Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Whitsunday Regional Council have undertaken works to reseal and repaint lines on the Whitsunday Sportspark netball courts, just in time for the impending season. The courts, in the Whitsunday Sportspark, see consistent use, particularly during the winter netball season. Significant rainfall events during 2022 and 2023 caused the courts to fall into disrepair and hindered players. In conjunction with the reseal, Council also completed minor drainage works, to improvement water movement, so as
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Whitsunday Touch Football is excited to announce the start of the 2024 Season. The Season gets underway on Monday 22 January with a “Come and Try” night. There will be the opportunity for experienced players to ease back into the new season and for novices to try a new sport. Monday’s format is “Fast Four” promoting Footy is for fun, come as a team or on your own and we will find you a team. Games are of 10 minutes duration with teams of four players competing on half the normal fie
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Although the threat of rain prevailed during the day, by the time that the fleet of 14 yachts lined up for the start of the weekly Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race, a 10 knot south easterly breeze complemented the cloudy, but dry skies. The fleet bunched up as they approached the starting line for the first start, with firstly Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) and then Matchless (Terry Stevens) bailing out to avoid other boats. This left just Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) as the sole premature st
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On Saturday, 16 Cannonvale Cannons travelled to Ayr to compete at the Burdekin Sprint LC Meet. Coaches, Mark Erickson and Rylee Erickson were very proud of the Cannons and their top efforts at the first carnival for 2024. Congratulations to Harris Delac, aged 10 years won the 8 – 10-year-old boys Dash for Cash event. Harris was very excited to receive $100 for winning the Dash for Cash. Congratulations to Celeste Orenshaw, Tyler Bennett, Tora Delac and Jacob Bell who were also selected for t
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Sunday Social Bowls: P.Delic, W.Coles, Brett Lampard d B.Neal, R.Rodda, Steve Roome. Keith Kirk, Gavin Charles d Sue Fox, Lee Welsted. Ross Scanlon, Jane Gilbert, Wayne Crowhurst d P.Morrison, Ray Muir, S.Fuller. Ryan’s Seafood held their Christmas party in January at the BBC. Wednesday Social: A.Melic, Peter Bruce, Mark Drummond d Jake Melic, Ray Muir, Steve Roome. Scroungers: Jane Gilbert, Tracey Roach, Gavin Charles, Mary Ellen Pratten. Jane Gilbert was the winner. Contributed with than
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We are going through our monsoonal weather so because our bowls green can't be covered we have to say our prayers so we can play but obviously we have heathens in our club because there was no play on Wednesday, I will have to help them find the way and the truth because today the sun shone all day and we had a strong field today for the winner’s prize which was super close. Two winning teams won by eleven points with Warren Mills who has been back to his scintillating form with outstanding per
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Winners for Tuesday social bowls were Stumpy Adams, Irene Laird, and Penny Warren defeated Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless, and Lyn Danvers. Robyn Stitt and Greg Colquhoun defeated Bron Tolcher and Geoff Danvers. The jackpot didn’t go off. On Sunday, although a little wet players dodged the showers for a nice cool afternoon of bowls. Winners were Toni Bowen, Robyn Stitt, and Kennedy Whitton defeated Teresa Willshire, Deb Retchless, and Barry Beel. Linda Scells and Allan Rolfe defeated Graeme Read
Read morePaul Gray won the Tuesday monthly medal with a nett 65. Michael Cragg was runner up, with pin shots going to Scott Mason, Elspeth Scotford, and two to Ben Smith. Jalen Jarvis had 40 stableford points to win Thursday's B division ahead of Mark Thompson on 39. Ryan Wilkes had 36 points to take out the A division from Craig McLean on 35. Pins went to John Roser and Jack Paroz. Friday's Met run winner was Jack Pirlo with 21 points, from Chris Pirlo on 20. The pins went to Michael Jarvis and Aar
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Last minute changes to the competition format in order to accommodate the Jan MM reduced the field somewhat for the normal MM numbers with only 14 players competing. Conditions were hot and steamy, as were the players, but the front 9 (played twice) was in remarkably good condition, in spite of the recent rain. Presentation was at the Reef Gateway Hotel as usual, and it was good to see all the players turn up. The prizes for the winners and placegetters, (ie. the balls) will be distributed ne
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This week’s 9-hole stableford competition saw Cooper Lane in first place with 22 pts, second place with 21 pts c/b was John Shannon and third place with 21 pts c/b was Alan Clinch. Fridays 9-hole stableford saw John Shannon in first place with 24 pts, second place with 22 pts was Michael Pettiford and third place with 21 pts c/b was Peter Bitz. Sundays 2P Ambrose 18-hole competition saw Robert Lodders and Glenn Rees take first place with a 46.25 NETT, second with a 47.75 NETT was Michael Bond a
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Well, that break didn’t last long enough and being back at work doesn’t really feel any different from when we left. 2023 in real estate was what I would describe as a very consistent market of low stock numbers in both houses for sale and for rent. Whilst we understand this hasn’t helped some buyers and tenants, the majority of regional centres across Australia have seen the same trend regardless of rate hikes and potential for more this year. We saw continued numbers of people move to Mackay
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As we step into 2024, the echoes of the challenges faced in 2023 continue to resonate. The past year brought forth an array of hardships, marked by the relentless surge in the cost of living that burdened households across the board. Despite these struggles, resilience prevailed. Many local businesses, having weathered the storm of the pandemic, found their footing once more, demonstrating the tenacity and adaptability of our community. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into variou
