Local News Headlines, 16th January 2017

The search has been called off for a missing crew member from a Bulk Carrier on its way to Hay Point. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority says the timeframe for the man's survival would have expired. The 47 year old Filipino was from the Flag of Convenience ship SBI Samba.

A 19 year old is lucky to be alive after falling about 4 meters down a cliff face at the Wheel of Fire Cascades at Finch Hatton. That’s according to Mackay Fire Station Officer Neil Mellifont who says there's plenty of warning signs not to climb it. It's believed the teen was swimming in one of the top water pools at around 4:30 on Saturday when he fell. He was a suspected broken leg and an injured back and ribs.

While a 74 year old man has been rushed to the Mackay Base Hospital following a two-car crash. It happened on the corner of George and Sophia Street at around 20 past 8 on Saturday morning. It's believed he has only minor injuries as a result.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service staff are facing violence on a daily basis. 189 reports of physical or verbal assault have been made by local staff in less than 6 months. The Mackay and Proserpine Hospitals have launched the Peer Support Program to help combat violence with quick response and crisis intervention.

Dirty nappies, grass clippings and fish scraps are just some of the rubbish being dumped outside our charity bins. Mackay's Lifeline has spent more than $35,000 disposing of the litter last year. Lyn Lewis from lifeline says they've had enough. 

LOCAL SPORT NEXT

Congratulations are in order for a few local indoor hockey players who took out a national title. Claire Colwill Jordan Bliss and Kate Miles helped their Queensland Fire team to a win against Victoria in the under 13's indoor hockey championships. Colwill was named player of the grand final.

The Mackay Lions Soccer Club have Eddie Hutcheon back on side. He's been re-appointed as the Premier Men's Coach after a stellar 2016.