Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Amanda Wright Construction at Seaforth Esplanade is progressing smoothly, with an anticipated opening in September, weather permitting. The 5.77-hectare reserve is being transformed into a vibrant recreational asset to cater to the needs of residents and visitors. Sharing project update photos, Mackay Regional Council reported that progress includes the completion of shade structures, installation of new barbecues and furniture, and the shaping of the waterplay area. Amenities construction is
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In the last two months, 12 businesses in Cannonvale have been robbed in a crime wave that is uncharacteristic for this usually quiet and peaceful Whitsunday suburb.The latest in this series of community break-ins took place at Ride Whitsunday, located on Shute Harbour Road, two kilometres from the Paluma Road-Abell Road intersection in Cannonvale, on Sunday, July 2.The alleged perpetrators smashed their way through the front entrance, breaking through the glass door allegedly using a brick or a
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay Fuel prices still linger over the $2 mark, a fact you can’t help but grimly note each time you visit the bowser. So why hasn’t ethanol taken off? We have the feedstock, and the push is on in the world for fuels to be sourced from renewable feedstocks like sugarcane. E10 is a blend of unleaded petrol and up to 10% ethanol, and is the more popularly used ethanol blend in the Australian market. E85 is suitable only for purpose-built vehicles. Bioethanol i
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Rural Aid supports the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) and its call for better funding for the bush in the wake of new research showing rural Australians are missing out on $6.5 billion annually in healthcare access. The NRHA-commissioned research reveals that each person in rural Australia is missing out on nearly $850 a year of healthcare access, equating to a total annual rural health spending deficit of $6.5 billion. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said living and working in the bush w
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New regulations for a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa came into place on July 1 and Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, says he is concerned how it will impact the agricultural sector.Currently 80 per cent of the harvest labour force in horticulture consist of WHM visa holders and there are more than 137,000 backpackers in Australia on this visa who are providing valuable labour across multiple sectors, including hospitality, tourism, and agriculture.
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It was a historic Queensland Government budget with a record surplus of more than $12 billion delivered last month, but the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) says there needs to be a balance or the state will lose out in the long run. It says that imposing the world’s highest coal royalty tax will have long-term consequences of lost jobs and lost investments, especially in regional communities. “There has to be a balance between what the Queensland Government takes from the resources sector a
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Almost 100 students from Capella and Clermont state high schools recently participated in two workshops that showcased the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) with real-world resources and energy sector applications. The workshops were delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), with QMEA Director Katrina-Lee Jones saying over the course of two days, students worked under the guidance of experienced representatives from Glencore Coal as they co
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BHP has backed away from allegedly insisting striking Operations Services workers be locked out of their accommodation camp in Central Queensland while taking protected industrial action earlier this week. Last week, the Mining and Energy Union provided notice on behalf of Operations Services Production members of a four-hour stoppage, on Tuesday July 4, at Goonyella Riverside mine near Moranbah. The Mining and Energy Union allege that on Saturday, workers on the relevant crew were told by a
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The investigation into the cause of the light aircraft accident that killed a young couple in the Whitsundays has been discontinued.22-year-old Rhiley Kuhrt and his pregnant 24-year-old wife, Maree, left Natal Downs Station for a private flight to the Lakeside Airpark, south of the Whitsundays, in a Piper Cherokee single-engine light aircraft on April 2.
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Across the Whitsundays, Australian Defence Force (ADF) operation Talisman Sabre 2023 will take to the air, performing a series of tactical flying activities.From July 21 to August 4, residents should be aware of increased flight traffic, particularly military helicopters, including heavy lift with slung loads, and unmanned aerial drones which will be completing low-level tactical flying operations.
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Missed Options Rate Renewal Can Be Costly To be honest, when purchasing insurance, we often overlook some of the most costly factors, usually because we never really expect to “use it”. The most frequent statement I hear is, “Oh I didn’t include that in my renewal”. “That” could be any or all of these; ~ a hire vehicle ~ an unlimited kilometre option ~ a reduced excess ~ a windscreen replacement ~ a choice of repairer At the time of purchase these items appear to be unnecessary, however ofte
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This week friends, family and the broader Airlie Beach community are remembering a spirited champion of the region, who tirelessly worked for the greater good, most notably in his over 40 years’ service to the Rotary Club and as one of the first Cruise Ship Ambassadors.John Wilson Powell sadly passed away late last month, and almost a hundred people attended his funeral at the VMR in Cannonvale on Monday where his rich and fulfilling life was celebrated by all.
