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

The Airlie Beach community is mourning the loss of Norbert Gross who died yesterday in a Glider Crash near Gatton. It was the 60 year old's third flying lesson with pilot Jeremy Thompson. Mr Gross was known for volunteering with both the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors and Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday.

There'll soon be all-abilities beach access at Blacks Beach Park, While community consultation on the upgrade plans closes on the 8th. Councilor Ross Gee says we're in for a treat.

More tickets have been released for Sir Elton John's concert this weekend. Tour producer Matthew Lazarus-Hall revealed to The Daily Mercury the tickets had become available after set-up crews were able to fit more chairs into the concert venue than first anticipated.

While Elton fever has hit Mackay with local business Sun City Signs designing and painting a mural dedicated to the singer. Mayor Greg Williamson unveiled the masterpiece which is on Fourth Lane off Wood Street. Mayor Williamson says Saturday night's party will kick- on in town after Elton's concert.

Our three Mackay sugar mills are well over the half-way point having crushed nearly 3 million tons of sugar cane. While the Farleigh Mill had a major stoppage last week- due to shredder bearing repairs.

LOCAL SPORT

It's just four months away from the pro darts showdown series planned in Mackay. Phil Taylor has 30 years’ experience under his belt is expected to touch down in our region to battle off against local competitors.

A 13yr old girl has bowled her way to success in the ladies' champions novice singles. Despite her older competitors having a clear age advantage Ashley Knight will now compete to take the district titles. She beat Mackay Club's Janice Neilson 25 to 18

WEATHER

MACKAY: Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late afternoon.

WHITSUNDAYS: Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. 

ON THE WATERS: Variable about 10 knots becoming east to southeasterly 10 to 15 knots in the middle of the day then becoming variable northeast to southeast about 10 knots in the evening. Seas Below 1 metre. Swell Below 0.5 metres.

SUNRISE: 5:55 AM & SUNSET: 5:58 PM