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Articles by Amanda Wright
More than a meal: Michael Twitty on food's power to connect, exclude and heal
Food often conjures up feelings of togetherness and indulgence, but what about those who aren't invited to the table? Culinary historian Michael W. Twitty encouraged attendees at Dalhousie’s 2026 Irving Glovin Lecture last week to dig a little deeper into understanding how people cultivate, cook, and share food. He challenged the idea that food automatically brings people together. For that to happen, he said people have to actively make space for one another.
Beyond the textbook: Dr. Georgia Klein earns top teaching honour
When Dr. Georgia Klein came to Canada from Germany in 2007, she quickly noticed something that bothered her. Students could memorize numbers and facts for exams, she says, but struggled to gain an actual understanding. “I realized that students are forced to buy expensive textbooks and then regurgitate the facts and numbers in any type of exam,” Dr. Klein says.
Florida’s famous Pomeranian Koda the Fluff surprises three families in need with three-day, VIP getaway
Koda the Fluff and her nonprofit, "Smiles Fur Miles," are hosting a three-day VIP getaway at a candy-themed mansion in Clermont later in May. • The getaway honors three families facing extreme hardships, including chronic illness, domestic tragedy, and severe bullying. • Among the winners are Edward and Luis from the Tampa area, who were surprised with "Golden Tickets" to the Dreamhouse Adventure. TAMPA, Fla.
Urban Rail Jam marks new era for the Dalhousie Ski and Snowboard Club
By: Amanda Wright and Ethan Hunt, sports editor Dalhousie University’s Ski and Snowboard Club hosted its Urban Rail Jam at Gorsebrook Park on Feb. 27, transforming a Halifax hill into a freestyle setup complete with rails, a DJ booth and a crowd of bundled-up spectators. In collaboration with the Maritime Jibbers, a snowboarding club run primarily out of Ski Wentworth, the Dal club brought two feature rails from Ski Martock, in Windsor, N.S., into the city.
Is Gen-Z the End of School Clubs?
For decades, clubs have been central to university life within Dalhousie and around the world. Clubs were a crucial place where friendships formed, identities developed, and communities grew. From student councils to rowing clubs and debate societies, extracurriculars once defined the student experience. However, as the new generation takes over the campus, many are asking: Are university clubs fading away?
Anne Baker Sworn In As Mackay's Newest Councillor
By Amanda Wright Anne Baker’s return to local government was anything but ordinary. Sworn in the day after the official declaration of Mackay Regional Council’s by-election result last Wednesday, the long-time Isaac leader stepped quietly into her new role with humility, gratitude and a strong mandate from the people. Cr Baker secured nearly 30 per cent of the vote in a competitive field of nine candidates, a clear majority that underscored the community’s confidence in her leadership.
Ground Broken On Mackay’s New Homelessness Support Centre
By Amanda Wright In a major step forward in the fight against homelessness, the first sod has been turned on a new $5.2 million St Vincent de Paul Society Community Support Centre in Mackay. The project will bring housing and wraparound services under one roof for some of the region’s most vulnerable people.
Finding Her Voice
By Amanda Wright A life that might have gone off the rails has instead found its megaphone. Kaley-Jade Baker’s rise from a fractured childhood to one of regional radio’s most compelling voices is a study in grit, reinvention and the redemptive power of community — and this year her work has been rewarded in the only currency that matters in broadcasting: listeners. Come survey day at ARN’s Star FM in Mackay, staff were stunned to learn the station had climbed to the top across the board.
Kingfishers Crowned Porters Mitre 10 T20 Smash Champions
The CiteCon Kingfishers soared to their second Porters Mitre 10 T20 Smash title on Saturday night, defeating the Gibbs Air & Refrigeration Crocs in a thrilling Grand Final at Great Barrier Reef Arena. Led by captain Sam Vassallo, who won the toss and chose to bat first, the Kingfishers set the tone early in front of a lively crowd and online audience tuning into the Mackay Cricket Association’s livestream.
