Wangaratta Bowls featured fierce competition this week. Tuesday afternoon saw a victory by Jocelyn Defranciscis, Lindy Suann and Laurie Land against Stumpy Adams, Deb Retchless and Shirley Jones. The jackpot didn’t go off. The Ladies’ competition consistency final was won by Denise Wallace, who defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis. In the Crooked Kitty, Denise Wallace defeated Penny Warren. On Sunday afternoon, two thrilling triples games were played. Bron Tolcher, Laurie Land and Gavin Charles defea
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Christmas will be here before we know it, but that hasn’t stopped the improvement in lawn bowls we’ve been experiencing lately. There was no Ladies’ bowls on Tuesday as the girls held their Christmas party with great enjoyment. Wednesday afternoon social bowls, brilliantly organised by our lovable Irishman Merve Stewart, saw 18 bowlers vying for the prize. Surprisingly, it was skipper Andrew Butler, lead David Meiklejohn and second Glen O'Brien who easily beat the rest of the field by 13 point
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The world’s most extraordinary ocean adventure is on its way back to paradise, with the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet set to return to Airlie Beach this January as part of Leg 4, the Australian Coast-to-Coast. Coral Sea Marina will once again roll out the red carpet as the official Host Port, welcoming the fleet, race crew, family, friends and supporters after their journey from Fremantle. This will be the fifth time the marina has hosted the race, placing the Whitsundays alongside g
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Hi lovely readers!It’s officially December, can you believe it?Last Friday, I attended the Mackay Regional Council Wonkley Awards, where local media representatives gathered with Mayor Greg Williamson for a night of laughs and celebration.The Wonkleys are Mackay’s light-hearted take on the Walkley Awards, playfully celebrating the region’s journalists and media teams.The evening was full of laughs, good company, drinks, and snacks, which gave us journos a chance to unwind and reflect on a year o
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Whitsunday Anglican School students demonstrated the power of service in action this week, raising more than $29,000 for national charities through two inspiring, student-led initiatives. The Ponytail Project saw a group of courageous students cut their hair to support cancer services across Australia. Participants Matilda, Tilly, Joannah, Chayvae, Senara, Arhamah, Sophie, Jade, Jamaica, Amreen, Emma, Darci, Aarna, Lydia, and Saskia collectively raised over $17,000. The initiative also dr
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The Mayor’s Charity Ball committee have announced the beneficiaries for the 2026 event during a tour of one of the charity’s facilities. While speaking at The Neighbourhood Hub on Thursday, Mayor Greg Williamson said the aim of the red-carpet event was to support two charities for two years to enable significant funds to be raised for each group and to make a real impact in our community. “Proceeds from the 2026 event will be split 50-50 between The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Servi
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Police have declared two crime scenes in Mackay as investigations intensify into the suspicious disappearance of 71-year-old Wayne Pedro Morseu. Morseu, a First Nations man with a slim build, grey hair, and brown eyes, was reported missing on 10 November after failing to contact family or friends. His loved ones describe this as highly out of character. Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow said Morseu generally remained in touch with relatives every couple of weeks and was known to be
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Opinion Piece by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox Most Australians will eventually be touched by the reality of old age. Many of us will one day, if not already, require assistance in our later years. Older Australians have done their fair share and deserve the dignity of reasonable, affordable aged care, should they require it. Older Australians have paid their taxes, fought in wars, raised generations, built and run businesses, farmed our lands and pushed this country forward. T
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Six streets carrying local history and cultural significance were officially unveiled last Wednesday at Mackay Airport’s Milton Precinct, marking a landmark moment in the precinct’s rapidly advancing development. The ceremony coincided with the completion of the first stage of the major infrastructure project, featuring extensive civil works and the construction of new roads. The precinct’s first tenancies are set to open in 2026, promising to bring new opportunities and activity to the r
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Council is inviting the community to have their say on a draft activation plan for the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct. The precinct, located at the southern entrance to Sarina, is a gateway to the Mackay region. It is home to a collection of historical buildings and attractions, including the Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre, Sarina Art Gallery, Sarina Arts and Craft Centre and Sarina Sugar Shed. Mayor Greg Williamson said the precinct was a fantastic place for locals and visit
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Dangerous Bin Mistake Triggers Urgent Council Warning A reminder about battery safety has taken centre stage this week after a waste truck in North Mackay was forced to dump its load when a fire ignited inside the vehicle. According to Mackay Regional Council, the blaze was sparked by a large lithium battery that had been incorrectly placed in a household bin. Several other batteries, including a taped bundle and a power tool battery, were also found in the discarded load. Council said th
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Council Recently Held A Morning Tea To Recognise The Efforts Of Lee Jensen, Who’s Managed The Slade Point Community Hall For An Amazing 26 Years! The Mayor, Ceo, Executive Manager Of Community Lifestyles, Maurie Fatnowna, Councillors And Members Of The Recently-Formed Slade Point Progress Association Gathered At The Jcc To Acknowledge Lee’s Commitment To Her Community. Mr Fatnowna Said It Was An Incredible Achievement. “It’s An Extraordinary Milestone, That’s Been Far More Than Just Ove
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As we wrap up another busy and productive month here in Mackay, I want to share some of the work I’ve been undertaking on your behalf both locally and in the Queensland Parliament. Every meeting, every conversation, and every contribution I make in Parliament is driven by one goal: delivering real outcomes for the people of Mackay. Standing Up for Mackay in Parliament It has been a significant sitting period in the Queensland Parliament, with one of the most impactful pieces of legis
