Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
When was the last time you reviewed the health of your home loan? Whether you’re in the market for a first or second home, looking to refinance, invest in a new property, or lower your repayments, a home loan health check could be just what you need to get ahead and realise your goals. Amanda Anderson, Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine’s Branch Manager says there are four things to review annually when it comes to your home loan: Interest Rate: Check if your current interest rate i
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Council is seeking input from residents to help shape active transport in the Mackay region for the next 10 years. Improving active transport networks was a clear priority for Mackay identified in the 2023 Australian Liveability Census. This project looks to improve active transport networks across the Mackay region. A survey has been launched as part of community consultation aimed at gaining community input about how best to improve walking and riding infrastructure across the region. Mayo
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Nothing says Youth Week like delicious food, an outdoor movie, a pool party and some live music. Youth aged 12 to 25 years in the region are invited to kick back at three free events funded by council during Youth Week, beginning April 4. Council’s Youth Development team has worked closely with the Mackay Youth Council, Sarina Youth Council and Valley District Youth Council to plan an event in each area. The events to be held include: An outdoor movie night featuring Cool Runnings, at the Ge
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Mackay residents are being urged to help shape future council improvements to enhance liveability in the region. Residents are invited to have their say by taking part in the 2025 Australian Liveability Census. Every two years, Place Score undertakes Australia’s largest social research project to measure liveability in communities throughout the nation. The census identifies what matters to local communities and gathers ideas for making them better places to live. Mayor Greg Williamson said
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Queensland’s peak agriculture body— the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and its members Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), and Canegrowers—are calling on the Queensland and Australian Governments to take a long-term approach to support the agriculture sector. With two significant weather events already hitting Queensland this year and a possible third on its way, climate resilience, preparedness and response are front and centre with Queensland’s farmers who are
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Construction of the first stage of a community hub to service the rapidly growing Northern Beaches is on track. The project includes an undercover multi-purpose sporting court, adjoining kitchenette and storeroom, nature play and picnic spaces. It also includes landscaping, pedestrian links and a parking area. Mayor Greg Williamson said the Northern Beaches Community Hub was located opposite Mackay Northern Beaches State High School between Rosewood Drive and Eimeo Road. He said the first st
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The Resources Centre of Excellence is proud to announce the inaugural Queensland Resources & Innovation Expo, set to take place on July 11, 2025 at the Resources Centre of Excellence in Mackay. Designed as a bi-annual event, this expo will provide an exciting platform for businesses—large and small, locally owned and beyond—to showcase the products, equipment, and innovations that have shaped the resources sector. To kick off the event, an invite only networking event will be held on July 10, 2
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If there's one day a year that truly tests my credibility as a journalist, it's April Fools’ Day. Every year, I tell myself this time, I'll be sceptical. I'll cross-check, verify, and not fall for a single prank. And every year, without fail, I come dangerously close to publishing nonsense. This time around, it was a Shetland pony that almost made it to print. Mackay Regional Council announced they were trialling the use of ponies and goats to maintain parklands, reducing costs and overcoming w
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East Coast Steel has built a reputation for excellence spanning generations, delivering steel solutions that endure. With a steadfast commitment to quality and precision engineering, the company has become the preferred partner for projects requiring the highest standards of service and craftsmanship. Whether for large-scale infrastructure or custom fabrication, East Coast Steel continues to set the benchmark in the industry. In this article we get to know Simone Aitken from East Coast Steel Su
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They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover—but let’s be honest, when it comes to buying a home, first impressions are everything. And nothing says “welcome” quite like a lush, emerald-green lawn. It’s the red carpet of real estate, the final flourish that takes a house from “nice” to “need to have.” If you’re looking to sell, don’t underestimate the power of a pristine patch of turf. A well-maintained lawn not only boosts street appeal but can add serious value to your home. Buyers love t
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**Friday 4th April Crochet and Conversation 9am Join the friendly group of Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade for a morning of crocheting, coffee, and conversation. BYO crochet tools or borrow from our communal box. All skill levels welcome. This is a great opportunity to connect, share experiences, and start our next project for the Northern Beaches community in 2025. Beachfront Bar and Restaurant, Bucasia Bald For The Brave 4pm Mackay local and redhot
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It’s true what they say, no two days are the same, and for Mackay City Property Principal, Sandra Macklin, she wouldn’t have it any other way!Sandra’s position sees her manage and mentor both staff and office operations within the property management department of Mackay City Property. Day to day, Sandra finds great fulfilment in solving problems as they arise and tailoring her approach to real estate to suit the specific needs of each client from experienced landlords to first-time homeowners.
