By Hannah McNamara After 13 years of bringing together Mackay’s emergency services, retired QPS Senior Sergeant Dave Parnell and his team have continued their tradition of giving back to the community. Each year, the annual touch football carnival gathers local police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency workers, both retired and presently serving, for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. “This year our funds are going towards the Kidney Support Foundation, and we’re here to h
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Following on from recent reports, Queensland Police have revealed that specialist officers and SES crews have commenced a targeted search of bushland in West Mackay as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspicious disappearance of 71-year-old Wayne Pedro Morseu. Despite extensive efforts, no items of interest have been located. Police continue to interview people known to Wayne and maintain significant concerns for his welfare. Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urg
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The Crisafulli Government is pushing ahead with plans to make the Bruce Highway safer and more dependable for regional Queensland, as the re-established Bruce Highway Advisory Council wrapped up its final meeting of the year in Mackay. The council, a collective of peak industry leaders, government representatives and regional community member, has met three times since being revived by the Crisafulli Government, driving a renewed focus on future upgrades and long-term road safety prioriti
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Mackay Embraces Disability-Friendly Sport A fresh wave of inclusive energy is rolling through Mackay, with a dedicated Sport4All Inclusion Coach now working alongside Mackay Regional Council to champion equal access to local sport. The Sport4All program is run across the country and works with sports clubs, schools and organisations like council to improve their knowledge and capability to include people with a disability. Mackay Sport4All Inclusion Coach, Kristy Bugeja said the program
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Driven by a quiet passion for supporting teens, volunteer mentor Miriam Houweling has spent the past 18 months helping young learner drivers edge closer to independence through PCYC’s Braking the Cycle program. The initiative pairs volunteers with young people who lack access to a car or supervising adult, giving them a vital pathway to reach their 100 practice hours and unlock new opportunities. Miriam said she has always enjoyed volunteering, and was seeking new opportunities when she m
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Council’s vision of becoming Australia’s leading region for liveability and livelihood gained significant traction in 2024-2025. Landmark projects, strong community collaboration and record investment drove momentum across the year. Council’s Annual Report 2024–2025 showcases a year of remarkable achievements, from securing international sporting events to opening the first stage of the Northern Beaches Community Hub. Mayor Greg Williamson said the report reflected council’s ability to
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A Mackay mum will have a jolly good Christmas, after astonishingly winning $1 million in the Wednesday Windfall — a prize she initially misread as just $10, prompting a vow never to forget her glasses again. The Queenslander held the only division one winning entry nationally in Weekday Windfall draw 4635, on Monday 8 December 2025. She can look forward to a clean $1 million paid just in time for Christmas. The gleeful winner shared that she burst into tears of joy upon discovering she was a m
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The Big Summer Read is back, and it’s bigger than ever! From now until January 31, children and young people across the Mackay region are invited to dive into a world of stories, imagination and adventure. Mayor Greg Williamson said this exciting campaign encouraged readers aged birth to 18 to keep their literacy skills strong over the summer holidays while having fun. “Summer is the perfect time to spark a love of reading,” Mayor Williamson said. “The Big Summer Read makes it fun and
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Mackay Base Hospital Honours Dr Vaughan’s Legacy After more than 24 years of dedicated service, Mackay Base Hospital is bidding farewell to medical oncologist Dr Kerrie Vaughan who is retiring after a remarkable career shaping cancer care across the region. Originally from Melbourne, Dr Vaughan completed her medical degree and oncology specialty training before heading north in search of sunnier skies. She joined Mackay Base Hospital in February 2001, when she was the only oncologist in t
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Local pet rescuer Taylah Kolaric, owner of Lucy’s Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue, is urging the community to stay snake-aware after the sudden loss of her much-loved dog, Lola. Lola, a five-year-old Boxer, was known for her joy, energy and the affectionate “Lola kisses” she offered to everyone she met. Taylah said, “Her playful personality was infectious, and she had a natural talent for making people laugh with her silly antics.” She also played an important role in Taylah’s rescue work. “
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Excitement filled the room at Ocean International Hotel on Monday, 1 December 2025, as families gathered to celebrate the graduation of this year’s Prep-Ready Kids. The young learners, dressed in bright and colourful graduation gowns, proudly marked the end of a year filled with growth, learning, and new friendships. The Prep-Ready Kids Program, funded by Multicultural Affairs through the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism, continu
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Local Historian Brings Decades Of Stories To Life In New Book Launch By Hannah McNamara
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Nominations are now officially open for the 2026 JSP Women’s Awards, with The Just Saying Project inviting the Greater Whitsunday community to celebrate the women whose stories bring joy, strength and purpose to the region. Held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the MECC, the annual awards will feature acclaimed Australian author Belinda Alexandra as keynote speaker — a storyteller whose work embodies resilience, creativity and feminine strength, aligning deeply with JSP’s mission. The ope
