Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mackay Regional Council employees have proven that serving the community runs in their veins. Last month, council was presented the annual Red Cross Lifeblood Teams award for ranking number one in the Mackay region for the most blood and plasma donations in 2023. Council’s contributions were tracked as part of Red Cross Lifeblood Teams program, which saw staff from more than 299 local workplaces roll up their sleeves to give blood and plasma throughout the year. Council’s team made more than 162
Read more
St Patrick’s College Mackay Year 7 to 12 recently celebrated its Opening Year Mass and Investiture of the 2024 College Leaders at the College’s Senior Campus in Gregory Street. Nine hundred people attended the special Mass which included students, staff, parents and local dignitaries. Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM, Diocesan Director Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton gave her address to the College and was joined by Michael McCusker, Assistant Director: Schools (Northern Region); Sister of M
Read more
A recent roadshow through north Queensland invited growers to hear from Rabobank’s experts on what the organisation believes the future holds for the sugarcane industry. Pia Piggott is an Associate Analyst in the research division of Rabobank, RaboResearch, who presented to growers in Mackay last week. Based in Sydney, Pia’s role includes public speaking at events, recording RaboResearch podcasts and publishing various reports, generating widespread media coverage that resonates beyond the agric
Read more
The excitement is building as the countdown begins for the highly anticipated Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo 2024, set to be hosted by the Western Suburbs Leagues Club (Walkerston). This event promises to be a spectacular celebration of all things agricultural. Julie Crowley, Coordinator for the event, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the local community. "We've been thrilled with the response from exhibitors, with bookings pouring in daily. We have an incredible lineup
Read more
This season invites a palette of warm hues, rich textures, and natural elements that evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation. Whether you're looking to make subtle changes or embrace a full-fledged transformation, here are some tips to infuse your home with the essence of Autumn. Warm Up With Earthy Tones Bid farewell to the bright tones of summer and embrace the earthy hues of autumn. Consider incorporating shades of terracotta, mustard, olive green, and burnt orange into your home decor. Thes
Read more
Emma Novosel is a familiar face in the Queensland Police Service, serving as Detective Inspector Crime and Support Services for the Mackay Whitsunday District. In this role, she oversees investigative responses to crime and supports various sections including intelligence, tactical crime, prosecutors, crime prevention, and domestic and family violence. Beyond her duties, Emma was actively involved in school communities, sports, and the arts, as her children attended. As a participant in Dancing
Read more
Zachary Spencer is most known as a mortgage broker from Gardian in the finance department, assisting locals with all their home lending needs and helping clients achielve their dreams. In the dynamic world of finance, Zachary stands out not only for his professional acumen but also for his vibrant spirit. His multifaceted dedication to providing the best service fosters a positive impact towards his clients, as well as in the communtiy. Beyond his finance career, Zachary steps into a differen
Read more
Every boarding school is considered a ‘home away from home’ but what makes Nudgee College Boarding different from the rest? From the unwavering support of staff who treat the boys in their like family, to the bonds of brotherhood that last a lifetime, there is something truly unique about the Boarding program at Nudgee College. This year, the Boarding team completed an extensive review of their boarding values which has seen boys, families and staff alike consult on what truly mattered and wha
Read more
The Mackay’s Careers Expo offers expert advice from a range of employers and educational providers making the decisions of school leavers and career-changers a little easier. Careers Event runs career expos throughout Australia and will be holding the Mackay Careers Expo at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on August 15, 2024. The event is not just open to school students but parents wanting more information to help advise their children, as well as experienced workers consid
Read more
A heart-themed morning tea marked the incredible milestone of a decade of lifesaving services treating and diagnosing cardiac conditions in Mackay. Clinicians and staff gathered earlier this month to celebrate the 10th anniversary and the fact almost 12,000 lifesaving procedures have been completed by the Mackay Base Hospital Cardiac Catheter Laboratory since it opened in February 2014. Director of Cardiology Dr Michael Zhang said the 11,858 procedures performed, which ranged from angiograms, s
Read more
Film & Arts Mackay committee members met up with Linda and Elsa from All Abilities Mackay and Councillor Alison Jones to present a donation of $2,564 raised at the first Film & Arts Mackay film event of the year on 2nd February. Two films were screened at this event, the thought-provoking short film The Silent Child followed by the hilarious Red, White and Brass. An enormous thanks to all attendees and members for their generous support on the night. Film & Arts Mackay is a not-for-profit org
Read more
Mackay Life readers will recall local actor Geoff Stewart-McLean sacrificing his hair to play the part of the balding David Horton in Kucom Theatre’s productions of The Vicar of Dibley (2018) and The Vicar of Dibley II (2022). It takes a certain kind of dedication to shave for a stage role – but Lani Seaton, who plays the female lead in Kucom’s April production The Murder Game, is going one step further and donating her lovely long locks to charity. Every March, thousands of Australians step up
