Issue #

Mackay's Automotive Career Expo A Gateway To Future Opportunities

Local students and aspiring automotive professionals are invited to the Automotive Career Expo, hosted by McCarthy Panelworks in collaboration with the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ). This event promises to be a key opportunity for young people to explore the dynamic and rapidly evolving automotive industry. Scheduled to take place on Wednesday April 16, the Expo will provide an interactive and hands-on training experience designed to introduce students to automotive operations.

Riding High For Local Charities

The wheels are turning once again as the much-loved BMA River 2 Reef Ride returns to Mackay on 6 and 7 September, promising a high-energy weekend of cycling, creativity, and community contribution. With registrations opening on Thursday 3 April, the festival invites riders of all ages and skill levels to take part in an event that not only celebrates fitness and fun, but also drives real change in the region. A highlight of this year’s festival is the unveiling of the 2025 BMA River 2 Reef Ride

Green Waste Tops Illegal Dumping List

Mackay Regional Council’s crackdown on illegal dumping is having a positive effect in the community, with a noticeable decrease in offences across the region. Regular patrols and increased signage have helped deter offenders and word is spreading that illegal dumping can lead to hefty fines. Mayor Greg Williamson said while it was encouraging to see fewer cases of general waste being illegally dumped, green waste remained a significant issue. “Unfortunately, we’re still seeing green waste lik

Marketing Mastery On Repeat

Redhotblue has once again been recognised as the Best Full-Service Creative Agency at the prestigious Australian Enterprise Awards, marking the agency’s third consecutive win in this category. The awards, presented by Corporate Vision Magazine, celebrate the best in business across various sectors, and redhotblue’s achievement highlights its continued excellence in the marketing industry. Melissa Bramall, Awards Coordinator of Corporate Vision, praised this year’s winners for their innovative

Canegrowers Help To Skill Up For Harvest Season

It is only a matter of months until the start of the 2025 crush, and CANEGROWERS Mackay is urging people thinking of a change to take a look at opportunities in the sugarcane industry. This year, the annual CANEGROWERS Mackay harvest labour campaign is taking an all-of-industry approach. Our industry offers a broad range of opportunities from farming, harvesting, milling and service businesses. Having an adequate and skilled workforce from paddock to mill and beyond is critical in getting our c

Queensland Government Steps Up Feral Pig Fight With $2M Action Plan

The Queensland Government is investing $2 million in targeted action to tackle the state’s escalating feral pig problem, easing the burden on regional communities and supporting the agricultural sector. Following years of limited progress, feral pig populations have exploded across Queensland, causing widespread damage to crops, natural ecosystems and waterways. In 2023 alone, ABARES reported $95 million in production losses and control costs due to feral pigs in Queensland. The new investment

Political Insights

The 2022 election was all about the Climate. The results reflected this with a swag of teal independents announcing themselves on the national political stage, while the Greens picked up seats in Brisbane for the first time. But a lot has changed in three years and in 2025 the election is about the Cost of Living. Making the case for who can ease the pressures on managing household costs will go a long way to claiming a victory on May 3rd. Treasurer Jim Chalmers in his budget speech a few short

DEER BREEDING SEASON A CALL FOR COMMUNITY ACTION

With deer breeding season fast approaching, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions is reminding communities of the heightened risk of feral deer on the road as well as increased activity and damage across Australia’s landscapes, including in suburban streets. Dr Annelise Wiebkin, National Deer Management Coordinator, says feral deer cause serious damage in farmland, native bushland and urban areas and that the breeding season is a particularly critical time to notice their presence and manag

Driving For Change

The Cars for Community initiative is revving up real-world learning and making a meaningful difference, proving that it’s much more than just a car giveaway. Now in its third year, the program sees students spend the school year restoring donated or purchased vehicles, bringing them up to roadworthy condition before gifting them to local not-for-profit organisations in need. Automotive Trainer Simon Korneliussen shared that the program is as much about education as it is about giving back to t

Sarina Hospital Celebrates One Year Of Community Care

Last Friday marked a significant milestone for the Sarina community, as Sarina Hospital celebrated one year since opening the doors of its state-of-the-art facility on Brewers Road. Staff, volunteers, project teams and community supporters gathered to recognise the hospital’s first year of operation — a year marked by growth, resilience and commitment to delivering high-quality health care close to home. Director of Nursing Pauline Maude reflected on the journey, commending her team and acknow

Local Student Jacob Ross Selected For Ministerial Student Advisory Council

A huge congratulations to Bowen’s own Jacob Ross, a Year 10 student at Bowen State High School, who has been selected as a delegate for the Ministerial Student Advisory Council. Jacob attended the first meeting in Brisbane on the 28th of March, where he joined 17 other young leaders from across Queensland to discuss important issues affecting students. The Ministerial Student Advisory Council is an invaluable platform for the Minister for Education to hear the voices of students from all corner

Deja Vu! VMR To The Rescue

Just 11 days ago, WVMR were called into action to rescue a broken-down vessel near Tongue Bay. Little did we know that this would be a rescue mission Revisited as the culprit was once again, the uncooperative starter motors. Who could have predicted we'd be called out face the same issue so soon? Our mission began at 1305hrs, with the familiar goal of reaching Tongue Bay. The crew was the same, the skipper just as dejected, and the destination unchanged. We arrived at the vessel at 1420hrs, wit