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As we wrap up another big year at Community Bank Sarina, I want to thank our wonderful customers, local businesses and the broader Sarina community. Stepping into the Branch Manager role in June, I immediately felt the warmth and genuine community spirit that makes this region so special. It’s been a privilege to meet so many of you, listen to your stories and see firsthand the pride people have in where we live. This year, we also celebrated a milestone moment, 20 years of local banking
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The festive season often brings joy, connection and a chance to unwind. Yet for some, this time of year can bring challenges, including emotional strain, financial pressures and relationship stress. selectability Mackay and Sarina’s Regional Coordinator, Nicole Guzowski said with the holiday season fast approaching it was crucial to find support and meaningful connections. “We know that the holiday season can be a tough time of year, but it’s really important to look after yourself and
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Mackay region’s Mothers’ Union branch is stepping up to support local children living with domestic and family violence, launching a community push to place specialised books into libraries and support organisations across the region. The initiative aligns with the global 16 Days of Activism, beginning 25 November, and will continue locally through to the end of the year as Mothers’ Union Mackay Region welcomes donations to expand the reach of the program. The branch has already begun pu
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Queensland’s much-loved giant mud crab populations are thriving, with a major new study reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to maintaining a world-class and sustainable fisheries industry. A recently completed study led by Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and co-funded by the Australian Government through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has confirmed that there is no current threat to the sustainability of the species. The research hi
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At Let The Children Play Toyshop & Games Store It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Let The Children Play Toyshop & Games Store is getting ready to jingle all the way into its biggest and brightest festive season yet. The whole community is invited to join the fun. Proudly locally owned since 2013, the much-loved toyshop has become a cornerstone of Mackay’s festive season. Known not only for their quality products, but for their active involvement in the community, this year,
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Councillor Namarca Corowa When people ask how I ended up on council, I don’t really have a political story to give them. My values weren’t formed in boardrooms or strategy sessions. I grew up at Slade Point in the 70s 80s and 90s, a family of 8 in a 2-bedroom house. I grew up in a working-class family, so I understand what it’s like to struggle in our community. My values were shaped watching my parents go to work every day to make a living. We didn’t have everything, but what we had was
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Corrie Thompson is the founder of NQAIRS Group 100% Indigenous owned, Corrie created NQAIRS Group in 2016 in Mackay to help families find their missing family members and war graves from Boer War, World War 1 and 2 all over the world. Corrie has made his legacy to bring their spirits home to the families to put our Aussies heroes to rest through their dreamtime stories. Corrie has worked as a genealogist for the Australian War Memorial for the Last Post Ceremonies and Corrie is a non- ser
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Friday 12th December Crochet & Conversation 9am Local residents are invited to a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on the Bucasia Esplanade. The friendly Northern Beaches group welcomes beginners and experienced crafters alike, with tools available to borrow. Held indoors during summer and outdoors in the cooler months, the gathering focuses on connection, creativity and community projects. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant, Bucasia Esplanade Santa
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5 Edible Native Plants for Your Garden Australia is home to more than 700,000 native plant species, many of which can also be enjoyed as food. Known as bush foods, these plants have long been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for nutrition, medicine, and cultural practices. Here are five edible natives that are both tasty and great for your garden. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia spp.) Native to the rainforests of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, maca
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When it comes to renovating a home, not every upgrade will deliver a return on investment. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to maximise your property’s potential, focusing on renovations that truly add value is key. Here are the top five renovations that can make a real difference. Kitchen Upgrades Often described as the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the first spaces prospective buyers notice. Simple yet impactful improvements—such as modern cabinetry, updated ben
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Two of the Rules of Running Middle Distance Squad athletes made their way down to Melbourne to compete at the 2025 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics All Schools Championships from the 4th–7th of December. Millie Groom competed in the 3000m, placing 5th in Australia and achieving a huge 26-second PB. The following day she raced the 2000m Steeplechase, placing 6th in Australia with a 12-second PB. Ayla Moon competed in the 400m, qualifying fastest and then winning the Gold Medal the n
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Results for week ending Saturday 6th December 2025 Monday 1st December 2025 – 7 ½ Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st DAVID TING - ERIC GOODCHILD 1st GEOFF TAYLOR - GEOFFREY PATTERSON 2nd JAN HARRIS - JULIE O'NEILL 2nd DIANE HOLEWA - MAX HOLEWA 3rd BARBARA TAIT - MARGARET LANE 3rd JEWEL SCHMIDT - RICHARD WIX 4th DIANE STOKES - EDWARD KLIESE Tuesday 2nd December 2025 – 4 ½ Table Howell Green Points 1st JOHN MCGEE - MICK KING 3rd ERIC GOODCHILD - NOEL BUGEIA 2nd ERROL MOR
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