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Andrew Kacimaiwai is a senior reporter for the Daily Mercury.

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Stephen Chugg and wife Marie Chugg in front of their 1995 Toyota Prado. The homeless couple launched court action to get their caravan back from a local caravan repair business, Pacific Palms RV Caravans. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

‘Destroyed’: Father’s ‘nightmare’ over $36K caravan repair bill

A father of six who turned to couchsurfing post Cyclone Debbie says he has been overcharged by $24K for repair work to a caravan he now fears is unroadworthy.

Mackay

Bonza has taken delivery of a second Boeing 737 as its proving flights are winding down. PIcture: supplied

‘App first’: Decision on Bonza rolling closer

Budget airline Bonza’s bid to fly to Mackay and the Whitsundays has taken a step forward as details about their in-flight service revealed some innovations.

Community News

Eimeo Beach, where a teenager died last year from a box jellyfish sting.

‘No staff’: SLS Qld decision hits Mackay beach patrols

Beach patrols around Mackay have had to be cut back for the next 12 months. The cut has been prompted by a SLSQ decision to boost stinger protective efforts.

Mackay

RACQ CQ Rescue flew eight missions on Jan 7-8, 2023, to retrieve patients from Keswick Island, Cape Hillsborough, Carmila (pictured mission) and Olive Downs, bringing the total number of tasks completed for 2023 to 18. Picture: RACQ CQ Rescue

‘Busy start’: 8 dramatic missions in two days for rescue chopper

The Mackay-based RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter flew eight missions and 2300km across the region at the weekend.

Mackay

A closure of entertainment retailer Sanity will affect three Cairns retail outlets. Picture: Peter Carruthers

‘Going online’: Sanity Mackay store part of national closure

Sanity store in Mackay to close by April as company goes online. Gift vouchers will be redeemable online, the company says.

Sport

Queensland under 16 representative James Allen and Queensland under 14 representative squad member Jaxon Maluga training at the Mackay Softball Association Come and Try Day in Theo Hansen Park, February 27, 2022. Picture: Lillian Watkins

‘In the swing’: Softball clubs step up to pre-season plate

Mackay Softball is gearing up for the new season. Clubs have announced their sign-on dates and there is a summer camp for juniors coming up.

Mackay

Wanted: Police release CCTV of alleged beauty salon creeper

Mackay Police are seeking the public’s help to identify a man who was filmed in a CBD store late at night just before Christmas.

Bowen

‘Driver hurt’: Truck rollover reduces traffic flow on Bruce Hwy

A driver has been taken to hospital after his truck rolled in wet conditions on the Bruce Highway near Bowen.

Sport

Mackay-born Hockeyroo Claire Colwill during the Trans-Tasman International match with New Zealand Black Sticks at the National Hockey Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Photo: Simon Watts/www.bwmedia.co.nz for Hockey New Zealand

‘Well coached’: Hockeyroo’s tribute to Mackay coaches

Hockeyroo Claire Colwill says the dedication of local coaches is helping drive the rising number of Mackay players starting to come through the Qld and even national ranks.

Mackay

‘Big discounts’: School Savvy program pops up in Mackay

Parents struggling with back-to-school costs will get much-needed relief when a pop-up store sets up at Mackay PCYC. School clothing and books will be sold at a vast discount.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/journalists/andrew-kacimaiwai