A Soirée Of Stories, Strength And Saving Lives
By Amanda Wright The room was white with flecks of teal — elegant dresses, crisp shirts, and lapel pins that together formed a sea of quiet defiance. For one night, the colour became more than a dress code. It became a symbol of love, of loss, and of life-saving determination. The Trudy Crowley Foundation’s Touch of Teal Soirée was not just another gala. It was a gathering of stories that laid bare the reality of cancer — its cruelty, its indiscrimination, and its impact on families and futures.
Polls Open Soon As Mackay Prepares For Crucial By-Election
By Amanda Wright More than 90,000 Mackay region residents will cast their votes in a full postal ballot by-election next month, following the resignation of Councillor George Christensen in late May. The by-election, scheduled for Saturday 30 August 2025, will determine who fills the vacant seat on the Mackay Regional Council.
Camden’s Golden Run Rolls On Mackay Junior Claims Two More State Titles As Road Cycling Season Heats Up
By Amanda Wright One of Mackay’s most versatile riders is showing no signs of slowing down, as 12-year-old cycling talent Camden Brownsey backed up his national mountain biking triumphs with two dominant wins on the tarmac at the 2025 Queensland Road State Titles in Bundaberg.
SMALL BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
By Amanda Wright Mackay’s small business sector took centre stage last week as Queensland’s Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin visited the region, delivering a clear message: the State Government is listening—and acting. Speaking at a Mackay Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Minister Minnikin acknowledged the unique pressures facing regional enterprises, from soaring electricity bills to securing skilled workers and navigating government bureaucracy.
RBA Holds Rates As Pressure Mounts For Structural Reform
By Amanda Wright The Reserve Bank of Australia has left the official cash rate unchanged at 3.85 per cent, sparking frustration from both the housing and small business sectors, who argue the decision ignores clear signs of economic weakness and growing structural pressure. The move comes despite softer inflation data, sluggish consumer spending, and growing expectations of a rate cut. For many, it’s not just a delay — it’s a letdown.
Mayor Feels The Heat As Crunch Time Serves Up Democracy On A Plate
By Amanda Wright Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson swapped council chambers for kitchen chaos earlier this week, stepping into the spotlight as guest chef for Crunch Time, a theatrical dining experience that’s stirring more than just soup. Part of this year’s Mackay Festival of Arts, Crunch Time is no ordinary dinner party.
Preschool Big Five Personality Traits Predict Childhood Peer Relationships and BPD but Not MDD in Late Adolescence
Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. References 2005. “The Predictive Validity of the Five-Factor Model of Personality with Preschool Age Children: A Nine Year Follow-Up Study.” Journal of Research in Personality 39, no. 4: 423–442. , , , , and . 2023. “Adolescence as a Peak Period of Borderline Personality Features? A Meta-Analytic Approach.” European Journal of Personality 37, no. 6: 669–685. , and . 2000.
It’s all under the big top
At just four-years-old, Troy Smith was spellbound by his first circus – so much so that the colour, characters and sheer magic of it all never let go. “I remember the animals, the popcorn, the excitement – I just fell in love with the atmosphere,” he said. “From that day, the circus had my heart.” His journey into the circus world was thanks to his mother, who inspired a lifelong passion and always encouraged him to chase his dreams, no matter where they might lead.
A Beloved Farm's Future In The Balance
By Amanda Wright In the quiet community of Andergrove, a local treasure known as MAD Animal Addiction, a cherished petting farm, finds itself facing an uncertain future. For over six decades, the property at 81 Andergrove Road has been a vibrant tableau of rural life, a place where the gentle bleating of goats and the soft rustle of feathers have harmonised with the daily rhythm of the neighbourhood.
Christensen’s Exit Sparks Scrutiny Of Bullying Culture In Council
By Amanda Wright After nearly two decades in public office, George Christensen has resigned from Mackay Regional Council, effective last Friday, citing urgent family responsibilities and voicing serious concerns about the culture within council chambers. The former federal MP, who returned to local government in 2024 after serving four terms in Canberra as the Member for Dawson, announced his resignation during last week’s ordinary council meeting.
A Broader Mandate
By Amanda Wright Andrew Willcox, the Federal Member for Dawson, has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities—an elevation that signals not only a deepening of his political responsibilities but a wider national recognition of regional Australia's role in securing the country’s future.
