News Headlines for Mackay & the Whitsundays, 3rd October 2017

There are reports that two cars have been set alight overnight in Mackay. The first- a blue commodore on Slade Point Road, the second on Mackay Bucasia Road. Fire crews and Police were on scene just after 9pm

Farleigh Mill will stop crushing for two days due to critical maintenance issues. The stoppage will start at 5am tomorrow and will continue into Thursday. According to Mackay Sugar it is expected to extend the season by about 16 hours

Residents in the Proserpine region are being urged to take part in Relay for Life. They're looking to raise much needed cancer funds. Cancer Council CEO Chris McMillan says that the family event will run for 18 hours starting on the 21st of October at the Showgrounds.

Residents in our region are going hungry and council has launched a food drive to get behind the charities that are feeding them. Mackay locals are being asked to stock the pantries of our region’s charities by getting involved in the annual Anti-Poverty Food Drive- now in its second week of three. Saint Pauls Uniting Church reverend Julia Pitman says it's not a hand out- it's a hand up

LOCAL SPORT

The 20 17 Australian Fishing Championships have launched for another year- calling on Mackay residents to drop a line and try their luck. The five day event kicks off today and will be aired on Channel Ten.

The CQ seamers have missing out on a grand final spot at the Gabba after wickets fell regularly at the hands of the Mackay Nitros cricket team. The Far north fusion and Nitros will now face off for the Bulls Masters T20 country challenge.

WEATHER

MACKAY: Medium (50%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Mostly sunny afternoon. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the morning then tending easterly 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon.

WHITSUNDAYS: Partly cloudy. Medium (40%) chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm in the south in the morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening. 

ON THE WATERS: East to northeasterly about 10 knots. Seas Below 1 metre. Swell Northeasterly around 1 metre offshore.

SUNRISE: 5:42 AM & SUNSET: 6:02 PM