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Over the Christmas/New Year period my wife and I were in Airlie Beach for three or four nights and one afternoon I found myself standing at the bar waiting to order a couple of drinks at the delightfully refurbished Airlie Beach Hotel. The bloke standing next to me was ordering several drinks and one of them was “a glass of wine”. I felt it wasn’t the first round he’d ordered that afternoon and the barman, just making sure that the wine order hadn’t changed, checked by asking: “Was that a Pinot
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A Bowen Basin mine made history last month as the first in Australia to deploy an advanced high wall mining system to extract coal with cutting-edge efficiency. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last joined Vitrinite staff and community leaders to mark the first use of the company’s HW300 Highwall Miner at its Vulcan South mine near Dysart. The HW300 Highwall Miner provides access to coal seams that traditional methods cannot reach, improving operational safety, reducing production
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The mining industry might be in Trinnity McKeiver’s blood, but the skills, knowledge, and determination she’s acquired during CQUniversity’s and BHP’s Future Fit Academy (BHP FFA) program will inspire many generations to come. The Future Fit Academy is BHP's innovative approach to training with a pathway to a career in maintenance with 'fit for purpose' training programs in dedicated learning centres in Mackay and Perth. Trinnity graduated in a ceremony in Mackay on 18 March, the latest in a l
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CiteHire, the latest addition to the Cite Group of companies, officially launched in Mackay last Friday with a celebration that brought together family, friends, suppliers, subcontractors, and clients. The lively event featured live music, delicious food, and drinks, creating a vibrant atmosphere to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the region’s equipment hire industry. CiteHire is a locally owned and family-operated equipment hire provider, servicing Mackay, the Whitsundays, Bowen Basin,
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The lights dimmed, the air buzzed with anticipation, and the room filled with energy as women from all corners of the region gathered to celebrate something extraordinary. The Just Saying Project (JSP) Women’s Awards 2025 wasn’t just another evening of awards—it was a living, breathing testament to the strength, resilience, and brilliance of the women who make our community thrive. On March 29th, the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre hosted a night unlike any other, marking 10 years o
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The Mackay Women’s Service recently received a heart-warming gesture from Cherish Hampers and Gifts, a local business that understands the power of community support. The work done by the team at Mackay Women’s Service is incredibly important, providing vital assistance to women facing domestic violence, mental health struggles, and physical wellbeing challenges. The emotional toll of this work can be heavy, but it’s through these efforts that lives are changed, and women are empowered to rebuil
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One-pot wonders are a game-changer in the kitchen, offering a perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want to minimise clean-up. These meals are simple, flavourful, and packed with comfort, all cooked in a single pot. The beauty of a one-pot meal is that you can throw everything together, let it simmer, and enjoy a delicious dish with minimal effort. One-pot meals work for a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, from hearty stews to light pasta dishes, and everything in between
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The 2025 Federal Budget isn’t just about economics—it’s about the future of Australia. With a 3 May election now locked in, Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ final budget before polling day is under scrutiny. Labor is pitching it as a responsible plan to ease cost-of-living pressures, while the opposition brands it a desperate pre-election bribe.
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Craving something comforting and delicious? Flavours of Vietnam has the perfect dish to warm you up – their mouth-watering Wonton Soup! Picture tender, juicy pork swimming in a rich chicken broth that soothes and satisfies. Topped with fresh bok choy and bean shoots, each bowl is finished with a flavourful drizzle of sesame and garlic oil. It’s comfort in a bowl, ready to take you on a flavourful journey. At Flavours of Vietnam, everything is made with the freshest ingredients and all-natural g
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magine one minute you’re living a mundane life, and the next, your health takes a sudden decline. Suddenly, you're weighed down by the overwhelming costs of a major medical bill, left facing a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty. Unfortunately, this is all too true for Brandon and Ayanda Hodgson, a family whose world was turned upside down when Ayanda (known to many as Mary) was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Mary has battled type 1 diabetes since she was just 10 years old, and now,
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With a heart for community, two of Mackay’s most passionate volunteers, Rebecca Cooper and Julie Nieslen, recently had the opportunity to attend the Queensland Volunteering Conference in Brisbane. Supported by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, they joined leaders from across the state at the two-day event, themed ‘Inspire, Empower, Ignite,’ to explore strategies for volunteer engagement, inclusion, and sustainability. Rebecca Cooper, Northern Beaches Communit
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Mackay’s Harbour Beach is one step closer to becoming a safer haven for threatened turtles and shorebirds, thanks to the collaborative efforts of local stakeholders. Representatives from Yuwi Land and Sea Rangers, Pioneer Catchment and Landcare (PCL), Mackay Regional Council (MRC), and Mackay and District Turtle Watch recently gathered on-site to monitor progress and inspect 200 newly planted tube stock. The native vegetation will reinforce a strategically placed post-and-rail fence designed to
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The Queensland Greens have announced Paula Creen as their candidate for Dawson in the upcoming federal election, marking her second run at the seat after securing a 2.7 per cent swing to the Greens in 2022. Ms Creen, who was raised and educated in Mackay, has lived in the region for 22 years and worked as a designer and drafter in the local building industry for 28 years. She is a dedicated volunteer with the Mackay Conservation Group, Whitsunday Conservation Council, and local disability suppo
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