Issue #

Mixed Results As Cutters Kick Off Season

After a positive preseason, the BMD Premiership and Hostplus Cup Mackay Cutters travelled to Brisbane over the weekend to take on the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Wynnum. The Cutters made their highly anticipated BMD Premiership debut, defeating the Seagulls 30-8 in their first game together.

A Humid Sunday Sprint

The annual Construct Health Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology Mackay Road Runners 3km Club Championship was held in very humid conditions early Sunday morning from Queen’s Park car park. Over fifty competitors charged from the gun over the flat and fast course, however the steamy weather did play havoc with a lot of the runners’ lung and leg capacity, especially over the testing 3km sprint distance.

Cutters And Community Combine

A partnership between two of Mackay’s most recognisable brands will take off once again to help grow the next generation of sporting heroes while putting the region on the map.Mackay Airport has pledged its continued major sponsorship of the Mackay Cutters rugby league club ahead of what is set to be a memorable 2023 season.

Editor's Note

Our stunning coastal paradise is brimming with secret spots, and if you’re kind enough to share yours with me, I’d love to hear about it!

Letter To The Editor

What the Federal Government should be doing to combat the cost of living or rising interest rates?What an exhausting question!The Federal Government, or any level of Government cannot be responsible for what the Individual can do to combat the cost of living and rising interest rates.

RADF – Have Your Say In Survey

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) has been a lifeline for local artists, creatives, and performers in the region for years, providing much-needed funding and support for their projects and initiatives.

Vietnam Veteran Remembers

A local Vietnam veteran has reflected on the incident that ended his campaign 53 years after the explosion.Les Palmer was wounded in Vietnam on February 28, 1970, at the age of 22, when his battalion was involved in a landmine explosion.

Pilot Charged With Manslaughter Following Christmas Eve Aviation Death

The Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) have concluded a 14-month investigation into a fatal light plane crash that occurred on December 24, 2021, at Ball Bay Beach. According to the police, the passenger, an 83-year-old man, lost his life when the plane crashed on the beach. Meanwhile, the pilot, a 66-year-old Halliday Bay man, was rushed to the Mackay Base Hospital, treated, and discharged.

POLICE NEWS

Between 5:00pm on March 1 and 7:00am on March 4 a quad bike has been stolen from an open shed at a property on Homebush Road in Sandiford (Eton).The stolen vehicle is described as a red coloured 2006 model Honda 350 Quad-bike, spray tank fitted and other custom made accessories are visible.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Mackay Regional Council is seeking nominations for its Sustainability Advisory Committee.The purpose of the committee is to discuss and provide information and advice to council on sustainability initiatives.

NAPLAN Success For WAS

Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) has been ranked as Queensland’s top performing regional school and one of the best schools in the State based on 2022 NAPLAN results.

DAWSON DROPPED FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S IMPROVING MOBILE COVERAGE ROUND

COUNCIL RELAUNCHES LEGENDARY NEIGHBOUR CAMPAIGN WITH A TWIST

Loneliness can be a difficult feeling to shake, especially when living in a neighbourhood where connections are scarce. However, a new initiative by council aims to change that for some lucky residents.

First Specialist Palliative Care Physician A Welcome Addition

A desire to linger longer at the bedside of patients, hear their concerns and ease their pain led Dr Shanan Molloy to choose palliative care as her speciality. “I decided when I was working as a GP training in Beaudesert hospital,” Dr Molloy said.

Adoption Corner – RSPCA

Hi I am Genie,If you make three wishes, one of them will come true when you adopt me!I am a very energetic dog so I need to live with an active family with older children who can give me a lot of time and attention since I crave socialisation. I am great on my own and I get on well with other dogs but I just need to continue my training to remain calm when I see them and not to bark - just saying "look at me" distracts me and works!I am looking for my forever home and would love you to come and

Gecko Discovered Off Mackay

A large gecko with a ‘beaky’ face, spindly legs and a spiny tail has been discovered on Scawfell Island, about 50km offshore from Mackay.James Cook University’s Dr Conrad Hoskin discovered the gecko on the rugged, boulder-strewn island during a survey with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships.

A Tribute To Mrs Norma May Shuttlewood OAM

Since the news that Norma Shuttlewood had passed away was shared on 1 March 2023, tributes have been flowing in from the many people who knew her and who benefited from her life-long commitment to the arts.

Food Pantry Open For All To Give And Take

A local church has revamped its food pantry, offering a huge variety of free food to those in need.Mackay Church of Christ’s food pantry has taken various forms over the years, the church looking to expand the program with Lynnette Labuschagne leading the way.“She’s done an extraordinarily good job,” said Pastor Paul Hicks.

Rail Trail Nearing Completion

Weaving through the Pioneer Valley, the Mackay Railway first opened in 1885, with the last section closing between Paget and Marian in 2009.While much of the line is still used for carting cane, a group of locals have taken it upon themselves to clear unused parts of the line and repurpose it as the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail.

REALITY TV STARS JOIN WETLANDS WEEKEND

Lunchtime at the Isaac coast is set for a foodie makeover with one of the nation’s much-loved amateur cooks turned restauranteurs starring at this year’s St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend.Hervey Bay’s Dan and Steph Mulheron have earned their place in the serious foodie world after their My Kitchen Rules win in 2013. In recent years, the sausage king and queen landed a huge Coles deal to create their own gourmet range thanks to their ambassador roles with major Australian producers SunPork and Sweet P

Stitching Together Memories

A hand-made quilt by a talented Sarina crafter will be first prize in a mega raffle, conducted by Sarina Community Arts and Crafts.A quilt made by the late Dulcie Christensen, donated by her son Glen, will be the major prize.

Does Your Home Loan Need A Health Check?

As interest rates continue to rise, it is more important than ever for homeowners to review their home loans. A home loan health check can help ensure that your loan is still right for you and your current needs. Here are five reasons why you should book an appointment for your home loan health check today.

The Art Of Acupuncture

Mackay’s newest acupuncturist grew up in a Chinese medicine household, following in his father’s footsteps by pursuing acupuncture.“Whenever my brother or I would get sick, it was always herbs and natural medicine first,” said Bob Wong of Art of Acupuncture.

Food and Fibre Teacher PD in Mackay

Attention all teachers and careers advisors in the Mackay region! This is your last chance to register for the upcoming Primary Industry Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) Teacher PD workshops.

Event Guide

Friday SUN.sets Every Friday Evening From 6pmKnock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVEMUSIC.Wake House Australia