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For a marketing nerd like me, delving into a new year of tools and techniques is so freaking exciting. One of the best things about my industry, is that there is always something new and interesting to learn! But for most business owners, I totally understand how the continual changes in marketing make it feel more like a never-ending-grind, instead of a fun playground (so many toys!). For 2024, there are just three things I think you need to focus on for your marketing. I know that makes it so
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To say that 2023 was a difficult year for businesses is an understatement. The world faced some significant challenges including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the geo-political environment in the Asia-Pacific. For any commodity sector this instability means a lack of confidence within the market. Add to that widespread labour shortages, wildly fluctuating costs and unforeseen government interventions meant that business confidence understandably f
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Excitement and nerves. Two words I would use to describe the feeling of shutting the door on my life in Darwin, jumping in the front seat of my 4WD and taking off on a 5-day drive across the country to start my life in Mackay. The aircon was blasting as I left Darwin city, driving through Berrimah and Palmeston and onto the Stuart Highway. Driving through the genuine outback and discovering the life that exists far beyond the street lights and pubs of the cities and towns is a wonderfully eye
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Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fantastic and safe festive season and you all enjoyed a well-earned break. 2023 was a big year for Australia, and to say it was tough on everyone would be an understatement. While the Albanese Labor Government was distracted by their divisive and costly Voice Referendum and the Prime Minister enjoyed what felt like more time overseas than time spent in Australia, the people of Dawson were hit with enormous cost-of-living pressures. The Coalition and I fou
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By Amanda Wright In a heartfelt bid to combat domestic violence and offer respite to those impacted, Broken Ballerina Inc. is teeing up its first Charity Golf Day on August 2nd, 2024. This event will serve as a vital fundraiser aiding victims of domestic violence in the wider Mackay community. The organisation, founded by Jules and Pete Thompson, aims to provide solace, resources, and support to those navigating the harrowing aftermath of domestic violence. With an absence of government funding,
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As we step into 2024, it's clear the road ahead might be a bit bumpy. The rising costs are making us all feel a little uneasy. But even in the midst of these challenges, it's essential to remember our blessings. Think about it – having food in the fridge, clothes to wear, a safe place to rest our heads – these are things many around the world can only dream of. Surprisingly, having these essentials means we’re actually living better than three quarters of the world’s population. Money-wise, if y
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In a tale that's got the town buzzing, a lawn superhero named Chris, also known as the "Knight with a Shiny Lawnmower," has emerged, spreading unexpected goodwill and a neat trim throughout the neighbourhood. Michelle Steffens took to a community noticeboard on Facebook to share her unexpected encounter with this mowing maestro. Spotting Chris working his magic on a neighbour’s yard, she summoned his green-thumb prowess, hoping for a quick lawn fix. And boy, did he deliver! Surprisingly, when Mi
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Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation have conducted a thorough investigation following a report of a large crocodile leaping from the water and into a fisher’s tinnie in Jane Creek near Mackay on 31 December 2023. Senior Wildlife Officer Jane Burns said the investigation included an interview with the fisher who confirmed the incident occurred close to the northern side of a small island slightly upstream of Jane Creek. “A vessel-based site assessment of J
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With the 2024 Australia Day Awards on the horizon, the list of nominees has been unveiled, showcasing over 150 exceptional individuals and groups from eight categories. The Citizen of the Year and Volunteer categories boast around 40 nominees each, reflecting an outstanding display of community spirit and service. These nominees possess dedication, leadership, and selfless contributions that have left an enduring impact on our communities. Their diverse initiatives, ranging from grassroots proje
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TRESPASS INCIDENT, MACKAY CITY A 48-year-old male resident of Gargett has been issued with a notice to appear in court by police following an alleged incident at a unit on Wellington in the Mackay city at about 11:40pm on January 5. It's alleged that the 48-year-old was found sleeping inside the unit by a relative of the unit's owner. Police were contacted and on arrival it's alleged that they spoke with the 48-year-old who stated they had entered the unit through a window after an evening at
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The Finch Hatton Trail has added a fascinating piece to its historical repertoire. Mackay Sugar, in a gesture reflecting both heritage preservation and community engagement, recently donated a decommissioned locomotive turntable to the Mackay Regional Council. This turntable, once an integral part of rail operations, has found new life as a decorative, curved section along one of the trail's foot and bike paths. The ingenious repurposing of this railway artifact within the mountain bike trail pr
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Yearning to create a tangible impact in your community this year? Consider becoming a Ronald McDonald Family Room volunteer and contribute to supporting families in the Mackay region with sick or injured children during their most challenging times. Volunteers at the Ronald McDonald Family Room embody a set of values that revolve around friendliness, reliability, and creating a comforting atmosphere for families utilizing the Mackay Base Hospital's Ronald McDonald Family Room. Your role as a vol
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