News Headlines for Mackay & the Whitsundays, 25th August 2017

Benjamin Oakley, one of two men charged with manslaughter over the death of Mackay man Timothy Pullen, is set to be released from jail in November. The Parole Board approving his release yesterday despite Mr Pullen's body being yet to be found after he died in 2012. Mr Pullen's parents are calling for Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan to be stood down over the decision. While he survived a no-confidence motion last night.

Police are investigating a number of car thefts around the region. Crims breaking into the Mackay Touch Up Guys car paint and repair shop early on Monday morning, hot wiring a ute and ramming it through the fence. On Tuesday offenders took off with two vehicles from a Glenella business.

Drivers are urged to lookout for motorbike riders. It comes as almost a quarter of our fatal accidents in our region relate to motorcycles. Superintendent Bruce McNAB says he's raising awareness through a ride with police this Sunday

33-year-old Ben Woods will be riding into Mackay tomorrow as part of an 18 thousand kay World Record Attempt bike ride around Australia. He's doing it in honour of his little brother Jason, who he lost to suicide two years ago. Mr Woods is raising money and awareness for the Black dog institute.

The Proserpine Historical Museum Society is seeing 14 thousand dollars come their way from the State Government. It's being delivered under the Queensland Anzac Centenary grants program and will see the society review the museum’s collection of First World War memorabilia

LOCAL SPORT

The Mackay Cutters will clash with the South’s Logan Magpies tomorrow. It's the final round of the Intrust Super cup left and out guys are sitting seventh on the Ladder. Coach Steve Sheppard says Souths Logan will be tough to beat, but they've got some confidence following last week's win.

The AFL Mackay Finals get underway this weekend in a huge weekend of football across the region. The Hawks will come up against close runners up Whitsunday Sea Eagles on Saturday at Harrup Park. That’s after the North Mackay Saints girls take on the Mackay Magpies at one. 

WEATHER

MACKAY: Slight (20%) chance of a light shower in the morning. Mostly sunny afternoon. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the late afternoon.

WHITSUNDAYS: Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the late evening

ON THE WATERS: North to northeasterly about 10 knots tending southerly 15 to 20 knots in the morning then tending south to southeasterly in the morning. Seas Below 1 metre, increasing to around 1 metre during the morning. Swell Below 0.5 metres.

SUNRISE: 6:18AM & SUNSET: 5:52PM