News Headlines for Mackay & the Whitsundays, 20th October 2017

A woman had to be transported to Mackay hospital just after 1pm yesterday after her car left the Bruce Highway and down an embankment- slamming into a tree at The Leap. She sustained minor injuries- her Sabaru bonnet completely destroyed.

A Three-metre long salt water crocodile took a Proserpine local by surprise yesterday- spotting the beast in Myrtle Creek on Strathdickie Road.

Health Minister Cameron Dick has announced that Mackay hospital will received new technology to diagnoses influenza quicker. $600,000 will be invested in rolling out rapid point-of-care testing in 15 of the state’s largest public hospitals in 2018- Mackay making the cut.

The Mackay Policing district has launched a new Assault free zone project. 21,000 anti violence labelled bags have been distributed across the region so far. Superintendent Bruce McNab says the Police and the community have had enough.

We’ve been acknowledging Carers and the hard work they do this week- locally and with the nation. Everything from churches services and long lunches have been held in Mackay. Queensland Team Leader  Linda Coon says that sometimes their work goes un-noticed

Locals are gearing up for Whitsundays Relay For Life this weekend. More than 150 people are expected to take to the Proserpine Showgrounds track at 2pm tomorrow.

LOCAL SPORT

Rohan Markham is hoping to beat front runner Aaron Kleier this weekend in Mackay at the PBR Bull Ride at BB Print Stadium. Markham has had a tough year, ending up in hospital in May with a grade five tear to his liver from, a bull trampling accident.

Proserpine junior golfers have trumped the state  at the North Queensland Karrie Webb Junior Masters in Ayr.

WEATHER

MACKAY: Cloudy. Medium (40%) chance of showers. Winds east to southeasterly 20 to 25 km/h becoming light in the evening.

WHITSUNDAYS: Mostly cloudy. Slight (30%) chance of a shower. Winds easterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the late evening. 

ON THE WATERS:  Easterly 15 to 20 knots turning southeasterly 10 to 15 knots in the afternoon. Winds tending northeasterly inshore during the afternoon. Seas 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 metre around midday. Swell East to southeasterly below 1 metre.

SUNRISE: 5:29 AM & SUNSET: 6:07 PM