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The Townsville 500 races through Townsville this weekend, and a couple of north Queenslanders are living the ultimate V8 Supercar experience thanks to Porters Mitre 10. Mark “Frosty” Winterbottom’s supercar was on display at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay last week, with DeWalt challenging people of all ages to the pit-stop challenge. The quickest to change a tyre on the day to instantly won double passes to the Townsville 500, and there were plenty of other prizes, giveaways, demonstrations, fun and g
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For the fourth year, the Whitsunday Police force have hosted their Coffee with a Cop at the Whitsunday Plaza, on Wednesday July 5.With a smaller scale event compared to last years, members of the community were offered complimentary coffee and could have a chat with a local cop, asking all their pressing questions to the boys in blue.
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One of my most intimidating travel experiences was when I was suddenly swarmed by a gang of young street thieves as I was about to catch a train with my wife in an underground station in central Mexico City. We were catching the train to the suburbs to have a look at the museum-style house the artist Frida Khalo had shared with her equally famous husband Diego Rivera, a trip that also gave us the opportunity to visit the house around the corner where Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky was stabbe
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It started with an idea. An art studio trail that would connect, develop and showcase artists from across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region – enriching our arts scene, creating economic opportunities and promoting our region as a melting pot of creative talent and cultural tourism. It’s never been done before, not on this scale. The excitement is tangible. Fi Flohr, Earth Designs by Fi said she was ready for this opportunity. “I’ve been wanting to join a local network of artists for col
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Pretty cool hey! If you had to base it on how great it is, then the last two weeks would be testament to why we should pinch ourselves every day we get out of bed. Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming back to Mackay two of our stars from the Mackay Fire Special Olympics champions, Chloe and TJ. They had both been competing in Berlin with the Australian Basketball sides in the Special Olympics Games and to say we were proud of their achievements is an understatement. Both Chloe and TJ p
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A small community like Bowen was perfectly suited for senior CT radiographer Jaegeun Shin, who jumped at the opportunity to relocate to the town last September. Better known as Jack, he is making a massive impact to patients and their medical care, helping position Bowen Hospital in the top 25 per cent of low radiation dose facilities in all of Australia.
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Supporting women-owned businesses has become crucial in fostering economic empowerment and narrowing the gender gap. By consciously directing purchasing power and resources toward these enterprises, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society. Here are some top tips for supporting women-owned businesses and driving positive change: Seek Out Women-Owned Businesses: Start by actively seeking out women-owned businesses in your community. Attend local markets, explore online directories,
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Welcome to FY 2024. It’s full steam ahead in the Whitsundays with visitors flocking to the region over school holiday. And the weather has generally cooperated with a spectacular Whitsunday winter!Full steam ahead as Chamber advocacy over the last few weeks includes preparing members for new industrial relations changes that have come into effect, skilled workforce shortages and visa pathways, the regions housing crisis, and local precinct infrastructure -- particularly trying to mitigate negati
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Neoh Phoenix Photography Step into the vibrant world of Neoh Phoenix Photography, where Mackay-based photographer Maree Rowles weaves her magic through the lens. With a deep love for freezing cherished memories, Maree's journey into photography began as a mother capturing her own family's milestones. Now, she invites you to join her on an unforgettable photographic adventure. "I needed photography in my life to know that this was my record of my children growing up," Maree reflects. As a busy m
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Council adopted their 2023-24 Budget last Friday and our priority as Councillors was to maintain essential services with minimal rate rises for our residents. Against the backdrop of these rising costs and inflation sitting above six per cent, we have been able to keep the rate rise to a minimum, with an average increase in
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Dear phenomenal women in business, Today, we embark on a heartfelt journey into the realm of personal branding, where authenticity reigns supreme. Picture this: a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a candid conversation about unveiling your true self to the world. So, grab a seat and let's dive into the depths of vulnerability. In a world that often expects us to put on a brave face, it can be daunting to reveal our authentic selves. But here's a little secret: your vulnerability can be your
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From the end of July 2023, aviation fuel/AVGAS will be available at the Bowen Aerodrome!This welcome addition to the aerodrome will allow general aviators, aeroclub members and aircraft providing ag spraying to conveniently refuel on-site.
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A Week of Gin Tastings, Neon Art, Craft (Brews) And Cultural Delights The Mackay Festival of Arts is now in full swing, and this week’s offerings include gin tastings, the DBI Literary Dinner, the Mackay Art Studio Trail, sunset sessions and craft beer. This Saturday, July 8, from 6pm, there will be a gin tasting night at the Seabreeze Hotel featuring a four-course meal paired with hand selected, award-winning gins. Also on Saturday night, the Creative Art Studio is offering a Neon Night Sip an
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