Issue #

A Vehicle Intercept Of A Different Kind

Mackay Highway Patrol Group officers had an unusual encounter on the Bruce Highway near Mackay over the weekend when they intercepted a unique vehicle from overseas. The officers stopped a 1974 model Austrian Steyr Puch truck, which was left-hand drive, had six wheels and was imported from Belgium, making it an unusual sight on Australian roads. Senior Constable Carl Butcher described the interaction as "one of the more unusual intercepts that I have ever made."

Oh Baby, It’s Time

As my baby bump continues to grow larger than my love for cream doughnuts, it's time for me to take a break from working life and start preparing for the arrival of my mini-me in six-days’ time. While I continue the nesting to welcome my little bundle of joy into the world, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and encouragement. The kind words and well wishes from readers have brought me so much joy during this exciting time in my life.

Award-Winning Duo Lead The Charge In Keeping The Region Safe

The Mackay region is attracting attention as the Neighbourhood Watch Australiasia's top accolades have been handcuffed to two exceptional locals, highlighting their exemplary service and tireless efforts to keep the community safe. The award-winning duo, Sergeant Nigel Dalton and Gerri Kissner, have certainly proved that they have a rap sheet of success when it comes to promoting social inclusion, community engagement, and empowering people.

Listing Luck: Property Sold, Car Won!

Wildcat Wins Gold At National Awards

A new tourism business, showcasing Mackay in a way that it has never been before is making waves not just regionally, but now on a national scale, having won Best New Tourism Business in the country at the Qantas Australia Tourism Awards held in Sydney on Friday night.

Hospital Welcomes New Graduates

Nine nursing graduates have embarked on their new careers at Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) as the hospital welcomed their fourth intake, taking the total for 2023 to 84. The graduates completed a week of training this week before they join their specific departments where they will complete 12 months of hands-on learning.

Star’s School Of The Year Announced

After a week of live broadcasts from schools throughout the region, Star Mackay has announced their School of the Year for 2023. Scotty and Kaley surprised students at Glenella State School at their Monday morning assembly, crowning the school as the station’s inaugural School of the Year and handing over the $10,000 prize.

Port Helps University Students Engineer Their Future

Local engineering students are being offered a world of opportunities thanks to the launch of North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP) 2023 Internship Program. Applications are now open for the Port of Mackay-based program, which offers a valuable career-building opportunity to a third-year undergraduate student enrolled in a civil engineering degree.

MHAODS Peer Workforce Team Now A Permanent Fixture

Meet Kerri, Deb, Cat and Helen - the colourful crew at the heart of a new workforce initiative at Mackay Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service (MHAODS). They are four of the seven workers who make up our MHAODS peer workforce – people who know all too well what it means to battle mental health issues or problematic substance use challenges and come through it.

SOMETHING FISHY IN THE PIONEER RIVER

Recent underwater video monitoring surveys show Fish Habitat Reef Modules in the Pioneer River are now thriving. An amazing 22 fish species have been recorded using the new Habitat Reefs which were deployed in 2021 by Mackay Regional Council.

Sugar Efforts Awarded Following Busy 2022 Crush

Local growers, harvesters and industry stakeholders gathered last Friday night for the 2023 Mackay Sugar Productivity Awards. More than 300 people attended the event at Mackay Turf Club to help recognise the key achievements and exceptional performance from the 2022 crushing season, across productivity areas such as crop yield, efficiency, innovation and sustainability.

How To Train Your Working Dog

The importance of the more than 270,000 stock-herding dogs across rural Australia to the country’s farmers and property owners cannot be underestimated – and Clermont musterer Frank Finger knows it. The winner of ABC's Muster Dog program has been training working dogs for over 20 years on his property in the Isaac and is now using his platform to share his tips with farmers across Australia.

Time To Resolve Sugar Terminals Issue

CANEGROWERS is calling on the owners and operators of Queensland’s bulk sugar terminals to put aside their differences and come together to find a long-term solution to the operation of these strategically significant industry assets.

How good is it winning a grand final with your team

It happened for me just a week or two ago with my cricket team in here in Mackay, Pinnacle, when we won the 3rd grade competition. The night before, there was a huge crowd in the stand for the Party in the Park and the 1st Grade Final, and just a few less for us the next day at Great Barrier Reef Arena. Well, let’s be honest, there was five, five people in the stand, and two of those were kids who wanted to go home.

From Sarina To The Islands

RACQ CQ Rescue experienced another busy weekend last weekend, airlifting a man from Sarina after a drug overdose on Saturday and a woman from Cockermouth Island with a dislocated knee on Sunday.

Property Point

It always makes me laugh when I see two dogs walking on a footpath, unaccompanied by a human, alongside a suburban street. They move along on a good trot, with a sense of purpose, as though they know exactly what they’re doing and where they’re going. I saw a couple of dogs the other day walking briskly along the footpath alongside Paradise St in South Mackay.

TACKLING HOMELESSNESS IN MACKAY

I recently had the privilege of spending time in the company of a remarkable young woman, Kayleigh Brewster, of Australian Street Aid Project, a registered charity based here in Mackay.

Mackay Hosts First Regional Community Forum Of 2023

Regional infrastructure, renewable energy and workforce attraction were in focus as the members of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum gathered in Mackay on Monday, chaired by Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert.

More safety and hope needed for local DV victims

Jo Sainsbury, owner of Kickass Women, dedicates her time to raising awareness and funds for those affected by domestic violence through her annual charity gala event, Shades of Women, and she’s encouraging the Mackay community to support the initiative through event sponsorship.

Premium Vehicles, Premium Experience

With increasing environmental concerns, many individuals and governments are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) as a cleaner and more sustainable mode of transportation. EVs offer lower operating costs, quieter driving experiences and improved performance, seeing them rapidly gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional cars.

Mackay’s Sleep Apnoea Specialists

We all know every day should start with a good night and restorative sleep. For those with snoring and apnea issues that might be getting in the way, CPAP Direct is here to help.

Partyin’ In The Park

Mackay’s newest sporting arena, Great Barrier Reef Arena, was opened in emphatic style last Saturday at Harrup Park’s Party in the Park. With live music from Wild Sky and Graeme Connors, amusement rides, activities, fireworks and the DBCT Poole Cup Cricket final, it was impossible not to get excited.

Dancing With Heart

Mackay Hospital Foundation is well-known for signature events that bring the community together, and Dancing With Heart is no different. On Friday March 31, eight local identities will take to the dance floor to showcase their individual dance styles in support of our local hospitals.

New Star Trek Chapter USS Pacifica Opens In Mackay

STARFLEET International officially opened its Star Trek Mackay Chapter USS Pacifica during a function last Saturday at the Mackay Surf Club. The commissioning comes after a nine month “Shake Down” where members have built rapport and relationships while adapting to their various roles.

Free Yo-Yos And Bookmarks At The MECC

The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) kicked off “Take a Child to the Theatre Day” this week by giving away yo-yos and bookmarks to all children who visit the box office between Monday March 20th and Saturday March 25.