Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A Hay Point man has been identified as one of three victims following a triple-fatal car crash on the Bruce Highway at Federal, west of Noosa, on Friday, July 21. The family of 65-year-old retiree Terry Bishop paid tribute to the husband, father and grandfather after he was killed when his car hit another car head-on. “Our family is absolutely devastated,” Mr Bishop’s family said in a statement. “He is a man that would always go out of his way to help anyone in need. “He leaves behind a wife, da
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In the heart of Mackay, an organisation dedicated to making a difference has been quietly supporting regional patients traveling to Townsville for leukaemia treatment. The Queensland Freemasons Village, managed by the Leukaemia Foundation, stands as a comforting haven for hundreds of patients who have journeyed to Townsville Hospital for treatment over the years. With deep roots in the community, Calen Hamilton Lodge, in collaboration with Mackay, Moranbah, and Proserpine District Lodges, and Ha
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In a major development, Bonza Airlines is set to expand its operations with the addition of direct flights from Mackay to the Gold Coast, with the airline confirming flights will be departing before Christmas. The Gold Coast Airport will become Bonza's third base, with two aircraft designated for these new routes. Travellers will have access to 11 existing Bonza destinations, including Albury, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Melbourne Avalon, Melbourne Tullamarine, Mildura, Rockhampton, Townsvil
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Bodybuilding Bronze For Aussie Couple Ken Ware grew up in the tropical north Queensland heat but said nothing compared to the humidity he experienced in Mexico. The prominent medical practitioner, now based on the Gold Coast, was recently in Central America with his wife, Nickie, competing in the World Fitness Federation Universe, often considered the pinnacle of the bodybuilding calendar. For the 66-year-old, it was his first competition since 2008, while Mrs Ware also recently returned to comp
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A recent fascinating discovery has piqued the curiosity of ocean enthusiasts and marine lovers alike. Michael DePinto shared a captivating image on the ‘Save Our Northwall’ Facebook page, showcasing a colourful orb washed ashore at Ball Bay. According to Michael, his friend found the intriguing creature floating with the tide, devoid of tentacles. The image sparked various speculations about the identity of this mysterious ocean dweller. Some suggested it could be a Sea Nettle Jellyfish, while
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Grapevine Group, with thanks to incredible support from local businesses and locals, generated over $11,000 to continue their life-saving role. Over the month of June, $5 from every large pizza sold at Laffos Bar and Pizzeria at Caneland Central was donated to Grapevine. The funds were raised through the Pizza for a Purpose initiative to support Grapevine’s continuing work towards local suicide prevention training and awareness initiatives. "Mackay locals are incredibly generous and helped us
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BUCASIA At about 3:23am on July 29 a business on Downie Avenue in Bucasia has been broken into. Entry was gained into the business by using an implement to smash a front glass panel. The implement was again used to damage a locked cabinet inside the business and cigarette products have been stolen. Anyone who might have information about this matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible - QP2301243597. NORTH MACKAY Between 11:00pm on July 23 and 12:00am on July 24 someone gained
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A groundbreaking clinical trial is underway, seeking individuals diagnosed with Coeliac Disease throughout the Mackay and Whitsundays. Spearheaded by Mackay's Coral Sea Clinical Research Institute (CSCRI), this early phase trial is dedicated to investigating the potential of ZED1227 - a revolutionary small molecule tissue transglutaminase (TG2) inhibitor as a promising treatment for Coeliac Disease. “Patients with celiac disease urgently need appropriate therapeutic options to manage the signi
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changing societal attitudes, supportive policies, and technological advancements, Australian women are making remarkable strides in the business world. In 2023, these fierce entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules and leaving a lasting impact on various industries. We take a look at five inspirational women in business who have blazed impressive paths in business. Katie Page (Harvey Norman) Net Worth: $80 million; Harvey Norman revenues – $2.547 billion Named 4th in ABR’s list of “50 most powerful
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Simplified By Local Teacher A local teacher and business owner has aimed to simplify teaching maths to children with a brand new, innovative approach to times tables. Nicole Batzloff, AKA Mrs B, has utilised her hands-on teaching experience by designing and trademarking a Sensory Hundreds Chart, an innovation in maths resources she believes will advance children years. Offering kids the opportunity to “know your times tables in 10 days”, the new times tables method leverages off the multisenso
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The Transformative Power of Mentorship In the tapestry of our professional lives, there exists a thread that weaves magic and transforms dreams into reality. It's called mentorship, and it holds the key to unlocking untapped potential within us. Imagine having an expert by your side, someone who has walked the winding roads you tread now and emerged victorious. A mentor, a beacon of knowledge and experience, offering guidance and support as you navigate the complexities of your career. The bo
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Elevating Cane Farming Through Sustainable Practices CaneRise brings together the great work of cane farmers and industry in the Mackay Whitsunday region to reduce runoff, and improve soils and water quality in the region. It’s a new website (canerise.com.au) featuring stories and tools to help cane farmers in the Mackay Whitsunday region grow their productivity through sustainable practices. Established as part of a Great Barrier Reef Foundation Reef Trust Partnership project, it recognises pr
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With property owners getting set for hazard reduction burns in the lead-up to bushfire season, Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are urging them to take extra precautions around the power network. Ergon Work Group Leader Craig Maddy highlighted the dangers of fires getting too close to power poles and other electrical assets when people conduct burns. “More than a dozen power poles were brought down by landowner’s burns getting out of control last y