Willcox Appointed To Key Manufacturing Role In Coalition Frontbench
By Amanda Wright Andrew Willcox, the Federal Member for Dawson, has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities—an elevation that brings national attention to the critical role of regional Australia in shaping the nation’s future. The announcement from Nationals leader David Littleproud has been met with widespread congratulations, but Mr Willcox is keeping his focus close to home as he steps into the role.
It Was More Than A Lump
By Amanda Wright When Renee Fenech felt a pea-sized lump in her upper arm in late 2023, she didn’t panic—but her instincts whispered that something wasn’t right. For months, she’d battled constant headaches while working full time in childcare, pushing through each day with little relief. “I was told many opinions of what could be troubling my headaches,” she later recalled.
Pedal To The Metal In The Heart Of Cane Country
By Amanda Wright The unmistakable scent of race fuel, scorched rubber and hot chips hung in the air, as the roar of engines echoed through Palmyra for the 2025 Sugar City Titles, a full-throttle festival of speed and spirit. From pint-sized prodigies to silver-haired speedsters aged 6 to 68, the Mackay and District Kart Club was alive with heart-pounding hairpins, high-speed skids and flag-flying finishes.
Big Tops And Big Hearts Mayor’s Ball Brings The Magic
By Amanda Wright Roll up, roll up, the Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball dazzled more than 400 guests on Saturday night with a vintage carnival theme that brought glamour, games, and generosity under one big top. Held at the MECC, the night featured crowd favourites like graceful aerial performances, carnival stalls, a lively auction, and unforgettable performances from Sydney’s sparkling show The Diamonds and local legends Mango Junction.
Divisions Or No Divisions?
By Amanda Wright A major shake-up could be on the cards for how Mackay is represented, with council now seeking community feedback on whether to begin the process of reinstating electoral divisions. Since amalgamating with Sarina and Mirani councils in 2008, Mackay Regional Council has operated as an undivided council—meaning all 10 councillors and the Mayor are elected to represent the entire local government area, rather than specific geographic divisions or wards.
Landry Locks In Fifth Term
By Amanda Wright Michelle Landry MP has been re-elected for a fifth consecutive term as the Member for Capricornia, pledging to continue her unwavering fight for the people, projects and industries that make the region strong. “This is an incredible honour and I want to sincerely thank the people of Capricornia for putting their faith in me once again,” Ms Landry said.
Willcox Wins Dawson Amid National Shift
By Amanda Wright With the dust barely settled on a national election night, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has already rolled up his sleeves. Re-elected with an increased two-party preferred swing of 1.76 per cent at the time of print, Mr Willcox defied the national trend to claim victory in one of Queensland’s most diverse and industrious electorates.
The student struggle in Halifax’s housing market
Skip to content Home » Housing » The student struggle in Halifax’s housing market Student Housing Nova Scotia’s executive director Mitchell Archibald said it is becoming increasingly common for landlords to not renew leases in order to raise rents. To access this post, you must purchase a membership plan or log into an existing membership.
Council Backs Mayoral Minute To Secure Future Of Sarina Swim Centre Mayoral Minute Sarina Pool
By Amanda Wright Mackay Regional Council has thrown its full support behind a campaign to secure the future of the Sarina Swim Centre, voting unanimously at last week's ordinary meeting to petition the Queensland Minister for Education for more secure tenure over the facility.
A New Chapter For Our Diggers
By Amanda Wright As Australians pause to honour the sacrifices of our servicemen and women this ANZAC Day, the Mackay RSL Sub Branch is celebrating a new beginning of its own. After years of searching, the organisation has found a permanent base at Illawong Beach, a site that promises to become much more than just a meeting place for veterans. It will be a community wellness hub; a space where healing, support and camaraderie go hand in hand.
Toby Rules The Track With Sub-Four Minute Milestone
By Amanda Wright Mackay middle-distance runner Toby Rule has officially broken the four-minute barrier in the 1500m – and he’s done it in style. Competing at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth last week, Toby shaved a huge four seconds off his previous best to cross the line in 3:59. It’s a golden milestone in any middle-distance runner’s career and a testament to the 18-year-old’s relentless training and passion for the sport.
