, support, and friendship during the health assessment process and in the event of a diagnosis. It is a long road ahead for the volunteers of this organisation, with a goal to test 25,000 form
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Exodas Pty Ltd commenced their operations in 2001 with just two prime movers. Since then, the fleet has grown enormously, now consisting of approximately 120 prime movers and 260 trailers, with a mixture of both fridge vans and tautliners. Exodas services the east coast of Australia, running from Brisbane to Mackay and Whitsundays, Townsville, Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne, daily and return. Specialising in the transportation of produce, refrigerated products, general freight and green life wit
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Time is running out to apply for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, a program celebrating and empowering the inclusive and courageous leadership of women in Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. Applications will close on Wednesday, 25 October 2023, at 11.59 pm AEDT. The Award acts as a springboard, inspiring and nurturing Australian women to harness their skills for the betterment of their industries and communities, while simultaneously unlocking door
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Alison Richardson, the Artistic Director/CEO of Crossroad Arts, has made the decision to leave her role at the prominent inclusive arts organisation. She stepped down from her position on October 13th to return to her hometown of Sydney for personal and family reasons. The organisation, board and community acknowledge Alison's artistic vibrancy and advocacy for a more inclusive community through her commitment to the Crossroad Arts vision of Arts for All. Her work over the years on the many pro
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Residents are once again being asked to think about the value of water as we celebrate National Water Week this week (October 16 to 22). This year’s theme is “United by Water” which encourages everyone to think about the vital role water plays in connecting us all. Water touches every aspect of development. It drives economic growth, supports healthy ecosystems, and is essential and fundamental for life. Council’s Director of Engineering and Commercial Infrastructure, Jason Devitt, said council
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The 75th Anniversary Service for the Walkerston- Pleystowe RSL Sub-Branch Inc will be held on Saturday 18th November 2023 in ANZAC Memorial Park, Walkerston. The Walkerston-Pleystowe RSL sub-branch invites all members of the Walkerston-Pleystowe community to the 75th anniversary of the formation of the sub-branch in 1948. A commemorative service will commence at 5.00pm, at ANZAC Park in Walkerston. Dress is jacket and tie, with medals for veterans.
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Walkerston’s Mirani High Graduates of 1993. Last weekend there was a great reunion held at Walkerston’s Duke Hotel. People came from the north, the south and the west of the country to meet up with each other where they grew up some 30-plus years ago. The small township of Walkerston welcomed these ‘Scrubby’ kids who graduated from High School in 1993! Even though many of them, somewhat sporadically, keep in touch with each other via social media; there were lots of ‘Remember when…’ occasions.
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As we lead up to the warmer part of the year, many are left wondering how to prepare their gardens to beat the summer heat. Have no fear, native plants are here! Bush flowers, wildflowers, natives - whatever you call them, these plants are adaptable, hardy and a perfect choice to create a majestic and authentic Australian garden. Not only do native plants attract and provide shelter for local wildlife, they stand up to challenging climates and they look beautiful too! Establishing a native ga
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Walkerston Hockey Premiers A3 1965. B/R Barry Richards, Mark Kelly, Jimmy Evetts, Stephen Renton, Terry Dee, Alan Jorgensen, Johnny Jarrott. F/R Alwyn North, Kenny Sturdy, Manix Creedy (Coach), John Belden, David Lake. Photo supplied on the Facebook page ‘I grew up in Mackay’ by Rob Richards
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Head to Walkerston’s track cycling velodrome next weekend for FREE, fun, family entertainment. Mackay Cycling Club’s annual track cycling carnival will be held on Saturday, 28th October, attracting top riders of all ages from across Queensland. Witness the need for speed across a variety of track cycling disciplines, from the endurance scratch and points races to the fast and furious keirin racing. Grab a bite to eat from the canteen and enjoy a day of entertainment in Walkerston.
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At last week's meeting of the Rotary Club of Walkerston, representatives from the Early Childhood Learning establishments in Walkerston – the town’s Schools, Kindergarten and Day Care Centres – were invited to join club members for dinner followed by each being presented with a bundle of colourful children’s books. It is a proven fact that early literacy helps young children develop and comprehend a significant vocabulary, confident self-expression, and general reading comprehension - tools nee
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