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay A grower’s interest in the sugar they produce doesn’t end when cane is supplied to the mills for processing. Cane Supply Agreements include Grower and Miller Economic Interest clauses, which mean that growers can use the marketer of their choice to forward price their sugar on the commodities-based Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). Thus, through a cane pricing formula, growers and millers share the risks and rewards. The arrangement is also enshrined
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A cohort of 260 Central Queensland high school students took part in the state’s first ever STEM Big Day Out which puts the spotlight on a whole new era of exciting careers for young people in the resources sector. Students received an insight into the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) through a unique program developed by the Queensland Resources Council’s education arm, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
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Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd (DBCT P/L) is making a meaningful difference in the lives of First Nations students at CQUniversity. The company's generous $5,000 donation last year launched a bursary program for Mackay-based First Nations students pursuing the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways course. Since its inception, the bursary program has been a lifeline for 21 First Nations students, providing essential support to excel in their vocational studies. Levi Fallon, Keegan Zaro, and
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World-class simulation training is helping North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) marine pilots stay at the top of their game more than 950 kilometres from their home ports. NQBP’s pilotage team joined terminal operators and tug masters to test their limits at the Queensland Government’s Smartship Australia facility in Brisbane using virtually recreated ports of Hay Point and Mackay. NQBP Acting CEO Belinda Kenny said the port industry collaboration saw stakeholders undertake state-of-
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Auto Women This was established in 2022 by the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland). It works to provide a supportive environment for women working across the automotive industry to network and grow. Our vision is to empower women in the Automotive Industry to reach their full potential. Auto Women is committed to encouraging and empowering women to strive for maximum capacity to achieve success on their own terms. We will provide opportunities for women to connect with like
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Bangers will soar over Bluewater Quay as the sun sets over the picturesque Pioneer River once again with the return of Rhythm and the Reef in 2023. The unique waterfront location will welcome some of music’s biggest names while offering local acts the chance to play in front of a packed hometown crowd. Leading the line-up this year is Sydney pop rock group Lime Cordiale, who have found success in the charts, at the ARIA Awards and in triple j’s Hottest 100 over the years. Led by siblings Oli and
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Sign up for this musical Contiki tour as the Mackay Choral Society takes you on the trip of a lifetime. A musical tour of hits from around the world, both new and familiar, the program for Come Fly With Me has been in the planning for almost a year. “Jan Whelan and I have spent many hours discussing, discarding and dissecting the repertoire selection you will hear,” said Musical Director Nicole Thomson. “Covering eclectic styles including jazz, film, theatre and Australiana standards, we love e
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Friday 4 August Mackay Disability Expo Friday, 9:00am The Mackay Disability Expo will offer a crucial opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, technology, aids, and equipment. Mackay Showgrounds Friday SUN.sets Every Friday Evening From 6pm Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC. Wake House Australia The James Morrison Quartet Friday, 7:00pm to 9:30pm Internationally acclaimed jazz musician and multi-instrumental virt
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The rustic sights of the Mackay Isaac region were on display as an episode of Channel 7’s Weekender, which was filmed in the region in June, aired on Sunday, July 30. Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Al Grundy led Weekender host Chris Parsons and his crew off the beaten track to prove there’s more to Mackay-Isaac than sugar and mining. The episode opened at the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend, which took place in St Lawrence, south of Mackay, from June 23 to 25. The weekend of food, gardening, craft and mu
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Brace yourself for wormy spaghetti, bird pie and dirty beards when Roald Dahl’s nastiest couple, Mr. & Mrs. Twit head to the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) this August. Known for their recent touring productions of Jane Eyre (2022) and Animal Farm (2021), shake & stir theatre co return with their daring adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits. Packed with Dahlicious mischief, hilarious mayhem and big belly laughs, the performance promises a visually spectacular production that wi
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Organisers of Mackay's premier country music festival, NQ’s Rock'n Country Festival, rallied the community's support to prevent the event's cancellation after facing a funding setback. Geoff Baguley, the festival director, expressed disappointment over the federal government's failure to fulfill their promise of increased investment in the arts, which left the event with a significant funding shortfall. "The federal government made the decision not to support our event despite the overwhelming e
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The three-time Grammy winning ensemble, Soweto Gospel Choir will take the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre’s (MECC) stage this August with harmonies and vocals that will leave audiences mesmerised. Formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music, Soweto Gospel Choir draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto, a township off the city of Johannesburg (South Africa). Mackay audiences can expect songs and anthems from the Freedom m
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