Behind The Big Top
By Amanda Wright The lights dimmed, the crowd hushed, and the big top came alive — and somewhere in the stands, a spark was lit. At just four years old, Troy Smith was spellbound by his first circus – so much so that the colour, characters and sheer magic of it all never let go. “I remember the animals, the popcorn, the excitement – I just fell in love with the atmosphere,” he said.
Koalas Find Sanctuary In The Mackay Region
By Amanda Wright A long-held dream to give koalas a dedicated space to heal has officially become a reality, with the opening of the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Koala and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility near Mount Jukes. The facility, located on the property of Alison and Chris Pighills, has been purpose-built to support the recovery of injured and orphaned wildlife across Central Queensland, with koalas now set to benefit from a safe and natural rehabilitation space.
Farmers Say Buffel Grass A Boon, Not A Bane
By Amanda Wright Calls to list a productive agricultural plant as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) are "misinformed" and risk undermining a crucial feed source for Australia’s livestock industry, the National Farmers’ Federation has warned. NFF Sustainable Development and Climate Change Committee Chair, Mr Angus Atkinson, said buffel grass was a key asset for grazing operations—carefully managed by producers for its resilience and value in supporting livestock.
Budget Or Ballot Box Bribe?
The Fight For Dawson And Capricornia Is On By Amanda Wright The 2025 Federal Budget isn’t just about economics—it’s about the future of Australia. With a 3 May election now locked in, Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ final budget before polling day is under scrutiny. Labor is pitching it as a responsible plan to ease cost-of-living pressures, while the opposition brands it a desperate pre-election bribe. For regional Queensland, the stakes are high.
Budget Or Ballot Dawson Candidates Weigh In On Federal Budget
By Amanda Wright The 2025 Federal Budget was never just about dollars and cents—it’s about the path Australia takes in the years ahead. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest budget, handed down on 25 March, focuses on cost-of-living relief, housing, and a shift towards a more sustainable economy. But with an election now locked in for 3 May, the question is clear: does this budget lay strong economic foundations, or is it a political play designed to secure votes?
Promises, Policies, And Polling Day 2025 Budget Breakdown
By Amanda Wright The 2025 Federal Budget was never just about dollars and cents—it was about the direction Australia takes in the years ahead. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest budget, delivered on 25 March, makes clear where the Albanese government believes that the future lies: in cost-of-living relief, housing, and a transition to a more sustainable economy. But with an election now set for 3 May, it’s impossible to ignore the political stakes.
Usadee Dances To Victory In Show-Stopping Night
By Amanda Wright She came in like a wrecking ball—and left with the mirror ball trophy. In a night filled with dazzling performances, surprise victories, and more than a few jaw-dropping moments, the 2025 Dancing with Heart event saw Usadee Phiraphak take centre stage with an electrifying routine to Miley Cyrus’ ‘Wrecking Ball.’ The Revolution Electrical representative left it all on the dance floor, proving that passion and perseverance can outshine even the most seasoned performers.
Bridging The Loneliness Gap
By Amanda Wright Loneliness is an epidemic few talk about, but for many aged care residents, it’s a daily reality. In facilities across Mackay, Sarina, Proserpine, Bowen, and Mirani, there are countless individuals who spend their days without a single visitor. The Mackay Community Visitors Association (MCVA) has been working to change that since 1990, but now, they need help. The organisation is calling for volunteers to be a source of friendship for residents who often have no one else.
A Seat For Change New Red Bench Sparks Crucial Conversation On Domestic Violence
By Amanda Wright and Hannah McNamara Rain poured over Mackay as women gathered at the Neighbourhood Hub for the unveiling of a powerful new symbol in the fight against domestic violence—the Red Bench. The downpour mirrored the silent tears of countless women who endure abuse behind closed doors, reinforcing the bench’s purpose: to spark conversation, offer support, and remind victims they are not alone.