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Fitness Cartel’s long-awaited Mackay launch drew a huge crowd last week, transforming an ordinary Thursday into a high-octane community celebration. Mayor Greg Williamson cut the ceremonial rope as hundreds of locals cheered, ushering in what many are already calling Mackay’s most impressive fitness and wellness hub. The atmosphere buzzed with food trucks, live beats, and eager new members pouring through the doors the moment they opened. Founder and CEO Nathan James praised the overwhelming re
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Learn The 16 Warning Signs The festive season is generally a time of joy, but for many in our community, it can be one of the hardest times of the year. Relationship breakdowns, child custody issues, financial pressure, loneliness, and grief can all contribute to feelings of distress and isolation. Checking in on those around us is the first step, says Grapevine Group President Debbie Knight. “When we do a check in, we can observe any changes in behaviour or learn if they’re talking abou
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St. Patrick’s Class Of 1975 Celebrates 50 Years Reminiscing and reflecting on their school days from over 50 years ago was at the heart of a recent School Reunion in Mackay. The event celebrated the 50-year milestone of the Grade 12 Class of 1975 from the then St. Patrick’s Christian Brothers College, now St. Patrick’s College on River Street. Of the 23 students who graduated in 1975, 16 travelled from across Australia to attend the reunion. A highlight was a “back to school” event hosted
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131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina has been honoured with the 2025 Community Impact Award from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, acknowledging the Cadet Unit’s positive influence on the next generation that reflects the core of our youth engagement and education pillar. Accompanied by a $1,000 donation, the Community Impact Award is presented to an organisation that inspires positive change, is dedicated to community, displays integrity in service, shows leadership and fosters inclusivity. 131
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As we move toward the end of the year, it has been a valuable time to reconnect with growers across the region. Our market update sessions this week were well attended, and we appreciated the opportunity to sit down with growers, discuss the current price environment, and talk through the options available to help manage risk. These sessions are also an important way for us to understand what is happening on farm and to make sure we are providing the right support at the right time. In r
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay It is certainly a very busy time of year, not only in the paddock, but also in the boardroom and governance of not only Mackay Canegrowers, but for numerous other clubs and organizations. I am of course talking about Annual General Meeting season. On the 20 November, Mackay Canegrowers held its AGM at the Mackay Turf Club. We were fortunate enough to have a satisfying attendance of around 100 members and industry stakeholders. This number of m
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Greater Whitsunday To Transform Post-Mining Land Use The Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), in partnership with the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) and Isaac Regional Council, has today launched the Reimagine Rehab prospectus — a bold blueprint unlocking the Bowen Basin’s potential to drive the next multi-billion-dollar economic opportunity. The prospectus reframes mine rehabilitation not as an end-of-life obligation, but as a springboard for new industries, long-term jobs, and regi
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It’s that time of year again – the calendar’s already jammed + yet everyone’s trying to squeeze six weeks of work into three. Gotta love the silly season!! But before we all start easing into the break, it’s worth giving your marketing an EOY joosh up. A few updates now can help you finish strong + set yourself up for a smoother start in January. Make your closure dates crystal clear If you’re taking time off, let people know – everywhere. Update your website banner, Google profi
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Following a spectacular season launch last Friday, Kucom Theatre will be holding auditions on Saturday 13 December for a season of one-act plays to be showcased in March 2026. Titled The Ties That Bind, the program will include: • For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls, by Christopher Durang, directed by Anzjuli Venter • Looking at the Alps, by Yvette Wall, directed by Maureen Coleman • The Problem, by A R Gurney, directed by John Irvine The directors are looking for actors of all ages, and
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As Mackay prepares to host Exchange for Peace this December, local performers from the Mackay Choral Society are stepping into the spotlight for what promises to be one of the region’s most significant musical collaborations. The concert, held at the MECC on 19 and 20 December, brings together an orchestra from Malaysia, local Mackay musicians and the Mackay Choral Society in a rare international partnership. With more than 100 performers on stage, the event marks a major cultural moment
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Thoughtful Gifting Made Easy This Christmas, make corporate gifting simple, streamlined, and meaningful with Cherish Hampers & Gifts – Mackay’s dedicated hamper business trusted by local organisations for professional and stress-free gifting. Whether you’re thanking clients, recognising staff, or organising a bulk order across multiple teams, we take the pressure off with a smooth Click. Quote. Pay. Deliver. process. With over three years of experience supporting Mackay businesses, we’re known
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At Blossoms Flower Boutique Blossoms Flower Boutique shines brightly during the Christmas season, offering a warm and welcoming shopping experience shaped by the people who work there. Owner and Manager Frances Deguara said it's all about, “The staff." “We are a small team of very friendly people who have a passion for great customer service.” Shoppers can relax into the festive spirit with a unique touch, because “You can ‘sip and shop.’ “Shopping is always made even better with a cof
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