Read more
Four helpless kittens were reportedly dumped at a local service station undergoing renovations late last Saturday. The team at Mackay Pet Recue Inc once again made it their mission to save the kittens from despair after discovering that the baby felines were underweight and starving with no mother cat nearby or in sight. Carers suspect that these homeless kittens were once owned by a family given that they were too friendly and tame to be feral, concluding that the kittens were dumped relentle
Read more
Photo credit: Coffee and Hops
Read more
After a sold-out event last year, Legends On The Lawn returns in 2024 with an iconic all-Australian line-up. Featuring ICEHOUSE, Jet, Jon Stevens, Pete Murray, Baby Animals, 1927 and Bachelor Girl, the one-day festival is back in June and by all reports, it is guaranteed to sell out early! Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said after the success of the 2023 Legends On The Lawn it was fantastic to see such huge names stepping out once more for the 2024 event. “With Australian music royalty ICEHOUSE,
Read more
Neighbour Day began in Melbourne in 2003 after the remains of an elderly woman were found inside her suburban home, more than two years after her death. Council is committed to ensuring sad incidents like that will never occur in our community. Every March, residents in our region are encouraged to be “Legendary Neighbours”. Community Services Director Janine McKay said council’s Legendary Neighbour campaign had two parts. “We are aiming to bring regional areas together with our free Cuppa with
Read more
Showtime presents this spectacular music tribute and full-scale stage production honouring the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Celebrate Jackson’s creative genius and unsurpassed talent with riveting live performances evoking his early days as a member of the Jackson 5, his groundbreaking theatrics in the 80s and his continued domination of pop culture into the 21st century. Songs include Thriller, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Bad, Beat It, ABC, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, Human N
Read more
In 1886 The Kungurri turntable was built by Cowans Sheldon in England. It is a 40ft turntable and its job number was 1492. There were two turntables shipped to Australia back in the day. The sister turntable now resides down south and there are now only a handful of these still working in Australia. Councillor Alison Jones shared how this piece of history found its way to the Finch Hatton mountain bike trails. “I remember in my previous term of council former Cr Dave Perkins mentioning that he
Read more
Amidst the anticipation, the winners of the 2024 JSP Women's Awards were revealed at a gala dinner earlier this month, each embodying extraordinary resilience, courage, and innovation. These individuals, recognised across various categories, stand as shining examples of the diverse talents within our community: WINNERS Mother of All Mothers: Marnie Louise Woman Who Breaks the Mould: Adrienne Bradshaw Health and Wellbeing Warrior: Lauren Neill Magic Muse: Samantha Munt Resilient Rebel: Haley
Read more
Two women at the helm of the Mackay Hospital Health Service are inspiring an entire workforce to new heights and demonstrating what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance. MHHS chair and board member Helen Darch OAM and chief executive Susan Gannon are among the 83% female workforce at the Mackay Hospital Health Service. Both agree International Women’s Day today is an ideal time to reflect on and highlight the important role of women in the workforce and within the community. “It’s
Read more
Three engineers, a dragline operator and a workplace support manager have taken out this year’s Resources Awards for Women. The event was hosted on International Women’s Day by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) to celebrate the contribution of women to the state’s number one export industry. The QRC was pleased to welcome Queensland Premier Steven Miles to the event, who presented this year’s Exceptional Woman in Queensland Resource
Read more
Last week, as the world geared up to celebrate International Women's Day, the Resource Industry Network (RIN) hosted its annual business luncheon at the MECC in Mackay. With the global theme of "Inspire Inclusion," the event aimed to recognise and empower women while fostering a more inclusive workplace environment. Dean Kirkwood, the General Manager at RIN, emphasised the importance of creating an inclusive workforce. "We believe that creating an inclusive workforce is not only the right thing
Read more
By Amanda Wright Last weekend, the Zonta Club of Mackay Inc. hosted its annual International Women’s Day luncheon to celebrate and recognise girls and women worldwide. Club President Fiona Koutlis said the lunch celebrates the strides that have already been made towards equality and a life where women can live free from discrimination and violence. “Where women can live life to its fullest,” she added. The UN Women International Women’s Day theme for 2024 is ‘Count her In: Invest in Women. Accel
Read more
One of my hockey mates Gareth is having his 40th birthday party tomorrow night. For anyone living near Milton Street High School, get ready. There could be some music and noise, but I’m sure the events will be very low-key. Honest. Trust me, I work in radio. One of the other events this weekend is on tonight at the Mackay Turf Club. Their big Sugar Awards are on, and I’ll jump on the mic to help it all flow along in my own way. This weekend we’ve got markets at the showgrounds, beach markets a
Read more
Last weekend marked a momentous time in history for the Mackay Cutters rugby league team as they announced they would field three female teams for the first time in their history, competing in the Harvey Norman U17s & U19s divisions, as well as the BMD Premiership. The timing couldn't have been more fitting, with Round 1 of the BMD Premiership coinciding with the team's "Ladies in League Day," aligning perfectly with the celebrations of International Women's Day. In front of an eager crowd, the
Read more