Bridgeen’s Battle Is Over, Our War Against Ovarian Cancer Continues Know Your Body, Know Your Normal
By Amanda Wright On 20th February, the Mackay community lost a warrior. Bridgeen Doherty, a woman of unyielding strength, compassion, and determination, succumbed to ovarian cancer after a courageous battle. Her passing marks the end of an incredible life but the beginning of a legacy that will continue to save lives and inspire countless women for generations to come.
After The Storm
By Amanda Wright Tears of relief replaced weeks of frustration for North Queensland’s flood-affected farmers as the Federal and Queensland governments approved an increase in disaster funding, boosting grants for primary producers to $75,000. The announcement, delivered by Senator Nita Green and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter on March 12, comes after weeks of intense advocacy from industry leaders, local politicians, and the farming community.
Bowled Over Federal LNP Joins State In $1M Club Investment
By Amanda Wright The Liberal National Party (LNP) has pledged $500,000 to upgrade the Northern Beaches Bowls Club if elected, boosting the local community’s social and sporting hub. Federal Member for Dawson, Mr Andrew Willcox, announced the funding at the club, confirming the federal contribution would match the $500,000 already committed by Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm from the Queensland state government. “This is a very important project for our community,” Mr Willcox said.
Business friends are Pinch hitters
The astonishing rise of Hamilton’s most out-of-the-box eatery is a story of a community rallying – twice – around owners Stefani Dubbeldam and Amanda Wright. Sitting with small business owners Stefani Dubbeldam and Amanda Wright, surrounded by greenery and the scent of fresh-baked cookies, it’s easy to be inspired. It’s not every day an out-of-the-box idea proves to be a success. But that’s the story behind Pinch Bakery and Plant Shop, a unique fusion of pastries and plants built on shared passion.
A Lifeline In The Fight Against Bowel Cancer
By Amanda Wright Every year, close to 15,000 Australians hear the words no one wants to hear: you have bowel cancer. For many, the road ahead is overwhelming, filled with medical jargon, invasive treatments, and a battle that is as much mental as it is physical. But in Mackay, there is someone dedicated to walking that road with them. Following World Cancer Day on the 4th of February, the spotlight turns to the incredible work being done to support patients across our region.
Dalhousie intramurals: inspiring inclusion and fun among all students
On a cold Wednesday night at 10 p.m. the Halifax Forum was alive with the sound of sticks clashing and skates cutting through the ice. Two teams, one clad in yellow and the other in bright pink, took to the rink as they started their seventh game of the season. As the two teams warmed up it was obvious that ThePylons,an all girls team, were facing off against another predominantly much older male team in the university co-ed intramural league.
Alison's Fight To Give Koalas A Future
By Amanda Wright Alison Pighills’ rural property near Mount Jukes hums with the sounds of life—wallabies bounding through enclosures, possums scurrying into their pens, and the occasional chirp of birds in recovery. For almost a decade, Alison has dedicated her time to rehabilitating native wildlife, giving hundreds of animals a second chance at life in the wild. “When I release a wallaby and see it hopping off into the bush, there’s this incredible moment of pride and relief,” Alison said.
Heritage, Heart, And A Whole Lot Of Good Times A New Chapter For Hotel Mackay
By Amanda Wright The old bones of Hotel Mackay are about to get a second lease on life, thanks to a dynamic revival driven by two of Mackay’s beloved business couples. When the Laffins and Phillips families set their sights on the heritage-listed pub, it was more than just a business deal—it was a chance to honour their deep family ties to the hospitality scene, breathe new life into a local landmark, and create a new hub for the Mackay community to gather, celebrate, and make memories.
Landmark Wins For LNP
By Amanda Wright In a historic swing, the Liberal National Party (LNP) has won the seat of Mackay, a long-held Labor stronghold, with former police officer Nigel Dalton capturing the seat through a grassroots campaign focused on tackling youth crime and supporting community safety.
BEYOND THE BATTLE SCAR The Unseen Strength Of Survivorship
Thursday, October 24, 2024 Issue: Mackay and Whitsunday Life By Amanda Wright In a split second, the world shifts—what began as a routine moment of motherhood becomes a thunderous alarm bell, revealing a hidden enemy within, as the stark discovery of a breast cancer lump ignites an unrelenting battle, forcing an extraordinary journey of resilience, courage, and the fight for survival.
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