Hope Rekindled, A Pledge To Rebuild Sarina JRL Shed

After a heartbreaking fire tore through Sarina Junior Rugby League’s team shed earlier this year, the club was left without vital equipment and its young players without a home base. Now, there’s a flicker of hope on the horizon, with Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, committing $200,000 to help rebuild the shed – if an LNP Government is elected. Michelle Landry said she was proud to stand with the club and help restore what had been lost. “Sarina Junior Rugby League is more tha

Proserpine Bowls Club Rained Out

Wednesday’s Social Bowls was a non-event, once again marred by the weather. With rain continuing to pour down, it seems like Mother Nature has been determined to keep us indoors. The weather has been a bit of a mixed bag lately—50/50, really—with the wet dominating and the sun making only the occasional appearance. As we head into April, there’s hope that we’ll see a shift, with a little less rain and a little more sunshine to brighten our afternoons. On Sunday, despite the unpredictable weathe

Weekly Fishing Report By Tackle World Airlie Beach

We bet you’re all as happy as we are that the sun has finally come out to play! This is particularly great news for all the women and children participating in the ‘Sweeties and Squires’ fishing competition from 11-13 April. Check the Whitsunday Game Fish Club Facebook page for all the details. Dam With all the rain we’ve continued to have, there’s been a heavy surface bite at the dam. If it continues to be good, focus on the northern end under the mountain ranges. For lures, we can recommend t

Posting With Purpose – Building Capacity For Community Groups

A three-part social media training series has equipped local community groups with the skills and confidence to better promote their events, engage with their audience and maximise their online presence. Thanks to the sponsorship of Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, participants attended free of charge, making the program accessible to a wide range of local not-for-profits. Delivered by Rebel Nation, the training covered essential topics such as content planning, engagement strategies, social

Wangaratta Bowls Highlights

Tuesday winners were Deb Retchless, Isobel Wheeler, and Penny Warren who defeated Lindy Suann, Irene Laird, Robyn Stitt and Marg Wilson, while The jackpot didn’t go off. For the Men’s A grade singles Jason Wright defeated Alby Vigar, and Mitch Wright defeated Gavin Charles. The Men’s Pairs saw Mitch Wright and Wayne Crowhurst defeating Jason Wright and Lloyd White. While the Ladies Consistency, Penny Warren defeated Lindy Suann. Sunday afternoon play resulted in Robyn Stitt and Ron Hyde defeat

A Night To Remember

On Saturday, March 29, the Moranbah State High School Performance Hall was transformed into an elegant celebration of tradition and community, as the 48th Moranbah Debutante Ball unfolded in a stunning decor of fuchsia, white, and black. Sixteen debutantes, each escorted by their partners, were proudly presented to Cr Kelly Vea Vea, Mayor of Isaac Regional Council, marking a momentous occasion for the young individuals and the Moranbah community. Cr Simon West of the Isaac Regional Council also

Cannonvale Cannons At Townsville Tourists

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club recently hosted its final Club Night of the season. Despite the wet weather, the Cannons wrapped up the season with a fun and less competitive night. Swimmers and their parents enjoyed some lighthearted races, with no timekeepers involved. The Chocolate Award was received by Airlie Mladenovski, and the Coaches’ Award was presented to Stella Mulliss for her dedication and effort. Nine Cannonvale Cannons swimmers travelled to Townsville to compete at the Towns

Queensland-Wide Call

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has issued a Queensland-wide call to First Nations artists and craftspeople to showcase their culture and wares to thousands of visitors at this year’s Tanks Arts Centre-based Artisans Showcase between Thursday 10th and Sunday 13th of July 2025. Set within the botanic surrounds of the event’s new Tanks Arts Centre hub, the Artisans Showcase, one of CIAF’s much-loved program highlights, will provide a welcoming and inspiring marketplace featuring a new and diver

A Cuppa To Fight Cancer

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is Cancer Council Australia's most popular fundraising event and the largest, most successful event of its kind in Australia. This year The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre and Club Whitsunday are joining forces to put on the Biggest Morning Tea yet and are gunning to beat last year's amount raised of $1591.50!

Brave, Bald And Bold

What do you get when one woman offers her hair, a team turns grief into action, and a town shows up in force? A night that cut straight to the heart. "Bald for the Brave" was more than a fundraiser – it was a heartfelt tribute to lives lost, strength found, and hope renewed. Led by local creative agency Redhotblue, the event saw Marketing Manager Melanie Grenier shave her head in solidarity and raise crucial funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. With emotion, edge, and electric e

The Brekky Pack Program Is Here

During the school term, 170,000 children across Queensland are fed breakfast through school-based breakfast programs, but with school holidays upon us, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre has created a program to support families in need when school is out. The Brekky Pack program provides a package of breakfast foods to help families across the region. The centre sought sponsorship to fund the packs that include: a choice of cereal, vegemite or honey, bread, milk, butter, Milo, pancake mix and

What's On | 11th April

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