News Headlines for Mackay & the Whitsundays, Monday 29th January 2018

Here is the latest from the region....


Article heading image for News Headlines for Mackay & the Whitsundays, Monday 29th January 2018

Photo: Rick Threfall - Bureau of Meteorology

 

As one of the driest Januarys on record draws to a close, farmers are praying for a downpour of at least 100ml to boost their crops. Rick Threfall from the Bureau of Meteorology explains how dry things are for the region compared to previous years. 

There’s been a fatal crash in Glenella. Police confirming a 76 year old man was thrown from his car when he collided with two vehicles on the Bruce Highway. He died at the scene yesterday morning around 8am when paramedics were unable to revive him. Investigations are continuing.

From a charity worker giving a voice to the less fortunate, to a teenager fighting to keep her cousin alive, Mackay's unsung heros took centre stage at the city's Australia Day Awards ceremony.

A Mackay mans had his snorkeling trip ruined in Yeppoon. The 40 year old surfacing to a missing boat near the Observatory.  He swam to a secluded island and spent Friday night there. The boat washing ashore on Sunday, but although intact, it’s been ruined.

An Airlie Beach woman’s received one of Australia's highest honours. Margaret Shaw receiving an Order of Australia Medal for her work in the community. She's best known as an insurance advocate, driving change to the industry and took out citizen of the year in 20-16. Margaret receiving the award during Australia Day awards on Thursday. 

A series of free activities are coming to Mackay in the coming weeks. It's all for gender balance in industries such as science, technology, engineering and maths. General Manager for resource industry network,  Adrieen Rourke says it's all about equality.

A winning act from Mackay at the Tamworth Country Music Awards. Golden Guitar honours going to Brad Butcher for Best new talent. Butcher was also nominated for Male Artist of the Year and Alternate Country album of the year. He’s thanked all his fans, management and family in a touching tribute on Facebook.

LOCAL SPORT

Exciting news for basketball fans in Mackay. The Australian Opals hitting town to train at the McDonalds Muti Sports Stadium in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games. A training camp set up for April from the 1st to the 3rd..

Ladies if you're wanting to start playing social basketball, this years the year. Mackay Basketball wanting to see anyone from mums to retirees come to their sign on day on February 14th. Co-Ordinator Judi Hicks says anyone can join them.

WEATHER

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAYS: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the late morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm inland in the afternoon and evening. Winds SE 15 to 20 km/h tending E 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 19 and 23 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 30s. 

ON THE WATERS: Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas 1 to 1.5 metres. Swell Below 0.5 metres.

 UV Alert from 8:10 am to 4:20 pm, UV Index predicted to reach 15 [Extreme]

29 January 2018




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